I’m just about keeping up with my two cross-stitch stitch-a-longs, they’re both secret ones and they both release another part of the pattern every two weeks, luckily not on the same day!
The Zoe SAL is by Faby Reilly, I’m really enjoying this one and this is the penultimate cross-stitch section – after the last one we have two more sets of instructions to make up a gorgeous box with a side for each season…

Last time I showed you the top of the lid…

This time we were stitching the inside of the lid on the right hand side…

…isn’t it pretty!
I’ve already started stitching the last section, I’m not quite sure what this will be, it’s two smaller squares, it could be a scissor fob, or it could be a mini biscornu, maybe to decorate the lid. Whatever it is, it’s going to be gorgeous! I’ve a little back-stitch to do and some silver stitching over the cross-stitch border and then these two are finished. Then I just have the inside of the base of the box to stitch and it’s ready to put together. It should be finished for Christmas, which isn’t too long away!

My other SAL is called Entitlement by Tempting Tangles. It has a Zen saying in the middle which we’re half way through stitching. Last time I showed you I had just reached the half way point with 8 sections to go…

We’ve now started on the bottom left hand side again. I like the colours in this one, especially the border which uses a beautiful variegated thread.

I have to say I will be somewhat disappointed if the lower half of the pattern turns out to be pretty much a reverse of the top half. Unfortunately that is how it is looking at the moment, I may be pleasantly surprised when the rest of the pattern is gradually released.

The next section takes us up to the centre line.
I’ll be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday, please follow the link for lots more hand-stitched inspiration.
You always choose the sweetest patterns, Margaret, and your cross-stitch is perfect. I love the variegated border too. It must be fun to stitch, without knowing what is coming next.
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Both these projects are beautiful and I am so enjoying watching them grow Margaret X.
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Lovely projects as always. and great progress.
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Everything is so lovely and your backstitching is so perfect. I am having trouble with a getting my backstitching on soft curved lines to look curved ~ I love the colors for Enlightenment, just beautiful!
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Thanks, have you looked at Faby’s tutorial on back-stitching with 6 threads, it’s very helpful, she suggests keeping the stitch lengths similar where possible.
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Both project are gorgeous. Do you pick your own colours? That’s the bit I find hard.
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Thanks Sarah, the colours are mainly as per pattern, I changed a few with the Zen one as she uses expensive silk floss.
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both are coming along nicely
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The Zoe stitch along is absolutely charming! I’d be chomping at the bit, waiting for the next release day!! Your stitching is really pretty and downright perfect. Wow! 🙂
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