My plan this year was that I wasn’t going to do any stitch-a-longs or quilt-a-longs, I was just going to do projects I already had in the pipeline! Then Faby Reilly released details of her next stitch-a-long, the Anthea Calendar, my resolve disappeared immediately and I signed up within minutes!
This is a monthly SAL, each month we’re sent a design which has flowers on for that month – Anthea means flowers or blossom in Greek. Faby’s designs are always beautiful so I knew I would like them.
I’ve just finished the design for January – a gorgeous bunch of snowdrops. Just to show you how Faby’s designs develop, here’s the snowdrops when I’d stitched all the cross-stitch and just started the back-stitch. Faby doesn’t use any half or quarter stitches, so it’s pretty straight forward to stitch. I used a soft grey/green linen, at first I thought it might be too close in colour for the snowdrops…
With the blue back-stitching the snowdrops looked fine against the soft green…
Once all the back-stitching was complete I started the embellishments, adding beads, sequins, rice-stitch border and half Algerian star stitches in the corners. It’s these bits that really make Faby’s designs stand out…
Isn’t it gorgeous!! I was hoping to show you it made into a small of some kind, but I haven’t quite decided on the finish yet! I’m wondering now what February’s flower will be, we’ve nearly two weeks to wait!
Linking up with the 2020Smalls SAL, please follow the link for lots more smalls
thecraftycreek 
Gorgeous, for sure!
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It is a sweetie, and the embellishments are just right.
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The blue back stitching makes it look quite painterly, simply beauteous.
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Its beautiful and for Feb, maybe a Daffodil or a Crocus. I am going to love watching this one grow. xx
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Thanks Helen, my money is on a hellibore next, I reckon daffodil will be for March 🙂
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Yes, this is a lovely design and you’ve done a grand job! What do you plan to do with them? Will the flowers be part of a book, or some sort of larger project? Just wondering…
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Thanks Del, a book does sound a nice idea, hadn’t thought of that one! oooh decisions!
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Lots of time to decide… Let it unfold naturally. 😘
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That is just so pretty! What’s the finishing plan Faby has in mind?
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Thanks Kathy, Faby has them all on one piece of fabric to make a calendar of flowers. Just got to decide whether to keep it square or add some fabric to the side.
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The best laid plans….etc.,etc. 🙄
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oh wow! you’re right, FR designs are extra special because of the bead & sequin detail, and this one looks like it’s no exception!
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You lasted 21 days 😊. This is gorgeous and the beads and sequins just finish it beautifully
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Lol, I didn’t even last 21 days as I signed up before Christmas 🙂
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wow – absolutely gorgeous!
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Beautiful – makes me want to do cross stitch – good thing I don’t…. LOL
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You stitch so beautifully! I can’t wait to see how you decide finish it – knowing how talented you are, it’ll be stunning 🙂
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Beautiful piece. I look forward to seeing what you do with it, and what February’s project is!
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This piece is beautiful. I adore the fancy stitches and the embellishments.
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YES it is gorgeous!
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Very beautiful … ❤ Pat
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Your January cross stitch is beautiful! Another beautiful project stitched by your clever hands.
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This is gorgeous!! What beautiful work you do! 🙂
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I agree, her designs are gorgeous. I love backstitching; it really makes a project pop. Your finish is very beautiful.
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I agree, her designs are gorgeous. Your finish is very beautiful.
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Wow! Wow! Wow! This is gorgeous!
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Very pretty!
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This is so lovely! I like Faby Reilly too! Thanks for joining the SAL this month! I can’t wait to see your submissions through the year!
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Your flower is very beautiful. I can already see why you were temted to join the SAL.
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