OhSewCrafty Blog

January was a really good stitchy month.  I think my bug was in starvation mode after November & December, and therefore extra hungry in January!

After the intro post, I started Save the Stitches by Elizabeth Almond.  I’m stitching on 25 count stormy clouds lugana with DMC Floss- 336 double stranded for the cross stitch diamond outlines and 4240 single stranded for the diaper (filler) patterns.  Also DMC Diamont metallic floss in gold, silver, and copper.  I was suprised to see the first part, and likely the whole pattern, include all 3 metallics and even some beads, which I won’t attach until the end.  My rotation was 3 days and that was enough to stitch the outlines across the top row (Parts 1,2,3) and do some of the filler patterns on each.  As for the filler patterns, the more complicated ones are slow going, but it’s a fun challenge to figure out the best way to stitch each.  

After that I got back to my WIPs, and I was so happy to stitch on Winnie the Pooh, after a 2 month hiatus.  Previous progress:

After 4 days, I managed about 2 columns from the midline.  I stitched the edge of Kanga, around a empty pocket for Roo in petit point.  Having 2 empty petit point sections was too much so I went back and stitched Christopher Robin’s head- that little bit was 360 stitches with a nice sharp needle, I did stab myself a few times, but no blood thankfully.

Though I had planned to give Pooh 5 days, I felt 4 were quite enough, having surpassed my goal of 2k stitches.  So I had an extra day in my rotation and decided to pop in the Bird of Happiness.  That one evening was quite productive. I finished the bottom half with a lavendar blended floss, stitched several colors of parked thread I had on the top half and worked with 3 blues to extend the upper wing.  I love this piece so much, it’s a joy to stitch with a beautiful rainbow of color, probably my favorite WIP and I’m glad I finally picked it up again, given the last time was August.  

Then it was time to start another 5 day rotation, for Spooky House.  This project was on hiatus since October so it was great to see it again!

More than one evening was needed for backstitching on the bottom right, but it was sort of fun and satisfying after so many quarter stitches.  Not all the backstitching is complete, but most is.  Then I got started on the top half, from the left edge.  That page is a partial one and I almost finished it, except for the moon and backstitch, of course.  

Then it was time for Charmed Santa, which really should have been finished in December.  At this point it’s so tedius though.  Ninja stitches, metallic border, and backstitch, to the nth degree.  I gave it the equivalent of 3 days (kept dividing the time with other projects) and managed to finish the 4th page (upper right) with the exception of the charms and a little backstitch that goes along with the charms.

Towards the end of the month, I pulled out Save the Stitches again, for one evening.  It was a “homework” task for the School of Magical Stitches, a Faceook group.  And that was enough to finish Part 1!  I’m not sure about my goal of stitching 12 parts this year, but I did make a good start.

I just couldn’t face more backstitch on Charmed Santa, so I decided to start Celtic Winter.  I’m happy with my color conversion so far.   I’m following Nathalie G’s cape conversion, but using my own colors for the cape, medallions, details, etc.  I may use her colors for the dress.  So far I’ve only stitched on the cape, but I’m loving this piece and it will be a focus for the next few months.

What SALs are you participating in this year?  Save the Stitches is the big one.  It’s not a current SAL, but I have encouraged a few friends to stitch along, and the designer Elizabeth Almond has an active Facebook group.  I’m also participating in the School of Magical Stitches on FB, run by Vickie & Kate.  I’m having a blast with events, racking up points for my house, Slytherin, and we’re leading the houses so far.  So, I’m a Ravenclaw, but Slytherin is my second affinity so I volunteered to even up the houses.  Challenges include both reading and stitching, so I’m making the most of my Kindle unlimited subcription and pulling out just about every WIP, to fit the various tasks.  Aside from that, I like participating in the monthly SALs I set up for my group, Stitch from Stash.  I enjoy Stitch Maynia and Whine n’ WIPs in June, with Stitch Maynia.    I always do Christmas in July, too.

As my plans, my immediate plan is finish Charmed Santa, it’s high time.   I may alternate and try to finish Save the Stitches Part 2 as well (it’s all done except for the metallics).  As for February, my focus pieces are Bird of Happiness, Xmas Teddy, Christmas Village, Winnie the Pooh, and Celtic Winter.  Specific goals will be 2,000 stitches on Pooh and a finish on the Queen Anne House on the Village, and of course racking up all the Slytherin points possible for stitching & reading challenges.  February is a short month so wish me luck!