Mary's First HAED: Whats This

[muguet]

Hi everyone!!!

I'm so excited because I finally started my first HAED!!!!
I am stitching up the free chart that HAED released in memory of Cecil the lion. Here is the thread I found it on: http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... =4&t=27750" target="_blank
I fell in love with the colours in the pattern and decided that it would be a gift for my mother (her bedroom has a lot of these shades and she loves animals).

I know there is a SAL starting on Sept. 1st but I just couldn't wait...I'm also pretty slow because I'm trying out the parking technique for the first time. So far it's going well, I've been following a Youtube video by Carolyn Mazzeo and she gives simple and clear instructions (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdp4-traCo4" target="_blank). I did my first 10x10 square earlier today and will share a photo after my stitchy time tonight.

Thank you for reading!!

[lavenderbee]

That will be lovely when you have done it. I am sure your mother will be thrilled with her gift made by you. You are brave to do HEAD, they are beautiful & so finely stitched. Look forward to seeing it as you go along

[rcperryls]

Have fun. As you can tell from my signature, I stitch a lot of these and even have completed two (a QS and a mini, but completed). The most important thing to know whether it is a HAED, Golden Kite, Mystic Stitch or a a small design, is first to have fun and second they all are done one stitch at a time. Your mother will love it. Looking forward to your updates!

Carole

[muguet]

Thank you for your comments, ladies!!! I am really enjoying this project so far. I feel like it's a nice change from a project where you have to count a lot of blank space as well as a nice break from my small projects.

Here is my progress after two days. I completed 800 stitches and absolutely love the colours. Had a lot of trouble with Kreinik and parking last night but managed to find a thread length that didn't tangle too much or fray.



I wish I could have completed 1000 stitches tonight but I'm feeling quite sleepy!

[lavenderbee]

Glad you have started this project but photo unavailable I'm afraid. Hope you are able to show us soon

[muguet]

oops, thank you lavenderbee!! Here it is

[rcperryls]

Lovely start and great progress!! Looks like you have found the way to make the Kreinik work too. I love the sparkle! Looks like you are stitching 2 over 2 on this one? I don't see that very often with an HAED and think it looks great!

Carole

[karen4bells]

Fantastic start on a beautiful chart---I will be watching for your updates!!!!

[annamarie23]

Well done on starting your first HAED! Looks great!! I've just posted into the general board for people to share their experiences of stitching the HAEDs as I've yet to make that leap. I've not done any cross stitch for a while. Will keep a look out on your progress.

Happy stitching!!

[muguet]

Carole - I am stitching 2 over 2 since that's what I learned on and have always been more comfortable that way I thought of stitching on Aida but the thought of it was a little scary!

Anna-Marie - It's really not as scary as it looks!!! I really recommend watching the youtube video I liked in the first post. It helped me organize my stitching and makes things a lot easier. I also recommend using a good app or to blow up the chart in some way. Double highlighting is essential for projects like these!! Don't hesitate to start one, they're just crosses after all

Thank you for all your comments!! Will post another update soon

[AlwaysGoofy]

What a nice start. There is something so fun and exciting about starting a new project -- and also finishing a project. It's sometimes the middle part that can get me a little less motivated. However, I've found this forum just what I need when the middle-of-the-project blahs come to visit. I love the colors on this piece. I can't wait for more updates.

Thank you for sharing.

[fccs]

You've made a beautiful start; I'll be looking forward to your updates.