Lots to Tell

It's been quite some time since I was here last ~ lots of things have been going on, some good some not so good however we're not going to get bogged down with that.
Since I was last here:

• The LM and I took a trip to Scotland in the LM car with a group from the TVR Club ~ we extended our stay to spend a few days on the Isle of Skye which was absolutely beautiful.  I'll post some pictures another time.
• We've booked our wedding, issued save the date letters, bought tartan and started a collection of brooches
• I finished a stitchery and did a class to make it into a project roll ~ pictures soon
• I had a trip to London with the LM while he was there on business ~ I walked forever ~ visiting some of the places I was taken to as a child by the WP's.  Too much walking stopped me doing anything at all the following day!
• GB1 has finished his AS Level exams
• GB2 has completed his GCSE exams
• I had a trip to Penrith for a stitching day
• LM has had his boy's week in Le Mans for the 24 hour race
• I had a "finishing" weekend
• GB1 has spent the last week on a medical shadowing work experience in a local hospital
• LM & I were in Wales Thursday/Friday - unfortunately the LM was working however I was able to visit some fabulous places ~ report soon
• I haven't stitched enough!

Last weekend was IHSW and I had decided to make it a finishing weekend ~ the cutting mat, sewing machine, ironing board and various other bits of paraphernalia were permanent features the whole weekend.  I had a lovely time ~ I managed 6 finishes (well 5 really as one was completed earlier in the week).  One is an exchange piece that I can't share until after reveal day which is 30 June and one a birthday present which is yet to be given to the recipient.  These are the others:

This is Lizzie Kate's Ho Ho Ho in a Row which I have made into a small pillow finish using some fabric I bought at the Harrogate show last November from a range called Ready Steady Snow.  It's  lovely & bright and suits the design well.  I was going to use the same fabric to finish Jolly Holiday also by Lizzie Kate but didn't get round to it.

Next is Wee Santa 2005 from Heart in Hand.

Another pillow finish with fabric bought from Just Quilting not with anything specific in mind but I like how it turned out.  Same fabric was used for back.

This is Herbert, also from Heart in Hand ~ you may notice that he isn't signed or dated, Herbert was started in 2007 on a flight to Germany for work.  Back then the only pieces I signed where those I did for other people.  Same fabric range as above but a slightly smaller pillow.

Smaller pillow again, same fabric range ~ this is Whee Willie another Heart in Hand design.

And here's the trio all together ~ I am delighted with how they have turned out.  I am also very pleased that they have become "something" rather than just finished stitched pieces sitting in a drawer, I look forward to displaying them in our home at Christmas.  I hope that those of you who participated in the IHSW enjoyed your creative time as much as I did.

I have tons of blog reading to catch up with ~ can't promise to leave comments but I will be reading all your updates. 

Until next time.

Kate

Just a Quicky

Aren't stitchers just the most generous of people? - Parsley over at Seasons of My Mind is hosting a fabulous Christmas giveaway - check it out.

Kate

A Little Bit of Christmas

Originally I bought this thinking it would work as an ornament tree, however when I hung some ornaments I didn't like it - neither the tree nor the ornaments showed up very well, I have to admit to being disappointed.  So I tried the little jingle bells that were bought to spruce up our door wreath and didn't make it there.  I love how it looks, and the light it sheds is a lovely warm white.
The little angel sitting under the tree is the project that Sandra from The Crafts House designed for our Tuesday Stitching Group's last visit back in November.  She looks just perfect sitting there with the warm glow of the tree above her.

And here she is a little more clearly ~ we painted, glued, shaded, stamped, blushed, beaded and twisted ~ isn't she sweet!

The LM is off on his travels again tomorrow and on Saturday GB1 is off to a medical taster course at Nottingham University ~ a whole 5 days away from home, by himself!  As I'm sure many of you have experienced with your own children he's not phased in the slightest at the prospect ~ me? I'm a wee bit apprehensive.

Sleep is calling my name ~ eventually, with barely 5 hours in the land of nod between the last couple of nights ~ I'm off, night.

Kate