That looks great to me.  The background stitches are beautifully stitched.  But embellishments are always fun to do.  What are you thinking of?

Anneli – Can’t wait to see what you add to it! I don’t find that anything disappeared. It looks even and balanced. There is just enough contrast to keep in interesting. Try squinting at it to see how the contrasts work. I like it as it is!

Anne – Your project is looking fun and happy! Joyous colors and you are off to a good start!

Deborah – Great to see you taking this in your own directions! A six inch circle can be a very freeing space. I see some creative stitching in there.

Thanks Rand. I hope this helps!

Good afternoon.  I worked on an underwater version of this exercise using mostly buttonhole stitch variations.  I did the outline circle first and am much happier with the result.  I have never done the “basket”, the net, the quarter circles or the back to back & wrapped buttonhole before.  The basket was overwhelmed by the drizzle stitches, I wou…[Read more]

Penny, I love your design! The strings look like pieces of lace, waiting to be attached to a petticoat or other kind of clothing or household item.

great start, Anne! It already looks like a real stitch sampler with clean, beautiful colors!

Well done, Deborah! Not many colors, but they form a balanced combination. I especially like the way you approached the background with French knots in the background color and some sequins. The overall impression is that of style and harmony.

Thank you Rona.  The French knots looked just right to me to fill in some of those empty spaces.  I wanted some canvas to show through but not completely blank.  The blue squiggle didn’t turn out as planned but it seemed to have a mind of its own and it has grown on me.  I am glad you enjoyed it.

Anne, yours really does look like a color box, all bright and cheerful.  Your stitches are beautiful, you must have taken your time executing them.  I love what you have done so far and look forward to seeing more.

I agree, it is inspiring and interesting to see what everyone else does.  We all have different visions and abilities and crayons in…[Read more]

Hi, Penny, I just saw this too. It is wonderful. Both the colors and the stitching is quite strong and beautifully done. I am in awe of your patience — both with the satin stitched bands of pink and gold, and green and purple (fern?) stitches. In fact, your stitches are so interesting generally — I’d love to know what stitches you used, if you…[Read more]

This is beautiful, Deborah! I love so much about this, but I think the French knots dotted around are really special! Also love the little blue swiggle at the top (to the left of the bugle beads) with the filled in bit; it’s a whimsical unexpected delight.

Here is a photo of my work so far.  I’ve been enjoying using different colors and stitches.  It makes me feel like a kid with a box of crayons.  I’m trying to let the design take shape as I go along.  I have a plan in mind, but I also want to be open to making changes.  Everyone’s photos are very inspiring and I love seeing all the diff…[Read more]

Thank you Marsha.  I tried very hard to balance everything and other than the outline “circle” I am very pleased with what I did.  I even liked the 5 colors of perle cotton by the end of my stitching.  It was good to have to work with so few colors, it made me think about where each color was placed.

I am thinking about another hoop em…[Read more]