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January 2020 WIPs


I am a new cross stitcher, but already I am starting more cross stitching projects than I can handle. But that's part of the fun, right? 

So here are my January WIPs--let's see what kind of progress I can make!

Year-Long Stitch Along

My biggest project to date is definitely taking on the Linens and Threads 2020 Stitch Along. For those of you who have not heard of it, head over to their 2020 SAL page and check it out. The designers release a piece of the pattern monthly about the first of every month for an entire year. They have done this since 2017, and if you want, the 2017, 2018, and 2019 patterns are already released for you. You can join the 2020 at any point. This year's bonus is that each month's pattern will also have an ornament, which matches one of my stitching goals nicely (see below). 

I got a good start on January's pattern because of the holiday break from work. I am stitching on 14 count aida I found in a fabric store on vacation in Ruidoso, NM. 


The ladies at Martha's Fabrics were amazingly helpful, so if you are ever in the area, check them out. Note that they only take cash and checks. Bonus: If you are there in the winter, there is a cool sleigh ride that leaves from their parking lot. 


Choosing my thread was the hardest part for me. I highly recommend joining their Facebook group to get ideas. One idea I found was that several stitchers are using Stitch Pallette to help narrow down their color scheme. I did that and I'm pretty happy with my choice: 


Ornaments

The rest of my projects for the month will likely be Christmas ornaments for next year. I'd love to tie one on to all the packages for my family...we'll see how far I get! So far I love these because they are portable--I can take them on errands, stitch them while I visit wineries, and/or do a few stitches at night and still feel like I'm making progress. 

So far, I have two sets of ornaments planned--the first are the free ones that come with the L&T Mystery Sampler. The second are from Just Cross Stitch magazine. I finished the pattern on black aida by The Stitcherhood (Maria Warmke), and I started a cute Cozy Snowman by the Geeky Stitcher. I also joined her monthly subscription box, and I'm loving it so far!






What Else?

I have my eye on a few other projects, but I'm not ready to commit just yet. We'll see how far I get in the L&T SAL before committing to more. 

I have my eye on this Big Ben, but it looks like a big a commitment. 

I'm also eye balling these Lizzie Kate monthly patterns....


Like I said--already more projects than I can handle!

Happy Sip and Stiching!


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