Learning Chess
Lately, I’ve been learning how to play chess on Duolingo. It’s such a fun game, and I feel like a medieval ruler, moving my pieces here, capturing a king there. I knew that there were patterns that you could play, but I didn’t realize how mesmerizing some of the names were. The Italian game, Castling your King, capturing en passant. As for that last one, it’s no surprise that things feel more fancy when you speak French. Chessboards themselves are wonderful to look at. Go browse Pinterest, and you’ll see a dazzling array of fancy boards, simple boards, Gaelic boards, medieval boards… the list is endless. My favorite piece to use is the queen, but I think I’ll always have an affinity towards the knight, because it’s such a cool-looking horse. Did you know that there’s a town in Italy that plays a chess game with humans as the pieces? The town of Marostica (near Venice), hosts it, with a backstory fit for a fairy tale:
The noblemen Vieri da Vallonara and Rinaldo d’Angarano had fallen hopelessly in love with Lionora, the beautiful daughter of the Venetian governor Taddeo Parisio, and had challenged each other to a duel for her hand. The fair maiden’s father prevented this battle to the death, compelling the two suitors to opt instead for a chess game to be played out in the town square, with live chess pieces. Following a parade of the castle’s armed men, the populace and the embassies of the towns who enjoyed friendly relations with Marostica were treated to the most extraordinary knightly challenge ever witnessed in the realm of Venice. The winner was granted the fair Lionora’s hand, while the loser was granted the hand of Oldrada, the governor’s younger sister, with celebrations accompanied by fireworks, dancing and music.
If you want to learn more about this chess match fit for Ron Weasley, here’s the link to a very nifty website.
WIP Updates
Trick or Treat Moon
What better way to start wrapping up the year than wrapping up a cross stitch project? Behold!
I feel like a need fanfare, a parade, trumpets, and a drum roll to give this finish it’s due. The earliest record I can find of when I started this project was sometime in 2019! That’s just a little more insane than the amount of backstitch that this chart called for. It was tough going for a while there, but oh so rewarding when I put in the last bit of backstitch. Now that this one’s finished, I’ll tuck it away somewhere safe, with an eye towards fully finishing it sometime next summer. Stay tuned for that! Also, if you want to see a video of my progress on this WIP from start to finish, make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel, as I’ll be posting a video there soon.
The Odyssey
It’s raining cross stitch finishes here at the Castle, which is good, because that doesn’t happen as often as it should!
The orange and black color combo was fitting for Halloween. I had a blast designing this chart. Greek Keys are so much fun to design, and even more fun to stitch! I don’t often design in full coverage, but I like how this one turned out. The boat was tricky, but those columns were pretty straightforward. This one will be fully finished as well, and will be a fun addition to my bookshelves.
If you’d like to stitch this chart, it’s available instantly as a PDF pattern in my Etsy shop. The link is here: The Odyssey Cross Stitch Pattern on Etsy
Russian Hunting by Riolis (Nikolai)
It’s November, so that means it’s time for Nikolai to reappear for Winter. Like a bear, but in reverse. Here’s where I left him at the end of February this year: The contrast of the pastels in the sky against the rich colors of Nikolai’s coat take my breath away every time. I’m pondering whether or not I should put him in my larger Q-Snap, that way I won’t have to do too much moving and readjusting when I get a page finish. Yes, I’m lazy. Then again, if I work with a smaller Q-Snap, I could get a finish and then move to the page to the right, instead of below. If I go to the right, then I can start stitching the lady rider and her magnificent blue coat. Decisions, decisions!
Fantasy Bookmark
I’ve been making good progress on my Fantasy bookmark too:
I like the border on this one, and making the sword was very fun. Black and gray make a great color combo for this chart. If you’d like to stitch this chart, it’s available in my Etsy shop: Fantasy Bookmark Pattern on Etsy
I bought a nice pile of floss lately, as I plan on stitching more of my patterns. The blue and gold especially are calling to me:
For any new readers (hello! It’s nice to see you here!) don’t forget to check in on my freebies page. I’ve updated it recently to include my two latest free charts, Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility cross stitch patterns.
Odds & Ends
Last week, I had the wonderful experience of going to a bookstore, armed with a gift card, and plenty of time to linger. It was so restorative! That last sentence is my best impression of a Victorian lady. Seriously though, you know how in old books, doctors would prescribe people visits to spa towns or trips to the sea? I think more people need prescriptions to bookstores.
Here are some movies that fit November’s vibe. Perfect for when you want to stitch and watch a movie! Phantom of the Opera (The one with Emmy Rossum), Legally Blonde (A masterpiece. Cozy, fun, and has stuff that takes place in the Fall) You’ve Got Mail (Honestly, this could be a Fall movie OR a Christmas movie. Easily one of my all-time favorite movies). Do you have a list of Fall favorite movies that you go back to every year?
While I always have Legend of Zelda on my brain, I’m even more Zelda obsessed right now because of the Ocarina of Time remake. I really need to stitch this. (But I won’t because my WIP pile would attack me.) Legend of Zelda Stained Glass Cross Stitch Pattern on Etsy
Happy stitching, and see you next time!
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