Weekly Stitching Update

I didn't stitch a lot (more on that later), but I did get some done! I finally started A Discovery of Witches by Modern Cross Stitch. I STILL don't have my modification equipment for my stand (and I'm starting to get upset about that, it's been almost 2 1/2 months now), but I did my best with the stand the way it is. It's probably why I didn't get very far because it was a juggling act. In case you forgot, here is what the image looks like:

It's not my largest project (it's the second largest), but it is huge! It's hard to tell here how big it actually is, but it's in a 48" scroll rod, so I'm sure you can imagine it. I only worked on it for one day (3.87 hrs) because it was uncomfortable on my stand, but I got 1278 stitches out of 499,999 total and I'm at 0.26%.

Because it's so long, I also did a close up picture, but because it's just one color, it's kind of boring.

I'm still kind of shocked at this, but I've decided to start three of my new four purchases and, because I've been obsessing over it, A Girl in a Red Dress at the Castle was first. Maybe because my brain is in Disney mode, but I did work on this for the holiday (and I'm not sure if I will continue this week, but we'll see). Here is what it will look like:

I got 4114 stitches out of 67,500 total and made it 6.09%. That sounds like a lot, but it's not that big of a project. I am really happy with the level of detail though and I can't wait to get to recognizable landmarks (aka the castle).

I planned on using my stash thread and fabric, but I was still missing some threads, so I did have to order them. But I'm good so far with just stitching with the threads I had. This was also one of the projects that didn't need new fabric. I had just the right piece for it.

I didn't stitch all weekend though, I managed to clean up the duck room even more, clearing a path through the back side (and yes, it's so dark because of the "island" I've made in the middle, I have to use a lantern back there):

This is the only one the four "walkways" that I don't have to turn sideways for! Quite proud of that!

I emptied out the duck room closet of more old boxes and whatnots (this seems to be an ongoing project). I managed to get the past six years of vacations in their storage boxes (I keep extra storage boxes just for this purpose...well, technically for Disney trips because I want all the storage boxes to match, but that's a different story and I did have some random other boxes, so it's not as matchy-matchy as my Disney stuff). I also got them labeled with my handy-dandy new label maker. It's one of the generic little ones from Amazon, but I love it! Oh, for those that don't know, every single trip I take I keep a "memento box" of the trip stuff. Things like receipts, knick-knacks from the hotels, drink stirers, bags from purchases, glasses or cups I wouldn't ever use, etc, etc. I've been doing that for Disney since the beginning and it's just sort of spilled out to all my other trips. The boxes on the left are my Disney purses and bags, but the smaller ones on the right are the trip boxes (and, the eagle-eyed among you may spot the Disney bag in one of the trip boxes, but that's a box of all the stuff that my sister had given me from her various Disney trips, so they all live together in one box). This may still look messy to some, but believe me when I say this closet was a disaster before!

Also, for those that might be shocked that I have four tubs of just Disney purses, bags, and backpacks, don't be...there are actually five and I need a sixth, you just can't see the other one.

I also got the nerve (or courage) to clean out my Disney pin backs and boxes. This was the hardest thing for me to do. I've kept every pin back and box for every single Disney pin I've ever bought. They live in two big bins and I had numerous bags of them just tossed in the closet. Here they are in my living room floor (and the bin you see is just for the pin backs, not the boxes...the box bin is a lot bigger):

All my pins live in binders in my bedroom. A couple of weeks ago, I took all the pins tossed in my closet from various trips and finally put them in their binders (and tossed the boxes and the bags in the duck room closet, hence this past weekend's project). I still need to get some black binders so they all match, but here they are (and you can see at least one wall of my framed pins, they go all around the entrance to my bedroom):

Of all the things I threw away this weekend, this was the hardest thing for me to deal with. I knew I wouldn't be able to throw all of them away. The empty pin backs and boxes serve no purpose anymore and I couldn't match most of them back to their original backs if I tried, but keeping them is just how I'm wired (like I always say, there is a fine line between hoarding and OCD). I simply stared at the mess in the floor for literal HOURS and went through several iterrations of decisions before I came up with my final option and I'm stressing now writing about it. This is the box with the empties from boxes or lanyards, or pin sets (and, you can't tell, but that stack of mystery pin boxes in the floor was a good 2ft high):

I had a couple choices of what to do, but in the end, I went with keeping one of each type of mystery pin box and throwing away the duplicates. It still filled the box bin back up, so technically it didn't help much, but once I took out the duplicates that were already in there, they all fit and now the bags are all gone (and even throwing away the bags was stressful). The trashed boxes filled an entire kitchen garbage bag on their own. I will need to get another bin by the next pin haul, but I'll worry about that after September.

Oh, and I feel like I need to explain Disney mystery pins. They are pin sets that come (usually) two to a box, but you don't know what's in the box until you've purchased and opened it. To get the whole set, you have to keep buying box after box and, even then, you may not get them all (and don't get me started on the boxes with chaser pins). I HATE mystery pins and rarely ever buy them unless they are special occasion sets or something I feel I can't live without (first I hate surprises, but you also have to keep buying box after box to get the whole set...it is financially draining), but my sister loved them. She was horrible at not finishing a set and would buy all kinds of different sets, which drives my OCD nuts. Not that I wasn't grateful to receive any Disney stuff from her, but I used to have to go on eBay and find the rest of the set, which sometimes cost more than just continuing to buy the boxes. I'd rather have two or three complete sets than 30 partial sets. Plus, there is the guilt involved with her buying me stuff. I can't remember when the last set she bought me was, but I haven't finished those sets because there were just too many of them.

Now, back to the original topic, I should add that "technically" I've thrown all this stuff away. In all actuality, the garbage bags are all sitting in my living room (all TWELVE of them) because there isn't room in the garbage can outside. It will take a couple of weeks of full trash bins for them all to go away, but this also means that I can change my mind at anytime and put the stuff back. So yes, I cleared out a ton of stuff from that closet, but it ain't over until the garbage men sing (unless I take them to the dumpster at work). Getting rid of Disney stuff, even the trash, is incredibly difficult for me. I REALLY need a bigger house (although it wouldn't take me long to fill it up too).

And that's the update for this week! I'm quite proud of myself for all the work I've managed to get done over the past few weeks. Let's just hope I can keep it up (and not undo it). I still have a ton of stuff to trash, but I'll get there eventually! I do look around a lot and sometimes wish I could get rid of more stuff, but it's probably never gonna happen. I go through phases with stuff, be it Disney, movies, books, etc and, just because I'm out of the phase now, doesn't mean I'm not going to be back in it in a week, a month, or even a year from now. I have typically always regretted throwing stuff away, which is why I hate doing it. But if I don't do something now, I'm going to be one of those hoarders with a maze in her living room of stacked up crap (it might be neatly stacked up crap, but, you get the point).

Hopefully, I will have a stitchy update next week, and, if you'd like to see more of my Disney stuff, just let me know and I'll see what I can come up with!

Busy Couple of Weeks!

As you guys can imagine, my brain has been in overtime Disney mode. I've been planning, finishing the picture edits from the last six years of photos (and I managed to do it before the free trial of Lightroom wore out, so yea me), watching DisneyTube, and walking every afternoon to build up my strength. By the time I eat dinner and settle, it's either too late or I'm too tired to stitch. In two weeks time, I managed one single day of stitching, last Sunday (and even then I was having issues with ADHD). I decided to go back to Snow White, she's the one I'm the closest to finishing (even though I'm still pretty far off) and I think it would probably be wiser to make her my finish for this year instead of Alice and the B's.

I left her off here last time:

As far as giving you stats, I kind of dropped the ball on that. One thing I've discovered from Markup-RXP is that it doesn't automatically save your results. I really should have been hitting the save button every time I finish. It does automatically save at intervals, but more than once on these projects, I mark off all stitching at the end and then close the app before it has a chance to save. Hence Snow's errors. There was a whole section I had finished last time, but it didn't save it, so I had to redo it, knocking my totals ascue. I'm just going to give you overall totals so there is no confusion. I'm at 44,154/69,374 stitches, she's at 63.65%, and I've got 229.88 hrs involved so far:

A bit hard to see the work because it's all mirror and super light colors, but I'm still pleased.

I've been trying hard to not spend money, but I've kind of been failing on that front as well. I had an MRI this week (and thankfully, the knots in my arms aren't tumors, but now they don't know what they are and I'm going to have to have an ultrasound, but that's another story for another day). Since the MRI was at 7:30 p.m., I needed to kill time because I didn't want to go home and stir up the pups (plus, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get out again), so I ended up at Barnes and Noble. Not the best place for me. All things considered, I did well, only bought 6 books and I spend less than $100. Once I got home though, my mind was dwelling on the books I was looking for that wasn't in the store, so I ended up spending another $140 online. Dumb move and I'll regret it in Disney World, but I'm not regretting it now.

Remember my year of 55's? I'm on book 15 now, but, rather than reading the same books from the Passionflix movies over and over again (like I have been doing), I've moved in a Disney direction. I've read the first book in the Fairytales reimagined books (I've had them forever and never touched a one). And now I'm restarting the Kingdom Keeper series because I don't think I've read past book 2. But I'm keeping up with all that over on Instagram (as well as daily stitch progress...when I stitch).

But, of course, because I'm in a Disney mood, I haven't been the best about staying away from either trip merch or just Disney stuff in general. And here is where another rabbit hole begins. I have been spending time on Etsy (which I swore I wouldn't do), because I STILL haven't gotten the new stuff to adapt my stand for the SS/MC HAED's. It's been over two months and when I keep asking, I keep getting excuse after excuse. They were supposed to ship three weeks ago, and this week I nudged again and they said they shipped it. I asked for a tracking number, but even today, it still shows only a label has been printed and has not arrived at the shipping facility. Since it wasn't a direct Etsy purchase, I can't file a claim there, but it's why I chose to pay with Paypal, because their claim process is even more effective. I would just rather get the stuff and not go through a claim process. I promised you guys a review and, even though I can't review the stuff (yet, my hopes are still high), I can at least say they are a horrible company to deal with if you need the stuff in a timely manner (or maybe even at all).

The stand debacle story is why I was wondering round Etsy looking at Disney stuff, which always leads me down the cross stitch pattern route. I ended up buying several patterns, only one of which I'm not going to start now. I made a promise to myself I would only use stash fabric and thread, but I've already broken that as well. One pattern in particular doesn't fit well with any of my stash fabric, so I ordered some options in order one. And then, once I gathered the thread, I didn't have enough, so I ordered the missing ones in a second order. But the second order is where I screwed up, because, as I have mentioned before, Vivsters Scottish flag has been nagging at me forever, but I didn't want to buy the $150 worth of silk floss (although you can do it in DMC, that's not the direction I want to go in). I ended up compromising by just buying a third of what was needed and I can continue to buy the floss when I run out (and I bought opalescent 28ct fabric to go with it). In case you don't remember, here is the Vivsters:

And now the new ones I will be starting - Girl in a Read Dress by the Castle by Magical Moonlit Stitches. It's only 225x300, so it "shouldn't" take much time to finish (and it's NOT dithered!)

Mini Haunted Mansion Stretching Portraits (I decided to do these in plastic canvas and all in a row with a brown frame around each instead of four separate pics because they are literally 20x53 a piece (again, "should" be another quick finish):

And, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Witchy Stitcher. I've seen a lot of people on FlossTube doing this and it seems pretty easy. This is the one I've had issues with fabric for, but I'm working on it. I also debated doing this with silk thread, but I just don't want to waste anymore money (probably too late). Again, this one is super little, 100x135, and, even though I initially wanted it on 28ct 2x2, I've never been good at 2x2, or 1x2, so I decided to get an 18ct for this.

I did get one other pattern, but I won't be starting it now. It's Tudor Rose by Michaela Learner:

As an aside, I probably won't be sharing trip pics other than the occasional overview. I realized, as I was editing them, I don't remember much about those trips other than the highlights. I just waited too long to edit the pics I guess!

For now, that's the update...sorry so late!

Sorry I'm late, but have BIG news!

Let's get the stitching out of the way first. My ADHD is in high gear right now. I'm having issues focusing on any piece for very long, so I was all over the shop this week. I stopped working on Amour et Vengeance and moved back to Belle of Bonaventure, which is what I wanted to do anyway. I left off on her here last time:

I'm not digging her off white face (she's a bit Wednesday Addams) but, I'm hoping it will all work out in the end. I managed another 10.58 hrs and 2675 stitches for a total of 68.22 hrs, 17,705/1118,000 stitches and 15%.

Next up, I went ahead and started Garden Path from Monet by Yiotas.

I'm fighting with the large paper pattern, but I'm just not feeling it either, so it got one whole night. It's not big, that marked square in the middle is the size of the whole thing, but I think the confetti might make it take a long time. I also can't give complete totals since it didn't cross into Markup RXP right, but by the pattern, I know there are a total of 26,730 stitches. I can also tell you that I did 804 stitches in 3.8 hrs. I'll keep up with the stitches as I go manually.

I kind of realized I needed something a bit easier and maybe that would sort out my ADHD, so I picked Merida by DoNa Stitches. I last left on this on 2-9 here:

I only worked on it one day this week so far (other things to discuss in a mo-mo), but I got another 886 stitches in 3.72 hrs, for a total of 22.47 hrs, 4745/41,836 stitches and I'm now at 11.34%. If I focus on this, it should be a quick finish, maybe a month or two, but again, ADHD is a pain, dude.

On Tuesday, I had a HORRIBLE crick in my neck (which I still have, FYI), so I decided not to stitch that night. But that's not the good news, or scary news, depending on each second my obessive brain flip flops.

I had already decided that this year, considering the debt from the past several trips, even though this is my 55th birthday and a big one, I probably wasnt' going to go anywhere for my birthday. I did consider a few places, Nantucket, Cape Hatteras, even Universal for Harry Potter (which was OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive, BTW), but eventually decided I wasn't really interested in anywhere and decided maybe to pay down some debt first and maybe get my new skirting or new deck.

I was having a rather innocous conversation with a co-worker about swimming, something I haven't done since I was a teen, since I grew up with a pool, but I refuse to be seen in public in a bathing suit now, so it's a moot point. I was reminded that the last time I stuck even my feet in a pool was many years ago at Wilderness Lodge, my favorite Disney resort. Then I started trying to figure out when the last time I had stayed at Wilderness Lodge and it was 2013! That was ridiculous! Then my brain went into overdrive. I randomly ended up on the Disney website to check prices around my birthday and they weren't bad! I saved a cart, but decided I needed to talk to my therapist on Wednesday before I did anything drastic.

As some of you may remember, my last trip to Disney in 2021 was a life changer. Not only did I plan that bad (booking a month out), but I didn't physically prepare so I spent the entire trip in severe pain (and it even led to both my knee surgeries in the couple of years that followed). It was also, not only the first trip I had taken since "Hotel California" in 2017 (my last Disney trip before that was 2016), but the first trip since COVID. It was stupid of me to do it and it severely burned me on Disney totally. I did start taking trips again, but it's been to the Northeast (several times) and Boulder and a few other places, not Disney. I had decided that I can go a ton of other places for a 1/3 of the price of a Disney trip (not including spending money, which would probably lower it to an 1/8 of the price). Plus, I disagreed with a TON of the changes Disney has been making. Disney hasn't been a thought for me in the years since (well, maybe a fleeting one, but more of reminiscing the old days).

This morning (Wednesday), I realized I don't have therapy today, it's Friday. I couldn't wait until Friday. They might book up at the cheaper rate, the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets should go on sale at any time this month, timing was key. So, this morning, after talking to a couple of co-workers, I booked it! A birthday trip to Wilderness Lodge! It's 6 days/7 nights (hence my 7 park ticket purchase). I decided to book a value resort for the night before (making it 7 nights), simply because I want to get my ticket's worth and didn't want to waste a night at a Deluxe Resort when I would be arriving late. I have done this before, one night at a Value then move to the Deluxe, and it worked out well. My therapist and I will just fight it out on Friday, it's done.

Yeah, I'm going to Disney World! Granted, I have to walk a lot between now and then to get in better physical shape as well as lose at least 30lbs (I've done it before, I can do it again). I'm not entirely sure where the money is going to come from, but that's why god made credit cards and I do have a Disney rewards card, so more Disney points for me (and adds to my spending money fund). Because I haven't been in such a long time and there have been SO many changes, I will have a few months to study up (and gives me a project for the next few months and focuses my brain).

I booked the Quick Service meal plan instead of the full Dining Plan. For those that don't know, Quick Service plan includes 2 quick service (or counter service, non-reservation sit down restaurants), one snack and a refillable mug (which is only good at the resort, but I collect the mugs more than actually use them on the trip). The full plan includes one quick service, one sit-down meal, one snack and the mug. I can't remember what I did last time (I will look it up when I get home), but considering I can count on one hand how many times I've been in a restaurant since 2017, I'm not sure it is wise to book restaurants. I will probably eat at Raglan Road for my birthday (it had become kind of a Disney tradition for me...bangers and mash!) and I can pay for that out of pocket. But I can change the dining plan if need be between now and then, or even upgrade when I get there. I need to research the restaurants because they have all changed since the last time I was there (as well as MANY other things).

One of the big issues in 2021 was the buses and how close I had to sit next to people after COVID (something that always bothered me, but having strangers touch me after that was almost unbearable). But with the Lodge, most of transportation is not buses. Yes, Animal Kingdom is exclusively bus, but the Magic Kingdom is a boat. I can get a boat to the Contemporary and take the monorail to either Magic Kingdom or Epcot. Epcot and the Studios both connect via boats and skyliners (and the skyliner goes to Pop Century, so I can get to Disney Springs via boat from either Epcot or the Studios)...and about a dozen other transportation options other than buses. Last time at Saratoga Springs, even though I wasn't exclusively tied to bus (there were boat options), the skyliner was barely working and new and I didn't want to risk it. That makes it even more exciting, human distance (to a point)!

Normally, I also upgrade my park tickets when I get there and get an annual Passholder (basically for the extras you get with that, special pins, discounts, etc), with the idea that I will go again in a couple of months, which would make it worth it financially, but I have only ever gone back a second time in the year of the pass twice. I'm not sure it's a good idea to upgrade (but even just for the discounts and pins, I might splurge and do it anyway).

I also have not edited a picture from any trip since Disney 2016, and I'm not sure those are edited properly. I need to get Lightroom for a couple of months and fix that. Depending on when I start that, I might actually be able to photo update you on all my past trips since 2021!

This will also probably cut into my stitching. I take Disney planning VERY seriously, and the fact that I didn't plan in 2021 is one of the reasons why that trip failed so spectacularly. I won't risk that happening again. So stay tuned, more Disney info to follow! And maybe I'll be able to update my Disney reviews page! I haven't done that since 2015 (didn't even apparently do them for 2016). If I don't shut up now at the possibilities, I won't shut up at all! I'm already pissing off co-workers today!