Last & First

I finally finished The Sampler Lady by LHN on 29 December 2011 ~ my last finish for the year.
She's stitched 1/1 on 28ct cream evenweave with the recommended threads ~ most of which I won in a giveaway on the Needlecraft Haven group quite some time ago.
Mostly I loved stitching Grace, as I named her, however I made a mistake with the stitching on her face and she was ensconced in a cupboard so I didn't have to think about frogging ~ huge mistake! I took the plunge last week to sort it out and here she is all complete. I haven't added my name ~ I just stitched the K in a different colour. 
I don't usually make New Year resolutions, however I have decided that I should make this one........
Never put away a project that contains an error ~ frog it now!

And this is my New Year's Day start, Simple Joys by LHN.
Stitched 1/1 on the same fabric as The Sampler Lady with the recommended threads.  This was a gift from the very lovely Barb for my birthday last year.  I'm stitching it in memory of my lovely Mum who took pleasure in the simple joys in life.

Kate

ORTs and More.....

Yes I know it's almost a month since this should have been posted ~ good job I'm only following the TUSAL unofficially!
Offerings to 3 May followed by my year to date all neatly tucked into a Christmas bauble.

 

A few weeks ago I did a little trade with Michelle who was de-stashing and I bought several skeins to boost my GAST collection.  They arrived all neatly labelled in their little floss away bags ~ great trading with you Michelle ~ Thanks!

Here's a quick update on Grace ~ The Sampler Lady ~ she's almost complete!  I only have her face, hands and collar to finish ~ unfortunately the other night at Tuesday Stitching Group I mis-placed some stitches on her face so I have a wee bit of frogging to do.
I have some new starts but can't show them at the moment as they are secret stitching ~ a couple of gifts and also the latest monthly challenge on the Needlecraft Haven group.
Another long weekend is almost upon us ~ it's our monthly EG meeting Saturday and apart from a visit from my WP's we have nothing else planned.  Enjoy whatever you may be doing.

Kate

You've Got Mail & Tuesday Stitching Group

I don't know about you but I love receiving mail ~ the real physical type.  Electronic mail, text messages etc are great too but there is always something quite special about mail that lands on your doormat.
Yesterday I arrived home to find these on my doormat ~ obviously not like this, they had been suitably attired in a handsome padded envelope for their journey across the pond!

Just look at what was inside that gorgeous oriental pouch!

I joined the scissor fob exchange over on the Friendly Stitchers Yahoo group and this is what I received from my partner Jillann.  Now, Jillann had a spot of bother with the mailing process and it was originally returned to her before it made it's way to me ~ but a happy ending!

I love the sweet design and the colours that Jillann has used, and aren't those scissors just the cutest?  Also included were three reels of HDF silk - Thank You so much Jillann!

I have heard that my package was received too ~ here is what I sent

I stitched Jillann's initial using a freebie alphabet on 40ct Antique White with Polstitches floss in Hedgerow and used the same thread for the cord.  A few crystals in matching shades were added to the bottom.

Jillann mentioned that she liked rabbits so having used a thread called Hedgerow it seemed appropriate to have a wee bunny on the back.

I included a few threads and also a pack of Cath Kidston tissues.  I was so pleased to hear that my exchange being received had brightened a gloomy day for Jillann.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tuesday Stitching Group last night ~ catching up with peoples' news, both happy & sad. I worked a little more on my Sampler Lady ~ if I can work out how to get a photograph out of my phone I can show you a size comparison between my 1/1 version and that of the Lovely C who completed it over two.

Today is Wednesday ~ may seem obvious but I need reminding!  After the glut of Bank Holidays resulting in shorter working weeks I am having issues remembering where I am.

Till next time.

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

Gorgeous Grace

I told you earlier in the week that Grace was looking much improved since I frogged and re-stitched "Needleworker"

 I'm much happier now and I've completed a bit more too.  I hope it won't be too much longer before she is finished.
She is really quite petite stitched over one - the scissors are 4" long.
 I'm now looking at ideas on making her into something ~ I have decided that I don't want a framed piece.

It's gorgeous today in my part of the world ~ I have laundry whirling in the breeze and more in the machine, all the windows open to let in the lovely spring air and I'm doing bits of this and that.  Bees and butterflies are floating around outside ~ lovely signs of spring. 
The LM car has rear wheels again and has been cleaned and polished to within an inch of it's life ~ he's now pootled off to the TVR CC  meet.  Don't ever tell LM I said pootled ~ I'm sure it's quite inappropriate when speaking of the LM car!  He'll be back in an hour or so and then it's my turn to "pootle" ~ nervous or what!

Kate

Tuesday Stitching

Or more appropriately - lack of sewing!
It was my turn to host the group yesterday ~ I should have made lemonade scones but the good intentions fell by the wayside and it was good old M&S biccies instead.  I think perhaps I should make them to take when someone else is hosting and I'm not trying to do several other things simultaneously. 
We were 3 members down ~ 1 holidaying, 1 poorly and 1 overrun with work ~ hopefully the latter two will get back into the swing when they are feeling better/less stressed.  We did have an interloper ~ the lovely C joined us.
It was time to draw our names for who we will be stitching for this Christmas ~ the first time we have managed to draw on the first shot, we usually have to re-start due to someone picking their own name!  I am very happy to be stitching for my partner, not that I wouldn't be for any of the ladies ~ some are just easier to match with projects.
I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have left comments on my last post regarding Grace ~ whilst I have not yet decided I have certainly been given some food for thought.  You are all very kind and I truly appreciate that you have taken the time to pass on suggestions.
Tomorrow I have a day off work and the lovely C and I are off to the Pins & Needles show at the Arena, we're also booked in to do this workshop with Carol from Just Quilting.  I'm quite looking forward to it, I just need to make a list tonight of things I "need".
Happy Wednesday.

Kate

Oh Blogger!

I have a dilemma ~ Grace the lovely Sampler Lady has a mis-placed title!

Can you see that "Needleworker" is set to the left?  I'm not happy about it ~ but my dilemma is whether or not to unpick?
I know that I should as it's glaring however unpicking 1/1 is a w ee bit scary!
She's been like this since Wednesday and I am no further forward in my decision making.
In less depressing news I have laundry blowing on the line ~ one of my most favourite things!
LM has gone off on a run with the TVR Car Club down to Masham ~ I decided that my jobs should take priority over joining him today ~ lots of laundry/shopping/HW to do and I would like to start a new week all up to date.
The week ahead has much in store:
Tuesday Sitching Group at our house ~ we will be making the draw to find out who our Christmas partners are ~ have I bitten off more than I can chew in attempting to organise this!
LM is off to Stratford for business ~ I wish I could go with him.
I have my next hair appointment.
A trip to Pins & Needles, and hopefully
a decision on the dilemma!
Have a great week.

Kate

Look who came to dinner

We are fortunate where we live in that we get visits from lots of lovely birds ~ at times the visitors are less glamorous than this guy.
Isn't he gorgeous?
We haven't seen him for a very lomg time and a couple of weeks ago he returned ~ as bright and beautiful as ever.  He even brought his lady friend with him.

Don't they make a lovely couple.
Please excuse the state of our shed - we're hoping that we will have warmer, drier weather this spring/summer and be able to complete all the overdue garden maintenance. 
And a quick update on Grace ~ My Sampler Lady ~ I was able to work on her at stitching group on Tuesday. 

I finished the border and added linen & pins ~ she looks a little more at home now.
It's been a little bit non-stop this week ~ I'm pleased that Friday has arrived!  LM has business in North Yorkshire today, I would have gone with him had I still been part-time.
I have my Embroiderer's Guild monthly meeting tomorrow which I'm looking forward to.

Happy weekend!

Kate

Sampler Lady Update

Here she is ~ her bobbin pedastal is now complete and the flowers are growing.  I think I shall call her Grace. 
Not many stitches added yesterday as secret projects with deadlines were top of the list. Both are now stitched and the first one should be hitting the mail early next week. 


Goodnight.

Kate

Road Trip!

Well day trip really ~ I decided that a trip out somewhere with my lovely friend C was in order as shortly I will be returning to working full time and won't have the opportunity for weekday jaunts. We didn't want to go too far and decided that driving range should be about an hour from home ~ this gives quite a few options, we could go west to Carlisle/Penrith, North to Jedburgh/Berwick, east is not an option as we're practically at the coast! We settled for south and having looked up the places in North Yorkshire with market days Ripon became the destination of choice. Picture from Google Images.

Thursday morning was bright and sunny but very cold, there were a couple of issues on the journey ~ a sat nav that peeled itself off the windscreen ~ note to self, must clean car!, and the horrid roadworks on the A1.

As we were looking for parking we spotted a couple of "must" go into shops ~ and we did!  Castle Furniture Store, a huge shop with furniture of all shapes, sizes and colour and also lots and lots of giftware, clocks, plaques, planters etc.  We spent ages here drooling over many many things ~ eventually I bought this ~ a present for my LM as it's his favourite.

I did have a photograph of the lid showing it's legend "Bee Happy" but it was very out of focus!

C bought a little plaque for her daughter.

We wandered around the market ~ did I mention that it was very cold? ~ Lovely plants & flowers, wool, fabric, foodstuffs and this fabulous little coffee boot!

What a great use for a wee Smart car!
This, by the way, is the only photograph I took on the day ~ I carried the camera around but it really was too cold to contemplate stopping still for too long!
We lunched at a warmer coffee shop - did I mention that it was cold?

Just off the Market Square was Abode - another shop filled with yummy goodness, pillows, vases, candles, spice jars, hearts in different styles and colours and lots besides ~ more drooling!

And over the road was The Curiosity Shop or it might have been The Curious Shop ~ lots of antique bits and pieces and they had a lovely "make do and mend" window display with lots of vintage knitting/crochet/quilting and sewing patterns, cards of darning wool, a clothing ration book etc.  Having always wanted to own some vintage thread bobbins I bought these.

Also of note was The March Hare Gallery on Duck Hill ~ what a fabulous address!  Full of artwork, pottery, handmade cards etc.
We managed, eventually, to find Barnyarns and got in just before closing to have a look at what they had to offer.
All in all a lovely day and definately a place I would return to quite happily.
It's stitching group for me tonight - I have a small amount of stitching to complete on one of my exchanges and then I shall be working on The Sampler Lady.  Picture post to follow later in the week.

Finally, take a look at Irina'a Blog aside from all the lovely work Irina is currently running a fantastic giveaway.

Chin up, we're almost halfway through the week!

Kate