The topic for this month's discussion is:
"When do you begin planning your stitching goals for the next year?"
Interesting question that I don't have an answer for. I don't plan ahead beyond working on (and hopefully competing) the projects in progress.
~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~
When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete . No progress this month...
~~~~~Travelling Needlepoint~~~~~
Not having travelled since the pandemic, I have not been motivated to stitch on "Butterfly on Scroll" by Dimensions since February 2020. No road trips, no progress to report.
~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~
There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana and using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. In June, I had competed the pink and purple stars in the lower border and started on the "white" filler/background to the stars. The white part of the border is now nearly two thirds finished, having turned the corner at the bottom right.
In addition to the white border, there is a multi-colored border and breading to go before this piece is finished...
~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~
1. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here!
~~~~~ SALs completed in 2022 ~~~~~
1. A Stitchonomy pattern designed to be a companion to the "Spring 2022" SAL, the "Winter 2021", and the "Summer 2022" banners. The "Autumn 2022" was released in its entirety (it is NOT a SAL) in late August and I have made a small start, locating center and completing the first two bands. Stitched with the specified DMC threads on 14-count "curry-colored" Aida. Completed November 11, 2022.
~~~~~ Waiting in the Wings ~~~~~
1. A cooperative venture between Nancy Wahler ("Faithwurks") and Sue Hillis Designs called "A Stitcher's Shadowbox and Smalls" is now available and (as per usual, I ordered two by mistake! Oh well---). I have the kit(s) in hand but still have not started.
2. A stitchonomy "Christmas" SAL, a companion banner to the "Spring", "Winter", "Summer" and "Autumn" banners mentioned above in "SALS Comlpeted in 2022", scheduled to begin December. I have ordered the kit... and it has been shipped.
3. Two SALs by Cliffside Stitches. One is a variation on medieval Egyptian blackwork and the other is a set of cross-stitched tiles based on variety of motifs that are reminiscent of traditional folk designs from around the world. I have not started either although I have ordered the floss for the blackwork piece.
~~~~~
In summary, this month I completed one sampler and made a little progress on a long-term WIP. This is beginning to sound a lot like all my reports!
As usual, I wish you all to stay safe and keep well - having had my personal bout with the dreaded Covid, all I have to say is that if being double vexed and double boosted made this a less severe illness, I sure am glad I had the shots. I have now had my third booster (A Moderna bivalent) which knocked me sideways with joint aches and a headache for one day. But I am now past the side effects and am seriosuly considering those tax records I mentioned last month.
