Let's Talk Stitching

I'm happy to say that I've been stitching more lately, having a little more time after completing some other projects. My problem is that I keep coming up with more projects to do! But isn't that what crafters do?

Back to stitching, I finally completed my first square for the Rainbows For Peace And Comfort group.

You can see my original post explaining what this group is all about HERE. In addition, if you're interested in learning more, you can go to this Facebook page. Thank you to Loretta at Stitching the Night Away for the free pattern. I did change it up though. In the chart, the letters are white (the color of the fabric), and the background is in the rainbow colors.

I'm going to stitch at least three more squares. I started with one of the Rainbow Butterflies (from the Etsy shop called ClimbingGoatDesigns), but was stitching it on evenweave. The group asks that the squares be stitched on Aida. Then we were told that evenweave is ok. So in my state of confusion, I decided to buy some Aida and stitch this design on it. Now I know why I don't stitch on Aida. This cloth was particularly stiff to the point of being scratchy. And even though I was using a small petite needle, I had to work to pull it through which left my thumbs pretty achy. I already have thumb joint issues, so this wasn't an easy, quick stitch.

So now that I've finished this square, I'm going to go back to evenweave. I want to stitch more squares and contribute to this worthwhile project! Do you have a favorite or not-so-favorite fabric for cross stitch?

At a recent stitch day with my stitch group, the Sisters In Stitches, I decided to work on a WIP which you have seen in past posts - Kaleidoscope by Sheena Rogers Designs.

I made a lot of progress on this. As you can see, I completed the inner flower motif and am now working on the outside section. And it was a pleasure working on the buttery-soft Jobelan I chose for this project! Also, I noticed that I could stitch a lot faster on this fabric because I wasn't having a tug-of-war with the needle!

My birthday was several months ago, but I never posted about the little gift I bought for myself - a set of DMC Coloris floss! It's their brand new line of variegated floss and is a little different from their traditional variegated colors.

They're a blend of different color combinations and would work beautifully in designs using one floss color. I think that this Ink Circles design, Flower Power, would look good stitched with one of these flosses. What do you think?

I just bought this chart and may be stitching it with Coloris thread.

There are 24 different color blends, everything from Christmasy, one that looks autumnal, a red, white, and blue combo, several springtime looks, deeper color blends, and more. The pack also included some charts that would be appropriate for these variegated threads. Use this link to see more about Coloris threads.

I hope you enjoyed my all-stitching post. I'll keep you updated on my progress in the stitching world. Thanks for stopping by. If you're not already a follower, please consider becoming one. And I love getting comments, so please tell me what you think about my blog!

Learn Something New Giveaway!

It's been a long time since there's been a CraftyCat giveaway, so today's your lucky day!  I've noticed that in some of the stitch groups I'm in on Facebook that there are a few stitchers who don't know what evenweave fabric is or know what it is but are too intimidated to stitch on it.  Come on, stitchers, expand your stitchy horizons!!

Now, I know that everyone has their own preferences when it comes to cross stitch.  Aida is a perfectly nice fabric, easy to stitch on, and most of us created our first piece of stitchy art on it.  Stitching on evenweave, however, allows for more detail because fractional stitches are easier on it.  It can be a lot softer too.  And after you master evenweave, you can move on to linen which is a tiny bit more of a challenge because the threads in linen are often not even. 

So for my giveaway, I'm offering a 18"x18" piece of white 28-count Jobelan.  Don't panic about that 28-count.  It's the same size-wise as 14-count fabric because you're stitching over 2 threads. 

It's not at confusing as it sounds.  I'm going to also include my favorite instructions for stitching over 2 on evenweave (or linen).  And I'll even print them out for you.

As a little bonus, I'm including this little magnetic needle case with two size 26 needles. 

Sound good?  To enter the giveaway, just comment on this post.  That's it.  You don't have to be a follower to enter, although I love getting new followers.  I mean, it can really make my day.  Please make sure there is some way to get in touch with you!  If your email address is difficult to find by clicking on your blog or photo, then please include it in your comment.   I will announce the winner on Friday, October 23rd at 12:00 EST, so please comment before then!  Oh, and I'll ship this prize anywhere in the world.

Who doesn't want to learn some thing new?  Come on and enter my giveaway, even if you're an experienced evenweave/linen stitcher.  Good luck!