August/September 2013 goals + big update

First my recap from August
1) stitch an ornament DONE

2) decide on ornament for November maybe, but not 100% sure yet

3) focus piece NOPE

So I guess August wasn't so much of a success, even though I did do some stitching.... More on that later

Goals for September
1) Stitch an ornament

2) Start ornament for November retreat

3) try and steal a few hours a week to stitch... Yep it's course time again. I'm doing my first level 4 and there is lots of reading. I just hope to keep up with reading and reward myself with productive stitching

Now on to what I have actually done
I didn't keep great track of what I worked on during August so I have decided to give an update on all my WIPS.

Aury TM's Snowy Christmas



Teresa Wentzler's, Fortunate Traveller



Cross Stitch Collectibles, Autumn Leaves



Ink Circles, Rosetta



The Drawn Thread, Sampler Game-board



Told in a Garden, Celtic Banner



Ink Circles, Bramble and the Rose



Viotas XStitch, Tuscany Farmhouse



Stoney Creek, Fish City



Heaven and Earth Designs, Magic Evening


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Celtic banner and a new start

I managed to stay on rotation the past week. For the second round I decided to give my Celtic Banner some love

Before



After




Not a ton done, but not too bad!

On Sunday I started the Tuscan Farmhouse from Yiota's XStitch.


Not too bad for sleeping in and puttering around in my PJ's all day!

Tonight I have stitched nothing. I counted my WIPS in my WIP basket and stitching bag... 12! And guess what... None are calling me at all!!!
Hopefully it is just tonight and not a long term thing! No more new starts until I get at least something done!!!

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Viota's XStitch - Review Part 1

I am definitely not a kit person.  I usually hate the fabric, and especially the floss.  I have done enough of the big brand (D) ones to know I am not a fan of them.

So for something different, I have decided to do a kit from a different company.  This one comes from Europe.  After looking at the website, (www.yiotas-xstitch.com) I decided to go with this one.  The kit took no time at all to come in.



My first impression of the kit was a good one. It was packaged professionally and I really liked that the plastic sleeve it was packaged in is re-sealable. I should also mention that the shipping was great as it would be hard to fold etc. I really love the way they present the colours of thread in the back.




I am very happy with the fabric that is included, as it has a great feel to it



The pattern itself it printed on good quality paper, and is actually on 11x17. It is a good size that should be large enough for the average stitcher.


The symbol/colour list also is easy to read.



Now for the floss
DON'T YOU JUST LOVE THAT IT IS ON BOBBINS!!! I think this is a great marketing tool! Since they also include a needle you really can start right away.



The bobbins are clearly marked. I have not used this brand of floss before (MDS) so will have to give more opinions on this as I dive in. They also provide a DMC equivalent in case you are only buying the pattern.

I will continue to update this review as I start and work on this pattern.