I’m all caught up with my two stitch-a-longs again, these are the cross-stitch ones which release their patterns every two weeks. It usually takes me about 10 days to complete both of them as I do have a few other projects on the go!
First to be worked on is my Zoe box by Faby Reilly, this is going to be beautiful! It’s a little box with each side representing each season. We’ve already stitched the sides…
and the inside walls of the box…
now I’ve just finished the edge of the lid, it’s got a pretty border of leaves in the seasonal colours. I stitched autumn and summer last time, this week it was the turn of spring and winter, with it’s sprinkling of snow on the leaves.
As you can see in the photo above I’ve also managed to catch up with the outlining of the individual pieces, this will be used to stitch them together. I’ve still another three shapes to outline, but so long as I keep ahead I’m happy!
The second stitch-a-long is called Enlightenment, it’s by Tempting Tangles. It’s described as tree motives with a zen saying. I’ve finally sussed it!!!
Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.
After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.
No, I don’t understand it either, and having googled it I’m not sure anyone does! The explanation I liked best (could understand-ish!) was Tom Barrett’s, he explains that it’s all about being in the moment:
When we are able to be in the moment, we no longer feel compelled to watch the clock. Whatever your work might be, bring all of yourself to it. When you are fully present, you may find that your labor is no longer a burden. Wood is chopped. Water is carried. Life happens.
Deep!!
Anyway, back to the cross-stitch! We’ve just started stitching the words, which is how I came to suss it, we’re given the pattern in strict blocks, but I’ve taken the risk and carried on where I’m sure I can work out the pattern, just so I’m not left with just a couple of stitches to start a thread for. Equally I’m meant to stitch a few crosses along the bottom which are clearly the tops of ‘Carry’, I’ve left those out to stitch with the rest of the letters.
It’s growing on me is this one, I love the colours, it’s only meant to have four threads, I’ve added a couple more variations with the greens which I’m happy with. I’ve also realised it’s similar colours to my Coming Home quilt which is going to take pride of place on our guest room bed when it’s finished, this will make a rather nice cushion to co-ordinate with it!
Both of these finish just before Christmas, so not long at all now!
Linking up with Kathys Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday
thecraftycreek 
I am sure glad that you googled the phrase and gave an explanation, Margaret. I was scratching my head. Ha, ha!
As always, your needlework is beautiful! 🙂
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Both these projects are looking fabulous. I love you colour choices.
I’m not sure I’m enlightened by the phrase by I agree with “Life Happens” 😀, the embroidery however is beautiful
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Your work is so lovely, I always enjoy seeing everything. I love the colors of Enlightenment. the sayings meaning is so basic is seems its easy to over look. Lovely piece 🙂
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Zoe is simply gorgeous, and I love the browns and turquoises that you are stitching Enlightenment with. Both Beautiful projects.
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Thanks, I’m enjoying them both
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I love the leaf border, changing with the seasons, so clever!
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Both projects are lovely. I thought it just meant – the chores are never done, or – we all have chores to do. In my case, cooking, cleaning, washing and ironing!
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That’s a lovely pattern 🙂 And it must be fun to have a new part to look forward to once every while
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It ‘s fun wondering what the next bit is going to be like
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Oh how sweet and whimsical Zoe’s box is. I love all those pretty details.
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Thanks Kim, Faby’s designs are always beautiful
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I’m not sure that I understand that saying even after your explanation, but the stitchery is very pretty. I really love that embroidered box. I can’t wait to see it completed.
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That makes two of us as that’s probably because I don’t understand it either 🙂
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Beautiful cross stitch. Look forward to seeing the end result!
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Gorgeous stitching, I always love seeing what you are doing!
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