Deathly Hallows In A Bottle - finished!

Hi all!

For Dark October my plan was to try to make some progress on two or three Halloween-ish WIPs. The first, Haunted Library, received 10 hours of progress, the second has resulted in a finish!

This is Deathly Hallows in a Bottle the last of the four Harry Potter themed bottles I started during Mischievous March 2021. It's not exactly Halloween-y but does at least have 'deathly' in the title so is good for Dark October! The last time I worked on this, for the April A-Z Challenge, it didn't float my boat at all and I gave it an enjoyment rating of 4/10. This time, however, I couldn't put it down! Strange how quickly tastes change.

Here's where I picked it up:

Here it is without any backstitching:

And completed:

Deathly Hallows In A Bottle by MagicStitchStudio (no longer on etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Sketch Grey over-dyed aida

Started - 5th March 2021

Finished - 24th October 2023

Total stitching time - 18 hours 5 minutes

So not only can I now cross one off my WIP list, I can also cross off Mischievous March 2021 as having being completed; a double woo-hoo!

There's still a week of Dark October left and I'm switching to a third WIP, one which I think may receive a lot of attention!

Take care,

Rachel x

Golden Snitch In A Bottle - finished!

Hi again!

So the next WIP out of the box was Golden Snitch In A Bottle. This was one of four Harry Potter themed bottles started for Mischievous March 2021. Two were finished that year and, out of the remaining two, this was closest to completion so chosen first.

I stitched a fair amount the weekend I started it:

Stitched on it a bit the following month, leaving just some of the cork and the backstitching (no photo) and have now completed those too:

Golden Snitch In A Bottle by MagicStitchStudio (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Sketch Grey over-dyed aida

Started - 12th March 2021

Finished - 4th February 2023

Total stitching time - 14 hours 25 minutes

The backstitching on this one was fiddly again, and took just under three hours, but was so worth it.

 

I left out the french knots on the snitch and on the background on the right as I didn't think they were necessary. But I do think I need to move the star at the top and maybe add some stars on the left for balance. I'll do that just before it's FFOd.

My next finish will be a slightly bigger piece. It's another one with big blocks of colour and, since I worked on it a little in January, it shouldn't take too much longer to complete. Fingers crossed...

Take care,

Rachel x

Tokyo Olympics New Start #14 - Shell Cottage

Hello again!

Another day of great sports yesterday - track and field, diving, skateboarding, and even a bit of rock climbing which, although I didn't find very interesting, was miles better than watching golf!

My new start was the fourth of the planned Harry Potter themed snow globes. This is Shell Cottage where Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour lived after their marriage. It's also the location of Dobby's grave :(

Shell Cottage Snow Globe by MIYAstitch (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Grey Swirl over-dyed aida

Stitch count 66 wide by 91 high

Started - 5th August 2021

Stitching time to date - 1 hour 30 minutes

For a bit of variety I thought I'd better start on a part other than the outside, so here's a little bit of the cottage itself. Without any backstitching it looks a bit like a spooky castle!

Fun Olympic Fact

In the inaugural 1896 Athens Olympics there were 241 competitors. By Rome 1960 that number topped 5,000, and by Atlanta 1996 10,000. In Tokyo 11,090 athletes were registered, slightly down on Rio 2016, but that was only to be expected. With so many athletes participating across an increasing number of sports, no wonder the Olympics has become so expensive to host!

Now to start counting down the final three days of Olympics and the final three new starts. And I'm looking forward to them all!

Take care,

Rachel x

Tokyo Olympics New Start #12 - Privet Drive

Hi all!

So we're into the last few days of the Olympics now, no doubt a blessing for those who are fed up with the coverage and me harping on about it every day!

My new start today was absolutely tiny, 17 half stitches to be precise, and hardly worth showing, but I had a very good excuse - I was cradling one of my feather-babies until the end, something which was very important for me to do. After that I didn't feel like stitching.  :(

This is Privet Drive, another of the Harry Potter themed snow globes. For those who don't know, Privet Drive was where Harry lived with his Aunt, Uncle and Cousin, until he went off to Hogwarts. He occasionally returned during school holidays but was never welcomed, nor wanted to return, so it was better for all if he spent his holidays elsewhere.

Privet Drive Snow Globe my MIYAstitch (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Swirl Grey over-dyed aida

Stitch count 66 wide by 82 high

Started - 3rd August 2021

Stitching time to date - 5 minutes!!

Such a small start it's hardly worth showing, and I think it's my worst new start ever! But as people have said before, a start is a start!

Fun Olympic Fact

The Tokyo Olympics is the first time that the number of events for females and mixed teams has surpassed the number for men. In the first Olympics in 1896, no events for women were held. It took until Montreal in 1976 for female and mixed events to reach 25%+, then Atlanta 1996 to reach 40%+, and now Tokyo 2020 to reach 50%+. Guess the world has finally realised women deserve equal footing on the sporting stage.

I don't know about you, but I enjoyed watching the mixed relays in swimming, running and the triathlon. Yes, men are usually going to be faster/stronger/etc. but there have been mixed events in things like badminton and tennis for a while, so why not more sports?

Take care,

Rachel x

Tokyo Olympics New Start #5 - Godrich's Hollow Snow Globe

Hi!

Goodness me, these days are flying past and the Olympics seem to have continued without major incident, weather excluded. Love them or loathe them, I think the world needs this inkling of normality.

So my watching of diving, and swimming continues, as does catching a bit of rugby sevens - totally not my thing but at least it's less violent than usual rugby!

My accompanying start was another Harry Potter snow globe, this time depicting Godrich's Hollow, the village where Harry was born.

Godrich's Hollow Snow Globe by MIYAstitch (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Grey Swirl over-dyed aida

Stitch count 66 wide by 92 high

Started - 27th July 2021

Stitching time to date - 2 hours

I started with the outside of the globe again but this time carried on and completed the stitching of the stand. It doesn't show up that well but will once the backstitching's been added.

Fun Olympic Fact

The women's Olympic Triathlon, consisting of a 1.5km swim, a 40km cycle ride and a 10km run, was won by a Bermudan, making it Bermuda's first ever gold medal and only their second ever medal in Olympic history (the other being a boxing bronze in 1976). Not bad considering they're a tiny nation and only sent two athletes this year. Go Bermuda!

Take care,

Rachel x

Tokyo Olympics New Start #2 - The Burrow Snow Globe

Me again!

Day 2 of the Olympics involved me watching mainly archery, gymnastics and swimming. To accompany my armchair participation I started this lovely piece, one of a set of eight Harry Potter themed snow globes. This is The Burrow, home to the ginger-haired and rather numerous wizarding Weasley family.

The Burrow Snow Globe by MIYAstitch (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Grey Swirl over-dyed aida

Stitch count 66 wide by 83 high

Started - 24th July 2021

Stitching time to date - 3 hours 15 minutes

For this one I stitched the outside of the globe and then started filling in from the top. I'm again really happy with the amount stitched so far.

Fun Olympic Fact

South Korean women totally rule the archery - they have won every team gold medal since 1998 and all but one individual gold medal since 1984 (compared to the men who have won only 5 and 2 respectively). I guess each year there's more and more pressure to keep up the winning streak, and they started this Olympics well, winning the inaugural mixed team event. 

Day 3 tomorrow and another dragon :)

Take care,

Rachel x

Hedwig In A Bottle - finished!

Hi all!

I've now finished the second of my four Mischievous March new starts - yippee!

Hedwig In A Bottle was a new start on the third weekend of March. Once the weekend was over I carried on stitching on her for the rest of the week meaning that I only had about a third left to complete when I picked her up again a few days ago.

Here's how I left her after the weekend of starting her:

Completed before the backstitching:

And all finished:

Hedwig In A Bottle by MagicStitchStudio (etsy)

Stitch count 44 wide by 54 high

Stitched on 16ct Sketch Grey aida

Started - 20th March 2021

Finished - 18th April 2021

Total stitching time - 17 hours

I'm pleased to say the backstitching was nowhere near as bad as for the previous Bottle and, looking at the other Bottles, I'm sure I picked the worst one first, so that's a consolation.

I'm now working another of the remaining two. I don't think it will become an April finish but, if not, it won't be far too off. Fingers crossed.

Take care,

Rachel x

Platform 9 3/4 Sign In A Bottle - Finished!

Good morning everyone!

I have finished one of my Mischievous March new starts! It was a little bit of an uphill struggle towards the end, as the backstitching was a bit fiddly (especially the brown on brown around the sign) but it's done and was well worth the effort.

Here's how far I got during the weekend I started the project:

And here it is finished:

Platform 9 3/4 Sign In A Bottle by MagicStitchStudio (etsy)

Stitch count 46 wide by 54 high

Stitched on 16ct Sketch Grey aida

Started - 27th March 2021

Finished - 14th April 2021

Total stitching time - 17 hours 40 minutes

I'm usually fairly good at estimating how long a project will take to stitch but was a long way out with this one; I'd estimated 10-12 hours, so almost 18 came as a bit of a shock! With that in mind, there's no way I'll have time to finish the other three by the end of April, but I'll definitely finish one more.

As for FFOing, well, I've just laid my hands on some Harry Potter fabrics, so it looks like it's going to be a mini pillow or hanging ornie. I just need to decide which of the fabrics to use!

Take care,

Rachel x

Mischievous March New Start #4 - Platform 9 3/4 In A Bottle

Hello again!

So it's already the final week of the Mischievous March mini new start binge. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?!

My final Harry Potter themed bottle this week is the sign for Platform 9 3/4, the railway line behind a magical brick wall at King's Cross Station which takes the young witches and wizards to their school aboard the Hogwarts Express. Here's how much I stitched:

Platform 9 3/4 In A Bottle by MagicStitchStudio (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Sketch Grey aida by sewitall.com

Stitch count 44 wide by 54 high

Started - 27th March 2021

Stitching time to date - 5 hours 25 minutes

And this is how it will eventually look:

It's weird but, as with In The Gloaming, I couldn't wait to stitch the brickwork!

If you've joined in with Mischievous March this week, here's the usual linky widget thingy waiting for your post URL, your name and a thumbnail:

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As usual I look forward to seeing what you've started, and perhaps even finished. Also, a big thank you for joining me!

If you've enjoyed Mischievous March and are up for another SAL or two, my next ones will be Christmas in July and the Tokyo Olympic Challenge, 23rd July to 8th August, so keep your eye out for more information about those nearer the time.

I will now be working on all four of the Mischievous March starts until they become finishes. I'm not sure I'll meet my end-of-April target date, but I'll enjoy trying. Watch this space!

Take care,

Rachel x

Mischievous March New Start #3 - Hedwig In A Bottle

Hello again!

It's week number three of Mischievous March already and we seem to be doing well, with more lovely starts last week and a few more finishes.

I'm continuing with my Harry Potter themed bottles, this week starting the one containing Harry's owl, Hedwig. Don't worry, the cork may be in the bottle but she's a magical owl so can still breathe!

Here's how far I got over the weekend:

Hedwig In A Bottle by MagicStitchStudio (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Sketch Grey aida by sewitall.com

Stitch count 44 wide by 54 high

Started - 20th March 2021

Stitching time to date - 5 hours 20 minutes

I know you can't see her very well on the fabric, but once the backstitching is done she'll 'magically' appear *groan* and look like this:

If you are participating in Mischievous March and wish to link up with your post, name and a thumbnail, here's the linky widget thingy which will, as usual, stay open for ten days:

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I look forward to seeing what you've started and perhaps even finished!

It's difficult to believe next weekend will be the last one. Oh well, see you there.

Take care,

Rachel x

Mischievous March New Start #2 - Golden Snitch In A Bottle

Hi all!

And welcome back to Mischievous March!

It was good to see some lovely new starts last week, and a couple of finishes in there too; well done you!

For week number two I have another Harry Potter themed bottle, but this week thought I would start with the contents rather than the cork, so here are the snitch and the label:

Golden Snitch In A Bottle by MagicStitchStudio (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Sketch Grey aida by sewitall.com

Stitch count 45 wide by 54 high

Started - 13th March 2021

Stitching time to date - 4 hours 20 minutes

And how it will look when finished:

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So that's two down, two to go. See you next Monday with start number three.

Take care,

Rachel x

Mischievous March New Start #1 - Deathly Hallows In A Bottle

Good morning all!

And welcome to Mischievous March!

Back in November Tiff (my startner in crime!) and I introduced Naughty November, a cheeky mini new start binge (so-called after having already having had a four-month-long new start binge earlier in the year) with the idea of starting one new project each weekend (or whenever best suits) during the month.

A number of you joined in and wondered if it would run again this year. Well, the answer is yes, along with this newly-introduced Mischievous March because, let's face it, one mini new start binge during the year is just not enough!

I must admit I've been really looking forward to getting my teeth into some new projects so, taking on board the main lesson learned from November i.e. keep the starts small, here's my first contribution to Mischievous March:

Deathly Hallows In A Bottle by MagicStitchStudio (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Sketch Grey aida by sewitall.com

Stitch count 47 wide by 54 high

Started - 6th March 2021

Stitching time to date - 3 hours 25 minutes

And how it will look when finished:

This is from a collection of (thus far) 16 Harry Potter themed mini bottles, four of which I will be starting in March. I estimate them to take about 10-12 hours each so, if all goes to plan, they shouldn't be WIPs for too long.

Now I want to see your new starts!

If you have joined in and want to link up, here's the linky-widget thingy. Please add the URL of your blog post, your name and a thumbnail. The link will stay open for 10 days.

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I can't tell you how excited I am to see what you have chosen to start. A number of conversations have dropped snippets and hints so now all can start to be revealed! From the more 'sensible' among you, maybe there will be some finishes too?

And remember, the intention is for all my SALs to be stress-free, so if you only want one or two new starts that's fine. Just pop in and join up whenever you want.

I don't know about you, but I'm already looking forward to start number two!

Take care,

Rachel x

PS Don't forget to enter my blogoversary giveaway (two posts ago) if you want to be in with a chance a winning a little something of your choice.

Hogwarts In A Bottle - FINISHED!!!

Hi there!

Yes, you read the title correctly... Hogwarts In A Bottle is FINISHED!!! Oh Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Dance!

I'll waste no time and go straight to the pictures...

At 190 hours:

And now FINISHED... ta-da...

Hogwarts In A Bottle by CutePatternByMaria (etsy)

Stitched on 16ct Lazurite hand-dyed aida by Chromatic Alchemy

Stitch count 119 wide by 233 high

Started - 7th January 2019

Finished - 9th October 2020

Total Stitching Time - 199 hours 5 minutes

I'm sooooo excited to have this finished, and will definitely miss it - even the backstitching! Despite its size (and if I didn't have anything else to do!) I would not hesitate to stitch it again, that's how much I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of the 25,000 or so stitches.

The only change I made was using 3799 for the backstitching instead of the suggested 310. Black can be quite harsh sometimes and I thought this needed something a bit more subtle. But that's just personal taste.

Talking of backstitching, I didn't keep a record of how long it all took but am guessing maybe around 30 hours. There's a lot of fine detail around the castle windows, bridge arches and train, some using one strand, some using two but, as with all backstitching, what a difference!

I've already ordered a frame so, assuming I frame it within the next couple of weeks (which I'm sure I will) the completely fully-finished Hogwarts In A Bottle will be ready for the big reveal in November's FFG SAL.

So what to do now that I've finished one of my bigger WIPs? Well, I am sorely tempted to start another Harry Potter themed design to replace this one but have (sensibly) decided against it for the time being; I have plenty of WIPs to be getting on with, and four more new starts planned for Naughty November, so really can't justify starting another one this year. Next year, however... well, that's a different story! ;)

Finally, here are all the progress pictures together so you can see how the picture grew with each 10 hours of work. I've tried to be all technical and make a simple slideshow. I don't know if it will work, so if it doesn't, or you don't want to watch it, I've added the pictures as well. The music is Ravel's String Quartet In F Major (automatically adjusted to fit the length of he slideshow) and was the closest Harry Potter type background music available with the program. Enjoy!

Take care,
Rachel x

Hogwarts In A Bottle - 190 hours

Hi there!

So I've put in another 10 hours in on Hogwarts this month. I caught up with the backstitching first - over 7 hours of it - which meant there wasn't a lot of time left to put in many x's. At least I filled that gap near the bottom right which has been bugging me for a couple of months!

After 180 hours:

And now at 190 hours:

Now that the bridge arches, clouds of steam and train itself have been defined, there's not a lot of backstitching left, so it's onwards with the stitching. It won't get completed in the next 10 hours, but it won't be far off. I'm getting excited now!

Take care,
Rachel x