Stitching Blogger's Question: Stitching Large

Have you ever used a magnifying glass while stitching? If so, did you find it helpful?

I don't have much to say for this week's SBQ for thankfully, I'm still lucky (and young) enough that my eyes doesn't require any help focusing on my stitching just yet. Thus, I've never used a magnifying glass while stitching. However, if the need ever arises for me to use it, I think I'd probably find it both a blessing and a curse for as much as it would reduce the strain on my eyes, it'd probably get in my way more often than not.

Passione Ricamo Autumn

I stitched two more Passione Ricamo freebies... this time of an Autumn theme. It was just plain coincidence since this here is the only choice available for Rozita's round robin. It was the last square before the RR goes back home to mummy. For those of you who're too late in downloading it, the series is being published again in The World of Cross Stitching magazine. Spring and Summer Postcard is already out in issue 111 and issue 112 respectively. Autumn and Winter Postcard will each be printed in issue 116 and issue 117.

I know Roz can't wait to see the whole piece but since her RR theme is the same as mine, I won't post a picture of it until I have my RR back. That way, when I post both pictures together, you all can compare how different both our round robins look stitched on different fabrics with a different arrangement. Coincidentally, she stitched Autumn on mine as well and now I understand what she meant when she said that the occasional confetti stitches were killing her. The end result is beautiful though, don't you agree?

Anyway, after I posted the Topiaries as my picture answer for the SBQ, with a splurt of enthusiasm and speed, I picked it up again and started stitching frantically. Within two days, I had completed the Autumn Topiary. Makes me wonder why I had not done that sooner.

Now here's the finish piece... the first piece I've done this year that I can claim as being completely mine - something that I've stitched all for myself. The luxury and satisfaction that comes from that is incomparable. I've personalised it by adding these words that I wrote at the top:

For everything in Life, there's a Reason
Just as there's Beauty in every Season

I thought it fits in nicely and it stands to remind me, whenever I look at it that no matter what happens in life, God's work is always involved and that instead of complaining or blaming someone, I should try to look for the silver lining in the situation. Now, if only saying is as easy as actually doing...

Stitching Blogger's Question: Stitching Books

How many cross stitch books do you own and how often do you use them?

Does magazines count? No? In that case, I have a total of 3 cross stitch books - Donna Kooler's Seasons in Cross Stitch, Joan Elliott's Cross Stitch Sentiments and Sayings and Leisure Arts' Sweeter than the Rose. The contents are all charts with little finishing or technique instructions for the way I see it, I can probably find enough of those online. However, I've yet to stitch anything from those books even though I flip through them pretty often just to admire the pictures. However, I do plan to stitch some of the charts, if only I got the time! I've got too much on my to-do list as it is now.

Stitching Blogger's Question: SBQ Picture Day

This week's SBQ which I've finally gotten around to answering is a two parter requesting pictures:

The first request comes from Vash who is requesting pictures of the back of your stitching… are you brave enough to give this one a shot?

Yup, apparently I'm brave enough. The "Seasonal Topiaries" which now is sadly no longer a downloadable freebie from Passione Ricamo was supposed to be a SAL on the EMS Board but I got waylaid by RRs. I think I'm very behind now but I'll manage to complete it - somehow... someday...

The second request comes from Singular Stitches, and she is asking for “a pictorial tour of [the] special place that you go to create your wonderful stitched creations.”

Here it is, the place where I do 99.9% of my stitching - in my room in front of the computer. That is why for those of you who know me, I'm online almost all the time. You can see my sewing machine at the far end. I also have a lovely view of my fish tank while I'm stitching.

Representing Me?

Yup, you've read correctly. This pattern is representing me in Teresa's round robin. Originally, dragons/unicorns were her theme but she changed her mind and gave us the freedom to stitch any pattern as long as it reflects our personality and likes. Then how exactly did I end up stitching this?

Well, flowers were the first to enter my mind so I thought I'd stick with that. I love flowers and I think they're one of life's greatest pleasure. Next, I wanted a design that the lovely lavender of the fabric would not only complement but enhance as well. I decided that a design with plenty of bright, sunny yellow would achieve that effect nicely. Roses, which are my favourite flowers briefly crossed my mind as the flowers to stitch but romantic wasn't exactly what I was aiming for. I finally settled on Mimosa by Passione Ricamo for I think it looks sweet and cheerful and if you visit my blog often, you'll know that Laura's one of my favourite designers.

And if you're curious as to what the RR looks like now, here it is, in all its glory. The dragon was stitched by Teresa and the house and hearts by Melissa. It'll be heading to Monica next in USA. Wonder what she'll add to it. This is probably the most unique RR I've ever had the honour to stitch.

Chiara's Bathtime Round Robin

For the past day or so, I've been painfully reminded of how much I love evenweave and linen. And this is the reason for it:

By the time I finished stitching Archie, I've developed an intense love-hate relationship with him, or more accurately, his shower cap, soap bar and bubbles. Check out the backstitches that are determined to defy, break and basically ignore all laws of aida! I swear, patterns like these should come with a warning: "Never attempt on aida" and NOT give aida as the suggested fabric! That aside, the backstitches does bring out the clarity of the whole design and give Archie a 3D look. Just to clarify, I did enjoy stitching him. How could I not? Look at him, so smug and satisfied in the tub. Seems like he's having the time of his life. I love the bright colours too. For those of you who're wondering, "Pamper Yourself" Archie can be found in the November 2005 issue of Britain's Cross Stitcher.

Anyway, this is a favour for Chiara whose "Bathtime" round robin was returned with an empty square. She had already chosen Archie for the square before I offered to fill it in for her and I thought I'd obligue with her decision. The mat and some bubbles were left out in order for it to fit the square. Now, some of you might have noticed that the B and E of the word Bathtime in the middle are missing. I have to confess, that was a complete mistake on my part. I did some big time miscounting before I started stitching and thought the letters would be in the way. I gained Chira's permission to frog them and then realised too late that it wasn't even necessary in the first place! Sorrie, Chiara. Well, I hope to have it in the mail sometime next week so you can have it back as soon as possible. It'd look fantastic hanging in your bathroom.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Chart Collecting

Do you collect charts by one particular designer, yet have never stitched anything by that designer? If so, which designer and why do you collect the charts but have not yet stitched any of them?

It depends on what you mean by collecting. If you mean collect all the charts ever printed by a designer, then no, I've never done that and I never will, no matter how much I like the designer. I do not have the money and/or space nor do I see the point in doing that. I only buy charts that I like and will probably stitch and not because of the designer. However, I do have a few charts in my collection from the same designers, for example: Vermillion Stitchery, Lavender & Lace, Mirabilia etc. that I have never stitched but I *am* planning to stitch them. I just haven't gotten around to them yet.

One World, Many Cultures Exchange 2006

In the mail today, came a package from Deana all the way from the United States of America. It's for the One World, Many Cultures Exchange on EMS Cross Stitch Board which all the participants have to stitch something representing their own countries for their partners. Needless to say, it's an international exchange because of that.

Deana stitched this American flag magnet for me for obvious reasons. This is the first time I've had a stitched magnet and now I have it proudly on display in my room. She also stitched this lovely cardinal card for me because as I've learnt from her letter, it is Ohio's state bird, which is where she's from.

I've also learnt a couple more things about Ohio such as it's the birth place of the Wright brithers who developed the first effective airplane. Astronaut John Glen who was the first man to orbit the earth was also born there. Thank you, Deana.

As for my part in the exchange, I'll have to show it to you at a later date. Today's the deadline and as I'll be mailing mine tomorrow, I'll be a day late. I appologize in advance to my partner. This is the first time I'm late for an exchange. Just didn't have time to go to the post office even though my package has been ready way earlier. Sorrie! Will post some pics once it has arrived.

DIY Kit Exchange 2006

What's inside this beautifully wrapped mystery package? Have I got your attention yet? Well, it certainly has got mine for more than a week since I received it. It's my Aion DIY Kit Exchange from Colette. Finally, today's the big opening day and I could hardly restrain myself any longer. I tore into the wrapping and look, this is what I got!
Colette knew I love EMS Designs and has kindly prepared this scissors case kit for me. It's a freebie and not supposed to be kitted up but she has gain Ellen's permission before doing so. I feel so honoured. Besides that, Colette has also stitched this lovely card for me. The design is from EMS' Garden Alphabets series. "V for Violet" is the design name or in this case, it's V for Veronica. *Cheeky Grin* Anyway, a very big thank you to both Colette and Ellen. I love everything.
As for me, here's what I got for my partner, Louise. She had mentioned that she loves samplers and is willing to try anything new and since I love Jeremiah Junction because of its bright and cheerful colours, I thought if she hasn't already stitch their designs before, I'll introduce her to it by giving her this Cross Stitch Crazy leaflet. The chart I've picked is "ABC Come Stitch With Me" but just in case she doesn't like it, there're two other choices for her, namely "Cross Stitch Crazy" and "Cross Stitch Forever". Very apt, I think, for all us stitchers. I've also included a postcard of Malaysia along with my kit.
Anyway, here's the card I stitched to accompany my kit. "Martina's Roses" designed by Martina Weber is my first Châtelaine. It's a downloadable freebie. I stitched it on light blue Aida and did my first specialty stitches - the Algerian Eyelet on it. It is also my first beading project. Even though there're many first involved in this project for me, I think it turned out really nice, if I do say so myself. I wrote a poem for her in the card but I think that's up to her whether she would like to share it. Hope she likes both card and kit.

5 Gold Rings

The 5th in Margaret Sherry's 12 Days of Christmas, 5 Gold Rings is my absolute favourite of the whole series. Which lady wouldn't love to receive a ring, more over 5 gold ones from her true love, as the song goes? Certainly not me. Not to mention the cute cartwheeling cat in the design. Yup, that explains it all and 5 Gold Rings win hands down as my favourite.

Also, any of you who're stitching this series can also relate to my next point - finally, no more skinny bird legs/feet to stitch! True, they're not that bad but they prevent me from finishing faster. Now that I don't have to deal with them anymore, I finish this in two and a half days of leisurely stitching. Now I'm am itching to stitch the next one. Hopefully I won't have long to wait before it arrives in the mail.

It's Christmas Already?

No, of course not. I know, I know, time flies and some of you have been wondering what I've been up to since it's been a while since I've last shown any stitching updates, but time does not fly that fast! Then what am I doing stitching Santas? Well, this Santa Baby here is for Lene's "Christmas" Round Robin. I've had a few patterns in mind but after she specifically requested that someone stitch this adorable Santa Baby for her, well, how could I resist? After all, EMS's patterns are always a pleasure to stitch.

Anyway, with just one more person to go before the RR returns home (we had a participant dropped out), Lene, unless you want it to be a "surprise" (considering you already know what the other squares look like), then I suggest you either stop reading here or close your eyes, here's your Christmas RR with four squares filled in. Like it? I sure do hope so!

And again, another Santa, this time from Margaret Sherry, I present to you the first square of my "Santa" Round Robin for another 6 person RR on EMS Cross Stitch Board starting 15th June. Yup, you've guessed it, I joined another one. Another two, to be exact for I have another one starting in July but that's beside the point. This little Santa here took me a long time (read as more than two weeks!) to stitch and near the end, I was already so sick of it that I just want the torture (yes, you've read correctly, it was really becoming a pain!) to end because as you well know, Herritage Stitchcrafts designs equals squash stitches (which by the way, they renamed vertical and horizontal stitch) and tons of tweeding. (A big Thank You to EeKoon for being patient enough to endure all my complaints all those night when I was hard at it.) I'm relieved to have it over and done with. Still, the satisfaction I feel now is almost worth all the labour. Almost.

I've substituted the DMC cotton floss with pearlescent effects floss from the DMC Light Effects range for the snow at Santa's feet. Although you can't see the difference from the picture, I can assure you that the result is quite stunning in real life, especially when combined with the shine from the metallic gold threads that's woven into the fabric. Now it's packed and ready to be sent out. Whew!

Stitching Blogger's Question: Special Favourites

What is your favorite specialty stitch? Which one is your least favorite? Why?

I haven't had much experience with specialty stithes to form much of an opinion for this question. The only specialty stitch I've done so far is the Algerian Eyelet and French Knots. I didn't particularly enjoyed the Algerian Eyelet for it can be quite a chore to complete one compared to good old cross stitch but I do like the different effect it lends to a piece. As for French Knots, I used to hate it but after I've learnt to tackle it, I'm fine with it but if a particular project contains dozens of French Knots, I think I'll more than likely replaced them with beads. Beads gives a better 3D effect and looks nicer anyway. Does backstitch count as specialty stitch? I love doing it for it's fast and as you stitch, the whole design just pops out and suddenly everything finally makes sense.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Stitching Mojo

Lately, it seems that many stitching bloggers have experienced a loss of their stitching mojo. Have you ever lost your stitching mojo? If so, how did you get it back and how long did it take?

I'm not sure if this qualifies as losing my stitching mojo but from the time I started cross stitching to now, there were two years in between after I finish my first project, which I barely even picked up the needle. Reason? I was too caught up with other aspects of my life and I've never considered cross stitching as a long term hobby that I would become addicted to. However, after I've started stitching again early last year, I've not stopped completely. True, there were times when I slow down a lot (like now) simply because I wasn't in the mood or the project I was stitching doesn't appeal to me as much but with the commitments I have at the moment, I can't afford to stop. (I guess deadlines are a good thing for me then.) So, whenever I feel like I'm losing my stitching mojo, I go online and start looking at cross stitch websites and more often than not, the many beautiful patterns that I see gives me the much needed motivation because it reminds me that time is limitted and there's still so much I want to do.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the mothers out there, hope you have a wonderful day. I finally collected the bunny I made for my mum from the framers yesterday. I had sent it in last week and it has been ready more than a few days ago but I had been busy and it wasn't until yesterday that my dad helped me picked it up and snuck it into the house when my mum was out. Thanx Dad! Last night, I left it wrapped up on the table together with a set of clothes I had made for her to find in the morning. I was bedridden most of today by a horrible headache and as she had some church meetings to attend, it wasn't until later in the day that I she told me that she likes my gift.

It had not been an easy feat keeping it a secret from her. I remember how she came into my room when I was still halfway stitching the bunny. Boy, did I scrambled to get everything hidden! Actually, I just rolled it up and it was still in plain sight on the table. Since I've shown everything I've stitched to my mum, she assumed that I wouldn't mind her taking a peek at this one too so she must have been shocked that I practically shouted, "don't touch!" when she reached for it. Well, at least I managed to invent a reason, albeit a lame one, saying that it's not finished yet. At last, the cat is out and I can rest easy.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Leftovers

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 vastly prefer picking out fabric and floss of my choice for a pattern which is why it's not surprising that thus far, the only kit I've completed is the Forever Friends Bathtime. I've had quite a lot of leftovers from it. Since it uses Anchor floss, I've decided to add it to my stash to be used in the future, should the occassion arrises. (My usual brand is DMC) However, I think I would still have kept them anyway had it been any other floss for who knows, I might have need for them in the future. The possibility is always there, right? ^_~

Now that explains my ever increasing stash that never seems to diminish even though I have some patterns that I probably will never stitch. You just never know... especially with my love for round robins. *Grin*

Stitching Blogger's Question: Over-Dyed Opinions

Do you or have you stitched with over-dyed threads? (Weeks Dye Works, The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, Six Strand Sweets, etc.) If so, what is your opinion concerning them? If not, why not?

As of this post, I have yet to try over-dyed threads. On the other hand, I have used Anchor and DMC variegated threads. Do they count? I have some Six Strand Sweets in store though, thanks to Lene but I have yet to find the perfect project for them. I think the colours are very yummy but I have to say I have my concerns about them bleeding, especially the darker colours but since I haven't heard too much complain from other stitches in this area, I guess running the threads in cold water as per the instructions before stitching would eliminate this problem. Also, they're not easy to find in Malaysia which means I'll have to order them online and considering I don't have PayPal or credit card, that's a pretty huge obstacle I have to overcome. That aside, I think they look lovely on samplers, giving it an antique look or on monocolour projects, changing colours and shade automatically so my verdit is yes, I'll definitely give over-dyed threads a go.

Back to Round Robins

First off, I would like to thank everyone for your comments. I really do appreciate them. Now I'm back to stitching round robins again. I forgot to mention another side benefit from stitching on RRs is that I get to try out different designers and styles. This two here are perfect examples of what I would have missed out on had I not been part of the RR. They're not to my usual taste but I had fun stitching them.

This here is for Margaret's "From the Heart" round robin from Prairie Schooler. I think it's a rather sweet design and I especially love the heart shape vase. I think it has a delicate look to it, sort of reminds me of lace. Maybe that's because it's in white? Anyhow, here's the whole RR. It has one last square to go before it returns home.

And here's another design I otherwise would not have the chance to stitch... "Hope" from Lizzie Kate's new "12 Blessing of Christmas" series for Melissa's RR. This is not my first L*K though I'll have to show you the other one later for it's a surprise for someone ~_^ It arrived in the mail yesterday and I had it done in a day. My quickest stitching ever! I couldn't put it down. There's a dove charm included in the design but I did not attach it since Melissa said she'll do it when it gets home. Now I understand why so many stitchers love her designs. Simple and easy... it's for days when your mind's not working or just not in the mood for more complicated designs.

Bunny for Mum

I know those from the UK have already celebrated Mother's Day but here in Malaysia, we celebrate it on the second Sunday of May each year which would fall on 14 May this year to be exact. So, finally here's something non round robin related: Ellen Maurer-Stroh's "First Flowers for You" freebie which I chosed to stitch for my mum this year. It's stitched on Zweigart's 16 count Rustico Aida which I thought would set off the white nicely. Am pretty pleased with the results. I added in the words to make it more appropriate for the occassion. I designed the lower case letters, trying to make it look like a small kid's scrawl, thus emphasizing the more intricate upper case letters. Not sure if I managed to achieve the effect though. Now I just need to send it to the framers. I'm early I know but knowing me, I'll probably need the extra weeks.

 

Anyway, you must be wondering, there's no lack of Mother's Day patterns out there so why this one? My question back to you is, why not? Nah, just being cheeky there :p The reason behind it is I think my mum would like it, being born in the Chinese year of the Rabbit. Also, not only do I think the bunny is cute, I think it's rather sweet that it's presenting us with a couple of snowdrops which judging by the pattern's name (since Malaysia is a tropical country and there's no four seasons here), snowdrops are one of the first flowers of spring, which is a time for new life, new beginnings. As my mum is the one who brought me into this world... I'm sure you get where I'm going with this now.

Well, I'm getting too philosophical here and at the risk of boring you so I'll say no more. To those of you who would like to download this pattern, please visit EMS Cross Stitch Board where you'll find tons more great freebies. However, you'll need to register before you're allowed to log in. Man, I sound like a PR here. Oh well, I love her designs and I think she's a wonderful and generous lady.

Stitching Blogger's Question: In Over Your Head?

Do you do obligation or deadline-based stitching? Why or why not? If you do, do you tend to get in over your head and why?

Actually, I do do deadline-based stitching, in terms of round robins, exchanges and the occasional gifts for my friends and family. However, I don't think of it as an obligation because when I stitch something, it's only because I want to, not because I feel obliged to do it. In spite of my round robins preference to exchanges, I really don't mind either because it's so much fun and enables me to get to know other stitchers better worldwide. I just love the camaraderie stitchers share when involved together in a round robin or an exchange. It's different from when you're just sharing your WIPs (Work-in-Progress) or a HD (Happy Dance), if you know what I mean.

As for whether I tend to get in over my head, I've had my worries about not being able to keep up, being involved in 5 round robins and 2 exchanges at the moment but so far, I've yet failed to meet a deadline. Still, I do realize that this is my limit and have to keep reminding myself to refrain from joining anymore until the exchanges or at least one RR is completed.

A Robin...

... For my round robin. Excuse the pun but I just couldn't resist. Anyway, I think it's pretty obvious that my theme for this RR is "Birds". I seemed to have gone RR crazy this year after finding out about them last year. This is the fifth RR that I've joined, all with different groups and boards. The other five participants of this six person RR are Edda, Melissa, Monica, Sharee and Teresa.

As all the five RRs are still in progress, at different stages of course, I guess updates on RRs are mostly what you'll be getting from me so I apologize in advance to those who are already sick of reading an update on yet another RR. Maybe I should refrain from joining more exchanges and RRs so I could have more time to do my own stitching but they're so tempting and so much fun. Especially with RRs. Sure, there's a lot of work and commitment when you're involved in one but I love the fact that my RR will be worked on by different stitchers from all over the world while I work on theirs. The RR would enable me to get to know them better too. Also, don't you agree that the satisfaction is incomparable when your completed RR finally comes home? True, I haven't had the pleasure to experience that yet but I can already imagine my delight when that happens, knowing that my RR has been to places that I'll probably never have the chance to visit. Pretty cool, don't ya think?