I have officially started multiple cross stitch projects so I will be doing at least a Cross Stitch Diary once a month depending on what is happening. Here we go!
Butterfly Dreams by Dimensions
This was my first foray back into cross stitch. It is a design by Dimensions and included everything – 14 count aida, thread, and needle. I am glad it was fairly easy but there will be a lot of embroidery (backstitch and French knots). I am currently working on the last flower in whole cross stitches. Here is a progress picture:
American Spirit by Fat Quarter Shop
I signed up for the Fat Quarter Shop Quarterly Stitching Club. I received my first club project. Very cool. It came with the 28 count fabric, DMC floss, needle, needle minder, magnetic line keepers. I was excited to get my first patriotic project. I had to search You Tube on how you stitch on evenweave. It took me a little bit to figure out how to do but I really like the look. It felt very counter intuitive.
Bloomtopia by Fat Quarter Shop
This was a free pattern Stitch-A-Long with Fat Quarter Shop. It took a while for my fabric to get here as well as my thread. I also ordered a project bag they did for this. The money raised will be for Make A Wish Foundation. They also did a companion Quilt-a-Long. Both end in July. They unveil the next section on the 1st and 15th of each month. It took forever for my stuff to get here and I ordered it late as well. Last night I actually started it. This time was my first time using Aurifil floss. It felt weird using three strands so I assume that means the floss is thinner than DMC. I am using the called for even weave 28 count medium grey even weave. I would have used different colors or different fabric. I feel like it is not enough contrast.
Truckin Along Series by Stitching with the Housewives
I also signed up with this very cute vintage truck stitch projects. I started 3 months end, so they sent me June, July, and August. I am very excited about the August one so I am going to start stitching that one tonight. The club shipments come with Chalkboard 14 count Aida, Colorworks thread (which will be a first for me), and the pattern. This is the picture of the project.
Winter Camper by Bobbie G Designs
I get applique patterns from Bobbie G Designs and she also does cross stitch. I went online and ordered one of her camper designs. I am thinking I will get the whole series (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) I think they are adorable. Her kits included 14 count white aida, thread, and pattern. She also includes some pretty good instructions. I will definitely order other designs from her. Her designs are more my style. I prepped the fabric and put everything in a project bag but I have not started it yet.
FQS Feels Like Home Mystery Stitch A Long
I never received my supplies in time to actually participate with this Stitch-a-Long which ended May 31st. I just finally received my DMC thread pack this week. I did receive everything else earlier including the pattern which was digital. I wish I had found my floss before yesterday. I have literally hundreds of floss and probably could have participated with a few substitutions. I organized everything yesterday so I will start this project hopefully this week.
Upcoming Projects
I signed up for the next PRIM monthly project that begins in July. I missed out on the Prim Village project. It looked really cute. Also starting in July is the next Mystery Stitch A Long for #FQSJollyJuly – #MistletoeLaneSAL. I ordered everything as soon as I heard about it, but I am not sure if I will receive everything by July 3rd.
Yesterday found me going through and organizing my cross stitch supplies into one place so I know where to look for things – thread, needles, fabric, hoops. I lost some of the parts for one of my super nice stitching frames. I am sad. I ordered (and received) my first Q-tube hoop. I didn’t want something really big so I ordered a 6×6. I am thinking I should have gotten something bigger, but it will work.
Next will be figuring out how people are doing finishing these days. I certainly do not want to frame everything. Some make sense, but not everything. Now that I am a quilter, there are other options as well such as pillows, wall hangings, etc. I will need to do more reading (and watching).
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there. Happy Stitching and Stay Safe!
Peggy Stockwell