It’s time for my three weekly ‘check in’ with the piece I am working as part of the SAL organised by Avis. And I’m happy to say this regular accountability check is doing wonders for the progress of this piece!
The last time we saw this piece I had made quite some progress on Mummy sheep, but she was still lacking some wool!
Now, thanks mainly to my stitching girls catch up, Mummy sheep has a full coat of wool! I can still see the problems with it I’ve told you about before, but they aren’t going anywhere, and I’m not going to undo it and start again, so it is what it is! Maybe once the baby sheep and some flowers, bees and grass are in it won’t be so obvious.
You will also notice that I’ve branched out and popped in legs in something other than French Knots! I decided on chain stitch for them and I think that was probably not a bad decision. I haven’t completely decided on how to stitch the facial features. I am currently thinking of satin stitch for eyes, and stem stitch for the mouth. And I should probably also pop a nose in!
So next up, the baby sheep! I’m actually pleasantly surprised at how quickly this moves along if I just stitch a little at a time.
Do make sure you head over to everyone else’s blogs to see what they have been up to as well! There are some beautiful pieces to look at!
Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Susan, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Steph, Linda, Wendy
I admire your stitching. I am not a fan of french knots but they look really nice in your piece.
Thanks Cindy. They’ve never bothered me before, I just find it incredibly boring when it’s almost the only stitch on the design!
Mummy sheep is looking fab, can’t wait to see her face! The legs are perfect in chain, I’m wondering what you’ll do for the horns??
Thanks Kathy. I’m still toying up if I will put the horns on or not. I’ll decide once I have all the sheep done!
I love your woolly sheep and can’t see the “problem” if I don’t look back at your post where you pointed it out. Isn’t it strange that, even though there are no stitch targets/deadlines, we all still want to stitch a reasonable amount to share on SAL day?
Thanks Avis and I’m sure it’s not as noticeable as I think it is! That’s what I love about this SAL! I always want to show some progress, no matter how small!
Looks great! I’m sure your ready for something besides French knots ?
Thank you! There’s still two more baby sheep to go, but they are smaller, so hopefully not as daunting. I hope!
I’m sure after a small break you’ll be ready to go again ?
I’ve got a bit added motivation too, as the baby that this was supposed to be for is almost one, and if I get a wriggle on it could almost be called a first birthday present!
That sounds like great motivation.
cute sheep and one little at a time is wonderful thing
Thanks Maggie. This project is definitely one step at a time!
Mummy sheep looks almost ready to have a lamb to keep her company, and it’s almost Spring, so you’ll be very seasonal! I went back and read the previous post because I couldn’t remember what your “problem” was. Maybe you can see/feel where there’s a slight difference in knots or thread, but honestly, it doesn’t show in the photos. Mummy sheep looks as if she has a beautiful wooly coat, and I can’t wait to see what expression you give her once you start adding face detail.
Thanks Claire ? I’m sure we are always more critical of ourselves than others are of us! She is definitely ready for a lamb to join her! Let’s hope I get quite a bit done in the next three weeks!
I don’t know what the difference in texture might be between your different types of threads but in terms of color I think the variations are a bonus. Wool straight from the sheep is rarely pristine!
I’m counting on the ‘nature’ effect with this piece! I actually think now it is all finished it isn’t nearly as noticeable. Or I’m just better at squinting at it in bad light!
Wow this is stunning, I look forward to seeing how it develops
Thank you! I’m looking forward to adding in one of the lambs – I finally feel like I’m moving forward with this project!
Holy cow, just look at all those knots… I can understand you being a bit bored, but the effect is wonderfully textural.
Yes, I find small doses are a good thing with this project! But, it just goes to show that even small amounts of stitching do give you progress!
Wow you certainly must have some patience to do that many french knots! It is looking amazing.
I’m not sure I have that much patience! It’s taking me forever to get it done!
Can’t wait to see the facial features. I think the stitches you’ve decided on will be perfect!
Yes, I think adding in the facial features will really bring it to life! It looks a lot like a blob at the moment!
I love it!
Thank you!
I love french knots and the texture they give. I’m going to have a look back and see your previous posts now as I’m curious about this ‘mistake’ – I’m struggling to see what’s wrong at this point!
Thank you so much for stopping by to share at #HandmadeMonday, we are very happy you joined us.
Thanks Julie! I think with so many of us, we can see any mistake that is there, but others can’t! Thanks for hosting the link up. I’m so glad I’ve found it!
I think you will find that as you complete more and more, the slight variations you are so aware of now will become less obtrusive, even to you.
Thanks Rachel! I’m not sure if I’ve just ‘given up’ looking or what has happened, but even now I’ve noticed that!
You’re so close!
With number one sheep! But I’m on a roll now ?
Wow, that’s a LOT of French knots! It looks great, though.
Thanks! I really underestimated the number of them when I chose this project!
It´s always a nice feeling having finished parts in a embroidery! I love stitching French knots, but not so many at the same time 🙂 You are doing a great work!
It’s a nice feeling to see your work paying off isn’t it?! Despite the number of French knots I still do like them!
I love french knots too. You have great dedication.
Thanks Ginny! Not sure about dedication though- it has taken a long time to get this far!
Ohhh my goodness so many French knots LOL. I like doing them to but not sure if Id want to do that many, its sure going to be one gorgeous sheep though. what a great way of making it. It was a Great visit thank you Glenda Australia.
Thanks for visiting Glenda! You’re welcome back any time. I have to say, I too am fond of French Knots but I think moderation is key!
Wow! All those little loops! Makes for a beautiful sheep. Looking fabulous!
Yes, so many! It’s very relaxing if you enjoy French Knots ?
I think all the variations in colour and texture work really well. Looking forward to seeing her face next!
Thanks! Yes, she definitely needs a face now ?
looking great, well done on reaching the milestone!
Thanks Wendy! I think this project is going to be made of lots of little milestones ?
it’s looking great, I can’t wait to see the finished piece. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.
Thanks Teresa! Thanks for hosting the link up. It’s nice seeing progress being made?
Love this, the different shades in french knots look really effective
Thanks! Despite the rather long process, it is definitely a good effect!