A Stitch A Week

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to throw a few pictures up of the newest stitch-a-long I've been preoccupied with. First let me tell you that it's intimidating for me...LOL I don't like choosing my own colors, or fibers to use. This is REALLY stretching my comfort zone, but I think it's good for me! I'm actually having fun! I'm learning so much about fabric counts and different fibers, and new and different stitches! I've had to experiment with number of strands and even how I want to stitch things. It's a challenge but I do love it! So...where should I start? This is called A Stitch A Week SAL and I found it on another person's blog. She found it through a Yahoo group called Friendly Stitchers. They are a fun loving bunch of ladies and I'm enjoying getting to know them. The artist of this design is called Abi, and she is phenominal! I hate to put this one down just because the experimentation has been so much fun. I'm stitching this on 32 ct Taupe over 2 threads (don't faint those of you who know I love to stitch over one!!!). I think, because of the size of each of the little graphs and the different stitches I HAVE to do it over two...but I'm enjoying the change of pace. The owl is done in DMC and white rayon, I tried to make it look like a snowy owl. The Lily of the valley flowers are done with white rayon and DMC, and the robin is done all in DMC. The grid work is done with Waterlilies by Caron and the color is Celadon....kind of a varigated light green. I really wanted to start this and take it along on my retreat, but I would have to drag all my DMC and specialty fibers along and that would take up a lot of room. I'm the worst for packing too much so I'll have to think about this, but it would be fun to have the input of some fabulous creative stitchers...decisions, decisions! I'm able to finish several of these little patterns a day and so hopefully I'll catch up quickly as they are already on week 17!!!!

I'm not sure if I will be able to post again before I leave for the retreat. I can hardly wait! I had such a blast last year, I'm really looking forward to getting away from the guys and stitching to my hearts content! I'm nowhere near being ready and have a few busy days ahead. I hope I can finish up what I need to before I leave...wish me luck! I'll see you when I get back!