WIPocalypse 2022 Check-in - December 31, 2022

The topic for this month's discussion is:

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

Here goes, starting with my finishes, in order of "finishing":

1. Lakeside Needlecraft "Christmas" SAL 2021. Stitched on white Aida using recommended threads. ​Started December 26, 2021; finished January 6, 2022:

2. Stitchonomy Christmas 2021 SAL. stitched on ice blue AIDA (not obvious in this photo) in the colors specified (exceptI substituted a DNC Diamante gold for a called-for yellow and a Diamante silver for ornament hangers). Started December 26, 2021; finished January 29, 2022:

3. Stitchonomy "Spring 2022 SAL". Stitched on pink Aida using recommended DMC (except for some Sulky substitutions). Used some alternative bands and modified others. Unable to do all 15 bands as the fabric was too short. Started April 22. 2022; finished May 22. 2022:

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4. Stitchonomy "Summer Banner SAL", stitched on bright yellow Aida with called for DMC. Started  June 23, 2022;  completed July 30, 2022

5. Lakeside Needlecraft "Crystallise" SAL. Started January 8, 2022; completed September 19, 2022

I decided to omit the backstitched "crystals" and the labels that were in the original chart.

6. FaithWurks/Just Cross Stitch - Nancy Wahler: "Home Sweet Home" SAL. Started January 30, 2022,  completed October 18, 2022

7. Stitchonomy "Cabinet of Curiosities" SAL. Stitch don  tan AIDA using called for threads and she metallic DMC... Started October 8, 2022, completed October 23, 2022

There were several "personalizations" in this one, using motifs provided by others in the SAL and alternative from previous years of Halloween SALs. TO say nothing of costing errors! 

8. "Autumn Sampler" by Stitchonomy. Stitched on "khaki" aAISA using called for DMC. This pattern was designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL, the "Winter 2021", and the "Summer 2022"  banners. Started October 30, 2022, completed November 11, 2022.

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My current WIPs...

1. Elizabeth Almond's "Save the Stitches" sampler. Photos from March 27, 2022 (full view, left and close-up, right):

Close-up of current:

I seem to have lost my motivation for this piece. I hope to bring it out again in 20223 and get it done!

​2. "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana and using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. Started in 2021. Photos below show January 18, 2022 on left and current on right: 

I stalled on this one because all that has to be finished is the beading and there are 1988 (!!!) beads according to the chart! And because many of the beads are in the borders, it will have be be done in hand... AAARGH!

3. Stitchonomy Christmas Banner 2022 SAL. Started December 16 and six bands stitched to date with the seventh dropping on the 30th. I belong to Pattern Club and we get advances on the pattern so there are only three bands I can show so far:

This will be a companion for the seasonal banner SALs, three of which are shown in the finishes above. Stitched on "Touch of Gray" 14ct AIDA using called for DMC. I am considering beads for the reindeer eyes and the poinsettia centers, so will hold off and do these beads along with the beading on "Hope & Strength"! Some backstitching may also be called for but I'm waiting for the end to decide...

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Other WIPS (some of which probably qualify as UFOs by now) in the wings are:

​1. Traveling Needlepoint: Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020.

2. 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!

3. A cooperative venture between Nancy Wahler ("Faithwurks") and Sue Hillis Designs called "A Stitcher's Shadowbox and Smalls" is now available and (as per usual, I ordered two by mistake! Oh well---). I have the kit(s) in hand but still have not started.

4. Two  SALs by Cliffside Stitches. One is a variation on medieval Egyptian blackwork and the other is a set of cross-stitched tiles based on variety of motifs that are reminiscent of traditional folk designs from around the world. I have not started either although I have ordered the floss for the blackwork piece.

5. And there is the soon to be released (January 1, 2023) SAL from Fox & Rabbit called "Royal Gardens" ...
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So the question is, will finishing longterm WIPs take precedent over new starts? My fingers have been itching to start something new and not-so-very-large, so we shall see...


Happy New Year everyone!