Boos Mummy

A Bit of This & a Bit of That!

2012-01-27T16:36:00.001Z

I've taken part in a couple of exchanges during January. The first was with my Facebook Group and was for an ATC (Artists Trading Card). This is what I sent to my partner Sue

This is what I received from my partner Pauline

The second was with my Yahoo stitching group Friendly Stitchers and was for a Spring Biscornu. This is what I sent my partner Sheila

Chart for the Speciality stitch version found here

Chart for the Cross stitch version found here

I had a bit of an ornament thing going in December and this is what I made just before Christmas....

Chart for the Noel dangly can be found here

During January I've had to re-dye my son Peter's karate Gi as the red was completely faded. As I'd got some 28ct white evenweave just hanging around doing nothing I took a couple of teaspoons of the dye before tipping the rest into the washing machine with Peter's Gi. This is the result of me having a morning with no kids and some dye .......

A January Start and Finish

2012-01-12T21:07:00.000Z

Well January got off to a good start with a finish...this is a coffee design I did for my husband.

by Plum Street Samplers

I've also been working on my Great Escape SAL, here it is with part 7 done...

The Great Escape

designed by Abi Gurden

The Stitch Specialists

Part 4 has finally been started on my Castles in the Air, here's what I managed to do whilst watching the first episode of series 2 of Sherlock....

Castles In The Air

Papillion Creations

I've also been working a bit on Mary Wigham, here she is...

An update on my Noah's Ark, still on page 1 but getting there...

Noah's Ark Cut Thru

Bothy Threads

It was a full moon earlier in the week so here's my 1st TUSAL vase....lots of room for my orts to go into :-)

2011 TUSAL

2012-01-02T12:21:00.000Z

Here's what my TUSAL jar for 2011 looked like -

If you would join in with the TUSAL it is hosted by Daffycat and to get to her blog click on the post title.

My vase is now emptied and all cleaned out ready for 2012 :-) I managed to finish 21 projects last year including 2 big UFO projects, a photostitch and DS2s dragon so I'm pleased with my year.

Present Time

2011-12-23T19:25:00.001Z

DS2 takes dance lessons at Drapers Dance Centre every Saturday morning and for his first medal he had to learn a freestyle dance and he also had to dance a Samba.

Obviously as his mum I knew he'd pass as we (yes you read that right LOL!) practised every week inbetween his classes. I found a lovely design of two dancers doing the Samba and secretly stitched it for him. He duly passed his medal and got awarded his bannerette with the rosette and certificate. To celebrate his first dance exam he's now got his own Samba on his bedroom wall...here he is holding it.

I also stitched up a small ornament for my Mother and Father-in-law. The kids are still disgusted that we can't go and spend Christmas in Kent again this year, they loved it last year...just a pity they all came home ill with flu!

designed by Abi Gurden

The Stitch Specialists

After going through 2 balls of white #8 perle thread and our local Hobbycraft not having any a lovely stitcher called Frances who is part of my yahoo group Friendly Stitchers put some on her stash order. As a small thank you for sending them to me I designed and stitched this small humbug, couldn't resist the Christmas theme :-)

I took the boys to Sheffield's Weston Park Museum on Thursday as they were having a Christmas activity day, this is what the boys made. Luke's is the Father Christmas and Peter's is the Stocking.

I've not had as much stitching time as normal thanks to the pre-Christmas round of parties, nativities and the usual present hunting but here's where I'm up to on my normal stitching...

Castles In The Air

Papillion Creations

parts 1-3 completed

Noah's Ark Cut Thru

Bothy Threads

A Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. See you next year xx

Stitching Time

2011-11-27T18:32:00.000Z

As some of you know at the end of July I developed frozen shoulder in my right shoulder..not the best time just before the kids school summer holidays but there it was. I did seem to recover in September and October but in the last few weeks it's bad again. I've had to drop my Tai Chi class as the pain was just too much for me but it has meant that I get more stitching time :-)

I've had to put every project on my Lowery so I don't strain my shoulder but here's my progress on my WIPs

Hardanger Pincushion

designed by Val Blench

Friendly Stitchers

The Great Escape

designed by Abi Gurden

The Stitch Specialists

A few months ago I took part in the Summer Biscornu Exchange with Friendly Stitchers. My partner fell through sending me a biscornu so Gillie from FS kindly stitched me this lovely summer biscornu. My DD has fallen in love with it as it's got her absolute favourite colours pink & purple in it and flower buttons (what more could a little girl ask for ?!). It's so beautiful and thank you sooo much Gillie.

Then on Friday a surprise parcel arrived for DD...here's what it contained..

Stitched by Gillie so our DD had her very own biscornu. It's a big hit and she showed it to everyone in the pub that lunchtime whilst we were having lunch! Thank you so much Gillie you made a little girl very happy x

Castles In The Air

Papillion Creations

Mary Wigham SAL

Bothy Threads Cut Thru Noah's Ark

Finally it's TUSAL time again. For those who want to sign up for the 2012 Tusal please visit http://itsdaffycat.blogspot.com/ I totally forgot to sign up last year due to going away for Christmas and the subsequent flu that all the family came down with but this year I remembered. There are no prizes but it's fun!

SAL & Exchange Time

2011-11-09T22:04:00.000Z

I've been working hard on my SAL's the last few weeks....

Mary Wigham SAL

Snow Buddies

designed by Carla Rizzie

The Great Escape

designed by Abi Gurden

The Stitch Specialists

I also took part in the Christmas Ornament Exchange with Friendly Stitchers. My partner was Frances who also lives in Yorkshire...a change for me as I'm usually sending abroad. This is what Frances sent to me:

And this is what I sent to Frances -

The Time is Flying By..

2011-10-29T15:24:00.000+01:00

I can't believe August is over and we're nearly at the end of October already, it doesn't seem like 2 minutes ago since the kids went back to school and they're already half way through the term.

I took part in an Autumn Exchange with my Facebook group, Carla sent to me (in previous post) and this is what I sent to Kim. The scissor fob design is from the 2009 A Stitch A Week SAL from Friendly Stitchers.

And here a few other projects I've been working on in the last month...

Snow Buddy

Designed by Carla Rizzie
there are 12 of these little guys.

On Tuesday mornings I go to our local library where they have a cross stitch club. I've started taking my Mary Wigham sampler so that at least once a week she gets some work done on her. This is the progress so far...

Mary Wigham SAL

The Great Escape

designed by Abi Gurden
(The Stitch Specialists)

Purple Belt Dragon

small present for DS1 after passing his grading for his purple karate belt

Last but definitely no means least...don't faint but I finished another UFO! This is the latest one finished, an All Our Yesterdays. My yahoo group Friendly Stitchers had a poll on the 2011 UFO finishes and I came in 3rd behind DJ and Meg who were well deserved winners. This is what I was sent by the Mods of Friendly Stitchers...

All Our Yesterdays UFO

2011 Wet Noodle Award - 3rd Place

(Friendly Stitchers)

Schools are Open - Hurray!

2011-09-15T11:32:00.001+01:00

It's been a long 6 weeks with the kids off school and my shoulder still giving me pain that we didn't do as much as we usually do. However I did manage to get some stitching time in.

After finally completing DS2's dragon I decided on a smaller project to do next. DH has been wanting me to stitch this for a while as it's going to be our family motto:

Sue Hillis Designs

I've also taken part on an Autumn exchange with my stitching group on Facebook. This is a photo of what I received from Carla. I saw the autumn sampler on her FB page and loved it, she designed it herself and send me a copy as part of the exchange. She also crocheted me a bag/holder for my kindle (couldn't cope without a kindle now!) and it's got lots of pockets for me to slide bits in as well. Can't show you what I've sent to my partner as she hasn't received it yet.

Here's my progress so far on my Castles In The Air. I've nearly finished part 2 and am so enjoying working on it I just wish I had a bit more time somedays!

Castles In The Air Parts 1 -2
Papillion Creations

And finally here is where I'm at with my French Postcard SAL for DS1. Still a few more months to go!

I also made an ornament for DS1's French Teacher as a thank you. Due to unforseen circumstances she's had to give up her private lessons at the minute so she was a bit upset, thought it may cheer her up. Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo before I sent it to her, it was a small square ornament saying Merci and had a flower on it, I stitched it all in Six Strands Sweets. So annoyed I forgot to take the photo but as long as she likes it that's what counts.

Yummy Mummy? NOT!

2011-09-11T18:09:00.000+01:00

After reading an online article on the Times Online I decided that I'm totally not a yummy mummy. If you fancy a read yourself hit the title post and it'll take you to it.

Now on a school run day I think I've done great if all the kids leave the house in the correct clothes, with their hair done and with the right bags....me? I've done great if I manage to drink my coffee hot! After dragging on the first top from the wardrobe with some jeans, attacking my mop of hair with a hairbrush and throwing water on my face I stagger around trying to co-ordinate the kids for a school day and put DH's lunch together, making sure obviously he's got the right shirt as he didn't mention the previous night that he needed one!

We arrive at school, parking on the hill (hey it gives the kids a bit of a walk, staying healthy & all that!) where DS1 who is now in Junior school takes off into the field to meet his friends. DS2's school is next door but he immediately runs into the yard to play with their friends. . I get to stand with other mums (no, not yummy mummies either!) and generally bitch about kids, DHs, lack of sleep and life in general. The kids all turn up by magic when the doors open..obviously they're fitted with magic beacons! I don't get a kiss when DS2 runs in, he just grabs his bags and takes off...I feel so wanted and missed!! Even DD Darcy now runs in to nursery shouting bye bye. Now don't get me wrong I'm glad they all enjoy school/nursery life would be a lot harder if they didn't but SOMETIMES I wish they would say "miss you" or even a kiss. They're growing so fast now I try to grab every cuddle or kiss opportunity as before I know it they'll be saying "Urgh!"

Ah well, it's Sunday night so my little 'angels' are getting all ready for stories and bed as it's a school day tomorrow :-)

Power of the Dragon

2011-08-14T21:17:00.000+01:00

Here he is...all done at last

Power of the Dragon

designed by Lesley Teare

(Fantasy Cross Stitch book)

The gold and beads don't show as well as we'd like but at 9pm at night with eyes drooping and a holiday to finish packing for it's the only chance I'd get at a photo!!

The Tree's All Bloomed

2011-08-12T08:49:00.000+01:00

My tree of stitches is all finished and is now all blooming, though thanks to the insistence of DD instead of the falling blossom beads it's got raindrop beads! This has been a total joy to stitch and I can't wait for the new SAL - The Great Escape - to start in September. The tree of stitches is still available on The Stitch Specialists yahoo group to members only if you'd like to stitch your own tree.

Tree of Stitches

designed by Abi Gurden

The Stitch Specialists

And just to show what else I've been up to that has cut seriously into my stitching time here is DS2 dancing at the local Magpies Gala on Sunday 7th August. He goes to Drapers Dance Centre on Saturdays and absolutely loves it, his first medal is coming up in September and he's so excited.

Finally just incase you're wondering YES I am STILL working on DS2's dragon. I'm on the final leg before beading and hoping to finish it before we go on holiday to Scotland. The next update will hopefully have the dragon on it all completed.....or DS2 will string me up LOL!

Some Smalls

2011-08-06T18:24:00.000+01:00

I've managed to do a couple of smalls in the last month. As the end of the school year was coming up my boys asked me to make something for their teachers, this is what I made them :

An ornament for DS2's teacher

for this chart click here

A bookmark for DS1's teacher

if you want this chart please click here

I've also been working on a biscornu for a Summer Biscornu Exchange with the yahoo group Friendly Stitchers. After going around Shirebrook Valley one Monday morning with DH and DD and seeing beautiful butterflies I decided to stitch this for my partner Rhonda.

Quick Update

2011-07-17T16:57:00.000+01:00

Yes I'm still around and stitching any chance I get, the kids are all off school for the summer in a week so thought I'd better get some photos posted as I won't get that much chance of stitching whilst their all at home.

French Postcard SAL

From January to June...only 6 more months to go!

Tree of Stitches parts 1-13

designed by Abi Gurden

still available as a SAL on The Stitch Specialists

I was going to put an update on Lukie's dragon but decided not to as it's so close to the actual stitching being done. I'm hoping to work on it every night until we go away to Scotland and try to get it done. Luke is driving me crazy about it so it gives me a big incentive.

Castles In The Air & Mary Wigham

2011-07-01T12:38:00.000+01:00

I've finally started my Castles In The Air from Papillion Creations. It took me longer to pick my own floral colours than anything else. I started stitching it and then changed my mind on the first colour and frogged it all to start again! There are some amazing designs on Papillion for anyone who hasn't come across them before. I'm so enjoying stitching this and hate to put it down. This is my progress so far, the photo isn't very good as my hand shadows the bottom corner...oops!

I've also finally started my Mary Wigham sampler. I was going to do this in my own colours but after seeing a few of them done in Mary's original I've decided to go with her colours. Although I'm not doing it as small as hers because it'll mean stitching over 1 and these eyes no longer like that LOL! I'm stitching it on 32ct Murano in Mushroom. If you're interested in doing your own Mary Wigham sampler just click her name and it will take you to Needleprint's website who have it...it is a free of charge chart but they do ask for donations if possible.

And I couldn't let a post go without a photo of DS1 at his last motorbike lesson, can't believe my baby is 7 in 28 days time. It was so hot during his lesson last Sunday that DH went and bought his instructor a can of ice cold coke and DS1 a Calypso half way through. He's coming on leaps and bounds in his lessons and adores them....yep my boys don't have blood in their veins as now DS2 can't wait until he's 6 to start lessons LOL!

A Finish, A WIP and a Dragon

2011-06-25T16:18:00.000+01:00

I've finished my Little Lace Hardanger piece which was a sal on my Stitch Specialist yahoo group. Unfortunately at the end of June this design is no longer available, you can still join the group by clicking on the link. It's the first hardanger piece I've done and I'm hooked. Once I got the hang of counting the stitches I found it so relaxing to do, it'll not be the last hardanger project I'll make now.

Little Lace Hardanger

designed by Abi Gurden

I've also managed to catch up on my Tree of Stitches SAL, doing part 12 whilst watching the tennis this afternoon. Not many more parts to go on the tree, it's still a SAL on The Stitch Specialist Yahoo Group if you'd like to join in. Here's what DD's tree looks like so far.

Tree of Stitches SAL

designed by Abi Gurden

Finally every night when the kids are in bed I work on DS2's dragon, he's getting so excited now as he can see the finish line. This is what he looks like after last nights work.

Quick Update

2011-06-08T11:18:00.000+01:00

I've not got much stitching done in May as we've finally had our kitchen re-fitted. It's would have been total chaos anyway but with 3 children as well it's definitely been a challenge. The boys usually take a packed lunch to school but as we had no cooker I said they had to have school dinners so they'd got at least one hot meal a day. Lukie, who was totally opposed to having school dinners came out the first day beaming saying he loved his lunch and he's never having sandwiches again!

I have been doing some stitching mostly on my French postcard SAL, finally finished May after the frog visited many many times! Our printer has gone down, it's the power cable, thankfully my dad has printed out June and July for me. Here is a photo of it so far. Peter our DS1 loves it and can't wait to take it to his French lesson to show his teacher...lots more to do yet though!

I've also finally managed to finish another one of my UFO's. This one is a small one that I started absolutely ages ago but put away when I started getting close to finishing another big project. It's stitched on a sample of fabric from Sparklies called Spring Greens. The design is called Lazy Daisy and is from a very very old copy of the UK Cross Stitcher magazine, couldn't tell you which one as I've only the pages left not the magazines.

Here is a photograph of Lukie's dragon. He comes downstairs every morning and looks at it just to see if I've put any stitches in whilst he's been in bed!

As for my Tree of Stitches....lets just say it and DD had a little situation which meant I've had to start it all over again. To show DD I wasn't as upset as she thought I'd be I let her help me pick the new fabric and colours. Obviously my daughter picked pink...don't think she likes any other colour LOL!....so to break up the pink I suggested a green with it just like the pink blossom tree that she can see out of her bedroom window. She's happy so I started stitching it again using pink variegated thread and a green on pale pink 28ct.

Decided when Lukie's dragon is finally done I'm going to do a small project that I can finish quite easily as I've done 2 big projects straight off. Then I've told DH that it'll be the Bothy Threads cut thru of Noahs Ark but I'm changing the fabric so will have to order that. I'm also starting to kit up my HAED but not doing it on 25ct over 1 but normal 28ct. over 2. This is the HAED I've picked to do first, it's by Randall Spangler who does the cute dragon designs and this is one of my favourites.

Finally here is another photo of our DS1 on his last motorbike lesson. He absolutely loves these lessons, think DS2 and DD love them more as they get to spend the morning with my mum who's built them a playhouse in the garden!

Another Month has Flown By

2011-05-06T11:10:00.001+01:00

Thank you to all who wished me happy birthday either on Facebook or in my Yahoo groups. I had a lovely day and even got to have lunch out with my dad, nan, DD and a friend - Dawn. We all went to our local pub where they make the most wonderful food. DH and I are off into town at the end of the month to pick up a stitching lamp for me. One of the lovely ladies (Jackie) from my Yahoo group Friendly Stitchers mentioned that she'd got her lamp from Maplins after I'd said I couldn't afford a proper stitching lamp. These are hobby lamps with magnifiers on and half the price of a stitching lamp but just as good...yippee I'm now going to finally get one. My mum has also been stash shopping for me after I'd said I love the John Clayton dance series and bought me this design that I've been admiring for ages.

Stitching wise I'm working on Lukie's dragon, it's coming along now. After asking for advice I decided to stitch the metallic parts as I'm going along, glad I am now as I've decided metallic and myself don't mix! Even with Thread Heaven it's still a pain. Very worth it though when you stand back and see the design, the metallic really does make a difference. Besides the look on my little mans face when he looks and more of the dragon has appeared makes it all worth the while.

I've also been working on my French Postcard SAL as my UFO. I was going great guns with April one night when I discovered that halfway along the purple bottom I'd gone wrong so that had to be frogged back and re-stitched.....please Mr Frog go visit someone else!

I've also realised I've not posted a photo of my Kaliedescope snowboard for a while so here it is. It's not getting worked on during karate classes anymore as DS1 has moved to a different class which means I have the other 2 with me now instead of them being at home with their dad. Needless to say I'm glad the weather is good as they run around outside whilst DS1 is practising.

Here's an update of my Little Lace Hardanger SAL (from the Yahoo Group The Stitch Specialists) I'm really enjoying working on this project.

During April it was Becky's birthday (DS1's girlfriend), she was 7 and DS1 asked me to stitch her something. After pouring over my stitching mags he picked a design he wanted stitching up into an ornament. Here is what I stitched and Becky was pleased with it (so was DS1!)

Finally here is a photo of our DS1 on his first Trials Bike lesson. He's been obsessed with wanting to learn since we took him to a Trial that some of DH's workmates were taking part in (photos on www.phillips-photography.co.uk if you want a nosy). I thought it would be boring watching men on bikes but I really enjoyed it, some of the riders are soooo skilled, no way I'd go up some of the hills and through streams! DS1 absolutely LOVED it and is now constantly asking when his next lesson is....least I got to sit in the car ands stitch on my snowboard as DS2 & DD were with my mum :-)

A Stitch-a-Long Week with Dragons

2011-04-20T15:20:00.002+01:00

This week has been hectic thanks to the kids being off school for the Easter break and me having some medical issues. One of the positive parts has been that on Sunday I got to chill out with my stitching whilst my DH took care of our 3 children plus Peter's girlfriend Becky who was with us for the day.

On Saturday night my 2 boys had their presentation at Sheffield Dragons to collect their new karate belts. Luke our Little Dragon collected his green stripe belt.

And Peter our Junior Dragon got awarded his green belt.

Stitching

My SALs have been going great guns lately. As some of you know last year I joined the Beau Bands SAL with my yahoo group Friendly Stitchers. This was designed by Abi Gurden and is no longer available. But I finally finished my Beau Bands this weekend on my lovely Sunday stitching day. Here is the stitching all completed...now I just have to make it up into the hussif.

I've also managed to catch up on my Tree of Stitches and my Little Lace Hardanger SAL, both of these are with The Stitch Specialists yahoo group.

Tree of Stitches.

Part 1 was cross stitch

Part 2 Smyrna stitch

Part 3 French knots

Part 4 Eyelets

Part 5 Rice stitch

Part 6 Cushion stitch

Part 7 was Jerusalem Stitch

Little Lace Hardanger SAL

This is my first proper go at hardanger and I'm so enjoying it. Spent Monday night happily counting from 1-5 working on my Kloster blocks. The cutting is coming soon....argh!

Next week the kids are all back in school so I'll be back to stitching on Luke's dragon, my SAL's and my UFO which is my French postcard SAL. This time though I'll have a full 2 days with no kids :-) The housework is never going to get done as fast!!

GIVEAWAY

2011-04-14T15:08:00.004+01:00

If any of you haven't come across Ruth and her stitching yet then take a look at her blog. She has some wonderful projects that she's working on. www.ruthsrunningstitch.blogspot.com

Ruth is also holding a giveaway to celebrate her birthday, hop over and have a nosy at the stitching (The John Clayton piece has caught my eye as he's a favourite designer of mine) then enter the giveaway.

Giveaway number 2 This is on Cross Stitch and Cupcakes and is a 3rd blogaversary giveaway. While you're there have a scroll down and check out the fabulous stockings, they're wonderful.

One Happy Son

2011-04-12T16:03:00.001+01:00

Yes we've a happy DS2 as now that the Darcy photostitch is finally finished I've started on his dragon. Here is Darcy all stitched up, she just needs sending to be framed now.

Luke's dragon is from a book by Lesley Teare. It's stitched on red which at first I was unsure of as I'd tons of plain already in my stash but he wanted red. Over the last few months I've been picking up the threads and fabrics for it. I started it Saturday evening when Luke had gone to bed, the following morning he went downstairs and saw it on my Lowery with some stitches done...we could hear the screams of excitement everywhere in the house LOL! Now he checks every morning to see how much I've stitched....heaven forbid I want to catch up on my SAL's! This is what it's going to look like finished

And this is my progress so far - not a lot for 3 nights work but I've enjoyed working on it. Makes a change from the skin tones of Darcy anyway!!

I'm also working on a small gift for my son...or should that be on behalf of my son as he picked the design he wants stitching for his girlfriend. Yes you read that right, our 6yr old DS1 has had a girlfriend for the last few terms at school. She's absolutely lovely and as I've told DH at 6 it's so innocent that it's sweet.

DD will be going to full time nursery after the Easter break so I'll have 2 1/2 days of freedom :-) I can see housework getting done super fast and some extra stitching on MY projects being snuck in *happy sigh* All I need now is DS1 to see a project that he absolutely must have stitched for him LOL!

Thank you for all your lovely comments, it has cheered me up immensely after the last horrible couple of months I've been having. Happy stitching xx

Two down...many more to go!

2011-04-05T09:53:00.001+01:00

Yes don't faint but I've actually finished two of my UFO's. For the new stitchers out there who haven't heard this term they're "Unfinished Objects" Many of us start a project only to be sidetracked onto something else soon after....I'm totally guilty of this much to my DH's annoyance.

Anyone who has followed my blog for a while will have heard about the gift SAL I was stitching. This was my Monopoly board that I started stitching for my mum's birthday in 2010. Yep a year and 2 birthdays later and it's finally finished. After much decision I decided to quilt it instead of a frame and she had it in time for Mother's Day. Mum taught my brothers and I to play Monopoly and we spent lots of happy hours playing with her...until she turned into the original slum landlord and cleaned us out!! Here is the finished SAL that I tried to match to my mums original board as much as possible.

The second UFO I finally finished was for my MIL. I started this Quaker bookmark last year whilst sat in Runaround which is a playcentre near us. The kids all took off playing so I started this but a few days later I went wrong, put it to one side and forgot about it. After frogging the incorrect stitches I re-did it and managed to send it down to my MIL for Mother's Day. I stitched it on some spare aida that I hand dyed pale lavender and the thread was Purple Iris from The Gentle Art. I couldn't tell you where the chart came from as it was a freebie that I found in my folder all printed out, unusually for me I hadn't written the website on it.

The next UFO to be worked on is my French Postcard SAL. DS1 is starting private French lessons this month so I'm going to finish this for him. I'm up to April which is apt really (pity it's last April's square though!). This is what it looks like so far -

Its March Already

2011-03-10T19:15:00.000Z

At the end of February my 3 little terrors were all at home for a week as it was half term. Stitching was definitely on the back burner but I have managed to get some things done. My mum also found a couple of stitched items I did years ago including my very first proper cross stitch project when I took up stitching again after many years.

Firstly I finally finished a 15 sided biscornu for my DD, decided in the end not to put the centre buttons in as she's only 3 so didn't want to take the risk she'd chew them. For this one I decided to be a bit more adventurous and each of the 15 squares has a sample of some of my favourite stitches in:

Cross Stitch

Crossed Cushion Stitch
Long Legged Cross Stitch
Montegrin Stitch
Rice Stitch
Rhodes Stitch
Herringbone Stitch
Braided Cross Stitch
Fly Stitch
Double Cross Stitch
Counted Chain Stitch

Blackwork
French Knots

Knit Stitch

Satin Stitch

I really enjoyed stitching it and DD loves it. She calls it her Baby Annabel football for her doll. I will be uploading the design in the next couple of weeks if you're interested in stitching it yourself.

Another update is my Tree of Stitches. The 4th part called for Eyelets, now I love these little stitches as they're so effective and look wonderful. Decided to do this bit in Anchor 1213, still variegated thread but a bit brighter than its DMC counterpart.

I've also been working on my Kaliedoscope Snow Board, the filled in blocks are getting there. I can generally fill in a couple of blocks a week during DS1s karate lessons...wonder if he fancies another 2 lessons a week?!

Yes I have been working on my Darcy photostitch, not as much as I need to or want to but she's getting there, here's the latest update on her:

These are two small projects I did many years ago that my mum found out. The circular framed one is a kit my mum bought me from Avon when I was about 20 years old. The ice skater was a present I did for my mum after we all went ice-skating, she did go into that position but not by design!

This last stitchy picture is the first cross stitch project I did in my early 20's after being away from stitching for many years (I'd spent the intervening years knitting away). I bought it from Argos and figured if I could do this one I could cross stitch anything. I even put my name and the date on. Couldn't believe mum still had it. It just shows how my stitching tastes have changed over the years, I rarely stitch anything like this anymore and do more samplers or projects for the kids.

Stitching Time

2011-02-16T10:07:00.002Z

I've been stitching every chance I get since the kids went back to school. My main project is still my Darcy photostitch but I've also been working on my SALs and a couple of smalls. The boys have been rehearsing for their karate show which had to be postponed from December due to bad weather. I didn't take much stitching with me to Sheffield Dragons as there were so many people around that I didn't get chance to stitch.

Here is an update on Darcy...DH says she doesn't look like she's got leprosy now!

Here is my Tree of Stitches SAL up to part 2. I've decided to use the different variegated threads by DMC and Anchor for this project just for a change. I'll pick which one to use everytime the new part comes out.

One of my smalls was for a snowflake exchange, I decided to stitch two different designs on the one ornament. This is what I received in the same exchange from Carla, DD loves the bag but I'm going to use it for hanging on my Lowery for the orts to save them just sitting on the sofa arm.

Finally here is the Coffee Menu I stitched for DH for his coffee wall which is above the computer. I can't get the same black frame as the other two as they're no longer available but it'll still get framed in black. It's a bit creased but he loves it.

I also received from Mouse an ornament this month. In November last year a few of us from Friendly Stitchers went up to Harrogate for the stitching show. We all stitched something for a bran tub, but a couple of us had left them at home (yes I was having a brain cell missing when I left mine!). Instead of picking one each at the show the ornaments all went to Mouse and she drew names for who got what. Mine was actually from Mouse and here it is -

I also finally gave my mum the flatfold I'd made for her, here is the photo. It was my first flatfold and I enjoyed doing it. Learnt a few things along the way that I'll do differently next time. They're so easy to do and very satisfying when it's done.

These are a few photos of the boys in their karate show at Sheffield Dragons. DS1 Peter is in the blue suit, and DS2 Luke is a Little Dragon and he's in the orange. I'm so proud of them that they took part, especially Luke as he's so shy in front of strangers. It was a fantastic show so a HUGE clap for everyone who took part and to Master Terry and Sensei Lucy who run Sheffield Dragons and all the other staff who teach the classes. DD has now joined her brothers in karate class, after speaking to her Sensei Natasha she seems to be settling in and getting the hang of it....mind you watching 2 big brothers practice constantly at home I'm not surprised LOL! Little piccy of our baby dragon at the bottom ;-)

An End to 2010

2011-01-11T12:44:00.002Z

Can you believe yet another year has passed? They just fly by now I go by school term times, doesn't seem two minutes ago since I was getting DS1's uniform ready for him starting "big" school and now I'm doing the same 2yrs on for DS2. He's so excited he's helping me get his PE bag ready etc...only 4 more days to go before it's just DD and myself during the day.

Things have been pretty hectic the last 4/5 months of the year hence the lack of posts. In November I went off to Harrogate with DH to meet up with stitchers from my Friendly Stitchers yahoo group. We all stayed at Grants Hotel (fabulous hotel, totally recommend it) for BB&EM. Some turned up Friday for 2 nights but we only went Saturday for 1 night. The drive up was different thanks to heavy snow a few days previous but we got there to the hotel, parked on the street where I totally abandoned DH and went off to the 2010 Harrogate stitching show with friends. Had a fabulous time fondling goods, oohing and aahing over things I know I'd never have time to stitch but reeeealllly wanted them.

I was very good though and only bought 1 kit, Noah's Ark Peterweight by The Nutmeg Company. I did pick up some fabric for my Castles In the Air and other pieces for a couple of other projects I've got planned. Got some wonderful Oliver Twists threads for a cushion I want to stitch and also some other threads for a present so can't show them. My biggest outlay was ordering the fabric pack from Jane Greenoff for her The Embroideress. This is going to be my big project for 2011.

I also bought some other bits but these were for the Secret Santa exchange with Friendly Stitchers and also a present for a friend so not shown.

Obviously as DH was with me he took his trusty Nikon. On Saturday he wandered around Harrogate happily snapping away and that evening even managed to get a couple of photos of the FS group sat in the lounge after our beautiful dinner. Unfortunately baby Isla was getting tired so her and her mum Nancy aren't in the photographs...next time Isla :-)

Some of DH's Harrogate photographs:

To Facebook or Not

2010-12-31T23:50:00.000Z

During the last few weeks I've not managed to get a lot of time to stitch thanks to all 3 of the kids being ill - now could they do it all together?? - No! One at a time my lot. Luckily it's only been bad colds but it meant lack of sleep for me. As I didn't want to sit stitching on a night only to find myself frogging the following night I've been sat on FB. Lets just say Farmville and Frontierville have had a hammering ;-)

DH isn't a big fan of FB but everytime he goes near the computer he has a quick look to see if my SIL has been on...yes he's found he can actually keep in touch via FB with her!

The kids absolutely adore the games. DD prefers Farmville, we have to have the sound effects on (arghh! I hate them!) and she likes to see me feed the "chickens and duckies" At the minute she's mad on anything Christmas going onto the farm so it's find an animal in parts LOL!

The boys however prefer Frontierville, they love seeing the foxes, bears, snakes and groundhogs jump out. When I got to have a baby DS2 insisted he was the first so yep we had a little pioneer boy. Then #2 had to be DS1 and not so long ago after much nagging from the boys we finally had a girl named Diddles after DD. (Don't think the kids realise it's not real!!) DD picked her own outfit (I didn't give her a pink dress, just slap my hand!) and they argue on who's going to "whack" the foxes or snakes.

This does sound like it's all I do but I've found when the kids are up and they're bored just pop FB on and they stop arguing to watch. DS1 has asked for his own FB account but at age 6 "you've not a chance in hell" came out of my mouth ;-)

In the last week DH caught flu and I managed to pick up an infection so laptop in bed and away I went. Must admit though can't wait until everything gets back to normal and I can get back to my stitching. It's driving me crazy sitting seeing the WIP's but not daring to stitch incase I sneeze all over them or (heaven forbit) end up frogging loads.

Ah well just off to check my crops and bash a snake or two before bed.........

Stitching Catch Up

2010-12-01T19:01:00.004Z

I have been stitching since August but not as much as I should have done thanks to other things turning up. In September I was the Calender Girl for my Friendly Stitchers Yahoo Group. This meant that the other ladies in my group sent me stash (as I did to them when it was their turn). I got some wonderful fabrics, scissors and threads so a big thank you to Mouse, Karin, Martina, Ally and Lynda.

I have been working on my Sanman Inky Dinky Snowmen and here is the finished product. I decided against making it into a quilted hanging and instead put it on my stitching bag which I took to Harrogate.

I also joined in a secret biscornu exchange with FS and here is what received from Meg. It's absolutely beautiful and I was so touched by the bookmark she included (I'm a big reader and never have enough)

And this is what I sent to Jacqueline, minus the gorilla!

I've also taken part in a humbug exchange with FS and my humbug went to Julie in Australia. I designed it with an Autumn theme as at the time all the leaves were falling down here. Also here is the beautiful humbug that Julie stitched and sent to me....DD fell in love with it and gazes at it hung in my room.

Here is the latest on my Darcy photostitch, she has been woefully neglected lately which is not going down well with DH. I'm determined not to start another SAL or large project until she's done now. I'll try and put regular updates on her here so you can all give me a good prod to get her done. DH took this one evening whilst I was working on her, hence the weird angle of the photo!

I've finally given in to temptation and got Castles in The Air by Papillon Creations. I bought the fabric for it whilst at the Harrogate Stitching show.

I've also taken part in a Sock Hop with friends from my Frostydesign Stitchers group, mine went to Mary over in Corpus Christi....luckily before the snow started here! Tuesday nights are usually reserved for working on my Kaliedscope Snow Checkers whilst DS1 is in his karate lesson, we're getting there on it but it'll not be done for Christmas this year.

A visit to Scotland

2010-11-06T14:48:00.003Z

Where has the time gone since August? As most people know we went off to Southerness in Scotland for our holiday in August, have to say it was absolutely fantastic. The weather was lovely and we spent everyday doing something, not necessarily off camp but the kids were definitely kept amused. There was a soft play area in the main building on camp where the kids spent many an hour playing while DH and I took advantage of the free Wi-Fi to hook up our laptop...couldn't be away from the internet for a whole week now could I??

This last photo of the lighthouse in Southerness was taken in the evening by our 4yr old son Luke with the Panasonic Lumix that he seems to have taken possesion of!

Here are some photos of the places we visited.....Sweetheart Abbey (def Luke's favourite place)

Mabie Farm Park (only went in for a couple of hours and had to drag the kids out 5hrs later...recommended for anyone with kids!)

Dumfries (lovely little town, the kids loved eating sandwiches watching the ducks on the river) I did manage to pick up a couple of embroidery books while wandering round so I was happy.

Ayr - although I dropped DH and the kids off in town, met Ally who I know through the Friendly Stitchers Yahoo Group and we went up to Maureen's (another stitcher from FS) and had a fab couple of hours gossiping about stitching etc.

The National Museum of Costume where they had a special display of wedding dresses from different tv dramas and films...I ADORED THIS..the kids weren't that bothered but a quiz kept DS1 amused and DS2 dressed up in an old fashioned sailors outfit so he was happy.

The photograph on the bottom is the wedding dress that Elizabeth Ehle wore in the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice.

The only thing the kids were disappointed with was that the men weren't all wearing skirts....thank DH for that one as he'd spent the previous few months telling them that they wore skirts! No matter how many times I explained about the kilts they wouldn't accept it...KIDS! We did buy DD a little kilt from a shop in Dumfries though, couldn't resist it as I had one just like it when I was small. She wore it to my cousins wedding earlier this month and looked so cute. The second photo is of Darcy and her cousin Cody who was bridesmaid (it was her parents wedding).

Well hope you're not totally bored now...had hard time picking some photos as DH took absolutely loads and most are fantastic. Next year we're heading the opposite way out of Southerness to explore that side! A catch up on my stitching will be along soon...just got to take photos.

Stitching Bits & Bobs

2010-08-14T19:49:00.004+01:00

I've not spent a lot of time stitching since my last post due to commitments with the children, end of school term and all that entails. By the time we've finally got them settled in bed and eaten I've just about collapsed on the sofa to watch the news then bed....the joys of parenthood! I do have some stitching to show you though, mostly gifts, exchanges and bits of my SALs. I have been working on a couple of other small projects but can't show them as they're for a very special item for a very special person.

Recently I joined in on a biscornu exchange with one of my Yahoo groups. This is the biscornu I sent Susan

This is the biscornu that I received from Carla in the same exchange, my DD took a great liking for!

Finally here is a photograph of the Spring Needleroll I sent Ally in the May Day exchange with my yahoo group Friendly Stitchers. I knew I'd taken a photograph but couldn't remember where I'd put it...duh! It was my first design in the Seasons Needleroll series. I'm a bit behind with summer, design is done but I haven't dyed the fabric and stitched it yet.

Next up is the biscornu I stitched for DS1s teacher as a thank you present at the end of the term. He did want the Bee Happy humbug designed by Val of Friendly Stitchers at first but after seeing the Back to School biscornu freebie from Faby Reilly he changed his mind. This was then a rush job so I stayed up until the wee hours on the Thursday night finishing it before he finished the term on the Friday. He told me what he wanted stitching on the back....and he said his teacher Mrs Hackett loved it. He'll really miss her next term as he's in Yr2 now as he loved her class.

Next are the 2 coffee designs I made for DH for our anniversary. Spot of Coffee he saw me stitching but Irish Coffee (a free design from Tanya) he didn't know anything about. Luckily I had enough of the fabric for both of them and managed to get matching frames. These will be hung in his computer corner in our lounge.

WIP - DARCY PHOTOSTITCH

This is my progress so far on my Darcy project. I've very nearly finished the first page, luckily the second page isn't as detailed and not as big...whew! Although I enjoy stitching on it I'm looking forward to working on another big project soon....DS2s Dragon, I promised him and I've got nearly all the threads for it now.

SAL Progress

I'm slowly catching up on my sals and here are some of my progress pictures:

Inky Dinky SAL by SANMAN

I've done January to May on my Inky Dinky SAL by Sanman. Just love these little snowmen, they only take an hour to stitch up and are very relaxing to do.

Kaliedoscope Snow Checkers
designed by Carla D Rizzie

This is my progress so far on my Snow Checkers board, you can't see properly due to the camera settings but I'm stitching it on some marble blue aida that I had in my stash. I work on it when DS1 is in his karate lessons on Monday and Tuesday nights (can't work on it any other lessons as DS2 & DD are with me).

Beau Bands SAL designed by Abi

Exclusively for Friendly Stitchers Group

I've actually got some progress done on my Beau Bands SAL, now onto band 28. Hoping to do some of this whilst on holiday in Scotland but who knows. I'm on the last part of the design before stitching up into a hussif. I put this down to work on my Darcy photostitch for a few weeks, then exchanges and gifts got in the way but I picked it up this week and so enjoyed stitching on it that I couldn't put it down so completed 2 bands in 1 night before bed beckoned.

Postcard SAL designed by Maryse

I'm really behind on this SAL, we're in August now and I've only done up to March...eek. It's turned into a UFO at the moment, determined to work more on it when Darcy is finished.

Stash Buying

Wimble Bees are closing down and they sent me an email....I just had to open it and read it didn't I!! I managed to get a couple of bargains and also got the metallic thread for DS2s Dragon project. After getting advice on which to go for, the recommended Kreinik #4 thread or DMC Light Effects I went for the Kreinik. These are the 2 charts I bought, the Passione Ricamo one Galatea I've wanted for ages and the Lizzie Kate Coffee Crazy I couldn't resist for DH.

Holiday Stitching

This summer we're off to Scotland for a week, obviously before I even thought about packing our clothes I spent ages deciding what sttiching to take...well you have to get your priorities right don't you? LOL! I've finally got the right fabric for She Sells Seashells that Abi from Friendly Stitchers sent me in an exchange. I've had fabric for it 3 times now but didn't feel it fitted the design properly, in the end I went with the recommended fabric and bought some Lambswool from 123Stitch. Abi sent along all the Crescent Colours that go with the design and I've got the DMC that go with it...can't wait to start it.

She Sells Seashells by Country Cottage Kids

I'm also taking my Beau Bands SAL with me, don't know how much stitching I'll get done this holiday but as I won't be spending most of the day driving I may get some 'me' time. DH is taking his camera (surprise surprise!!) and the area says it has fantastic sunsets so no doubt some nights he'll be off shooting somewhere.

The best part of my holiday will be hopefully meeting up with some stitching friends from Friendly Stitchers, Ally and Maureen. It'll be lovely to put a face to a name, we're hoping to meet up on the Saturday at Maureens in Ayr (must remember Satnav!!) so DH will have kids while I get a day of stitching, chatting and fun :-) So far I've only met Mouse who lives not far from me, I called in one day after dropping the 2 youngest off at my mums for the day and had a lovely time. She's a wonderful lady and her stitching is awesome, puts mine to shame really.

TUSAL

A photo of my TUSAL jar up to todays date, methinks I may need a bigger vase!!

Too Little Time to Stitch

2010-06-19T21:10:00.002+01:00

I've not had much time to stitch in the last month but what little time I have had the needles have been out. As some of you know we've had a few problems with DS2 but after getting help we're now on the right track so fingers crossed I'll get more time to sit stitching.

Here's the progress so far on my Darcy photostitch. I'm now over halfway there and she seems to be growing fast now.

This is a small biscornu I made designed by Carla Rizzie. I used pale green linen with hand dyed threads and beads for the centre and around. It's really tiny when you see it in real life.

I recently took part in the May Day Exchange with my stitching group Friendly Stitchers. This is a photo of what I received from Ally. A beautiful card as well as a lovely tin containing tiny scissors, stitch unpick, 2 gold needles and some wonderful threads that I'm saving for a sampler I want to do later in the year. This has so come in handy when I'm sat waiting for DS1 to finish his karate classes, I sit stitching while he does his martial arts...heaven!

DH also bought me Jane Greenoffs new program iStitch (which is brilliant) so I've also been playing on that. I designed a small simple biscornu for a friend who had never done one before. I made the back the same as the front as it's her first one, you could just put the small flowers on the back instead.

I'm also working on my UFO on Thursday nights, my Beau Bands sampler when I can find time and I'm in the middle of stitching a couple of biscornus. One is for another exchange with Friendly Stitchers, this time it's on the theme of lavender. I've also got everything ready to stitch "A Spot of Coffee" for DH as he survives by drinking as much coffee as possible during his busy days at work.

My book challenge is going well, I picked up a new audio book today. Skeleton Coast by Clive Cussler, I love his books and at least I can listen whilst stitching. Have to say though my 5yr old is outshining me on the challenge, he's now up to 39 books and his last one was quite thick. We went to the library this morning after his karate lesson to pick another book for him, this time it's Horrible Henry, he's already read the first 4 pages to me tonight. I don't count any books he reads unless he's either read them to me or to his teacher at school but they seem to give him easier books than I do!!

Back to the needles and my lovely book, thank you for your lovely comments, they really keep me going when I'm feeling down.

Darcy has a face!

2010-05-17T19:23:00.000+01:00

Yes my Darcy photostitch finally looks like it's getting somewhere. Since I stitched part of her eye she just seems to have taken on a life of her own. As I'm sat at my frame stitching I don't see the progress as much but standing back and looking I can't believe how fast she's now coming along. OK I'm not working on her as much as I should as I keep getting sidetracked but Thursday mornings are still reserved just for her as well as a couple of evenings a week. This is my progress so far taken Friday night.

I've also been working on my Beau Bands SAL as well. For those who don't know this is designed by Abi on my Friendly Stitchers yahoo group. I'm nearly at the end of Part 2 and have Part 3 all printed out ready to go. My favourite stitch on part 2 has to be the knit stitch, fiddly but looks wonderful.

Other stitching I can't show yet as it was part of an exchange and I don't know if it's been received yet. I've also been working on my gift SAL which is finally looking like I can see the end. 123 Stitch has had a sale on so I couldn't resist ordering a couple of the Sue Hillis pirate designs.

Obviously I also had to order the fabric to stitch one of them and some Wichelt Lambswool fabric to stitch another chart I have to make the post to the UK worth it.....gotta love the sales :-)

I've finally remembered to take a photo of my TUSAL vase. When I first started this I kept forgetting to put my orts in as I'm so used to just throwing them away when I put my stitching away...nearly got the hang of it now so it's rare I forget.

My reading challenge is doing well, I've got 3 of the Monica Ferris stitching mysteries sat at the side of my bed...thank you Sheffield Libraries! Still waiting for my next installment of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, think I may have to buy this book as I've been on hold at the library for months now! Our DS1 Peter is also doing the reading challenge and is doing better than I am....now ok his books are a lot smaller but he's only 5 and it takes him a while to read a small book. We've been up to the library this morning and got him another 3 books.....I pick harder books for him to read than school gives him! He loves reading so I'm encouraging it like mad.

CHATSWORTH HOUSE

2010-05-06T21:47:00.009+01:00

At the end of April it was my birthday, DH was working and the kids in school so we didn't do anything special. On Tuesday as both boys were in school DH decided we should do something special so we went off to Chatsworth House which is in Derbyshire (about 30 minutes from where we live) If you'd like to visit the official Chatsworth website just hit the post title and it'll take you there.

Jane Austen fans will know about the house. Jane visited the house in 1811 and used the house as the basis for Mr Darcy's home Pemberley in my favourite novel Pride & Prejudice. It's a beautiful house and the gardens are magnificent. DH of course took his camera so we got some lovely shots, although not as many as we would have done due to our DD Darcy getting bored and wanting to see the "duckies".

Chatsworth House from the East

When we arrived we had a walk around the grounds so Darcy could stretch her legs and see the sheep which were free roaming the surrounding fields. She loved that and happily decided that "Diddles want sheepy" Finally when the house opened in we went, luckily on the day we picked the Florabundance Festival was still happening so flowers adored the house everywhere much to Darcy's delight. Here are a few photographs of both inside Chatsworth House and the surrounding gardens.

A Week In Kent

2010-04-14T08:51:00.001+01:00

Here we are back again after a lovely week in Kent visiting DH's family. We stayed in a 3 bedroomed caravan (yes it had all mod cons otherwise we wouldn't have been there!) on a great site called Two Chimneys, the kids love caravans and were so excited. The weather has been fantastic for us and we spent everyday out somewhere. The journey down on Saturday with 3 young children obviously had its hiccups but altogether they were pretty good, took us about 5 1/2 hrs to get there as we stopped at Cambridge Services to have lunch. Thankfully we have a 7 seater so spaced the kids out and put the luggage in our roofbox and at the side of Luke who was squashed into the rear; Peter was in charge of passing snacks back and relaying messages...DH says he's buying walkie talkies for Luke and himself for the Scotland trip :-)

On bank holiday Monday mum and dad had an early birthday party for Luke, he'll be 4 on the 18th April. When we arrived at the house there were balloons and banners outside and party food laid out in the dining room. Luke's face was a picture. He had a Thomas the Tank Engine cake and his favourite part was his present...a Henry hoover, he's been asking for one for ages. Dad had set up a tent in the garden for the kids to play in...needless to say the boys absolutely loved it. It's Luke that is peeping out, they had a pile of plastic play food in there with them.

On Tuesday we gave mum and dad a rest and went off to Canterbury where we had a great walk round and visited the cathedral Tony took some fantastic shots, there are too many I love to put on here so I've just picked two of my favourites. Peter decided that although it was nice it wasn't as nice as our local church St James. Amazingly, or not ;-) I found a stitching shop...I was very good and only left with a chart. We did have lunch in a cafe with free wi-fi so I managed to pick up my emails...Tony=1 Me=155 :-) A walk along the river so Darcy could see the duckies and she was happy.

A few photos taken by DH (who else?!) of the kids at Minnis Bay where they loved the playground, on the Thursday morning we met up with Tony's friend Jason, his wife Julie and their girls here. Then around lunchtime mum and dad came and we all had a picnic...spent about 4hrs here, everyone caught the sun and the kids slept like logs!

We also managed to visit the Spitfire & Hurricane Museum which the boys loved. They had a wonderful tapestry on one wall, it was under glass so the photograph didn't come out very well, Peter was whizzing around taking hotographs on his camera (although being only 5 he didn't realise that some of the shots had his finger over the lens!) but he enjoyed himself and that's all that counts. One of the volunteers took the boys under the rope to have their photograph taken by the Spitfire.

One place we spent a lot of time, mostly in the late afternoon early evenings was Deal beach. I love this particular beach as it's shingle rather than sand so my car didn't get coated (my dad took it for a full valet before we went away) The boys adored it and spent ages throwing stones and seaweed into the sea. Peter played wave chasing...one of Tony's photos perfectly captured him running from one wave after he'd already been caught a few times. On Friday we went early morning and I found another stitching shop where I picked up some thread and the boys said goodbye as we were leaving early on Saturday. Deal is a lovely little town that if you're down that end of the UK I highly recommend.

On the way home we stopped off at Nene Valley Railway so we could have some lunch and as a surprise for Luke who loves trains. The biggest surprise for him was that Thomas the Tank Engine was there, he'd been working all bank holiday so was parked in a siding having a rest...Luke didn't mind he was thrilled to see him! A steam engine was just leaving as we arrived so the boys loved watching it go and one came in a short time later. We're going to take them back down one weekend to have a ride on a real steam train.

Stitching wise I'm not able to show what I've been working on as before we went away I was working on an exchange piece that hasn't been posted yet and while away I took my gift SAL that seems to have turned into a UFO. Did quite a bit of it and I'm determined to work on it every Thursday night when the kids have gone to bed as its UFO day on my Yahoo group Friendly Stitchers. I did find a fantastic haberdashery shop in a back street in Ramsgate...just had to increase my stash a bit so bought a few charts and some threads. The shop was amazing, floor to ceiling with wool, buttons, threads, ribbons etc, could have happily spent ages in there but DH and the kids were in the car waiting. Can't show the threads as they're for an exchange but here are the charts, a couple of them like the Mirabilia Snow Days are ones that I've been wanting for ages so I'm thrilled.

I've got Butternut Road's Christmas Visit; Kokopelli Christmas; Just Nan's Gloriana; Anchor Seasonal Samplers; Sue Hillis The Bus Stop; Mirabilia Snow Days; Listen Honey-Life's a Stitch, On Dasher On Dancer and If It's Not Men. Then there was a couple of magazines, some fabulous bobble wool and some threads.

It's Spring!

2010-03-31T10:53:00.003+01:00

Yes the sun is shining, my washing is hanging outside on the line and the birds are twittering...Spring is finally here :-) I've found the only trouble with the sun finally coming out is that I look around and see all the jobs that now need doing in the house....the staircase still needs painting and our lounge definitely needs re-decorating, the garden lawn needs cutting and also the patio finishing so I've a feeling my stitching time may be taking a cut in hours for the next couple of months.

Good job I've some progress on my SALs and also a small finish. My gift SAL is coming along but not very fast as it keeps getting relagated to the bottom of the pile. The Darcy photostitch is moving slowly as I've hardly worked on it thanks to my boys wanting their things doing. Here is a photo of the whole project up to tonight and also a close up of some of the confetti stitching.

My French SAL designed by Maryse is coming along, I've completed March...well the design anyway, I've just got to do one side of the frame.

Our son Luke goes to a craft club on a Monday afternoon after he's finished nursery where he makes all sorts of things. Last Monday he made an Easter bunny picture and they were also making flowers. Luke wasn't impressed with the flowers saying they were for girls so he coloured while I made the flowers, have to say I enjoyed making them and am quite pleased with how they look as they only took 5 mins.

I've also been drafted to make our DS1 Peter an Easter bonnet for his school Easter parade. As he's a boy and not really a 'bonnet' person I bought a straw trilby and spent ages putting this together. It was going to be held in the school playground so parents could watch as the children did their parade but due to wet weather so far this week and more forecast the school decided to hold it in their hall which isn't big enough for all us parents. A shame as last years was wonderful but I'm sure the kids will enjoy themselves whether we're there or not.

Luke has finished nursery for his Easter break so came with myself and Darcy to playgroup at our local church. I promised Luke I'd post a photo of him on my blog for everyone to see so here is a photo taken of them both playing together (nicely for once!)

My son Luke also saw a design of a Chocolate Bunny by Carla Rizzie that he had to have so I managed to stitch it for him. If the backing looks a little lop-sided ...it is!...having a 3yr old helping to put 'his' bunny together wasn't the easiest task I've ever done LOL! He's thrilled with it though so that's what counts, it now hangs on our mirror next to the kids Easter cards they've all made at school.

Not 1 but 2 Blog Awards

2010-03-23T20:06:00.000Z

I'm so thrilled, I've been given not 1 but 2 blog awards in the last week, it's such an honour. The first is from Gillie and is the Beautiful Blogger Award.

Simple rules

1. Accept the award
2. Thank the person who gave you the award
3. Add a link to the person who gave you the award
4. Put the award on your blog
5. Write 10 things about yourself others might not know
6. Pass the award on to 10 others

So here are the 10 things about myself that others may not know......

1. Craft wise knitting was once my first love until stitching took over my life
2.   I'm a big fan of old fashioned musicals i.e. Deanna Durbin, Doris Day, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly etc
3.   I've lived in 20 houses since I was born
4.   I don't like red or rose wine, it's white all the way for me
5.   Although DH is an amateur photographer I hate having my photo taken
6.   I was told at 21 I wouldn't be able to have children (we now have 3!)
7.   I once dressed as a rat to promote Sheffield Goes Wild in the 90's
8.   I wanted to name our sons after Formula 1 drivers but DH said no
9.   I've always wanted to learn to ride a motorbike
10. I'm naturally left and right handed (came in handy when I broke my right hand Xmas 08!)

The second award is The Sunshine Award from Babs A big thank you to Babs for the honour.

The rules for this award are that this award is for someone who has inspired you in some way...

1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
2. Pass the award to 12 bloggers.
3, Link the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

The hardest part is picking the blogs to award, I read so many wonderful blogs that inspire me not only in stitching but reading and blogging but here are a few of my favourites for both awards.

1. Mel on http://epicstitching.blogspot.com/

2. Dawn on http://fripperiesandstitchery.blogspot.com/

3. Geneva on http://craftwoman2008.blogspot.com/

4. Vickie on http://reading--stitching.blogspot.com/

5. Marguerite on http://stitchingniche.blogspot.com/

6. Cindy on http://flossjunkie.blogspot.com/

7.   Rene on http://renelafrogsramblings.blogspot.com/
8.   Ally on http://allysstitchinglife.blogspot.com/
9.   Meg on http://blog.fiberholic.net/
10. Claire on http://astitchinthelifeofclaire.blogspot.com/
11. Tanya on http://atthehoneysuckletree.blogspot.com/
12. Marchann on http://stitchingagain-marchann58.blogspot.com/

A Full Calendar Year

2010-03-14T14:10:00.000Z

Our daughter Darcy has been ill so my stitching all but stopped for a week and I couldn't really get onto the computer for any decent time to catch up on my groups and favourite blogs. I did manage to put a little time into the Darcy photostitch which is growing nicely now. Thankfully she's all better now and Luke who also caught the virus is better. I did manage to get a lot of the confetti stitches completed on Thursday morning as Darcy went back to nursery so I sat down watching Lost In Austen and had a lovely relaxing morning.

Here are all 12 months of the calendar project all stitched up....now comes the hard part, putting them together. I'm planning on all 12 being part of a quilt. I've got the material to make a frame around each one; it just needs cutting into the correct size strips and putting together...unfortunately that could take a while as
with the children around even the smallest task takes twice as long.

I've also bought the fabric for DS2's dragon...he's been constantly asking when I'm going to start making him a dragon. It's going to be on red aida, I do prefer stitching on evenweave/linen but the red I found wasn't the right shade so had to go back to aida. I got a huge 1m piece of 16ct that I can also use for cards, ornaments etc. Now just need to get the threads as typically it calls for colours that I haven't got in my collection.

DS1 has seen another snowman from the Just Cross Stitch Ornament mag I bought and wants that stitching...thankfully it's a small one so shouldn't take too long. The boys have decided they want an ornament each making in time for Christmas but they want to pick the design. But I have finally put together his snowman that I finished last year but not in time for Christmas...hurray!

I've also managed finally to stitch February on my french SAL by Maryse, only took me a couple of evenings when Darcy was on the mend so hopefully I'll get March done in the next week so I can go back to my Beau Bands SAL.

It's a bit creased as I hadn't had time to iron it before DH took the photographs

My 2010 Olympic Reading Challenge is coming along...while Darcy was ill I spent quite a few nights sat on the sofa with her and ended up reading aloud to her....she quite enjoyed Beat Until Stiff by Claire M Johnson (a cooking murder/mystery), makes a change from her In The Night Garden book anyway!

Everything seems to be back to normal with the kids (for a while anyway!) so I may manage to catch up on a couple of projects that have been put to one side. The F1 season has kicked off so I should get some stitching time in while the races are going. Thank you for all your comments, the encouragement has helped especially when I've felt like I'm getting nowhere fast.

SAL Update and Small Finish

2010-03-01T19:59:00.001Z

I finally finished a square for my Quilts for Breast Cancer group that I've been working on for a few weeks. The design was for a pitcher jug but for some reason I've lost the original design I had so found myself having to design one from scratch. That was the easy part, it was the actual stitching that was the hardest, I've found I'm no good at massive blocks of the same colour...I get too bored and find myself picking something else up! Quilts for Breast Cancer is a Yahoo group that is made up of voluntary stitchers and quilters who make lap quilts for those who are either fighting or recovering from breast cancer. They are a wonderful group of ladies who always welcome new members, all you have to do is click on the link in this post to go to their page. You can either stitch a square for a specific quilt or send in 'spare' squares that you can stitch anytime you'd like for emergency quilts. Breast cancer is a horrific disease that we know well in our family, these lap quilts are mostly a big surprise for the recipiant and just lets the ladies (or gentlemen...as yes they can suffer from BC) know that they're not alone and we're all thinking of them.

I've been working on my Beau Bands SAL and have managed to complete section 1. Beau Bands is a private SAL with my Yahoo group Friendly Stitchers and is designed by the very talented Abi. Here are some close up photographs of my band taken by DH.

Bands 1 - 8 and you can just see the top of band 9 which was the drawn thread band.

Bands 8-15 you can see the ribbon threaded through band 9. I was a bit fussy about this band and re-threaded twice on one end until it looked neat enough for me, I've left quite a big bit on each end but these will get sewn in on making up. Bands 11 and 15 were new ones for me; Vandyke stitch and Fly stitch both of which I've never tried before but really enjoyed doing them.

Close up photos of my drawn thread band, Snake stitch which was 'snaked' with metallic and cross stitch hearts. Finally a photo of the whole of section 1.

Now I'm back to my Darcy photostitch as Beau Bands is up to date, still got a calendar square to finish but I'll try and do that this week when all 3 kids are in nursery/school.

February Update

2010-02-22T19:50:00.000Z

I can't believe we're nearly at the end of February already...where has this month gone? I've not done as much stitching as I usually do this month, this is mostly due to committments involving my 3 children. How 3 small people who are aged from 2-5 cause me to not sit down for long is beyond me. Between school runs, after school swimming or karate lessons, playgroups and craft groups there's no time for stitching until they're all in bed and settled...so I generally have about 2hrs a night to stitch which means my projects seem to be taking forever to grow. Mind you the time passes so fast, it doesn't seem like yesterday that I was wrapping Christmas presents and now the boys are talking Easter eggs LOL!

I can now show you a picture of a small ornament I did for an exchange with Friendly Stitchers, this is the Calendar Girls 2010 exchange. February's girl is Mouse (aka Michelle) so along with some fabric and threads I made her a little ornament with a snoozing mouse, couldn't resist when I saw the chart resting in the bottom of my charts box.

I've also been working on my Darcy photostitch, in fact this has been my main project for the last few weeks. I can finally see some growth to it. I did try working along the chart in the 10x10 boxes like so many people do but it's just not me and I found myself going off on a tangent with a colour I had in my needle. I don't like having lots of needles pre-threaded or parking either and there's a lot of confetti stitches so in the end I went back to how I like to work....in blocks of the same colour. Even DH is seeing the difference now which is a miracle LOL!

On Thursday night I picked up my Beau Bands SAL again after finding my old standby scissors. I was stuck on the drawn threads band until I got some scissors as my normal stitching ones don't have sharp points. VERY VERY carefully I cut the first thread and I was off, it took me a lot longer to do the stitching than the cutting. Must admit I'm thrilled I found my scissors as it's been bugging me that the sampler was sat there and I couldn't work on it. I've now done up to band 12, the Vandyke stitch in band 11 confused me as it's not in my stitch book but like every good stitcher I googled it and found a wonderful clear illustration. Sat doing it last night thinking "I hope this is right" and when I looked in the cold light of day (very cold I might add!) I love how it looks. Now I've only 3 more bands to complete then section 1 is complete.

I've also managed to read a couple of books that are towards my reading challenge. One of them was "Peach Cobbler Murder" by Joanne Fluke. It's the first time I've read one of her books and I'm hooked. Not only does she describe the most wonderful desserts but gives the recipes for them....already got 3 written down so I can try them out :-)

I've also listened to "Up and Down the Dales" by Gervase Phinn which had me in hysterics as I was trying to cook the kids meals and clean up. Friday night I started "Crewel World" by Monica Ferris when I went up to bed, loved it as she talks stitching as well as a good story. I finished it last night and promptly went on the Sheffield Libraries website and ordered another couple.

On Tuesday afternoon DD goes down for a nap and I now get to sit and stitch for an hour so I'm going to try and work on another band of the Beau Bands SAL as the evening is devoted to my Darcy project.

February is here...

2010-02-09T21:17:00.007Z

Although we're only at the beginning of February so far it's been a very busy month. Last week both our boys did their grading for their next belts in Little Dragons, which is the childrens class at Sheffield Dragons. Peter passed and is now on his second belt, Luke also passed and very proudly told us all he's getting a new belt.

They had their presentation on Friday night where they saw Sheffield Dragon Cadets do a show and also one of their teachers (and Peter's hero) Kady Robinson performed. Kady has recently gained her Black Belt 3rd Dan so HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Kady from us all. These photographs were taken that night, the boys couldn't wait to try on their new belts so it was like wrapping stiff cardboard around them! (They've since been through a wash twice to soften them ready for Wednesday's class) Peter is the one on the left, he's 5 and just been awarded his yellow stripe. Luke on the right is 3 and just gained his first belt, the red stripe. Luke is very shy and doesn't have a lot of confidence so we were nervous about him actually doing his grading and then going forward to receive his belt but he surprised us all....we're hoping it'll give him more self confidence for when he goes into 'big school' next year. Congratulations to all the other Little Dragons who graded and were awarded their new belts last week.

Stitching wise I've not done much, been too busy running around after the kids and car problems. Yes, my car ended up in the garage yesterday having all new brake discs and pads all round....argh!! Now we've got to sort out new tyres on the front...they don't tell you when you're taking driving lessons that actually running a car is sooo expensive.

I've been working on a couple of exchanges but can't post photographs until they've arrived at their respective new homes. I've also been working on my gift SAL which is coming along nicely but not as fast as I'd hoped. I have completed February's calendar square though at the moment the weather isn't quite like this LOL! We're back to snow watch here in Yorkshire, it hailed so heavily today as I got the kids home after school that we had to sit in the car until it calmed down.

Incase you're wondering...yes the photograph at the top has changed. This one is a scene over Derbyshire that DH took last year. He's taken a lot in the last couple of months but most of them have snow featuring and I though it would be nice to have some sunshine to cheer us all up and make us remember that it won't be long before the snow is gone and the sun is back.

Also to everyone who has asked about the "Old Books" chart on my last stash shopping...The chart is one of The Cricket Collection, No. 132, called "Old Books" and designed by Vicki Hastings.

I'm not doing too bad on my book challenge, I've nearly finished Jodi Piccoult's "Handle with Care" it's a lovely book of a difficult subject. I've just downloaded my "Up and Down the Dales" audiobook by Gervase Phinn so tonight I'll tuck up with my headphones on.

Thank you for all your lovely comments about my stitching and children. It is a big encouragement to keep trying new techniques and projects. I hope to post a photograph of my Darcy photostitch next week, she's been sadly neglected this week as the very few hours I've had to stitch have been on deadline projects.

A Start, A WIP and A Finish

2010-02-01T12:11:00.002Z

Due to my DD Darcy deciding that 3am is a fun time to chat and cuddle mummy my stitching time has drastically reduced over the last week. By the time the kids are all in bed I'm too tired and don't want to stitch incase I end up frogging half of it. DD is now sleeping properly again but it's taking me a while to get back to full sleep as I keep waking in the early hours expecting her to wake me!

I've finally started the Beau Bands SAL with Friendly Stitchers this is on blue linen with turquoise colours now I've got all my threads together.

As a little project to do inbetween the Darcy photostitch I've also done a Seaside biscornu, couldn't find a seagull button for the centre (dread to think where it is as DD loves my stash boxes!) so I've just used a plain button on the front and a blue one on the back. The design was from www.feerie.com/ they have some absolutely wonderful biscornu, humbug etc designs.

The WIP is obviously my Darcy photostitch. DH is wanting me to concentrate on this as my main project now so my Lowery (and I can now say YES I LOVE IT, if you haven't got one you're missing out LOL!) is going to be carried up and downstairs frequently. Unfortunately we can't leave it downstairs due to having a small house and 3 small children who would play with it! On a Thursday morning when I'm 'no children' I spend at least 2-3 hours on it, have managed to get some of the white in (lots of confetti stitches within the blue that don't show very well) so to me it looks like it's growing but DH doesn't see it...have advised him to pick up a needle if he wants it completing faster!

On the stash front I’ve been buying again...but this time I had a good excuse! I needed some new needles and some metallic thread for my Beau Bands so had a wander onto the Sew and Sew website. Well what could I do when I went on and found they were having a SALE! Yep, I bought the needles and thread but also a chart called Wise Guy...which as DD loves “duckies” I couldn’t resist and it was only 99p

On my reading challenge I've finally finished The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan, it's the 4th in the Wheel of Time series. I really enjoyed it but boy has it taken some time to finish it...more due to everytime I picked it up my eyes started drifting closed due to lack of sleep! Just read a lovely lightweight book called “A Load of Old Tripe” by Gervase Phinn. It’s set in Yorkshire and is short stories about a boy born after the war. It’s really good, funny and I can see similar situations from my childhood in it even though it’s set years before.

Stash It or Stitch It?

2010-01-19T12:57:00.003Z

This past 2 weeks I've been buying more stash, not much but still more which means my poor stash drawer and box is getting ready to burst.

I wandered through a local bookshop to find a stitching book that I've never come across and it's so rare to find them in our local bookstores. Firstly it was on SALE
so I couldn't resist and secondly it has a couple of designs in it that I love and can definitely put them on my to-do list.

Then another day I saw 2 charts that I liked the look of so into my shopping basket they went. The first is a snow scene and I'm addicted to snow scenes....much better in stitching than in real life!! The second is about books which is another love of my life.

Stitching wise I've not been doing too badly, I've worked everynight on my gift SAL so that's coming along; not as fast as I wished but still getting there. On Thursday morning while the kids were in school/nursery I worked on my Darcy photostitch, it's growing very slowly but I can see the boxes filling in. Still not sure about this Easycount gridding but it's definitely easier to find where I am and to put odd stitches in without major counting. There's a photo of my latest progress in the sidebar. On Saturday night to give myself a rest from the gift SAL I started a new project, a small one that isn't taking long, only the wording to put on now so hopefully I'll finish it this weekend and post a photo next time.

I've also managed to kit together my threads for the Friendly Stitchers 2010 SAL Beau Bands. It's taken me longer to do that than I planned as I got threads together but couldn't find ribbon to match. I'm working it on blue evenweave that I had in my stash and am using a turquoise selection of colours, just waiting for my blending thread to arrive from Sew and Sew as I've run out of the right colour.

On the plus side I did manage to frame my 2009 Friendly Stitchers A Stitch A Week SAL. Due to snow I couldn't get out to get the equipment but it's done at last. It's stretched over a frame like a painting and will be hung in our lounge (when I've re-decorated in spring!). I'm so pleased with how it's come out, I stitched part of a poem by Rudyard Kipling around the edges as it seemed to fit the theme of an English Country Garden.

A couple of months ago my mum was having a clearout and found an old project of mine that I did years ago. Now I'd completely forgotten about stitching this but mum remembers me doing it. It's one of the All Our Yesterday designs.

Now I've got to try and wake Darcy up as Luke is due out of nursery in half an hour...doesn't time fly when you get peace and quiet? I can't stitch when the kids are all up but while i'm cooking dinner or sat in swimming club I do manage to read some of my book so I'm on book 3 of my Reading Challenge. Peter has read book 2 of his so he's happy, he also moved up another book band in school so we're very proud of him....another lover of books just like his mum! Happy stitching to all.........

Snowing Again Even On Stitching

2010-01-09T08:52:00.002Z

Here is the January square for my calendar...how apt is this for most of us?

Snow is covering the UK at the moment along with plenty of very low temperatures. Heard on the radio yesterday while I was doing the school run that we were as cold as the south pole in some regions...yep I can definitely believe it. Even Peter who never feels the cold started crying while we were waiting for his class to open as he was cold. The temperature in the car said -6 so bless his little 5yr old feet, they must have been freezing. After I'd dropped Luke off at nursery Darcy and I picked up my dad and we went shopping where we bought Peter new boots, thick socks and a new scarf. Luke luckily still fits into his 2 piece ski suit from last year so I just bundle him into that if we leave the house...he's like me and feels the cold straight away! Darcy has been put back into her pram (to her disgust) and covered in with a thick patchwork lap quilt, cosy toes and rain cover down. Mind you pushing a pram in snow is something I'd recommend to anyone who wants to lose a few pounds...I reckon I lost loads yesterday on the school run as we can't park right outside the school LOL!

It was Darcy's 2nd birthday yesterday...can't believe my baby is 2 already. She moved into her new class at nursery which she loves as they have the sand table out all the time (in summer they have the water trays full as well so she'll love that even more!). We didn't get her too many presents as she's just had loads for Christmas and at her age she'll not know the difference so most of her birthday money will go into her bank account. We bought her a Happyland dolls house from the Early Learning Centre and gave it her last night when her dad came home....that was so funny as the boys wanted it faster than her! She calls it her "casserole". She's inherited the boys Happyland Castle with knights etc and thinks its the same thing.

Due to snow days from school I've not managed to do much stitching on my Darcy Photostitch. Did get some time on Thursday morning when all 3 minxes were at school. Have decided that on a weekend instead of doing my secret stitching which I can't show on here yet as its for a present I'm going to work on my photostitch. DH keeps making comments as I don't think its growing as fast as he thinks it should...this is what it looks like after a couple of hours this week.

Book Challenge

2010-01-06T13:29:00.000Z

Well I've just finished one of my Book Challenge books. This one was called "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" by James Patterson. Have to say it was different from what I'd normally read. I've read tons of James Patterson Books,the Alex Cross series, the Women's Murder Club series, Maximum Ride and some of the one off thrillers. I reckon this book would turn into a good young adult film on a similar vein to Starship Troopers. It has aliens both good and bad guys, bugs and fighting in ooze. An easy read, no having to concentrate or much plot following which fitted in with my week as my boys are having 'snow days' from school. I'm going to start book 4 "The Shadow Rising" in the Robert Jordan Wheel of Time series tonight, that I will have to follow the plot so I'm looking forward to it.

Christmas Stash & a WIP

2010-01-04T20:18:00.002Z

Hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas and the Stash Elves have been very good to you.

DH and my MIL put together and bought me a Lowery Workstand for my main present which I'd been hinting loudly about since everyone talked about them on Friendly Stitchers and I went to see one in Bakewell. Although it arrived from Sew and Sew DH wouldn't let me have it until Christmas Day, it's now up and running at the side of my bed. On it is my Darcy Photostitch that I've finally started. I'm doing it on 32ct Murano and have been bought some Easy Count Guideline so decided to try it out on this project. Must admit it did take me a while to put the guideline in but now I'm stitching I can see the advantage of it as I'm not having to count or work out where I've left off stitching.

This is what it should look like when stitched (hopefully!) and this is my progress so far.

I didn't do too badly myself with the Christmas Stash Elf and closely followed by the Sale Elf LOL! I got:

The Magical Cross Stitch book I'd been hinting about

The Waiting for Ships chart by Mirabilia

Charles - John Clayton Elegance Series (I think it looks like Colin Firth as Mr Darcy in P&P)

Summer Ball by Sandy Littlejohn

and in the sale from Tanya at The Sampler Girl I got Good Tidings With Jane Austen and A Turn in the Garden

Now I just have to find time to stitch, the schools are back so at least I'll get my Thursday mornings free again for stitching Darcy. During the after school clubs and school runs I'll be working on my 2010 Olympic Reading Challenge.

I have managed to finish my A Stitch A Week SAL with the Friendly Stitchers...Thank you so much Abi for designing this for us and also to Val for giving us alternative charts on some of the weeks. I've put a photo up of the squares all finished but have also done a bit more to it but not posting a photo until it's completely finished; hopefully by next Monday.
Back to stitching for me while the kids are asleep and DH is in the bath with a book........

2010 Olympic Reading Challenge

2010-01-03T21:16:00.000Z

This year I've decided to join the 2010 Olympic Reading Challenge that I saw on a blog I read frequently. I missed last years challenge so am very glad that Vickie is hosting another one. As this is a year long challenge I've decided to go for a Gold Medal which means during 2010 I need to have read 100 books. As my family could tell you...no problem for me. If you want to join Vickie the link is in the post title. Everytime I read a book I'll add the title onto a list I'll set up. I did finish a book last night which was "The Dragon Reborn" by Robert Jordan, book 3 in the Wheel of Time series but as I'd started it in December I'll not add it...don't want to start cheating. I'm off to the library tomorrow with DS2 for his craft club so I'll get to peruse while he covers himself in paint or glue for an hour :-)

Happy Reading X

Too busy to stitch much...

2009-12-22T14:57:00.002Z

Yes would you believe that in the last week I've hardly touched my stitching. It's been absolute chaos here with the end of school christmas parties, normal swimming and karate lessons.

On Sunday my mum came over from Barnsley to babysit our 3 so DH and I could go to his works Christmas party. This year it was held in a hotel called Tankersley Manor which isn't far from us but heavy snow that day meant the drive took ages. I ended up abandoning my car at the side of the hotel with the help of DH & one of the catering staff helping push it to one side. Luckily the hotel had people out with shovels and grit just after. Luckily for us we were booked in for the night, a nice warm room and change of clothes later and we hit the bar. The party was fun and didn't finish til gone 1am (latest we've been up for years apart from the kids being ill or newborn LOL!) Only bad thing was that I finally caught the sickness bug that has been going round the school and clubs. The kids had all had it but it waited til we were away and I actually relaxed before it hit me. I didn't drink much so we knew it wasn't that but I was up all night ill. My dad drove over on Monday morning and drove us home in our car where I promptly went to bed, he returned for his car later in the day.

I did manage to finish DS2s Christmas biscornu. I used the ASAW SAL alternative design by Val from Friendly Stitchers DS2 loved the little reindeer so much he wanted him made into Rudolph for him...so here he is and now hangs on our tree.

The only other stitching I finished this week was a square for Quilts for Breast Cancer This time the chosen design was butterflies so instead of just 1 butterfly I decided to adapt a design from the New Stitches magazine and do 4 the same but slightly different...if you get my meaning LOL! I'm pleased with how it's turned out so hopefully the recipiant will be as well. I've charted another 2 squares for QFBC and will start stitching those after Boxing Day so I can post all 3 together.

Although I've not done much stitching I have done a bit of stash building :-) I've bought some more cottons, plain and hand dyed. Bought the chart Angel of Freedom by Lavender & Lace. Picked up a hardback copy of All Our Yesterdays book from a local bookstore who were having a clearout, some of the designs inside will be great for gifts for people I know. Also got a new scroll frame to go into my Lowery (only 3 days to go!) so I can start on my Darcy Photostitch. My dad has bought me a cross stitch book I've been wanting for a while after I borrowed it from our local library...they made me give it back; spoilsports!!

I've decided that I'm going to be more organised in 2010 with my stitching and make a list of all the projects I definitely want to do or finish. I'll list them all on the side of my blog and tell you which ones I'm hoping to do. As you can see from the WIP SAL I've changed the picture to my ASAW now the Christmas SAL is finished. I've printed the charts off for week 51 and hope to do that this week then can you believe it...a year is gone and the last one will be due out.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY STITCHING FRIENDS, BOTH KNOWN AND TO KNOW. HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS WITH LOTS OF LOVELY STASH PRESENTS AND LAUGHS WITH YOUR LOVED ONES. XXXX

Finished and Framed

2009-12-15T21:56:00.006Z

Just had to put this photo first, our daughter Darcy taken Sunday morning. She came into our room and decided to sneak to my side of the bed to check if I still had a stash of chocolate but her dad caught her.

Here finally is a photograph of the Margaret Sherry design "Photographer Cat" that I stitched for DH. Managed to finally find a frame I liked and best of all it's a stand-alone frame so doesn't have a fiddly back on it.

My Christmas SAL also came to a close after I'd stitched DD initials in the circles. Found this frame by accident while I was looking for something else. I would have preferred a purple border inside but they didn't have any the right size so white was the best choice. DD shouted "Pretty" when she saw it framed so that's all that counts, it's going to be hung in her bedroom after Christmas. Thank you Carole for a fantastic SAL.

In the last week I finally started my butterfly square for the Quilts for Breast Cancer group, I couldn't find a butterfly that I liked so have adapted a design from one of my magazines. Instead of just 1 butterfly there are 4, each slightly different although all in the same colours. It should be finished by the weekend. Another square I've been working on I've had to design as I couldn't find a chart of an old fashioned pitcher jug. Most of the chart is done it just needs a bit of 'tweaking' here and there then I can start stitching it.

I'm also working on my A Stitch A Week with Friendly Stitchers, I've completed the centre panel and have last weeks square to stitch. Can't believe there are only a few weeks left of 2009, I notice it more with how many squares are left to stitch rather than a calender! Abi has designed a wonderful Band Sampler for next years FS SAL, I've already bought the material so just need to choose threads now.

Last week was soooo busy here. DS1 had his normal karate lesson on Wednesday & Thursday, then on Friday we were told that he needed to be there at 5pm for a full dress rehearsal for their Christmas Show that weekend. Argh! Not only did Peter have school but he was going to see a pantomime (cinderella) in Chesterfield that afternoon, the coach didn't arrive back at school until 4.50pm so it was a quick rush back to Sheffield Dragons, into his costume and off he went to practice. Luckily the Little Dragons could come out at just gone 6pm so I changed him into his party clothes as...yep you guessed it...he had a party to go to, one of the girls in his school was having a 6th birthday party at a nearby play centre. Our poor little man had been out from 8.30am til 9pm, he's only 5 so is used to being in bed by 7pm. Saturday he slept in a bit but that night it was back to Sheffield Dragons for his show, I went and videoed it but we didn't get back until 9.15pm after all the Little Dragons were presented with a certificate for taking part so he was in bed late again. Up late again on Sunday and this time DH & I went so he took some photographs...we brought Peter out at the halfway interval so he was in bed an hour earlier. Monday morning he had his school nativity concert...which was fabulous so big clap to Beighton Nursery Infant School for a wonderful show. It made the weeks of hearing him sing Rockin Robin and Rockin Around The Christmas Tree worth it. DH took some photographs but everytime he saw his dad with the camera he put his head down. We've only got DS2s nativity on Thursday and then it's quiet time again...I'll be glad of the rest and being able to spend a bit more time at home stitching rather than being a taxi!

Never Give Up Hope

2009-12-08T13:13:00.001Z

Here is my Hope project all finished after staying up late to stitch on the last beads. Showed it to my daughter Darcy this morning and she said "Darcy's" so even at 23mths old she knows what she wants! For anyone who hasn't seen the sister design Believe that I completed in November the designs are out of a book called "Bewitching Cross Stitch" by Joan Elliott. It's stitched on 28ct Sparkling Fairy Tale by Sparklies using normal DMC stranded cottons and Mill Hill Beads. I'm so pleased with how it's turned out :-)

I've also finally completed a Christmas ornament for my children. This is a snowman stitched on plastic canvas, bought it ages ago but only just finished it off.

Also managed to complete a couple of small items for the kids and a silver snowman. Not quite sure what to do with the snowman though, card, frame or ornament?

This week I'm going to try and catch up on my SALs. I've only part 12 and Darcy's initials to go on my Christmas SAL then its completed. I've started the centre panel on my A Stitch A Week SAL, after that I'm a couple of squares behind but the postman has delivered my fairy charm for the centre of one of them. Hope you're all having lots of relaxing stitching time inbetween getting ready for the festivities. Take Care XX

Stitching Progress

2009-12-01T21:22:00.008Z

As regular visitors will by now have realised the photograph at the top has changed. It's now turned cold here in Yorkshire but 2 weeks ago DH, Darcy and myself went off to Bakewell for the morning. It was quite cold and windy but the sun was shining gloriously, even the threat of rain didn't happen until we got back to Sheffield. This photo is taken overlooking part of the Peak National Park, we just pulled into the side of the road so DH could hop out of the car with his camera. I'll bet the photos taken in winter with snow down would be fabulous...not volunteering to drive DH then!

I've finally caught up with my Christmas SAL, completed part 11 this lunchtime while daughter Darcy was having a nap and both sons were in school. I'm really pleased with how it's turned out even though I did change my mind twice on whether to put 2009 or Noel on it. As you can see in the end I decided on 2009 so that I can put Darcy's initials in the circles.

Tonight I've finally started on the sister design to my Believe project, this one is called Hope. I'm sewing it on hand dyed 28ct called "Sparkling Fairy Tale" by Sparklies Luckily I bought this before they went to the Harrogate Show as certain members from Friendly Stitchers (Hello Mouse!) (we have reliably been informed) raided their stall LOL!

I've also managed to complete the 3rd part of my Christmas Wallhanging. Most of this was sewn while our eldest son Peter was in his karate class. He goes twice a week after school and each class is 45 minutes long, my dad usually has our younger son Luke with him as he gets bored waiting and daughter Darcy is with me but she loves sitting watching them practise on the CCTV. She's even picked up how to do the first Kata, she can't start lessons until she's 3 so heaven knows how much she'll be able to do in another years time after watching her brother! Must get moving on part 4 or I'll never get it sewn in time for this Christmas and there's only 3 weeks to go now. I did want to put baubles and trimmings on it but Peter said no after we'd read the story "The Little Christmas Tree"...who am I to argue with a 5yr old?!

Finally here is December's Calendar square, no December fairy yet as she's had to be put to one side while I caught up on my SALs and other projects that needed completing urgently.

Small Finish

2009-11-24T21:23:00.003Z

This is a square I've just completed for my Quilts for Breast Cancer group. The design came from a set of 12 which all complete to form an afghan, I've never made the afghan just found the designs sat in my chart box. If anyone out there would like the set of 12 designs please email me
privately and I'll send them to you.

Today while I was sat in playgroup with daughter Darcy we had a delivery by Parcel Force. Not in they took it to our local post office where I collected it this afternoon......hurray its my Lowery Workstand from Sew and Sew. DH ordered it on Sunday night as my Christmas present. He says I can't have it until Christmas though...grrr! As payback his new flashgun arrived just after he left for work....its out of his Christmas money so I've let him test it just to make sure it works and now its back in its box until Christmas Day!!!

Thank you for all your comments, I do appreciate them and try to look at as many of your photos and blogs as I can.

Believe...and it shall be finished!

2009-11-20T19:04:00.006Z

This week I finished a small project I'd been working on for our daughter Darcy titled "Believe". I've stitched it on a lovely 32ct hand dye called Summer Skies by Sparklies. I'm pleased with how it turned out and I have some more hand dye from Sparklies to do the sister design called "Hope"

I've also managed to complete one of my Christmas wall quilt squares, this one is just Merry Christmas. I've done a snowman, this one and have nearly finished a tree. The fourth one will either be a stocking or a present...I just can't decide at the minute.

I'm still not caught up on my Christmas SAL, have part 9 to do. I completed weeks 44 and 45 on my A Stitch A Week SAL which I'm pleased with (2 weeks behind on that now) I decided to do week 45s design of an umbrella for week 44 and instead of cross stitch I used some hand dyed thread and did pattern darning, for the raindrops I used beads. Week 45 fell on Remembrance Sunday so I stitched a poppy in remembrance of my grandad who served in the Navy during WW2.

What am I working on now....I'm halfway through a square for the QFBC then I want to catch up on my SALS before starting the Hope project. DH is buying me a Lowery frame for Christmas so when that arrives I'll be able to start on my photostitch properly...can't wait :-) and I've another 2 squares for QFBC so need to pick up so more fabric as I've the designs all picked out.

Return To The Sea

2009-11-12T10:13:00.005Z

Last night I finally finished my Return To The Sea sampler. It's all backed in a co-ordinating fabric and has a little hook sewn into the top so it can hang in our bedroom. I really enjoyed sewing this and have 2 more of Tanya's charts on the literary theme.

Now I'm catching up on my Christmas SAL, I want to make the Karate Dog by Margaret Sherry in this months Cross Stitcher magazine for our eldest Peter, grid my monopoly project and that's not counting my Darcy photostitch. DH is off work next week so hopefully I can manage to get an hour during each day to stitch without any children.

Back to my needle I go.......

November Already

2009-11-06T21:20:00.006Z

Can you believe we're in November already? Doesn't seem that long ago since DH and I took our eldest Peter for his first day at full time school. The weather has definitely changed, lots of rain in the past couple of weeks and the cold spell is now here.

Here's my November calendar piece and the verse just sums up the weather here in Yorkshire.

To cheer us up here's a little November Flower Fairy

And last but definitely not least here's my progress on my latest project. Return to the Sea by The Sampler Girl. I've only the quote at the top to sew then I can finish it off. I'm thinking hand stitch the sides with co-ordinating thread, back it and make it into a wall hanging.

Christmas SAL

2009-10-28T19:10:00.002Z

A while ago I signed up to do a Christmas SAL from a blog I read. Carole (whose blog it is) put the colours as either blue or multicoloured. I was going to do it in blue but then changed my mind after I decided to stitch it for my daughter Darcy.

Darcy had her first christmas last year but it didn't go well at all. First my grandad was in hospital (he died between Christmas and New Years), our youngest son Luke was very ill over the period and on Boxing Day I fell in the carpark of Sheffield Children's Hospital and broke my hand...didn't know this until 10days later when I finally went to Casualty to have it checked out! So poor Darcy didn't have the best time, I've decided that this year as she's nearly 2 we'll pull out all the stops for her.

This SAL i've done in shades of purple and in the circles am going to put her name and this years date. Then it can be hung up for her.

A Stitch A Week

2009-10-24T19:02:00.008+01:00

Being confined to bed for the last 2 days by DH I've finally managed to finish week 42 of my A Stitch A Week SAL. Week 42 was a little mouse collecting berries, instead of blackberries (as they'd been week 41s subject) I decided red berries and did these in smyrna stitch. Week 43 completed today I loved as it was autumn leaves with acorns. My 2 young sons are loving autumn and running through the leaves, even DD voluntarily got out of her pram to run through the leaves last week in Clumber Park.

Still have the centre panel to do but I've all the silks out ready for it...wonder if DH will give me another day in bed? LOL!! Can't believe there's only another 9 weeks before this SAL is completed, really enjoying stitching this and working all the different stitches.

Thank you to everyone who takes time to read my blog and leave comments. I spend many hours reading other peoples blogs, I leave comments as much as I can and love looking at what everyone has been stitching.

October Calendar

2009-10-18T09:09:00.003+01:00

We're more than halfway through October and here I am only just putting my calendar square on...where has the time gone? The garden is a mass of leaves much to my boys delight and every day I wrap Darcy up just a little bit more...at least she keeps her hat on now that the boys are wearing theirs! I don't mind autumn so much as its great for walking (as long as its not windy..not fond of the wind) and it reminds me that soon I'll get lots of stitching time as it'll be too cold to be out for very long. Methinks this year I'll put a daylight lamp on my Xmas wish list for DH :-)

Small Finish

2009-10-13T20:58:00.003+01:00

Well I think I'm finally on a roll with 3 finishes in a few weeks. This time it's a square for my Quilts for Breast Cancer group. The theme for this one was the beach and I chose this one as it's so bright and cheerful that it reminds me of summer...what little we had!

The design came from the book Cross Stitch By The Sea by Ursula Michael. First came across this book in our local library and loved it that much that I got my own copy so the library could finally have their own back.

Jane Austin Finish

2009-10-06T17:00:00.005+01:00

After finally finishing my Oriental Longevity square I decided to stitch something for me. Literary Little #1 Mr Darcy by The Sampler Girl. DH laughed when he read it...said it was true, CHEEK!! LOL Stitched on 32ct Antique linen that I found in the bottom of my stash box then framed myself today after finding just the right frame, it will sit in our bedroom on the new dressing table when its here (very soon now..yippee as our wardrobe is falling to bits more each day). Unfortunately my camera and the lighting in our lounge hasn't helped the photograph, it looks wrinkled in the frame, its not, David Bailey I'm not!!

A Finish Finally!

2009-09-29T20:33:00.005+01:00

Don't faint but I've actually finished my Oriental Square for my yahoo group QFBC.

Never thought I'd get this one done, its taken me a lot longer than I planned. It's done on 18ct white aida in 1 strand, did start it in 2 strands but looked too bulky for such a delicate flower design round the edges so unpicked and started again.

Darcy has been ill for the last few weeks, thought it had gone after the first set of antibiotics but within a few days of her finishing the course it came back. Dr said it obviously needed a longer course than normally given so gave her some more, on day 3 of the 2nd set and she's doing fantastic.......AND I got some sleep last night :-) So tonight I sat down after all the kids went to bed at 7pm and was determined to finish it off with the gold stitching round the top and the ying yang symbol.

Think I'll work on my ASAW sal as I'm nearly caught up before starting my next square for QFBC. This time its a beach themed one so my new book "Cross Stitch By The Sea" has come in handy.

A small finish

2009-09-24T13:35:00.009+01:00

I've been working hard on my oriental square for the Quilts for Breast Cancer group which is taking a lot longer than I thought. Just for a break for a couple of nights I decided to do a quick Christmas design I found on the internet, here is a photo of how it turned out.

I really enjoyed making it as it was a change from my cross stitch project. Its sewn on some fine cotton material I found in my quilting box, as it was so fine I put a backing on to give it some thickness for ease of sewing. Think I may do another couple of these in Christmassy themes then turn them into a mini wall hanging that can come out every year with the decorations.

I recently took part in a stitching exchange with the Friendly Stitchers group I belong to. The aim was to make something that could be hung in your partners stitching place. I was paired with Abi and this is what she made for me: In the parcel was the lovely mermaid hanging, a Sun Sea & Stitching designed by Abi and a Country Cottage chart with the hand dyed threads to make it with.I love anything to do with the sea, coast so these were just right for me. Thank you Abi, I love them X

Karate Boo

2009-09-05T14:56:00.006+01:00

This morning our eldest son Peter (AKA Boo) was in his first karate competition which was held as part of the Woodhouse Fun Day in our village. Woodhouse is a suburb of Sheffield city but still has its little village feel with a town square and local shops so every year we hold a summer fun day and also a winter festival where the local Woodhouse band perform christmas carols.

These are some of the photos of my little Peter doing his stuff. Master Terry is stood behind him keeping an eye on his Little Dragons. Terry runs Woodhouse Dragon, their Team Elite have some of the British Karate Championship members. http://www.woodhouse-dragon.com/ The little boy behind in the blue and red jacket is youngest son Luke, who clapped like mad when his brother finished. I'm the one peaking round from behind Terry so I could see my son 'do his stuff!' My nan is sat inbetween us cheering her great grandson on.

Darcy playing Elizabeth Bennett

2009-08-31T22:26:00.002+01:00

DH took a photo of our 19mth old DD in the garden this afternoon. As soon as I saw it she reminded me of Elizabeth Bennett from Pride & Prejudice played by Jennifer Ehle.

What do you think? She was named after Mr Darcy; DH wouldn't agree to Elizabeth or Jane so I had to sneak Darcy in! I think the ringlets down the side of her face complete the look...although it would help more if he'd cleaned her face after her Oreo biscuit before taking her photo..MEN! LOL

Sheffield from the air!

2009-08-31T12:16:00.017+01:00

Sheffield has its own Big Wheel for a while. Its at the end of one of our main town centre shopping areas. Looks huge inbetween both the historic and the new buildings and towers over everything. The scenes from the top are amazing, showing quite a bit of Sheffield but obviously not all of it.

These are a few pictures that DH took through the tinted glass of Sheffields wheel.

One view from the top showing one side of the city into the distance.

Looking up into the newly refurbished Barkers Pool area. The red metal is where the old cinema used to be, it closed down years ago and now houses shops such as Mothercare and Early Learning Centre.

Showing another view over Sheffield. We are the 4th largest city in England and are the only city that incorporates some of the National Park into its borders. Over 61% of our city is greenspace and we have more trees per person than any other European city. (Not in our back garden though as DH & I both hate gardening!!)

Quick Applique Project

2009-08-25T14:12:00.007+01:00

As I searched through my boxes of stash (both cross stitch and quilting) I found a pattern that I'd had for years but not yet done. All the equipment was inside the bag ready, it just needed cutting out and putting together. You can't really tell from the picture but its got beads, buttons, bows, french knots, blanket stitch, stem stitch and cross stitch on it.

I've turned it into a mini wall-hanging which now hangs in our bedroom. I'm pleased with how its turned out to say I completed it in a day.

Managed to wrestle my Amish quilted pillow from my son Luke to wash it today. Made this when I went to a 1 day course at our local Hobbycraft (unfortunately they've stopped doing them now). It was all hand stitched and then my mum found some dark green material and made it into a pillowcase for me. My son Luke, who is 3, says it is his pillow and isn't impressed when I take it for washing but its getting a lot of wear and tear now.

A Finish at last

2009-08-23T18:57:00.006+01:00

Yes, don't faint but my Upsy Daisy UFO is finally finished. Stayed up a bit later last night to put the finishing stitches in round the eyes. I was going to make it into a cushion for our daughter Darcy but DH wants it framed, don't think it'll be long before that happens as DH wants it on her wall. She laughed this morning when I showed it to her and shouted "Daisy" (sat in her highchair and with a mouthfull of toast!)

Big THANK YOU to Sue for lending me her Upsy Daisy chart (promise I'll bring it you back now LOL) after sitting chatting for years at our local playgroup and another baby later we discover that we both love cross stitch! You're a star sweetie X

Now I can catch up on my ASAW and finish the oriental square I'm working on for QFBC. Don't you just love a finish!

Busy Busy Busy

2009-08-18T17:53:00.008+01:00

Thank you for all your votes on which Darcy to send for charting. It seems Purple Darcy was the overwhelming favourite. The photograph has been printed and duly sent off for charting so I'll let you know when I start to kit up for it. Can't believe how long its been since I last wrote, the weeks have just flown past trying to keep 3 children amused during the summer holidays. Today we're all going swimming with my dad (so he and the children will be asleep at lunchtime LOL)

We were on holiday for a week in August, where I did hope to get more stitching done as I'd taken Darcys Upsy Daisy WIP with me. Didn't do as much as I'd hoped as we were out everyday with the children BUT I'm pleased to say I've nearly done her. It seems in my experience that the simplest designs take longer to sew than the complicated ones.

While we were away I called into a charity shop to see if I could find something to read while sat on the beach. Managed to get a Lee Child book that I'd missed but also (and more importantly for me!) picked up more stash. A lady had been having a clearout and taken in a pile of linen and silks. The linens which usually retail at £5 plus I got for £1.50 each and apart from two of them having a small square cut out of the bottom corner all 7 pieces were new still in their packaging. They were all big pieces as well. I got three 32ct and 4 28ct as well as a green metallic DMC skein and another purple skein which were 40p each. DH was outside the shop with the kids so didn't know until I came out, think he's learnt not to argue now as he just sighed - LOL

My ASAW is coming along great. Just before we went away I managed to complete weeks 27 & 28 which are the side panels. Still a few weeks behind but am totally concentrating on Upsy Daisy at the minute. DH picked the colour for the flowers in the side panels, he liked indigo with gold centres (he's getting into this sampler now!)

Been busy getting the material ready for starting Darcy's quilt as well. Decided to do a Sunbonnet Sue quilt. She'll be made out of Darcy's old clothes that I've kept so it'll be full of memories for me when its on her bed. Definitely be something I have to work on when the kids are out though!

Only 2 weeks to go before Darcy starts nursery now. I'll take her in on the Friday and stay with her for 2hrs to settle her in then the week after on Thursday 10th Sept she'll be there from 9-12.30 once a week. Oooohh ME TIME! I'll use the 3hrs to work just on one project every week, haven't decided to wait until the photostitch is done or start the Bothy Threads Noah's Ark cut thru as I've just ordered some lovely hand dyed 32ct linen for it. Probably go for Noah's Ark as the boys keep asking about it.

This week I've to start my square for the Quilts for Breast Cancer. Its an oriental piece, a lovely simple design but looks fabulous. Had it kitted for a couple of weeks but need to get started so I can post it off. There are 4 in the set and like them so much that I've also kitted up the other 3 to do for myself! I've also started my Friendly Stitchers exchange....not going to post a picture of what I'm sewing though otherwise it won't be a surprise LOL!

Pick a Photo

2009-07-27T20:56:00.006+01:00

Need your help, DH bought me a DMC photostitch for my birthday as he knew I wanted to stitch a photo of the kids. WELL...trying to get our 3 to sit still and all look at the camera at the same time has proved impossible LOL. So I've said that I'd like to do 3 separate ones of them using my favourite photos. That was 3 months ago and he keeps asking if I've chosen a picture yet. Trouble is he's captured some fantastic photos of them so here are my 3 hitlist ones of our daughter Darcy, which one would you choose????

Purple Darcy is #1

Summer Darcy is #2

And Santa Darcy is #3

These are only 3 out of the original 20 that I'd picked to consider. Its the only trouble with DH having photography as his hobby, there are so many fantastic shots of the kids that I had to buy him a digital photoframe last year for his birthday as we couldn't keep printing them out!

So votes please on which Darcy should be in stitches.........

Lots done but not much accomplished!

2009-07-27T18:12:00.007+01:00

Boy can you tell the school holidays are upon us, DS1 is 5 today and (as most his age) is on the go from early til late. Luckily when the weather is nice enough he plays in the garden a lot with his younger brother and our neighbours little boy who is only a year younger than Peter.

To help keep them occupied I bought the boys some small A5 notebooks and they're using it as a holiday notebook. In it they're putting cuttings, plants, paintings, photos etc of what they've done in their holidays. This week DH and I took the kids to Clumber Park where the boys took their cameras to take some photos for their notebooks, they also picked up some leaves so they could add them. The weather was great until all of a sudden (when we were in the middle of nowhere - LOL) the heavens opened and we got drenched. Luckily DD was in her pram and the raincover came down, the boys both had their rainmacs on "just incase", they just stripped to their t-shirts when we got back to the car whilst DH & I came home soaked!

This photo was taken by Peter showing his dad pushing his sister while the weather came heading towards us

He's getting quite good with his photography now, been taking photos since just after his 4th birthday. Started with a fisher price digital camera we bought him for that Christmas and is now using a Fuji that my dad had when he first went digital. DH wants to buy him one of the Tuff cameras for this year now he's really into taking photos.

This photograph was taken by Luke on the fisher price digital . Luke was 3 in April and has already caught the photography bug from his dad and big brother. This is one of the waterfalls near the bridge in Clumber Park. As you can tell with a childs camera the quality isn't fantastic but they're great "starters" for kids who want a go as the outside is rubber incase of dropping!

I didn't take my camera!!! Too busy pushing the pram with Darcy in. I've printed out some of the photographs the boys took and glued them into their holiday notebooks so they're thrilled. We're on holiday soon so no doubt both boys will want their batteries charging and cards emptying to take away with us.....between DH and my sons there's always a flash going off somewhere, always wondered what it felt like to be famous and photographed all the time - LOL!

A Stitch A Week SAL

2009-07-14T19:31:00.013+01:00

After finishing my Rainy Days project I decided to start on the ASAW Sal at long last. The grid had been finished ages (mostly done sat in the car on the school run!), for the grid I used a mix of DMC green and cream, just 1 strand of each as I liked the combination.

Week 1 For the robin I used DMC threads except for the chest where I used 1 strand of soft cotton. Instead of a french knots I used beads instead. The birdtable in green as it reminded me of some tables I've seen in our neighbours garden.

Week 2 I used brown DMC varieted thread for the branches and then for the pine cones and pine needles I used 1strand of silver blending filament with the varieted and green to give a hint of frost. Stranded cotton for the body and eyes for the owl but some white Wisper thread for the owls face to give him the fluffy look.

Week 3 I used 3 strands of white DMC stranded cotton for the satin snowdrops, the grass, backstitch and stems were all done in 2 strands of DMC stranded cotton.

Week 4 For the house body I used white coton a broder, DMC 310 for the backstitch. The roof was done again in the brown DMC varieted and DMC stranded for the smoke.

Week 5 One of my favourites so far of the motifs and made from Diamond Ray Stitch. Using white perle with some silver blending filament to give the snowflake its frosted look.

Week 6 The snowman is my sons favourite. Gave him a bright orange scarf, black seed beads for his buttons and eyes and his nose is a bright orange bullion knot. I put grass under him as he reminded me of the snowman our neighbours kids made earlier in the year...he lasted a lot longer than the snow on their lawn.

Week 7 The golden daffodils were done in coton a broder again with the same orange from Week 6s snowman and bright green stems to give a lovely spring feel.

Week 8 The catkins have been the most challenging so far. Branches in varieted DMC again. I did bullion knots first to get the length of the catkins then put 2 colours of french knots down them in a variety of sizes to give them body.

Week 9 I did the crocus flowers in Anchor Marlitt and DMC Satin, the stems in the same shade as the grid and the leaves in the same green as the birdtable from Week 1.

Week 10 For this weeks design I did the wellington boots without the dog (DH has pet allergies so no animals for us!) My 3 children all have bright blue wellington boots which have red bottoms which they'd quite happily wear all year round. Couldn't resist making mine in their colours :-)

Well thats the first 10 weeks of the ASAW sal done. Have really enjoyed doing it, the motifs as so cute and I can generally do 1 in an evening while DH on the computer and I'm sat on the sofa. Can't wait to get started on the rest, another 18 weeks to catch up on yet!!! Will keep you all posted on the progress.

Rainy Days are gone!

2009-07-04T16:39:00.004+01:00

Yes don't faint but the Rainy Days silhouette is actually finished. I cannot believe how long this one project has taken, the last silhouette I did was completed fast. Stayed up late Friday night to finish it off, didn't want to go to bed when there was only a few odd stitches and bit of backstitching to do. I'm pleased with how it turned out.

That's another UFO that has gone into the finished pile. The UFO pile is still bigger than I'd like but I'm getting there now.

Look out ASAW sal because you're next for working on! Going to Hobbycraft this Sunday to pick up a couple of bits I want for it. Only got 2 small motifs to do on my sons Thank You biscornu for his teacher so need to buy some filling as well as mine is all gone.

These are the 2 bags I made for my sons to use in the car when travelling. Put Sully from Monsters Inc on Peters as he loves that film. Luke is a big Winnie the Pooh fan so he got Tigger. As you can see they're already a hit. They've got their favourite books inside with some cars and trains and take them up to bed (like their bedroom isn't already awash with toys!) I've got some t-shirt transfers with fabric paints, during their summer holidays they can paint a picture and I'll put it on their bags rather than a t-shirt just so they can personalise them a bit.

I also made one for Peters school friend Thomas as it was his birthday last week. I cross stitched his name on his and also bought him a transfer paint kit. His mum says she'll put his travel toys in it for their holiday...they went Saturday so happy holidays guys. Now both my sons friends want one for their day trips.....better start them soon!

Hiking Cat finally done

2009-06-20T11:52:00.005+01:00

Can you believe it I finally finished Hiking Cat with only 12hrs to go til Father's Day! On the way to pick up our eldest from school yesterday we called in the local shopping centre where youngest son picked out a frame for his dads picture. He even picked a red frame as the cats rucksack is red. I did add some writing to the bottom as every couple of months my mum babysits so husband Tony and I can go on a health walk in Clumber Park. These are organised walks between the National Trust and Bassetlaw Council. We usually do the 8 mile walk which has been fantastic everytime we've gone...another one due in July. The first time we did one boy did our legs hurt and we thought we were pretty fit due to lots of days spent walking the kids round Clumber Park.

Now if I can only get a spurt on with the silhouettes project then I can concentrate on catching up with the Friendly Stitchers ASAW SAL. Grid done on the evenweave, just don't want to start the motifs until the silhouette is done. British F1 grand prix on tomorrow so I'll have a couple of hours to sit and sew during it.

Finished one project to start another

2009-06-14T14:22:00.004+01:00

Yes I've finally finished one of my projects. This was the square for Quilts for Breast Cancer, its one of EMS designs and I took a shine to it as soon as I saw it on her website. It took longer than I planned to stitch but that was due to the border, I was going to leave it off but when I'd finished the square and saw how much it set the BC ribbon off am glad I stitched it now. It was touch and go as to whether I'd finish it or not as I was running out of the green and our local Hobbycraft had run out...luckily I managed to finish the whole border with just 1.5" left of thread.

This weekend I've finally started the A Stitch A Week SAL with friends from Friendly Stitches. Designed by Abi I've been wanting to join in since I first saw it but needed to finish at least one project first. Abi has designed some fantastic motifs for inside the grid, BIG Thank You to Abi. Got round to buying the linen and started the grid, not been easy as our daughter is teething so everytime I picked up my stitching she woke up crying. Feels weird sewing on linen again as I've used aida for the past 6mths due to the projects I've been working on. This SAL uses not just cross stitch but speciality stitches as well so it'll be a lovely change as I haven't had much chance to do some proper embroidery stitches since last Christmas. Every so often I'll post a picture to show you how its going.

Not more kits!!

2009-06-06T13:43:00.006+01:00

Yes I've been sorting through my boxes and found another 3 cross stitch kits that I had totally forgotton about.

It all started when I wanted to put away my daughters cosytoes from her pram, thanks to the beautiful warm weather its now time to put away the winter gear. For the past week I've been piling it all into our bedroom and as the kids were playing nicely in the boys bedroom (for once!) thought I'd tackle ours before we could only just see a bed. After tidying all their stuff into the storage box, put the ironing away (YES its finally done!!) when I decided to have a quick 5 minutes looking through my old curver box full of completed kits. Really must decide what to do with some of those, frame? quilt into cushions? make into throws? Right at the bottom were 3 brand new kits that I obviously picked up 2 pregnancies ago. A lovely dolphin one, one of 3 friends and a row of ballerinas kit.

I've been very good and put them back into the box (but at the top!) am determined to have no more UFOs and am slowly working my way through the 3 already underway. Rambling Ted is almost done, it would help if I got more than 2hrs a week to work on him as there are loads of fractional stitches...but he's a Margaret Sherry design and they always look so good when done.

To celebrate June (and the end of the half term holiday) I've managed to find out my stitched calendar. Although the weather has gone wet now lets hope that the sun comes back. Lots of lovely sunny weather for stitching, walking and plenty of exercise for the kids.

Talking of the kids I think its time for our darling daughter to get up from a nap. Then the boys will want a snack........oh for the days when I could comfortably sit and sew for hours on end with no interruptions!

See you all soon XX

This is a shot taken by Tony in Castleton on bank holiday Monday. The scenery is amazing, a fantastic part of Derbyshire. Only drawback was Tony taking his camera and having to stand round for ages so he got his shot then complaining that he could have used this or that filter for a better shot!!

Welcome

2009-06-03T13:54:00.001+01:00

Hello Everyone

I'm Joanna. I'm married with 3 children all under 5yrs old, 2 boys and a darling daughter.

When I do get some free time I'm addicted to needlecrafts, most especially cross stitch. I love working on large projects such as landscapes but as these are very time consuming I always have a couple of smaller works on the go.

My favourite things to sew are quilt squares for Quilts for Breast Cancer (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Quiltsforbreastcancer/) I get to use some of my smaller designs that I've always wanted to stitch but had no reason to and they go to lovely ladies who make these into lap quilts for breast cancer sufferers. As breast cancer runs in my family this is a group close to my heart.

My latest works in progress are Rainy Day from the Silhouettes series (nearly done now only a corner to do) Rambling Ted by Margaret Sherry from the Cross Stitcher magazine, this is for my husband for Fathers Day and Upsy Daisy for my daughters bedroom.

I also knit, mostly aran jumpers for family. I like applique and am collecting my children's favourite clothes they've grown out of. I'll use them to make into an appliqued bedspread as a reminder of their childhood in later years.

In fact better get back to stitching as the house is quiet and I've got some time to myself :)