Redwork Noel Stitch-a-Long, part 10: Happy Dance Time!!!

Let's cut right to the end -- I finished the Redwork Noel piece!

I even did the backstitching, which I think I like but -- as always -- hated doing. Avis (who heroically organizes this stitch-a-long!) is so smart about this. She does her work in organized chunks and completes the backstitching each time. SO SMART. 

I realized that when I finished the piece I wasn't exactly sure what I planned to do with it. I think it will become a Christmas pillow cover, but I'm going to put it to the side for a little while and percolate on that. (Of course, just typing that I'm thinking exactly how it will look. Ha!)

Now I know what you're thinking... what's next?

I have a biggish full-coverage kit that I really want to work on, but I also want a break. Summer is always a difficult time to work on big projects because there's so much going on. I have a bunch of small kits / patterns that I'd like to work on, so I think I'll cycle through those. 

First up is this weirdly wonderful pattern from Satsuma Street. I love her use of color and for whatever reason was unable to stop myself buying this: 

FUNKY CHICKENS!!! 

I'm going to stitch them on black Aida rather than cream linen, but I can't wait to stitch all three (two chickens, one rooster). 

The designer recommended Cosmo floss rather than DMC, and I've been noticing Cosmo in a lot of places lately. I've never stitched with it, so I'm looking forward to giving that a try. 

(While looking up the link to this pattern I discovered that she's about to release another set of feathered friends in April: Groovy Chicks. Do not be surprised if they come up soon...) 

The other stitchers in this stitch-a-long have been the key to keeping me working on my projects. I am absolutely sure I wouldn't complete most of these projects without the check-in we do every three weeks, and celebrating our completed projects with happy dances. It's always so amazing to see what everyone else is working on. Go check out their blogs and get inspired too : Avis, Claire, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, Cathie, Linda, Mary Margaret, Cindy, and Helen.

Redwork Noel Stitch-a-Long, part 9

Hi everyone! Here's where I was at our last check in: I had finished 100 out of 120 rows: 

And here's where I am now: 

That's 110 out of 120 rows done! The stitches at the top left show the height of the design, so I'm really close now. I should be able to get the stitching done by our next check in, and as a stretch I will also get the backstitching done. 

The other stitchers in this stitch-a-long work on an amazing variety of projects. Go check out their blogs and get inspired : Avis, Claire, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, Cathie, Linda, Mary Margaret, Cindy, and Helen. We're also saying farewell to Gun -- we'll miss your updates!