Beautiful, jsimon. I love the vibrant colors. Did you crochet strips and are you assembling the blanket by crocheting it together? I'm ready for something new. I crochet during the times that I sit and watch TV with DH. The conditions aren't right for stitching in the room. I thought that I could crochet small blankets and donate them. I have a neighbor who quilts and donates them. But she has so much more time. It takes me weeks for a baby blanket.
Why aren't you working on the angel that you began? DD and I went to our local shop today and I believe that the angel you are working was displayed. It was beautifully matted and framed - oval.
I left severely depressed because I saw exquisite work that I would never be able to achieve. I took several pieces for framing and wanted to ball them all up and throw them out. One gentleman stitches on 40 ct and smaller with one strand of silk floss. I have never seen anything so beautiful. He is still young and must have perfect eyesight. DD bought one of the patterns, it's by a Danish designer, can't remember the name. I'm tempted to stitch it on larger ct fabric but it won't look the same. He belongs to some guild.
Well, I had to bite the bullet with the framing, I still have three or four in the drawer. I wanted to see what kind of work the new framer does so I only took five. I could have taken a small trip for what it will cost. I put down a sizable deposit so the pain won't be so severe when I pick them up.
I only bought two strands of floss today to finish the stocking I'm working. I was tempted but why put myself through all this pressure?

I decided I don't want to stitch on that blue fabric. I ruined the Peace Angel, and I'm waiting for more fabric to start again. I don't mind starting again.

The crochet is just back and forth, no joining necessary! It's very easy and great for wandering minds.

I've decided to spend the Christmas money my parents give me each year to frame some cross-stitch. I hope yours turn out well! I can't wait to see them. You will have to post a photo of each one!

jsimon, I also crochet. I have made countless crib covers for babies which I gave as gifts. These things are all "precious" because a lot of folks don't actually sit down in chairs, be still and create something with their hands. More than once I have watched someone dissolve into tears (who was about to have a baby!) telling me they couldn't believe I took the time to make the gift. Yours is beautiful! It is so rewarding. Good luck with you angel situation...by the way...what brown fabric are you pursuing? Is it "Natural Brown 32 count Linen"? I love it. My next Santa of the Forest will be on that fabric!! Have a great day.

Hi Texas, I know what you mean! I have seen things in Cape May that "blew me away"!! Don't be depressed my friend...look at it another way...maybe a door will open for you and you might get a chance to make one of these designs, like you said, on a larger fabric! Remember.....Grandma Moses didn't even START painting until she was 74!! She didn't know she could paint!!! She is MY inspiration!!! Best regards............

Hi Jersey! I like tumbleweed 32-count linen. Love love love this color! Santa of the forest is gorgeous. I hope to stitch him some day. I really wish I was stitching an angel. I don't want to stitch anything else, but I will probably get something out soon. Maybe a stocking. Crochet just isn't doing it for me right now, although I love the colors and pattern.

Jsimon I too also do some crocheting. I make afghans because they are so easy and are fun to do. I work on them when I need a break from my cross stitching and quilting. Have made several for gifts for friends and they are always happy to receive them.

Well it didn't last long! I was very happily crocheting in the evening, then the next morning, I didn't want to touch it! I very stubbornly wanted to stitch an angel and nothing else would do. I decided to go with the blue fabric, so I had angel of healing started and picked her up. I'm much happier now!

Thanks, for the pep talk, jersey. Yes, I could stitch it on 28 maybe even on 32 if I try but I will always have this man's project in my mind's eye. His work truly is exquisite and he always stitches beautiful patterns. Mostly samplers of some sort.

If Grandma Moses didn't start until 74, then I still have 4 years in which to ready myself!

jsimon, you can persevere. Take a very small needle and slowly remove one stitch at a time. Snip the floss after each stitch and voila before you know it....... Seriously, you mentioned that you have lots of time, so why waste beautiful material.

I'll post a photo of my crochet project. Nothing spectacular, all the same color. As I mentioned before, I wanted to start a donation project but don't see it coming to fruition. It takes too long and I don't feel like crocheting 24/7. Besides my GD wants everything I make. How can I deny someone who wants to knit pants for me at the age of six?

I thought you are joining strips because I see a chain stitch running across your project.

I've seen patterns that are crocheted in strips and then joined.

I mostly work with one color because I dislike working all those ends into the piece. Lazy, lazy, lazy, I know.