WIPocalypse 2022 Check-in - December 31, 2022 12/30/2022 0 Comments   The topic for this month's discussion is:  "Recap your accomplishments for the year! (Your finishes, your final before/after photos, etc)." Here goes, starting with my finishes, in order of "finishing": 1. Lakeside Needlecraft "Christmas" SAL 2021. Stitched on white Aida using recommended threads. ​Started December 26, 2021; finished January 6, 2022: 2. Stitchonomy Christmas 2021 SAL. stitched on ice blue AIDA (not obvious in this photo) in the colors specified (exceptI substituted a DNC Diamante gold for a called-for yellow and a Diamante silver for ornament hangers). Started December 26, 2021; finished January 29, 2022: 3. Stitchonomy "Spring 2022 SAL". Stitched on pink Aida using recommended DMC (except for some Sulky substitutions). Used some alternative bands and modified others. Unable to do all 15 bands as the fabric was too short. Started April 22. 2022; finished May 22. 2022: 4. Stitchonomy "Summer Banner SAL", stitched on bright yellow Aida with called for DMC. Started  June 23, 2022;  completed July 30, 2022 5. Lakeside Needlecraft "Crystallise" SAL. Started January 8, 2022; completed September 19, 2022 I decided to omit the backstitched "crystals" and the labels that were in the original chart. 6. FaithWurks/Just Cross Stitch - Nancy Wahler: "Home Sweet Home" SAL. Started January 30, 2022,  completed October 18, 2022 7. Stitchonomy "Cabinet of Curiosities" SAL. Stitch don  tan AIDA using called for threads and she metallic DMC... Started October 8, 2022, completed October 23, 2022 There were several "personalizations" in this one, using motifs provided by others in the SAL and alternative from previous years of Halloween SALs. TO say nothing of costing errors!  8. "Autumn Sampler" by Stitchonomy. Stitched on "khaki" aAISA using called for DMC. This pattern was designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL, the "Winter 2021", and the "Summer 2022"  banners. Started October 30, 2022, completed November 11, 2022. ~~~~~ My current WIPs... 1. Elizabeth Almond's "Save the Stitches" sampler. Photos from March 27, 2022 (full view, left and close-up, right): Close-up of current: I seem to have lost my motivation for this piece. I hope to bring it out again in 20223 and get it done! ​2. "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana and using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. Started in 2021. Photos below show January 18, 2022 on left and current on right:  I stalled on this one because all that has to be finished is the beading and there are 1988 (!!!) beads according to the chart! And because many of the beads are in the borders, it will have be be done in hand... AAARGH! 3. Stitchonomy Christmas Banner 2022 SAL. Started December 16 and six bands stitched to date with the seventh dropping on the 30th. I belong to Pattern Club and we get advances on the pattern so there are only three bands I can show so far: This will be a companion for the seasonal banner SALs, three of which are shown in the finishes above. Stitched on "Touch of Gray" 14ct AIDA using called for DMC. I am considering beads for the reindeer eyes and the poinsettia centers, so will hold off and do these beads along with the beading on "Hope & Strength"! Some backstitching may also be called for but I'm waiting for the end to decide... ​~~~~~ Other WIPS (some of which probably qualify as UFOs by now) in the wings are: ​1. Traveling Needlepoint: Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020. 2. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here! 3. A cooperative venture between Nancy Wahler ("Faithwurks") and Sue Hillis Designs called "A Stitcher's Shadowbox and Smalls" is now available and (as per usual, I ordered two by mistake! Oh well---). I have the kit(s) in hand but still have not started. 4. Two  SALs by Cliffside Stitches. One is a variation on medieval Egyptian blackwork and the other is a set of cross-stitched tiles based on variety of motifs that are reminiscent of traditional folk designs from around the world. I have not started either although I have ordered the floss for the blackwork piece. 5. And there is the soon to be released (January 1, 2023) SAL from Fox & Rabbit called "Royal Gardens" ... ~~~~~ So the question is, will finishing longterm WIPs take precedent over new starts? My fingers have been itching to start something new and not-so-very-large, so we shall see... Happy New Year everyone!

 

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-in - November 27, 2022 11/27/2022 0 Comments   The topic for this month's discussion is: "When do you begin planning your stitching goals for the next year?" Interesting question that I don't have an answer for. I don't plan ahead beyond working on (and hopefully competing) the projects in progress. ~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~ When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete . No progress this month... ~~~~~Travelling Needlepoint~~~~~ Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020. No road trips, no progress to report. ~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~ There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana and using the recommended Dinky Dye threads.  In June, I had competed the pink and purple stars in the lower border and started on the "white" filler/background to the stars. The white part of the border is now nearly two thirds finished, having turned the corner at the bottom right. In addition to the white border, there is a multi-colored border and breading to go before this piece is finished...  ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~  1. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here!   ~~~~~ SALs completed in 2022 ~~~~~  1.  A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL, the "Winter 2021", and the "Summer 2022"  banners. The "Autumn 2022" was released in its entirety (it is NOT a SAL) in late August and I have made a small start, locating center and completing the first two bands. Stitched with the specified DMC threads on 14-count "curry-colored" Aida. Completed November 11, 2022.  ~~~~~ Waiting in the Wings ~~~~~ 1. A cooperative venture between Nancy Wahler ("Faithwurks") and Sue Hillis Designs called "A Stitcher's Shadowbox and Smalls" is now available and (as per usual, I ordered two by mistake! Oh well---). I have the kit(s) in hand but still have not started. 2. A stitchonomy "Christmas" SAL,  a companion banner to the "Spring", "Winter", "Summer" and "Autumn" banners  mentioned above in "SALS Comlpeted in 2022",  scheduled to begin December. I have ordered the kit... and it has been shipped. 3. Two  SALs by Cliffside Stitches. One is a variation on medieval Egyptian blackwork and the other is a set of cross-stitched tiles based on variety of motifs that are reminiscent of traditional folk designs from around the world. I have not started either although I have ordered the floss for the blackwork piece. ~~~~~ In summary, this month I completed one sampler and made a little progress on a long-term WIP. This is beginning to sound a lot like all my reports!  As usual, I wish you all to stay safe and keep well - having had my personal bout with the dreaded Covid, all I have to say is that if being double vexed and double boosted made this a less severe illness, I sure am glad I had the shots. I have now had my third booster (A Moderna bivalent) which knocked me sideways with joint aches and a headache for one day. But I am now past the side effects and am seriosuly considering those tax records I mentioned last month.

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-in - October 30, 2022

 

The topic for this month's discussion is: "Do you prefer Halloween or Christmas stitching?" I think I don't have a preference for either; historically I have leaned toward more holiday-neutral stitching.  My holiday stitching was pretty much confined to 'smalls" like tree ornaments for a number of holidays (mainly Easter, Halloween, and Christmas). Partly, this was because I was into entering the local county fair and one of the needlework entry categories was trios of Christmas ornaments in various media (plastic canvas, perforated paper, beading, cross-stitch, etc.). The fair recently has reduced the number of entries for ornaments, making such stitching less lucrative (fewer possibilities to win ribbons).  Besides, I stopped entering the fair some years ago, having has a stitching slump due to wrist injuries. Also, I now have enough Christmas ornaments to fill two large artificial trees, and I no longer decorate for other holidays so I see no need to stitch more.  In the past few (Covid) years, I find myself involved in a number of SALs, a good percentage of which have been either Halloween or Christmas-inspired, and it feels as if I have stitched more "larger" (non-ornament) holiday pieces in these past two years than in my entire previous stitching lifetime! I do't think it's a preference for the holiday, however, but more like a liking for the orderliness of doing SALs... ~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~ When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete . No progress this month... ~~~~~Travelling Needlepoint~~~~~ Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020. No road trips, no progress to report. ~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~ There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana and using the recommended Dinky Dye threads.  In June, I had competed the pink and purple stars in the lower border and started on the "white" filler/background to the stars. The white part of the border is now nearly half-finished: In addition to the white border, there is a multi-colored border and breading to go before this piece is finished...  ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~  1. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here! 2. A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL, the "Winter 2021", and the "Summer 2022"  banners. The "Autumn 2022" was released in its entirety (it is NOT a SAL) in late August and I have made a small start, locating center and completing the first two bands. Stitched with the specified DMC threads on 14-count "curry" Aida: This is not the called-for fabric so there may well be some color changes throughout. I have already altered the yellow by misreading the chart!  ~~~~~ SALs completed in 2022 ~~~~~  1. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy).  Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. Finished October 18. Below are the eleventh ("Pretty in Pink Southern"), twelfth (Cape Cod") as well as the entire piece: 2. Stitchonomy Halloween SAL called "A Cabinet of Curiosities"  started in September when I was trying to complete the Faithwurks and Lakeside SALs so I only got started on the frame mid September.  Stitched on 14 ct. "khaki" Aida using the specified DMC plus some Diamante. Altered a few patterns and substituted a few more... Completed October 23, 2022:  ~~~~~ Waiting in the Wings ~~~~~ 1. A cooperative venture between Nancy Wahler ("Faithwurks") and Sue Hillis Designs called "A Stitcher's Shadowbox and Smalls" is now available and (as per usual, I ordered two by mistake! Oh well---). I have the kit(s) in hand but still have not started. 2. A stitchonomy "Christmas" SAL,  a companion banner to the "Spring", "Winter", "Summer" and "Autumn" banners  mentioned above in "SALS Comlpeted in 2022",  scheduled to begin December. I have ordered the kit... 3. Two  SALs by Cliffside Stitches. One is a variation on medieval Egyptian blackwork and the other is a set of cross-stitched tiles based on variety of motifs that are reminiscent of traditional folk designs from around the world. I have not started either although I have ordered the floss for the blackwork piece. ~~~~~ In summary, this month I completed two SALs, made a little progress on a long-term WIP, started one new project, and ordered the kit for another SAL. This is beginning to sound a lot like all my reports! LOL But I suspect next month may be a little less "complete" since I have a huge backlog of ledger-keeping to go through in preparation for the upcoming tax season. NOT my favorite thing to do but, needs must... As usual, I wish you all to stay safe and keep well - having had my personal bout with the dreaded Covid, all I have to say is that if being double vexed and double boosted made this a less severe illness, I sure am glad I had the shots. I have had my annual flu shot and eagerly awaiting early December when I can get the bivalent Covid booster.   ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~  1. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here! 2. A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL, the "Winter 2021", and the "Summer 2022"  banners. The "Autumn 2022" was released in its entirety (it is NOT a SAL) in late August and I have made a small start, locating center and completing the first two bands. Stitched with the specified DMC threads on 14-count "curry" Aida:

WIPoccaclypse 2022 Check-In: September 25, 2022

The topic for this month's discussion is:  "Are you a seasonal stitcher? If so, which seasons do you find yourself more productive or less productive?" Not exactly sure what a seasonal stitcher is. I stitch year-round and my productivity is based more on what other aspects of my creative and every-day life are thrown at me... For example, while I TRY to stitch at least 1.5 hours every night, paper crafting classes/events I have signed up for, illnesses (like a "mild" bout of Covid at the start of this September), road trips (where hotel lightning isn't sufficient for stitching), guests, and general all-around lack of motivation will result in those minutes stitching being prevented. Also, there were two two-year spans of time in the past ten years, when wrist issues (broken which required surgery and occupational therapy, followed by a ruptured tendon with more surgery and OT) resulted in a physical inability to stitch which, because that inability lasted a prolonged period of time, my motivation to pick back up where I had suspended stitching was difficult, and it took me nearly a year to get back into the stitching groove. ~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~ When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete . No progress this month... ~~~~~Travelling Needlepoint~~~~~ Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020. No road trips, no progress to report. ~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~ There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana and using the recommended Dinky Dye threads.  In June, I had competed the pink and purple stars in the lower border and started on the "white" filler/background to the stars. There has been no progress since August...  ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~  1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallised" which started January 2, exclusively designed by Oxana Polyakova, with monthly installments. Stitched on 36-ct white even-weave with DMC floss. There were twelve installments in this SAL: Installment one - "Larimar", installment two - "Malachite", installment three -“Amber",  installment four - "Obsidian", installment five - "Jasper”, installment six - “Quartz”,  installment seven - “Tiger’s Eye” , installment eight -"Agate", installment none- "Amethyst", and installment ten -  "Garnet" ,  installment eleven  - "Lapis Lazuli", and installment twelve - "Opal". All twelve installments are now complete and I am still debating as to whether or not to add the stitched names. If I do, I will not used the called-for bright blue --- I'm leaning toward a cool gray... In the photos below are "Opal" and the completed array of 12 crystals: 2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments in future magazine issues through the end of 2022.  Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids.  ​The fifth installment consisted of two houses: a Country House and a Brownstone,. I finished the Cozy Cozy Country House on August 14... and a Brownstone (after some creative adjustment for starting the stitching one row off, to say nothing of a two week delay due to Covid) on September 15.  ​Below are the brownstone and the set of ten houses so far... 3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here! 4 A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL and the "Winter 2021": "Summer 2022"  was complete in August. The "Autumn 2022" was released in late August and I am awaiting a shipment of floss so I can begin stitching, hopefully in October.  5. A Stitchonomy Halloween SAL called "A Cabinet of Curiosities"  started in September when I was trying to complete the Faithwurks and Lakeside SALs so I only got started on the frame this past week. As you can see, it is currently mostly in half-crosses; the frame also includes significant back-stitching. So I have at least another week to go before I can begin on the interior of the piece.  Right now, I have 16 installments in hand, not a single one started... which puts me at least two weeks behind... Luckily, those little installments should be quick stitches and I should be able to do at least two a session, if not more... 6. A cooperative venture between Nancy Wahler ("Faithwurks") and Sue Hillis Designs called "A Stitcher's Shadowbox and Smalls" is now available and (as per usual, I ordered two by mistake! Oh well---). I have the kit(s) in hand but have not started. 7. Two new SALs have caught my eye, both by Cliffside Stitches. One is a variation on medieval Egyptian blackwork and the other is a set of cross-stitched tiles based on variety of motifs that are reminiscent of traditional folk designs from around the world. I have not started either although I have ordered the floss for the blackwork piece. ~~~~~ In summary, this month I made progress on three SALs, completed nothing, acquired yet more potential projects, and started nothing new. This is beginning to sound a lot like all my reports! LOL ​As usual, I wish you all to stay safe and keep well - having had my personal bout with the dreaded Covid, all I have to say is that if being double vexed and double boosted made this a less severe illness, I sure am glad I had the shots. Now to wait the recommended three months to get the bivalent booster, although both my husband and I are planning to get the annual flu shot ASAP...

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - August 28, 2022

 

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - August 28, 2022 8/28/2022 0 Comments   The topic for this month's discussion is:  "Have you been participating in gatherings via online chats (Zoom, Google Meet, etc) during the COVID pandemic? If so, what have been the best formats in your opinion?" The answer to this is short, and not-so-sweet! No! I have not participated in any online gatherings at any time, before or during the Covid pandemic, and I don't anticipate doing so after (if there is an after). I don't perform well, stitching (or crafting) in groups. I have attended a few quilt guild retreats and accomplished very little over three-day weekends; I have attended a few in-person mixed media/papercrafting events and I have watched a number of similar events, live-streamed over long weekends (FaceBook Live and YouTube Live) and find that I can't craft and learn at the same time! And my few experiences with FaceTiming and with Zoom have shown me that I get restless and itching to get on with something, anything other that what I am participating in. I am very much a solitary stitcher! ~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~ When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete . No progress this month... ~~~~~Travelling Needlepoint~~~~~ Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020. No road trips, no progress to report. ~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~ There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana and using the recommended Dinky Dye threads.  In June, I had competed the pink and purple stars in the lower border and started on the "white" filler/background to the stars. This white border has progressed a little in August:  ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~  1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallised" which started January 2, exclusively designed by Oxana Polyakova, with monthly installments. Stitched on 36-ct white even-weave with DMC floss. There are twelve installments in this SAL: Installment one - "Larimar", installment two - "Malachite", installment three -“Amber",  installment four - "Obsidian", installment five - "Jasper”, installment six - “Quartz”,  installment seven - “Tiger’s Eye” , installment eight -"Agate", installment none- "Amethyst", and installment ten -  "Garnet" were completed last month.  Installment 11  - "Lapis Lazuli" was issued on July 31 and finished in early August: The final installment, number twelve - "Opal" was released on August 21 and I have only gotten around to pulling the necessary threads: 2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments in future magazine issues through the end of 2022.  Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. The fifth installment consisted of two houses: a Country House and a Brownstone,. I finished the Cozy Country House on April 14...  ... and  started the Brownstone, only to discover I misread the chart and will have to do some major fudging along the vertical center of the building...​ 3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here! 4 A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL and the "Winter 2021": "Summer 2022"  was all but complete in July. I am still waiting for the ordered charm/trim kit (which I find I ordered twice and, as of yet, and have received neither!). The "Autumn 2022" version is due out this month... 5. A Stitchonomy Halloween SAL called "A Cabinet of Curiosities" is due to start in September. I have the kit in hand... 6. A cooperative venture between Nancy Wahler ("Faithwurks") and Sue Hillis Designs called "A Stitcher's Shadowbox and Smalls" is now available and (as per usual, I ordered two by mistake! Oh well---). I have the kit(s) in hand but have not started. The stash continues to grow!  One step forward and to steps back! ~~~~~ ​In summary, this month I made progress on one WIP and two SALs and acquired the kits for two new projects. ​ Wishing for an honorable peace... both at home and abroad. And stay healthy!

WIPocalypse 2022 - Check-In: July 31, 2022

The topic for this month's discussion is: "What five patterns do you really want to purchase (or start) right now?" "I don't really need to purchase any more projects... I have enough to outlive me by decades! But there are a few in my stash that I would like to start. The following three are patterns soon-to-be released or already in hand that I intend to begin shortly: The soon-to-be issued "Autumn Sampler" from Stitchonomy, a companion to the already finished "Wniter Sampler" and "Spring Sampler" and the soon-to-be finished "Summer Sampler" (see below). The 2022 Halloween SAL, "A Cabinet of Curiosities", from Stitchonomy, to be released this fall The Lakeside Needlecraft free SAL "Crafting" by Fiona Baker, patter now completely released In addition, I have in hand a set of Bothy Threads "New England" charts ("Captain's House", "Shrimp Shack", "Beach Huts", "The Lighthouse", and "The Lobster Pot") and a set of Bothy Threads "New England Homes" ("Summer", Spring", "Autumn" and Winter"), all by Sally Swanell, any one of which would be fun to stitch. Lastly, I have on order Climbing Goat Designs "Carina Nebula" (when I first saw that NASA photo, I was hooked!). The first three are likely starts; the rest are strong maybes... I do have a habit of falling for pieces that eventually end up filed with all the rest of my stash. "Eyes Bigger Than Stomach" syndrome! ~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~ When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete . No progress this month, however... ~~~~~Travelling Needlepoint~~~~~ Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020.  TI ended up not going on he road trip in mid-July to eastern Ohio for a Daylily conference so no progress to report. ~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~ There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana and using the recommended Dinky Dye threads.  In June, I had competed  the pink and purple stars in the lower border and started on the "white" filler/background to the stars. This white border has progressed: ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~ 1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallised" which started January 2, exclusively designed by Oxana Polyakova, with monthly installments. Stitched on 36-ct white even-weave with DMC floss. Installment one - "Larimar", installment two - "Malachite", installment three -“Amber",  installment four - "Obsidian", installment five - "Jasper”, installment five - “Quartz”, AND installment six - “Tiger’s Eye”  are complete. installment 7 - "Agate" (I ran into an issue with a counting error which I can't pinpoint  - there are no clear reference lines and/or overlap zones between the multiple pages in this piece and, for me, this leads to massive issues with counting can connecting up borders) and this counting error meant that I needed to do a lot of redesign on the fly. I finally finished "Agate" on July 4, and caught up with the SAL by completing (from left to right) "Amethyst" on July 11 and "Garnet" on July 16 (a real gemstone marathon!)! The piece as it now stands is shown below: Installment 11 was issued last night (July 30) while the final installment is due out August 21... 2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments in future magazine issues through the end of 2022.  Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. The fourth installment consisted of two houses: a Beach House and a Tudor Cottage,. I finished the Beach House last month and the Tudor House this month: This is what the piece looks like now: The next installment is due out next week digitally and i the October print issue of the magazine. 3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here! 4 A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL and the "Winter 2021" SALwas scheduled for release this month. It is complete except for the charms, which are in transit. Stitched with the recommended DMC threads on Midas Gold 14ct Picture-Me-Plus Aida: The Autumn sampler is due out sometime in August. So, in summary, this month I made progress on one WIP and two SALs and completed (except for charms) one sampler.  Wishing for an honorable peace... both at home and abroad. And stay healthy!