Here's Pirate Santa all framed and ready for next Christmas. I wanted to keep it simple, and I especially like the black core to the red mat! Sorry about the dust (I didn't notice it until I looked at the close-up.)

Additions and Changes to WIPocalypse List

Since I had a small finish and a "postpone until I decide what to do" large project, I'm going to rotate in a couple more things to work on:

This is a long-stalled version of Not Forgotten, by Jennifer Aikman-Smith of Dragon Dreams,

and this is a smallish unfinished project, the New Hampshire heart from Hearts of America, by Victoria Sampler. I lived in New Hampshire when I was small, and still remember turning in a circle and seeing snow-covered peaks all around.

Now as to my goals for the year, I'd like to finish a few things and just enjoy the process. I'm a slow stitcher (the little pirate Santa took me 2 years plus to finish, since I only worked on it just before Christmas until I realized the end was in sight), but I find it relaxing. I mostly stitch in the mornings after I get lunches made for my husband and daughter and get them off to work/school and finally sit down with a cup of coffee, but I sometimes get a few stitches in after dinner, too. I really enjoy looking at other stitchers' progress, so I thought it would only be fair to share a few pictures of my own. I'm looking forward to making the WIPocalypse rounds later this week to see all the amazing work everyone has done!

First WIPocalypse 2014 Update

Cardinal Christmas stocking, by Dimensions. I added some to this cardinal, then had to pull out most of what I'd already done (one stitch off - aargh!), but I think I'm back on track now.

Lo, How a Rose, by Better Homes and Gardens. Made the most progress on this one because I enjoyed it the most, I think because there are so many little finite things to do - a letter here, a motif there - lots of positive reinforcement!

Yo Ho Ho Ho, by Post Stitches. I just had backstitch left to do on this one. First I had to pull some of what I'd done out (wrong color - hand, wrong placement - left side of beard), then I redid that and finished the rest. Here he is washed, pressed, with treasure map charm attached, and ready for framing!

13th Colony Bay, by By the Bay Needlearts. I added some water to this one, but my new skein of DMC 503 is a LOT bluer than the old skein. I checked a bit of old floss in my stash, and it isn't as blue, then bought another new skein - blue again. I'm not sure what to do about it. Might put this one aside for a while.

WIPocalypse 2014

Cardinal Christmas Stocking, by Dimensions

Lo, How a Rose, by Better Homes and Gardens

Yo Ho Ho Ho - Post Stitches, by Sue Hillis

13th Colony Bay, by By the Bay Needlearts