Bookmark Exchange

Back in November Clare who runs the Needlecraft Haven Yuku Group organised our Autumn meet up.  We had a great day and especially so as one of our number had traveled from the USA to be with us.
As part of this meet up we had a secret exchange ~ we each chose a postcard which revealed our partner and the answer to a few questions as hints on potential design choices for stitching our bookmarks.

Kates Flossbox 2015
NH Bookmark Exchange from Clare

Reveal day was 4 February.
This is my exchange from Clare and it depicts one of my favourite things ~ macaroons!
Clare also included some lovely goodies and they have lasted quite well, both packets have been consumed today!

Kates Flossbox 2015
Beaded Butterfly Bookmark

I  picked Lindsay's card and as I know she likes to bead I decided to have a go at making this.  It was a bit fiddly to get going but on the whole I thoroughly enjoyed the beading process

Kates Flossbox 2015
Beaded Bookmark for Lindsay

This was also my 2nd finish from last month's OPAM.

Till next time.

Kate

OPAM 2015 ~ January

I've signed up with Kris & Peg again this year.  The objective is to complete:

O  one
P   project
A  a
M  month

Reporting at the end of each month and keeping a track of finishes in the side bar of your blog ~ OPAM has been going for quite a few years now and this will be my second year of participating.

My first finish for this year was a cushion for GB1's birthday ~ he's been working as a barista for about 4 years now, he works part time to fit around his studies.

This seemed an appropriate thing to stitch for him!

Kates Flossbox 2015
Espresso Yourself ~ Tiny Modernist

Kates Flossbox 2015
Rear of Cushion

Kates Flossbox 2015
Label

Until next time

Kate

Stitch from Stash 2015 ~ January

Well, here we are again back in stitch from stash mode.  The challenge is a two-parter this year, both of 6 months duration ~ and with rule changes too.  Mel at Epic Stitching is keeping us all in check and being assisted by a group of trusty helpers.

Budget
My reporting currency will be GB£, most of my spend (or hopefully retained budget) will be made in GB£ so it seems logical to use it for reporting.  If I purchase anything from Europe or USA I will use the converted value charged to my card against my budget.  I will be keeping my monthly budget at the same value as last year ~ GB£25

Reporting
My plan is to report on towards the end of the monthly reporting period ~ I'm taking this report as an achievement as today is the final day!

Month ~ January 2015

Spent ~ ZERO

Credit ~ ZERO

New Starts

1 Summer House Pincushion from Blackbird Designs

Sarted 01/01/2015 

All items from stash older than 6 months

2 Bookmark Exchange for NH Yuku Group ~ secret until early next month

Started 24/01/2015

All items from stash but younger than 6 months

I was hoping to have this finished prior to the reporting deadline ~ it will be complete either tonight or tomorrow as I need to get it in the mail

WIPs

1 2014 Advent SAL from iStitch Designs

Started 06/12/2014

All items from stash younger than 6 months

Finishes

1 Espresso Yourself from Tiny Modernist

All items from Stash younger than 6 months ~ no credit applies

Finished as a cushion of GB1's birthday

Until next month ~ happy stitching from stash

Kate

Eventually....

...... I have discovered that:

• I am not alone in experiencing difficulties posting pictures to Blogger
• my version of IE is not compatible with Blogger
• Chrome is compatible with Blogger

Wouldn't it be nice if they told you what the issue was instead of just not working!  Rant over.

I can now share with you what I made and received in our Tuesday Stitching Group's Secret Santa.
Firstly

 I received this gorgeous project bag from Sylvia ~ it's made with beautiful linen and lined with a pale green linen check fabric.  It has an inside pocket that had a tape measure in it and it also has a lobster key clasp that I can attach my scissors to.  I love it!

I made this cushion for Norma ~ it's from a design by Kelly Fletcher called Christmas Tree that I discovered on Craftsy.  Stitched on Moda dot fabric with good old DMC ~ to ensure that it's washable, just in case.  Finished as an envelope back cushion with some fabric from my stash that originally came from Just Quilting.
Unfortunately, Norma was not able to be with us for our Secret Santa night so was given her gift a few days later when one of our ladies paid her a visit.






Finally I thought I would share my New Year's Day new start

Doesn't look like much does it?  And it looks upside down, however, it is meant to be.
This is Summer House Pincushion from Blackbird Designs ~ originally I was meant to start this as a SAL with Carol many, many moons ago ~ Carol's has been finished for quite some time now!  I'm using the recommended fabric & thread but have to say that I'm not loving the fabric ~ it's really stiff & harsh ~ so currently it remains as you see it as I have not picked it up again since NYD.





Until next time.



Kate

Happy New Year

I'd like to wish all my followers & readers a very Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year.


Thank you for sticking with me when I have been an intermittent blogger ~ I am hoping that I will manage to keep the blog updated more frequently throughout this year.  To those of you that leave me comments I'd like you to know that they are very much appreciated.


Today I am struggling with my technology!  Blogger does not want to allow my to upload photographs currently ~ it may be my version of IE that is causing the issue, but who knows.


Hopefully I can resolve this soon and then show you my NYD new start and the Secret Santa gifts from Tuesday Stitching Group.


Until next time




Kate

Stitch from Stash 2014 ~ December

Well, I made it!  I got through the whole year of Stitching from Stash without too many problems, and without spending all of my budget ~ I feel accomplished.


DECEMBER BUDGET

Bfwd	83.53
Budget	20.00
Spent	0.00
Balance	103.53

NEW STARTS FROM STASH
12 Days of Christmas panel ~ started 06/12/2014 & almost finished
2014 Sapin d'Elisa - Finished 04/12/2014
istitch Designs Advent SAL 2014
Espresso Yourself by Tiny Modernist


WIPs AND UFOs WORKED ON
12 Days of Christmas Bunting ~ finished
Merry Christmas Deer from The Little Stitcher
Sablaise 2014 Christmas SAL ~ final part to complete
Christmas Tree by Kelly Fletcher ~ finished, this was my Secret Santa gift

I've already signed up for SFS again ~ I must re-read the rules as Mel has made some changes and I need to stick to the rules.

Kate
 

Stitch from Stash 2014 ~ November 2014

I'm getting my report in a little early this month so I don't forget!
Thursday was the day for our annual pilgrimage to the Knitting & Stitching Show in Harrogate ~ last year the lovely C & I went via car but this year we were on a coach, it's definitely nice to have someone else drive you there & back and also not to have the parking problem.  I had a couple of things on my list ~ yes, really, just a couple ~ mind you they weren't inexpensive things!  However, even though I managed to get them all I still returned with money to spare ~ and, most importantly, no new charts!  I am determined to get through more of the charts I have already in my stash.

NOVEMBER BUDGET

Bfwd	132.83
Budget	20.00
Spent	-69.30
Balance	83.53

I bought:
some NPI silks to start the istitch Advent SAL next month
istitch Advent SAL membership
32ct & 40ct fabrics
Some beads, findings & glue to make earrings
D rings to complete some bunting
A kit which is to be completed as a gift

NEW STARTS FROM STASH
12 Days of Christmas bunting ~ only hangings to complete
Cape Angels ~ fabric cut out
Storage basket liner ~ finished 11/11/2014
Secret Santa Project
Sablaise 2014 Christmas SAL


WIPs AND UFOs WORKED ON
A gift for a visiting friend ~ finished
Home of a Needleworker from LHN ~ just spotted a mistake on this on Tuesday ~ not happy!
Merry Christmas Deer from The Little Stitcher

I'm feeling like I have achieved this month ~ it's a good feeling!

Thanks for stopping by.

Kate