September 2013 Look Back

I haven't done a look back post in well over a year, so I figure it's high time to do one again.

At the end of each month (when I've gotten some stitching done that is) I like to look back at the overall progress I've made as well as taking a peek at the back of the work.  I'm as obsessive over the back of every project as I am over the front, although I'll admit I haven't been as careful lately as I could be.  I dislike having loose strands on the back or traveling too far with a color, but sometimes it can't be helped.

Let's take a look at the beginning of the month:

September 3, 2013

How I'm ending the month:

September 2013 look back

And, finally, a look at the back.

Overall, I'm happy with what I've been able to get done.  Most of the time I have to stitch one handed while the baby sleeps on one arm or the other, so it's definitely slow going.  It's getting easier day by day.

I hope everyone had a great month of stitching.  I'm looking forward to seeing what I can get done next month!

Happy stitching!

Cinderella 9/25 Update

I can't tell you guys how happy I am to be back to stitching on a regular basis.  I really forgot how much I loved doing it until I picked it back up again.  Usually, I can get about 50-100 stitches done each day which seems pretty good all things considered.  But if I put that into perspective, it will take over a year to finish this one project at that pace.  Hopefully I can sneak some extra stitching time in there somewhere because I don't want it to take that long!

Here is this weeks progress:

As of Sunday (9/22) the cottage roof and chimney were filled in.  Only backstitching left to do on that part.

Overall progress as of 9/22/13

So much to do still.

Progress as of today (9/25).  There is a ton of jumping around in the village section plus lots of half and three-quarter stitches to watch out for.  I think those brown blobs may be roof tops but I'm not totally sure!  

I'm considering trying a different type of fabric for the next one of these types of pieces I do.  With all the partial stitches in them it makes working with Aida difficult.  I was thinking of going with an evenweave or a linen but I've never worked with them before so I guess I need to do some research.

Happy stitching everyone!

Cinderella Update -- 9/16/2013

Just a quick update post.  The baby is super cranky today (thank you 3 new teeth trying to pop through!) but I have managed to get some work done.

I got that purple circle hoop removed and thankfully it wasn't too crimped after being on there for over a year.  I enjoy the snap frame so much more than the hoops!

Just for fun, here's a quick compare from my last update.  I love seeing progress because it makes it easier for me to keep stitching.  When you are in the middle of it, it seems like nothing is really happening but when you can look how far you've come it's such a good motivator!

Progress from 9/3 on the left and 9/16 on the right.

Hope everyone has a great day!  Happy stitching!  =)

Contest Round-Up

I'm so very behind on reading all the blogs I follow.  I may just have to wipe the slate clean and start reading only the newest posts, but that makes me sad and my OCD won't really allow it.  So, I'm slowly catching up.
Here are the contests I've come across so far that are still active.  Head on over to each blog and check them out!  =)

Cross'N My Stitches

Miss LindaLee is giving away a box of goodies to one lucky winner.  The drawing will be held on September 26, 2013 so there is still plenty of time to enter.  Head here for details.

Keebles World

Keebles is giving away some Disney trading pins in celebration of her blogoversary.  Today (9/6) is the last day to enter!  Head here for details.

**I will add more as I come across them!**

***If you are having a contest (or know of one I missed), leave a comment and let me know***

Cinderella Update 9/3/2013

Hello Stitchers!!  =)

It is so good to be back to stitching again.  My newest miracle is now 8 months old and becoming more and more independent.  She crawls, she entertains herself, and sometimes she even lets me walk out of the room before she starts screaming.

The other day she played on the floor with a hairbrush long enough for me to pull Cinderella out and start working on it again.  I cannot tell you how great it felt to actually get some stitching accomplished!

So, without further ado, here is the progress so far:

I've realized that I did do some more stitching before taking a break last year, but never updated it.  I decided to complete the entire left side before working on the middle.  It just makes it easier to leave it in my frame that way while I work.

As you can see, I'm now working on the tops of the village buildings.  If you look closely you can see one of the mice climbing a ladder to a chimney.  There are other mice as well, but they are covered by that hoop which I discovered I had left on the fabric for over a year.  Whoops.  I'll have to iron the heck out of that thing to get those creases out I'm sure.

So, there you have it.  Work is beginning once again.  I'm sure it'll be even more slow going now than ever before but at least I can enjoy it once again.

Thanks for stopping by and happy stitching!!  =)