Gifted Gorgeousness Update for September

Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Haunted House

I'm a bit late for the September Gifted Gorgeousness update ... but better late, than never.  This stitch-along, hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching, features projects that in some way have been gifted -or- are being stitched to be given as gifts.

I didn't have much stitching time this month, but I did make progress on my favorite project, "Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Haunted House" (shown above).  I just love this one so much!

I also stitched the September section of the "Linen and Threads 2019 Mystery Sampler".  October's section should be released next weekend.   I am quite proud of myself for having kept up with the schedule of this project.

I started another section of the  "Rose Lap Quilt" (8 duplicate sections).  It's fun to change things up and do embroidery stitches once in awhile.  This is a printed embroidery piece that was given to me by a friend.

I stitched a bit on my "To Everything a Season" sampler, but there's not enough noticeable progress to photograph ... so I will update that one next time.

Happy Stitching!

WIPocalypse and Stitch Maynia Update

Whale Watching

It's time again for another WIPocalypse update.  This has been the busiest stitching month I've had all year!  The first 2 weeks of May, I worked on 16 projects (shown in my last update), and the past 11 days, I have worked on 9 projects - including a small original design.

"Whale Watching" (shown above) is one of my designs - which I have posted as a freebie on my website, here:  http://hobbyloco.com/patterns/whale_watching.html 

Here are the other projects I stitched on this month:

Rose Lap Quilt

I stitched a few more flowers on my "Rose Lap Quilt", a printed embroidery project that was gifted to me by a non-stitchy friend.

Ride to Dreamland

I stitched a bit on "Ride to Dreamland" - working on part of the stitching that uses the sparkly blending filament. 

Summer Carousel Horse

I stitched on the flowers and greenery at the top of Teresa Wentzler's "Summer Carousel Horse".

Hummingbird and Fuchsias

I stitched more on "Hummingbird and Fuchsias", a printed cross stitch kit gifted by my Mom.

Gathering Honey

I kept "Gathering Honey" from gathering dust and stitched a row in the garden.

Cut Thru' Pirate Ship

I finished another pirate on my ship!  This one has a hook for a hand and a peg leg.

American Sampler

I also stitched a bit on Sandy Orton's "American Sampler".  Mainly filling in the left pillar and working on the framing for the center section.  Slow progress ... but progress nonetheless.

I had a visit form the frogs when I stitched on my "Linen & Threads 2019 Mystery Sampler".  I had to remove a bunch of stitches and am just about finished restitching and completing the May section.  I will include a photo with my next update.

Question of the Month: Where do you love to shop for stash?  

I love a bargain - so I tend follow a sale or coupon to locate my stash.  My relatives often send me "gift cards", and I tend to combine gift cards with coupons and sales to stretch them as far as I can.   

That's all I have for this update.  It sure has been a crazy month!
See you next time.
Happy Stitching!

my Gifted Gorgeousness Update for December

It's time for another Gifted Gorgeousness update.  This stitch-along, hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching, is for projects that in some way have been gifted -or- are being stitched to be given as gifts. 

I have another finish this month!  I managed to finish the second butterfly pillowcase in my gifted set (shown above).  I may add a crocheted trim to the edges, but that is a project for a later date.

I worked on Bothy Threads "Cut Thru' Gypsy Wagon" a bit more.

This is a fun project ... and seems to move right along.

I made good progress on my Christmas sampler.  The chart is from Cross Stitcher Magazine (Nov 2017), which was gifted to me last year.  I should be able to finish this one by Christmas. yay!  

Last, but not least, I stitched on my "Winter Sampler" (gifted to me along with the 3 other season samplers) .  I had hoped to finish the snowman, but boy oh boy does this one stitch up slowly.  Many color changes and tons of back stitching.

That's all for this update.  I can't wait to see what everyone else has been working on.
Happy Stitching!

my Gifted Gorgeousness Update for May

It's time for another "Gifted Gorgeousness" update.  This stitch-a-long is being hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching.  Gifted Gorgeousness projects are projects that were made to be given as a gift, or in some way or part received as a gift.

I stitched on one of my favorite projects this month, "Spanish Sampler" by Sandy Orton.  This project uses fabric and floss purchased with a gift card - gifted by my Mom.  I finished the top band which included cross stitch and four-sided stitch.  I also finished the top left corner (shown above) with satin stitch, cross stitch and back stitch. 

I stitched on my mini banner, making good progress. I completed the border and filled in a bit here and there.  This project was also purchased with a gift card - gifted by my Mom.

I also stitched a bit on my Summer Sampler, working on the "Camp" section.  This one moves along so slowly ... so many, many color changes!  This project was gifted to me one Xmas by my sweetie with the set of 4 seasons sampler kits.

Last, but not least, I put in some time on my embroidered lap quilt.  This was a gift from a non-stitchy friend.  It is a printed quilt top pieced together in four sections.  I used lazy daisy, split stitch and stem stitch.

That is my progress for the month on my "Gifted Projects".  I can't wait to see what everyone else has been stitching!

my December WIPocalypse Update and Year End ReCap

Time for the final WIPocalypse update of the year!

THIS MONTH'S PROGRESS: 

Another busy month for me and not a lot of stitching time ... however I did make a bit of progress:

I did some stitching on "Creative Cats" (shown above), which was gifted to me years ago.  This is a small project stitched with various embroidery stitches (Satin Stitch, Stem Stitch, Straight Stitch, Back Stitch, Lazy Daisies, and French Knots) using cotton floss and wool yarn on a printed background.  It is pretty cute and should be a finish before too long.

I stitched a grand total of 2 letters on "Halloween Collage" by Sharon Pope. "HA!"

Here is where I hope to go:

I also stitched a bit on my Carousel project, which is a pretty printed embroidery/crewel project with both cotton floss and wool yarns that was gifted to me some time ago.

And... I finished another ornament from my felt Advent Calendar, as well as working on my felt tree skirt - completing some sequins/beading and detailing.

YEAR END RECAP:

Well ... I did pretty well with my goal of working on ALL of my WIPs this year.   I began the year with 47 WIPs.  I worked on 45 out of 47.  I finished 4 of those WIPs, and only added 1 new WIP to the list.  I also started and finished 5 additional small projects - for a total of 9 finishes. (shown here: 2017 Finishes)

The 2 projects that were left untouched this year were the needlepoint kits.  I found my stretcher strips, but I have no idea where my box of thumbtacks went.  I would rather spend my free time stitching on projects that I have ready now - then to keep searching for elusive items ... so as soon as I run across the missing tacks, I will pick the up those projects and make up for lost time.

As always, I hope for more stitching time next year, and I hope to have more finishes.  But in reality - I am happy with any stitching time I have and any progress I make.

Have a Safe & Happy & Stitchy New Year!

my November WIPocalypse Update

American Sampler - Sandy Orton

It's time for another WIPocalypse update.  WIPocalypse projects are all of the projects that I have in progress, that I would like to finish before the world ends.

I am attempting to stitch (at least a little bit) on ALL of my WIPs this year.  I began the year with 47 WIPs.  Out of those, I have managed to work on 35 of them - and actually finished 4!  So ... I still have 12 more that need attention.  With only December left to work on my WIPs this year - I don't know if I will be able to meet my goal.  We'll see...

This month I stitched on "American Sampler" by Sandy Orton.  I completed the Queen's stitch on the big pink flower, started work on the pillar and inner border, and filled in more background area with alternating half stitch.

Here is where I left off before:

I stitched a bit more on my "Tiger Lilies and Roses" pillow.  I added the big pink Tiger Lily start to finish:

And finally, I pulled out my felt Advent Calendar, and managed to make 2 more of the little "ornaments" to count down the days.  I wish I had more time - I would like to finish this and use it this year.  But ... I still have 12 ornaments to go - and I am short on free time.  Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

Question of the Month – What finishing style have you never tried but would love to do?

I have seen some lovely finished boxes, unusual bicornu, and amazing pincushions that I would love to attempt.  The reason I haven't is mainly a time issue - but perhaps I will make a resolution next year to work in more time for hobbies and to try new things.

Until next time...
Happy Stitching!

my November Gifted Gorgeousness Update

Thanksgiving Sampler

It's time for another "Gifted Gorgeousness" update.  These are projects that were made to be given as a gift -or- in some way or part received as a gift. 

I have a finish this month!  I am happy to have finished stitching my "Thanksgiving Sampler" prior to the holiday.   "Thanksgiving Sampler" was designed by Lois Winston for DMC.  This is a freebie chart, and can be found here: https://www.dmc.com/us/p-free-patternsfree-cross-stitch-chart-give-thanks.html

I also stitched on "A Chirpy Sort of Place", which was a kit given to me by a non-stitchy friend.  I finished stitching the grass and bushes and worked on the fence back stitching. 

Here is where I left off last time:

The final Gifted Gorgeousness project I worked on this month is "Tiger Lily and Roses Pillow".  This was given to me as a gift by my Mother many years ago.  This is a printed kit for embroidery using satin stitch, long & short stitch, outline stitch, straight stitch and French knots. 

I only managed to work on a few Violets and leaves.  The Violets will have more stitching in the centers and a few French knots.  I am only about 35% done stitching this pillow top, so I still have a ways to go.

Wishing all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!



 

Sept Gifted Gorgeousness Update

Cow Sampler

It's time for another "Gifted Gorgeousness" update.  These are projects that were made to be given as a gift -or- in some way or part received as a gift. 

Hooray, I have a finish!  I finished stitching my Cow Sampler soon after my last post. I added some red glass beads to the centers of the red flowers after I completed the stitching.

I also finished "one" of the pair of butterfly pillowcases.  These were gifted to me by a non-stitching friend.  They are printed pillowcases for embroidery.  No instructions ... I used cross stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, and French knots.  The pink and green flosses are variegated.  After I finish the second pillowcase, I will wash them and most likely add a crocheted edging of some type.

I stitched on my tiny "Rambling Rose Sampler", gifted to me in a prize drawing by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching.  The entire sampler measures just 1-1/2" wide X 2" tall.  I still have rows of flowers at the top and at the bottom, along with the ecru background stitching over the entire piece left to stitch.  

This one does progress slowly - as I use magnifying glasses, as well as a hand held magnifier.  I don't want to make any errors, as frogging would be a nightmare on such tiny, delicate gauze.

Rambling Rose Miniature Sampler

I was so excited to pull out my "Spanish Sampler" and add some stitches.  I finished the top right corner, which features Algerian eyelet stitches, satin stitches, and a bit of back stitching.

I worked on the top border as well using cross stitch and four-sided back stitch.  This project is fun to work on - lots of different stitches to come!
 

This is what it will become:

I think I have covered all of my gifted projects for the month.   I can't wait to see what everyone else has been stitching!

 

My August Gifted Gorgeousness Update

It's time for another Gifted Gorgeousness update.  "Gifted Gorgeousness" projects are projects that were made to be given as a gift -or- in some way or part received as a gift. 

This month I stitched a Lab Puppy ornament for my sister and attached it to a card for her birthday.  I used a free pattern that I found here: http://www.jessica-tromp.nl/crossstitch/.  I stitched the puppy on 14 count plastic canvas, added a satin ribbon loop, and backed it with felt. 

This was a pretty good month for stitching progress.  I had a nice finish: Quaker 2 - (freebie) by Claire aka: Gazette94

I love to stitch Quaker style charts!

I also made a lot of progress on my Cow Sampler:

This should be a finish before too long.

To change things up a bit, I pulled out one of my printed embroidery projects, "Rose Lap Quilt".  This was a project gifted to me by a non-stitchy friend.  A project photo, 4 printed fabric panels, and a few skeins of floss were included.  There are no stitching guidelines - so I am winging it.

I had finished assembling the panels and stitching the center motif the last time I worked on it.  This time I started embroidering one of the rose motifs (there are 8).  I mixed in some of my color variegated floss that actually matched the colors of the included floss and used lazy daisy, split stitch, straight stitch and stem stitch so far.

 Here is the project photo that came with the panels:

Whew!  This one is going to take a long time to finish!

That's all I have this month for Gifted Gorgeousness projects.  I am working my way through my WIPs and should have some new progress on old WIPs for my next post.

Happy Stitching and Happy Gifting!
 

my January Gifted Gorgeousness update

Time for my first Gifted Gorgeousness update of the year.  Gifted Gorgeousness projects are projects that were made to be given as a gift -or- in some way or part received as a gift. 

Shown above is my first finish of the year.  I stitched this cute little bear from a chart by Durene Jones, which I found in Cross Stitch Crazy magazine.  The magazine was a gift to me from my sweetie -and- I turned the stitched bear into a "get well card" for my Great Aunt.  

I took a little bit of time off over the holidays and was happy to have more stitching time!  So ... lots of updates this month: 

I had neglected my "Butterfly Forest" all year, so I put some stitches into it.  This was a kit I received a few birthdays back.

I worked on both of my "Pooh" kits (gifted to me by a non-stitchy friend).  Say hello to Piglet (finally)!  I also completed all of the back stitching in the central image of my "Too Much Honey" sampler.

I gave Pooh some feet and finished his back stitching, as well as filling in the rest of the fence  color on "a Chirpy Sort of Place".

I pulled out my "Rose Lap Quilt"  (gifted to me by another non-stitchy friend), and finished stitching the central motif - where the 4 panels are stitched together.  This section was stitched with lazy daisy, french knot, and stem stitches.

I put some stitches into my beautiful "Hummingbird and Fuchsias" project.  This was a gifted kit from my Mom.  It is a printed cross stitch/embroidery project. 

 
I also decided to reboot my "Spanish Sampler" (floss and fabric were purchased with a gift card from my Mom).  I  started over with a piece of "even" evenweave.  "Ta-Da!" Now it is square, as it should be.  

And finally, I added several rows to my "Monterey Sunset" latch hook rug. (Purchased with a gift card.)  This is a great cold weather project - it keeps my lap warm while I am hooking it.  This rug project measures 50" across and 30" high.  It has 98 rows - each of which takes me about an hour to complete.

I think that covers everything!  Whew!  It was so much fun to have time to work on my projects this month.  I hope to continue my progress throughout the year and have several more finishes.

Happy Stitching!