Moon Rise

The moon is easily the most intimidating amount of stitching in this project, but surprisingly it stiches up lightening fast!  

I was able to get in 3 more days of stitching before 32ct fabric took it's toll on me physically. Having a sore neck and decreased mobility is no fun, so I took a break and will return to 28ct- which means a new start (or 3) is in my future! The Maiden

Arise forgotten WIPs

 2020 has finally caught up with me, all the stress and turmoil hitting me like a ton of bricks this month. With that in mind I have picked up Arise My Soul, by Rosewood Manor. Below is 3 days of progress, quite a difference! 

Having reached the point in my STASH where only large, fairly unstitched projects remain I am finding it difficult to determine which piece to work on next. I have been mulling over the idea of taking large sections (like above) and stitching until complete as a mini "finish." When I return to the project it will be less intimidating and I can hopefully avoid project fatigue. 

The Maiden

A Deer December

 Over the years the blog has taken on a feast or famine cycle and with my recent unemployment and the restrictions of the pandemic I find myself in a feast of stitches. I would normally like a finish to stay posted for much longer, really giving readers a chance to catch it, but my needle is too fast and Ghoul Tidings must now be replaced with December of the Joyful World SAL. 

Stitched in 3.5 Days on 28ct Coffee Tea dyed Monaco, I would have continued on with this SAL but I ran out of fabric! 

I used a blend of DMC 782 and GA Gold leaf for the deer, the resulting effect giving it a wonderful fur like look. Crescent Colors Brown sugar and Gentle Arts Avocado, Daisy, Cherry Wine, and Baby Spinach were also used in the conversion. 

My little Lane has unexpectedly become a lap cat after 12 years of being nearly feral coinciding with the changes in household that took place in November. While I am not complaining, it does make stitching a bit more difficult! The Maiden 

Finish Tidings

Restarted on February 10th and finished on the 16th I present Plum Street's Ghoul Tidings.  

Stitched on 28ct coffee tea dyed Blue Monaco in 5.5 days, I was so determined to finish this project that I taught myself to stitch with my left hand after an injury in my right!

The Maiden

Dark 13 Stitching Has Begun

I have decided to jump on the Dark 13 Stitching bandwagon, albeit a bit late, for 2021 and will work on Halloween themed projects on the 13th of every month. While I do anticipate some new starts, this month I decided to work on a Restart, technically a WIP but with the satisfaction of a new beginning.  

I was able to finish up the pumpkins on Plum Street's Ghoul Tidings this evening after meeting the Crone in St. George for some retail therapy- I truly have never seen plant nurseries like those I wondered through today!

Needless to say I drove home in an incredible rain storm with a car full of white roses and dwarf myrtle!

The Maiden

Dark Desires

A few night's ago while the Crone and I perused my Stash I realized I needed to bring order to all this chaos! Projects that were haphazardly thrown into carryalls, many still in the purple Stitcher's Paradise bags from my local needlework shop are all now beautifully organized, leading to the discovery of this gem- Plum Street's Sampler's Ghoul Tidings. 

I had abandoned this project after I discovered I had erroneously stitched with 2 threads instead of one (lower right hand corner) but restarted it last night for my first Dark 13 stitching project. Stitched on 28ct blue Monaco I coffee tea dyed I could not be happier with the softer effect 1 strand produces.

Lesson learned- read the pattern instructions BEFORE reaching for the needle! 

The Maiden

Not So Joyful World

November 2020 was the hardest month of my life, filled with challenges and sorrows that I do not wish to list within these pages. As I have done so many times in the past, I turned to my needle to help see me through this trying time. 

Utilizing only my stash for this SAL, I used my favorite thread by Gloriana Velvet Night Sky and discovered a new treasure in Rod and Reel. 

The peacock glows in person, the silk adding a sheen that combined with the rich color makes this bird leap off the fabric. 

My inspiration, a peacock that calls a park near me home snapped during a Covid safe outing with my Niece a couple weeks ago! 

I started this project on February 5, 2021 and finished in 2.5 days- fast by even my old pre- injury standards! Quarantining during the month of December may have taken my stitching to the next level, this month was much easier than the others I have completed! 

The Maiden

The Hallow

 

It began with a tree, and then it grew.

While finishing 2020 strong with stitching, the arrival of my sister and niece halted my progress. With the passing of the winter snow they were able to return home and I hope to pick up my needle again this morning. 

I always think of my naked Crepe Myrtle tree (on the right) when I stitch this project! 

The Maiden