Preparing To Stitch

I'm just getting ready to start a bigger cross stitching project. The plan is to embroider something that I can use to cover the top of a footstool. The stool has two drawers which I am going to use to store some small stitching accessories. 

I wanted a pattern that would allow me to pick out and use some of the motifs on needlework accessories.

I must admit that I've struggled to find the right pattern. I'm spoilt for choice as I have a huge stash of patterns. I've spent hours pondering. I'd go to bed confident that I had decided, only to change my mind in the morning! 

Eventually, I narrowed it down to two - a shaker set of box lid, pin cushion, scissor keep and needle book shown in Just Cross Stitch a while ago and an LHN pattern I've had for a couple of years called 'Home of A Needleworker Too.' It was a tough decision but I went with the LHN pattern. 

I've chosen cream Aida for this project as it is sturdier than linen. 

I've blanket stitched the edges to stop it fraying. Here it is clipped to my lap frame. 

You might recognise my needle case and bobbin holder in the picture from earlier posts. I'm using DMC threads and I've tweaked the colour scheme slightly. I wanted more reds and greens and less brown and blue. 

I'll be stitching the pattern without further amendment.

I'll share my progress with you in a few weeks.