It’s time to share an update on the Paddy’s Cove cross stitch and I’m pleased to announce it’s finished! Designer credits are here. This is where I was up to last time. 
I only had the top right quarter plus the backstitching left to do. This is how it looked before the backstitching.
Here it is with the backstitching all finished.
Did you spot all three birds before the back stitching was done? I made a few changes to the design because I’m not a fan of the jagged style of back stitching that was shown on the chart. I don’t mind that style on lettering etc., but, for me, this design needed smooth lines so that’s what I stitched. I had to think about it a bit but it was worth it. I’ve got the look I wanted. I also omitted a few more seagulls that were made from backstitched lines. I stitched one and didn’t like it so I unpicked and left the rest out. There’s some sparkly thread in the water where the sunset is but it doesn’t show up on the photo so you’ll need to use your imagination for that.
By now you’re probably wondering which project I’ll be doing next. Here are the threads and fabric I’ll be using.
The Threadworx one at the top is variegated and it’s called Morning meadows. I’ve used it before when I stitched this Ink Circles design called Cirque des Coeurs.
I’m teasing you a bit because my next project will be nothing like this.
Me and Claire (who is also Happy Dancing today) have chosen something completely different. We’ll both be stitching the same design but in our own choice of colours. All will be revealed next time. I hope you can take the suspense!
Please check out what everyone else has been up to by clicking their 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 23rd August 2020.
Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie, AJ, Jenny, Laura, Cathie, Linda, Helen
About the SAL
Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. 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.
stitchingranny
/ August 2, 2020Congratulations on a pretty finish Avis. How you do the bs and what you add in or leave out, colour alterations etc and the things that make this your own design. I love it just as it is and cannot see that jagged bs would enhance this delicate design. x
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 2, 2020Thank you Helen. I agree. Now I have something unique 🙂
claire93
/ August 2, 2020well done Avis. I can almost feel that cool breeze coming in from the sea ^^
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 2, 2020I bet you wish you could really feel it with all that muggy weather you’ve been having.
claire93
/ August 2, 2020I do! Mind you, hens were behaving like seagulls (or maybe gannets) earlier when I took rice for treats . . . you’d never think they have a food dispenser at their disposal. Pretended they hadn’t had a decent meal in days!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 2, 2020But Claire brings special treats 🙂
CathieJ
/ August 2, 2020Love your finish. Such a peaceful scene. I am looking forward to seeing your new project.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 2, 2020Thank you Cathie. Next time it’ll be something completely different 🙂
marymargaretripley
/ August 2, 2020Congratulations! I love this piece. No I definitely did not see the birds before your backstitching lol. Can’t wait to see what you and Claire are up to next.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 2, 2020Thank you MM. It won’t be long before we reveal but let’s just say we’re going full circle 😉
Laura
/ August 2, 2020Congratulations on a lovely finish!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 2, 2020Thank you Laura. I love finishing and starting 🙂
kathyreeves
/ August 2, 2020Lovely scene, Avis, and I am looking forward to seeing the reveal of your new project!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 2, 2020It won’t be long to wait. We’ve made a start…
Christina
/ August 2, 2020Congrats on the finish! I love how it turned out. What a difference the back stitching makes. I love the clouds, the birds and the reflections in the water. The shimmery thread sounds so lovely! Super excited to see what you and Claire stitch up next. Loving your colors too!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 2, 2020Thank you Christina. You wouldn’t believe how long it took me to choose colours. Too much choice. That’s my problem!
hettyanddaisy
/ August 2, 2020Only spotted two of the birds before you back stitched. It is amazing how back stitching suddenly makes everything “pop”. Can’t wait to see what you and Claire are going to stitch.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 2, 2020Not too long to wait Daisy. We’ve just got started and it’s looking good so far 🙂
wybrow1966
/ August 3, 2020I just love it! Only spotted two of the seagulls before the backstitching was completed. Can’t wait to see what your next project will be.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 3, 2020Thank you. It’s a very large but easy one 😉
Pyros & Patch
/ August 3, 2020Happy dance! It’s wonderful..
Carmela
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 3, 2020Thank you Carmela. You’ve done lots of lovely stitching on your sampler again. Your colours are very similar to the ones Claire has chosen for her next project 🙂 Beautiful!
rutigt
/ August 3, 2020One Happy Dance for you! The backstitches are really working! I´d never had spot the birds without it 🙂 What´s next I wonder 🙂
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 3, 2020Hmm….I wonder LOL.
Carole
/ August 3, 2020Congrats on a beautiful finish. It looks lovely. Such a pretty scene.
Can’t wait to see you and Claire stitch another one in tandem, and with such different colour schemes.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 3, 2020We’re like the terrible twins haha. I had so much trouble choosing colours and ended up with purple again. I can’t help it.
Carole
/ August 4, 2020I see no problem with that. I love purple 🙂
gingerninjacrafts
/ August 3, 2020Beautiful project and congrats on your happy dance! I didn’t spot the birds in the clouds until the magical back stitch! I’m very intrigued by what’s next and love the different colours you are each going with. ….. perched on the edge of my seat until next time!! 😉
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 3, 2020Sorry to keep you in suspense Jenny. However, as you like making cards, you might find our next project useful. The design can be chopped up and it’s quick to do. Now you really are interested aren’t you?
Sharon
/ August 3, 2020Your project is gorgeous…you did a fabulous job on it, what am I talking about, all your projects are stunning! Excited to see what you and Claire have up your sleeve for next time. Dancing with you on a wonderful finish!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 22, 2020Aw! That’s so kind of you 🙂 The new project is coming along well so far. It’s an easy one to pick up and put down.
teamwilsun
/ August 7, 2020Congratulations on your pretty finish and your happy dance! Can’t wait to see what you and Claire work on next.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 11, 2020Thank you 🙂 The next one is growing fast!
Renee
/ August 23, 2020Congratulations on a gorgeous finish!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ August 23, 2020Thank you 🙂