Framed! (Better Late Than Never)

When I began cross stitching in the early 1990s, I often stitched big projects. When I finished something, I would trek to a big-box craft store framing department and shell out $100 to $200 to have it framed. That was before I owned a home and had a kid. These days, I look for more economical ways to finish my projects (first, by stitching smaller things), or I let them sit...*sigh*... unfinished in a box in my closet.

I'm trying to get over my perfectionism and intimidation when it comes to finishing things myself. I'm lousy at sewing, and even worse at framing, but I'm working on it. Thankfully, there are lots of blogs out there with great tips.

Today I finally framed my December cottage by Country Cottage Needleworks. Only a few days late! I think I am obsessed with little houses. I just love them! I followed a tutorial I found here for the framing, using straight pins to "stretch" the linen on foam core. It was really easy! The only thing I'm still unsure of is how to tape down the extra fabric in the back. Does anyone out there have a super-sticky, archival tape they like? Or another way to do this? Most framing blogs just say "tape down the loose cloth edges," but so far I haven't found any tape that sticks very well. I've been using archival linen tape with mixed results.

The December cottage is stitched on 32-count lambswool linen using Weeks Dye Works and DMC threads. I've been reusing the same simple black frame each month.

November's cottage is also stitched on 32-count lambswool linen. The yellow overdyed thread in this one, "Harvest Moon" by Weeks Dye Works, is just yummy. It worked perfectly to give the leaves that golden tone they have in fall.

October is stitched on 32-count linen, but I don't remember what color or brand - it was something I had in my stash. The big flowers next to "October" look like fried eggs, don't they?

Have a great week, everyone. I am trying to stay sane during these last few weeks before Christmas, although I admit to spewing a few F bombs while driving. My gift shopping is DONE (!!!) but there are always those last-minute things to take care of... buying stamps, a trip to the post office, groceries, stocking stuffers... and it seems that everyone behind the wheel is in a hurry and distracted. Take a deep breath and do something you love. I'll be stitching!