A Finish!

Ok, here's another reason I love band samplers:  they're quick to finish!

Yes, I've already finished the Woodland Violet Sampler!  Here's a pic:

This is by The Sweetheart Tree.  It is stitched on white, 28ct. evenweave.  I started this on 23 December and finished it on 31 December.  That makes it my official, last finish of 2012!

Next items being added to the rotation:  Checking It Twice by Sandi Gore Evans/Leisure Arts; also QS Mystic Garden as part of the HAED BB 2013 SAL.

Next item that I'm actually be working on:  PTP Floral Arrangement from HAED.

Happy New Year and Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Look what I won!

Mel had a drawing on her blog and I was one of the winners!  I won a gift certificate to her Etsy shop, Epic Stitching.

I tried to take a photo of the bracelet that I chose but it didn't come out so well, so I'm "borrowing" the image from her shop.

Isn't this lovely?!  Believe me, the photo does not do it justice!  It was hard to choose just one item - you have to check out the shop to view all the gorgeous pieces she offers!

Since I didn't think I'd do too well trying to tie on the bracelet, I asked her for a lobster clasp to be added.  It's a service that she offers in the shop as well as requesting different lengths for the bracelets and necklaces.

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Band Samplers

I've decided that I love band samplers.  Don't get me wrong, I will always love patterns that are just cross stitch but band samplers definitely have a place in my heart.

I ask you, "What's not to love?".  Most band samplers are narrow and by their very nature are broken up into small bits that can mostly be stitched quite quickly.  Now if there are any pulled thread or Hardanger sections, those do take some extra effort but I feel it's worth it.

How many other types of stitching typically use a variety of threads?  I don't just mean colors.  If we were talking about color variety, HAEDs, Marty Bells or a few other designs would win.  (The one Marty Bell that I've finished had 132 different colors!)  I'm talking about different types of thread.  The band sampler that I'm currently stitching uses DMC floss, DMC perle cotton and one Needle Necessities* overdyed floss.

I also love the challenges presented in such a typically small area.  My current project, Woodland Violet Sampler from The Sweetheart Tree, uses 8 stitches besides regular cross stitch.

Want a bit of bling?  You've got it!  Beads, charms, buttons, metallics, lace, silk ribbon...I've used them all on various samplers.

Yep, I'm hooked on band samplers and will probably always keep one in my rotation.  Besides, what else is going to fit so perfectly on my 10" scroll rods?

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

* Needle Necessities went out of business but the same colorways, made using the same process, are being made by ThreadWorx.  I happen to be using original NN threads 'cause I bought an accessory pack quite awhile ago.

Sistine Chapel update

I just finished the second page on the Sistine Chapel from HAED.  Here is my progress photo:

For the next project in my rotation, my randomizer app chose:  Woodland Violet Sampler.

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Just opened an Etsy shop

Hello!

I've finally gotten around to opening an Etsy shop!  You'll find it here:  Xed Stitches.  Unfortunately, the name Crossed Stitches was already taken and this was as close as I could get!  ;-)

Right now, there are only 20 items available but I have alot more to add - especially more magazines!

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Blog Hop 13: Wishlist

The Blog Hop question this time is:

The holidays are right around the corner and gift exchanges are happening everywhere you look. If an amazingly magical Stitchmas Santa were to fly overhead and bring you one stitching wish, what would it be?

 

Hmm....TIME!  This is an "amazingly magical" Santa after all.  I've got so many projects that I want to do that time is my most precious commodity.  Floss, fabric, patterns, etc. I have in abundance!

Now if we were to head to a more practical and realistic present, I guess I'd have to say more scroll frames.  I always leave a project on the frame when it's waiting for its turn in my rotation.  Right now, that means that my WIPs are limited to seven...bummer.

Happy Stitching and Merry Christmas!

Stacy

Visit all the blogs in this round of the Stitching the Night Away Stitching Blogger Blog Hop:
Find the instructions on how to participate in this round by clicking here.