A Few Finishes!

FINISHES

I am pleased to report that I did finish the 2013 Advent SAL by iStitch in the 24 days I allotted myself (I did not start until January 1, 2015).  The original intent was to stitch starting December 1, 2013 and finish December 24, 2013 (missed the boat there) so I decided to start on January 1, 2015 and complete on January 24, 2015.  This is an equally special day as it would have been my mom's 80th birthday.  I think she would have liked that I finished this project on her special day.

I stitched this on 36 count Natural Raw Linen using DMC white, CC Balsam Fir and CC Cupid.  I started this project using 1 thread over 2 but I did not like the coverage at all.  I took my start out and then stitched the entire piece with 2 threads over 2.  So much happier with the coverage I got.  

Thanks to Robin for her suggestion on finishing this into a bell pull.  I had thought about this myself and after finding a couple of tutorials I am going to do this.  I am on the hunt right now for bell pull hardware that 1) will look great with the design and 2) is the right size.  Smaller hardware is difficult to find but I love a challenge.

I'm hoping that Carol does another SAL in the future in which to participate as the two Advent SAL projects were so much fun.

This is the 2014 Advent SAL by iStitch.  I did go back and add a red border around the white border as my white border was fading into my fabric.  I really think it was what this piece needed on my fabric choice.  I've narrowed it down to two ideas for finishes.  One would simply be to finish into a pillow.  My other thought is to finish on top of a box to store my Christmas scissors, fobs, etc.  

This little finish is a freebie called Miss Mushroom by The Little Stitcher.  I stitched it on a scrap piece of Desert Stone Jobelan.  I'm pleased to report it puts me closer to my goal of stitching 2 ornaments this year as I am planning to finish this into an ornament for my tree.

WIP

I've now picked up a WIP that I started quite awhile ago (Poinsettia House by Little House Needleworks).  So long ago in fact I had to sit and think about it for a few minutes.  Why you wonder - well I had decided to change the design just a bit and I had to figure out exactly what I was thinking a couple of years ago when I crossed things off the design and showed arrows moving things around.  I think I have figured out what I had in mind.  If not, I have at least developed a plan for what I'm going to do now.

I also picked up my WIP called July by Prairie Schooler.  I started this fairly recently (after this past Iowa State Fair).  I'm looking forward to getting this one done as it will meet my goal of finishing something from my stash.

A QUICK ROADTRIP

I went on a quick road trip over to Omaha yesterday with my friend, Cathi H. to visit a framing and stitch shop I had never been to before.  Several of the ladies here in the local area go there quite often for stitching and stash enhancement but to date I had not managed a trip there.

It is a small but delightful little shop with such friendly and helpful staff.  I liked the way they had the shop set up.  Quite efficient use of space and easy to find what you are wanting.

My intent for this trip was to add some 45 count fabrics to my stash as I've been stitching so much on the smaller count fabrics.  I came home with 2 large pieces of 45 count fabric as well as a nice size piece of 52 count fabric.  I've never stitched on 52 count and am looking forward to the challenge.  I was delighted to also find a piece of 32 count blue with petite dot that I was wanting.  

I also picked up 4 small designs I had on my wish list plus a freebie they had on a display.  I'm looking forward to working on these while working on bigger projects.  I get bored sometimes working on the same thing so they are nice take a 2 day break projects.

IT ARRIVED!

Just picked up my asymmetrical pink coat this morning and am excited we are having a cold spell and snowstorm this weekend so I will have a chance to wear it before Spring arrives.  I was getting worried as......

yep, my Spring flowers have popped up through the ground in January.