When I was in graduate school I needed something to do on weekends and free time. Cross stitch is a good choice. I used to make some smaller random cross stitches. But then I like large oil painting pictures, especially the famous one.

Years ago, my BFF was getting married. I did a Van Gogh’s “Harvest” cross stitch for her. I couldn’t remember the exact size. It was probably about 34 to 35 inches long and 29 to 30 inches wide (stitched area). I don’t even know how I finished it because I felt it would take forever. 😀

I could only recall that I went to Hobby Lobby multiple times to get more floss. More and more floss. Haha~

After this piece I was busy with my first child. Years later I started another one. Da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine”. This one is a little smaller than “Harvest” but still large for me. It is about 26 inches by 30 inches (stitched area).

I made a simple stretch wood frame and stapled the fabric on it.

It is not standard size so I order a customized one.

And now my current project on my hand is Van Gogh’s “Cafe Terrace at Night”. I just finished the sky area but it is going slow. Slooooooooooow~~~ XD

I found out that Van Gogh’s painting is really suitable for cross stitch. All the color blocks and bold brush stroke will make the final product very appealing. For those paintings which have smooth blending/no brush stroke at all, cross stitch is not the best choice. The only downside for doing Van Gogh’s painting is changing floss. I have to constantly change floss at all time. Some of colors are very similar. In a inch by inch block, I could probably change dozen different floss. So, it requires more patient and some relaxing music. ︿(￣︶￣)︿

I hope I can finish the “Cafe Terrace at Night” in the NEAR future. LOL

Have a great weekend~