New project
I just got this kit and had to start today. I feel that it is whimsical and totally unlike the other things I do. I just need to do something out of the ordinary for me.

BTW, you can buy this as just a chart by Kooler designs, but it is an expensive chart.

The chart in the kit gives all the colors in DMC equivalents. Their floss is very thin. I don't think it would look good on the 14-ct in the kit, but I had some 18-ct, and it looks fine on that. The colors are very pretty.

Everything is backstitched!

I don't usually use Thread Heaven. I find it unnecessary for linen but it really cuts down on friction with aida.

All in all I'm really happy with the kit, but I don't think it's for everyone.
Posted by: Simon Purple on 02/18/16
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Jsimon, I think it is an adorable picture. I love birds and feed them daily. Also...the cat in the picture looks exactly like the cat that we lost to cancer about five years ago. He was a long haired North American (commonly called a Maine Coon). His colorings were exactly like this guy shown. His name was Marco Polo. He was quite intelligent and a lot of fun!! I think you will love this piece finished!!
by: jerseycrafter on 02/18/16
That's awesome, JSimon! I also bought this kit. I haven't done it yet though. I just love anything autumn themed! Keep us posted on your progress!
by: zzstarzz21 on 02/18/16
What a beautiful design! I like the evening grosbeaks in the picture. They come to my feeders in Montana every summer. When the females migrate in the fall, the males bring the babies to the feeder and crack and feed them sunflower seeds. They are such good fathers! It is so much fun to watch. Are you going to stitch the other seasons that go with this design?
by: themtrocklady on 02/19/16
Unless I hate working on this one, I plan to do the other seasons, too. I already have winter.
by: Simon Purple on 02/19/16
Love those autumn colors!
by: Bermuda on 02/19/16
I find I'm having to add a lot of half stitches while working so that the backstitch will be filled in. I just do it as I'm stitching the full stitches, but it's tricky to get the half stitch right on aida. I think 18-ct has three threads to each block. I can't actually SEE them, of course, but the needle seems to toggle over a middle thread.

Now for some afternoon coffee and cross-stitch. I'm taking a break on the knitting. All work and no play makes motivation disappear.
by: Simon Purple on 02/24/16
Poor you! Such a gorgeous design! Kooler studios has some great designers. Love Autumn, too, and birds. The cat looks like my oldest daughter's 15 year old cat that was brought to the shelter as an only few days old kitten. She fostered him constantly and adopted himl This remonds me of his fascination with birds. Thanks for sharing!

I can give you a tip about quarter stotches on aida. I have gtten better at these and this might help you, too... I aim for the center of each square. If it looks off a little bit, I do a second stitch over it, and aim close o, but not in the same spot that I pierced earler. They don't look like double stitches, but fill that awkward space and appear well next to the backstitches. I don't wince when I see them any longer.
by: Su Pitt on 02/24/16
How the progress on the new kit that you started Jsimon?
by: Bermuda on 02/24/16
I seem to have so many distractions that not much actual stitching gets done. It's frustrating, but it still seems to be a quick chart. Like it might take two months if I can get enough stitching days.

Anyway, my cat demanded to be let on my lap, so I am once again not stitching. She insisted I pet her and then she turned around and went to sleep.
by: Simon Purple on 02/24/16
She just moved! I can stitch again!
by: Simon Purple on 02/24/16