2 HAED progress photos

Hey Everyone!

I never thought I'd say this but "It's too hot!".  Well, not yet, it's still early in the day as I write this.  I don't live on the beach, but I am near the coast.  That means we don't really have seasons, just rainy and not-rainy.  So when we do get warm weather, it's rare and usually brutally humid.  Today's high is supposed to be 78°F (26°C) with 84% humidity.  It's just supposed to get hotter through the weekend.  Ugh!

The heat hasn't stopped me from stitching though!  I've been working on 2 HAEDs at the same time.  One of them is a QS (quick stitch) and only uses black so I can stitch on that during the day while I'm working.  I don't consider it part of my "official rotation" because it's the only one I can work on during office hours.

Here is my first page finish on QS Dragonflies:

The fabric is 28ct. Cashel linen called Monet from Picture This Plus.  I bought mine at 123stitch.  I'm stitching this 1x1 (one strand of floss over one fabric thread).

In my rotation, my latest project was my focus piece La Belle Dame Sans Merci.  Last night, I had another page finish!  Woo hoo!

Next up in my rotation is Floral Finesse, finally!  This is a new start so no progress photo...yet.  I'll post one in a couple of days when I do my monthly HAP SAL progress report.

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

HAP SAL Progress

Okay, after 2 months of the HAP SAL, here is the report on my progress.

I just happened to have a page finish last night on my Sistine Chapel!   Woo hoo!  That means that I have now finished the top row of pages.

Here's where I was at the start of the year and where I am now.

It's not a huge difference, mainly because the 5th page was a partial page (49 stitches by 98 stitches).  It will be cool to be able to roll the material on my scroll frame the next time I work on this one.

Now for the only other HAP that I've worked on this year.  Here's my La Belle Dame Sans Merci progress pictures.

I'll be back working on La Belle... probably tomorrow.  Today looks like it's going to be busy.

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

New Year's SAL

Well, here's my starting information for the 2015 HAP SAL.  I have 5 projects that I'm including in this SAL.

Here they are with their appropriate photos and details.

God Speed ~ Heaven and Earth Designs ~ 300 x 419 ~ 23.07% done

La Belle Dame Sans Merci ~ Heaven and Earth Designs ~ 575 x 389 ~ 41.67% done

Rapunzel (Dawe) ~ Heaven and Earth Designs ~ 400 x 386 ~ 30.3% done

Sistine Chapel ~ Heaven and Earth Designs ~ 350 x 997 ~ 8.73% done

Floral Finesse ~ The Heart's Content ~ 396 x 344 ~ not started

So what HAPs are you doing for the SAL?   

Be sure to get me a link to your own blog!!!

Happy Stitching! 

Stacy

Answer #5 - Stitching a HAED - epically long post

This post was last updated on 28 November 2017.

This one comes from a couple of the Facebook groups that I'm on.
Tips for stitching a HAED?

Well, since I've completed 3 smaller, 1 SAL, 1 large one, and have 5 in progress, I'd say I'm at least a little qualified to answer this.

Some things to know.

Some of the pattern names seem to use a "secret code".  Here are the common abbreviations and terms:

• MC - Max Color.  The chart has been modified to use as many colors as possible.  Usually around 240 colors.
• Mini.  This is a smaller version, in overall stitches, of a design.
• PTP - Petit Point.  Originally charted specifically for 40ct. fabric.  They can be stitched on any count  though.
• QS - Quick Stitch.  A Quick Stitch is a small section that has been "cropped" from a design.
• SK - Story Keep.  Proportioned like a bookmark.  I've seen them made into bookmarks or framed.
• SS - Super Sized.  Charts that are maxed out in size. The larger dimension will top out at 999 stitches.
• TT - Tiny Treasures.  Smaller designs. 

Don't be afraid to stitch a HAED.

They only use full cross stitches.  There are no ¼ stitches, specialty stitches or backstitches.  Apart from the infrequent use of Kreinik 032 #4 Braid (which I always switch to blending filament), only DMC threads are used (well, there are a couple of patterns that call for Anchor brand).

Don't let the size overwhelm you.

While most people think of HAEDs as massive, not all of them are.  The four finishes that I have were:  QS Hummingbird at 187w x 163h (only one color!), QS Dragonflies at 185 x 255 (again, one color) and Twilight Repose at 125w x 317h, and La Belle Dame Sans Merci at 575 x 389.

Now some of their other patterns are HUGE, I will admit.  The largest one that I own is SS Farewell to Anger MC at 999w x 660h.  No, I haven't started it yet.  ;-)

Don't over think it.

If you concentrate on how many stitches you'll have to do to finish, you'll give yourself a headache.  If you think about how many pages you'll have to wade through...again, headache.  I focus on stitching one page at a time.  My reward for finishing a page?  Another page on a different project, hence, my rotation.

Before you start.

Figure out what makes you most comfortable.  Do you usually use a hoop, q-snaps or a scroll frame?  Do you usually stitch in-hand?  Stick with what works for you.

Figure out what stitch count you want to use.  The "default" is 25ct.  I am doing 2 on 25ct. and I just don't care for that count.  I prefer 28ct.  If your eyes aren't up to the smaller counts, switch to what you can see comfortably.  I've seen WIP photos of HAEDs from 6ct. (huge!) to 40ct. (one of mine).  You will have to keep in mind that the smaller the stitch count, the bigger the finished size.  You will also need more floss than the pattern recommends if you use a count smaller than 25ct.

The Patterns - Printed vs. Download

Are you going to purchase a printed (hard copy that gets shipped) or a .pdf (which you download yourself)?

Printed Patterns 

Determine whether you'll need a regular or large print pattern.  If you have issues stitching on 25ct. or higher, I'd recommend the large print.  It's not a huge difference in size, but it will be easier to see especially if there are any similar symbols.  The other benefit to a large print pattern comes if you highlight the chart as you stitch - the boxes are bigger and accommodate the highlighter better.  ;-)

Cons to printed patterns:

The hard copy patterns take longer to receive because the postal service is involved.  They are also more expensive because HAED has to cover their cost for the printing.

Pros to printed patterns:

You don't have to worry about computer issues with downloading, saving and backing up, or the cost of printing them yourself.  The paper is also much better quality than even a print shop would use!

Downloaded Patterns

If you are going to download your pattern, you will only need the large print version if you are going to physically print the pattern and need the bigger symbols.  So many people are using their tablets to stitch from which means a regular print pattern will be fine because the tablet should let you zoom in.

Cons to downloaded patterns:

You do have to have some understanding of computers.  You may have to pay to print the patterns yourself (for paper users).  If you lose your files, you are out of luck.  Backup in more than one place!!

Pros to downloaded patterns:

You can use a tablet to stitch from.  The patterns are available nearly instantly.  Until you print them (if you're going to), they take up no room.  They are less expensive so you have money to buy more!

Material Packs

Personally, I have no experience with the material packs.  I can tell you that I have heard others rave about how good they are.  The only reason that I've never purchased one is due to my existing stash.  I have every color of DMC, most with multiples, plus a large collection of fabric in my favorite counts.  It just doesn't make sense for me to purchase a pack when I already have all the supplies.  Besides, that means I can spend my money on more patterns!

If you do not have a large stash like mine, it might be the best option for you.  If you don't have a LNS (local needlework shop), then it's probably going to be a good choice.

Getting Ready to Stitch

Get all your floss together taking into account what the pattern recommends and allowing for any changes you have made in your fabric count.  Make sure to check your dye lots!  Yes, floss does vary from dye lot to dye lot.  Most of the time, you'd never notice.  But if you're going to put in so many hours on a project, you don't want a wonky dye lot messing things up.  If you are stitching on a small count fabric, say 14ct., and the pattern calls for multiple skeins of black, for instance, you might want to invest in a cone of that color.  Yes, DMC comes in cones!  The easiest place to purchase them, in the US, is 123stitch.  Joann's also carries them online but they don't list the color number so good luck with that.

How I stitch.

Frames

I use scroll frames.  I'm addicted to my scroll frames and floor stand...seriously! Mine are from Artisan Design.  I have each of my WIPs on its own frame.  That makes them easier to store and makes it very quick to switch from one project to the next.

Floss

My master stash of floss is stored on bobbins.  I pull all the colors needed for a project and put them in numerical order on rings.  Each project has its own complete set of floss.  Most of mine use 310 (black) and every one of my projects has its own bobbin so that I don't have to grab it from another project.

Here's my PTP Floral Arrangement waiting for its turn in my rotation.  You can see how I have the bobbins on rings.  The photo is actually sideways and I was too lazy to change it.  Tilt your head to the right to see how it should be.

Pattern

I purchase the patterns as digital downloads - PDF's.  I print one page at a time.  When I start a new project, I only print the cover page, floss key and first page of the pattern.  I put the cover page in a page protector; the floss key, I cut down, laminate, and 3-hole punch; the first page gets trimmed around the edges and usually pinned to the fabric.  Once I finish a page, I print out the next page and then store everything together in a 3-ring binder.  Then I move on to the next project in my rotation.  Here's God Speed waiting for its turn:

Actually stitching

I start in the upper left hand corner regardless of which page I'm on.  Check out my post on Finding Your Starting Point. I pick a symbol, cut a length of that floss and stitch until that length is finished.  I then pick another symbol in the upper left area and repeat.  If I'm working on a page with a lot of the same color, I will cut a length of that color, separate the strands, and thread all 6 strands onto needles.

I've seen a lot of people who use the parking method.  I have tried this and can do it just fine.  I just can't stand the messy appearance of all those threads on the front of my work.  If it works for you, great!  I use a highlighter to mark off the stitches that I've done.  I'm sure that Staples loves me just from my highlighter purchases!  I've discovered that my local dollar store (Dollar Tree - US) carries highlighters 3 for $1!  Woo hoo!

Here you can see my WIP on my scroll frame, attached to the stand.  The highlighted pattern is just sitting on my fabric.  Yes, I have a daylight lamp (Ott) and I sit in a glider rocker.  All my "gear" was gifts from my husband.  I only had to pay for the fabric, patterns and floss.  Yes, I am keeping him!  In the background, you can see my WIPs that are awaiting their turns.  This photo is old enough that at least one of those has been completed!

I hope this post helps overcome any trepidation you might have in starting a HAED!  If you have any questions, just post them in the comments.  I will answer them if I'm able!

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Answer #4 - Sistine Chapel

Well, since I've had a few questions specifically about the Sistine Chapel (SC) that I'm working on, I thought I'd answer them in a separate post.  So this is actually more than one question but I'm "bundling" them.  ;-)

Connie asked:

"I'd love to know how big this piece is gonna end up being when you get done. Number of stitches?"

All of my WIPs have their own progress bar over there -----> 

That will show how many total stitches, number of stitches done, and percentage completed.  For SC, I have completed 30,478 stitches out of 348,950 stitches.  That puts me at 8.73% done.

As to the completed size, I'm doing it over 1 on 34ct. linen.  The pattern is 350w x 997h.  That means the finished piece will be 10.29" x 29.32"  (26cm x 74.5cm).

Michelle asked:
"Because of its length and width it really doesn't fit on to a frame, I would have to fold part of it and work top section then the bottom section ?"

Michelle, that depends on a few things.  First, the frame.  Me, I'm a scroll frame addict.   SC fits just fine on one of my many scroll frames.  I get my scroll frames from Artisan Design and I love them!  Here's a picture:

As you can see, I have plenty of room on either side of the stitched area to allow for framing.  Also to the left, you can make out the clamp that holds my lovely frame onto the floor stand, also from Artisan Design.

The excess fabric is rolled up at the top and the bottom.  Since I started stitching at the top, you might be able to see that the roll at the bottom is thicker due to the extra fabric.

I can't imagine doing a large project in a hoop or even q-snaps.  The thought of not being able to have the excess fabric kept neatly out of the way makes my brain hurt!

Now, a couple of other factors that will decide whether or not it will fit on a frame.  Most, not all, HAEDs recommend stitching on 25ct. over 1.  I'm stitching over 1 but on 34ct. which makes my finished project smaller. If I had tried stitching over 2, the size would be doubled.  On 25ct., this pattern would be 14" wide x 40" long.  As you probably saw in the first answer above, mine is definitely going to be smaller than that.  So the fabric count and stitching over 1 vs. 2 are two other factors.

The size of your frame is the final thing to consider.  I haven't measured this frame, but I will estimate that my fabric is 18" wide so the rod is 20".  That is definitely not my largest frame.  This one is:

The stitched area on this one is 23" wide so that puts the fabric about 28" and the rods at 30".

Michelle also asked:
"...roll the material up in card board roll, so it doesn't get dirty?"

As you can see, the way I have the material rolled on the frame creates a "well".  In other words, the stitched area is recessed below the scroll rods.  The only part of the material that I come into contact with is along the bottom edge of the scroll rod.  Having the floor stand limits contact as well, but the way the fabric is rolled is even more important.  The side of the material that is exposed on the rods is the back of the fabric.  I stitch two-handed.  My right (dominant) hand is underneath the fabric and my left is on top.  My right arm does go under the scroll rod so it does brush against the material but only the back.  My left arm rarely comes into contact with the material but if it does, it's the back.

As I finish a row, or in the case of these two projects shown, two rows, I need to roll the material from the bottom rod onto the top.  I've never had a problem with the little bit of exposed fabric that I do come into contact with getting noticeably dirty.  Yes, this area does get rolled against the stitched area but I've never noticed any dirt or had any problems with dirt.  Since the projects I typically do are so large, they are quite frequently on the scroll frames for years!  La Belle Dame... has been on the frame since at least 2008.

I hope this information helps.

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Sistine Chapel update

Well, the last round of my rotation found me working on The Sistine Chapel.  I just finished page 4!  Due to the switch from Daylight Savings Time, I got in an extra hour of stitching.  My behind was a bit sore from sitting for so long, but it was worth it.

Here's my progress photo:

 

Next up is my focus piece, La Belle Dame Sans Merci.  The knight will finally start to get a body!  Plus, there will be a bit of sparkle as some of his armor uses blending filament!  I seriously, can't wait.  

Well, I do have to wait a bit.  The Seattle Seahawks are playing at 1:25pm and I have to watch them!  That means that my Dimensions ornament will see at least a little progress.

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Answer #3 - Rotation

I have gotten this question multiple times so no specific credit to be given on this one.

How do you do your rotation?

Over the last year, I've finally gotten my rotation "tweaked" to perfection - for me at least.  ;-)

I pick one project to be my main focus.  My current focus project is La Belle Dame Sans Merci.  The reason that I have a focus piece is so that I actually get a finish!  As you can tell by my list below, I tend to do LARGE projects!  La Belle... has 40 pages to the pattern!  Okay, the 8th page/row and the entire bottom row aren't full pages but still.

Then I have all my other WIPs:

PTP Floral Arrangement - HAED
Rapunzel (Dawe) - HAED
The Sistine Chapel - HAED
God Speed - HAED
Floral Finesse - The Heart's Content
Heirloom Nativity Sampler - The Victoria Sampler - I have everything ready, just need to put the fabric in the scroll frame

Normally, I would have 8 projects listed in my rotation, but I put an ornament on my 8th scroll frame and I work on it while watching football (American, specifically the Seattle Seahawks) games.

Since La Belle... is my focus piece, I work on it every other time I rotate.  My most recent switches were:

La Belle...
God Speed
La Belle...
The Sistine Chapel

The way I choose what to work on between bouts of La Belle... involves an app.  Yes, there is an app for that!  I have an iPad, and the app I use is called Random Master.  I made a list in the app of all my WIPs except La Belle because I know when I will be working on that one. When I finish a round with La Belle..., I have the app select a random item from my remaining WIPs.  The app keeps track of what it has been selected previously and won't select the same ones again until all of the others have had a turn.  That's great because it gives me some randomness in my rotation but still makes sure that ALL of the items get worked on equally!

Now regarding how much time I spend on each project.  All of the HAEDs get worked on until I finish a page.  If there is a page that is smaller than a full page, I will sometimes do that at the same time.  For instance, on La Belle... the pattern is 8 pages wide but the 8th page in each row is only 33 stitches wide.  Normal pages are 77-80 stitches.  When I got to page 7 on the top row, I also stitched page 8 as part of my "page".

For my non-HAED projects, it can be a bit different how much I choose to do.  For Heirloom Nativity, I will probably do as many bands of the pattern I can until I need to roll the fabric in the frame.  That seemed to work well when I was doing the Heirloom Christmas Sampler.  When I'm working on Floral Finesse, it will probably also be a case of finish one page and move on.  I do know that the first 3 pages will be an exception.  They are all quite small and all use the same color key, so I'll do them as a single session.

God Speed WIP photo

After finishing a page on La Belle Dame Sans Merci, the Random Master app (iOS) chose God Speed as my next project.

I just finished page 6 which is the leftmost page on the 2nd row - on the large print version anyway.  Why I have this one in large print is beyond me.  All my other HAED charts are regular print.  Because this one is large print, there are 5 full and 1 partial row of pages top to bottom.  That means I still have quite a bit to do!

Here's my latest progress photo.  The top edge of stitches are actually rolled up on the scroll frame so that's why the top isn't all there.

Since I've finished a page on this, that means it was time to switch back to my focus piece:  La Belle Dame.

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

12 Days Progress Photo

Whew!  I just finished Day 9 on Teresa Wentzler's 12 Days of Christmas!

Since it's so early in the morning, it's 1:20am here, I haven't bothered to do anything beyond take the photo.

Without further ado, here is my progress pic:

I'll figure out what's next in my rotation later.  I'm off to bed now.

Good night all and Happy Stitching!

Stacy

WIP update photo/New online shop

Well, I've finished another page on La Belle Dame Sans Merci!

This makes 9 pages out of 40 done.  To be honest though, pages 33 through 40 are only 6 stitches high.  The pages along the right edge are only 33 stitches wide.

Here's the photo:

I'm stitching this on 25ct., 1 strand of floss over 1 fabric thread (1x1).

Page 10 should be interesting to stitch...not.  With the exception of about 100 stitches, the entire page is black!  At least it won't be difficult.

Due to my rotation though, I have no idea when I'll actually get to page 10.  Next up in the rotation is my focus piece, 12 Days of Christmas by Teresa Wentzler.  I'll be stitching Day 9.

On a totally different note, I have opened a new online shop:  Sweet Pea Boutique.  This shop has jewelry, scarves and clutches.  In other words, stuff we ladies all "need".  Ok, there are no shoes, but I've never really been a shoe kinda gal.  lol

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Ooh, mail call and Rotation update.

I just got a HUGE envelope in the mail!  Seriously, it was ginormous!  I know that's not a word but it gets the point across!  hehehe

 I had placed an order with The Stencil Company for some quilting stencils.  I have to say that they were great to deal with!

One of the stencils that I wanted was on back-order and they emailed me promptly to let me know and to give me options on how I wanted to proceed...I decided to wait for them all together.

I got a bunch of 5" stencils for a Christmas quilt top so that now I can work on quilting it.  The quilt is 10 blocks x 10 blocks and I got 12 different stencils so that there will be a bit more randomness in the finished quilt.  The stencils that I got for this quilt are:

• Angel
• Bells/Holly
• Candy Canes
• Holly Berry
• Ornament #2
• Ornament #3
• Poinsettia
• Santa
• Snowflake #3
• Snowflake #4
• Snowman
• Continuous Holly

For the borders, I got a 6" star border stencil.

I also bought two stencils for a Bullseye quilt top that I have.  The borders will be done in a continuous loop pattern and the bulk of the quilt top will have a rose stipple pattern.

I was planning to start on the Christmas quilt as soon as I finish the String Block quilt I'm so close to being done with.  Now I'm thinking that I'll do the Bullseye quilt first since it's more of a lap quilt/wallhanging size.  The Christmas quilt is quite large - I think it's about 120" square.

Rotation update:


The Randomizer app I have chose La Belle Dame Sans Merci from HAED as my next project.  I made a start on it last night.  Now I'm on page 9 of the pattern which puts me on the first page of the second row!  That bright spot by the horse's head is near the bottom of this page.  


Happy Stitching!!


Stacy

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Well, not really.  Hubby made me take down all the decorations back on the 1st.

I am making progress on Christmas stitching though!  I had the Santa finish a few days ago and now I've completed another day on the 12 Days of Christmas!  Day 8 is now done!

I have no idea why, but this particular day stitched up so much more quickly than any of the others.  I guess I shouldn't question it, I should revel in it!

Here's a picture of the project so far (Days 1-3 are rolled up at the top):

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Crossed Stitches Blog Hop #2

Thank you to all who took part in the first Blog Hop!  I really appreciate your participation!

The question for this round is:

How many WIPs do you currently have?  (A WIP is a Work-In-Progress.)



I really don't know why I asked this question...I sort of don't want to admit to this one.  ;-)

I currently have 7 cross stitch projects going.  I'm NOT going to count any quilting, scrapbooking or crochet projects 'cause I might faint.

If you want to know what all of my WIPs actually are, just look to the right.  They are listed in the sidebar with my current stage of progress.  At the moment, TW's 12 Days of Christmas is the one receiving attention.

To include the widget and the list of participating blogs, you can: get the InLinkz code.

If you would like to include the Crossed Stitches logo, you can copy and paste the code below:

<center> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/crossedstitches.blogspot.com/"> <img border="0" src="http://home.comcast.net/~rjcsmc/xsbloghop.jpg"></a></center>

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Blog Hop and WIP progress

Well, so far, I'm disappointed that no one apart from my friend Margaret has joined in on the blog hop I'm trying to start.  :-(

For anyone that does participate, I am giving away a blackwork heart pattern.  I've also decided to put everyone's name into a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to 123Stitch!

And now for a WIP photo!  This is my HAED BB SAL project QS Mystic Garden.  I've finished pages 1 & 3 now.



 

Happy Stitching!

 

Stacy



WIP update: Rapunzel

I've finished page 7 on Rapunzel (Dawe) from HAED.  Here is how she's looking now:

Now that that page is complete, I'm rotating back to my focus piece:  12 Days of Christmas by Teresa Wentzler.  Oh, I did remember to update the progress bar at the right.  I usually forget to do that.

I've also started working on my HAED BB SAL piece, Mystic Garden.  This is a freebie offered by HAED to their bulletin board (BB) members.  I'll be working on this during Monday Night Football games and possibly during the day when work permits (it's great being the boss!).

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

A smallish project

Hello again!

When I received my latest issue (Nov. 2013) of Cross Stitch & Needlework, I looked through it to see if there was a project I would actually stitch. I've gotten in the habit of doing this because, if the answer is "no", then I list it for sale in my Etsy Shop.

This time, I did find a small project that I wanted to start immediately! It's called Faith, Family, Friends (FFF) and is simple but lovely. The only problem? Out of the tons of floss (okay, it's not tons but it is a lot) that I own, I didn't have any of the colors I needed! Yes, I was shocked too!

Thanks to the wonderful site 123Stitch, I ordered the threads that I needed for this new project, plus some thread and beads for another project from the same issue. Well, actually, the other project is the Christmas ornament series and it's in multiple issues. Anyway, I digress. My package arrived today...it felt almost as good as Christmas.

I was just going to head to my craft room to dig out some fabric for FFF, when I spotted the project I've been working on while watching football...Go Seahawks!!. My conscience got the better of me, which rarely happens with my WIPs, and I decided that in order to start FFF, I have to finish this other project first. (big sigh)

I'm stitching the letters of "Merry Christmas" on a large piece of fabric. When they're all done, I'll separate them and frame them individually in some adorable frames that I picked up at Michael's eons ago. So far, I have M-E-R-R done. (another big sigh) So many stitches, so little time!

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Cross Stitch WIPs

Finally, I've gotten around to taking photos of my current cross stitch WIPs. So without further ado, here they are.

First up, we have Flight of Freedom. This is a Dimensions Gold kit. I'm doing it 'cause hubby saw it in a catalog and asked "Do you want me to buy it so you can stitch it for me?". I told him "Yeah, right." with very heavy sarcasm. The next day, I had my mother order it so that he wouldn't see a charge on our credit card. I worked on it only after he had gone to bed. He took off on a trip with his brother at the end of June and I figured that I could finally put in some real time on it and work on it in the living room. He was planning to be gone from Wednesday morning (early) to late afternoon on Sunday. I started work on it as soon as I got up Wed. morning. That Saturday, I had to be at my mom's for a family gathering. I got home in the early evening planning to work on it before bedtime then hide it upstairs again before I left for church on Sunday. Guess who was lying on the sofa when I got home on Sat.? You guessed it. I told him, "That's the last time I try to stitch something as a surprise for you." He likes it so far and I have more time to work on it now.

Here's how the finished project will look.

Here's my progress so far. About 2/3 of this has been done since that Wednesday of his trip. All of the sky/mountain is done in half stitches which thankfully, makes it work up more quickly.

Next, is my progress on the 12 Days of Christmas by Teresa Wentzler.

I'm stitching this on a single piece of fabric which I will then frame with a multiple window mat.

Here's my progress on Heirloom Christmas Sampler from the Victoria Sampler.

For no particular reason, this one is a low priority in my rotation.

And lastly, my progress on Wild Menagerie from Cross My Heart.

What it will look like finished.

I've finished the tiger and am working on the lion. Because the fabric is so wide, it wouldn't fit on my scroll frames normally. I'm stitching it rotated 90°. The tiger is at the top of my frames and the cheetah will be at the bottom. When I stitch, I have the pattern rotated as well.

Happy Stitching!!

Stacy

Stitching Updates

After having the flu, getting well, taking a 5 day vacation in Las Vegas, getting a cold and trying to get over it, I have managed to get some stitching done! I've even managed to take photos so that I can share.

First of all, I finished my January 1 stitching challenge piece, Night Train. I haven't chosen a frame for it yet since I want to stitch the companion piece Night Train II and then get identical frames for the pair.

Here is a quilt that I finished recently. It is a pattern of 9 patch squares alternated with blocks of single fabrics all set on-point. It is approximately a full size quilt.

After finishing Night Train, I started working on my UFOs again. This is Teresa Wentzler's 12 Days of Christmas. I managed to finish Day 2 and have the border ready for Day 3.

Since I finished a day on the 12 Days, I've rotated to my Wild Menagerie UFO (from Cross My Heart). There are 8 pages in this pattern. This photo represents 2 pages finished. The odd thing about this project is that I am stitching it sideways! While I have some big a** scroll frames, I didn't have any wide enough to hold this fabric normally so I rolled it with the left edge on the top scroll and the right edge on the bottom scroll. In the long run, I think this makes it more manageable to work with. As I am stitching, I have the pattern rotated 90° as well. I have made some progress since I took this picture as I am about 50% finished with the third page. Since the pattern calls for stitching on black fabric, there are large areas that do not need to be stitched which is making my progress seem faster.

Happy Stitching!!

Stacy C.

2008 Stitching Challenges

Happy New Year!

Here are my particular stitching challenges for 2008.

On one of the cross stitch e-mail lists that I belong to (2MuchXS) there is a challenge every year to start at least one project on January 1. That's the whole challenge - start on Jan. 1.

I didn't participate in 2007, so I thought I'd do it this year. My challenge piece is Night Train by Elizabeth Spurlock. I purchased the pattern for this at PatternsOnline.com.

Here's what the finished piece will look like:

 

<-- div="" far.="" i="" is="" made="" progress="" so="" that="" the="" this="" ve="">

I have several U.F.O.s (Un-Finished Objects) that I hope to complete in 2008. The main ones that I hope to finish this year are:

Heirloom Christmas Sampler by Victoria Sampler (still working on the tree at the top)

12 Days of Christmas by Teresa Wentzler (half way through Day 2)

Wild Menagerie by Cross My Heart. (working on the tiger)

Happy Stitching!

Stacy