When Nell was here for the cross stitch mini retreat at my house, she was talking about WIPS. Nell is known for quilting UFOs, so I was curious if she was also someone who had quite a few cross-stitch WIPS.
For those of you who don’t know…
In quilting, started, but unfinished projects are called UFOs. Unfinished Objects.
In cross stitch, started, but unfinished projects are called WIPs. Works in progress.
Nell confirmed that she does have quite a few WIPS. Like quilts in progress…she doesn’t care how many stitching projects are in progress.
She did say that she was working hard on a few of hers…mainly, right now it was His Eye is on the Sparrow. This project.
She was also talking about joining Blackbird Academy SAL. (You can find out more about them on their Facebook group). Their SAL (Stitch a Long) is based on Blackbird Designs charts.
There is a theme each month and stitchers have to stitch a Blackbird Design project that meets the theme. Here is the list…
I talked more to Nell about it.
It turns out that a person can stitch on an old project or start a new project. Hmm. That had me thinking…
Right now I have two Blackbird Designs projects going… I have the Garden Club series…
I also have a tiny start on the For the Birds series.
Shoot. None of them has an alphabet. I know I have a couple of kitted projects with an alphabet from Blackbird Designs. Hmm.
The first one I thought of was The Winter is Past. I’ve always liked this one. It would fit into several categories.
Alphabet, bird, basket, Winter, hearts, flowers. Hmmm.
I checked to see what else I had…oh..Feliz Navidad. I’ve always wanted to stitch this one and give it to Karl. He is a Spanish Interpreter. It hits several categories too. Alphabet, bird, basket, Winter, hearts, flowers. Hmmm.
I continued looking…I love this, but no alphabet. The alphabet is for August, so I need to find that theme soon.
There are these too…One of these could be stitched, and it would cover many of the categories…but again, no alphabet.
While I was digging, I did find this…It’s from the Winds of Autumn book. That would cover the pumpkins. I’ve always wanted to stitch this. I know a flosstuber who stitched it with a pretty variegated orange. I think I’d go with that.
I also found something that would check the strawberries category. I think I would stitch the little roll up. It’s so cute and has a strawberry. That could be an easy one for that month…one I could likely finish.
Then I saw this…the Ooh la la book. I remembered that it has lots of alphabet projects in it.
This is the one I wanted to do after I saw Olivia of Pumpkin Hollow quilts stitch it. She used it as a bowl filler.
Hmm. I have a lot to think about. Which project do I start?? or Should I even do the SAL?? Who knows what I’ll do??
Then Nell sent me this…She had The Winter has Past started and was pulling it out to do her alphabet stitching on.
AH…Decisions, decisions.
Do you all have any opinion? Should I pull another project to start?? Should I join the Blackbird Academy SAL?? It’s hard to turn down anything Blackbird.
I’ll keep you posted.
I’d like Karl to have a cross stitch.
If it’s calling to you, do it! You already have everything (probably), you love Blackbird, you want to stay connected to Nell, who cares how many WIPS you have if they bring you joy? Just saying :-)
Jo, you could always use the Academy prompts and join in spirit — if you have a chart by another designer with an alphabet, use it. If you want to start a new project, do it. If you want to start or work on all Blackbird designs, do it. I love Blackbird designs, but have so many other projects waiting for my attention that I struggle to come up with 10 Blackbirds that I need to stitch sooner rather than later — even if they are all smalls. It probably helps that I have only two Blackbird kitted up right now. :)
A few posts ago you were mourning the fact that you had little time and had even less urge to stitch. I’m glad to see that’s changed!
I’m always a ‘bend the rules’ sort of person. If you want to join the SAL, I’d just use the months that have some object that may not be on a Blackbird pattern you have in progress and use that month to sew on something else that may have that object on it. Who says it has to be a Blackbird pattern every month?
Stitch what you love, love what you stitch!
I think you could easily join the SAL! I’m a huge fan of Blackbird Designs. I’m going to check the SAL OUT! Hugs,
I really love that pincushion with the red alphabet.
Jo, Feliz Navidad has an alphabet. You’re all set! I love seeing your progress… stitching and quilting. I really don’t know where you get all your energy. Do what you love.
Oh, I love Blackbird Designs! But SALs make me anxious. I’m pretty much a monogamous stitcher over here. Right now I have my Sunday Stitch, Bridget Power 1840, and then the rest of the week I stitch on one design until I’m finished, and then start another. I do have The Winter is Past stitched and but fully finished and I had forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder – I’m going to find it and get it framed. It’s always been a favorite Blackbird design of mine! I love seeing your cross stitch enthusiasm back!