Taking a Break From the Sewing Machine

We love to go on road trips.  Partly because we love to go new places and see new things, and partly because we love spending time with family members who live far away.  For me, the chance to work on some hand stitching in the car is an added bonus. 

Almost two weeks ago, the Hubby and I took the kids and went to help celebrate a wedding with our cousins.  It was a great weekend.  I took my crosstitching with me, and by the time we made it home, I was beginning to see that the end was in sight!  This was amazing, considering I've been working on this piece intermittently for the past 4 years or so.  Mostly when we go on road trips and during General Conference.  I have no idea how much time went into it - over 100 hours easy.  I love having something to do with my hands - something long term that I can pull out whenever.

Anyway.  When I realized how close I was to being finished I put my cover on my sewing machine (gasp!  Is that what that thing's for?) and packed up the ironing board (gasp! again - empty space in the living room!).  It felt strange to spend my precious nap time sitting on the couch (only after the chores were done, of course), but it is finished!

Here it is!  It's a Christmas scene, but I am sharing it with you now anyway, even though it is April.  I will probably be displaying this proudly from Halloween to Valentines Day every year.   Just gotta find the perfect frame.  :)

Some close ups:

 (Yes, those colors are accurate - the background fabric is a gray/blue/purple - it's pretty, isn't it?)

And just for fun, the back.  It's crazy.  :)

Project Stats:

Started: May(?) 2009

Finished: April 25, 2013

Materials:  All part of a kit (NO WAY did I come up with this or choose all those colors on my own)

The kit is from Dimensions Gold Collection, Kit #8783 Holiday Village

Finished size: About 15 x 11 1/2

Recipient:  ME!

Time to uncover the sewing machine and get that ironing board back out!