A finish, two WIPs, and a wonderful gift

I finished my third UFO of the year. Autumn Leaves is done, and will be off to the framer's. I'm thinking nubbly, woodsy, pale for this piece. I think a roughish, prim frame will really highlight the loveliness of the fabric and floss, sort of like when you see someone wearing a luxurious sweater with perfectly aged jeans.






I'd like to believe my WIP bin looks noticeably emptier, but who am I kidding? Although, I am taking it as a sign that I've not started anything new in over a week, and focused on things with stitches already in them.



Barn Kitties is coming along, if you can see it in this blurry picture. The half-stitches are all 4 strands, except one symbol which is 5 strands. What.The.Floss? Why is it necessary for them to do this?

Though, when you think about it, it's no wonder people don't like the floss in Dimensions kits. They say it frays. If you have to tug 5 strands of floss through aida long enough, it will fray. Mine did. I'm hoping enough survives to finish this.

And my lovely little Sugar Plum Fairy by Country Cottage Needleworks. I've had a very stressful week, and it was a delight to pick her up yesterday and work on her.


Simply a delight to work with the candy-colored flosses! I did swap her metallic out for Kreinik. I prefer them over DMC metallics. I think she looks adorable.


And lastly, I went out to the mail on Monday, and this was waiting for me. I won this in a contest from Riona.



It is so pretty, and Riona's finishing is wonderful. I've already started using it. I have a shameful confession to make. I usually toss my orts on the floor, and then vacuum them up later. My side of the bed is shamefully hairy with orts, but now, I've been so good about putting them in the jar. Riona just may have made me turn over a new leaf! Thank you so much, my friend.