This weekend I leave for an unprecedented two week vacation with my boyfriend. We will be camping in France, with an end destination in the Normandy region or in southern France (Provence region), to be determined in real time. I have never been so long away from my children and certainly not for something as lux as a vacation. But, my friends, this is how Dutch people do it. A two-week summer vacation is approximately the minimum respectable length. I am trying to pack light (hahaha) and to hope for the best.

Yes, I am a little nervous about taking a vacation with my boyfriend. I will let you know how it works out, at least in general terms. Liam and Elora will be with their father and his family, vacationing in Germany, so they will be having a good time, I am sure. This is, of course, our first summer after the divorce. There is much that feels new and unfamiliar.

But what is familiar is this - preparing a project to take on the go. As much as I agree theoretically with the idea of packing light, let’s not extend that too far, right? I’ve decided on an embroidery project, because that’s compact. I have been wanting to make this design by Lark Rising for years. It’s called Welcome to the Jungle. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that it’s available for sale any longer, but you can find many enticing alternative options on her website.

Step one, choosing embroidery floss colors. I thought I would have all the right colors in my collection, but not so. Eventually I settled on some alternatives and bought several recommend colors from my local supply shop

It looks pretty already though, right? Once again, with the GREEN!

I haven’t embroidered in years, and I’m feeling quite rusty. Even just getting the project ready to begin felt like an achievement. When you are new to a craft (or way out of practice) setting things up can feel like such a chore. There are so many choices to make, with embroidery floss colors being just the start. What color background fabric? What size hoop? How will I transfer the pattern? Do I have the right needle?

Happily I remembered in the nick of time about Saral transfer paper. I don’t have a light table anymore, because this is better. You place it between the pattern and your fabric, then use a stylus to trace the pattern lines.

And, tada! An easy and precise transfer. Bonus - these lines erase beautifully, unlike pencil lines on fabric.

So, now to finish packing. I have currently set aside five pairs of shoes to bring along - - - Eee! I know, that sounds excessive, but how else to be prepared for camping/nature activities as well as visiting Paris and dining in style in France? Hopefully it all fits in his car, ;)

Wish me luck, folks.

one Embroidery to go, please

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