2011 pet adoption updates album cover

the cross-stitch project, unveiled

Now that the Cross-Stitch Masterpiece had its Grand Showing (hee, hee) at last week's volunteer appreciation dinner, I am at liberty to share it in its Full Glory.

The dog design was one of a set of charming projects featured in a recent issue of Martha Stewart Living.

In a departure from the monochromatic minimalism of the pattern, I gave the doggy a blue eye.

And because he looked bored and lonely in his embroidery hoop, I made him a tri-colored ball.

Although I'd cross-stitched before, my past projects were pretty basic. I was pleased this time around to pick up some new skillz.

Like making three-quarters cross-stitches, explained here. Very handy for creating diagonal lines to approximate curves, as in the MSPCA's heart logo.

This was also the first time I designed my own cross-stitch pattern. Once I realized the wisdom of keeping it simple, I had a blast.

I "framed" each piece by glueing it within its hoop (as shown in step 17 of this cool tutorial) and then simply glued the hoops to the album cover. Now ideas are gently percolating for future cross-stitched covers . . . .