Roll Your Own – Stage 2

It’s time for another SAL update. I’m stitching one of the Roll Your Own designs from Ink Circles.

This is where I got up to last time.

I was enjoying doing the black stitching so much that I decided to finish all of it. I was almost at the end before I got tired of black so just one last push was needed to get it all done. Here it is.

I’m really pleased with how it’s looking so far and I can’t wait to stitch some of the colours. The garden needs a good tidy up before the autumn sets in and I’m also distracted by knitting again but I’m sure there’ll be plenty of time to stitch some pretty colours in the next 3 weeks.

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 as we’re posting today at local time.
Avis
ClaireGunConstanzeChristinaKathyMargaretHeidiJackieSunny

MeganDeborahSharonDaisyAJCathieLindaHelenConnieCindyMaryMargaret

Our next updates will be posted on the 9th October 2022.

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.

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Woodland Sampler- Stage 19

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.

This is where I’m at now.

That’s 3/4 completed :-). I’m about to begin the final row underneath, starting with a rabbit emerging from its burrow.

Please check out what everyone else has been up to by clicking their names below. Connie is returning after a long break. Welcome back Connie! We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences as we’re posting today at local time.

AvisClaireGunConstanzeChristinaKathyMargaretCindyHeidiJackieSunny

MeganDeborahSharonDaisyAJCathieLindaHelenConnie

Our next updates will be posted on the 5th June 2022.

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.

Woodland Sampler – Stage 16

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.

I’ve been working under the fox this time. I finished the greenery where he is sitting, a clump of primroses, part of a butterfly and more greenery with someone hiding at the bottom. We’ve got quite a few primroses flowering in the garden at the moment so I enjoyed stitching those.

I’ll be working to the right of the primroses next. It’ll be almost full coverage with a stream and more greenery plus the rest of the butterfly. I’m going to try to keep up the same pace for every update. You’ve all been very patient with me for taking forever to get this project done. Thanks for all the encouragement.

Renee has decided to take a break from the SAL for a while. 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 as we’re posting today at local time.

AvisClaireGunConstanzeChristinaKathyMargaretCindyHeidiJackieSunny

MeganDeborahCarmelaSharonDaisyAJCathieLindaHelen

Our next updates will be posted on the 3rd April 2022.

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.

A New Beginning

I’m introducing my new SAL project today. It’s another cross stitch kit and a change of style for me this time. Here it is:

Cover

As you can see from the packet, it’s an Anchor kit of a design called Highlands Landscape. My sister bought it for me for my birthday last year. She likes to keep me out of trouble. I love the picture because the Scottish Highlands is one of my favourite places to visit. I could happily live there but unfortunately the Highland midge finds me far too tasty so that isn’t going to happen!

The design finishes at at 5.5 x 12.5 inches which isn’t huge but it’s full coverage and there’s a lot of confetti stitching as well as blended shades which use two different threads at once.

I’ve enlarged the chart as usual and chopped it up into 21 squares of about 30 x 30 stitches each. I’m going to try and complete 3 of those squares for each SAL update. The top half has hardly any back stitched detail but the foreground has a lot so it could take 8 or more updates to complete.

I started at the top left corner. Some of the stitches are just diagonals and others are full crosses, giving a little bit of texture to the clouds. The photo doesn’t show it very well.

Stage 1

By the time I started the second square I was getting more used to changing from half to full crosses so I didn’t have to unpick as much.

Stage2_thumb.jpg

Here’s the first 3 squares finished.

Stage3_thumb.jpg

It’s been fun to stitch something completely different. I always enjoy the starts and finishes most of all. The biggest challenge this time will be keeping up the pace I’ve set myself. I know I don’t have to finish this much every time but when I set myself a challenge…

Please enjoy the latest SAL project updates from the rest of the group by clicking the links below. Several members are starting or restarting a new SAL project today. I can’t wait to see what they’ve chosen. 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 5th January 2020. Yes, 2020!!!

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, 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 sending me an email. The address is on the right of this page. I’ll send you a few simple rules to agree.

Garden Shed – Stage 18

Here is my SAL update on the Cut Thru Garden Shed cross stitch kit. Designer credits are here. If you need a reminder of how it’ll all turn out in the end, you’ll find a photo in this post.

This is where I was up to last time.

Stage 17b

I got straight to work on the next part following the last update and finished the next stage in record time. I’ve had two spare weeks to play in the garden this time 🙂 Here it is without the back stitched detail (missing the rolled around bit at the top as well). Can you see who’s joined in this time without looking at the last photo first?

Stage 18a 

No? See if you can spot him/her now.

Stage 18b 

Please enjoy the latest SAL project updates from the rest of the group by clicking the links 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 3rd November 2019.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne

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 sending me an email. The address is on the right of this page. I’ll send you a few simple rules to agree.

Garden Shed SAL – Stage 1

This is my first progress update on the Cut Thru Garden Shed cross stitch. Designer credits are here.

For the last couple of kits I’ve stitched, I made a working copy of the chart and then chopped it up into equal sized squares so I can work on one section at a time. I then pin one square of the chart to the fabric and stitch until it’s completed. It’s like having a mini finish when I complete a square and I find it usually motivates me to get more done.

IMG_20180909_124140911_BURST001

When I divided this design up I completely ignored the fact that some squares are fully stitched and others have hardly anything to do. I just took the widest width and height and divided the entire area. I’ve started at the top left so the first section has lots of sky which is unstitched so it doesn’t look like I’ve done very much this time.

Stage 1a

I’ve decided to do the back stitch after each section is completed as it worked well last time and it saves waiting until the end for some of the design details to appear. What a difference it makes! If you need a reminder of how it’ll all turn out in the end, you’ll find a photo in this post.

Stage 1b

I’m really enjoying working with 16 count fabric again. I think it’s probably my favourite size for cross stitching. I’ll be stitching to the right of this part for the next update.

We’ve got a new member to introduce to the SAL from today. Her name is Clare. Welcome aboard Clare!

As usual, it’s worth hopping around the rest of the lovely SAL blogs by clicking the names below. You never know, you might be inspired to make something too. 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 11th November 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, Clare

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.

Getting Ready – Stage 11

Hello everyone,

Today is SAL project update day. I’m still stitching a kit by Design Works based on part of a painting by Ronald West.

This is where I was up to last time.

IMG_20180406_145056980-2

I’ve now started the final square at the right of this row. No more backstitch yet. That’ll be done for next time. Not too many colour changes to manage on this bit.

Stage 11I’ve been busy on several projects other than the SAL one lately. Once I pick those knitting needles up…

Please use the links below to see how we’re all progressing on our chosen SAL project. We live all over the world so you’ll need to allow for time differences. Posting takes place every third Sunday local time.

Our next updates will be posted on the 17th June 2018.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina,

Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Steph, Linda, Mary Margaret,

Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Tony, Megan, Timothy

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.

Getting Ready – Stage 9

Good morning everyone,

Time for another update on the SAL project today. It’s from a kit by Design Works based on part of a painting by Ronald West.

This is where I was up to last time.

Stage 8

This is where I’m up to now.

Stage 9

Those peach coloured splodges will become faces with a bit of backstitch. I hope to square off this section and get the backstitch done for next time.

We’ve got two new members to welcome into the group this time. Megan is a very talented artist and she’s recently opened her own Etsy shop. Timothy was with us until October last year and he’s now rejoined the group.

Please use the links below to see how we’re all progressing on our chosen SAL project. We live all over the world so you’ll need to allow for time differences. Posting takes place every third Sunday local time.

Our next updates will be posted on the 6th May 2018.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina,

Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Steph, Linda, Mary Margaret,

Heidi, Connie, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Tony, Megan, Timothy

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.

Getting Ready – Stage 8

It’s time to show an update on my SAL project again. The picture is called Getting Ready from a kit by Design Works. This is where I was up to last time.

Stage 7

I’ve now got the top left section squared off and the backstitch has really made the flowers in the vase pop.

Stage 8

Next time I’ll be working to the right. There’s two faces in that square but I’m not sure I’ll get that far. I’ll try!

Hayley and Tony are new additions to the group this time. A warm welcome to both!

Please use the links below to see how we’re all progressing on our chosen SAL project. We live all over the world so you’ll need to allow for time differences. Posting takes place every third Sunday local time.

Our next updates will be posted on the 15th April 2018.

AvisClaireGunCaroleLucyAnnKateJessSueConstanzeDebbieroseChristina,

KathyMargaretCindyHelenStephLindaMary Margaret,

HeidiConnieJackieSunnyHayley, Tony, Megan, Timothy

 

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.

The Sewing Machine – A Book Recommendation

Hello everyone,

It was my birthday recently and my blogging friend Claire thought I’d love to read The Sewing Machine so she ordered a copy and had it sent direct to me.

IMG_20180305_193437493

I wouldn’t call myself an avid reader by any means and I’d usually much rather spend my spare time sewing than reading. However, Claire was keen for me to read this one so I did. Yes, I used some of my precious crafting time to read!! Can you believe that? I’m not going to write a review as such because I don’t really have the words. I prefer to read a book and simply enjoy it for what it is, rather than give it a post mortem which so often spoiled books for me at school (it actually put me off reading). However, this book got under my skin.

The Sewing Machine is a debut novel by Natalie Fergie. I enjoyed it so much that I’ll be looking out for more by this author in future and that’s a first for me. The front cover gives an idea of what the story is about.

One sewing machine.

Two families.

Three secrets.

Four generations.

Millions of stitches.

If you love sewing machines and/or you love to sew I think you’ll really enjoy this book. There’s a lot more to the story than just a sewing machine. It brought back lots of memories from my childhood including my sewing lessons with a very special primary school teacher, the amazing Miss Fox. Yes, I know, I’ve written about her here before. If I told you what other memories this book brought back to me I’d give the story away so I won’t. All I’ll say is that this book made me do something I should have done years ago. I’ve been meaning to do it and I should’ve done it. I just didn’t. Well, now I have and I’ll tell you all about it in another post some time soon.

The Sewing Machine is available on Amazon at £1.99 for the Kindle version and, in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. There’s a paperback and audio version out too. I’m not getting paid to recommend this book. I just want everyone to have the chance to enjoy it as much as I did. I’m actually planning to read it again and that’s another first for me! Let me know if you’ve read it. I’d love to know what you think.

Anyway Natalie, if you ever read this, thank you so much for writing a great story, stirring up some wonderful memories (and quite sad ones) and making me do that thing I should have done decades ago. Also, thank you to Claire who seems to know what’s good for me 🙂 Nowt new there then!

I’m going to publish this post on my other blog as well. Don’t want anyone to miss out on a great read 🙂

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