Welcome to another Friday update on all things cross stitch in my life. Last time I also threw in some vacation photos. I hope you all enjoyed them. Retirement for me was not a planned event so the transition has been a tough one for this past three years. Although, I was not 100% retired until last October. I am not sure if Covid helped or hindered my transition but it surely screwed with my health. On the other hand, it was when I stepped back in the world of cross stitch after 35 years. Today’s world is very different from the cross stitch I knew in college.
I keep expecting to post every Friday, but so far that has not happened. So we will continue to make that our target.
I mentioned last time that I signed up for a class being held in Modesto, CA on October 7th & 8th that I am super excited about. Cathy from Hands on Design is conducting this 2 day finishing workshop. I received the kit that we have to have stitched by then. I am not a quick stitcher (due to my ADD tendencies) but I will give it my best shot. I have to get the pattern scanned in so I can load it on my iPad this weekend. Then I can work on it. I will be working with materials that I have not worked much with – 32 ct linen and perforated paper. I will update you next time on how that goes for me.
STARTS
I’ve only had two starts since my last post on August 12th.
Barn Sweet Barn – August by Lori Holt
I’m loving this month’s colors. I actually used all called for colors via Fat Quarter Shop blog for this month. If I don’t have it on hand, I have generally been subbing for something similar.
August Snap Shot by Pine Mountain Designs
This will be a fun stitch!
FINISHES
Only one new finish with several more on the cusp of being wrapped up.
2022 Oracle Mystery SAL by Oracle Facebook Group
This was my first venture into this symbolic type of stitching. Every item has a meaning (not that I know what all of them are.) I have enjoyed stitching this piece. I got drawn in by the seahorse and the cup of tea.
I chose to stitch on 16 ct black aida with DMC 4030 and 156 as an accent. I have truly enjoyed this stitch. I started a Halloween one that I look forward to getting back to. Meanwhile, there is a gorgeous summer one being posted every couple of weeks. All charts are free and the group is super supportive.
Works in Progress
May Calendar Crates by Stitching with the Housewives
Summer Baskets (chart 1) by Hands on Designs
Prim Stitch by Lori Holt
Let’s Talk Spring by Hands on Designs
June Sampler of the Month by Country Cottage Needleworks
Feels Like Home by Fat Quarter Shop
Upcoming
Still haven’t found my August & September 9 patch patterns so I have ordered (and received) my October, November, & December 9 patch patterns and put them with my other patterns to be scanned into my iPad. I am keeping an eye out for the other two. I have a year to find them.
As I mentioned in the beginning, I need to start my class project. I also need to start my August Cottage of the Month which I am still missing threads, but I have enough to get it started. I will need to place a thread order.
With only 4 days left in August, I hope to finish Let’s Talk Spring at least with hopes for Feels Like Home and Barn Sweet Barn. If I finish my Spring project then, I will be 4 starts and 4 finishes for August which is okay.
I haven’t taken a look yet at September. I know I will putting back on hold Tea Thyme, Sail Away, and Just My Type. I didn’t even work on any of them this month and it is time to start thinking fall projects.
Everyone have a great weekend and enjoy the end of summer!
Peggy Stockwell