OhSewCrafty Blog

Hello friends, thanks for visiting!  My progress in July was a bit less, since I was away for 2 weeks, but my projects still got a fair amount of attention.

Autumn bellpull was my main focus for the month, because it fits on small scroll bars and is a decent travel piece.  So I ultimately gave it about 10 days and 4,068 stitches.  I finished the U block and made a sizable start on the T block, it’s over half done, I’d say.  Though Autumn bellpull wasn’t an original WIPocalypse goal, I’m bringing it in since I do hope to finish this year.   

Minecraft Sampler, another 2023 start I’m rolling in to the WIPocalypse, got 1.5 days and 2,009 stitches.  Mostly that was backstitch- all the animals, the word, and both characters are fully backstitched now and I even made a little start on the next page, the mostly dark grey “enderman”.  

Christmas Angels, a Christmas in July focus piece had 2 days love and 1,216 stitches added.  Mostly, I stitched on right side angel, adding a lot to her wings, skin, her crown, sash, and ribbons.   I did a little backstitching (words) to count across and then start the other angel with her wing, and finally one of the blue tones in her dress.

Merry Christmas by Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe, also a Xmas in July focus was a new start, had about 1 day and 1,600 stitches added. Though this pattern is fully charted in cross stitch, the pattern photo appears as satin stitch, and the other victorian motto pattern I did (by a different designer) was charted with cross stitch stitch outlines and then satin stitch over, so that’s how I’m stitching this.  So far I’m using Threadworx 010051 “Wine castle” on cream Cashel.  I’m thinking of using a different color for the satin stitch, something a bit lighter, maybe more highly variegated.  

Santa’s Workshop, another July Xmas focus, had 1 day and 1,206 stitches done.  I’m working on the table, the art supplies atop the table, the nutcracker toy, and little on Santa’s skin & outfit.  

Bellatrix had 1.5 days love and 1,211 stitchers added. I worked on the trees outside, a bit on the dress, shawl, the book, started the candles, and extended the border up on the left.  

Rennaissance Mermaid…. it was frustrating but I misplaced the beads I need to finish her, but I worked with the beads I have on hand, gave her half a day and 701 stitches (mostly beads in and around her hair).

Last but not least, my lovely ornies, as for wips, Hello Summer had 1.5 days / 923 stitches, and Snail Slime had a half day / 465 stitches which was enough to finish in both cases!  Continuing as a wIP, Santa on his Way had 1.5 days & 302 stitches

I also had 2 new ornaments starts (& finishes), Foxy by Mill Hill and Christmas Star by KEB Studios, finished both with 1.2 days / 924 stitches, and a half day / 707 stitches, respectively.  

Question of the month: What are your favorite and least favorite fabrics to stitch on?  My favorite would be Belfast linen (32 count by Zweigart), especially hand dyed ones, least favorite would be 32 count opalescent lugana, too tightly woven and the fabric makes this dragging sound as the needle goes through, which I dislike.  

Now for August goals: 

1. Renaissance Mermaid, Santa on his Way, Nutcracker King (finish) 
2. Minecraft, Autumn Bellpull (3 k per)
3. Bellatrix, Halloween Memories, Santa’s Workshop (2k per)
4. Christmas Angels, Merry Christmas (1 k per)
5. Baking Spirits (start & finish)- JCS SAL 

Happy Stitching