Stitching - Five On Friday

It's Friday again and time to join in with Amy over at Love Made My Home.

This week I thought I'd share some of my cross stitching projects. Someone asked me about them so I thought I'd share. I have been stitching for a while. I remember learning the basics in primary school but it wasn't until my late teens that I started stitching again. There have been times throughout the years that I haven't stitched for a while, but I always seem to come back to it again. For a while there when I was overwhelmed with life and work I didn't do a lot of it. Since quitting work I've rediscovered my passion for it.

Firstly I'd like to share a few of my favourite large projects. These ones take a while but the time is worth it.

These pieces took several weeks/months to do. There are numerous colours, but I enjoy the challenge.

When I first started stitching I gave out a lot of pieces for gifts, but I don't think (as with most crafts) that unless people have done it they don't know how much love, time and cost go into each piece. I learned to make people smaller pieces and save the larger or detailed projects for those I knew really appreciated them. 

The above are a few pieces that I've stitched my Mum. I've made her more, but I didn't tend to take a lot of pictures earlier on.

A few other gifts. Each one of these were stitched with love. I have learned over time how to keep my stitches tight and even and my backs neat! Now that I'm getting older I find it takes a little more concentration to hit the holes right especially on the smaller fabric.

This is the piece I am currently working on. I purchased this kit last year while I was in England visiting Mum. I love these designs, but the kits are quite expensive. It was my 'treat' to myself. I don't usually work from kits as I like picking the fabrics myself. I also find it a little less stressful as, if I do mess up, I have plenty of floss to work with. I was afraid with this kit I'd run out of floss, but I think I'll be fine. 

This was my Wednesday picture - I usually update my stitching on Wednesdays. I have finished all the stitching and am now working on the backstitch. It is driving me crazy! Not sure I'll have it all done by next Wednesday but hope to have a good portion of it finished. I need to get it done so I can work on a piece for my Mum. I want to take it with me when I go at the end of July.

This is the piece I have picked out to do for her. I really like the design and I think she will too! I love this magazine - it's great for starters and for the experienced stitcher and there is usually a free small kit attached.

Thanks for sharing my stitching story!