It’s time for another SAL project update. I’m stitching the Woodland Sampler by Anchor. The design number is PCE958.
This is where I was up to last time.


The fawn is now completed except for a couple of stitches on the hooves. I got the backstitching finished last night, just in time for today’s update. The blue triangle at the bottom is going to become another butterfly. Here’s a photo of the whole thing so far.

I hope to finish the doe for next time. I’ve been working on this most evenings and it’s paid off. In the past I’ve only done cross stitching in good daylight, which is a struggle to find at this time of year, but my electric light is good enough for this project. When the empty rectangle is completed at the bottom right it’ll only be half done. There’s such a long way to go with this project but it’s getting there.
Happy Christmas if you celebrate it. Our next updates will be posted on the 9th January 2022. That means I won’t see you again until next year. Best wishes for 2022!
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.
Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, AJ, 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.
anne54
/ December 19, 2021You have made such good progress, Avis, especially as time can be very tricky to find at this time of the year. I love how soft your little critters look. It must be due to the great work you are doing with blending and shading the colours.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 19, 2021I’m simply following a chart so can’t take any credit. Some of the stitching is with one thread and some is with two which seems to work well. At least I managed to focus the photo this time 😉
Cathie J
/ December 19, 2021This is such a pretty piece. I am looking forward to seeing the doe. I wonder what other animals are coming in the future. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 19, 2021Oh, there’s a badger and a hedgehog and more to come. Best wishes to you and your family too 🙂
witchylin
/ December 19, 2021Looking great. Considering there is not a great deal of good light you are doing really well. I look forward to seeing the next section with the doe.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 19, 2021I’ve moaned about the lack of daylight at this time of year for decades, only to find I’ve had the perfect electric light all the time. It’s nice to be able to cross stitch all year for a change 🙂
Sharon
/ December 19, 2021You made wonderful progress Avis. I especially love and am partial to the Fawn (as my daughter is named Fawn) Winter months are a light problem here, I am done crafting by 4/4:30. It’s dark and my indoor lighting is the worst. A wonderful holiday to you and your family and thank you for your commitment to this fabulous SAL. So appreciated
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 19, 2021What a beautiful name! No need to thank me. It’s the members who make it a lovely, fun group to be part of. Happy holidays to you and yours 🙂
hettyanddaisy
/ December 19, 2021This is getting better and better. I still love the owl and the fox best to date. Thank you for organising this SAL – it has helped me generate a lot of stitches – very much appreciated. Have a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 19, 2021The SAL is a breeze to organise. What could be better than a bunch of lovely, like minded stitchers? Happy holidays to you and your family 🙂
Renee
/ December 19, 2021Avis, this is such a stunning piece! It is going to be magnificent when you finish it. Beautiful stitching!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 19, 2021Thank you Renee. If I could just get to the half way point I’d be really pleased 🙂
craftycreeky
/ December 19, 2021It’s beautiful! The deer is gorgeous, you always make such good progress! Merry Christmas and thanks for organising this SAL.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 19, 2021Oh, the SAL is easy to organise with such a lovely group of stitchers 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and yours.
wybrow1966
/ December 19, 2021This looks so close to a finish – such a lovely design. Merry Christmas and hope to see you all in the New Year.
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 19, 2021No, it’s only approaching the half way point LOL. Happy Christmas to you too 🙂
AJ
/ December 20, 2021I have found I get to do a lot more stitching now that I have an OTT light too- they are a godsend! Good work on getting so much done:)
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 20, 2021I’ve also inherited a coffee table so I can spread out my threads etc. What a difference it’s made!
AJ
/ December 20, 2021Yes I finally just left my stitches spread out on the floor and I’m much more likely to sit down and get a few stitches in now
kathyreeves
/ December 20, 2021Such a great piece, Avis. I love that fawn, so realistic!
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 20, 2021Thank you. I think you’ll like the doe too when it appears.
rutigt
/ December 20, 2021Wow! I´m impressed 🙂
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 20, 2021Thank you Gun!
claire93
/ December 20, 2021can’t believe how much you got done this time – putting me to shame ^^
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 20, 2021No, you’ve had a sweatshop to distract you LOL.
claire93
/ December 21, 2021I think the sweatshop was probably just a good excuse not to stitch on unicorns ^^
Lindashee
/ December 20, 2021You’ve made great progress this update and I think it’s looking beautiful. It’s a lovely design for sure. Merry Christmas in advance, I hope to make another post for it but I know bot everybody will visit 😀
Sewing Beside the Sea
/ December 20, 2021Thank you. Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2022. I can’t believe it’s almost here already.