Pumpkin House–Stage 2

I’m still working on the Pumpkin House cross stitch kit from the Enchanted series by Bothy Threads.

Pumpkin House 1

I’m having to force myself to put it down and work on other things because it’s a very relaxing project to stitch.

Here’s where I’m up to. The light wasn’t very good for photography so it’s made the background fabric look different this time. The real life colour is shown in the top photo. It looks even more moody today.

2

I made good progress again. I’ve added another bat, an owl and part of a spooky looking tree. This is as wide as the design gets. I’m going to start stitching under the roof of the house in time for the next update.

Please visit the other blogs that are taking part in this SAL. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences as we’re posting today at local time.


Avis
, Claire, Gun, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan,

Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie, Cindy, MaryMargaret

Our next updates will be posted on the 16th April 2023.

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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Pumpkin House–Stage 1

My new SAL project is a kit that was bought by my dear friend Lin. She’d planned to stitch it herself but realised after completing only a few stitches that her eyes were no longer up to cross stitching. I know how much she loves the design and I can’t see a kit go to waste so I offered to stitch it for her.

It’s called Pumpkin House from the Enchanted series by Bothy Threads. Did anyone guess the theme after my clue last time?

Pumpkin House package

Lin says there’s no hurry to complete this one but it jumped the queue because I was ready for another monochrome project. It’s mostly full crosses and there are a handful of 3/4 stitches, some back stitched details for the webs, metallic silver thread for the moon and some star shaped sequins which will add a bit of sparkle.

Here’s where I’m up to.

Pumpkin House 1

As you can see I’ve made good progress already. It’s all been stitched using 3 strands of black so far which is giving good coverage. The fabric is hand dyed which makes the colours all cloudy and moody.

Bothy Threads kits are really good quality. I’ve made loads of different ones from their range and they never disappoint with lovely threads and very clear charts and instructions.

Next, I’m going to tackle the spooky tree to the left of the roof.

Please visit the other blogs that are taking part in this SAL. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences as we’re posting today at local time.


Avis
, Claire, Gun, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan,

Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie, Cindy, MaryMargaret

Our next updates will be posted on the 26th March 2023.

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.

Garden Shed – Happy Dancing!

I’m Happy Dancing today and there’s at least two other SAL members joining me this time. The Cut Thru Garden Shed by Bothy Threads is finally finished.

This is where I was up to last time.

Stage 19b

Here’s the last bit before the back stitching was done. There’s also a bit that isn’t visible along the top edge as it was still on the frame at this point.

Stage 20a 

Here it is off the frame and with the back stitch completed. Ta-daaa!

Stage 20b

I’m really pleased with this one and I’ve enjoyed every minute of stitching it. Having started to stitch this in October 2018, I’m very happy to finally have it done and ready to frame. It’ll soon be hanging alongside my other two from this series. You might have already seen them in previous posts.

Here’s a quick reminder…

The first one I stitched was the Cut Thru Camper Van. There’s actually two versions of this design available now. They’re quite easy to tell apart. I bought the one with the most detail. Not the best photo.

cimg2453

My favourite of all three is the Narrow Boat. Again, the photo was taken through glass so it isn’t the best.

I’ve got two more Cut Thru designs in my stash but my next project isn’t going to be one of those. I’ll show you what I’ve chosen for my new SAL project next time. It’s something completely different for me, a landscape. It certainly won’t take me more than a year to complete it!

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 15th December 2019.

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 19

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 18b

The next square was quite straightforward and relatively quick to stitch with not too many thread colour changes. Here it is without the back stitched detail. Not a lot going on is there?

Stage 19a

Here it is with the back stitch completed.

Stage 19b

One last push and it’ll be finished. I’m looking forward to starting something new already.

Sadly, Clare has decided to leave the SAL. Helen is taking a break while she’s concentrating on other things. Connie, who was previously a long-term member, is rejoining us from today. Welcome back Connie! I’m looking forward to seeing which project you’ve chosen to show us.

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 24th November 2019.

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 17

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 16b

I really struggled to achieve my personal goal of one square this time. I was still sitting frantically back stitching yesterday. A crack of the virtual SAL whip and a dose of sheer determination got me through 🙂

Here it is without the back stitched detail.

Stage 17a

Now we have a pair of wellies, the beginnings of a BBQ and some soil!

Stage 17b

Please enjoy the latest SAL project updates from the rest of the group by clicking the links below. There are two new members this time. Welcome aboard Susan and Anne! I can’t wait to see which project you’ve chosen for this SAL.

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 13th October 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, Susan, 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 – Stage 16

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 15b

This is where I’m up to now. There was a lot more detail on this square than I’d expected.

Stage 16a

Here it is with the back stitched detail. I’ve had to roll the top bit around the frame so we won’t see that bit again until it’s all finished. Anyway, there’s some mushrooms and a wiggly worm joining in this time.

Stage 16b 

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 22nd September 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

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 15

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.

Just a very short update today. There’s lots of other (nice) demands on my time lately.

This is where I was up to last time.Stage 14b

This is where I’m up to now. Can you find the new critters?

Stage 15 

Here it is with the back stitched detail. I bet you can see the new animals now.

Stage 15b

That’s two more pesky snails added this time. I’ve now reached the 75% mark, yey! Next time, we’re going underground.

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 11th August 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

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 14

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 13b

I thought I might miss my own target of completing one square this time but I managed with a day to spare. Here’s the splodgy version. I wonder how many things you can make out this time.

Stage 14a

Here it is with the back stitched detail.

Stage 14b

I did think the green ball was a cabbage at first. Just one more square to the right to complete for next time and then I’ll be 75% done. The next row along the bottom shows a cross section of the shed floor and what lurks beneath.

The jobs around the garden have continued over the last three weeks. My experience with a “swarm” of cabbage white butterflies would’ve made a very comical silent movie I’m told. Silent, because by the time I’d finished the air was a little blue. No idea what the collective noun for butterflies is by the way.

Anyway, the Brussels sprouts were just about touching the top of the protective net. I thought it would be a good idea to put a strip of very lightweight horticultural fleece between the leaves and the net to stop the CWBs laying eggs on them. When I removed the net, literally for only a few minutes while I cut the fleece, the cabbage white butterflies descended on my brassicas! They appeared from all directions and refused to leave!! I shooed one away, two came back and so on… How did they know the net was off? Anyway, once the net was back on I did a quick check underneath and I’d managed to trap a butterfly inside with my precious sprouts! Nobody messes with my sprouts, so there followed a repeat performance of my Basil Fawlty impression. I only hope none of the butterflies had time to lay eggs. I’ll keep an eye out for pesky caterpillars.

I’m including a photo of my mini field of gold. I know there are amazing real fields of gold but I only had 15 seeds. They have all flowered but I couldn’t stand any further back because of a wall. Here’s some of the results which are successes in my eyes.

8th July 2019 

Thank you for all your suggestions in the comments last time, giving me loads of ideas for easy flowers to grow next year. I’ll definitely be giving them a try.

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 11th August 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

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 13

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. No idea why the background is so blue.

Stage 12b

Here’s my next splodgy square. The raincoat and brolly are complete. That’s easy to see………but what’s that in the middle?

Stage 13a

It’s much clearer now. Did you get it before scrolling down?

Stage 13b

I’ve been doing a few jobs around the house and garden lately and I’ve been talking to my 14 healthy sunflower plants every day. I would’ve had 15 if the stupid wood pigeon hadn’t attempted acrobatics on top of one plant. He snapped the top six inches off, including the flower bud! Anyway, this morning I went for my usual wander around the garden and found one of the buds was opening. Sunflowers make me smile.

IMG_20190629_091109832 As you can see, it’s a very healthy specimen. It isn’t fully open yet but it’s looking good so far. This is a small variety called Helios Flame. It stands about 30 inches tall. I’ve got all the plants in a bed quite close together and haven’t needed to stake them yet. I’ll see how they go as the flowers open because they’ll be quite heavy. Hopefully the seeds will develop and the birds (pigeons are not invited) can have a feast. Do you have a favourite, easy to grow flower? If you have any suggestions I might give them a try next year.

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 21st July 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

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.

Garden Shed – Stage 12

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 11b

Gardening is becoming one of my favourite pastimes so far this year. I was worried about my sunflowers last time and I’m pleased to report that they’ve all survived the slugs and snails who’ve been having a party here every night due to all the recent rain. Their fun and games is being curtailed by the hedgehogs who are being very well fed this year! So far, the wood pigeons have also left the sunflowers alone. Hurray! Anyway, I grew loads of flowers last year with great success so I’m trying a few veg in a new raised bed this year. I can feel a courgette glut coming on already.

All the gardening means I didn’t have lots of time to cross stitch but this was an easy square to do so I met my target again this time. Here it is.

Stage 12a

This is how it looks with the back stitching completed. Every shed needs a warm stove.

Stage 12b

Both Connie and Debbierose are taking a break from the SAL for a while. Hopefully they’ll be back soon.  Please enjoy the latest 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 30th June 2019.

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

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.

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