A Day on the River

I took really a gorgeous hour and a half drive through the Sequoia National Park and then sat at the Kern River the rest of the morning and into the afternoon. I brought the Halloween Blackwork square with me and worked on the cute little zombie couple sitting with this perfect view in front of me and listening to the rush of the water. 

Then of course, the crowds came for this luscious Sunday outdoors, bringing their loud music and portable grills to fill the air with competing dissonant sounds & coal starter fluid, loud laughter and screams of pleasure. Temps soared over 100 & it was time to drive home. Next time, I might chose to stop along one of the Park road turnouts for a bit more privacy. There is something about flowing water that soothes the soul. I found it very relaxing to work on the embroidery piece. Its almost finished. I worked on it again last night and have one more sitting to its completion.

One of the swapbots that I am in for September is called "Fill My Stocking". The swap asks participants to make something for a person in the swap, wrap it to fit inside a holiday stocking. I found this free download pattern and pulled out scraps to make my version. 
http://craftsy.me/1vmn7Ha  

I figured that if the person actually saved the swap & opened in December, they might like a mug rug with a non-christmas theme. After I got the scraps on it for the ray effect, I put the batik heart on some backing, did a machine quilting stitch around it and then echo stitched to the ends. The back is the same fabric as the binding. It turned out cuter than I imagined it would. It measures 6x10, which is a good size.

I am not sure I can save what I get in September for my stocking gift. I celebrate that part of the season on the feast of LaBefana which is on January 6. Yes, I am ever the kid at heart.