Page 1 Finish | Sharla

I'm so happy to be stitching on Sharla again! She's so much fun. Starting her over using tent stitch was the right decision.

Here she is after page one:

I was pretty unhappy with how uneven my stitches were turning out through the first page. I couldn't seem to make any changes that would make a difference. I finally figured out it was due to the tension of my fabric. The tighter the tension, the more consistent my stitches look. This probably should have been obvious, but it's the first time I've run into any issue.

I would love to hear how you maintain good tension on your fabric. I imagine a millennium frame is a good investment, but for now I only have a set of q-snaps and a floor stand frame that doesn't hold the tension adequately for long.

New Start | Rocky Point

I mentioned in my last update that I wasn't very fond of Rocky Point. I had frogged it four times before finally deciding I was going to stitch it. Thankfully it is growing on me. I think I'm going to enjoy using the parking technique with this one.

Those are my little butterfly barrettes holding my parked threads.

I really happy with how the colors are turning out. This is a reminder of the finished piece:

I'm concerned that half of the piece is water, but I think it will be worth it.

Currently Stitching | July 6

Does anyone else have this trouble while stitching?

I think the floor stand is a signal to her that my lap is planning to stay put a while.

Last week was a great week for stitching. I finished the hummingbird portion of Hibiscus Duo:

That was my goal for the week so I rewarded myself with a new start. Unfortunately, Rocky Point turned out to be the bane of my weekend. I was really torn on whether I wanted to put it away for good, but I spent so much time getting the fabric ready and putting everything on bobbins, I've decided I'm going to work on it.

This is what the finished piece will look like:

It seems like the majority of the pattern is comprised of half stitches, 3 strands, and blended colors so I'm not too keen on it right now. I'm going to try parking the whole thing from the top down.

How was your stitching week? Let me know what you are working on!

Currently Stitching | June 29

It has been a long time since I've posted on my blog! It's been on my mind lately since I've been cross stitching a lot. I think it's time I finally post some updates!

I'm happy to see so many of you still posting. I'm trying to get the blogs I like to visit into my new blog reader so make sure you say hi if you stop by so I can be sure to get you added.

Since my last post, I finished High Tide.

I'm sorry about the evening shadows. Hopefully I'll get a better picture once I attempt to frame it.

I recently framed Seashell Beauty and gifted it to my mom. I love how it turned out. It was a Dimensions Daydreams kit. It came with an 8x8 mat which layered perfectly under an 8x10 mat and frame.

I'm now stitching on Hibiscus Duo again.

Wimbledon tennis starts this week so I will definitely get in a lot of stitching time over the next two weeks.

What about you? What are you stitching on this week? Let me know in the comments or leave me link.

July IHSW

I wish I could say this was an awesome weekend to hermit up and stitch, but I can't. I had too many things going on and failed miserably.

I did spend a tiny bit of time on my Mario Blanket.

I finished up "Gooba's Shoe" last week (I'll post on it later this week), and my son chose the hammer suit for me to crochet next.

I only have a teeny pattern to show the finished look. I hope you can see it:

I hope you guys made some great progress this past weekend. I'm looking forward to making the rounds and reading what you are up to.

In My Stash | LHN, CCN, HAED

I feel like the luckiest stitcher on the planet right now. I've been very fortunate to win a few giveaways in the last couple of weeks.

First was Lesleyanne's biscornu kit giveaway to which she added some really awesome charts.

The Diamond Flower Biscornu kit is from Yiotas XStitch. The kit includes the cross stitch pattern, instructions, 14 count aida, threads, buttons, beads and filling for the biscornu.

I'm really excited as I've never stitched a biscornu before!

Lesleyanne also included a few of the "All Dolled Up" ornaments of the month charts from Little House Needleworks. I love these!



She also included this gorgeous Country Cottage Needleworks chart called Home Sweet Home.

Then I won another huge giveaway from the super sweet The Crafty Princess: a $40 gift certificate to HAED! Awesome, right? I'm trying to be strong and wait until HAED has a sale so I can maximize my winnings. (Great idea, Alicia!)

I haven't purchased any charts yet, but I have a feeling it will look something like this:





There's also a good chance they will all be Hannah Lynn's.

And last but not least, I also won a .pdf of My Witch's Brew from Nancy at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe.

I am so in love with that Halloween tree!

Thank you again so much ladies for the fabulous prizes. I can't wait to show you my progress and finished pieces.

WIP | High Tide Sailboat Backstitched

The backstitching on the sailboat is complete!

I have started on the first of the borders that go around the entire piece. I'm on the home stretch.