Project Update: Topaz by Scarlet Quince
- Jacquie
- May 5
- 2 min read
Updated: May 10
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Project Details
Chart Name: Topaz
Original Artwork By: Alphonse Mucha
Chart By: Scarlet Quince
Stitching Style: 2 over 2
Threads: Called-for DMC threads
For 2025, I’ve committed to a no-new-starts approach for my cross-stitching endeavors. Instead of diving into new patterns, I’ll set progress goals for each of my works-in-progress (WIPs) and focus on achieving those goals—or perhaps even completing some projects! To make this process more engaging, I’ve purchased a spinning wheel from Amazon to help decide which project to work on next (because who doesn't love a spinny wheel?!).
After hitting the progress goal on my Rosena Disery project, it was time to once again spin the wheel!
Next Up: Topaz
The spinning wheel landed on Topaz, a reproduction of the Alphonse Mucha artwork by the same name. This is one of four pieces in a series and all are equally stunning! While there are plenty of Mucha cross stitch charts out there, this particular version is charted by Scarlet Quince. Scarlet Quince is well known for using primarily blended threads in her charts, which results in a breathtaking (if time-consuming) final product. If you want to learn more about blended threads I talk about it in detail here. Scarlet officially retired last year, and while her charts are no longer available on her website, most of them can still be purchased through Paine Free Crafts.
My starting point for this project was 15,611 stitches completed and just under two of the three pages finished to complete the first row. For my progress goal, I decided I wanted to finish the entire top section!
Stitching Challenges
While my progress goal was slightly ambitious, I did not expect it to take me 3 months to get there! To be fair, life threw a lot at me over the past few months, and that does invariably get in the way of stitching. That said, the level of detail in this project also means A LOT of confetti stitches. I usually average around 100 full cross-stitches per hour, but with this one, I’m probably hitting closer to 30–50 an hour. It’s definitely slow-going—but the detail is so worth it. A true labor of love.
Progress and Reflection
Yes, it took a while, but after three months, I finally hit my progress goal! I added a total of 3,600 stitches to this project and now have a super satisfying, fully completed top row of pages. The best part? I get to spin the wheel again and start something new!
Stay tuned to see what I work on next!
With love and creativity,
Jacquie
Atom Heart Cross Stitch
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