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Well, I am starting this thread because I am determined to get started on my TOS today. If nothing else, work on part 1. I just placed my first order for silk floss from Hand Dyed Fabrics which Dana recommended. I ordered 5 skeins and can't wait for them to show up. My idea is mostly greens and yellows for the leaves.
Amber Waves
Cerveza 4141 (Lager)
Examplar Sea Silk
Gloss Green 3127
Hemlock 3115

I am going to try satin for the trunk and then experiment with some of the others. If I don't like it, then I will focus on HAED's and enjoy everyone else's stitching. The goal today is to finish one more LOTR column and then work on the trunk. Then rotate to my other HAED and maybe start my next fairy.
(and I wasn't the best housekeeper in America before this all took over my life!!!!)

Carole

Isn't it great how you discover all sorts of new ways of enjoying your stitchign (and ignoring the housework) on this forum ?

Looking forward to seeing this one develop, and I hope you'll find you really enjoy the new threads and stitches!

Oh, I'm looking forward to this!
A lady whose blog I am watching is also working on Tree of Stitches and it's fantastic. I'm eager to see yours since you are using different colors.
Sounds very promising

I'm hoping that the "nerves" I'm feeling is similar to the first time I used metallics. Now I know what to expect. I guess its silly to feel nervous because what's the worst that can happen? Toss it, start over or decide its just not my thing. Like I said, I have more than enough to keep me going for a very long time.
But it is fun, isn't it?

Carole

I am so happy you are going to start in on this one today!! I am looking forward to your first pictures and I do hope you enjoy stitching it up. The silk floss threads sound very nice--and if they are a joy to use. Good luck and happy stitching

Looking forward to seeing your first pics Carole - those HDFs sound gorgeous!

I look forward to seeing your pictures too and can't wait to see what your new silks look like

Just had a look at the colors on the site and they look great--how did I miss those greens

I think I don't know which one is going to be worse for me. Finding out I don't like working with silks or finding out that I do. There are so many and they have such gorgeous colors and that is the only website I have really looked at. I haven't even tried to look at some of the others ya'll have mentioned. And I am staying away from them for now. I know my potential for going overboard when I decide something is my "newest thing". Which is why I am also staying away from the Chatelaines. Actually, I really enjoy looking at what the rest of you do there rather than taking that one on also. Okay, enough talking. I have to go stitch!

Carole

I'm not a great fan of housework myself... Looking forward to seeing your project pics.

I am waiting to start mine, I just recently joined the group. Can not wait to see how yours turns out.

I'm looking forward to seeing it! I know exactly what you mean about feeling nervous about trying new things in stitching. I'm like that, too. But once I get over the hump, it's thrilling. Your silks sound lovely.

Posting Part 1 of Tree of Stitches. It is on 28 ct evenweave. A bit of a sponged pattern on the fabric. I have this one for years and finally took it out of the package. I did the trunk 2 over 1 with DMC Satin S898.
First time with Satin. Its a bit slippery, but I was careful to keep the strands shorter than I usually do (thanks XandraS's comments about working with satin). They get frayed at the ends as you work with them I noticed, but I do like the look of it. I have a few more skeins of satin and am waiting on the silks to come, hopefully this week. If I get impatient waiting for the silk I will probably do another part or two in satin.

First photo is when I got started and got up to answer the phone (excuse my inexcusable work space). Assistant was there when I got back!
(The Kleenex box is upside down to keep her from pulling all the tissues out. She thinks she's a kitten and can still get in the box?? )

Here is the real update:

back to black and LOTR

Carole

What a lovely shiny thread - glad you didn't find the Satin too slippery! Looking forward to seeing those silk leaves appear!

I adore your cat pics!

Great start and I'm so glad all went well with the satin.

Great start, lovely stitching! I'm not going to stitch this myself, but I intend to follow all the threads!

lovely start!! your cat is so cute!

LOL your assistant is priceless!! Love the picture of her!! Great start on your TOS!! And very glad you managed so very well with the satin---it looks fabulous!!

Great start!

Good start in spite of your "helper" , and I really like the fabric you've chosen!