OhSewCrafty

2021 WIPocalypse: June, July

So it's summertime for a few more weeks at least.  It's been about 2 months since my last post, but my stitchy bug was dormant all the while.  WIPocalypse is a super flexible SAL, thankfully.  Anyway, June started with Victorian Carolers.  I gave it 3.5 days overall and 2,104 stitches.  

Alice in Wonderland came out to play and got some good effort.  First, I completed the cross stitch on the Mad Hatter and finished the panel with backstitch and borders.  Then, I started working on the hookah smoking caterpillar (my own design, based on Tenniel).  Ultimately, it was 3 days and 1,489 stitches (backstitch counted as half).

Aladdin got a little love, less than a day and 500 stitches.  Aladdin is starting to appear, but his head will be huge (Chibi style).

I worked on Toy Story Cast quite a lot (3 days & 1,473 stitches), and got a finish!Stargazer got some love, about 2 days and 1,532 stitches, and she's ready for beading!  I did a hair conversion because the dark brown as charted wouldn't pop on my fabric.  I did a slight conversion on the bodice as well, it's still dark grey, just a slightly different shade that contrasts more against the fabric. 

Easter Bunny House got a fair amount of time, a day and 958 stitches, for some extra credit with Enchanted Stitching (FB group).

Bats Bugs came out late one evening and I did 440 stitches to finish it.

Fairy of the Rain was another focus piece with a 2 k goal, which I knocked out with 2.6 k over a few days.  Alas, not enough to finish, not even close.  

Fata dell' Aurora had a nice long day of attention, 824 stitches added.

Last by not least, I gave about 2 days to my beloved little ornies, 873 total stitches and both are finished.  June and July ornies for the JCS SAL (wildcards).  Polar Bear by Natalia Luneva / JCS Ornaments 2020 on Winter Soltice Belfast from Hand Dyed Fabric by Steph.  

Snowman & Friends by Carolyn Mannning / JCS Ornaments 2020 on Sea Spray 32 count linen (Wichelt).  

June Question of the month: Half Year Recap.  

1. Toy Story Cast is finished as of June 17.  Yay!

2. Riolis Gryphon- finished in April

3. Fairy of the Rain- goal to finish in June.  Nope, not yet.  She's at least half done! (pic above) 

4. Victorian Carolers- goal to finish in July.  Nope, didn't happen.  December is a feasible finish date though. The bottom area needs filling in, then backstitch the whole thing.  I'm hoping the backstitch won't be too bad, it's mostly the people and some of the architectural details.  (pic above).

5.  Cupid Reindeer- finished in February
6. Alice SAL-goal to finish in December.  Well, it's almost half done.  And my self charted hookah smoking caterpillar worked out great (though it still needs backstitch), which has renewed my confidence in the piece.  I won't be stitching the Duchess, she's fairly grotesque in my opinion, which I know is sort of the point, but I'd rather have the caterpillar.  There are only three other large pieces left in my rotation with significant stitching to do, so maybe I can spend more time with Alice. (pic above)

7.  Stargazer- goal to finish in December.  I'll probably finish her a lot sooner.  She's all ready for beading!  I made her a red head.  Lord Libidan is a great resource for skin (and hair) conversions.  (pic above)

8. Fata dell' Aurora- goal is 50%. I'm fairly confident about reaching that. (pic above)  

9. JCS Ornament SAL , 12 throughout year.  I'm keeping up, assuming I can finish my August ornie within the next two weeks.  

10.Glendon Place Halloween panels, finish by October.  Well, I have finished 2, so perhaps I'd better pick up the pace a little.

11. Alphabet Inspirations, finish by December.  I'm behind schedule, but it shoudn't be hard to catch up within the next few weeks.  This one is not a heavy lift.

12. Large Halloween piece, TBD.  Well, it's still TBD.  Maybe inspiration will strike when Halloween is closer.

13. Large Christmas piece, TBD.  I'm leaning towards Father Christmas by Joan Elliott, but I need to floss toss.

14. Scary Apothecary, 3 pieces. Only one is finished so far, but these are pretty quick stitches so I should be able to do 2 more.

15. Vixen, goal to finish and frame by December.  It's started and I should be able to do that.  (pic above)

Goals 16-21, Framing of TW Castle, Celtic Winter, Winnie the Pooh, Lord's Prayer, Boo Club, Charmed Santa.  I haven't framed anything so far this year, oops.  But last December, I framed several pieces.  I should be able to do the same this year since we're still dealing with the pandemic and holiday celebrations will be at home.

July Question: Have you ever attended a stitching retreat? If so, tell us about your experiences.

I've attended about 8 or so since my baby was 2 (2016).  They are so fun, a great way to meet new friends, get inspired, enhance your stash, and stitch to your heart's content.  I really miss retreats; I was registered for two in 2020 which were both cancelled and my local retreat (StitchFest) is not happening this year, either. Even if it were, I wouldn't attend unless everyone in my house were vaccinated (kiddo is too young).

As for the next few weeks, my August goals include:

•Finish Chris-lolly (JCS ornie SAL)

•Catch up Alphabet Inspirations (L,M,N,O,P,Q,R)

•Stitch 2k on Victorian Carolers and/or Fairy Rain, and/or Alice SAL.  

Happy Stitching  

Stitching HD: Toy Story 2 Cast

• Pattern/kit designed by Debbie Minton
• Materials: 28 count Cashel "Lapis Lazuli" by Silkweaver, DMC, Kreinik
• Size: 21.5" wide x 8.5" tall
• Time to stitch: 30 days since January 2020

Presenting a massive BAP finish, which I stitched for my darling child (currently 7 years old)!  

The pattern is fine, though I do think it has a little errata.  Specifically Bo Peep's skin was charted as white, which is wrong.  She's not a ghost; I used 3773 for her skin.  Other than that, the pattern is quite large, very detailed, with tons of backstitch and a sprinkling of french knots (for eyes).  The color selection is quite extensive though it does involve a lot of single color "block" stitching.  Backstitching is mostly black, but several different colors are used for various details. 

As for materials, I used evenweave (linen) instead of Aida, which I would highly recommend considering the number of quarter stitches and other stitches, which "should" have been charted as fractional.  I added in my own fractionals as I went along to stay within the backstitch lines.  The Lapis Lazuli linen is a very pretty variegated blue, kind of a nice sky effect which I think it's perfect for Toy Story.  One substitution I made was the backstitching for Slinky Dog's wire, is charted for two strands of dark grey and I opted to use a dark grey Kreinik #4 braid instead, double stranded.  It is kind of bulky but I think it looks right, the slinky part of the toy is fairly thick.  Yes, I do have a Slinky Dog toy in my house for reference.  My kiddo has a whole assortment of Toy Story characters, he truly loves the franchise; which I why I undertook this huge project.  

I really love all the detail in the chart, and the personality of all the characters.  The Potato Head couple is really cute, leaning together for a little tête-à-tête.  Bo Peep is so lovely and serene with her blue staff.  Rex the Dinosaur's diffidence comes through with his diagonal pose and folded hands.  

Woody and Buzz  are, of course, the heart of the story and I like that they are standing together.  Woody has his leather hat, sheriff badge, cowhide vest, holster, boots, and spurs- so much detail for the Sheriff!  Buzz's space suit is awesome and I love the shadow effect inside his clear helmet. The alien is super cute and welcoming and Agent Zurg is suitably foreboding.  Slinky Dog has his mouth open, panting, as dogs do.

The Kreinik is pretty cool effect for the Slinky. Jessie has a sweet pose with one hand on her hip, next to her horse, Bullseye.  Stinky Pete is adorably rotund with his silver pickaxe, of course .  Finally, Hamm the Piggy / Evil Dr. Pork Chop, his penny slot is just too cute, but wow, that was a lot of pink!    I did personalize the project for my son, over 1, below the Slinky.

Overall I'm really pleased with the project and kind of amazed with the 30 day total time, it seemed like longer.  Perhaps I should note some of those were long stitchy days, this project definitely leant itself to timed stitchy challenges.  With the large areas of single color, I could knock out 600 stitches or so relatively quickly.  This is probably my first and last of this style.  I'll stitch more Disney, but maybe more stylized designs like the Chibi ones by Petite Croix de Lucie, or Thomas Kinakade Art of Disney.  

2021 WIPocalypse: May

Long time no chat!  I skipped the April check in because I stitched very minimally that month, about 3k total.  May was much better, I managed to stitch 23/31 days and got over 19k in all.  Here's hoping June will be better still.  

My Bats Bugs project was up first.  I gave it 1 day and 1,047 stitches.  All the regular cross is now finished, plus backstitching on two of the creatures, and borders on 3 of 4 sides.  It won't take too much more to finish it up.

Toy Story Cast had a 2k goal for May.  I surpassed that, with 2,258 over 3 days.  I worked exclusively on the left side, finished the potato head couple, stitched Bo Beep, and started backstitching Rex.  It's definitely a finish goal for June.

Stargazer came out to play early in the month, since I had a goal of 5,423 stitches for the Needleworker Sweep event with Semi sane Stitchers.  Well, it took over 5 days, but I managed to finish on the 11th hour.  The skirt is all finished except for a few random stitches, and the beading of course.  

Alice was another lofty goal, sadly I must admit I've gotten behind, not keeping up with a panel per month.  On the bright side, I finished the "Drink me" panel with border and backstitch, and the "Tweedle twins" as well, almost.  I gave it 3 days of attention, and 1,626 stitches.  

Victorian Carolers came out for 1.5 days, and got 825 stitches, working on the bottom from the left side.  This project seems kind of never ending.  It doesn't help that there is a ton of negative space at the bottom, that I don't want to leave empty since my fabric isn't white.  (it's ecru).  I might use petite treasure braid, pb10, to give it a little snowy sparkle.  Or maybe just DMC blanc.  If you have an opinion on this matter, please leave a comment below.

I got a nice chunk of progress on Alphabet Inspirations, 553 stitches and only 1/2 a day, to stitch "Joyfully give" and "Keep Promises".  So I am keeping up with the Semi sane Alpha-my-bet SAL.  

Rain Fairy was another big goal.  It took 2 days to get 3,261 stitches.  She does stitch quickly, though the dress is voluminous, especially the bottom.  I finished all the puddle, too.   

Aladdin had 1 day of love, 704 stitches.  I worked on the genie's tale, the magic lamp, and started Aladdin's pants.  This piece isn't large, and I would like to have it finished for Christmas, as a present for my son. 

So it was last official Stitch Maynia, and I wanted to touch all my projects and make a few new starts.  Both Fata dell' Aurora and Easter Bunny House got a little attention, 1/2 day each, 501 and 300 stitches, respectively.  Actually, a bit more on Easter Bunny House since I worked on it June 1st too, an additional 250 st.

My new start was Vixen by Nora Corbett.  He got 1.5 days progress and 853 stitches.  This is my last Reindeer!  The end of an era.  It will be nice to have to full set up on the wall.  

As for all my little ornies, I did finish My Friendly Gnome by Ursula Michael Designs / Just Cross Stitch ornaments 2020 for the May JCS Ornie SAL, stitched on 32 count white opal Belfast (center).  It took 1/2 day and 372 stitches.  Polar Bear (top center) and Snowman & Friends (bottom center) also got some love, 250 and 403 stitches, respectively.  Then I made several new starts.  From the top left, clockwise: Chris-lolly by The Queen Stitch on 32 white opal Belfast. Golden Filigree by Works by ABC on Ruby Wine Belfast, which is almost done after ~670 stitches.  Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Historic Handworks, and Elfie Whoo by the Stitchworks, both on 32 count Amber linen (Wichelt).  All the ornies are from JCS Ornaments 2020, except for Elfie Whoo, which will be my son's 2021 ornie and is from the JCS Ornaments 2015.

So that was 17 projects in all that I touched in May!  Quite a successful Maynia overall, I'd say.  

Question of the month: What was the first project you ever stitched?  I cannot say, it was too long ago!  I have a vague memory of plastic canvas tissue holders and stuff like that, that I worked with big plastic yarn needle and yarn (tent stitch), when I was around 3.  As for cross stitching, I remember a Hummel boy and girl, under an umbrella, that I finished for my grandmother when I was elementary age, but that surely wasn't my first project.  

Now for my June goals

•Finish Toy Story Cast (mostly backstitch, plus a few more cross stitches to do on Hamm)

•Finish Polar Bear ornie for JCS SAL (wildcard for June)

•Rain Fairy, Alice in Wonderland SAL, Victorian Carolers, and Stargazer: 2 k each

•Alphabet Inspirations L & M

Happy Stitching 

Stitching HD: Gryphon

• Pattern: kit by Riolis (0078 PT)
• Materials: Pre printed Zweigart 14 count Aida, Anchor floss as kitted, Kreinik
• Size: 16" x 12"
• Time to stitch: 20 days since May 2020

Another member of my magical menagerie is finished!  

This is my second kit by Riolis and I knew what to expect (in terms of the colorful chart not matching the floss colors) but it was still a little challenging at times.  This chart has so many shades of brown, and really nice shading overall.  There is also a significant amount of backstitching, in 3 colors.  I substituted Kreinik for the backstitching, like I did on the Phoenix (another kit from this series).  

The materials as kitted are fine.  I find Anchor floss to be a little "fluffier" than DMC, no problem as long as I cut my lengths a bit shorter.  Some of the threads are very close in color.  I had to frog a few times, but still ended up with tons of floss leftover.  The background design, printed on the aida, is really beautiful.  I love the majestic snow capped mountains.  I decided to swap in Kreinik for the backstitching because I thought he could use a litttle sparkle, being a fantastical creature.  The backstitching was in white, brown, and black/brown. The colors I used are: 5555 (Oyster), 215c (Antique copper), and 010 (Steel Grey), #4 and #8 braid.  

I like the shadow under the gryphon; it's a nice touch.  The way the gryphon grips the edge of the promontory, with one claw lifted is interesting. It's like an action shot.   The wings are massive, as they would need to be to lift the lion body, and nicely detailed.

For awhile it seemed like Riolis was publishing one of these magical creatures, on the pre printed background, annually.  This year, the new kit is a couple frogs, very nice image but not magical.  Oh well, I still want to stitch their white stag on the Aurora Borealis, perhaps not fantastical, but it does remind me of Harry Potter's patronus.  

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!