Happy New Year 2015

Between various ailments (having a cold on top of stomach issues is not pleasant) and trying to get back on a normal schedule after holiday retail hours, it's been a slow start to the new year for project planning and sewing. Given how crappy I've felt, I decided to pull from the eternal WIP pile that I have of various sewing and craft projects.

I opted for a piece of cross stitch that I've had sitting around for a while (and by a while, I mean I started it so long ago I don't remember exactly when). Actually, there isn't much left on it. A few pieces of thread here and there, filling in some spots that I initially missed, and doing the beading.

So. Many. Beads. But I'm loving all the bright colors together!

Beading always presents itself to be a small challenge since I use invisible thread to attach everything and while it is great, it's a b*tch to work with at times. The pattern is South Seas Mermaid (MD92) from Mirabilia, my personal favorite for cross stitch.

MD92

The final piece is turning out to be much brighter than the example photo included in my pattern. As for the beading, there's a lot of it still to do (along with running to the store for the ones I'm out of) but it's been coming along rather smoothly.

Once I'm finished with this piece though, I'm definitely planning on some sewing.

Final Project of 2014

I had to wait to post this until it was received since this was a Christmas gift. I don't have many progress photos since I pretty much just followed the pattern instructions.

Back in August, the beau's dad and young sister came out to Ohio and they went to a Civil War reenactment with us. I had dressed up of course and Lexie just loved my 1863 calico dress with the hoop skirt underneath. We bought her a hat and fan that day, but she kept on mentioning dresses. We departed with the mention that "Christmas would be coming soon."

Well Christmas did come. Kerry went to the fabric store with me and helped to select a pattern and the materials for just a basic calico dress with some embellishments. 

I used Simplicity 3725 view A with some modifications. For Lexie's dress, I shortened the sleeves to elbow length and left off the collar so it wouldn't be so tight around the neck (Or hot, they're in California). We weren't going for historical accuracy, so there are some modern alterations like a zipper up the back.

She loves the dress though and looks absolutely darling in it! What a great wrap up for 2014!