The WIPocalypse approaches! But first, a word from our sponsor IHSW

I’m excited about the WIPocalypse.  Really.  I look at it as a huge stitch-a-long.  A yearlong party is a great enticement to anyone right?  So when I think of it that way it’s easier to forget those other words that keep coming up.  Like list and organize.  Don’t get me wrong.  I write lists every day.  Sometimes I even get around to reading them again on the chance I can cross something off of it.  But organize is not a word that is usually associated with me. J

Still, a new year is soon upon us and a chance to try new things.  Without further ado I give you my WIPocalypse list:

1.     The Summer Ball

You all know this story.  I came across the second part of this in Cross Stitch Collection when it first came out.  Bought the third part when it came out and managed to find the first part on EBay.  Then I actually went and bought all the floss (Anchor no less) and a 3 foot long (!?) piece of 16 count aida to do it on.  The most amazing part of this is the fact that I actually started it.  There’s a portion of a mirror visible in the upper left corner. That’s what I’ve done so far.  Now there’s a quote on this page from the designer, Sandy Littlejohns.  It says “As with any large project there is a need to pace oneself, and not attempt too much at one time.”  I think it’s time to pick up the pace.

2.    A Mythical Dragon

Along with big projects, the other thing I haven’t done much of is work with metallics or blending filaments.  Then I received a package from Kim at  Scully's Cross Stitching .  She was clearing out her stash and sharing it with myself and others.  Along with two Teresa Wentzler patterns, which are tempting in their own right was “A Mythical Dragon”.  Pattern, charms, fabric, floss and filament.  It’s a wonder I haven’t started it yet.  Thank you Kim! 

And since I’m on a roll with picking out pieces that are 3-5 times bigger than anything I normally do, I thought I may as well add in this one.

3.    Do Not Disturb

This was a birthday present for my best friend.  She was there when I bought it and everything.  She stitches too but clever soul that I am I offered to do it for her.  Right.  Anyway, it has all the pieces with it.  I know this because last summer I opened it up to look at it.  I even rinsed out all the floss like they suggested.  I should probably try to get the creases out of the fabric before I start but it’s mostly ready to go.

What do you know?  I may get the hang of this organizing thing yet!

There’s still plenty to look forward to this year.  Including this weekend’s IHSW.  So I’m going for a finish.  It’s time to finish up the Haunted House and get back to my other pieces.  That’s my plan and enough talk for now.

Happy stitching World!

Santa's got his jingle on!

I was flipping through my Christmas patterns for my next Santa and decided on this one.

His face is great but I thought the bell was a nice touch. 

In the meantime I can’t quite bring myself to finish the backstitch on the Haunted House.  So I’ve been doing one thread a day.  Proving that I will go to great lengths to drag this out. Ha.

What I really want to do at the moment are sprites.  Dork Stitch sprites to be precise.  I’m close to finishing Sailor Chibi Moon, which will only leave me Tuxedo Mask to do.  Then last week I started on the Monkees.  Those may not get finished as soon as they should due to Dork Stitch’s post last week of the Big Bang Theory cast.  The whole cast? How cool is that? It will make the perfect Christmas present for my brother so I have to get going on it.  So much fun!

Happy stitching World!

Special Happy Dance

I received my exchange piece from Kate at Momuboocrea Island.  So much fun!!

This banner is so cute.  Santa reminds me of a cartoon character which is cool and I love the metallic threads on his outfit and the words.  This will be a great addition to my Christmas decorations.

That wasn’t all!  There’s a great bag with my blog name embroidered on it.  And now I have a cute little kit which I can’t believe I haven’t started yet.  To top it all off, a cute Santa tray I can put my chocolates on. (I can’t believe I haven’t opened those yet either)

Thank you so much Kate!!  Your talent and generosity is much appreciated.

Holidays

Holidays are so inspirational.  Take this house that’s been haunting me. (Please?!)  A couple of boards on the windows, a light in the doorway and it’s spruced up in time for Santa’s visit.  If the backstitch is done by New Year’s Eve there may even be a party.

While I’ve been neglecting the house and my other two projects I did do a little something else.  My Santa exchange piece with Kate at Momuboocrea Island is called “Checking it twice” by Dragon Dreams.  It’s from the 2007 Just Cross Stitch Christmas ornament issue.  I tweaked a couple of things along the way but I was pleased with the result.  Mine hasn’t come in yet but that just gives me more to look forward to.  Thanks again for doing that with me Kate.  I'm glad you like it. J

I really like Santa.  Traditional and not so much.  Lucie Heaton’s “Have a Cosmic Christmas” and Claire Crompton’s surfing Santa are good examples.   I’m planning on finishing the surfer into a pillow too.  I have some snowflake buttons and the perfect ribbon.

So now we’ve come to the end of this long ramble.  Hope everyone is nice and warm and having a good day.  I’m off to play more Christmas music and find another Santa to make.

Happy stitching World.

Some progress, no pictures.

I’ve finished all the stitching for my Santa exchange piece.  Now as soon as I decide on a backing fabric I can sew it up and send it on its way.

Then it’s back to my ongoing pieces by way of whatever else comes along to distract me. J

Happy Thanksgiving and have a great week.

Happy stitching World.

Wait, what holiday is it?

In this week’s holiday competition between Halloween and Christmas, Santa is coming out on top.  I can’t show you that one yet but I can show you that the Haunted house has a resident.  He’s peeking out of the round window on top.  This week I’ll start filling in the smaller sections.  Right now I’m off to add more backstitch to Santa.

Happy stitching World.

This and that

Three words that could explain why I haven’t finished anything lately.  I work on a little of this, then a little of that.  Still it does keep it interesting.

I did a little of this on the Haunted House.

And a little of that on my Santa exchange.

(Watch this blog for future picturesJ)

In the meantime I’m off to work on something completely different!

Happy stitching World.