Woohoo! It’s finished at last! This Design Works kit is from an artwork by Ronald West.
This is where I was up to last time. There was still quite a bit to do but me and Claire wanted to finish at the same time so we made a run for the finish line together.
There was a lot of stitching to do in this section but it was plain sailing with so few colours in the blackboard. I got that done much faster than I’d expected to.
There wasn’t too much back stitching to complete either. Just the writing on the board and a few outlines but it does make a difference.
Here’s the finished result. As you can see, it’s off the frame so you can see the whole picture now.
It’s been a fun project to stitch but I really didn’t expect it to take almost a year to complete. The first post for this one was dated 8th October 2017. Maybe if we’d realised it would take that long, we would’ve chosen something else.
One of the best things about this project was the price of the kit which was only £5. Total bargain! I’ve done a few Design Works kits now and they’ve all been great quality. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more (especially in a sale).
It’s been great fun working on this at the same time as Claire because we could chivvy each other along. I might not have been so motivated if it hadn’t be for her and the rest of the SAL members who’ve been so patient, watching it grow so slowly. Thanks for all the encouragement folks!
The best bit about finishing a project is that I get to start a new one. I think a few SAL members will be starting something new this time. Me and Claire have both looked in our stashes and we’ve decided to do different projects for once. I bet you can’t believe it LOL. We’ve tried to choose something of similar size and hope to finish together as usual but the kits we’ll be doing are very different.
This is what I’ve pulled out to start very soon. I’ve had it in the drawer for ages and it’s time it saw the light of day. I love the Bothy Threads Cut Thru Designs. The original design was by Amanda Loverseed.
I’ve made a working copy of the chart and chopped it up like I did for the last project. I’ll be sticking to the same method of stitching a square at a time. It helps to motivate me. This one is worked on 16 hpi aida so it’ll be a little finer to stitch than the last one. That suits me.
I’ve already stitched two of the Cut Thru series and have a few more in my stash. I know, I’m very naughty but when I see a bargain I can’t resist. The ones I’ve already done are the Narrowboat…
…and the Camper Van.
They were both fun to stitch and I think the Garden Shed will be too. I’ll be starting at the top so there won’t be too much stitching to show next time as a lot of that section is unstitched sky. It’ll give me a chance to get used to stitching 16 hpi again and also time to do other things. First I need to catch up with all the other blogs and see what everyone else has been up to over the last 3 weeks.
Please hop around the rest of the lovely SAL blogs by clicking the names below. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences. Posting takes place every third Sunday, local time.
Our next updates will be posted on the 21st October 2018.
Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Steph, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Tony, Megan, Catherine, Deborah, Connie
About the SAL
This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL. If you’d like to finish a project you’ve left unfinished for a while, or start a new one with us, you can join us by leaving a request in the comments below or sending me an email. The address is on the right of this page. I’ll send you a few simple rules to agree.
lucyannluna
/ September 30, 2018Well done great finish. I too have a cut away in my stash, I also have an autumn version of the girl I’m doing, so a decision will need to be made.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018That sounds like quite a dilemma. You might just have to flip a coin.
Carole
/ September 30, 2018Congrats on a brilliant finish. This has been a fun one to watch with all the little details. I can’t believe it’s been a year though!
Love the new one. It looks like a lot of fun.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018Thank you. I’m ready to move onto something new now 🙂
claire93
/ September 30, 2018didn’t we do well? and what fun it was, growing one year older lol
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018Oh, don’t remind me about that! Actually, I’d probably feel a lot older without my crafting 😉
katechiconi
/ September 30, 2018Congratulations, and I love your choice of a new project. I wonder how you’ll like stitching separate projects, and whether it’ll decide you to work together again….
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018I don’t know whether we have any more of the same kits left in our stashes…..I suppose we could always buy more. It wouldn’t be the first time!
katechiconi
/ September 30, 2018It wouldn’t surprise me! The two of you seem to really enjoy working in concert 🙂
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ October 19, 2018He-he!
susanpblog
/ September 30, 2018Well done Avis (and Claire) – you did an amazing job. It is beautiful!!!!!!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018Thanks. It’s been a lot of fun to stitch but I’m ready to do something else now.
stitchingranny
/ September 30, 2018Congratulations on the Happy Dancing Avis. Love the cut-thru designs although I have never stitched one. I would have to exchange the fabric though as I hate stitching on aida fabric.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018Oh, I love stitching on aida! It’s good that we all enjoy different things, isn’t it?
salpal1
/ September 30, 2018It’s great! I have loved watching you and Claire do this one! The cut through looks fun for the next one.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018We’ve had fun stitching together again. The cut thru’s don’t have too many thread colours so they’re always easy to do.
salpal1
/ October 1, 2018That’s good, because they look quite complex!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ October 19, 2018I like easy complex 🙂
salpal1
/ October 19, 2018Me, too!
Debbierose
/ September 30, 2018Woo hoo congratulations on the happy dance a wonderful finish. The cut through bothy threads are adorable.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018I love them too. I think there’s at least another two in my stash. Shame on me!
kathyreeves
/ September 30, 2018Happy dance INDEED! This was such a quirky, fun project, and it didn’t seem like a year at all! I love your new project!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018I was surprised to see it was a year as well. Time flies! It was all Claire’s fault that I bought this kit. You know how it is…you get an email to say “there’s a sale and I’ve bought this, this and this” and suddenly I want one too. Before I know it I’ve bought the same things. I think she hypnotises me LOL.
tonymarkp
/ September 30, 2018Great finish! I’m very happy for you that you’ve got it all done. Your next project looks absolutely delightful. Even better is that it can join its companions in the set!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018There’s no question it would get done 😉 I’m looking forward to starting the new one soon but the garden needs attention!
Stephanie Jenkins
/ September 30, 2018This is beautiful! Congratulations on an awesome finish.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018Thank you Stephanie. Welcome to my blog 🙂
Connie Butner
/ September 30, 2018What a fantastic finish!! I am always amazed at how much of a difference backstitching makes! Great job and I really like your next project. It will be fun to watch this one take shape as well.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018I think the new one will be easier as there are fewer colours and not so much stitching.
nwpaintedlady
/ September 30, 2018Wow – it is fantastic! and I absolutely love your next project and the ones you have done!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018Thank you 🙂 The Cut Thru designs are always fun to stitch and there’s so many to choose from. Something for everyone….which is why I have three more to do.
lbick
/ September 30, 2018Congratulations on the finish! It looks great. I may have to do this one myself.
Love your choice for your next project. Looking forward to seeing it grow. 😀
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018I love all the rich colours in Getting Ready. The Cut Thru will be a lot easier on the eyes I think.
magpiesue
/ September 30, 2018Woohoo! Happy dancing right along with you! What a great finish. And the next project looks like fun. I can see why you’d keep buying those designs!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018And there’s another two in the stash LOL.
wybrow1966
/ September 30, 2018Well done – you have both made a fabulous job of the cross stitch. Your new project looks like fun – can’t wait to see how it progresses!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018I can’t wait to get started but the garden needs me this week!
Lindashee
/ September 30, 2018Congratulations on the finish, happy dance \o/ – The colours are really nice and although I wasn’t a fan of the art style when Claire first showed me hers, I’ve grown to like it. I’ve got a design works myself (a fairy, looks like a mirabilia almost) and it’s crazy the amount of threads they’ve given me ! did you have the same thing happen to you? That new project looks very fun, looking forward to seeing the beginning in a blank piece of aida (I always find the first hundred crosses the most exciting !)
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018You’re not alone. My daughter hated the picture when I first showed her and her opinion hasn’t changed LOL. I think Design Works kits are very generous on threads. My ABC Bears only used about half of what they included. I’m not complaining though. I like the starts and the finishes best 🙂
craftycreeky
/ September 30, 2018Congratulations on a great finish, this design always makes me smile! Good luck with your next one, it looks fun too.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ September 30, 2018Yes, it was fun to stitch but not everyone I know likes it. Good job I do 😉
Christina
/ October 1, 2018Congratulations on the finish! It definitely did not feel like a year. Your new project looks like a lot of fun. Lots of little motifs to motivate stitching 😊
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ October 1, 2018Thank you 🙂 I can’t wait to get started. Chores first…
rutigt
/ October 1, 2018Congrats and Happy Dancing!! This embroidery always makes me smile! The new one also looks great! I remember the Narrowboat, because I thought it was stunning!!!! It will be nice to see the new one grow 🙂
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ October 19, 2018It’s growing slowly this time but I’ve still got some to show on Sunday.
rosejasm
/ October 1, 2018Lovely x will you get it framed? That was a good final push to get finished Exciting times on a new project 😊
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ October 19, 2018Yes, this one will be framed eventually. The new one is going slowly so far.
teamwilsun
/ October 2, 2018Well done! I love the idea of you and Claire joining hands and making a dash for the finish line, and then happy dancing together! Your new project looks fantastic, too — those Cut Thru designs are so charming and detailed!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ October 19, 2018I quite like a cartoon style picture and it’ll go well with the others in the series.
Catherine
/ October 5, 2018Congratulations on the finish! It’s such a fun design and I’ve really enjoyed watching the two of you stitch it up. Your next piece looks great too, another fun one!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ October 19, 2018Thanks! Going well so far on the next one 🙂
JJ Crafts
/ October 7, 2018Woooo happy dance. It is a lovely finish too.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ October 19, 2018Thank you 🙂 Onto the next one now…
Ginny @ Mytimestitching .com
/ October 22, 2018Congrats on the finish! It is beautiful!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ October 23, 2018Thank you Ginny 🙂