Life With Jules, and other stuff

I recently got a new cross stitch kit and I think this is the one that will get me outta my stitchy funk! The pattern is called “Praying Hands” and it is gorgeous; more gorgeous in person than what the image on the website show’s! Ordering product online, as we all know, can be a bit challenging. Personally, I prefer brick & mortar to online shopping (and that’s if I go shopping at all as I am not much of a shopper). However, not all brick & mortars have what we may be looking for. Step in, Yiota’s XStitch (www.yiotas-xstitch.com)! When I browse for patterns that may strike my fancy I keep in mind the different themes available. Lately, I have been looking for something more religious in nature. I happened across Yiota’s and saw “Praying Hands” and just knew I had to have that pattern. I really like how the package arrived in my mailbox. It took about a week to get from the UK to my home in the USA (quick by postal standards). Yiota took care in assuring the package didn’t g...

Well, I was working on the Charger over the weekend and noticed that I am off-count somewhere. It sucks! I have recounted every stitch and have come to the conclusion that the pattern itself may be off. So, how do I fix it? Until I figure it out, the Charger is stalled at the halfway point! UGH!!! I guess I will pick up a different pattern and start something new until I have time to figure out what is going on!

I am about halfway done with the '68 Charger and I have to admit that it is coming along nicely. The only issue I am having is with the Kreinik Metallic floss. I have never really enjoyed working with metallics, but it is something I will have to deal with, I guess. Fortunately, there is not a lot of metallic floss used within the pattern. Here are a couple of pictures of what is completed so far (actually, I have a bit more done than in the pics, but these are the most recent): When all is said and done, there will be a tree shading above the car. There is also a license plate on the front of the car, so I may personalize it with my uncle's name.

Here is what I have done so far: It's on 28-ct. evenweave. I have found the larger count fabric challenging. I am used to working with up to 18-ct Aida fabrics, so this is a neat change.

I just found a site that has really easy to download embroidery patterns for free. It's http://cross-stitchers-club.com/?code_avantage=swpwbe . Plus, if you click on this link, you'll automatically receive a gift when you subscribe. I use this site all the time; there are hundreds of all different types of patterns, and there are new patterns added everyday. It's really worth a look.

Well, it has taken a few years, but I have finally finished "Nautical Sampler". Whew! There is a lot of detail in this crossstitch and the back stitching alone took about 20 hours. Here is the finished product: ****************** Now on to a new project. I am still in the mode of making gifts for Christmas this year (even if it is only March). The next one I am stitching is a '68 Charger that I am making for an uncle. I purchased the pattern from http://www.patternsonline.com/ . They have a bunch of interesting patterns to choose from. Here is a picture of the pattern:

I like it when a crossstitch project only takes a couple of days. Then again, the Apples proved to be a little frustrating because there are sooooo many colors used in such a small design. Anyway, it is complete and here to show... I did add a little signature at the bottom of this one and intend to use it from now on. This way the person who receives it will know who made it for them and what year.

There are times when I come across a pattern on www.PatternsOnline.com that I really want to do. Well, Apples by Leisure Arts was one of those. I have been working on different patterns over the past few months, either finishing those started or new ones altogether, in the process of making Christmas gifts for a few family members. I decided it would be the best way to spend my free time (at least until I land a job) and get ready for the holidays a little earlier than usual. Here is what I have completed so far on Apples: