Two Frugal Cats

 This past week I finished my DMC Roses Cross Stitch kit. I still need to iron the piece and frame it, likely in the hoop, which is probably my least favorite part of the process. I typically use felt to cover the back of the hoop, so I will need to pick some up the next time I'm out. Overall I was super happy with this DMC kit, they provided plenty of floss to complete the project, which is not always the case. After I completed the Roses kit, I was itching to start on something else. So I pulled out this Dimensions 'Meow' kit that I received as a gift last Christmas. This sweet cat cross stitch looks a lot like Grayson, and I might make a second with Ebisu's colors. I have completed a few dimensions kits in the past, and I find they often run a bit short on the floss they provide, so I am trying to plan out my stitching to ensure I being efficient with each strand. Unfortunately you can see in the lower left section of the photo that the hoop has splintered slightly. ...

 I've managed to make a lot of progress on this Roses cross stitch in the past week. It's been an easy but engaging project to work on, and I'm really loving the colors. At this point I've almost completed each of the elements except the small flower and a few of the bottom leaves.  I think I will finish this one in the hoop, as the light wood really works nicely with the pinks and greens. I have a feeling finishing might take longer than the stitching, as I'm not a huge fan of the lacing process.  If I have any cross stitchers reading with tips on how you like to finish your projects in the hoop, I'd love to hear them! Filling in the top rose, and adding more leaf detail. Top rose completed, and more leaves and stems added. Adding the bottoms leaves, almost ready for the final flower.

 This past week I decided to ignore my various in-progress creations and start on this small DMC cross-stitch kit, titled "Roses." Even though I've been cross-stitching for years and have a large collection of patterns and floss, kits like these are still my favorite to make - probably because the planning piece is done for me. This is my first progress shot, this was after two sittings, maybe about two hours of work? These flowers have a lot of short color runs, so it takes more time to switch colors than actually stitch I find. Last night I moved on to the second (top) flower, which took about an hour to stitch. I have a few spots left on the large lower flower that I will return to, as they only require short pieces of floss. I plan to move on to the leaves next, as they are longer runs of color and provide a nice break from fiddly color changes. Here is a picture of what the completed item will look like from DMC's website, for perspective. I will probably finish ...