Animal Cracker: Jenny

 About two weeks ago I briefly mentioned that there was one particular cross stitch project that was not going to be put down for a nap. This is the one! 

Animal Cracker: Jenny / Stacy Nash Primitives

This series of designs are so cute! I'm stitching this along a few other friends from my Stitchy-Sisters group. 

So far it has been easy to stitch, mind you, I'm using 20 count Aida so maybe that's why... LOL. 

In the stitch group there are a few working on other designs in this series: Maggie Mae, a couple on Lily, also Bobbin. Some are working on other critters non-counted embroidery or on their own personal projects.

Only substituted a couple of the called for threads and changed the color of the beak. It was supposed to be the same as her body, but I was not happy with that. I like it better this way! 

Maybe next time I'll post about the Sunflower part of The Potting Shed class. Until then!

Non-affiliated link: Stacy Nash Primitives on Etsy.

Might Put These Down For A Nap; Current Cross Stitch WIPs

It has been a couple of months. I've been stitching, but not as much since there are always other more things that take precedence. There have been stash enhancements as well, more on that later. 

These below are about to go for a autumnal nap... or are they?

The King of Flowers / Luca-S Kit

The Mysterious Magnolias / Luca-S Kit

Birds and Wildflowers (Ornamental Birds) / Etsy: Nadiia Nagorna

Arctic Animals Club / TFPS

The Great Outdoors / Book: Cross Stitch for the Earth by Emma Congdon

Blooming Tiny Town / Heart in Hand

Flea Market Flowers / Lori Holt

Summer Mountain / Filigram 

Little Brown Sparrows / Lone Elm Lane

Seaside Tiny Town / Heart in Hand

I say "might" because after seeing the pictures now I want to work on them... LOL. Even if I do wake them up from their naps it might be just for a little bit. However, there is one more cross stitch WIP that I am not pausing. Will share that one on a future post. Here is a big hint: Animal Cracker. 

Autumn is in the air, and with the crisp mornings and delightful golden sun light my attention is on non-counted hand embroidery... my first crafty love.

PS: I thought stitching a full coverage cross stitch was daunting, but thanks to my Crafty-Sisters they don't seem as daunting any longer. ;-)

Finished Cross Stitch Smalls

August Cottage of the Month by Country Cottage Needleworks

Finished: April 2nd, 2025

Materials: Aida fabric and DMC threads

Notes: left "August" out, rearranged the sun and clouds

Reading by Little House Needleworks

Finished: April 12th, 2025

Materials: PTP Aida fabric / Called for and a couple of subs. threads

Notes: minor design modifications 

These two projects were started a few years ago, so glad to have them done. Thanks to the encouragement and motivation of a very special group of friends! 

In April, thanks to the sweet enabling of my new group of friends, I started on my first ever full coverage project! A kit from Luca-s : The King of Flowers (link to their website here). Did changed the fabric to a light grey Aida instead of the white that came in the kit. 

Have not made much progress yet.

PS: Was missing for a couple of months... March and April are always busy around here with celebrating wedding anniversary in March and increase time on volunteer work in March and April.  In April we experienced the unexpected loss of a loved one. 

The Only 2024 Finished Cross Stitch

 

Lizzie Kate Pattern: Inspiration Boxer B41

Threads: DMC / Fabric:14count aida, color ?

Started: June 20th, 2024

Finished: June 22nd, 2024

Modified the chart a bit. First time ever stitching for hours at a time in order to complete this as a gift for my older daughter on her last day of PSS June 2024. Below are a couple other pics; before starting, and in progress.

Summer Mountain / Filigram

Pattern: Summer Mountain by Filigram

 Threads: Called for

Fabric: Artiste/Zweigart Evenweave 28ct Ivory

Started: March 2022

Finished Cross Stitch: Bloom

Started: May 9, 2021 / Finished: May 21st, 2021

Even though I did not work on it everyday, it was quick to stitch. The chart was very easy to read. I made a tiny mistake when stitching this, thankfully it all worked out without having to rip any stitches. No frogging... yippee! The pattern called for over-dyed threads, however for such a tiny design I went with DMC threads.

Also, I did not stitch the watering can exactly as charted. I like it better this way. This was a very enjoyable design to stitch! Especially since there is enough variety to keep you interested in it, plus the colors are happy colors. For more detailed information about this cross stitch pattern please see my previous blog entry.

Thinking now on my next start. In fact there are quite a few ready to go projects in my stash, projects that have been kitted for awhile. However, I just recently kitted this one above more on it later in June.

On the top of my list is completing my volunteer work hours for this month, and preparing an assignment that is do the first week in June. Once I'm able to check these two things off my list, I will be able to focus on my needlework. Priorities!  

Cross Stitch: Bloom

Started: May 9, 2021

Cross stitch pattern name: Bloom

Designer: Stitching with the Housewives

Fabric: Picture This Plus 16 count Aida in Glacier

Threads: My choice of DMC

(Ecru, 3371, 761, 703, 57, 3821, 04)

So proud of how much progress I've made this week!

Trying to finish it by this coming Sunday.... will see!  

Summer Splendor: May 2019 to October 2020

Will consider Summer Splendor by LHN finished! Did not stitched the alphabet in the design because will be stitching an important family date on that space.

Really like that cute tiny house, not only because of looks (with all the not so perfect tiny stitches) but because of the feeling of home. A happy haven where love abounds.

A picture of the last few stitches being added ;-D.

The colors in this design are so me! Clicking on the tag "Little House Needleworks" (below in blue) you may be able to see all the progress pictures of this project. 

Cross Stitch Projects

Not sure will continue the project in the 1st picture. Changed the called for colors, and now I'm regretting it. At least trying to stitch on Lugana fabric went well 😊, lots of concentration though.

The 2nd picture is a pre-printed cross stitch kit. On hold at the moment because I started a new pre-printed kit 😆.

Made some progress on my Kathy Schmitz Garden Sampler, but forgot to take pictures. 

I'm almost done with the volunteer work commitment that I signed up for this month! 🎉

Until next time! Be safe!

May Flew Over

I've been away from this blog for a little over a month. Time fly by when keeping busy. Here are a couple of overdue updates. In fact these projects' progress took place few months ago, but I forgot to post the update until now. Above is the vintage bluework bluebird, almost finished. The beginning of the bluework bird project is here.

"Summer Splendor" is almost finished as well. I'm using all DMC floss on this one, love the colors on this design so much! (Showed the materials/supplies towards the end of this post. The beginning here. And a progress update here.)

Finally decided to start a new cross stitch project on Lugana. My very first official project on even weave fabric. Switched some colors from the ones listed in the pattern, and now I don't like them. Plus I was dealing with a mild migraine that day and it got worst after completing a couple of the elements in the chart (should have known better, instead of stitching I needed to rest). 
So later, started it again on Aida in the called for DMC's, but now I feel disappointed in myself for switching to Aida because the whole purpose for doing this pattern was to practice stitching on even weave... sigh... a new cross stitcher's dilemma. When I finally decide which direction I want to go with it, then perhaps I'll write a post on it.

Let see if June proves to be more conducive to hand embroidering and cross stitching. Until next time! Stay safe and help others be safe!

No Stitching. Really.

Seriously... no stitching have taken place. 

After I was done with volunteer work last month (thankfully short by only an hour), things got a bit challenging. You will think that with a Stay-at-Home order there will be a bit more spare time to dedicate to hobbies, well not so much at least not yet. 

Even though we normally eat home for most of our meals, the fact that during this pandemic we are not venturing out for Take Out or To Go (yes, we might be a bit drastic... but better safe than sorry, especially when there are pre-existing health conditions that could make everything worst) have added a whole level of busyness which ends up draining whatever energy or desire I may have had for my needlework. However that is one my family's personal sacrifices, we are in this together.

Anyhow I am determine to make adjustments, so last night the old printed cross stitch project was set on the needlework lap-stand.

My kids have been good sport about the Stay-at-Home order and are spending time with puzzles, jewelry making, diamond painting, lots of leisure reading, and other creative activities (even working on a homemade stuff animal movie...LOL).

Hoping you are all keeping safe and cultivating patience. We all have to make sacrifices for a greater good. May we all see our cups instead of half empty, half full! Until next time!

The Little Things

Last night my "sprouts" and I had a Sit-n-Stitch Evening. It's been quite some time since our last time. The hand embroidery lap quilt project is calling me, however, for some reason felt like adding some more stitches on this cute little piece I started few months ago (here). Small cross stitch sampler "Summer Splendor" by Little House Needleworks. So happy to have been able to put a few stitches in without much trouble from holding things with my hands. Red is my most favorite color, it cheers me up! I think that is why I decided to work on this particular project.

Below is a simple no bake pie, using simple ingredients. Recipe is from Publix (link at the end of this post). Very delicious! I love the mix in flavors and textures in this pie. The small one on the right is modified, using crushed GF cookies as crust, for my GF child. Easy to put together with your kids! We made this recipe this past Sunday afternoon. The only thing I will do different next time is add one more container of raspberries, yum. The girls and I are also already brainstorming on fruit and flavor variations for next time! 

I had a few rough days with this last flare. Couldn't even hold anything long enough to complete any task. On one particular day even holding the toothbrush with a light grip was painful, had to pause a few times to rest my hand. That was just the beginning of a day where it was a real struggle trying to perform everyday simple tasks. 

So thankful for a very understanding and helpful family! By last night my hands felt much better, so I was grateful to be able to stitch for a bit. Got that tiny house filled in and started the roof! Remember I'm a cross stitch newbie, so please don't snub my stitches ;-).

Autumnal sunsets are spectacular! Aren't they? They honestly take my breath away!
So many little things to be grateful for, not only for a day or two, but daily. The little things that remind me of what really matters in life, and not to take things for granted. That are a constant reminder to give my best everyday, live a life in a way that genuinely shows, not in words but in deeds, that I truly adore the Giver of it all! 

Non-affiliated link:
Publix's Chocolate Raspberry Pie Recipe

Coffee, Stitcheries, Life

Pour over morning coffee: 1tsp Cafe Bustelo mixed with 1 1/2 tbsps Decaf Cafe Bustelo, plus warm (yes, my creamer must be warm) Coffee Mate Natural Bliss Vanilla Almond creamer to taste. Mmmm, better than in any coffee shop!!! Pour over coffee taste much much better than using a coffee maker.
Trying to work on these 3 projects above this week. On the left, a Little House Needleworks design that was started couple of days ago, will be a gift for one my daughters. Center, Kathy Schmitz's "Garden Sampler", will be redoing the bees. On the right, a pre-printed cross stick kit from Amazon, only a few cross-stitches left on the bear's face and need to finish the back stitch... will be a gift for my other daughter. 
Homeschooling is in full swing. We went on a couple of fun outings, and there are a few others planned. Fibromyalgia flaring a bit more often due to cooler weather, but manageable so far. Autumnal days are so beautiful, some occasional rain, but mainly lovely days. The beauty of this season helps with keeping a positive attitude thru flares.
May you all be doing well! Until next time!

Summer Mini Getaway and Stitchy Progress

Our usual getaway, right before our 2019-2020 homeschooling journey begins. It was windy out in the balcony, so had to take the pictures super fast... didn't want my stitchy goodies flying away. LOL

Bit by bit, here and there, whenever I got the chance and/or desire to stitch. Already made a few mistakes some needed fixing, some will stay.

On our last road trip, few months ago, cross stitching in the car was a smooth ride. This time around motion sickness took over. So on our way to our vacation didn't stitch, cause of dizziness.  However, on our way back, I was ready and had with me my most recent hand embroidery WIP... that went well. 

It was a very nice week! We were ocean front and it was such a treat to see the breathtaking sunrise each morning. 
Now to have fun embracing another homeschooling year! (Germs and all, sadly.) Little one caught an adenovirus, it has not been that fun yet for her. Hoping it'll past soon!

May you all be doing well and enjoy whichever season you may be in on your corner of the world!

Notes: 
Take Me to the Sea hand embroidery pdf design by Kathy Schmitz.
August Cottage cross stitch design by Country Cottage Needleworks.

To The Sea and Count Your Blessings

To The Sea

Pattern: To the Sea by Kathy Schmitz (link at the end of post)
Fabric: Aunt Martha's Flour sack towel from Colonial Patterns
Threads: Valdani Perle Cotton size12, M68 and size 8, O126
Transfer Method: Printer, Sticky Fabri-Solvy

Rainy days... perfect for stitching. Especially when in these past few days many have experienced the devastating effects of a hurricane. Hoping you are all well! Stitching helps me unwind and destress, keep anxieties at bay, focus and meditate on what's really important, and see how to be helpful to others on whatever possible way. 

I've been wanting to get and stitch the design above by Kathy Schmitz, and yesterday was the day. Got it on Kathy's Etsy shop, downloaded it, printed it on Sticky Fabri-Solvy (by Sulky), took a plain Aunt Martha's kitchen flour sack towel and a couple of Valdani Perle Cottons from my stash and started on it. Maybe I'll finish it today! Maybe, because we are getting ready for a nice spiritually enriching day tomorrow and today we need to prep all we need in order to be there on time.

Count Your Blessings
Remember this below?

Pattern: Count Your Blessings by Country Cottage Needleworks
Fabric: Oatmeal Aida 14 count
Threads: Call for in this design
Started: August, 2018
Finished: August 29. 2019

Guess what?!?! I finished stitching it!!! Made so many mistakes, but I love it just the same! Learned a lot with this project. Left the fruits on the trees out, and the chimneys (or whatever that might be on the roof). The trees are not even, modified the sheep at both ends and letter "b". Not sure how to fully finished it, perhaps in a store-bought frame and will gift it to my older child, hmm? We'll see.
Have made progress on two of the other cross stitch projects, and haven't touch of of them. My other hand embroidery projects have not seen the day of light in some time, must do something about that! On my stitchy bag I have a line up of a few cross stitch projects all kitted up, ready for when I finished at least one more of my current cross stitch WIPs. Pssst... Summer Splendor is halfway done ;-). 
Until next time! Have a nice weekend!

Non-affiliated links:

To The Sea by Kathy Schmitz on her Web Store 

Count Your Blessings by CCN on 1-2-3 Stitch Website

Busy Summer

A busy summer with many activities planned.

We are still finding time for handicrafts.

Be well! Until next time!