Date started: Sometime in April 2023
Date completed: 2 November 2024
Specifications: 123×128 stitches on 32 count linen
Techniques: cross stitch (2 over 2), half stitch, back stitch, couching
Comments:

This is one of two “cat astronaut” cross stitch patterns. I was immediately captivated by it, it’s so different from other patterns. It’s evocative, like an illustration from an interesting novel about space cats. I umm’d and aah’d about getting it, but I kept thinking about it. So I finally bought it! I think it’ll look lovely next to its sister image.

First time cross stitching on linen, mixed feelings about it. Love the softness but a real pain dealing with slubs and uneven hole placement. Made gridding before starting next to impossible.  Should’ve probably stitched this on evenweave.

Stitching it was otherwise fine, though I struggled with the 2 over 2 (was paranoid I was miscounting all the time). Colour palette got a little tiresome towards the end though. Back stitching it was a lot of fun, absolutely awesome how in particular the black outlines made the image really pop.  I was frustrated with how the light colours (particularly the white) looked back stitched, I think I’m going to go back and redo those areas with couched threads instead.

Overall, quite happy with the piece, though I wish the lines looked less wobbly in places. Oh well, it’s super noticeable unless you’re close up!