Stitch from Stash ~ August 2015

Hello All

I've been missing an epic amount of time ~ life does that to you sometimes!

Here I am reporting on my efforts in Stitch from Stash Part B for the first time!

I'm sticking with the same budget I had in Part A and reporting in GBP - £25.00/month

JULY

Budget ~ £25.00

Spent ~ £0.00

Cfwd ~ £25.00

AUGUST

Bfwd ~ £25.00

Budget ~ £25.00

Spent ~ £42.00

Cfwd ~ £8.00

My purchases for the month were this kit and a piece of 32ct linen from Sparklies ~ both were bought during my first visit to the Festival of Quilts at the NEC, Birmingham.  My felt kit had sold out at the show so my details were left with Isabelle and it was mailed to me once she had returned to France.

We had a splendid day ~ 4 of us up with the sparrows and on the train!  There were lots of gorgeous quilts in the actual exhibition ~ some exquisite work ~ and plenty stalls to drool over and spend at.  I plan to go again next year.

On the actual stitching front I have nothing to report ~ in all the months I have been missing I don't believe that I have actually stitched.  I've learnt how to knit & crochet so have been doing lots of practise at those.  My stitching travelled to Europe again this year but sadly did not come out of the box it was transported in ~ I'm hoping to get back to it very soon.

Happy stitching

Kate

OPAM 2015 ~ March & April

Hello All

Well the dreaded curse of expecting to have things finished and then life tripping you up landed on my plate.
I still have not managed to meet up with the recipient of my February finish so can't add pictures yet.
March & April have been a wash out as far as crafting is concerned so my finish count is currently reversing!
Hope to catch up in the coming months


Till next time






Kate

Stitch from Stash 2015 ~ March

This last month has been difficult and life was shelved in favour of spending as much time as possible with my Lovely Dad.
Consequently I have two months to report

Brought Forward ~ £50.00

Month ~ March & April 2015

Spent ~ ZERO

Credit ~ ZERO

Carried Forward ~ £100.00

I can't report any starts, wips or finishes as I have done absolutely no stitching ~ on the up side, I haven't spent any money!

Kate

A Girl's First Hero

My Dad

William
17 September 1921 to 2 April 2015

Later today our family bids farewell to my first hero.

As a boy of 7 he contracted smallpox and was placed in a sanatorium, miles away from home, not allowed visitors ~ my Grandma could wave to him from outside when she was able to get there ~ and he wasn't expected to survive.  At 93 (and a half!) I guess he showed them!

A wonderfully devoted husband to our late Mum, Veda Ann, Dad  to us 11 siblings, Father in law to all our spouses, Granddad to 21 & Great Granddad to 12 ~ a lasting legacy.  We are truly blessed to have had such wonderful parents.

OPAM 2015 ~ February

Hello All


I'm back to report on my February finish, yes, singular!  And, I can't share a picture at this time as I have yet to get a mutually convenient time to be able to visit the recipient.


I have a couple of items that were so close to being finished at the end of February that I should easily up the count in March ~ how many times do we think this and then it doesn't materialise?


Till next time






Kate

Stitch from Stash 2015 ~ February

Gosh, February disappeared a little quickly!  I know it's a short month, but wow!

So here is my report ~ I may be too late to be acknowledged officially however I still want to keep my record going.

Month ~ February 2015

Spent ~ ZERO

Credit ~ ZERO

Carried Forward ~ £50.00

New Starts

1 Replacement exchange piece ~ still wanting this to be a surprise ~ no further details at the moment
Started 14/02/2015
All items from stash greater than 6 months
2 2nd replacement exchange piece - still wanting this to be a surprise ~ no further details at the moment
Started 06/02/2015 ~ Finished 13/02/2015
All items from stash older than 6 months
3 Stitchers Day Exchange piece for Friendly Stitchers Yahoo Group ~ no further details at the moment
Started 22/02/2015
All items from stash older than 6 months

WIPs

1 Summer House Pincushion from Blackbird Designs

Started 01/01/2015

All items from stash older than 6 months

Finishes

1 Beaded butterfly bookmark from Spellbound Bead Company

All items from Stash younger than 6 months ~ no credit applies

Finished 30/01/2015 ~ after last month's report

2 Welcome Baby from Lizzie Kate

Items for the stitching all from stash older than 6 months/finishing fabric younger than 6 months ~ no credit applies.

I did have one purchase in February and I checked with Mel whether it needed to be included in my report ~ I was advised that it didn't.  

I found these while away with my DH ~ he was working I was wandering.  I dropped him at his client's offices and I visited Cirencester while I waited for him.  

There was a small antiques fair on in a hall I passed ~ well it would have been rude not to call in ~ and I found these beautiful scissors.  They are detailed as 19 century, have no cutting power whatsoever but I just thought they were gorgeous so I treated myself.  They are marked J Rodgers and Sons who were a Sheffield maker ~ I still need to do more research to find my scissors.

Until next month

Kate  

Bookmark Exchange

Back in November Clare who runs the Needlecraft Haven Yuku Group organised our Autumn meet up.  We had a great day and especially so as one of our number had traveled from the USA to be with us.
As part of this meet up we had a secret exchange ~ we each chose a postcard which revealed our partner and the answer to a few questions as hints on potential design choices for stitching our bookmarks.

Kates Flossbox 2015
NH Bookmark Exchange from Clare

Reveal day was 4 February.
This is my exchange from Clare and it depicts one of my favourite things ~ macaroons!
Clare also included some lovely goodies and they have lasted quite well, both packets have been consumed today!

Kates Flossbox 2015
Beaded Butterfly Bookmark

I  picked Lindsay's card and as I know she likes to bead I decided to have a go at making this.  It was a bit fiddly to get going but on the whole I thoroughly enjoyed the beading process

Kates Flossbox 2015
Beaded Bookmark for Lindsay

This was also my 2nd finish from last month's OPAM.

Till next time.

Kate

OPAM 2015 ~ January

I've signed up with Kris & Peg again this year.  The objective is to complete:

O  one
P   project
A  a
M  month

Reporting at the end of each month and keeping a track of finishes in the side bar of your blog ~ OPAM has been going for quite a few years now and this will be my second year of participating.

My first finish for this year was a cushion for GB1's birthday ~ he's been working as a barista for about 4 years now, he works part time to fit around his studies.

This seemed an appropriate thing to stitch for him!

Kates Flossbox 2015
Espresso Yourself ~ Tiny Modernist

Kates Flossbox 2015
Rear of Cushion

Kates Flossbox 2015
Label

Until next time

Kate

Stitch from Stash 2015 ~ January

Well, here we are again back in stitch from stash mode.  The challenge is a two-parter this year, both of 6 months duration ~ and with rule changes too.  Mel at Epic Stitching is keeping us all in check and being assisted by a group of trusty helpers.

Budget
My reporting currency will be GB£, most of my spend (or hopefully retained budget) will be made in GB£ so it seems logical to use it for reporting.  If I purchase anything from Europe or USA I will use the converted value charged to my card against my budget.  I will be keeping my monthly budget at the same value as last year ~ GB£25

Reporting
My plan is to report on towards the end of the monthly reporting period ~ I'm taking this report as an achievement as today is the final day!

Month ~ January 2015

Spent ~ ZERO

Credit ~ ZERO

New Starts

1 Summer House Pincushion from Blackbird Designs

Sarted 01/01/2015 

All items from stash older than 6 months

2 Bookmark Exchange for NH Yuku Group ~ secret until early next month

Started 24/01/2015

All items from stash but younger than 6 months

I was hoping to have this finished prior to the reporting deadline ~ it will be complete either tonight or tomorrow as I need to get it in the mail

WIPs

1 2014 Advent SAL from iStitch Designs

Started 06/12/2014

All items from stash younger than 6 months

Finishes

1 Espresso Yourself from Tiny Modernist

All items from Stash younger than 6 months ~ no credit applies

Finished as a cushion of GB1's birthday

Until next month ~ happy stitching from stash

Kate

Eventually....

...... I have discovered that:

• I am not alone in experiencing difficulties posting pictures to Blogger
• my version of IE is not compatible with Blogger
• Chrome is compatible with Blogger

Wouldn't it be nice if they told you what the issue was instead of just not working!  Rant over.

I can now share with you what I made and received in our Tuesday Stitching Group's Secret Santa.
Firstly

 I received this gorgeous project bag from Sylvia ~ it's made with beautiful linen and lined with a pale green linen check fabric.  It has an inside pocket that had a tape measure in it and it also has a lobster key clasp that I can attach my scissors to.  I love it!

I made this cushion for Norma ~ it's from a design by Kelly Fletcher called Christmas Tree that I discovered on Craftsy.  Stitched on Moda dot fabric with good old DMC ~ to ensure that it's washable, just in case.  Finished as an envelope back cushion with some fabric from my stash that originally came from Just Quilting.
Unfortunately, Norma was not able to be with us for our Secret Santa night so was given her gift a few days later when one of our ladies paid her a visit.






Finally I thought I would share my New Year's Day new start

Doesn't look like much does it?  And it looks upside down, however, it is meant to be.
This is Summer House Pincushion from Blackbird Designs ~ originally I was meant to start this as a SAL with Carol many, many moons ago ~ Carol's has been finished for quite some time now!  I'm using the recommended fabric & thread but have to say that I'm not loving the fabric ~ it's really stiff & harsh ~ so currently it remains as you see it as I have not picked it up again since NYD.





Until next time.



Kate

Happy New Year

I'd like to wish all my followers & readers a very Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year.


Thank you for sticking with me when I have been an intermittent blogger ~ I am hoping that I will manage to keep the blog updated more frequently throughout this year.  To those of you that leave me comments I'd like you to know that they are very much appreciated.


Today I am struggling with my technology!  Blogger does not want to allow my to upload photographs currently ~ it may be my version of IE that is causing the issue, but who knows.


Hopefully I can resolve this soon and then show you my NYD new start and the Secret Santa gifts from Tuesday Stitching Group.


Until next time




Kate

Stitch from Stash 2014 ~ December

Well, I made it!  I got through the whole year of Stitching from Stash without too many problems, and without spending all of my budget ~ I feel accomplished.


DECEMBER BUDGET

Bfwd	83.53
Budget	20.00
Spent	0.00
Balance	103.53

NEW STARTS FROM STASH
12 Days of Christmas panel ~ started 06/12/2014 & almost finished
2014 Sapin d'Elisa - Finished 04/12/2014
istitch Designs Advent SAL 2014
Espresso Yourself by Tiny Modernist


WIPs AND UFOs WORKED ON
12 Days of Christmas Bunting ~ finished
Merry Christmas Deer from The Little Stitcher
Sablaise 2014 Christmas SAL ~ final part to complete
Christmas Tree by Kelly Fletcher ~ finished, this was my Secret Santa gift

I've already signed up for SFS again ~ I must re-read the rules as Mel has made some changes and I need to stick to the rules.

Kate
 

Stitch from Stash 2014 ~ November 2014

I'm getting my report in a little early this month so I don't forget!
Thursday was the day for our annual pilgrimage to the Knitting & Stitching Show in Harrogate ~ last year the lovely C & I went via car but this year we were on a coach, it's definitely nice to have someone else drive you there & back and also not to have the parking problem.  I had a couple of things on my list ~ yes, really, just a couple ~ mind you they weren't inexpensive things!  However, even though I managed to get them all I still returned with money to spare ~ and, most importantly, no new charts!  I am determined to get through more of the charts I have already in my stash.

NOVEMBER BUDGET

Bfwd	132.83
Budget	20.00
Spent	-69.30
Balance	83.53

I bought:
some NPI silks to start the istitch Advent SAL next month
istitch Advent SAL membership
32ct & 40ct fabrics
Some beads, findings & glue to make earrings
D rings to complete some bunting
A kit which is to be completed as a gift

NEW STARTS FROM STASH
12 Days of Christmas bunting ~ only hangings to complete
Cape Angels ~ fabric cut out
Storage basket liner ~ finished 11/11/2014
Secret Santa Project
Sablaise 2014 Christmas SAL


WIPs AND UFOs WORKED ON
A gift for a visiting friend ~ finished
Home of a Needleworker from LHN ~ just spotted a mistake on this on Tuesday ~ not happy!
Merry Christmas Deer from The Little Stitcher

I'm feeling like I have achieved this month ~ it's a good feeling!

Thanks for stopping by.

Kate

A Return to July

While we were holidaying in France back in July I was lucky enough to be able to visit a beautiful store that I have visited many times before in cyberspace.



This is me pictured with Marie Pascalle who was very knowledgeable and so helpful.  The shop is prominently situated on a corner of Rue de Caire in the fabric district

How cool would it be to have storage like this?  I'm not sure where I would put it but I'm sure I could find somewhere!  Just imagine how many skeins of thread you could pack into all those drawers!

The whole shop is packed with stitchy goodness ~ gorgeousness at every turn ~ so many things to look at, choose from, um & ah over ~ and I will definitely make a return visit at some point.




These goodies came home with me ~ treats from the LM

Paris in July was beautifully warm so it's been lovely to think about it again and forget the frosty mornings that have started this week.
Until next time.

Kate

 

 

Stitch from Stash ~ October 2014

Can  I sneak in September too?
Life has taken over just a little bit in Mr & Mrs LM world ~ work at work, work at home, boys leaving home.......

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER BUDGET

Bfwd	100.46
Budget	40.00
Spent	7.63
Balance	132.83

My spending was all in October ~ a few DMC's for a Secret Santa project and my copy of the Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament edition

NEW STARTS FROM STASH
Another Autumn exchange piece ~ September (may have been August!) ~ finished & mailed
A gift for a visiting friend ~ October ~ almost finished
Welcome Baby from Lizzie Kate ~ ready to make up


WIPs AND UFOs WORKED ON
Part V of La Pensee Positive ~ Finished 21 October ~ no decision on how to make this up yet
Home of a Needleworker from LHN
Merry Christmas Deer from The Little Stitcher

While I'm typing this it appears that I have accomplished more than I remember ~ I just need to remember to report on a more timely basis!

Happy Stitching from Stash ~ we're almost at the end of this year's journey, I've really enjoyed participating in this challenge and hope to be able to continue in 2015.


Kate

Our First September Finish

It all started on August Bank Holiday weekend

 

The dismantling of our old conservatory began

 

It didn't take long to get to this stage

The beginnings of the new glass roof

Really taking shape

 

 

 And now all finished

 

Work has started on the lounge/dining room and we have a deadline as the carpet fitting is booked.  The LM is away on business for most of this week so I am currently enjoying a respite from work being carried out ~ the downside is that the rest of the house looks like a transit shed!  It will all be worth it when it's complete.

Unfortunately while all this has been going on there has not been much in the way of progress with any stitching ~ I have an exchange piece complete but can't share pictures until reveal day later in the month.

 

Kate 

 

 

OPAM 2014 ~ August 2014

August is usually the month when we take our annual holiday ~ not this year ~ we've already been home from our trip for over a month now and it feels like a very distant memory.
I have only one finish this month and unfortunately I cannot share any pictures as it is for an exchange ~ reveal date is not until late next month.

I can tell you that my finished piece has an Autumnal theme as part of a Four Seasons Exchange on the Needlecraft Haven Yuku Group ~ it's the second time that I have participated in this year long exchange.

Here's hoping that I can squeeze at least one finish in next month.

Kate

Stitch from Stash 2014 ~ August

Another month has passed and I have very little in the way of stitching to report ~ on the plus side it does mean that I have spent a big fat zero again!

AUGUST BUDGET

Bfwd	84.46
Budget	20.00
Balance	100.46

NEW STARTS FROM STASH
Needlecraft Haven Autumn Exchange Piece ~ Finished ~ I can't share any pictures as it has to be received by my partner.

WIPs AND UFOs WORKED ON
Part V of La Pensee Positive
Home of a Needleworker from LHN

I don't envisage that there will be much stitching in September either as we are currently in the process of having our conservatory renewed and then the decorating begins.

Kate

NH Four Seasons Exchange ~ Summer

Yesterday was opening day for the Summer Exchange on the Needlecraft Haven Yuku Group ~ I originally stitched a piece which I thought would be great to send to my partner, however I lost the plot when it came round to making the piece up ~ I just completely lost faith in what I was doing.  So, thinking cap was employed and I took off in a different direction and decided to make this:

A wee quilted bag, big enough to carry a small project around.  I love all the dotty fabric, and buttons are a very sad passion of mine.
I downloaded the pattern for this from here some time ago as I thought I could make a few and use them as gift bags for small presents ~ hadn't thought about adding any embellishments at that point.

Here's a picture of the back and also one showing the flowers close up ~ as my partner was Barb I couldn't resist adding a wee sheepy into the parcel.

 

The exchange is a secret until opening day, usually we receive from a different person than we stitch for, this time we were paired.  Unfortunately Barb is unwell and not able to complete so I had an angel stitcher who made my gift ~ thank you so much Clare for stepping in and making my gift.

 

 

 Clare has stitched a beautiful design and set it into a coaster, it was sent along with this gorgeous summery card.  Thank you so much Clare ~ it will be going to work with me tomorrow and residing on my desk.  I'll leave you with a close up of the coaster ~ I'll need to ask where the coaster is from, I have been put off buying coaster blanks previously as the ones I have seen have just not been very nice ~ a bit cheap & flimsy ~ this one is great though.
I'll leave you with a close up of my new coaster.

 

 

Till next time.

 

Kate

 

May in Review Part II

 

I shan't rattle on to much in this post ~ I'd rather just share with you some of the photographs from our visit to the Isle of Skye.

 

 

 

 

 

North side of the island

Looking down a rather steep hill ~ just how steep not really captured



View of the coral beach near Dunvegan







Our base for this year's stay on Skye


 



View from our bedroom

Lounge
 

Lounge featuring the LM
 

Lounge at night with stove lit
 

A wee visitor

Armadale Castle

View for the staircase, Armadale Castle

The LM car



Gorgeous coffee (and cake) at Cafesia
 

Rear of the cottage (with strange woman in the window!)