I read a lot. As a matter of fact when I wasn't stitching I am sure I filled whatever extra free time I had with reading. I am a more than one book at a time reader and I must admit that even when I am enjoying a book, I keep in mind (or at least begin to think about) what my next book will be.
Unsurprisingly, I am doing the same thing with my stitching. I am making steady progress on my bee sampler and thoroughly enjoying stitching it, but I have been thinking about what I will choose to stitch next. I was going through my stash and came across the Birds of a Feather chart, l'Automne. I have the autumn and winter charts and opted for autumn as it is my favorite season.
So here is my floss toss--I decided to stitch it on a 32 count fabric as 36 count is a little too small for my not-as-good-as-when-I-was-younger eyesight. The kind ladies at Elegant Stitch helped me choose. Lambswool is a nice neutral color, and a nice stiff linen. It is actually my fabric of choice generally. I would have loved to stitch it on BOAF fabric (I think this design calls for Barn Owl?), but I am not sure it can still be found? I am using the suggested WDW over-dyed floss colors.
The linen came in the mail a couple of days ago and I was a little flabbergasted by the size of it. I ended up getting a fat quarter as it was actually cheaper than a slightly smaller cut. It's huge! I keep telling myself it will be fine--the 36 count is really only about 1-1/2" to 2" shorter, but this is going to be massive. I have put in a very few stitches (I couldn't wait or resist) and as I work in hand, it will be interesting to see how this goes.
Just in case this design catches you eye like it did mine--I was told the company is now defunct and that one of the designers passed away not too long ago. I think that once the BOAF charts are gone, they are gone. With that in mind I have ordered the other two seasons to fill out the collection--though it is going to take me a really long time to stitch this--I might just want to stitch the companion pieces eventually, too, and now I will have them on hand.
I've never stitched anything in outline like this before--it should be interesting (and fun, I hope, too). Has anyone stitched this? Any advice? Any photos to share? I may need inspiration to keep moving on this one. I am always up for a little stitching company if anyone is interested by the way!