A while back I came across these little Cottage of the Month charts by Country Cottage Needleworks. I actually love a whole lot of their stuff.
The July cottage in the Cottage of the Month set is what made me not be able to walk away. I couldn’t come up with a plan for how I might finish these. I didn’t want to have 12 frames, with one being out and 11 being put away somewhere. Even if I came up with a plan that used the same frame and switched out the stitched piece, that didn’t thrill me.
I was killing time, which I do so well, and came across a set of three stackable poplar bentwood boxes. They’re very thin and fragile but they’re perfect for this project. I’ll paint the big, probably with chalk paint.
The recommended fabric is 28 count and the stitched area will come out to 5-1/2″ x 5-1/2″. The sizes of the top so the boxes are 5″ for the large, 4-3/4″ for the medium and 4″ for the small.
Here’s my plan:
- Stitch on 40 count fabric and the stitched area will be 3-7/8″ square.
- Use the 4″ top as a guide and cut a foamcore template that’s just a little larger – maybe 4-3/8″ but keep the edges rounded.
- That will give me about 1/4″ border on each side of the stitching.
- I’ll put velcro on the top of the box and velcro on the back of the foamcore. Each month will have it’s own foamcore and the piece will be attached to the foamcore. All I’ll have to do is peel one off and stick the next one down.
I could turn it like this and the box would sit flat on a side table.
Or I could turn it like this and the box could be stood on its edge.
I’m not making any decisions til I get the first piece stitched. A lot of thoughts will run through my head between now and then.
Rosalie says
Snd maybe you can store the other months in the box!
Judy Laquidara says
Great idea. Thanks!
Deborah says
Where did you buy the form core? Sticky board with batting would work but that foam core is perfect!
Judy Laquidara says
I don’t like the sticky board as much because it’s a bit harder to reposition. JoAnn and Michaels have it. Hobby Lobby may have it in the framing area. If all else fails, Amazon has it in lots of sizes.
Shauna says
Another way would be to glue washers to the lid and magnets to the back of the project. I have seen several people do this with monthly projects. I have a monthly set that I plan to do this with as well. I do love the boxes they are super cute.
Sue says
Hi again! I didn’t realize how much of my day is spent reading your blog until it was in repair. Being self quarantined for a year I realize I go to your blog several times a day for my virtual human connection. I sure missed you. I too have taken back up Cross stitch again after many years of being devoured in knitting. I do have a quilt in very slow progress too, your pattern Morning Splash,(my 4th) which I love. Have you ever watched Priscilla & Chelsea The real housewives of cross stitch podcast? I think you would like some of Priscillas finishings. I’m so glad your back and that Vince will be there soon. Can’t wait to hear about your first summer in MO. Stay safe and Bless you for sharing your everyday with us, I’ve laughed, cried, learned so much from you, and bonus I’m not afraid of canning anymore.
Judy Laquidara says
You’re describing exactly how I feel. The blog keeps me connected to so many, most of whom I’ve never met but still consider you all my friends. It was quiet and lonely without the blog . . which means I should probably get out more often but the blog communications seem much safer these days.
Diana says
Have you seen Priscilla’s way of finishing? (Stitching with the Housewives)She finishes ea piece with maybe one layer of mat board behind covered in comp fabric and she attaches to a frame or wood sign with magnets and washers. Glue the magnets to the frame or whatever and then glue washers to the back of the indiv pcs, You have to get the kind of washers that stick to magnets – some don’t. You can change out monthly by just pulling off and re-attaching new pc.
Judy Laquidara says
That’s basically what I’m planning to do but use velcro squares or dots.
Dotti Wahlers says
Why not do it like your Farmhouse Sampler stitching each cottage with a border around each one, all on a piece of fabric to be enjoyed all year!
Judy Laquidara says
I want those to be something I change out and see a new one each month.