Thursday, July 29, 2010

M.A.G.I.C.

Magic, you ask?  M.A.G.I.C. stands for My Annual Good Intentions Contract and is a program of the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild.  So, being new to the guild and a glutton for punishment, I signed up.  Here's how it goes: before the beginning of the year, fill out a form and list up to 5 projects that you would like to complete by the end of the year.  The "contracts" are held by the MAGIC coordinator and for each listed project that you complete, you get your name in a drawing for a free year membership in the guild.

Okay, so I think I may have overestimated what I could accomplish *grin*.  Here's a rundown of the projects I listed on my MAGIC form and the status:

1. My Stitching Chair Necessaire - is the one I'm most likely to complete.  This started out as a stitch along on the Legacy Embroidery Guild back in 2007 and I quickly let it turn into a UFO.  However, I took it with me on some stitching retreats this year and am getting pretty close.





2. Long Dog Mystery Sampler - was published in the Gift of Stitching Magazine (also in 2007).  I immediately gathered the materials and started.  Guess what?  It became a UFO not long after the 2nd of 4 parts came out!  I actually have been working on it, though.  Here's how it looks right now:


3. Preamble Flag Sampler - is my oldest UFO that was started in 2004.  I put in about 10 hours this year but need a lot more.  The lettering in white is done in smyrna crosses over 2.  Tedious!


4. Hannah Mary Manley sampler - is an antique sampler I own that I've been charting for reproduction.  This is the sampler that inspired my freebie pincushion (pattern here).  I've picked out the fabric, chosen the brand of silks to use, and have most of the charting done.  I even have a model stitcher anxious to do the stitching. I think I can get the chart finished and the materials off to my model stitcher by the end of the year.  Here's a sneak peek at a section of the chart:


5. Noel Stitcher's Stocking - is from the Gift of Stitching 2009 Christmas Ornament issue.  I figured I should add a smaller project to the list and I want to do some of these for exchanges.  The stocking ornament is stuffed with a pincushion and needlebook.   Here's the pic from the magazine and the thread and fabrics I've chosen to use.



















These goals are daunting enough.  Now add in the fact that I am currently sick of cross stitching!  I can't believe I'm saying that but it's true.  So I'm taking a little break to concentrate on some beading and needlepoint.  Hopefully, I'll be back to the cross stitch soon.  Wish me luck . . .

11 comments:

Margaret said...

They're all wonderful projects. I love that fabric for the stockings. Isn't it funny how we always manage to overestimate how long something will take to stitch up? Good luck. I've been feeling rather tired of stitching myself recently, although I am starting to feel a bit more stitchy recently. :D

staci said...

Wow! Best of luck with your MAGICal journey :)

Deborah said...

Your projects are wonderful. All in good time.

Deb said...

They're all great projects and I hope that you get over your being sick of cross stitch. But I think that a lot of people are going through this (me too!) so you're not alone. It will come back!

Jackie's Stitches said...

You have some beautiful WIPs! I'm looking forward to seeing what you accomplish. you can do it!

Karen said...

Your projects sound great...good luck! I just love the fabric you picked for your stocking!

Sylvia said...

Oh Sherri, my MAGIC from last year was not completed, I did the the one from the year before done.... such is life. I love all the projects you are working on. Even if you just get one finished, it is a good thing. Cannot wait to see your reproduction, the sneak peek looks great.

Nancy said...

Every one of your projects is so pretty! Best of luck in completing your list of MAGIC.

If I ever get a little tired of stitching I just take a day or two break for a couple of weeks in a row, and when I start up again I'm just as hooked as I always am!

Gina E. said...

M A G I C - I like that acronym! I might suggest it to our Guild and see if they run with it. I set myself a goal of 8 UFOs to finish this year, and I completed four in about 2 months...then like you, I got a bit tired of cross stitch, and I got sidetracked on patchwork. I doubt if I will finish the other four this year, but I'm still pleased that I was able to focus on my UFOs at all.

Patricia Lessell said...

I just love them all. You do such wonderful work. As Staci said best of luck with your MAGICal journey.
love
Patti xxx

Valerie said...

What beautiful projects! Best of luck getting back into "the groove!" I understand your being sick of cross stitch. I think we all get burned out occassionally. It is important that our hobbies be enjoyable and it is smart to move onto other crafts unitl the cross stitch spark is lit again. I am sure that your cross stitch flame will be ablaze in no time! Good Luck!