2009 Finishes ~ in collage

A few of the ladies are putting up collages of their finishes for the past year. It's a great idea. I did this last year also, so I thought I'd join along and show you my finishes for 2009. Su from Contemplating My Needle And Thread is having a stitching 'year in review' party as well, so make sure to drop by and see her 2009 finishes along with others who have left a link.

2009 Finishes

Now when I say finishes, I don't always mean finished to the end. As in finished off as a pinkeep, needle holder, ornament, etc. They're just my stitchings that I have completed the main design and are waiting to be turned into something or framed. Though there was a couple of pieces I did manage to finish off. Mainly my Stacy Nash 2009 Group kit that I got in January - Heart Pinkeep and Strawberry Emery. Also a French design by Creations de Chrystelle called Chocolat. This one I finished as a mini cushion pinkeep and filled it with dried lavender. My confidence with finishing is not the best, so I usually get the most enjoyment from just stitching a design. One day I'm sure, when I get more creative, I'll have an abundance of needlework on hand that I can turn into pinkeeps and the like.

My favourite stitched pieces for 2009 would probably be the first and last ones I did. Recently is Miss Snow Fairy. This whimsical design was so fun to do. Had a little indecision at first on what thread to use for the white, but after that I was able to enjoy it. The other one I remember loving it at the time (and still do) is Life And Liberty. All the small motifs throughout it were a pleasure to stitch, and I love the person carrying the American flag. Anything with a bit of Americana always captures my eye.

There's others I enjoyed and some that I appreciate more after I've stitched them than during. One that was slightly more of a challenge was Chocolat because I did this, one over one. It seems to take you twice as long to stitch when doing over one I find. It really tests my patience too! Then I just worked out my own way of finishing it into a cushion. I just love the way it's turned out though. So soft and pretty.

It's so nice to go back over the memories that each piece brings with it. Some hold more meaning than others. I must say though that this year has produced the most finishes I have ever done before! When I first started to cross stitch, I would do about one piece a year. This past year I have completed 17 (or 18 if you separate the SN pinkeep and fob). The main thing I can put it down to is the support and interest I get from the people who look and comment on my blog. It's truly inspiring. So I just want to thank you all very much! I've enjoyed stopping by your blogs and seeing the wonderful creativeness out there also. These too are inspiring.

So here we come to the end of another year. May your New Year celebrations be safe and happy, and I wish you all a fantastic 2010! I look forward to seeing some wonderful finishes, from me and you, over the next 12 months.

Happy New Year!!!