Out the window it goes ....

I've decided that my goal challenge now needs to be revised considerably. I know that I will not be able to meet my goals in any shape or form. So, I am now just working on what takes my fancy and as I enlarge my pages into quarters, my goal is to just complete a quarter page at a time on any given project. So far it is working for me. But, I keep forgetting to take photos. Must remember to get around to this when I finish here.

Until next time, happy stitching

Every stitch is worth it ....

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with my stitching goals for 2011. So, I think I need to prioritize, but before I do that, here are a couple more updates.

I have always loved Dragon Luck since I saw it as a Storykeep, but I wasn't head over heels in love with Heaven and Earth designs when that freebie was available, so, when I found the Quick Stitch that the Storykeep had been cropped from I couldn't get it started soon enough for my new grandson, (he is growing so fast where did the last 5 months go???). I have just managed to get half of page 2 done and this little guy is looking so cute, now I only have to finish page 2 & 3 on this to complete one of my 2011 goals.

I also have an update of another dragon Eldar and I am close to finishing half of page 7 which will mean that the first five columns of this are finished, yipee I can't wait. I really like working on this, but because I love all my other projects the same nothing is getting the TLC it "truly" deserves.

So this week, I want to get 600 stitches completed on QS Curl Up, so I need to go to get a more on.

Until next time, happy stitching

Curling up to keep warm ....

It's winter here in New Zealand and all I have wanted to do is curl up in front of the fire. But, alas that was not to be. I did get a fair bit of stitching in though. I have made progress on page 1 of QS Curl up with a good book, just looking at this little guy warms the soul. Maybe I will get page 1 completed in my August rotation.

I have added a few more stitches to my little fairy "Roses Friend", but as it is all background I decided that I would wait until the page was finished before adding another update photo and Masquerade SK finally has her face completed, I will take a picture of the whole project when I take it off the QSnaps. This project has become my nemesis, it is just sitting there constantly taunting me, but I figure that any stitches that I can get completed on this are a bonus. I hope to get back with another update over the next week so here's hoping.

Until next time, happy stitching

Time for a catch up ....

This is what I managed to accomplish all the way back in May!!! I couldn't believe how much I had done until I sat down to write this post.

1. Eldar - 400 stitches done
2. Storykeep Masquerade - 400 stitches done
3. QS Curl Up with a Good Book - 400 stitches done
4. Polar Bear Fun - 400 stitches done
5. Roses Friend - 400 stitches done
6. QS Dragon Luck - 400 stitches 250 stitches

June was a complete washout, and now we have reached July. This month I plan to work 600 stitches on all my current projects and I also have a new start because I couldn't help myself. I joined the 2011 SK SaL on the HAED BB, (what was I thinking!!!).

Here she is in all her glory. This is Ice Wind by Linda Tso. So, I have gridded up my fabric and I just need to get a couple of extra threads. I have decided to work this one on 22ct Hardanger, mainly because that is what I had in my stash, and I haven't actually cross stitched a piece on Hardanger before. I am looking forward to how this will work up.

I won't be able to make an actual start on this though until later in the month, but first up in my rotation this month is QS Curl up with a good book, so I should have some progress to show you next update.

Until next time, happy stitching

Missing in action ....

The last 6 weeks have been absolutely hectic (4 deaths in the family and happily a birth and a 21st birthday), sounds like a really bad movie title. As a result of this I haven't been able to update my blog or get much of any stitching done. But, fingers crossed life can only get better. I have managed to put a few stitches in and will take photos and update you all in my next post.

Until next time, happy stitching

May Goals ....

Here we go! It's the beginning of the month again!

1. Eldar - 400 stitches
2. Storykeep Masquerade - 400 stitches
3. QS Curl Up with a Good Book - 400 stitches
4. Polar Bear Fun - 400 stitches
5. Roses Friend - 400 stitches
6. QS Dragon Luck - 400 stitches

Until next time, happy stitching

I survived, and made a new start ....

I've reached the end of the month. Woohoo!! I survived the NO BUY challenge that I set myself. It was really difficult, so many beautiful new releases came out and my fingers were itching to make them a part of my stash.

This is my latest new start. It's called Roses Friend by Molly Harrison and charted by Heaven and Earth designs. I saw this and immediately thought of my Aunt. She was also my Godmother and I was her "Namesake". She passed away 17 years ago and this is the first time I have come across a design that reminded me of her so much.  So I am making this in her honor, much missed and loved by me and my family. This is my progress on her so far. I am stitching the background, and finding it really therapeutic, because not as much concentration is required.

I'm ending this month by working on QS Curl Up with a Good Book. It had been a nightmare for me until I restarted on 18ct and it seems to be working out for me.

Okay, so, from what I achieved last month, I am really glad that I did do a rethink on my rotation. I feel so much happier about the progress that I have made with all my projects and I've been able to decide which projects are a priority and give them the time that is needed to get them finished quicker. Last but definitely not the least I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my musings. I appreciate all your comments.

Until next time, happy stitching

Rotation rethink ....

I really needed to do this because I had other projects that I wasn't getting anywhere with. So I have decided to work on each project in rotation for four days and then work one day on either of my two focus pieces. That way I may be able to get some progress on everything. I might even be able to post updates more often

.

So here is an update to Polar Bear Fun. This was the first chart that I brought from HAED. I got it because my husband loves Polar Bears and this is one that really appealed to me. Very slow progress, because I haven't worked on this since August of last year.

Until next time, happy stitching

Update time ....

Here we are at Day 25 and I still haven't brought any more HAED charts. Woohoo!!! It's been difficult, but I'm ever hopeful that my children will come through. If not, oh well, it's okay. It's not the end of the world.

So, now it's time for some updates and I have a few so I am going to spread them over a couple of posts. First off here is QS Dragon Luck. I haven't worked on this in a while. I've been busy listening to all my other WIPs screaming for attention and this one got neglected. But I brought it out again and I have made this a regular in my rotation.

Next up is Masquerade SK. This is one of my goals for this year and I need to make progress with this. I'm excited because she finally has two eyes (well almost) and I'm getting close to being half way finished.

Until next time, happy stitching

I'm trying not to cave in ...

I was doing okay until I saw the added bonus of the extra 25% off sale on the HAED website. I was really glad when it ended yesterday. To stop myself from buying I sent emails to my children reminding them that it will be Mother's Day next month and that there is currently a sale on. So, I'm hoping they get the hint. They are normally very good at taking direct advice.

Oh my goodness, being proactive really does work. My daughter said to me, "Mum you know how you asked us to buy those cross stitch patterns? What is the name of that other place where you get all the bits from? Woohoo, Mothers Day this year is definitely shaping up to something wonderful.

I also made a new start, it is called "Rose's Friend" and I have really enjoyed working on this so far. It is mostly background that I am working, so it's a nice change from all the intense confetti in my other projects, making them seem more interesting rather than a chore.

Until next time, happy stitching