Stitch from Stash: February

Month: February
Total Spent: $24.97
($18.90 on "Indian Peacock", $5.99 for "Tree Frog Trio" and 8 cents (!), for Carousel Horses in Cross Stitch)
Earned: $0
Total Carry-Over to March: $14.38 ($14.35 carry over from January + $0.03 carry over from February)

Yes, this month, I spent almost my entire budget. :P  But I spent it on pretty patterns! 
At the start of the year, I was determined not to buy any more patterns/kit stash, and keep my spending to fabric and floss for the patterns I already own. I don't have as many patterns as some of you wonderful stitchers, but I do have enough to last me at least the next 4-5 years, so I've been trying not to accumulate too much more. I lasted a month haha.
I had a sort-of excuse: I just passed my big comprehensive exam for my master's program (whew!), so I decided to celebrate by purchasing a kit.  But then I got to the store and they were having a sale!  So I got two.  I know, I'm terrible. : )

The first kit I got is one I have been eyeing for about six months now.  It is "Indian Peacock" by Dimensions:

I love peacocks: mostly because of the colors, I think!   I really like the blues on this one.

The second kit I got is for my bf: he went shopping with me, and liked the design. He is very supportive of my hobbies (the other day he asked me how my WIPs were going... he actually said "WIPs", and I about melted), but it is not often that he says he would like me to stitch a certain pattern.  So of course once he said he'd like to see me stitch it, I had to get it!  It is called "Tree Frog Trio," and should be a pretty quick stitch compared to what I've been working on so far this year:

I'm planning to give it to him either framed, or as a small pillow: what do you all think?

I also found a cross stitch book on Amazon used for under $2, which, after using the remaining $1 and some change that I had on a gift card, ended up at a total of 8 cents!  It is Carousel Horses in Cross Stitch (Linda Gillium, Kooler Design Studio), and it has a carousel horse for each month of the year. Once it arrives, I will post a picture, and then try to decide which one I want to stitch first!

I will update you on my WIP progress in my WIPocalypse post next week!
Happy Stitching!

WIPocalypse: February Check-In

Hi all,

I can't believe we're already into February!  Things are starting to get hectic again now that we're into the third week of the semester, and I'm trying to readjust myself after the relative peacefulness of winter break. : ) 

I had quite a bit of progress on my WIPS in the first half of the month when I was still on break, but haven't had as much time now that school is started, so my progress is pretty much on pace with what I am usually able to get done in a month.  I am hoping to have at least a couple of my WIPs completed by June so that I will have some artwork for the new place!
So, here are my before and after photos for the month of January:

Aurora Cabin Before:



After:

Winter Friend Before:

After:

Beauty and the Beast Before:

 

After:

Sleigh Ride at Dusk Stocking Before:

 

After:

The Wave Before:

 

After:

Quiet Time Before:

 

After:

The topic for this month is: How do you overcome that feeling that you’re in a rut with a particular project?

My rotation has really helped me stay focused and interested in my projects.  Prior to 2014, I was a one-at-a-time stitcher for the most part, and would get bored.  Now, I have 6 WIPs going at all times, so if I'm having difficulty working with one, I can put it aside for awhile and work on another. 

 

Happy Stitching! : )