Smalls SAL - September 2017

Hello again!

I'm a bit later than usual for this month Smalls SAL posting (and I haven't even posted last month's finish or progress reports either). Must be old age catching up with me! Thanks as always to Heather of Stitching Lotus for continuing the stitch along.

Oh boy, did I enjoy this month's little cutie even if it did include 3.5 - yes, 3.5 - hours of backstitching! It's certainly not a recommended chart for the backstitch loather! I don't usually have to cross off the backstitching as I go but for this chart I definitely did!

September Calendar by Durene Jones

Stitched on 16ct Nantucket from Sewitall.com 2 over 1

Stitch count 43 wide by 56 high

Started - 1st September 2017

Finished - 11th September 2017

Total stitching time - 10 hours 20 minutes

I won't be showing the whole calendar again now until it's completed.

I'm not keen on October's animal but I do like the remainder of the chart, which includes a lot less backstitching and some lovely clumps of colours. See you around Halloween for the next check-in.

Take care,
Rachel x

Smalls SAL - August 2017

Hello again!

Another month has zoomed by so it's time once again to post the Smalls SAL project. As usual, thanks go to Heather of Stitching Lotus for continuing to run this fun little stitch along.

I mentioned last month that we would be going to the seaside for this month's calendar and whilst I suspect some of you may have envisaged buckets and spades we actually have a lion in a dinosaur rubber ring. Of course!

August Calendar by Durene Jones

Stitched on 16ct Nantucket from Sewitall.com 2 over 1

Stitch count 43 wide by 56 high

Started - 1st August 2017

Finished - 6th August 2017

Total stitching time - 7 hours 55 minutes

Here's how the whole calendar now looks after two full rows:

I didn't much take to the lion until I stared stitching him and then found him to be rather fun - probably because yellow is my favourite colour and I'm not stitching much in the way of yellow at the moment.

September's picture is really cute and definitely another one of my favourites. Good job I don't mind backstitching as there's rather a lot for such a small chart. See you at the end of September!

Take care,
Rachel x

August Progress on 2015/2016 Challenge Pieces

Hello all!

It's time again for another month-end round up on the progress I've made on my Challenge WIPs. So, here we go.

During August I finished The Lock (posted previously) and worked on:

Red Foxes from the Young-uns Collection by Gloria and Pat
started 14th February 2015; last stitched on July 2017
stitched the second fox's head and added some more backstitching

Pretty Little London by Satsuma Street
started 5th February 2015; last worked on July 2017
reached the bottom and then continued working left

Slytherin by Theworldinstitches (etsy)
started 25th February 2015; last stitched on January 2017
added the border and most of the snake
(the fabric is not that cream but I simply couldn't get a good photo today!)

I was hoping that the school summer holiday would have allowed me a bit more stitching time but it was not to be. Still, progress is progress and I'm happy with my achievements.

I shall finish Red Foxes in September and work on three more, as usual.

Take care,

Rachel x

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

Smalls SAL - July 2017

Good afternoon!

Goodness me, it's the last Friday of the month AGAIN so time to post this month's Smalls SAL project. Thank you once again to Heather of Stitching Lotus for continuing to run this fun little stitch along.

July meant Wimbledon and Wimbledon meant strawberries so this cutie is completely apt. Despite the french knots (which were done when I wasn't feeling in the mood for french knots and consequently all over the place!) he is probably my favourite month so far. I may re-do the french knots but I actually quite like their irregularity. Afterall, nature isn't perfect. Well, that's my excuse anyway. I suppose it depends how much my fussiness wins out.

July Calendar by Durene Jones

Stitched on 16ct Nantucket from Sewitall.com 2 over 1

Stitch count 43 wide by 56 high

Started - 1st July 2017

Finished - 7th July 2017

Total stitching time - 7 hours 55 minutes

And another progress picture of the whole calendar:

August takes us to the seaside. See you then!

Take care,
Rachel x