Slowly but surely I’m continuing to make progress. I’ve realized I use the outer border as a kind of grid to keep me oriented while I stitch the inner parts. Today I did the little pink flower in the corner. Fun!

I was pretty nervous too but I’m finding going into it with a beginner’s mind helps a lot. I take it slow and try to enjoy the process, even when that includes clearing a thread jam.

Hi Melody! I’m working on the Evangeline too, though you are much further along than I. It is looking great. You inspire me to keep going.

Your stitching looks beautiful and I’m impressed you chose such a challenging first project. You will love using it next Pascha.

I was waiting so eagerly for the new needleminders that I feel very restrained in “only” having three of them. I love seeing them on the stitching and the pattern board. I like the pattern stand very much so far. No more not knowing where to keep it while I work.

Back home and I was delighted to see my pattern holder finally arrived! Now my excuse to just stitch the simple border and wait on the rest is gone. And just in time as I’ve stitched the border from one side of the cloth to the other. I’m enjoying being home and using this sweet stitching setup. Between the stand and the tray, I feel very spoiled.

Deck stitching doesn’t get much better than this! We’re renting a house in the Jemez mountains for a few days. All the forests are closed because of fire danger but I can still stitch out on the deck.

This is looking terrific!

I got it to celebrate the new project! But, yes, I fully expect to have them all at some point.

Oh wow, that is stunning!

The colors look great together and it was such a pleasure to stitch. Very meditative, as promised

This is a removable cover, so I’ll be able to wash it when needed. I used one of the pillow backs Krista sells on the site.

Slow sewing! I like it. But I also like the idea of asking around to see if a friend in town has an old machine I could buy or borrow. Thanks for the encouragement. I’m just now finishing up the second side.

And I’m off! Trimming the embroidery took me awhile and I didn’t succeed in getting the stripe perfectly centered. But I still think it will look great. Now I’m sewing by hand at a table with a cushion on it to get everything closer to my face. This is going to take awhile. This hobby just may get me to acquire a sewing machine eventually!