Turtle Trot Progress - March 2015

Here's my first update for the Turtle Trot Challenge in 2015, hosted by BAP Attack.  I worked on three of my projects this month.  I wasn't able to do a lot of stitching this month but I did make a little progress.

1.  "Flutterby Trio" by Gail Bussi - I started on the fourth butterfly that will be used for a baby quilt that I am assisting with for a friend.  This was a new start so there is no photo of previous progress.

Finished Design

Progress as of March 2015

2.  "Simply Sunflowers" by Paula Vaughan - This is a design that I have had for many years.  I finally got started on it this past month.  This one is just for me!  This one was also a new start and there is no photo of previous progress.

Finished Design

Progress as of March 2015

3.  "Especially for Ewe" by Durene Jones - I decided not to work on the "Fire Goddess" design by Joan Elliott, at least not just yet.  Instead, since I have not recently worked with the charity stitching group that I am a part of, I decided to work on a small design that will be made into a quilt.  The theme of this quilt is "springtime" so I chose a little lamb standing among daffodils as my project.  It's being stitched on light blue Aida cloth.  I'm not a big fan of stitching on Aida as I prefer evenweave or linen; however, the light blue fabric should fit the design very well.

Finished Design

Progress as of March 2015

Next posting is April 10, 2015.

Charity Stitching - Cat Pillow

So today I signed up for a really cute cat pillow through the World of Charity Stitching (WOCS) Yahoo group.  You cross-stitch the face and a small message that says "Hug Me" and it gets sewn into a cat-shaped pillow body.  I started on it right away as I'm excited to see how it turns out!

Previous pillows made by WOCS' members in 2012

My Starting Point

The pattern was created by one of the group members and we're currently working on several to hand out at a retirement facility.  I am not normally one that enjoys stitching on Aida cloth as I find it way too stiff but it is a requirement for this particular project.  I chose a 14 count fabric from Charles Craft called "Platinum".  I went back and forth on what color to make the eyes but I chose a seafoam green/blue.  I chose a pretty pink for the ears and I have another, lighter pink picked out for the nose.  The design includes two flowers just outside of the design that almost look like cheeks.  I'm still trying to decide on what color to make the flowers but I'm leaning toward a peachy/coral.  The matching message will be in the same colors and I'll have to find a coordinating fabric for the body.  Unfortunately, I cannot sew at all (one talent I never acquired) so my cat will be put together by one of the ladies in the group.  I'm even thinking about doing a second one!  I can't wait to see what they look like when finished!  I'll keep you posted.

Rainy Weekend Projects

This weekend was one of cooler temperatures, windy conditions, and almost 4 inches of rain.  There were areas of local flooding, overturned trees and power lines, and rising rivers and streams.  But…aside from these nasty problems some unfortunate people were dealing with, it was also the perfect weather to make you want to stay inside and work on crafts!  And that’s exactly what I did!

I did venture out on Friday afternoon after work to meet a friend at a local Hobby Lobby store.  She’s putting together two deco mesh wreaths for her mom and mother-in-law for the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday.  I met her to help pick out accessories to add to both wreaths.  She already had a good idea of what she wanted to do, including the base colors, but needed help deciding on how to make each more cohesive.  We wore out the floor walking back and forth in that store, pushing a cart around for almost two hours.  Two.  Hours.  Now, I like Hobby Lobby as much as the next crafty girl but that was a really long time to be in one shop!  But…we did get everything she needed to work on her projects this weekend and I think her mom and mother-in-law will be very surprised.

After dinner Friday night, I ventured over to her house to help her get started.  One wreath is a really cute ladybug-themed project with a punch of yellow to add some additional color.  (I may have to do one myself!)  The other is a jewel-toned, wine-themed wreath for a dining room.  It’s really large and includes a photo frame to hold a family portrait.  I think both ladies will be very pleased.  I was glad that I could assist and see her ideas begin to spring to life.  I can’t wait to see what they look like when finished.


Moving along


Saturday and Sunday were my “hermit” days.  I didn’t set foot out of my house on either day.  I had everything I needed at home:  cross-stitch, craft and garden magazines, movies, my fur-babies, and my awesome hubby.  In between a lot of reading and movie-watching, I mostly worked on the small cross-stitch design that I started last week to try to make it into a card.  It’s the one on the bright lime green Aida fabric and uses the bright, funky bird pattern.  I got quite a bit completed and I’m thinking I may give it to my mother-in-law for Mother’s Day.  She and my younger brother-in-law will be visiting from out of town this coming weekend.  I’m hoping to finish it by Friday.  I already have the card making supplies but I really need to find something unique to write on the inside of the card.  Hmmm….

As a side note, today is the fifth of May, a Mexican holiday known as Cinco de Mayo.  Per Wikipedia, “it is celebrated in the U.S. and in parts of Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla.  It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War, and today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.  In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.”

Happy Cinco de Mayo to you all!

Rockin' the Lime Green!

So...I've been eye-balling this lime green (officially named "Grasshopper") Aida fabric in the stores now for well over a year.  I always wanted to stitch something on it but could never think of anything that would fit with this super bright fabric.  So, I'd pick it up, think it over, put it back on the store shelf, and later wish that I had purchased it.  I did this numerous times - What's the definition of "insanity" again? - until last weekend.  I finally sucked it up and bought it.

Charles Craft 14-ct Aida in Grasshopper Green

Along with my prize, I bought a copy of "Cross Stitch Gold" Magazine, the June 2013 issue.  It just so happens that this is their 100th anniversary issue.  Inside, what did I find you ask?  Only the perfect design to go on my new bright green fabric!  Six designs to be exact.  It's a series of six card designs by Durene Jones, all featuring quirky and very bright birds.  I thought they would make perfect cross-stitch cards using my new fabric.


A card design by Durene Jones

I am going to start with one of the designs to see how I like it on the new cloth.  I have chosen to modify one of the designs' colors to better match the Aida.  I'm also not going to work the entire design as I want to leave space for a greeting.  I'm so excited about getting started!  I don't even know who this card is going to go to when it's finished!  LOL!

I'll post a couple of pics once I actually get started on it.  Has anyone else used this fabric color before?  If so, please share what you made with it.  I'd love to see your ideas!