Last week's progress (April 6-12)

This past week I finished the Garden Pleasures cross stitch that I was working on. I still need to frame it or finish it in some way.

I used DMC floss for all except 2 of the colors. I used Dried Thyme and Raspberry Parfait by Gentle Arts Sampler Threads. This is my first time using anything other than DMC.  I'm not very happy with the way the Dried Thyme looks. To me, it looks more brown than green, and the Raspberry Parfait looks more pink than red. Below is a picture of the leaflet, showing how it "should" look.

Can you see how the leaves are supposed to be two shades of green? Mine doesn't look like that. The dress and flowers are supposed to look red, but mine look pink. Also, I personally don't see what makes these threads worth the high price! They are about $2 - $2.50 each for 5 yard skeins, and must be ordered online since I don't have a shop nearby that sells them. DMC floss is 38¢ - 44¢ each for 8.7 yard skeins and is available at several stores nearby. I didn't notice any difference in quality. Their website says... 

 "Working with overdyed floss is a fun experience. We developed ourSAMPLER THREADS^TM and SIMPLY SHAKER^TM threads especially to give new pieces an aged appearance. The thread colors are muted; the color variations per strand are subtle."  

The color variations are so subtle that I can hardly even see them. If you can tell the difference and can afford them, go for it. I can't tell the difference and can't see spending the extra money, so I think I'll stick to DMC for most of my projects. I've already purchased some Weeks Dye Works threads for the Cornwall Cottage Sampler. I hope I'm happier with that investment! 

Four years ago, I started on a breast cancer cross stitch for my cousin in Kentucky. I was stitching it while she was going through her chemotherapy treatments. She didn't want anyone to know about her cancer, but her mom (my aunt) told me anyway. I had to pretend not to know.  I wasn't able to tell her good luck, or that I was thinking about her. This was my way of sending her good thoughts. As I'm notorious for not finishing things, this one didn't get finished either. I'm going to finish it and send it to her. My aunt confirmed that it's no longer a secret. 

The breast cancer design is a freebie by Ellen  Maurer-Stroh of EMS Designs. After I finish this one, I was going to do Welcome Spring by Little House Needlework next, but I think I'll do the Lizzie Kate Green flips. I just can't wait to start on them!