A love ----- reunited

Welcome to stitching in this wild, free new generation! I loved counted cross-stitch in the 80's and 90's. I have/had some projects in progress, now  called WIPS (works in progress), in my former home. I guess I just forgot to bring them with me plus I was not aware that stitchers had their own area of YouTube called FlossTube. Stitchwork is bigger and better than ever, a whole lovely cult of women who seem kind, happy, and so talented.

Lizzie Kate chart. 14 count lambswool Aida

I purchase from 123Stitch.com

I have invested in several new charts (that's the newer, savvy word for patterns) and some delicious bags and flosses. I've learned that when a  stitcher takes a chart and gets the floss ready to work on it, she puts the whole thing in a bag (Many use ziplock.) That process is called "kitting up" a project.

I have discovered stitching is taking a little practice. It is a skill I have to work at again, but practice makes perfect. We shall see improvement. I have ordered a project light and some magnifiers. Before I say it is my age, I see young girls using those on their projects and reporting on podcasts. Truthfully,  however, they are stitching 40-count linen. (I am not yet.)

I have my first finish. It is called a FFO (fully finished object). There again the years have changed and everything isn't made to be framed. Some in the the FlossTube community calls the alternative method "Priscilla-fying" after a very creative stitcher, Priscilla Blain.  That is an active link to her great blog! I made my first monthly project to change out. That's another new plus, everyone seems to have seasonal bits and bobs to rotate with the seasons. I am ALL about the seasons.

This was mounted on sticky board. Both the picture and the daisy/blue gingham bow have magnets so I can move them here and there.

Creating and Calling the Muse

2018 became the year of new beginnings. My resolve to finish a WIP each month has manifested beyond my dreams. I am excited to crochet, stitch, and embark on papercraft adventures.The joy of making and creating has added excitement and value to each day.

This was the afghan that inspired it all! I saw one very similar and decided to begin crocheting again. I worked the blocks several years ago, but did the joining in February. I used Bernat yarn, which is almost too soft! This blanket is for me. If I had this to stitch over, I would leave longer tails to weave in because they are very slippery. I absolutely love it, but I don't think it will have a great amount of longevity.

In February of 2014 I chanced upon a pretty blog called Hopscotch Lane, which seems to have moved or ceased that year. I hadn't crocheted since the 70's or 80's. My sweet gramma had taught me when I was 11...  I made a lot of gifts when I went to college. So I quickly ordered this Bernat Satin yarn and worked on these squares for myself. I am not a perfect crocheter...  And I have improved over the past four years. I have done a few projects in the middle of this, including a baby afghan in this colorway. However, my first "child" remained in process all this time. Well, I finished her... Through the years she has been christened in Diet Coke, washed block by block, and stuffed into bags, totes, fancy 21 bags, and Wal-Mart sacks. She is no longer made in my yarn of future choice, but... she does make me smile. 42 squares of 7 rounds each. And a pretty shell border...