OPAM 2014 ~ June 2014

Well another month, another challenge to report ~ I completely ran out of time to report my OPAM in May, I only had one finish which was originally to be an exchange piece and then I had a change of heart about it. 
This month I have three whole finishes to report ~ I can only share one with you at the moment as item 2 is an exchange piece and opening day is tomorrow, and item 3 is a gift.  So here is the one project I can share with you at the moment:

This is a bag from a class at my LQS Just Quilting on Saturday last week, I completed it on Sunday.  I thoroughly enjoyed the day, it was a small group ~ 2 of us doing part 1 and 2 working on part 2 of a "how many things to make from a jelly roll" class.  I think that Hazel (teacher) had made 10 items in total, lots of bags, case for a rotary cutter, glasses case, tissue covers ~ there are a couple of the other things that I will make at some point.

Happy OPAMing

Kate

Stitch from Stash 2014 ~ June 2014

I missed reporting in via my blog last month ~ there wasn't much to report ~ between weekends away, exams for GB2, plumbing work at home and work there wasn't a great deal of time for stitching ~ and definitely none for stashing. 
Again this month I have not had a great deal of time ~ I did manage to attend a quilting class on Saturday.  The class was organised at my favourite LQS, Just Quilting and was run by a lovely lady called Hazel.  It was designed around making as many projects from one jelly roll as possible ~ fortunately I just happened to have one in my stash!  I did have to buy some wadding, some fabric for lining and a bobbin of thread, however I refrained from spending any of the permitted bonus for this month.

JUNE BUDGET

Bfwd	67.51
Budget	20.00
Spent	23.05
Balance	64.46

NEW STARTS FROM STASH
Needlecraft Haven Summer Exchange Piece - Finished
Quilted Bag x 2 - Finished

WIPs AND UFOs WORKED ON
Part V of La Pensee Positive
Love by Bent Creek - Finished

Kate

A Quilting Project

My Sis2 and her DH have spent many years, might even be 10, looking for sofas and chairs for their upstairs lounge and until this year have not managed to find anything that they both were happy with.  The discovery of furniture, carpet and wallpaper lead to much work ~ now their room is  complete and looks absolutely gorgeous.  They chose plain leather sofas and some co-ordinating pieces from this range.  I decided to make a couple of throws for them and this is what I have so far

This is the first one

 And the second.  I used a variety of fabrics which were bought from Borderland Fabrics & Just Quilting.  There are borders to be added and I need to get wadding, backing and binding fabric to complete them.  I am thoroughly enjoying this project and spent some time at the weekend working on a plan to personalise them ~ I hope it works.

Hope you're impressed that I've managed to come back quite soon!

Kate

Summer Exchange

As reveal day has now passed I can show you the summer exchange pieces from Needlecraft Haven.
This is the lovely bag, recipe book and card that I received from Dusty.  It's already had a couple of outings - yesterday it carried a little quilt top to Just Quilting to get wadding, backing and binding fabric, and last night it carried my sewing to Tuesday Stitching Group.  It's a great size and I love it - thanks so much Dusty.
I think it will be coming to France to carry my holiday stitching.

 I stitched this design for Barb ~ I know that The Sampler Girl's design are favourites of hers.  That and the subject matter made it perfect.  It was a dream to stitch and I finished it as a pillow with pockets added on the reverse side.  I am so pleased that Barb likes it.
I've signed up to do the Autumn exchange too so I'm currently looking out designs that would be appropriate.

Today my main task is stash organising, I have stuff spread out all over the place trying to get it into some semblance of order ~ it's a job that has needed doing for quite some time.  I'm hoping to get it all finished today and also get my database updated.

Wish me luck!

Kate

Stitchery Project Roll

I mentioned in my last post the project roll I finished ~ we were to complete the stitchery prior to the class and I was on track to do so until 2 days before the class I left my sewing bag in the office!  So I was up very late the following night and actually finished at the beginning of the class.
There were six of us making the project roll at Just Quilting and it was a lovely class and I actutally managed to finish ~ I'm not sure but this may be a first!

I don't know about you but choosing fabric for a project takes me forever and as I wanted to use threads in the stitchery that co-ordinated I called in the week before to do this and also to trace the design using the light box.
I really enjoyed the stitchery once I got started, I always worry that my stitches are too big/too small/not straight but............. I'm very pleased with how this turned out.

 Here's mine both inside and out ~ the quilted lines are a little wonky!  Those are the LM's legs in the background ~ oops.

It's a large size as it's meant to be used for quilt blocks ~ it currently holds about 6 of my stitching projects that are waiting to be finished.

These are all the finished rolls pictured at the end of the class ~ mine is 2nd from the front.
We also started to make a little needle book too which you can see just to the right of Jill's roll at the front.
I have another class booked at Just Quilting next month ~ Christmas in July ~ I'm really looking forward to seeing what's in store for us.  Hopefully I will finish something in that class too.

Kate

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

Goodies Exchanged & Received

There are a couple of things I have received over the course of this last week ~ some expected and some not ~ all brilliant though.

First up is this wee pile of goodness ~ on Needlecraft Haven Clare is running a Four Seasons Exchange.  Angie (no blog) sent me this beaded handbag mirror, some DMC and some Easter bunnies.  Thanks so much Angie ~ I used to have an handbag mirror but lost it some time ago so now I have a gorgeous replacement. 

I stitched The Spring Scissor Keeper from The Drawn Thread Company for my partner Clare.  This was a lovely stitch and has been in my to do pile forever, so I am pleased to have a tick in the box against it now and the best part is that Clare is so happy with it.  I'm looking forward to participating in the other rounds of this exchange ~ hope nothing will get in the way of me completing all four seasons. 

You remember that I visited the Pins & Needles Exhibitions last week?  Well, I was lucky enough to be a winner from my raffle ticket ~ these were given upon making a purchase from the Just Quilting stall.  Isn't that painted tag just gorgeous?  These are the goodies that were within the cutest little hessian bag.  Needles, thread, tin, fabric, trim and DMC together with a useful laminated card ~ I'm using that as a bookmark now.
I'm looking forward to four days at home with my family, we have nothing major planned, just some housey jobs ~ hopefully the weather will be kind for the holiday weekend.
Have a Happy Easter ~ and don't eat too much chocolate.

Kate

Playing Catch Up

Do you ever have the feeling that no matter how hard you try you just can't keep up?  I'm currently treading the hamster wheel of life!

Almost 2 weeks ago this wonderful package of goodies arrived, yes I am just telling you now!
This was a New Year's giveaway that I won on Sarah's blog ~ Craftymoo.  It's full of great charts and fabric & a little bag that could be used for small projects.  What I haven't pictured is the little tray of heart shaped chocolates that were also included ~ and that's not because I've eaten them either!  Thank you so much Sarah ~ I already have a plan for a few of the lovely things you sent.
I have nothing I am willing to share with you from my workshop at Just Quilting on Saturday ~ I'm waiting until things are a little more finished!  It was a small group and we all tried at least three of the available projects ~ another lovely day thanks to Carol & Doreen, even if we didn't get a carrot cake muffin!

Sunday was the meeting of The Diary Dames up at The Crafts House ~ as usual I had no fixed idea for what I wanted to create.  I looked around, there is just so much to see there, spoilt for choice really.

While I was mooching I found this absolutely gorgeous minature tray ~ I wasn't sure what I would do with this, still not sure yet, but it was definitely coming home with me. 

These bobbins where what I eventually decided to work on.  Painted on one side and decorative paper on the other ~ they will be put into service for storing ribbon, lace and trim.  I have a wooden box that originally held gift toiletries that may be perfect to house the bobbins so that could be my next painting project.

I have some lovely things to show you next time, just waiting for some decent light to take photographs ~ hopefully if won't be too long before I post again.

Kate

Friday Finish

Unfortunately it's not a stitching one - today was my last day at my temporary assignment where I have been working for the last 11 months.  So back here, yes August, I had leaving cards & presents as the post holder returned from her maternity leave then.  However, I was asked to do some additional work on a project that the MD wanted to have completed, then things escalated into several projects, and sorting out areas that weren't working etc.  So it was a good run, it's had ups & downs but on the whole I've enjoyed my time there and made some lovely friends.

Last week it was The Lovely C's birthday and this is her present.  It's fair to say that she's a bit of a button-o-holic so when I first saw this I thought it would make the perfect gift.  It's a little storage box and I added some goodies ~ threads, ribbons & trim, a quilters quarter, stitch ripper etc together with the ribbon bow on the lid.  I might need one myself!  See that quilt in the background?  I have a couple of stories to tell you about it ~ you'll have to wait though.
We have a busy weekend ahead of us ~ a friend's 60th birthday party, a family golden wedding party, I have a valentine themed workshop tomorrow at Just Quilting ~ all things heart ~ right up my street.  Then it's the meeting of the Diary Dames for a painting session at The Crafts House on Sunday morning. 
The GB's are finished school for a week for half term ~ has it registered with them that I'm going to be home with them next week, doubt it.  Sorting out and bedroom tidying could be high on my to do list ~ probably hasn't even crossed their minds, can you hear the cries of delight?  Yes, I know I'm wicked ~ it's a parental sport to keep them on their toes.
I'm hoping to have a finish to share with you next time ~ possibly more than one.
Have a great weekend.

Kate

ORTs, Travelling Pattern & Secret Quilting

First ORT report of the year and I'm late ~ it's been that kind of week though!
So these are mine ~ current ones on the left obviously ~ I decided to keep going with another Christmas bauble, also pictured is last year's full bauble which I plan to somehow stitch 2011 on a fabric scrap to keep inside.  I'll do the same for 2012's collection.  It doesn't look like much stitching has been achieved when you look at the wee pile.
Last week I was the lucky recipient of the Travelling Pattern - Count Your Blessings by Shakespeare's Peddler.

This picture was taken earlier in the week ~ I'm stitching on linen band which I bought in France while on holiday last year.  I've counted (twice) and it seem to be 35ct, I've been waiting to use it and it seemed perfect for this project.  I had all but two of the recommended threads in my stash ~ I'm trying to stitch from stash only, so I just substituted a couple in their place.  I'm hoping to be finished this piece over the weekend so if you would like to be the next stitcher check back.

I spent the day at Just Quilting on Saturday and these are the fabrics I was playing with ~ can't share what I've made yet, it's for Sis2 and although she doesn't read me I'd like her to see it first.  Sis2 & her DH are visiting the North East for the weekend, staying with the Pater, so I will get to give her birthday present to her in person ~ last time that happened was 5 years ago! 
I'm off now to complete my shopping online, although less work it's still a pain.  I expect we'll be busy all weekend, I have a pile of ironing that is starting to resemble Ben Nevis so obviously I'm really looking forward to that......  and to top that there's more laundry too, lucky me!
I'll be back soon with a finish to share, hopefully two, ironing permitting.

Kate

Parcel Out ~ Parcels In

This week has been a busy one for post and parcels.
First, the parcel out ~ back in December I reached a milestone thanks to all you lovely people who kindly stop by and read my witterings ~ 100 followers.  So I thought I would host a little giveaway ~ it wasn't open for anybody, just the centuplicate.

Sally's name was drawn and she has been patiently waiting for a) the madness of the Christmas postal service, and b) my "safe" place to be remembered as one of the component parts was hiding.

Sally has now received her parcel and, I'm pleased to report, is happy with the goodies I sent.


I ordered some goodies that were in The White Company's sale, a few things I saw pre-Christmas that my budget wouldn't stretch to ~ I can't show you them as I haven't unpacked them completely yet.
A gift for a friend arrived ~ obviously, can't show you that either.

On Tuesday this arrived ~ The Needlecraft Haven board had a birthday and I was lucky to be one of the giveaway winners.  Clare sent me this gorgeous LHN All Dolled Up chart ~ thank you so much Clare.
I've looked at these many times so I'm delighted to have one to stitch  ~ I'll be trying to sort through my stash to kit this up soon.

Thursday I collected this from the PO ~ yes it's the travelling pattern.  I have been following this one around for a while ~ Christine was the last stitcher and now I am lucky enough to be included in The Stitcherhood.
This is Count Your Blessings from Shakespear's Peddler and I'm really looking forward to stitching this, starting today.  I have my fabric and most of my threads sorted ~ I'm stitching from stash so substitution is the name of the game. 
Hopefully you won't have long to wait before I can show you a finished piece.
Watch this space.

 This was what was waiting for me on Friday when I got home from work ~ how de-li-cious!

Jo from Dinky Dyes had a giveaway on her Facebook page ~ we were invited to post about our stitching resolutions for last year with a chance to win 25 skeins of DD silk thread ~ and I was one of the very lucky winners.  You wouldn't think that it would be difficult to choose 25 silk threads, boy it took me ages.  The only sad thing about this is that my hands are suffering with the current cold weather and are in no fit state to be fondling silk thread!  So they were carefully extracted from the bag by their labels, photographed and returned to the bag by their labels ~ emollient ointment and white cotton gloves for me at bedtime!

I'm off to a finish your UFO's session at Just Quilting today ~ hoping to finish a birthday pressie for Sis2.

Have a great Saturday.

Kate

No Snow This Year...

... for our trip to the Knitting & Stitching show at Harrogate ~ thank goodness.

My shopping list was relatively short this year ~ mostly threads to complete patterns I already have.  The charm pack will be used to finish the L*K pattern shown plus another one I have (once they are stitched!) into pillows.
The felt is for a project from this Rosalie Quinlan book I recently bought at Just Quilting together with something else I am working on. 
Our day was not as leisurely as usual as the exhibition seemed to be far busier than we have experienced in recent years ~ perhaps people were getting in on day one in case the weather turned nasty and prevented them from going.  I have started saving for next year already.

Kate

Blog Giveaways

Sharon at Daffycat has stitched two real cuties for her giveaway based on a Bent Creek design with gnomes - a lovely scissor fob and tiny needle minder.  Beautifully stitched and finished!

Terri at Dixiesampler is having a welcome back to blogging giveaway following a bit if a traumatic time with internet/blogging related matters.  I just love the huge wooden button in Terri's profile picture ~ I need one!

It's Tuesday Stitching Group for me tonight - I should get very close to a finish!  Tomorrow evening the Lovely C is hosting a few of us from the Wednesday Quilting Group - there is usually a wee bit of hilarity so I am looking forward to it.  Quilting Group will start to meet again in early September - I think I may even get onto a quilting project when we reconvene!  I have signed up to a BOM quilt being run by Carol at Just Quilting - it's a Christmas wall hanging and I shall work on this at quilt group ~ I haven't allowed myself to start this yet as I really must get a few other things out of the way first ~ famous last words!

Smile today - people will wonder what you're up to!

Kate

 

Another Sunday

and that means that Monday will arrive soon!

We had torrential rain yesterday ~ I was out and about for much of the day ~ weigh in followed by a visit to see my Mum with my Sis2 who was down from Scotland for the weekend.  Managed a short visit to Just Quilting on my way home to collect some batting that I needed.  Always a pleasure to be welcomed there, the assembled ladies were doing a class making quilts from jelly rolls with Lucie and they were all looking fabulous.

The rain seemed at it's worst on my journey home and I made a detour from my usual route as part of it was flooded and I wasn't sure that little Jazzy would have managed to wade her way through the volume of water ~ she probably would have been fine but better safe than sorry.

I'm off for a bit of painting therapy with Sandra at The Crafts House and the Diary Dames this morning ~ this is Sandra's pet name for our wee group ~ Carol, Doreen , Lucie and her fantastically talented daughter Sarah and me ~ the hanger on!  Afterwards I'm visiting with my Mum again for the afternoon ~ it will be good to get some alone time with her ~ it's likely that Mum will snooze the time away but I'll have my stitching to keep me company if she does.

Hope you enjoy your Sunday.

Kate

Last Weekend

It seemed like I was on the go much of the time.  Saturday was a really miserable day with rain that never ceased and Sunday was not much better.

It was Christmas in July over at Just Quilting on Saturday ~ the wreath was on the door (no picture as the rain was coming down like stair rods!) and the tree was up complete with lights.  All the Ladies were hard at work when the Lovely C and I called in ~ the projects they were working on were gorgeous as ever.

I managed to get the seven fabrics that are required for my secret project ~ I'll show them later when I have part I finished, eventually ~ part II is already on it's way from France.  Carol bought the cutest little pillow and some fabric.  Next we went to our monthly EG meeting ~ I wasn't sure about the subject of the talk as textile art is not something that I go for.  I was very pleasantly surprised though as our speaker Nicky Dillerstone gave a fabulous talk and brought everyone into her world - it was really interesting.

Sunday morning was spent at The Crafts House finishing the project I started last time I was there.  These wise old birds will be a gift for my Dad ~ the wise owl of our family who will be 90 in September.  After painting Doreen and I had a trip to Country Baskets for a look around and a good soaking on the way back to the car!

LM wanted us to visit the garage to try out some seats ~ he spends a huge amount of time in his car so it's vital that it's comfortable and he just doesn't fit in standard seats!  Not very exciting really but it has to be done ~ we also had a test drive on Monday of one of the cars he is thinking about buying.

Monday came around far too soon for my liking.

Yesterday we should have had a visit from my WP's however since her fall Mum is not doing so well and was taken back into hospital on Friday and is being kept in for a few more days ~ I'm off to visit this afternoon. 

GB2 finished school for the summer on Thursday so we now have two teenagers lounging about the place ~ time for a wee list of jobs me thinks!

Until next time.

Kate

Weekend Flashback

We had a very early start last Saturday ~ LM needed to catch his 8:46 train from Penrith to go and collect the LM car back from it's little holiday.  It was the monthly stitching day at Just Sew for me and I was really looking forward to it as had to miss the June day.  The traffic crossing the A69 was much heavier than I would have expected but it was still a good run with a quick stop at Southwaite Services for a coffee & granola bar to keep us going.
I was there so early I had a walk around Penrith before going to Just Sew ~ there are a couple of shops that I like to visit but I don't always get the opportunity, I was however too early for some of them so I wandered, took photographs and made notes of places to pop back to later in the day. 
I was first to arrive but wasn't alone for very long ~ there were nine of us stitching on various projects from bags to table runners some canvas work and a bit of knitting.  I was very pleased with what I managed ~ finishing one project and moving another well on.  A few of us have signed up to a class next month to make a bag which I am looking forward to.
Sunday was a lovely warm day ~ the sun was slow to show it's face but when it did it was wonderful.  The LM was off out to his monthly car club meeting followed by a run out to Melmerby for tea and cake.  GB1 was working and GB2 was avoiding the required tidying of his bedroom.  I managed to amuse myself pottering around ~ mostly backwards and forwards from my seat in the garden to empty and re-load the washing machine and "peg out".

This was the view from my seat in the garden - a picture of perfection for a warm Sunday.  iPod on the docking station for sunny tunes, sewing basket with a selection of projects, sewing glasses ~ an absolute essential, pincushion, a drink ~ well several really, container for threads, buttons, scissors etc.  Oh, and an empty bowl that had contained my current favourite treat ~ broken up meringue nest and yoghurt.
I hope I get to repeat this sedentary experience over and over across the summer months.
As I make this report I am more than ready for the coming weekend ~ I have EG on Saturday and myself and the Lovely C plan to call into Just Quilting before ~ I need fabric for my top secret project, also they are having their Christmas in July workshop and I am reliably informed that they will have a tree up!  Sunday I will be at The Crafts House working on my owl project in the morning and hope to get a trip to Country Baskets too.

Enjoy you plans ~ whatever they may be.

Kate

Top Secret!

I'm quite excited about this top secret project ~ I have joined a SAL through Nataliejo at L'Atelier Perdu.  I joined late so I have only until 21 July before part two is issued!
I love the thread colours and the 32ct fabric that have been recommended for this.  We have been set a mission for next time too - we need to find 7 co-ordinating printed fabrics for making up - guess that means a trip to Just Quilting at the weekend ~ what a chore that will be!!
I must resist starting until I have my Tuesday Stitching Group birthday gifts finished.  I am hoping that the current batch of 3 gifts will all be ready to be re-homed on Tuesday next week.  One is finished, one is waiting to be made up and there is the teeniest amount of stitching to complete on # 3 before it can be made up.
Wish me luck.

Kate

Giveaway Win!

A few weeks ago I took part in Maggee's Name Yourself Day giveaway ~ you had to leave a comment describing what you would name yourself and the story behind choosing that name.  I was lucky enough to be drawn as one of the three winners!  Maggee very kindly sent the charts pictured ~ Seasoned Greetings by ByGone Stitches, French Country Snow Globe by JBW Designs and Jolly Holiday by Lizzie Kate.  Maggee also included an eco friendly package ~ the small packet at bottom left ~ these are small flower shapes of bio degradable paper that is embedded with wild flower seeds.  I hope to pot these up soon and I'm looking forward to seeing the results.  Thank you so much Maggee.

We've been busy the last few days ~ LM spent Friday pottering outside, weed and feed was added to the lawn, the shed was re-painted, garden waste disposed, patio furniture and decking cleaned down ready for use and general outside clear up.  GB1 was providing service with a smile (I hope!) to the coffee drinking general public and I spent all day ~ yes All Day ~ in GB2's bedroom.  We cleaned ~ well that was mostly me,  matched electrical goods with their long lost cables, chargers & instructions, cleared the wardrobe of clothing that no longer fits etc etc.  Have you ever seen the Michael McIntyre sketch about "the man drawer" well basically that refers to GB2's bedroom!  The only difference ~ I think the man drawer is probably cleaner!
We've had birthday's too ~ my lovely Mum was 87 ~ I had a short visit with her on Saturday together with my Dad and Sis2.  LM clocked up another year too!
I joined Carol & Doreen at Just Quilting for a spot of sewing on Saturday afternoon ~ I started a new bag and got some fabric for making up The Sampler Lady.  To top Saturday off ~ LM and I enjoyed chinese take out for dinner.
I'm hoping that the weather improves for the remainder of the weekend as I'd like to spend some time outside.

I will be back quickly with an update on exchange goodies ~ just need some daylight for photographs.
Happy Easter.

Kate   

Late Weekend Report

I can't believe how fast last weekend passed ~ I must have been having too much fun!  Saturday I paid a quick visit to Just Quilting as I wanted to look for some fabric to make up my Sampler Lady.  I had a lovely chat and coffee with Carol, Doreen & Viv but unfortunately no fabric purchase ~ it's not that there wasn't any I just forgot to take Grace with me!  So I shall have to go another time.
It was the monthly EG meeting in the afternoon and we had a wonderful talk from Helen Dickson.  She told us of her journey through her textile learning ~ it was very interesting.  She brought many things to show us too and they were amazing.  Pop over and check out her blog. 
I called into Town (Newcastle) on my way home to look for a shop I had been told about ~ didn't find it!  I did however find something else which I will tell you about another time.

Sunday LM and I set off in the LM car to Berwick ~ picnic on board and roof off.  It was cool but a lovely drive up.  We walked along the pier and read about the Lowery Trail, apparently Lowery was very fond of Berwick ~ something I was unaware of until our visit.  We sat close to the pier with our picnic that LM had prepared for us ~ followed by a wee snooze.  Here are some pictures of our day.

Berwick beach & pier.

 Sailing dingys & a signature on the pier walkway.

 Flowers on the pier wall.

 The last two pictures were taken from the passenger seat of the LM car ~ while it was moving! 




LM drove back via the Northumberland Coastal Route, well most of it, he got a bit side-tracked and turned off the coast route!  Can I just say ~ blond!  It was quite breezy on the way home but still an enjoyable journey.

The GB's had plans for Sunday evening and I was the elected taxi driver - GB2 was dropped off at the speedway to see the Newcastle Diamonds ~ and collected again at the end ~ and GB1 was staying over with a friend and needed a ride there.  Unfortunately for us this meant we had to change our plans for dinner as the time between speedway drop off and pick up was insufficient to comfortably cook and eat our planned meal ~ I was only planning on eating it ~ LM does most of the cooking in our house!  So our steak and peppercorn sauce was postponed to later in the week ~ and it will be well worth waiting for too!

Our usual Tuesday stitching group changed tack this week with another visit to The Hill for an evening of painting with Sandra ~ I will take a picture of my finished project later ~ it's already hanging up!  As usual we had a brilliant night ~ thanks Sandra.

Till next time (hopefully after some sleep!)

Kate

PS ~ does anyone have any advice on picture posting in Blogger? ~ mine always appear a little sloppy.

Stash!

A quick update on our trip to the Pins & Needles show at Newcastle Arena.
<<<-------  New Stash !  Lovely fabrics, beads, button, trim and patterns and a couple of needed DMC's.  I also have a mystery purchase to show at a later date once I have found something required to complete it!
The day started with a class on foundation piecing.  Our Teacher was Carol from Just Quilting and fortunately for us there were only 3 people booked in.  Our project was a heart ~ and the plan was to finish all the piecing during the class, which we all did, then embellish and finish later.  Our kit included a pre-made backing and Carol gave tips on embellishments and finishing.  I will post pictures once I have completed mine.  I love to learn new techniques so it was great to remove some of the mystery behind this one.
We met lots of people, Tuesday Stitching Girls, lovely stall holders ~ some we know from other shows and some new, EG members, Wednesday Quilt Group members and old painting buddies ~ Hi Sheila!
We were there when they rang the bell ~ almost had to be put out!  All in all a very tiring but thoroughly enjoyable day.
Hairdresser for me today, visits to make tomorrow to our Mums for Mothers Day, and miscellaneous household chores are what the weekend holds in store.  Hopefully I can fit in some stitching too.
Have a good one.

Kate