Dragon Ride HD

I finished this the other day. I had taken it on our cruise in September, and the lighting and my eyesight were so bad I couldn't work on it (a first for me). But when I got home, I put it on my scroll rods and worked on it. This was a relatively quick stitch, but I admit I've been reading more than stitching lately.

I've also been watching LARPs the Series. I'm a big fan and have been talking to the actors on their Twitch streams (they play computer games while we watch and chat with them). I highly recommend watching the web series. It's not hokey or stereotypical and deals with character and story more than anything else. It puts all us gamers in a good light.

We've also gotten together a Dungeons and Dragons group again, and that's been a lot of fun.

Halloween pumpkins

I finally finished the stitching for my three pumpkins (small, medium, and large) that I've been working on here and there. I still need to turn them into stuffed pumpkins, but that will wait for a while. The pieces are called Three Pumpkins by Prairie Grove Peddler.

I'm working on Teresa Wentzler's Dragon Ride at the moment. So far it's just some work on the border. I brought it with me on our cruise to the Bahamas in September, but my aging eyesight couldn't handle it. I think it's time for bifocal contact lenses or one near/one far.

My first needlefelted project

I've had this kit for a while, ever since I fell for it after seeing a Nordic Needle email about it. I've bought some books, more needles, and various colors of wool, but I haven't figured out what I want to work on next.

I also have this vague fear of starting a new craft. I build it up in my mind, plan what I want to do, and then fear that it won't turn out like I want or will be more difficult than I thought. This is a new thing for me, and I'm trying to work through it. I'm usually indomitable when it comes to crafts. But it's been this way for my desire to paint watercolors and do beading projects. Maybe I can work on that over the holiday break. Four days for Thanksgiving, so I have a little time.

Halloween exchange sent

Edgar received this Halloween pillow I made for our exchange. It's from the latest Just Cross Stitch Halloween issue. My mom helped with the sewing, of course.

Halloween exchange received

Marie sent me this great piece for Hooked on Exchanging's Halloween exchange. The stitched piece is on a pouch, and the top folds down and secures with a ribbon. Very cool and very nicely stitched. I really like this piece!

Convent's Herbal Garden HD

I finished this Chatelaine a few days ago. The beading seemed to go on forever, though really there's not that much for a Chatelaine. I enjoyed the piece, but the instructions were pretty difficult to decipher. I had instructions from the initial mystery release (from a kit I bought way back when), and those are a little rougher than the printed instructions. I think I should have just bought the chart and saved myself the headache.

I also learned that Marlitt is discontinued! I guess the difficulty of working with it wasn't worth the prettiness of it. There are some substitutes for it, but fortunately I didn't run out of it. No, it just hid away in my stash until I had bought a replacement. Then it turned up. Of course.

On a recent jaunt to ABC Stitch Therapy, I picked up the charts for a few Just Nan smalls. I stitched up a strawberry bunny and need to do the finishing of it. I also ordered the fabric for the smalls, so I see some of those in my future. I just need to switch mindset from a large piece to a bunch of smalls. It's difficult sometimes; other times I need the break.

Speaking of, I'm contemplating the next piece to put on my scroll rods. I really should finish up some past projects. I'm running out of project bags! Maybe it's time to go through my WIPs again, but most of them are non-cross stitch. It's hard to get out of my comfort zone.

Convent's Herbal Garden Part 4

This picture came out a little better. I still have an outer border and then the gates beyond that. I had to order some floss I was missing (substituting for horrible Marlitt).

I got in some Just Nan mice and an owl. I'm looking forward to stitching those little pieces after this one.

Last weekend, a few of my local stitching friends got together to stitch and say goodbye to a friend going to Qatar. Loads of fun (and bittersweet)! We'll be taking a trip to ABC Stitch Therapy soon too -- can't wait!

Convent's Herbal Garden Part 3

I finished the third part, but of course I messed up so many times that I ran out of my kit floss (nothing new). Matt went with me to the Needleworks to get some more Caron Waterlilies. Ouch, expensive! But at least now I don't have to twiddle my thumbs while I wait on floss to come in.

The color's off in the photo -- the fabric is actually white.

I also bought some new knobs for my floor stand. I get corrosion from the constant movement of steel on brass. Am I the only one?