Final 2012 WIPocalypse Update

During 2012 I participated in the Crazy January Challenge and the WIPocalypse.  

I had a total of 18 project finishes during the year, which is a nice accomplishment for me!   
I completed 15 new projects and 3 WIPs.  

Shown here is the latest update on my "Spring Sampler" - I have completed 20-25% of the project.  

I have enjoyed participating in the stitching groups and seeing everyone's progress throughout the year, so I will continue on in both groups this year. 

 I am adding 6 new projects to the rotation to start the new year.  
I have updated my projects here: WIPocalypse and CJC 2013

Summer Olympics Stitch-A-Long Results

I made good progress during the Summer Olympics Stitch-A-Long!  I have 3 finishes to report.

For my Team Spirit and Mini-Marathon gold medals : I finished my Eagle Ornament - 3-1/4" x 3-1/4"on 28 ct linen (adapted from "United We Stand" pattern found at: http://www.123stitch.com/free-cross-stitch.html).  I removed the medallion and replaced it with USA, and I added glass beads to the olive branch and wheat stalks. 

I plan to finish this into an ornament, as I have so few Patriotic themed items to display during the Summer holidays.

For a gold medal crossing the Finish Line: I finished Mr. Whiskers into an ornament by adding a felt backing, a hanging ribbon and white wire whiskers.

Mr. Whiskers can be found in the Just CrossStitch 2012 Halloween Issue (page 14).

Rotation Relay:  While I did work on my 3 rotation projects, I did not finish any of them... so I will post those photos in a later update. 
 

For a gold medal in the Sprint:  I managed to finish Nighttime Moon.  This was a project I received as a gift.  I finished most of the needlepoint in 2006 - so it was just a matter of doing the outlining and adding all of the stars to the piece.

This brings my finishes for 2012 up to 13!  

the Summer Olympics Stitch-A-Long

In order to step up the pace of my stitching, I have decided to join in the "SOSAL" (Summer Olympics Stitch-A-Long).

<--Feel free to use this graphic if you want.



Here is a list of events: ( I grabbed this list from Measi & added the last two events)

• Sprint : Push yourself to complete your nearly finished or small projects.
• Rotation Relay : Work on your WIPs in a steady rotation.
• Long Jump : Make progress on a giant project.
• Finish Line : Frame or Finish your already stitched projects into ornaments, bookmarks, etc...
• Rings United : Stitch only in colors of the Olympic Rings (blue, yellow, black, green and red).
• Marathon :  Start a new project during the opening ceremonies and Finish it during the closing ceremonies.
• Team Spirit : Work on a project related to your country.

I plan to enter the following events:

• Sprint : Nighttime Moon (needs outlining only)
• Rotation Relay : The Maritime, Hang in There, Carousel Zebra (will try to take these to the "finish line" and will add in other WIPs as I complete each one.)
• Finish Line : Halloween Cat Ornament (needs whiskers, backing and hanger)
• Team Spirit and Mini-Marathon : United We Stand - (pattern found at: http://www.123stitch.com/free-cross-stitch.html).  I plan to adapt this pattern into an ornament using just the center image.

I have tried to keep my goals realistic and hope to have the 6 listed projects finished at the close of the stitch-a-long.  I will post photos as I progress through the challenge.

Happy Stitching!

Seventh Full Moon of the WIPocalypse

I'm a bit late posting this time as I just returned from vacation.  (My first real vacation in 17 years.)

I didn't accomplish a lot of stitching this month, however I managed to finish my Native Wolf, bringing me up to 10 finishes for the year!  I had better pick up the pace a bit ... lol!

I made progress on both my linen bunny sampler and my "Hang In There" Kitty.

goal:

progress:

My Wipocalypse list update:

(progress photos of all of these can be seen on my update page)

Crazy January Challenge cross stitch (new starts):
01 - Linen Sampler 14"x 18"
02 - Hang in There - 5"x 7"
03 - Lost My Mind Sampler - 5"x 7" FINISHED 16MAR12
04 - Native Wolf - 5"x 7" FINISHED 12JUN12
05 - Spring Sampler - 12"x 16"

06 - Cat Sampler - 4-1/4"x 5-1/2" FINISHED 14JAN12
07 - Christmas Sampler Peace Ornament 3"x 4" FINISHED 21APR12
08 - Reindeer - 4"x 9"
09 - Carousel Tiger 8-1/4"x 9-1/4"

10 - Quaker Heart Sampler (front) modified 7"x 7" FINISHED 13JAN12  

11 - Quaker Heart Sampler (back) modified 7"x 7" FINISHED 20JAN12
12 - *wildcard* free-form sampler
13 - Poinsettia Mini Stocking -  3"x 4" FINISHED 05MAY12

14 - Cardinal Mini Stocking -  3"x 4" FINISHED 04FEB12
15 - Autumn Sampler 14" x 18"
---------------------------------------------------------

UFOs and WIPs
cross stitch:

16 - Santa Claus (Holiday Pick-Ups) 4"x 9" FINISHED 03FEB12

17 - Carousel Zebra (Just Cross-Stitch) 8-1/4"x 9-1/4" (50% done)
18 - Her Majesty's Carousel (Dimensions) 16"x 18" (80% done)
19 - Summer Carousel Horse (Just Cross-Stitch) 14-3/4"x 18" (40% done)
20 - Ride to Dreamland 1993 JanLynn kit - 14-1/4"x 10-3/4" (25% done)
needlepoint: 
21 - Butterflies in Blue (Creative Accents) 5"x 5" FINISHED 19FEB12
22 - Nighttime Moon (Creative Accents) 5"x 5" (90% done) 
23 - Gathering at the Ark (Bucilla) 12"x 16" (75% done) 
24 - Friends of the Library (Bucilla) 12"x 16" (5% done) 
crewel/embroidery/misc: 
25 - Creative Cats (Dimensions) 5"x 7" (25% done) 
26 - An Angels Touch (Sunset) - printed 14"x 16" (10% done) 
27 - Tiger Lilies and Roses Pillow - 14"x 14" (25% done)
28 - Summer Carousel (Dimensions) 18"x 14" (10% done)
felt kits:
29 - Xmas Tree Skirt (30% done)
30 - Advent Calendar (30% done)
quilting:
31 - Halloween Quilt (pieced and about 33% quilted by hand)

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that I picked up these two lovely kits while I was on vacation (couldn't resist)!  I'm going to try my best to delay starting them until I have finished more of my WIPs - but you know how that goes ...
 

Happy Stitching!

Native Wolf Finished!

A big WAHOO! and a little happy dance.  I finished stitching my "Native Wolf" last night.

This is my 10th finished project for the year. (Really great progress for me!)  I have completed 8/15 projects for the Crazy January Challenge 2012, and finished 2/16 of my old WIPs. 

I need to step things up a bit ... but feel good about my progress so far.

Sixth Full Moon of the WIPocalypse

The Magnolia trees are blooming here in town.

It has been a very busy month for me ... sadly, not too much time for stitching.  However, the WIPocalypse must go on & it gives me the extra push I need to stitch when I do have time free.

This month I did manage a bit of work on my Linen Bunny Sampler.  I really enjoy working on this one!

And ... I also made some progress on my old Ride to Dreamland Carousel.  I am slow working on this one, as it has a lot of blending filament mixed in and that stuff is a pain to work with.  (But it does add a nice sparkle.)

Until next time ... Happy Stitching!

Fifth Full Moon of the WIPocalypse

This month I have completed 2 projects, which brings me to a total of 9 finishes!  (7 new projects finished for the Crazy January Challenge and 2 of my old WIPs)

I'm happy with my progress & hope to continue at a good pace.

I have been making slow work of my Spring and Autumn samplers ... lots of color changes.

Spring Sampler

last update:

progress:

Autumn Sampler

last update:

progress:

Happy Cinco de Mayo! and Happy Stitching!

Fourth Full Moon of the WIPocalypse

I'm a bit slow posting my update this month.  It has been a rough month, but I did manage a bit of stitching.

I am nearly finished with my "Peace Ornament".  I only need to finish the border, add the French knotted lamb, and assemble the ornament.  yay!

I had 1 finish - "Lost Mind Sampler" completed on March 16th.

I have also been working on my Linen Bunny Sampler (please pardon the wrinkles):

I am hoping to have more progress made by the next Full Moon - but this month is looking quite busy for me.

Happy Stitching!
~Cheryl

a Small Sampler Finish

... so true, so true.

I finished my little 5" x 7" lost mind sampler.  This is my 7th finish this year.  Little happy dance!

Thank you all for the encouraging comments.  I try to get around to visit as many blogs as I can and see all of the wonderful things you all are stitching.

Hope you had a lovely St. Patrick's Day!

the Third Full Moon of the WIPocalypse

This month I skipped around and worked on several of my projects, however most of my progress has been on the "Native Wolf". 

This photo was my progress as of Feb 12th.

 And here is where I am now:

This month I added 1 finish to my total (Butterflies in Blue), bringing me up to 6 finishes for the year!

Happy Stitching!

My Wipocalypse list update:

(progress photos of all of these can be seen on my update page)

Crazy January Challenge cross stitch (new starts):
01 - Linen Sampler 14"x 18"
02 - Hang in There - 5"x 7"
03 - Lost My Mind Sampler - 5"x 7"
04 - Native Wolf - 5"x 7"
05 - Spring Sampler - 12"x 16"

06 - Cat Sampler - 4-1/4"x 5-1/2" FINISHED 14JAN12
07 - Christmas Sampler Peace Ornament 3"x 4"
08 - Reindeer - 4"x 9"
09 - Carousel Tiger 8-1/4"x 9-1/4"

10 - Quaker Heart Sampler (front) modified 7"x 7" FINISHED 13JAN12  

11 - Quaker Heart Sampler (back) modified 7"x 7" FINISHED 20JAN12
12 - *wildcard* free-form sampler
13 - Poinsettia Mini Stocking -  3"x 4" 

14 - Cardinal Mini Stocking -  3"x 4" FINISHED 04FEB12
15 - Autumn Sampler 14" x 18"
---------------------------------------------------------

UFOs and WIPs
cross stitch:

16 - Santa Claus (Holiday Pick-Ups) 4"x 9" FINISHED 03FEB12

17 - Carousel Zebra (Just Cross-Stitch) 8-1/4"x 9-1/4" (50% done)
18 - Her Majesty's Carousel (Dimensions) 16"x 18" (80% done)
19 - Summer Carousel Horse (Just Cross-Stitch) 14-3/4"x 18" (40% done)
20 - Ride to Dreamland 1993 JanLynn kit - 14-1/4"x 10-3/4" (25% done)
needlepoint: 
21 - Butterflies in Blue (Creative Accents) 5"x 5" FINISHED 19FEB12
22 - Nighttime Moon (Creative Accents) 5"x 5" (90% done) 
23 - Gathering at the Ark (Bucilla) 12"x 16" (75% done) 
24 - Friends of the Library (Bucilla) 12"x 16" (5% done) 
crewel/embroidery/misc: 
25 - Creative Cats (Dimensions) 5"x 7" (25% done) 
26 - An Angels Touch (Sunset) - printed 14"x 16" (10% done) 
27 - Tiger Lilies and Roses Pillow - 14"x 14" (25% done)
28 - Summer Carousel (Dimensions) 18"x 14" (10% done)
felt kits:
29 - Xmas Tree Skirt (30% done)
30 - Advent Calendar (30% done)
quilting:
31 - Halloween Quilt (pieced and about 33% quilted by hand)

another project finished!

Today I happily finished "Butterflies in Blue", my day 21 WIP project from the Modified Crazy January Challenge.

This was a 5" x 5" needlepoint kit, worked in Continental stitch with 6 strands of cotton floss on 12 mesh canvas.  There was a lot of back stitching and a few French knots.

I'm not sure if I will frame it or make it into a little pillow ... time will tell.

the Second Full Moon of the WIPocalypse

I have made good progress on my WIPocalypse list.  This month I am happy to report 5 finishes!  

 

Shown here is my Quaker heart  - stitched & stuffed & ready to send off to a special friend.

My Wipocalypse list update:
(progress photos of all of these can be seen on my update page)
Crazy January Challenge cross stitch (new starts):
01 - Linen Sampler 14"x 18"
02 - Hang in There - 5"x 7"
03 - Lost My Mind Sampler - 5"x 7"
04 - Native Wolf - 5"x 7"
05 - Spring Sampler - 12"x 16"

06 - Cat Sampler - 4-1/4"x 5-1/2" FINISHED 14JAN12
07 - Christmas Sampler Peace Ornament 3"x 4"
08 - Reindeer - 4"x 9"
09 - Carousel Tiger 8-1/4"x 9-1/4"

10 - Quaker Heart Sampler (front) modified 7"x 7" FINISHED 13JAN12  

11 - Quaker Heart Sampler (back) modified 7"x 7" FINISHED 20JAN12
12 - *wildcard* free-form sampler
13 - Poinsettia Mini Stocking -  3"x 4" 

14 - Cardinal Mini Stocking -  3"x 4" FINISHED 04FEB12
15 - Autumn Sampler 14" x 18"
---------------------------------------------------------

UFOs and WIPs
cross stitch:

16 - Santa Claus (Holiday Pick-Ups) 4"x 9" FINISHED 03FEB12

17 - Carousel Zebra (Just Cross-Stitch) 8-1/4"x 9-1/4" (50% done)
18 - Her Majesty's Carousel (Dimensions) 16"x 18" (80% done)
19 - Summer Carousel Horse (Just Cross-Stitch) 14-3/4"x 18" (40% done)
20 - Ride to Dreamland 1993 JanLynn kit - 14-1/4"x 10-3/4" (25% done)
needlepoint:
21 - Butterflies in Blue (Creative Accents) 5"x 5" (98% done)
22 - Nighttime Moon (Creative Accents) 5"x 5" (90% done)
23 - Gathering at the Ark (Bucilla) 12"x 16" (75% done)
24 - Friends of the Library (Bucilla) 12"x 16" (5% done)
crewel/embroidery/misc:
25 - Creative Cats (Dimensions) 5"x 7" (25% done)
26 - An Angels Touch (Sunset) - printed 14"x 16" (10% done)
27 - Tiger Lilies and Roses Pillow - 14"x 14" (25% done)
28 - Summer Carousel (Dimensions) 18"x 14" (10% done)
felt kits:
29 - Xmas Tree Skirt (30% done)
30 - Advent Calendar (30% done)
quilting:
31 - Halloween Quilt (pieced and about 33% quilted by hand)

a Finished Sampler (and a FREE pattern to share)

I am so happy to have finished stitching my Cat Sampler! 

This is one of my original patterns, and stitches up to about 4"x 6".

This is my 2nd finish this year - I also finished stitching the front side of the Quaker Heart Sampler. (photo on my updates page - link above).




I am offering this Cat Sampler pattern as a freebie on my website here: http://hobbyloco.com/patterns/cat_sampler.html

If you stitch it up, I would love to see a photo!  I can't wait to see how it works up in alternate colors & on different fabrics.

Happy Stitching!

a Crazy Week of Stitching

I'm having a blast with the Crazy January Challenge! 

I have started a new project each day this week, and have posted daily updates on a separate page.  Click the Crazy Challenge link above to see my progress on them all.

Today I worked on a special project.  It is a simple cat sampler that I designed a few weeks ago & I have been dying to start.  This is the first time it has been stitched.

Once I have completed stitching it, I will post it as a free pattern on my hobby site.

UFOs and WIPs for the WIPocalypse & Crazy January Challenge

My first 15 projects for the Crazy January Challenge are listed in my previous post here: http://chaosatlanta.blogspot.com/2011/12/crazy-january-challenge-2012.html

Since I am doing the Modified challenge, I will be working on 16 UFOs or WIPs on days 16-31. All of the projects will be worked into the rotation for the WIPocalypse.

Here are projects 16-31: (a mix of different types of projects)
--------------------------------------------------------------
cross stitch:

16) Santa Claus (Holiday Pick-Ups) 4"x 9" (75% done) - This was a stocking stuffer kit last year. This project became a UFO because it is crazy. The pattern and floss do not match the picture on the front of the package - I have worked on it a bit this year & am making it work.

17) Carousel Zebra (Just Cross-Stitch) 8-1/4"x 9-1/4" (45% done) This project became a UFO because I ran out of the gold blending filament needed to complete it. I'm stocked up & have started working on this again.

18) Her Majesty's Carousel (Dimensions) 16"x 18" (80% done). I don't remember why I stopped working on this one. It is pretty close to being finished.

19) Summer Carousel Horse (Just Cross-Stitch) 14-3/4"x 18" (40% done) This was my first project worked on linen. Lots of color blending. Progress felt so slow that I just set it aside.

20) Ride to Dreamland 1993 JanLynn kit 14-1/4"x 10-3/4" on 14 ct Aida (20%) This project had been tucked away in storage for at least 10 years. When I found it last week, it had some bad spots on it (no idea how that happened). Anyhow, I did a good soak and cleaning on it. It looks much better & is back in rotation!
--------------------------------------------------------------
needlepoint:

21) Butterflies in Blue (Creative Accents) 5"x 5" (98% done) This only needs outlining done.

22) Nighttime Moon (Creative Accents) 5"x 5" (80% done)

23) Gathering at the Ark (Bucilla) 12"x 16" (75% done)

24) Friends of the Library (Bucilla) 12"x 16" (5% done)
--------------------------------------------------------------
crewel/embroidery/misc:

25) Creative Cats (Dimensions) 5"x 7" (25% done) This was a gift. I am just not a huge fan of "printed" kits. It is cute and I will finish it.

26) An Angels Touch (Sunset) - printed 14"x 16" (10% done) This one was also a gift & a printed kit. It is pretty and I will finish it.

27) Tiger Lilies and Roses Pillow (25% done) This kit was a gift. I actually like doing the candlewicking embroidery & have finished a couple of these pillow kits in past years. I didn't even remember having this kit or working on it.

28) Carousel - printed embroidery/crewel (10% done) Another gift. Another printed kit. I hate stitching with the wool threads, but it is a lovely picture and I will finish it.
--------------------------------------------------------------
felt kits:

29) Xmas Tree Skirt (30% done) This was a Christmas gift from the year 2000 (just prior to my moving). I found it in storage & will finish it before next Christmas.

30) Advent Calendar (30% done) This was also a Christmas gift from the year 2000 (just prior to my moving). I found it in storage & will finish it before next Christmas.
--------------------------------------------------------------
quilting:

31) Halloween Quilt (pieced and about 33% quilted by hand) I started making my first quilt in October 2008. I thought it was a fun idea to do all of the quilting by hand. (ha-ha) So now it is 3 years later and I only have about 1/3 quilted. I am a very slow quilter. I can't figure out how to get several stitches on the needle like you are supposed to - so I just put it in a Q-snap frame & go up and down, up & down. Uugh! It is taking me forever!! (That is an old photo from when I was piecing it together.)
--------------------------------------------------------------

Whew! That is my list. I sure hope that I will be able to cross many projects off as the year progresses.

the Crazy January Challenge 2012

Crazy loves company!  I decided to join in on the Crazy January Challenge 2012.  (There are over 130 similarly crazy folks taking the challenge.)  I will be starting a new project each day for the first 15 days of January, and a different WIP project for each of the last 16 days of January.  31 projects that I will attempt to finish during 2012. 

Many of my cross stitch kits have been locked away in storage & I just decided that it was time to pull out the box and get to work on them.

My list won't be complete until after Christmas, but here is what I plan to include so far:

1) Linen Sampler 14"x 18" on 25ct linen - design by Nancy Rossi - 1988 Dimensions Kit - Love this sampler!  This was a great recent buy on ebay.

2) Hang in There - 5"x 7" on 14ct blue Aida - design by Katherine Neprud - 2003 Creative Accents Kit.  This was a gift that I never got around to starting. 

3) Lost My Mind Sampler - 5"x 7" on 14 ct cream Aida - Designs for the Needle Kit

4) Native Wolf - 5"x 7" on beige Aida - design by Patrick Coddington 2003 Creative Accents Kit.  Another gift that I never started.

5) Spring Sampler - 12"x 16" on 14 ct beige Aida - design by Sandy Orton 2007 JanLynn Kit.  This kit is among my Christmas gifts (along with the other seasons in the set).  I'm sure that this kit will take the longest time to complete.

6) Cat Sampler - 4-1/4"x 5-1/2" on 14ct Aida - my original design.  I designed this simple sampler last week.  It has never been stitched, so I look forward to working it up. 

7) Christmas Sampler Peace Ornament by Homespun Elegance - 3"x 4" on linen.  Another fun ebay find!

8) Reindeer - 4"x 9" on 14ct Aida - Holiday Pick-Ups Kit - I received this one in my Christmas stocking last year, along with a matching Santa kit.  These kits are a challemge as the photo on the package does not match the chart or floss inside the package (thank you China).  Anyhow, I am going to pull a Tim Gunn & "make it work".

9) Carousel Tiger - (Just Cross Stitch) 8-1/4"x 9-1/4" 14 ct Aida.  I have completed the matching Carousel Lion, and have the Carousel Zebra in progress.  These kits use the gold blending filament (which is hard to stitch with), but adds a lovely sparkle.


10 & 11) I am planning to work a modified version of the Quaker Heart pattern found here: http://www.interweave.com/needle/projects/cross-stitch.asp
I modified the pattern, altered the alphabet and added the saying "I count life's greatest riches as my friends who count their stitches" to the reverse side.  I will be making this as a giftie for a friend.

12) I also plan to work a *wildcard* free-form sampler.  I will incorporate motifs from old-time sampler designs, as well as some of my own original designs.

13) Poinsettia Mini Stocking -  3"x 4" 14 ct Aida.  Stocking stuffer kit.  I needed to include a few smaller projects in my list

 14) Cardinal Mini Stocking -  3"x 4" 14 ct Aida.  Stocking stuffer kit.  I needed to include a few smaller projects in my list

15) Autumn Sampler (Janlynn) 14" x 18"on 14 ct Aida.  I also have the Winter and Summer kits.  If I happen to complete all of my projects this year, I will work those into the mix as well.