All posts tagged cross stitch

Woodland Sampler – Stage 3

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.

Stage 2

This is where I’m at now. Can you guess what the latest animal is without reading further?

Stage 3

I decided to leave the back stitching until I’ve finished all the way across the top. I might regret it! The greenery under the owl is now filled in and I’ve got most of the red squirrel done. I was hoping to finish this piece of the chart but there’s a lot more background to add. I hope to at least square it off in time for the next update.

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 4th July 2021.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, AJ, 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.

26 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on June 13, 2021  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Woodland Sampler
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on June 13, 2021

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2021/06/13/woodland-sampler-stage-3/

Woodland Sampler – Stage 2

It’s time for another SAL project update.  I’m stitching the Woodland Sampler by Anchor. The design number is PCE958.

After all my whinging last time I now accept this one isn’t going to be easy or fast to complete. I’m fine with it now. I keep telling myself it’s just a mindset. This is where I was up to last time.

Stage 1

This is where I’m at now.

Stage 2

There’s a lot of back stitched details to add but I’ll do those when the tawny owl is all finished. Most of the stitching on the body is full crosses so it’s been quite enjoyable to do even though there are a lot of colour changes.

After reading the comments on my last SAL post I realised I’d given the wrong name to the stitches I’d been having trouble with. I was moaning about half stitches which I now know to be the same as tent stitch and petit point. They’re easy! It was actually side by side three quarter stitches (i.e. two three quarter stitches in one square) that were trying my patience. Sorry if I mislead some of you. You probably thought “What’s she going on about? Half stitches are easy!” and rightly so.

Mary Margaret has sadly decided to leave the SAL. I hope you’ll pop over to see what she’s getting up to now and again. She’s informed me she’ll still be crafting. 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 13th June 2021.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, AJ, 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.

38 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on May 23, 2021  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Woodland Sampler
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on May 23, 2021

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2021/05/23/woodland-sampler-stage-2/

Woodland Sampler – Stage 1

It’s time for another SAL update. After completing Tiny Treasures last time I decided my next SAL project would be the kit that my sister bought for my birthday. It’s called Woodland Sampler by Anchor. The design number is PCE958.

Woodland Sampler

I zig-zagged with the sewing machine around the edge of the supplied 16 count aida fabric, pressed it and clipped it to the frame. All was going well. The charts are on A3 paper and the print is VERY small so I needed to make a working copy to mark off as I stitched. I set myself a target of getting the tawny owl finished for this update. This is how far I got. I’ve stitched for many hours and I’m really disappointed with how long this much took to complete.

Stage 1

Eagle-eyed readers will notice the fabric isn’t aida. I did try but there are so many fractional stitches that I couldn’t get my needle through the aida in the right places and it was all a mess. I swapped it for 32 count evenweave. I don’t enjoy stitching on evenweave but I had no choice. More whinging coming up…

Some of the half stitch symbols weren’t showing up very well on my copy so I needed to refer to the chart to check. That wasn’t very helpful because the print had worn off the original where the paper had been folded! I’d literally taken the chart out of the pack, laid it flat, made a copy and then folded it back up. The print and/or paper must be very poor quality.

Most of the owl that I’ve stitched so far is made up of fractional stitches. I’ve been tearing my hair out LOL. I’ve moaned to everyone around me and now I’m moaning here as well. Anyway, as if all the fractional stitches aren’t enough, there’s a load of back stitching to do over the top. Most of the half stitches that are next to each other are only a shade different. I’m sure this design could’ve been just as effective if it was done in full crosses and backstitch. It all seems a tad unnecessary to me but I’m not an artist.

However, I do love the design and this kit wouldn’t have been cheap so I’m determined to finish it. The threads are Anchor brand so they’re good quality and the supplied fabric was nice too. I can use it for something else. I might have to buy some new dancing shoes for when this one is done but I’ve got plenty of time to save up because it’s going to take ages!!

Sorry for all the whinging. I feel much better now I’ve got it off my chest. I promise to be more chipper next time.

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 May 2021.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, 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.

47 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on May 2, 2021  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Woodland Sampler
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on May 2, 2021

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2021/05/02/woodland-sampler-stage-1/

Tiny Treasures – Happy Dance

It’s time for another SAL update. Tiny Treasures was designed by  Liz Almond  and the original chart is a free download from Blackwork Journey. This is where I was up to last time.

Stage 11

As you can see there were only 8 boxes to complete so me and Claire decided to sprint to the finish line. We did it!

Stage 12

This is why we’re Happy Dancing this time 🙂 It’s a long way to scroll down!

Finished

As usual I made the process so much more difficult for myself by changing and adding to lots of the original designs from the beginning. Once I’d started to make everything more densely stitched to suit my thread choice I had to keep it up or the top bit would’ve looked wrong. I struggled towards the end to redesign or come up with something completely different from the original but I managed. All the boxes and flowers are different. There’s 70 flowers and 52 boxes. I think I’ll finish it up as a wall hanger. If not, it’ll be framed but I’m not in any hurry to get it done. 

The design finished at 10 x 27 inches but you could choose any number of the boxes and flowers to make something a more suitable size for your needs. It’s been a very enjoyable project to stitch, especially as the chart and instructions are so clear.

Do you want to know what I’m going to stitch next? OK then, I’ll tell you. I’d already pulled something out of my stash and put it to one side ages ago but then it was my birthday and my sister bought me this gorgeous kit. It’s a cross stitch design featuring some of my favourite animals, namely foxes and hedgehogs. I think it’ll take a long time to stitch this one but it’s perfect for the SAL in that it has several different animals that I can do in stages.

Woodland Sampler

I know Claire is also Happy Dancing today and there’s bound to be others as well.

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 2nd May 2021.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, 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.

37 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on April 11, 2021  •  Permalink
Posted in Woodland Sampler
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on April 11, 2021

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2021/04/11/tiny-treasures-happy-dance/

Tiny Treasures – Stage 4

Tiny Treasures was designed by  Liz Almond  and the chart is a free download from Blackwork Journey. This is where I was up to last time.

Stage 3

I haven’t done as much for this update but I’m pleased it’s coming along. Here’s where I’m up to now.

Stage 4

There’s a tiny bit of the border hiding. It’s rolled under the frame on the right hand side.

I’ve been busy doing loads of jobs outside in the garden recently and there’s still lots to do. It’s good to be out in the fresh air but it doesn’t leave much time for stitching. The daylight hours are getting shorter so there’ll be more time for crafting soon. Maybe I should get some quilt tops out to quilt. It’s a while since I’ve done that and it’s a nice cold evening activity.

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 15th November 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.

33 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on October 25, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Blackwork, Tiny Treasures
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on October 25, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/10/25/tiny-treasures-stage-4/

Paddy’s Cove – Happy Dance!

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. Stage 3

I only had the top right quarter plus the backstitching left to do. This is how it looked before the backstitching.

Stage 4

Here it is with the backstitching all finished.

Finished with back stitching

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.

Thread selection

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.

CIMG3397

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.

35 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on August 2, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Paddy's Cove
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on August 2, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/08/02/paddys-cove-happy-dance/

Paddy’s Cove – Stage 3

It’s time to share an update on the Paddy’s Cove cross stitch. Designer credits are here. This is where I was up to last time. The left hand side of the design area was all finished.

Stage 2

I’ve now completed the bottom right quarter. It’s growing fast 🙂

Stage 3

If all goes to plan I’ll be Happy Dancing next time. There’s nowhere near as much to stitch in the top right quarter but the back stitching details might pose a bit of a challenge. I’ll think about that when I get there.

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 2nd 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.

37 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on July 12, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Paddy's Cove
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on July 12, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/07/12/paddys-cove-stage-3/

Paddy’s Cove – Stage 2

 

It’s time to show an update on the Paddy’s Cove cross stitch. Designer credits are here. This is where I was up to last time which shows about one quarter of the design area.

Stage 1

I continued stitching like crazy since the last update and managed to reach my next target of getting all of the left hand side completed. This is where I’m up to now.

Stage 2My plan is to continue stitching to the right, so that’ll be the bottom right quarter of the picture. Let’s hope I can stay on track.

Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to Sherrie and Jocelyn this time but the rest of the group are posting updates today. Please check out what everyone 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 12th July 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.

41 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on June 21, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Paddy's Cove
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on June 21, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/06/21/paddys-cove-stage-2/

Paddy’s Cove – Stage 1

Hurray! It’s SAL update day today and I’ve started a new project. It’s called Paddy’s Cove by Elsa Williams. The kit was given to me by my lovely friend Lin, who was clearing out her stash. I was the lucky recipient of several of her kits and supplies. You’ll have seen some of them before as I’ve already completed them for SAL projects.

This design uses whole cross stitches and it should finish at about 14” x 10”. It isn’t full coverage like the Highlands Landscape so it should be a fairly quick one to do.

Paddy's Cove coverI’ve folded the chart into 4 and the plan is to stitch about 1/4 for each update. Here’s the first part. Stage 1

I’ll continue to stitch down the left hand side for next time and hopefully get to the bottom by then. I’m not keen on the way the back stitching is done on this design so I’m leaving it all until the end and then I’ll decide how to tackle it.

Please also take a look at the latest SAL project updates from the rest of the group 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 June 2020.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie, AJ, Jenny, Laura, Cathie, Linda, Sherrie, 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.

41 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on May 31, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Paddy's Cove
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on May 31, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/05/31/paddys-cove-stage-1/

Highlands Landscape – Stage 7

It’s time to show an update on the Highlands Landscape cross stitch. Designer credits are here. This is where I was up to last time.

Stage 18

You’ll be pleased to know the cross stitching is all finished now.

Stage 21

There’s just the back stitching details to add and then I’ll take it off the frame and let you see the whole thing. I expect to be Happy Dance next time :-).

We’ve got a new member to welcome into the group today. Her name is Sherrie and you’ll be able to check out her blog by clicking her link below. I’m looking forward to seeing which project she’s chosen to complete for the SAL.

Please also take a look at the latest SAL project updates from the rest of the group 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 10th May 2020.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie, AJ, Jenny, Laura, Cathie, Linda, Sherrie

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.

49 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on April 19, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Highlands Landscape
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on April 19, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/04/19/highlands-landscape-stage-7/

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