TUSCAN MIDNIGHT CONTINUES
Today I got a congratulation message from Word Press, it seems that 16 years ago today I made my first post. Wow…I knew I had been posting for a long time but actually didn’t realize just how long. I have always tried to post at least 2 or 3 times a month as a journal of what I was working on. Time does fly ‼️
Tuscan Midnight continues to keep me picking up my needle for just a few more little squares. I have now reached the outer edge of the design. The instructions now change from making a trip all around the edge to working each of the four corner areas. The upper left was the first corner area charted so once again I have turned my canvas, and chart, upside down. In the photo below it appears that I am working on the lower right corner
Most of the stitch patterns are easy to follow. There is A LOT of compensation and I’m glad that each square is fully charted. One thing I have learned is that when you go from stitching a pattern vertically to stitching a pattern horizontally it fries your brain….for a few minutes. 😜
I hope everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day. More progress soon.
MORE….TUSCAN MIDNIGHT
This project, with all its little squares, is like a box of chocolates……can’t stop with just one. I have been addicted to stitching the little boxes for over a week. This is where I am today.
I am so glad I took the time to draw all the grid. There is no full chart for this design. Each square (rectangles are considered a square) is individually charted and is referenced buy an alpha and numeric designation in the instructions. To attempt this without the drawn grid would be a nightmare.
Here is a close-up of some of the squares…..
I’m so glad the full squares are charted…there is a lot of compensation for each of the stitches used. In some cases the stitch pathways are indicated by the use of black and white stitch lines. It really helps see the intended stitch and all the compensation as stitching with Watercolors could mask the actual stitch and would not make a clean color change. I’m not sure what made the canvas appear to change color in this photo.
Now back to my “box of chocolates “……
TUSCAN MIDNIGHT…..the beginning
After taxing my brain with Africana I decided I wanted a fun and easy project. I have done several Kathy Rees designs and they are always very relaxing. Also all the threads are Watercolors which I like to stitch with.
When doing counted designs there is usually a full color chart to work from. This design is different. Kathy suggested…in bold print, that the grid be drawn on the canvas. All the area stitch patterns are referenced by two grid coordinates. I thought I might just skip the marking…..but after reading the instructions I realized how important the grid was and how easy it would be to get confused so I spent the better part of a whole day counting and recounting. I first marked with thread and when I was sure of my count I drew the grid with a #4 pencil. #4 lead is very hard and does not leave residue when stitching.
I have a large stash of Watercolors so I kitted this from threads on hand. I did not have all the colors called for but I used the Watercolor chart online and chose the colors closest to the ones I was missing.
AFRICANA FINISHED ‼️‼️
Yes, I finally completed Africana. It is a real sense of accomplishment. I set a goal of completing the class project in two months and I made it. The last few areas were a challenge…..not everything fit exactly. But it was only a thread or two so I just adjusted.
I do feel good about handling the two threads error I made early on the vertical borders. It required really paying attention and planning ahead as I approached right side.
I have to give a lot of “high fives” to Lorene Salt for her great charts. Some took awhile to figure out as they were Jean Hilton style stitches. But after a few tries the chart made perfect sense.
Now I get to choose my next project…..and I have many to choose from. Stay tuned….
More Africana
I missed a week of posting…and here’s why
I took a trip to North Carolina to see my new great-granddaughter. My daughter went with me and we had a wonderful weekend. Upon getting home I just rested for a few days before getting back to stitching.
As I continued along the bottom of the design I began to think about those two missing threads on the right side. The pattern on the far right did not lend itself to a re-design so I moved to examining the one next to it. It was easier to adjust one thread on each side and keep the original pattern.
Now I must tackle the inside areas…..which includes another large circle, a challenge when I did the first one. I hope the second one goes easier.
MORE AFRICANA
Another week has passed and much progress made. I completed the Kreinik inner borders and pray that all my checking and double counting has eliminated some future errors. I know, without a doubt, that all is not perfect but it helps me to know that areas may not come together and I can figure it out.
You will notice at the top of my canvas there are two areas unfinished……. I usually complete areas before moving on BUT the chart for the Double Crescents that surround the Teardrop Jessicas just has me confused. I will have to get a practice canvas and get the flow of the chart before I go back to my project canvas. I left the triangle area adjacent blank until I get the Double Crescents figured. Just another challenge….
I decided to work the areas at the bottom of the canvas that are outside of the inner borders. I continue to be amazed at the color choices and placement.
Here is where I am tonite…..
STITCHLADY'S ADVENTURES 