December 31st, I completed my last stitching, in the last month of my year long project. I have to confess, it was most bittersweet. I felt both an incredible sense of accomplishment coupled with an intense melancholy at the ending of this epic project.
Yesterday morning I began the process of steaming each sampler, readying them for assembly in their final destination of 3 separate wall-hangings.
I apologize in advance for this photo heavy post, but here is my Year of Stitching in review:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Which brings me to this year’s project… I began this on the first day of winter, December 21, and my idea was to do a square each day. But, it was lacking… so much. In my review of last years pieces, I was reminded how much I like the puzzle-like quality of some of the pieces best of all. BUT, rather than take out the stitching I had started, my idea will be to work this in by stitching around it. The past two days have seen this addition, and what better than two days of crazy clear blue skies and sunshine! After yesterday’s running stitches, I felt a sense of ease and rightness come over me and I knew I was on the right path. The other thing I am going to give myself some leeway on this year will be the option to stitch for longer than 15-20 minutes. This also feels very good and really just makes sense to me. After all, I am much more comfortable with the stitching process than I was at this time last year. So, less fussing and more stitching.
As always, if you want to start your own year long stitching project, I would be happy to help you get started! Just leave a comment and I will help you begin!
They are stunningly beautiful! How big is each piece, did you use thread or floss, and is it on linen? (Sorry for all the questions.) Can’t wait to see the finished piece.
Hi Barbara! Each piece is approx. 14″x18″. I used 100% dressmaker’s linen from JoAnn’s and I stitched with No. 12 Pearle Cotton mostly, although I did use some No. 8. It was a super fun project and really, very inexpensive!
Your year-long project is epically beautiful, Kat! I like seeing each separate month, and I really enjoy seeing the flow from month to month – new stitches, new techniques, and new colors. Well done!
I must admit I do find this intriguing. I’ve done crewel and cross stitch but that was years ago. I devote so much time to knitting now and could use a break. Could you email me how to get this started? I probably wouldn’t get going until April but you never know!
It really is impressive to see them all together, and I can’t wait to see them in their final state! I don’t know that I’ll be able to find the time to stitch every day, but I love the idea of an ongoing stitching project, especially since I used to be an avid cross stitcher.
Your stitching is really lovely! I pulled out the piece I had started last January but I just don’t have it in me to do a year long project. I will enjoy watching yours evolve.
Your stitching is amazingly beautiful! I’ve done lots of embroidery, cross stitch, and crewel work over the years, but nothing like this! Did you start each month with a sketch or an idea or did you just let the needle and thread lead you? I look forward to seeing your new stitching project unfold.
Each month brought a gorgeous stitch finish. WOW. You did a wonderful job. THere’s whimsy in each piece and I love whimsical! I’ll have to show you the stitching on the purse Al gifted me.
Each month’s stitching was wonderful but my favorites are January, June, July, September and December!
I love seeing each piece and your evolution through the year! It must be enormously gratifying to see your project finished. How wonderful you’ll keep the tradition going!
Just gorgeous! Those wall hangings are going to be something else. I was the happy recipient of Slow Stitch at Christmas, and am looking forward to spending some time with that book!
These are breathtaking! I knew I’d seen so many beautiful peeks but seen all together– wow! Stunning.
Swoon! and CONGRATULATIONS for this absolutely delightful, gorgeous project! I think they’ll make the most interesting collection of wall hangings…and the images on a 2018 flip calendar… just sayin’…
Beautiful Kat! I know you are beaming! Rightfully so!
Cheers~
Wow, your 2017 creative projects are wonderful! And you are on Ravelry too. And Goodreads makes it all round out.
I wish I had started years ago on crafting skills, and now my fingers are slow and cranky. Yours must be humming warmly along, with a creative brain that is singing happily . How great could that be?
Wow.
Those.Are.Awesome.
Those pieces are just gorgeous and so creative. Did you have a book as a reference or just create? I’d love to know a little more about your process.
Wow, Kat! Those twelve pieces together … amazing, beautiful, …wow! I’ve really enjoyed watching and reading about your progress and look forward to more lessons this year.
beautiful stitching and I love how each month is reflective of the seasons changing. I hope you enjoy 2018 as much!!
Such an awesome project, Kat. I just love seeing each month . . . emerge! (I think my favorite is November.) I especially love how you just let your intuition guide you as you stitch. It brings your pieces such a flow! I can’t wait to see where this year’s stitching takes you. XO