First Happy Dance of 2015 & Turtle Trot!

I was home yesterday recovering from a migraine and spent some time stitching when I thought my eyes could handle it.   I've been furiously working away on my Fish because it's been a load of fun to stitch.

And my first finish for Turtle Trot, too!

I really enjoyed the whipped backstitch (the prop, flag, zig zag gear, stripes on the jaw, hose are all whipped backstitch) until I backstitched the 2nd thing (hose) and then got "over it," but wasn't even close to being done! I do like the effect, though.

Even though I probably could have gotten away with subbing some DMCs (not all of the overdyeds had a lot of variegation), I adored using the threads and colors called for.

I first saw this pattern on Tracey Horner's blog, when she posted about the St. Charles market releases and just fell in love with it.  I waited until I needed something else (fibres, most like) and ordered it with the button pack.

I went to In Stitches in Alexandria to floss toss on fabrics to pick something (I was initially thinking PTP's "Ancient"), and I ended up with Shale.  I have to admit to not being totally thrilled with Shale, but it's hard for me to point out in these pictures, because I can't seem to get my camera to show how purple the fabric really is... but I don't hate it either, so there's that.  I was going for the "murky water/smoky air" effect, because I feel like this is a critter not for crystal clear waters or skies.  Maybe a good matting will make me like it better.  Or maybe I'll just let it live in my new portfolio albums.

But overall, I just love it.

I might add more photos later, in other lighting (not that I ever see the sun by the time I get home), and please, don't mind the Mona hair "specialty fibers" littering the surface - I'll hit it with a lint brush and a good washing this weekend.

On my screen, this pic is more color correct, though I like the previous one better for showing off the fabric.

The lower lip is the only thing I had to frog, so much fun!
I lurves the lightbulb

Body gear button detail

That hose convinced me that I hate whipped back/long stitching

The rear fin was probably the most fun.
And that deceitful flagpole made me think I liked whipped back/long stitching.

Normally, I'm not a fan of SamSarah designs, but I definitely adored this one and would love to do any more steampunk critters they might put out.   It is rather wacky fun.