Confessional

It's been ten days since my last post.....................

And during that time I have done some stitching, some stash sorting, a bit of stash buying, a bit of painting and a fair amount of procrastination.

                                          Mystery SAL Part III

A quick stitch ~ there is a wee bird hiding on top of the lower case p, he's white and just a little bit hard to see ~ but he is there.
I gave up on finding my DMC 3752 and used 794 and as soon as I had it stitched ~ yes, you guessed it ~ I found 2 skeins of 3752.
No matter, I think the shade I used looks grand.  Part IV is due tomorrow, or today depending on how long it takes me to complete this post.




Dawn of Spring SAL from Friendly Stitchers Yahoo Group

Finished Part I eventually ~ tried eyelets in the third band, however they didn't sit right on my fabric so out they came and I reverted to Smyrna stitch.
Band four is charted for three of the large motifs and space to add initials and year ~ I have an idea for how I might finish this piece so I will be stitching the two outer motifs and leaving initials etc until the end. 
Band five is also started and hopefully I will be continuing with this at Tuesday Stitching Group ~ I'm hosting this week.




                                          Simple Joys by LHN

Has grown some since you last saw it ~ I've quite surprised myself with how quickly this is stitching up, especially as it's one over one.  I'm loving everything about this, the fabric, the colours and the sentiment of it.
I would have liked to be finished the stitching this week ~ as quick as it is I think this may be overly optimistic.






Last week our quilt group had a visit to The Quilters Cupboard ~ I came away with some fabric to add to my stash.  I planned on using some of it at my monthly stitching day in Penrith on Saturday ~ unfortunately I had to cancel my trip due to lack of sleep Friday night.  I was very disappointed but it was a good idea not to get behind the wheel of a car with insufficient zeds.  After our shopping spree we headed back to a local Italian restaurant for a meal ~ the food was lovely.
Sunday was the latest meeting of The Diary Dames up at The Crafts House ~ the weather was deceiving, it looked beautiful but turned out to be extremely cold and while we were there we saw more of the white stuff, both hail & snow.  I have nothing to share with you from our visit as my project is not yet finished ~ should be complete at the next visit.
Today I spent a few hours with Sis2 ~ her DH had business in the area so she had travelled with him.  We had a nice meander around Durham and lunch in Vennels Cafe.  The cakes looked gorgeous ~ we were good and didn't have any ~ the corned beef pie, three pepper quiche and salad were however delicious.  If you're ever visiting Durham it's worth a visit, oh and the tables are all old treadle tables.

I'm off to attempt to sleep.

Kate

Painting Peregrination

I just love a new word!  Peregrination ~ a course of travel; journey.
Painting is a bit of a journey for me ~ generally into uncharted territory.

I've been hanging onto this little box/tray for some time now ~ it came filled with bathroom goodies and I thought it would be useful ~ someday.  I base coated it with antique white emulsion before taking it up to The Crafts House.  I had half a plan for what I wanted to do with it at the meeting of The Diary Dames on Sunday morning.  Last time I painted some bobbins to use for storing ribbons & trim and I thought this would be a great box to store them in.

My original (half) plan was to paint sewing bits ~ tape measure, pins, scissors etc on the exterior, but life was made much simpler by Sandra who delved into her magic storage boxes and produced some stamps with vintage sewing items.  I love how it turned out ~ just have to wind my ribbons and trim onto the bobbins now. 
More pictures below.

Kate

IHSW Update

I've been meaning to post this report all week ~ not sure where the time has gone really.  I did lose a full day on Wednesday due to the vagaries of the good old NHS ~ 2 hours at our GP surgery followed by 3+ hours at A&E. 

I was a very industrious hermit over the weekend and am very pleased with what I managed to get through.  Saturday I worked on the monthly challenge for Needlecraft Haven, the stitching is complete but I still have the finishing to do.  I can't share this as reveal day is not until Sunday.

I finished Jolly Holiday by Lizzie Kate ~ apart from signing, dating and a couple of buttons.  I left out the rows of white stitching that run either side of the tree ~ they didn't show on my fabric.

I've really enjoyed stitching this one and I plan on finishing it as a small pillow ~ I bought a charm pack at Harrogate last year which I will use for this and also Ho Ho Ho in a Row.  This is my February ornament for the Christmas Ornaments All Year Round SAL.

Next was Jolly from Miss Crescent Crowne (Just Cross Stitch Ornament Collection 2011).  I must apologise for the awful picture.  A really quick stitch ~ I replaced the stitched snowflake with a button from my stash.  This is my March ornament for the SAL, and as you can see it's not quite complete.  I switched the threads for similar colours I already had.

Next was Dawn of Spring SAL from the Friendly Stitchers Group ~ this version is my 4th attempt at a start!  I found that my previous fabric and thread combinations just weren't turning out as I had envisaged.  I'm using the linen band I bought while on holiday in France last year and Dinky Dyes #177 Vintage Plum, one of the silks I was lucky enough to win in a draw that Jo had on her facebook page.

We have a packed weekend ahead of us ~ some wedding stuff tomorrow followed by a trip to buy slate to complete the re-do of our small front garden.  Sunday is the next meeting of the Diary Dames at The Crafts House and I have some preparation work to do before I go if I'm to work on my planned project.

Hope you enjoy what you have planned.

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

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

A Spot of Painting & TUSAL

Our Tuesday Stitching Group have our next meeting at The Crafts House this week for our Christmas project ~ I'm really looking forward to it, I have an idea of what we will be making but you will have to wait and see.

 This is our last project from back in September - a cute row of gingerbread men in a frame.  We always have a great time with Sandra and I'm sure that Tuesday will be as enjoyable as ever.

I have also been spending some Sunday mornings painting with the Diary Dames ~ this snowman with his mug of hot chocolate was one of my recent finishes.  I have a couple of others to share with you soon ~ they just need some final titivating before they make an appearance.

 I will leave you with pictures of my ORTs ~ at least a couple of month's worth as I have missed posting, together with the year so far in the Christmas bauble.  Check out the crocheted flower pin cushion too ~ a gift from the Lovely C

We're almost back at Monday ~ again!  Hope you have a good week.

Kate

Hermit Weekend Update

After a few housebound days I made a visit to see my Dad on Saturday morning ~ I figured that as I was feeling much better (and seriously fed up with being stuck indoors) this would be OK.  We spent time drinking coffee and just chatting about all manner of things ~ he's doing great, well apart from a little tumble that has left him bruised and sore.  Dad's is off to Scotland later in the week for a stay with Sis2 and her family ~ I think that they are all looking forward to it.
I had a couple of shopping stops to make on the way home and stitching started shortly after lunch.

My first two projects were quick finishes:

 

This is an internet freebie from Alexandrina.  I have stitched this on 32ct evenweave, not sure of the colour as it is a piece I was recently given, with DMC 890.  Finished with a homemade cord in the same colour.

 

My second ornament is also a freebie from Alexandrina, stitched with the same fabric and thread.

I really enjoyed completing these two ornaments to add to my collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday I managed to complete the finishing on two ornaments for exchanges ~ obviously I can't show you these until after they have been received by my partners.  They were both great to stitch.

Next up was the SAL from The Thread Basket and C Mon Monde

 

I'm using a mix of GAST and Crescent Colours for this one.  The linen is from Permin, can't remember the colour name at the moment.  I don't use Permin fabric much and this is quite stiff ~ however I do like the way it's coming together.  Hopefully Part II should arrive today.

I spent a couple of hours with The Diary Dames and Sandra at The Crafts House yesterday ~ I was really pleased with what I managed to achieve.  The usual dose of hilarity was included along with coffee, mince pies and some lovely projects ~ I'll share mine with you soon.

Today I had expected to return to work ~ my right ear had other plans!  A quick visit to the Doctor confirmed an infection ~ so antibiotics and pain killers are on the menu for me.  Hoping to make it back tomorrow once the meds have kicked in.

A less than happy Monday ~ on the upside it's our annual visit to Harrogate on Thursday.

Kate

OK! Nobody Panic

Monday is nearly over and if We all stay quiet and behave it may pass by without incident ~ at least I hope so.  I still haven't worked out how Mondays can be so stealthy ~ I finish work on Friday evening and then bam! it's Monday again.
My weekend was fairly non-stop ~ Saturday having already been covered in my previous post I shall move swiftly on to Sunday

I spent the morning painting at The Crafts House and this is the completed ornament that I made.  As usual we had a few chuckles which is always good and Sandra had made a cake to celebrate Sarah's birthday ~ cake is definitely good too.

The wire hanger needs to be made a little more secure but on the whole I am very happy with my efforts ~ this will be my ornament finish for August.  Unfortunately I am still a wee bit behind as June's ornament WIP has disappeared into an incredibly "safe place" and July's hasn't been started, or chosen if I'm admitting to mis-demeanors.

I passed the afternoon visiting my Mum ~ I had collected a couple of magazines on my way so was able to read to her a little, I think she quite enjoyed just looking at the pictures too.  I managed a little stitching on my Summer Holiday Exchange piece while Mum dozed ~ I hope to have a picture to show you soon, it's bright so remember to bring your sunglasses!

While blog reading recently I stumbled upon a SAL that Carol of Istitchaholic is running ~ Part I is to be released this coming weekend and I'm looking forward to it.  I'm off to check whether I have sufficient 40ct fabric and to check out what thread I might use for it.

Remember, stay quiet and keep out of mischief ~ I'll try my best too!

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

A Sheepish Surprise

There is an incredibly kind and generous Lady that I met through an online stitching group ~ she is always sending little parcels of kindness to many, many people and I have been very lucky to be one of the recipients of her generosity.  I wanted to do something in return, so now that I know that Barb has received my package I can show you what I sent.

Now you might get the impression that Barb is a fan of sheep ~ well I think you could be onto something there!  Sheep are not a big thing where I live so these things have been brought together from many places as I've travelled around ~ the coaster from Ullapool when LM and I were on our touring trip of Scotland with the TVR Club, the card from a day out in Richmond, the phone charm from my last stitching day in Penrith and Dolly.  Now Dolly came from the imagination of Sandra at The Crafts House, and we are all very lucky that Sandra is prepared to share all her ideas with us.  I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours one Sunday making Dolly under the tutelage of Sandra ~ thanks Sandra.

On the back of Dolly is a wee message for Baa'rb!  I'm delighted that you like the things I sent.

Well Monday has arrived again ~ how does it do that?  Arrive so quickly.

Here's to a great week.

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

Sunny Weekend Report

Last weekend (June) LM and I headed off to Scotland to stay with my Sis2 and her family ~ the main purpose was to spend some time with them as we haven't been since New Year.  It was also their annual village BBQ on Saturday which we had planned to attend ~ however we spent most of Saturday chatting, snoozing, stitching, watching tennis and eating the most fabulous cream scones.  It was really quite lovely in our little family bubble that we did not want to add others to the mix ~ quite unsociable really.  So instead of the BBQ we had dinner here which was fantastic ~ huge but very tasty.  The guys were disappointed as we arrived too late for them to visit the Real Ale Shop ~ they settled for sampling some of it in the bar as consolation. The live music wafted through to the conservatory from the bar as we finished our meal ~ I love live music ~ a great evening.  Sunday after breakfast we set again for home stopping off briefly at Houghton Hall Garden Centre  for lunch and a poke around the craft department before the final part of our journey.  A wonderful weekend.

This weekend I spent mostly indoors completing some long overdue housey chores ~ serves me right for bunking off at other times!

I did manage to sneak off to The Crafts House for a few hours on Sunday morning for a spot of painting ~ can't show you any progress at the moment as I didn't finish what I started ~ my project has been "bagged-up" for when I return again.  It's a trio of owls for the wise old bird in our family ~ my wonderful Dad who will be 90 later this year. 
As always it was a lovely relaxing time and I finally got to meet a fellow blogger Michelle who has recently been persuaded to keep her blog online ~ not too sure what Sandra threatened her with!  No matter, it did the trick and online she stays to inspire us with her wonderful projects.  Also had the pleasure of company from Doreen and Lucie and Lucie's very talented daughter.  A coffee stop with Doreen rounded off my "free" time - thanks Doreen!
Now ~ a warning ~ I love my vacuum cleaner it's very efficient and does a super job, however on Saturday afternoon it bit!  You see that hose ~ well it got very tight hold of the "bingo wing" area on my left arm and would not let go and boy did that smart!  I usually have to have a pretty hard knock to get a bruise but this one came up instantly.
Shall be making every effort to avoid that in the future.

Kate

Artistic Friday Mark II

Friday lunchtime I finished work and set off for The Crafts House, collecting the Lovely C on the way ~ after an unscheduled stop to pick up my glasses that I forgot!  We were booked in for a spot of summer painting ~ some had already arrived and Sandra was being the hostess with the mostest and dishing up teas & coffees while we waited for the others to arrive.

This was our first project ~ it's made from layers of torn text from a dictionary, diluted paint, sequin waste printing (didn't like that bit!) card shapes, stamping and beads.  The workshop is designed so that we make three things in 3 hours, we were almost finished this after hour 1 and it was set aside with just the beads to be added later.

Project number two was this ---------->

We painted the sides and back of the blocks then applied papers, inked the edges of the blocks and the letters, embellished and then they were wired together with added beads.

And finally this cute little birdhouse.  Painted & with papers applied.  Some inked text added before stamping and finishing with little pen dots & lines.  It's not the best photograph ~ it's just so dark here today.

It was a lovely afternoon ~ as it always is ~ Sandra had make carrot cake and strudel, there were fresh strawberries and cream too, and surprisingly we (and I'm only talking about the Lovely C & I) had time to eat some. I added the beads to the top project after dinner last night ~ I mixed some that came in the kit with some from my stash together with some sequins and used invisible thread to do it.

It was the perfect way to end the week, very relaxing ~ Thanks Sandra.  Hopefully I will be on The Hill again very soon.

Kate

Mystery Purchase

Cast your mind back to March and The Pins & Needles Exhibition at the Newcastle Arena ~ if you can remember what I was rambling on about back then you will be my hero!
I made a mystery purchase at the exhibition which I promised to show once I had found the finishing touch for it ~

This is an old mill bobbin converted to a lamp ~ it came without a shade. The original one I bought was the same colour & shape but far too small, so it was returned and this larger one bought in it's place.

 When it was converted felt was added to the bottom so it's fit to sit on any surface.

The picture to the right shows the label on top ~ I'm not too sure why I didn't turn the lamp before I photographed this!

I love the light my mystery purchase casts ~ I really like the reflection too.

I just love this lamp.

Tomorrow, or it might be today by the time this post is published, I am off to The Crafts House for a spot of painting/crafting.  The lovely C and I have signed up for the four seasonal crafting sessions.  The Spring session was back in March and you can see what we did here and here.  We have no idea what we will be making ~ only that it will be summer themed.  We do know however, that we will enjoy ourselves ~ Sandra always makes sure of it.

I managed another 30 minutes cycling after work ~ I didn't feel like it but it had to be done.  I'll try to get out again over the weekend, GB2 may come with me ~ but I will probably have to cycle 5 metres behind him so as not to damage his street cred!  It's likely that I will be much further behind him ~ he has teenage legs!
It's just me and the GB's this weekend ~ LM is away in France camping with a group from the TVR Club, they've gone to watch 24 Heures du Mans.  He'll return home creaking from sleeping on a camp bed, possibly pink from too much sun exposure, unshaven, full of silly boy tales and probably malnourished from a diet of pot noodle and haribo star mix.  I'm sure it will all be great.
I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to the weekend ~ enjoy whatever you may be doing.

Kate

Bunting, Being Good & Boys

Our Tuesday stitching group met up on The Hill this week for a spot of painting with Sandra and this was our project.  Lovely wooden bunting.
The table was set ~ very neatly ~ with our kits and the necessary tools and supplies.  Tea, coffee, cake & biccies in plentiful supply.  There is definitely an art to being able to complete your project and manage to eat & drink ~ I need little more practise I think!

We painted the sides and back of our flags then added patterned papers to the front.  The flags and card letters were inked at the edges.  We embellished with gold paint, fine black pens, buttons and bling ~ sorry it doesn't show on my photographs ~ and we all finished.  Another fabulous workshop evening.  Mine is currently hanging from this wooden blind..
Following our spring workshop with Sandra the Lovely C and I will be returning to complete the other seasons in June, September & December and I'm really looking forward to them.

I have been really good ~ honest indian!  My exchange that arrived last week is still trussed up in it's envelope but I only have to wait until Saturday so not much longer.  I mailed my envelope on Monday and I hope that my partner likes what I made ~ I will show pictures once the reveal has finished.

And finally, boys and not just any boys! Those of the GB variety ~ our GB1 & GB2.
I love this sepia toned drawing, it hangs on our lounge wall.  It's almost 13 years old and always makes me smile.  I date it from knowing that it was completed prior to GB2 getting his glasses, just before his 2nd birthday.  The company that did the drawings came to the nursery that the GB's attended to take photographs which were then used to complete the drawings.  I have been trying to find the details of the company as I might like to have an updated version ~ not sure that the GB's will be over enamoured with my idea, but I shall just have to withhold pocket money persuade them.
I am looking forward to the holiday weekend ~ we have birthdays to celebrate, including my Mum & LM.  I'm hoping for lots of stitching time, the last of my exchange pieces just needs making up ready to be mailed on Tuesday.  I'd like to try to finish Grace as I have a new start in my head ~ need to practise with some soluble canvas (provided by the lovely C - Thanks) to see if my idea works.  Success or failure I shall let you into the secret once I get going.
Till next time.

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.

Catch Up

Last week was my first week back to full time work and it passed very quickly.  The office is very quiet and the pace of work extremely sedate ~ quite a change from most of the other places I have worked!  This is not a complaint ~ I'm just pleasantly surprised that work can be completed within contracted hours!

It was our EG meeting on Saturday and there was a good turnout, the guest speaker told us about her life of collecting and the inspiration that brought to her work.  She brought with her a whole host of collectibles and some of her hand stitched/made items that were inspired by them. 

There was much action around the sale table due to the batches of upholstery/curtain fabric samples that were for sale.  I bought a couple of batches ~ not entirely sure where I will use them however one idea is for a covered journal/notebook ~ just don't hold your breath!  This is one of them ~ the other one is very similar but brown/cream mixes. 

I have done very little stitching over the weekend just a wee bit on my Sampler Lady.  There is plenty of planning going on at the moment and hopefully I should have some finishes to show very soon.  One will be the pincushion I completed for an exchange on The Friendly Stitchers group ~ need to wait for this to arrive with my partner first.

Tuesday stitching group was a very merry place to be last night ~ it wasn't a full compliment but we did have a lovely evening with plenty of friendly ribbing going on.   Unfortunately I did a little too much chatting which lead to mis-placed stitches that had to be reversed and then my thread did a major knotty-thing ~ so I put my stitching down.  Concentrating instead on consuming homemade cheese scones made by our lovely host ~ I could get a gold star for cheese scone eating!

I took Buzz to show off, this is the final item to be completed from a class that the lovely C and I recently attended at The Crafts House - Isn't he cute?
You can see the other items I made here.
He was made using fabric yoyos, the wings are layered with wadding and he has a stinger made with bungle bugle beads. 


LM has been to the North West today for a meeting and has more travel on the horizon during the next couple of weeks.  GB1 has completed his first two shifts at work and is now eagerly awaiting the tinkle of coinage into his bank account ~ or in other words payday!  GB2 is being laid back as per usual ~ he's a bit like Dylan from The Magic Roundabout.  I find this a little worrying at times ~ like today when he has a mock GCSE exam!

I have more pictures to share but I shall leave them until another day ~ off to do a bit of blog/group reading before bed.

Kate