SAL: Snowman and Reindeer Update

Slow and steady as I continue to work on my Snowman and Reindeer cross-stitch. Slow and steady gets the job done but I am nowhere near completion yet. At our last posting 3 weeks ago I was here with my project

As I continue to work on it, I am working my way around from the bottom up and over to the reindeer.

You can see what I have gotten done and what’s still to be worked in the photos below. Comparing the photos like this you can see I had tweaked the hat and you may remember how I decided to remove the ribbon after a considerable mistake with counting. Looking at the pictures together, I can also see how I confused thread colors for the brim. I am smiling through that mistake though – it wont be noticeable and the hat still looks fine 🙂

One of my daughters, Fawn and SIL have been down from Fairbanks, Alaska for a visit which cut some of my stitching time down to – nothing – they left Alaska with a fresh 2 feet of snow falling to mostly rainy days here in Bellingham, WA. They are leaving today. There was thrift store and antique shopping, a day of scanning pictures from the family photo archives, a morning in La Conner, WA, a historic seaside town and a sun break gave us a chance to bar-b-q one afternoon and get in some relaxing and a drink in the back yard. Mostly we were just inside and carefree.

Fawn posted this on her instagram

As much as I loved and enjoyed our visit, it will be nice to get back into my routine. Now I am off to check in with the others in our SAL, won’t you please join me by clicking on the links below.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, 

Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie

SAL: Snowman and Reindeer Update

I am working Snowman and Reindeer, a Dimensions kit – The Gold Collection – Petites. At our last posting my project looked like this

I had made progress with the scarf and added some blue and part of the button. Continuing with the scarf, I got it done and moved down into the body of the snowman.

For our next posting, I would love to get Mr. Snowman completed.

Please check out what everyone else has been up to by clicking their names below. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences as we’re posting today at local time.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. 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.

SAL: Snowman & Reindeer Update

It’s that time again for the three week progress check. I am working on a Dimensions Gold Collection – Petites kit by the name of Snowman & Reindeer. At my last posting this is where I was at

This is where I am now

Now I am off to visit the pages of the others in the SAL

Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen

About the SAL

The SAL is organized Avis of Sewing Beside the Sea. Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. 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.

SAL: Snowman & Reindeer Update

Time again for an update and of course remembering to set the clock ahead an hour. When we fell back in fall my sleep pattern never changed, I have been up by 4am, 5 if I was lucky. I so welcome the change and spring in the air.

At our last posting my project looked like this. I had begun his hat and outline of the sweet squirrel.

As I progressed, I realized I had made an error in counting. I continued hoping that it wouldn’t be noticeable. But it didn’t take to long – well, long enough for a few ****, and a frogging I went. Isn’t that the pits when you have a lot to do like the whole black section which was actually quite a bit of confetti stitching (dread) that had to come out and you can see it also had what was the start to a flower with ribbon.

After all that I decided to just do the hat solid black and eliminate the flower. I am happy with it. I also moved down to the scarf area and added a few stitches.

Now looking forward to visiting the pages of the others in this SAL – please join me!

Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen

Our next updates will be posted on the 3rd April 2022.

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. 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.

SAL: Snowman & Reindeer Update

Time for another Sunday up date on my Snowman & Reindeer. This is a kit from Dimensions ~ Gold Collection Petites. At our last posting I had outlined part of the squirrel to get a better look at him as he was taking shape, got a bit of the scarf in and details in his face.

Now after three weeks I feel like I am making some better progress. I can see his hat with a bit of the flora on it. I haven’t had as much time as I would like to work on him.

I also wanted to mention you may remember I was calling this Country Snowman and while I still like that title better, I decided to go back to the original name in case someone wanted to locate this kit 🙂

Now I am off to begin checking out what the others are working on. Won’t you please join me by clicking on the links below.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen

Our next updates will be posted on the 13th March 2022.

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. 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. 

SAL: Country Snowman (Snowman & Reindeer)

A new year and a new project. At our last posting I had finished my Skating Santa and was ready to start my new project only to discover the directions were not for my kit but for another. I planned on doing those cute Christmas owls and got the directions for the cute Halloween owls instead. It never occurred to me that I could solve this by simply stitching the Halloween owls instead. It took Avis to mention in a reply that I could do that, funny, that was a thought that never entered my mind. Then there was the problem with the floss which would all have to be changed if I decided to do the Halloween owls. I had already ordered a new kit and not a Joy Sunday project. (which I would not recommend)

I decided I had no desire to change out the floss after having had to do that with the other because of poor quality of the floss. So instead I will be working this adorable snowman Dimensions kit.

Directions and all prepped to start.

Not much done, just a mini start and I am ready to tackle this for the new year.

Now I am off to check in with the others in this SAL and see what everyone is up to. Won’t you join me?

Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. 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.

SAL Update: New Project

At our last check in, I had finished my Skating Santa by Joy Sunday and delivered it to my friend.

I admit holiday happenings delayed my picking up my next in line project, also a Joy Sunday kit I had bought at the same time as Santa. I opened it up on Tuesday, determined to get started for this check in.

I loved the cute owls but I wasn’t thrilled
knowing I was going to have to change all the floss since I had discovered with the prior kit that their floss is not the best. (I also knew I would never buy another Joy Sunday kit.)

But imagine my surprise when I pulled out the directions.

I must have done 3 or 4 double takes, checked inside the packaging, were my eyes deceiving me? Had I ordered wrong? Yes it was Christmas Owls on the outside package and Halloween Owl directions inside – my next project was a no go.

I have purchased another kit by Dimensions and am waiting for it to arrive. I will have a grand reveal and start next year 🙂

Wishing you all a safe and healthy coming year filled with love and lots of laughter.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all who celebrate!

Please check out what everyone else has been up to by clicking their names below. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. 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.

Holiday Gift Wrap Up

I have just about finished up on my holiday gifts for this year. Now to get them in the mail or delivered. I wrapped up my cross stitched cards with this adorable Santa and I have to say, I am having a hard time deciding what to do with him. I just love him! Would it be wrong to keep him for myself ?

I made two Hanukkah dish towels for 2 dear (sisters) friends. But with the holiday almost over I don’t think I’ll deliver them in time. As it turns out – not only friends but DNA revealed we are distance cousins connected abt. 5/6 generations back.

Skye (our mini schnauzer fur baby) will head for one last groom for 2021. I always give her groomer a monetary tip at the end of the year and something yummy for the staff. Her groomer, Katie will be getting married in the spring and I wanted to do something a little extra special this time. I decided on a wedding junk journal and I could tuck her tip into one of the pockets with wedding ephemera. Below Katies journal.

Here is the cover of the journal. I photographed the cover of this on a 1935 copy of the Delineator Magazine. How perfect, looks like a wedding reception party for the background. A luscious satin creme ribbon and gold sari fabric ribbon holds a gorgeous envelope in place. Perfect for tucking any gift checks/cash they receive. Below is a few of the pages that I created. I had so much fun with this project.

Stashed in a pocket, ads I got off of newspaper.com papers, a sweet envelope, and Journalling card.

I used wedding photo copies from my collection of family photos. The black/white opens into a card for journaling. I love the vintage pearl botton

Under the book page ribbon is a wedding reception announcement from 1929.

I kept the signaturen for this all in the same white pages. There are 12 pages for writing in. There’s an envelope and tag clipped to this page. I used my sewing machine and zig zag stitched around the envelope.

And in this tuck is two wedding ephemera also from newspaper.com

More stuff tucked into pockets. A vintage Valentine postcard proclaiming her love.

‘Your Words’ is another writing pad to journal on.

Below a fun Christmas Journal ~ darn word press – as hard as I tried I could not delete this grouping. I decided I just wanted to show you a few pages from a bunch of journals but for some reason I couldn’t do that. So this grouping is of 5 photo’s from 1 journal.

The cover will be wrapped up in red sari ribbon

In all the journals I put in vintage photo’s of the Virgin Mary, as well as a vintage Christmas postcard.

Adorable paper doll cut out peeking out from the next page. She has a few winter outfits as well. I clipped on a few plastic holiday goody pages.

Below are just some random covers and pages from a few different journals I worked on. All of these were created out of 2 lunch size brown paper bags. Just like our hand quilting/quilting community, there is a huge junk journaling community that can be found on you tube and the ideas are endless…….

There’s a Theo Chocolate bar peeking out of this one.

I bought a lot of junk Christmas pins off of ebay and added some to covers.

This one is a boho themed journal for my next door neighbor.

This is a photo of a group of children (1950’s) caroling. It is clipped on and opens up to whole bunch of children, found in a random magazine. Theres also some stickers behind the picture.

I used fabric from my stash and created ruffles on some pages. A match book cover ‘ignite your spark is peeking out on this page.

Photo of the woman is from my adopting ‘Brown’ family. She just looks so wintery in her fur lined coat and hat. Who wouldn’t want to go for a sleigh ride in that outfit.

One of the boho pages. I had these Freda cards in my stash for years, finally a use. I used that great red button for a closure for the envelope I made,

I hope this post sparks some new and exciting crafting ideas for you. These junk journals are a totally new art expression for me. And as I said you tube was a huge help in getting me started.

SAL Update: Christmas Greetings

Hello everyone – here is my update on my Christmas Greetings cross stitch project. At our last posting I was near completion of my the project. Santa looked like this below.

Pleased to report I actually have a finish. I finished up with the blue snow around Santa added a snowflake, the leaves and saying.

The sizing was just perfect for a 8 x 10 frame, a bit snug. I framed it myself and in the photo it looks a bit lumpy but in person it is not so noticeable. I had a lovely day date with my friend to give her the picture and she was thrilled with it. She in turn will be giving it as a gift. The original design called for more leaves and snowflakes – on the sides and bottom. I debated on whether to continue but I knew I would not be done in time. In light of having to frame it myself, I usually have our local Joann’s (not framing now), I called him done 🙂

Now I am off to check in with the others in the SAL. If you’re not participating in the SAL, won’t you join me by clicking on the links below. There are so many amazing projects in the works. See you all at our next posting on the 19th December 2021.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. 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.

SAL UPDATE: Christmas Greetings

SAL update with our three week posting. If you live somewhere with the time change don’t forget – I certainly have before. Here is where I was at our last posting. I was dreading all the backstitching. I just have such a tough time with it.

As you can see I have made a lot of progress. I have just a smidge to complete on the snow/ice surrounding Santa. Then I will go back around and fix some bare spots or spots that don’t look aesthetically pleasing to me. I didn’t follow the chart in working around Santa. It was just to difficult. If you remember I had to replace the floss and unfortunately I ran out of the blue I was using and tried my best to match it. The shade difference was almost impossible to see in my lighting and there’s a small subtle change. Perhaps you didn’t even notice it. I sure do, but I am ok with it. It’s a bit lighter and looks icy-er, if thats a word.

There is more to add – some holly leaves and some words. I’ll be giving this as a gift and I would like to have it done by our next posting. I love his skates. They remind me of the pair my father had, racing skates as opposed to figure skating skates. Growing up in New York we did a lot of skating in the winter. I wish I had my dad’s skates now to drape over the vintage sled I prop up on my porch in winter.

It’s time to scoot off and check in with the others in this SAL. I always look forward to visiting their pages. Sometimes I am unable to post a reply but please know if I haven’t left a note I have tried 🙂

Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. 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.