2017 the year of the SAL

Towards the end if last year I started seeing Facebook posts about a fantasy Sal. At its early stage it was just a lot of circles and an intricate border. I saw the first monthly pattern, a pegasus and I was hooked. The problem if it is a mystery SAL is that you are buying blind and have to trust in the designer.

The Fantasy Stitchalong is from Lakeside Needlecraft in conjunction with Duran Jones, and I am really enjoying stitching it. New patterns come out on the first of the month, and now that the border is fully stitched each monthly pattern takes me  about 6 hours , or 2 /3 good evening's work. I'm stitching it on iridescent blue 14 count Aida. I've not made many changes, adding gold and other sparkly bits here and there, though I may go back and add some beads once it is all finished.

Its great to follow the progress of other stitchers on the group too, there are some great s being done, both in terms of colour palette and pattern changes. I might go back and look at those with a view to borrowing ideas if I stitch it again - As if I have time...

Off the back of doing this one I have also signed up for the Under the Sea SAL, also from Lakeside Needlecraft. Wasn't keen on the first pattern, and octopus, euch, tentacles and suckers, but he has stitched up nicely. This again comes out at the beginning of the month so there is a build up of excitement on the Facebook page towards the end of the month, speculation and anticipating the release of the new design. Then the rush to get it completed. Roll on the 1st of February.

In my new found enthusiasm for SALs I have also signed up for the Ships Manor, Beautiful Sea SAL. It's not entirely my taste, but I will complete it. I am stitching on April Showers evenweave from Jodyri designs. The sections are small, not much more than 3 hours sewing, and a plus point on this is that they are released every two weeks, so no long wait (and they don't clash with the two above either)

I also have my eye on Cloudsfactory's new one for 2017, though this might have to wait until at least one of the above are finished.

I have also just started a more complex piece for myself, 1 over 1 on 25 count, but more of that another time.

And I have obligations to stitch more squares for Love Quilts

As well as work, study, looking after Squirmy and Posy, paying attention to DH, and housework.

Oh, as well as sleep...!