AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
121
Thanks!
No, the fabric is Wichelt-Permin 100% cotton aida cloth in Beautiful Beige. I like that company because you can stitch most things without using a hoop because it has a nice stiffness but not too heavy.
I also used only the colors I had so all from stash! I mixed two colors, the dark gray and the light gray (the chest is not white, but a very pale gray) to do his tale. It is the first time I used this thread mix technique to create a blended look. I learn something new with each project.
The large piece I am doing does have nine different motifs that will break up the stitching for me. It also only has about six different colors and very little backstitching!
I’ve just cut some Permin linen for a Halloween stitch! I’ve not tried their aida yet but it sounds like it’s worth a try. Blending thread can give really nice results, I’ve done it a few times but I keep forgetting it’s an option.
1 Like
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
123
I am going to finish off some of the pieces before I start another new project. The little squirrel is one of six patterns but I really only want to do four of them to make a cute bunting for Thanksgiving.
My large project is also Halloween…I must be the last person to know this, but I had no idea you could dye aida cloth…I bought a gold colored piece but it is too bright…your idea of tea or coffee staining it is perfect! I will test a sample…it might make the gold the color I wanted in my head for this project! Thanks!
People often use coffee or tea on white fabric to make it look a bit more “antique” for historical patterns, but it’s quite fun to experiment with it! I also like the look for natural coloured fabric - it makes the fabric look a little more interesting than solid beige, but it’s very subtle. I have to say I’ve not tried anything more adventurous than coffee and tea myself but sometimes you can find dyed fabrics from independent vendors. I’ve bought some really pretty ones over the years.
1 Like
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
125
I’ve done it with other fabrics but never thought to use it on the aida cloth. I am experimenting now.
It’s working! I need to leave the fabric in the coffee just a few minutes more and then let it dry without rinsing. It might be hard to see in the pic, but it definitely toned down the yellow. Since it is for Halloween, a little blotchy will be perfect!
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
126
Well, looks like I am hogging this thread, but stitching seems to be on my brain right now (it is like meditation to me, which I need very badly right now to calm my internal despair).
I keep meaning to do the monthly stitch from blooming intention, but time keeps getting away from me.
1 Like
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
128
I was going to make 4 of the six projects from this group to make a small bunting for fall, but I am bored with cross stitch. The pattern is from Waxing Moon Designs. I am trying to use up threads and supplies in my stash which is why the felt backings don’t “match”. I just used colors from my un-numbered DMC thread box. I have another box of numbered DMC thread as well, but I like picking most of my own colors for my projects.
I decided I would at least finish the pieces so I can hang them now and when/if I finish the other pieces, I can still use them to make the bunting. These are about 3x3 inches.
Hello October and the start of cozy season as well as our new and last quarter of the Stitchalong.
Our theme for the quarter will be:
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!
And monthly themes if preferred:
October:Pumpkins and Apples November:Focus on Gratitude December:Reflection and New Beginnings
@AIMR was the star of this past quarter. Amazing stitching, Linda!
Personally, I will be working on this cute little ghost from blooming intention this month!
3 Likes
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
132
I subscribed to that newsletter but didn’t get an email with a pattern. Is it out yet or will she be sending it soon?
ETA - sent to your gmail! Let me know if you don’t get it.
2 Likes
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
134
Thanks! I got yours and then it came through…I have no patience! lol
1 Like
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
135
@Abbeeroad I just had to do that cute little ghost!
I had a project in mind so I decided to do the ghost on white and the ghost on black. I reversed the black pattern so that the two little ghosts would be looking at each other.
I realized too late that the white aida was 16 count while the black aida was 14 count! But, we are resourceful, aren’t we? I have decided to make something else out of them. I’ll post a separate thread when I get it done.
I was watching art lessons as I stitched and made quite a few “artistic” goofs but doubt anyone will really notice. The main goof was that I filled in the entire white of the ghost before I realized I forgot the “arms”! I just stitched over the white with black.
I also free handed the words, just eyeballing placement, so they are a bit wonky, but again, so what…they still turned cute and suitable for my project!
Thanks for the link…can’t wait for the next one! These were fun and easy.
Is it weird that the so-called “wonky” stitching is my favourite touch on these? It gives them such a fun, irreverent vibe!
2 Likes
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
137
Same here! Thanks!
I tend to be a messy crafter. I gravitate to things that don’t require a lot of preciseness. I usually do embroidery, which is much freer to me, but I also have a side that wants to be more disciplined and accurate. Usually, I still have to add my own touches (I added the white stitch in the eyes of the ghosts to give them a bit more personality!). I enjoy cross stitching most when it is for someone else. When it is for me, I tend to rush and lose patience and just want it done!
I am moving off cross stitch to begin my long project of slow stitching. The holidays are too hectic for me so I need a calming project.
Ah! I love them they are soo cute! I picked up the floss for this project, but only have a tiny piece of black aida. Now I’m thinking the white is just as cute!
1 Like
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
139
The white was my favorite one to do…it is also quick! I don’t have the tools/lighting/eyesight to work on dark colors anymore…I keep missing the holes even when I back them with a white background and use my magnifier goggles. I would do the white.
2 Likes
AIMR
(Linda -2026 time to regroup and renew :us:)
140
Hello October and the start of cozy season as well as our new and last quarter of the Stitchalong. 
