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!

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - June 26, 2022

 

The topic for this month's discussion is: "How are you doing with your goals so far this year?" There were some finishes: Stitchonomy "Christmas SAL 2021", started December 2021, finished January 2022 Lakeside Needlecraft free "Christmas SAL", started in December 2021, finished January 2022 ​Stitchonomy SAL, "Spring 2022", started April 22, finished May 2022 There were two long-term WIPs held over from years previous: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, started in 2021 and still in progress (see below) The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, started in 2014 and still in progress And there have been two new starts in 2022 and in progress currently (see below): Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" which started January 2 Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, "Home Sweet Home", started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine And one new 2022 start, currently stalled: A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond, started in January 2022 The following were things I thought might be possible new starts in 2022, and, as of January 1, 2022, the following charts/kits had been either purchased or downloaded: A botanical blackwork SAL by Steady Thread, not yet kitted up. Installments once a week for a year.  The Fox & Rabbit freebie SAL “ Changing Seasons “, installments monthly.  a World of Cross Stitch chart by Jenny Van De Wiele called "Miniature Marvels”, kitted up by Lakeside Needlecraft Three needlepoint kits by Needle Delights Original, designed by Kathy Rees: "Tahiti", "Bora Bora" and "Tropical Seas" Two Bothy Threads kits, based on art by Jessica Hogarth: "Love Paris" and "Love London" Two Artecy kits, designs by Tereena Clarke: "London Abstract" and "London Bus"  Four Bothy Threads kits from the art of Sally Swannell: The New England Homes series: "Spring", "Winter", "Fall", and "Summer" One kit from Charting Creations, from the art of Robert Finale: "Palace" Sadly, I have to admit that I continued to purchase charts/kits and have acquired a HUGE number of downloaded charts (many being blackwork SALs and tributes to Ukraine) in my Apple Books pdf file in 2022, way too many to list here. And none of these acquisitions have been started! I have also joined a fabric of the month club and two threads of the month clubs at Lakeside Needlecraft so fabric and floss have started to accumulate in piles on my cutting table (I'm running out of storage space!) So, while I have been plugging away, making progress on some of my 2022 goals as stated back in January, I have to admit, my 'buying all the things" that catch my eye means I have actually backslid in any organization progress I had made previously. ~~~~~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  and block #77 had been completed as of last month. 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.  No progress to report. However, there will be a road trip in mid-July to eastern Ohio for a Daylily conference (and I now have a travel light!) so I may actually make some progress on this piece, stitching in the hotel while my husband is doing his daylily "thing". ~~~~~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 using the recommended Dinky Dye threads.  In May, I had competed some work on the border, stitching the pink and purple stars in the lower border. This portion of the border has now “turned the corner” and work has started on the "white" filler/background to the stars: ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~ 1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" 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" 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 has meant that I need to do a lot of redesign on the fly. Therefore, it is only in progress: Here is where the piece is right now... This puts me WAY behind since the 9th installment - "Amethyst" - has already been uploaded and the 10th is due out on July 10... 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 consists of two houses: a Beach House and a Tudor Cottage. The Beach House is complete; threads have been sorted for the Tudor Cottage. Here is where the piece is right now... The fifth installment will be two more houses, not due until the October issue of the magazine, so I still am keep on schedule with this SAL. 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! A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL and the "Winter 2021" SAL is scheduled for release this month while an Autumn one has been announced for August/September (these will not be SALs). I have ordered the charm and trim kit for the summer pattern. A 2022 Halloween SAL pattern "Cabinet of Curiosities" has been announced for the fall and sign-ups are now available... So, in summary, this month I made progress on one WIP and two SALs... I also am spending this weekend watching another virtual card making series of six video and live-stream classes (Someday, I'll get around to actually MAKING some of the cards taught in these classes!)! ​ Wishing for an honorable peace... both at home and abroad.

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - May 29, 2022

 

Comments   The topic for this month's discussion is: "Retreats and seminars – have you ever been to any stitching events? If so, tell us about them!" ​ I have attended one scrapbooking crop (I do not scrapbook) and three quilting retreats (where I “worked” on piecing together in-progress crazy quilts - three quits the are STILL unfinished!). I have attended three in-person paper crafting events where I did learn a lot of technique, acquired a lot of swag (shopping at paper crafting events is de rigueur!) and completed roughly 6 to 8 projects per event; and a number of online virtual classes (in the past two “covid years", these have been too numerous to count) where I have completed almost no projects. The paper crafting projects are documented on my blog "Carol Stamps" which I have pretty much neglected since December 2021. Would a weekend needlepoint class while I was a graduate student (in the late 1960’s) count? I made two small square pieces at that class and learned a little about needlepoint design. I think I still have those small pieces somewhere but can't swear to it! Nothing since then, however, although I have often wished I lived close to some of the retreats I have seen advertised (The Silver Needle’s retreats in Oklahoma and the Williamsburg Retreats) but the cost of travel and housing, to say nothing of the retreats themselves, was (and is still) prohibitive, considering the odds of actually accomplishing anything (other than spending money on stash I probably do not need!) at them.  You see, lighting and magnification are issues for me and carrying all that gear along would be a real hassle.  I function much better at in-person "classes", because there seems to be a greater incentive for me to keep up with the instructor (if paper crafting classes are any indication). However, the lighting and magnification issues still apply. Besides, my experiences at quilting retreats indicate to me that very little actual stitching would take place — I am too easily distracted by others! ~~~~~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 which hadn’t been touched since March check-in. Block #77 is now complete: ~~~~~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 using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. This also languished, untouched in April. In May, I did some more work on the border, stitching the pink and purple stars in the lower border. This border has  now “turned the corner” and markers for the top border are in place: ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~ 1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" 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. The "Quartz" and "Tiger's Eye" are shown below... This is the piece, so far... There is lettering in the chart but I have decided that I do not want to add it. Installment eight is due out May 29. 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 come in future magazine issues through the end of 2022.  Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. Installment 3 consists of an A-frame and a Classic Craftsman. I have completed both the A-Frame and the Craftsman): Here is the piece, so far... The next pair of houses is due in the August 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 SAL, "Spring 2022", started April 22 and installments came out every other day. It was being stitched on pale pink 14-ct Aida using DMC threads and is meant to be a "partner" to the Stitchonomy Winter 2021 SAL.  ​I have stitched 13 of the 15 bands and/or alternatives (the other two bands were omitted because I lacked room for them on my fabric). I added black seed beads to the yes of the birds and the hatching chicks. The charms were part pf the kit. I have received a bell pull hanger and intend to finish this, and the companion Winter SAL from 2020-21, as soon as I get up the ambition! So, in summary, this month I made progress on two WIPs and two SALs... I also spent last weekend watching another virtual card making series of five classes (Someday, I'll get around to actually MAKING some of the cards taught in these classes!)!  Wishing for an honorable peace...

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - April 24, 2022

 The topic for this month's discussion is:

"What is your favorite store (either online or brick and mortar) to purchase your supplies?"

This is a hard one because I don't use just one store. And the ones I do use are all online (we don't have any local needlework shops anywhere near around where I live). I like to buy floss from Stoney Creek. I tend to buy fabric from 1-2-3 Stitch and from ABC Stitch Therapy. Recently, I am in two monthly thread clubs and a monthly fabric club at Lakeside Needlecraft, and I have purchased charts (from designers otherwise not readily available in the US)  from them as well . Another source of charts (and occasionally kits0 for me is the designer of my primary addiction, Michael Powell.  In the past, I have purchased kits from The Silver Needle and I love that they will custom cut fabric for you, even if you place the order by phone (the ladies there are so very knowledgeable about all things needlework!)! And when I lived in Northern California (back in the late 1900's, as an online acquaintance says), I was totally enamored of Needle in a Haystack (another place where knowledge rules!). finally, I subscribe to magazines,  mainly for drooling but also occasionally for charts (Just Cross Stitch Magazine and The World of Cross-stitching).

And then there is my stash - an accumulation over the past several decades of miscellaneous charts, kits, threads, fabrics and embellishments!

~~~~~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. I didn't touch it this month...


~~~~~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 using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. This also languished, untouched in April.

~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~

1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" 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", and Installmentfive, "Jasper" are complete:

Installment six, "Quartz", is underway, with two of the six colors done:

There is lettering in the chart but I am holding off until the end to decide it I want it or not.

The seventh installment is due out May 8.

​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 come in future magazine issues through the end of 2022.  Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. Installment 3 consists of an A-frame and a Classic Craftsman. I have completed the A-Frame and the Craftsman lacks only backstitch (sorry for the fuzzy photo):

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 SAL, "Spring 2022", started April 22 and installments are due out every other day. It is being stitched on pale pink14-ct Aida using DMC threads and is meant to be a "partner" to the Stitchonomy Winter 2021 SAL. I have stitched installment 1:

So, in summary, this month I made progress on no WIPs and three SALs... I also spent this past LONG weekend watching virtual card making classes. Someday, I'll get around to actually MAKING some of the cards taught in these classes!​

Wishing for an honorable peace...

Wipocalypse 2022 Check-In - March 27, 2022 (a day late)

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - March 27, 2022 (a day late) 3/28/2022 0 Comments   A day late... as usual!  The topic for this month's discussion is: "Tell us about a technique, designer, pattern, or anything else in stitching that you’ve been nervous or afraid to try." Hmm, that's a good one! And I can't say that there is just one. But my primaries, in order of degree of aversion, are : Technique: cut-work/hardanger. I suspect that the cutting is what has put me off... Designer: HAED, hands down. They are so HUGE and so full of confetti stitches. I am so intimidated that I don't even have one of their patterns! Mirablia is a close runner-up... as is Chatelaine.  Pattern: I'm sure that there are patterns in my stash (LOTS of patterns) that I will not/can not attempt but more likely than not, it's because I am not a fan of the final product (I MUST have been when I bought the piece but my tastes have changed over the years). Not fond of Disney, Thomas Kincaid, "cute", vulgar/swear words. I rarely do holiday patterns (with the exception of Christmas ornaments) because I have no place to store them "off season" and few places to display them "in season".  It's easier to say what I like to stitch! Normally, I stitch according to my mood/fancy at the start. Right now, it's mystery SALs (often with motifs that I would avoid in a full-scale piece! Odd, right?) and blackwork (as much as I dislike backstitching on cross-stitch, I adore blackwork! Go figure!). I lean a lot towards geometrics, Quaker and band samplers, mandalas, and houses/scenes! I am besotted with the wonky pieces by Michael Powell. An odd mix, I know. I prefer cross-stitch but have done (and still do, occasionally) needlepoint, crewel, and free embroidery. I even tried quilting but I can't sew a straight seam to save my life! (I need to practice...) "Speciality" stitches don't bother me but... French knots and bullion stitches are anathema to me. I try them but they never seem to look "right" (Again, I need to practice more!). I lean toward evenweaves (Lugana and Jobelin in particular), but will use Aida in a pinch. Hate stitching on linen with slubs. I generally use 28 and 32 count, stitching over two, but I have stitched over one on smaller pieces (40 count and higher I avoid - my eyes simply can't cope - Heck, I use magnification for 14 ct Aida!). I have stitched on dark fabric but prefer lighter colors. Not a fan of patterned fabrics to stitch on (interferes with what I am stitching, IMO - those eyes again) but I don't mind a discrete mottled or marbled look.  I love silks and overdyed cottons. I will stitch with metallics when it's called for in small amounts but avoid rayon/satin threads like the plague! And I really like pieces with beading accents (for a while, I was into heavily embellished crazy quilting). There, how's that for NOT answering a question? ~~~~~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. I managed two full and one partial "block" of stitching this month: ~~~~~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 using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. At the end of February, I had completed the inner border. In March, I finished the stars beside the phrase "and Strength" and started on the outer border, stitching pink and lavender stars along the bottom. The photo on the top is the piece as it is was of February; on the bottom is the piece as it is today (the color on the right is more accurate): ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~ 1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" 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" , and installment four, "Obsidian" are complete: There is lettering in the chart but I am holding off until the ned to decide it I want it or not. The fifth installment, "Jasper" arrived in my mailbox on the 27th and all I've managed to do is sort out the threads required.  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 come in future magazine issues through the end of 2022.  Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids.  I only stitched on the frame in March (no photo) - the next installment is due in the June issue of the magazine (probably early April, digitally). 3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. There is a tenth 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! So, in summary, this month I made progress on two WIPs and one SAL... Not bad considering that I spent two LONG weekends watching virtual card making classes. Someday, I'll get around to actually MAKING some of the cards taught in these classes! Wishing for an honorable peace...