Sunday 17 April 2016

Joyful World - April

I thought I was going to have January completed to show you this month but I've just realised that I've missed the white stitches which fill the boxes on the border. Never mind, I'll get that bit done and then it will be fully complete.


I can't say that I enjoyed doing the eyelet stitch underneath the fox, in fact, my stitches have pulled the fabric a little out of shape. I shall leave it be though, I doubt that I'd do any better even if I unpicked it and started again.


So, I'm just about ready to start February now and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I love how the picture builds up stitch by stitch. I had so much trouble working with such a large piece of fabric when I first started but I'm finding it much easier now, I suppose it was just a case of getting used to it.

48 comments:

  1. I did not do eyelet stitches, I'm not a fan of them. You work looks neat and tidy, I'm glad you are pleased with it.

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    1. I considered not doing them either but I wanted it to look as it did in the chart. I don't think the pulling is too bad, it could have been worse.

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    1. Thank you. I'm really enjoying this project.

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  3. I wish I had the patience to fo something like that. I'm contemplating undoing my knitting for the fourth time! I just can't be bothered at the moment. Cant wait to see the calendar.

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    1. I'm finding it really relaxing, which I'm quite surprised about because I'm not a sewer. I do think you have to be in the mood for any sort of crafting.

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  4. Mr. Fox looks quite dapper, nice work.

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    1. Thank you. I fell in love with this project as soon as I saw this design and I can't wait to get on with the other months now, they're all so lovely.

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  5. January looks lovely Jo.
    The whole calendar stitched together is going to look fantastic :-)

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    1. It will be a big piece, especially for a beginner like me but I do like a challenge.

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  6. This is wonderful Jo, I love the finished picture...what will you do with them??

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    1. There's twelve designs which are released month by month, they build up in to a calendar. I'm not sure what I'll do with it when it's finished, it will be quite big.

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  7. Hi Jo! Your needlework looks so beautiful! I think you did a wonderful job on that stitch. I'm thinking this is pretty small too! I used to do lots of needlework and then my eyesight didn't want to do it any more! ;) Thank you so much for your sweet visit.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. I'm stitching on 28 count linen but I do need a magnifier and I'm due a check up at the opticians, I know I'll need new glasses when I go as I can hardly see out of the ones I've got now.

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  8. It looks great, Jo. No wonder you're proud of it - justifiably! :o)

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    1. Thank you. It's such a lovely design that it's a pleasure to work on.

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  9. pretty stitching! I haven't been knitting as much as I usually do but I'm glad when I do :)

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    1. That's the great thing about cross stitch, knitting, crochet etc., you can pick it up and put it down as the mood takes you.

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  10. Lovely Jo and glad you are getting to grips with the "large" fabric piece. The eyelets look fine, even if you don't think so. It's such a big challenge you won't want to do any unpicking or you may lose the will to do it. Look forward to seeing Feb. Have a good week and take care.

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    1. I'm finding stitching on a large piece of fabric much easier now than I did at first, it was quite a tussle. The eyelet stitches have pulled the fabric out of shape slightly but I'm not going to let it worry me, I don't think it's too bad for a first attempt.

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  11. Hi Jo, I mentioned you and that great chicken recipe on my blog today. Thank you for the suggestion.
    Meredith

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    1. Thank you for that. I'm just on my way out to go and do my mum's ironing for her so I shall pop in to your blog later today and take a look.

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  12. A beautiful design, I thought the eyelet stitch looked impressive.

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    1. I like the look of the eyelet stitch, I just didn't find it much fun when I was stitching it, I'd have much preferred to continue in cross stitch but I wanted to follow the chart.

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  13. It looks great, I can't believe you are only a beginner. I would never have known looking at this :)

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    1. Thank you. I know it's not perfect, but it's good enough for me to be happy with it at this stage and I'm really enjoying it so that's what really counts.

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  14. You have magic in your fingertips Jo. Presumably this is just part of a bigger picture?

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    1. It is, this is just a twelfth of it. One part is released each month of this year but I'm very behind with it. This is only the second cross stitch I've attempted so I'm working on it in my own time.

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  15. Fabulous job! Isn't it wonderful when you finish a project (or almost!) and it looks just as lovely as you envisioned?

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    1. Thank you. I've really loved doing this first installment of the project and can't wait to get started on February now. I really like how there's something different for each month, it will keep me interested for sure.

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  16. That's absolutely charming!xxx

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    1. It's such a lovely design, isn't it. The other months which have been released so far since this one are just as charming.

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  17. It looks really good Jo, well done. I've given up on mine for now. Too much going on to have the time to dedicate to even weave, I might try it on normal 14 count xx

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    1. I think you have to go with whatever you feel comfortable with. I had a bit of a struggle with the size of the fabric when I first started but it's got much easier as I've learnt how to handle, or manhandle, it. I have to use a magnifier though otherwise I wouldn't be able to see what I'm doing, my eyesight is getting worse all the time.

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  18. Hey Jo,
    I'm in awe of anyone that can sew at all, let alone this kind of intricate work. I'd be throwing it across the room in an instant! I love your fox; he's a beauty.
    Leanne xx

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    1. I'm no sewer and I'm only just embarking on this cross stitch hobby, it's very addictive. I love the fox, there's some other great designs coming up for other months too.

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  19. Very nice! I love the green detail under the fox, that's a very interesting stitch. You're making good progress!

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    1. I like the look of the eyelet stitch but I can't say I enjoyed working them, I hope there aren't any more in upcoming months.

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  20. Hi Jo ... I think that is a lovely design, the fox looks cute.
    Well done.

    Keep enjoying this hobby

    ALl the best Jan

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    1. I really wanted to have a go at this design as soon as I saw it, even though I've only done one, much smaller, cross stitch project previously. I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

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  21. Lovely work, so pleased that you are enjoying doing the stitching and finding it easier as you go along. Look forward to seeing February xcx

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    1. I think it takes a little getting used to like most things but it's starting to click a little more now. I shall soon be embarking on February.

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  22. January looks splendid, I wasn't keen on the eyelets either but decided to leave them in after stitching them.

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    1. If I were a little more confident at changing things I'd have probably just cross stitched them but I wanted to follow the chart. They could look worse I suppose.

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  23. It looks really good, Jo. I think your eyelets look fine! They are fiddly to sew and I think you did a super job. xx

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    1. I'm quite happy for a first attempt, I just wish the fabric hadn't pulled, but it isn't too bad.

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  24. A fab start to the year! Mr Fox is very handsome and your work is very neat too.
    Lisa x

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    1. Thank you. It was this design which tempted me in to giving this project a go. I've started on February now and I'm enjoying it just as much.

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