Category: Passione Ricamo

A Couple of Older Cross Stitch Projects and A New Start
cross stitch · Cross Stitch Patterns · Fabric · Heaven and Earth Designs · Mirabilia · Passione Ricamo · Passione Ricamo SAL

A Couple of Older Cross Stitch Projects and A New Start

My Time Stitching15 Comments

Hello Blogging friends! When I finished stitching the Winter Snowfall project in February, I pulled out an older WIP.

Gossamer Princess start

I don’t remember when I started this project. It has to be 5-8 years ago. The pattern is Gossamer Princess Storykeep from Heaven and Earth Designs. This was a project I started for my husband. He mentions it every now and then, reminding me that I haven’t finished it, LOL So I thought I would pull it out and work on it. This is as far as I had gotten on it before having to put it in time out again.

Gossamer Princess

This one is being stitched on 25ct Lugana in White over 1. I had made a mistake and found out how much of a pain it is to rip out on Lugana over 1. Ugh It is also hard to see the holes, so back into her bag and away she went. I hope to get it finished someday, but that time is not now. So I pulled out another WIP.

Moon Sweet Moon

This is what the finished piece will look like. This design, by Passione Ricamo, was a Mystery Stitch-A-Long back in 2017. I think a couple of sections had come out when someone stole her design from her computer. She then halted the SAL and released the entire design to each person that had paid for it. Before sending out the PDF’s, she watermarked each person’s copy with their name and address. This is how it looked when I started the SAL.

Moon Sweet Moon start

And here is how she looked when I picked her up in early March.


Moon Sweet Moon Progress

I didn’t get to stitch much on her this time, but this is where I left off on her.

This is a beautiful piece and I am hoping to finish her this year. I am stitching her on 16ct Aida, a one of a kind piece dyed for me by Fantasy Dyed Fabrics, specifically for this project. It looks all gray in the photo, but there are hints of purple throughout. So the reason I put her away is because I just had to make a new start. Mirabilia comes out with a new design every month on the 15th. On February 15, Blossom was released and as soon as I saw her, I fell in love. She represents Spring, new beginnings and hope. With all that I was going through in the last few months, she was so appropriate and I knew I had to have her. Here is the quote about her;

To blossom is to burst forth with beauty and energy. It is a flurry of new life and electric beginnings. It is also a small flower that appears in the spring. This design is inspired by the hope and joy blossoms bring.

Nora Corbett
Blossom by Mirabilia

As soon as I saw her, I went through my stash to find the perfect fabric. It was a little difficult, but I found 2 that I thought might work. A friend ordered her for me and when she informed me that she was on the way, I pulled all of the threads and did a floss toss.

floss toss for Blossom

The fabric I chose is 16ct Aida Busy Izzy from Fabrics By Stephanie.

All set to go. And she arrived and I was so excited to start her!

Blossom start

I haven’t made much progress on her, with 2 knitting projects going. Hopefully the next time I post about her I will have more progress.

So that is what I have been cross stitching on. What are you up to today?

Catching Up With Some Finishes
cross stitch · Fairies · Hand Dyed Fabrics · Knitted Shawl · Knitting · Passione Ricamo · yarn

Catching Up With Some Finishes

My Time Stitching11 Comments

Hello friends! Today was a lazy day and I didn’t get much done. It looks cold and gloomy outside, maybe that explains my mood today. Anyway, I promised a photo of my finished 20 Year Celebration piece.

20 Year Celebration

Please excuse the wrinkles. It was on the scrolls for a long time. I can’t tell you how happy I am to finish this piece. It is so beautiful in person. I love the Round Robin feel to it. A little bit of 12 different designs by Passione Ricamo. I am still looking for a framer, but this piece definitely has to be framed. Another one out of the WIP pile!! I stitched this on 16ct Aida Nantucket Sky from Fabrics By Stephanie.

While I was finishing up the Jolie shawl, a local yarn dyer, AJHC Wools, posted a picture of her yarns in a pink to black fade that I absolutely fell in love with! So I checked my stash and ordered what I needed to make the Grevillea Shawl by Ambah O’Brien. Here are the yarns in all of their gloriousness:

AJHC Wools Yarns

Isn’t it just fabulous? I couldn’t wait to get started on it.

Grevillea Shawl start
My Progress

With every repeat of this pattern, I fell more and more in love. The pink section was so long. I was so happy to have added my first mini skein, Blizzard. And did you happen to see that adorable progress marker? A Starbucks coffee cup from my Best Stitchy Friend ❤

Pink fade!

The colors are looking so awesome together! Four out of 10 so far!

Grevillea Shawl

Almost finished! Just one more mini skein to go!

The knitting is finished!

I am so in love with this shawl! I love the long section of the light pink and the fade is so perfect! Just the blocking left to do. This shawl is the perfect example why blocking is necessary. The pattern is so blocky and lumpy. Here is a close-up.

Close up of Grevillea shawl

The pattern is broken up into puffy squares and the lace pattern is barely visible. Blocking allows the fabric to lay flat and opens up the lace pattern. And here is the finished shawl, which I have already worn and LOVE it!

See how that lace opened up and the pattern isn’t puffy anymore. Love how this one turned out. Again, the pattern is the Grevillea Shawl by Ambah O’brien. Yarn is from AJHC Wools.

So that is it for my finishes from over the summer. Stop back again soon to see what is on my knitting needles and what I am cross stitching now. What are you stitching?

November??
Autumn Lane Stitchery · Fairies · Knitted Shawl · Knitting · Passione Ricamo

November??

My Time Stitching12 Comments

Hi! How can it be November already? The last post I made was in July! Everything is fine, just busy I suppose. I spent part of the summer getting the spare bedroom ready for my Mother-in-Law’s visit in September. That was fun. I turned it into “The Mermaid room”. My MIL really liked the room. She visited for a month and we had lots of fun. We visited the zoo, went to a wedding, went up north, did lots of shopping, knitting and I taught her to do Diamond Painting, which I think she really enjoyed.

So, let me back-track and see where I left off over the summer…Oh yes. The Jolie Shawl. I finished it and it turned out very nice. So soft and sparkly.

Jolie Shawl

The pattern was from the July 2021 Seed Club from the Yarn Garden in Charlotte, Michigan. I don’t think the pattern is up on Ravelry yet, but you can contact the shop if you are interested. The yarn is from Britty Rae Knits and is just scrumptious.

I have also finished a cross stitch I was working on.

Dark Queen of the Seas

The Dark Queen is finished. I did leave off the corner elements and the crown. I also left off a ton of back stitching on her tentacles. Lots of gold lines and symbols. I thought her tentacles looked fine as is and that would have been way to much backstitching for me. I am not a fan of backstitch, so the less, the better 😉 Design is by Autumn Lane Stitchery. Fabric is 16ct Aida Iris from Fabrics by Stephanie.

I also finished these:

Galatea
Summer Lady
Spring Fae
Iris Goddess

I have a few more finishes to share next time, including the full 20 Year Celebration.

So what have you been up to the last few months?

Rainy Days and Stitching
cross stitch · Knitted Shawl · Knitting · Passione Ricamo

Rainy Days and Stitching

My Time Stitching15 Comments

This summer has been such a rainy summer so far. It is raining again today. Rainy days are perfect for being inside and crafting or snuggling up with a soft blanket and a good book. I usually spend mine crafting or cleaning. Today I did a little knitting and a little cross stitching. I will show you what I am cross stitching on, but first let me show you what I finished last week.

Dark Queen of the Seas

Well, she is not actually finished, but I finished section 11 and am now caught up. The 12th and final section will come out August 1. I am assuming it will be backstitching and beading. I did skip 2 elements; her crown and the corner ornaments. I am for sure leaving off the corner elements. I haven’t fully decided about the crown, but I am leaning towards leaving it off also. II think she looks fine the way she is. The fabric is 16ct Aida Iris and is actually purple and blue, but with all of the rainy days, I haven’t been able to get a good photo. Hopefully the next time I photograph her, I will capture her true colors. So now what am I cross stitching on?

20 Year Celebration

I have pulled out the 20 Year Celebration from Passione Ricamo. I have the block I am working on to finish, and below this row, there is another row of 4 blocks to do. And then beading on all of the blocks. This is such a fabulous design and I will be so thrilled to finish it. The fabric is 16ct Aida Nantucket Sky. So perfect for all of the fairies.

Jolie

Here is my progress on Jolie. It is a relaxing knit and the yarn is so nice to work with.

Jolie Sparkle

Can you see the sparkle? The yarn band says it is Gold Stellina, but it is clearly silver (which I prefer). I love it! This is going to be a light and airy shawl, so delicate. Yarn is from Britty Rae Knits.

So that is what I have been up to on this rainy day today. What do you like to do on rainy days?

Crossing Stitches Is Soothing
Autumn Lane Stitchery · cross stitch · Cross Stitch Patterns · Fabric · Hand Dyed Fabrics · Passione Ricamo

Crossing Stitches Is Soothing

My Time Stitching8 Comments

Hello again! Two days in a row! Wow! Yesterday I told you I would share what I am cross stitching. Cross stitching is very calming to me. I usually save my cross stitch time for evenings. But there are days that I just can’t wait to start making little x’s so I will stitch in the morning. But whenever I sit down to stitch, it always helps me to relax and let go of what is going on around me. So, what am I stitching on?

20 year anniversary from Passione Ricamo

When I finished stitching Lady Mirabilia, I pulled this WIP out and have been working on it ever since. This is the 20 Year Anniversary Piece from Passione Ricamo. I have finished the Prosperity block, minus the beads which will be added when the entire piece is finished.

Prosperity

Then I went on to stitch the Calypso block and the Once Upon a Time blocks.

I have started the last block in this row, but just barely, so nothing really to show. And since I have been so good the last 10 months in not starting any new cross stitch projects, I decided to treat myself to a mystery SAL from Autumn Lane Stitchery. It is called Dark Queen of the Seas. It started on September 1 and once I started seeing all the cute fish popping up in the facebook group, I could resist no longer. So I purchased the pattern from Autumn Lane’s Etsy in September and ordered the fabric and beads and specialty threads from Under the Sea Fabrics. I was so excited to get this and get started, you know, with the hint about a mermaid. People were tagging me in the post, too because they knew I love mermaids. But, after purchasing the pattern, and reading the welcome letter and the details, I was disappointed. In the details were instructions that if you wanted to post on social media, use the hashtag Dark Queen of the Seas or hashtag It’s not a mermaid. What? How? Why? Oh I was so deflated. I probably would not have purchased the pattern if this info was up front. I did receive my products and started stitching on it this week. I purchased Opalescent fabric from Under the Sea Fabrics and after stitching half of a fish, decided no way. I love the look of Opalescent fabrics, but I just can’t stitch on them. I think it is the light reflection in the sparkles and then it makes it difficult for me to see the holes. So I ditched that fabric and picked up a fabric I was originally thinking of stitching it on, 16ct Aida Iris from Fabrics by Stephanie.

Dark Queen of the Seas start

I think it will look fine on this fabric. It is much lighter than the recommended fabric, but I think it will work fine. I had done a floss toss on this fabric when I first pulled it from my stash. I should have stuck with my original choice 😉

So I will continue stitching on it, even though it will be an Ursula type character and not a mermaid. The MSAL runs for a year, so a small section each month will give me a nice break from the 20 year anniversary piece. I have also ordered a special project bag that a lot of people have received and are using for this project. I can’t wait! I will share when I receive it.

I have received my September “Christmas Gift” project bag from Clevergirl Designs.

September Project bag front
September Project Bag back

A fun travel themed bag. And yesterday I received my October Bag..

October Project Bag front
October Project Bag back

Love the October bag!! So cool looking. And my little pumpkin that I crocheted last year.

So that is what I have been up to. What are you doing these days to relax?

Stitching Keeps Me Sane
Books I am reading · cross stitch · Fairies · Knitted Shawl · Knitting · Passione Ricamo · Uncategorized

Stitching Keeps Me Sane

My Time Stitching10 Comments

Wow! 2 posts in one week! That must be a record for me. Instead of making lengthy posts once a month or so, I am going to try to post more frequently. Unless I don’t have anything to share.

This morning I finished Clue #3 of the Sharon Show Shawl by Casapinka.

Clue 3

This clue has been my favorite so far. I am loving all of the different textures. This is my first time knitting a Casapinka pattern, and I have been quite pleased with the directions, the patterns and that I can watch tv while knitting. But I have mostly found myself doing a lot of thinking while knitting. Let’s just say that I have thought out a lot of different things. I feel better about some things and still concerned about other. But being able to think things out is good for the soul.

A few nights ago I pulled out a cross stitch project that needs some love. I haven’t stitched on it very much because of all the knitting. But the block on the right side was empty when I pulled it out.

Passione Ricamo 20 year anniversary piece

Sorry that the picture is a little dark. I thought I had taken a better picture. Anyway, I have started stitching the last block in this row. This is the 20 Year Anniversary piece from Passione Ricamo. I am stitching on 16ct Aida Nantucket Sky from Fabrics by Stephanie. I am hoping I can get this one finished this go around. I am itching to start a new cross stitch project, but so far I have resisted. It does feel good to finish things up. Including this one, I have 6 WIP’s left. There is another one that has maybe 25 stitches in. I’m not counting that one. And another that has been started, but I didn’t like working on the fabric, so it is still in the air as to whether I will continue with that one or not.

That leaves me to a reading goal I have set for myself. I have read a couple of books during this lockdown time. Then I decided that I want to read a series I have put off for a while.

Women’s Murder Club Series

I have been collecting these books for quite some time, and a few weeks ago I decided now is the time to start reading them. I finished book 2 today. My goal is to finish them all by the end of the year. I’m not a fast reader as I usually only read at lunch time or when I am out waiting for an appointment. Not that I go out to any appointments now, so I have lunch time. But I am going to try to read more. I know I am missing book 13 and a few more have been added to the series. I have read quite a few of James Patterson’s books and I really like the short chapters. It does make it easier to get through. “Just one more chapter” LOL.

That is what I am up to. Have you made any recent goals for yourself?

Stitching Is Keeping Me Sane
cross stitch · Fairies · Hand Dyed Fabrics · Mermaids · Passione Ricamo · Passione Ricamo SAL · Sampler · Shannon Christine designs

Stitching Is Keeping Me Sane

My Time Stitching27 Comments

Hi!  I am still here, and stitching, packing, getting over a stomach virus and still cleaning out the basement.   Hubby and I just about have the basement cleaned out in preparation for the waterproofing.  Just a few pieces of smaller furniture left to bring up and the 3 bigger pieces that we won’t be able to bring up. Our garage is filled from floor to ceiling with lots of bins and boxes.  A few weeks ago we had new gutters installed and for some reason we are now getting water in the basement when it rains.  Ugh!  We have never had water, just a damp carpet on one side of the basement.  So one night, while hubby and I were both sick with a stomach bug, he had to go out at 10:30 at night to buy a shop vac.  We were up until 1 am vacuuming up water.  And we have bought a dehumidifier to help dry everything up.  I will be so happy when this is all done with.  And then we get to figure out if everything gets to go back into the  basement.  I’m almost  to the point that it can stay an unfinished basement.  We’ll see how long it will be until it is all back to normal.

Through it all, my stitching has been there to lift my spirits and take me away.  So what have I been stitching on?

I finished the peacock on the 2019 Mystery Sampler from Linen and Threads.

peacock sampler 2

I stitched the peacock in DMC 3810 on 16ct Aida Graceful Gray from Wichelt.  I also finished the borders using Gloriana Silk Rain Forest.  I love the colors in that thread!

peacock-sampler-1.jpg

I ran out of thread for the bottom middle block, but I have some on order and fingers crossed it will match what I have done.  And I finished the March block in no time.

Peacock sampler 3

I am hoping I can complete this sampler with just the DMC 310. But if it turns out that I need to add more color, I can pull colors from the Rain Forest thread.  I like the March block and wonder if all the blocks will be similar.  So for now it is tucked away until the April section comes out.  I have decided to work on some of my WIP’s and pulled this one out:

PR 20th anniversary SAL update1

I love this piece and would love to get it finished.  I completed the second block from the left and am working on the 3rd block.  This is Passione Ricamo‘s 20th anniversary piece.  I am stitching it on 16ct Aida Nantucket Sky from Fabrics by Stephanie.

PR 20th anniversary SAL update2

I will stitch on this one until I finish the block I am working on and then pull another WIP out.  I am hoping to finish a couple of projects this year.

This weekend I picked this up from the cross stitch store, all framed up by Way Cool Mats:  Treasures of The Deep, by Shannon Christine Designs.

Treasures of the Deep framed

I thought I captured a good image of this one, but I didn’t.  It really has a lot of beads.  So much so, that in some angles it looks really gaudy, like in the top of the photo.  And then from a different angle, it looks like the bottom of the image.  Sometimes the mermaids get drowned out by all of the beads.  I didn’t think there could ever be too many beads on a project, but this one I think may just have too many.  I do love all the little mermaids though.

March 1 was my 7 year Blogaversary!  I can’t believe I have been posting on this little ole blog for 7 years now!  And I still love it.  I just need to make the time to post more often. I will try this year 😉

So that is all I have for now.  I do have a few knitting projects and crochet projects going on, too.  I will post about them next time.  So what are you stitching on today?

cross stitch · Knitting · Passione Ricamo · Sampler

What’s New In My Stitching World

My Time Stitching26 Comments

Hello my blogging friends!  Here it is, Christmas Eve.  Are you all ready for the big day?  I am.  Though I blew off baking today to take my Mom to do some last minute shopping she forgot. I also spent some time with both of my boys this morning, so that is always good.  Later today I will be going to the movies with hubby and #1 son.  Then relaxing for the rest of the night.  I must say, that getting all of my holiday stuff done a little early to have relaxing time is a must.  I have to try this every year 😉

Yesterday I did laundry and started knitting myself a hat.

knitting new hat

I casted on this chunky hat using size 11 and 15 needles.  I used Malabrigo Rasta in color Almond Blossom.  I have never made myself a hat before and after going to the zoo last week to see the Wild Lights, I realized I needed a winter hat.  So a few hours later, this is what resulted:

my knitted hat

It is so soft and such a pretty peachy pink color!  All it needs is a pom pom, but I don’t think this yarn will make a good pom pom.  So I will head back to the knitting shop after Christmas and see about getting a pom pom maker and figure out a yarn to make one with.

Me wearing my new hat

And here is me wearing my new chunky hat. It looks ok without the pom pom, too.  The pattern is the Chunky Cabled hat by Destiny Meyer and it is on Ravelry in case you are interested.  This will definitely keep me warm for the rest of the winter and next year when we go to see the lights at the zoo again.

Zoo lights

Us in a lighted Christmas ornament

This years big attraction was this larger than life lighted ornament that we had our picture taken in.  So pretty.

This weekend I picked up this beauty from the framer:

Pink-Princess-framed.jpg

I love the frame I chose and think she is beautiful!  I am hoping to hang my Pink Princess in my craft room this weekend.

I am still working on the Mystery Sampler from Linen and Thread and am hoping to get the December section done by the end of the month.  Here is where I left it yesterday:

mystery sampler december section

This section has been a little difficult for me to figure out where I want what color of the thread to lay where.  So I am just winging it.  So far it seems to be ok.  I hope to post a finish of the entire piece soon 😉

So that is where my stitching has stopped for now.  Going to go and enjoy some time with my family. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas if you are celebrating.  And I hope that you able to get some stitchy time in, too.  I’d love to hear all about what you are stitching these days 🙂

A Finish, A near Finish and A New Start!
Bella Filipina Designs · cross stitch · Fabric · Hand Dyed Fabrics · Mermaids · Passione Ricamo · Shannon Christine designs

A Finish, A near Finish and A New Start!

My Time Stitching34 Comments

Hello my blogging friends!  It’s a bit of a snowy day outside, so I am inside, organizing, cleaning and now it’s time for a blog post 🙂  Thanksgiving is over, and I kept my emotions under check better than I expected to.  And ever since, I have been cleaning and organizing and making piles to give away and donate.  I tend to do this when I am sad or angry.  It feels good to get organized and having things put into place.  I really cleaned my laundry room and my craft room, making room for new storage containers 😉  I am hoping my craft room will be better organized for me to get in there and get my Christmas cards made and get back to my scrapbooking.  Now onto stitching stuff!

First, I have a finish.  Pink Princess is complete and I am over the moon in love with her. I even found the little butterfly bead to put into her hand instead of stitching a butterfly.  Not sure if you can see it in the photo.  It is a beautiful bead with blues and greens and purples and pinks.  Perfect for her hand.

Pink Princess close up

Pink Princess finish

I think she turned out so amazing!  She is Dawn, the Fairy Spirit of Grace by Passione Ricamo.  I stitched her without the wings, even though she is a beauty with them as well.  I stitched her on 16ct Aida Tintagel from Fabrics by Stephanie.  A gorgeous Princess on a gorgeous piece of fabric.

So now I am back to stitching on the Treasures of the Deep piece.  November mermaid is up right now.

Treasures of the Deep SAL November

I finished all the stitching last night.  I am hoping to get the backstiching all done tonight so that I can dive into a new project.   Yeah, I know, another project, right?  Anyway, this one is Treasures of the Deep SAL from Shannon Christine designs.  The fabric is 16ct Aida Maldivian Dreams from Fiberlicious.  Just December and January left of this SAL and then all the gorgeous, sparkly beads can be added.  This one is really blinged to the max!

So, what is my new project you ask?  Well, it is another mermaid.  This one is Aquamarina from Bella Filapina. I ordered her in August and she arrived sometime in October.  I quickly gathered up all the DMC threads, beads and Kreiniks for her and special ordered a fabric for her.  Last night I received this gorgeous fabric and I squealed with delight!

fabric for Aquamarina from FDFOh my gosh!  Isn’t it just breathtaking?  It is 16ct Aida from Fantasy Dyed Fabrics.  Johanna did an amazing job on creating this one for me.  So I am hoping to start this new project tomorrow, even if I have to stay up super late finishing the back stitching on the November mermaid.

Aquamarina new start

So that is what I am up to today.  What are you stitching on?  Do you have a new project you want to get started on?

Pink Makes Me Happy
Crochet · cross stitch · Hand Dyed Fabrics · Passione Ricamo

Pink Makes Me Happy

My Time Stitching19 Comments

I’m not in the best of moods, but seeing my pink stitching makes me smile.  So I finally got around to blocking that knitted baby blanket I finished a little while back.

Knitted baby blanket being blocked

I’m not sure if I stretched it a bit too much, but it looked so beautiful all stretched out.  And then I found a mistake.  Can you see it?  Well, there isn’t anything I can do about it now, so I have accepted that it is part of its charm.

knitted baby blanket 1

My hearts are a bit wonky, but I think it turned out rather lovely.  It looks so sweet hanging over the couch.  Maybe someday it will wrap around a sweet little one.

knitted baby blanket 3

For now I will put it away for a special someone.

I have been working on the Pink Princess, and here is how she looks today.

Pink Princess progress 3

She is coming along beautifully and she really makes me smile when I look at her.  All of those beautiful shades of pink!  And her black hair is stunning with the pink.  I won’t be stitching the wings, so I am getting close to finishing the stitching.  Then I will be on to the back stitching and beading.  I purchased a butterfly bead 3 years ago when I first started stitching this one, but I can’t seem to find it.  So I had better get to looking today so that I can decide if I will stitch the butterfly in her hand or not.  For those seeing her for the first time, she is Dawn, the Fairy Spirit of Grace by Passione Ricamo.  I am stitching her on 16ct Tintagel from Fabrics by Stephanie.  Love this fabric!  It is so perfect for my Pink Princess, having just the right amount of pink scattered here and there.

And I picked up my crocheting yesterday to see how my elbows would do.

Spicier life blanket 3.jpg

My elbows did ok, but I could feel them getting achy just after a few rows, so I stopped.  I had a bit of a problem with the popcorn row.  The popcorn puffs were quite easy.  I was only supposed to have 23 and I ended up with 24 😦  So much for my lesson.  I pulled it out a couple of times and recounted stitches in the row before.  I seemed to have the correct amount and just couldn’t figure it out, so I left the 24 popcorns and moved on.  I was so frustrated, I was ready to toss it in the garbage.  Instead, I threw it into a heap on my basket.  The right elbow is still sore today, so not sure when I will pick it up again.  I may have to wait until next week and make another trip to see the crochet expert.

So tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  I am having mixed emotions about the day, hence my moodiness.   If you are celebrating this holiday tomorrow, I wish you a wonderful day with family and friends.  If you are not celebrating, I wish you a wonderful day 🙂