Wreath of All Seasons

This week I started another kit: Wreath of All Seasons designed by Dimensions. I needed a change of pace from Andromeda, basically something that was simple and straightforward and not linen. 

Here is the progress I made during one afternoon. It was such a relief to be stitching on Aida again! I know some people don't like seeing the holes in the fabric, but I don't mind. I enjoy the process, and 14 count Aida is my happy place.

All in all a very enjoyable afternoon stitching and snuggling with my adorable Quijote. He's such a cuddle bug! 

So from now on I'll be having these two projects open, and work on them depending on my mood, whether I'm feeling ambitious or lazy. 

Stacked Teacups: Framed

Well, my cross stitching life is very serendipitous lately. We were at the shop today and I spotted this little beauty of a frame, in the exact measurements I needed for Stacked Teacups!

I mean, isn't it just the cutest thing? With that old, soft blue in the wood and the golden touch. It just looks so cozy, like a perfect fit with the project. Absolutely perfect. I came home, spent about 20 minutes trying to fit it in at just the right angle, and it now sits proudly on my cooking book shelf. 

I declare this project finished, framed, displayed, and with a place of its own. What a little beauty :)

Andromeda: Weeks 1 & 2

It's been a slow (almost) two weeks for Andromeda, but between finishing Stacked Teacups, learning to stitch on linen, learning to bead on fabric, and getting comfortable stitching in hand, it's been a wild ride. Here is where she's at right now:

I'm absolutely in love with how she's turning out. I love the blend of colors in her hair and those curving tendrils in the wind, and just look at those beads!

Simply beautiful. I'll leave with you with some WIP pictures:

And here are my cats being cats... They're used to me stitching in bed and being able to nap on me at any time, so now that I've been sitting at my crafting station or the easy chair, they've been thinking up every way to stop me from stitching and focus on them instead, from sitting on the table to outright blocking my hands:

Happy stitching everyone!

Stacked Teacups: Finished!

I'm extremely pleased (and proud!) to announce that Stacked Teacups is done!

 It was a real struggle to finish this one for some reason, but I'm very pleased with the results and I'm glad I stuck it out. I especially like how the little bird seems to have just alighted on the teacup and will fly away soon. I did the background with two strands instead of three as the pattern called for, but I think it turned out alright.

During the next week or two I'll wash it, iron it and frame it, and find a place for it in my kitchen.

The pictures don't really do it justice, but here they are:

 

 And the moment when I finished it, out on the terrace on a mild cloudy afternoon, with Sancho sleeping on my lap:

Andromeda: Starting

Hey guys! The other night I decided to go ahead and start on Andromeda, and I am so excited! There's nothing quite that like new project feel, is there?

The first thing to do was organize all the materials, of course. I put all the "special" items in a tin box (Kreinik thread, beads, beading needles), and the regular DMC thread in a plastic ziplock bag:

And the next thing was (gulp!) figuring out the fabric! This took forever. First, I had to measure out the fabric and the pattern and then figure out where I wanted to start Andromeda.

Then I had to figure out just how in the world I was going to stitch in hand with such a huge lump of fabric. For context, this is a 19 x 27 inch piece of linen (32 Count Permin Linen Twilight Blue, if anyone's curious). As it turned out, it's not that hard, but it took me a while to get the hang of it. I basically just rolled the fabric below my starting point like with my previous project, held the fabric with my left hand and stitched with my right.

And then, oh then... I had to learn how to actually stitch on linen, didn't I? Because I've only ever stitched on Aida up until now. So that was fun! Actually I mean it. It was fun to to learn a new skill and feel like I've bumped myself up to the Linen Cross Stitching Ranks, whatever that is. A rite of passage, if you will. Because if you're going to stitch a Mirabilia, you might as well do it right, amiright?

And you guys... it wasn't that hard! I think I had built it up in my head and I was actually terrified going in, but nope! It's easy enough. I was very, very careful of course and went super slowly, but that's part of the fun of learning, isn't it? To just enjoy the process.

So I had tons of fun with that. And also... just look at the design! I'm so in love with these graceful curves! I think I've found my new cross stitch thing. 

Stacked Teacups: Week 3

 It's already been three weeks and here is how it's looking:

The background and backstitching are about halfway done, so I reckon in another week or so I'll have finished it. 

And now I have a confession to make... a couple of days ago I got so, so frustrated with this project, I wanted to hurl it down the balcony. To put in in Marie Kondo terms, it was sparking no joy. Zero! I don't know what it was... Maybe the monotony of the background? The drag of backstitching? I'm not sure, but in order to save the project (and my sanity) I made an executive decision: I would start on Andromeda. 

I know, I'm a project monogamist, I only work on one project at a time, I've never had more that one WIP going, I know! It was very hard for me to get over myself, let me tell you. But if I had to work on one more stitch of that background, so help me, I'd get out my scissors and rip it to shreds all the while screaming like a crazy woman. I mean, I've never done anything like that before, but I really felt like I was this close.

So I started on Andromeda, but that's another story for another blog post. What I want to highlight here is that this morning I went back to this project with a fresh mindset and actually feeling happy to see its face. So I guess there's something to be said for having a couple of WIPs going at once!

Anyway, here are some progress pictures:

Stitching in hand

So, something different that happened this week was .... drumroll please.... I started stitching in hand! Check it out!

It has come as a surprise for me too! I have always loved my hoops and q-snaps, in fact I still do, but I'm having a hard time holding them lately, and I just hate placing them over my finished stitches. They always flatten out and it makes me so nervous, even though I know they'll pop back up again eventually. 

In view of this going through my mind, I thought of investing in a floor or lap stand, but honestly I just can't find anything that I like or that works for me. So I was watching Stitchin' Mommy on YouTube and I realized she was stitching in hand and beading as she went, which completely blew my mind and is right up my alley. So I went to check out her tutorial on stitching in hand, and I decided to give it a shot. 

It was a bit awkward at first of course, and I missed my hoop, and it took a while to get the fabric just so. But I focused on the advantages, which are:

1. Simplicity. No more worrying about which hoop or frame to use and how to take it places or how to prop it up.
2. It's so easy to finish off threads! I always slide my threads underneath existing stitches before I cut them off, and now there are no hoops in the way of the needle, no tension to make it difficult and accidentally pull stitches too tight.
3. You can bead as you go! Which will be huge for me in my next project. As a general rule, I like to backstitch and do everything else as I go so it's not so daunting.
4. The fabric is happy. No more pulling it tight and worrying that I'll damage it.

So I stuck with it, and got a totally unexpected bonus as a result: I'm faster and my stitches are fuller! Who would've thought? Not me! So I'm going to be giving this a go for a while.

Happy stitching! :)

When life hands you a crafting corner

One man's trash is certainly another man's treasure! Would you believe it if I told you that I was walking down the street with some friends when we saw a man drag this absolutely stunning unit to the trash?

I certainly couldn't believe it! But folks, it was my lucky day. I mean, I have been thinking for a while of making some dedicated space in my house for crafting, a little nook for myself where I could keep it all tucked away and neat, and bam! Hello, furniture! Literally rolling before my eyes!

Let me just say here I have a great hubby and awesome friends, because it took two cars to fit this two-piece thing, and two strong boys to put it together. So here it is... My brand new, squeaky clean, absolutely stunning crafting corner.

 I have filled it up with all my tools for cross stitch, sewing, beading and crochet (aka, fifteen years worth of hobbies).

I really can't convey how perfect it is! But there it is. Right next to my easy chair. Life is good.

Stacked Teacups

 I don't know how, but I actually managed to finish stitching the main part of the project today!

No seriously, I literally have no idea how I pulled this off. I was so frustrated with the whole project, I think I was just riding on proud and stubborn. I was also keeping excellent company with Cross Stitch With Luda, who kept my sanity during some stretches. I really love her Flosstube channel!

And now that the stitching is done, I am so in love with it again! It's so darned cute! And there's an end in sight! So I can start on Andromeda!! Yay!!

Anyway, just wanted to share that with you. Also, bonus picture of Sancho caught red-handed with his paw on the thread and looking at me right in the eye with that quintessential feline look of "I will destroy everything you love". Gotta love cats!

Happy Mail!!

YOU GUYS!!! Look what just arrived in the mail!!!!

IT'S FREAKING ANDROMEDA BY MIRABILIA!!!!! Appropriate punctuation be damned I'm so excited!!!! This is a gift from my parents (I suspect Bad Flare Perk) and I could not love it more!!!

I mean look at it! It came packaged so neatly and all the materials are right there complete with actual pre-made bobbins so I don't have to cut my own with painful hands! And beads! And sparkly thread!! I don't even know where to start, I am so over beyond the moon here!!

In fact, it's so absolutely beautiful I haven't touched it yet. I've put it back neatly in the packaging it came with and am now going to finish the pattern I'm working on so I can get started on my first ever Mirabilia! With beads!! And sparkly thread!! I mean!! WOW.

(By the way yes, yes I absolutely want to throw my current WIP aside right now and tear right into this new project, but goodness me I've got principles and if I set aside the Stacked Teacups project now with the current level of frustration I feel towards it I will never pick it up again and it will drive me insane because it will be sitting in a drawer for years and before you ask, I'll know, that's who'll know).

Anyway I'm wasting time here people, it's off to stitch!

Stacked Teacups: Week 2

Alright, here we are! This is what two weeks of work look like on this project:

The OCD part of me is very pleased that the two-week mark came exactly by finishing the last teacup. Yes, indeed, I am satisfied.

Now, I have some thoughts about the project this week. My main issue is that, I don't know if you can see it in the following photo clearly enough, but I nearly ran out of thread. I was literally 10 stitches short of thread!

I was so, so stressed the whole time I was stitching the last teacup because I could see that I wouldn't have enough, and I was freaking out. And the thing is, I'm a frugal stitcher. I don't go around wasting thread, and I try to keep my backs as neat as I can, so I couldn't understand why I was running out of thread! So stressful.

Anyway. If you'll believe it, I had to go digging through my scrap pile to get enough cream thread. I keep this small zipper pouch thing in which I put my scrap thread so that it's all neatly away, and when I'm done with a project I throw all the thread out. I am so, so glad I do this now, because it literally saved this project. I mean, sure, I had to dig out four different tail ends to make those final 10 stitches, but my goodness, I did it.

My second issue with the project is that I really don't like this fabric! I hate 18 count Aida! It's too small and my stitches get all scrunched up and twisted and ugh, I can't wait to finish this thing so I can go back to good old 14 count!

And finally, I've gone back to using a hoop. This has nothing to do with the project itself of course, just with the fact that I'm going through a flare and my hands have started hurting like crazy and my wrist can't support the weight of a q-snap. So a hoop it is! I'm thinking of getting one of those lap stands so I can stitch two-handed or at least not have to hold anything, but I haven't decided yet.

Anyway, wow, big long rambling post today. I'll leave you with some WIP pictures and get out of your hair. Thanks for reading and happy stitching!

Also, bonus pictures of Quijote keeping me company during our epic naps together. Best chronic illness buddy ever:

Indian Artistry: Finishing

Something that I find isn't talked about enough is actually finishing projects. Just as I am a notorious project monogamist, I am also a project finisher. I reckon if I've spent so much time and effort on something, it's certainly worth the time and effort to actually finish it properly and display it in my home. Do it proud, as it were. And for me, it's really part of the process of the project. A project doesn't finish when we stop stitching: it finishes when it is turned into something beautiful that can be displayed with pride. Or maybe that's just me.

So what do I do to finish a project? Very simple and easy! Keep reading.

Washing

The first thing to do is wash the project. You would not believe the amount of grime projects collect over the weeks or months we work on them. You can have a grime guard, a project bag, and be as careful with it as you want, but the bottom line is that when you clean it, the water never comes out clear.

I use a small barrel specially for my projects, so that I know it isn't used for anything else and it won't collect chemicals or dirt. I fill it with lukewarm water, put some liquid detergent for hand washing in it, and let it soak for at least 30 minutes (but usually more).

Then I empty out the water (surprise: it comes out filthy!) and I repeat the process: I fill the barrel with lukewarm water and add some liquid detergent. Then I swirl the fabric around in the water gently, dunk it in and out, and just move it around. Then I leave it for around 30 more minutes to soak.

The second time I empty out the water, surprise! It comes out clean! Success! Time for our next step.

Ironing

I know some people seem to be afraid of this, but please don't be. It's easy. If I can do it, so can you. Trust me. 

First, prepare your ironing board and heat up your iron. 

Then get two clean towels. Lay one down on top of the ironing board.

Now lay your project on top of that towel.

Now cover up your project with the other towel, and starting from one end, roll it up firmly until you have a project burrito. 

Great! Well done. This dries out the project while protecting your stitches. Now unroll your burrito, and stack the two towels on top of the ironing board. Place your project face down on the towels, so that the stitches are facing down on the towels, because they will protect your stitches.

And now take the iron and iron away, on the back side of your project.

Iron as much as you need until the fabric is nice and straight. Don't be afraid, go for it. Ironing will not only make your project nice and straight, but it'll help dry it too.

And now all that's left to do is dry it out! I like to use a clothes hanger to hold my projects and leave them hanging for the night. You might have to iron them again before framing (and lint-roll it if you have pets), but the biggest hassle is done.

Framing

Now comes the real magic! I know that framing can be is a serious pain, which is why I personally like to invest in a professional framer when we're talking about projects I've spent months on. (I have also framed my own pieces, but only the small ones, and oh boy was it difficult). 

For this project, I took it down to my local framer. There is literally only one in the whole town, so it was easy to decide where to go. We did a few test runs on different frames and passe partouts (I know, that's a word!) and finally decided on very earthly colors and rugged textures that seemed to fit the whole piece.

A week later I went to collect the piece and voilà! Finished! Magic! So satisfying.

I mean, just look at it! It's glossy, and big, and looks like an actual Work of Art. I am so proud of it, I can't even. Seriously though, it feels so amazing to get a finished product that you made, that you spent months laboring over. And now it's a beautiful finished piece that you can hang in your home! I swear it looks even more beautiful when it's all finished like this.

I already know where I'm going to put it, over this ethnic rug thing that I have on the entrance dresser. For now, I'll leave you guys with a picture and just admire it some more.