Dazzle Done

I finished it yesterday and my husban took a picture last night. We're planning on making a box for it, one of poplar, possibly with a whitewash, and setting it in the top. Overall, I like how this came out. The Flair gave me some issues coming out of the holes and squeezing itself into a tube in a few places. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get it to lay flat right out of those holes. I can tell where I didn't use the laying tool - which means I need to always use it on projects like this. I learned a lot about working with one. The project is designed by Margaret Bendig for the San Diego chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild. It counts as part of my project challenge because I bought it as a kit, and ergo was completely from the kit stash. This brings me to 22 of 25 done toward my challenge.

Filled with Stars

All the stars on this are done, and I should have a picture of this all complete by the end of the week. All that's left is satin stitch to fill in the areas between the stars and a border. Since this picture, I've done everything but finish the edge on it. Laying the threads really makes a difference in the look of the finished project. It looks so much more sleek. When I've worked on it, the stitching's been very quick.

Dazzling Edge

I got the edge conpletely done this week, and unfortunately not anything else. I need to set aside time and just get this -done-. It's my plan to once I'm done on the zodiac round robin I'm stitching on daily. This will be my daily item until it's done afterward.

Bordering on a Finish

The last band before the outer border is almost complete - I just need to finish putting the Fyreworks on it. There's brick stitch and another star in the blank areas of the square. I like this piece a lot. It's given me a lot of practice with my laying tool. Considering this is the first year I've used a laying tool, I needed it! My husband will be making a box to put this on the top of. I think it'll look sharp, especially in something like a light poplar.

Squaring It Off

The squares I'm doing on this are the outer part of the design, which means I'm really close to done! I like how the light makes the one color look like two because of the difference in the angles of the thread. There will be Fyreworks over the top of each of of the squares, so they're not done yet. I will -definitely- have this done by the end of January.

Star Filled Dazzle

Two whole sets of stars done now! It's really almost done. The smaller stars were harder to do than the larger ones, but they both came out well. I've found I really need to use my laying tool on this to get all the long stitches to lay smoothly. It's good practice.

Out to the Edges

I have the cross ends all the way out to the outer border, so you can see pretty much how large this will be. Since this picture, I've worked on the large waffle stitches and if I get back to it this week, they'll be finished. One day I'll just learn to finish projects serially and not have so many going at the same time! I like how this is looking and hope to finish it soon. Ya, ya, I can hear you all doubting already.

Another Section Down

Another section done on this, and since this picture, the last sections on the ends of the cross arms are done. Next is a big woven stitch in each of the corners of the arms. It's getting there!

Knocking Out Another Pattern

I started the pattern at the bottoms of the blocks this week, and since this picture was taken, have finished it. All four sides have the upright and slanted cross stitches done. Now on to the next bit! I might get this done before the end of the year.

All Braided Up

The braids are done on all four sides now, and I get to start a new section this week! I might even be able to finish it during the Christmas blitz, which would be a good thing.

Beginning the Braid

I got the rest of the cashmere stitches done on this and started the next step - a braid on the side of each outer block. I should have those done by the next picture. It's coming along, but I probably won't finish it for Christmas without a lot of extra time I can't seem to find.

Adding Some Glitz

Because this one is supposed to be -somewhat- small, I'm keeping it on my rotation during the Christmas Blitz. Maybe I can finish it! This week, I added the flare cashmere stitches on some of the arms. The rest will be coming this week, and starting the braids on each of the sides. It's easy and quick to do when I work on it.

Dazzle Cross

Even though I was on vacation, I managed to finish off the scotch stitch part of these rectangles. Next up is the sparkly stuff between them. I might even get to it this week.

Dazzling Diagonals

Still working on my scotch stitches for this - and more than halfway done with them. I should be able to finish all of them the next time I pick this up - which should be tomorrow or the day after. I'm on a vacation trip, though, so you never know. So far, since there's -nothing- to do in the evenings here, I've gotten my stitching done then. On the other hand, I went on a stash enhancement today. Pictures to follow soon.

Dazzling Stairsteps

It looks like the next few things I'm doing on this piece are scotch and cashmere stitch rectangles. So far, I have most of the scotch stitches done on one side. When I work on it, it goes pretty quickly, and I like the colors.

So Why Did I Start Yet Another Project?

For this one, I confess, it was my husband. The piece is called "Dazzle" and I got it through ghosting at the San Diego ANG 21st annual stitch in. It came in the mail. I asked him to make the stretcher bars. Two days later, he asked why I hadn't started it. It's started now. With luck, it'll be quick because it's only about six inches square, perhaps seven. I like its looks so far.