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Saturday, January 25, 2014

Stitch from Stash Update

2014 Stitch from Stash Is just the SAL for me!  I have been stitching for close to 30 years and for a few of those years I was a OAAT (one at a time) stitcher.  Buy materials for a project at local craft store, stitch said project, then buy materials for next project, repeat...  THEN I discovered cross stitch stores!!  Whole stores full of patterns and material and fibers, so many fibers and beads and charms and oh my!  I only got to a LNS about once a year so I would buy two or three or four patterns and kit them right away.  That worked fine until I went back to work full time.  My stitching time went down but my stashing habit had been established but was still under control due to distance. Then, oh my, then, businesses started seeing the advantage of having an on-line presence and I could shop anytime, at any store in the world and as they say, "that's all she wrote" although I am not really sure why "they" say that.  Which leads me to today.  I have been SABLE (stash acquisition beyond life expectancy) for years but those designers keep coming up with more and more beautiful patterns or I discover a designer through a blog or a new designer hits the scene. Fortunately, or not depending on which side of the wallet you are on, the budget doesn't allow for extras so I have been stitching from stash for the better part of three years now, but when Stitch from Stash was announced, I decided to make it formal and joined right up.  Sign-ups are closed but you can join in for the fun and challenge.  Hopefully clicking the button on this post or the one in the sidebar will take you to the page to see the rules but basically, the idea is to either stitch your WIPs or stitch from stash.  You do get a monthly budget of $25 (I'm using USD but you can convert to your local currency if it makes more sense) and your monthly balance rolls over.  Mel did provide some exceptions and you do get one grace month, so actually a fairly generous budget.

Not that Mel mentioned anything about tips, but one thing I have found that helps tremendously is a wish list.  I post photos of patterns that I must have to my wish list and let them stew a bit.  I go back every so often and look at them to see if I still must have the pattern.  It is amazing how many I have added to the list only to remove a month or two or six later. 

So without further discussion, here is my January report:

  January Budget:  $25
                  Spent:  $ 0
Balance Forward:  $25

Starts from Stash:  Little House Needleworks' Peppermint Twist and Just Nan's Tall Flowers:



WIP stitching: I almost made one round in my rotation, so I have stitched on:

Enchanted Swans by Just Nan

Elegant Doily  by Kayann's Creations

Serengeti by Chatelaine

Santa's Magic by Mirabilia
There was some stash acquired also, but it was gifted.  Remember that wish list I mentioned?  Well The Hubs was looking for an anniversary gift and took a look at my list and gave me:

It's all three patterns plus the thread for Lizzie*Kate's Holly and Hearts Mystery Sampler Club.  He even managed to find it on sale!  Thank you ABC Stitch Therapy and your clearance page (yes he was so proud of himself, he told me all this!) This will be going in the rotation as soon as I finish Three Tulips.  I am sure I can find a piece of fabric in my stash somewhere...

11 comments:

Lumiruusu said...

You have so many lovely projects on your Stitch from Stash Challenge-I really like them all. The Hardanger piece is awesome !

Linda said...

Lovely projects Susan.

Linda

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

I'm doing this too! I have a similar idea to you about using the Wishlist. The nice thing is once a design has been on the Wishlist for a while I convince myself it is mine and is in my stash somewhere!

Love your progress pics, the candycane is just so cute!!

Pull the other thread said...

Wonderful stitching on your projects they all look wonderful. Well done on a zero spend month!

Mel said...

You have some awesome projects on the go! And you can never go wrong with some Lizzie Kate patterns. Now I want to go check out the ABC clearance page.
Needless to say I am not faring well with the SFS, that I created even! lol.

Robin in Virginia said...

Great looking projects, Susan! I like your wish list idea and may have to give it a try.

Robin in Virginia

Chris said...

Great SFS update!Great progress and new starts.
Your DH did a great job!
Hope the upcoming week is a good one for you :)

Tricia T said...

Great update! I love your Holly and Hearts gift... those colors are SO pretty. Hubby did fantastic!

Happy Stitching!

Tricia
The Stamper's Stitches

Faith... said...

All your stitching is beautiful and I LOVE Serengeti! Congrats for not buying anything this month!!

I have posted my update too if you would like to take a peek.
faithnchls.blogspot.com

Linda K's Stitching Corner said...

I just love all of your WIP Photos...

Your Hubby did a fantastic job...

Happy Stitching
Linda K, Railroad

Catherine said...

Well done!