Moonlit Desert Finished

 I last talked about this project here What I am working on this week on October 12, 2025.

I pulled out a thread on the left and right sides one thread away from the stitching and stitching an outline stitch in the channel or ladder created to give it a corded edge. I plat to finish finish it into a bell pull if I can find one (it is 2.5 inches wide). It is 9.5" long and was stitched on 36 count linen.

Here is a close-up of the corded edge.

I have used this cording technique on other pieces. I learned it from Marion Scoular in her book Advice if for listening to not necessarily taken Page 72. I great book if you can still find it.

Happy Stitching!

What I am working on this week

I am back to working on Moonlit Desert as part of my rotation system. I developed this system a number of years ago to help me reduce my stash. I have six categories of projects (different from the last time I used this system). Within each category is a list of projects, which are numbered. I use a random number generator to pick a project to work on. This helps me pick something when I can't decide what I want to stitch. But it is not cast in stone; if the number that comes up does not quite trip my trigger, I pick a new number.

The plan is to start a project each Sunday and work on it for 7 days. If it is not finished, I pick it up when the category it is in comes up next. If I finish something during the 7 days, I can go back to something I am already working on or pick a new project from the category. Or basically whatever I want.

When I last posted about this some people thought it was too confining. But it does help reduce my stash, help me decide on what to stitch if I am undecided. Also, it is my system, and I can do what I want with it, so if I decide to work on something off the list, I do. Stitching should be fun after all.

My categories are: WIPS (1-31), Bins (1-264) White Cab (1 - 43), Flowerboxes (1-81), Studio (1 - 78) & Stitchers Choice. You can see by the numbers I am doing a fine job creating my SABLE (Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy). Although to make life easier on me, when I finish a numbered item, I cross it off rather than renumber everything, so I don't have quite as many projects as it seems.  The categories mostly relate to where these things are stashed and are either complete kits or partials. They do not include my file cabinet full of just charts. So, I guess this is my confession of being a stitching addict - SURPRISE!!! 

That was a long way to tell you about Moonlit Desert. I am at the point of filling in the background - not super fun, so I may work on something else periodically to keep me from getting bored. 

Happy Fall All Y'all

Gift Stitching & Moonlit Desert

It has been a little quiet here in blog land. I have been working on some gift stitching, and I am not sure if the recipient reads my blog. The stitching is done so now on to the finishing. I will post photos once the gifts are received so stay tuned.

I can show you where I left off with Moonlit Desert. It is on 32 count and the design is 2.5" x 10". It uses Kreinik ombre in some areas and boy to I hate that thread. Very short lengths or is shreds in the middle! I think I will finish it as a bell pull if I can find the right hardware.

HAPPY STTITCHING!!

Moonlit Desert

 This is my newest project - Moonlit Desert by Fireside Originals (c) 2002.

I have been stitching on it since Sunday, August 3, usually during baseball games, but other times as well. Here is my progress so far.

It calls for some not-so-fun threads - Kreinik Ombre, for example. I suggest very short lengths, it kind of shredded (unraveled) mid-stitch. When completed, it will be about 2.5" x 10" and I will probably turn it into a bell pull. Stay tuned.

Happy Stitching!!

What to Work on Next?

I have been working on this project at my local Stitch Club, Festival Stitchers. We meet every Tuesday afternoon at our recreation center/clubhouse.

It is Navajo Blanket by Fireside Originals (GHO 46). I have been working on it only at my Tuesday meetings for a while. It is 4" x 6.25" on 14 count aida and uses Gentle Arts and Weeks Dye Works threads. I did change one of the greys because they look alike side by side. It has a copyright date of 2015, so probably a dyelot issue.

I also stitch at home, and I picked up Holiday Patches by Susan T. Kerndt to work on next. It is on 15" x 15" stretcher bars. I started it in January of 2014 with my Foothills EGA canvas group when I lived in Colorado, so it is an older UFO (but not my oldest)!

Here are some past blog posts about it.

Under a Copper Moon Finish & Holiday Patches July 15, 2021

Holiday Patches - Feb. 21, 2015

I have a tight area in my studio for larger pieces and if I stitch larger pieces on the couch in our great room, I clunk the dog on the head when I turn it over. She likes to sleep next to me on the couch against my leg. So, I purchased a rolling bag to take projects to club meetings on Tuesdays. It holds my tabletop stand and scuba weight (to keep the stand from tipping). I bought it on Amazon and do not receive any kickbacks for sharing this link to it. 

So, I still need to find something to stitch on at home. Somehow, I don't think that will be a problem!

Happy Stitching!!