This is the piece that I'm stitching for Love Quilts UK and I'm getting pretty close to the end. Once I finish the magic dust, all I'll need to do is stitch his other hand and then do the backstitching. There's a fair bit of backstitching, but it's pretty straightforward, so it shouldn't be too fiddly. The chart calls for metallic fibers for the magic dust, but I'm using DMC; metallics are discouraged on the quilts because they can be scratchy on a little one's skin. And yes, those are hoop marks, if you're looking closely at it. Mickey is stitched on 16-count Aida, and I feel more comfortable with a hoop than stitching it in-hand. I tried my Q-snaps but they were awkward to hold, so I dug out a hoop :-) The square is due on November 30th, and my goal is to get it stitched, washed, and pressed by the end of October so it'll have plenty of time to make the transatlantic trip.
I've been a little aggravated whilst stitching this piece, not by the design or the stitching, but by my needles. I've been using Mary Arden needles for a few years, and I like them. But I guess I've got hold of some lemons -- I started this project with a 6-pack of Mary Arden 26 needles, and I've had to throw out 2 of them because they broke. That's bad enough, but they broke at the top of the eye where a) it was difficult to see the break, and b) it was an optimum spot for them to catch on the thread and split it. Grrr. If this keeps up, I'll be going back to John James.
We're in for a mild week; that'll be nice, but I just hope we don't pay for it in March. I hope your week is a good one -- happy stitching!
3 comments:
Your piece is looking good. Sorry to hear about your needle woes. Have you tried Bohin needles?
In my experience John James do exactly the same in the fine gauges.
Love it! I've had needle problems with John James and Mary Arden too. Same place to break. I wish Bohin made petits.
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