Every time I think about a new project, I have to make a huge mess with floss and fabric trying to find what works so I decided to work on making a few kits of some of the things I want to stitch up. These are not shown in the order I plan to make them.
Pumpkin Farm by Blackbird Designs
The pattern shows it on 30 count fabric. I have a 32 count piece that’s big enough and it would make the project just a tad smaller. Shown below is Mocha Belfast Linen.
I am concerned that the lightest color may blend in. I could always go with a shade darker but it may be ok.
Here’s all the floss shown on Vintage Country Mocha Linen. The only size I have is 28. I love this Vintage Country Mocha and it’s the first one I choose every time. I think the beauty of having a display of framed cross stitch pictures is having many different fabrics so I don’t want to use Vintage Country Mocha too much even though I love it.
I also have a Beautiful Beige in 28 count. I may just use this to keep from having to order something else. The lightest color (upper right) blends with this too but I think everywhere it’s used, there are other stitches around it and nowhere that’s shown surrounded by fabric.
Christmastide at Holly House by The Scarlett House
I have all the floss. I actually ordered it as a kit. It’s done on 40 count with one thread over 2 squares. If I didn’t already have the floss, I’d probably go up a size or two on the count but then I’d have to use two strands and I’d probably run out of floss. Because I have a brain and occasionally use it, I have two tiny little pieces of 40 count fabric so I ordered a couple of 40 count pieces that are big enough for this one.
A Good Marriage by Lizzie Kate
I actually have the called or fabric – 32 count Lambswool Linen.
As soon as I finish stitching the cats, I’m going to start this one.
Preserving Liberty
I actually have all the floss for this one, as well as the fabric that’s called for – 32 Count Beautiful Beige.
This project has taken me all day and this post is getting long. I’m doing this more for my benefit – to document my plans and what’s ready to stitch so . . please forgive me if you totally aren’t interested in cross stitching.
Alison says
I think I might have the same personality traits as you Judy. I was gifted 7 gorgeous jigsaw puzzles, I have completed one and already I am looking on line for some to buy! My husband was looking at me and without saying a word I knew he was thinking “do what you already have first”
Judy Laquidara says
When I start something new, I want it all NOW. I could never collect anything because if I want a set of pots . . I want every size and configuration they make. Same with cross stitching – I want every color of floss. That was hard when it was just DMC but now that there are all kinds of other brands . . I’m going to have to exercise a bit of restraint.
Stephani in N. TX says
Don’t want to put you off your plans, but you might want to try a sampler with a house in it before you buy a ton more. I love samplers, primarily alphabet samplers. But, stitching a building takes so long and is so boring that I avoid them. You may be more patient with them but I have lots of XS, from small to quite large finished and hanging, and none of them have houses in them. I found from the outset that they were boring to me and consequently didn’t get finished. Just saying…
Judy Laquidara says
OK. I won’t buy any more house samplers til I’ve stitched one. Thank you.
Marilyn Smith says
Years ago, visiting my uncle in New Hamshire, we bought a medicine chest (tiny), and a cross stitched sampler that we love. I have never done crosstitch. I have done losts of needlepoint. Now it is more binding sewn by hand on quilts. Still love needlepoint, also embroidery. I purchased a few projects in England. They are beautiful. Just need to dig them out and start on them. I love handwork. I also love knitting but we live in the So CA desert and don’t need many sweaters anymore. I love hearing from all of you that do a bit of this and that. I did meet Judy at Road to Caalifornia and she is such a multi talented woman. Just love this woman, not only for her crafting but her cooking as my husband grew up in OK. She has taught me so much.
Need to go check my dinner. Also watching Clemson for Vince! Hope they win!
Donna says
Just a suggestion but when I have a thread that may blend with my background I use one strand of it and another strand of one just a shade darker to make it not blend too much. Works for me!
Judy Laquidara says
Thanks! I can try that if I have a problem. I don’t have a very good stash of floss but that’s a nice tip.
Kim says
I just started playing with cross stitch again to, I took a 35 year break. But now that I’m 55 I think I need a magnifying lamp. If you are using one what did you get?
Judy Laquidara says
I got an Ott at JoAnn’s with a coupon. I think it was $199 and I got 50% off one item and they do curbside pickup. I like it. It takes some getting used to but it makes a huge difference.
Connie says
Love your stitching choices. I have stitched The Pumpkin Farm, and I loved it when finished. I know it’s part of Blackbird Designs Anniversary series. I have so many other patterns that are started, that I haven’t looked too far into the rest of the series. Have fun with your stitching.
Jackie says
Looking at your Blackbird piece, I think you’ll be fine with the lighter floss color on whatever linen you choose. All of the light color seems to be framed by darker threads in the project.
I saw the previous comment about not enjoying stitching houses. I LOVE stitching them! I generally outline first and fill in grout lines and windows etc and then I have a nice section of mindless stitching that is perfect for zoom stitching, watching tv, chatting with my husband, etc. Everyone likes something different and that’s ok! You’ll figure it out quickly what you like and don’t like! You have a really good variety of pattern styles, linen and thread manufacturers/colors and that will make it interesting and fun!
Judy Laquidara says
Yes, I feel the same way. What’s more monotonous than knitting miles of stockinette in a sweater and I love that because like you, it doesn’t require a lot of thought but I should knit everything at least once before buying more of that style.
Gisela says
I love all of your cross stitching patterns and floss. I hope you enjoy it – I know we have other hobby kniting, etc.
but this relaxes me also.
Nelle Coursey says
You know me! I love looking at all your projects!! I saw one today that was a unicorn! I know Addie would love that one!
Terri says
Oh my! I’m catching up on months and months of blogs and when I saw that you too have gone down the cross stitch I just smiled! I started a year ago and it’s so fun! Soooo many pretty charts. And the floss choices now are mind boggling! Classic color works is my favorite. I came to search your blog about canners (I’m starting to research prepper-lite lol) but I’m going to end up adding charts to my list!