Before the CATS update...

... a cross-stitch and general update is in order before I post more recent stuff as well. I've decided to split a longish post into two so that those of you who are not so interested in cats (which I can understand, I used to be a total dog person) don't stop visiting :)

I stitched Black Ribbon Designs' Peace freebie, but haven't done the finishing yet - this one stays home :) My choice of fibers.


My Victoria Sampler Tea Party sampler has been a bit neglected because it is not as relaxing as the other, easy projects... I have to follow the instructions point by point and well, it's work and not relax, to say the truth... I will love the result but I occupied my evenings with easier projects.
Here is where I am now.. more lettering to do and many more details: the rest of the bird on the roof, the tea set on the small table etc.

Now I know - of all the stitches I tried and learned, the bullion knots drove me NUTS! Hate them, hate them. Might be I need to practice more, to read different instructions.
This sunflower is made of tons of them, outlined with a single thread and then completed with lazy daisy stitches. Hmmppppf. Hated working on that one, it was frustrating and it didn't turn out completely perfect - but then what flower is totally perfect in nature? :)

In the meantime I stitched this one, a pattern I loved the minute I saw it:

This photo shows it as a big close-up, but it's very tiiiiiiiny in real, stitched over one on what looks like 36 ct - I think, because it's a Lakeside Linens piece from one of these no-name bags Theresa sells (shakespearespeddler.com); they are just perfect for ornaments and smaller projects. I've finished stitching all of it, but here is where I was at some days ago:

And then I forgot to post two pieces I sent out weeks ago for two exchanges. First comes my first needlebook project for the Blackbird Designs exchange , I used the recent BD chart but adapted it to a needlebook. Of course, I forgot the name of the hand-dyed fabrics I used :(.

... the inside....

... and the back:The second piece was for HOE's Just Nan exchange. I really regret I didn't take better pictures, that small pillow was adorable!

Now, the cats....