Cross Stitch Bonanza #1 : The beginning begins

Well, wasn’t sure what to call this as Flosstube is for YouTube videos and this is not one of them. I was talking with my mom about what to call my weekly updates for the cross stitch blog. Jokingly, I suggestedd Cross Stitch Bonanza and it stuck. It seems appropriate because it is a term that comes from the mining of precious metals. When you would find a substantial amount. Also, it is a popular western television show in the US. Which appeals to the part of me that loves a pop culture reference. I may change what I call this in the future.

WIP Updates#

I’ve only worked on one WIP this week. This was the Floral Dragon SAL from Flossy Fox Shop. The first pattern dropped on August 10th. With each new pattern realizing on the 10th of the month until January. It is not too late to join if my finish entices you. But, yes, it is a finish for part one. it took me about two weeks to complete 3,552 stitches. I averaged about 300 a day. Here is the completed piece.

pattern: Floral Meadow SAL ↗

fabric: 32 Count Stonehenge Lugana from Atomic Ranch

needle minder: DIY Sakura Dwagon Enamel Pin ↗ frrom All the Dwagons

New starts#

I had a finish and made a new start. This new project is a Long Dog Sampler. I’m completing Opening Gambit which is chess themed. It was the only one that appealed to me because it is related to math. It is also featured in Through the Looking Glass the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. So, it is the most meaningful pattern to me. There is one with a Tapir in it and that is also calling me.

Here is my start for this month.

pattern: Opening Gambit ↗

fabric: 25 Count White Opalescent Lugana by Zweigart

needle minder: DIY The Queen’s Gambit: Beth Harmon Enamel Pin ↗ frrom Holly with a whyyy

One thing that I noticed is that this pattern is not symmetrical. Which takes a little more thought. I am a bit concerned doing one over one on fabric that isn’t gridded. We will see how this goes. Right now, I love the fabric and it is a manageable size. I prefer this to 40 count.

Plans#

Working on my Floral Dragon got me thinking about changing how I rotate through projects. The new plan is to pick one piece and work on it for a week for at least 1,000 stitches. That way, I still feel like I’m making progress. Getting a finish felt good but I still want variety and choice. This seems like a good way to manage that.

The next piece that I want to work on is The Stitchers Book Club by Cloudsfactory ↗. My original thought was that I would pick it back up when the SAL completed. But, this month was Jules Verne. And, I cannot resist it any longer. I love the authors so much and it is very cute. I also love the fabric that I chose for it. So, I’m going to work on that for a week.

This is where I left it as a reminder.

Then, I’m going to move onto the Japan Quaker which is a gift for a friend.

This is how it is going so far.

I’m going to continue working on Opening Gambit. I’m going to make it a thread or two thread a day project. That way, it will eventually get done. I think it is something like 20,000 stiches. So it is going to take years.

Haul#

Only a little bit of haul to share. I am fond of making my own needle minders out of enamel pins. And, I am a sucker for a dragon. I bought a few more pins from All the Dwagons.

The one on the left is listed as an asian dragon, but the reference seems to be Haku from Spirited Away.

The pin in the middle is Smaug from the Hobbit.

The last one on the right is Tiamat, an infamous monster and deity from Dungeons & Dragons.

I cannot wait to use thee on my cross stitch projects! Look out for them in future updates.

What are you working on?