A few posts ago, I mentioned I had just finished up my last 20 year old cross stitch UFO. So, yes, there are many more kits in my wheelhouse from that era that haven't been opened yet. After seeing all the lovely "new" things on Instagram and Flosstube, I decided to stitch something which is more reflective of my current tastes, instead of where I was twenty years ago!
Know me, and know I am a Lori Holt fan-- I picked the new "Autumn Love" piece from Fat Quarter Shop. Yes, I did just finish the epic Sandy Orton Autumn Sampler and I don't need another large wall piece-- but I love fall, it looks like a fairly simple (though large) stitch, and I have it in my mind to simplify things by making a smaller bench pillow with part of the pattern. Then, if I am thrilled with it, I may go on to make a couple more pillows, and a larger fabric one with the Autumn Love quilt pattern-- a nice grouping for my fall couch! All Lori's patterns are free on her Bee in My Bonnet blog, and the pieced block for the Autumn Love quilt doesn't require any additional purchase.
I also love the cute accessories that Fat Quarter Shop has available with this project-- I have a cute project bag, and the floss keeper is so practical to keep yourself organized, and sew fun to look at! Once I finish with these colors, I'm sure I will use these things again for other projects. I then went back after the fact to buy the cute needle minder! I've had my eye on needle minders for a long time-- I don't have one-- and I am someone skeptical it will help me mind my needles, but I just couldn't resist.
Kimberly Jolly and Lori Holt are doing a stitch-a-long on this from October 1st to November 15th, so that should be fun to watch their progress as well. The Fat Quarter shop stitch-a-longs are usually well represented with fellow stitchers, so it will be fun to have a little community on Instagram to cheer along-- the hash tags are #AutumnLoveCrossStitch and #fqsxstitch.
I got off my habit of hand stitching for an hour each morning over the course of my recent move-- boy, did it kill my desire to get up in the morning! Now that I have this to look forward to first thing, I am jumping out of bed early. (Sort of.)
I am using the called for DMC floss, but I switched the recommended cloth to a darker Oatmeal color-- it is Lori's 14ct Aida. The called for background looked too light for me, because I love rich colors for autumn. I'm using the side that looks kind of mottled-- like it is aged-- the other side is solid, so you have a choice. I'm also doing three threads-- most of these newer pieces use two threads on Aida, but I've always loved the full coverage, bead like quality that three strands gives. I laid the floss colors over the cloth just to make sure they would all show up on the darker cloth and they look great!
The piece is going fairly quickly-- I'm giving myself a head start, and hope to finish my mini bench pillow by Thanksgiving. What attracted me to this pattern is that the quilt block shapes and the borders are patterns that once you have started them, they are really easy to just stitch without constantly referring to a pattern. Also-- no backstitch!
My favorite part of the design is the lower center block with the crows and vase, so I'm stitching that. When I'm done, I'll probably add a scrappy border of squares all around to make a little bigger. I was also thinking, if you wanted more of a year round pillow, you could easily change the crow to a bluebird and change the flower from sunflower colors to match your own decor.
Depending on my whim at the moment, I might then work on a couple more square pillows like this-- some of those other little blocks are sew cute!
Then this is design I would make in fabric for a larger pillow. I just love that this idea is more useful to me than a wall piece, and should take less time for me to complete. I'm sure Lori and Kimberley will love that I made this design my own!
If you would like to stitch-a-long and have never ordered from the Fat Quarter Shop before-- here is a link for a coupon of $10 off a purchase of $50 or more.
I will also get a $10 coupon, but if you enjoy the blog, it's a nice way for you to support San Francisco Stitch Co. as I begin to rev up the company for the fall-- and I SEW appreciate it. I'm hoping to have a free fall stitch along to get us all machine embroidering again...
IT'S TIME!
I’m about to start this design, too. Lori Holt’s design definitely appeal to me. Unfinished items from the 90s can wait!
ReplyDeleteGood plan! I haven't as yet been able to unload any of my "antiques" on eBay-- I guess I'm still attached!
DeleteIt looks like "sew" much fun!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dottie-- "sew" hope you are doing well!
DeleteGood luck with the move. My father and hubby were military so we moved a lot. I have been in my house 43 years now and when we lost our oldest son to cancer in 16 we tried to help his wife stay in the home. The kids were out of HS so she moved away near her parents. We helped her move and sold their home. I learned to get rid of things then. Lost my husband of 64 yrs 18 months ago and I am slowly going through everything so my kids do not have to do it later. It really is a chore to downsize. In my 80s I really have to be more strict and carefully decide if I really NEED that pattern, book, UFO or could someone else want it. After 76 years of sewing and doing handwork I have a lot. I do love your patterns and wonderful embroider designs. They make me happy. Thank you and waiting to see what you design when you get settled and continue with your business. Maureen Ashlock in Missouri
ReplyDeleteThanks for reaching out, Maureen! Change is horrible, no matter what they say! Sending you hugs-- you've been through so much. xoxo
ReplyDelete