2 Days, 2 Starts

Here are the photos I promised of my, as yet unimpressive, starts for the challenge. I am going to try to label the posts to be a little more organized as I stitch these projects this year.

First up are the Winter Horses. I am calling them that, as they appear to have no name on the kit, other than a line number. And they're so pretty, they need a name. I like this design because it reminds me of the work of Sam Savitt, who was a well-known horse illustrator, along with Wesley Dennis, and CW Anderson. I don't know if this is his work, charted to cross stitch, but it has the feel in the friendly faces of the horses. I wish the work of those great illustrators would be licensed for stitching. I fell in love with horses because of their works, but to buy a print is a dream. I do own a portfolio of Anderson's work, but only one.




My progress on Official Snow Guide by Lizzie Kate. This should be a cute addition to our holiday decorations next year. Perhaps it will be a reminder of how we should approach snow, instead of running around, screaming. I did find out last night, though, it has buttons, but the designer didn't say WHICH buttons. I'm going to email her to see if she can tell me.


Today I am working on "Hope Perches," by Sampler Girl. I am using HDF and DMC marbled blue aida. If this works out, I hope to finish it into a pillow like the photo with some bird print fabric I bought a few years ago and couldn't figure out how to use. Maybe it was just waiting for me to stitch this? I will post a photo tomorrow.

And my last "finish" for 2010. I finished Snowy Pines into a felt-backed ornament last week. I need to figure out where I can purchase a fancy rotary cutter to make the pretty edges for these ornaments because I like them a lot. Pinking shears just aren't cutting it. Does anyone know? I know it's not the best finish possible, but it's pretty good, and I can't learn if I don't try, right?


I'm really hopeful about this year, stitching wise. I know the year never ends up being as long as it seems it will last in January, but I think I can get some really fun projects started and completed. I have a few SALs to do this year and I think it will be fun! I have a good feeling about 2011.

Needles up, y'all!