Okay. Here it is. My first real finish of the year (and in October!). I've actually finished a few other things but they were all smallish designs. This is the first medium-large size project that I've started and finished all year long. It's not the best photo, I'm afraid. The color of the linen is a bit washed out and you can't see the little wings on the bees, but you get the idea. The finished size is approximately 7" x 8". I'm pleased with how it turned out (much nicer in person than in this picture). Now to get it framed.
Whenever I finish something I get this burst of energy and can't wait to start the next project. Although I am still planning on stitching this bag, I have some things to iron out in the instructions before I jump in and start stitching. There will be lots of basting first and boring preliminary work, so there won't be much to look at initially. I think something small--instant gratification is what I need next. Much like with my reading I very much stitch according to my mood. The thing is to find something I am really going to enjoy and stick with--like my bee skep. This design is from a magazine. It uses Quaker motifs and I would likely finish it in a similar manner--a little cushion (depending on how large it stitches up).
When I was looking through my stash for the next possible project I pulled this out, too. I started stitching this ages ago. It's from another stitching magazine. Each year a special edition is put out with Christmas ornaments. I don't buy many stitching magazines anymore, but I am sure to get each of these annual magazines. I would likely finish this as a little pillow, though, and not an ornament. Another Quaker-ish design.
And I grabbed this one for good measure. It is an older chart. Chartmakes, the designer, is a precursor to my favorite, Carriage House Samplings. Yet another Quaker design. I didn't really set out to choose only Quaker motifs, but I guess that's what I'm in the mood for. The finished design measures about 3-1/4" 3-1/4".
I'm not going to stitch these at the moment, but I had to share as I love these little Mittens. The designer is another favorite, Prairie Schooler. There is another chart of spring designs, a few of which I have stitched (and gave away). I would love to make some of these for the holidays, but it feels a little too early for Christmas designs (except for the Quaker one above).
I'll let you know which I ended up choosing and hopefully will have a progress photo to share soon.