Subtle hues - BFF SAL 3

 More green this evening, to finish off those side and top borders.  I like the subtle contrast between the two greens very much. 

Then I moved on to the rosette in the centre, taking some decisions along the way around the blended threads that were supposed to be part of it.  For the teeny amount of stitches left, it didn't feel like it was worth the effort to blend.  So I'm happy with the result, which remains nicely symmetrical for me.  Only one more colour left to cross stitch for me, so I'll admit that I may be a wee bit further ahead now.

My BFF also had subtlety issues, but I'll let her tell you about those, if she is so inclined!  Check out her update when she posts on http://apatchworkofcrafts.blogspot.com

Invisible threads? BFF SAL 3

Invisible!  That's what the beginning of this week's stitching felt like! Not actually invisible thread but Old gold, very light.... Otherwise known as cream or very pale yellow.  Whichever way... It blended in far too well on the parchment colour background for my liking.

So I was forced to work on the green next, which proved deeply satisfying as an antidote to the cream.

Check out my BFF's update when she's ready on http://apatchworkofcrafts.blogspot.com

I'm getting wrong for being faster on this project, I'm not convinced it's actually the case, as my BFF has tackled lots of the more complex round motifs which require more concentration.

Thoroughly enjoying the stitch though, glad my BFF persuaded me to do it. 

Finally past the post - Lockdown SAL 2 finish

Yay!! Bluebell Wood is finally complete. I still need to find an appropriate frame for it, but I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Actually... A quick edit!  Found a great frame in my stash, so here it is, framed and hung on my favourite wall of pictures in my craft room.  Really pleased with this one. 

Gifted Gorgeousness - April

Oops, a day overdue again this month, but hey that's just the way some months are isn't it? The time runs away from us.

GG is hosted as always by Jo over at http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com

If you recall, last month I shared a stitch I completed for my dear Gran, this is another one I made for her, as she was so happy to receive the first one, and she was often difficult to buy for in later years.  Again it has returned to live with me after she left us 15 years ago, so I have very fond memories of both making it and giving it, which I get to think about all the more often now that it's been 're-gifted' to me again. 

Logic and structure - BFF SAL

Well, as we reached Stage 2 of reopening, I can't really keep using Lockdown SAL I guess!

I'm really enjoying this stitch, I think because of the symmetry and logic to the pattern.

I did luckily manage to spot a mistake (in the pattern this time not my sewing) in time not to stitch it.

My BFF thinks I'm flying ahead on this one, but to me it just feels like I'm keeping up for the first time! Check out her update on http://apatchworkofcrafts.blogspot.com to see what you think. 

A new beginning - Lockdown SAL 3

Well, we did it, we moved on to our third SAL.  We deliberated long and hard over this one, we've both enjoyed watching the same projects grow in different ways.

I had to admit to massive terror and trepidation at the thought of my very first Teresa Wentzler stitch, her designs are gorgeous but usually ohhh, so complicated, with blends and beads and speciality stitches, oh my!!  As it's a small design at 50 something by 40 something, I think it will make a good introduction to her work for me. 

So, as you can see, we made a start and, as is our way, approaching the job differently already.  My BFF is on linen, I'm on Aida, her on pale green and me on antique parchment colours.

We've both made a mistake in the start of the project, my mistake came (or at least was discovered) first.  Decided I can live with it and work around it accordingly.  And other than telling you there is one, I'm not sharing what it is.

I had great fun starting this one.  It's interesting that the parts I have stitched first in the arms of the cross are the opposite ones to my BFF. We often do that, most odd!

Head over to my BFF's update on http://apatchworkofcrafts.blogspot.com

Not quite yet - Lockdown Bluebells SAL

Oh, so close now!! 

2 and a half bluebell stems to go for the win!  But it didn't feel right to post about our new stitch without at least an update on this one.

I've had a lovely couple of weeks off and thoroughly enjoyed stitching on all kinds, I counted 4 WIPs in one day at one point!  It has, however resulted in me wanting to work on a variety of projects rather than just knuckling down to finish this project first.  But it will be done before next week's Skype session, I promise!

And in the next post, you'll get to find out what our next joint SAL is... Stay tuned! 

A matter of care

Lately, I've been experimenting with technology for cross stitch.  Normally, I'm an old fashioned 'paper pattern and highlighter' fan. But I'd seen a lot of press for the Patter Keeper app, which I can use on my phone or tablet.

So I gave it a go, and was merrily tootling along.  Came to look for a new bit of colour to stitch, and the picture didn't seem to look right against the paper pattern I still have.

Yikes!  Turns out that the option I thought would give me a 3 row border between pages.... Doesn't! It missed off 3 entire rows!  So an awful lot of frogging required, and a blog post drafted to talk about it and then left till I calmed down!!   All the progress on the yellow and brown on the photo had to be undone! 

Thankfully, I've moved on from the experience now, and am loving the convenience of the app for my bigger patterns.  The piece I was working on has progressed hugely, but I won't share that one here just yet as it's a present. 

Easter Blog Hop 2021

Welcome to my blog, and to the annual Easter Blog Hop, hosted by Jo over at http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com.

I've had great fun hopping along with some of the previous ones, but this is my first Easter Hop!  If you collect all the letters you can decode Jo's message. 

I hope you like this Easter Bunny by designer Durene Jones.  I've shown her both with and without her backstitch, it makes such a difference on this piece!

I'm not quite sure yet how to fully finish the piece, maybe mounted on card as a bookmark?

Hop on to the next blog, at http://myborednerdyself.blogspot.com/

Oh... And the letter to take away with you is F... for friends, faith and family. Happy Easter to you all xx