My First Post in My First Blog ~ Finding My Passion Again!

Since I've started cross stitching again, I decided to create a blog so I have a place to journal my progress and my finishes. 

I previously cross stitched, before I had my son, for about 15 years. I did it constantly. On the train on the way to work, at work in my down time, and then all night once I got home. I loved it and I was good at it. It gave me a feeling of peace and a sense of accomplishment. But when my son was born, I decided to put my stitching aside to be Mommy. I was able to stay home with him and work on the weekend overnights. During the week, my time was solely for my son. I didn't want needles and scissors around the house, so I put my stitching away and pulled out my finished projects every once in a while just to look at them. 

This year, right after the new year, I decided it was time to pick up my needle again. He's 7 now, and I realized that I missed my cherished hobby. He's actually excited about it too. He thinks it's cool.  ;)

If you're not familiar with counted cross stitch, you should know that the actual stitching is only part of the fun. The collecting of "stash" is the other part. Stash is charts, threads, fabrics, and accessories. We have a habit of falling in love with a design and buying it impulsively when we know it's unlikely we'll ever get to it, or we'll start it and never get it done. I probably have about 20 projects started from before I had my son. They are now UFOs (unfinished objects). But the good news is I've finished 2 of them in January and I've only started one new one (so far!). 

The first UFO I completed is called Planted Hearts by Lavender Wings. I chose it first because of the bright colors and the simplicity of the design. I love this designer. I was upset to find out they have gone out of business. Luckily I have several more of their patterns in my stash! 

Once I finished Planted Hearts, I realized that 7 years hadn't dulled my stitching senses. It's like riding a bike! (The cross stitching anyway. Hardanger will be another story, I think). I felt confident enough to delve into one of my samplers by my favorite designer, Just Nan. Just Nan's pieces usually involve specialty stitches, which I love. They give the design a different texture and make stitching more fun. So, I picked up Barnabee's Quest. This is a sampler that Nan released in 3 parts. Barnabee is a bee who is making a journey through a garden scene. I had parts 1 and 2 completed (minus the beads and charms) before I had my son: 

I was able to finish part 3 in about 2 weeks:

This is Barnabee's Quest completed:

I always include my initials and the year in which the piece was completed. I added the extra bees on either side because I thought they would look cute.

The new pattern I started is also a Just Nan and it's similar in that it's a 3 part sampler. It's called Lady Scarlet's Journey. She's a lady bug. :) So far, I've gotten the borders and band 1 completed. I'm currently in the middle of band 2. The large snowflakes have a specialty stitch in the center (a Diamond Eyelet) and the small snowflakes are Diamond Crosses. This is now a WIP (work in progress).

Well, after one month of diving head first back into my cross stitching, I am once again completely hooked! I discovered a new designer tonight and I ordered one of her charts. It's a Christmas piece. Can't wait to get it! In the interest of adding to my stash (which really, I do not need to do) I also ordered 2 other projects and the accessories needed to finish them. 

Here we go again!

Thanks for reading.  :)

♥Dori♥