All posts tagged embroidery

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/

Tiny Treasures – Stage 11

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 10

Me and Claire agreed to finish the rest of the flowers and outer border this time. If you take a look at her opened out version you’ll see how big it is.

Stage 11

Just 8 boxes left to fill. I can feel a Happy Dance coming on!

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 11th April 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.

46 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on March 21, 2021  •  Permalink
Posted in Blackwork, Tiny Treasures
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on March 21, 2021

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2021/03/21/tiny-treasures-stage-11/

Tiny Treasures – Stage 7

Happy Christmas to everyone if you celebrate it and best wishes for 2021. This very strange year has flown by!

Now for the SAL update….

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 6

I’ve added another four boxes and five flowers. The outer border has been extended by a couple of inches past the edge of the photo because I just kept stitching until the pieces of thread were all used up.

Stage 7Please 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 17th January 2021.

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.

36 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on December 27, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Blackwork, Tiny Treasures
Tagged , , , , ,

Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on December 27, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/12/27/tiny-treasures-stage-7/

Tiny Treasures – Stage 5

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 4

Here’s where I’m up to now. I’ve unrolled it from the frame a bit so you can see it all, even though it looks a funny shape.

Stage 5 

Lots of knitting is going on here at the moment but not much stitching. It’s still growing though 🙂

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 6th December 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.

46 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on November 15, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Blackwork, Tiny Treasures
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on November 15, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/11/15/tiny-treasures-stage-5/

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
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on October 25, 2020

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

Tiny Treasures – Stage 3

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 2

Claire really pushed the boat out and suggested adding 8 more boxes for this stage. My boat almost sank but I managed….just LOL.

Stage 3

Here’s a close-up view.

Stage 3 Close up

I’m much happier with the green now but I’m still adding a lot more stitching than the chart shows. I’m committed to stitching the whole lot more densely (now that I’ve started) or the finished piece won’t look balanced. Thankfully, the designer encourages stitchers to do their own thing. My version is definitely “inspired by” and I’m really pleased Claire found the free chart for me to play around with.

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 25th October 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.

45 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on October 4, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Blackwork, Tiny Treasures
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on October 4, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/10/04/tiny-treasures-stage-3/

Tiny Treasures – Stage One

I love starting a new project. Getting the first stitches onto an empty piece of cloth is always fun for me. Most of the time I prefer to make something from a kit because I don’t have to think about the fabric or threads I need to use. Sometimes, when I have to choose for myself,  it takes forever to make a decision and this one took FOREVER! Thankfully, I got there in the end but I was left with a lot of tidying up to do because I had my very organised thread stash turned completely upside down. These are my chosen colours which you saw last time.

Thread selectionSeveral years ago, Claire hosted some blackwork SALs and I was quickly hooked. We’ve stitched a few more designs together since then and I’ve enjoyed every one. Claire recently found this one called Tiny Treasures and we’ve agreed to stitch it together for this SAL. It was designed by  Liz Almond  and the chart is a free download from Blackwork Journey. The good thing is that it can be stitched as a rectangle or a square and the designer encourages stitchers to make changes if they wish.

This is where I’m up to so far.

Stage 1The green isn’t showing up very well in the photo but it looks nice in real life. I’ve changed a few bits and pieces here and there and I’m probably going to add some more green to the border but I’ve got plenty of time to think about it. I’ll wait until the rest is finished. That’s me putting off making another decision!

I’ve chosen to stitch the rectangular version which finishes at about 10 x 26 inches. I think it’ll be a good shape to hang vertically on the narrow wall in our hallway. The more I look at the chart, the more I keep thinking of other handmade items the individual designs would look good on. I’m sure they’d be lovely for cards, coasters, bookmarks etc. It really is a very versatile chart.

Anyway, I’ll be working left to right and top to bottom. Watch it grow!

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 September 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.

45 Comments
by Sewing Beside the Sea on August 23, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Blackwork, Tiny Treasures
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Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on August 23, 2020

https://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com/2020/08/23/tiny-treasures-stage-one/

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
Tagged , , , , ,

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
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Sewing Beside the Sea on July 12, 2020

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

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