It is time again for a Stitch Along update. This is where I was with the Christmas stocking three weeks ago.
I had to take a short break from stitching as I had an arthritis flare-up in one of my thumbs. Looking at the following photo, I definitely know why it started hurting. I have been doing a whole lot of cross-stitching these past three weeks. This is where the Woodland stocking is now.
I have stitched to the bottom row. The back stitching on this stocking is annoying. First, it is done with two strands of floss. Second, the lines on chart are very difficult to see and are charted with a variety of colors that are very close in value. Also, the photo of the finished stocking has backstitching in colors that don't match the chart. So far I am following the chart. As you may be able to see below, there are lavender, pink and orange backstitch lines on the fox's ears. There are also light green backstitch lines on the symbol "T" that are very hard to see. Click on the picture below and perhaps you can see what I mean.
I am filling in some white stitches to the right of the fox now. Then there are a couple of squirrels and bunnies to stitch in the open area to the left and a whole lot more white snow to fill in. I was finally able to locate a few more skeins of the DMC winter white floss that I need. I hope to have the bottom of the stocking finished by the next update as long as my thumb holds up. I no longer expect to finish this by Christmas, but I will keep working on it. Hope springs eternal.
Thank you to Avis at Sewing Beside the Sea for hosting Stitch Along every three weeks and sending us the needed posting reminders.
Grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea and take some time to visit the other bloggers below who are part of this stitch-along. There is a wide variety of stitching projects. These talented stitchers are from all over the world, so please allow for the time differences and check back for each post.
Avis, Claire, Gun,
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Daisy, AJ, Cathi
Thanks for stopping by!
Your stocking is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBe careful with your hand.
Wow! You made a lot of beautiful progress. It looks great! ~~Kathy S.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteHi Cathie: So sorry about your thumb, I have the same problem with the middle finger on my left hand, boy it hurts.
ReplyDeleteYou have made great progress, but that pattern would be hard for me to read I would have to have it enlarged.
It really is a sweet design.
Catherine
This stocking pattern is lovely. I’m enjoying seeing each animal come to life as you stitch. Take it easy on your hand! Gail at the cozy quilter
ReplyDeletethat's amzing progress and the fox is gorgeous! Make sure you rest your hands though! You're not aiming to finish this for xmas 2022 are you? so take your time & enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI originally thought I could finish this stocking for this year, but I think that is a pipe dream.
DeleteOh, my goodness! Yes, you’ve done quite a bit of stitching lately! Your project does sound challenging! I wonder if you could enlarge the pattern to see it better? Despite the challenges, your work is coming out lovely!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to arthritis flare ups. Lovely stitching.
ReplyDeleteThey really are annoying.
DeleteYou made great progress. I really don't like backstitching which is why I stitch mostly full coverage projects. Sorry to hear about the thumb issue. So far mine are behaving themselves.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind the backstitching usually. What I don't like is the fact that the pattern has colored lines for the backstitching that are so very hard to see. I am doing the backstitching as I go, so it isn't all at once.
DeleteThat's such a sweet design! Hope your thumb is doing better. Is backstitch traditionally done with one strand of floss? That's something I don't know about! There's backstitching to be done on my little penguin, but I haven't done much of it yet. Mostly, it outlines the design.
ReplyDeleteI can sympathise Cathy, I started with arthritis in my finger joints at the age of 13, now in my late 70's it still pains me in the colder months and it's in my hips and back now too. Our doctor back then said despite what people say you are better to keep moving so the joints do not settle and advised taking up typing, which I did for my whole career. There are lots of gels and creams which help (or it could be the act of massaging them into the joints that help).
ReplyDeleteDespite the pain you have made brilliant progress. xx
I have always had problems with my left hand due to a couple of surgeries when I was 16 and 21, but my right thumb only acted up about 5 years ago. My hand specialist told me to just keep doing what I want, but eventually I will probably need surgery on all 3 thumb joints. I find that rest and using a thumb brace works the best for me, though I have used Capsaicin which helps. I am glad that you have conquered your arthritis by keeping moving. Keep walking also, it will help the hips and back.
DeleteIts coming along very well. Yes, as others also say, do look after your hands. Luckily I dont suffer from arthritis in my hands although my Mother did and also my daughter. It must have skipped a generation with me.
ReplyDeleteI too can relate to arthritis flare ups in my stitching hand. Your Christmas stocking is truly the sweetest thing. The face on the little fox is adorable.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you having to do all that complicated back stitching. I must admit, I made several executive decisions on how much to stitch (or not to stitch) on my woodland scene. My chart had different symbols for different coloured back stitches. It was a nightmare. I hope your hand is feeling better soon. It's a beautiful stocking.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, hope that flare up subsides quickly! The fox is adorable; take care of yourself…maybe set the timer so you don’t go too long?
ReplyDeleteI seem to have this flare- up under control, but I have to limit my stitching and computer time....both of them aggravate my thumb.
DeleteThis stocking so beautiful - I just love all the forest creatures. Hope your flair up subsides :)
ReplyDeleteI love the forest creatures too. My thumb is mostly feeling better, but I am limiting my stitching time and wearing my thumb brace when necessary.
DeleteI do hope you thumb continues to improve! I find my joints hurt me more than they used to and it's such a bother to take a break. But taking a rest avoids worsening the problem!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes... this is a challenging chart! It's amazing how that can change the enjoyment factor!?!
ReplyDeleteyour cross stitch is so pretty! I love painting nature, and just copied one of the "I Like..." group's photos of deer, to try to paint. I also have an open window on the computer to try a crochet pattern where little fluttery flowers are attached. I wrote you an email from your comment earlier but wanted to visit back to see what kinds of things you do.
ReplyDeleteI have a number of friends in NY state, and we used to visit yearly when we lived in Maryland.
Many of my friends were Math teachers, when I was the counselor in a middle school long ago!
LeeAnna not afraid of color blog
That stocking is amazing … sorry about the arthritis flare up!!! I have it all over and hate having thumb flares to slow me down! Have fun figuring a backing you find easier than the directions… you’ll need that stocking in just a few weeks time too!
ReplyDeleteKathi