Welcome to another update on my current cross-stitching. This week I have been stitching on Onward Noble Steed, Nutcracker Parade, and Celestial Sleigh. Additionally, I came across a fabulous new cross-stitch blog.
Onward Noble Steed
The third and final part of this mystery SAL by Lindy Stitches was released on Friday, July 10th. By the time I got around to working on it the following Sunday, Stephanie had shared the information regarding the negative association between children of color and alligators. My own brief investigation into that topic left me knowing I wanted to stitch the alternative pattern making sure mine project looked nothing like an alligator. So I started stitching the alternative pattern with some color changes and minor changes to the head shape. However, I found myself struggling all week to work on this piece when previously I had no trouble at all. Finally, my husband said, “why are continuing to do something that is causing you so much frustration?”. When he said that I looked at my stitching so far and realized I was completely unhappy with how the dragon was turning out, and I had 3/4 of it stitched. Still, I said to myself if you’re not liking it, there is no shame in frogging out what you don’t like. So I’m starting my dragon over. I’ve already started frogging and I’m planning on sketching a modification to the pattern based on a gorgeous photo that somebody shared of their dragon.
Nutcracker Parade
At the beginning of Jolly July, I brought back out Nutcracker Parade from The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery. Unfortunately, the frustrations I was having with my other project the past 2 weeks kept me away from stitching most days. But I do have the Clara & Nutcracker float almost finished, and I’m really excited to move onto the Mouse King’s float soon. I’m not sure if I will have this one finished by the end of July, which is what I was hoping for, but I am glad that I brought it out and made some progress on it.
Celestial Sleigh
This week I went back to doing some bedside stitching in the evenings before bed. It seems my brain just needs that activity to calm down in the evening. Keeping with the Jolly July theme, I pulled out a Mill Hill kit from my stash, Celestial Sleigh from the Sleigh Ride Charmed Ornaments 2017 collection. At this point, I’ll probably alternate between Celestial Sleigh and Midnight Owl every night until both of them are finished.
A New Blog
This week I also discovered a fabulous new blog, well new to me blog, for cross stitching: Hannah Hand Makes. I can’t even tell you how I discovered the blog, but I’m so delighted that I did. Currently, I’m working through reading some of the older posts, especially the ones with finishing ideas. My favorite post so far though, is 5 Things to Do When You Lose Your Motivation to Cross Stitch. My take away from this post is that it’s OK to take a break from your stitching when you need it. I think sometimes I put pressure on myself to get a project finished or to stitch every day, and but it’s OK if you need to take a break. There are other things I enjoy that give me peace and relaxation, and it’s OK if I want to engage in those hobbies for a little while and then come back to stitching later. Stitching will always welcome me back.
I hope this finds you well and enjoying life.
Thanks for checking in & happy stitching!
Bigger On The Inside 
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