Giving up the ghost

So I have finally admitted to myself that I will not be able to finish BAP-T in time for Alan's retirement. Too many things got in the way and then I lost all momentum on this project and now I am way behind. I have decided to pull out an old chart from a 2007 JCS called Tanglewood. This chart was created by Tracy Horner of Ink Circles and the thread is from Carrie's Creations. I have ordered the thread from Carrie. Unfortunately Carrie had a death in the family and there will be a delay of a couple of weeks before shipment. I don't think this will be a big problem because since it was charted for overdyes, there is not a lot of thread changing. I have liked this chart ever since I started it, but never got around to ordering the silks.

I'm a little sad about the change, but I think Alan will like it. My oldest brother has been asking me to do something for him forever. I've done little things but nothing big. I think BAP-T might become his. Right now I like it, but I don't like it enough to want to hang it in my house. This might change as I work more on it, but if it doesn't BAP-T will be his.

Reorganization of stash

I woke up at 7:00am Sunday morning and by 8:00am I was in my craft area trying to straighten up and reorganize. Ten hours later I was about as done as I could be. I'm not entirely happy with the area but until I am able to move some of the furniture out and put in true storage furniture I just have to be happy that it's not as messy as it was. Two things occurred while I was going through this process. First, I discovered stuff that I forgot I had purchased. Who does this? Stash obsessed cross stitchers that's who. Second, I had to face the fact that I stitch things but then don't do anything with them.

So with this in mind, I collected everything I have stitched in the last couple of years and took pictures. I then placed them in a prominent spot in my craft area. My plan is to completely finish at least one finished project a week. I also on having at least three of my "to be framed by a framer" items framed by the end of the year.

As an incentive to myself, I am created two new pages. As I complete a finish, I will take a picture of it and put it up on a new page which I will cleverly title Completely Finished Finishes.


Here's hoping that I actually follow through.

Some finishes

Just a quick post to share some finishes.

I finished Lizzie Kate's Housework. I'm trying to decide if I want to frame it or if I want to do a soft frame. I'll probably go with the traditional frame because it will be quicker. This was supposed to be a gift for my sister, but I'm leaning towards keeping it, as it speaks to me :)

I also finished a JABCo You Lucky Dog for my brother Robin. He has a houseful of dogs and it just seemed appropriate. 

I have kind of sort of abandoned my BAP-T because it was just wearing on me. I now have several projects in rotation. I am working on my Passione Ricamo Mystery SAL, a Cross Stitching Art SAL stitching her Siren pattern, working on a Falcon from UK cross stitch mag, working on the Bethlehem pattern, getting ready to start the Edgar Allen Poe Sampler from JCS Halloween edition for a SAL and also a Halloween freebie. I do plan on putting the BAP-T back into rotation because I do want to finish it. 

Happy Weekend Everyone!!!!

Just keep stitching, reading, gardening, relaxing...whatever makes your weekend wonderful!

SAL SAL SAL

I feel like my life has become a big SAL.

I am working on three right now and having lots of fun. I feel as though I have abandoned my blog but it is more about getting caught up in Facebook. I never realized how many stitching peeps were on FB. I have been introduced to so many designers, fabric, threads, and people. It has been so much fun.

Right now I am working on an mystery SAL at Passione Ricamo. When I get a share-able pic I will post it. It is a mermaid and so very beautiful. The chart will only be available to people participating in the SAL, so if you haven't joined, my sorrow goes out to you as it has unfortunately closed. But let me tell you, she has beautiful thread, petite braid, beads, treasures galore.

My other SAL is Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks, An Important Flower. I am using a 29 count piece of fabric that I have had forever and stitching it over one with Waterlilies African Sunset.

My other, other SAL is a Cross Stitching Art, The Siren of the Deep. She is being stitched on a 28 count piece of fabric from Silkweavers called Seaside Melody

I'm waiting on some wonderful threads and fabric which I will definitely share when I receive. I have also been playing around with an idea I stole from someone else's blog. Unfortunately, my poor brain can't remember who I stole it from, but when I do I will share their name. The idea involved paint, washi tape, and clothespins. The original idea was to a different purpose but I decided to combine their idea with someone else's idea and create little floss keeps. I don't think the idea would work for a project with a lot of colors but it is definitely workable. 

While I have been enjoying myself immensely stitching, I have also been very busy back at work on my Master's. While this has kept me busy, I am also busy getting everything together for a renovation of Mom's roof, floor and other things which included purchasing a new refrigerator. And of course, as always taking care of Mom who unfortunately was recently back in the hospital. 

If I were to be honest with myself, I would admit that I had no business beginning a new project, let alone three new projects. My only excuse is that I really, really, really, wanted to. Some might say that I am acting a little manic and while I might agree, I will simply sat that I have the Stitching Bug

btw this is another SAL that I am thinking about joining ;)