Still stitching

Since my last cross-stitch progress post was over three years ago, I figure we're about due for another one! I just finished stitching a piece (can't post online at them moment ...) so I am ready for a new rotation. Despite the long time between updates, I have not given up stitching (I finally finished Village Skaters!! It's not framed, but still ...). Schoolwork often took precedence, but now that we are settled in our new house and Peter is working several night shifts a month, my stitching progress has picked up once again.

The last piece I finished I kept careful track of the hours I spent working on it. I really liked being able to go back and see how long it took me to complete. My new rotation is going to be based on the number of hours worked. I think 6 hours is a good amount of time to work on one project before switching to the next. On an average stitching night I will get around 2 hours in, while on a good stitching night I could manage 3. If I am close to 6 hours on one project when I sit down to stitch for a full evening I will go on to the next one and leave the last 15 minutes for the next round of the rotation. Confused yet? I made up a cool spreadsheet to help me keep track.

For my rotation I plan to have four projects (I think these are my only WIPs ... is that possible?). They are:

Carousel (Theresa Wentzler)
Started: January 2007 (estimated at 170 hours completed)

The original plan for this picture was to go in the nursery, but when Nathan turned out to be a boy I thought the picture was a bit girl-y for a boy's room (still do!). I think it's perfect for a little girl's room, though, so once it is finished it will go in Hannah's room.

Celtic Summer (Lavender & Lace)
Started: Unknown but later than Feb. 2007 (no time estimate)

For the longest time I was missing one of the specialty threads for this picture. It was on backorder and still hasn't arrived. Somehow in the past year I've managed to procure the missing thread (I don't remember getting it, but I have it now), so I am much more happy to work on it. I hate having to skip sections because of a missing thread. I finished Celtic Christmas a few years ago and can't wait to have the whole series for my wall! They are such a fun stitch.

Nativity - Centre Panel (Marbek)
Started: unknown but later than Feb. 2007 (no time estimate)

This is the centre panel of the large, 5-panel, Nativity scene by Marbek. I imagine it will be finished about the time the kids leave home. And then of course it will have to be framed. Oh well, it will be beautiful. Working with the metallic Kreiniks just might kill me, though.

Dance of the Roses (Lavender & Lace)
Started: Feb. 2007 (no time estimate)

I think this picture is very pretty, but I've kind of fallen out of love with it. We'll see if my sentiments change before I finish it. It's an easy stitch so I don't mind working on it, I just don't see it on my wall in the future.

And that's it for my progress pictures and my rotation schedule. Happy stitching!