OhSewCrafty

2022 WIPocapalypse: March

March's main project turned out to be Santa's Workshop by Jim Shore / Mill Hill, ultimately it had almost 6 days love and 5,676 stitches added.  I started working on the "meat" of the pattern, as my floss colors were "hit" as Bingo with Semisane Stitchers progressed.

Before: 

After:

Easter Bunny House was the first project with floss color hits in Bingo.  So I gave it 5 days and 2,426 stitches, with backstitch counted as half.  I think maybe I can finish this next month, for Easter.

I also got an early start on Witches Werewolves Warlocks by Glendon Place, with the witch by the center.  Overall, it got 2 days and 2,012 stitches.  I'm quite pleased with this start, my last piece in the series and I should be able it finish it soonish.

Bellatrix was another planned focus, I gave her 3,489 stitches over 3 days plus a little extra time.  Patchy progress with the bingo colors, again.  I stitched on her skirt, the grimoire, its stand, and some organic background in the bottom right corner.  I also got a little start on the border, as seen on the left side.

Fata dell Aurora was another heavy hitter for Bingo, she got 2,326 stitches over 3 days.  Again, patchy progress, but I stitched mainly on her skin, hair, the background mountains, and the grassy knoll in front of her.

Renaissance Mermaid also got some love, more than a day and 1,652 stitches.  It's a little patchy since I focused on certain colors for Bingo.  Also, this was a March focus for WIPgo, the goal was to finish half the tail, I couldn't really do that since the tail is all specialty threads.  I worked out a few conversions for Bingo, but mostly I stitched with DMC on her upper body (and hair).  

My Alice SAL had the regular monthly goal of finishing a panel.  I didn't give it much time, only 1.5 days because it was really annoying to use this piece for Bingo with all the color changes.  But she did get 1,441 stitches.  I didn't quite finish the Cheshire Cat, but I did several hundred stitches on the next (bottom) row, so I'm satisfied.  

Then I had a zillion new starts since I messed up Bingo, again.  Last time it was typos.  This time, it was not enough stitches of certain colors, undone, on my WIPs.  Mostly it's ornaments but there is one larger piece, Christmas Angels by Sandy Littlejohns for Cross Stitch Collection magazine December 2005.  Quite a modest little start, half a day and 316 stitches.  But I did work down from the top almost to the middle, on that side border panel.  I hope this will be a relatively quick stitch.  The others (clockwise from top left) are Waiting for Christmas by Lisa Leann / JCS Ornaments 2021 (+1,078), Crazy Quilted Halloween by Carolyn Manning / Just Cross Stitch Halloween 2018 (+407), Iris Faberge Egg by Solaria (+306, Vinney by Fresh Threads Studio / Just Cross Stitch July/August 2009 (+403), Silver Blue Ball by Artmishka / Just Cross Stitch Ornaments 2020 (+450), Christmas Peace Dove by Carolyn (carand88 @ DeviantArt) (+150), Patrick Sea Star by Alexstitches.com (+300), and finally Believe by Shannon Christine Designs (+505).  A total of 3.75 days for all! Discussion Topic: Tell us about a technique, designer, pattern, or anything else in stitching that you’ve been nervous or afraid to try.  

I'm a little nervous to stitch the "Stately Peacock" kit I got from Abris Art, from Ukraine, a few years ago.  It's all bead embroidery and the needle(s) were included but the base for the embroidery is not exactly fabric, it feels kind of like diamond painting canvas (without the glue, of course).  It's totally gorgeous, but I suppose I may need a thimble.

Goals for next month:

•Focus rotations on Fairy Rain, Bellatrix, Renaissance, Iris Faberge Egg, & Alice, 1 or 2k each

•New starts (birthday treat) Ireland Mandala, Scary Apothecary TBD 

•Finish Cackle Lozenges & Easter Bunny House

2022 WIPocalypse: February

February is a short month but I made the most of it, stitching 27/28 days!    Apologies for the late post, but I attended the Nashville Needlework Market (as a helper for Ingleside Imaginarium), and last week was crazy.

I started with Easter Bunny House, ultimately giving it 3 days and 1,848 stitches.  First I stitched the painter bunny on the ladder, the second story and its occupant (Mom and kids decorating eggs), and the sign on the right exterior.  Then I started backstitching, in the same order.  There is still quite a bit of backstitching to do for this level.  

Things that Go Bump was called for WIPGo, so I made it a finish goal. It took about 4 days and 2,893 stitches and I prevailed!  

Continuing with Bellatrix as a my Semisane monthly calendar piece (what can I say, I like creepy stuff, all year round), I gave her a little more than 2 days and  2,230 stitches.  Her dress is definitely coming along. 

My lovely Alice SAL, my albatross.  Not really, but this project is fiddly.  First, I gave it 1 days and 424 stitches to finish the March Hare panel with the border.  Then, I started Painting the Roses, which had 2.5 days and 1,663 stitches (I worked ahead a little on the border too).    I'm actually quite proud of myself for keeping up the pace with this one, after it languished so long last year.  Hopefully I'll have a finish by midyear.  And I've been eyeing the new around the world SAL by Amanda Butler in the Cross Stitcher magazine.  Oh dear, at least that one doesn't have the border backstitched to the 9th degree.  

Speaking of finishes, I got another!  Victorian Carolers had several 30 minute sessions (Daily 30 challenge) and I finished it the equivalent of a partial day this year!  326 backstitch, 205 French knots, 30 ninja stitches (734 stitches total).

Fata dell' Auroroa was a surprise focus, since I used her for the Semisane BAP-along "Fantasy edition".  So I did 1,064 stitches one week (Actually one stitchy day).  And then she came up again the next week for "Sprint to the Finish" (more about that below).  Weirdly, I did another 1,064 stitches again on another day.  So, a total of 2 days and 2,028 stitches.  

Santa's Workshop came up next, that was one of my personal monthly goals, and I did 1,344 stitches over 2 days.  I continued on the border and will be doing so for some time.  Progress is a little weird and patchy since I was doing a color challenge at first. 

Aladdin et la Lamp Magique had just one day this month and that was enough to finish with backstitch, ninja stitches, and 2 french knots (for the eyes), with 736 stitches.

Toward the end of the month, I made a start on Cackle Lozenges because I needed a typography design for the Daily 30 weekly challenge, and besides, I have 3 Scary Apothecary pieces on my WIPGO board.  It got 1.5 days love and 1,228 stitches.  I started backstitching and it's ready for the Kreinik, too.

Not to forget my precious little ornaments.  3 were finished!  Triangle Treat was finished with about 1 day and 820 stitches, Chris-minty got a partial day and 202 stitches. Santa Claus Coming to Town had around 1.5 days and 545 stitches.  Penguin Greetings remains a WIP but I added 402 stitches in 1 day.

Now for the WIPocalypse Decathlon.  I opted to partipate in the 10 wips by 10 different designers, 200 st each.  I did this in conjuction with the #stitchthewinterolympics daily themes on Instagram, hosted by Katie @thenaptimestitcher.  Those 10 pieces are mentioned above, excluding Victorian Carolers (that one had the bulk of work completed before the Olympics).  It was a great success, most projects got considerably more than 200 stitches and several became finishes (Aladdin, Things that Go, Santa Claus and Chris-minty ornies)

Question of the Month: What SALs are you participating in this year?  A Bella Filipina SAL with my friend Becca, and the JCS Ornaments SAL hosted by Jo, sometimes.  As for mystery SALs, they aren't my cup of tea.  How can I stitch what I love if I don't know what I'm stitching?  However, I'm not completely averse to a little mystery.  I'm doing the "Sprint to the Finish" game with Cross Stitch Finish Line (FB) and every Sunday they spin the dice and I move around the board, land on a WIP, and make a goal for the week (the board was provided and I filled in the blank spaces with my WIPS).  Oh yes, and the Daily 30 SAL; most days I'm dedicating goals 30 minutes to whatever project.  It's not supposed to be counted, but of course I do (I like my data).  

Now for my March goals

•1k each on Easter Bunny House, Santa's Workshop, Fairy Rain, Bellatrix, Fata dell' Aurora, & Alice, or 2k if the mood strikes.

•500 st each on Witches Werewolves & Waiting for Christmas (new start)

Maybe you'd like to know a little about the Nashville Needlework Market?  Well, it's wholesale only (not open to the public).  The Embassy suites in Franklin, TN hosted it and the market was spread across 4 floors (2 - 5).  If you aren't famililar with Embassy Suites, every room is actually a suite with a living area in the front and the bedroom behind.  So all the designers had set up their shops in the front areas.  We moved furniture, brought in lights and decor, covered certain features, and the space was unrecogizable by the time we were done.  It was Ingleside Imaginiarium's debut at the market, though her designs have been available as pdf for several years.  She had many new releases for the market too, which was exciting.  I was mostly working sales, serving as backup as necessary, but I did find time to wander around a little and I met many designers and shop owners.  It was fun to match faces with people I've "known" online. And all the models were gorgeous, of course.  Plus, after market hours there was a little time to socialize with designers and stitchers I've met before at retreats or "know" from Flosstube.  Overall it was a lot of fun, and tiring too.   I hope we can do it again next year.  

 

The People's Choice SAL: Snow

Snow is a great theme for me since I like stitching Christmas year round!  As it happens, I have 2 recent projects that qualify. 

Victorian Carolers by Joanne Aston / Cross Stitch Gold is stitched on 34 count Ecru linen and has lots of negative space at the bottom, meant to be the snowy ground.  Well, that wouldn't work for me, since I used Ecru fabric, so I filled in all those stitches with DMC Etoile in blanc, which gives a nice sparkly snow effect, in my opinion.  

My other project with snow is Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Historic Handworks / JCS Ornaments 2020.  Santa and Mrs. Claus are standing on a lovely snowy ground, stitched with DMC 3865 and blending filament to give it a little sparkle.   (Well, they will be, after I stitch their boots next week, if all goes according to plan).  

Another pattern I look forward to starting soon, after I finish Fairy Rain, is the (blue) Christmas Angel by Joan Elliott, from Cross Stitch Collection, November 2012 issue (I have a digital copy through Zinio).  She too, stands upon snowy ground.  I have a beautiful piece of Under the Sea Hamlet opalescent Belfast for her.  It's a bit of an unconventional choice, but I believe she will pop on the dark fabric.  

The People's Choice SAL is hosted by the lovely Jo at Serendipitious Stitching .

Stitching HD: Victorian Carolers

• Pattern: By Joanne Aston for Cross Stitch Gold Magazine October 2016
• Materials: 34 count ecru linen, DMC cotton & Etoile
• Size: 7.6 x 8.7 inches
• Time to stitch: 33 days over 1.75 years

Presenting a full coverage finish!  

Oh this project is so much more than simply full coverage.  The backstitch is kind of insane, much of it over one thread.  There are french knots galore.  There's a hefty list of colors, and I added to the stitch count by filling in the negative space at the bottom with white Etoile.  It was meant to be stitched on white, but the ecru I used did not serve as snowy ground.  

I wanted to finish it last year and worked on it quite a bit in late December, but I burned out on the backstitch and punted.  Thankfully, I started doing the Daily 30 weekly challenges in January, part of that is 30 minutes per day for 5 days out of 7.  It was perfect for this piece.  I could handle the fiddly bits in 30 minute increments.  

As for materials, my choice of the 34 count ecru was ill advised.  First, the color issue as mentioned above.  Then, with all the fractional stitches, 28 count would have been better.  At least it's nice and petite on the 34 count.  And the french knots (1 strand, wrapped twice) provided great coverage for the empty stitches.  I really did not fancy making french knots in the middle of a cross stitch.  A lot of them are made between the cross stitches, which isn't too bad.  Really only basic materials are required for this chart, but it's highly detailed, intricate, lovely regardless.    

My favorite part is certainly the people.  3 children and their parents, persumably.  l love their clothes, and the hats & bonnets are cute.  The tree in the window is gorgeous with the popcorn strands crafted of light yellow french knots.  I suppose I would say this would not be the project for you, if you are averse to french knots.  And now my rotation is devoid of full coverage.  It feels strange.  I might start another of those full coverage stained glass Christmas ornmaments (I stitched one a few years ago, there are several in the book).  

Stitching HD: Vixen

• Pattern by Nora Corbett, Christmas Eve Couriers series
• Materials: Pewter Opalescent Belfast by Picture this Plus, DMC, Caron Waterlilies, Kreinik, Wisper, Mill Hill beads, and Swarovksi crystals
• Size: 5 x 7 inches
• Time to stitch: 4 days since May of last year

Presenting my final reindeer, it's the end of the era!  Yes, I know there's Rudolph but the poem by Clement Clark Moore mentions "8 tiny reindeer".  And that works for me, in terms of presentation.  I wanted an even number.  

Vixen was an easy quick stitch, the pattern doesn't call for too many colors, there isn't anything too fiddly, except for the Wisper tail.  If you're unfamiliar with Wisper, I will say that it's best to use very short lengths (less than 8 inches), to keep the thread intact so you get the nice fluffy effect.  But the tail is pretty small.  I love the colors on Vixen, the wreath around her neck and the huge bow, the orange beaded reins, and the blingy antlers, resplendent with crystals.  I quite enjoy stitching the reindeer, and I miss the series, a little.  I made my usual addition of the name to the bottom, so I can tell which is which.  

As for material, I used the last little piece of Pewter opalescent Belfast.  I got the whole series out of 2 fat quarters (or a fat half), each FQ folded along the center of both axes and cut carefully into 4 pieces.  The Umbria Waterlilies is used mainly for the border.  The 2 Kreiniks are silvery blue (snowy ground) and antique gold (border).  I managed to finish her with about 7 beads leftover of the Persimmon Magnificas (after using that one box for several deer).  There are Cinnamon red Magnifica beads too, in the border. I subbed in Swarovski crystals for the Mill Hill teardrop and bicones, they were much more cost effective and the exact same thing, as far as I could tell.  

My favorites part is probably the uptilted head, like she's contemplating her Christmas Eve flight.  Now to cut mat with 4 apertures and get those reindeer framed.  Not anytime soon, though.  Christmas is over 10 months away.  In the meantime, Im planning to start a new Mirabilia and maybe a Christmas piece, too.  

WIPcalypse: January 2022

Hello and welcome!  Well, I made some cracking progress in January, despite being away for a week.  

I started with Easter Bunny House, ultimately giving it 2 days and 1,472 stitches.  I finished the cross stitch on the top floor and backstitched it all, starting at the top.  I think it's coming out so cute, the face in the sun, and all the detail on the stove, table, clock, books, etc.  Finally I started working on the bunny that will be on a ladder, painting the exterior wall.  I extended the walls down a little too. Fairy Rain was a big focus for the month, as I want to finish her soon-ish.  She was loved for 4 days and 3,180 stitches.  Basically I'm working up and reached the top of the pattern, the regular cross anyway, though I need to go back and fill in her skin and her top, plus stitch her upper wings.  After that, I started backstitching from the bottom and actually finished all the backstitching on the bottom half, which was quite extensive, about 1,100 stitches with backstitch counted as half.  Quite a few ninja stitches too.    

Fata dell' Aurora had 1 day of attention and I did 1,330 stitches.  I'm working on her skirt down to the bottom of the chart.  She stitches quickly with long bands of color, though the hem involves more frequent color changes.  

Aladdin was called for WIPGO.  In 1.25 days, I met my goal to finish the cross stitching, and even started with the backstitch, with 1,787 stitches (backstitch counted for half).  It's coming along and will be coming out in early February for a focused finish, hopefully!  

Vixen was a January finish goal, also my January focus with Semisane Stitchers.  Over a few days, I did 2,883 stitches and finished it!  More details forthcoming in a finish post, need to take some decent photos of Stargazer too. 

As for my ornie WIPs, Elfie Whoo was finished in a half (partial) day with 655 stitches.  It's modified with some of my own color choices, and a yarn ply (unwinded) in lieu of Wisper, also personalized as my son's 2021 ornament.  Santa Claus Coming to Town had a little love, 402 stitches over a half day. Both are on 32 count Amber Linen (Wichelt).

Victorian Carolers was also a January finish goal, but something had to give with being away for 8 nights on vacation.  I gave it some limited effort, 30 minutes here and there for the daily 30 challenges. The backstitching is very painstaking, so the short sessions are ideal.  Overall, it got 1.25 days and 461 stitches (backstitch counted for half).  Not the greatest photo, the bottom is rolled up in the scroll, but I've completed about 6 of 9 backstitch colors (some of it was done the last few days of December too).

I finally buckled down with Alice, gave her 2.25 days, which was enough to finish the hookah panel (self charted) & border, and complete the March Hare with backstitch, 1,333 stitches. The border around March Hare was started (additional 212 stitches), but I didn't have enough time to finish.   

And now for the fun stuff, new starts!  I started 2 large projects, Santa's Workshop by Jim Shore / Mill Hill on Green Apple opal 32 count lugana by Silkweaver (vintage).  I started in the corner with the border because the border is extensive and I'd like to get it out of the way.  I got 1,006 stitches over 1 day.  Then I started Bellatrix by Bella Filipina on Dusk Belfast by Steel City Stitchers.  She was loved for 1 days and 1,630 stitches, started in the center becasuse it's all DMC, which I have in stash.  The top left corner is full of Kreinik and beads and a silk, the vast majority of which I ordered after starting.  I did not realize she would be so blingy!I also started some ornies, for the JCS SAL and others just because I fancied them.  Noel Angel by Rosewood Manor is on white opalescent Belfast and took 934 stitches, and 1.5 days to finish.  Frosty by Autumn Lane Stitchery on Haven Cashel by Picture this Plus, also had 1.5 days and 1,464 stitches to finish.  Triangle Treat by Blackwork Journey is on white opalescent Cashel was started with 611 stitches over a half day.  Chris-Minty by Queen Stitch given 1.5 days and 809 stitches.  Goodness & Light by Sunflower Seed had a half day and 500 stitches.  Both of those last two are on white opalescent Belfast.

Finally, I started a Things that Go Bump by Glendon Place, on Flash Cashel by Picture this Plus. It's a decent start of 902 stitches, which took 4.5 days, some of those being vacation days when I barely had the energy to lift the needle to stitch one thread.   The fact that I lost my Glocusent light, somewhere between home and Florida, did not help.  Lighting was insufficient and I had difficulty seeing the fabric.  This one was easier, being on 28 count.  The other fabric I packed is 32 count.

So I knocked out most of my goals, exceeding a few too! I'm excited by the progress on my WIPs, and I love all my new starts.  In fact, I hadn't touched some of the WIPs in so long, they were almost like new starts too.  

Question of the month: Describe your stitching style  I'm sort of a cross between a rotation stitcher and chaos wrangler. I do set out rotation goals in advance, with consideration as to when I'd like to finish certain projects, but I tend to switch projects every day or two, and the days I have planned for a particular project may be spread out over time.  Each day, I tend to choose projects according to challenge goals in my various FB groups (Daily 30, Magical Stitches Mystery, Stitchy Quest for the One Ring, Enchanted Stitching).  Also, it's not uncommon for me to work on 2 or more pieces in a day.  

Now for my February goals:

•1k each on Fairy Rain, Alice, Easter Bunny House, Bellatrix, & a possible Mirabilia start.  Or 2k, if the mood strikes.

•500 each on Triangle Treat and Witches Werewolves (new start)

•Finish Aladdin, Things that Go Bump, Victorian Carolers, and Santa Claus Coming to Town Ornie

The People’s Choice SAL: Designers

Bella Filipina, aka Aldrin Jay Parilla, is my designer of choice to focus on this year. 

On January 11, I started Bellatrix on Dusk Belfast by Steel City Stitchers, and did 700 stitches.  I'm absolutely loving it, the fabric is perfect IMO, and it will be wonderful to make more progress next week.  She was started for a new Bella Filipina SAL with my friend Becca, also the 2022 Calendar SAL with Semisane Stitchers (FB).  The minimum for the SAL is 40 x 40, which works out to 1600 stitches (if full coverage) and that sounds like a good monthly goal to me.  Maybe I can do more as I finish older WIPs, but if not, 17,200 stitches by the end of the year would be nothing to sneeze at.

Mr. Parilla designs the most incredibly beautiful, detailed ladies, fairies, mermaids, goddesses, etc… even a regal mer-man.  His designs are large but not huge, most fit comfortably on a fat quarter. He also often markets his designs on gorgeous hand dyed fabrics, which I think surely enhances the patterns. 

Here are a few Bella Filipina designs from my stash with fabrics.  King Triton on Sweet Stash Tidal Wave Belfast, Queen Amphrite on Under the Sea Mermaid’s Sea Belfast, and Gaia on Silkweaver Rock Quarry Belfast.  Plus I ordered a few things recently to enhance my Bella stash.  Most of his new releases, intrigue me at the very least, and he is quite prolific with new designs published most months.  His first of the new year is Lakapati, Deity of Fertility and patroness of agriculture.   I think her colors are amazing and I love the grain detail. Picture copyright Bella Filipina designs.

The People’s Choice SAL is hosted by the lovely Jo at Serendipitous Stitching .

2022 WIPocalyse: January Intro

Hello, my name is Stephanie and I'm a longtime stitcher and equal opportuntiy crafter.  I frame all my own stuff, I sew clothes and home decor.  Sometimes I paint, knit, quilt, or engage in other crafts.  Last year was not the greatest for me and I'm carrying quite a few WIPs into the new year.  So those will be the first priority, of course.  Let's get to it!  

Goals 1-4 are those WIPs carried over from the WIPocalypse.  I will finish them this year, I vow!  The projects are Fata dell' Aurora by Passione Ricamo (about 50% done), my oldest WIP Fairy Rain by Joan Elliott (about 75%), second oldest Victorian Carolers by Joanne Aston (95%), and Alice's Adventures SAL by Sarah Butler / Cross Stitcher Magazinze (45%).   As for finish goals, I will try to finish Victorian Carolers and Fairy Rain by Spring, Alice and Aurora by Summer. 

5. Aladdin and the Magic Lamp by Petite Croix de Lucie on Picture this Plus Sand opalescent Belfast only got about 5 days last year, and it's about 60% done.  My goal is to finish this in February, before my son's birthday, February 10th, as gift for him. 

6. Easter Bunny House by Tiny Modernist on Seraphim Peeps opalescent Belfast is about 30% done after 6 days last year.  My goal is to finish this by April, which might be heavy lift.  I definitely want to finish at some point this year, however.  

7. Vixen by Nora Corbett on Picture this Plus opalescent Belfast has a nice start after a few days last year.  These reindeer don't take long and it's my biggest finish goal for January.

8. JCS Ornie SAL.  Well, I don't care for the 2021 Ornaments issue nearly as much as the previous one.  So, I plan to participate sporadically.  My goal is to get 8 ornie finishes, including my 2 current WIPs, Elfie Whoo by Stitchworks (JCS Orn 2016) and Santa Claus is Coming by Historic Handworks (JCS Orn 2020), both on Amber 32 count linen by Wichelt.  Some of my new picks may be from different magazines, or other sources.

9. My old stash new start (Stitch from Stash 2017-22 on FB) will be Santa's Workshop by Jim Shore on Silkweaver (vintage) Green apple opalescent 32 count lugana.  I would like to finish this project by December, it's not too large, about 10 x 12 on 32 count, with a lot of negative space.  

10. Another new start will be Bellatrix by Bella Filipina on Steel City "Dusk" Belfast, along with my friend Becca who is starting another Bella chart.  My goal is to work on this consistently throughout the year, and get at least 24,000 stitches.  We'll see how that close that gets me to finished. 

11. 2 charts that will finish the Glendon Place Halloween panels- Things that Go Bump in the Night and Witches, Werewolves, & Warlocks, both on Picture this Plus Flash Cashel (color discontinued). My goal is to have both finished by September, time to frame by October.

12.  3 charts from the Hands on Designs Scary Apothecary: Cackel Lozenges, Broomstick Fuel, and Skeleton Polish, all on Antique white Belfast (Zweigart).  I Each of these takes about 2-3 days to stitch, and my goal is to have all 3 done by December.

13. Merry Christmas by Nancy Turner / Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe. Well, I've been after this chart for years and I finally got it from Etsy and ordered some Cream Cashel, I think I can find appropriate floss in my stash.  I would like to start & finishby December.

14. Mirabilia TBD, after Vixen is finished, but hopefully this month.  I'm leaning towards a mermaid.  Maybe Lilith or Renaissance Mermaid, but we'll see. The two fabrics below, I ordered with Lilith in mind.  I think the Kelpie (Under the Sea Fabrics) might suit.    

15-22.  8 frame jobs, all of which I have at least some (if not all) materials stashed.  My finishes: the reindeer by Nora Corbett, plus Vixen will go together in one big frame with 4 mat windows.  We Do Disney by StitchArea (Etsy) color converted, Harvest Witch by Stoney Creek, Twilight Bridge and Fall Fairy, both by Dimensions, Castle by Teresa Wentzler, Celtic Winter by Lavendar & Lace color converted, Winnie the Pooh by MCG Textiles.  My first goal is actually Celtic Winter since I want to hang her on the wall after I take down Celtic Christmas this week. All the materials are set aside, and I'm excited, she will be gorgeous. 

Now, for my January Plans.  I will tell you, I started the month off with a bang with 1k+ on Easter Bunny House.  The miracle of backstitch, it's coming out so cute and i've worked almost half down the chart (though the bottom half has more coverage.)

•1k each on Fairy Rain, Alice, Aladdin, Easter Bunny House, Bellatrix, and Santa's Workshop (new starts).  Or 2k, if the mood strikes.

•500 each on Frosty and Noel Angel, Things that Go Bump (new starts), & Elfie Whoo (finish)

•Finish Vixen and Victorian Carolers

Happy Stitching

December WIPocalypse: Yearly Wrap up

Hello, friends!  Time for my yearly wrap up.  Let's review my WIPocalypse goals first, then I'll discuss my stitchy year overall.

1. Toy Story 2 Cast by Debbie Minton on Silkweaver Lapis Lazuli Cashel was finished June 17, after about 12 days effort this year.  Some of those days were very long, however.  The single color blocks were handy for timed challenges; I could get 400 st in an hour easily.  I even framed it!  

2. Gryphon by Riolis, on pre-printed Zweigart 14 count aida was finished April 22, with about 7 days effort.  This piece is so cool, I almost wish Riolis would release another mythical creature on the gorgeous background, but I probably have enough already in my stash.

3. Fairy of the Wind by Joan Elliott on Colour & Cotton Hearth Belfast had about 8 (long) days of love this year, and sadly was not finished. So, that goal was not met.  I'll certainly try to get her done in the early part of next year, I’m onto the last pages at least.

4. Victorian Carolers by Joanne Aston / Cross Stitch Gold October 2016 on 34 count cream linen had about 16 days of effort and unfortunately I have stalled on the backstitching.  Normally I backstitch as I go to some extent, but with this piece, it's not large, and I miscalculated the effort required.   Well, there are 8 colors of backstitching, (of which I have worked with 6), plus french knots in 3 colors left to do.  And I certainly failed to appreciate the fact that much of the backstitching is over 1 thread, in the middle of the stitches, etc.  On 34 count, this is fairly miserable. So, this will be another goal for 2022.

5. Cupid by Nora Corbett on Picture this Plus Pewter opalescent Belfast was finished February 24, with about 4 days effort.  My pentultimate reindeer!  

6. Alice in Wonderland by Amanda Butler, Cross Stitcher Magazine (2020) on Colour & Cotton Biscotti Cashel, was a new start in January, and unfortunately I fell way short of my finishing goal.  It's about a bit less than 1/2 done.  I love the look of this piece, but it's probably my least favorite WIP, it's just so fiddly with all the backstitching and color changes.  So, another carryover wip for next year.

7. Stargazer by Mirabilia on Hand Dyed by Stephanie Winter Solstice Belfast was started in January and finished December 31, after 16 (long) days of love.  Believe it or not, she stitches quickly for a Mira. A finish post with more pics and details is forthcoming. 

8. Fata dell' Aurora by Passione Ricamo on Silkweaver (vintage) Porcelein Belfast was also a new year start, my goal was to get it at least halfway.  I suppose that goal is met.  That voluminous skirt needs finishing, then stitch her wings, hair, face, also the grass, mountain ranges, sunrise, etc, but the backgroud isn't too extensive.  Another carryover WIP. I do really love this design and it's a joy to stitch.

9. Just Cross Stitch Ornaments SAL, I managed to finish 11/12 throughout the year, spending around 15 days on the 12 (1 is unfinished).   Clockwise from top left: Love on ice by Danielle van Nuys, Chris-lolly by Sharlotte DeVere, Santa Claus by Autumn Lane Stitchery, Guiding Star by Katrina King, My Friendly Gnome by Ursula Michael, Juggling Snow by Frony Ritter, Pointsettia by Punochka, & Vintage Angel by Tiny Modernist. In the middle: Caroling Friends by Carolyn Manning and Polar Bear by Natalia Luneva. My favorite is probably Golden Filigree by Arlene Cohen / Works by ABC on Ruby Wine Belfast by Zweigart (below) She has the most lovely, delicate and detailed designs.  

10. Glendon Place Halloween Panels by Cheryl Granda, I started (and finished) 2 of the 4 on the Picture this Plus Flash Cashel, requiring about 10 days overall.  These aren't exactly heavy lifts, but I spent weeks and months without touching my projects, this year.

11. Alphabet Inspirations by A Fox Originals / Mary Fox Bluge on Picture this Plus Vellum Cashel was started in January and finished December 19, with about 11 days.  I was happy to complete the Alpha-my-Bet SAL with Semisane Stitchers.

12. Large Halloween piece, nope.  I'd like to finish those Glendon Place panels first, plus I have another series on the go (see below).

13. Large Christmas piece, nada.  I'd like to have Victorian Carolers finished first.

14. Scary Apothecary by Hands on Designs on Antique White Belfast.  I started (and finished) only 1 of the 3 planned.  So, short on that goal too.  But at least I stitched Bitter Brew, gave it 2.5 Days.

15. Vixen by Nora Corbett on Picture this Plus opalescent Belfast was started May 22 and 1.5 days, has a decent start.  

16-21 were framing jobs (I do my own). Well, I framed 5 and crafted 2 ornaments which involved lacing and/or sewing, so I'll call that goal met.  Clockwise from top left: Father Christmas by Sandy Orton, Gingerbread Grove by Glendon Place, Boo Club by Lizzie Kate, Cathedral Woods Goddess by Mirabilia, Snowman Mitten by Ursula Michael, the Lord’s Prayer by Stoney Creek, plus (at center) Toys Ornie by Better H&G CS Xmas “Timeless Treasures”.

So my overall goal was 200 k stitches and 25 finishes, 12 ornies and 13 larger.  Well I got 19 finishes (11 ornies and 8 larger).  I definitely fell short on the stitch count goal, though I can't say precisely, since after I lost my stitchy bug in June, sporadically I did feel the desire to stitch (and worked on a few projects, at least), but I didn't count my stitches.  (I have recently begun counting again).  

 Yeah, so I fell of the wagon big time.  I stitched 143 days, or 39%, mostly from January - June.   2021 was not the greatest year for me; started with injury and ended with illness.  I slept way too many hours, consumed excessive calories, and was generally not a happy camper for a significant chunk of it.  Living through a pandemic isn't so peachy, eh.  I started feeling better about a week before Halloween when I made an effort to be more active, eat less, and pounds started to drop. 

As for what I learned about stitching this year (November's Question of the Month) I came to appreciate there is a line when it comes to competitive stitching, timed challenges etc.  Some structure is good, weekly and monthly goals keep me on track, and I enjoy matching my projects to prompts. But I don't enjoy feeling compelled to crank out 1-2 k / day for my team, and having my rotation biased to those projects that stitch up quickly.  So I don't think I'll be doing those sort of stitchy war games anymore. It's just not my cup of tea. 

So, my stitchy bug is definitely revived (recently) and I have big plans for next year, both with my WIPs and planned new starts.  Please come back & read my upcoming post for the beginning of WIPocalyse 2022.  

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

Happy New Year!

Stitching HD: Alphabet Inspirations

• Pattern: A. Fox Originals / Mary Fox Bluge 
• Materials: Vellum Cashel (Picture this Plus), DMC 3802, Threadworx "Purple Ash"
• Size: 9.25" x 13.5"
• Time to stitch: 11 days since January 2021

Presenting my 2021 alphabet sampler stitch (and possibly the only one I'll ever do; stitching the alphabet isn't really my thing)

The pattern is easy enough to follow, though printed quite small and it was easier to see all the tiny quarter stitches with an enlarged working copy. I love all the phrases, inspirational, indeed.  There is a lot of backstitching, every letter and the boxes around the capitals.  

As for the materials, I chose my favorite hand dyed neutral, Vellum, by PTP.  It looks like aged paper and is a dream to stitch on.  I opted for 28 count so the words wouldn't be too small.  As for the floss colors, I chose my own.  A subtley variegated grey/maroon hand dyed by Threadworx, which Brittany Blimey Cat gave me, for the capitals and their boxes, and coordinating "aubergine mauve" DMC for the rest.  

The colors were chosen with respect to my rich red dining room walls.  This will definitely be a framing priority for 2022.

I stitched this as part of the Alpha-my-Bet SAL with Semisane Stitchers (FB).  I didn't fancy hauling this out every 2 weeks for each letter, considering each one only took around 2 hours, so I tended to work on it in chunks.  I'm happy to have it finished this year, in any case.