I was stuck at home all weekend nursing my injured knee. It started aching a bit last week, but then gave way beneath me on Wednesday when I was out running an errand. It gave way beneath me again on Thursday morning, so I called my orthopedist to have him check and see why it was acting up again.

I was very fortunate and was able to get a work-in appointment for Friday morning. The ortho checked it out and said that it was just a flare-up and that those are very common when dealing with a torn meniscus. He said the best thing I could do was stay off of it for a few days, take pain medication as needed, and keep it iced to reduce the swelling. So, my weekend was definitely uneventful.

Between bouts of loopiness from the pain medication, I got in some good stitching time. I finished up Part 1 of the Mini Mandala Mystery IV from Chatelaine Designs that came out earlier this year.

Mini Mandala Mystery IV
Designer: Chatelaine Designs
Fabric: Silkweaver 32-count Peaceful Waters Lugana
Fibers: NPI, Silk ‘n Colors, Waterlilies, Petite Treasure Braid
Progress as of May 31, 2009

This photo doesn’t show off the fabric very well. I took it last night right before I headed off to bed. It’s not long available in their Lugana line, but they do still offer it in their Classic Linen line. Here is a more accurate color sample from their website.

Finally, as if I don’t have enough stitching projects going on already, I’m really hoping to start another one very soon. Jacqueline Holdsworth of Needleprint is going to be offering the Mary Wigham 1790 sampler as a free download on the Needleprint blog as part of an international SAL (stitch-a-long). Here is a photo of this lovely reproduction sampler:

On one hand, I’m very happy that she is offering the chart for this SAL for free. Yet, on the other hand, I’m saddened it’s having to be done this way due to the fact that the sampler was charted and sold commercially by someone else without license or permission.

The chart will be released in sections beginning today. The sections will be released weekly until the entire design has been made available. While donations are not required to download the chart, participants are encouraged to make a donation to the Ackworth School if you download the chart. This money will be used to help with the costs of conservation and possible purchase of more of these beautiful old samplers.

Well, that’s it for now. Until next time …