February IHSW, TUSAL Update and WIPocalypse

Hello Friends!

I got lots of stitching done this weekend. Three day weekends are great. My son had the day off from school so I was forced to take the day off too. I'm glad I did. I got to work on several projects this weekend.

First up is my Santa Ornament I started last month for the Christmas All Year Around SAL Blog.

Before:

After:

Next up, I worked on my Thomas Kinkade WIP. I figured out a way that makes this project seem a little less daunting after all. The chart is completely black and white so it makes the symbols hard to read. I didn't like using a highlighter on my chart since it bled on the paper too much. Instead, I started using a red pen to cross off the symbols I've stitched already. As crazy as it sounds, that made a big difference for me. Seeing those red x's gives me a feeling of accomplishment and new motivation to keep working on this project. Now it doesn't seem so scary and burdensome. 

Before:

 

After:

Third up! I started my BAP for 2012 for BeckySC's BAP Challenge. I'm doing Little House Neighborhood by Little House Needleworks.

Starting Progress: A Roof :)

Finally, my February TUSAL Update. If you would like to participate, please visit DaffyCat's blog.

This really isn't everything folks. I'll have you know that I also made a Birthday Card and did some handquilting on my quilt too. Not bad crafty progress for a three day weekend huh?

Editor Note: I am such a blonde. This post was also meant to count towards the February WIPocalypse. Duh! :D

I hope you have a fabulous week. Thank you for visiting and for your wonderful comments. :)

Jen

My UFO Nightmare...

I'm starting to remember why I left this Thomas Kinkade cross-stitch kit in my closet for ten years.

Isn't this the scariest stitching mess you have ever seen? First of all, I wish those kit companies could think of a better way of organizing the threads for us consumers. Included in the kit was one of those cardboard "organizers" with punched holes. I was a good girl ten years ago and sorted my threads. I neatly wrote the thread color numbers above the appropriate hole...BUT Man o Man!!... just looking at this mess NOW is making me nuts! I can't work with threads all jumbled together like that. That "organizer" is not organizing anything! Looks I will be spending some time making bobbins this week!

The chart is a magnificently (horrendous) black and white chart with a gazillion symbols. Plus, many of the colors in this design are tweeded. (Two colors of floss stitched together) How special is that! And included too is this ultra fine pearl filament "floss". This stuff reminds me of that pretty grass you find in Easter baskets.

O and would you like to see what aida stuck in a hoop and all folded up in a bag for ten years looks like?

A most perfect example to any newbie how not to store your projects. This aida had an immediate date with my iron tonight.

Finally, here is closeup of what I started ten years ago:

I gave myself a goal to complete at least half of this chart by the end of the year. The only problem is that this chart takes a lot of concentration because of the millions of symbols. There is also some specialty stitches as well. I see myself only being able to stitch this project on the weekends when I am home while the sun is out and shining. I just don't have the required brain power in the evenings for this one. Wish me luck!

Good Night All...I am off for some rest and reading.

Jen