OhSewCrafty Blog

So I’d like to share a few projects beyond my original WIPocalypse goals. Minecraft by Olga Knyazeva is 16 pages and I want to have it finished and framed for Christmas.  So, by the end of May, it had about 8.5  days and 6,272 stitches.  Page 6 is almost done, and it seems I must pick up the pace… I’ve finished a lot of things since January, WIP count is considerably lower, so it shouldn’t be too taxing.  I might claim Minecraft as my Focus for a Finish (Semisane monthly challenge) for June, and the next several months.  Once page 8 is finished (current level worked across to right edge), I’ll go back and backstitch.  All the figures, plus the word, are backstitched, nothing complicated, but this chart is huge and I’ve learned my lesson to backstitch as I go.  

The other project I want to share is Autumn Bellpull, I did start it for WIPGo weekend in March and ultimately gave it 2.5 days and 1,608 stitches.  I started at the top and the A block is coming along.  Each block is about 3,500 stitches, this project is another one that needs more time and attention each month, as I would like to finish it this year. (And stitch the winter version next year, finishing the series).  Oh, and I’m seeing absolutely zero variegation in the hand dyed flosses I chose for the solid border lines and the letter (Crescent Colours Caterpillar and Brandied Pears) so maybe I’ll work in rows, instead of stitch by stitch, and go a little faster.

I’m down to 6 large WIPs (plus 6 smalls / ornies).  This ratio is not quite ideal, as I prefer having 8 big projects, plus a few ornaments, in rotation.  Of my 6 larger WIPs, most are about halfway finished or less, with the one exception being Renaissance Mermaid.  So maybe I’ll start something new after I finish Renny.  The lack of Joan Elliott designs in my rotation is starting to bother me.  Currently,  both the Joan Elliott Fairy Wind and Celtic Wheel charts (from her Betwitching Cross Stitch book) on my desk, but I’m having a hard time deciding which.  The Fairy Wind would be the continuation of the series (3rd of 4), while the Celtic Wheel pillow would be something totally different.  I’ve never stitched a large pillow before, but it would look fantastic on my sofa.   Another project I’m considering is the Stoney Creek Glory to the Newborn King sampler, as I’ve got a monthly task with Fandom Stitching Central to stitch something with a king, but I suppose I’ll save that towards the end of June, and see how many goals I’ve knocked out before starting it.