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: |
