Flood, kit from Bothy Thread

Finally finished this little gem up. It should’ve only taken a few days, but as the saying goes, “Life got in the way.” I subbed out the aida supplied in the kit for 32 ct Seaside Melody Lugana from Silkweaver and I didn’t use the supplied beads for the lions’ eyes (French knots looked better, I thought, after seeing the giraffes’ eyes). The kit has enough to stitch the design a second time, and there were also lots of extra beads. If I were to buy kits at some point in the future, theirs are generously supplied and the charts are crystal clear.

I bought two of these kits (from this series) when Cameron was born, but I’ve stitched this with the intent of hanging it (and the other one, when I do it) in Arden’s room. (Hearing other cross stitched gifts I made for Cameron as “those things you made for him” somehow dampened my enthusiasm about stitching gifts for Rich’s kids. LOL.)

Sow Dry, Set Wet

Stitched on low-count jute-like linen with DMC and OWS linen thread in a pastel palette because my exchange partner likes those colors.

Finished as a door knocker using some vintage lace.

Helga Mandl – Spring (adapted)

Stitched to make a needlebook/scissor pocket for Max’s birthday this April. I adapted one of Helga’s Seasonal SAL designs. The backside of the needlebook will have the names of the four seasons and something like ’stitch every day’ written.