Lettuce Craft Stitchalong

Abbeeroad · January 1, 2025, 2:59pm

Stitch by @wittychild

Hello fellow stitchers! It’s a new year which means time for a new stitchalong! We’re moving to quarterly themes this year. This means that you will have three months to complete a stitch that fits the provided theme(s). Additionally, we will have quarterly drawings at the end of March, June, September, and December as long as we have at least 5 entries from 5 different stitchers per quarter. Winners will be chosen randomly via the Wheel of Names. Winners will receive a $20 Etsy or Amazon gift card (depending on location/availability).

1st Quarter General Theme: Get Motivated! (Inspired by Hannah Hand Makes)
Inspired by Motivation Monday, apply the concept of motivation to your stitching by stitching a quote or something that will motivate you for the year ahead. It can be small and easy or large and complex. It can be for you or a gift for someone else. Have fun with it!

2nd Quarter General Theme: Get Tricky! (Inspired by Hannah Hand Makes)
Pick a design that challenges you or learn something new such as French Knots, beading, or backstitch. Or stitch with a different kind of thread such as light effects thread or variations!

3rd Quarter General Theme: Get those WIPs! (Inspired by Hannah Hand Makes) WIP is all about picking up a project you are right in the middle of and working on it!

4th Quarter General Theme: Get Seasonal! (Inspired by Hannah Hand Makes) 'Tis the season! Autumn and the start of winter are a great time to celebrate seasonal or holiday themes!

If you prefer Monthly Themes…
January: Nature and Winter
February: Celebrating Relationships
March: Spring Awakening

April: Earth Day: Environmental awareness and sustainability
May: Flourishing & Abundance: Flowers and trees are in full bloom
June: Warmth & Sunshine: Warmer weather, beach outings, and sunny days

July: Summer Celebrations & Patriotism
August: Late Summer & Harvest Hints
September: Autumn’s Arrival & Cozy Vibes

October: Pumpkins and Apples
November: Focus on Gratitude
December: Reflection and New Beginnings

Please feel free to share any and all stitches here or ask questions! Any stitch that fits any of the above themes will count for our quarterly drawing. Just have fun with it!

Immaculata · January 1, 2025, 7:13pm

I’m here for another year! The themes look good to me and I hope to be able to participate a bit more this year.

skrutt · January 1, 2025, 9:23pm

Yes, Im here too! Fun with some themes!

jemimah · January 1, 2025, 11:48pm

Yay! I like the idea of streamlining this stitchalong with quarterly themes. And I hope I’ll get a bit more stitching in this year, we’ll see

Abbeeroad · January 3, 2025, 4:48pm

I’m still working on holiday stitching. I guess it might count for winter/nature!

AIMR · January 3, 2025, 4:51pm

I just ordered more needles…I have no idea where they go…I have checked several for blunt ends and have not yet found any! I might just do an embroidery…let me see what I have in our themes…

I love your leaves so far…a hint of beauty to come!

Abbeeroad · January 3, 2025, 4:56pm

I am definitely on a cross stitch kick. I found a several more patterns I want to try, too. We’ll see how far I get before I peter out. For some reason starting an embroidery just seems more daunting right now. I think it’s the whole pattern transfer business.

Immaculata · January 3, 2025, 7:56pm

Not having to transfer a pattern is one reason I do so much cross stitch!

skrutt · January 3, 2025, 8:03pm

Yeah, its so easy with not transfering a pattern!

I did some blackwork last year, and it was so much fun, as you get a result much quicker! So I have planned some more blackwork this year.

skrutt · January 3, 2025, 8:09pm

This is a piece Im working on right now. A SAL that Im waaaay behind on, but I dont mind. I will stitch all the countours before filling in all the objects, because I use yarn from my stash and not every color has a label. If I get done during 2025 that would be super awesome, but my plan is to get some more stitches done at least.

I stitch without a frame, and my stitches are fine. But how do one manage the big piece of fabric? Will it be easier to handle if I have a frame, like those Q-snap frames? I have never done a piece this big before.
Or should I get a wooden frame one if I plan on doing full cover this size? How do you work?

jemimah · January 3, 2025, 8:19pm

I can already see that’s going to be super cute!

I know some recommend always using a frame, but I think it really depends. When I’ve done bigger pieces in the past, I would only use a frame if I’m likely to have tension problems. So I’d always use a frame for stumpwork, applique, or more challenging/flexible fibres like wool embroidery on silk for example. But if I’m doing cotton cross stitch on a firm fabric (like aida), I wouldn’t bother with a frame unless my tension wasn’t smooth. I find getting rid of frame marks more hassle than just paying attention to my tension as I stitch.

skrutt · January 3, 2025, 8:26pm

Yeah, thats how I do it too. Do I embroider on plain cotton a frame is good, but for aida I have never felt the need. So Im glad to hear that Im not alone cross stitching without a frame.

Immaculata · January 3, 2025, 10:43pm

I’ve never used a frame for cross stitch either, except one time when I was stitching something that couldn’t be held comfortably any other way. I only use frames and rings for embroidery.

AIMR · January 4, 2025, 12:34am

That’s because y’all are expert cross stitchers!!! If I didn’t use a frame or hoop, I would probably end up with an unintentional diagonal piece! I wish I were better at maintaining tension…I can’t believe the pieces I have received from some of you were done sans hoops! I feel I need to up my game!

Abbeeroad · January 4, 2025, 1:53am

I’ve never attempted a piece that large @skrutt so I have no useful advice!

I like to use a hoop with cross stitch, too, @AIMR, so you’re not alone! I find it easier to handle and maneuver the fabric. I also have trouble with the edges unraveling without a hoop. I haven’t tried a frame, mostly because I never did enough cross stitch to feel the need for one, but getting the aida in a hoop can be a pain sometimes and I do admit getting out the creases can be impossible.

jemimah · January 4, 2025, 2:47am

Me too - I often use my sewing machine to run a quick zigzag stitch stitch around the edge of the fabric to prevent this.

AIMR · January 4, 2025, 2:53am

I use masking tape all around mine.

Abbeeroad · January 4, 2025, 3:32am

You guys are so smart!

Abbeeroad · January 7, 2025, 1:52am

Finished!

AIMR · January 7, 2025, 1:53am

Well now, that was a twist I did not see from your initial holly leaves…ha ha ha.