Swan Stitch-a-Long, part 8

Hi everyone! This is probably the first time that the three weeks between check-ins has felt like more than three weeks. Here's where I was last time:

I had hoped to finish outlining the leaves, figure out a stitch for the cattail heads, and maybe do some of the background. And, thanks to the snowy weather keeping me close to home more often than expected... I got a LOT done! Here's where I am today:

I got the all the leaves outlined and stitched:

And I stitched the cattail heads. In the end I just went with regular tent stitch, but studded them with French knots in addition to the French knots called for next to to the stems. 

I also stitched a lot of the outer background, and I decided on stitches for the side border stripes:

When I originally plotted out this project, I assumed I'd be stitching in my usual way -- the animals first, then the leaves, then the background, and then the borders. I even split up the project into "things" in my 101 Things in 1001 Days project, with the wings being part 1, the necks and heads part 2, the bodies part 3, the leaves part 4, and the background part 5. Okay, I didn't really think it through, but that was the plan. 

So because I have completed the leaves, I'm going to list this as a task completed ... even if it's the 4th out of 5...

For the next three week stretch I plan to stitch the rest of the upper background, the side border on the right side, and then -- start stitching the swans! Looking forward to reporting more progress on Sunday, March 17.

My fellow stitchers have undoubtedly been busy, too; visit their blogs and check out all of their amazing work:

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Steph, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Hayley, Megan, Catherine, Deborah, Connie, and Clare... and welcome back Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, and a big welcome to our newest member, Sharon.