Next in relentless crafts sharing: my most recent completed cross stitch which is also my first full coverage piece.

Pattern is from Happy Sloth Patterns on etsy. The pattern is super clear and easily to read on my ipad – which is my preferred method.

We are big fans of Mr Sparkle in ThePalace(OfLove) and I adored the cheerful colour combination, so there was no way I was not going to stitch this.

Purchased pattern: June 2021 | supplies purchased: July 2021 | started stitching (maybe): May 2022** | completed stitching: October 2022 | framed: November 2022

Pattern modifications: I did not stitch the flipped box lid because I found the skewed perspective stressful.

I used 16 count white aida. I think Zweigart?

On with the pix …

Completed – before laundering:

how about that back?

I didn’t set myself up for framing success at all. I hadn’t planned what frame to use before I started stitching – and didn’t leave nearly enough border around the design to give me flexibility with framing selection. This is what comes from trying to split fabric purchased for something else across two pieces.

Fortunately I scored an 8×10 (20x25cm) frame for $8 from Kmart and made it work, but it was pretty tight and there was not a whole lot of overlap onto the backing board (thank TheUniverse for washi tape).

Once done, I was quite pleased with the results!

taken without the glass – because with glass there’s too much glare for a decent photo

Next up is this wave ball. I have the thread, but not the fabric. I think I’ll go for a vibrant white aida again. But I’ll be leaving myself much more space!

I’m not in a hurry to start another piece – it kind of becomes all consuming and I think stifles my creativity a bit in other areas. Counted cross stitch is mostly all about technique and skill, it’s very, very pleasant and comforting – but I’m in a place where I want to stretch myself a little!

(Of course after I wrote this, I totally went ahead and ordered some fabric).

♥

** complete guess, I really have no idea – sometime in mid 2022
^^ though maybe it would have been if I’d stitched that flipped lid!