A Stitching Update | A New Tool; Annie Bayliss Progress; What’s Next?

It’s Saturday! I meant to publish this post at some point yesterday, but the whole day was a whirlwind. So I’m here today with a little stitching update. I haven’t been stitching a ton over the last few weeks, but I have a gorgeous new tool, a little progress, and some plans to share. I just poured my first hot cup of coffee for the morning and am ready to chat about it all!

I received my first pair of Cohana scissors for Christmas in 2021 – they are these vermillion lacquer and gold scissors that go beautifully with my current red sampler, Annie Bayliss (more on her below). I was planning to order a pair of their limited edition Christmas shades in 2022, but they sold out very quickly. I knew that Cohana’s spring sale would be at the end of February, so I crossed my fingers that I’d be able to snag a pair of their sakura themed scissors for my birthday– and it was a success! I am so thrilled with the little collection of specialty tools that I’m gathering for slow stitching.

These scissors are wonderful – the tips are so narrow that it’s possible to snip your threads right at the fabric, so there aren’t little tails flailing about. They’re also the perfect weight, feel comfortable in my hands, and are so easy to use. And most importantly – they have a satisfying snip! sound when you cut your thread. They’re pricey, but I love having elegant and perfect tools at the ready. It makes the whole process that much more sacred to me. Also – they are from Japan, and you know how much I love that.

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And speaking of Annie Bayliss – I am almost finished with the main part of the design and am about to embark on my personalized dedication to the late Queen Elizabeth. I am so nervous about how this will work out but keep reminding myself that it doesn’t need to be perfect. Good enough is good enough!

Sorry about the quality of this picture – it came out a little dark and I didn’t have a chance to iron the linen, but I think it’s clear enough for this update.

This is considered a “small” cross stitching project but has now taken me over a year to get this far. Other than the border and the top alphabet, all of the stitching is over one thread of linen, so these stitches are very tiny and I have to take a lot of deep breaths as I go along. But my goodness – I am so proud of how well this is coming along.

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And of course – I’m always looking ahead to my next project. Once I finish Annie Bayliss, I’m going to work on finishing Winter Rose Manor. Because I’m such a painfully slow stitcher, I’ve decided that seasonal stitches aren’t a good idea for me. I’ll never have enough of any season to make it worthwhile to switch around displays. My goal is to have projects that feature birds, bees, and flowers — all spring related themes. So I’m not going to add any of the falling snow that’s in this design and instead, I’ll think of this one as a transition to spring. Because look at that pair of cardinals!

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Thanks for sticking with me this week. I know my posts have been all over the place and have been showing up willy-nilly. I’m hoping to be a bit more consistent and steady next week and that this upcoming time change works in my favor. Cross your fingers for kiddos who sleep until at least 6:30 next week! (And that I actually get out of bed when my alarm goes off at 4.)

I hope to be back on Monday to say hello. Until then – take good care.