September 30 2023

   

Wow, we are already at the end of September, and it's time for October stitching! Even though, this month seemed to be long for me probably because I worked mostly on samplers which always takes me longer than other forms of stitching. I think I tend to overthink what I am stitching when I work on samplers, such as the colors, the linen, how long I should work on this sampler or that sampler. As with other stitching, I tend to move forward with confidence.

    A few new changes in my life this month. For example, I got my hair cut and colored for the first time in a long time. I don't know why I procrastinate so much about getting my hair cut. I am suppose to go every six weeks, and I already missed two appointments since this cut and style! Also, this month I reopened my Etsy shop because I became inspired with all the different crafts I managed to find myself adventuring into. I spent a lot of time on playing with resin crafting which I think is something fun, so I may end up putting some of the things I make in my shop. I do have some project bags in there and honestly I don't know why I closed my shop except the real reason is that I was having issues with my shoulder and feeling overwhelmed after Mom's passing. Last year was a rough year for me as I not only lost my Mother but I also lost my sister to Covid. It is no wonder I was a little random and chaotic.

    I was sick last week and did not get a video up but I did upload a video today if you are interested in knowing my progress on Sampler September. I really didn't feel I did much progress before doing my video, but I feel better after reviewing all my stitching while filming. I know I will make at least three or four days each month to focus on my larger samplers because of the progress I did make this month. Doing a little at a time even if it is one floss really does make progress.

This month I worked on Consider the Lillies by Heartstring Samplery. I finally made the choice to stitch it in Fancy Floss. I do feel the colors are more vibrant. In October, I plan on finishing the left side I have already begin stitching, and I definitely will fill in the windows on the house (I keep forgetting to stitch them!).

I also worked on Sarah Jackson by The Scarlett House! This sampler has sat in my WIPs for so so long. I am super happy I pulled her out for Sampler September because I am almost at a finish for it. I did not realize at the time I started her that she has over one writing, which I have not done a lot of over one stitching. However, I don't think it was all that difficult and found I don't mind over one stitching on 32 count! I will surely get her finished in October.

Finally, I had a new start in September! I had kitted up Let Love Reign by Theresa Kogut, but I wasn't planning on starting it for a while. I heard someone say its ok to start new patterns even if you have a lot of WIPs and what better time to start this one than Sampler September! I will continue to work on it in October, so check for updates. The pattern calls for DMC, but I pulled some fancy floss for it. I am using CC Hazelnut, CC Brandied Pears, CC Blue Jay, CC English Ivy,  CC Sticks and Twigs, CC Fool's Gold, GAS Old Hickory, GAS Endive, WDW Oscar, WDW  Putty, WDW Parchment. I decided to use Fancy Floss after stitching a few of the flowers so I will unpick those and restitch them!

I did work on some quilting this month, and I was able to finish my husband's quilt that I was hand quilting. I never hand quilted an entire quilt before this one! I am super excited to do more and I have another quilt I am planning on piecing over the next month, so I will be hand quilting that one too! He was super happy over it when I gave it to him, but he was impatiently waiting to get it. It took me about six weeks to finish stitching it, but I did not work on it everyday. So, I could have got it to him faster; however, hand quilting can take a lot out of a newbie. Maybe, I will get faster the more I do for sure!

I will be posting again in a week or so for my progress, so make sure to take care and I will chat with you then!

Amy