1. Before:
After:
College of Magical Knowledge by James Christensen from Heaven and Earth Designs
Stitching on 25 count antique white evenweave
1 thread over 1 with DMC
Now here's the thing - I'm changing my rotation. Most of you know that I really want to finish College by Christmas. Of this year. Stop laughing. I even made myself a little schedule. By this Saturday, I should be finished with page 14. Hey, guess what, I'm on page 9. Hmmm... So what does that mean? A new rotation, of course! It will be such: one page of College, 10 hours of the next project on my list, one more page of college, 10 hours of another project, and so on. It is entirely possible that I will want to chuck College into a fiery pit with this rotation, and I'm totally willing to accept that.
2. Next item on the agenda, I have a problem and need your help! We all know I'm a little bit nutty when it comes to my stitching. Lately I've been inexplicably super fired up about it - probably because I've been ridiculously stressed out the last two months and stitching is kind of my safe place. Anyway, I have this tradition where I always buy myself something with my first paycheck. I don't blow the whole thing, but whenever I start a job I ALWAYS go out and treat myself. I've decided to treat myself to a chart and some fabric this time around. The chart has already been picked out: "The Present" by Thomas Cole from Golden Kite but I'm having a problem with the fabric. I usually stitch on 25 count and would LOVE to do that in this case. BUT they have blended threads, which means I would have to stitch with 2 threads and I just can't do that on 25 count because I know, from experience, that although the coverage of it is FANTASTIC it's very difficult for me to stitch and I just don't enjoy it. So I wanted to stitch it on 22 count Hardanger because I was thoroughly convinced that Mario was stitched on 22 count. Well, today I checked and I'm counting 17 stitches per inch on Mario. HUH?! I bought the fabric 6 years ago for that and I very well could be wrong but whoa. Personal shock. That means I've never stitched on 22 count and I don't know what the coverage will be like. I have to order the fabric online (probably from Cross Stitch Heaven) and I wanted to order for the accompanying piece ("The Past" by Thomas Cole from Golden Kite) at the same time since I plan to acquire that one soon, too and want to save on shipping costs. I'm really nervous that I'm going to order it and then HATE stitching 2 over 1 on 22 count and have to order 20 count and waste a ton of money. Anyone have any sort of solution to this? It's long and convoluted and if you're still here, you're a trooper.
3. A rant. My birthday is coming up. It's next month. My parents asked me what I wanted. I want a color laser printer with wireless networking capabilities. My inkjet printer was basically on its last legs, I start school soon, laser printing works better for highlighting cross stitching charts, and wireless because handsome helpful Boyfriend and I are now living together, so it'll be easier if we can both print to one printer from multiple devices. My parents had no problem with this, they picked out a printer, purchased it online, and are having it shipped to me. FedEx was the shipper. On their tracking page they said "out for delivery" on Saturday. Saturday, I stayed home. And waited. And waited. And waited. Most of the day went by, I checked tracking, and it said that FedEx knocked on the door and there was no answer. Rage ensued. NOBODY KNOCKED. No notes were left (as FedEx usually does when there is no answer). No notes were left on the landlord's house either (since she's on the same property). I call FedEx. They said they would send a message to the distribution center and someone would call me back. Nobody did. The tracking now says that delivery will be on the 10th. If I don't get my package on the 10th, I'm hands down filing a complaint. The landlord was home all day and she said that nobody knocked on her door either. So, basically, they lied.
4. I start work tomorrow. Yay! AND we move into our place on Saturday. The moving company already picked our stuff up from California and they should be here Saturday or Sunday with our things. I cannot express to you how excited I am. On the one hand, I'm glad we found a temporary living situation. On the other hand, this house is not my home. The things in it are not my own. The cat is an evil biting bastard. The dryer doesn't work. And it's 20 miles out of town. One way. Whine whine whine. This is such a whiny post.
5. Last, but not least, Anne tagged me in 11 questions! I won't pass it on because I'm certain practically everyone has already done this. BUT feel free to answer Anne's questions, too, and post your answers in the comments! I'm curious to see :)
1. What is your favourite season and why?
Spring, because everything seems like it's going to be alright. You just can't beat a beautiful day.
2. Do you like to stitch seasonal pieces?
No. It has never been my thing, and I haven't really found one I want to completely devote myself to. Christmas is great but I would only want to stitch something Christmas-y at Christmas. I'd start to resent it if I stitched it in the summer.
3. Favourite kind of music or musician?
I like all kinds but my favorite groups are Muse and The Strokes. I like a lot of classical, too, and movie scores are probably my favorite things to listen to when I'm driving.
4. Favourite folktale or fairytale?
Norse mythology - hands down. Especially now that I've been to Iceland.
5. How many languages do you speak and what are they?
Fluently - 2: Polish and English (Polish being my first language). Not so fluently (aka not so well at all) - 2: French and Japanese. I took four years of French in high school and 5 levels of Japanese in College.
6. Who would you rather have: Aragorn or Legolas?
Aragorn. I like them rugged. That's why I'm dating a geologist.
7. Dream vacation?
Iceland. FOREVER.
8. A favourite saying and why?
Not really a saying, but something I say a lot, "I know, right?"
9. Your most prized possession?
Hmmm... probably my stitching stuff. Just because I can't claim Boyfriend as a possession, strictly speaking.
10. Who you look up to and why?
Liz Sterling because she's GORGEOUS and SUPER sweet. But seriously, I don't know. I just strive to be the best person I can be.
11. What is the hardest thing you have ever done in your life?
Moved to Texas, because I've never lived this far away from my family, on my own. Also, I'm a pansy.
There you go, folks. If you're still here, congratulations! Until next time! Not sure when that will be, of course, as the Internet here goes out quite often.
19 comments:
1- beautiful stitching it is looking great and who cares how long it takes?
2-I'm stitching on 20ct at the moment and in some places (i'm doing a HAED on it) and it gets bulky in some places so I'm not sure how 22ct with 2 threads would be
3-grrrr
4-dogs rule cats drool
5-great answers
(longest comment I have ever left lol)
As always, I am loving College. It's looking great! It also looks like a confetti beast. I'm not sure how you stay motivated sometimes. I'm impressed.
As for your fabric count conundrum ... I've stitched on 22ct before (1 over 1), and the coverage was only okay.
Check out the coverage here: http://tryllacraft.blogspot.ca/2011/05/i-lied.html
I did test out using 2 threads before I started, but it quickly became difficult to get the needle through the holes (or even see the holes). I think 20 ct might be a better choice.
Phew Ewa have you upped your caffeine intake whilst in Texas. You crack me up, you're so funny.
I can help you out with one of your problems and that's with the 22 count. I love this count and I chose it for the same reason as you, I just CAN'T manage 2 over 1 on 25ct.I love it! The coverage is awesome not one bit of show through and I do all my work 2 over 1 on 22. If you go to my blog and click on WIPS tab you'll see a few of them are on 22 using 2 over 1. I'm also doing a GK but on 18ct as I bought the kit from them and I find the coverage only so so but still good. I have 3 other GK charts (you know me I can never stop at 1!) and I will be using 22ct for those when I get around to them. I love stitching with it and I don't think 2 over 1 is tight at all. It may get a little bulky as you can't use loop start with the blended threads but I run a tail horizontally and stitch over it to start and finish and that reduces any bulk.
Ok Ok I know long comment but if you're still with me here is my solution for you.
I have a huge massive bolt of 22ct white and I am more than happy to send you what you need for your project. That way if you don't like it at least you haven't wasted money. 27 Wips is enough for the moment and my 2 new starts coming up I already bought hand dyed fabby for so I won't need it.
I love the idea of treating yourself with your first paycheck you deserve it. You've been through alot and had some major changes in your life, so go ahead stunner treat away. Let me know how much fabby you need and your mailing address to neon_princess33@yahoo.com.au
I hope fedex come through for you. Postal services can suck at times.
Chin up stunner and keep stitching College looks amazing!!!
xoxo Alicia
OMG Ewa can you believe after that long comment I forget to add...I love the GK chart you picked. You will love doing them, I can't wait to get to mine in the rotation as I haven't worked on them in over a year. The charts are really easy to read and the blending of threads is actually really fun. I love love love it. I hope you do too!!!
Ok bye again
xox Alicia
I don't think any postal system works. I have learnt to track my own parcels down and go to our Post Office to collect it. Even that isn't full proof as there have been two occassions where thet adamantly told me that my packages weren't there and when they eventually sent me the slips the dates written showed that they lied. I just got a package that I wasn't epecting and the slip showed that the package was at the PO a full week before they sent me the slip. In other words I feel your pain. Lovely progress on College.
I just switched from a 25 linen for my first HAED to a 16 count aida. I usually hate aida, but I know this will be going on for so long that the fabric will lose that stiff feeling fairly quickly. I'm also using a snap frame that I bought at Hobby Lobby, so I'm not holding the fabric.
So far, I am loving the 16 count so much better using two strands. I can actually see what I'm stitching and I can still work on it at night. And it's covering just fine. It's really funny because normally I wouldn't stitch on aida on a bet!
I have a question about the "confetti." Do you just take your thread over on the back to the next stitch or do you tie it off and snip it and do another stitch, etc...? I can't imagine snipping off each stitch, although I imagine that's probably how you are supposed to do it. I don't ever take it more than a half inch or an inch and I check the back to make sure it isn't a mess. I'm just wondering, since there is so much confetti on these HAED's and this is my first.
Thanks and hugs and good luck on your new job - that's awesome!
Chelle
Love you reward your self with your first check. And I seriously enjoyed your answers. It was fun to get to know you
Fingers crossed your job goes well, you get to move very soon, and of course your printer gets delivered quickly.
Ewa!
1. I think your College progress is fantastic, but I am going to be honest here and say I think you are putting too much pressure on yourself sweetie! The most horrible thing ever for me is a stitching deadline...so I think your parents would understand if it took a little longer to finish, as they will love and appreciate all the hard work and care that went into stitching it. I just don't want you to start hating your beautiful project because you are stressed out to get it done in a certain timeframe, you know? Whatever you choose to do, whether it is a different rotation, or marshmallows a' la fabby, we will be here to support you!
2. I have never tried 22 count, so I can't comment much (would like to try it though!) Have you thought about 25 count 2x1 tent stitch? From all the works I have seen, the coverage is great, and it makes for a speedy stitch!
3. Sooo jealous! I would love a color laser...just for printing my charts! And don't get me started on Fedex, I swear, delivery companies exist just to annoy their customers...I mean, how hard is it to do a delivery on time?
4. I agree with Sharine's comment! I have 2 dogs, so much nicer than cats! So happy for your new job, and you getting your stuff soon! Things will be much brighter with a new job to enjoy and your stuff to surround you when you get home!
5. Love your answers! I laughed about the seasonal stuff...def the bane of my stitching existence, as I have a stockpile from BHAED. (before HAED! lol!) I think you are very brave, def not a pansy...I don't think I would have had the guts to move far away from home and to a place you had no idea what to expect from. Give yourself a bit of credit, and get BF to give you a big hug, cause you are fantastic!
/hugs,
Nikki
Your progress on College looks awesome and I am eager to hear about your move! I hope all goes well and your printer will arrive soon =)
I love the Golden Kite you picked and I am eager to see you start it. I have been eyeing various Golden Kite patterns and I fear I will buy one one day, too. I also wondered about the coverage because I once tried 2 over 1 on 25 count and it was a pain to stitch (and looked funny), at least with ful crosses. But I completely trust my favorite (crafty) princess Alicia and will that one day give 22count a try.
I have a Dimensions Gold that is stitched on 18 count, it's alright but not perfect. Dimensions uses so many different numbers of strands and a combination of full and half crosses, so 18 count is fine for such a project, but when I stitch 2 over 1 full crosses on that project I am not entirely happy with the coverage.
This sounds confusing and I dubt I can help you, I'm sorry =/
Your stitching looks gorgoeus, can definitely see the progress... will look forward to seeing the sprint finish!
That's really annoying about the printer, I got so annoyed with delivery companies, they're just so rude!
Good luck on the job and the move, hope it all goes smoothly!
1. That's a nice bit of progress! You can already kind of see how the page is going to look when finished. And your new rotation plan sounds like the sensible thing to do. Try it, and then if you totally hate it, change it back and try to finish College for Christmas next year.
2. Sorry can't help as I've never stitched on 22-count myself! My Goldfish Bowl (GK) is on 20-count and I like it just fine.
3. I'd feel the same way you do. Unbelievable from a firm that's supposed to be reliable.
4. Great news! I hope the people at your work are nice and that you'll like it there. Also looking forward to hearing from you again once you've settled into your new place.
5. Great to get some more pieces into the puzzle that is you. :) I like Christmas and Halloween stitching, and intend to start a Halloween piece in August-September and a Christmas piece in October-November.
Hi ya! Hope the new job is going well! Sorry I can't say much about 22 ct as I haven't stitched on it but from the comments looks like you have some good advice to folliow! Good luck with the move into your new home. Sorry the cats have been a nightmare for you. Unfortunately they can be funny creatures - I love cats & will be the first to admit that they can be very cranky when they want to be, but the love they give you (on their terms) makes up for it!! ;0) Hugs xx
Great progress on College, and good luck with your new rotation!!
That totally sucks about the printer. Hopefully everything was straightened out. I would be quite unhappy with them too.
And good luck with your new job :)
Wow! You answered them!! YAY!!
1. Love your progress on College! You are a super stitcher!!
2. No clue how to help! It seems others know though...so I'm glad someone can help!!
3. Yay for birthday and a laser printer! BOO FOR FEDEX!!!!!!!!!!the Bas***ds!!!
4. Bad kitty! I'm happy you are moving into your own place! Big happy dance!!
5. YES ARAGORN!!!!!!! So glad he's got a vote!!! Loved reading your answers. Norse mythology is awesome! I used to read the myths when I was a teen and was fascinated by them. Wow you speak a lot of languages...Ms. Smarty Pants!!! Good for you for getting through the hardest thing in your life with smiles!!
Your stitching is lovely.
I enjoyed reading your 11 things!
Sorry can't help with the fabric.
College is looking amazing!!!! hope the new rotation works out for you.
Hate when that happens with deliveries I've been having problems with deliveries too - where has the customer service gone these days.
Good luck with your first day at work and the move to your place hope you feel more settled there and can relax without the biting kitty!
xxx
College is looking fantastic!!!!
Love your choice of the Golden Kite's - they will look stunning together. As for fabric, I am working haed's at the moment on 25ct , 22ct and 18ct - all 2 x1. I am finding the 22ct a little tricky with two threads, I love the 18ct but obviously this increases the finished size.
Why not buy the smallest pieces you can of 20ct & 22ct and test out either two or one threads, before you commit to buy a large piece?
LOVE youre work. Ambitious schedule! Love working their designs. I work the HAED on 36 count fabric, 2 over 2. So far just mini Magical Kitty. Good luck!
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