SAL Update No 10

Hello lovely people!

I can’t believe this is my 10^th update! And how far have I gotten this time I wonder?

Here’s where I was last time..

Here’s where I am now.

The star and plus is finished!

I need to say a huge thank you to all who gave me advice last time. I took it all on board and have managed to find a solution that has made everything so much quicker and easier.

I’ve sort of combined a couple of ideas. For every new colour I’m using a new needle. Once I’ve used it for the section (most of the time one stitch!) I’m doing, the needle goes back with the rest of the threads to be used another time. This has made things so much quicker. I haven’t had to go searching for symbols over every page just to find somewhere to use that colour up. I also haven’t been putting off doing all the smaller ones like I was tending to do before. It’s like anything is possible.

I’ve also been doing it in job lots. Let me explain. I’ve been working in the above way but not binding off until I have around 5 needles hanging from the back of that my work. At that point, I turn the frame over and do them altogether. Again, so much time saved! While I’m still getting used to my new frame, having to turn it all the time meant a lot of time wasted. As I’m limiting it to five or so, I’m not getting tangled like I thought I would.

I’m all for working smarter not harder and improving efficiency. So thank you for everyone for your advice. Where would I be without you? I owe you a pint or similar.

Of course I wouldn’t be Calamity Steph without having a few accidents with it. A couple of trips over it and many bumps on the head as my light falls on me. Never mind. All to be expected.

So yes, star and plus sign done. On to The Gamer sign next.

I’ve already started to do some bits here where I’ve had lengths already on needles. (I managed to use all my needles very quickly and had to go out for more. But I felt the need to free some of them up!) I’ve managed to get some of the outline done to give me a clear view of where I need to work up to (and as far as I can manage on the other side). I’ve accepted that this section may take longer than the 3 weeks, but I’m not going to pressure myself. Saying that, you never know. With my new improved technique, I might speed through it. But don’t hold your breath..

I also have a new addition to the frame.

I very guiltily spent some of my birthday money on a frippery. I decided to get myself a birthday cake needle minder. Now that I’ve got lots of needles on the go, this has come in very handy! It’s bought from a local lady under the name of Chapel View Crafts. Go have a peek.

Seen as this is my 10^th update, I thought I’d do a before and after from my very first SAL post to see how far I’ve come in total.

From this

To this

Not bad eh? I like doing this like this. It’s nice to see how far I’ve come and it’ll hopefully spur me on to keep going.

Like I said, I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without the support from the lovely ladies and gent who take part in this SAL. Please go have a look at the amazing projects on show. You wont be disappointed.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina,

Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Catherine, Mary Margaret, Timothy

We post every three weeks, so we’ll hopefully see you again on the 6^th August!

 

Much love xx