Still feeling stitchy

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that I've been dabbling in cross stitch again recently. Today, I thought I'd share with you some things I've been stitching as well as some things I might want to stitch next. You know, just in case you were wondering. ;)

My most recent finished project is this cactus in a terrarium design by galabornpatterns on Etsy. I finished it last week and just framed it in its hoop last night to display it. This was a quick project and only took me about ten days to finish. These pics show the finished piece, where I have it displayed in my living room, and its very beginning stages. (This pattern actually included three different cactus designs, so I may go back and stitch the others too for a grouping effect. I just decided I wanted a little break before doing more cacti.)

Before the cactus piece, I worked on this Pretty Little Paris design by Satsuma Street. Honestly, I had it out to work on for several months before I actually started working on it. Once I started working on it pretty diligently at the end of October, it took me about six weeks to finish it. (I'm a slow stitcher, obviously...) I still haven't framed it, but that's on my to-do list for this week. These photos show the finished piece as well as a couple of in-progress shots.

I also have a couple of designs that are in the works right now. I've already started working on Pretty Little Italy by Satsuma Street. I love the colors of this design, so I'm excited to really get into it. Of course, it's been like a week already and I've accomplished very little since I haven't really spent much time on it.

Last week, I bought this pattern with the idea of making Kelsey a Valentine's Day sweater that I stitched a design on for her. I started it, and, man, I had forgotten how difficult it is to stitch on a slippery, knit fabric. I'm just not sure I'll be able to get this done. I guess it's a good thing she doesn't know about it, unless she reads my blog...

Just before Christmas, I also purchased this cross stitch design of the state of Kentucky. I don't have any plans to make it immediately, but it was part of a buy 2 get 1 free deal. 

I'm itching to try my hand at more embroidery based projects, so I'm leaning toward buying this pattern from Sarah K. Benning on Etsy. She offers a monthly pdf with the design to transfer and instructions/suggestions, and she works a lot with various botanicals including cacti. Here is this month's pattern:

That's just an update on my stitchy life these days. I'm glad that I've picked it back up again because I find it very relaxing. It's a nice thing to keep my hands occupied while I'm watching tv in the evenings, and it's nice that it's so portable. I don't find scrapbooking especially a portable hobby, so that's definitely a plus for stitching projects. I have a tendency to work a bit on a project during my planning period or lunch break at work and then again in the evening in front of the tv or just before bed. I'd also think it would be a great option for long travel days (car, plane, train).

Peace out, peeps!