Christmas Catch Up ~ Birthdays Too

At the beginning of the year I joined the 2011 Christmas Challenge to stitch an ornament a month throughout the year.  It started off well ~ January & February on time, then I got a wee bit behind!  Well now I am back on track ~ March was completed a little late and I have just finished my April & May ornaments at the end of last week. 

This is my ornament for April ~ a freebie offered by Threadwork Primitives.  I have stitched this on 18ct natural aida with WDW # 2264 Garnet & # 1279 Holly.  It is finished with a hanger of plaited # 8 perle cotton.

Started 31/05/11 & finished 01/06/11 ~ a very quick stitch.

Above right is a picture showing the reverse of both my April & May ornaments.

May's ornament was an equally speedy stitch ~ this is Christmas Baubles a freebie from La Matassina Rossa.  Started & finished 01/06/11.  Stitched on 28ct evenweave ~ colour unknown with Carries Creations thread in Grumpy, Happy & Dopey and WDW # 2220 Curry.  The hanger for this is made from beaded trim.
I have enjoyed stitching these ~ nice to have some quick finishes ~ a good way to help motivation to get back in the swing of things.
June's design is already chosen, I already have fabric in mind so just need to settle on the threads.
I mentioned in my last post that I had the next two birthday gifts almost completed and ready for re-homing.  The first batch of gifts were re-homed in February and I posted that I had mis-placed the fabric for one that was stitched and just awaiting finishing.

This is 16th Century Celtic Christmas by Moss Creek Designs and was published in the Just Cross Stitch Ornament Edition 2009 (I think!).  I have not noted the fabric in my journal but I believe that it is 32ct linen ~ the thread is Dragon Floss # 65 Passionate Plum and the finishing fabric was from my stash.  I followed a tutorial from this Italian blog ~ making one slight error in that my pincushion is not square!

 The second gift was for the hostess of yesterdays Tuesday Stitching Group meeting ~ any ideas on her profession?  This scissor keep was stitched on 40ct Antique White linen with SSS Blue Raspberry, Kiwi Lime Pie, Watermelon and DMC 951 & 3045.  The ballerinas were an Internet freebie that I printed a couple of years ago unfortunately I do not know where from.  The cord is made from the three SSS threads used for the dresses.  Below you can see the reverse.  Both gifts were well received.

I must apologise for the poor photographs ~ I always have problems when photographing 40ct fabric, obviously I need more practise!
There are only 4 more gifts to complete, unfortunately 3 of the birthdays are this month.  It will probably be July before before I have them all finished and re-homed.  One is started, one is kitted and I still need to find a suitable design for the third.

LM serviced my bike at the weekend so yesterday after work I did a 30 minute ride on The Derwent Walk.  It was a lovely evening and there were plenty of walkers along the way.  It's a long time since I last cycled but it did feel good to be out and active.  I'm hoping to go out again before work ~ so I had better get off to bed!

Kate

A Trifle From A Friend ~ and other news

A wee while ago I took part in a Spring Pincushion Exchange on the Friendly Stitchers Group ~ unfortunately I did not receive my pincushion from my partner.  So Mouse took it upon herself to stitch one up for me so that I did not miss out - how kind was that?
The design is A Trifle From A Friend by Plum Street Samplers.  Mouse has stitched it on hand dyed linen and used Crescent Colours Blooming Crocus for the stitching ~ topping it off with a lovely double ribbon bow.
The wording from the design is stitched on the back too.

Mouse also included a gorgeous Gloriana silk thread ~ Hydrangea.  This is my very first Gloriana thread and it is fabulous ~ so soft, can't wait to stitch with it.  Thanks so much Mouse.

I have managed some stitching over the last week ~ almost caught up with my 2011 Christmas Challenge stitching.  I now have April & May ornaments stitched and will be making them up this week ~ pictures to follow soon.  In addition to ornaments I have 2 Tuesday Stitching Group birthday gifts almost made up ~ hopefully they will be with their new owners next week, obviously no pictures until after re-homing.  I have two more gifts planned/started and 1 further where I am seeking a suitable design.

It was reveal day on Needlecraft Haven on Sunday for the May Stitching Challenge - mine was stitched and I had a trip to Just Quilting on Saturday with the Lovely C to get finishing fabric as my stash was lacking on that front ~ purely for this project I might add, not quantity!  I had planned to complete the finishing on Sunday morning however my head had other ideas!  The most horrid headache took up residence and I was only fit for sleep ~ so no stitching, or anything else for that matter.  I hope to complete it at some point this week.

If you are a regular reader you will know that I am usually late in posting my unofficial TUSAL update.  Yesterday was the prescribed day so I feel less guilty on this occasion!  I was pleasantly surprised when I decanted them for photographing as with the lack of stitching I hadn't expected to have much to show ~ I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing!
I hope that you all enjoyed the long holiday weekend ~ Saturday was spent fabric shopping and attending our monthly EG meeting.  This month's speaker was Katie Chaplin from Japan Crafts who talked us through Japanese dressing protocol with the aid of her trusty model Dolly.  It was a very informative and enjoyable afternoon.   Sunday I was wiped out with that nasty headache.  On Monday we had a lovely visit from my WP's ~ it had been planned for a little while and originally I was to collect them, however Sis2 was down to stay with my Dad for a few days so she brought them along.  It was lovely to spend time with them and a huge bonus that we also got to see Sis2.  The birds graced us with their prescence while we sat chatting in the conservatory ~ Dad was delighted by the goldfinch & bullfinch which he said were to be seen in great numbers when he was young.
I feel that time is passing by so quickly at the moment ~ how can it be June already?  Tuesday saw the regular meet of our stitching group, yesterday the Lovely C & I had our usual trip to Quilt Group ~ not that we did any quilting ~ I was back-stitching Christmas ornaments! It was a good evening though with a few giggles and some dubious translating of the words on C's french sampler.
The LM is planning his trip away with military preciseness, he's trying to be surreptitious about it but failing ~ I can "see" his thought processes!  I have many things I would like to get done during the time he is away, stitching, organising etc but the list will be fluid ~ if it happens great and if it doesn't there's no harm done.
I'm progressing with the weight loss ~ ½ stone down so far which I am really pleased about, plenty still to go!  Hopefully LM will have time to give my bike a mini service before he departs as I would like to take advantage of the light mornings and nice weather to get out there before work.
The weather has picked up here today and the day has started bright and warm ~ long may it continue.
Not long until the weekend arrives.

Kate

Anonymous Blogger Posts

I have taken a tip from Sharon on the latest Blogger issue - have you had the same problem?  I have been unable to tag my comments with my blogger identity on some blogs for a wee while - I think since the last maintenance issue.  These are Sharon's wise words on preventing this being a problem on your blog:

Extract from it's Daffycat blog:
The fix is easy. I've even posted about it before!
Change your comment form to the pop-up window type.

Easy as pie, I promise!

Go to:

Dashboard
Settings
Comments
Comment Form Placement
Choose POP-UP WINDOW
Save

Once that is done people will have no trouble with the run-around-sign-in-error-anonymous-post bug! And they can leave thrilling comments on your latest gorgeous stitching!

Thanks so much for the tip Sharon - I managed to change mine - this proves it can't be so difficult!
I thought I would just spread the word for anyone else who has been frustrated by this.

I am way behind with so many things - only 4 posts this month tsk tsk! 
GB1 has finished school now - returning only to sit exams, GB2 is on half term holiday and it's just over a week until LM is off on his annual pilgrimage to Le Mans. 
We attended a wedding a couple of weeks ago which was absolutely fabulous ~ I can't imagine going to another like it.  A wedding planner was involved and every last detail had been thoroughly prepared for ~ down to pashminas for anyone feeling cold and flip flops for those with sore feet! 
Stitching has been sparse and secret ~ not a great combination when you blog!
Come back soon for the reveal of a special surprise package that arrived!

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

New Regime

of excercise & weight loss ~ began last week.
I am delighted to report that this week I am 4lbs lighter.  A few weeks ago I attended a couple of Zumba classes, the glut of Bank Holidays stalled my progress with exercise but I will be back on course shortly.  Now that the mornings are lighter the plan is to walk before going to work a few times a week ~ we have the Derwent Walk close to home ~ I may even dust down the bike!  LM cycles to and from work as often as possible ~ I'm working close enough to home that it would be possible for me to do that ~ I just couldn't contemplate turning up all hot & bothered to start work! 
So early morning walks and possible cycles will have to do.  Zumba will be resumed and also a spot of Callenetics.
I had lots to post about last week but the maitenance issues with Blogger prevented this - I will update again soon with stitchy news.
Happy Thursday.

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

Scotland & The LM Car

Please be aware that this is a very long post and no stitching is involved!

Well the LM car has made us very proud!  We returned home late Monday evening after completing a touring weekend in the Highlands of Scotland with The TVR Car Club ~ 1119 miles in total over the 4 day long weekend and all of it fabulous.

We set off early Friday morning to arrive in time for the breakfast meet ~ our fellow travellers were from the Cumbrian and Dumfries & Galloway regions.  Most arrived for bacon sandwiches & coffee in Gretna Green ~ some were late! and others we met a little further up the road.  Once all were rounded up there were 10 cars in total ~ 8 TVR's and 2 Mercedes.  Our morning coffee stop at The Lochside House Hotel could not have been timed more perfectly!  We arrived to see the new Princess leave for the Abbey ~ seeing the all important wedding gown.  Coffee and danish pastries were consumed while watching the ceremony.

 Next we were off to catch the Gourock to Hunters Quay ferry ~ it was a little choppy!  That's the LM car right in the centre.  Lunch was at Creggans Inn sitting outside on the shores of Loch Fyne ~ and we had our first competition.  We were asked at the coffee stop to make ourselves a Lord/Lady name ~ using the following:

• A Grandparent's name
• Name of our first pet
• Name of house/street we were born in

I became Lady Veda Ann Cherie Aberdeen and the LM was Lord Francis Suzy Felstrassa ~ the hotel staff were introduced to all of us and asked to judge the winner ~ it wasn't either of us!  Tom took that accolade but I'm afraid I can't recall his name.
Onwards to Inveraray, Lochgilphead and Oban where we had the briefest of stops.  Ballachullish was the final destination for the day and the bar was a welcome sight!

The view from our room and the cars lined up ready for the off on day 2 ~ we're one car short in this shot.  Can you see the snow on the hills in the background?  Breakfast was enjoyed, cars wiped down, roofs removed and we set off.  We paused to see the Commando Memorial at Lochaber and to take in the view of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor.

 

Apart from being a wee bit breezy you can see that the weather was fabulous.  The cars were drawing some attention too!

Morning coffee stop was at Eilean Donan Castle ~ I've seen this castle many times in photographs and on TV ~ up close it is something else to behold.

Unfortunately there wasn't time to tour the castle ~ LM and I will return one day to do this.

It was decided during coffee that the next section of the journey would be a Ladies drive ~ well I forgot about this and wasn't set up ready to drive when it was time to set off ~ whoops!  Consequently we lost the group and missed a turn ~ we knew we were off route when the Skye road bridge came into view.  LM deployed the map and got us back on course ~ it was nerve racking for me as when we found the turn the road wound its way up the hill and became single track road with passing places!  OK for the seasoned driver of the LM car ~ this was only my 2nd drive.  We meandered through glens and over hills eventually arriving at the next stopping point at Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach.  We were only a few minutes behind the others by the time we arrived ~ it was well worth the walk down (and back up!) the path to view the falls ~ it made me feel a little giddy but was quite spectacular.

I drove from here to the petrol stop in Ullapool ~ and managed to remain with the group this time!  The weather was absolutely glorious while we walked around the town.  LM was back in charge for the final leg of the journey from here to Altnaharra ~ if you check out the link you can see just how far north we were.   The lounge and a drink lured many of the group but LM and I wanted a quiet sit with a coffee in our room before showering for dinner.

We heard a fair amount of noise while relaxing in our room but paid no attention ~ turned out that the water went off for a spell ~ some of the group were mid-shower/hair washing at this point!  We think that 17 people all trying to shower simultaneously killed the pressure in the system ~ these things happen!

Saturday's competition was for best black & white outfit at dinner ~ again the hotel staff were asked to judge.  Linda was chosen ~ I think because she had included a wee bit of tartan!

Sunday was a much slower paced day ~ we set off about 10:30 and headed to our first stop at Kylesku.  We were booked into the Kylesku Hotel for coffee/lunch ~ nobody took the lunch option ~still full from breakfast!  We journeyed on until Scourie where  breakaway group ~ commonly known as nutters! ~ left the main group to drive an additional 150 miles to John O'Groats.  We stuck with the sedate mob ~ continuing to Durness the most north westerly village on the mainland. 

I was the only one who wanted to paddle ~ the sea just looked so gorgeous ~ it was extremely cold though!

We had coffee and scones a little further along the coast followed by a stop at Smoo Caves where LM and I walked down and ventured into the viewing gallery ~ it was late in the day and the tours were no longer running ~ what we could see was fabulous. 

We drove back to the hotel via Loch Eriboll, Loch Hope, The Kyle of Tongue, Loch Loyal  and finally Loch Naver back into Altnaharra.  Showers were taken in shifts to avoid the difficulties of Saturday evening!  The "nutters" arrived back from their epic journey and we enjoyed another fabulous dinner.

Sadly, Monday came around too soon and it was time to set off for home ~ some 400+ miles away!  Another lovely breakfast set us up for the day ~ Tom & Debbie set off earlier as they needed to be in Perth.  The remaining cars set off at 9'ish ~ first stop Tain and the Mansfield Castle Hotel for coffee.  Trish & John left us here to visit family in Inverness.  We had to find yet more fuel and then continued down the A9 and all it's gorgeous scenery to our afternoon coffee stop at the House of Bruar ~ we also had a brief mooch around the shop too.  We took to the hills again heading through Pitlochry, Blaigowrie, New Scone and Perth ~ Colin & Iona peeled off here and we continued to Edinburgh for our final stop of the day ~ dinner.

We were solo for our final leg from Edinburgh to Newcastle ~ the other 6 cars heading across to Cumbria.

I will post more photographs of our trip later.

If you have stayed this long I think perhaps you deserve a medal!  Thanks for listening to me rambling on!

Can't wait to do it all again next year ~ different areas to be explored and hopefully I will be doing more of the driving too.

I promise a stitching post next time.

Kate