WIP Charming Waterway by Dimensions

In 2014 I started a big cross stitch picture by Dimensions, called Charming Waterway, based on a painting by Victor Shvaiko. I was very keen on cross-stitching then and worked on it for months. Then I abandoned it, as it often happens with me and big projects, but resumed stitching it in 2015, when I probably passed the 3/4 marker. And then abandoned it and cross stitching as a whole - for years.

This year I took it out of its bag, studied the charts and the flosses and resumed stitching it from time to time. I am moving very slowly and I suspect this will be my last cross stitch project, as my eyes are getting weaker and needle point work is not good for them at all.

To the left is a sample of the finished picture and I am really not that far from the end. I'm not imposing any deadlines or making any promises, I just hope I'll finish it and frame it one day, as I like it and it would be a shame to leave it uncompleted so close to the finish line.

I have plenty of work and back stitching to do on the left half of the picture,

but the right half is almost completely finished but for some backstitching here and there.

Some of my favourite details close up

Venetian Bistro

This past month I've been working almost religiously on the Venetian cross stitch project I started just at the end of last year. The theme is one of my favourites - Venetian canals and the artist - Viktor Shvaiko, is quite popular for his colorful romantic scenes of small cafes, old houses and shops.

As for knitting - I'm planning on Clear by Kim Hargreaves, using recycled yarn from a frogged crochet project, just waiting for my knitting mojo to come back.

Venice Puzzle

Name: Venice by Sam Park
Brand: Schmidt, 1000 pcs
Time to assemble: one day

January 18th, early in the morning

I LOVE Venice!!! Or at least my idea of it, as I still haven't been there. The assembling of this puzzle was such a delight and it constantly reminded me of Lara Croft II, the Venice adventure, which is one of my most favorite Lara Croft locations :)

January 18th, midday

Not only is the puzzle so colorful and pleasant, but it is also only 1000 pcs., so it somehow got assembled in between work only in the course of a day.

January 18th, late in the evening

This is our first Schmidt puzzle and we are very pleased with it. The pieces are cut into all shapes and forms and there is almost no danger of misplacement, everything fits very neatly. And the variety of pictures is also great.
There was a promotion in a local book store, so we bought three 1000 pcs. Schmidt puzzles. It was probably a good thing that half of the items on our wish list were already sold out :)