Happy New Year, everyone. One of my goals this year is to try and post here a little more frequently. I'd like very much to get back on a regular stitching schedule, even if it means only adding a few letters or a row of stitches to whatever my current WiP is. We shall see!
My break from work is nearly over and while I don't have as much progress on projects to share as I had hoped, I have made some noticeable progress on my "February" sampler by Prairie Schooler. I hope to finish the last of the lettering at the top tonight and start working on the house and other motifs. I think things will move along quickly at that point.
Alas, there is less to see on my Blackbirds Design "Mystery Sampler". I have a feeling this third section is going to go slowly. It has lots of solid blocks of stitching on the house and roof which can be a little tedious. Also I am not fond of stitching with white or off-white floss, which is what the house calls for.
Although my WiP designs aren't particularly large, I was thinking I needed something small to work on--instant gratification, which is always nice and keeps me wanting to stitch. So I've pulled out my little Prarie Schooler "Rain, Rain" from last year. I know January is a long month, but I am already thinking of spring, so what better project?
And maybe something else new for the new year? I want to dig through my stash bins, but this Prairie Schooler chart is right by my bedside, and I love boats and lighthouses. I thought the smaller design--top right might work nicely. These designs usually stitch up very quickly! It is from the "Weather Wise" chart.
I hope everyone had a really nice holiday. Mine went by far too quickly. I spent time with family, including a sister who visits every year at this time. Last year we had so much snow we had to celebrate Christmas after the 25th! Happily this year we've had really good weather. There is a bit of snow on the ground, but nothing that prevents getting about in it easily, so I can't complain. Of course this is more normal for Nebraska. We usually are hit in January, February and March, but I'm still keeping my fingers tightly crossed that we have a mild winter and that spring comes early. Surely I'm not asking too much?
Happy New Year to you :) You have some lovely WIPs to keep you out of trouble this year :D
Posted by: Anne S | January 01, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Personally, I think work is a huge pain in the butt when it comes to stitching progress. And I'm with you in hoping for a mild winter. Last year was horrible. Happy New Year, and I'm enjoying your projects.
Posted by: Glenna | January 01, 2011 at 07:29 PM
Oh all your WIPS look lovely. And yes that 3rd section of the BBD Mystery Sampler does take a while. I think it was the most stitch dense section but it is sooo pretty. Good luck this year with all your stitching!
Posted by: carol fun | January 01, 2011 at 08:01 PM
These WiPs are looking good! I'm happy to see you're on the Mystery House--my favorite part (to look at...)
You know, I also officially hate stitching with white. I like the looks of it, though. I think this is due to how the dye effects the grain of the fiber. But, I have a secret weapon for "white fill"--Belle Soie! I LOVE "Icing" to sub in for any white I can. For the PS Santa and Friends fox I'm currently working on I had to use "Oatmeal Scone" to suit my linen.
I don't always like the result of silk, but it's great for white fill!
Congratulations on starting the New Year!
Posted by: beritbunny | January 01, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Happy New Year! I love all your WIPs and I'm especially curious about your mystery sampler. Also I have been eyeing the Prairie School monthly samplers online wondering if I want to undertake them. Your February looks very good. You have inspired me to try one too.
Oh by the way we moved to Oregon over the summer. It's pretty cold here by California standards but I guess 29 is nothing to a Nebraskan.
Posted by: Jaimie | January 02, 2011 at 02:07 PM
I love "Weather Wise" - I bought it as soon as the chart was published, but still haven't stitched it!
You're making nice progress on your current WIPS.
I have to go back to work myself tomorrow, so I'm feeling a little sad myself.
Posted by: Susan | January 03, 2011 at 06:36 AM
Anne--Thanks--Happy New Year to you as well. I think I should be able to keep myself busy! :)
Glenna--Last year really was miserable, so I think we do deserve a nice, mild winter this year! And yes, work can get in the way of real life sometimes!
Carol--I think you're right about being stitch dense on the third section. If I can just get more of the house stitched I will feel like I am accomplishing something!
Beritbunny--It is the nicest section--I've not really even looked ahead yet much to see what else is coming--but I have a feeling I'll be working on the house for a while. I'll have to check out the Belle Soie--anything to avoid the dreaded white floss! I've used oatmeal, too, on snowmen, but then they sort of look dirty! ;)
Jaimie--Happy New Year and lucky you to live in Oregon--that's where I would love to live--along the coast. Maybe someday! 29 can feel pretty balmy depending on what the weather has been like! I prefer anything over 40, so I am definitely living in the wrong place! :) I love PS and am really enjoying the Feb sampler!
Susan--I'd like to stitch both those larger samplers on Weather Wise, but I had better stick to what I have going at the moment. I do think I could manage one of the smaller designs however. Going back to work has been a shock after sleeping in so many days!
Thanks everyone--Happy New Year!
Posted by: Danielle | January 04, 2011 at 06:57 AM
A good day from France!
I like too Prairie Schooler. I have begin Christmas Eve for next Christmas!
At soon.
Posted by: pimprenelle | January 06, 2011 at 07:05 AM
lovely work on the PS pieces! Looking forward to seeing more of the BBD mystery - you inspired me to search out the patterns and start this piece as my Jan. 1st project!
Posted by: KathyN | January 08, 2011 at 07:26 PM
Nice work on your projects. I started my BBD Mystery sampler part 3 a few days after Christmas. I have a bit done and will post a picture on my blog in the next few days.
Posted by: Suzanne | January 11, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Pimprenelle--I need to work ahead like you do! I did start the Feb chart last fall however. We'll see if I get it done in time.
Kathy--Do keep me updated on your BBD mystery project. I've not picked it up lately but I need to get back to it. I love working on it, but the third part seems to be moving slowly even when I am stitching on it.
Suzanne--I must go and check your work out. I've once again fallen behind in blog reading (and posting), but I would love to see your work!
Posted by: Danielle | January 17, 2011 at 05:47 PM