Tweaking

For the most part, I like this chart.  Really, I do.  But, as charted, it's a little too dense and top heavy for my taste.  [The chart is a DMC freebie and can be found here.]  It's the c2014 heart designed by Lois Winston.

So, to balance it out and give it an air of delicacy and lightness, I am keeping the basic outline but replacing every other band with the vine band.  Tweaking things this way appeals to my sense of symmetry

Resting My Eyes

Much as I am loving Witch's Hollow, I do need a break from muted greys and grey greens on a 36 ct grey linen.  Too much tone on tone for aging eyes.

So I have switched to this DMC free heart chart stitched on 28 ct evenweave in some old Needle Necessities floss which shades from pink to mauve.

Nearing the Finish Line

I've used four of my six skeins of Blue Spruce and have started on the fifth.  I have stitched a little over 2/3 of the design.  This design is addictive.  I am compelled to stitch just one more element and than one more and so on.  With all the handling, the rather stiff Monaco has softened up enough so that I am no longer injuring my forefinger with each stab of the needle.  But the whole experience reminds me why I prefer linen.  Unfortunately, I have two more pieces of Monaco in stash which my frugal soul will insist on using up.  A quick pre-wash will remove most of the sizing and, one hopes, most of the problem.

I need to attend to some chores but if I have time to stitch tonight, I'll concentrate on the corner motifs and the roses.  

Scherzo

This Whispered by the Wind piece is my newest start.  I've had the chart for several years, one of those someday projects.  Now that I am retired, someday is finally here.  I am using the recommended WDW Blue Spruce.  I have 6 skeins in the same dye lot.  Both chart and floss were gifts from a Secret Sister exchange.  Instead of the recommended 28 count antique white linen, I am using 28 count white Monaco.  It's been a long time since I have used this 100% cotton fabric.  I'd forgotten how sturdy and stiff it can be, slowing down the stitching experience.  Using a size 26 needle instead of my usual size 28 helps.