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Well friends it is time to get myself into gear (somehow) and get this Christmas Stocking done - a picture will show up in due course.
So it is time to tell you a little bit of my plans which I almost hesitate to outline but here goes.

I have finally finished and packaged the Autumn Gift Exchange bookmark.

Today I have kitted up 2 bookmarks, 1 to go into the Stashmas parcel the other because I want to do it.
These will be things I will stitch on in between bouts of the main objective

Dimensions Christmas Stocking, Santa and Friends. You will find it here. I have soaked the 18ct white aida and it is a little softer so hopefully tomorrow I will grid it and then get started at least

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The only problem I see with all of this is happy interruptions for my cataract surgery - and "no- no date yet but I am told it will be this year"

So there is what you will be seeing in the next 16 months or so God willing of course .

Lovely projects I can't wait to see your progress

Always good to have a plan! The surgery, if I understand it properly, will only set you back a little bit in time, and then turbo charge the stitching because you'll be able to see so much better afterwards.

Love the stocking, by the way.

I love collecting and planning! Then I start something else and forget what I've bought!
So when I find my 'planned' piece later it's like shopping without outlay!!

I like your collection, Sally!

Once you have 'New Eyes' the stitching will gather momentum and the needle will be Smokin'!!

Lovley things you intend making, look forward to seeing them as you work on them

I love those designs. The stocking is great, but anything Jim Shore does is fantastic in my book! I didn't know there was cross stitch. I am getting a lovely little collection of his figures. Lots of cats but mostly Christmas designs.

I have also heard that recovery from cataract surgery is fairly quick. One day I will need that also. But the eye doctor says that is still some years away.

Carole

I love your new projects. They are both very detailed with very attractive designs.
Exciting new start!

You do find some of the most wonderful projects to work on Sally!! I can't wait to see your updates on each of these!! Love that owl!!!!!!

Serinde wrote:Always good to have a plan! The surgery, if I understand it properly, will only set you back a little bit in time, and then turbo charge the stitching because you'll be able to see so much better afterwards.

Several of the ladies in my stitching group have told me the same thing, so keep positive!
And the stocking will be gorgeous

I love both and will be (somewhat patiently) looking forward to updates. Great choices!!

Beautiful choices and hope you get your date soon, it's only been 8 months now? Good idea on soaking the fabric, I must try that next time!

Thanks everyone for the positive comments.

I set out to grid the fabric yesterday, using dressmaking pins to start with as I had a niggle about the size of the fabric.
Dimensions were of course their usual 'careful' selves and left only a bare inch around the edges - certainly not enough for easy stitching right down to the edges.

However an email for the guys at Sewitall Australia and a new piece of 18ct white is being express posted this morning which should be here on Monday. They are a blessing for sure down there in NSW.

So it is bookmark stitching for a day or three .

Well can't start the Stocking so decided to mount a Christmas card stitchery but you will likely see that at Christmastime.
The picture here is of a Squirrel I stitched about 3-4 years ago, most of it whilst holidaying at my son's home in Perth WA. I am off there at the end of September for Emily's a6th birthday.


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I love your squirrel Sally and I'm looking forward to seeing your new starts

How frustrating that you have to buy more fabric, I would ask for a partial refund it's simply not good enough!

HURRAY the replacement fabric arrived just before lunch so that will be my 2nd job this afternoon. Got some urgent mending to do first.

Awwwww I love that squirrel super cute

Great designs you are going to work. Look forward to seeing them on here. Your work is always so neatly done

The little squirrel is lovely ( and cheeky, stealing the nuts!). He has an amazing colour. Where I live, we only have grey squirrels.
Glad to hear that the new fabric did not take too long to arrive

The new start. THE STOCKING.




Gridding down to the dark blue line and for 30 rows beyond it is the more narrow top of the stocking. Below that it wil of course bulge out to take up the whole 288 stitches across each row!!! and GUES WHAT COLOUR it is to start with and for miles down the first half side too. Yep royal blue AND they want it 5 thread thickness. Dream on folks, even 4 is proving too many after just 6 stitches and I don't have time to play about. There is only just over (15 wks to Christmas) plus it has to be over the ditch to Ashburton which is 80 kms south of Christchurch (NZ) in time for her mum (Becky) to fill it. We will see what happens tomorrow - after the weekly shopping trip.

With the material all gridded, there is no stopping you now , Sally!
We will be encouraging you all along and I am looking forward to following your progress!