These three weeks between SAL posts do seem to come around quickly! I seem to have managed a reasonable amount of stitching on my Finery of Nature cross-stitch. It’s a Dimensions kit I picked up on my Embroiderers Guild sales table, it was meant to have a black background, which did look stunning, but my eyes really don’t like stitching on black, so I changed it to a soft green and I love it. I think a lot more of the background is seen without the black aida.
I’m now working on the third quarter, these are the first two..
Anyway, three weeks ago I was here…
…I had just started the background around the hummingbird.
I’ve still all the back-stitching to do on the hummingbird but I’ve stitched getting on for half of the flowers…
Of course I’ve still the border to do, never my favourite bit, but this one does seem to move along reasonably quickly. Once I start the flowers on the right side properly (as opposed to just using up thread like I’ve done so far) then I’ll stitch the border as I go a long as I don’t like being left with a long stretch of border.
Hopefully next time you see this I’ll be well in to the border!
This stitch-a-long is organised by Avis, we all share our projects every three weeks, it’s a great motivator! If you would like to join our merry band then please send a message to Avis. Please follow the links to see lots more hand-stitching.
Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie
I’ll also be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts, please follow the link for lots more hand-stitching
thecraftycreek 
a lovely combination of colours!
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This is looking lovely, and I cannot wait to see the finished article.
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Fantastic progress and so pretty. I agree about black being too hard to work on.
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This is such a beautiful project. I love seeing your progress!
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So lovely!!
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Great progress on your project.
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Such a lovely project. I love the hummingbird and your project is one of my favorites!
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Such a detailed and challenging chart you are stitching… the hummingbird is lovely!
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Wow, you’ve made wonderful progress! The details in your hummingbird are lovely! 🙂
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Lots of lovely progress again. There’s so much to look at on this design. The border is so pretty so I’m looking forward to seeing 3/4 done.
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Love seeing your project progressing. It is just stunning! Great work!
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This quadrant is so delicate, the outline is really going to add isn’t it? I’m with you on stitching long borders, I have to do some all along or I am stalled out before I’ve begun!
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So beautiful Margaret, the colours are so pretty and you’ve made lots of progress. Jenny xx
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Thanks Jenny, I’m enjoying this one
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Hello Margaret, I do love this project, you’re doing so well on it. It’s really beautiful. Can this pattern be purchased here in UK, if you know where would you let me know please. Kind regards Mandy xx
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Hi Mandy, I got it from the sales table at Embroiderers Guild – basically members unwanted stash! I’ve googled it but nothing comes up, so I don’t know if it’s old stock. Sorry 😦
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The hummingbird is definitely my favorite part of that design !
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It was the hummingbird that first drew me to the kit!
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This is such a stunning piece. The hummingbird section is gorgeous already. I cannot wait to see it complete. Beautiful work!
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Thanks Renee, it’s a lovely design
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This is just gorgeous – love the colours.
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Thank you, they seem to show up much better than on a black background.
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That is beautiful! Such a gorgeous project.
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Thank you
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How do you do such beautiful, fine cross-stitch without either going blind or mad?! Surely you use a magnifier?
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I usually use 32 count linen, so 16 to the inch, not too fine – I struggle with 18 now! I have a good light and I’ve got to the age when I take my glasses off for fine work!!
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This is a lovely cross stitch and you’ve made great progress. You’ll be done in no time!
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Thanks Connie, though I think I’m a while off a happy dance 🙂
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You are making great progress.
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That hummingbird is definitely the star…just gorgeous. I do a little border in between the motifs. I have to change it up a little each session. Meanwhile, continued happy stitching from me!
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Looking great!!!!!
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Beautiful, as always! And I love love love that hummingbird.
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This piece is so amazing and I agree with the other comments – the hummingbird is my favorite part!
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