Seize the Day by Bent Creek

Size: 146w x 43h

Tick, tick, tick, ... not quite sure if I actually feel relax to seize the day, smell the roses, and enjoy what life has to offer. It feels more like Christmas is approaching, another year is about to go by. What have I done this year? Lots of changes were made in my personal life. In a way, it seems to be a step backward rather than forward. My world has been turned upside down. On a good day, I see it as greater things to come. On a so-so day, let us just take one day at a time.

This kit was supposed to be stitched on my flight to Capri, Italy. My trip was cancelled due to the unfortunate incident at the WTC in NY on the date of my departure. Terrible, terrible things happened. I don't think I would ever forget the events of year 2001, both personal and external. I am praying for a better year to come.

The Goblins by Shepherd's Bush

Size: 37w x 104h

While being extremely late for a beach project, I am ahead of schedule for Halloween projects. This is one of the cutest Halloween project I have seen. The kit came with a wonderful mat, I don't even have to think what colors should I pick for mating this piece. This is a small one, I should have finished in 2 sittings, but it actually took me over a week. I was procrastinated on band 2 where a Rhodes stitch is first stitched, then filled in the checkerboard by half cross stitch. This doesn’t sound like much, except for the fact that the half cross stitch should be done over one. Knowing how much I hate one-over-one on linen, I finally decided on satin stitch over the entire 3 threads by 3 threads block instead…

The fabric is 32ct hand-dyed "Antique Cotton". As in most of SB's larger kit, this piece is stitched using Soie D'Alger silk and Threadgatherer handpainted silk: Rusty Amber, Lavender Honey, and Medieval Mulberry.

Summer at the Seashore by The Silver Needle

Size: 59w x 51h

This is a Secret Needle Night kit for May 2001. I know, I know, we are already on our way back to school for most people and I am still on the summer theme. Well, I was planning on my overdue annual vacation. I was very very much ready for warmer weather at a beach. That is why this kit was stitched. All the specialty fibers were also calling to be used!

The fabric is 10ct "Chambray" Heatherfield. The light house is stitched using overdyed perle cotton. The pelican body is stitched using white Angora while its beak is stitched using gold overdyed floss. Sand on the beach is stitched using tan Medici wool. I am not too proud of the wool! Overall it was a fun project, highly recommended for plane ride.