I have a break from the A-Z Challenge today so thought I would reveal my exciting "new" project. It is, of course, the gorgeous Scarlet Macaw Preening.
OK, I know it's not strictly a new project as it's a re-re-start but it is new in the sense that I'm starting from scratch again.
To cut a very long story short (extended version available on it's own page if you wish to read it) I've finally found a fabric I am happy with (remember, I'm not stitching the background so finding the perfect fabric was extremely important). After two years of searching, and many disappointments, I was beginning to think that perhaps I was destined to never stitch this project. It wasn't just me being fussy either, it was sometimes being let down by companies who couldn't produce the fabric they claimed they could.
Most of the fabric I use for my projects nowadays comes from sewitall.com an extremely friendly and helpful bunch of people who agreed they would be willing to try to create a suitable background. What they came up with was something much paler, plainer and more subtle than anything I had previously considered. Initially I was disappointed as I wanted a deeper and more colourful background, but when I understood the angle they had approached the design from that disappointment quickly disappeared, especially once I had laid out the threads.
Basically the fabric represents the tree canopy but in much paler colours in order to make the parrot "pop" off the fabric.
Once the fabric had been trimmed to size and put on my scroll bars I just had to make a start! As (yet another) reminder, here's the original chart:
And here's my first 10 hours of progress on the gorgeous new fabric:
Scarlet Macaw Preening
Shinysun's Cross Stitching
Stitched on 16ct custom-coloured over-dyed aida from sewitall.com 2 over 1
Stitch Count - 400 wide by 532 high (260 by 470 without background)
Started - 22nd March 2016
Stitching time to date - 10 hours
This represents about 1.5% stitched..... so not much left to go then!!
My plan (!) is to stitch on it regularly for an average 30-45 minutes per day for the next 2-3 years. This will allow me to continue with my many other projects at the same time and hopefully prevent me from feeling burdened by the scale of this one. And, of course, a project this size means I can once again return to being a Ten Hour Stitcher!
Naturally, plans are all well and good but I've got so many deadlines to stitch for in April that he may already have to be put to one side! We'll see though as I'm fairly certain that now he's started he won't ever be neglected!
Having read all of this back, my posting sounds quite deadpan but I can assure you I am really excited and soooooo happy to be stitching him. The wait was definitely worth it and FINALLY my parrot will come to life. His name's Sherlock, by the way, not because of the detective or TV programme..... I just thought the name suited him.
Back to the A-Z Challenge tomorrow.
Rachel x
20 comments:
Oh my, Rachel, what a gorgeous project this is. And that fabric seems to be perfect for it, I love to see the red colour pop out. Stitching on this project a certain amount of time each day sounds good and this method seems to become popular as I have read on someone else's blog. But whatever method you use, the main thing is that you enjoy stitching it.
I'm so glad you've finally found fabric you love and can work with to stitch your gorgeous parrot. It will look stunning I'm sure and you're off to a great start. I couldn't stitch on something for 30 minutes then put it away but if it works for you that means an update every 20 days at least!
Such a gorgeous piece of fabric and I'm sure it feels good to make a much anticipated re re start :)!
I'm so happy for you that you're finally able to start this project on the perfect fabric! It's gorgeous so far! Worth the wait:)
Jaw dropping! I've been working on my son's Christmas stocking for so long I'm starting to "grrrr" about it... I think it's wise to set limits and work on other projects at the same time to make it though with some sanity left! Best of luck!
Yay he looks great! I think that fabric is perfect especially with the Reds!
Gorgeous fabric and great start Rachel. Just curious - what deadline stitching are you doing this month?
Linda
The fabric is very different than the background in the picture but I think it will make the reds really pop. It certainly does look like a canopy and will be nice when you do the tail feathers as they will stick out more. Good luck and I hope you continue to enjoy this one!
Oh Rachel, what a stunning piece! I so look forward to watching it grow as you stitch on it. I think the fabric is gorgeous and just perfect for your macaw! Good luck with your stitchy plan!
Sherlock will look great on that fabric!
Sherlock is an appropriate name since you had to do all that hunting/detective work to track down his piece of fabric! ;)
gorgeous design, happy stitching
Oh wow! This is going to be stunning... :o)
Hugs xx
Wow!! Your Sherlock is so stunning !! This is going to be an interesting project :)
Hurray for SIA!!!
I love the fabric, love the design and love your start.
Have fun & make sure you show us your progress, Sherlock is going to be one beautiful macaw :)
Oh I love the fabric color! I agree it's perfect. It will help the parrot pop off with all the gorgeous colors in him. Good luck with Sherlock!!
Love this chart and I'm so glad you finally get to work on it.
Love this chart and I'm so glad you finally get to work on it.
Great idea to skip the background and your start looks amazing!!
Hooray for the perfect fabric at last! Nice start too. This method works well for me too. 30 minutes or so while the boy is in the bath.
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