The Lock - finished

Hello all,

Here is this month's customary finish from Debbie's Super Duper Ultimate Crazy January February Challenge (DSDUCJFC) 2015. This is finish number 23 of the 59 starts.

This is how you last saw it at the end of July:

And now:

Heritage Crafts Silhouette

Stitched on 16ct Cream Aida 2 over 1

Stitch count 68 wide by 68 high

Started - 17th February 2015

Finished - 12th August 2017

Total stitching time - 28 hours 30 minutes

Like the previous Silhouette, I knew that this would look like a mush of colours whilst being stitched. And I was right! Thank goodness the picture is clearer from a distance. The colours are really soothing and the blended threads gives a lovely effect. It's amazing what can be created with a few shades of brown and cream.

I have the frames for this one and the previously finished Milk Train so hope to frame them soon.

Take care,
Rachel x

Birds With Umbrella - finished

Morning all!

OK, so this was a silly stitch really, but a fun one nonetheless, full of huge blocks of colour and the sweetest kiss. I don't know why I fell in love with this pattern so much; I just did so was sure to include it as one of this year's new starts.

When you last saw the little birdies they looked like this:

And now all finished:

Birds With Umbrella

Free pattern from my-cross-stitch-patterns.com

Stitched on 16ct Tea Rose overdyed aida by Sewitall.com 2 over 1

Stitch count - 100 wide by 98 high

Started - 25th March 2017
Finished - 30th July 2017
Total stitching time - 26 hours 40 minutes

I decided to fill in the gaps in the umbrella with the same colour as used for the trim. In fact, as it doesn't seem to be raining, I think it's more of a parasol than an umbrella so it makes sense it would be pretty. I did think about using beads but they looked a bit OTT so I'm happy with normal crosses.

I have the backing fabric ready to make this into a little cushion but at the moment DD is using the sewing machine to make a Comic Con costume so I'd rather not interfere with the set up. And there was me all raring to actually finish-finish a project for a change! Oh well, what's another addition to my Box of Shame?!

Take care,
Rachel x

July Progress on 2015/2016 Challenge Pieces

Hello all!

Time for another month-end round up on the progress I've made on my Challenge WIPs. By now you know what I'm going to say about my plans and how successful I was!

I finished Cream (posted previously) and worked on:

Red Foxes from the Young-uns Collection by Gloria and Pat
started 14th February 2015; last stitched on June 2017
finished stitching the first fox and backstitched some of the fox, leaves and rocks

The Lock from the Silhouettes range by Heritage Crafts
started 17th February 2015; last stitched on June 2017
continued working my way down

Pretty Little London by Satsuma Street
started 5th February 2015; last worked on 26th May 2015
reached the bottom right and continued working left

Another satisfying stitching month for me there then.

I have now recommenced working on all of the Challenge WIPs I hope to finish this year so there will be no more to show over the coming months - only more progress and finishes.

In August... surprise surprise... I intend to finish one, The Lock, and continue making progress on three more. With it being the school summer holiday, and therefore not having to work for the whole of August, I hope to have a little more stitching time and be able to work on a few other projects too. Who knows what might sneakily slip into my plans?!

Take care,

Rachel x