A few fine finishes to close out 2013

For most stitchers that I know, there is a rush to the finish when a year comes to close. I think there is many reasons for that. For me it is the satisfaction on getting closure on a project and allowing yourself to start something new without that nagging feeling that something was left behind.

I have a few finishes to show you to cap off my 2013 year of stitching.

First up is Nora Corbett's Hummingbird.  This is part of the Audubon Street Collection.  I suspect there will be six patterns in total with as of date (01/02/2014) four being released. I have always loved little song birds and my goal is to do all six of these pieces on one fabric.  I did Hummingbird as a Christmas gift for my step-mother and my father as their property is swarming with hummingbird activities during the summer.  It was stitched on an early piece of fabric by Hand Dyed Fabrics By Stephanie which doesn't have a name.

Nora Corbett's Hummingbird stitched on a 28 count evenweave by Hand Dyed Fabrics By Stephanie

I simplified the border, choosing only to do the scroll work on the top of the pattern.

The colours are fun and lively and the bit of Kreinik in the bird makes him sparkle like a real hummingbird does.

A few beads to highlight the flower

I also managed to finish, to my surprise, Mermaid Azure by Nora Corbett.  This little siren of the sea is sassy and sweet at the same time. I was hoping to finish stitching only pre-New Years Eve and I just started beading on Dec 29th until I was done. Wow - that was a lot of beads. Azure is stitched on a gorgeous piece of 32 count opal belfast linen called "Tropical Breeze" by Crafty Kitten. Linen and I are not that friendly. I manage but it isn't my favorite nor fastest fabric to stitch on. With that said, the colours in this opal belfast are to "dye" for and I just needed to have it in linen. 

Mermaid Azure on 32 count opal  Tropical Breeze by Crafty Kitten

Beautiful pallet of colours in this little mermaid

I love this photo - great example of colours in combination. 

There are so many beads in this mermaid. I really can't capture just how lush she is. She has seven Mill Hill treasures on her and five different colours of beading. So there we have it. Two more finishes to 2013.  I have one more big one to add before we start the New Year fresh! Stay tuned for Charlotte! 

Finishing up 2013

It has been awhile since I shared what I am working on.  I have a few WIPs.  Right now I'm working on things I started through out the year and am just doing for the joy of stitching them for myself.

First up - Charlotte by Mirabilia, or Charlie as I affectionately refer to her as. This is being stitched on 32 count Sunlit Pool by Crafty Kitten. I started her around September 1st, 2013. I needed an infusion of bright colours. I am still working away on her and work on her whenever I can. I have special treasures to put into her hair that I got at BeadFX - I can't wait to put them on!

Before Charlie I was working on Mirabilia's June's Pearl Fairy. I started her on 28 count June 2012 Ltd Ed. Crafty Kitten. I started her on June 1st (get it June Fairy, on June Ltd Ed, on June 1st, 2013???) She has since become.... oh I hate to say it..... a UFO.  At first I loved working on her - then the colour pallet got a little bland for me. That is why Charlie suddenly called to me.  I would like to get back and finish her next year.  She is lovely and the beads are going to pop off this fabric.

Finally, I have been working on my "Little Mermaid" Azure. She is being stitched on 32 opal Tropical Breeze by Crafty Kitten. She is a cute, fun stitch. I am fairly close to being done her as well.  I started her on November 1st. The fabric and the colours are what motivated this start! 

I would really like to start the Seasonal Fairies by Nora some time in 2014. I have them all kitted and fabric chosen for each of them.  My next project for myself is going to be The Frosty Forest by Country Cottage Needleworks. 

Top 10 Stitchy wish list for 2014....

1. The Frosty Forest

2. A 5 person Mirabilia Round Robin with Friends

3. Autumn Seasonal Fairy

4. Summer Seasonal Fairy

4. One large new Mira not yet started

5. One small Nora Corbett not yet started 

6. Finish my existing 3 patterns from above

7. At least one Littlehouse Needleworks or other pattern

8. Letter's by Nora "C" for Chelsea

9. Letter's by Nora "K" for Kailee

10. Any new start I want when I feel like it! 

Looks like I better get cracking. Dare I say no new starts until 2014? Unlikely but a lofty goal!