Enchanted Alphabet Progress

Before:


Currently:


Close up of my current work:


Sorry--loads to get done before I take off. Enjoy the weekend! (I may not get online--try battling with 3 adults for the computer...)

What I Did This Weekend

In between getting a new battery for the car, installing new smoke detectors, mowing and raking the lawn, and watching the world cup (Why, Zidane, why?), I worked on Enchanted Alphabet. Ten hours might not finish it, but it won't be far short, so I might just continue on until I'm done. I finished all the letters, 2 of 3 flower bunches, and the dove. I started work on the bunny and continued to work on the skirt (tedious). I only have two colors left on the skirt. Unfortunately, it is the white and 822 (very light cream) which are the predominant colors and pretty boring to stitch. I've included a photo for reference, but mine doesn't really look like this.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I keep wondering why I am finishing this project. I started it for my niece, who, as I mentioned, is now 6 and not likely to like this one. I don't really have anyone to give it to. It isn't something I'm going to frame until it's done. Maybe the right circumstances will present themselves...

SBQ: Extra, Extra

When you stitch from a kit and use the supplied floss do you have leftovers? If so, how much and what do you do with them? If not, do you usually have just enough or do you have to dig into your stash to finish? I usually have leftovers. If they are just regular floss, I thow it away. Floss is the cheapest part of this endeavor, so I don't worry about saving bits of floss. I do save any specialty threads; their value is obvious. With kits, I only keep the picture of the project and the pattern. You can't keep everything.

Here's a little update on the Enchanted Alphabet. The photo on the left/bottom shows a close-up on the area I'm currently working on.

You’ve Got Questions. I’ve Got Answers.

Coral wanted to know about the Better Homes and Gardens Santa Star (designed by Barbara Sestock). It's in Cross-Stitch Christmas: Handmade Heirlooms (copyright 2002). The book has about 40 patterns, including patterns for card inserts, wall hangings, pillows, stockings, and ornaments. I recognize several designs as duplicates from their other books and magazines. Some pretty good designers are included in addition to their "stock" designers. Patricia Anderle contributes one of her trademark hardanger overlay pieces and a 3D mug cozy that looks like a cottage; it's pretty cute, but I don't know anyone who needs a mug cozy. Mike Vickery offers a nice wall hanging of a nutcracker soldier. Linda Stoltz presents three mini pins in the gift section, two are floral and one is an ark with a rainbow. Lizzie*Kate is represented by a house pillow that is also shown as an ornament. I think I've seen this before, though, and I'm thinking it was in a calendar. Finally Cecilia Turner (Heart in Hand) contributes "A Right Jolly Old Elf" which is a Santa who is wearing a patchwork jacket. I'm positive that this one was in a magazine as well. These books are widely available on the internet. Lots of people get them because they are on automatic delivery, then don't send them back in time for a refund. That's how some of these places make money: we're too lazy! So, anyway, as the lazies make a bid to get some of their money back, you can get these "used" just about everywhere.

Kymm wanted to know where I found the Ewe & Eye & Friends pattern. I bought mine at Elegant Stitch, but they don’t seem to have it on their website anymore. I was able to find it at Homespun Samplar. I've never ordered from them, but they have a great sale page. And lots and lots of Ewe & Eye.

Finally, as a treat for reading, here's my progress on MLI's Enchanted Alphabet. I'm using the Needle Necessities conversion. I wrote in tedious detail about that here.