I Have A Serious Problem

I keep saying that I need to finish all these projects I have started, yet I am constantly starting new ones.  Oh well, I guess I just need to accept that I have a serious problem and go with the flow.

I discovered a new to me pattern company and I adore just about every pattern I've seen so far.  I just ordered the one below along with fabric to complete it, and yes, I am going to start it as soon as the supplies arrive.  I've even corrupted talked my friend Brandi into doing one of these with me.  All it took was showing her the adorable weiner dog patterns they had, and she was a goner.  I'd love to do this in beautiful overdyed floss, but I am going to use up some of the tons of DMC floss I have in my stash instead.  If I finish several cross stitch projects this year, maybe I'll treat myself to a new sampler pattern and overdyed floss next year.

As bad as I am at starting new projects, I am pretty good about really taking stock of the ones I already have going.  I really think hard about why the ones that have been sitting around for an extended period aren't being worked on.  I did that this weekend when I was supposed to be working on Time I.  I wasn't enjoying it like I was the other large HAED projects.  When I decided that it was because I was working them in tent stitch instead of full cross, I decided to "scrap" all three I started that way.  There isn't much work being tossed aside there; all three were started, then quickly left to sit while I worked on something else.  I will start each one over using full cross when I make some headway on other projects.

Once I put away Time I, I pulled out The Great Snail to work on instead.  I think instead of changing every weekend, I'll work on this one until I'm tired of it, then I'll switch.  Believe it or not, this is almost 3 pages complete.  Since I started on the lower right corner, I've been working on the partial pages at the end of each row and at the bottom of the columns.  I think if I do the next page up next instead of the next page across, I should start to see some mushrooms.  I'm loving the colors in the background, but would really like to see some detail show up so I don't get bored.

The other gift I finished that was shipped off today is the afghan I made for my niece's dorm room.  I love this pattern and maybe some day I'll make one for myself too.

And, as has been my custom lately, when I finished up that last knit/crochet project, I started a new one instead of grabbing one of the many others already in progress.  *sigh* I doubt I'll ever get better.  This is going to be a sweater for my husband.  I love the yarn this is made with (Malabrigo), it's so soft and squishy.  Most of the sweater is made in this textured rib, but there are a couple of less textured bands.  So far it's working up quickly, and I'm only working on it about an hour in the evenings before I pull out the reindeer cross stitch.  Let's hope hubby sees a new sweater next year.

Dancing Terapins

 Tomorrow I will be carting 3 boxes to the Post Office.  One box contains a gift that I don't have a photo of, and since it's a surprise I wouldn't post it anyway.  The other two boxes contain gifts that the recipients knew about, so I did get photos.

My son asked me to crochet him a hoodie with graphics from a Grateful Dead album cover art on it.  It took quite a bit of thinking outside the box to accomplish this, but I'm really pleased with the results.  I couldn't find a crochet pattern that would suit what I was trying to do, so I used my sweater knitting software, then tweaked it a bit to work for crochet.  For the graphics I used a cross stitch pattern generator, then crocheted it into the sweater body.  I think it turned out great and I hope he likes it!

I'll show photos of the other gift tomorrow (or whenever I get my butt in gear and blog again).

This week I am working on this cross stitch mermaid during the afternoons.  She really shouldn't take too much longer to complete.  I'm almost at the tail fin, then there are a ton more beads to add.  I'm trying to stitch at least one thread full of beads per day, and 3 threads of color.  If I get close enough to finishing her, I may just continue working on her next week too.  It will be nice to get a couple of these cross stitch projects off my list of "to dos".

I almost finished the bottom three pages on the Reindeer Ornament project last week.  I'm trying to get all the background heavy areas done first, since they are the most "boring".  Once I get to the reindeer and the sled full of goodies, this will fly by.  When working on it, the stitches don't look like much, just a bunch of pixels.  But, when you take a step back, the picture just pops out!  This is still on track to be finished at the end of May.

Oh What A Tangled Web We Weave

Most of my cross stitch projects look like plates of spaghetti when I try to photograph them.  I'm trying to determine which way of stitching I prefer.

I started this one (Ornament The Enchanted Christmas) using a version of cross country stitching.  That's where you stitch with a color until you've completed all the stitches of that color on a page, or the entire project (extreme cross country).  I don't complete all of them on the whole project, or even on the current page.  I stitch with that color until the current thread is finished, then I go back to the beginning and thread up the color for the next unstitched symbol.  And so on, and so on.  Gridding my fabric really helps with this process so I don't lose my place.

I had tried parking on another project, but didn't have much luck with it.  With that method, you stitch one 10 x 10 square at a time, completing all stitches on one color, then bringing the thread up in the next stitch of that color in an adjacent square and leave it "parked" until you complete that square.  I decided to try again, only starting at the bottom of the project instead of the top.  When I tried it before, I thought it was taking me too long because I was constantly threading and unthreading the needle.  Turns out I am actually stitching faster with this method because it takes less time to park one color then thread up the next than it does to search for the next symbol of the color currently on the needle.  My only problem now is I have tons of threads hanging around that are bound to get tangled up.  I need to find a method of keeping them organized when I put a project away for any extended period.

The photo above is what my project looked like on Tuesday evening after I finished stitching.  I'll get a new photo tomorrow, and plan to show progress on this one weekly.

Below is what Stocking Walk As One looked like at the beginning of the week

And here is what it looks like after finishing up yesterday.  Not a lot of progress, but every stitch counts and gets me closer to a finished project.

I didn't work on the stocking this afternoon as I was finishing up a few other projects that are gifts and need to get in the mail tomorrow.

I did work a bit on The Kiss however.  Again, not a lot of progress for the week, but every little bit helps.

This weekend I will again be working on Time I.  I'll show starting and ending photos on Monday.  The handy dandy RNG chose another Mirabilia project to be worked on next week.  This one is a mermaid that I've been working on a bit here and there for several years.  Again, photo on Monday.

The Year of Cross Stitch

It's amazing to me how quickly you can get out of the habit of doing something.  It's been months since I blogged.  At first it was because my computer went up in smoke. Seriously, it made a funny buzzing sound, the screen froze, then smoke billowed up out of the keyboard.  Oh the smell!

Hubby was having issues with his too, so he arranged for repair, which entailed waiting for Dell to send us packing boxes, then sending the computers to them and waiting for them to be returned.  This took almost two months.  During the time I was computerless I didn't blog because I don't like to do things like that on my phone.  Then, when I got the computer back, the holidays were upon us and I was busy, so I let the blog sit awhile longer.

Now we're well into the new year, and I decided enough was enough.  No more putting off blogging until tomorrow.  I enjoy it once I get started, it's the getting started that can be difficult sometimes.

I did finish up some projects.  Below is an applique runner I made for my buffet. I used the same pattern to make some kitchen towels to add to the goodies my hubby gave to his coworkers.  They turned out so darn cute, I'm going to have to make a set for myself next year.

I also finished another table topper.  My goal is to have a runner for my buffet and topper for my table for each month of the year.

I have a few more photos of finished items, and I'll share those throughout the rest of this week.

Anywho ......

Last year turned out to be a bit of The Year of the Quilt.  This year is looking to be The Year of Cross Stitch.  I pulled out all my needlework projects and organized them.  They all have their own little container.  The smaller ones have all supplies tucked neatly into a ziplock and are stored in bins in my spare bedroom.  The larger ones are in plastic storage bins.

I got all geeky with a spreadsheet that someone in a cross stitch group started.  It's meant to organize all your DMC floss for large projects (like Heaven and Earth Designs patterns), with a tab for each project that calculates how much floss you need and how much you already have.  I tweaked the file a bit to suit me, adding a tab that calculates overage/shortage of each color so I know where I can get floss for any new projects I want to start without having to buy new.  My hubby likes this because I can kit up a new project from stash instead of spending more money.  I also added a tab that calculates when the project will be completed.  I've calculated this in two ways; first on average number of stitches completed per day using start date, and second on average number of stitches completed per day using actual number of days stitching.  This tab already calculated the % complete a project was based on how many stitches were completed.

Why did I do all this?  Well, because I'm geeky like that and analysis and stats make me happy.  Also because I like to use weird methods to determine what projects I work on.  I use a random number generator to choose a knit/crochet project to complete when I get too many of them just sitting around not getting worked on.  I'm using that method to choose one of the non-HAED needlework projects too.

This week, the RNG chose a fairly large piece.  It's a Mirabilia pattern called The Kiss.  I started this way back in 2004!  At that time I was pretty much a non-stop knitter, so this didn't get much love at all.  Add to that I had it on a scroll frame without a stand, and it wasn't comfortable to work on, so it got shoved into a storage bin and was all but forgotten until I did my organizing.  It will get at least 1 hour of work time each day Mon-Fri this week.

This will be a gorgeous piece once it's finished!

Because I have craft project ADD, I need to have several projects being worked on at once or I get burned out and quit working on them.  That's when serious startitis infects me and I get into serious trouble with too many things sitting around not getting any closer to completion.  With that in mind, I've set this geeked out spreadsheet tab to choose several large HAED patterns to work on each week.

 I added conditional formatting to highlight the one that is estimated to be complete soonest based on actual number of days stitching.  I will work on this one in the evenings while watching TV.  Currently this is Ornament The Enchanted Christmas, which is estimated to be complete at the end of May.  I'll add a photo of current progress tomorrow.

I added conditional formatting to highlight the one that is estimated to be complete last based on number of days since start.  I will work on this one on the weekends.  Currently this is Time I, which is estimated to be complete in 2105 LOL.  Of course, that's only because I started it, then let it sit for more than a year, so avg stitches completed per day is only 8!  A couple of weekends worth of work and that will look much better.

I added conditional formatting to highlight the one that has the least % complete.  I will work on this one during the day M-F, if I have time and get tired of working on the RNG chosen project.  Currently this is Stocking Walk As One.

The Wild Purple Camo Animal Print Comfy Tee

I finally spent some time down in the sewing room and finished up the tee I was making.  Not too bad for not having sewn knit fabric, or clothing for that matter, in many, many years.  It's a tad bit bigger than I would like, so I'll make the next one a size smaller with some adjustments so it still fits in the middle.

I jumped into the deep end on with one, and didn't take time to check all my measurements against the pattern.  I only paid attention to bust and hip measurements.  The shoulder to bust drop on this pattern is deeper than my body, so I'll have to figure out a way to shorten that on the next one.  I might make the sleeves a bit longer/flutterier (is that a word?) on the next version too.

Although I like the comfort of this loose fit top, and the way it doesn't cling to my tummy bulge, I think the style actually draws attention to the fact I'm trying to hide the mid-section.  It's a tad too long for my liking too, so maybe I'll use elastic on the side seams to add ruching.

All in all, I do like the top.  Not so sure I like hubby's angle on the photo though.  I cropped out the bottom portion, trying to make it look better.  He's the one who plays with photography, so why on earth would he take a picture of me at an angle that made my legs look like a stick figure and my top look bigger than it already is?

I think he was too interested in taking selfies of himself!  I discovered this while downloading my photos.  Not full of himself at all, is he?

We Have Pumpkins!

 I have this little bit of wall tucked into a corner behind the fireplace in the living room.  It's been begging for something ever since we moved in, but I could never find the right thing.  Every time I had an idea, I would decide that whatever it was I was thinking about would look better elsewhere.  So, of course all the other walls are looking nice, but this one remained a glaring blank spot screaming at me.

When I finally got started on the monthly applique wall hangings earlier this year, I decided they would be perfect for this little bit of wall that looked so lonely.  I finished up the October quilt and Paul hung it for me the other night.  Perfect fit!  Now I just need to get my butt in gear and finish the rest of these.  2 down, 10 to go.

Like the other one I finished, I chose to machine quilt this one with a simple wavy line.  This is working out well, so I think I'll continue this on the other quilts.

I also finished the Paisley Pumpkin table topper.  I love it!  Now if I can just keep Digit from claiming this as a bed I'll be doing good.

I think the table might need a tablecloth.  Not sure I like those spaces where the "wings" are attached.  Maybe black to match the chair backs, and season.

I originally thought I would only quilt the border on this, but the center needed something since it was bigger than I thought it would be (that's what happens when you assume you know what count fabric you're stitching on and don't take time to actually check), and I used a cotton batting that needs quilting at least every 2 inches.  I used a white thread on the top and although I was afraid it would ruin the look of the cross stitch, it blended into the background fabric perfectly and looks fine.  Again, machine quilted this one, and went a bit too fast in my excitement to finish this, so there are some quirky spots.  Gives it character though I think.

I've been plugging away on Sarah's afghan too.  It's now big enough to cover my lap when I'm knitting.  Unless it's a cold evening, I only do about one repeat before I'm too warm to work on it anymore.  I should have this finished up about this time next month as long as I keep to the one repeat per evening pace.

I mentioned in my last post, I believe, that I had started another huge cross stitch project.  Below is a photo of what I completed the other night.  I'm only pulling this out every now and again to work on because there's no big rush to complete it.  Just like all the other huge cross stitch projects I've started with Heaven and Earth Designs patterns.  I enjoy the process of watching these come to life.  This one is worked on 25 count Lugana fabric in a gorgeous shade of purple.  I've completed about 150 stitches.  Only 236,300 more stitches to go!  When done, this will be 16 x 24, and I plan to hang it in my spare bedroom, where I do most of my cross stitch and embroidery work.

Below is a photo of the artwork this pattern was created from.

Change of Season, Change of Projects

I took a bit of time off this past week from working on quilting projects to work on some of the many other varied projects I currently have in the works.  I did do a bit of quilting however.  The October applique wall hanging and paisley pumpkin table topper are both finished and in the wash as I type this.  Photos of them displayed in their proper places hopefully tomorrow.

I've also pulled out some fabric that I've had sitting around for quite awhile and started a couple of tops for myself.  I haven't sewn clothes in many years, and should have chosen a fabric that would play a bit nicer than the one I did choose.  Oh well, even if my first effort doesn't come out looking the best, I'll still get some use out of it.  I'm making some pullover blouses with short flutter sleeves.  They will be nice to wear this time of year, when the weather can't decide if it's going to be cool or warm.  I also have a pattern for a simple cardigan.  I plan to make a few in different colors so I have something to throw over the short sleeve tops when it's needed.  The first blouse should be finished tomorrow, and if it passes as actual clothing, I should have a photo on Wednesday.

For some reason, when the weather starts to turn cool, I get in the mood to work on embroidery and cross stitch projects.  Not sure why, but it's been that way for the past several years.  The blog will be filled with cross stitchy goodness for awhile I do believe.

I finished the first of the little monthly cross stitch designs I'm working on.  I wish I had used a blue instead of purple for the words, but I like it all the same.  Next time I'm at Hobby Lobby, I'll look for frames for these.  I'm thinking distressed wood frames.  I really want the whole set of these, so I can display them on my sideboard and just change them out each month.

Once December was finished, I started on the January design.  It's not much to look at yet, but should work up pretty quickly.  I think these designs will be my Tuesday Skype project for the foreseeable future.

I pulled out some knitting projects too.  Worked on my bright red cardigan a bit this weekend.  I am in love with this pattern!  It works up fast, is easy to memorize, and really looks striking.  I'm really looking forward to having the finished cardigan.  Hope I don't get tired of this project and wind up shoving it to the back of the project closet!

I also pulled out a quick knit poncho I started awhile back.  Three more red stripes and two white to go.  Should have this done within a week.

I also broke down and started another huge cross stitch design I've been itching to get going.  The colors are beautiful in this piece.  No photo today, but tomorrow or day after I should be ready to blog about it.