I am a big fan of a stitch-along (SAL). I find it to be a great way to work on a project and get a sense of achievement when each section is finished. I don’t always manage to stay on track but I do try to keep up to date as best as I can and do finish them.
What is a Stitch-Along?
A stitch-along, or SAL, is a project that is released in stages over a few weeks. Typically you won’t know what the final piece will look like which adds to the interest. Most designers will give a sneak peak of a project so you get a sense of the style and theme.
You can usually buy the SAL as a PDF only or a kit. The kit is sent to you and each part of the pattern is emailed as a PDF. Alternatively, if you just opt for the PDF then you will get a supplies list emailed to you, usually upon purchase but always before the SAL begins, and then the PDF of the design at each stage.
Some SALs are weekly, others are longer inbetween the parts being released.
Wings of Spring SAL
The wings of spring SAL was a few months back now and was by Velvet Pony. I purchased the pattern via Etsy and each fortnight a new part was sent. This was a really lovely one to stitch up and each section was very achievable in the fortnightly period which meant I could keep more or less up to date depending on when I started to work on each bit.
Gathering Supplies and Stitching
I chose to stitch mine on a light green aida that I had in stash from a project a year or two back. It is a lovely colour and, I felt, complimented the spring theme. I had all my threads organised ready and as each part was released I printed it out to work from. With each section you get a larger copy of the new section then an overall pattern to show how the parts to date fit together.
This was the first project I have completed by Velvet Pony (although I do have a couple in stash waiting to be worked on) and I really enjoyed it. The pattern and symbols were clear and I loved the chosen color palette – it worked really well.
Other Stitch-Alongs
I have completed a fair few SALs and a good way of finding others is to look on Instagram. Velvet Pony are partway through another at the moment and Historical Sampler so multiple SALs throughout the year with different themes.
If you like the look of the Wings of Spring project you can purchase the full chart from Etsy here.
