January 2, 2017

Hi all! Time for another project review. I'm going to post started projects.  We'll see how many I truly have started. What a scary thought!

Today's project is A Quaker Christmas - ByGone Stitches. I started this several years ago. I got motivated in 2015 and finished half of it. I thought I'd make it through the whole project but no such luck! I'm stitching it on 35 ct Beige linen from WDW. I bought Special Edition flosses from Carrie at www.carriesthreads.com.  I really like the green floss. I realized that I actually bought twice as much as I really need. I bought enough for 2 strands over 2 threads but I'm only using 1 over 2.  I bought this pattern after seeing it online in several stitchers posts. I still really like it. The motifs are much larger and take much longer than I thought they would. I don't know if it will get any attention this year or not, but it will be finished at some point!

Here's my progress so far:

Thanks for reading!

Laura :)

2017 Here I Come!

I haven't used my blog in a long time. I just haven't made the time to write. I'm hoping to change that!

A few years ago, my friend, Mel, pulled a random project every day and wrote about it. I enjoyed seeing her projects and reading their history. I thought I'd try to do something similar.

This year I'm going to try to set some monthly goals. I find I do better with short term goals. Big goals tend to overwhelm me. So my goals for January stitching are:

1. Finish Snow Garden - Blackbird Designs. It's the first one in the Anniversaries of the Heart series. I started this several years ago on 32 ct Ale linen from PTP. I started using 2 strands of floss over 2 fabric threads. It has been difficult to stitch. It's just too much floss. I'm going to try using just 1 strand and see if that works better. I'd love to finish the whole series this year but I'm not going to think about anything except Snow Garden for now.

2.  Work on my aunt's afghan - Leave Your Blues in Your Shoes. I want to deliver the finished afghan to her in July. A little progress each month should do it.

3.  Everything else is bonus! I would like to begin a good stash dive and purge. I'm sure there are things that need to find a new home!

So, as you might have guessed, my project of the day is Snow Garden. It was published in 2010 by Blackbird Designs. I saw several posts with all 13 samplers stitched and knew I wanted to do this one. I set out to find the patterns and a nice piece of fabric that would complement all of the patterns. I think my combination has worked well so far.

I hope you all have a wonderful 2017! Here's Snow Garden as I'm ready to begin on it.

The Final List -- At Last!

It's been a couple of months since I posted the last list.  I said then that I'd get the rest up soon.  Well, life happened and I didn't get back to this until now.  So, here's what else is on my radar for 2014.  They're mostly my smallish projects but I also discovered a couple of bags of projects that I had pulled out to work on sometime in the past.  I'm putting them on this list because I still want to work on them. 

1)  long leg bird - ewe&eye&friends:  I've pulled this one for my work project.  I've had it for a long time but just never pulled it out to stitch.  I'm stitching it on a pretty piece of Silkweaver fabric that showed up in my bag after I used it on another project I've since finished.  WIP FINISHED 11/2015!!!

2)  Butterflies - Ginger & Spice:  I've admired this project on the wall at Picture This Plus for quite some time.  I finally bought the pattern but didn't pull the supplies so, of course, it languished in the mass of my stash.  I've pulled supplies and am ready to stitch this one very soon.  Unstarted

3)  Celtic Heart - M Designs:  Another one that has been in my stash forever. Maybe it'll see daylight this year.  Unstarted

4)  Here Comes Treble, Alto Gether Now, First Bass - Ink Circles:  Mel sent me these (Thanks again, Mel!) and I've been trying to figure out whether I want them all on one piece of fabric or to stitch them separately.  Anyway, it's a great set and I really want to work on them.  Unstarted

5)  Hooked Rabbit Pincushion - The Good Huswife:  Katie recently finished this one.  I really loved it, after all it is a bunny, so I've added it to my stash and have even gotten supplies for it.  Unstarted

6)  Peace to Your Heart - The Stitcher's Habit:  a sweet, sweet project that I've had for a long time.  I think it will be a great companion piece for Peace House that I recently finished.  Unstarted

7)    Wicked - The Primitive Needle:  This is a freebie pattern I used to stitch a bookmark for Kay's birthday a few years ago.  I've wanted to stitch it for myself ever since.  Unstarted. 

8)  A True Friend - R & R Reproductions:  I got this project at the Heartland Stitch In one year.  While I finished the main project, I never got around to stitching this one.  I've got a nice chunk stitched right in the center of the project so it shouldn't take so long to finish it.  AND, the bonus is, it even came with a frame so it's all ready to be finished as soon as it's stitched.  WIP

9)  With All Your Heart - Blue Ribbon Designs:  This was sent as a gift from a RR member, Judie, who I stitched with for years.  I've always loved it.  My Mom was a breast cancer survivor so it has a special meaning for me.  Unstarted

10)  Cottage Garden - Cedar Hill:  I'm sure this has been in my stash for more than a decade.  It's such a sweet project and I think it's going to be gorgeous when it's stitched.  Unstarted

11)  A Gathering of Hearts - The Trilogy:  It's a pattern made up of hearts!  Need I say more?  Well, maybe there are some of you who don't know that I love hearts, stars, bunnies, reindeer, flowers and, of course, PURPLE!  Unstarted

12)  In The Dark Needleroll & Scissor Fob- Designs by Lena Rose:  Such a fun project.  I have changed the colors.  (another thing I do quite often)  Now I just need to stitch it.  It was originally intended as a gift.  Unstarted

13)  Spring Violets - Hands to Work:  I saw this stitched as a shop model at C C & Company in Blue Springs, MO.  I looked for the pattern but couldn't find it.  When I asked, they took me to this pattern that really didn't resemble their model.  I loved their color variation and have purchased all the floss to stitch it in their version.  Unstarted

14)  Peace, Love and a Cure - Lizzie Kate:  Another breast cancer pattern.  This one has been out since 2008.  I think it's time to choose fabric, floss and get stitching.  Unstarted

15)  Daisies - ?:  This was posted on the Freebie Gallery (http://freebiegallery.blogspot.com/) several years ago and I fell in love.  Crazy, fun daisies in fun, bright colors - love, Love, LOVE this design.  I used it to make a stitching notebook for a friend several years ago. Now I want to make some fun things for myself.  Unstarted

16)  Bucky the Snowman/Sloane the Snowman - The Trilogy:  I've already stitched the first two in the series so I need to stitch these two cuties to finish the set.  Fun and kitschy, they're just up my alley.  Unstarted

17)  New Wings A - Butternut Road:  I've had the supplies all ready for this project for so long.  I just need to stitch!!  Unstarted

18)  Snowman - Bent Creek:  great, fun, simple piece.  I know it would be a quick stitch that would make a fabulous pillow with some fun fabric added to it.  Unstarted

19)  Friends & Flowers - Gail Bussi:  a very cute pattern sent to me by Deanna.  A lovely springy/summery pattern.  Unstarted

20)  Amethyst Collection Needlebook and Scissors Fob - Cherished Stitches:  another great gift from Judie in the RR group.  She even sent me gorgeous scissors to go with it!!  Unstarted

21)  Glory - The Trilogy:  I've had this in my stash as long as it's been out.  I should get it finished by May so I can display it for the summer.  Unstarted

22)  Ladybug, Ladybug - Little House Needleworks:  I bought this because one of my coworkers collects ladybugs.  It's such a sweet design.  Unstarted

23)  Colette - Keslyn's:  I fell in love with this design the first time I saw it.  I've changed some floss colors and the fabric color as well.  Unstarted

24)  Spring Fling - Blackbird Designs:  2005.  Yep, it's been in the stash that long.  Such a pretty, pretty design.  Unstarted

25)  Peace - HIHN:  I've got a beautiful piece of denimy blue linen to stitch this design on.  I just thought it needed a different fabric color to make this one work better.  Unstarted

26)  Antique Heart Roll - Shepherd's Bush:  a great needleroll.  I've got a lot of the SB rolls in my stash or already stitched up.  I like these because I can finish them by hand and they're ready to display.  Unstarted

27)  Herb Garden - Little House Needleworks:  A bunny!  Actually, a hare, to be more precise, with a great verse, flowers and a few bees to boot.  C-U-T-E!  Unstarted

28)  Freedom Pinkeep Pillow - Stacy Nash Primitives:  Such a simple project.  One long stitching session and I'd have another finished project.  Really.  That simple.  AND, totally lovely.  Unstarted

29)  Little Blue Bungalow - Blue Ribbon Designs:  A GREAT freebie.  Seriously!  Go to www.blueribbondesigns.com and check it out.  Unstarted

30)  Charm - Moonflower Designs:  Swirls, swirls, swirls.  It was a whole kit that I purchased several years ago.  Unstarted

31)  Americana Roll - Shepherd's Bush:  Another cutie.  Unstarted

32)  Favorite Things - A Needle & Fred:  I liked this one so much I bought it twice!  I've got all the floss pulled.  I just need fabric and to get started.  Unstarted

33)  Long May She Wave Roll - Shepherd's Bush:  another kit.  Just do it!  Unstarted

34)  Snow Scissor Fob - Shepherd's Bush:  a whole kit, including the scissors to go with it.  Unstarted

35)  Lovebird - Midsummer Night Designs:  A freebie design I picked up from Heart's Desire in Wichita, KS because their model was so stinkin' cute I just couldn't resist!  Unstarted

36)  Love Spring/Adore Autumn - Trail Creek Farm:  I made a great online friend (Hi, Betsy!) because of these freebies.  I've already stitched two of them and want to finish the set.  Unstarted FINISHED 2/2016!!!

37)  Peacock Tile - DMC:  Mel's mum, Denise, sent me this gift.  (Thanks again, Denise!)  It's all beautiful colors and great design elements.  Just add stitching!  Unstarted

38)  Art Deco Sampler - From the Heart:  Freebie!  This is a great alphabet with a fun border.  I bought supplies with it but I've seen it stitched in so many great colors.  I need to find my perfect combination and get stitching.  Unstarted

39)  Texas Wildflowers - Cross Eyed Kat:  I don't know what it is about this design, but I just love it.  It's only 70x70 stitches wide but it will be a lot of confetti.  Unstarted 

40)  Four in the Bush - Ink Circles:  A great freebie from Tracy.  Brendan chose the supplies and I had great plans to finish it quickly.  I just stalled out.  WIP

And now for the bonus group of projects that have just crawled out of the woodwork.  

B1)  The Bra Band - The Drawn Thread:  This was designed for a RR group as a way for them to contribute to Breast Cancer research.  It's just such a fun project.  I have plans to get my friends to stitch up their knickers for me.   Unstarted

B2)  A Friendship Sampler - Carriage House Samplings:  Hearts!  I still have cards with their floss in them from several of my stitching buddies.  I'm going to use the floss they sent me to create a keepsake for myself.  Unstarted

B3)  Irish Blessing Sampler - The Sweetheart Tree:  Oh, I love this one.  I don't know where it was hiding when I made my lists, but this one definitely should have been on one of them.  I have all the supplies ready to go.  Unstarted

B4)  Buttercups - Shepherd's Bush:  This is one of 8 samplers in this flower series.  I've stitched 3 or 4 of the others and want to finish this series so I can put them all up together.  WIP

B5)  2008 Mystery Bonus Sampler - Blackbird Designs:  5 extra charts that were designed to be stitched together or individually on separate fabric pieces then sewn together.  I've stitched the first one and have the second started.  WIP  PART 2 STITCHED 8/2016

B6)  Calico Sampler, The 2012 Sampler - Summer House Stitche Workes:  I have all the patterns and the fabric.  I'm thinking of tweaking the colors.  I think they're what has been holding me back.  I love the font, I'm just not totally sold on the colors.  So, a tweak and then I"ll be ready to start.  Unstarted

B7)  Blue Moon Angel - Lavender & Lace:  I started this one but really had difficulty with the fabric I'd chosen.  It was the kind that has sparklies in it.  I don't know if that was the problem or if it was something else, but I just couldn't make it work.  So, I set it aside and I've chosen a new piece of fabric.  Hopefully it will go better this time.  Unstarted

B8)  Moonlit Garden - Blackbird Designs:  I worked on this a lot in the Fall so there's not a lot left to stitch.  WIP

B9)  Joy to the World - Twisted Threads:  I've had it a long, long time.  Pulled fabric, even.  Just didn't start it!  Unstarted

B10)  Stretch - TW Designworks:  I have this started to make into a bookmark for Brendan.  Since he's an avid reader, this should be perfect.  WIP

B11)  Easter Parade - Blackbird Designs:  While there are two designs in this chart and one of them is a bunny, I'm actually stitching the basket.  I started it but am not happy with the fabric.  I think a change of fabrics would make a huge difference.  There's not much to frog from the original project so I could give it away and I'm sure my sister would frog and use it.  Hmmm, now what color should I choose?  WIP/Unstarted

And, there you have it!  51 MORE projects added to the already ginormous list.  Seriously, I need to win the lottery so I can stitch nonstop.  I do love my projects, though.  I'm hoping to finish a lot of WIPs so I don't have so many started projects hanging around.  Now, I'm off to stitch!

Laura :)

My First Finish - 2014

I've been stitching quite a bit so far this year.  Mostly, I've worked on larger projects that won't be finished for several months.  I got the itch recently to finish something and pulled out Garden Flowers by Stone & Thread Designs.  I used 28ct solo linen from Silkweaver and the threads it called for.  Here's a photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/110878807@N06/12386918473/ 

I still have my smaller projects to list for the year but I've put them in order so it won't be long now!

For now, I'm stitching on a round robin project.  I'm working on arms, chest and face for a friend who doesn't like to stitch faces.  I should be able to finish that as well as some other parts of the project before mailing it along.  Maybe she'll have a huge section stitched by the time it gets home.  It's a fairy so there are big wings to put in. 

That's all for now! 

2014 Medium Projects

I've been busily stitching away at some of my larger projects since posting about them.  I worked a little on the 1890 House and have been working on Santa of the Forest for the last few days so that it's ready to be mailed to my round robin group.  I've nearly finished one of my working pages!  (Of course, the original pattern is sitting in it's baggie.  Since some of the symbols started to come off due to age and refolding, I made copies.  PLEASE obey the photocopy laws.  We have GOT to support our designers!!)   I'm currently working on putting in the wolf.  That's one section I had been avoiding but it has stitched fairly quickly so far.  

Anyway, here's what's in the Medium Projects list for the year.  They're in Jeff's order again. 

1.  Peace House - La D Da (http://www.123stitch.com/item/La-D-Da-Peace-House-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/13-1458)  I love the simplicity of this project.  I even took it with me on our family cruise over New Year's only to discover that I had not chosen fabric for it yet!  Unstarted  Finished March 17, 2014!

2.  M Designs Tree Ornaments: I have stitched 2 1/2 of these trees on one piece of fabric.  I want to finish the 1/2 tree and stitch one more on the fabric I have.  Then, I have 4 other trees that I think I'll stitch individually.  WIP

3.  HummingBead Heaven - Just Nan:  http://www.justnan.com/jn055-hummingbead-heaven.html I've had this one in my stash for years.  I bought it The Stitchin' Post in Plano, TX that has since gone out of business.  It's a pretty sampler.  I might even stitch up the Bunny Hop Pillow Design  as shown on the project. Unstarted

4.  Snowfire Christmas - Just Nan: http://www.justnan.com/jn027-snowfire-christmas.html  This sampler is so pretty but I've just struggled with it.  It's another that I've had started in my stash for quite some time.  Maybe this is the year? WIP

5.  Uber Egg - Bent Creek:  http://www.123stitch.com/item/Bent-Creek-Uber-Egg-with-button-pack/09-1633  Okay, so this one just makes me laugh.  I've chosen a beautiful purple piece of PTP 10 ct Tula and Perle Cottons, including some DMC Color Variations to stitch this one.  My colors will be slightly different but check back soon to see how this one stitches up.  Unstarted

6.  Lily of the Valley - The Drawn Thread:  http://www.drawnthread.com/chartsandkits_dt_16.html I've loved this project for a long time.  I bought the pattern at My Friends Count in Overland Park, KS before they closed shop.  Cynthia's flowers are always great and this pattern is no exception. Unstarted

7.  Raspberry Patch - Country Cottage Needleworks:  http://www.countrycottageneedleworks.com/garden.html  (4th row down, in the center)  I really enjoy stitching CCN projects.  They have great color combinations and some fun elements.  Unstarted

8.  Boris and Olga - Plum Street Samplers:  http://www.123stitch.com/item/Plum-Street-Samplers-Boris-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/10-2465    &    http://www.123stitch.com/item/Plum-Street-Samplers-Olga-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/10-2012   PSS has patterns with great whimsy.  I've decided to stitch these two facing away from each other but on the same piece of fabric pulled into one sampler.  Unstarted

9.  Seasonal Samplers - Sisters and Best Friends:  http://036df4e81807ba6a5a3a-1845db6e51cca1ce7fe38c27b72d5fc9.r41.cf1.rackcdn.com/images/sisters/sisters-springglory200.jpg  Pictured is Spring Glory but I have all 4 to be stitched.  Autumn Thanks, Summer Joy and Winter Peace.  I'm planning to stitch them separately on 40ct linen from Silkweavers in colors appropriate for the project.  Unstarted

10.  Halloween Fairy - Mirabilia from Cross Stitch & Needlework magazine several years ago.  It's pictured on this blog:  http://institches1.blogspot.com/2008/08/its-been-long-summer.html  Mine is being stitched on a gorgeous 36ct solo linen from Silkweaver.  It's oranges and browns so she should just pop!  I started this as a SAL with my sister and daughter but none of us made much progress.  My problem is that I've been trying to use 2 strands of floss and that's just too much.  I have the bodice, chest and face stitched.  I will only use 2 strands on her skin and possibly her hair from here on out and stitch the rest with just 1 strand.  WIP

11.  Snowflake - M Designs:  http://www.m--designs.com/catalog/crossstitch.html  I've had this pattern since it came out but just haven't ever started it.  After working on the trees, I decided I'd like to get this one stitched as well.  Unstarted.  

12.  Where the Blue Berries Grow - The Gathering Place:  http://www.xstitch4u.com/acatalog/info_GP06_2450.html Oh, I love this project.  One of my favorite design elements is rabbits.  However, I don't go for cutesy rabbits.  This one is great!  I'm stitching mine on 40ct Ale linen from PTP using a conversion of Vikki Clayton silks.  I have the entire border stitched and am working on the leaves and berries underneath the bunny and orange square.  With a little perseverance, this could be finished this year!  WIP

13.  For the Red, White & Blue - ewe & eye & friends:  http://www.twistedthreads.com/eef/charts_d-f.html  If you click on the title, a picture will pop up.  I've had this kit since the days of the Black Sheep Club.  It's older than my son!  I have a chunk of this project stitched but just never finished it.  Maybe this year?  WIP FINISHED 7/2014!!!

14.  Scissors By Any Other Name - The Cat's Whiskers:  http://www.stitchersworkshop.com/largedetails.php?Product_ID=422&prodType=Cross_Stitch  I saw this kit and loved the idea of it.  BUT, the colors just aren't me.  So, I plan to choose my own floss and fabric combination and make it uniquely me!  Unstarted

15.  The Price of Freedom - The Sweetheart Tree:  http://sweethearttree.com/cgi-bin/detail.pl?SV-TK08-  A great patriotic sampler.  Love the bands ST puts together.  Unstarted

16.  Spring Violets - Country Cottage Needleworks:  http://www.countrycottageneedleworks.com/garden.html It's right next to Raspberry Patch from earlier.  Another sweet sampler that just needs to be stitched.  Unstarted

17.  Floral Reflection - Loopylou Designs:  http://www.westendembroidery.com/Floral_reflection.html  Oh, isn't this pretty?  Claire sent me this chart and flosses several years ago for my birthday.  Gorgeous color combinations.  Unstarted

18.  A Very Fine Sampler - Birds of a Feather:  http://www.123stitch.com/item/Birds-of-a-Feather-A-Very-Fine-Sampler-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/01-1240  This is a shop model at my LNS and I love it.  I'm copying them and not stitching the verse and name at the bottom.  Unstarted

19.  Autumn Sampler - The Prairie Schooler:  http://crossstitchstash.com/The-Prairie-Schooler-AUTUMN-SAMPLERS-No-66-P2011119.aspx  A Round Robin group stitched the sampler on the left for me and I've started the center sampler.  I've changed the grapes and the color behind the moons to purple (can you believe it?)  I just have the alphabet  and bands plus everything above the moon row left to stitch.  Then, I'd like to stitch the sampler on the right.  These are all being stitched on one piece of fabric.  I'll have to decide whether to frame them together or separate them and frame them.  WIP ALL 3 FINISHED 7/2015!!

20.  Ladybugs and Bumblebees - Country Cottage Needleworks:  http://www.countrycottageneedleworks.com/garden.html  Yep, same page again.  Love how pretty this one is!  Thanks, Sis!!  Unstarted

21.  Be Not Forgetful - My Big Toe:  http://www.123stitch.com/item/My-Big-Toe-Designs-Be-Not-Forgetful-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/MBT-83  So, this is a verse I really like.  I've decided to choose some pretty overdyed floss in floral colors, a pretty fabric, and start stitching.  Unstarted

22.  Flower Basket - La D Da:  http://www.wyndhamneedleworks.com/La-D-Da/flower_basket.htm  Just look at those colors!  I really need to stitch this one.  It has been sitting in my stash for so long.  ::sigh::  Unstarted FINISHED 5/1/2016!!!

23.  Wisteria - Indigo Rose:  http://www.artsanddesigns.com/cgi-bin/viewDetails.pl?catnumber=181637268  another gorgeous floral.  Have you figured out yet that I've been collecting a lot of patterns with a floral theme?  The photo doesn't do this one justice.  I saw the shop model at PTP and fell in love.  Unstarted

24.  The Treasure Box - The Drawn Thread:  http://www.drawnthread.com/chartsandkits_dt_35.html  The only problem with this design is that I'm sure I'll feel the need to buy the box when I've finished stitching!  http://www.drawnthread.com/accessories_4.html  Unstarted

25.  Hearts & Flowers, The Violet Sampler - The Drawn Thread:  This sampler is OOP but I'm sure you could locate a photo if you searched.  Do I really need to explain this one?  It's on Dark Lavender linen and it has violets.  You do the math!  ;)  WIP

26.  Dance of the Tulips - Glendon Place:  http://www.glendonplace.net/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=70  Mmmmmm, just love how delicate this looks.  All kitted and ready to go!  Unstarted

27.  Flower Boxes - The Drawn Thread:  http://cloudwww.thesilverneedle.com/drawnthreaddesigns.php  About 2/3 of the way down the page.  Love DT flowers! I've converted this to Crescent Colors overdyed flosses.   Unstarted

So, that's closing in on 60 projects I've pulled and I haven't even touched the 2 smaller project categories.  AND, I didn't even make a dent in my stash when I pulled all these!  My goal is to stitch from my stash and buy the supplies I need to do that.  I have yards of fabrics in such a variety that I should be able to find something suitable for (almost) anything I've listed that's unstarted.  I may need a few flosses but I have a significant amount of those as well.   Now, I'm sure there will be some patterns along the way that just beg so convincingly to come home with me that I'll have to give in, but the goal is to try to not add to the already overwhelming stash this year.  

Watch for the next 2 blogs!
Hugs and Stitches, 

Laura :)

2014 List - Large Projects

So, it didn't take long to pull out the next group of projects.  If you read my previous post, you might have noticed that I chose BAP's that were all WIP's or UFO's.  Nothing new.  I just can't start another huge project without finishing something first.  However, that is not the case with my Large Projects group.  I have several WIP/UFO projects but I also have some I'd like to start this year.  In a couple of cases, I have multiple projects by a designer and just want to choose one and work on it.  I'll list the projects I've started first.

1:  1890 House Sampler - Chessie & Me http://www.wyndhamneedleworks.com/Chessie___Me/1890_House_Sampler.jpg This is from the 2004 Heartland Cross Stitch Stitch In.  I worked just a little of the border and then went back to whatever project I had taken along with me for the weekend.  And, I've never picked it up since.  Jeff chose this as his #1 project in this group so I think I'll try to work on it and finish it up. 

2.  Living With Charm - Lizzie Kate http://www.lizziekate.com/lizzie-f70-dreamlove-model.html This is a banner style project with multiple charts.  They're single words: Dream, Love, Remember, Give, Listen, Learn, Believe, Care, Encourage, Laugh, Create, Live!  I originally started this when my mother died so I struggle to work on it.  I started from the bottom and have finished Live! and Create and have about half of Laugh stitched.  These don't really take that long to stitch and I just need to do it.  I'm stitching this on Picture This Plus (PTP) linen - Carnival.  I saw the shop model at PTP and just had to use the same fabric they had.  It's just gorgeous!! FINISHED IN 2014!!!

3. The Celtic Band Sampler - Homespun Samplar http://www.123stitch.com/item/Homespun-Samplar-Celtic-Band-Sampler-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/02-2103  I've started this on a piece of Silkweaver linen.  I think it's actually a solo but it definitely resembles Days Gone By.  I'm using overdyed flosses to give a more aged feel to the project.  I've only stitched the bottom section so, of course, it has the wrong year on it now but I'll do my best to make great progress and finish it this year. 

4.  The Language of Love - The Drawn Thread http://www.drawnthread.com/chartsandkits_dt_10.html  I really do love this piece.  It has the word LOVE right in the center and it's flanked by the same word in 4 other languages and then surrounded by a gorgeous border of hearts and vines and a tiny j'taime to add just a little more love.  I'm stitching this on a PTP orphan fabric - Lauren and using Vikki Clayton silks that I've adapted to fit the color scheme.  I did spring for one of the Northern Lights flosses - Lavender Mist because I just couldn't find a good substitute.  I've only one little corner started so I need to get busy!

5.  Quatrefoil - Lesa Steele (no image available) When Lesa first started designing, I was on a chat group where she also participated.  She offered her first design for sale, and as a bonus included Quatrefoil which is a piece she originally designed for a round robin group.  I own 51/250 and have had this forever.  I always look at it longingly so I've decided to work on it.  I started mine on a gorgeous piece of green overdyed fabric that I had leftover from another project and I'm using a mix of overdyed flosses and DMC.  It's supposed to have a 4 seasons feel so I've chosen my flosses with that in mind.  I've got the first box outlined and a little bit more.  It's stitching easily and beautifully so I hope to finish this one this year.  Watch for pictures!

6.  O Beautiful - Shepherd's Bush http://www.shepherdsbush.net/shop/Shepherds-Bush-Designs/Shepherds-Bush-Kits/Shepherds-Bush-Samplers/p/Oh-Beautiful-x782407.htm  I LOVE this band sampler.  The words of the song are interspersed with SB's creative, gorgeous bands.  I've only stitched the top band so far and am anxious to stitch more. 

7.  We Thank Thee - Silver Creek Samplers http://www.123stitch.com/item/Silver-Creek-Samplers-We-Thank-Thee-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/11-2555 I actually started this one while on our family cruise over New Year's.  I stitched on NY day so it has to get finished this year to hold in all the good luck it started with.  I've stitched one end of the border and about a third of the bottom border.  I'm stitching this on a solo linen from Silkweaver using the called for threads. FINISHED 7/30/15!!!

From here on, they're all unstarted.

8.  Friendship Gathering (A Fine Collection) - Blackbird Designs http://www.123stitch.com/item/Blackbird-Designs-A-Fine-Collection-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/02-2372  I've already stitched several of the patterns from this book.  This year I'm going to stitch the cover design.  It's a gorgeous piece and I'm sure I'll enjoy it. FINISHED IN 2014!!

9.  Violet's Blue - Blackbird Designs http://123stitch.com/item/Blackbird-Designs-Violets-Blue-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/13-1128 I simply fell in love with this project.  My favorite color is purple so it was just a natural for me.  I've chosen to stitch it on a Silkweaver solo 32ct linen in a lovely light shade of red-purple.  I think I only had to change one floss color.  I can hardly wait to start this one! FINISHED 4/2015!!!

10.  The Herb Garden - The Drawn Thread http://www.drawnthread.com/chartsandkits_dt_3.html I really like these horizontal gardens.  I haven't chosen fabric yet but I'm sure there's something in my stash! :)  I also have the Dinky Dyes flosses but I think I'll substitute some other silks I have instead of getting the NPI.  After finishing this one, I'll either work on Give Thanks or The Sanctuary. 

11.  Celtic Spring - Lavender & Lace http://www.tiag.com/designs/LL-50.html So, I have a gorgeous solo from Silkweaver in a light shade of purple that will be perfect for this design.  I've wanted to stitch this for a long time so I hope to start it and make some decent progress.  IF I finish it this year, I'll move on to Blue Moon Angel on another gorgeous denim-y solo from Silkweaver.

12.  Heartland Tribute - The Workbasket (no photo available) This is from one year of the Heartland Stitch In.  Both Katie and I have this project and have started in different places.  After looking at this one again, I plan to leave off the satin stitch border and the alphabet.  I may replace it with some sort of personalization or just leave it.  Either way, it'll be beautiful!

13.  Shop Hop sampler - Now, I've been going to the SH in the Kansas City area for nearly as many years as they've held it.  At each shop they give out a design which can be combined with the others and made into a large sampler.  I love what they've come up with and always plan to stitch it but never have.  So, this year I want to choose one from my yellow folder and start stitching!  I did buy fabric one year so that may be the one I start with.  Check back for photos. 

14.  Irish Blessing - Dimensions kit (no photo) This is from an old, old kit my SIL had stitched.  I loved it and she gave me that pattern.  I've just never pulled it out and stitched it.  I think this is the year!

15.  Garden Tiles - Rosewood Manor http://www.wyndhamneedleworks.com/Rosewood_Manor/garden_tiles.htm Well, RM has so many lovely charts it's hard to choose which one to stitch first.  Jeff solved that dilemma for me and chose this one.  I still have (at least) two more in the wings if I finish this one this year - Crabapple Tree and Two Bees & ABC's.

16.  The Red & The Black - Prairie Moon http://prairiemoon3.com/CrossStitchPatterns/ALPHABETS/slides/The%20Red%20&%20The%20Black.html I really LOVE this pattern!  It's just red and black and cool, cool fonts and borders.  

17.  Summer Zinnias - Mystic Stitch http://www.mysticstitch.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=1263 I saw this stitched when I was visiting Heart's Desire in Wichita, KS.  Their shop model is stitched over 1 and is absolutely gorgeous.  I found a great solo in my stash from Silkweaver.  I won't stitch the background greens because the fabric will be perfect.  

18.  Plum Pudding - Glendon Place http://www.glendonplace.net/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=109 It's purple!  Need I say more?  

19.  Halloween Eve - Blackbird Designs http://www.123stitch.com/item/Blackbird-Designs-Halloween-Eve-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/11-2208 Such a fun project.  I'll look forward to the various elements in this sampler.

20.  Irises - Sudberry House http://www.patternsonline.com/Patterns/LPat.aspx?P=4908 found this one in a clearance bin and fell in love with it.  Isn't it great?

21.  A Quaker Study - Carriage House Samplings http://www.123stitch.com/item/Carriage-House-Samplings-Quaker-Study-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/07-1274 I don't know what it is about this one but I love it.  I had chosen some dark colors for it but I've changed my mind and will probably stitch it more like the original. 

So, that's the end of the Large Project category.  See a problem already?  Just wait.  I still have Medium-Large, Medium-Small, and Small.  ::sigh:: Oh, to be able to stitch more often!

Happy New Year!

Well, I'm a little behind this year.  We were on a cruise over New Year's and so my usual routine has been altered.  I've finally finished stash diving and have chosen a huge number of projects for the year.  Will they all be completed?  No.  I have no such delusions!  I have simply pulled together those projects that yelled most loudly to be rescued from the stash and worked on.  I've divided them into groups to make them more manageable.  The first group is my BAP's -- Big A** Projects.  My goal is to work on these in some sort of rotation.  I don't know if I want to work on one for an entire month or just a week at a time.  I'm sure it will change during the year as I get closer to a finish on some of these.  Here's a list:

1.  Glory in the Morning - Crossed Wing Collection http://www.crossedwing.com/charts/chart60.html  This was a piece I admired over and over at C. C. and Company in Blue Springs, MO and finally bought the pattern.  After very strong hinting, my family bought the fabric for me as a Mother's Day gift.  I've finished pages 9&10 except for a bee and some backstitching.  I'm hoping to make significant progress on it this year.  It's simply stunning.

2. Santa of the Forest - Lavender & Lace http://www.tiag.com/designs/LL-21.html  This one will actually go out in a Round Robin for the second time.  I'm looking forward to having more of it stitched for me.  Mine is stitched on Picture This Plus (PTP) Woodland linen (http://www.picturethisplus.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=crysWoodland&cat=8) and looks gorgeous so far.  I started in the center so there's a chunk of Santa's left arm plus the bear, rabbit and about half of the dove (saving the rest for you, Nancy!) as well as some of Santa's beard (thanks, Deanna!).  There's still plenty to stitch. FINISHED 7/11/2016!!!

3.  Toy Gatherer - Shepherd's Bush http://www.shepherdsbush.net/shop/Shepherds-Bush-Designs/Shepherds-Bush-Kits/Gatherer-Kits/p/Toy-Gatherer-x789852.htm  Oh, I begged for this kit!  My family, once again, obliged and bought it for my birthday several years ago.  I've stitched a chunk in the middle but haven't made significant progress in quite a while.  I still really love this one and would like to finish and frame it this year. 

4.  Rocky Mountain Christmas - Marty Bell (Pegasus Originals) http://pegasusor.com/detail.cfm?ID=216  I think a friend gave me this chart because she somehow ended up with two in her stash.  I looked and looked at it, but never started until I found that ladies I chat with had it in their stash as well.  We decided to have a group Stitch Along (SAL) and work on it one weekend each month.  Well, a few years later and I'm still not finished with it.  I've stitched all of pages 5 & 6 and about half of page 4.  So, about halfway through the stitch count.  I do still need to go back and backstitch and I've colored in my pages so I have to see if I still have a clean copy somewhere.  I'd like to finish this one this year.  It's just so lovely and I would be thrilled to hang it next Christmas. FINISHED 11/2015 AND FRAMED!!!





5.  Cotillon - Papillon Creations http://www.papillon-creations.com/welcome_frame.php  I've just barely started this one.  I'm stitching it on PTP Twilight linen using Vikki Clayton silks that I chose as substitutes.  I think it will be lovely when it's finished. 











6.  A Quaker Christmas - ByGone Stitches http://123stitch.com/item/ByGone-Stitches-Quaker-Christmas-A-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/BGS03 Mine is stitched on 35ct Weeks Beige linen.  It's a beautiful piece of fabric.  If you haven't used the Weeks linens before (http://www.weeksdyeworks.com/linen-fabric.php), I highly recommend you do!  I'm stitching with Carrie's Creation Threads (http://www.carriesthreads.com/).  When I was getting ready to start this one, Carrie was having a sale on her threads.  I emailed back and forth explaining what I was looking for and the number of skeins needed.  She was absolutely wonderful to work with.  AND, after I had completed my transaction, I mentioned that I forgot to order a single skein of gold from her and when my package arrived, there was a skein of gold included!  I love her threads and love dealing with her.  This project is about half completed.  I have fun stitching the motifs but it's amazing how big just one motif really is.  This may be finished by the end of the year but it's not an immediate focus piece for me. 

7.  Anniversaries of the Heart - Blackbird Designs http://blackbirddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/05/anniversaries-of-heart.html  I decided to stitch this piece after seeing one of the posted photos.  So far, I haven't even finished the first square but I have great hopes of making some progress this year.  I'm stitching this on PTP Ale linen. 

8.  Paradigm Lost - Long Dog Samplers http://longdog.pagesperso-orange.fr/paradigm.html I originally sent this piece around in a Round Robin several years ago.  It's stitched on Babbling Brook linen from Wichelt-Permin.  It's a lovely blue.  I let Katie help me choose a variegated overdyed floss and then we chose several other overdyed flosses that were the colors from the variegated floss or coordinating colors.  It's a wonderful piece so far.  It's going to be a monster sized piece when it's finished.  I'm hoping to make good progress on this one.  it's a little over half finished. 

AND, if I somehow manage to finish my other Santa projects, I have Teresa Wentzler's Father Christmas http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/fw_l.html waiting in the wings.  I started this, realized I had started too high on the fabric and had to restart.  I still have only the foot and footstool finished.  I'd like to get to the side border so that I could work a little on the over-1 border as I stitch the rest as well.  I've prepared for this one, putting a threaded needle in each bag with it's symbol and floss.  I even have bags for the blended threads so that it's easier to stitch.  I just haven't made any progress on this one.  (Deanna, maybe you have some words of wisdom to share on how to attack a TW design!)

So, that's the first category.  Look for my next blog with the large projects. 

Happy New Year!

Laura :)