If you don't like half stiches, this is not the picture for you. I am almost done with Dimensions "Cardinals on Sled." I've been working on it since last spring and have been anxious to get it finished by New Year's, so I can start another big project. I do love this picture though.

In the picture, only the cardinals and sled are cross stitched. I didn't know that until after I got it. The tree, snow, and woods are all half stitches. It does give the trees a nice effect. And I don't mind half stitches, now that I've done so many.

However, I have, in the past two weeks, worsened the tendinitis in my thumb. I can hardly hold a needle without discomfort. I had to give up knitting because it was too hard on my hands. (My doctor says it is osteoarthritis, over use of my joints; and I don't really want to take medicine.) I was getting along fine with cross stitching until I started doing the tree. The half stitches require five strands of floss for coverage, and pulling the thicker floss through the material has hurt my thumb. I am determined to finish this picture in a few days, now that I have the tree done, and mostly only have the outlining to do. Then maybe I can do a small piece (a baby chickadee) using only two strands and regular cross stitches to help lessen my tendinitis.

Of course, my well-meaning husband just said to me, "Maybe you should give your hands a two-week rest from cross stitching." . . . . . He loves seeing my "artwork" as he calls it, but he just doesn't understand. Two weeks! I'm stress if I'm not cross stitching after two days! Adele :-)