SAL: Sweet Cactus Update

I am so excited to check in and connect with all of you. We have been self quarantined during the corona virus since the 4th. It hasn’t been exceptionally hard for me but I was surprised how anxious I was for this 3 weeks to pass. Here is where I was at our last check in.

Here is where I am now

 

I’ll be continuing to work on this sweet cactus for my daughter but I have also finished another project I have been working off and on for some time that I wanted to share with you, a new crocheted baby blanket.

 

In my favorite popcorn stitch

 

My thoughts are with you all affected by our worlds current situation and I am looking forward to hopping over to your pages to see what you’ve been working on. Continue to look out for yourself, your family and others. Be safe and take all precautions possible.

Now to go and blog hop and enjoy the work of all the other talented crafters and if you’d like to participate please contact Avis below and she will walk you through joining in.

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

SAL UPDATE: Sweet Cactus

 

In our last posting I had made the decision to start this simple Cactus cross stitch as my next project. It will go perfectly with the last cactus I had done for my daughter. I am calling this one ‘Sweet Cactus’.

I’ve got a good start going. This shouldn’t take too long to stitch up and it’s a nice simple distraction from a few other projects I have going.

Gorgeous cactus blooms

 

Welcome back to Linda and welcome Cathie and Laura ~ if your reading this and are not a participant and would like to be, its easy.  Please contact Avis below and she will walk you through it.

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

SAL Update: Keeping It Simple

It’s been a crazy 3 weeks ~ I had thought my next project would be to start this Halloween holiday sampler. I never saw directions so tiny. My magnifier didn’t help nor lighting, so I put her aside again.

You may remember these little gems I picked up. I started and finished the Cardinal.

After finishing this and as an afterthought, I am now thinking wouldn’t these make darling tiny pillow ornaments?

While at Joanns, I picked up this simple Cactus kit and decided this would go perfect with  the Owl and the Cactus I did for my daughter a month or so back.

 

That about wraps up this SAL update. Please take a moment and enjoy the postings of the others in our group. Just click on the links below. There are some wonderful projects in the works.

 

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

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 contacting Avis. She’ll send you a few simple rules to agree.

SAL Update: Ornamental Pumpkin

January and I am starting strong. At our last posting I had decided on and started the ‘Ornamental Pumpkin’ cross stitch and here is where I was at.

 

 

A snow storm kept us house bound for over a week. It was awesome! I got so much done, in fact I am all done 🙂

 

 

Not original in the plans, I added the word ‘pumpkin’. With a finished size of 6″ x 7″, its not much bigger than 4 1/2″ x 5 5/8″ if I had used the recommended 28 count. I used 11 count. It actually has one major counting flaw and is not symmetrical. I decided to leave the flaw and cross stitch on. Of course it is so visible to my eye but I am hoping not to yours. I still am unsure if I will simply frame or do something different with it. It was a fun little piece to do!

Now to tackle something a little more complicated, I will move on to “Trick or Treat”

Please spend some time and take a look at the pages of the other crafters in this SAL. There is some amazing projects in the works. If you would like to join in please contact Avis at the link below and she will walk you though joining – its easy!

 

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

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.

 

Christmas Cards in January

You may remember that for Christmas 2019, I  wanted a little something extra special for my uncle. I had found at our local Goodwill store this cross stitch card and thought it was perfect and just what I was looking for.

He Loved it !

Browsing eBay for fun stuff, I came across a set of 4 similar cards being sold.

I was able to pick up these 4 beauties for $8.76. The cardinal is my favorite but they are all adorable and will make very special gift cards this coming holiday season.

As you know already, it is never to soon to get started ~ shhhh ~ before we know it, December will be here again in all it’s holiday glory 🙂

Winter Snow

Sunday night our first snow hit us in the great northwest corner. It’s been a constant battle to keep the bird feeders filled. We knew it was coming and I was prepared. A first light dusting and a shake off of the bamboo was needed and each day since (kitty cat path)

 

More snow everyday but I am not complaining. My daughter in Alaska just chuckles and says I love it. My daughter in Okinawa cries and says I miss it and I say perfect time to hunker down and get a lot of crafting done.

Backyard stream is running high and strong

Tranquility

Lots is getting done on the Ornamental Pumpkin cross stitch and I hope to have the Capital T quilt top totally pieced together for our next show and tells (last postings pictures)

My favorite guy ~ Dusty Doolittle Johnson

 

 

SAL Update: Ornamental Pumpkin 1

2019 wrapped up with the completion of the Cactus and Owl cross-stitch for my daughter in Okinawa, Japan. While I missed my Christmas gift deadline, she’s been boxed and mailed to welcome the new year. With light shadows and a bit crooked, here she is framed…..

 

2020 welcomed the new year with a decision on what I would start for my next project. In our last posting, I needed to make a decision on what to tackle next. I had two choices .

After some thought, I decided on the Ornamental Pumpkin. With quite a few other projects on the table I wanted something a little easier, mindless so to speak, to tackle.

The kit called for this to be stitched on 28 count ‘Goldspinner’ Luguana from Silkweaver. Finished this will measure 4 1/2″ x 5 5/8″, its not large and one of the reasons for my choice –

I looked into ordering the fabric but while at our local Joann’s, I picked a Charles Craft 11 count Aida cross stitch fabric in beige. I wafted between 11 and 14 but decided I wanted a really airy look. (I haven’t tackled a 28 count ever 🙂 

I was able to find all the recommended DMC threads that were recommended with the exception of 3 out of 10. It will be my color choice with those.

Here is my start 🙂

I began with the middle column, a little less than half way down.

 

A big welcome AJ to the group 🙂

Please also enjoy the latest SAL project 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 26th January 2020. If you would like to join with us, please contact Avis at the link below and she will walk you through.

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

SAL: Project Choice

 

Last posting of 2019 ~ I can hardly believe how quickly the year has passed. At my last posting I had finished ‘The Owl and Cactus’. Sadly it is still in the shop being framed. I had hoped to have this done and in the mail to my daughter, living in Okinawa (Military) for Christmas. That didn’t happen but something else did. My daughter surprised me the other day and I learned she is actually following the blog. I had no idea! In fact I said “you never comment and say nice job mom” lol ~ her surprise became my surprise.

I’ll be sure to post the framed finish before I send it off.

Before moving on to my next project for this SAL, I finished up a few gift giving projects I had started. A cross stitched greetings card for my favorite uncle and a bunch of lavender infused 3.5 sachet pillows. Bagged in baggies to let their fragrance steep 🙂

 

Now to decide on my next project for the SAL

I thought I should get a jump on projects for next fall because considering how fast this year went by ….

The first is this Pumpkin cross stitch.

The second choice is this absolutely adorable “Trick or Treat” Victoria Sampler

Notice the bottom section ~ Hardanger, I knew I should joined in when Kathy (below) hosted her Hardanger stitch along ~ darn it ~ this just might determine my choice.

To everyone ~ I wish you lots of great projects, good health and lots of laughter in the coming year.

This stitch-a-long is organised by Avis, we post our progress on our chosen project every three weeks, please follow the links to see what every one else is stitching.

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

 

 

Christmas Card Cross Stitch

 

In a world with virtual cards for every occasion, I still send out Christmas Cards, do you? I picked up this sweet kit at the Goodwill for $1.99

Setting out straight a way to get it started, it took me some time, extra strong reading glasses, and good lighting.

Recipient is my one and only Uncle who is extra special to me

What is really funny about this card is he loves virtual cards, and I mean LOVES them. In fact, starting Dec. 1, have been sending him a virtual card every morning almost like an advent calendar of sorts. He may love virtual cards but I think he may like this one better.

SAL: OWL & CACTUS Finish

I am thrilled to report I have a finish with my Owl and Cactus cross-stitch.

At our last check in I was here

Finish

I decided not to backstitch around the flowers. Attempting it a few times, I just could not get a smooth soft curved feel. One to take things quite literally, including directions and not working outside the box, I threw caution to the wind and left the flowers alone. I think it looks ok. Now to have it blocked and framed and it will be ready for gift giving.

For those of you celebrating Thanksgiving I wanted to wish you a wonderful day next week filled with lots of love and laughter and for those of you who aren’t, my wish for you is the same  🙂 Ours will be a quiet day as all the children are scattered into the cosmos of life outside of Washington state with their children. We have decided on 2 cornish game hens in an orange marmalade glaze, wild rice and a favorite shredded carrot soufflé.

Please take a moment or two to stop by the others in this SAL. There’s a lot of great projects in works. And if you would like to join along ~ please contact Avis at the link below and she will be happy to give you the details. It’s easy and fun!

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