I've always loved The Shawshank Redemption, and as a stitcher, I was drawn to the needlepoint hanging in Warden Norton's office covering the safe. I recently decided to reproduce it, and looked everywhere for clear images of the needlepoint. I finally took some screencaps of my own and used my old Drafting & Rendering skills to chart out the pattern. That took a little over a week, and then I started in on the stitching.

I used 28 count Charles Craft Monaco fabric in Antique White, and the finished pattern measures 9"x 18". The frame is a little taller than I'd like, but I used one I already had. I may eventually get one custom made so it more resembles the one from the movie.

In 2007, I had the opportunity to tour Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, where Shawshank was filmed. It was really a wonderful tour and I highly recommend it. I'm thinking of making another needlepoint and sending it to them for display in their museum. You can check out the pictures I took on my tour at my Flickr site.

Valentine's Day Resolutions

I hereby promise, promise, promise to update my blog on a regular basis! Like, at least weekly. I'm embarking on a huge effort to spring-clean my house, my life, and my crafty goodness. I've been going in too many new directions and it's been pulling me apart, so I've resolved to focus on the my priorities and pare down the unnecessary.

Work is going pretty well, my bunny is completely fantastic, I've been able to read (and finish!) books of my choosing for the first time in years, and the crafty developments march ever onward. I'll add some pictures of recent works as I update more frequently, but for now, here's a picture of the Three Best Friends That Anybody Could Have!