Smalls SAL - April Linkup

For April's Smalls SAL, hosted by Rachel, I've finally completed stitching the final four of the Jeannette Douglas mini floral basket pincushions. Given that I've only fully finished two of them, my target is to fully finish the remaining ten this year.

September Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion with DMC 869 used for Almost Auburn

and DMC 732 for Piney Woods

Fall Delight Mini Bouquet (October) - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion with DMC 732 for Piney Woods

and DMC 786 for Cognac

Acorn NovemberMini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion with DMC 3371 for Blackbird

Christmas in December Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion with DMC 3781 for Grape Vine

Smalls SAL - February 2025 linkup

 A short post to link up with Rachel's Smalls SAL for February.

I stitched two more of the Jeannette Douglas mini pincushions. I find the colours in each of these more attractive than the finished photos suggest.

Patriotic Mini Bouquet (July) - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion with DMC 312 used for Navy

Hot Tomato Mini Bouquet (August) - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion but with DMC 422 for Bee's Knees

and DMC3032 for Driftwood

Smalls SAL- January 2025

 The Small SAL in 2025 is hosted by Rachel, the Ten Hour Stitcher.

My intentions are good that I will have something to show each month but we shall see. Since I intend to stitch on either Just Nan's gingerbread mice or complete Jeannette Douglas's Mini Bouquet SAL from 2022, that gives me more of a plan than I usually have.

In January I stitched both the May Mini Bouquet and June's Jar Mini Bouquet. January to April were stitched back in 2022.

May Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion with DMC 3781 used for Grapevine

June's Jar Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion  but used DMC 3831 

for Apple Fritter and DMC 422 for Bee's Knees

If I put my mind to it, I might have some of these bouquets fully finished for later this month.

Smalls SAL

The Smalls SAL is hosted by Rachel, The Ten Hour Stitcher and now that I am in my winter stitching mode, I have two small in progress projects to share.

First up is a Christmas Robin from The Little Stitcher. I've only got as far as stitching his tree branch, legs and lower body. This will be a gift and will be finished within the next five days. Nothing like a deadline to concentrate the mind.

Christmas Robin - The Little Stitcher,

Just CrossStitch Christmas Ornaments, 2019

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Silver Moon linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

In January I had this plan of stitching all Just Nan's gingerbread Mice in 2024. Well that didn't happen but here is my progress on Gingerbread Angel Mouse.

Gingerbread Angel Mouse - Just Nan

Fabric: 32ct Picture This Plus Gingerbread Belfast linen

Threads: Suggested DMC thread

Embellishments: Embellishment pack included with chart

Of course, this means I should have something for the Fully Finished Gallery later this month.

Fully Finished Gallery and Smalls SAL - February

I'm doing these two link-up posts as one because the contents for each are the same this month.

Thank you Rachel for hosting the Smalls SAL. I don't always have something for it but I enjoy taking part.

I stitched these Valentine cards for Gill and Clare at Needlecraft Haven. Both of these are free designs. The Valentine Freebie can be found on Erin Elizabeth's Instagram feed for 6 Jan 2024 or her Facebook page and the Valentine Dragon can be found on Dragon Dreams Inc. Facebook page.

LEFT: Valentine's Freebie - Erin Elizabeth Designs

Fabric: Unknown 32ct in a milk chocolate like colour

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

RIGHT: Full Valentine 2010 Dragon - J.L. Aikman-Smith, Dragon Dreams Inc

Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Antique Ivory Belfast linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads except DMC 326 replaced with Au Voie d'Alger 3025

My sister received this hanging heart, a free design from October House Fiber Arts.

You are Loved - Robin Sample, October House Fiber Arts

Fabric:  Unknown 35ct White linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads except DMC 3833 replaced with DMC 961

Finally, for the Chinese New Year I stitched a dragon keyring for my Chinese friends. This is the dragon from the 2010 dragon Valentine design on Clare's card.

Dragon from Full Valentine 2010 Dragon - Dragon Dreams Inc

Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Antique Ivory Belfast linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads 

Smalls SAL - February 2022

It's time for my Smalls SAL linkup hosted by Mary of Mary's Thread. I haven't alot of stitching to show for this past month but here it is.

First up is my Mini Valentine Bouquet which you would have already seen on my Valentine's day post. I'm loving this free series from Jeannette Douglas and I'm looking forward to downloading the next design tomorrow from here. 

Valentine Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion

As it is the end of the month here is my update on Jardin Privé's Projet Météo. I'm expecting more variation on the colours of my flowers over the coming weeks as Spring arrives. 

Projet Météo 2022 - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Light Lilac linen

Threads: Suggested range of cool, warm and other DMC colours

and using a 4 degree Celsius range between colours

Smalls SAL - January 2022

It's the first 2022 link up for the Smalls SAL hosted by Mary and I'm pleased to say that I have some stitching to show.

First up is Baked Goods from Little House Needleworks. If you think "I'm sure I've seen that recently" you are right as I stitched it for our Needlecraft Haven Christmas Ornament Exchange. I liked it so much that I had to stitch one for myself. This pattern was a gift from Clare and at Needlecraft Haven we have made it our Travelling Pattern in 2022.

Baked Goods - Little House Needleworks

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Sand linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads and chose 3865 for ecru like colour

I've admired Jeanette Douglas's designs for some time and her free Mini Bouquet Sampler during 2022 has given me the opportunity to try some of her designs. I am stitching each month's design individually with the intention of completing each one as a scissor fob. I am using her suggested DMC thread conversions and I'm pleased with the end result in the mini pineapple bouquet.

Pineapple Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion but used 3011 for both stems and leaves

My final 'show and tell' is not really a small. I'm taking part in Needlecraft Haven's Temperature SAL and here is my progress as at 30 January 2022. I know temperature SALs have been around for some years but I had never done one as I had no idea what I would do with the finished piece. When I saw the floral temperature SAL from Jardin Privé, I knew immediately that I wanted to stitch this one. I plan to finish it as a cushion cover.

Projet Météo 2022 - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Light Lilac linen

Threads: Suggested range of cool, warm and other DMC colours

and using a 4 degree Celsius range between colours

Smalls SAL - JULY 2021

This month I'm showing both my June and July small stitching as I forgot to link up last month!

This SAL is hosted by Mary and all those participating for the July check in can be found on her blog here.

My 12 Days of Christmas SAL at Needlecraft Haven continues to be the focus of my small stitching. 

Sixth and Seventh Days

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads for red version

Sixth Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

Seventh Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

Smalls SAL - April 2021

I'm continuing to feature my 12 days of Christmas stitching in the Smalls SAL. This is hosted by Mary of Mary's Thread. If I complete anything else that meets the criteria during each month that will be a bonus.

First up is Jardin Privé's design. I'm stitching this as one piece and I've started to add the border. Rather late in the day I've realised that I haven't left as large a border space on the left hand side of my fabric as I should have had. The border will fit in but I will only just have enough additional fabric for finishing. 

Fourth Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads for red version

Here are my four calling birds from Plum Street Samplers.

Fourth Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

Smalls SAL - March 2021

Yet again the last Friday of the month has been and gone and here is my stitching for the Smalls SAL hosted by Mary of Mary's Thread (this link opens on the explanation of how the Smalls SAL works).

I only have my 12 days of Christmas smalls to share this month as I'm saving my other 'smalls' for Easter Sunday.

First up is Jardin Privé's 3 French hens. This was a quick stitch. I must start stitching the border for this design rather than leave it until it is the last thing to do.

Third Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads for red version

On my Plum Street Sampler stitching, I've started to toy with the idea of  stitching a number of gold motifs according to the day, so that the third day would have three, the fourth day would have four and so on. It might mean some adjustments in how I counts things, such as one pair of shoes would count as two gold motifs in nine maids-a-milking. I don't want the gold to dominate in each day. If I decide to go ahead with that idea, I will need to add another gold ornament to the tree below and change the colour of a gold pear on the first day. I shall think some more about this.

Third Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

Smalls SAL - February 2021

The last Friday of the month has been and gone and here is my smalls stitching for the Smalls SAL hosted by Mary of Mary's Thread.  Other than my Valentine stitching which I have covered in earlier posts, the focus of my smalls stitching in February has been Day two of the 12 Days of Christmas. I am doing these as a SAL with Needlecraft Haven and on the FaceBook page 12 Days of Christmas Cross Stitching. 

Second Day

The Twelve Days of Chrismas - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads for red version

Second Day

The Twelve Days of Chrismas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

I need to decide how I would like to finish the Plum Street Samplers designs as I don't want to get to the end of the year and have all twelve of them to complete at once!

I have one other small design which I am in the process of fully finishing as my design for Martina's Stick 6in 2021 and I will show this  in a couple of days.

Until then, take care everyone.

Smalls SAL - January 2021

Mary is again hosting the Smalls SAL where, on the last Friday of the month, we show any small projects that we've worked on. Full details can be found here. 

Like I often do in January, I've stitched a number of small projects. This year it has been helped because I'm taking part in both the Needlecraft Haven and Facebook groups for The Twelve Days of Christmas SAL. So I should maintain a certain momentum in my stitching throughout the year; assuming of course that I don't fall by the wayside.

I'm working on both the Jardin Privé and Plum Street Samplers designs for the Twelve Days of Christmas.

I've chosen the red version for the Jardin Privé and I'm stitching it as a single piece. It was the border for this design that attracted me to it so it had to be completed as a single project. Here is my day one.

First Day

The Twelve Days of Chrismas - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

I wanted something different for my Plum Street Samplers project which I had decided to complete as individual pieces. After a lot of searching I found a blue/silver, white and gold interpretation on this Japanese Blog that I fell in love with and decided that I wanted to do something similar. 

I haven't decided on my final finish for these so I have omitted the border for now. I might add it later if I decide that is what I want.

First Day

The Twelve Days of Chrismas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

As it's always useful to have a supply of birthday and other occasion cards I thought that it would be nice to send close family and friends a stitched card this year. This little design from Just Nan was an ideal starter. I only need to finish it as a card now.

(Happy Birthday) Heartfelt Trio - Just Nan

Fabric: 28ct pale blue (not Zweigart) linen

Threads/Embellishments: Suggested DMC threads plus sequins

Finally this little Pineberry Lane sampler was a quick stitch. It only took two evenings and that included the time to chart the names that I wanted to use.

Good Dog Marking Sampler - Pineberry Lane

Fabric: 28ct Crafty Kitten Sept 2018 Limited Edition linen

Threads: Suggested DMC except 3031 used for 3021

 

Smalls SAL - July 2020

Two more 'smalls' have been completed in my Little Sheep Virtues/Sheep in the Meadow project. I have completed Patience and Faith. As you can see below I am now stitching the central piece of Sheep in the Meadow. This centre section is almost finished but I haven't taken a more recent photo yet.

Little Sheep Virtues - Little House Needleworks and
Sheep in the Meadow - Country Cottage Needleworks
Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Natural line
Threads: Recommended DMC and Weeks Dye Works threads

I also stitched my first Redwork embroidery piece during July.  The FaceBook group Love & Hugs from Australia are running a Love & Hugs for Christmas SAL and this was the first design block published. I have decided that I will stitch each block in DMC 498. My plan is complete this as a wall hanging so the surrounding fabric decision will be made later.

Designed by Helen Stubbings Hugs ‘n Kisses
Fabric: White poplin
Thread: DMC 498

Smalls SAL - May 2020

Most of my stitching this past month has been done in the evening as during the day I've been busy doing family history research. I sit down at the laptop for a short while in the afternoon and the next thing I know, it's dinner time!

However, I managed to 'finish' a couple of smalls. I stitched Peace and Love on my Little Sheep Virtues sampler. I still find this a relaxing project for the evenings.

Little Sheep Virtues - Little House Needleworks and
Sheep in the Meadow - Country Cottage Needleworks
Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Natural line
Threads: Recommended DMC and Weeks Dye Works threads

My second project was Shepherd's Bush All Seasons Scissor Fob. I love the colours and delicate look of this design. I still have to fully finish it but I'm getting there.

All Seasons Scissor Fob - Shepherd's Bush
This was a kit so all fabric, threads and embellishments were included

Smalls SAL - April 2020

It's the end of the month and now's the time for another Smalls SAL check-in. This is hosted by Mary of Mary's Thread.
I stitched three small items this month but I've still to decide how I would like to finish them.

First up is La Poule. I received this chart from Clare of Aimtu's Stitching for Christmas.

La Poule - JBW Designs
Fabric - 28ct Zweigart Natural linen
Threads - Recommended DMC threads

Shepherd's Bush has this free design available which I fell for. I stitched it on a mottled green scrap of fabric that I had.

Ewe be well - Shepherd's Bush
Fabric - 32ct Fabric Flair mottled green
Threads - Suggested DMC threads

Finally I stitched this rose. I am considering finishing this as a rose scented sachet. That won't happen until the lockdown restrictions are eased and I can buy something rose scented to include in the filling. So who knows what my thinking will be by then!

Rose - Teaching model at a beginner's class in 1993
Fabric - 28ct White evenweave
Threads - DMC 309, 776, 899, 3346, 3347, 3348

Smalls SAL - March 2020

Mary's Thread hosts the Smalls SAL and details can be found here.
Since I had two small ornaments completed for St. Patrick's Day, I couldn't resist showing them again. So here they are.

Leprechaun Cottage - Blue Ribbon Designs
Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Natural linen
Threads: Recommended DMC threads

March Quaker - ??
Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Silvery Moon linen (7011)
Thread: DMC 3818

January Smalls SAL

Previously hosted by Heather of Stitching Lotus, the Smalls SAL is now hosted by Mary's Thread. All the information on how to join in can be found here.

I didn't have much stitching time in January so I've only one small finish to share with you. If you've read my previous post you will have seen it already. It is Noah's Welcome Mat, a free design from Plum Street Samplers. I will probably stitch another one before the year is over as I have a friend who would also like to have this design as an ornament.

Noah's Welcome Mat - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Belfast Natural line

Threads: Recommended DMC thread