OhSewCrafty

2021 WIPocalypse: March

March was kind of a strange stitchy month.  I did lots of stitching on some days, but other days, none at all.  However, I did manage to address most of my goals and the month isn't over yet.  A few stitchy activities disrupted my plans a little, March Madness, (tournament of WIPs), and Master Stitch, a color code stitchy game with Semisane (FB).  

My first goal was to finish Bats Bugs; I switched things around a bit and finished Goblins Ghosts instead.  The 2 projects got 2 days of love between them, 2,125 stitches for Goblins Ghosts & 404 on Bats Bugs.  These pics aren't great, the fabric is much brighter orange and prettier IRL; I'll get some daylight pics when I do a finish post.

I gave 1/2 of a (long) stitchy day to Alphabet Inspirations, and stitched the E "Establish friendships" and F "Forgive", 600 stitches. 

So I'm keeping up with the Semisane Alpha-my-bet SAL, for the most part.  This project is a little boring, but it does go quickly.

I worked on the Alice SAL quite a lot, 4.5 days and 1400 stitches, but it wasn't enough to finish the top row.  

I did finish the backstitching on the Alice under stairs panel, I worked on the borders and did the backstitching for I'm Late (except metallics), and finished the cross stitch inside the "Drink me" panel.  This project is awfully fiddly, and it requires a certain level of patience that was not in abundance this month.  

My goal for Toy Story Cast was 2k and I blew that out of the water, actually.  I gave it almost 3 days, and over 3,500 stitches.  

The cross stitching was on Stinky Pete the Prospector, Hamm the piggy bank, Mrs. Potato Head, and a little start on Mr. Potato Head.  As for the backstitching, I started with Round Up (the horse), then Slinky Dog, Jessie and a little bit on Stinky Pete.  I'm quite enamored with it, the backstitching really makes it pop.  

Stargazer was also a 2k goal, and it took almost 2 days and until the end of the month, to get about 2200 stitches.  

I worked on the skirt and reached the right (front) edge.  This project stitches quickly with long bands of color and I adore how she looks on the inky blue fabric.  She's definitely a favorite!  

Another goal I set out in February was 1k on Broomstitck Fuel (a new start).  I opted instead for Bitter Brew (from the same series).  I gave it about 1.5 days and almost 1,500 stitches.

It was a great start and there's not too many more regular cross stitches to do. It will be fun to finish it next month with the Kreinik.  

Another project that recieved a lot of love is Rain Fairy by Joan Elliott.  Over 1.5 days, she got about 2,400 stitches.  

I worked on the skirt, stitching down towards the bottom, all the way to the puddle she's standing in.  I didn't stitch any of the water though.

Victorian Carolers also received considerable attention, mostly because it won every round in the March Madness tournament (a friend chose the winners).  Overall, it got about 3 days and 1600 stitches.

So after Round 3, it's the ultimate winner and I need to do another 1600 stitches for Round 4.  However, there's only 3 days left in March, and I've got other things I want to stitch on, so we're going to have an overtime round.  Why not?  It happens all the time in sports.  

I have a small update to share on Easter Bunny House, 1.5 days love and 500 stitches.
I worked on the attic level, the roof, the window, and started filling in the 3rd floor.  Most of the stitches are on the bunny; he looks a little creepy without eyes.  

Besides those larger pieces, I worked several ornaments including new starts.  I even finished one!  At top left is my finish, Guiding Star by Threaded Dream Studio / Katrina King.  This month, I gave it 1/2 a day and about 500 stitches.  Overall it took 1.5 days, stitched on 32 count opalescent Belfast in Sand by Picture this Plus.  Continuing around clockwise: Snowman & Friend by Carolyn Manning, less than 1 day and 500 stitches (new start). Just below is the Gnome by Ursula Michael Designs, I gave it 3/4 of a day and 547 stitches (new start).  Next is O Christmas Tree by Lisa LeAnn Designs, 1/4 day and 336 stitches (new start).  I don't like it this big (on 28 count) so I need to restart on 18 count aida, like the model is stitched on (or 36 count).  Last but not least is Polar Bear by Natalia Luneva, I gave it 1/4 day and 659 stitches.  It's coming along well, still needs a little detail on the bear's head and the background.  All charts are from JCS Ornaments 2020.

Question of the Month: Are you a OOAT or a rotation stitcher? Well, how many projects are in this blog post?  Rotation stitcher, obviously.  I try to set out goals in advance, but inevitably I work on more projects as challenges arise.  For example, this month, in the WIPGO group, one of the boxes called for March is JCS ornies 5,6,7,8.  So I made some new ornies starts (in the collage above).   Once upon a time, when I was a worker bee, I worked on a single project for a few months at least, until I saw significant progress and/or got sick of it.  But now, I have more stitchy time and I've tried the monogamous thing, like for Maynia last year. Quickly it got boring and my productivity tanked.

Overall March was a good stitchy month, I expect to get over 20k in the end, which I'm pleased with considering life events that squashed my stitchy bug on some days.

Now for April goals:

•Gryphon and Bitter Brew (finish)

•Alphabet Inspiration: G, H, and I (start & finish)

•Alice "Drink Me" and "Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee" panels or 2k stitches

•Stargazer 4k stitches

•Toy Story & Rain Fairy, 2 k each

•Victorian Carolers & Bats Bugs, 1 k each

Happy Stitching

 

Stitching HD: Comet

• Pattern by Nora Corbett
• Materials: Pewter Opalescent Belfast by Picture this Plus; DMC, Kreinik, Wisper, Mill Hill & Swarovski 
• Size: 5" x 7"
• Time to stitch: 8 days since December 2020

Presenting my penultimate reindeer!  

The pattern is fine, easy to stitch and less fussy than some of the reindeer with minimal backstitch and the Kreinik used in blocks and sections.  I like the flying pose and the beaded reins are cool, but most of the other reindeer don't have reins so maybe it's a bit odd.  The antlers crowned with garland are majestic.

 The bird is a nice touch, carrying holly vines in its mouth.  The name at the bottom is my modification.  

As for materials, I used the same fabric as all the others.  Pewter is rather light, but it does work for the series and the opalescent sparkle is fun.  The beads are Mil Hill Magnifica, in 2 colors, the orange (used only for the reins) is different and vibrant.  For the treasures, I purchased Swarovski Margaritas in a dark red color (much cheaper than the Mill Hill ones), attached with one of the red Magnifica beads, and I think they look perfect on the pink/red harness.  

I'm quite pleased with Cupid and I look forward to arranging him with the others, hopefully this year.  The last one to stitch is Vixen and I hope stitch it this year.  Now my WIP count is down to 14, including two ornies, and Stargazer remains my only Nora WIP, which is cool.  I started a bunch of things in January and I'm hoping for several more finishes by midyear or so.  

 

2021 WIPocalypse: February

February is the shortest month, and my stitchy bug ran amuck for days here and there, but I still worked on a bunch of things.  

February started with Stargazer, because I just can't put her down, I love working on her so much!  I gave her 2,135 stitches over 2 days.  

I'm basically working her skirt down from the waist.  It's fun to see all the swirly "tracks" in the pattern; eventually she'll be very sparkly with beads. 

Next up was Alice in Wonderland.  Progress is weirdly patchy since I was doing a color challenge for Enchanted Stitches, but I did manage 1,465 stitches over 4 days.

I did a lot of border stitching and worked on several blocks, but mostly the White Rabbit.  I also backstitched most of the "Alice under stairs" block.  

After that, Toy Story Cast got a turn, I wanted to give it a lot of love because it's for my son and February is his birthday month.  I wound up stitching an awful lot on it because it was the final battle of the Myth & Magic Stitch Wars, Round 11, and that is my fastest stitching project at the moment with the large blocks of color.  Well, my team won the battle, and I got 2,602 stitches over 1.5 days.  

I started with backstitching on Woody, Zurg, Bullseye, and Slinky dog.  Then I worked a lot on Stinky Pete and started Porky, who is at the far right edge.  

I worked on Alphabet Inspirations a single day, gave it 525 stitches, which included fixing the backstitch on "Ask gently", also stitching "Create harmony" and "Dream".  I love this though it's a little boring with the colors (dark grey and dark red).  Oh well, that is what I chose with consideration to how it will look in my dining room (with the red walls).  

One weekend, I took a little break from my WIP goals, started and finished another ornament in a day, 731 stitches.  It's Love on Ice by Danielle Van Nuys / JCS Ornaments 2020, stitched 28 count white opalescent Cashel, and I think it's over the top adorable. I'd like to full finish as shown in the magazine, a pillow with beaded fringe.  

Easter Bunny House got some love on a single day and I did 1,008 stitches though it doesn't really look like much since I had to frog some.  Darn color challenges!  Nevertheless, it's coming along.  

After that, things fell off the rails, a lot.  I read several books, spent too much time gaming, and suffered a huge plumbing fiasco at my house.  We thought the damage was minor at first, but then we started smelling mold and called in the professionals.  And we lost walls, ceiling, and floor.  Also, I'm putting more time into fitness this month, I started physical therapy for my ankle which I fell on and had a level III sprain in January, and I'm doing an abdominals challenge everyday.  Anyway, I digress.

I managed 1,565 stitches on Victorian Carolers, over 3 days.  Tons of ninja stitches on the top 2 pages needed filling in, and I worked into the bottom page on the right edge.  In fact, there's only about 25 rows to go, to the bottom of the chart where I worked the tree down.  There's quite a lot of negative space on the lower pages, which is meant to be snowy ground and unfortunately that won't work on my fabric since I used an ecru.  So I might fill it in with PB10 for a little sparkle.  

Cupid got 2 days of attention, 748 stitches, and the penultimate reindeer of my collection is finished!  Finish post with more pics is forthcoming.

I gave 1.5 days to Fata dell' Aurora and 1,501 stitches.  I really love stitching on her, perhaps my favorite WIP at present.  Mostly I'm stitching the skirt down to the bottom of the chart, but I added a few colors on her little bodice and started working on the shadow tone at the bottom of her leg.  Progress is kind of patchy because this pattern calls for several petite treasure braids which I don't have yet.  She'll be incandescently gorgeous, eventually.  

On the 27th of February, I finally completed my February ornie for the JCS SAL, Santa by Autumn Lane. It's stitched on Golden Promise Belfast by Silkweaver, took over 1500 stitches including TONS of backstitch counted for half and 3.5 days since I started in January.  

Question of the month: What stitch-a-longs (SALs) are you participating in this year?  The JCS SAL with Serendipitous Jo via FB, mainly.  I don't do mystery SALs, as a rule, because I only what stitch what I love and frankly I don't whether I'll love it until I see it finished.  I'm also working on the Alice SAL from last year, with some modifications to make it mine.   

Plans for March: Round 12 of Myth and Magic Stitch Wars begins tonight. So I'm hoping to step it up in a big way.  I'm hosting a March Madness tournament in my FB group, starting with 8 WIPs that will battle for dominance.  As for particular goals, they include:

•Finish Bats Bugs Halloween Panel

•Stitch Gryphon up to backstitching

•Stitch E & F on Alphabet Inspirations, with Semisane Alpha-my-Bet SAL

•Finish Alice SAL top row with borders and backstitch

•2k each on Toy Story and Stargazer

•1k on Broomstick Fuel (new start)

2021 WIPocalypse: January

My first WIP of January was Gryphon, rather appropriate since it's a spring finish goal.  Previous:

I gave it 3.5 days and 2,102 stitches, mostly working the the body up towards the head, I also stitched some on the wings.  

It's definitely getting there.  I'll probably give it some love in March, stitch the head and get it ready for the backstitching so I can have an easy birthday finish in April.  

Next I worked on Victorian Carolers, which I'm hoping to finish in July and there (were) about 9k stitches left, I estimate.  Previous:

It received 1.5 days of attenion and 1,015 stitches added.

I stitched mostly on the second page, filling in the Christmas tree, the window and skinny brick wall next to the door, and started on the parental couple.  The pace definitely needs to be increased if I want a Christmas in July finish. But I did give a lot of effort in December and I wasn't really feeling it in January.

Toy Story Cast got a turn over 2 days, 1,117 stitches added.  Previous:

I stitched on the Prospector's overalls and started backstitching, from the center with Buzz Lightyear, also the little alien dude and Woody's lower half.  And I stitched Rex's black claw because it abutted Woody's boots (and I was using black for the backstiching).  

I absolutely love how the backstitch is bringing out the details and making all the characters come to life, it makes all the fractional stitches worth it.

Rain Fairy got a nice long rotation, about 3 days and 3,093 stitches. Previous:

I worked mostly on the left side, even started her wing, lots of stitches on the draping shawl, extended her skirt on the left side and started working towards the bottom on the right side as well.  I stopped around the page break (of my working copy) but there's not too much more of the chart to do below, maybe about 30 rows.  

I hope I can finish this by June, but I'm not sure.  It's a lot of stitching, though the color palette isn't too extensive, which helps.

Cupid had some love, about 2 days and 1,015 stitches.  Previous:

I worked on the whole piece, really (it's not large).  I even broke out the Kreinik and did lots of metallics for the border and the harness.  I stitched the antlers and worked with Umbria waterlilies silk to fill in the greenery.  The reindeer was filled in, of course. 

Now, it's almost ready for backstitching and beads, a good thing since it's a February finish goal!  

Now for the new starts, of which I made a great many in January.  One was even a start & finish, we'll start there.  Poinsettia by Evdokia Nikolaeva "Punochka" / JCS Ornaments 2020, stitched on 36 count Country Mocha linen by Zweigart.  I used petite treasure braid for the snowflakes, to add some sparkle, since the pattern called for opalescent fabric, I opted to use something different that I had in my stash.  It took about 1.5 hours, 450 stitches & (petite) beads.  A wonderful start to the JCS SAL this year. 

WIPGO weekend, January 8-10, was a real start fest.  In addition to the Poinsettia, I also started Polar Bear by Natalia Luneva / JCS Ornaments 2020, on Winter Solstice Belfast from Hand Dyed by Steph.  It's only 200 stitches (in about 1 hour) but it's a start (it's a wildcard for the JCS SAL).  I also started Bats Bugs and Ghosts Ghouls, both by Glendon Place, on Picture this Plus Flash Cashel, as charted (and now discontinued).  However, I did manage to scoop some up on clearance after I saw it on Instagram.   So I made a good start on both, about 4 days and 2750 stitches collectively.Larger starts include Alphabet Inspirations by A Fox Originals, on Vellum Cashel by Picture this Plus, using a Thread Worx variegated floss, and DMC 3802, doing 469 stitches over 1.5 days.  Stargazer by Mirabilia on Winter Solstice Belfast from Hand Dyed by Steph.  I started in the center, very critical since I trimmed the fabric for ornies and I have just enough left over.  I did 3,608 stitches over 5 days.  For the old stash new start in my group, Stitch from Stash 2017-21 on FB, I started Passione Ricamo Fata dell' Aurora on Porcelein 32 count Belfast by Silkweaver, vintage.  Yes, the chart and the fabric are seriously old.  I am really enjoying this one; I gave her 1,704 stitches over about 2 days.  Finally, on the 31st, I started Easter Bunny House by Tiny Modernist on Peeps opalescent Belfast by Seraphim, giving it 1,013 stitches over 1.5 days. Finally, I have few more small-ish starts to share, the first is Santa by Autumn Lane Designs / JCS 2020, basically a head start on the February ornie for the JCS SAL with Serendipitous Jo's group on FB.   I'm using Golden Promise Belfast by Silkweaver, it had about 1 day love and 765 stitches.  I started yet another JCS ornie for the SAL, Guiding Star by Thread Dream Studio on Sand opal Belfast by Picture this Plus, it had about 1 day attention and 469 stitches.  I started it pretty much because I needed to work on on a star for particular challenge task.  On the same fabric (PTP Sand opal Belfast), I started Aladdin & the Magic Lamp by les Petites Croix de Lucie.  Over 1.5 days, I gave it 505 stitches, all on the genie in a few shades of blue.  I really love this, and I need more Petites Croix de Lucie in my stash.  It's for my son, he's a big fan of Aladdin. 

Topic(s) for next time: Tell us about a WIP on which you’ve really struggled to make progress. Explain its history. What appears to be the reason you’re struggling?  The project that comes to mind is Fantasy Tryptych which I recently finished, after almost 2 years.  The project isn't even that big, however parts of it are quite complex and it did burn me out, frequently.  Backstitching the greenery in the castle section was crazy.  There are a few different colors of thread to use, depending on what you're outlining, and it was pretty hard to tell in a sea of green confetti.  It's a digital pattern, would it be that hard to use different colors for the backstitch, as appropriate, or even provide a separate backstitch chart?  I do feel that would be appropriate considering the backstitch is so extensive.  The pattern does provide a few extra separate backstitch charts, but they are for small areas.  I definitely have a love/hate relationship with Teresa Wentzler designs.  

After the crazy extravaganza of new year starts, in February the focus is making progress on WIPs.  My goals are as follows:

•Stitch C & D on Alphabet Inspirations for Alpha-my-bet with Semisane Stitchers

•Finish Autumn Lane Santa ornie for JCS SAL

•2 k on Alice and/or the White Rabbit panel

•2 k on Cupid and/or finish 

•2k each on Victorian Carolers, Toy Story Cast, Ghosts Ghoulies, Aurora, and Stargazer

That's about 15k total which leaves some wiggle room for other things, if I maintain a similar pace as January when I did over 20k stitches.  

Happy Stitching!

2021 WIPocalypse: January Intro

Hello my name is Stephanie, I was once deemed the "crazy queen of cross stitch" (on Flosstube) , and I'm a serial stasher / finisher/ framer/ seamstress/ etc.  I'm excited to participate in yet another WIPocalpyse.  So let's start with the WIPs!

1. My oldest WIP is Toy Story 2 Cast by Debbie Minton, on Lapis Lazuli Cashel by Silkweaver.  My goal is to finish by May and start a new big WIP for Maynia.

2. Next is Gryphon by Riolis, on pre-printed 14 count aida (as kitted).  My goal is a birthday finish in April.  
3. Fairy of the Rain by Joan Elliott on Hearth Belfast by Colour & Cotton, was started last June and I'd like to finish by June and start a new JE, perhaps continuing this series with Fairy of the Wind (or Clouds).  

4. Victorian Carolers by Joanne Aston / Cross Stitch Gold October 2016 on 34 count cream linen.  The finish goal is for July, naturally (Christmas in July). 

5. Cupid by Nora Corbett on Pewter opalescent Belfast by Picture this Plus is my 7th reindeer, and my aim is to finish in February (why not, Cupid for Valentine's?)

6.  Alice in Wonderland SAL by Amanda Butler / Cross Stitcher Magazine (2020), of course I'm doing this after the fact, with a few personalizations, stitched on Biscotti Cashel by Colour & Cotton.  My goal is to finish by December.  

Now for the new starts! First, the stuff I want to start in January.

Clockwise from top left:  7. Stargazer by Mirabila on Winter Solstice Belfast from Hand Dyed by Steph.  The plan is to start this on the 13th (new moon) with a few other ladies and hopefully finish within the year.

8. Morning Fae by Passione Ricamo on Porcelain Belfast by Silkweaver, my old stash new start in my FB group, Stitch from Stash 2017-21.  It's not really a finish goal for this year, but I am hoping to get at least halfway.  

9.  Just Cross Stitch Ornaments 2020 SAL, 12 throughout the year, with Jo the Serendipitious Stitcher's FB group.  Starting with the Poinsettia by Punochka.  

10.  Glendon Place Halloween Panels.  There are 4 and I want to stitch 1 per quarter.   It would be really fab to finish the whole series and frame it for October, since I have a plan for these (framing arrangement).  Bats Bugs will be started as soon as I receive my thread in the mail, hopefully this week!  

11.  Alphabet Inspirations by A. Fox Originals, on Vellum Cashel by Picture this Plus.  I'm using this for the Alpha-my-bet SAL with Semisane Stitchers, the idea is a letter every 2 weeks.  So it may take the whole year to finish, if I stick with the SAL.   It's not very big, though.   Some more pieces I plan to start throughout the year, as my rotation allows. Clockwise from top left: 

12. Large Halloween piece, TBD, but maybe Sleepy Hollow by Glendon Place on Dusk Belfast by Steel City Stitchers.  Let's see how it goes with the small pieces and I may start this sooner or later

13. Large Christmas WIP, also TBD, but maybe Joan Elliott Father Christmas on Christmas Trees opal Cashel by XJudesign.  I need to finish Victorian Carolers, then we'll see!

14. Scary Apothecary by Hands on Designs on Antique White Belfast.  I've finished 3 and have 3 more in my stash to stitch this year (Cackel Lozenges, Broomstitck Fuel, and Bitter Brew)

15. Vixen by Nora Corbett, my 8th, and final reindeer.  (Sorry, Rudolph).  My goal is to have this finished and framed along with 3 others, up on the wall in early December.

Goals 16-21.  Framing jobs.  I do have at least some of the materials stashed for all of these (my finishes).  The Castle by TW, Celtic Winter by Lavendar & Lace (converted), Winnie the Pooh by MCG Textiles (DMC conversion), Lord's Prayer by Stoney Creek, Boo Club by Lizzie Kate, and Father Christmas by Leisure Arts "Charms of Christmas". 

I suppose 21 goals is enough for 2021.  Overall I have set a yearly goal of 200 k stitches and 25 finishes, no more than 12 ornies.  That is considerably less than my 2020 stitchy output, but it's also a good bit more than 2019.  I'm hoping 2021 will be more like 2019 than 2020, evidence to the contrary so far, but I remain hopeful.  

Here's a peek at my WIPGO board(s) which overlap the WIPocalypse, considerably.  WIPGO is a FB group run by Jessie Marie Does Stuff of Flosstube.  Last year, I got 21/24 goals done, leaving 3 FFO goals behind.  This year I'm opting for 2 boards with FFO and a few other fiber craft goals separate.  The yellow highlights are the boxes called for January.   Happy Stitching 

2020 Wrap up: Finishes & Pie

2020 was a stitchy extraganza, or the year I spent entirely too much time sitting around with my projects, you decide.  I started the year with 10 wips and finished with 5, so that was a good WIP down.  I also completed several model stitches.   I got 33 finishes, excluding models.  My total stitch count for the year is 234, 127.  Now for pie:

Ornaments take up more than half of the pie chart, and usually I prefer big projects, but ornaments seemed just the ticket for this crazy year.  Besides, all those big projects got finished, too, so I'm satisfied.  Now for all the pretty pics:

3 Fancy Ladies: Rapunzel and Fairy of the Rainbow by Joan Elliott and Cathedral Woods Goddess by Mirabila.  

2 very tall BAPs: Spring Bellpull by Stoney Creek and Save the Stitches by Elizabeth Almond

2 wide BAPs: Gingerbread Grove by Glendon Place and Fantasy Triptych by Teresa Wentzler 

Full coverage of good size: Twilight Bridge by Dimensions, plus Lemonade freebie by Sapphire Mountain Handcrafts and the tiny American Eagle by Mill Hill.

Spooky pieces of medium size: We do Harry Potter by StitchArea (Etsy) and Harvest Witch by Stoney Creek

A couple Christmas smalls: Comet and Prancer, Christmas Eve Couriers by Nora Corbett.

5 more smalls and minis: Batty Belinda by Brooke's Books, Cock A Doodle Boo by Tempting Tangles / JCS, Coffin Paint and Bat Balm, both by Hands on Designs, I'm Here for the Boos by Nancy Greenberg / JCSFour Christmas ornies of mini to small size: Stained Glass Angel by Leisure Arts / "Charms of Christmas", Father Frost Bauble by Joan Elliott, Merry Christmas Love by Tempting Tangles / JCS, Toys by Better Homes and Gardens, "Cross Stitch Christmas, Needlework Treasures".  

Another four Christmas ornaments: Santa Hat & Boots by Keslyn's / JCS, Celtic Cross freebie by Teresa Wentzler, Nutcracker by Donna Kooler / "A Cross Stitch Christmas", Holly Jolly by Tiny Modernist / JCS

Yet another four Christmas ornaments (sensing a theme?): Noelle by Brooke's Books / JCS, Winter Bird Home by Little Stitcher / JCS, Tree Tuffet by Lynn Bruce / World of Cross Stitching, Snowman Mitten by Ursula Michael / JCS

Last but not least, 2 more Christmas ornies: Blue Ocean Star by Stitchora / JCS, and Silvery Lace Snowflake by Works by ABC / JCS

So 33 finishes in all, 8 large, 2 medium, 6 small, and 17 mini.    As for next year, I do expect the trend to continue somewhat since I've decided to participate in the JCS ornie SAL with Jo the Serendipitous Stitcher on FB and my goal is to complete 12 throughout the year.  I do have 4 big WIPs on the go to finish, though, and another 3 that I intend to start in January.  It would be nice to skew the ratio more towards large projects next year, but we'll see.  

Thanks for reading and your support all through the year.  The stitchy community is the best!  

Happy New Year!

Stitching HD: Fantasy Triptych

• Pattern by Teresa Wentzler
• Materials: 25 count white Monoco, DMC, Mill Hill, Kreinik as charted
• Size: 18.25" x 12.25"
• Time to stitch: 66 days over 2 years

Oldest WIP no more!  

So this pattern took a while to stitch; I started it per my husband's request.  Actually he wanted me to stitch it a long time ago, but it took a while to work up the gumption, with the 3 page floss list and all.  The pattern is fine, it's simply a lot.  A lot of colors, a lot of blends, crazy confetti, repeating patterns, simple borders, copious backstitching, quarter stitches galore, the faces charted over 1, even some speciality stitches and beads, mostly in the borders.  I quite enjoyed the diamond eyelets; the plaited cross stitch (square stitches in the border) was a bit fussier, but I do enjoy the result.  

I made a few modifications; adding a blue sky for the background (stitched in DMC 3753, 1 over 2 full cross).  The sky added a few thousand stitches to the pattern, but it was worth it, the color is subtle, and it adds a lot, even making other parts of the pattern visible, like the snow capped mountains behind the knight.   Also, I did my own thing for the backstitch on the girl's face since the charting was crazy. It may be possible to split an over 1 stitch, but it isn't pretty.  

The materials are fine, I went with 25 count since that's what the pattern called for, and (2 x 2) coverage is fine for the most part except in a few spots.  And 25 count was a boon with all the quarter stitches and backstitching.  Lots of tiny details in this chart, and all are visible, thankfully, on the 25 count.  Overall, it's a good size on 25 count, and I think that's appropriate; there's a lot going on in this project.  I used 2 Pako organizers to sort all the blended threads; that was a big help.  

My favorite details are probably all the architectural ones in the castle, perhaps modeled after the Chateau de Samur in the Loire Valley, as Instagram stitcher Matilida, from that area, informed me.  The castle was so fun to stitch, probably the easiest section of the chart, besides the borders.  The barding (armor) on the horse is quite special, and I like the knight's sword in the hilt too.  As for the girl, I love her red hair, floating in the wind as the unicorn canters along.  Her blue dress and fuschia cape are lovely.  The floral garland reins on the unicorn are a nice touch.  

In the castle section, I like how the trees, castle walls, and a bit of sky, are reflected in the water below.  The big trees in the foreground, and the small trees in the background, are lovely, though it was a bear to stitch with all the backstitch simply shown as black lines on the chart despite using several shades, depending on what you're outlining.  I tried my best though I truly have no idea if it's right (the model picture is no help).

This finish leaves a big hole in my rotation, for sure.  I'm not sure if I'm ready to start another TW right away, though I do have the Camelot Sampler on my radar.  

2020 WIPocalypse: December

It's the end of the year and goodbye, good riddance, to 2020!  Here's hoping 2021 will be better.  Also, goodbye to an awful lot of WIPs that were finished this year!  December stitching basically revolved around ornaments, Christmas pieces (Cupid reindeer & Victorian Carolers) and model stitching.

Cupid was a new start on Nov 30.  I worked on it about 3 days and for 1,409 stitches, it's definitely coming along.  I plan to work on him a little more this week because tis the season!  

Victorian Carolers was loved for 4 days and 2,739 stitches.  A good part of the second (full) page is stitched now.  The other 2 pages are partials, so I'm feeling good about finishing next year.  

As for the ornaments, Noelle by Brookes Books is stitched on perforated paper and took 4 days in all.  Of course it stilll needs extensive full finishing.  Snowman Mitten by Ursula Michaels / JCS 2005 is on 36 count silvery moon Edinburgh linen and required 3 days to finish.  Blue Ocean Star by Stitchora / JCS 2020 is on 28 count white opalescent Cashel and needed 4 days to finish.  Merry Christmas Love is by Tempting Tangles / JCS 2015 stitched on Golden Promise Belfast by Silkweaver, took 3 days overall to stitch.  Silvery Lace Snowflake was a new start on December 6, chart by Works by ABC / JCS 2019 on Winter Solstice Belfast from Hand Dyed by Steph, and it took 4 days to stitch.

And now for the review!  

I had 9 WIPs in my initital list, 8 were finished.  We Do Harry Potter by StitchArea (Etsy) on Vintage Smoky White Cashel, 5.5 days attention this year (and I framed it too!).  Toys Ornie by Better Homes and Gardens "Needlework Treasures" on 28 white opalescent Cashel, less than a day to finish.  Batty Belinda by Brooke's Books on 14 count perforated paper, also less than a day.  Spring Bellpull by Stoney Creek on 18 count Anne cloth, about 8 days love this year.  Gingerbread Grove by Glendon Place, on Haven Cashel by Picture this Plus, needed 13 days.  Fairy of the Rainbow by Joan Elliott, on Silkweaver Blue Diamonds opalescent Belfast, took 19 days.  Save the Stitches by Elizabeth Almond on 25 count Stormy Clouds lugana, needed 24 days.   Finally, Twilight Bridge by Dimensions Gold, on 18 count aida, had 29 days this year.  130 days total.

The 9th WIP, Fantasy Triptych by Teresa Wentzler, was loved for 29 days this year and that would have been enough to finish if I hadn't run short of beads.  So, its 99% finished, but no pretty pics just yet.  It's on my list for this week; certainly by Thursday I should have it done.  

Besides the wips, I had several new starts in my list, they were all finished.  Rapunzel by Joan Elliott on Heather Belfast by Picture this Plus, 36 days.  Harvest Witch by Stoney Creek on Silkweaver Lapis Lazuli Cashel, 16 days. Scary Apothecary, I actually stitched 2, Bat Balm & Coffin Paint on 32 count antique white belfast, requiring 2 days each (4 days).  Cathedral Woods Goddess by Mirabilia on Silkweaver Ametrine Cashel, 17 days.  Comet by Nora Corbett on Picture this Plus Pewter opalescent Belfast, 8 days.  81 days total.  

So that's a total of 211 stitchy days to finish all my WIPoalypse stitchy goals, not bad at all, and of course I stitched more than that, so visit me again soon for all the pretty pictures and pie!  

The other goals on my list were to frame 6 pieces. In the end, I framed 9, 4 of the ones I had listed, and several others too.  Here are the 4: 

I also fully finished a few ornaments recently.  Penguin by Stoney Creek on white Monoco, Winter White Sleigh on Ruby Wine Belfast by Fire Side Originals / JCS 2019, and Gingerbread Boy by Medina Originals / JCS 2019, on white opalescent Cashel.   All 3 are finished flat, with various trims.It was a really successful WIPocalypse overall.  There wasn't much else to do but stay home & stitch, due to the pandemic, so I got busy.  As productive as it was, I'm hoping that 2021 offers more variety and less stitchy time.   Thanks for reading, happy holidays, happy stitching, and 

Merry Christmas 

Framing HD's: Mirabilia / Nora Corbett

I'm happy to share 2 more pieces I framed recently.  First is Enchanted Mermaid by Mirabilia, on 28 count monoco that I custom dyed with Rit in 2 colors.  She is stitched with a hair and extensive bead conversion, details available here.

The frame is muted gold with a smooth, curvaceous profile.  in my opinion, it's understated and elegant, ideal for this rather sparkly and elaborate piece.  (and the moulding color is similar to her hair).    The frame was about $42, custom cut from pictureframes.com outlet shop.   

The other piece is Nora Corbett's Halloween Fairy, which was originally published in a magazine and is now available as a pdf download at Herrschnerrs.  She's stitched on Midas Touch opalescent 32 count Belfast from Silkweaver.  

The wood frame has a brown finish with silver distressing all over the irregular spiral textural design.  It complements the various beaded and metallic swirls on the piece.  As Halloween Fairy is rather small, and the moulding is a little busy, I wanted to double mat her.  The bottom mat is a subtle lilac "Sweet Tart" and the top is a rich brown "Espresso", both by Crescent Select.  The Espresso mat board was in my stash and and I got the Sweet Tart one from Framemasters.  The frame was about $35, custom cut, from Pictureframes.com outlet shop, if memory serves.  (I bought it a few years ago) 

Framing HD's: Christmas

The first new thing I got up on the wall this year is Spirit of Christmas by Lavender & Lace, stitched on Dwarf Belfast by Picture this Plus.  The bright gold, slender square frame has floral detail, it was about $15 (a steal!) from the Pictureframes.com outlet shop.  

I cut a double arch mat but combining circular and straight cuts (circle first, of course).  The top mat is Red Sky Suede, the bottom Gold Metallic, both by Crescent Select.  I actually framed this last year, but I wasn't completely satisfied with it.  I decided to stop letting perfect be the enemy of the good, put the backing on, and hung it up.  No glass on any of these because they only stay up about 5 weeks, not enough time to get dusty.

Next is Joyful Teddy by Joan Elliott, stitched on 28 count white opalescent Cashel, by Zweigart.  The antique gold frame has a flat surface and dark brown distressing feathered in at the edges, it was a bit under $30 from the Pictureframes.com outlet shop.  The moulding is remarkably similar in coloration to the teddy bear's fur.

No mat on this one, it might have been nice but I didn't think it was necessary and I could save a little money by using a small frame.  A little piece for my little boy!  

Last but certainly not least is the Mill Hill Christmas village, my original compilation of Mill Hill Button & Beads kits with Kreinik snowflake border on 28 count stormy grey Jobelan (Wichelt).  The antique white with pewter frame has a raised swirly design on the outer edge, carved in the pewter, that reminds me of blustery winter weather.  The main body of the frame is antique white with a bit of light pewter distressing on the inside edge.  

The moulding is 2.75" wide.  The cost for this huge frame was was $60, which I consider to be an excellent value with consideration to the style and the size (23.5" x 20"), from Pictureframes.com (Renoir collection, with a 30% discount for black Friday).

I have one more Christmas piece I wanted to frame this year, I ordered some mat board for it and it shipped, but tracking hasn't updated since December 15, when it was in New Jersey, so I don't have high hopes to receive it any time soon.  I probably will eventually, but maybe not until January.  In the meantime, I have 2 things I framed yesterday (not Christmas-related), plus 3 more framing goals to address, likely after Christmas, they were WIPGO goals for this year and I have all the materials stashed, and we're all enjoying a stay-cation, so why not?