Cat's Out of the Bag!

Decided to reveal it after all, here is a quick update though I am worried about stitching it on 28 count when it was sent to me with 18 count, which would convert over 2 to 36 count...more when I find out if I can keep going as I am!

 What are you saying! That teeny-tiny little square is totally progress...right?

UPDATE: Looks like this design won't look as refined without the 36 count, so I will have to buy the right fabric and start over. At least I didn't get all that far :) I will start something else for a little bit!

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

First post for my newest project! 

Project Title: Mighty Samurai

Colors: 45 different colors, and 20 different 2-strand combinations of these colors, effectively 65 different colors

Size: 16’’ x 22’’ (30x46cm), without frame

Date Started: March 4, 2015

Date Ended: ???

Night has always been the most infamous time for my stitching. I’m not entirely sure why, but most of my worst mistakes are made beyond about 9pm. The majority of mistakes I make are miscounting, resulting in a misaligned design and inevitably ending in me pulling stitches out (which have taken up to an hour before). And about 2 hours in, I realized I had made a mistake, but it wasn’t counting, it was actually a bit worse – it was color! 

This design includes the colors Maroon, Red, Magenta, Pink and Coral. Despite my impeccable organizing, I managed to start out a section with Red-Coral instead of Pink-Coral. So there went 30 minutes of my life. 

Fun fact: this is the biggest and most detailed project I have ever done, and I received it for Christmas 2014.

I never knew it would be the case, but apparently there is quite a difference between colors in Aida vs evenweave, even if they are both supposedly "ivory". I only work on evenweave, as it's  better for detailed projects and feels better to work with.

Progress: 

And my most loyal fan (not my cat, just who lives here too):

My stitching entertainment seemed to be in a bit of jeopardy here...

But he gave up in hope of a nap.

Yea! First Blog Post! 3/5/15

Heya! Just testing this. Since I don't have any work ready to be posted I just have a little survey!

When it comes to art, I am often exceedingly patient and specific with the way I do it. My art is mostly described as modern, design-wise. This means they are usually complicated and take a large amount of time. This is due to my nature to put my heart into whatever I do, whether it is cross stitch, ceramics, or digital drawing ~ all of these may make it here!

What was the first piece you stitched and when did you begin?

It was a simple starter stitch of some hummingbirds on flowers. My mom got me started way back probably around middle school, maybe 10 years ago. Unfortunately I don't have much to show for it! I have given away about 95% of all my projects, large and small, without photographing them first. That's why I created this; to keep track for myself and anyone else who's interested.

What types of needlework do you do now and what is your favorite?

I only do cross stitch for now because that is what I have a great collection of materials for. I am fascinated by other types and would love to try them someday.

How much time every week do you devote to needlework?

A few hours each day before or after work.

What other hobbies do you have besides needlework?

I have a great interest in Japanese culture, language and art, but I also love video games and movies; I'm realtively tech-savvy (sp?) so I also like just about anything in that department. 

Work or career – present or past?

Phew! Confusing question. I've graduated college with a degree in Japanese, Asian Studies and Anthropology, and am joining the Navy in the near future. I like to take things one day at a time but in the future I want to have a great collection of my own projects to look back on and be proud about. Art is so amazing; my life will inevitably be filled with it.

Do you have a particular project you would like to stitch?

I have an entire folder devoted to them, actually. A lifetime's worth, I am sure. 

Is there a new technique you would like to learn in the future?

I am always up for learning more things but in the meantime I actually want to become better at some things first. especially those damn french knots.

Do you have any “bits of wisdom” you would like to share?

I think it's most important in life to do what you want, or go after your passion, but mainly what makes you happiest. In Japanese, this is said  好きにしろ (suki ni shiro). 

What reactions have you received from people who have received pieces of your finished needlework?

I most often make small ornaments around Christmas time and they are always a hit. I have only done a few medium or large projects but always gave them away and people love them. Much like a cook's greatest compliment is the clean plate at the end, the greatest compliment to me is actually displaying my work or sharing it with others. 

What is your favorite thread and fabric to work with?

I'm relatively picky and do not work with Aida fabric anymore, so all my projects are done on evenweave 28 ct or above, though 28 count is most comfortable. I have only worked with two kinds of thread, cotton and a yarn variety, both for xstitch. The yarn is a bit more temperamental! But again, I'm really up for about anything. 

What tool or accessory would you not want to be without?

My lamp. Got it for Christmas and I literally could not be without it.

Are there any symbols, themes or ideas that are found throughout your art?
I think it's extremely important to have a signature, and I guess mine would have to be what effects me most. Japanese influences are often a focus. I also have a sort of spiritual connection with the number 4 (sorry Japan :( they associate it with death or just general badness) and things that are white, so those often can make some sort of appearance due to their significance.