2017 Stitch Alongs

As always the beginning of the year brings with it many new stitch alongs. In the past I have done stitch alongs at my own pace, and plan to do that again this year.
There are three that I think are just awesome this year. One I will definitely be doing, one I'm considering doing, and another I just want to at least collect all the pretty patterns for!
I personally think all three SALs are reasonably priced given the difficulty of the pattern and profile of the designer. I was not asked to or paid to endorse these SALs; I'm just sharing what I plan to do this year. :)

1) Canadian Patriotic Series - by Jeannette Douglas

As many of you know I kind of love Jeannette, both her designs and as a lovely person (she lives in my hometown). This year is the 150th anniversary of Canada becoming an independent nation (although we are still part of the British Commonwealth). Lots of big things happening across the country this year and of course major celebrations in the nation's capital Ottawa on Canada Day (July 1). While you may not think Canadians have a lot of patriotism, both myself and most of my friends are very proud to be from and live in Canada. So this is a big deal to us.
I plan to actually stitch this up as one large sampler piece this year. I just need to figure out my plan for linen and threads.
My link is to local shop that has Jeannette's work. You can get the patterns from your LNS, but the fancy boxes may not be available everywhere.
Check it out at: http://www.traditionalstitches.com/p_JDDCPS+CP.html

2) Birthstone Dragons - by Ingleside Imaginarium

This is a new designer who sells on Etsy. I love dragons, and even if they end up being similar but different colours in this monthly SAL I won't mind one bit. lol.
The first one has been released. See a photo to the right of January's dragon. I'm not sure if I will actually kit these up right away or not... but as they look nice and easy and use DMC they might be a good little quicky one to work on.
There is a facebook group to chat about this SAL here: https://www.facebook.com/InglesideImaginarium/
And here is where to purchase the pattern: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/498195209/birthstone-dragon-mystery-stitch-a-long?ref=listing-shop-header-0

3) Fairy Tale Princess Dress-Up Collection - by Brookes Books Publishing

I've done many of Brooke's lovely patterns as most of them are on perforated paper! They are like an experienced stitchers version of the Mill Hill kits I like. Lots of breads, usually metallic thread and sometimes a speciality stitch here or there.
While I don't know what I would do with these patterns... I just think they are crazy gorgeous! So this SAL (first two are out) is more about collecting the patterns and not about stitching them this year. I might do these up as one large sampler but won't be deciding until they are all out.
You can buy the patterns from your LNS or order direct from Brooke on Etsy here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/484393654/50-off-presale-for-all-12-accessory?ref=shop_home_active_4 

Bonus: I still have the Calendar Girls by Little House Needleworks kitted up with a wonderful Gingham Checkered Linen. This was a SAL from a couple years ago that was monthly. My plan is still to do all the girls in a row without the calendar names. As it's kitted (as it uses DMC) and ready to go. It's also in my pile of top projects to start next. So it maybe that I will have the patriotic one and calendar girls on the go this year. Like I said before SAL's are great and all but I rarely follow the timeline as I find that too stressful and just don't have time for it.
These patterns are available at any major online stitching shop or your local LNS.

In other news: I had to delay ordering my fabric and missing threads for my HAED as there was a bead show this weekend and I might have spent the money for the HAED on beads for the store (lol!) but I will be getting that HAED going in the next few weeks. So stay tuned for the surprise!

My husband is finally starting to walk! Only been walking with a limb or one crutch for 4 days. He is now at physio, has daily exercises and is in a lot of pain again (boo). But we were prepared and he is very motivated to get back to sports and climbing as soon as possible. We're hoping in 6 weeks he will be back up on the wall. For me, everyday gets a little easier as he can now help out a lot more. Plus the snow gave me a reprieve this past week, so no shovelling.

Hope everyone is staying warm and finding lots of stitching time!