OhSewCrafty Blog

Hello, friends! February was a short month, but it was mighty productive, thanks mainly to the winter games medal challenges.

First, I started the month with Fairy Clouds, which ultimately had 5 days love and 3,600 stitches added. I was only planning on 3k, but USA earned 12 gold medals, x 300 st, so 3,600. I finished the backstitching on the bottom half and started working on the top half, on the right side. I stitched some wings and bodice.

Fairy Idyll received 4 days attention and 3,000 stitches done, I moved onto the right page and actually stitched to the right edge, on the wings. I got new glasses recently (Progressives) and I was having a really hard time seeing this 40 count fabric. Thank goodness for my Ott light / magnifier. (It’s not supposed to be 40 count, labeled as 36 count, but I measured, I’m getting 20 stitches per inch)

Santa’s Gifts got 3 days and 3,000 stitches completed, I finished the right bottom and started working on the left side with the rabbits.

Secondary piece Outlander 3 days and 2,000 stitches added, I worked mostly on Claire’s bust, the sword, and the right side border.

Ghool School had 2 days and 2,000 stitches done, I continued on the walls of the house, on the right side, and started the roof.

Deadly Aquarium had 2 days and a whopping 2,500 stitches done, though I didn’t quite finish the page. I’m trying to do a little extra for for a couple months since I only got 1,100 in January. I really enjoy stitching on this one!

Mickey Stained Glass had 3 days and 1,600 stitches added, continuing on the last page (upper right corner). I’m on track for a birthday finish and considering which new full coverage piece to start, after Mickey is done.

St. George and Dragon had 3 days and 1,700 stitches done, mostly backstitching, also I did a lot of the metallics. Since this is 36 count fabric, I opted to use Petite treasure braid rather than floss + bleeding filament. It’s easier to work with the ptb and more sparkly too! Also, I stitched some on the bottom right, the horse leg and hoof.

USA 250 got 2 days love and 1,500 stitches, I finished the eagle and started the top border. It’s very close now, but time was short.

My one little ornament, Regal Diamonds, had 2 days and 800 stitches done. It’s getting close, I may need to source some metallics fibers, it calls for DMC Diamont, which isn’t terrible, but it isn’t great either IMO. Also, I will need some pearl cotton for backstitching around the edge.

Question of the month: What stitch-a-longs are you participating in this year? Well, my only SAL piece at present is Deadly Aquarium but it’s fully released by now. I’m hoping 2,000 stitches / month will be enough to finish by December. It may be less than that once I get to the upper part of the chart, the lower part is basically full coverage. I don’t do mystery SALs as a rule because I only stitch what I love, and I can’t be certain that I will love a mystery. Even my favorite designers have some pieces that aren’t really to my taste.

Now for my March plans:

• Focus (3k per): Fairy Clouds, Santa’s Gifts, Fairy Idyll
• Secondary (2k per): Outlander, Deadly Aquarium (2,400), Ghool School
• Tertiary: Mickey Stained Glass (1,600), St. George & Dragon (1,700)
• Smalls (600 st)/ finish: USA 250, Regal Diamond, and if time Christmas Cuckoo clock from last year

Happy Stitching !