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I had planned on doing individual threads for each of my projects but as they are all from the same ilk, i.e. Wrendale Designs, I thought I would just make one for the whole lot! So my first kit I've decided to do is a beautiful Barn Owl amongst poppies called 'The Lookout'. This will be the first time I stitch on the 'proper' Wrendale speckled aida and also stitch anything on my new Elbesee floor frame! This will be my set up:



A blank canvas before we start:



As I have so many to do (and at least another two that I will be adding to my stash in February 'Poppy Field' and 'Doe a Deer') I've decided to give myself four months for each project. I'm not sure how this will go as inevitably I make plans and they go out the window pretty much as soon as I make them It may turn into six months for each and obviously if I finish earlier then all to the good! My little Wrendale notebook (which you can see on the photo) is for recording each one including stitch count, date started, measurements, symbols and colours of threads used and also (something I've never done before) stitch hours! Yes I'm going to record every moment of my stitching and see how many hours it took me to do each one. Wish me luck guys!

Looks like a really comfortable set-up - enjoy your Wrendale extravaganza

Thanks Mabel I started yesterday and looking forward to the weekend when I'm off and can do some more xxx

The stitching place is seriously equipped. And thanks to these photos, I now know the "secret" of those dots on their stitchings designs- it is the canvas itself. Happy stitching, Nicola. I am looking forward to your updates.

A great stitching set-up there, comfy sofa, a view out side And A Super New Frame!

That looks perfect!

Yes, a perfect set up. Enjoy your new regime for stitching. Admire your idea on noting all details, but I'm afraid I wouldn't stick to anything like that. I just go by how many months/weeks each one takes.

Frame is ideal & look forward to seeing more of your projects. Will we see steam coming out where you are now able to stitch so quickly
Enjoy!

kingfisher68(2) wrote:Will we see steam coming out where you are now able to stitch so quickly
Enjoy!

Haha don't know about that Izzi! Getting used to working on a floor frame as have only ever used hoops before. Feels quite strange but I will get used to it! My left hand has gone into retirement

You’ll be stitching “two handed” at this marvelous stitching station in no time at all. And speckled Aida!! What a terrific wheeze! I have ordered the construction of another (yet another!) magic sofa so we can all keep up in comfort.

Nicola Main wrote:

kingfisher68(2) wrote:Will we see steam coming out where you are now able to stitch so quickly
Enjoy!

Haha don't know about that Izzi! Getting used to working on a floor frame as have only ever used hoops before. Feels quite strange but I will get used to it! My left hand has gone into retirement

My advice for getting used to the new frame is to reduce the stitching area, i.e. bring the bottom and top bars in a hole on the side bars. You won't have so much of a stretch on your arms. When I switched from hoop to frame I had the bars too far apart and nearly gave up! You will have to roll the fabric around one or both of the bars, but it will make things easier.
Then you'll be able to stitch 2 handed.

Oh, Nicola, it looks like a little heaven of stitching! I think that recording everything is a good idea as it will keep you going. Even if you have little time one day, you will have to do just a few stitches, to record in your book It will be easier for you to update us about your progress too.
Happy New Stitching Year!

Exciting plans Nicola and what a great idea to keep track of every detail like that. It will certainly make for interesting reading that is for sure.

So looking forward to seeing the Owl one grow, I have a soft spot for Owls.

I love your set up and the owl. I was at a medieval festival yesterday and watched an owl demonstration. I am going to take that as a sign that I need to buy that little Wrendale cutie. (Obviously I can rationalize/justify stitchy purchases easily. Ha)

I agree with just about everything everyone else has said!! Especially about seeing the updates as you progress!

Carole

The shape of a face is appearing! Taking my time with this one so this is about two and a half hours stitching over three days.

It's wonderful! I can't wait to see more!!

good start!!

Carole

Great start on yet another awesome project!!! I'll try not to drool over it too much!!!

It's like a heart!

Lovely, neat stitching! Looking forward to the next update

Super start I'm looking forward to watching your owl grow