hanmayde

  • Home
  • Chart Cropper
  • Printable Thread Organisers
  • My projects

Instagram

hanmayde

hanmayde

My second and probably last Mirabilia stitch of 20 My second and probably last Mirabilia stitch of 2020 (this sure has been a strange year) was the delectable Mermaid of the Pearls, started as a SAL with the lovely @theintrovertedstitcher who I first got to know when she admired I posted my face changes to Summer Queen. So of course I had to make changes to MOTP too, and not just her face! 

Stitched on Zweigart Cashel 28ct linen in Baby Boy Blue 

Started 8 May 2020
Stitching finished 23 May 2020 (waiting for delivery of bead order) 
Finished 14 June 2020

Used called for beads but changed the treasures:
Heart treasure - Swarovski 6228 Xilion Heart pendant 18mm Light Rose
Flower treasures - Swarovski 3700 Margaritas 8mm in Emerald 
(same as the 6mm mill hills but larger as it's stitched on 28ct not 32ct)

Her face conversion is a mash up of different conversions plus my own touches:
Top left - original chart
Top right - Nessa's Place blog
Bottom left - Heidi Nugget on the Facebook Mira conversions group
Bottom right - my face conversion

The auburn hair conversion is also inspired by Heidi's as well as the Snow Queen hair conversion by @kansascitygirlinacoloradoworld

DMCs used for hair colour light to dark:
921
920
919
918
3857 (1 strand for eyebrow) 
3371 (2 strands for eyelashes) 

In the original chart the front of her tail appears to have a kink where it goes behind the fin, so I had to smooth that out.

And, finally, I wasn't happy with the called for medium purple in the fin so instead used a blend of the light and dark for that symbol. 

I'm really pleased with the end result, and really hope I get around to more mirabilia stitching next year!

#mermaidofthepearls #mirabilia
#mirabiliadesigns 
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin.
The eagle - eyed amongst you will have noticed I'v The eagle - eyed amongst you will have noticed I've been at it again, changing the faces on my stitching.

The charted dramatic winged eyeliner just didn't sit right with me, so I decided to go for a much softer look to match her bare feet and make the design all about that dress. I also elongated her eyebrow and made it less arched.

Isn't it amazing how such small differences give such a dramatically different feel?

#princesselliana #mirabilia #mirabiliadesigns
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin.
Like most of the stitching world, I fell head over Like most of the stitching world, I fell head over heels for Princess Elliana.

Of course, with her popularity on top of stressed supply chains, it felt like it took forever until I could get my hands on her. Meanwhile posts of starts on her were popping up all over my feed.

So I avoided social media and stitched like a demon on her when she finally arrived.

And oh my gosh was she worth it.

Absolutely stunning, so colourful and encrusted with beads and treasures. Not to mention the perfect excuse to finally get those latest DMC colours!

I held off posting her finish to be a hypocrite and give others still waiting for her a chance.

Princess Elliana by Mirabilia
Stitched on 32ct Permin linen in Peaceful Purple
Started 23 May 2020
Finished 9 June 2020

#mirabilia #mirabiliadesigns
#princesselliana
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin.
My most recent finish: Flowers of Joy from Dimens My most recent finish:

Flowers of Joy from Dimensions Gold Collection
Artwork by Nel Whatmore

Stitched on 27ct Linda in Black (substituted for 14ct black kit aida)

Started 7 September 2020
Finished 14 October 2020

My second Nel Whatmore design, the first was from Anchor published in a UK cross stitch magazine. Possibly also my first full size Dimensions Gold finish.

The colours a sumptuous and it was really fun to stitch, living up to its name! 

#dimensionsgoldcollection #dimensionscrossstitch #flowersofjoy #nelwhatmore

.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin.
Mum likes to have lots of cushions on her side of Mum likes to have lots of cushions on her side of the bed, much to Dad's chagrin, so she's always asking me if I can finish this one or t'other of my cross stitch finishes into a cushion.

Suffice it to say I'm always one the lookout for ideas for cushions to make as gifts for her. And when an email from Bluprint landed in my inbox advertising their Welsh quilting class I knew I had to make it for her, not least because I wanted to give some wholecloth quilting a try. 

I followed one of their example designs, doing all the quilting with a walking foot. The straight lines and gentle curves were fine, but the swirls were challenging, with no two looking the same! We call that personalisation, right? 😉 I also discovered that frixion pen markings don't disappear with heat as much as bleach white, so a few of my marking false attempts were still visible. Hopefully they've worn off or disappeared by now. 

Even so, mum was really pleased and it sits on her pillow with all her other cushions.

Started 23rd March 2020
Finished 17th April 2020

#mumscushioncollection
#bluprint #craftsy #welshquilting #wholeclothquilt #mothersday
When Riolis first brought out this series of fanta When Riolis first brought out this series of fantastical animals stitched on printed fabrics, I immediately assumed they were massive Harry Potter fans - I mean that phoenix had to be Fawkes, the white stag Prongs and this lovely chap a colourful Norbert (and now there's a Griffin for Gryffindor, maybe even more!) 

OK, it's probably a coincidence or just in my head, but of course I was massively tempted by them all, and when my nephew professed a love of dragons I had the perfect excuse.

Forest Dragon by Riolis
Stitched on printed 14ct aida provided with kit
Started 14 Feb 2020
Finished 2 March 2020

I'm pretty sure it was my first time stitching on printed aida, though I might be wrong. I was worried with the dark colour and lots of ink that the aida might be extra stiff and the holes small, but not only was that not true but it was much less stiff than kit aida commonly is, so it was enjoyable to work with. Using three strands took a bit more thread wrangling than usual, but the result is beautifully vibrant colours and I couldn't be happier.

Now I just have to decide if I can bear to part with it! 

#riolis #forestdragon
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
Second 2020 finish was a 2018 start, the first Mag Second 2020 finish was a 2018 start, the first Magic Needle kit I started.

Not sure what the English name is so I call it Peacocks. 
Started 16 Sep 2018
Finished 12 Feb 2020
Kit aida substituted for 27 ct Zweigart Linda in White

Unfortunately I had a few issues with the threads on this one, where I haven't with their other kits.

I ran out of white and the mid green but I had some DMC that matched reasonably well to substitute.

I wish I'd subbed out the brown threads for DMC from the start. They were horrible quality, shredding all the time - the darkest even shredded just pulling it off thread card! Some other colours were a bit iffy too. If this had been the first kit from Magic Needle I'd finished that would have put me right off, but the others have been fine. Maybe it's just some colours? So frustrating, but at least it's finished now. 
I also adjusted the eye backstitch of peahen to make it look less shocked, and randomly decided to satin stitch the black in the the too so had to make the peacock match. 
#peacocks #magicneedle #chudesnayaigla
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
Details on Joyful Siren by Little Room in the Atti Details on Joyful Siren by Little Room in the Attic. Look at those sea critters! 
Started 29 September 2019 
Finished 17 January 2020
Zweigart 32ct Murano Dark Blue 3984/0522 .
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
My first finish of 2020 was my souvenir stitch fro My first finish of 2020 was my souvenir stitch from my first trip to Turkey with my sister, brother-in-law and nephew last October. We stayed on the Aegean coast and I took this project with me, stitching on it on the balcony looking out over the sea and it was *glorious*. My nephew was really interested too which was incredibly sweet.

This may also be the first etsy pattern I've ever finished, but don't quote me on that.

Having a pdf chart was helpful because I could use the pattern keeper app to keep track of all of those half stitches and colour changes! Not all pdf patterns are compatible but thankfully this one was, except for the backstitch and French knots. 
Joyful Siren by Little Room in the Attic
Started 29 September 2019 
Finished 17 January 2020

Zweigart 32ct Murano Dark Blue 3984/0522

#joyfulsiren #littleroomintheattic
#holidaystitching #kuşadasi2019 #patternkeeper .
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
I also snuck in this start before the end of 2019 I also snuck in this start before the end of 2019

Lady Leona by Dimensions
Based on artwork by Sir Edward John Poynter
Started 14 December 2019

This is an OOP kit that I was fortunate enough to get the chart and thread remnants for on eBay.

I tried to make my own DMC conversion but was really struggling, so when I found a DMC conversion someone else had done I opted for that. The original is very much sepia toned whereas this is more flesh toned, which I rather like.

The original kit included printed fabric, which I can't recreate but given the conversion maybe that's a good thing. So I'm stitching it on Zweigart 27ct Linda in Light Taupe which I had in stash. The highlights on her nose and eyelid are charted for 1 strand of the lightest shade, but I think that must be because the fabric was white in those spots as its looking a bit strange on the taupe. I'll have to rip it out and replace it with a blend with white or 3865 maybe. 
There's a dark background charted, a border and a fancy woodcarving like design below. I was hoping to leave off all of that to get a quicker finish, but will wait until I've stitched all of her to decide whether the background is needed.

She's absolutely beautiful, and a nice easy stitch. But for some reason she's not calling my name for a finish. Hopefully before the end of the year though. 
#dimensions #ladyleona .
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
When it seemed unlikely that I'd squeeze any furth When it seemed unlikely that I'd squeeze any further finishes into 2019 I treated myself to a couple of new starts.

The first was Sleeping Angel by Lanarte. I was charmed by this design when I saw her and snapped her up, not looking at the dimensions. Just as well I don't mind big projects as she's huge! I have to stitch her sideways to fit her in my frame.

For the most part she's stitched 1 over 2 on the 30ct kit linen, which gives a lovely delicate air. For extra sheen some parts like the wings are stitched in 2 strands of Anchor Marlitt, a rayon thread I've not used before but hasn't been *too much* hassle. Just as well, there are multiple skeins provided so a fair amount of stitching with it required!

I was worried that her skin tones were a bit yellow, and had no desire to stitch a Simpson. But in natural daylight it's a more reasonable sun-kissed glow.

Since she's so big I don't feel the same motivation to keep stitching in her until she's finished, but instead keep picking her up and doing a chunk before putting her back down. Hopefully she'll continue to see progress for the rest of the year but no particular goal for a finish.

#lanarte #sleepingangel .
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
I still had time to fit in more crafting before 20 I still had time to fit in more crafting before 2019 ended. 
When Craftsy was first announced, I simultaneously rejoiced and despaired - "on demand access to classes on all sorts of new crafts? Amazing!... But I need another hobby like a hole in the head!" So of course I signed up! First it started me down the weaving rabbit hole, as it would use up all the yarn I wasn't knitting or crocheting. (fun fact: the postman still asks how my weaving is going, as he delivered my loom. I don't answer with the truth, that it's gathering dust in the shed and I've now got *more* yarn than I had before...) And then they announced the subscription service. And I said to myself "no, no, you don't need to learn about other shiny new crafts and techniques to try"

And so I promptly went out and bought an annual subscription, and spent days devouring the classes whilst stitching.

The subject of many classes, foundation paper piecing was a skill I'd never tried before. So of course I wanted to try it. And of course I found a ridiculously intricate pattern for a beginner. And of course I decided to sew it using the paperless paper piecing technique I'd just watched a video on, never mind that I didn't have any freezer paper so I'd also have to figure out how to do it without that. After all, that's how I roll - go big or go home, right?

It took a while, but not because of any difficulties just time. I really enjoyed it actually and I have have 2 more sewing machines than when I started it. Funny how that works... And it turned out not bad, for a beginner, if I may say so myself!

Pattern: Wicked Broadway Poster from fandominstitches.com

My brother, parents and I all went to see the musical in the West End and it was great, and the walls of my brother's flat are depressingly bare so I'm gifting him things to help brighten them up. So this was his Christmas present, which I still have to find a way to hang (I don't think the tape measure I used for the photo will cut it). I'm sure he won't mind that it's a bit late... #paperpiecing #paperpieced #foundationpaperpiecing #paperlesspaperpiecing #firsttime #gobigorgohome #notbadforabeginner #fandominstitches #wickedthemusical
Look at all those treasures! 😍 #mirabilia #mir Look at all those treasures! 😍

#mirabilia #mirabiliadesigns #rapunzel
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
So it's the end of the first week of December 2019 So it's the end of the first week of December 2019, I've just finished the Dreamer and l'm facing down the end of the year knowing life is about to get even more busy but really wanting to get in at least one more finish. I look through my WIPs for something close to a finish and find this project - not only would it be nice to finish the year with another Mirabilia, but also it was coming up to its first birthday and I had the embellishment pack and everything needed.

I got the finish and squeaked it in just before the project turned one year old! 
Rapunzel by Mirabilia 
Stitched on 32ct Zweigart Murano in Limestone 
Started 13 Dec 2018
Finished 12 Dec 2019

Treasure 12116 replaces the called for 12138

This is another one where I'm not convinced of my fabric choice. It looked pretty close to the called for fabric when I compared it against a finish that had been stitched on that fabric, and it seemed apropos - maybe she's sitting on a seat under an arch carved from limestone. I don't hate it, but I'm not happy with it either. Hopefully, as many of you have said, framing choices will get me over that and into loving it. Maybe giving it a press would have helped improve my opinion too 😂

And she is absolutely gorgeous and oh so sparkly!

#rapunzel #mirabilia #mirabiliadesigns .
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
I captured a unicorn! I'm a massive fan of Lee Bo I captured a unicorn!

I'm a massive fan of Lee Bogle's art work. The Lanarte Woman with Flowers finish I recently posted is based on his artwork, and I have two dimensions kits too. But there was one missing from my collection, Serenity from Maia by Anchor.

I've looked for it for years and not found it. So when it finally came up on eBay, I was going to win that auction no matter what!

Thankfully I did, and after an anxious wait for it to arrive in the post I was able to make a start.

It's turning out beautifully, but it's hard work - I went with the kit aida because the colour was better suited than any evenweave I had in stash, but there are SO MANY fractional stitches my hands are beginning to hurt. Hopefully once I get past the feathers in her hair that will improve, although there will still be the backstitch to contend with at the end. 
Even with that, I'm still over the moon to finally have her!

#serenity #anchor #maia #unicornchart #leebogle
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
Isn't she beautiful? That face deserves a close-up Isn't she beautiful? That face deserves a close-up.

The Dreamer by Mirabilia with the face from Renaissance Mermaid by Mirabilia 
#mirabilia #mirabiliadesigns
#thedreamer #renaissancemermaid
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
In December I always want to get as many finishes In December I always want to get as many finishes in as possible before the end of the year. Which doesn't always work well in practice with it being such a busy time.
Though I did manage to get a couple in during December 2019.

The Dreamer by Mirabilia with the face from Renaissance Mermaid by Mirabilia 
Stitched on 32ct Zweigart Murano in Ivory
Started 3 June 2018
Finished 6 Dec 2019

Apart from the face substitution I also added earring backstitch for her arms. Really pleased with how the face worked out, it was a really simple switch and such a beautiful face. 
But I'm honestly underwhelmed by my fabric choice. It's too light in colour and sometimes I really dislike it, other times I think it's not so bad. That's what I get for choosing the colour thinking about uses for the offcut rather than what's best for the project.

#mirabilia #mirabiliadesigns #thedreamer #renaissancemermaid
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
Six month's worth of stitching is apparently a lot Six month's worth of stitching is apparently a lot to share, so I best get on with it.

Woman with Flowers by Lanarte
Stitched on the 14ct Black aida provided with the kit
Started 7 July 2018
Finished 21 Nov 2019

Really enjoyable to stitch, so cleverly charted with the negative space so no black is stitched, it's all the fabric. That said I find Lanarte uses a lot of letters as symbols on the chart which I find harder to differentiate, and the chart pages are flipping massive and so unwieldy.

Kind of wish I had switched the aida out for evenweave because I prefer working with it, my stitches look neater and its less harsh on the threads so they get less fluffy. But it's just personal preference and looks great on the aida. It's not like there are tonnes of fractional which are annoying on aida - I don't recall there being any quarter or three quarter stitches at all. Nor any backstitch! 
I might be in the minority, but I love stitching on darker fabrics. Before flosstube I never realised it was something others dreaded and avoided, I don't have problems with it and the end result is so dramatic. 
There are a few mistakes where, despite the instructions being very clear, I kept stitching with the wrong number of strands or doing full cross instead of half. So I ran out of a couple of colours of threads but as they are DMC could top it up from stash.

I love Lee Bogle's artwork and have several kits based on it - even one by dimensions based off the same original artwork. In fact I'm waiting for my unicorn kit to arrive in the post that *finally* came up on ebay and it's based on his artwork. 
#lanarte #womanandflowers #leebogle #negativespace .
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
It's been forever and a day since my last post, bu It's been forever and a day since my last post, but life got ridiculous. When that happens my natural reaction is to hermit and stitch, hence no updates but lots of stuff to share.

And I'm super excited to share what I've been working on this weekend!

Long-time followers will know I freaking love stitching Mirabilia - I'm averaging over 4 finishes per year since my first in 2016. Nora is a genius, I have no idea how she produces so many stunning works so regularly that are also easy to stitch.

I'm really particular about faces though, and making them easier to stitch makes a difficult job of charting them that much harder. Some are gorgeous - hello Renaissance Mermaid - but some of the older ones just don't do it for me (you're still amazing Nora!) So after doing a half-hearted job adjusting the face on Charlotte, I made a proper effort with Summer Queen in 2018 and fell even more in love with Nora's design.

Lots of you loved my changes and I had some requests to do the same for other faces.

18ish months later and I finally had a go at Damask Roses! Her face and hair are all new apart from the roses. I also added backstitch to the arms, got rid of a rose bush so she fits nicely on a fat quarter of 32ct, and used blends rather than dithering to hopefully make the counting much easier when stitching.

Now I'm itching to start her, which is bad since I'm still pretty much monogamously stitching and have no idea what fabric I'd use.

Must. Stitch. Faster!

#mirabilia #mirabiliadesigns #mirabiliaconversion #damaskroses #noracorbett .
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
It always feels good to finish off a project which It always feels good to finish off a project which has been languishing.

Seafarer's Globe by Maria Diaz
Published in Cross Stitcher magazine issue 187
Zweigart 28ct Cashel Linen in Ivory
Started 26 July 2017
Finished 26 Oct 2019

Substituted Krenik #4 002 for metallic, because who wants to stitch with Light Effects?! This was the first project I experimented with using longer backstitches for a smoother outline and I've been sold ever since! Even just going over two blocks rather than one looks great, not to mention it halves the stitching time!

#mariadiaz #seafarersglobe #crossstitchermagazine
.
.
.
#crossstitch #crossstitcher #crossstitchersofinstagram #xstitch #xstitcher #flosstube #crossstitchaddict
#korsstygn #kruissteek #borduren #puntodecruz #puntocroce #kreuzstich #pontodecruz #クロスステッチ #broderie #pointdecroix #вышивка #вышивкакрестиком #etamin
Load More Follow on Instagram

Copyright 2017 by hanmayde.   -  Designed by Thrive Themes | Powered by WordPress