This morning I put on the last of the beads.
I started this last year before Christmas and didn't finish. In fact, I was sure I had made a mistake and got a little frustrated. I just had to put it away. For some reason, I delayed getting it back out all year even when I was doing Christmas stitching in July. I think I may have made a small mistake in the male cardinal, but I was able to pull it all together.
I stitched it on 28 count smokey pearl Cashel linen with all DMC colors but one. In fact, it was charted with DMC colors and didn't have the specialty colors attached to it except one. The branches had The Gentle Arts Walnut for them.
The snowflakes and star have a special stitch mixed with DMC. I was apprehensive about using it since I hate metallic threads, but this one was great. It is called Glissengloss rainbow blending thread. I go it from 123 Stitch. It was much easier to work with than metallic DMC.
The other thing I loved was the beading. I thought that might be hard to do, but it was quite easy other than the beads roll around...now, it is time to clean up all the ones that fell on the floor. They were also purchased from 123 Stitch. They are glass seed beads.
Of course it is not perfect. I really goofed that star, but overall I am in love with it. I don't plan to frame it because of the beads. I am going to have to plan the finish now.
I had all done except the snowflakes and star on Friday evening. I knew I would not be able to find the special blending thread or beads here in town, so I put in an order to 123 Stitch around 5:00. The order arrived Monday in the mail. That is on par with Amazon. I love that place. I love to buy local when I can, but there is no local here, so 123 Stitch for the win!!!
Bring on Thanksgiving and then Christmas. I am most grateful that I pulled my cross stitching back out after so many years. I have fallen in love with it all over.
I love cardinals. I have a pair that hangs out near my sewing room window. I love watching them.
Stay tuned for the finish.
Sandy
What a beautiful piece you finished, Sandy! I love the pair of cardinals and it looks great on the chosen linen. I am filing away the info about the metallic floss. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin. I liked this thread way better than metallic. It still frays some but not nearly as much.
DeleteIt looks perfect to me Sandy!! I just love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you:)
DeleteSandy this is such a gorgeous stitch...the colors, the pattern and of course the subject. I love cardinals I love how you finished it with beads and that pretty thread. It all worked perfectly together. I'm anxious to see how you finish it.
ReplyDeleteI also do not have a local shop and so I use 123 alot too. I think they have excellent service. I got your kind email and will write you as soon as I get home on Saturday. RJ
Thanks RJ..I am really happy with how it turned out. Talk to you later.
DeleteSandy, I love this stitch, seeing cardinal in the winter against the white snow makes my heart happy. You must be so happy you got it done and I'm looking forward to seeing how you finish this beauty. Mary
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, I loved the way it turned out. Hopefully, I will share a finish on it soon.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous piece, Sandy. I wish I had your patience as well as your talent. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie.
DeleteI love this pattern. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you and glad you stopped by.
DeleteOh, this is such a delightful finish, Sandy! Love the beads and the special floss, too. I am one who detests metallic threads so I'm glad to learn about Glissengloss. I am another one who totally relies on 123 Stitch as I have no local needlework shop--can't imagine where I would be without them!
ReplyDeleteAnyway--congratulations on your beautiful finish--and welcome back to stitching!
Thanks Carol. I love 123 Stitch and am glad we have it.
DeleteHello!! I'am glad to read the whole content of this blog and am very excited. Thank you…
ReplyDeleteตารางคะแนนบุนเดสลีกา