Episode 21 - Looking forward to September

 

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by and watching! Show notes are below.  

Without thinking, I tossed my handwritten notes. Eeks!  These may not be as detailed as I'd like them to be this go round. 

Fully finished object

Project Name: Quilted Christmas

Started: Late November 15, 2023

Finished: Aug. 28, 2024

Designer/Source: Emily Call

Fabric: Charles Craft 18 count Aida cloth

DMC in called for Colors: DMC Blanc, 168, 469, 3712, 3045, 816, 310

Cross Stitch

Current works in progress

Project Name: One Piece 

Stitch count (via pattern keeper) as of Sept. 1, 2024: 3,757 / 9029 stitches, 41.6 percent complete

Started: March 30, 2024

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Cross Stitch Bay on Etsy. Chart no longer available

DMC Floss: 310

Fabric: 14 Count Aida purchased at Walmart

Needle Size: 26

Making for my son. 

From previous update

Up next ... 

Project name: Crested Porcupine

Stitch count (via pattern keeper) as of Sept. 1, 2024: 987 / 64,152 stitches, (1.54%)

Started: June 27, 2024

Finished:

Designer/Source: Purple Stitching on Etsy.

DMC: 167, 168, 169, 310, 317, 318, 413, 414, 415, 433, 437, 451, 452, 453, 524, 535, 611, 612, 640, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 762, 779, 840, 841, 842, 844, 927, 928, 934, 935, 939, 3021, 3023, 3031, 3032, 3041, 3072, 3371, 3756, 3787, 3799, 3828, 3863, 3864, 3866

Fabric: Half yard of 14 count Aida purchased from Forbidden Fiber Co. 

Needle Size: 26

Stitching for myself.  I know it is going to take years. Story about Porkie is here. The follow up post is here. The story is towards the end of the post. Scroll down. 

Previous update

Love and Prickles, by Lindy Stitches

Project Name: Love and Prickles, #2
Started: Aug. 25

Finished: 

Designer/Source: LindyStitches.com

Floss: Called for DMC, B5200, 413, 3860, 415, 3816, 932, 21, except for 413. I used 415 for the face and quills, and 3799 for the body. 

Fabric: 18 count aida purchased from Hobby Lobby

Made For: Myself.  

I have plans to finish it off on a trinket box from Hobby Lobby.  Haven't settled on the trinket box yet. 

Future starts

Rest in Peace, by Becky Noland of Lucy Beam. Just Cross Stitch

Petite Pumpkin, by Tracy Richards of Wrought Iron Stitching. Just Cross Stitch

Maybe starting -- Souvenier de France, BlackBird Designs

Knitting

Current WIP

Project Name: Passenger Princess Socks
Started: June 3, 2024

Finished: 

Designer/Source:Vanilla sock pattern I use.

Yarn: Patons Kroy Sock Yarn

Colorway: Midcentury stripes

Colors: Peach, blue, cream, vintage looking colors.

Needle size: U.S. 1, 2.5 mm

Made For: myself.

This is the start of the second sock.  I seem to be cruising along on it. 

New projects to cast on

Bly Cardigan, Berroco

The plan is to use my handspun to knit up this cardigan.  My first time making a sweater with handspun.

Vanilla socks, Malabrigo

World Simplest Mittens, Tin Can Knits

Will be using Lion Brand wool ease yarn. 

Spinning
Handspun project, ongoing

Finn Wool Top purchased from Paradise Fibers several years ago. 

This is just a few of the Youtube channels I've watched the last few weeks and think you should check them out. Sharing is caring! 

@CrazySockLady 
@RedCrossStitcher 
@moonshinestitchery 
@CraftDStitches 
@StitchingAndTeaWithB. 

Other channels mentioned in other parts of the video
@JeanFarishNeedleworks 
@brendaandtheserialstarter2410 
@lindystitches

I'm trying to be productive

 Well, yesterday it rained. So much for being productive this week.  I know, it's still early, but the rain put a cramp in my plans.  Tomorrow it's supposed to rain. Blerg!

Yesterday afternoon I had to drive one of our vehicles in to the mechanic. Expensive and necessary, unfortunately. 

I was able to pull out my passenger princess sock and do a bit of knitting while I waited. 

This morning, before punching in for work, I was outside picking up the yard and spent a wee bit of time out in the garden. 

The garden gate was ajar. Really odd since we can hook it closed.  I figured someone may have accidentally left it open.  No biggie, really.  Any other year, or earlier in the season I might not feel this way, but this time I wasn't too upset.  I discovered the hook just needed a bit of adjustment.

We had a visitor. 

The visitor knocked down a few tomatoes and nosed around in the onions and carrots, but nothing else looks touched, except for my green bean vines. 

I went around and picked a few things that were ready. 

Not a lot this go round.  A bunch of it is already eaten. 

Homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers ... Yum. Nothing compares. 

Back on Monday, after I posted my blog entry, I was working on my second porcupine cross stitch. 

I tried a few DMC color combinations and I wasn't happy with them. So I ripped one out and tried another. I decided I wasn't happy with that one either. I decided to put it away, after making a post over on social media and in the Lindy Stitches FB group. 

A friend suggested a color. At first I thought I would like it. 

Then I stitched up the wee face. 

No.  I felt this didn't work either. So rippity, rip, rip, I went. ... 

I thought about it for a moment and decided that the face really needed higher contrast from the body.  If that's the right word. It's getting late and I'm a wee bit tired. 

Oh, last night I also made up my quilted Christmas cross stitch in to little pillows.  I was mildly white knuckling it, especially the round one.  I've finished a few cross stitches in to pillows before. There is something about cutting into the fabric when you've spent so many hours stitching it up. 

I'll share the finished pieces on my next video.

Project Name: Quilted Christmas

Started: Late November 15, 2023

Finished: Aug. 22, 2024

Designer/Source: Emily Call

Fabric: Charles Craft 18 count Aida cloth

DMC in called for Colors: DMC Blanc, 168, 469, 3712, 3045, 816, 310

Feeling the cozy

 I was having a quick conversation with one of my coworkers today.  We both agreed that it's really feeling like fall out there. This morning I heard the wind blow through the leaves. I thought how in a few weeks the leaves will be starting to change colors and there will be that certain smell in the air because of it.  We also agreed that the weather is starting to feel like soup weather.  Mmmm, soup. I shared this recipe with her, for Autumn harvest soup. 

The weather has been out of the norm this year. I thought we were going to have an early spring and summer, based on the warm temps.  Now it feels like autumn is going to be next week. 

This week has been quiet-ish.  I've appreciated it.  This "Autumn-is-just-around-the-corner" feeling has got me thinking of late September and October, and what things need to be done.  

And hunting. 

This evening I saw a small-ish buck in the side yard.  I couldn't speak for a moment and I know my jaw dropped.  Kind of like this: 

The lone photo I got of him. 

I watched him for a moment and I could tell he was staring at something.  I moved to a different window and spotted the rooster. I suppose they were thinking "what are you?!" to each other. 

Earlier this week I picked up a book during my lunch hour. "Remarkably Bright Creatures." 

So far it's good writing.  I'm still trying to suss everything out.  I'm not far enough in to figure out/learn how all the character storylines will tie in together.  

When I opened the book I saw something the library stamped just inside.  Neat idea. 

I haven't been carrying my phone around with me much this week so I don't have too many photos of *stuff* to share. 

In the evenings I've been working diligently on my "Quilted Christmas" stitch.  Last night I finished the third chart. Hooray!

I even ironed the cloth.

Project Name: Quilted Christmas

Started: Late November 15, 2023

Finished: Aug. 22, 2024

Designer/Source: Emily Call

Fabric: Charles Craft 18 count Aida cloth

DMC in called for Colors: DMC Blanc, 168, 469, 3712, 3045, 816, 310

Now to find some cute backing fabric and turn these in to little pillows. I can't wait!

This evening I thought it would be a good time to go pull floss and fabric for a few new stitchy projects. 

One is a project I already talked about doing.  I'm going to change the color for the body of the porkie. 

The DMC card and the master set of floss really came in handy with deciding what floss to pull for the porcupine. 

I kitted up a couple other projects.  They are in the project bags, and probably won't be started until September. 

I'm thinking this weekend I'll pick out sock yarn and get it ready to go for a September start, too. 

Episode 20 - August wrap up and chatter

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by and watching! Show notes are below. 

Knitting

 Project Name: Monkey Socks

Started: Nov. 12, 2023

Finished: Aug. 9, 2024

Designer/Source: knitty.com

Yarn: Forbidden Fiber Co.

Colorway: Tale as old as time, on the Fortitude base (Superwash Merino).

Needle size: U.S. 1, 2.5 mm

Made For: myself. 

What it looked like at the last update

And then ... 

Project Name: Passenger Princess Socks
Started: June 3, 2024

Finished: 

Designer/Source:Vanilla sock pattern I use.

Yarn: Patons Kroy Sock Yarn

Colorway: Midcentury stripes

Colors: Peach, blue, cream, vintage looking colors.

Needle size: U.S. 1, 2.5 mm

Made For: myself.

What they looked like in the last episode/update

Sewing 

WIPs bags

Tutorial I used is from Fat Quarter Shop.    

Cross Stitch

Quilted Christmas

Project Name: Quilted Christmas

Started: Late November 15, 2023

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Emily Call

Fabric: Charles Craft 18 count Aida cloth

DMC in called for Colors: DMC Blanc, 168, 469, 3712, 3045, 816, 310

Project Name: One Piece 

Stitch count (via pattern keeper) as of Aug. 21, 2024: 3,425/9,029 (37.93%)

Started: March 30, 2024

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Cross Stitch Bay on Etsy. Chart no longer available

DMC Floss: 310

Fabric: 14 Count Aida purchased at Walmart

Needle Size: 26

Making for my son. 

Previous update

What the finished piece should look like:

Up next: My sweet porkie! 

Project name: Crested Porcupine

Stitch count (via pattern keeper) as of Aug. 20, 2024: 815/64,152 (1.27%)

Started: June 27, 2024

Finished:

Designer/Source: Purple Stitching on Etsy.

DMC: 167, 168, 169, 310, 317, 318, 413, 414, 415, 433, 437, 451, 452, 453, 524, 535, 611, 612, 640, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 762, 779, 840, 841, 842, 844, 927, 928, 934, 935, 939, 3021, 3023, 3031, 3032, 3041, 3072, 3371, 3756, 3787, 3799, 3828, 3863, 3864, 3866

Fabric: Half yard of 14 count Aida purchased from Forbidden Fiber Co. 

Needle Size: 26

Stitching for myself.  I know it is going to take years. Story about Porkie is here. The follow up post is here. The story is towards the end of the post. Scroll down. 

I ordered my needle minders from Sweet Autumn Stitch at https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetAutumnStitch

12 Days of Stitchy Ornaments

Project Name: 12 Days of Stitchy Ornaments

Started: Dec. 3, 2023

Finished: Officially, Aug. 2024

Designer/Source: Erica Made Designs

Fabric: Aida cloth 14 county Hobby Lobby Zweigart, with the sparkly threads running through it.  Opalescent? 

DMC in called for colors: 3862, 498, 470, 472, 598, 761, 745, 844, B5200

Youtube channels I mention: 

Periwinkle Stitcher

Pat Sloan

Stitching Mommy

Karen Combs

Julie in Stitches

Stitching with my Kitties

Nancy the Disorderly Stitcher

Mamma Nevin knits

The Honeystead

The fastest Monday in a long time

 This Monday FLEW by. 

I swear, this morning I blinked and it went from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. 

Then I blinked again and my work day was almost done. 

Why can't all work days go like that?  I almost wonder if I forgot to do something. 

Re-entry to the work week wasn't near as rough as I thought it would be.  Nice!

Since the day went so fast there isn't much to chatter about, right? 

Um ... well, I did some spinning this evening. 

I finished the bobbin I was working on and started the next one. 

I didn't realize how soft and out of focus this photo is. Oops. 

This is my fourth bobbin for the year.  I am so behind on the goal I had set out for myself. Even so, this is probably the most spinning I've done this year than the last few years combined. I didn't do Tour de Fleece.  I'm not sad about it.  I wasn't one for sharing too much during Tour de Fleece anyways so I don't think I'm missed. 

Fin Wool Top - 32 ounces

Purchased: Paradise Fibers

Started spinning: Jan. 8, 2024 

Amount spun so far is unknown. 

If you watched my most recent video you will have seen I rambled a bit about wanting to pull a cross stitch project out of hibernation. 

I did that yesterday and put in 150 stitches, give or take a few. 

Project Name: Quilted Christmas

Started: Late November 15, 2023

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Emily Call

Fabric: Charles Craft 18 count Aida cloth

DMC in called for Colors: DMC Blanc, 168, 469, 3712, 3045, 816, 310

I started the second chart in the trio. If last night was any indication, this one will be a quick stitch. 

It rained today.  It's still raining. It's cool out there now.  The chickens were hiding under the picnic table, trying to wait it out.  

One of my little buddies seems to enjoy the rain.  Or it's guarding the feeder.  

Podcast Ep. 17 - January 2024 progress

Hello!  I'm back for episode 17. Shownotes below.  Thanks for visiting with me.  If you like my videos, please tell a friend. 

 Current WIPs.

My knitting ... 

Project Name: Harvest Cardigan
Started: Nov. 12, 2023

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Tin Can Knits 

Yarn: Hobby Lobby "I love this yarn"

Colors: Cinnamon Cedar

Needle Size: US #6 / 4mm & US #8 / 5mm

Made For: myself. 

What it looked like the last time I shared. 

**************************

Project Name: Vanilla sock
Started: Nov. 13, 2023

Finished: 

Yarn: Patons Kroy sock yarn

Colorway: Amythest stripes

Colors: dark purples.

Needle size: U.S. 1, 2.5 mm

Made For: myself. 

Last time I shared. 

***********************************

Project Name: Vanilla sock
Started: Nov. 18, 2023

Finished: 

Yarn: Patons Kroy sock yarn

Colorway: Coastal stripes

Colors: variations of blue and some white or grey.

Needle size: U.S. 1, 2.5 mm

Made For: myself. 

What it looked like the last time I shared.

My cross stitch ....

Project Name: 12 Days of Stitchy Ornaments

Started: Dec. 3, 2023

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Erica Made Designs

Fabric: Aida cloth 14 county Hobby Lobby Zweigart, with the sparkly threads running through it.  Opalescent? 

DMC in called for colors: 3862, 498, 470, 472, 598, 761, 745, 844, B5200

*************************************

Project Name: Quilted Christmas

Started: Late November 15, 2023

Finished: 

Designer/Source: Emily Call

Fabric: Charles Craft 18 count Aida cloth

DMC in called for Colors: DMC Blanc, 168, 469, 3712, 3045, 816, 310

The last time I shared it. 

*********************************************

A few finished objects

My crochet ...

The crochet cat plush I made for my son.  

Crochet Plush Cat pattern ordered from Etsy. 

Project Name:  Crochet plush cat for my son

Started: Jan. 15, 2024

Finished: Jan. 29, 2024 (or thereabouts)

Designer/Source: Crochet Plush Cat pattern ordered from Etsy. 

Yarn: Hobby Lobby Baby Bee Adore-A-Ball

Color: Flannel

*******************************************

Charity Stitch year-long project

Hat and blanket sets for Make Bundles for Babies. 

Set #1 - Made in pink acryllic yarn I had in stash. 

******************************

Other things I mentioned ... 

I would like to start this cross stitch in February. 

A friend sent it to me a few years ago.  It will live in my new WIP bag. 

I mentioned the new Just Cross Stitch magazine. 

The first shipment in Lindy Stitches Endangered Species club arrived.  I LOVE it. 

I'm going to knit an Emotional Support Chicken. Join me! Share your progress with the #emotionalsupportchickenKAL hashtag on Instagram. 

The Fiberuary challenge. 

A few of the Youtuber Podcasters/Flosstubers I watch. Please share some of the Youtube channels you watch. I love seeing new people and their projects. 

@fatquartershop

@DoSoKnits

@BernStitches

@LoriHolt

@Knittingtraditions

@911Stitcher