Slow Sunday Stitching - August 16 , 2026 AND 2026 Rotation #6 Slot #1 (Not Counted X Stitch) Changeover

 Wait, halfway through August and school starts this week!!!  How did that happen?  Got to admit, I don't like it, not ready for school AT ALL.  

But at least the crafting has been going well!

From the top.  I finished the ten hours on the vintage German needlepoint piece:

The back so you can see what I worked on.  I was all over the place - finishing the pump and water trough, doing the big bush in the bottom right corner and the yellow/orange bush by the house, rocks and grass and fences.

Where I was last time for comparison:

Also, it's mid month, so here is the current status of "Santa of the Forest".  I've moved the fabric up again, so you can no longer see the upper part of the piece but look there's 2/3 of a dove and an entire rabbit!

I added 1,146 stitches and I'm now at 66.06%.  I'm going to work around the bottom wing on the dove with the cloak colors next.  

I've also worked on my weekly Blackbird Academy SAL piece and got the third basket almost done - just the rest of the handle left.  There's still a leaf under the handle arch and two large floral areas on the right side to finish that motif, but it's coming along. 

On the knitting front, I did get back to the colorwork area after re-knitting the first dozen rows of the yoke starting with the joining round.   I'll take a picture when the colorwork starts showing up.  I finished charting the next Santa paper ornament into Pattern Keeper, but I haven't had an occasion to start stitching on it yet.

The other travel project (the LOSY hat) did get a couple of rounds in before choir practice on Thursday.  Yes, bells have started up again and I'm not ready for THAT either LOL.  Darn it, summer isn't supposed to be over until after Labor Day!

Good thing I have the SSS crew to keep me on track every week (this week's roundup is here).

Slow Sunday Stitching - August 2, 2026 AND 2026 Rotation #5 Slot #4 (Pictorial) Changeover

Time for the end of July check in on my pictorial piece "Santa of the Forest" by Lavendar and Lace.  This also ends off Rotation #5.  This month, I added 5,396 stitches, which brings me to 20,433 stitches in this project so far (approximately 58.88%).  And I have now finished 23 colors.

And where I was at the beginning of the month

Good progress: bear finished, and I added the checkerboard sleeves, the main part of the forest scene inside the fold of St. Nick's robe, and his colorwork mittens (white on green) are also done, along with bringing the folds of his cloak down to row 150 on both sides.  Speaking of the mittens, I think they may be Latvian style mittens (perhaps a pair like these - link to Ravelry).  Either that or his checkered sleeves have wide embroidered shirt cuffs and the mitten wrists are tucked into them.  But honestly, the purple patterns look like colorwork knitting to me - so I'm going with mittens with gauntlet cuffs.

You can see the outlines of the three remaining animals clearly now (left to right - dove, bunny and the wolf's ears).   What's up next?  The dove is very wide - wingtip to wingtip it is about 75 rows high, so I will probably need to work it in thirds.  The upper wing is almost completely outlined at this point, so I'll fill that in next before I move the fabric up.

And on the subject of colorwork knitting, my sampler hat is coming along.  And I think I have made a decision on which pattern I am going to work on the sweater yoke.  

I sampled the following three patterns:

1) from a sweater pattern I purchased (link to Etsy, the designer is not on Ravelry).  Very nice, but a little delicate - probably more suited to fingering weight than worsted weight yarn.  Also, needs an odd number of repeats to balance, and my sweater has an even repeat count.   On the docket for a future sweater though.

2) designed myself.  I like it, but it is not quite right - the eye is more drawn to the brown than the white, so the transition isn't what I was going for.  I may try to rework it for a future sweater at some point.

3) also designed by me.  This is the one I am choosing for the sweater yoke.   It's graphic enough to work in the worsted weight yarn and I like the geometric look of it.  I'm going to sample the decrease area depth on the hat (which will be more of a stocking cap shape) and when it's done, I'm move back to the sweater.

Starting Rotation #6, so pulling out the vintage needlepoint again.  I've been rolling through the slots about once a month, which is getting me good progress on everything.  I do need to get some finishing done.  The 'under the bed box' (aka the 'box of doom'/finished project purgatory) hasn't gotten any emptier!  

Even though it's not out of the 'doom box', I did finish (and very nearly FFO!) a project this week - the travel project. The next perforated paper Santa, which is the Toymaker Santa in honor of my father-in-law, is all stitched, embellished, and assembled.  I'm just waiting for it to dry overnight so that I can trim the backing down before I snap a picture.  (ETA:  FFO post for the ornament is here.)

Linking up with the SSS crew (this week's round-up is here)

Slow Sunday Stitching - July 25, 2026 AND 2026 Rotation #5 Slot #3 (Modern) Changeover

 

Took the bellpull off the side bars so I could show the whole thing.  That's a fair bit of double running!!  Good thing I enjoy doing it since it took all ten hours of this rotation (less the set up time, which wasn't much).  

As I was working the borders, I noticed that the top third (section 1 of 3 by Shepherd's Bush) is all cross stitch besides a little bit more of outline / double running.   And the bottom third (section 3 of 3 by Just Nan) only has three eyelets in each corner and the rest is all cross stitch.  But the center (section 2 of 3 by Charland Designs) has a lot of stitches like satin stitch, long armed cross and so forth that do not like to be smashed onto scroll rods at all.   So, I'm going to stitch the sections in that order = 1, 3, put it on longer side bars and then do 2 and the beading. 

On my other projects, "Santa of the Forest" got 1,180 stitches this week, which takes me to 19,288 or about 55.58%.   I will do a change over and end of month picture as of the 31st and report on that next week.

And look what happened unexpectedly this week!  

Yes, that's the 'swatch hat' (link to my Ravelry page) for the brown pullover sweater that has been long abandoned (well hibernated at least).  I came across the bin that it was in and figured it's on the home stretch, so why not finish it.  Par for the course, I am sitting (in front of a fan in air conditioning) with a lap full of wool in the midst of a heat wave.  I'm sampling three different colorwork patterns and the decrease pattern.   More pictures when I get to the top of the thing. 

Some projects just have to wait their turn for my attention!  In the mean time, linking up with the SSS crew keeps me accountable (current round-up is here).

Slow Sunday Stitching - July 19, 2026

It's been a very productive week on the crafting front this week.  First of all, I did finish the "Muchness Cowl" and it's ready to donate once the weather turns cooler.

color is shaded very orange in this picture, it's really burgundy

And I promised to show the mid-month progress on "Santa of the Forest" if I got over the halfway mark.  I am proud to report that I did hit that milestone.  I put in 1,269 stitches this week, which brings me to 18,108 stitches on this project (or approximately 52.18%).  The outlines of the heads of the next two animals are showing up - a dove and a bunny. 

I have also been working on the new piece in the modern slot, "Collaboration Sampler" by Shepherd's Bush, Charland, and Just Nan.  The borders are in that stage of a complex double running pattern where the stitching looks like a random collection of dashes.  So that one will have a photo next week for the changeover.  I don't think I'll get much further than the borders and the lettering in this round of ten hours, but that will give me a solid foundation for the rest of the bell pull.  Stay tuned for that. 

Linking up with the SSS crew for weekly inspiration and accountability.  (Link to current week's roundup is here.) 

Slow Sunday Stitching - June 28, 2026 AND 2026 Rotation #4 Slot #4 (Pictorial) Changeover

Quick life update - Alexis broke her foot again.  They had to put in screws and a plate this time!  Poor kid, she's back on crutches.   It almost makes me wish she'd stop doing gymnastics!

I've been working steadily on "Santa of the Forest" by Lavendar and Lace.  My goal is 110 stitches a day and I exceeded that number every day during this rotation!   I'm now at 14,635 stitches (approximately 42.17%) and put in 6,532 stitches this rotation.   It's close enough to the end of the month that this post can also be my month end check in photo for June.  I'll report on the total stitches for June and the first few days of July next week.

The bear is almost done - just his paws left.   I'm not sure where I'm going next.  I need to bring the cloak down and there's a checkered shirt sleeve showing where Santa's arm is supporting the bear cub in the crook of his elbow.  But there's also a little forest vignette just to the left of the bear's head inside the fold of the cloak that looks interesting.  Decisions, decisions - but bear paws first 😀.  

Here's where I was at the beginning of the rotation for comparison.  Quite a difference since I finished the beard, added some to the sleeves and finished the owl and most of the bear - it's been a productive six weeks!  Getting the bear (pretty much) done got me to 14 completed colors.

This also brings me to the end of Rotation #4.   Time to get out the vintage needlepoint and launch into Rotation #5.   I'm clicking through the projects are a pretty good pace.  It helps that I'm not doing any SAL projects currently, though I am tempted by several, especially a couple of patriotic pieces.

This coming week has a couple of extra bell rehearsals for the annual Fourth of July service at the Cathedral.  Always a lot of fun.  Linking up with the SSS crew (current week is here).

Slow Sunday Stitching - June 14, 2026

Well, the little over one patriotic fob by Olde Willow Stitchery is well started.  It's at just under five hours, including the set up / charting into Pattern Keeper (48.58% complete for the cross stitching on the front of the fob).  There will also be some back stitching and a Rhodes Heart stitch in the center; there's right at 1000 stitches in this little thing if you count the BS and specialty stitches.

The other project that I've been working on, and the one that has actually taken most of my time this week is "Santa of the Forest" by Lavendar and Lace.   I'm at the 1/3 point (35.56%) and well into the bear cub.  I also brought the sleeves of Santa's robe down to between rows 110 and 120; I think that I will finish off the bear and move the fabric up before I get back into the robe colors.  I will be in the bear for a while - his chest, back and paws cover even more space than his fuzzy plump face!

All in all, not a bad week for needlework.   I'll be linking up with the SSS crew (this week's round up).

Slow Sunday Stitching - June 7, 2026 AND 2026 Rotation #4 Slot #2 (Historic) Changeover

We had several rainy days this week, so there was plenty of time for indoor crafting lately.  I got all ten hours in on the Blackbird Designs project - "It's Berry Time".  This is going to make such a cute drum.  I love the little group of birds along the bottom edge.

And where I was at the beginning of the rotation for comparison:

I also put in about 1,000 stitches on the "Santa of the Forest" pictorial - I say "about" because I'm still working on the Sunday stitches - picture on that one next week for the mid-month check in.

I'm off to a church event this afternoon but will figure out what I'm doing for the Modern slot when I get back.  I'm kind of thinking something patriotic.

Linking up with the SSS crew (current round-up here). 

Slow Sunday Stitching - May 24, 2026

The first week of summer has been quite busy, with doctor appointments and getting my car worked on - new brake lights!  

I have been working on both the Santa of the Forest (1071 stitches this week - up to 26.88%) and the Vintage German Needlepoint (5 hours of 10 finished).  Pictures on both of those will happen next week.   

With all the appointment waiting time, I've actually finished all the stitching (including the little bit of backstitch) on the Musical Santa!   I had originally planned on having it in the 'Modern' slot in the current rotation; instead, I was in the mood for some easy stitching as a travel project and have been working away on it in the background.   

The kit paper was that silver metallic paper, but I don't enjoy working on it and I also do not like the coverage that you get, even with three strands of DMC floss as per the kit instructions. So I swapped out the paper for some simple vintage brown paper (it has very slight dappling).   There were blank places on the chart where the metallic paper was supposed to show through, so I'm putting beads in there.  Gold on the instruments and the boot laces, purple on the tunic edges.   

In addition to the beads, there's the beard and some sequined embellishments, plus cutting out and backing yet to do.  Hopefully there will be an FFO post later this week.  (ETA:  It took me a little longer to get the finishing done than I had hoped (for no particular reason), but here is the FFO post.)

I have really liked having a small travel embroidery project, so I think I'll do the "Woodworker Santa" in honor of my father-in-law next!   

Linking up with the SSS crew (current round-up).

Slow Sunday Stitching - May 3, 2026

Busy week with quite a bit of yard work, but not as much stitching as some weeks.  Following up from last week, I got the Shepherd's Bush "Violet Needleroll" FFO'd.  The post is here.

I got about a thousand stitches into the "Santa of the Forest" this week.  That brings me to approximately 6,189/34,700 or 17.8%.  I took a picture on Thursday to show the April progress.  It's just a bit further along now.  I'm trying to get the cream and tan colors finished down to the bottom of the beard area, while still filling in one or two rows of white each day.   I think I have finished all the shadow colors now and just have three colors in the remaining beard.

And I've put in about 5 hours on the Historic slot - all in the set up and the top border of Blackbird Designs "It's Berry Time".

I'll put in the remaining couple of letters, then move back over to the left side border.   There's no actual bottom border on this chart, so I will have to just stitch the center motifs off each other and check against the alphabet.  I have enjoyed stitching letters this week.  I did a center top start and worked backwards from L to A, then forwards from M to (almost) Z.    Since this will be a drum, there's plenty of margin.   One over one full cross on 30 count linen from the kit.  So tiny, so cute.

As usual, linking up with the SSS crew for motivation and accountability.  The link round up is here.

Slow Sunday Stitching - March 15, 2026 AND 2026 Rotation #2 Slot #1 (Historic) Changeover

 Well, I don't know if it was because I let the ruined Blackbird Designs piece dry between attempts at fixing it or if I inadvertently set the dye that bled out, but that project is toast.  I'm actually not all that upset now that I've had time to process; it was 28 count two over two and a size that would have needed a custom frame.  I'll restart it on 36 or 40 count at some point in the future with the goal of making it into a bell pull or wall hanging.  I think I'll actually like it more.   So the pattern (which is still readable - more splashed than drowned in the disaster) and the leftover floss is back in the 'to be kitted' stash and I'll happily get back to it at some point.   

But what that means is that I have not finished a Blackbird Design, so I picked out another one of their projects - "It's Berry Time".  It is another one of the original Loose Feathers designs (#37 from 2009).  Kitted by Old Mill Stitchery, which was my favorite semi LNS.  I wanted something with an actual alphabet for the 'year of the alphabet - 26 letters for 2026' and I don't have a monochromatic sampler on the go right now.  I AM going to bleed test and possibly vinegar bath that floss, though!  I'm a bit disenchanted with fancy floss after the last couple of weeks.  I'm also going to run the numbers for either working it over one or putting it on a much smaller count linen with the idea of a drum or spool finish.  Until I make that decision, I'm not ready to set it up and put the first stitches in, so I'm calling the "Historic or Prim" slot done for this rotation.

 

But the BIG news this week is that I finished Mead Dragon!!!  See the Finish post for all the stats, but I can't help showing her off again.  She's getting a well needed bath (which should also erase the grid marks), blocking and the basting removed; then she's off to the framers.  I'm not going to try to frame her myself!  I'm thinking maybe a chunky dark frame.

What's up next in the pictorial category?  Meet "Santa of the Forest" designed by Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum of Lavendar and Lace.  He's stitched on 32 count two over two.  There are blends, and I'm replacing the scattered metallic one-stitch 'stars' with beads, so I can't easily downside it. The called for fabric is "Natural" by Wichelt.  I'm using "Raw" Belfast by Zweigart, because I don't care for the more open weave of Wichelt linens. I did not purchase the metallic thread when I kitted it up c 1995, but DMC still makes it (it's the 284Z on the short wide spool, not the skein sparkly stuff or the Diamante on the long skinny spool).  I need to order that and get the floss away bags set up and edge my linen.  I have a cut of linen that's 18 x 27, so it's going to be a bit tight on the side margins.  Once I straighten the fabric, it will be closer to 17.5 inches wide, but if the framer needs me to, I can add muslin on the sides.  I've taken the time to put the pattern into Pattern Keeper, and I can't wait to get it started - trying to enjoy the set-up process, it's part of the journey.

I concentrated on the Dragon after last Saturday's disaster, but she was done early Wednesday morning.  So I pulled out the "Old Farmhouse" vintage needlepoint and have been working on it since then.  I have about six hours in so far.  I've finished up both the mountain peaks and started in on the forest along the ridgeline on the left side.

As usual, a look at the back so you can actually see the progress.  I think I'll continue down this area until I get to the lilac bush/tree by the house; that should keep me busy through the end of this rotation.  Then next time around I will move over to the distant trees on the right behind the barn.  Lots of trees LOL.  

In house and garden news, this week I have had contractors in.  I am getting a new deck!  The old one was built by my dad in the early 1980s (so fifty years ago!) and had some areas where the joists were failing - not good; I didn't even trust it to hold the grill.  Dela keeps growling at the workmen out the sewing room window but loves on them when I let her out into the back yard. Silly🐕

And then there was this.  New travel project cast on - a charity scarf in seed stitch rib this time (link to my Ravelry page).

A travel project in its native habitat.

Linking up with the SSS crew (this week's round-up).

FINISHED NEEDLEWORK: "Mead Dragon" by Paine Free Crafts

 

Pattern: "Mead Dragon"

Art: Stanley Morrison

Charting: Paine Free Crafts

Fabric: 28 count EZ Grid evenweave by Zweigart

9 inches wide x 12.25 inches high

Threads: DMC as charted - 50 colors

Stitches:  Cross stitch one over one Full Coverage - 94,500 total stitches

 

Started 1/31/2024, needlework completed 3/11/2026

Framed  - pending

Slow Sunday Stitching - March 8, 2026 - It's a DISASTER!

 First of all, everything is OK on the Mead Dragon.  I've been back to doing 100 stitches or so a day, and there are just 600 stitches to go.  I am on the last color!  Should be a finish this coming week, providing I do not have another disaster.

This week, my focus has been on Blackbird Designs "And to All a Good Night".  I had put in about six hours and had gotten to around the 85% mark, BUT.

Yesterday I was in a hurry and left a can of Dr. Pepper near my Blackbird Design piece.   I know better, I do.   I did not get a picture of the mess when the soda got knocked over.   Cue the panic, ripping it off the scroll rods and into a cold-water bath with SOAK needlework and yarn soap.

I knew it was a huge risk as this project has overdyed cotton floss and overdyed linen.   And there was a lot of bleeding.   And worse, a lot of dye migration as it dried. 

It doesn't look so bad in the photo, but there is a halo of red everywhere along the bricks and a swath of blue grey all around the roof.  The Cherry Bark in the door frame and letters ran too - more reds.

So much work ruined by just a second of inattention.  Just due to putting my drink down on the left side of my stitching chair near my workspace instead of over on the right where it would not have spilled down onto my work.  

I'm heartsick.   I'm not sure if I should try to rewash it with color catchers and a vinegar rinse.   Or to just trash it and start it over at some point with new floss and fabric.   Has anyone successfully rescued a project when the floss ran badly?   

If I can't get the disaster fixed, I will eventually restart it.  I do love the design, and I know it's a lot of people's "unicorn chart".  I was hoping to pass it on to someone in a RAK when I got it done, and that's not going to be able to happen now (the soda hit the chart, too.  At least it's still readable for a second attempt, though not in condition to pass on.)

Linking up with the SSS crew for sympathy or solutions - I'll take either!

Slow Sunday Stitching - March 1, 2026 AND 2026 Rotation #1 Slot #4 (Pictorial) Changeover /Full Coverage February Wrap-up

Well, I didn't quite finish the Mead Dragon during February, but I got darn close!  I have only 1,587 stitches left or less than 2%.  This week I completed 1,518 stitches, bringing the total for the month to 5,811, YTD to 9,451 and project total to 92,913 of 94,500 (98.32%).  I finished off four more colors this week, leaving only two colors left!

Filling in all but two background colors means that the entire center section of reflections is complete.

Last week for comparison

And the beginning of the month

I am so tempted to just keep working on this instead of going back to just 100 stitches a day.  But I miss my other projects.  There WILL be a finish on this project in the next couple of weeks, even at the slower pace.  The finish will actually be the next time I post about this project!

So this afternoon, I'm picking up the Blackbird Designs project.  I'll be working on windowsills, so still stitching with grey LOL.

Linking up with the SSS folks (who are probably cheering that they get to see something other than the Mead Dragon for a while)!

Slow Sunday Stitching - February 22, 2026

Hopefully you all aren't totally bored with these monogamous project updates on the Mead Dragon during Full Coverage February. I stitched 1,448 stitches this week, which brings me to 4,293 stitches for the month, 7,933 stitches for the year and 91,395 for the project = 96.71%.

This week, I focused on the area of reflections under the drinking horn and got it filled in pretty well, though there's still a couple of colors missing.   Speaking of colors - I finished color completing seven floss colors and have only six shades remaining.  All but two of them of them are dark colors that occur mostly in the background. I think after I finish the next two colors that are primarily in that center section, I will go back to the typewriter method and complete a row at a time. I did get the background down to the start of row 333 of 350.

Closeup of the area under the drinking horn, just because the reflections are so pretty!

And here's where I was last week

And at the beginning of the month.

Linking up with the SSS crew.

Slow Sunday Stitching - February 15, 2026

 Just a quick update on the Mead Dragon this week for #FullCoverageFebruary.

I put in 1,384 stitches this week and completed 9 colors (total of 37 / 50 colors completed).  That brings me to 89,947 / 94,500 stitches and 95.18% complete.  Just over 4,500 stitches left! 

You can see I mostly worked in the reflections area under the drinking horn, though I did get a few more rows of background done; I'm currently working on Row 328 of 350.  And I finished the bottom curve on her tail.  I'll probably work more on the reflections in the center area next.

Where I was last week

And at the beginning of the month

Linking up with the SSS Crew (this week's roundup).

Slow Sunday Stitching - February 8, 2026

This week the needlework was all about the Mead Dragon.  I put in 1,461 stitches since the first and have less than 6,000 stitches remaining.  I got to the bottom of the chart in a couple of places, and I've also now finished 28 colors, so over half of the 50 colors in this chart.  Only one color has over 1,000 stitches left.   I'm still getting quite a thrill when the new 'zero' count shows up!

Down to Row 222 of 250; most of the work this week was in the band of orange ('copper or brass') around the base of the drinking horn.  Some of the reflections are starting to show up, too.

Here's where I started the month for comparison

On the bag front - it's at the 'bits and pieces' stage.  Interfacing has been fused onto the main parts of the needlework, and I'm working on the side seams.  I'm planning on hand sewing as much as I can on this project, so it's not the fastest progress.  I'll try to post a picture later.

Linking up with the SSS crew.  They keep me motivated!

Slow Sunday Stitching - February 1 AND Full Coverage February 2026 Plans

Lots of progress this week.  Let's start with the FFO.   Finished the Autumn Roads Musselburgh Hat. (Link to my Ravelry project page for all the details).  I do love this yarn!  It's a great snugly hat, warm and soft.  5 stars, recommend.  I almost hate to donate it, but it will keep someone nice and warm.

Next up is the rotation changeover on the vintage needlepoint piece, "Old Farmhouse / Alter Bauernhof".  Ten hours got the sky finished as well as the belltower and church roof.   See the changeover post for the back side pictures and progress details.

And for the current WiP, we are on to the Finish / Frame slot in the rotation.   And I have a plan of work for the assembly on the KC Plaza Stitching Bag.   This is the only project from 2025 that isn't to an FFO status.   So past time to get it done and dusted.   Here's the pile of materials including the rest of the fabric that matches the finishing on all the Guild Smalls, tape for the drawstring casing, perle cotton to make the drawstrings, interfacing, etc.   Since I have no finishing directions, I'm sort of figuring it out as I go.

Last, but certainly not least, the Mead Dragon.  Here is the month end report for January with all the stats and the comparison picture.   

I need to talk a bit about what's next on this project.  Today kicks off "Full Coverage February".  I just have the one full coverage project.  As is my usual practice, I'm not doing any of the challenges that have bingo boards, decision wheels, acrostics or similar ways to select between multiple full coverage pieces.  (That way lies madness!)  But I am planning on working on her monogamously in February (other than the hand sewing on the KC Bag). 

I only have about 8% left, but that is still about 7,400 stitches per Pattern Keeper.  I have never even come close to that many stitches in a month, so doubt I can get her finished in February, but I intend to see how far I can get. I am going to challenge myself to finish as many colors as I can in the run up to getting this project done.   I'm starting with 10 colors completed as of January 31.  I'll report on her weekly just like I did last year.

Linking up with the SSS crew for this week's roundup.  Accountability and Inspiration.