National Embroidery Month

February was National Embroidery Month and although I didn't actually have a chance to pick up a needle, I was thinking about and planning a few projects that I wanted to begin this Spring.

In-Progress: Westies Tree Skirt

I started a new Christmas tree skirt for my Westie tree back in November 2019.  I managed to get as far as adding two Westies on green wool-blend felt before it was time to put away the Christmas decorations, putting my project on the back burner for 2020. I had hoped to work on it last December, but didn't manage to get to it. So my Westie tree is still standing (without ornaments) while I hopefully finish this project this Spring.

I purchased the design, called Wrapped up in Winter West Highland Terrier from Embroidery Library back in 2015, intending to stitch it on various items for my SewAmazin shop. I didn't get to do so because of my diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer beginning that year. 

I always pictured the design on a tree skirt, so decided to make one for myself. Right now, the skirt has the two Westies in scarves, embroidered facing each other. I plan to add a Christmas tree applique and some snowflake buttons and designs.

Glorafilia Tartan Westie 

This needlepoint kit was purchased on eBay back in 2005 for under $10 (it retails for much more than that now!). This was another one of my purchases of Westie collectibles, made after our first Westie, Wyndi, passed over the Rainbow Bridge and after puppy Keli had come to make life merrier.

The kit included the painted canvas and Anchor wool for needlepoint. The Westie is painted on the canvas in color, but the background will be stitched from a charted design.

Over the years I've accumulated the other supplies and tools needed, including stretcher bars and recently a stand for holding the canvas for stitching. I haven't stitched on needlepoint canvas like this since around 1987, so I've been reading up and refreshing my memory on needlepoint. I plan to set up the canvas and have this as a project to work on while watching TV and don't expect more than a little progress at a time. My goal would be to finish this by the end of this year. Update: I did finally start stitching the Westie's face in mid-March.

Cross and Easter Lilies Wall Hanging

I saw this in-the-hoop machine embroidery design from Sweet Pea Embroidery in a Facebook ad in January this year and could not resist adding it to my collection. I wanted the cross and lilies to balance out the other Easter decor that is primarily bunny-themed.

I think I can make this using supplies from stash and hopefully will be done in time for Easter this year. 

Side note:  In 1997 I stitched a design titled, Rejoice, He is Risen, which includes a stained glass look border and pink lilies.

I plan to post an update about each project again when I eventually complete them.