Cross-stitch project update?

I put a question mark because I feel compelled to give an update, but it's pretty disappointing. I haven't updated since Sept 27, and it's mostly due to the fact that I haven't worked on it since then. So my update is: no progress.

At this rate, it will take decades to do this project.

Cross-stitch project update

No picture tonight, but I finally had a chance to work some more on my cross-stitch project. I went all gong-ho and worked for an hour. Then thought the spot I just finished looked a little close to the basting marking the edge of the page. I counted, and was off by 5 stitches! Not cool! I ripped out everything I stitched tonight. Then counted again, and it turns out everything I have stitched so far is 2 columns to the left!

Luckily, I started with a swirly spot in the top right corner, so I plan to just eliminate 2 columns from the that section. Wouldn't affect the rest.


I could just stitch the whole thing 2 columns over, but that would be too hard to remember, and then my lovely basting would be off. Nope, losing two columns will be easier. So tonight was not a good stitching experience.

Cross-stitch project update

So I have now put 5 1/2 hours into my project. I have found it really hard to find time to do it. There are so many factors involved: I feel I can only do it after my son is in bed (cause who wants a 16 mth old around their project), on nights when he goes to bed at a reasonable time, and I feel energized enough to work on it, and I don't have schoolwork that I need to it, and I feel like working on it. So many things to consider...


But I do enjoy working on it when I do it, and I am happy to see some bit of progress.

Started my project

So all the stars aligned, and I was able to start my cross-stitch project with minimal cost. The chart I wanted was on sale for 25% off, and combined with the $5 gift certificate I got for creating an account, it only cost me $6.25!

Then I found a 40% off coupon in the paper for Michael's, and got a frame for $16. I had decided that I need a frame instead of just using a hoop. I have never been a fan of hoops.

And when I went to pick up my free chart from Stitcher's Place, she had the 25 count fabric I needed. And it only cost me $10.


So for around $30, I bought everything I needed to start my project. I don't have all the thread, obviously, but I do have about 5 colours that were in my stash. Including several skeins of black, which is the most used colour in the chart. I should be good for a while at least.

Since this will be such a big project, I actually prepared properly. No using tape around the edges and starting right away this time. I took the time to square up the edges, whip stitch all around the outside, and even basted the outline of the pages from the chart. Yes, pages, my chart is 36 pages long, when printed on regular paper, in a readable size. Oh my!

It took 2 evenings, but it is ready to go. Not easy getting it into the frame though.

If you look closely, you can just see the basting. I did it in light pink, so it doesn't stand out, but it is still visible.

Now to get started stitching. And maybe be done in ten years or so...

Free chart

I won a free cross stitch chart! And all because I get the email newsletter from Stitcher's Place in Cambridge. I have never been in the store yet, but this is the perfect opportunity since I need to stop by and pick up my chart. They usually mail it, but since I live right there, I should go in. I just need to co-ordinate myself since they are only open on Saturdays.

This really looks like a sign that I should do some cross stitching! I can't wait to see what my mystery chart is.

Cross stitch

I have had an urge to do some cross stitch. I've felt it for 2-3 weeks now, so I don't think it's going to go away unless I do some. I have a box of thread and some patterns somewhere. But I found a really cool pattern online that I want to do. It is a Celtic World Tree at Heaven and Earth Designs. Very cool looking. It would probably take me months to complete, but I could use it as the main focus of a new blanket for my son, or as very cool wall art.

But cross stitch is so expensive to get started. I would need to buy the pattern (not bad at $15), the fabric (which has been surprisingly hard to find. 25 count is not that common, but I did find a local store that carries it for about $15), and I need a frame. The frame is the expesive part. I have hoops, but I don't really like them for big projects, and had previously decided that I would buy a frame set for my next big project. They run anywhere from $25 and up. So I'm looking at a cost of $50, before I even buy thread.  know I have a ton of thread, so I'd definitely need to find it and go through to determine what I actually need to buy.

Now if I just had the extra $50 or so to get started...