Hello blogging friends! How is your December going? Can you believe it is almost the middle of December already? I have gotten quite a bit done, but still a few things left on my to do list. I am reserving my evenings to stitch so that I can relax after the busy days. So what have I been up to? Well, first, I finished the stitching on the Chandelier SAL from AAN.
I love how this one has turned out so far. I say so far, because where the little metallic stitchings are, there is supposed to be some bling 🙂 I am still waiting on an ornament pack from AAN. I hope it arrives soon as I really want this one to be finished so I can get it framed. I love chandeliers with all their sparkles and shine. I want this one to have lots of sparkle. So when I receive those embellishments, I will be sure to update you on this one. Stitched on 16ct Aida Winter Solstice from Hand Dyed Fabrics by Stephanie.
Next up is the Wherefore Art Thou piece from Nora Corbett.
I did a little stitching on this one. I am really sad that, in person, the pink fabric really shows through the stitching. The only thing I can determine is that the weeks dyed threads and colorworks threads are thinner than DMC and so the coverage on Aida is not as well. If I were to start this one again, I would definitely do it in DMC instead of the hand dyed threads. I am trying to keep plugging away at it since I have invested so much money into the hand dyed threads, but it is really hard. The fabric is 16ct Aida Pink Impatiens by Silkweaver. So I put her aside and started a new project.
This is Angel White Trumpet from the Poison Pixie series by Nora Corbett. This one really called to me. I knew I wanted to start her as soon as I received her. I had this perfect fabric. 16ct Aida, one of a kind from Fantasy Dyed Fabrics. I worked on her for about 3 evenings and then decided I needed to get back to the Mystery Sampler to do the December section so I can get it finished before the end of the year.
The December section is awesome and maybe the largest band. I do hope to get it done by the end of the year. I am stitching this one on 16ct Aida Castleview from Silkweaver. The threads are London Fog from Sullivans and DMC 3888. There will be a new sampler in 2018 by the same designer that designed this one. I do plan to do it, but want to see the first section to help me decide on fabric and thread colors.
Before I go, I wanted to share a post that I saw on another blog this morning:
“Hey Everyone!
In the Spirit of the Holidays, Sam Bee here at Bumblebee Acres is humbly asking you for any help you might be able to give. I am offering these two patters for sale, and all proceeds will go towards my fundraiser. I additionally have a fundraiser page, if you would like to share, read more, or (Bless your heart!) Donate more!
I am attaching the Link to the Fundraiser here: https://www.youcaring.com/samanthatroia-1033946
I am also copying & pasting my story he…
So, that is what I have been up to. Along with decorating the house, putting up the tree, cleaning and purging as I go, Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts and finally getting my Christmas cards finished today. So how are your December plans going and what are you doing to relax at the end of your busy days?
My Time Stitching 
Your Chandelier is really great. I can only imagine how beautiful it’ll be be after you bling it up.
It’s so disheartening when the back fabric shows through. I’ve never used hand dyed thread. The colors are pretty, but I bet you’re right about their thickness.
Angel White Trumpet sounds heavenly. I know it’ll be wonderful.
I can hardly wait to see the your finished Mystery Sampler, I think it’s amazing so far.
Bless Sam Bee’s heart. I wish her success in meeting her goals.
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Thank you, E.C. ❤ I can't wait to get the embellishments for the chandelier. I will continue on with Wherefore Art Thou and hope that when I get her finished and framed, that I can look past the imperfections. I have seen some finishes of her online and she is absolutely a fabulous pattern. I can't wait to get back to Angel White Trumpet, after I finish the last section of the Sampler. I just found Sam Bees blog and website and she is a really strong young lady and very talented. I may have to snag a few of her shawl patterns. And the yarns they create on their farm look so scrumptious!
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The chandelier looks gorgeous and so classy.
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Thank you, Jessicacrafts <3. Some bling will make it even better 😉
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I’m in love with the chandelier already.
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Isn’t it just gorgeous, Paulainauckland? I can’t wait to add some beads or crystals.
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Happy Christmas preparations, Ginny, it does look like you have a lot going. ☺
The chandelier looks great, and I can’t wait to see the sparkles – they’re going to transform the chandelier so much!
It’s sad when the fabric shows through the stitches. I’m not much aware of the difference in threads, but I’ll have to learn, because I too plan to join the next SAL – after following your progress on that gorgeous sampler for a year, it’s hard not to want to join in the fun! 😉
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Thank you, Anita. And I hope that your Christmas planning is going well, also. I have loved that chandelier for a long time. I can’t wait to add some sparklies! I will share when that happens. I am glad to hear that you are going to join in on the next Mystery Sampler. I look forward to seeing yours once you get started. If you work with 28 or 32 ct fabric, the hand dyed threads won’t be a problem. It’s the Aida that it really shows through on. I do have some fabric showing through on the Sampler, but I don’t mind it so much on that one. I think it adds a little to the sampler 😉 Though in the beginning, I did try black threads on my light fabric and that was too much showing through for me. I am we both will find the right threads and fabrics that will make us happy. There are millions of choices.
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Thank you for the quick tips, Ginny! ☺ I’ll probably have to stick with Aida; we don’t have too many options where I live, though I will definitely investigate more. If I too don’t mind the fabric showing for next year’s sampler (I probably won’t), I’ll just go with whatever I can buy. I’m sure you’ll find perfect pairings of threads and fabrics as always, and I look forward to seeing your progress!
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Love all of your crafty endeavors! The chandelier will be gorgeous. Can’t wait for your next finish!
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Thank you, Johanna <3. I love everything I have been working on. Even Juliet, even though the fabric shows through. I'm sure once I get her finished and framed and hanging on the wall, I won't notice the fabric from a distance. And I can't wait to get back to the Poison Pixie. She is going to be so sweet!
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You’ve been busy and all are beautiful projects. It’s such a shame about the fabric showing through on that piece. Perhaps it can be used to enhance the design. Happpy Christmas!
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Thank you, Catherine ❤ I'm sure Juliet will be beautiful when I am done despite the fabric showing through. Merry Christmas to you, also.
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All so pretty! I can’t wait to see that beautiful sampler all finished! Another one coming in January? Oh my.
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Thank you, Salpal1 ❤ Yep. Another one in 208. I ordered my threads today. I'll have to decide on a fabric when they come in. I went with a light variegated thread, so may have to go with a dark fabric. Can't wait!!
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I am almost tempted to join you. But I know I will not have the oomph to complete it, so I will resist.
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You’re so talented with all your WIP’s. The chandelier will look amazing when it’s embellished.
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Thank you ❤ Once I receive the embellishment pack, I will bling it up and share it here.
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The Chandelier is beautiful by itself, but can’t wait to see it all blinged up!
You’ve been busy! All great projects.
Can’t wait to see the new SAL for 2018.
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Thank you, Marilyn ❤ It's going to be so sparkly! I can't wait to see the new Sampler, too.
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