I know I should be working on Christmas things (because it’s RIGHT around the corner, but I have been busy with some little Halloween pieces. A couple of small ornaments (“Boo” from Waxing Moon and “in progress” is “Full Moon” from Ink Circles–Halloween Just Cross-Stitch Issue 2010) to hang on hooks and knobs around the house, and another lovely Halloween piece from Drawn Thread. I LOVE Halloween. Guess I am a kid at heart.
I DID do a bit of Christmas (only because this project takes a LONG time)! Another finish for me this week was the Christmas stocking I was making for my daughter’s husband. She has a felt stocking from when she was little and each of her children have one, so she asked me to make one for her DH. Voila! I thought “Santa’s Workshop” was appropriate for him. It had a “zillion” pieces, but it was fun to make.
This past week my DH and I spent a day in Chicago’s downtown area and I thought I would share a couple of photos of some of Chicago’s famous artwork. In 2004, the sculpture “Cloud Gate”, dubbed by Chicagoans as “The Bean”, was unveiled in our new Millenium Park. Creation of British artist, Anish Kapor, “The Bean” is 66 feet long and 33 feet high, weighing 110 tons. Made of steel plates polished to this shiny finish, it looks like a big drop of Mercury. The skyline of Chicago can be seen in it’s reflection and everyone loves the reflections that are like a funhouse mirror. “The Bean” and Millenium Park has become a destination for school trips and people of all ages.
Also downtown, but on our “Magnificent Mile” is the “Forever Marilyn” statue created by artist J. Seward Johnson. It was unveiled in July 2011 and will remain here until Spring of 2012. Marilyn Monroe (26 feet tall) is posed in her famous stance from her movie “Seven Year Itch”. It is fun and interesting to see. There are mixed emotions from the masses regarding this statue. Some people say it does not depict a dignified enough image for Chicago…that it is too obscene. I thought it was delightful. (Everyone goes underneath it to see her panties.)
And last, but NOT least, I went with a friend to visit “The Farnsworth House” in Plano, IL about 1-1/2 hours west of Chicago. It was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and completed around 1951 for a physician who was single and wanted a weekend get-away house for the weekends. An interesting architectural experience, it sits on lovely acreage along the Fox River. All the walls are made of windows. While I do not care much for modern things, I could live in this house in a minute because of the surrounding woods and beauty. However, being near the Fox River, it has been known to flood, so I think I will stay where I am at!! Anyway…it was a SUPER fun day to spend with a good friend.
Til next time…Amities, Averyclaire
Averyclaire 
Jackie
Sep 03, 2011 @ 13:53:30
I wonder how The Bean got the name Cloud Gate. I can’t envision either a cloud or a gate in it. Odd. I do like the Marilyn statue though it is a bit big.
Your finishes are wonderful! You’ve been busy. The stocking looks like it would require a lot of patience with all those little pieces and finishing touches. Guess your son-in-law is now official as he now has his very own stocking! 🙂
Annie
Sep 03, 2011 @ 19:55:39
Love those Halloween pieces. There are just too many cute Halloween designs around. I always do a few since I can’t resist.
Love everything about Marilyn including that statue!
Carol
Sep 04, 2011 @ 07:36:25
I love Halloween stitching, too, and yours are all so delightful!! Sometimes I wish Halloween lasted longer so you could have the spooky stitching on display for more than a month 🙂
Amazing work on your son-in-law’s stocking, too–I’ll bet that took quite a long time to piece together.
We visited Chicago for our first (and only) time about three years ago–loved the Bean and those big fountains with the changing faces. Missed Marilyn, though…We might just have to plan a return trip before she makes her exit!!
Valerie
Sep 04, 2011 @ 12:40:41
Great finishes! Love your Drawn Thread one. DId you stitch it with one thread or two? My instructions said one which I followed but still debate the coverage.
Great stocking and photos of Chicago! I am dying to get back and explore a bit more one day.
Doris
Sep 04, 2011 @ 15:49:43
i like the halowen colors, your stitching is beautiful.
Dorothy
Sep 05, 2011 @ 07:42:35
Wonderful finishes. I love the Christmas stocking! Congratulations on your new granddaughter. The quilt you designed for her is just wonderful!
Karen
Sep 05, 2011 @ 21:53:41
I love the Halloween pieces and the scissors are so Halloween like too!
An Older Woman
Sep 07, 2011 @ 20:02:44
I LOVE this Halloween cross stitch – especially the colors and the linen. AND, Chicago is one of my favorite towns. Lucky you! Patsye
Siobhan
Sep 08, 2011 @ 12:16:54
I love the Halloween stitching. I need to be focusing on Christmas ornaments but just love some of the new Halloween designs coming out!
Terry
Sep 08, 2011 @ 12:18:13
Your Halloween cross stitch pieces are so cute! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me a comment! :0)
lelia
Sep 10, 2011 @ 09:08:54
Love your Halloween stitching! I am over due for a trip into Chicago!
An Older Woman
Sep 28, 2011 @ 08:50:58
I’m almost finished my Halloween scissor fob, and I’ll post it when it’s completed. In the meantime, I want you to have the Crow Worthy Award. Please visit my site, and if you can find room in your side bar (I really like the pictures you have there), display it. It’s my way of saying thank you, and I’m so glad I met you. You are one of the very first to receive this – I designed it last night.
Have a wonderful day. Patsye