
It’s always amazing to me when I can fit in posting more than once a week. But, I just had to share what I stitched on this weekend. As you know, on Friday I stitched on Mystery 9 and finished up one corner. I thought that was a good place to pause and since Shores was calling to me also, I picked it up on Saturday. As you may recall, when last we left the Shores saga I was unhappy with it. I’d begun with one thread over two, and I just absolutely hated it. Many of you offered wonderful suggestions, all of which I considered. But, in the end it was this gorgeous finish that decided it for me. Ms. Love to Stitch used two threads over two on 36ct using NPIs, and her Village turned out amazing. I had been contemplating this solution, so after seeing her finish I decided to give it a try. I left block 1 as it was and just moved on to block 2. I wanted to be able to compare the one thread vs. two side by side. I know that for most stitchers using two threads on 36ct is a big no-no. But, when it comes down to it, you stitch it the way you want it. And I am all about coverage. The skimpy coverage that the one thread was giving me was just irritating me to no end. And as big a piece as this is, and as much money as I’d invested in silks and fabric, I wasn’t going to continue on with something I hated or trash it. So, I’m giving this a try.

I’m going to continue on with block 2 and see how it looks once I get some more of it stitched. Then I will make the final decision. If I do decide to go with two strands, I’ll go back and restitch block 1 after ripping it out. I spent Saturday and Sunday stitching on block 2 and I am happy with the progress I made. I’m just getting to the fun part though. Fish! Coral! Seaweed! And of course there’s that cool eel. He’s not as cool as a stripey snake, but I’ll let that slide. So, I’ll be taking Shores with me to guild tonight. And maybe I’ll get to see that Village in person one of these days. I hope to get a little more stitched tonight too, we’ll see!
And thanks to those of you who left compliments on my manicure in the last post. This is one of my absolute favorite colors of polish. It’s OPI’s Cha-Ching Cherry.

Love it! Anyway, thanks for stopping by and I’ll be sure to let you know my final verdict on Shores. But, knowing me I’ll go with the two threads. Then I’ll be ordering more thread because you know I’m going to run out. Story of my life. But, at least I’ll be happy with a piece I’m investing that much in.
I am grateful for an amazing Saturday with my hubby – circus, Nick’s pizza, and a movie night. So lucky.
You are too kind! Thanks for the compliment on my Village. I am thrilled with the turn out :). I too, am a firm believer in coverage and think it is fabulous. I am glad you gave 2 threads a try, and that you like it. Several have cringed at the 2 threads over 2 on 36, but when seeing it in person, they too, can see the difference. It is all preference. Doing it how you like it the only way, and it is such a gorgeous piece, you have to ‘want’ to stitch on it (otherwise you wont stitch on it) I did go through a bit more silk, but it is well worth it. I am going to stitch my Shores as well on 36ct, and I am going over the thread qty now. (I want all the HRH series to be the same stitched size.) You are off to to a great start, and I look forward to seeing more progress pics. It is fabulous!!
I like the way you think – throw the traditional way of doing things out the window and make it how you like it!!
Love your stitching, it is very beautiful. I enjoy reading your blog. I also wanted to say that I am a fan of OPI nailpolish and Cha Ching Cherry is one of my favorites too!
happy stitching,
Annette
I am having the same dilemna. I am working on a project with silk and it calls for one over two (PS Fruit of the Spirit) and I am really unhappy with the lack of coverage so last nite I just tucked it away and kitted a new little project. I am not sure I want to rip it all out – time will tell.
I am so glad to know that someone else feels the same way – I am curious to see what you decide to do.
Cari
I love the way block 1 looks. It looks so vivid. Great job!
Ok yeah, two strands is better. The second square looks very techni-color next to the first one. Eh- so much for me and my single strand theory. lol
Oh, this is so lovely and I can definitely tell a difference. Block 2 already looks much richer in color! Good choice!
I think you are right! Stitch it the way that will make you happy, it’s too much stitching not to be thrilled with it.
Opi Red is my favorite.
This is such a different take on your blog post…WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? I’m trying to read the words between your fingers…yeah…I know …
But you post a pic to the blog, you never know what is going to grab someone!
Also, I’m fairly new to xstitching. Thanks for letting me know it’s OK to do 2 over 2 on 36 count. I mentioned it once at the shop and got THE DIRTIEST looks!!!!
But I’m happier when the linen is covered!!!
It’s always worth it to backtrack if you’re not satisfied with how something looks. I hope you’re happy whichever way you decide to go. Me — coverage is never an issue. lol! I hate working with two threads, so I avoid it like the plague!
PRIOR to having children, I *always* had lovely long nails and I *always* used OPI…have you ever just stood and read their names of all the colors! I love it makes me smile and Cha-CHING cherry is one that I would have chosen myself 🙂 Now I have the nails with the name of DISH PAN 🙂 LOL!
I think your Shores block #1 is lovely…but I understand about the chucking the whole thing in the trash! HERE’s to you finding what makes you happy and I hope it is 2 strands over 2 so that you can salvage that project…it is gorgeous 🙂
you are right, Stitching it in the way that will make you happy and enjoy the work.
the corla look so vibrant, i like it!.
I hate to even think about you having to frog out block #1. It looks great on the screen, but I know it will look totally different from Block #2. I found out about the 36 count by trial and error too – I’m doing Cape Cod Girls with one strand on 36 and I can’t stand it, but I’m too stubborn to tear it out.
I haven’t started my Shores yet, planning to do 1 over 2 on 40ct, but I’ll have to watch your progress and see…maybe I’ll find different fabric and go 2 over 2. Best wishes with your change. Bet you’ll love it!