Finished at Last, and Already on to the Next Stitch

If you read my earlier blog post (that you can find here), you may be wondering whether I finished that Halloween cross-stitch project I started years ago. I wasn’t entirely sure I would get it done, but I’m happy to report that I finally finished it!

 As you can see from the picture above (with a little help from ChatGPT in creating that wonderfully spooky background), not only did I finish the big moon and all the remaining stitching, but I also completed an entirely separate Halloween project. Apparently, once I got going, I couldn’t stop!

 The larger piece is When Skeletons Dance, a cross-stitch pattern designed by The Drawn Thread. It was a long time in the making, but there is something particularly satisfying about finally finishing a project that has been sitting around for far too long. And just look at it now! I think it was worth the wait.

 The smaller piece is The Raven, designed by La D Da and featuring a quote from one of my favorite literary figures, Edgar Allan Poe. I’m rather pleased with how it turned out, although I haven’t quite decided whether I want to keep it in its frame.

 Bizarrely (or not so bizarrely, depending upon your bent) I have Edgar Allan Poe bedding, along with a number of Edgar Allan Poe pillows. I’m beginning to think this little cross-stitch might look absolutely wonderful made into a pillow (as I did with this stitching project from ten years ago. Ten! Where does the time go?) for my autumnal bed.

 For now, I’m simply enjoying the satisfaction of having both projects finished. There is something lovely about finally crossing those last few stitches off the list, especially when a project has been waiting patiently for years.

 Of course, I couldn’t possibly leave my needle and thread alone for long. I’ve already started another little project, this time a small, frame-worthy Victorian saying from Modern Folk Embroidery. They have a wonderful collection of unusual and distinctive cross-stitch charts, and this particular design features one of my favorite Victorian expressions: “Got the morbs.”

Photo from Modern Folk Embroidery 

 If you’ve never encountered the expression, the morbs refers to a feeling of melancholy or low spirits, to being a little blue, a bit gloomy, or simply in one of those moods when you feel like throwing yourself down and having a good old-fashioned wallow.

 I must confess that I get the morbs from time to time, so I think this little saying deserves a place of honor somewhere in my home. After all, if one is going to feel melancholy, one might as well have a charming Victorian expression to describe it!

 Now I just need to finish the stitching, decide on a frame, and find the perfect place to display it. Stay tuned.

 Happy Halloween everybody!