My Stitchery Journal

WIPocalypse 2022 - Check-In: July 31, 2022

7/31/2022

The topic for this month's discussion is:

"What five patterns do you really want to purchase (or start) right now?"

"I don't really need to purchase any more projects... I have enough to outlive me by decades! But there are a few in my stash that I would like to start. The following three are patterns soon-to-be released or already in hand that I intend to begin shortly:

The soon-to-be issued "Autumn Sampler" from Stitchonomy, a companion to the already finished "Wniter Sampler" and "Spring Sampler" and the soon-to-be finished "Summer Sampler" (see below).
The 2022 Halloween SAL, "A Cabinet of Curiosities", from Stitchonomy, to be released this fall
The Lakeside Needlecraft free SAL "Crafting" by Fiona Baker, patter now completely released

In addition, I have in hand a set of Bothy Threads "New England" charts ("Captain's House", "Shrimp Shack", "Beach Huts", "The Lighthouse", and "The Lobster Pot") and a set of Bothy Threads "New England Homes" ("Summer", Spring", "Autumn" and Winter"), all by Sally Swanell, any one of which would be fun to stitch.

Lastly, I have on order Climbing Goat Designs "Carina Nebula" (when I first saw that NASA photo, I was hooked!).

The first three are likely starts; the rest are strong maybes... I do have a habit of falling for pieces that eventually end up filed with all the rest of my stash. "Eyes Bigger Than Stomach" syndrome!

~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~

When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete . No progress this month, however...

~~~~~Travelling Needlepoint~~~~~

Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020. TI ended up not going on he road trip in mid-July to eastern Ohio for a Daylily conference so no progress to report.

~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~
There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana and using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. In June, I had competed the pink and purple stars in the lower border and started on the "white" filler/background to the stars. This white border has progressed:

~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~

1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallised" which started January 2, exclusively designed by Oxana Polyakova, with monthly installments. Stitched on 36-ct white even-weave with DMC floss. Installment one - "Larimar", installment two - "Malachite", installment three -“Amber", installment four - "Obsidian", installment five - "Jasper”, installment five - “Quartz”, AND installment six - “Tiger’s Eye” are complete. installment 7 - "Agate" (I ran into an issue with a counting error which I can't pinpoint - there are no clear reference lines and/or overlap zones between the multiple pages in this piece and, for me, this leads to massive issues with counting can connecting up borders) and this counting error meant that I needed to do a lot of redesign on the fly. I finally finished "Agate" on July 4, and caught up with the SAL by completing (from left to right) "Amethyst" on July 11 and "Garnet" on July 16 (a real gemstone marathon!)!

The piece as it now stands is shown below:

Installment 11, :"Lapus Lazuli"was is issued last night (July 30) while the final installment is due out August 21...

2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments in future magazine issues through the end of 2022. Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. The fourth installment consisted of two houses: a Beach House and a Tudor Cottage,. I finished the Beach House last mont and the Tudor House this month:

This is what the piece looks like now:

The next installment is due out next week digitally and i the October print issue of the magazine.

3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here!

4 A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL and the "Winter 2021" SALwas scheduled for release this month. It is complete except for the charms, which are in transit. Stitched with the recommended DMC threads on Midas Gold 14ct Picture-Me-Plus Aida:

The Autumn sampler is due out sometime in August.

So, in summary, this month I made progress on one WIP and two SALs and completed (except for charms) one sampler.

Wishing for an honorable peace... both at home and abroad. And stay healthy!

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WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - June 26, 2022

6/25/2022

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The topic for this month's discussion is:

"How are you doing with your goals so far this year?"

There were some finishes:

Stitchonomy "Christmas SAL 2021", started December 2021, finished January 2022
Lakeside Needlecraft free "Christmas SAL", started in December 2021, finished January 2022
Stitchonomy SAL, "Spring 2022", started April 22, finished May 2022

There were two long-term WIPs held over from years previous:

"Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, started in 2021 and still in progress (see below)
The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, started in 2014 and still in progress

And there have been two new starts in 2022 and in progress currently (see below):

Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" which started January 2
Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, "Home Sweet Home", started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine

And one new 2022 start, currently stalled:

A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond, started in January 2022

The following were things I thought might be possible new starts in 2022, and, as of January 1, 2022, the following charts/kits had been either purchased or downloaded:

A botanical blackwork SAL by Steady Thread, not yet kitted up. Installments once a week for a year.
The Fox & Rabbit freebie SAL “ Changing Seasons “, installments monthly.
a World of Cross Stitch chart by Jenny Van De Wiele called "Miniature Marvels”, kitted up by Lakeside Needlecraft
Three needlepoint kits by Needle Delights Original, designed by Kathy Rees: "Tahiti", "Bora Bora" and "Tropical Seas"
Two Bothy Threads kits, based on art by Jessica Hogarth: "Love Paris" and "Love London"
Two Artecy kits, designs by Tereena Clarke: "London Abstract" and "London Bus"
Four Bothy Threads kits from the art of Sally Swannell: The New England Homes series: "Spring", "Winter", "Fall", and "Summer"
One kit from Charting Creations, from the art of Robert Finale: "Palace"

Sadly, I have to admit that I continued to purchase charts/kits and have acquires a HUGE number of downloaded charts (many being blackwork SALs and tributes to Ukraine) in my Apple Books pdf file in 2022, way too many to list here. And none pf these acquisitions have been started! I have also joined a fabric of the month club and two threads of the month clubs at Lakeside Needlecraft so fabric and floss have started to accumulate in piles on y cutting table (I'm running out of storage space!)

So, while I have been plugging away, making progress on some of my 2022 goals as stated back in January, I have to admit, my 'buying all the things" that catch my eye means I have actually backslid in any organization progress I had made previously.

~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~

When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete and block #77 had been completed as of last month. No progress this month, however...

~~~~~Travelling Needlepoint~~~~~

Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020. No progress to report. However, there will be a road trip in mid-July to eastern Ohio for a Daylily conference (and I now have a travel light!) so I may actually make some progress on this piece, stitching in the hotel while my husband is doing his daylily "thing".

~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~
There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. In May, I had competed some work on the border, stitching the pink and purple stars in the lower border. This portion of the border has now “turned the corner” and work has started on the "white" filler/background to the stars:

~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~

1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" which started January 2, exclusively designed by Oxana Polyakova, with monthly installments. Stitched on 36-ct white even-weave with DMC floss. Installment one - "Larimar", installment two - "Malachite", installment three -“Amber", installment four - "Obsidian", installment five - "Jasper”, installment five - “Quartz”, AND installment six - “Tiger’s Eye” are complete. installment 7 - "Agate" ran into an issue with a counting error which I can't pinpoint (there are no clear reference lines and/or overlap zones between the multiple pages in this piece and, for me, this leads to massive issues with counting can connecting up borders) and this counting error has meant that I need to do a lot of redesign on the fly. Therefore, it is only in progress:

Here is where the piece is right now...

This puts me WAY behind since the 9th installment - "Amethyst" - has already been uploaded and the 10th is due out on July 10...

2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments in future magazine issues through the end of 2022. Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. The fourth installment consists of two houses: a Beach House and a Tudor Cottage. The Beach House is complete; threads have been sorted for the Tudor Cottage.

Here is where the piece is right now...

The fifth installment will be two more houses, not due until the October issue of the magazine, so I still am keep on schedule with this SAL.

3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here!

A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL and the "Winter 2021" SAL is scheduled for release this month while an Autumn one has been announced for August/September (these will not be SALs). I have ordered the charm and trim kit for the summer pattern. A 2022 Halloween SAL pattern "Cabinet of Curiosities" has been announced for the fall and sign-ups are now available...

So, in summary, this month I made progress on one WIP and two SALs... I also am spending this weekend watching another virtual card making series of six video and live-stream classes (Someday, I'll get around to actually MAKING some of the cards taught in these classes!)!

Wishing for an honorable peace... both at home and abroad.

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WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - May 29, 2022

5/29/2022

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The topic for this month's discussion is:

"Retreats and seminars – have you ever been to any stitching events? If so, tell us about them!"

I have attended one scrapbooking crop (I do not scrapbook) and three quilting retreats (where I “worked” on piecing together in-progress crazy quilts - three quits the are STILL unfinished!). I have attended three in-person paper crafting events where I did learn a lot of technique, acquired a lot of swag (shopping at paper crafting events is de rigueur!) and completed roughly 6 to 8 projects per event; and a number of online virtual classes (in the past two “covid years", these have been too numerous to count) where I have completed almost no projects. The paper crafting projects are documented on my blog "Carol Stamps" which I have pretty much neglected since December 2021.

Would a weekend needlepoint class while I was a graduate student (in the late 1960’s) count? I made two small square pieces at that class and learned a little about needlepoint design. I think I still have those small pieces somewhere but can't swear to it!

Nothing since then, however, although I have often wished I lived close to some of the retreats I have seen advertised (The Silver Needle’s retreats in Oklahoma and the Williamsburg Retreats) but the cost of travel and housing, to say nothing of the retreats themselves, was (and is still) prohibitive, considering the odds of actually accomplishing anything (other than spending money on stash I probably do not need!) at them. You see, lighting and magnification are issues for me and carrying all that gear along would be a real hassle.

I function much better at in-person "classes", because there seems to be a greater incentive for me to keep up with the instructor (if paper crafting classes are any indication). However, the lighting and magnification issues still apply. Besides, my experiences at quilting retreats indicate to me that very little actual stitching would take place — I am too easily distracted by others!

~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~

When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete which hadn’t been touched since March check-in. Block #77 is now complete:

~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~
There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. This also languished, untouched in April. In May, I did some more work on the border, stitching the pink and purple stars in the lower border. This border has now “turned the corner” and markers for the top border are in place:

This is the piece, so far...

There is lettering in the chart but I have decided that I do not want to add it.

Installment eight is due out May 29.

2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments come in future magazine issues through the end of 2022. Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. Installment 3 consists of an A-frame and a Classic Craftsman. I have completed both the A-Frame and the Craftsman):

Here is the piece, so far...

The next pair of houses is due in the August issue of the magazine.

3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here!

4. A Stitchonomy SAL, "Spring 2022", started April 22 and installments came out every other day. It was being stitched on pale pink 14-ct Aida using DMC threads and is meant to be a "partner" to the Stitchonomy Winter 2021 SAL.

I have stitched 13 of the 15 bands and/or alternatives (the other two bands were omitted because I lacked room for them on my fabric). I added black seed beads to the yes of the birds and the hatching chicks. The charms were part pf the kit.

I have received a bell pull hanger and intend to finish this, and the companion Winter SAL from 2020-21, as soon as I get up the ambition!

So, in summary, this month I made progress on two WIPs and two SALs... I also spent last weekend watching another virtual card making series of five classes (Someday, I'll get around to actually MAKING some of the cards taught in these classes!)!

Wishing for an honorable peace...

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WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - April 24, 2022

4/24/2022

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The topic for this month's discussion is:

"What is your favorite store (either online or brick and mortar) to purchase your supplies?"

This is a hard one because I don't use just one store. And the ones I do use are all online (we don't have any local needlework shops anywhere near around where I live). I like to buy floss from Stoney Creek. I tend to buy fabric from 1-2-3 Stitch and from ABC Stitch Therapy. Recently, I am in two monthly thread clubs and a monthly fabric club at Lakeside Needlecraft, and I have purchased charts (from designers otherwise not readily available in the US) from them as well . Another source of charts (and occasionally kits0 for me is the designer of my primary addiction, Michael Powell. In the past, I have purchased kits from The Silver Needle and I love that they will custom cut fabric for you, even if you place the order by phone (the ladies there are so very knowledgeable about all things needlework!)! And when I lived in Northern California (back in the late 1900's, as an online acquaintance says), I was totally enamored of Needle in a Haystack (another place where knowledge rules!). finally, I subscribe to magazines, mainly for drooling but also occasionally for charts (Just Cross Stitch Magazine and The World of Cross-stitching).

And then there is my stash - an accumulation over the past several decades of miscellaneous charts, kits, threads, fabrics and embellishments!

~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~

When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete. I didn't touch it this month...

~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~
There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. This also languished, untouched in April.

~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~

1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" which started January 2, exclusively designed by Oxana Polyakova, with monthly installments. Stitched on 36-ct white even-weave with DMC floss. Installment one, "Larimar", installment two, "Malachite", installment three, "Amber", installment four, "Obsidian", and Installmentfive, "Jasper" are complete:

Installment six, "Quartz", is underway, with two of the six colors done:

There is lettering in the chart but I am holding off until the end to decide it I want it or not.

The seventh installment is due out May 8.

2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments come in future magazine issues through the end of 2022. Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. Installment 3 consists of an A-frame and a Classic Craftsman. I have completed the A-Frame and the Craftsman lacks only backstitch (sorry for the fuzzy photo):

3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor . It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here!

4. A Stitchonomy SAL, "Spring 2022", started April 22 and installments are due out every other day. It is being stitched on pale pink14-ct Aida using DMC threads and is meant to be a "partner" to the Stitchonomy Winter 2021 SAL. I have stitched installment 1:

So, in summary, this month I made progress on no WIPs and three SALs... I also spent this past LONG weekend watching virtual card making classes. Someday, I'll get around to actually MAKING some of the cards taught in these classes!

Wishing for an honorable peace...

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WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - March 27, 2022 (a day late)

3/28/2022

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A day late... as usual!

The topic for this month's discussion is:

"Tell us about a technique, designer, pattern, or anything else in stitching that you’ve been nervous or afraid to try."

Hmm, that's a good one! And I can't say that there is just one. But my primaries, in order of degree of aversion, are :

Technique: cut-work/hardanger. I suspect that the cutting is what has put me off...
Designer: HAED, hands down. They are so HUGE and so full of confetti stitches. I am so intimidated that I don't even have one of their patterns! Mirablia is a close runner-up... as is Chatelaine.
Pattern: I'm sure that there are patterns in my stash (LOTS of patterns) that I will not/can not attempt but more likely than not, it's because I am not a fan of the final product (I MUST have been when I bought the piece but my tastes have changed over the years). Not fond of Disney, Thomas Kincaid, "cute", vulgar/swear words. I rarely do holiday patterns (with the exception of Christmas ornaments) because I have no place to store them "off season" and few places to display them "in season".

It's easier to say what I like to stitch! Normally, I stitch according to my mood/fancy at the start. Right now, it's mystery SALs (often with motifs that I would avoid in a full-scale piece! Odd, right?) and blackwork (as much as I dislike backstitching on cross-stitch, I adore blackwork! Go figure!).

I lean a lot towards geometrics, Quaker and band samplers, mandalas, and houses/scenes! I am besotted with the wonky pieces by Michael Powell. An odd mix, I know. I prefer cross-stitch but have done (and still do, occasionally) needlepoint, crewel, and free embroidery. I even tried quilting but I can't sew a straight seam to save my life! (I need to practice...)
"Speciality" stitches don't bother me but... French knots and bullion stitches are anathema to me. I try them but they never seem to look "right" (Again, I need to practice more!).
I lean toward evenweaves (Lugana and Jobelin in particular), but will use Aida in a pinch. Hate stitching on linen with slubs. I generally use 28 and 32 count, stitching over two, but I have stitched over one on smaller pieces (40 count and higher I avoid - my eyes simply can't cope - Heck, I use magnification for 14 ct Aida!). I have stitched on dark fabric but prefer lighter colors. Not a fan of patterned fabrics to stitch on (interferes with what I am stitching, IMO - those eyes again) but I don't mind a discrete mottled or marbled look.
I love silks and overdyed cottons. I will stitch with metallics when it's called for in small amounts but avoid rayon/satin threads like the plague!
And I really like pieces with beading accents (for a while, I was into heavily embellished crazy quilting).

There, how's that for NOT answering a question?

~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~

When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete. I managed two full and one partial "block" of stitching this month:

~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~
There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. At the end of February, I had completed the inner border. In March, I finished the stars beside the phrase "and Strength" and started on the outer border, stitching pink and lavender stars along the bottom. The photo on the left is the piece as it is was of February; on the right is the piece as it is today (the color on the right is more accurate):

There is lettering in the chart but I am holding off until the ned to decide it I want it or not.

The fifth installment, "Jasper" arrived in my mailbox on the 27th and all I've managed to do is sort out the threads required.

2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments come in future magazine issues through the end of 2022. Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids.

I only stitched on the frame in March (no photo) - the next installment is due in the June issue of the magazine (probably early April, digitally).

3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. There is a tenth now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor . It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here!

So, in summary, this month I made progress on two WIPs and one SAL... Not bad considering that I spent two LONG weekends watching virtual card making classes. Someday, I'll get around to actually MAKING some of the cards taught in these classes!

Wishing for an honorable peace...

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WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - February 27, 2022

2/28/2022

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A day late... as usual!

The topic for this month's discussion is:

"What stitch-a-longs (SALs) are you participating in this year?"

Well, so far, the SALs I am enrolled in are:

"Home Sweet Home" by Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine, design by Nancy Wahler - the first two installments are stitched (see SALs started in 2022, below)
"Crystallise" by Lakeside Needlecraft, design by Oxana Polyakova - the first three installments are stitched (see SALS started in 2022, below)
"Kogin" by Lakeside Needlecraft, design by Elizabeth Almond - no real progress so far this year (see SALs started in 2022, below)
"Save the Stitches" by Elizabeth Almond - 74 blocks of 131 stitched so far (see Long-term WIPS, below)
"Spring 2022 SAL" by Stitchonomy, design by Alyssa Westhoek - not yet issued

And of course, WIPocalypse!

I seem to be able to handle this, rotating among the monthly releases, adding in other WIPs as SAL installments are completed. Even accounting for days when stitching just doesn't seem to fit into my schedule, I have been keeping up pretty well this year.

~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~

When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitched" blackwork Sampler, which is roughly 60% complete. I have not touched this piece this month.

~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~
There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. On January 1, I still had a lion on the right of the piece to finish and then borders (heavy with beading) to finish. The photo on the left is the piece as it is was of January 28; on the right is the piece as it is today (the color on the left is more accurate):

As I finished the inner border, I realized that there are two stars in the interior yet to be stitched (one on each side of the words "and Strength". They are next on my agenda and will be followed by similar stars in the outer border...

~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~

1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" which started January 2, exclusively designed by Oxana Polyakova, with monthly installments. Stitched on 36-ct white even-weave with DMC floss. Installment one, "Larimar", installment two, "Malachite", and installment three "Amber" are complete:

The next installment is due out in March...

2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments come in future magazine issues through the end of 2022. Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids.

At the end of January, I had only completed half of the first installment. Since then, I have completed the rest installment one and all of installment two.

Installment three (two more houses to go on the right) is due out in the next issue of the magazine (probably in early April digitally).

3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin" , designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. There is a eighth now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor . It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here!

So, in summary, this month I made progress on on WIP and two SALs...

Happy craft March (month 2022), have a blessed Lent and Easter, and here's wishing for peace...

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Ooops! A finish on January 28, 2022 which I missed!

1/31/2022

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This was the Stitchonomy "Christmas 2021" SAL, stitched on ice blue AIDA (not obvious in this photo) in the colors specified (except I substituted a DNC Diamante gold for a called for yellow and a Diamante silver for ornament hangers).

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WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - January 30, 2022

1/30/2022

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The topic for this month's discussion is:

"Describe your stitching style – are you a one-at-a-time stitcher? Do you stitch on rotation? Are you a chaos wrangler? Are you comfortable in your current stitching style, or are you still searching for that stitching zen?"

I started out as a "start it - finish it before going on to the next piece" stitcher. That was before the word "rotation" was brought into the discussion. I'm not sure exactly when I first encountered it but I suspect it was somewhere around this WIPOcalypse post in 2014... In this post, I stated that I was not comfortable with having more than one piece in progress at a time. I stated that in 2006, I had done rotations --- a different project each day of the week --- when I was trying to get a lot of UFOs off the deck. But after that experience, which I found less than fulfilling (I'd get on a roll with a piece and have to put it down for a week because the next night was the next piece's turn...), I'd tried to avoid having more than one embroidery piece in the works. Still, in 2014 I was doing several online challenges: non-cross-stitch projects like Bead Journal Project, Crazy Quilt Journal Project, Take a Stitch Tuesday; an online class in finishing; across-stitch BAP; a blackwork SAL which I hadn't started yet (and, by the way, still haven't finished!); and and another SAL underway.

My how things have changed. I blame it on SALs... installments of some of which come out every other day, some once a month and some every two months. Obviously, one can't stitch on only one project with that kind of schedule unless one wishes to insert lots of down time, and I found that down time means loss of mojo and it is VERY hard to get back into stitching (example, the four years with broken wrist, torn tendon and PT issues where stitching was not possible. Even when my hand had fully recovered, it took me nearly two years to pick up a needle and start stitching again!)!

So now I am a confirmed rotation stitcher. The pieces that come out every other day get priority. On the off days, I pick one of the monthly or bimonthly pieces to work on and I work on those in a set order. If there are five SALs, then a month is scheduled as follows: every-other-day, Monthly 1, every-other-day, Monthly 2, every-other-day, Mostly 3 and so on. If a month has a gap (say Monthly 3 is a bimonthly piece), then I insert a long-term UFO... I hope that makes sense.

Not sure if this is being a chaos wrangler or not. Certainly, chaos reigns in my stash so probably not.

As for being comfortable in my current stitching style, or still searching for that stitching zen, I'm not sure rotation is any more fulfilling than it was in 2006. I am currently tempted to stick with my long-term UFO at the expense of one or more of the SALs because the UFO is nearing the finish line (only borders and beading to do) and being able to see the end means my motivation is high for that one piece. I tend to rationalize that, if a pattern is only released once a month, there is plenty of time to get back to it in time for the next release. Also, since my every-other-day SAL is also nearing completion, that means I will have those extra days to fill before the next SAL comes along to tempt me (and believe me, there are several that probably will!)!

~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~

When I checked in on the first of the month, I said I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitched" blackwork Sampler, which was roughly 60% complete. I have not touched this piece this month.

~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~

There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. On January 1, I still had a lion on the right of the piece to finish and then borders (heavy with beading) to finish. The photo on the left is the piece as it appeared in that post. On the left is the piece as it is as of January 28:

As you can see, I have made some progress on the inner border. There are several outer borders and the beads yet to come...

~~~~~SALs started in 2021~~~~~

1. Stitchonomy "Christmas SAL 2021", started December 2021, in progress. A new motif is released every other day. It is stitched on ice blue AIDA (not obvious in this photo) in the colors specified (except I am substituting a DNC Diamante gold for a called for yellow and a Diamante silver for ornament hangers). There is a pot at the bottom of the tree not yet started in this photo; I wanted to see if I prefer one of the alternatives before stitching it. And there are charms to be added to the snowflake on the bottom branch and the tree on the next-to-bottom branch but I am waiting until the entire piece is stitched before attaching them.

Since this is a mystery SAL, I can only reveal what is public, even though I belong to the pattern club and have actually completed this piece:

2. A Lakeside Needlecraft free "Christmas SAL", started in December 2021 and now complete. Stitched on white Aida using recommended threads.

One error in the stitching, top right corner of the border is one stitch off. I only discovered it near the end and was unwilling to front the entire border so I left it in and adjusted for the difference.

~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~

1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" which started January 2, exclusively designed by Oxana Polyakova, with monthly installments. Stitched on 36-ct white even-weave with DMC floss. Installment one, "Larimar" is complete". Installment two, "Malachite" is in progress:

2. a Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments come in future magazine issues through the end of 2022. Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids.

The first installment consists of two houses, the first of which, a Victorian-style house, is complete except for the backstitching; (NOTE: I was a half stitch off from the top and from the left in placement of the house. I discovered this after the house was done and I was NOT going to waste all that speciality floss so had to fudged the smyrna stitching in the grass. I just cannot count!)

The second house will go in the frame immediately below this one...

3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin" , designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. There is a sixth now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor (as you might be able to see from the blue fuzz on the white evenweave fabric). It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here!

~~~~~

So there you have it: my stitching this past January: one completion and progress on one WIP and progress on four SALs.

Happy New Year and here's hoping it turns out more like "normal" than the last two years! Meanwhile, stay safe out there: get vaccinated and boosted if eligible, and mask up wherever there are groups of people NOT in your "pod"! I have too many friends who are suffering from this latest variant and I don't want to lose any more...

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WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In

1/2/2022

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In the past, we have used the first post of the year as a preview of our "plans" for the coming year. And, as they say, the best-laid plans, etc. etc. etc.

A lot of what is written in this post is a small revision of my last check-in, so apologies if it looks familiar. But there are a few, however slight, changes.

Let's start with an introduction to me, if you haven't been here before...

I'm Carol Harper, AKA thatyank, and I've been stitching since graduate school "way back in the middle ages" as my old high school Latin teacher Miss Reed used to say! I started by helping a friend complete an eyeglass case as a gift for her mother (until then, I had only done crewel and needlepoint) and was immediately hooked. And for the longest time, I was pretty good about keeping up and finishing what I had started before taking on a new project.

However, due to the fact that we moved from Houston, TX to London in 1992, and from there to Beijing in 1996, and then to Saudi Arabia in 1998, before returning to to Ohio in 2002, our personal belongings (including my stitchery supplies) had been, in stages, packed and put into storage with each move until we finally settled down in 2003! Of course, that didn't stop me from accumulating more stash along the way so my backlog of kits, patterns, floss, and fabric (the last not so much these days) is well beyond SABLE status (after all, I am 79 and I can't last forever!).

I believe I started WIPoccalypse in 2011 (although the first post on my blog that references WIPoccalypse was in January 2012 so I can't be sure...) with an attempt to rectify the huge collection of WIPs/UFOs that has resulted from these intervals of packing/storing away between moves. Wipocalypse was partially successful in rectifying this backlog. However, I still have a number of needlepoint canvases (most requiring backstitch although one is in need of cleaning, and another, a painted canvas of a leopard that was a bequest from a deceased friend, is barely started), and one set of crewel pillow covers left over from that accumulation. They are not likely to be resurrected this year, of this I am almost certain.

I have one major blackwork piece by Elizabeth Almond ("Save the Stitches", roughly 60% complete, which was started in February of 2014 and languished through periods of physical therapy ( resulted from a broken left wrist followed two years later by a ruptured left thumb tendon) . Odds are, this blackwork is the only piece I will take out this year as a long-term WIP. I am through block 74 ih this BAP:

Another WIP is “Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, which I haven’t touched since November 2021:

The last major block of stitching will be that lion in the right. Then it's on to borders with all those beads...

I have SALs in progress at present:

The first is Stitchonomy "Christmas SAL 2021", started December 2021, in progress. A new motif is released every other day. It is stitched on ice blue AIDA (not obvious in this photo) in the colors specified (except I am substituting a DNC Diamante gold for a yellow and a Diamante silver for ornament hangers). There is a pot to be stitched at the bottom of the tree but I am waiting to see if I prefer one of the alternatives before stitching it.

Since this is a mystery SAL, I can only reveal what is public, even though I belong to the pattern club and have four more ornaments stitched:

I don't expect this to be finished before spring, at the earliest.

The second is a Lakeside Needlecraft free "Christmas SAL", started in December 2021 and in progress. Stitched on white Aida using recommended threads.

I should be able to finish this by mid-January as there are only three motifs left to stitch...

If I do finish this, that will mean I can take on one of the many SALs waiting in the cue:

a Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" which started January 2 , with monthly installments.
a Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, which started with the February issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy), and further installments in future magazine issues through the end of 2022. I have all the threads now...

The following are also possible SALs (biting off more than I can chew, you say?):

A botanical blackwork SAL by Steady Thread, not yet kitted up. Installments once a week for a year.
The Fox & Rabbit freebie SAL “ Changing Seasons. “ - threads on order. Installments monthly. This one is HUGE!

In the non-SAL category is the following:

a World of Cross Stitch chart by Jenny Van De Wiele called "Miniature Marvels”, kitted up by Lakeside Needlecraft

And then there are the absurdly large number of fully kitted pieces I purchased over the past two years:

Three needlepoint kits by Needle Delights Original, designed by Kathy Rees: "Tahiti", "Bora Bora" and "Tropical Seas"
Two Bothy Threads kits, based on art by Jessica Hogarth: "Love Paris" and "Love London"
Two Artecy kits, designs by Tereena Clarke: "London Abstract" and "London Bus"
Four Bothy Threads kits from the art of Sally Swannell: The New England Homes series: "Spring", "Winter", "Fall", and "Summer"
One kit from Charting Creations, from the art of Robert Finale: "Palace"

We can only wait and see it I manage to whittle this list down at all!

Oh, and stitching isn't my only "craft". I dabble in Mixed Media and am heavily into paper crafting and I maintain a blog for this as well as a blog for a quilt guild I belong to. Add to that an addiction to reading (primarily crime fiction but also history, biography and a little science fiction), so I sometimes (always) have to budget my time to include real-life chores like laundry, cooking, etc... I must say, sleep is the primary sufferer here!

In all, I'm just going to go with the flow! Keep your fingers crossed for me?

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WIPocalypse 2021 Check-In - December 26, 2021

12/26/2021

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The topic for this month's discussion is:

"Recap your accomplishments for the year! (Your finishes, your final before/after photos, etc)."

This will be somewhat lengthy and photo-heavy. So please bear with me...

In January, here is where I was:

***** Long Term WIP:

The only long-term WIP in my project bag is Elizabeth Almond's "Save the stitches", shown below, left to right - before (November 2014) and now (November 2021)

Clearly, this has been low on my "finiosh-it" list, with the stitching interrupted by two wrist surgeries and subsequent PT before I could even pick up a needle, let alone a large Q-snap frame with a yard of fabric! And as a result, a reluctance to start again, but I did manage to get four of the blocks done in between SALs this year!

*****SALs started in 2020

There was only one - the Stitchonomy "Winter 2020" SAL, finished in January 202:

*****SALs started and finished in 2021

There were four, listed left to right: Stitchonomy "Homely Houseplants 2", finished in May, 2021; Stitchonomy "Color Works", finished in August 2021; Stitchonomy "Halloween Storybook", finished in October 2021; and Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine "Christmas Quaker", finished in October, 2021

***** In-progress SALs started in 2021

There are two. The first is Stitchonomy "Christmas SAL 2021", started December 2021, in progress. Stitched on white AIDA in the colors specified (except I am substituting DNC Diamante gold for a yellow and Diamante silver for ornament hangers). There is a pot to be stitched at the bottom of the tree but I am waiting to see if I prefer one of the alternatives before stitching it.

Since this is a mystery SAL, I can only reveal what is public, even though I belong to the pattern club and have three more ornaments stitched:

The second is a Lakeside Needlecraft free "Christmas SAL", started in December 2021 and in progress. Stitched on white Aida using recommended threads.

***** Kits started in 2021

"Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana using the recommended threads. Started in March and in progress:

I could have (should have) done better but I spent a lot of my "stitchery time" working on a virtual mixed media art class and "Attending" several virtual weekend card-making classes.

What are my plans for 2022? Well, in addition to the unfinished pieces described above, There are several SALs fully or partly kitted up and in my project bag:

Elizabeth Almond's' "Kogin" SAL
a Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" which hasn't started yet
a Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, which is still missing some required Kreinik thread),
as well as a World of Cross Stitch chart by Jenny Van De Wiele called "Miniature Marvels"

And then there are the absurdly large number of fully kitted pieces I purchased over the past two years:

Three needlepoint kits by Needle Delights Original, designed by Kathy Rees: "Tahiti", "Bora Bora" and "Tropical Seas"
Two Bothy Threads kits, based on art by Jessica Hogarth: "Love Paris" and "Love London"
Two Artecy kits, designs by Tereena Clarke: "London Abstract" and "London Bus"
Four Bothy Threads kits from the art of Sally Swannell: The New England Homes series: "Spring", "Winter", "Fall", and "Summer"
One kit from Charting Creations, from the art of Robert Finale: "Palace"

We can only wait and see it I manage to whittle this list down at all!

Stay healthy and safe out there, everyone!

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WIPocalypse 2022 - Check-In: July 31, 2022

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - June 26, 2022

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - May 29, 2022

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - April 24, 2022

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - March 27, 2022 (a day late)

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - February 27, 2022

Ooops! A finish on January 28, 2022 which I missed!

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In - January 30, 2022

WIPocalypse 2022 Check-In

WIPocalypse 2021 Check-In - December 26, 2021

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