Saturday, September 27, 2008

I've joined "Let's Stitch"

While I was reading Teejay's blog, The Passion of my Needle, I learned that BeckySC was starting a new blogging group called, "Let's Stitch". She kindly let me join. She formed the group to get stitchers together to encourage each other to finish their WIPs and UFOs. She's hosting a weekly SAL where everyone works on their pieces on a certain day and time and we are encouraged to post the piece we are working on and then again after we have stitched to show our progress. The world of blogging is brand new to me and I have been overwhelmed by the talent that's out there. So overwhelmed that I tend to be a lurker on most of these blogs. This seems like a very friendly way to start meeting other stitchers. There is only one downside to this whole thing. Once you see what others are working on, you want to run out and purchase the patterns so you can make it yourself, thereby increasing your already large stash pile!

Christmas Holly - FINISHED!

I haven't completed a project in so long that I commited myself to finish the Christmas Holly before working on any other piece. I think it really turned out nice.
Christmas Floral Trio - Holly
from The World of Cross Stitching magazine, Issue 130
done on 14 ct. Navy Blue Aida using DMC floss

And here's the back.

Time to do a happy dance!

Mushrooms

How fun does this look!?


I'm in the process of updating my supply of mushrooms for the upcoming holiday season. I like to include one with any hostess gifts I need. I also like to throw one in when I'm giving a present to someone. I've even written on the bottom of them with "Love you" or "Thank you" and left them with a note for someone who I want to acknowledge. I sometimes like to leave it somewhere that I know the person will find later. It's just fun!

Here's a (blurry) picture of the underside. Sometimes I paint the stems white (as shown) and sometimes I leave the stem just in it's natural wood state. Once I finish all the dots, I then use Triple Glaze to give it a really glossy finish (and it only takes one coat).

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Christmas Holly update

For the past few evenings I've been trying to finish up Christmas Holly. I've completed the holly and now I'm working on the borders. I've never used metallic thread and now I can see why...it's not that easy to use! I think it will be very elegant once it's finished, but it's going to be a tough stitch.

Here's the front.

Here's the back.


Here's a photo with the metallic thread. You can see I've started it up in the corner.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Red Thread update

I just finished the third square last night. Here's the latest pictures.

The front...


and the back...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

This has nothing to do with cross stitching

I was just cruising around the internet and found this. I love cupcakes and think this is adorable. You can find it here. The only thing I can't justify is spending $60 on it. How cute would this be for someone on their birthday!