All posts tagged embroidery

Getting Ready – Happy Dancing!

 

Woohoo! It’s finished at last! This Design Works kit is from an artwork by Ronald West.

This is where I was up to last time. There was still quite a bit to do but me and Claire wanted to finish at the same time so we made a run for the finish line together.

Stage 16

There was a lot of stitching to do in this section but it was plain sailing with so few colours in the blackboard. I got that done much faster than I’d expected to.

Stage 18 a

There wasn’t too much back stitching to complete either. Just the writing on the board and a few outlines but it does make a difference.

Stage 18 bHere’s the finished result. As you can see, it’s off the frame so you can see the whole picture now.

Stage 18 c

It’s been a fun project to stitch but I really didn’t expect it to take almost a year to complete. The first post for this one was dated 8th October 2017. Maybe if we’d realised it would take that long, we would’ve chosen something else.

One of the best things about this project was the price of the kit which was only £5. Total bargain! I’ve done a few Design Works kits now and they’ve all been great quality. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more (especially in a sale).

It’s been great fun working on this at the same time as Claire because we could chivvy each other along. I might not have been so motivated if it hadn’t be for her and the rest of the SAL members who’ve been so patient, watching it grow so slowly. Thanks for all the encouragement folks!

The best bit about finishing a project is that I get to start a new one. I think a few SAL members will be starting something new this time. Me and Claire have both looked in our stashes and we’ve decided to do different projects for once. I bet you can’t believe it LOL. We’ve tried to choose something of similar size and hope to finish together as usual but the kits we’ll be doing are very different.

This is what I’ve pulled out to start very soon. I’ve had it in the drawer for ages and it’s time it saw the light of day. I love the Bothy Threads Cut Thru Designs. The original design was by Amanda Loverseed.

IMG_20180909_124215867

I’ve made a working copy of the chart and chopped it up like I did for the last project. I’ll be sticking to the same method of stitching a square at a time. It helps to motivate me. This one is worked on 16 hpi aida so it’ll be a little finer to stitch than the last one. That suits me.

I’ve already stitched two of the Cut Thru series and have a few more in my stash. I know, I’m very naughty but when I see a bargain I can’t resist. The ones I’ve already done are the Narrowboat…

cimg3184_thumb …and the Camper Van.

cimg2453

They were both fun to stitch and I think the Garden Shed will be too. I’ll be starting at the top so there won’t be too much stitching to show next time as a lot of that section is unstitched sky. It’ll give me a chance to get used to stitching 16 hpi again and also time to do other things. First I need to catch up with all the other blogs and see what everyone else has been up to over the last 3 weeks.

Please hop around the rest of the lovely SAL blogs 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 October 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

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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55 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on September 30, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Cut Thru Garden Shed
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on September 30, 2018

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2018/09/30/getting-ready-happy-dancing/

Getting Ready – Stage 16

Hello everyone,

Another three weeks has flown by! My SAL project called Getting Ready is from a kit by Design Works. The picture is part of an artwork by Ronald West.

This is where I was up to last time.

Stage 15

Here’s where I’m up to now. The middle section is all finished and there wasn’t a lot of backstitch to do.

Stage 16

I’m hoping to have this project completely finished in time for the next update. The top left corner will be the rest of the blackboard and some backstitched writing so there won’t be many colour changes. No problem!

I’ve already chosen my next project so that’s the best kind of motivator for me.  As you know, I made a working copy of the chart for Getting Ready and then chopped it into 12 equal sections. I found it easy to work that way, concentrating on stitching one square section at a time. It’s been motivating me to finish each part. I’ll definitely be using that method again next time.

Please hop around the rest of the lovely SAL blogs 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 30th September 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

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.

37 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on September 9, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Getting Ready
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on September 9, 2018

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2018/09/09/getting-ready-stage-16/

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.

37 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on April 15, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on April 15, 2018

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2018/04/15/getting-ready-stage-9/

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.

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.

35 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on March 25, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on March 25, 2018

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2018/03/25/getting-ready-stage-8/

Getting Ready – Stage 3

Hello everyone,

It’s time to show you an update on my SAL project today. The design is called Getting Ready which has been adapted from an artwork by Ronald West. This is a Design Works kit and I’m really pleased with the quality of the fabric, threads and chart.

This is where I was up to last time. I’d completed 1/6 of the whole thing.

IMG_20170915_121747

I’ve now completed stitching to the right of the last section.

Stage 3

So now, 1/4 of the design is all finished except for the backstitch on the right hand part. That’s why it looks a bit wishy-washy compared to the rest. I’ll do that next and then I’ll be working underneath the table on the left side.

Me and Claire are stitching the same kit but we’re doing different areas each time. Everyone else in the group is making something different. Please take a look at how they are progressing with their own chosen SAL project.  I promise you won’t be disappointed. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences but we post local time, every third Sunday.

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

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

Heidi, Connie, Jackie

Our next updates will be posted on the 10th December 2017. See you then!

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.

34 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on November 19, 2017  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Getting Ready
Tagged , , , , , ,

Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on November 19, 2017

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2017/11/19/getting-ready-stage-3/

Getting Ready – Stage 1

Hello everyone,

It’s time to introduce my new SAL project. I’ve kept you all in suspense for long enough and I just hope I didn’t build this one up into something it really isn’t!

As you know, me and Claire are copy cats (well I am anyway). We’ve been enjoying doing the same projects for what seems like ages now and I find it very motivating. It goes a bit like this…

Claire emails me to say there’s a sale on at Sew and So. I go to have a look and don’t always fancy buying. Claire emails again and says she’s bought several kits! In fact, sometimes she buys more than one of the same kit because she likes to give presents. Then, when I see what she’s bought I sometimes want one too. Anyway, Claire bought this design called Getting Ready by Ronald West and it was a real bargain (Just over £5 for the complete kit) so I put one in my basket as well. I do love Design Works kits because they are such good quality. I also love the odd looking characters in this design. There’s a whole series, all with rather rotund cartoony people. I think they’re fun but I also accept they’re not to everyone’s taste.

Anyway, this is what we’ll be stitching for a while.

IMG_20171003_181133933

I’d put all the threads onto the card and wrote the symbols next to the correct colours and was all ready to start but I just couldn’t work from the tiny chart so I enlarged it and decided to mark my working copy as I went. That made life so much easier. I’d already decided to work in sections so needed to judge how much I could probably get done every three weeks. I don’t only work on the SAL project you see. There’s always lots more crafting going on behind the scenes here.

I thought 12 sections would probably work as this design is stitched solidly across the fabric. I like to paperclip the chart to my fabric at the side of the frame and I’ve made a good start here.

IMG_20170904_094610 This is the section finished except for the backstitching.

IMG_20170906_091738

Then I decided to do the backstitch rather than keep it all until the end. What a difference it makes.

IMG_20170906_161143

So, that’s 1/12 completed. I think each section will be like a mini finish for me. There’s more than enough stitching in one part for three weeks (54 x 54 crosses) so I might not get a whole part done each time but I’ll try. Me and Claire usually agree which bit to stitch for each stage and then we can push each other along but she doesn’t work on a frame so she’s doing things differently this time. I’ll let you pop over to her blog and see for yourself. I’ll be stitching the section to the left of this one for next time.

Everyone else in the group is doing something different. Please take a look at how they are progressing with their own chosen SAL project.  I promise you won’t be disappointed. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences but we post local time, every third Sunday.

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

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

Heidi, Connie, Jackie

Our next updates will be posted on the  29th October 2017. See you then!

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.

47 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on October 8, 2017  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Getting Ready
Tagged , , , , , , ,

Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on October 8, 2017

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2017/10/08/getting-ready-stage-1/

Cirque des Triangles – Stage 1

Hello everyone,

The last three weeks have flown by. I’ve been very busy Spring cleaning and decorating for a while, so there hasn’t been a lot of spare time to stitch but this one is difficult to put down once I get started. The design is by Ink Circles and it’s called Cirques des Triangles. The chart is very clear and easy to follow. I’m stitching on white 16 count aida fabric with DMC shade 4030 variegated thread. Just look at those lovely colour changes in the thread at the bottom of the first photo. Me and Claire are stitching the same design this time but we are going to get very different results because of our fabric and thread choices. 

IMG_20170117_130720442

Stage 1

Stage 1b

Please take a look at how everyone else is progressing with their projects. Just click on the names below and you’ll hop over to their blogs. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences but we post local time, every third Sunday.

Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Susan, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Steph, Linda, Catherine, Wendy

Our next updates will be posted on the  12th March 2017. See you then!

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.

39 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on February 19, 2017  •  Permalink
Posted in Cirque des Triangles, Cross stitch
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on February 19, 2017

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2017/02/19/cirque-des-triangles-stage-1/

Next To Go Stage 11

Hello,

It’s been a very busy three weeks here but I’ve still stitched quite a lot this time. This is how far I’d got for the last update.

Stage 10

Now, I’m up to here 🙂

Stage 11

So, that’s the top of the wall and the greenery behind, as well as the rest of the second dog and the background finished. I’ve had to scroll the bottom part around the frame so I could work at the top left, so you’ll have to wait to see it all together at the very end. The way things are going, this project could be finished by the end of January.

The kit is from the James Herriott Collection.

Steph is our new SAL member this time. I’ve just read a few of her latest posts. She’s up to all sorts! Is there a word meaning more than prolific? Anyway, I can’t wait to see which project she’s chosen for the SAL.

Please also take a look to see how everyone else is progressing. Just click on the names below and you’ll hop over to their blogs. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences but we post local time, every third Sunday.

Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose,Christina,Susan,Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Steph

Our next update will be posted on the 8th January 2017. Yes, 2017!

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 an unfinished project, or maybe a 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 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.

39 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on December 18, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Next To Go
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on December 18, 2016

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2016/12/18/next-to-go-stage-11/

Next To Go Stage 10

Good morning,

Here is a progress report on my SAL project. This is how far I’d got in the last update.

Stage 9

Here’s where I’m up to now.

Stage 10

Can you find the bit I’ve done this time? No? well, it’s all along the very bottom of the picture. Lots of lovely thread changes. There was actually quite a bit of work in this part and all of the foreground is finished now. I’m going to stitch the rest of the dog for next time.

The kit is from the James Herriott Collection.

Helen is our new SAL member this time. I can’t wait to see what she’s been up to.

Please take a look to see how everyone else’s projects are progressing. Just click on the names below and you’ll hop over to their blogs. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences but we post local time, every third Sunday.

Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose,Christina,Susan, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen

Our next update will be posted on the 18th December 2016. One week before Santa’s visit!

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 an unfinished project, or maybe a 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 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.

42 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on November 27, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch, Next To Go
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on November 27, 2016

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/next-to-go-stage-10/

Lighthouse Bookmark

Good evening everyone,

My lighthouse loving friend got a little surprise today. She gave me this kit a while ago because she was having a clear out and had no intention of ever doing cross stitch again. Lucky me!

Lighthouse kit

As you can see, the kit has a lovely clear chart and it only took me a couple of evenings to stitch and finish it into a bookmark for her. The aida fabric is quite a rustic grey beige and there’s still enough left to make at least one more bookmark. I simply backed it with dark brown felt and pinked the edges.

Lighthouse

This was a perfect kit to fill a couple of chilly nights up north. I’m sure there’s another lighthouse themed cross stitch kit in the huge pile Lin gave me 🙂

Bell Rock lighthouse has a very interesting history. You can read all about it here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Rock_Lighthouse

14 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on October 26, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Cross stitch
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on October 26, 2016

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2016/10/26/lighthouse-bookmark/

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