New starts

I could not wait to start something new this week. I actually waited til Saturday night, though. Went to my LNS and chose fabric and specialty threads for a few projects, but chose to start one I had in my stash. 

I did get fabric for L&L Little Wings. I realize in all my stitching life (27 years at this point), I've never done one. A Mirabilia and a Told in A Garden, but no L&L. This one looks like a romantic version of DD and I, so it was a good one for me to do. My progress has been steady.

The other one is an old design, Rabbits in the Arbor. I got it from a giveaway bin somewhere, all kitted up with most of the charms, the silks and the fabrics. I love how it looks, it's just a very tricky chart to work with. Instead of the blocks representing a stitch, they represent a thread. Its so counter everything that i know as a stitcher and different from other band samplers, which I love. I am relying on the cover photo to get me through. It's my weekend project and I work on Little Wings during the weekdays.

I came to another decision. I have a bunch of small designs and kits I have accumulated. Since I am trying to focus on working on stuff I have and I know a new baby won't leave me a lot of time to stitch large things, I think I am going to focus on 2017 as a year to stitch smalls and finish things.  That way, I can make the most of my stitching time.  Somehow, I have this vague recollection of picking up a needle for the first time the day after DD turned 1; I know this can not be true,  but it feels like that.  But we'll see.

Anyway, I hope everyone is making their way through this very hot weekend. Last night, I came home by 9 from work and was asleep by 9:45. And slept til 730 this morning. The last week or so, I have had more energy, so sleeping that long isn't normal, but I needed it, I guess. I drank a lot of water today, because my office A/C does not work, so it wasn't bad, but I still stuck to the chair. UGHHH. Supposed to be very hot tomorrow. They are calling for a thunderstorm: hopefully, it breaks the weather. If not, more water!

End of Stash and Start Restraint

This week finishes my six-month participation in the Stash and Start Restraint challenge from Cross Stitch and Discuss. I started out with 80 or so UFOs and WIPs (mostly UFOs). In 6 months, I finished 19 of them.

2016 finishes
This should link you to my finish album on Facebook, even if you don't do Facebook. If not, let me know and I'll update it.

 I am pretty proud that I got so many projects finished in so short a time, but it was also pretty draining.  I have realized I don't like being restricted. Having all my kitted-up projects around and not being able to start them (the challenge involved only stitching things previously started) was frustrating. I like having the option to start new. What I did learn on a positive level is that I would rather stitch than shop. I used to prefer shopping and acquiring new things, but I have done an 180 degree shift in that regard in everything. And its helped immensely. Now, I just want to buy things when I want to stitch them. And only when I plan on starting to stitch them.

In other news, our family is expanding again. We found out a few months ago I am expecting our second child. It was a total surprise, but a very welcome one as we have been wanting another child for a few years now. We do know it's a boy--advances since 2012 include the ability to isolate the baby's DNA in my blood and tell, not only his risk for genetic disease, but also his gender. DD is still holding out hope he will be a girl, but she does love him and sings to him. He is due at Christmas; I did get diagnosed with gestational diabetes again, so he may come early. Which is fine--I am already mourning the loss of stuffing and cranberry salad at Thanksgiving, i don't want to do it at Christmas as well. LOL

So that is all that is going on here. I am planning a trip to my LNS next Saturday with all intentions of kitting up (and starting) Salem Remembered. I have grand plans of framing it and two of the Salem Sisters charts together for Halloween. I am not going to use the recommended fabric or threads for it though. It calls for 40 count and I did 2 40 count projects this year. not doing 3. Sorry.

Hope you are having a fabulous July.