TIMELINE: May 2, 2026 – July 17, 2026
The Shell Cross-Stitch Project is about using new tools.
5/2/2026 – The kit: Cotton embroidery thread, precut, Aida cloth (14 count), directions AND a frame with matting and glass. The point of this project is to learn new skills related to sewing. Primarily framing embroidery, which I have never done before though I have framed my painting. If this works out, I will then from the Two Fish with Seaweed canvas-work project which I have completed and have brought all the materials for framing over a month ago but haven’t gathered the bravery to cut it out.
5/2/2026 – For this project, I am using a thread sorter. I’ve never used anything like this before, but it has the PERFECT number of holes to hold all the different threads of this project. I am adoring the magnet in the center to hold the needle as I pull the flosses apart before I thread the needle. I will be using this tool in the future if only to hold the needle instead of sticking it into furniture.
5/5/2026 – I’ve done four nights of work on the project. The threads are really light in color, mostly pastel. The cross-stitch is easy, keeping track of where all the subtle shades need to be stitched less so. Below is pictured both the front and back of the project so far.
5/9/2026 Four more nights of work, usually about an hour each, for a total of eight at this point. There is a total of 12 different colors to sew; I am beginning to finish off some.
5/13/2026 Four more nights of sewing complete (upto 12 now). All cross-stitch is complete and now onto the backstitching and the French knots.
5/15/2026 Two nights of sewing done (total nights spent on embroidery was 14). All embroidery complete – the backstitching and French knots. Only things left to do is the framing. We shall see how long that takes. Below is the front and back.
7/16/2026 I finally grabbed an hour, and the framing process ending up taking only about fifteen minutes using the kit provided. All framed and ready to hang on the wall.
Interesting how it all came together. The magnet is such a great way to hold the needle.