Max's Moon progress

Life has finally slowed down a bit, so I am getting back to posting on my blog.  I did include the disclaimer in my blog name, hence Realm of Randomness.  The random part applies to not only what I post but how often I post.  So, now I would like to show you the progress on my current cross-stitch project... this is Max's Moon.  I've had this kit for a number of years and finally pulled it out of my stash and started working on it.



progress on Max's Moon

Actually, because I've been working on him nearly everyday, I have made quite a bit more progress since this picture was taken.  His back half is finished along with the right stump and fern.  I am currently working on all the little fuzzy hairs on him.   After that, it is just a few backstitch details in the face and paws, and it will be finished!  Since this is the first time I've shown him, I will include an image of the full project, as I plan to do every time I introduce a new project.  I know when I am blog surfing, I appreciate seeing what the finished project will look like.

Max's Moon stock photo

Tonight I am prepping the fabric for projects I plan on starting on after this one is done.  Cutting the fabric (mostly Aida, but one linen as well), remembering to add 8" to the finished size when cutting (I like 4" margins), and ironing the creases out.  I had a eureka moment tonight that I just have to share.  A couple months ago I was organizing my cross-stitch fabric stash, including measuring, cataloging, ironing, and storing  either flat in a portfolio or rolled in tubes I got from U-line.   The ironing wasn't working so well.  I spent a few hours researching online for any methods that would work better.  There was no real consensus, so I tried a few methods, like wetting the fabric and freezing it  before ironing, using the highest steam setting on the iron, and spritzing the fabric with vinegar.  All resulted in limited success.  So tonight I lamented to my hubby and Mother-in-Law about it when was again struggling with the task of getting creases out of aida and linen.  Mind you, they were both present for the multi-day task of fabric organizing I mentioned, so you'd think that if they had any helpful advice it would have come up at that time.  Well, not so much.  So imagine my surprise when MIL instructs me to use a damp ironing cloth over top the aida, and IT WORKS!  It works beautifully!!!  I can't tell you just how thrilled I am that I can finally iron aida and linen smooth of all creases so easily!

The other tidbit of happiness today... I got registered for the Stampin' Up Convention coming up in July. Woo-hoo! It is their 25th year, so they're going big this year.  Between the main Convention and the pre- and post-convention LNS events, I am going to have soooo much fun!

' Til next time - Happy Stitching (and Stamping)!