Great Wave Stitch-a-Long, part 29

Hi everyone! Not sure where the last three weeks have gone. Last time I had finished the stitching and started on the backstitching. 

I've been finding it surprisingly tricky and very slow going, since most of the backstitches are partial stitches -- into the middles, across, say, one and a half stitches, etc. I stitch a few, then have to stop and mark up my chart so I can keep track of where I am. 

That said, I've finished the bottom half of the piece, and gotten a start on the cresting wave. 

 

I do love the look of the backstitching, but you can see, I think, why it's taking me so long.

In the next three weeks I hope to finish the backstitching and at least get a start on the literally dozens of teeny, tiny French knots. Wish me luck!

Looking for some crafty inspiration? Be sure to check out the projects my fellow stitchers are working on. They're all different and all amazing: Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Heidi, Jackie, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie, Cindy, and Mary Margaret.

My new project: 13x13

I love Halloween. Every autumn I start stitching projects to decorate, and I love setting up my glass pumpkin patch and my Halloween tree. 

I really need to do something to holidazzle that thermostat!

In October 2020 I stitched several Mill Hill "calavera" ornaments:

In the last year I've picked up and stitched a number of ornament kits -- and I'm always looking for more. But rather than leave it to a frantic stitch-a-thon in the autumn, I've decided on a project. I plan to stitch (or otherwise create!) one Halloween ornament for the next 13 months, starting now and running through next October. 

On the thirteenth of each month I'll post the completed project, as well as a preview of my next project. 

This month I stitched "Nevermore" by Satsuma Street. I love this designer's patterns -- such a great use of color. And every year they publish new Halloween patterns and kits, even though as of right now everything is sold out. (Because they're amazing!)

Now, what's next? I think I'm going to try something new: the Raven Ornaments Mosaic Kit by Northern Whimsy Studio. 

I haven't done mosaic in years and years. But I love these little ravens. I am slightly worried that they'll be too challenging, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. 

And before you ask, I've got more than 13 projects waiting for me. Call it a problem, or an opportunity!

Great Wave Stitch-a-Long, part 28

Hi everyone! Last time I was alllllmost done with the stitching. So close!!!

Well, I'm thrilled to report that -- cue ecstatic happy dancing -- I've finished the cross stitch portion of the project!

I even started work on the backstitching, which is proving more difficult than I expected. I've never done backstitching that wasn't mostly "into the holes" -- maybe the occasional half, but mostly following the stitching lines. 

But this is much trickier -- most of the stitches are partial stitches -- into the middles, across, say, one and a half stitches, etc. It's challenging and I find that the only way to keep track is to mark on the chart every few stitches where I am. 

That said, I've gotten a lot of the bottom left done -- the wave curls are the most complicated. 

I think that, by our next check in, I can have the bottom half done, and hopefully a start on the top left. Exciting stuff!

Until then, why not check out the projects my fellow stitchers are working on: Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Heidi, Jackie, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie, Cindy, and Mary Margaret!