This is my finished November piece. It will be joined to the bottom of the September and October pieces, essentially completing the fall season. It is the most representational of my 3 pieces so far, which has gotten mixed reactions from people. Some like it best of the 3, some like it the least. I'm in the latter group. I had fun practicing (not making perfect yet by any means) satin stitch, and placing the leaves. My inspiration was the view out of our breakfast room window, looking at a 22 year old crab apple tree. The window frames it like that, with the trunk off center, which I really like. My husband also built me a compost bin for leaves, which will break down into little bits and enrich my gardens next summer.

November is a bleak month, but we've had some unusually sunny days, which makes it much more tolerable. The short days are really hard, but at least it's only 21 days to the winter solstice. (but who's counting?) I try to remember to live in the present, not the past or the future. I think the journal project has helped me be more aware of the joys in each day, even the little ones.

Not a great photograph, but something I started before the BJP. My first bead embroidery, a purse with input from many beloved people. My sister Teresa helped me pick out the fabric, the french bead lavender flowers with help fromSylvus Tarn, the green ribbon from Anne Sheppard, the ideas and embroidery help from Hollie Archdale, sewing help from Pat Chipman. I've made a kumihimo handle, but am not happy and will try to make one with more weight. It is such a girlie purse, and very unlike me! But I love the design. Thank you for looking!

I'm working on my November piece...but haven't had a chance to get on my torch and make the required focal bead, so I'm not finished. But, I have managed to back, edge and join my first 2 pieces for September and October. I backed them with the same color ultrasuede and joined them with a picot in ivory, hoping that color will work for all 12 months. Then I joined the 2 pieces with right angle weave. Amazing how picot edges are just ripe for right angle weave! It isn't difficult to match the picots, even if there are an unequal number. I may eat those words when it is time to join 3 pieces to another 3 pieces!