All is Calm...

 

Hey, y'all. I think I can say, two-thirds of the way through this summer and over halfway through this difficult year, that I'm finally starting to feel a bit more settled, or at least a bit less unmoored and thrashed about. I've come to realize I won't ever feel fully settled in this house because I know we'll be moving to our permanent quarters next spring. Another move. In about eight months. The thought of it sort of paralyzes me, so I try not to dwell on it, but there it is. Everything I do to carefully put this house together--hang pictures, unpack treasures--is accompanied by the thought that it all has to come apart in a few months. Not exactly a restful thought. I'm working on just being present in the moment and not worrying about doing this all again shortly, but I'm not very good at it. Of course, stitching helps.

Which brings me to my latest finishes. These little lovelies are from a new-to-me designer called Cosford Rise Stitchery.  I found them quite some time ago and wanted to stitch them instantly, but of course had to put it off. I've finally gotten around to stitching them and I just love them.

Just a few notes on how I stitched mine: The models are stitched on 36 ct., using one thread of floss over two linen threads, so only one skein of Weeks Snowflake is required. I stitched mine on 28 ct. Winter Brew by R&R Reproductions, and on the larger count you will need TWO skeins of Snowflake, and if you cross each stitch as you go, you may even need THREE skeins to be on the safe side. 

On the matter of stitching styles, I've mentioned before that when working with hand dyed threads, I almost never follow the "cross each stitch as you go" rule. Here's my rather lengthy post on stitching with variegated thread. I usually use the Half Stitch + Mismatch method I describe in that post because I prefer more subtle color variation over the striped or color blocked look of the usual method of crossing each stitch as you go. With the exception of the border (which I changed to Weeks Ivy and crossed each stitch), all of the stitching on these two little pieces is Half Stitch + Mismatch. 

Weeks Snowflake is a very pretty white with distinct patches of pale pink and pale blue. Using this method gives you a very, very soft flush of color here and there instead of noticeable sections of pink or blue snow. But that's a personal preference. If you like the stronger colors, go for it. I've seen both pink and blue snow with my own eyes and it's gorgeous. In fact, due to unusual lighting, some of the prettiest snow I've ever seen was as pink as it could be. 

Even if these are not on your to-stitch list, do check out her Etsy shop linked above. She has a beautiful seasonal flower basket series that I hope to start this fall. So far she has March through September available. 

So I'm working on "all is calm" in my mind, with varying success depending on the day. I've been busy with some stuff lately that has kept me out of my sewing room (booo!) but I hope to get back in there this coming week. Hopefully, I'll have more finished and framed stuff to share with you soon. And there's definitely a recipe coming that you won't want to miss!

Happy Stitching!