Stick6in23 - Spring stitching finish

 This is my first year taking part in the Stick6in23 SAL hosted by Martina and Manuela, you can find out all about the SAL on either of their blogs and also see the wonderful work they both do.  I believe there is also a list of other people taking part on Manuela's blog so we can go and enjoy their work too. 

 The number generated at the beginning of the year was No, 4 and the chart I had assigned that number to was April by The Prairie Schooler.  

I used all the called for DMC colours and the fabric is 28 count with a soft mottling, which unfortunately doesn't show in the photos.

Started 1st January 2023 Finished 17th February 2023

I love stitching houses and how sweet is this little pink house complete with picket fence, It's what drew me to the chart but I loved stitching every bit of it

And here is the whole thing.  

It's now in the hands of the framers, I've opted to have it framed in the same style as my January Piece, which you can see here.  They have a back-log on framing but fingers crossed I will have it home ready to display for  the month of April and I will show you how it looks then.

Martina has drawn the number 2 to be worked on in March and April, I'm so happy because I assigned the number 2 to a chart my daughter bought me a couple of Christmas's'  ago.  I can't wait to get started.

I do have another couple of finishes to show but haven't taken any photos yet, so perhaps next week I will get round to doing that.

Have a good week all

-X-

Plodding along, but making progress

 We have a small group on FB for those of us who attend the Nimble Thimble meet-ups,  At the beginning of each year we enthusiastically declare that we are going to stitch an ornament each month, I don't think to date that any of us have kept up with that declaration.  Some of the ladies have stitched and finished a number of ornaments but I don't think any of us have managed 12 fully finished, ready to hang on the tree ornaments.   I managed two last year.

I'm already behind on this years ornament stitching as I only finished January's last night.

This little fella is from book No.80 of The Prairie Schooler Old World Santas.

I made a mistake when choosing the fabric, I wrongly thought It was 32 count, which is the called for, instead It was 28 count, so my finish is a little larger than it should be.  I was going to finish him into an oval but it's now too big for that.  The question is, do I now stitch them all on the same 28 count, or switch to 32 count for the rest?

Last week was my week for stitching on my Bothy Threads bunny.  I didn't stitch on it all last week but the days I did stitch I got a decent amount done.

He's taking shape now, I'd say it's probably about half done.  I had thought it would be finished by the end of February but that's not going to happen now.

This week I'ts the turn of my Stick6in23 piece, not much more to go on this one, we have until the end of February to finish and I will share photos then.  The next number will be chosen soon and we will be working on that through March and April.  

I hope you all have a lovely week, the weather here is picking up, we have had some lovely sunshine the last two days and I feel as though I should be out in the garden starting the tidy-up.

Take care

-X-

Sew organized

I'm still going to my sewing class each Friday.  Holly holds classes on various days/evenings through the week, I think the maximum number of people she can accommodate in each class is ten, the Friday morning one I attend is only small, usually just the six of us, It's just about right.   We have got to know each other and there is no waiting to use the cutting table, irons or overlocker.  Everyone works on their own chosen pattern and at their own pace, a few of the ladies have been going longer than me but, like me they had limited dressmaking know-how to begin with and with Holly's help and encouragement are now making beautiful clothes.  Holly is lovely and is always on hand to assist in anyway needed, she has been sewing for years so has extensive knowledge.  

I'm very slow,  but I'm told that's good, taking your time and getting it right is the best way.  I'm not always patient when learning new things but I'm learning not rush the process, afterall, I want something that's wearable.  

This is my second me-made dress, Hinterland Dress by Sew Liberated.  I've seen it made by several people I follow on Youtube and it seems a versatile pattern.  The fabric I chose was a cotton by Rose & Hubble

I'm making the cap sleeve version and having a faux button placket, (I don't feel ready to tackle button holes yet!)  There will be pockets though, who doesn't love a pocket!

I can see it taking me at least into March to finish it as I only work on it in class on Friday.

Before Christmas I saw someone at our stitching group with a case to hold their stitching and I thought It would be perfect for holding everything to taking to sewing class so when Stevie asked what I wanted for Christmas I requested a sewing case.

There are two layers, this is what you see when you open it, plenty of room for all your bits and bobs.

Then underneath that is enough room to store whatever I'm making and a mesh pocket to hold your pattern, or in my case my leftover fabric.

And here it is all closed up.  I love it!  I was considering getting another sewing box to keep everything in but this is so much better, everything I need in one place and ready to go each week.

I'm never going to be a sewing expert but I'm enjoying the process and If I can make a few wearable garments along the way then I'll be happy.  I have made a deal with myself though, I will only buy a pattern and enough fabric to make that pattern when I'm ready to start the next thing.  I am determined not to start a fabric and pattern stash.

-X-