I’ve had the itch to try some “over one” cross-stitching, and I also want to stitch at least one Christmas tree ornament a month, so I decided to combine the two.
Here’s what I have so far . . . it’s T-I-N-Y ! ! !
It’ll be about 2″ x 2″ when completed. We prefer skinny Christmas trees, so I felt the “over one” size would be more in-scale with our tree.
I’m stitching this on 28-ct. Monaco (thanks to Carol at Stitching Dreams for that suggestion!), in “Antique White”. I like the stiffness of this fabric, and there’s no worry about the floss slipping underneath the threads, as with linen.
Since the fabric I’m using is lighter in color than the fabric called for in the pattern, I’m changing up some of the colors as I go, which is actually quite fun.
As for stitching “over one,” a magnifier and a good crafting light are musts!! Frogging is very challenging (which is a good reason for me to take my time and pay attention to the pattern!), and running the ends of threads underneath stitches on the backside is also quite challenging. And, for me, it goes much, much slower than stitching over two. All that said, I’m thoroughly enjoying stitching “over one” and plan to do lots more of it :-).
I love your pink bird house! Cute change.
Oh! I love this! I think running the tail behind the threads is the most difficult part about over-one stitching! lol
Looking forward to seeing more! :)
Kristi, I did switch to a size 28 tapestry needle (from a 26) and that helped lots. Still, it’d be easier to bury those tails using a nice pointy embroidery needle ;-).
Sounds like a fun challenge, and tiny is so sweet! :)
I love anything with a bird in it. This is adorable! You are going to have a lovely Christmas collection.
So tiny and just so cute!
Definitely itty bitty cross stitches! Were you familiar with cross stitching before you started
free-style embroidery?
Yes, I was. I first did cross-stitching YEARS ago (heh. more like *decades* ago!). I quit doing needlework when our youngest son was born, then when I was ready to start doing needlework again I discovered hand embroidery and that totally appealed to me. I like the unstructuredness of it :-). Now I enjoy both equally as much!!
I started a project stitching ‘over one’ once- it’s still sat unfinished somewhere. So tiny!
Because I love your blog I have given you a Leibster award, see my blog to find out more. (It’s a fun way of sharing and championing our favourite blogs)
Soph x
A very belated thank you, Sewphie! I’m so glad your comment name is clickable because I realized your blog was *not* on my Google Reader (I thought it was!) so I’ve missed lots of posts from you. You are definitely on my reader now :-).