Time for January Pie

It certainly feels that way some years!  Anyway, we have finally reached the end of the month so it's time for pie and budgets.  Pie first:

I am very pleased with my pie this month, it looks exactly as I planned - 2 weeks for Discworld, 1 week for my Chatelaine and the rest of the time on smaller projects including the Christmas and Hallowe'en SALs.

This is where the Discworld Mappe was last time I stitched on it in 2018:

and here's where I am now:

I could have finished the banner but it turns out that I ordered a skein of the darker pink not the lighter pink when I was stocking up on threads for this design.  So I moved on to the island instead.  The island is called XXXX (or Fourecks) and is the Discworld equivalent of Australia.

"when Death requested a book about the dangerous creatures of XXXX from his library, he was subsequently hit by a large pile of books consisting of the various volumes of "Dangerous Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds, Fish, Jellyfish, Insects, Spiders, Crustaceans, Grasses, Trees, Mosses and Lichens of Terror Incognita", the total books going up to Volume 29C Part 3, while a request for information about the harmless creatures merely produced a note saying "Some of the sheep"."

Here is the total of the design stitched so far.  I started in the centre and worked upwards to ensure the dyed circle was in exactly the right place for the circumference of the Disc.  The darker blue represent the Deep Space the enormous world turtle Great A'Tuin is swimming through.

stitched on 32 count Murano custom dyed by Sparklies

Next month I will stitch another Heraldic Hippo and complete the banner.

I am doing Stitch from Stash once again.  This will be my 5th year so far.  I did the original blog versions in 2014 and 2015, skipped 2016 as it was my Big Birthday year then signed up for Stephanie's Facebook version in 2017, 2018 and now 2019.

Here is this month's spend:

January
Cross Stitcher sub	£8.72
Mrs Peggotty Queen	£5.20
Total	£13.92

I needed the Queen of Hearts as I will be starting her as soon as I finish Alice & the Flamingo.  Mrs Peggotty happened to be having a 20% off sale this week so I grabbed a bargain!

Finally, don't forget the Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop coming up on Valentine's Day.  I think I've posted about it enough now for everyone to be aware it is coming soon but just in case you haven't signed up yet - read a previous post and find out how to take part.

January WIPocalypse SALs

WIPocalypse is hosted by Measi's Musings

Each month we have to share the projects we want to complete before the End Of The World.  

Since 2011 I have chosen a number of projects to focus on that year, starting with my "11 in '11" and increasing to "19 in '19" for this year.  You can find the full list here.

This month I stitched on five of my list:

1. Enchanted Alphabet by Lavender & Lace

stitched on 32 count Murano in Tiger Lily from Sparklies

2. Gardens of London by Chatelaine

stitched on 32 count Belfast in Cotton Clouds by Crafty Kitten

3. Discworld Mappe by Lyndisfarne Designs

4. Alice & the Flamingo by Mrs Peggotty

5. Summer Typography by Just Nan

stitched on 32 count Pink Linen

Measi always gives us a topic to discuss too.

January - What SAL’s are you participating in this year?

Quite a few as it turns out!  Most of them are the more open kind of SAL where you fit your existing stitching into the theme rather than stitching on the same project as everyone else.

You can find links for most of my SALs in the sidebar of my blog.

1. The People's Choice - posts on the first Saturday of each month - theme in sidebar

2. Fully Finished Gallery - post your FFOs on the 10th of each month

3. Gifted Gorgeousness - post anything gifted on the 15th of each month

4. Hallowe'en Ornie Blog - a different spooky theme each month

5. Christmas Ornie Blog - a different festive theme each month

6. Smalls SAL - last Friday of each month

7. WIPocalypse - last Sunday of each month

8. The TUSAL - post on the New Moon each month

9. Stitch-from-Stash - keep track of your spending and try stitching from your stash

10. 10-a-Day - stitch just 10 stitches on a project each day

Last year I stitched a Temperature SAL designed by Hetti which everyone enjoyed seeing grow and has prompted the question - will I do another one this year?

I was undecided and left it to serendipity.  Serendipity duly provided me a new design for this year!  I did not go looking for this, one of my FB friends posted it on her timeline and I was smitten.

Isn't it beautiful?  There is a branch for each month and the leaves are stitched in the temperature for the day.

The designer is Tom et Lily Creations and can be found here - Tom et Lily Creations - SAL temperature.  It is not a free design but the chart is only 10 Euros or you can buy it with the thread pack too.  There is also a Facebook group you can join, presumably once you buy the chart.  I have to wait until February to buy this but I am sure I can catch up quickly with January.  I've been noting the temperatures and have my colour key already.  I will use the same colours as last year.

Finally, I will be running the Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop on Valentine's Day.

Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop

 

It's really very simple, all you have to do is email me a picture of something you have stitched which is suitable for a stitching friend on Valentine's Day.  It could be a heart, or a pair of cute creatures, or the word "love" or anything which warms your heart. Really anything you think a fellow stitcher would like to receive in her email Inbox.   It can be something you've stitched in the past or something you've made especially for this year.  It could also be quilted or sewn this year as I know some of my followers do other crafts too.

Send me the email by 10th February.

When I have all the emails I will randomise them and send one to each participant on 13th February.  Then on 14th February you must post the picture you receive onto your blog under the heading

 Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

There will be a list on my blog of everyone joining in, so check out all the blogs and find out who got your picture and identify yourself  in their comments as their

Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

Does that make sense to everyone?  I hope so!

If you'd like to be involved then leave a comment on this post or send me an email if you are "no-reply".   I'll be putting little reminders up from time to time and will email on 9th February to make sure you send the pic in time.  

January Smalls SAL

The Smalls SAL is now hosted by Mary's Thread

Heather from Silver Lotus has been hosting the Smalls SAL since 2013 when it was The Ornament SAL.  Last year she found she had less time for blogging so when Mary asked if she could host the Smalls SAL this year, Heather gratefully handed over the tiny reins to a new host.

The rules are basically the same and can be found on the Sign-Up Page on Mary's blog.

Since the last Smalls Update in December I have completed my Rosewood Manor Festive Quaker Tree for the Christmas Ornie Blog.  Here is the finish as a fully finished scrapbook page:

It was such a pretty piece of fabric I didn't want to cut it down too much!

I've been continuing to work on a Just Nan Small as my travel project and work lunch break project.  This is Thanks A Bunch:

stitched on 32 count Antique White linen

I started this one on the 11th January, the goal is to finish one every four weeks.

That's it for the Smalls, this year is The Year of The BAP.

Finally, I will be running the Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop on Valentine's Day.

Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop

 

It's really very simple, all you have to do is email me a picture of something you have stitched which is suitable for a stitching friend on Valentine's Day.  It could be a heart, or a pair of cute creatures, or the word "love" or anything which warms your heart. Really anything you think a fellow stitcher would like to receive in her email Inbox.   It can be something you've stitched in the past or something you've made especially for this year.  It could also be quilted or sewn this year as I know some of my followers do other crafts too.

Send me the email by 10th February.

When I have all the emails I will randomise them and send one to each participant on 13th February.  Then on 14th February you must post the picture you receive onto your blog under the heading

 Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

There will be a list on my blog of everyone joining in, so check out all the blogs and find out who got your picture and identify yourself  in their comments as their

Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

Does that make sense to everyone?  I hope so!

If you'd like to be involved then leave a comment on this post or send me an email if you are "no-reply".   I'll be putting little reminders up from time to time and will email on 9th February to make sure you send the pic in time.  

January IHSW

IHSW or International Hermit and Stitch Weekend always starts on the third Friday of the month.  It's a chance to lock yourself away and focus on your stitching for the weekend.  You can take part on your blog or via the Facebook page.  Links at the bottom of this post.

Unfortunately I had to work on Saturday and Monday, which is usually my catch-up day if I work one of the weekend days.  Never mind, I did manage a couple of daisies on my lunchbreak project on those two days.  This is Just Nan's Thanks a Bunch:

stitched on 32 count white linen

I cleared Sunday afternoon to focus on my Discworld Mappe with the goal of completing the darker pink in the banner.  This is where I was at the start of Friday:

This is where I was at the end of Friday:

And this is where I am now:

Goal achieved!  To give you some idea of the size and scope of this piece, here is the cover photo with the page numbers for the pages I have stitched on already:

This is a good chance to show the progress on my two daily projects.  The first is my Ten-a-Day project which is Just Nan's Summer Typography, the fourth and final one in the series:

Day 76 - 760 stitches

stitched on 32 count Pink Linen

The second daily piece is Mrs Peggotty's Alice & the Flamingo.  Here is where I was last IHSW:

And here is where I am now:

stitched over 1 on 25 count blue evenweave

I stitched all the border to the right and bottom, frogged and restitched the pale green in her skirt, filled in the grass and made a start on the final tree.

A few people have said that they don't do Facebook and asked if I could host a link-up for them, so here it is! Just add your name and the link to your actual IHSW post, not just your blog home page.  

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The next IHSW will be 15th - 17th February so make sure you note the date in your diary or come and join us in the Facebook Group - IHSW on Facebook.  If you don't do Facebook then you can check in here.

Finally, I will be running the Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop on Valentine's Day.

Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop

 

It's really very simple, all you have to do is email me a picture of something you have stitched which is suitable for a stitching friend on Valentine's Day.  It could be a heart, or a pair of cute creatures, or the word "love" or anything which warms your heart. Really anything you think a fellow stitcher would like to receive in her email Inbox.   It can be something you've stitched in the past or something you've made especially for this year.  It could also be quilted or sewn this year as I know some of my followers do other crafts too.

Send me the email by 10th February.

When I have all the emails I will randomise them and send one to each participant on 13th February.  Then on 14th February you must post the picture you receive onto your blog under the heading

 Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

There will be a list on my blog of everyone joining in, so check out all the blogs and find out who got your picture and identify yourself  in their comments as their

Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

Does that make sense to everyone?  I hope so!

If you'd like to be involved then leave a comment on this post or send me an email if you are "no-reply".   I'll be putting little reminders up from time to time and will email on 9th February to make sure you send the pic in time.  

First IHSW of 2019

IHSW or International Hermit and Stitch Weekend always starts on the third Friday of the month.  It's a chance to lock yourself away and focus on your stitching for the weekend.

My weekend started this morning at our crafty coffee morning get-together.  I'm taking my Just Nan smalls to these this year in an attempt to finish a few more.  I'm currently stitching Thanks a Bunch:

stitched on 32 count white linen

I am hoping the white daisies will show up on the linen, if not then I'll outline them in yellow.  This may have been better stitched on a pale green fabric.  We shall see.

My current focus for two weeks will be the Discworld Mappe by Lyndisfarne Designs.  This is intended as an 18th Birthday present for my son but it may end up being a "Leaving Sixth Form" present or even a 21st if I really get into a slump!

Here's where I left it last time I stitched on it in 2018:

And here's where I am now:

stitched on 32 count Murano custom dyed by Sparklies

I have completed the turtle flipper and started the very large banner being held aloft by two heraldic hippos.  I will only have Sunday to stitch as I'm working tomorrow and Monday but hopefully I can complete that shade of Rose Pink in the banner.

My goal is to complete the banner this month and start the second hippo.  Once I have completed the second hippo I will have stitched the width of the design.

Do come back on Monday to see how I got on.  

Finally, I will be running the Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop on Valentine's Day.

Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop

 

It's really very simple, all you have to do is email me a picture of something you have stitched which is suitable for a stitching friend on Valentine's Day.  It could be a heart, or a pair of cute creatures, or the word "love" or anything which warms your heart. Really anything you think a fellow stitcher would like to receive in her email Inbox.   It can be something you've stitched in the past or something you've made especially for this year.  It could also be quilted or sewn this year as I know some of my followers do other crafts too.

Send me the email by 10th February.

When I have all the emails I will randomise them and send one to each participant on 13th February.  Then on 14th February you must post the picture you receive onto your blog under the heading

 Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

There will be a list on my blog of everyone joining in, so check out all the blogs and find out who got your picture and identify yourself  in their comments as their

Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

Does that make sense to everyone?  I hope so!

If you'd like to be involved then leave a comment on this post or send me an email if you are "no-reply".   I'll be putting little reminders up from time to time and will email on 9th February to make sure you send the pic in time.  

January Gifted Gorgeousness Link-up Post

Welcome to the first Gifted Gorgeousness link-up of 2019! The link-up date will continue to be the 15th and I will keep the link-up open until the end of each month so you have plenty of time if you are late posting.

The format remains exactly the same, there is a list of rules on the main sign-up page if you want to check what is required but basically anything connected to the word "gift" is allowed, whether it was a gift TO you or is a gift FROM you.

Last year we had 30 people sign up and only one didn't manage to post while 8 people linked up every single month.  Both of which were improvements on the previous year.  In total there were 221 posts linked up via my blog.

So I put 221 into the random number generator and post number 119 came up.  This was the June post from

Beth's Needlework Stash

Congratulations to Beth.  You win the chart which is our logo for 2019 and some random stuff I will put together for you.  I'll also need an address to send it to.  Beth in IL is probably not enough info for the postman!

Since our last update in December I have worked on three gifted projects.  The first was our new logo.  This was a gift from Heather for taking part in last year's Smalls SAL:

stitched over one on Wichelt Linen

The next project was Nora Corbett's Gathering Eggs which was a gift from Carol:

stitched on 35 count Vintage Country Mocha linen

Unfortunately, not too much progress as there was an attack of the frogs!

Then I spent the 12 Days of Stitchmas on Christmas Ornaments followed by a couple of days on my Hallowe'en project.  My first Focus Project this year was a week on my Chatelaine, Gardens of London.  This was a gift for my Birthday in 2016, several of the speciality threads and most of the DMC were gifts from my blogging friends and the chart and fabric were gifts from my family.

Here's where it was last time I stitched on it in 2018:

Here's where I am now:

stitched on 32 count Cotton Clouds Belfast linen from Crafty Kitten

(it only looks wonky because I stitch in hand and haven't stretched it out for the photo)

Close-up of Garden 1:

Close-up of Garden 2:

Garden 1 is complete except for the beads and the speciality stitches in the border.  I have decided to do the borders for both gardens at the same time.

I am using a mixture of the charted threads and my own conversion of DMC or Jodyri which is working out rather nicely.  I am particularly pleased with the pink Queen's Stitches.  They were charted for a very variegated silk which I wasn't keen on so I substituted DMC 3688 which is more subdued and I prefer it.

Now it is your turn to show us your Gifted Gorgeousness for the month. Please use your name or your blog name in the field and NOT the words "January Update" so I can easily see who has linked up this month. And link to the actual post, not just your blog. It is easier if you copy and paste the link, rather than typing freehand.

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Finally, I will be running the Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop on Valentine's Day.

Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop

 

It's really very simple, all you have to do is email me a picture of something you have stitched which is suitable for a stitching friend on Valentine's Day.  It could be a heart, or a pair of cute creatures, or the word "love" or anything which warms your heart. Really anything you think a fellow stitcher would like to receive in her email Inbox.   It can be something you've stitched in the past or something you've made especially for this year.  It could also be quilted or sewn this year as I know some of my followers do other crafts too.

Send me the email by 10th February.

When I have all the emails I will randomise them and send one to each participant on 13th February.  Then on 14th February you must post the picture you receive onto your blog under the heading

 Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

There will be a list on my blog of everyone joining in, so check out all the blogs and find out who got your picture and identify yourself  in their comments as their

Secret Stitching Sweetheart. 

Does that make sense to everyone?  I hope so!

If you'd like to be involved then leave a comment on this post or send me an email if you are "no-reply".   I'll be putting little reminders up from time to time and will email on 9th February to make sure you send the pic in time.  

A Finish and an Incentive to FFO

I got my second finish of the year today.  A small project but one which took me all of last year to stitch.  Because I could only stitch one tiny motif per day.  Yes, the Temperature SAL designed by Hetti is finished.  I had to wait until after the end of 2018 to get the final temperature and then it took me a couple of days to complete the border.  Each side of the border represents the last four days of the year.  I also decided to add the location details to mine.

For those of you unfamiliar with this design, each temperature was allocated a DMC colour with purple being below zero Celsius, blue and greens for the cooler days of Winter moving into yellows and oranges for Summer with the red being a mini heatwave we had, then back through yellow and green for the close of the year.  You "read" the design from the centre spiralling outwards.

The little white beads represent days when we had snow.

This was a free design from Hetti's blog which you can find here - Creative Workshops from Hetti

What is the incentive to FFO this piece and turn it into a Fully Finished Object?  The lovely Rachel the Ten Hour Stitcher noticed a gap in the SAL schedule.  There are plenty of Starting SALs and WIP SALs and Encouraging to Finish SALs but that is where they stop.  You finish a piece and all too often it goes to live in a box or drawer.  So Rachel is hosting a Fully Finished SAL on the 10th of each month starting on 10th February, 2019.

More details can be found here - Ten Hour Stitcher - New SAL coming soon

I am definitely in for this one.  Just one question - she refers to bloggers who encouraged her - now who would do an enabling thing like that?  Hmmm...

Earlier in the week I complete a motif on my Lavender & Lace Enchanted Alphabet conversion.  I stitched all the letters over the course of the last couple of years and now I am adding embellishments with a view to completing this design by Hallowe'en 2019.  This month I added a gate from the Jardin Prive Happy Hallowe'en Night design.  I will add some pumpkins next to it next month and in various other places on the chart.

stitched on 32 count Murano in Tiger Lily from Sparklies

Finally, thanks to everyone who joined in with The People's Choice last Saturday, there were some great posts on the theme of New Starts.  Don't forget to leave your suggestions for themes for people to vote on for the next month.

January WIPocalypse Introduction

WIPocalypse is hosted by Measi's Musings

Each month we have to share the projects we want to complete before the End Of The World.  Measi always gives us a topic to discuss too.

January - Introduce yourself, your projects, and any goals you have for the year

Since 2011 I have chosen a number of projects to focus on that year, starting with my "11 in '11" and increasing to "19 in '19" for this year.  For 2019 the list includes my two BAP projects which will be my Focus Pieces each month, some WIPs I really want to see finished, 6 new starts and four of my Christmas Ornaments.  Here are the first 9, all WIPs:

Project List:

1. Lavender & Lace - Enchanted Alphabet 
2. Chatelaine Designs - Gardens of London
3. Lyndisfarne - Discworld Map
4. Nora Corbett - Gathering Eggs
5. Mrs Peggotty - Alice and Flamingo
6. Just Nan - Summer Typography
7. Nora Corbett - Raven
8. Satsuma Street - Nest Egg
9. Marie Suarez - My Lovely Sewing Tools
10. Cottage Garden Samplings - Hallowe'en Alphabet
11. Primitive Needle - Mystic Sampler
12. Just Nan - Wee Witchy Mice
13. Mirabilia - 25th Anniversary Cameo
14. Just Nan - Summer Night
15. Mill Hill - Easter Egg
16. The Sweetheart Tree - Merry Christmas Bell Pull
17. Dragon Dreams - Never Too Big
18. Sue Hillis - Victorian Christmas Tree
19. Ink Circles - Poinsettia 

These are the new starts I have planned:

The list is then completed by four of these 12 Christmas Ornaments.  I hope to stitch all 12, one done so far.

The planned rotation this year will be:

10-a-Day - stitch 10 stitches every day on one project, first thing in the morning.
Just Nan smalls -  stitch a few stitches each day.  Aim to complete one per month.  Will also be travel and work projects.
Evening stitching - Mrs Peggotty's Alice and the Flamingo.

Complete one Christmas Ornament per month
Stitch Gardens of London for seven days
Stitch Discworld Mappe for fourteen days
Stitch Enchanted Alphabet for one or two days
Choose one design for the rest of the month

The exceptions will be May when I will stitch one length on a different Just Nan small each day (the ones started last Maynia) and Dark October when I will focus on Raven, Just Nan's Mouse and the two Hallowe'en Samplers.


The WIPocalypse posts are the last Sunday of each month

My other SALs are

The People's Choice - posts on the first Saturday of each month - theme in sidebar

Gifted Gorgeousness - post anything gifted on the 15th

Hallowe'en Ornie Blog - a different spooky theme each month

Christmas Ornie Blog - a different festive theme each month

Smalls SAL - last Friday of each month

The TUSAL - post on the New Moon each month

plus one more to be announced!  A new SAL which I think you will all enjoy but I can't say any more just yet.  Plans have to be fully finished before more details can be shared.

Finally, I will be continuing with the ever popular Blog Hops this year.  We will have Valentine's, Easter, the Summer Postcard, Hallowe'en and the Advent Calendar.  All at the appropriate time of the year.  I will be posting about the Secret Stitching Sweethearts for Valentine's Day very soon so watch this space.

The People Chose New Starts (and TUSAL too)

Regular followers will be aware that for over 3 years now I have run a themed SAL on the first Saturday of each month.  First we spent 26 months doing The Alphabet Club and then 12 months of the Zodiac.  Now I have decided to listen to the People and post about your choice of theme.  Last year I asked for suggestions on the blog and then made a poll in the IHSW Facebook Group from those suggestions.

The top three choices were:

Hallowe'en - posted in October

Birthstones - posted in November

Dragons - posted in December

Since then we've been voting each month for three months ahead.

Upcoming choices:
January - New Starts
February - Hearts
March - Freebies

The People do have very good timing, I have just completed 12 starts for the 12 Days of Stitchmas!  You have seen up to Day Seven already, so here's the rest of the series:

On Day Eight I stitched The Sweetheart Tree's Holly & Hardanger from 2005 and Rosewood Manor's Festive Quaker Tree:

On Day Nine I stitched Dragon Dreams' You Are My Gift from 2010 and Rosewood Manor's Festive Quaker Tree:

On Day Ten I stitched Sue Hillis Designs' Victorian Christmas Tree from 2003 and Rosewood Manor's Festive Quaker Tree:

The Festive Christmas Tree was a finish, my first for 2019.  I stitched this over one on 32 count Blue Hydrangea opalescent from Crafty Kitten using my own choices of DMC in the 790s - 800s plus B5200.  There are more single white stitches than show in the photo.

On Day Eleven I stitched Dragon Dreams' Never Too Big from 2004:

On Day Twelve I stitched The Sweetheart Tree's Merry Christmas Bellpull from 2004:

And all 12 together:

I'm trying to keep New Starts to a minimum with the aim of not starting any BAPs until I complete my Discworld Mappe and/or my Chatelaine Gardens of London.  I'm putting together my "19 in '19" and have six new starts scheduled.  Three are Hallowe'en themed, one is for the Easter Blog Hop and another two just because I want to.  When I complete my 10-a-Day project I'll start Winter in the Square as the next 10-a-Day. 

Now it's over to you.  All you have to do is make a post on the theme of New Starts, mention The People's Choice SAL (you can copy the picture I used at the top of this post and in my side bar) and my blog.  Please link up using the URL of the actual blog post, not the home page of your blog.  I look forward to seeing what you all post.

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Mustn't forget the TUSAL part of the post:

The pot on the left is my main ORTs tin and the one of the right is my Evening ORTs tin.  That's usually quite empty but I've been frogging Alice's skirt thanks to a dyelot difference so there's more fluff than usual!

Finally, I need your suggestions for the next poll.  Any thing, no matter how obscure, weird or random will go into the poll.  Keep the theme suggestions to a single word or two - so you could have Cats, or Blue, or Spring, or Holidays, or Warmth etc.  Really anything which could be illustrated in cross stitch.

Looking forward to reading them all!