October: Live, Laugh, Love with Rob Zombie - Week 2

I hate water soluble paper. So many embroiderers use this type of paper for pattern transfer and I honestly don't get the allure. I've used it for a few of my own patterns and when it comes in kits from other designers. I find it challenging to use, regardless of the fabric and even if you follow the directions and tips. My stitching always seems uneven and I end up touching up lines and sections after I dissolve the paper. Does it make transfer easier on certain types of fabrics or for large designs? Yes. Is it as annoying as metallic thread? For me, a resounding yes.

I opted to use it for this month's stitch journal because the fabric is a stretchy cotton and I know how hard it is to work with (I'm looking at you, June stitch journal). I just don't like it. I still use it, but I'm going to grumble about it every time. 

Anyway, this week I finished the lettering (for now). I added DMC etoile to the live, laugh, love lettering to various degrees of success. The red is the only one that really popped. I'm not changing it, but will consider a different thread choice the next time I make this pattern. 

I also started on the first of the Halloween/fall additions: 3 Cats. The cats are inspired by the three cats I've had over the years: Molly, Pumpkin, and Keely. I started with Pumpkin, my tiny, orange girl. I adopted her in Hawaii when she was a baby and had her for 16 years. She died in 2017. I've embroidered her before and this design is a slightly larger version of that original pattern. Pumpkin was a wonderful cat and I miss her. I'm pretty certain she sent Keely to me because he is the exact opposite of her in every way and that would make her very happy. 

Here's this week's recap:

October 8: Before and after removing the water soluble transfer paper.

October 9: The black etoile didn't pop all that well. 

October 10: Purple was a little better

October 11: Red was the best. The photo below is the finished lettering.

October 12: The start of the 3 Cats - the first Halloween/fall addition

October 12: the cats are sitting on a ledge.

October 13: Cat 1 - Pumpkin

October 14: I hate water soluble paper. I could have finished Pumpkin today, but needed a break from the paper so I finish her design well and not in anger. 

3 Cats: Pumpkin, Keely, and Molly. I'm going to start on Molly after I finish Pumpkin. I found pictures of her in my photo box - Molly was pre-Facebook and Instagram and camera phones. 

Stars Hallow Project and Other Stuff from the Week

I finished the Stars Hallow pattern. I opted for a green for the hoop. I think it turned out really well. I need to spend some time this month rehanging all my embroidery so I can add this to the wall. Check out LaineIrene Designs on Etsy if you're interested in this pattern. She also has a ton of adorable fall and other holiday themed pieces. They're good for embroiderers of all levels and her pattern instructions are great. I'm mildly obsessed with the Holiday Village and the little ghost ornaments.

I also did some baking this week and tried my best not to doomscroll so much. Watching the first episodes of the new seasons of Great British Bake Off and Our Flag Means Death helped too. 

I also bought Keely a bat cave. He yet to go in it, although he has stuck his head in for a few seconds. I'm pretty sure he's too big, but it's still fun to watch him try to figure out what he's supposed to do with this thing. It was $5 well spent.