Crazy 7 challenge anyone?

As I was browsing through some of my older posts, I came across this one from 2012 which details the charts I chose for the Crazy 7 challenge. Now for those that don't know, there was a challenge going around to start a new cross stitch project for each and every day in January - that's 31 new starts- with the aim of finishing them within the year. There was absolutely no way I could have met this challenge so I came up with the idea of a Crazy 7 challenge, just having 7 new starts in the first week of January. Out of those 7 I began in 2012, I actually completed 4 of them. 3 are still ongoing but I still think it is progress. 

So I am thinking I might do the Crazy 7 again next year........

I have had a look through my stash and these are the first 6 I am going to start. I still need to think about a 7th one and also I need to make sure I am all kitted up for starting. 

1. Ink Circles "Quackworth"

I am going with the grey fabric and pastel colours. 

2. Blackbird Designs "Their Song"

3.The Drawn Thread "Morning Glory"

4. The Sampler Girl "The Moon Shell"

5. Mill Hill "Joy to the World"

6. Kathy Barrick "Heaven and Nature Sing"

I need the fabric and threads for this one and I am thinking Polstitches Victorian or Egyptian or Heirloom. What would be your vote?

7. Yet to be decided.....

So will anyone join me? No real rules. Just have and enjoy 7 new starts and try and finish them within the year but it doesn't matter if you don't! And yes, you can have other starts in the year. Anyone?? Anyone???

It's been a while....

Well well, where did this season go? The last time I posted was way back in September and I think this term has just been super busy at work and super tiring too. I finish on Friday though for three wonderful weeks off. I am trying to get as much work done for next term as I can now so that it won't hang over me throughout the Christmas season.

I have been stitching! I have managed to do a fair amount on the Moira Blackburn sampler and pleased with my progress on her. I am more than half way there now.

I have also had a new start on a design I noticed in an Attic Needlework letter a few months ago. This is by Long Dog Samplers for Gentle Arts and was a charity design that proved very difficult for me to find. I eventually got it from overseas and threads took a bit of time to get here as well. So I haven't done much on this yet but I am sure it will be stunning once it is done.

I had another new start that I almost forgot to mention. I have been eyeing up this design for years now so when someone introduced me to some beautiful hand dyed fabric by Crafty Kitten then I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get it. This is my progress on Fairy Moon by Mirabilia and the fabric is Bramble Liquor 28 count cashed. I love it so far.

I have also purchased another Mirabilia chart Lady of the Mist and I'm planning on stitching that on Crafty Kittens Aurora fabric. I just need to kit up threads and beads for that one. 

This is what it will look like according to theviewer.net:

I also bought a little stash recently from Sue at Peakside Needleworks. I knew that some of the Prairie Schooler designs were beginning to sell out fast so I wanted to make sure I had the full set of monthlies and ABCs in. Sue is selling them as complete sets if anyone is interested but doesn't have many left in stock.

This weekend sees our annual Advent stitchy meet up and exchange which takes place at my house. I'm looking forward to welcoming Tracy, Tina, Lesley and Sue for a little Christmas cheer and stitchery. We have an exchange which comprises of hand stitched ornament, chart and chocolate and this year, Tracy and I will be doing our first ever advent exchange. We decided we would do 12 days of Christmas instead of the usual 24 and I really enjoyed putting it altogether for her. Hope she likes the little gifts I bought.

I got my Just Nan framed for my mum for Christmas and I am really pleased with how it turned out. 

I have another little finish as well. It is the Potpourri Heart from the Sweetheart Tree. You can't see how sparkly this is in the picture but wow! It really is stunning. I am looking for a pretty 4x4 inch frame to put it in. 

My son also picked up the cross stitch bug. I gave him a little kit by Daisy Designs to do and he got right to it:

And finally, I thought I would leave you with some cat pictures for you feline fans. They seem to have settled in really well and they are very much loved. 

So it's been a busy season with brass band concerts, nativities, trips to the theatre, retreats and parties and I am thoroughly exhausted. Looking forward to a long relaxing break.

I will try and post again after the weekend to show all the exchanges.

Best wishes everyone.

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