SAL: Cactus and Owl Update

It’s check in time and I was actually anxious for this 3 week period to arrive. I made some great head way on my cactus and owl cross-stitch. Here is where I was at our last check in – a hint of the owl was showing.

ta daaaaa Owl is done and backstitching started

I wasn’t happy with the choppiness of the backstitching on the flower so I am going to try redoing it. Backstitching the owls head I realized once I got started that I had used double thread when single was called for. I wrestled with taking it out and then decided it will be fine. I think it gives a bit of depth to the head sitting on the body so I will leave it as is.

 

 

Remember the Barbara Lavalle cross-stitch I was working on for gift giving to my daughter up in Alaska?

Finished, framed and on its way

I was really pleased with the framing that I had done at the local Joannes. I’m sorry I didn’t get a better picture that showed the black frame all around * dark frame light background 🙂 With the present in route already, I had my daughter swear an oath to wait for opening.

Birthday celebration on the 25th.

 

Thank you for stopping by. Please take a moment to visit the pages of the other amazing crafters in the group. And if you would like to join along please contact Avis below and she will be happy to walk you through the process. See you next time 🙂

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah,Clare,Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne

About the SAL

This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness.

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SAL Update: Desert Cactus

September 1st and I am feeling the crunch to get this finished. I had initially thought a Christmas gift for my daughter but a Nov. 10th birthday may be possible, maybe not, as she is living oversea’s in Okinawa (Military family) mailing times at best are usually slow and spotty for a timely arrival. Either or ….. time will tell on this one.

Where I was last time 

Where I am now 

Once I posted this photo I saw my mistake clearly, those last dark forest green crosses have to go. WRONG 😦  I’d also like to get some backstitching done for our next show and tell.

Where I was,  where I am now, finished project 

It’s not a cactus but it’s green. I caught diamonds nesting in a plant in the garden after a summer rain.

 

If you haven’t already please take a moment to visit the pages of the other crafters in this SAL. There is some amazing projects in the works. Thank you for stopping by 🙂

 

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon

About the SAL

This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL. If you’d like to finish a project you’ve left unfinished for a while, or start a new one with us, you can join us by sending me an email. The address is on the right of this page. I’ll send you a few simple rules to agree.

Quilting and Cross~stitch

Always checking in at our local Goodwill store for a treasure or two, I spotted the sweetest framed cross stitch project I just had to rescue.

Quilts and Cross~stitch, can it get any sweeter? 

Sadly this beauty was not signed and is a reminder to me to sign and date; somewhere! A lot of work was put into this and the backstory and maker has been ‘lost’ while she sat in the picture bins of this thrift store. Who knows how many Goodwill thrifts she sat in before making her way to our corner of the country.

Her new markings read: Found August 9th 2019 at the Bellingham, WA Goodwill store.

SAL: A Summertime Finish

At our last update I had posted that I had basically finished my project, with the background sky completed I just had the border to finish.

Last posting

Grand Finale

A big thank you is in order to everyone in this SAL ~ with out your comments and encouragement this project would never have been begun neither the less completed. It was a total group effort 🙂

Now for some blocking and then framing and this will be ready for gift giving this coming holiday season. My daughter is going to love it!

In fact, I wanted to share that on her last visit to the lower 48 with us, on a thrift store excursion, I found 2 ceramic Barbara Lavallee coasters. One for her and one for me. Once home in Alaska she shared with me that she decided to created a kitchen backsplash using coasters designed by Barbara. So far she has these six.

I love the idea ~

 

So now what?

I have this sweet little project I would like to finish for another daughter.

 

 

 

If you have a project and would like to participate in this SAL please contact Avis at the link below and don’t hesitate to follow all the links to the work of some amazing crafters and their projects.

 

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon

About the SAL

This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL. If you’d like to finish a project you’ve left unfinished for a while, or start a new one with us, you can join us by leaving a request in the comments below or sending me (Avis) an email. The address is on the right of this page. I’ll send you a few simple rules to agree.

SAL Update with a whale of a tale

The time is here again to show our progress, encourage and support one another in ‘getting the job done’ at what ever pace you choose. With summer officially here, it is hard to find the time to sit when the outdoors, family, bbq’s, outings, gardening all calls for more attention. Luckily the background for my piece was 1/2 stitches which went fairly quickly. Still left to do is the red border. Here is where I am

Here is where I was compared to now 🙂

 

 

I thought the above picture was a fun contrast between winter and summer fun. Mentioning fun – the daughter that I am making this for was down from Alaska for a visit last Thursday – Sunday. Shhhhh – I don’t think she follows my blog so I am safe!

The highlight of the visit was a mother daughter whale watching cruise https://whales.com   through the San Juan Islands with a first stop at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island for a stretch.

We hit the Lavender Store in the town; one of my favorite places ~ Pelindaba  https://www.pelindabalavender.com/friday-harbor-a/272.htm

Pelindaba Lavender Farm looking across San Juan Valley to Mount Baker | Photo: Teren Photography

I think we bought just about one of everything from lavender salt and pepper grinders, lotion & oils, herbal vinegar, insect repellant, cookies, chocolate, fruit & lavender chutnies, soap, sachets, then topped the visit off with a lavender icecream sandwich and my daughter bought a lavender sorbet with spoons to share with our table mates back on the boat. And since were bloggers I have shared a link to their beautiful blog if you care to take a peek.

http://blog.pelindabalavender.com

Once on our way again we crossed into Canadian waters in search of Orcas and/or Humpbacks and were not disappointed. I didn’t get any amazing photo’s, but we spotted a pod/family of about 6 Orcas who did no disappoint and put on quite a lengthy show for us. It seemed a shame to view them through a camera lens so I chose just to delight in the moment. In addition on the return trip we spotted a humpback – his spout spray and the tail as he was going down.

 

 

 

 

I hope you will take some time to relax and enjoy the works in progress and blogs of the incredibly talented crafters below. Thank you for visiting my page ~ Sharon

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon

If you are interested in joining this SAL please contact Avis above and she will be happy to explain the goup and walk you through the process. It’s painless, easy and most of all fun!

SAL Update: Thank you for Warm Weather

Once, time was measured in increments of a Monday – Sunday work week. Since joining the HQAL organized by Kathy @ https://livinginrapidcity.wordpress.com and this SAL, I am now measuring time in 3 week blocks. I like it, but boy does time fly by. There is an interesting rhythm that has developed. One of organization, expectancy and virtual travel into glimpses of places in our world I don’t anticipate ever traveling too.

As Avis posts monthly on our updates

“Please enjoy the latest updates from the rest of the group by clicking the links below. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences. Posting takes place every third Sunday, local time. Our next updates will be posted on the 30th June 2019.” 

My SAL project has taken me to Alaska. I have not been there, yet, but a daughter and husband live there. (this is for her) They are up by Fairbanks – in Pleasant Valley – in the cold – and while not in an igloo – they stay bundled in winter and shed their many layers when they welcome spring and summer.

Here is where I was at my last posting

Here is where I am now

The only thing left is the solid background stitching and border.

This is a counted cross stitch by Alaskan artist Barbara Lavallee. The finished project should look like this

 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my page. Please take some time and visit the pages of the others participating in this SAL. There are some amazing projects in the works.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Catherine, Deborah, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon

About the SAL

This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL. If you’d like to finish a project you’ve left unfinished for a while, or start a new one with us, you can join us by leaving a request in the comments below or sending me an email. The address is on the right of this page. I’ll send you a few simple rules to agree.

SAL Update: Making Progress

Three weeks and here we are ~ time to show our progress

Here is where I was at our last posting

Today I am smiling with the progress I have made

Before, current work, and what it will look like when done

 

 

This counted cross stitch kit is by Barbara Lavallee, one of my favorite Alaskan artists. While most of her work centers on an Alaskan theme she does branch out to capture the whimsical side of life all around us. I found a wonderful print of hers on eBay. Titled “Fiesta Market” I made an offer and bought it. It will be a perfect fit framed and hung in our southwestern themed living room.

Barbara Lavallee’s work will always bring a smile

 

 

Please click on the links below to take a look at the others who are participating in this SAL. There are some amazing projects in the works by amazing crafters/fiber artists.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Catherine, Deborah, Connie, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon

About the SAL

This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different from other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show the progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. If you would like to join in please click on Avis and contact her. The directions to join are simply. 

Trying My Hand At Smalls

Smalls; I first heard the word used by fellow crafter Margaret who is linked in with the Hand Quilt Along group I joined a little over a year ago. She is an amazing seamstress, quilter, cross stitcher, crafter in general. She lives in Yorkshire, UK and not only does she craft but also hikes her countryside and takes me on amazing journeys crisscrossing her gorgeous country. You can learn about Margaret here:     https://thecraftycreek.com/about/

As I said, I had never heard the word smalls or associated it with tiny cross stitch creations until I began following Margaret’s blog. Please stop in and take a look at May’s beauty’s created by Margaret.

https://thecraftycreek.com/2019/05/02/cross-stitch-smalls-for-may/

I had picked up a small cross-stitched sampler in a ‘goodness gracious awful frame’ at my local Goodwill some time back. I instantly removed it from the frame, throwing it away before thinking I would wish I had taken a picture of it for you (before and after shot)  I had just thought I would replace the frame with something simple and natural to bring out the beauty of the artists work. May’s inspirations by Margaret changed my mind and I quickly went to work. With the front already stitched – and beautifully, I used one of the leftover quilt block squares I had from ‘Velma’s Quilt’ for my backing.

Velma’s Quilt 

My very first small measuring 4 1/2″ X 6″

A quick look at youtube for a refresher on crochet borders completed this. I can see how I should have used a matching thread to the yarn instead of using the peach thread matching the backing.

I think it’s still adorable and will make a sweet gift to go along with a birthday card.

I see “smalls” in my future!

 

SAL: Making Progress

Progress was made these past 3 weeks. I finished the dog and moved on to the legs of the 3rd woman. Here is where I was last time

Here is where I am now

 

Accountability to a group is a good thing

If you would like to join us, contact Avis at the link below, and do take a visit around to see everyone; we are all working on something different, so the variety is wonderful!

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda,Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Catherine, Deborah, Connie, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny,Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon

SAL Update Post

Work on my project has been ongoing and I am feeling like I have really made some progress since picking up this cross-stitch to continue with it. Here is where I was last time we posted. I had begun outlining which I will continue to do as I go.

Here I am now

 

I finished up with some more outlining and started on the second dog.

Barbara Lavallee is one of my favorite artists. I was so surprised when I had found a cross stitch featuring one of her paintings. My plan was for this to be a Christmas gift for a daughter who had moved to Alaska last year. Christmas 2018 came and went but this year….with the encouragement from this SAL, I’m planning on a 2019 finish!

 

Please click the names below to see what all the other members have been up to in the last three weeks. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences. Posting takes place every third Sunday, local time. Our next updates will be posted on the 28th April 2019. If you would like to join please contact Avis at the link below and she will walk you through it. 

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Catherine, Deborah, Connie, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon