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!