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Great finish! I love that design.

I've been working on this on and off for over a year. (mostly off for the past year) I picked it up again a week or so ago and remembered why I'd enjoyed stitching it so much before. I got quite a bit done, mostly the sky and a bit of the buildings. Then I had the strangest urge to do some of the backstitch. Strange because I'm not that keen on backstitch but I quite liked doing this as it made such a difference. You can see how it made the design pop. I was worried that this would turn into a UFO but I'm hoping that I might finish it now that I've picked it up again.

very nice! What a fun design and the backstitching really does make it pop!!

I really like this one. I can see why you decided to do the backstitch. It really gives the piece a different character.

Carole

This is a really neat piece! You're right about the backstitch.

The back stitch makes a big splash! Cool design.

Am I right in thinking this is a Michael Powell design? I love his work and your stitching looks great. I found it alot easier when stitching his designs to do the backstitch as I went. Not only did it make the design pop but I felt I would have lost the will to live doing all the backstitch in one go!

Carole I love how the samplers have turned out for you. I've done the first 7 myself and loved each one (apart from the metallics!) I want to go and finish mine up into a wall hanging now lol and carry on with the last 3 in the set.

I love love love what you've done with the bookstore one and the colours are fantastic

Mrs Milkybar Kid - Yes that is a Michael Powell (his work is very distinctive) and while there is a lot of backstitch it really makes it pop. From the little in the picture I would guess its one in the venice series -and I *think* it might be the mini venice street?

I did a model stitch for the venice pieces and helped Michael out with trade stalls etc so I know some pieces very well

Love it!!!!! The BS makes such a difference!!!!!

Lovely project! Michael Powell designs are known for super lots of backstitches...so goodluck with it! Looking forward to seeing this one finished...the effort will really be worth it!

It's looking great. You have such lovely neat stitching.

Thanks
I feel very encouraged to get this finished now. And yes, it is Michael Powell's Mini Venice Street. Sorry, I should have said.

Beautiful work!!

That backstitching really does make the design pop!
Faith

Saw this chart and thought it just summed it up so I had to do it. It's called Lost it! and is by My Big Toe Designs. Stitched on 28 ct Cashel linen in light mocha and using WDW threads. Buttons are JABC.



I just need to think how to finish it now as with the buttons on I can't frame it behind glass. I'd like to do something different with it but still put it on the wall. Not sure what though.

Ta for looking

Ah now the mystery is solved with what you were going to do with those lovely threads and buttons - such a cute design I love it! I am rubbish at finishing my finishes - but maybe you could get one of those little hangers, border your stitching with fabric and make a wall hanging? Or even mount it on canvas and add some little hooks to the bottom to put your keys on..........

i had the same idea as MMK. If you want something a little less ornate there are these websites too.

Debbie Cripps - wire hangers http://www.debbiecripps.co.uk/acatalog/ ... tems1.html" target="_blank

Plus this lot from framecraft - http://www.framecraft.com/shopping/go_s ... pull_ends/" target="_blank

Now there's a thought. Thanks for that link Amanda. I haven't looked at those before. I love that lobster one - it's too large for this project but I have the urge to find a project that would go with it as that lobster is so delightfully random
There is a pretty one with leaves on that would do spendidly for this though.

Umm, got any links to instructions on finishing for if you're using hangers? I've only ever framed before

Ooh, more links - thanks Cecilia. That second link is just what I'll need for an upcoming project and I like the ones in the first link. I'm going to be spoilt for choice now

That is a great little project and what lovely fabric and threads you used. It would be great for a place to keep your car keys. I would then lose my mind, my keys and my cross stitch though.

Carole