my Gifted Gorgeousness Update for March

Halloween Pumpkin by Sharon Pope

It's time for the March Gifted Gorgeousness update.  This stitch-along, hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching, features projects that in some way have been gifted -or- are being stitched to be given as gifts. 

I stitched on several of my gifted projects this month.  Shown above is "Halloween Pumpkin" by Sharon Pope.  This chart is from the 2012 Just Cross Stitch Halloween Issue (Magazine gifted to me in 2012 by my sweetie).  I managed to finish stitching the hat, did some back stitching, and worked a bit more on the border.

I completed the March section of the Linen and Threads 2019 Mystery Sampler.  (Gifted chart by "Linen and Threads".  Fabric, floss and dye purchased with a gift card from my Mom.)

It's never too late to join in on the fun, you can grab the chart and details here: http://linenandthreads.com/mystery-sampler-stitch-a-long,

I have been doing the March challenge "one stitch (or more) per day" in the WIPocalypse group, and have made great progress on my "Carousel Tiger" (kit gifted to me many years ago by my sister).  I have nearly completed the gold stitching & border, and put quite a few stitches into the tiger.  The photo below shows where I started on March 1st.

I also did a fair amount of stitching on my Bothy Threads "Haunted House" (kit gifted on Valentine's Day by my sweetie).  I am loving this kit!
 

 
That is my progress on gifted projects for the month.  I hope to continue making good progress and maybe have a finish soon (No finishes yet for 2019).

Happy Stitching!



 

 

my Gifted Gorgeousness Update for February

Carousel Tiger

It's time for another Gifted Gorgeousness update.  This stitch-along, hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching, features projects that in some way have been gifted -or- are being stitched to be given as gifts. 

I have so many gifted projects that I'm sure to be participating in this stitch along for many years to come.

Since I stitched the head on my "Berry Patch Rooster" for my last update, I decided to stitch the head on my "Carousel Tiger" for this update (shown above).  Whenever I work on this project, I remember why it is taking me soooo long to finish it.  1) hard to read chart, 2) many color changes, 3) blended colors and use of blending filament, and 4) lots of fractional stitching on Aida.

I have finished the other 2 carousel animals (lion and zebra), so I am anxious to finish this one, too!

Linen and Threads 2019 Mystery Sampler

I worked on the Linen and Threads 2019 Mystery Sampler this month.  I am about 1/2 way through February in the stitch along, so right on track. 

It is not too late to join in on the fun, you can grab the chart and details here: http://linenandthreads.com/mystery-sampler-stitch-a-long,

I also stitched a bit on my "Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Pirate Ship".  This was a Christmas gift, which I started on Christmas day.  

Now .... I have another new start (what?!?) that I received as a Valentine's gift from my sweetie.  This kit has been on my wish list for a couple of years & happened to go on sale last month.  So ... I am now also stitching "Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Haunted House".

I had some dye left over from last time, so I took the light blue 16 ct Zweigart Aida from the kit and put my own spin on it.

I love the way it turned out!  There are darker blues and purples towards the top - which look like a cloudy sky.  There are more green areas near the bottom.  The lighter area on the top right is near where the moon will be, and if you look closely, there appears to be is a creepy face looking downward in the center.  (That will likely be stitched over, but I will know it's there. lol.)  

I have only stitched a small area so far, but I know I will really enjoy stitching this one.

OK ... so now I have to ask ... 
Would anyone like to stitch along with me on "Bothy Threads Cut Thru'" projects?  
I remember that Debbie (http://debbiescrossstitch.blogspot.com/) was hosting a group for this & I really would like to stitch along with someone.   Any takers?

That's all I have for this update.
Happy Stitching!

my Gifted Gorgeousness Update for January

Bothy Threads - Cut Thru' Pirate Ship

 It's time for another Gifted Gorgeousness update.  This stitch-along, hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching, features projects that in some way have been gifted -or- are being stitched to be given as gifts. 

I stitched on 3 of my gifted projects this month!  I added the back stitching to the little pirate on the Cut Thru' Pirate Ship, and stitched more of the ship (shown above).

I also did quite a bit of stitching on my Spring Sampler:

It's hard to see the progress, but I worked on several areas of this sampler.  It has a ton of back stitching in several colors!

Here is where I left off last time: 

And finally ... I put in some stitching time on the Linen & Threads 2019 Mystery Sampler.
This is a free year-long SAL (stitch along) with a section of the chart provided each month by Linen and Threads.

I am stitching with plain DMC black on 28 count Monaco that I tie dyed with a Tulip Tie-Dye kit.  I am right on schedule with my peacock and should have him finished before the end of the month.

It is not too late to join in on the fun, you can grab the chart and details here: http://linenandthreads.com/mystery-sampler-stitch-a-long, and there is a facebook group where several folks are posting photos of their projects.  It is fun to see all of the different color, thread, and fabric choices people have made.  Many are adding beads to their peacocks.

That's all for this month.
Happy Stitching!

my Gifted Gorgeousness Update for April

Maison De Famille (freebie by Gazette94 )

It's time for another "Gifted Gorgeousness" update.  This stitch-a-long is being hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching.  Gifted Gorgeousness projects are projects that were made to be given as a gift, or in some way or part received as a gift.  

I made some good progress on "Maison De Famille" (freebie by Gazette94 ).  I am stitching this "gifted" pattern with random bits of floss left over from other projects, all in shades of blues and greys.  Now it is about 70% complete and should be a finish soon.

I also stitched on "Dutch Sampler" by Sandy Orton (floss purchased with a gift card).  I completed the border and finished the top row of alphabet letters.

I put some time into my newest project "Mini Banner - Fall" by Debbie Mumm (purchased with a gift card).

I worked on the border of my "Christmas is Coming" Sampler by Faye Walsh, featured in Nov 2017 Cross Stitcher magazine (gifted magazine).  I have been stitching motifs on this as part of the "Christmas Ornie SAL".   

And finally ... I stitched this cute kitty from the 2013 Just Cross Stitch Halloween Issue (gifted magazine).  The design is "Stitch-an-Inch Halloween" by Donna Bayliss of "By the Bay Needleart".

I stitched the pattern on 14 ct clear plastic canvas.  I backed it with black felt, pinked the edge and added a black satin ribbon and purple buttons to finish.

Lots of projects, lots of progress, lots of fun!  I hope to continue the trend this month.
Happy stitching!

my Gifted Gorgeousness Update for February

A Chirpy Sort of Place

It's time for another "Gifted Gorgeousness" update.  This stitch-a-long is being hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching.  Gifted Gorgeousness projects are projects that were made to be given as a gift, or in some way or part received as a gift.  Boy do I have a lot of those!  I think most of my projects were gifted to me - either as kits, charts, or gift cards to purchase fabric and threads.

Above is shown the progress on my project "A Chirpy Sort of Place", which was gifted to me as a kit, by a special friend.  I stitched the two birdhouses, completed the back stitching on the birdhouses and the fence, and began stitching the border.

I also continued stitching on my "Halloween Pumpkin" from the 2012 Just CrossStitch Halloween Issue, which was gifted to me.  I stitched quite a bit of the witch's hat.
 

Halloween Pumpkin

Here is where I left off last month:

I filled in the missing stitches on my Carousel Tiger's feet and legs, and then back stitched them.  One day I suppose I will get around to his head.
 

Carousel Tiger

Here is where I left off last time:  (image color below is way off)
 

I also stitched on my Dutch Sampler.  I added some more letters and worked on the border.  The photo was washed out, so I will re-shoot it for next time.  By then I will have made more progress, anyhow.

That's all for my update this time.  I can't wait to check in on everyone's progress.
Happy Stitching!

my December WIPocalypse Update and Year End ReCap

Time for the final WIPocalypse update of the year!

THIS MONTH'S PROGRESS: 

Another busy month for me and not a lot of stitching time ... however I did make a bit of progress:

I did some stitching on "Creative Cats" (shown above), which was gifted to me years ago.  This is a small project stitched with various embroidery stitches (Satin Stitch, Stem Stitch, Straight Stitch, Back Stitch, Lazy Daisies, and French Knots) using cotton floss and wool yarn on a printed background.  It is pretty cute and should be a finish before too long.

I stitched a grand total of 2 letters on "Halloween Collage" by Sharon Pope. "HA!"

Here is where I hope to go:

I also stitched a bit on my Carousel project, which is a pretty printed embroidery/crewel project with both cotton floss and wool yarns that was gifted to me some time ago.

And... I finished another ornament from my felt Advent Calendar, as well as working on my felt tree skirt - completing some sequins/beading and detailing.

YEAR END RECAP:

Well ... I did pretty well with my goal of working on ALL of my WIPs this year.   I began the year with 47 WIPs.  I worked on 45 out of 47.  I finished 4 of those WIPs, and only added 1 new WIP to the list.  I also started and finished 5 additional small projects - for a total of 9 finishes. (shown here: 2017 Finishes)

The 2 projects that were left untouched this year were the needlepoint kits.  I found my stretcher strips, but I have no idea where my box of thumbtacks went.  I would rather spend my free time stitching on projects that I have ready now - then to keep searching for elusive items ... so as soon as I run across the missing tacks, I will pick the up those projects and make up for lost time.

As always, I hope for more stitching time next year, and I hope to have more finishes.  But in reality - I am happy with any stitching time I have and any progress I make.

Have a Safe & Happy & Stitchy New Year!

my August WIPocalypse Update

Napping Kitten

It's time for another WIPocalypse update!   These are projects that I have been working on and hope to finish before the world ends.  My stitching time has not been as plentiful the past couple of weeks, but I did manage to work on a few of my WIPs.

I put some stitches into "Napping Kitten".  Shown below is where I left off last time.

I also stitched a bit more on my "Cow Sampler".  I hope to have this finished by my next update.

I put a little bit of time into "Victorian Charm".

And last but not least ... I managed a few more rows on my latch hook rug, "Monterey Sunset".

 

I guess that covers my WIP stitching progress for the month.  

Question of the Month – How do you get yourself out of a stitching drought?

I guess I don't worry too much about having a stitching drought.  Most months I am too busy to find enough time for my stitching.  If I get 15-30 minutes a day I am happy!  All I need to do to feel the urge to stitch is to look at my WIPs page and I am ready to go!  

See ya' next time.
 

my May WIPocalypse Update

Dutch Sampler by Sandy Orton

Hello.  It's time for another WIPocalypse update!  These are projects I hope to finish before the end of the world.  lol.  

I managed to stitch on my Dutch Sampler this month, making progress on some motifs, the maiden, and windmill in the lower right corner.  

Here is where I left off last time:

I also made good progress on my Cow Sampler.  I am stitching this in red, black and green.  I stitched the two trees on the left, completed the black part of the border, started the alphabet, and added some grapes and a leaf. 

Finally I put some stitches into my Berry Patch Rooster.  I think I am close to 30% completed. 

I am really trying to stitch for a little while each day.  Some days I am just too tired to manage it.  I'm happy as long as I make some progress.

Happy Stitching!

 

September Gifted Gorgeousness and WIPocalypse Update

It's time for a Gifted Gorgeousness Update and since the full moon is nigh, it's also time for another WIPocalypse update.  Gifted Gorgeousness projects are projects that were made to be given as a gift -or- in some way or part received as a gift.  WIPocalypse projects are all of the projects that I have in progress and hope to have completed before the end of the world.

My first GG project (shown above) is a card I stitched for my Mom.  I selected a freebie frog and added "Hoppy Birthday" and "Mom" to the design to make the card.

Falling under both categories GG and WIP, I stitched on my Winter Sampler by Sandy Orton.

I finally, finally, finally finished the back stitching on the skate boot and flowers! I think it turned out lovely, but it sure took a long time.  I also put in stitches here and there as I branched out from the top right corner.

I also worked on my Autumn Sampler by Sandy Orton.  I finished the little school house photo and the green guide lines on the note paper.  This one is really coming along.

 I received all 4 of the seasons sampler kits as a Christmas gift a few years ago.

Yet another Sandy Orton sampler I am stitching is "Simple Blessings".  I received the chart in a wonderful book of patterns as a birthday gift.

I also worked on my Rambling Rose miniature sampler.  This was gifted to me in a prize drawing by Jo.  It is stitched on 40 ct gauze , which is transparent and delicate.  You can see the shadow cast behind it from the stitches in the photo.

I hope I can find a suitable tiny frame for it when it is finished.  It may just inspire me to make a tiny room in a tiny house to display it.

The final GG project I stitched on was "Quaker 2011", a freebie by Gazette94

I hope to have this piece completed soon!

The final WIPocalypse project I stitched on was "Ride to Dreamland".  This is an oldie ... I probably started it back around 1993!  It sat in storage for a long time ... and my progress seems to move at a snail's pace.  There is a lot of blending filament that adds lovely sparkle, but it's a "booger-bear" to stitch with.

Whew!  That was quite an update.
Happy Stitching!

Olympics SAL and August WIPocalypse Update

It's time for another WIPocalypse update and the wrap-up of my Olympics SAL projects.  For the Olympics SAL I worked on a different project each day to make progress on my many WIPs.   I showed the first 10 days in my previous post.

Above is my "Linen Sampler" by Nancy Rossi.  I stitched on this during Day 11 of the Olympics.  I only managed a little bit of stitching on this project, but was happy to make any progress after having it packed away for so long.

Day 12 of the Olympics I worked on Teresa Wentzler's "Summer Carousel Horse".  I added more to the border and the flowers and leaves at the top.

Day 13 of the Olympics I pulled out my "Carousel Tiger" designed by Angela Pullen.  This kit was short on 2 or 3 colors of floss and the blending filament - so I  had set it aside.  Now I have enough floss to cover it, so I started stitching on it, again.  (I have completed the Carousel Lion and Carousel Zebra.)

Day 14 of the Olympics: I happily stitched on my "Spring Sampler".  I completed all of the color stitching on the Hollyhock seed packet and have started the outlining (of which there is plenty).  This sampler is just so light and pretty.

On Day 15 of the Olympics I worked on my little blue and gold colored "Quaker 2011" a freebie by Gazette94.  It won't be long until I have this one finished.   I chose the colors as an experiment ... but they have grown on me.  I think they look kinda' cool together.

 
Day 16 of the Olympics I gave some love to the little schoolhouse photo on my "Autumn Sampler".   I didn't quite get it done, but it is moving along.

And on the final day of the Olympics, I stitched a frog.  I am adapting this cute little freebie frog into a birthday card for my mom.  I plan to have him sitting on the word "MOM" with a "Hoppy Birthday" above.  We'll see how it goes.

Whew!  I sure did stitch on a lot of projects during the Olympics!  One thing I realized is that while I do have tons of WIPs, I really enjoy working on each of them - for different reasons.  I will continue to whittle down my WIP list and make as much progress as I can before the end of the year.

I give myself one GOLD MEDAL for stitching every day during the Olympics, and one GOLD MEDAL for a mini marathon project on Day 3 - stitching the "Oh-so-cute hot air balloon" shown in a previous post from start to finish!

I can't wait to see what everyone accomplished during the stitch along.
Happy Stitching!