New Project, New Supplies!

I'm pretty new to stitching.  When I was younger I did some cross stitch from time to time, but I had never done any other type of stitching until I joined Amy Powers' 39 Squares Stitchalong last spring.  That was when I discovered perle cotton embroidery floss: and a love affair began.

I'm not sure why I love perle cotton so much more than regular embroidery floss -- it's probably because it's so easy to work with for an amateur stitcher like me. But I also love how thick it is -- it makes great French knots -- and gives everything a cool dimension that I enjoy.  The only downside to it as far as I can tell is that it does not come in nearly as many colors as regular floss. 

Anyway, in addition to not being an expert at stitching, and I am also not a particularly organized stitcher either! (Most of my thread rides around with me in a gallon zip lock bag.)  So, I probably have enough thread to do this holiday stitchalong and several other projects, too.  But did that stop me from going to Michael's for new thread?  Of course not!

My color palette for Christmas has been evolving the last few years, as my decor focuses much more on vintage Christmas.  I used to decorate in very traditional reds, golds, and greens, but now my house is covered in pastel colors and silver tinsel!  In keeping with that, this card reproduced from vintage wrapping paper is a really good jumping off point for the palette I'd like to use in the stitchalong:

I took it with me when I went shopping, and grabbed a bunch of thread to match!  So fun!

Tomorrow I will show you an easy way to make a grid for your 5 x 5 sampler (if that's what you decide to do.)  I think I've decided to do the grid and not a design, just to keep things simple and manageable (and because I loved the way my sampler came out for the 39 Squares project).

I've set up a Flickr group for the stitchalong!  You can find it here.  Please feel free to join the group, and to start posting pics of your stitching at any time!  I can't wait to see everyone's work!  :)  And again, if you'd like to join in the fun, just leave me a comment here with your blog address, and please swipe a button to spread the word.

Happy Friday! 
[And go Horned Frogs!!]

Need some Inspiration?

If you haven't seen this gem already, you must go check out Amy Powers' new Christmas edition of Inspired Ideas!  It's chock full of incredible projects to inspire your holiday crafting! 

There are two projects in particular that I think you'll love: a small Christmas sampler (great for some stitchalong inspiration if you need some), and very clever felt sampler Christmas trees (I am SO making some of those this year)!!

In other news, I hope you'll consider joining the holiday stitchalong!  If you're interested, just leave a comment here -- and please leave your blog address if you want me to add you to the blog roll!  Also, I'd love it if you would grab a button (the code is over there to the right) and help me spread the word!  The more the merrier!  :)

25 Days of Christmas Stitchalong!

Even though I didn't get an overwhelming response to my poll, I couldn't get the idea of this stitchalong out of my mind, so I decided to go for it!  I'll be doing a 25 Days of Christmas stitching project of some kind (not sure yet if it will be a Christmas design or a 5 x 5 sampler grid), and I'd love for you to join in!

What I plan to do is spend November planning, sketching, and maybe doing a bit of stitching just to get ahead a bit, and then come December 1, I plan to post one square (or part of the design, whatever I end up doing) each day until Christmas Day.  That way, I think I can get this smaller-scale project done without adding to the crazy Christmas rush!

If you'd like to join in on the fun, please leave a comment here or on my Dishy Vintage blog and give me your blog address so that I can add it the blog roll I will have here on this blog.  If after a couple of days you don't see your blog listed, please just drop me another comment as  reminder.  Also, I'd love it if you would grab a button and add it to your blog to spread the word.  The code for the blog button is right over there to the right -------------->.  The more the merrier, really!  It's so fun to log on every morning and see what everyone has stitched.

Once we get rolling, I'll set up a Flickr group as well where people can post their stitching pics.

So, I hope you'll join me for some holiday stitching!

Alison

Big Announcement, Coming Up Right After this Commercial Break!

Well, I've made a decision about whether to host a holiday stitchalong.  But just like those frustrating reality shows that make you wait until after the commercial break to find out the big news (yes, I'm talking to you, Biggest Loser!), I'll be making the big announcement on Monday, November 1.   Not to give too much away (ha) but you might want to get those stitching supplies ready to go!

Hope you'll check back Monday!

Happy Halloween!

More Little Dresses, All in a Row

Still turning out little dresses around here.  I'm enjoying these little ivory dresses, but I think they need a little color or bling or something.  So.... still pondering how to finish them.

I have come up with an idea of what to do with them when they are done.  Stay tuned and I'll keep you posted. 

Hope you're having fun with your stitching!   :)

At it Again

I got out the stitching stuff last night after a very long hiatus, and decided to make some little dresses.  Here's what I've done so far:

 

I just love combining stitching with all the little lace bits and pieces that I have around here.  This little dress still needs something to jazz it up a bit; I'm still pondering that.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do with these dresses, but they are fun to create!  I'm hoping to get a few more made tonight.

Thanks to those of you who commented either here or on my other blog about the idea of a Christmas stitchalong.  I didn't get too many responses, but I'm leaning towards doing it because it seems fun to me, and maybe others will come along for the ride once I get started.  So, stay tuned for more information about that after Halloween.

Happy stitching!

 

Important Poll -- Your Expert Stitching Opinions Needed!

Hi stitching friends!  I've been gone for quite awhile -- not only from this blog, but from my stitching as well.  My counting my blessings project is still kind of floundering, but I do miss my stitching.

I've been tossing around an idea for a few weeks now, and I wanted to get your opinions.  I've been thinking of hosting a Christmas or holiday-themed stitch-a-long.  Something small and defined (like 25 days/squares).  I know that the holidays are such a busy time, already so packed with projects and a million things to do.  But the idea of stitching a bit each night during the holidays appeals to me.

So, the question is: does it appeal to you?  I'd like to get an idea whether anyone would be interested in another collaborative stitching project before I spend time trying to organize it.  (By the way, I contacted Amy Powers and asked her if she was planning to do a holiday stitching project.  She said she did not have one planned, and gave me her blessing to go ahead.)  So, I'd love to hear your opinions, thoughts, ideas, comments!  Please leave a comment here or on my other blog, Dishy Vintage.

Thanks, and happy stitching!