a Woodland Christmas Ornament

 

I have an ornament finish for January.  My ornament is adapted from the "Woodland Christmas" chart by Fern Ridge Collections.  The chart was featured in the 2014 Just Cross Stitch ornament issue.

I stitched with one strand of variegated floss on 28 ct fabric.  The pattern features diamond eyelet stitch, diagonal satin stitch, French knots, cross stitch and back stitch.

I stitched the tree and deer part of the chart, and added the "NOEL" to the bottom center.  I completed the ornament as a padded flat finish with dark green felt backing, a satin ribbon and some gold and brown beads.

Happy Stitching!

 

WIPocalypse Update for December

The year is drawing to a close, and it is time to post my December WIPocalypse update and year end recap.

The past few months have been busy for me, with not a lot of stitching time.  However I did manage to stitch a cute red beaded snowflake.  The original pattern (found in "Cross Stitch for the Holidays" Winter 2011) called for French knots - but I used some glass seed beads that I had on hand for a little bit of sparkle.
I made some progress on "Berry Patch Rooster":

"Women of the Mayflower": I'm not happy with the colors I used on the last motif ... I have to think about this a bit more.

"Linen and Threads 2019 Mystery Sampler": I kept up with this all year ... I should have it finished very soon, just a few more butterflies to go.  This is the last picture I took of it (it is not really THAT blue).

On a Christmasy note ... I pulled some boxes out of storage and found two needlepoint stocking that I stitched years ago.  I did not add a date to them, so I can only guess that I stitched them in the mid-90's.

I stitched on 37 different projects in 2019.  I finished 8 projects, and I made some great progress on a few of my old WIPs. 

And ... (drumroll, please) ... Here is my little montage of finishes for 2019

I managed to finish 5 small projects and 3 of my old WIPs!  I did start 3 new larger projects - so my  WIPs count is still sitting at 42.  Not my best year of finishes, but I am happy to have completed the ones I did. 

Wishing all of you a safe and happy new year!
Happy stitching.

my December WIPocalypse Update

Christmas Sampler

It's time for the final WIPocalypse update of the year.  I seem to have made pretty good progress this year on my WIPs.  I began the year with 44 WIPs and managed to finish 4 of them.  In addition, I started and finished 6 new projects - giving me a a total of 10 finishes!  

Well... I also started 2 new projects that are current WIPs, so I end the year with 42 WIPs.  (At least I did make some progress in taking the number down from 44 to 42.)  All of my WIPs can be seen here: Current WIPs and  all of my finishes for the year can be seen here: 2018 Finishes

I stitched on several projects this month.  I finished my Christmas Sampler (shown above), which I love!   I stitched the completed sampler onto red felt, added a couple of hanging loops, did a blanket stitch around all of the edges, and added the perfect twig to hang it by.

I stitched on my "Linen Sampler", making some progress on the uppercase alphabet.

More stitches added to my "American Sampler":

More stitches added to "Cut Thru' Gypsy Wagon":

I worked quite a bit on my "Spring Sampler": (slow moving due to the many color changes and back stitching - but I love the design!)

And finally ... my NEW addition.  I received Bothy Threads "Cut Thru' Pirate Ship" as a gift this Christmas, and promptly started stitching it:

So, lots of stitching was accomplished this month!  I will be posting next week about my stitching goals for 2019.

Have a stitchy, safe and happy New Years Eve!

my Gifted Gorgeousness Update for December

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

I have another finish this month!  I managed to finish the second butterfly pillowcase in my gifted set (shown above).  I may add a crocheted trim to the edges, but that is a project for a later date.

I worked on Bothy Threads "Cut Thru' Gypsy Wagon" a bit more.

This is a fun project ... and seems to move right along.

I made good progress on my Christmas sampler.  The chart is from Cross Stitcher Magazine (Nov 2017), which was gifted to me last year.  I should be able to finish this one by Christmas. yay!  

Last, but not least, I stitched on my "Winter Sampler" (gifted to me along with the 3 other season samplers) .  I had hoped to finish the snowman, but boy oh boy does this one stitch up slowly.  Many color changes and tons of back stitching.

That's all for this update.  I can't wait to see what everyone else has been working on.
Happy Stitching!

my Gifted Gorgeousness Update for November

Dutch Sampler by Sandy Orton

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

Today I am super happy to have a finish to show!

I finished stitching "Dutch Sampler" by Sandy Orton just this morning.  This was a fun stitch with Algerian eyelets and double running stitch, both of which were new to me.  I stitched on mushroom colored 28 ct evenweave, which along with the threads, was gifted to me.  The chart can be found in Better Homes and Gardens "Treasures in Needlework" magazine from Fall 1992. 

Creative Cats

I worked a bit on "Creative Cats" which was a kit gifted to me in the late 90's.  This is a printed piece, which is embellished with many stitches, such as satin stitch, stem stitch, straight stitch, lazy daisies and French knots.  

Every time I think I am closer to finishing, I find another area that I missed.  I still have quite a bit of stitching to do ... but this project is moving along.

I have also been stitching on my Christmas sampler.  The chart is from Cross Stitcher Magazine (Nov 2017), which was gifted to me last year.  I hope to finish this one by Christmas.

Last but not least ... I have started stitching Bothy Threads "Cut Thru' Gypsy Wagon".  A friend has nicely "loaned" the pattern to me (sort of a gift, but I must return it).  lol.  I have been wanting to stitch a Cut Thru' design for awhile and am too eager to wait. (I have some on my list for Santa).

Bothy Threads - Cut Thru' Gypsy Wagon

That's all I have right now ... I think I made great progress this month & hope to continue the trend next time.

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 March

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.  

The past few weeks have been so busy with work that I barely managed any stitching time.  However, I did make some progress.

Shown above is "Mini Banner - Fall" designed by Debbie Mumm.   This is a new start for me, which I purchased with a gift card from my Mom.  I really like this project because of the theme and colors, but also because it comes with the hangar and finishing instructions. (PS. I got a great deal with a 50% off coupon!)  It is a fairly small project (5" x 8") and is fun to stitch!  

This is what I managed to stitch so far:

I put a few more stitches into my "Dutch Sampler", adding a few more letters and completing a bit more of the border.

I also stitched an adaptation of "Adoration of the Magi" from the book "100 Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments" by Carol Siegel.  I have stitched several of the ornaments in this book and have many more I plan to stitch in the future.
  

That is all I have this month.  I hope to make more progress next time (seems to be my wish each month).
Happy Stitching!

my January Gifted Gorgeousness Update

Dutch Sampler by Sandy Orton

It's time for the first "Gifted Gorgeousness" update of the new year.  These are projects that were made to be given as a gift -or- in some way or part received as a gift. 

I worked on a few of my gifted projects.  I made quite a bit of progress on "Dutch Sampler" (fabric and thread gifted to me).  I finished the windmill and lower right corner, the cat, the crown and sections of border.  I also stitched the big "I" and "K" eyelet letters, the medium "E" filigree letter, and the small "I" "K" "L" and "M" letters, the "6" "7" "8" "9" and "0", as well as the date.

Here is where I left off last time:

I stitched on "To Everything a Season" (kit gifted to me), making some I progress on the leaf and berry border on the top left.

I also stitched on my "Winter Sampler" (kit gifted to me).  I had already finished the Valentine section, this time I worked on the area below that.  There will be a nifty snowman making an appearance.

Last, but not least ... I started a new little Xmas Sampler from Cross Stitcher Magazine (Nov 2017) that was gifted to me:

I was quite happy with the amount of stitching time I had this month & feel like I made good progress on my projects.  That's all I have for this update.  

Happy Stitching!

my November WIPocalypse Update

American Sampler - Sandy Orton

It's time for another WIPocalypse update.  WIPocalypse projects are all of the projects that I have in progress, that I would like to finish before the world ends.

I am attempting to stitch (at least a little bit) on ALL of my WIPs this year.  I began the year with 47 WIPs.  Out of those, I have managed to work on 35 of them - and actually finished 4!  So ... I still have 12 more that need attention.  With only December left to work on my WIPs this year - I don't know if I will be able to meet my goal.  We'll see...

This month I stitched on "American Sampler" by Sandy Orton.  I completed the Queen's stitch on the big pink flower, started work on the pillar and inner border, and filled in more background area with alternating half stitch.

Here is where I left off before:

I stitched a bit more on my "Tiger Lilies and Roses" pillow.  I added the big pink Tiger Lily start to finish:

And finally, I pulled out my felt Advent Calendar, and managed to make 2 more of the little "ornaments" to count down the days.  I wish I had more time - I would like to finish this and use it this year.  But ... I still have 12 ornaments to go - and I am short on free time.  Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

Question of the Month – What finishing style have you never tried but would love to do?

I have seen some lovely finished boxes, unusual bicornu, and amazing pincushions that I would love to attempt.  The reason I haven't is mainly a time issue - but perhaps I will make a resolution next year to work in more time for hobbies and to try new things.

Until next time...
Happy Stitching!

my April WIPocalypse Update

It's time for another WIPocalypse update ... and I am starting my update with a finish.

Orchid Intrigue by Beth Ann Seal

I just this morning finished "Orchid Intrigue" by Beth Ann Seal of Summer House Stitche Workes.  This chart was featured in the February 2015 issue of Just Cross Stitch.

I also stitched an ornament for the Christmas Ornie SAL.  This ornament is chart-less, as I just sort of worked it out as I stitched.  I added some red and clear glass beads for a bit of sparkle.

I managed to work on a several different projects this month including my Dutch Sampler and American Sampler (shown in my last post), as well as the following:

Cottage by Gazette94

Cottage (freebie by Gazette94).  I made pretty good progress before running out of floss.  I have made 2 trips to Michael's for floss since then and of course ... they never have the color I need.  Uugh! 

Here is where I left off last time:

I also made progress on Berry Patch Rooster:

Previously:

I was able to purchase enough of the floss I needed this month to get back to stitching on "Gathering Honey".  Hooray!  Here is my current progress:

Previously, I had only completed the stone path.

We are about 1/3 of the way through the year ... I have worked on 15 of my 51 WIPs and have completed 2 of them, as well as 7 new ornaments.  Not too bad! 

Topic of the Month:  What do you listen to while stitching?
I typically watch movies or binge watch TV shows while I stitch.

Happy Stitching!

my March WIPocalypse Update

A little late this time ... but I have been a bit under the weather. March was a busy month for me, but I did manage some stitching.  In addition to my "gifted" projects (shown in my last post) ...

I worked on "Simple Blessings" by Sandy Orton.

This was my previous progress:

I stitched this little Irish Elf for the Christmas Ornie SAL:

"Laddie McMirth"

The chart is from the book "100 Cross-Stitch Christmas Ornaments" by Carol Siegel.

I also added a few rows to my latch hook "American Eagle":

The discussion topic this month is: Do you use hoops, stretcher bars, lap stands or Q snap frames and why?

I use both hoops and Q-snaps, and sometimes I stitch simply in hand.  It really seems to depend on the fabric.  Smaller projects or stiffer fabrics I usually stitch in hand.  With medium sized projects or printed projects such as pillowcases - I usually use a hoop.  Larger and more complex designs will go into my Q-snaps. 

That's all for my March update. 
Happy Stitching!