Category: Cross Stitch

Apricot Elegance, Beading, Bullion roses, Canvaswork, Chatelaine, Cindy Valentine, Cross Stitch, Egyptian Garden Mandala, English Garden Sampler, Goldwork, Graeme Ross, Hussif, Jane Nicholas, JBW Designs, Le Jardin Silk Sampler, Lorri Birmingham, Martha Schmidt, Noah's Ark, Quilting, Rotation, Ruth Schmuff, Stoney Creek, Stumpwork, Sweetheart Tree, Teresa Wentzler, Textile Heritage, Wool embroidery, Works in Progress

WIP’s and UFO’s

Anne S

This is especially for Kathy of the Blig Blog … here are photos of the current state of all my UFO’s (I could pretend that they were WIP’s but seeing as the majority haven’t seen a stitch put into them in over 12 months, 95% would definitely be deemed as UFO status!):

Macaw by Ross Originals Beaded Fish WIPs
Macaw -&- Beaded Fish

EG-01May07 TW English Garden Sampler
Egyptian Garden Mandala -&- English Garden Sampler

Le Jardin Silk Sampler 21Jan05 Flight of the Bumblebees at 2Jan07
Le Jardin Silk Sampler -&- Flight of the Bumblebees

TW Noahs Ark Winter Queen 01Jun08 1
Noah’s Ark -&- Winter Queen

Designs by Lena Rose-In the Dark needleroll 1 With Love & Affection
In the Dark Needleroll -&- Love & Affection

st-wildflower-needleroll Apricot Elegance
Wildflowers Needleroll -&- Apricot Elegance

Hussif by Monica Hunt XS Bookmark
Monica Hunt Hussif -&- Classical Garden Bookmark

Nature's Resting Place Beehive Needlecase
Nature’s Resting Place -&- Wool Beehive Needlebook

Oriental Poppy & Cornflower Summer Fruits
Oriental Poppy -&- Summer Fruits Pincushion

Pomegranates, Snail & Gold Bug HOCS Hussif
Pomegranates & Beetle – Martha Schmidt Hussif

Thimble Pipkin Thimble Pipkin Thimble Pipkin
Stumpwork Needlework Accessories

Goldwork Pea Pods Wool Embroidery
Goldwork Pea -&- Wool hot water bottle cover

Honesty & Heartsease stumpwork Bullion Roses
Honesty & Heartsease -&- Bullion Rose Facecloth

Frog Longstitch Butterflies & Hearts needleroll
Long stitch frogs -&- Butterflies & Hearts Needleroll

Dragonfly Common Hawker Dragonfly
Stumpwork Dragonfly

Berry Delightful Bag Mediterranean XS
Berry Delightful Bag -&- Mediterranean Village XS

quilting-ufo-2
Vicki’s Cot Quilt

Stitching Leporello isn’t included in the photos, as I’ve been stitching a complete section each time, so no individual section is in progress at the moment. And I can’t put my hands to either a photo or the actual project of GCC Ornamental Delights, so I guess that one won’t be getting stitched in a hurry haha.

Very sad that some of these projects are over halfway and never finished, however there are many there that are barely started … I’m sorely tempted to just unpick the bullion rose facecloth, for example, as I don’t know if I truly ever want to finish it, the same with a couple more projects in there … will see how I feel after one more stitching session on them, I guess, before I make the ultimate decision to turf out. It’s funny when you look back through the photos and remember why you stopped working on them … for example the Lorri Birmingham Butterflies & Hearts needleroll, I really hated the colours used, as I felt the wording etc just faded into the background, so no doubt that whole piece will be unpicked and started again from scratch with my choice of threads 🙂

I’ve already gone out and pulled numbers out of the hat for the first round, and highlighted the text in bold in the main list in the previous post … and I’m really looking forward to starting my rotation – I just want to finish my current piece first … although I guess I could just choose to start at the “free choice” slot and start counting my hours, that way I can continue with my current project and be starting my actual rotation at the same time – ooh, I like it when a plan comes together!!! 😀

That means my new current rotation is as follows:

  1. Focus Piece:  CA Wells class projects
  2. Medium/Large:  Lavenderblue Celtic Knot Quilt – From Nancy’s Needle
  3. WIP’s/UFO’s:  Berry Delightful Bag
  4. Focus Piece:  CA Wells class projects
  5. Small/Medium: Jumpin’ Jelly Beans – DKT Originals (freebie)
  6. Large/BAP’s:  Egyptian Garden Mandala
  7. Focus Piece:  CA Wells class projects
  8. Christmas Ornaments
  9. Finishing
  10. Free Choice
Cross Stitch, Goals, Rotation, Stash

Project Listings for Rotation

Anne S

OK, here goes the first draft, with more to be added later after I unpack two more boxes … plus I have a number of newer projects that I want to add to the list, although they’re not actually kitted up yet (such as the soon-to-arrive Prairie Schooler charts, and various LHN kits and charts).  Perhaps I should wait until I actually stitch a few things before I add more … hmmm …

SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED PROJECTS

  1. January Sampler Accent – Periwinkle Promises
  2. 20 Flowers – Just Nan
  3. Angel Collector – Dimensions kit
  4. * Jumpin’ Jelly Beans – DKT Originals *
  5. High Hopes – Just Nan
  6. Mermaid Heart – Just Nan
  7. Ghastly Ghostly Ghouls – Just Nan
  8. Petit Ange (freebie: aurelle.over-blog.com)
  9. Poissons Bleus (freebie: silepointcompte)
  10. Aegean Twilight Small Sampler (freebie)
  11. French Garden – Drawn Thread
  12. Alphabet Tree (freebie) – Blue Ribbon Designs
  13. Snowflakes in Abundance – Sweetheart Tree
  14. Quaker Heart (freebie) – Janice Wood
  15. Quaker Hedgehog (freebie) – The Workbasket
  16. Treasured Holidays Sampler – Mill Hill
  17. Teenie Hardanger III – Sweetheart Tree
  18. Friendship in all Seasons – The Trilogy
  19. Proud Peacock (freebie: Stitching Parlour)
  20. Raphael’s Raspberries – FMNIS
  21. Winter in the Square – Just Nan
  22. Autumn in the Square – Just Nan
  23. Quaker Swan Case – Fancy Work
  24. Minute Spot – Drawn Thread
  25. Sweet Valentines – Sweetheart Tree
  26. Schwalm Whitework Pinkeep – Moss Creek
  27. Lavender Sachet – The Victoria Sampler
  28. Exercice de Flora (freebie: Couleur d’Etoile)
  29. Tiny Little Quaker (freebie) – Papillon Creations
  30. Boo Scissors Keeper & Purse – Drawn Thread
  31. Summer Grace – Calico Crossroads
  32. Wildflowers Needleroll – Sweetheart Tree
  33. In the Dark Needleroll – Designs by Lena Rose
  34. Topiary tree garden Bookmark
  35. Star Spangled Scissor Finder – Calico Crossroads
  36. Seashore Fob – Sweetheart Tree
  37. Just Ducky Fob – Sweetheart Tree
  38. Bee Keeper – Cindy Valentine
  39. Sunflower Sampler – CCN
  40. What a Hoot! – The Cat’s Whiskers
  41. Cherry Hill – CCN
  42. Rainbow Lorikeet (baby) – DMC
  43. Dragonfly Scissor Purse – Just Nan
  44. Is it too late? – Lizzie*Kate
  45. A Good Night – Lizzie*Kate
  46. Here Comes Santa Claus – Lizzie*Kate
  47. My Favourite Time – Lizzie*Kate
  48. Ready or Not – Lizzie*Kate
  49. Wanted! – Lizzie*Kate
  50. International Hearts – NZ – Victoria Sampler
  51. International Hearts – Ireland – Victoria Sampler
  52. Ladybug, Ladybug – LHN
  53. Quaker Flowers emery – Anita Diamond
  54. Merry Little Christmas – Drawn Thread
  55. Joyeux Noel – Drawn Thread

MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZED PROJECTS

  1. Blessed with Happiness Box – Cat’s Whiskers
  2. Christmas Workshop – Just Nan
  3. Quaker Huswif – Sampler Cove
  4. Acorn Sampler learning band – Drawn Thread
  5. Here Comes Santa Claus (2005 Ltd Ed) – Prairie Schooler
  6. Sapphire Star – Laura J Perin
  7. Autumn Arbor – Drawn Thread
  8. My Treasures Workstation – Judy Odell
  9. Lisianthus Accessory Pocket – Periwinkle Promises
  10. Acorn Needle Book – Periwinkle Promises
  11. Silk Pulled Thread Stitchery – Moss Creek
  12. Tiger Reflection – Dimensions
  13. A Secret Garden Needlebook – FMNIS
  14. * Lavenderblue Celtic Knot Quilt – From Nancy’s Needle *
  15. Treasured Christmas Trees – Mill Hill
  16. Strawberries & Cream – FMNIS
  17. Lavender Rose Sewing Case – Fancy Work
  18. Three Friends – Drawn Thread
  19. Summer Arbor – Drawn Thread
  20. Folding Cross Needlebook – Indigo Rose
  21. Trick or Treat Box – Just Nan
  22. Strawberries So Faire – With My Needle
  23. Onyx (Blackwork Blessings) – Paw Printings
  24. Red Lace Sewing Case – Drawn Thread
  25. Crimson Fire Sampler – The Victoria Sampler
  26. Apricot Elegance – Cindy Valentine
  27. Nature’s Resting Place – Stoney Creek
  28. Summer Snapperland – Bent Creek
  29. Winter Snapperland – Bent Creek
  30. Ete en Grece – Cousines et Compagnie
  31. Max’s Moon – Cross My Heart
  32. Walk the Gentle Path – Cross ‘n Patch
  33. A Little Blackwork – Drawn Thread
  34. Spot of Autumn, Winter, Summer & Spring – Drawn Thread
  35. Revival – Inspirations magazine
  36. Nine Lives – Inspirations magazine
  37. GCC Beginners Hardanger class
  38. GCC Gracie Stumpwork class
  39. Lily Pond – Just Nan
  40. When Barnabee Met Bella – Just Nan
  41. Needle Nick – Lizzie*Kate
  42. Terri’s Needlecase – Lorri Birmingham
  43. Renaissance Lace – Victoria Sampler
  44. Frightful – Just Nan
  45. Witchy Way – Just Nan
  46. Be Scary – Just Nan
  47. Dear Diary Hannah Purington – LHN
  48. Halloween Fairy – Mirabilia
  49. A is for Annabelle – Mirabilia
  50. Dragonfly Jewels – The Cat’s Whiskers

LARGE AND BAP SIZED PROJECTS

  1. Angel of Love – L&L
  2. Barnabee’s Quest – Just Nan
  3. Golden Garden Sweet Bag – FMNIS
  4. Macaw – Ross Originals
  5. 4 Wishes – Just Nan
  6. Rainbow Lorikeets – Ross Originals
  7. Moonlight Guardian – Dragon Dreams
  8. Koi Pond – Laura J Perin
  9. Stitching Leporello – Chatelaine
  10. * Egyptian Garden Mandala – Chatelaine *
  11. Le Jardin Silk Sampler – JCS
  12. Flight of the Bumblebees – Ruth Schmuff
  13. English Garden Sampler – Teresa Wentzler
  14. Noah’s Ark – Teresa Wentzler
  15. Winter Queen – Mirabilia
  16. Mermaid Bag – CA Wells
  17. Acorn Etui – CA Wells
  18. Pyramid Etui – CA Wells
  19. Cottage Etui – CA Wells
  20. Sailor’s Valentine – CA Wells
  21. Enchanted Mermaid – Mirabilia
  22. Crystal Christmas – Mirabilia
  23. Green Tree Frogs – Country Threads
  24. Rainbow Lorikeets – Country Threads
  25. Great Cats – Dimensions Gold
  26. Rex – Dimples Designs
  27. Snickerdoodle – Dimples Designs
  28. Wee Beasties – Dimples Designs
  29. Polynesian Paradise – Jen’s Jems
  30. Frangipani – Just Jude
  31. Hibiscus – Just Jude
  32. Siberian Tiger – Kustom Krafts
  33. Water Tiger – Kustom Krafts
  34. Celtic Spring – L&L
  35. Angel Proclamation – Mirabilia
  36. Magical Night – Teresa Wentzler
  37. Egyptian Sampler – Teresa Wentzler
  38. Lady of Shalott – Teresa Wentzler
  39. Frankincense – Victoria Sampler
  40. Myrrh – Victoria Sampler
  41. Quaker Samplings – With My Needle

WIP’s & UFO’s:

  1. Macaw – Ross Originals
  2. Beaded fish (class project)
  3. Stitching Leporello – Chatelaine
  4. Egyptian Garden Mandala – Chatelaine
  5. Le Jardin Silk Sampler – JCS
  6. Flight of the Bumblebees – Ruth Schmuff
  7. English Garden Sampler – Teresa Wentzler
  8. Noah’s Ark – Teresa Wentzler
  9. Winter Queen – Mirabilia
  10. Pyramid Etui – CA Wells
  11. Cottage Etui – CA Wells
  12. Sailor’s Valentine – CA Wells
  13. In the Dark Needleroll – Designs by Lena Rose
  14. Wildflowers Needleroll – Sweetheart Tree
  15. Apricot Elegance – Cindy Valentine
  16. Cream hearts square – JBW Designs
  17. Monica Hunt hussif
  18. Topiary tree garden Bookmark
  19. Nature’s Resting Place – Stoney Creek
  20. Oriental Poppy – Jane Nicholas
  21. Summer fruits pincushion – Inspirations magazine
  22. Wool beehive needlebook – E&XS magazine
  23. Stumpwork needlework accessory – pincushion wheel
  24. Pomegranates & Beetle – Jane Nicholas
  25. Martha Schmidt hussif
  26. Stumpwork needlework accessory – scissor keeper
  27. GCC Ornamental Delights
  28. Mediterranean village scene XS
  29. Dragonfly – Jane Nicholas
  30. Stumpwork needlework accessory – needlebook
  31. Goldwork Pea (class project)
  32. Stumpwork needlework accessory – bag
  33. Stumpwork needlework accessory – thimble pip
  34. Wool hot water bottle cover
  35. Honesty and Heartsease – Jane Nicholas
  36. Long stitch frogs
  37. Butterflies & Hearts needleroll – Lorri Birmingham
  38. Bullion rose facecloth
  39. * Berry Delightful Bag *
  40. Vicki’s Cot Quilt

Let the fun begin … 😀

Cross Stitch, Rotation

Thoughts of a Rotation

Anne S

I used to follow a stitching rotation and loved it immensely, but it fell by the wayside when I started housesitting last year and I became somewhat of a one-at-a-time stitcher.  I don’t feel I’ve achieved as much stitching as I have in the past, and wonder if getting back into a formal rotation will help.  I’ve been considering this for some time now (since my mojo kept disappearing), and Nicki published a recent post that has helped to spur me into action.

Following are my thoughts on my new rotation …

Half of my trouble is that I can’t decide what to stitch next as so many wonderful, awesome projects are all screaming at me at the same time, so following Nicki’s ideas, I decided to split my kitted-up projects into groups … then I’m using my old “UFO” method to decide what to stitch next – I used to have a numerical list of all my UnFinished Objects, then on Tuesday nights I’d draw a numbered tiddlywink counter/disc out of a pot, and whatever project matched the number on the plastic disc would get my attention for the evening.  This worked perfectly for those projects that I truly disliked, but one night was enough to get some progress happening … some projects would only get one length of thread stitched, but eventually those UFO’s on the list started getting whittled down in numbers.

Anyway, I thought I’d keep a numbered list within each of my groups of projects, and randomly draw a number out of my tiddlywink counters/discs whenever I need a new project to start … and I’ve kept a “Free Choice” slot for those occasions when I just HAVE to stitch something in particular and can’t wait for its number to be drawn.

Here’s the new rotation, all designed to be for 10-hour slots:

  1. Focus Piece
  2. Medium to Large
  3. WIP’s & UFO’s
  4. Focus Piece
  5. Small to Medium
  6. Large & BAP’s
  7. Focus Piece
  8. Christmas Ornaments
  9. Finishing
  10. Free Choice

As for what projects are on the list, I’ll post a separate post of all those little goodies in the groups, as at the moment it’s a “work in progress” while I find them all!  I may end up publishing it, then adding as I find more …

Country Cottage Needleworks, Cross Stitch, Stash, Works in Progress

Quick stash post

Anne S

Just a really quick post before I head off to work – and holiday tonight – to show the stash that arrived this week.  First up is my stash haul from Colours Down Under … I won a $15 gift voucher from Janine for my August Xmas ornie, and figured I might as well add some extras to the prize to make the most of the postage, and this is what I got (compliments of their 15% off sale which is still on until the end of October, I think).  I still have one more blue Periwinkle Promises Accent kit that is on back-order, but I’m really REALLY impressed with the speed and service from Janine!!

Stash 09Oct08

Here’s a close-up of the blue threads – I’ve been trying to decide what thread to use for an upcoming RR of With My Needle’s “Ackworth Friendship Book“.  The thread in the middle is CC’s Milady’s Teal, which is what the original is stitched in, but it looks really wishy-washy and pale, so don’t think I’m going to use that – I think my ultimate favourite is Gloriana’s Slate Blue … in fact I think that has to be one of the scrummiest blues I’ve ever seen in threads, and it may just be my favourite silk of all-time at the moment … and that’s likely to be my choice for this project, I think (if not many more!).  I think I’m going to have to order a few more skeins ready for our RR to start after Christmas.

Silk threads

Next up is some scissors and tassels I picked up from an Ebay seller in France (thanks to Staci for mentioning her details) – again I only wanted to buy the antique reproduction scissors in the very bottom photo, but chucked these in to balance out the postage.  I chose the tassels ‘just because’ (and they’re scrumptious colours!), and the scissors I thought were very ‘spring-like’, just right for our current season.  Have to admit I don’t like these scissors as much as I expected to, but I’ll make a little spring fob to dress them up a bit.  (Talking of scissors, have you seen the latest ones from Ginghers?  Oh my, they’re to die for!!! – beautiful in turquoise and browns.)

Scissors and Tassels

And lucky last, this is the sum stitching I’ve managed this week … woohoo, two plant stalks!!  I’ve taken a photo anyway just to show the fabric that I bought especially for this piece for the pillow and covered buttons – hopefully it will look OK when finished … and of course here are the infamous scissors that I fell in love with from the French Ebay seller (sorry, don’t have time to find the details and links – if I remember next week I’ll add them if anyone wants them …).

LHN-Home Sweet Home 08Oct08

And on that note it’s time to finish packing and get off to work … See you some time next week 🙂

Cross Stitch, Friends & Family, Home & Family TO BE FIXED, Works in Progress

Housewarming Party

Anne S

I forgot all about adding a couple of photos from a Housewarming Party I went to on Saturday night (what a social butterfly I was this last weekend – very very unusual for me!) … here are a couple of photos taken of me with friends during the evening (I’m the one in the blue top – how unusual LOL).

n616108287_831073_2582
Alex, Anne and Lisa

n616108287_831085_6014
Nat, Katie and Anne

n616108287_831077_3658
Anne, Katie and Lisa

And just to prove this is still a stitching blog, here’s my bit of stitching from Sunday night and late yesterday afternoon – LHN’s “Home Sweet Home” on 28ct cream Jazlyn (I think it’s Jazlyn) (stitched in pink, so obviously this one isn’t for me teehee).  Even though I don’t enjoy stitching in pink normally, I DO love the Pink Peony darker pink colour in this one … and have to admit I’d almost be tempted to keep this one, except I already have visions of re-stitching it in scrummy blues 😉  This one, however, is destined to live with Karen at The Stitching Post in Katoomba – finished as a cushion like the cover model.  I’ve bought what I hope is the most perfect finishing fabric, but time will tell when it’s stitched up 🙂

LHN-Home Sweet Home 06Oct08

I’ve had a couple of pieces where I’ve ironed the fabric all ready for stitching, and the kits all sitting in a shopping bag – I’ve got the fabric hanging up on a “skirt hanger” to keep the pieces crisp and flat, so I’ve been working my way through those pieces before starting on anything else.  I still have a serious urge to start some other pieces, especially a Halloween piece, but want to get some of these hung-up projects finished off.  This LHN piece was one of those projects – as was Just Nan’s Evening Star and Drawn Thread’s Garden Recipe … at least this project I’m actually enjoying stitching!  The remaining two projects with fabric hung up are Victoria Sampler’s Crimson Fire sampler and Calico Crossroads’ Spring cushion – then the fun starts again deciding “what next” … although I’m thinking of using a “pick a number” system like I used to do with my UFO’s, then I don’t have to actually decide!  We’ll see what I feel like when I finish this one … ‘cos tomorrow’s another day! LOL 😀

Cross Stitch, Finishes, The Drawn Thread

Hallelujah!!!!

Anne S

A few hours glued to the TV set with a needle in hand, and I’ve finally put the last stitches in that dratted sampler.  I have to admit it doesn’t look too bad now it’s all finished, but I’m really glad it’s all over now!

Drawn Thread-Garden Recipe
“Garden Recipe” by The Drawn Thread
stitched on 32ct Flax Belfast linen
with recommended threads (DMC) and kit embellishments

Drawn Thread-Garden Recipe top half
Drawn Thread-Garden Recipe bottom half

Sorry for the crappy photos but it’s a rainy overcast day today and not much natural light to be had – even using Photoshop Elements I can’t get a decent representation of the colours ho-hum …

Cross Stitch, Stash, The Drawn Thread, Works in Progress

Can’t wait till tomorrow for stash report

Anne S

So, I’m doing an extra post today … do you think I’m trying to do anything to put off what I ‘should’ be doing today??? LOL.

Here’s what came in the mail on Thursday … one beloved item from my wishlist, all the way from France, and two new designs that I fell in love with 🙂

Stash 02Oct08

Add to that a few embellishment packs I picked up from Karen’s recent 20% off sale … ‘cos at the moment I have a SERIOUS urge to stitch up some of my Halloween designs, which are predominantly Just Nan’s … I just LOVE ’em 😀

Just Nan embellishments 02Oct08

And I also forgot to add one more chart to my wishlist pile that I am still drooling over months after seeing it for the first time on Monique’s blog … “Stitching is a Hoot” – I just adore this little fella, and love the colours … yep, it’s a ‘gotta have’!! 😀

In fact, I’ve just remembered that I still haven’t cashed in my $30 gift voucher from Colours Down Under, so I’d better make that another exception to my 25 Project Challenge … although technically that’s not using my own money … hmmm, maybe my Challenge will start on Monday to give me time to get my order in! LOLOL 😉

And finally, here’s proof that I really am NOT getting far with my stitching … the herb flowers band was finished last time, so that pitiful bit of stitching below is what I’ve managed to achieve in the entire week … I should be publicly flogged with wet floss!!! 😉

Drawn Thread-02Oct08

The good news, however, is that the pink flowers at the bottom is the final part of the sampler – I just have to finish that band, and add one more narrow band of double four-sided stitch, and add the little heart beads and charm … and it’s all finished …

So, what am I still doing here, I hear you ask?? Actually that’s what my head has been saying all morning … but yet I still sit here glued to the computer and trying to ignore that voice in my head … hmmm … 😉

In fact, I’m off to spend that gift voucher … when I should be stitching … c’est la vie … LOL.

25 Project Challenge, Cross Stitch, Wishlist

Still no stitching to show …

Anne S

Well, I could show you some, but it’s a bit pitiful … so there’s no point, you see?

So what have I been doing instead of stitching?  Catching up on a few blogs, building up my wishlist (even though I’ve only just whittled it down a bit hmmm), and just generally being lazy and unmotivated 😉

Just to spice up this post with some piccies, here are the latest designs I’m drooling over on my wishlist:

Indigo Rose-Beads Buttons and Bows Just Nan-Pretty Wicked
Indigo Rose – Beads Buttons and Bows; and Just Nan – Pretty Wicked (I’m on a HUGE Halloween kick right now and can’t wait to stitch something up in those scrummy bright colours)

JBW-English Plum Pudding JBW-Tis the Season
JBW Designs: English Plum Pudding, and Tis the Season

Lizzie Kate-Don't get your tinsel in a tangle Lizzie Kate-Tiny Tidings XIII
Lizzie*Kate: Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle, and Tiny Tidings XIII

Romy-Austrian-Spot-Sampler GPA-Santa's Ride
Romy – Austrian Spot Sampler; and GPA – Santa’s Ride

Charland Designs-Beach Needle House Complete Kit C Mon Monde-Trousse Fleurs Bleues
Charland Designs – Beach Needle House; and C Mon Monde – Trosse Fleurs Bleues

Blue Ribbon Designs-Creepy Crawly Set Bird Sampler by Pelin Tezer
Blue Ribbon Designs – Creepy Crawly Set; and Pelin Tezer – Bird Sampler (sorry, don’t know what happened to that picture!!)

sampler cove-rhapsody in red part 3
Sampler Cove: Part 3 and Part 4 of the Rhapsody in Red stitching smalls series (you’ll have to check out Deb’s blog for the Part 4 photos!)

And to add insult to injury, after drooling over all these luvverly designs, I’m tossing up whether to go back on my 50 Project Challenge (but reducing it down a step to the 25 Project Challenge) … hmmm, decisions decisions …  I’m still waiting for an order to be filled locally that I placed a few months ago, so technically that was all ordered before the challenge would be starting … and I have an order in place from SB&B for Mum, so I just HAD to chuck in a couple of extra things to make the most of the postage … so I still have plenty of stash to come … (that was ordered a month ago, but hopefully it will arrive this side of Christmas!!)

Rightio, that’s it … my decision is made!!  I am now officially on the 25 Project Challenge – no more stashing for me until I have completed 25 projects!!!  I’m pretty motivated already to stitch through my stash (in fact “obsessed” is perhaps more the word to use!), so it should be pretty easy, truth be told … it’s not as if I don’t have hundreds and hundreds of scrummy designs already calling my name to be stitched – in fact the hardest part will be choosing which ones first!! 😀

That means I can buy no new charts from now on (excluding those already on back order) until I have stitched 25 projects.  Once I get my stitching mojo back again, that shouldn’t be too difficult … maybe … 😉  I also need to stitch as much as possible from my existing stash for threads etc – but will not limit myself to buy threads if needed to complete a design.  My main exception is for a FOTM I still have with Countrystitch (although I’ve been seriously considering cancelling anyway), and a Monthly Bits order from SB&B for Crescent Colours threads (I’ve had some colours on back order for months and months, and finally decided to just get the whole set and be done with it so no more waiting until I need more than one skein!).

Not much chance for stitching this long weekend – we’re off to a party tonight at which I intend to have a few bevvies … which means I probably won’t get much stitching one tomorrow LOL, then on Monday I’m heading out to the other side of the world to visit with Brenda and Nigel as a belated get-together for Nigel’s birthday, which will be lovely, but which means no stitching again!  Surely I must get some chance of getting this dratted sampler finished this weekend???? 😉

Ooh, I just realised I received some stash this week that I haven’t mentioned yet … see, I soooo need to do this project challenge!!  As this is such a lengthy waffly post, I’ll leave the piccies until another day, but I’ll run over and take on now 🙂

Cross Stitch, Just Nan

Just Nan’s Evening Star

Anne S

Just Nan-Evening Star 1 Just Nan-Evening Star 3

You may remember earlier in the month I offered up a prize draw for my finished Just Nan’s Evening Star … well, this morning I pulled out the name from the proverbial hat (actually my Dolce Vita perfume bottle box!) … and the winner is ……………

Karoline!!!

I just need to check your mailing address, and also whether you would prefer me to leave it unfinished so you can frame it, or whether you would like me to turn it into a fabric-edged/quilted wallhanging (and if so whether you have a preference for the border fabric colour).  I thought I’d wait to give you the choice 🙂

Thanks again for your interest in this piece – I haven’t forgotten that there are a few people interested in the chart itself, but will work on that later, ‘cos now I need to quickly jump in the shower and get to work 🙂

Cross Stitch, Works in Progress

Almost at the finishing line

Anne S

Thanks for all the support while I’m stitching this ‘dratted design’ – especially to sweet Tannia who has offered to finish stitching this for me.  As it’s meant to be a gift for someone, I thought I’d best just knuckle down and get it done … then I can move on to something more fun 🙂

Drawn Thread-Garden Recipe 28Sep08

Unfortunately there was a lot of frogging tonight – I changed the honeysuckle flower colour to show up more on the fabric, but then decided I didn’t like it, so I’ve unpicked and restitched it in the original colour.

I’ve since finished one more green narrow band since taking this photo, which means there is just one more band of wording, one more green narrow band, and one more floral band, so hopefully by next weekend a finish will be in sight 🙂