Come visit with me as I stitch and craft my way from one Christmas to the next - I like to have Christmas projects close by me all year. I have a particular fondness for Santas and Angels. If you have the time, leave a comment so I know you've visited.

Monday, June 25, 2012

FINISHED!


Jolly Old Fellow is now finished - hooray!  Honestly, there were many times over the past four years when I thought that would never happen!  He is a gorgeous Santa, if I do say so myself.  Now my biggest problem with him will be choosing the mounts and frame, and finding the right place to hang him (he needs to be viewed from a distance for best effect).

My stitched Jolly Old Fellow measures 57.5cm (23") high by 45.5cm (18") wide. He's stitched over 1 on 22 count fabric.   It took me13 months of solid stitching (180+ hrs stitching per month) spread over 4 years.  This is the largest project I have ever stitched.  I doubt that I will ever attempt anything this size again.

So, here are the things I liked best about stitching a HAED design:
  • there are no fractional stitches
  • there is no back-stitching
  • there are no blended (tweeded) threads
  • the shading is incredibly detailed
  • the stitched design is life-like when viewed from a distance.
And the things I found most difficult:
  • the sheer size of the project
  • keeping 88 threads under control
  • the amount of floss changes and confetti stitches in many parts of the design.
I'm really looking forward to having Jolly Old Fellow as part of my Christmas decorating this year.

If you'd like my HAED Jolly Old Fellow chart (it's unmarked and in as new condition), I'd be happy to send it to you.   I certainly won't be stitching it again!

6 comments:

Alejandra said...

valió la pena tanto cambio de color, simplemente te ha quedado espectacular!!!!

Unknown said...

I am happy dancing all over my house for you!! It is a fantastic finish and a wonderful heirloom piece - CONGRATULATIONS!!!

And, while I love it, I could not possibly do it. So thank you but no on your pattern offer.

Angie said...

Wow, he turned out beautifully! Congratulation of the fantastic finish. I can't wait to see him matted and framed and hung!

Lesleyanne said...

Wow he is absolutely stunning. Congrats on your finish. Can't wait to see him framed.

geeky Heather said...

What an accomplishment! He is absolutely fabulous. Congratulations!!!

Nancy Jones said...

Wow, your Jolly Old Fellow is spectacular! I'd love to stitch him. Still want to give away your pattern? If so, let me know!

Nancy Jones
nancylewisjones@comcast.net
Redmond, WA