Book Review: How to Become the Dark Lord or Die Trying

How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying 

by Django Wexler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 because this is not a book that will age well. There are a lot of pop culture references that non-fantasy readers may not know, and that are possibly too timely and won’t age well. For a well-read fantasy reader like myself each reference was easily identified but I’m not sure even someone who knows a lot of fantasy pop-culture will get them all. It’s not that you need to know them to get the story but they are all the focus of jokes made by MC Davi.

Two more reasons why I ranked this one a bit lower..
It took me forever to read. At first I thought it was just me, but then I listened to some of the audiobook and realized it’s that my brain trips over the made up words. Especially the species names that have roots in Latin but are still made-up and difficult to pronounce. There is a fine line between creating new words for your fantasy realm and creating words that readers brains will trip over or stumble on. It may sound silly, especially if you’re a reader (like myself) who reads words but doesn’t say them in their head. However I have experienced this before and it is definitely a weird effect that happens when we read.
Finally I was not a fan of the abrupt, unresolved ending. Be forewarned it is a bit of a cliffhanger and you may not feel satisfied by the ending. I certainly did not feel like I had any sort of resolution.

What’s odd is that, all that said about what I felt didn’t work in Wexler’s fantasy comedy story. I still enjoyed it and will definitely read the next book. Not only is this very witty, sexy, and overall ridiculous; but it also quite entertaining. Although I’ll confess I did enjoy Dreadful more I would say if you like narrators that know they are narrating a story, silly or over-the-top comedic fantasy then definitely check this one out. So long as it’s read in the next 10 or so years it should date itself just yet (even if I believe it will eventually).

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: A Sorceress Comes to Call

A Sorceress Comes to Call 

by T. Kingfisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the funnest, most horrific, scandalously proper book I’ve read recently (this description makes sense right? lol).
Kingfisher, once again, brings together her wit and sarcasm, adds it to a horror of all horrors, puts some charming characters in the horrors way, and thus gives us a wonderful book that is perhaps my favourite of hers (that I’ve read) to date!

If you’ve ever had a day, or perhaps many of them in which you want an overbearing adult to back-off then you will sympathize with our leading teen Cordelia. Her mother is, quite literally, evil. Capable of unfounded horrors with her magic; and, what’s worse, she has inflicted many of those horrors on her own daughter.
Thankfully her mother makes a miscalculation in choosing new ‘prey’ to finance her desires, and Cordelia finds some adults she can trust. The beginning of this story is definitely the Goose Girl tale. By the end I was completely engrossed and had forgotten entirely about it being inspired by an old story. Kingfisher makes this one entirely her own.

Between vivid descriptions, clever and snarky characters to magic, ghosts, and demons(?), oh my! A Sorceress Comes to Call held me rapt in suspense and thrills, right up to the last page. If you have enjoyed any of Kingfisher in the past you will love this one. If you are new to Kingfisher but enjoy thrilling stories, magical rules, clever evil, horrific situations (a bit of gore) and bumbling heroes trying to repel said evil then feel secure in picking up A Sorceress Comes to Call. It really is a witty, horror story (with a couple magical twists) that won’t disappoint.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Bury Your Gays

Bury Your Gays 

by Chuck Tingle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s been a long time since I went into a book with relatively moderate expectations and came out blown away!! I just read the last 70% of this book within 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down. After flipping the last page I feel out of breath!!
Chuck Tingle has taken a (mostly) closeted gay man’s story in Hollywood and turned it into a Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Blake Crouch sci-fi, horror, contemporary thriller!

What’s more, this book has a clear message, stop killing off all the gays! This resonates for me as a bi-sexual woman who first saw Willow and Tara kiss on screen, and then was horrified by the storyline being crushed only ONE episode later. ONE! They couldn’t let us have happiness for our lesbian ladies for more than a week or two (between airing shows) and for less time than it takes to watch the average rom-com. These types of stories are STILL being told 25 years later. We STILL see token gay characters written out in media (of all kinds) relatively frequently. Tingle has written the perfect aesthetic of horror, love, the question of existence (AI anyone?), and technology together to take the reader on the ride of their life AND give us a message worth shouting from the heights of the Hollywood sign; queer is here!

I want to say everything and yet nothing about the major plot points of Bury Your Gays! I went in fairly blind and I recommend that for everyone. Be aware it’s horror, there are some very squeamish, gory moments (I did have to stop listening to the audio and go to my ebook as I couldn’t stand the descriptions and ‘noises’ of the narrator, done so well but too much for my sensibilities), actual gays (who may or may not die), and a King/Crichton plot to ensnare you in for the duration. Seriously, be ready to read this all the way through from 30% on. You’ve been warned!

I know I NEED to see a movie adaptation of this; and yet it might be too scary for me to do so, lol. I’m so glad my horror buff husband has gotten me into horror since COVID started. Knowing horror’s many tropes helped me understand some of the dark humour, and nods to the past that are here. It is not necessary to pick-up on them, but it does add to the surrealism of the story.

I really didn’t think anyone would rival Blake Crouch and be worthy of the Crichton, King banner this decade. Let me tell you I was wrong! I feel the same, yet different, but equally blown away by Bury Your Gays as I did after reading Dark Matter (Crouch), Prey (Crichton), any of King’s older works, and all of Mira Grant’s (love her!) worthy contributions to horror. There’s the perfect amount of everything in this novel; just as I believe those authors have done before. Watch out for some possible Easter eggs to those who came before within these pages.

I suspect Tingle has more in store for us of this nature, and I’ve already put Camp Damascus on my TBR to see if it started there. All I know is this is a mystery man that can write! It may be worth noting that a key message in Bury Your Gays is about coming out and being your true self; an irony I can’t help but chuckle at given Tingle is a pseudonym and we don’t really know anything much about the writer himself.
Hey Chuck! My message to you, after you’ve given me so many great messages in this book, is Practice what you Preach! (Lol).

Okay stop reading this blabbering review and go get Bury your Gays! Be ready for twists, turns, horrors, coming outs (in so many unique ways, heh), and a dash of love that helps keep some of our characters just stable enough to crawl away stunned, like I am after finishing this novel.

On a personal note: this will be adds to my physical bookshelf in the near future and I will be forcing my husband to read it. Just like I did after reading Dark Matter. It’s that damn good!

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Cross Stitch Book Review: America the Beautiful

America the Beautiful Cross Stitch:
Stitch 30 of America's Most Iconic National Parks and Monuments
by Becker & Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, up-front disclosure: I'm an avid stitcher and have been stitching for 30+ years. I was 11 when I was first taught how to cross stitch. It is my primary hobby after reading.
Second disclosure: I'm Canadian. Which may seem weird to like this book but I've travelled to many areas of the USA (most by RV as a child) and so I love seeing these locations immortalized in stitching.

This is a lovely little book. It's very easy stitching. Definitely perfect for a beginner as there is just cross stitches and nothing else. Plus the instructions are easy to follow, the patterns are full-colour (with symbols of course) and you get the beautiful pages that they are laid out on. A great gift for someone going on a road-trip, returning from one, or for any beginning stitcher who appreciates the beauty of North America.

Note: My copy did not include all the patterns in the retail version of this book; but from what I saw it was all very consistent and lovely.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Stitching: Pumpkin Finish

Well... everyone still out there?

I feel very off lately. Stitching (and reading) has been hurting because of it. I have been hearing that many people are a bit off-kilter lately; and rightfully so. No matter where you live in the world you can't avoid the issues of COVID-19 and likely the USA election. Here in Canada we are anxiously awaiting (as is everyone) for Dec 14 when the election will be 'finalized' so we can all start planning for what things might look like in January. And in my city we are seeing crazy high infections and should be locking down; although our government is being flaky about it. Again all things I'm sure most of you are encountering as well. 

As I've been struggling to stitch I decided to pull out a brand new project, a nice, easy, fun Mill Hill Kit. This is from this year's set of Halloween releases, Glowing Pumpkin. As always it's on 14ct perforated paper using DMC and Mill Hill beads (all kindly provided in the kit). 

Stitching Post: One Alice Page, Three Motifs & A New Start

Somehow these days time is both lagging and flyin by! How odd eh? Still in the midst of pandemic land here in Canada, the government is slowly opening services back-up; much to my frustration as nothing significant has changed (except that the economy is collapsing) and so the 'reasons' they gave before for shut-down (to protect immune-compromised and seniors) don't seem to matter anymore? It's a whole mess frankly and just makes me angry. So I've been trying to focus on: 

1. New Job - week 3, I'm learning stuff
2. Stitching - Alice page finish, 3 moTtifs (of 6, new Canada mandala start!)
3. Reading - I'm doing the poorest here and am now leagues (okay 5-6) books behind on reading challenge. But let's focus on stitching here!

I also have three stitching updates for you (ironically):
One - Alice page finish!
This leaves one full page and a partial page left for the bottom row. Which means I am 4 pages complete of 45 pages (assuming I can do math). That just doesn't sound all that great; but I'm super happy about any page finish. Hubby wants to know when it will be 'done' and I keep telling him it might be before we die! If we're lucky! LOL! 

Two - Three little motifs
These beauties were started and stitched during the 'lockdown. I have three more of these Kelsyn's Itty Bitty's selected, with new thread colors, to put below the current ones. This was started on a whim with no plan project to keep me distracted during the chaos as my regular stitching projects weren't cutting it. I suspect this little beauty will end up being called the '2020 complication' or having some name related to covid. The full chart has 16 motifs but I just went with 6 as that's what fit this cute piece of fabric I had on hand. Threads are all Coloris from DMC which I'm crazy impressed with! 

Three - A new start! Canada mandala

Yes that is Aida you see. Crazy right? It's my first time on Aida in decades. So why Aida? Well because this square will be put on a memory blanket for fallen RCMP officers. I've been very fortunate to join an online group that sends beautifully put together quilts with cross-stitched squares on them to the family members of those RMCP (federal police) that have fallen in the line of duty. I know the topic of police enforcement is difficult right now; and I definitely support Black Lives Matter and what they stand for; but I also acknowledge that not every single officer of the law is racist (but there are many in Canada that are, no doubt in my mind). And no doubt the overall system itself is racist and we all need to take responsibility for that. Here in Canada it's directed more at Indigenous people than any other All that aside I'm super proud to be a part of this group and add contributions to the cause. This pattern is a personal favourite from Ink Circles. I hope to do it up on linen with variegated thread for myself one day. On 16ct Aida it comes in just below the 8" x 8" needed measurements for the quilts.

💜💜💜💜💜

Overall things are trucking along for me. I'm not reading nearly as much as I would like, but I am now working from home and that takes some adjusting as my reading time was previously on bus. However, I can now stitch from my chair, with my full set-up at lunch! So trade-offs. 

What is super good is that it allows me to avoid public transit or an office building for \ c(hopefully) a long time; and I cut down on my previous 2+ hours commuting per day to work. All that said, I'm a bit nervous as my husband is returning to his 300+ person office on Monday (not pleased he hasn't been given option to keep working from home as he has for last 3+ months); but he will monitor situation and if becomes dicey we have the option to say I'm immune-compromised and our household can't be subject to that much risk (which is true; but I feel bad claiming it as everyone should have a right to certain safety in my opinion). Hope you're all doing well and stitching up a storm out there! I know losing my job and the pandemic really made me focus more on stitching which I appreciate. And with far fewer events/activities in the near future I'm hoping to keep the stitching momentum up.

Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe!

Stitching Book: Feminist Stitches

Feminist Stitches: Cross Stitch Kit with 12 Fierce Designs
by Haley Pierson-Cox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you're looking to take up cross-stitch or just want a fun one-off project of stitching; The Feminist Stitches is a perfect option for the beginner stitcher. Filled with 12 snarky, bold, and powerful feminist patterns/statements you are likely to find at least 2-3 easy patterns you love here.


All patterns are in full colour and colour keys are in DMC thread (the most common). The average North American Walmart will have all the items you need to stitch up anyone of these beauties (note: DMC is not required, any embroidery thread will do and you can just match the colours up as close as possible).
If you're an intermediate to experienced stitcher (like myself) then these are super quick 1-2 night pieces could make great gifts for any lady friends who appreciates a good shot or two; or needs a pick me up. As I write this I'm on stay home orders to COVID-19. These patterns are a the perfect simple stitch needed for a time when it's harder to concentrate on more complex projects and easily done up using existing stash.
There are quite a few of these hardcover 'modern' books these days. This one is on par with all the rest in terms of how-to instructions for the first time stitcher and pattern size (quite large) for those who hate tiny symbols. You can't go wrong with choosing it; but take a look around as there may be others where you like the designers style more. It will come down to personal preference, in my opinion, when it comes to which of these types of books has the better patterns in it.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
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Alice stitching happening this week as part of a mini May-mania challenge. Update to come next Monday! 

Stitching: Band Sampler Finish & Mini Motif Start

Well... the world is still all weird; and there isn't any real relief in store, here in my area of Canada, anytime soon. It has just been announced that all summer events (including the famous Calgary Stampede) are to be cancelled as per the city and province. My husband keeps saying that "summer is cancelled". It sure is feeling that way. I can't believe that in the month since I last posted some stitching items that: a) it's been a month, b) nothing has changed, c) this has started to feel normal. 
All that said, I have no new job and while I'm trying to get one there are almost none to apply for and it's depressing to see what is out there. Luckily we are still okay and should be eligible for some government support funds next month. Sooo... that should mean I have lots of stitching done right? Well... sort of. I have some, for sure, but not really as much as I would have thought I'd get done in a monthly quarantine situation. Same with reading, I'm finding it hard to concentrate on stitching (with no frogs present) at times and so progress is slow. But I do have a finish! 

On the left is: 

Band Sampler SAL exclusive to Lakeside Needlecrafts

On 40ct Ivory Linen. Using DMC Variations (Autumn pack from Lakeside) thread. 

I substituted a couple elements of the design. The biggest change I made was to not use the cat or dog design in the doorways and instead out little snakes in. It's a subtle change but meaningful to me as my pets aren't furry but scaly. Speaking of the snakes we just installed new tanks for the boa (whose now over 6 feet!) and I'm super happy to have upgraded space for him and one other. 

Here's a picture of the snakes change up close: 

Finishing the band sampler left me with the option to start a new piece. As we were just getting into quarantine I figured I'd go with a little piece I've had in mind that uses some of the motifs from Kelsyn's Itty Bitty pattern.
These are on 36ct Weeks Dye Works 'Gun Metal' Linen using DMC Coloris thread. I'm really pleased with how nice the Coloris thread is and it's variegation (considering it's quite cheap compared to most overdyed). Working on the dark linen has definitely given me a challenge and the frogs have come to visit a lot. But I'm enjoying how it looks, and it has even given me a need to use my magnifier (that in 10 years I've used maybe 3 times) when I misplace a stitch. I have the three you see below on top, and enough room for three more motifs underneath if I want. So I'll see what I'm feeling when I get to the bottom row; I might swap to a different variegated type of thread. 

Here it is to date: 

Thanks to everyone who continues to take the time to read and care about my stitching and posts. I hope everyone is staying safe, sane and stitching! 

Stitching: New Start & Alice

I can't help but laugh (lest I cry) at the irony of the two reasons I have stitching updates to share with you today: 
First is that I was laid off from my government job (due to budget cuts) 5 weeks ago. I was crushed and very upset. That has taken me time to digest and start to figure out what is next. Just as I was feeling like I could get things on track and find a new job the second major event happened, the announcement of COVID-19 virus as a pandemic. Canada immediately reacted (of course) and started shutting down events, gatherings, and asking people to self-isolate and stay home where possible. Since that March 11th day it has been a whirlwind for the entire world. No one (okay maybe the Antarctic penguins) has been left untouched by this crisis and it will be remembered for generations to come. 

Both these events has left me with time to do things. For a little while I couldn't even concentrate or figure out 'what' to do. Here I am at home (where I usually love to be) with all my hobbies around me (ie: stitching, reading, comics, puzzles, etc.) and at a loss for what to do. How can this be? 
Slowly I've realized that it's part of being stunned. Two whammies in a row have nearly paralyzed me into playing cell phone games and napping. Thankfully the Internet (while often a big sucking hole of time) has connected me with many people (as always) and I've received some inspiration from those people; and so I have stitching to share! 

This is a new start for me by Kelsyn's. It's one of 16 motifs from her Itty Bitty's pattern. I have been starkly reminded why dark fabrics are so much tougher to stitch on, and even pulled my magnifier out for this one. But I do love the way the colours pop so far. I'm hoping to fit 6 motifs on this black piece of 36ct evenweave. 

And I have worked on Alice! I know you're all shocked. One of my 'goals' recently was to actually pull her out a lot more often. And you know I'm reminded that I love stitching her once I have it all going; it's just finding motivation to grab her as she's large and a bit unwieldy. Nevertheless I am committed to making Alice happen. And so here is the latest little area I worked on and a picture of the larger piece completed from right before I added more stitches yesterday. 

I hope everyone is staying safe, practicing social distancing, trying to stay as calm as possible, and reacquainting themselves with some at home hobbies! Or maybe even trying something new. 

Stitching: Brooke's Books Ornament Finish

I finished two whole stitched item in 2019 (ABC Sampler) and this piece that I started on Dec 3. How sad is that? (LOL) 

I have a cousin who is 7 years old and her family lives in the same city as me. Most of my family doesn't live where I do. As I'm (obviously) much older than her she often refers to me as Auntie Mel. Along with many other amazing children that I get to be Auntie to without a family/blood connection. 
This year I decided I wanted to do a 'fancy' ornament up for her. As I'm a terrible finisher I decided to do a perforated paper ornament that could then be layered and assembled. I love Brooke's ornaments as they use beads, Krenik, ribbon, etc. but are easy to stitch up and put together. For those new to these supplies perforated paper is the perfect way to learn to use any of these supplies for the first time. 

I really wanted to have her name on it somewhere and so as I was flipping through Christmas ornament patterns I had I came across this Brooke's one from a Just Cross Stitch ornament magazine. The four stocking's made me realize that my cousin's name, Evie, is also four letters. I then giggled when I saw that the original word 'give' has all the letters from her name in it! Clearly this was a sign. So in my version below the stockings make up her name. I also changed a couple of the colours just because of what I had on hand for supplies. 
I'm really pleased with my glue gun skills (lol) to put this together. Each stocking, ribbon, and the kitty are attached to the larger figure. Here she is in all her glory:  

Normally I would commit to stitching more, blogging more, or some other thing here based on the date; but let's not fool ourselves into believing any of those things are going to happen even if I try to commit to them. So I'll casually be trying to stitch and post more... I did make a list of things I'd like to give more 'attention' to and one of the is posting here (and responding to a fellow stitcher and reader Leonore!) more often. Another is trying to avoid the trap of cell phone games and social media so I spend my time in a more meaningful way. 

Stitching: FINISH & overall update

Well it has been some time! 
There are a few reasons for that: 
1) I'm soooo busy, 
2) I got a raise at the office and so am trying to make sure I work hard enough to have deserved it, 
3) I haven't stitched much.
It's sad to admit that last one but it is true. I've been reading like crazy (and because I can do that easily on the bus) and making bracelets for sales on my Etsy shop; but stitching has just been a tough one to fit in. 

However, I did get a finish. I'm super happy with this one; and while it does need more ironing I think it's pretty good. I learned some new stitches here and loved that I got to attend an in-person Jeannette Douglass course to do it!
Using Jeannette's kitted silks & fabric here is ABC: 

I have also been stitching a bit on my Notre Dame SAL that features chimeras/gargoyles from the church. Watching it burn down a few weeks ago was so very sad and has really made me appreciate even more this piece. I've just crossed the halfway point. Don't ask when it was supposed to be finished by (lol):  


 Finally I wasn't supposed to start any new SALs this year... but of course I'm breaking that rule. Lol! Tracy Horner over at Ink Circles (one of my fave designers!) is hosting a SAL so unique and combining so many things I love that there was no way I couldn't be involved. It's called M.A.P. and is an adventure/fantasy map (essentially). But what is unique is you use D&D (gaming) dice to roll and determine what goes where in your map! So each person's SAL is similar, yet totally different. It's sooo cool looking. The set of maps her demo group did are just awesome and really are quite unique. Proving that the concept works! So yes I have bought into this fun one. I still have to select my colours, fabric and the like. Plus I need to dig out my fave D&D dice... although who doesn't want an excuse to buy new dice! heehee.  

https://inkcircles.com/products/mysterious-adventure-project

It doesn't start until June so lots of opportunity to join in still. And there's a Facebook group for the SAL. I haven't loved that in the past but lately Facebook groups for SALs seem to work for me. So I've joined up and will have everything ready for June. 
You can check out all the details from Ink Circles here: 
(note: this was not endorsed by Tracy in any way, I'm just telling you about what I'm up to and loving.) 

Sorry to those hoping for Alice. My husband keeps asking about her too. I really need to rework my current schedule and block some time for stitching. 
Hope you're all stitching a lot more than I have been! 

Stitching: ABC WIP

So an accident actually led to tonight’s WIP being picked up. I stupidly spilled some ginger ale down the side of my chair, table and into my basket underneath the table. It was not good. Luckily I have 90% of my work in plastic ziplock bags do very little was damaged. A Mirabilla pattern (mermaid) got the worst of it and even then it’s not so bad. However, I still had to take everything out of the basket and wipe all the bags down, air out the basket overnight and whatnot. This led me to see all the great WIP I have in my basket and then to me picking up this little cutie that was a part of my class with Jeanette Douglass in November.

This is ABC in the ‘orange colourway’ (exclusive to Jeanette’s classes for now). I’m on the last motif with some border to then finish. My herringbone stitch is incorrect. Should have been two strands and I did it one. So I would love to hear if people think it needs some bulk added. Herringbone is below the double x’es and above the flower cross stitch.

I’m preparing to start a couple little motifs from Whimsical Stitching before the giveaway (likely in March). It’s also almost Nashville Needlemarket! Although after looking at just my WIP, never mind my stash in the basement, I may actually hold back on purchasing too many things because gosh I have a million times more than enough. But well you know... lol.
Thanks for dropping by. Happy Stitching!

Craft Book Review: Hand Sewing Magic

Hand Sewing Magic: Essential Know-How for Hand Stitching--Master Tension and Other Techniques * With Pro Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting * 10 Easy, Creative Projects by Lynn Krawczyk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gorgeous instructional book. Let's break it down to the different areas:

Supplies
The first 30 ages of this gorgeous book are all about what you can use, should use and will be using in order to do hand sewing (otherwise know as stitching or embroidery). In Hand Sewing Magic most of the designs and stitches are known to me as embroidery, pulled thread or specialty stitches. There is a lot of benefit that could come from this book to cross stitchers looking to get into more elaborate stitching pieces (ie: Just Nan, Jeanette Douglas Designs, Victoria Sampler etc.) and of course to those getting into embroidery or canvas work. I really liked that the sample threads were well known brands and materials that most crafters would be familiar with.

Projects
The initial projects are cute and super easy to do. I really like that many have a practical application and aren't just stitching for aesthetic or art intention. Additionally there are no 'patterns' to follow. Instead you can see the stitch and colours chosen in the model but certainly you don't have to follow them or even consider them in your final piece. The projects are more about creating something and you filling in your own designs based on the type of stitches you just learned or whatever you may prefer. There are some templates for the larger or more complex pieces but these are really just the outline to draw on your piece before you fill it in with stitches.

Stitching Diagrams
The photographs are beautiful in this book; they are bright, detailed and clear. I had a little trouble with some where you grab or loop the thread around the needle but the others were easy enough to understand. I think my new favourite stitch is the Burden stitching. I had not seen this one before and not only did I enjoy trying it out but also I love the way it looks! Needleweaving and the cast-on stitches were others I enjoyed learning for the first time. Most of the ones I didn't know were 'dimensional' stitches that create more of a 3-D look. This makes sense as I am a cross stitcher which is very traditional and so these were more modern stitches I've not seen before.

Pro Tips & Variations
Throughout the book are little pro tips that talk about taking the work, project or stitch to the next level. These are generally to try and expand your thoughts on what are possible. I really liked the one on up-cycling items (i.e.: adding stitches to change the look of an old pillow).
There are also variation pictures for each stitch learned at the end of the instructions. These given you an idea of how you can convert and change the stitch to your own taste. And really show the creativity that can be incorporated in unique pieces.

Overall
I'm still not ready to give up my linen and even weaves and their square format with clear holes to move to the embroidery freedom shown in Hand Sewing Magic. But there are definitely stitches I learned here and could see using in the future in variations or modifications I make to existing patterns; or in creation of my own pieces. Certainly if I ever do canvas work again these stitches will have been very valuable to learn. And who knows maybe one day I'll be willing to move away from my linen and even weave into a more free flowing environment for stitching.

This is a great reference for new stitchers or new to embroidery projects. Otherwise, as with many crafting instruction books, it's a perfect library pick-up for a couple of weeks to get inspired and perhaps even do a project or two from.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Preview!! Whimsical Cross Stitch

A quick post today to tease that I just received a super cute book courtesy Dover Publications that I will be reviewing and stitching an item from. Once I’ve done that it will go into the hands of one of my lovely followers in a worldwide giveaway!!
Here’s a quick photo of the back cover with a couple examples of the types of cute, small projects enclosed within.

There's lots of new stuff coming to the blog as well. Including Alice page finish photos, band sampler progress, more gargoyles and a couple new projects! 
Be back very soon! 

Stitching: Class with Jeannette Douglas!!

As many of you may know I have a bit of a crush on designer Jeannette Douglas. Not only because I love her intricate patterns and colour scheme choices; but also because she lives here in Calgary!! 
I recently made some connections with a lady in a local Sampler Guild and via that connection was invited to attend a class with Jeannette! I was even luckier that two others I knew from many years ago, attending stitching retreats and what not were also attending. So I did my first 'external' stitching get-together in almost 6 years.  

Now, before you get too excited I will warn you that these patterns are only available via a class with Jeannette at this time. You cannot buy them any other way. Advance apologies! 

ABC Sampler: Friday Night
The set-up for the course started with a couple hours on Friday night working on a small ABC Sampler. And of course me being me I chose a colour scheme that no one else did! (lol) I've worked on this piece since being at the class and I just adore it!! I learned that I did the border stitch slightly incorrect in the past, so it was good to learn how to do the stitch correctly! 

The colour scheme I chose is between the two framed patterns shown on the pattern cover. My stitching to date is below. It's on 36ct linen using a variety of silks that Jeannette supplied in a pack. 

More Stitching: Saturday
After the Friday night of getting some stitches on linen I was super stoked for part 2 of the course which was a full day with Jeannette on a stitching sampler type piece. I don't have any photos yet... as I have stitched a pathetic amount of it. But it's much larger than ABC and is full of all kinds of crazy stitches I've never done before. Unlike ABC this piece is much larger and has only one colour palette (which I love, of course) so everyone in class will end up with the same piece at the end of the day (or relatively the same). 
Again I learned some new stitches and had a great day enjoying the overall comfort of stitching in a room with a bunch of ladies. It was drama free and a nice change of pace to my usual stitching time spent in my chair at home. That said, I love my chair and so I'll continue to stitch there on my own! 

In Other News: 
I've been stitching away on the band sampler and a piece for my SIL (that will not be shared as it's a little...um... inappropriate). I also really need to get back to Alice! So I have committed to my husband that I will spend some time with Alice during our December holidays together. Now I can't wait for December to be almost over even though it hasn't even started! 
My Etsy shop has been decimated by the Canada Post strike and I'm considering closing it down entirely. For now it is just not generating many sales as I cannot guarantee anything to be delivered before Christmas. On average during holiday season I'll do about $900 in revenue in November/early December. So far that is all lost revenue. At just over $100 revenue in last three weeks the lost income hurts. That said, it has opened up a lot more time for stitching. So depending on how you look at it's a good or bad thing. I'm not sure which it is yet. Time will tell I suppose. Regardless of what happens with it I can say that in 6 years, with just little ol' me running it, it's been way more successful than ever anticipated. Which is a nice feeling. 

Thanks so much for visiting my blog! 
Watch this space for some pattern giveaways I plan to host in December! You heard it here first. :) 

Stitching: Notre Dame WIP

If I 'forget' that this piece is a SAL that started in January and releases a piece a month; then I feel much better about getting the third piece of 12 done. (lol) 

Let's face it I love SALs but am awful, and possibly incapable of keeping up with them. That's okay, I've decided I don't care. 

This SAL is from Ingleside Stitching (Etsy) and is based on the gargoyles (or chimeras) that are on Notre Dame Cathedral. I love that they are based on real statues! 

Stitching this piece on 28ct evenweave that is hand-dyed by (a Canadian!) Rolanda: 

While 28ct feels huge to me, I'm still enjoying this piece a lot. I'm trying to remember to railroad and am ensuring that all overdyed (the borders only) are being stitched one by one. 

On that note, I took a course with Jeannette Douglass last weekend!!! Where we worked on two pieces and Jeannette shared with us tips, tricks, new stitches and all kinds of knowledge. I cannot wait to share my experience with you all. 

However I promised myself to post this update first and that I would put some time into photos and writing up about the course. So that is what I shall be doing this week.

I'm dying to share my Simply ABC sampler from the first night of course, it is looking soooo pretty! So stay tuned!

Stitching: Monsters Finish

I have a finish that is actually of a real size and importance! :) 
It's been a very long time since I've had a finish that wasn't tiny. 
So without much ado at all this is: Here There Be Monsters! 

 Elizabeth's Designs 'Antique Celtic Sampler'

32ct Legacy Linen

Weeks Dye Works Threads

My favourite part of this project is the linen. I adore the over-dyed fabric and it's yellowed look. I'd definitely use this fabric again! I did change a couple of things including: subbed in a darker pink, removed the date in bottom right-hand corner and just put in a little design and removed the pink stitch trios from the bottom fish bar (they didn't make sense to me). 
But overall this is very close to the exact same pattern that Elizabeth put together. 

Now,  of course a finish means I want to start something new! But I have to do up a couple (smaller) items for my BIL and his wife first. And it's not like I don't have a thousand other projects on the go to work on. LOL! 

In other news we got hammered with snow here in Calgary. Over 30 cm's (6+ inches) in a 24-hour time period. Somehow we had two days of autumn and then snow. *sigh* I wish I lived in a place with real autumn as it's my favourite season! So those of you with leaves falling and colourful trees changing colour appreciate the for me. :) 

Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my work! 
Happy Stitching!

Stitching - Ducky Finish

As always the world and time are moving so fast I can barely keep up. Between travelling to my Grandmother's farm to say goodbye to it (being sold, sad), to seeing concerts, to visiting Houston, to keeping my Etsy shop up, it's been quite the summer!

The bad news of that is always that the first thing to drop is stitching and reading. So sadly I only have a teeny tiny finish to share. But at least it's something right? 

I am making some good progress on Here There Be Dragons and so I'd like to share that with you all in the next couple of weeks too. 

So if you're still following my stitching let me say thank you so much!! Because I know it's been so slow. And secondly that Alice is going to come back into high rotation in September. Because I need to put some stitches into that girl or it will take the next two decades to finish her! 

In the meantime here is a little Duck made from an old Mill Hill Perforated Paper kit. These are the kits where they were all beads and no 'thread' cross-stitching shown. 

Finally I'll leave you with the cutest damn purse I have ever owned! It is from a limited edition, Houston only, NASA themed collection by Coach. And before you think, omg how did you afford a leather purse from Coach, let me assure it's not because I can afford it. LOL! But instead because it was a whopping 80% off at an outlet store in Houston. It's like this cutey was meant to come home with me. 

Again thanks for continuing to pop-by and visit my blog that collects dust! I should have a couple good giveaways coming in the fall so maybe you'll stop by again soon. :) 

Stitching: Part 2 Notre Dame

It’s full blown thunderstorm season here! A wonderfully fun time of year so long as you don’t need to go outside and don’t mind if your power or cable goes out! Lol. 

I recently completed the second of 10 parts in the Notre Dame series. These are gargoyles, chimeras, whatever you want to call them that are modeled off the exact statues on the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral! 

I love seeing the stitching concept next to the original gargoyle picture that the designer, Ingleside Stitchery (Etsy only) had been sharing. There’s a fun Facebook group for this SAL as well which has greatly increased my desire to work on it. Now I just need Alice to get the same momentum. 

So far:

I’ve got sooo many new projects I want to start including some small ornaments using Coloris thread, a Jeannette Douglass gift for my mom, and a new baby Sampler (still to be chosen). 

And yet I still have 6+ projects on the go! 

Hope your spring (or autumn) stitching is blooming! 

Stitching Book Review: Improper Cross Stitch

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Title: Improper Cross-Stitch
Author: Haley Pierson-Cox
Genre: Cross Stitch Patterns
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

With only 32 pages in my ARC (of the over 100 pages) I really can't tell you a lot about this book except that what I saw for patterns were not all that inspired. There are much funnier and more engaging books out there with inappropriate cross stitch patterns. 
I also felt that the introduction to cross stitch instructions were not as comprehensive or useful as I would have liked. There is talk of even weave vs open weave which I found odd. No one calls it open weave anymore. Usually we are talking about linen, evenweave and Aida. So I'm not sure why the author chose to use the more technical definitions here instead of just talking about the supplies that are commonly available these days.

Yes the charts are all full colour and charted for DMC. But what cross stitch books aren't these days? For a hardcover book, based on what I saw I would not purchase this one. Just nothing inspired or interesting enough for me. 

I can say that, as an experienced stitcher, this book has charts that are all appropriate for the beginner level. Nothing too difficult. Everything I saw had regular cross stitches or some backstitch in it. So if you want to start someone off whose never ever stitched this is not a terrible choice. Just give them better instructions than are at the front of this book and they should be fine. 
It's too bad this one wasn't better as I love crazy, fun and inappropriate cross stitch. I've stitched more than my fair share of hearts, flowers, etc.; as have most long time stitchers so I'm always up for something different, appropriate or not. But I suppose not every book can be a winner. 

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.