Still Around

Sorry I haven’t been around much recently, things have been getting a little on top of me, both Martha and I suffered from a viral infection for almost 10 days which generally made you feel listless, rotten and our entire bodies were covered in a lumpy itchy rash, everything got behind, finances, household chores etc., I am now getting back to normal..or as normal as possible.

The only good side is due to not being able to do anything strenuous, some stitching took place…firstly I completed my part of Lesleyanne’s Round Robin, it was a delight to stitch..I stitched the ‘Snowed In’ square….I finished this up very early it is not due to travel on until August, but I have lots of study to do the next few month so thought I would take the opportunity when I had it!

I also completed 5 items for a Facebook PIF I took part in….I used 4 free designs from Alexandrina’s blog and stitched them in pretty spring colours…I finishes them by adding a satin stitched heart or spider web stitch rose in the centre, I trimmed them with co-coordinating ric rac and a button.

I completed my first ever patchwork over the weekend…I used the patchwork pincushion template from Cath Kidston’s ‘Patch’ book….it has come out huge….Martha has decided she would like it for her dolly’s cot, which I have said she can, I will make another one with a smaller template…I used Provence Rose fabric in both green and blue and the blue and pink spots.

Once I had completed my bunting for the kitchen…which is still waiting to be hung….as I said everything has fallen behind, I had a little fabric left and I remembered I had bought these bright plant pots a while ago…so after a evening of a little had sewing and the use of double sided tape….this is what appeared…I now need to find 2 nice flowering plants to pop in them to brighten up my kitchen windowsill!

I had a little walk into York last week to blow away the cobwebs and found myself inside my favourite shop…lol…it’s didn’t take much arm twisting though I can assure you! I picked up the Provence rose fabric and this lovely mug which is a new design for this season….I love it so much and holds a sturdy sized cuppa!

Just before the half-term break, the school held a Jubilee party for all the children, they all had a great time, unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures which didn’t include other children so cannot post them, but I did get this one of little Miss tucking into nibbles….

Well enough of my waffling, it’s almost time to go to collect the kiddiewinks from school and nursery…we have a busy weekend, my little man is making his First Holy Communion on Sunday, so I will be back with photos early next week!

Take care….Hugs & Stitches

The Sun Has Got His Hat On…. (Photo Heavy)

…..hip hip hip hooray! Finally we see the sun after months of cold and rain, we are finally basking in glorious weather…it does make you feel so much better…..apart from the humidity but we can;t have it all can we…lol!

It was school sports activity day Monday last and it was Martha's first one…she had a fabulous time joining in with all the other children, they were both in the same team…

I received little Miss’ school yesterday…I’ve taken a snapshot of it to share with you all…

still not a lot of stitching done, there are so many other chores to do at the moment, especially the garden with this warmer weather, but I did finish up my May Christmas Ornament for the SAL, the theme was Gingerbread person…(apologies it’s not been pressed yet), I added some mini buttons and used black beads for the eyes…

Little House Needleworks – Gingerbread Village

28c Quaker Cloth Light Mocha – DMC threads

The crochet hook has had an outing though….I finished up this little gift for my gran, it’s a little tissue pouch…with Cath Kidston tissues inside too…!

I managed a few more stripes on my throw….it’s going to be big when it’s all done…

These beauties came home with me this week…Cath Kidston of course!

this is a perfect addiction for my ever growing yarn stash…

as you can see……

and I couldn’t resist these…they smell divine too!

A little study update for those of you who are interested, I have submitted my End of Module Assignment and my course officially ends tomorrow….I am now into weeks 3 of my newest module and it’s fascinating, I will keep you updated.

A little life update…I have now lost 27lbs in weight and have started swimming, I went for the first time yesterday and bearing in mind it was my first exercise in 25 years, I managed 9 lengths of an Olympic sized pool….I am aching today though I tell you…lol

I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine….thanks for visiting!

Hugs & Stitches

This & That

Just a quick catch up over at study house…lol…I received my mark back from my previous essay 3 marks short of a distinction, so I was delighted, I am now working on my Sacred Spaces/Pilgrimage end of Module assignment….and my new module started today too, so am taking my new study companion up to bed with me for a read before sleepy time….

It was lovely Michelle’s birthday on Thursday, I wanted to stitch her something special to go along with her other gifts…this is what I chose, Michelle messaged me to say she loved it, so I was delighted!

Happy Day – Subrosa free design here

Fabric: 32c Murano – Ivory

Carries Creation Threads

I’ve done a little stitching this week…I am making some little gifts for a PIF I have taken part on on Facebook….I’ve completed 2 and have another 3 to complete…I’m going to finish them into little lavender filled hanging heart shaped sachets!

Heart Free Designs by Alexandrina here

Fabric 28c Jobelan – Antique White

DMC threads – personal choice

I have chosen my May ornament for the All Year Round Christmas SAL…LHN Gingerbread Village…it’s my first ever gingerbread person design so I’m looking forward to it!

I treated myself to some goodies this week….

and the reason I did this is…because I have finally started doing this…

yes it’s a bit untidy and wonky and I’ve obviously added a stitch somehow at the end of each row…lol….but for my first attempt at crochet I’m pleased….I’ve been watching tutorials on YouTube which have really helped me…it can only get better with practise…!

Well girls and boys, it’s getting late here, I have reading to do and essay planning to do in the morning, so I shall bid you all a goodnight and a Happy Sunday and to my UK friends a Happy Bank Holiday too!

Hugs & Stitches

Stash, Baking, Chef in Training & 2 Finishes

My sale stash from Sew and So arrived yesterday, I was very restrained and just ordered some jingle bells and a few threads, some Dragon Floss, WDW, Valdani and Needlepoint Silks, they were all half price so a good bargain. I also ordered a couple of peices of fabric from Karla at The Patchwork Rabbit, they also arrived yesterday.

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I had an abundance of banana’s going a little ripe (I hate them ripe) so I made a couple of banana loaves one for us and one for my parents…yummy!

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I have a little kitchen helper now, whenever I head into the kitchen she is my little shadow, following me around and wanting to help..today she wanted to help with the vegetables for the Sunday Roast….a little chef in the making I think!

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I finally finished up my iStitch Sew Mystery box….my Dad has had it for the past couple of months varnishing it, to be fair he sanded it, primed it, and varnished it 3 times, he did a great job!

I lined the inside with a fabric I found in the Viking Loom and trimmed it with an ivory/cream cord..the top I also edged in the same cord…I have burnt finger ends this evening from the hot glue gun :0(, there is a matching pin pillow which I have stitched but I haven’t finished that up as yet but will do soon!

Another of Carol’s lovely designs is my first Christmas Ornament finish for my year long personal SAL, I also used my corder for the first time and made matching cord with the DMC thread I used to stitch…I don;t know why I’ve not done it before….easy peasy!

iStitch Noel Freebie

28c Country French Linen “Cashel” – DMC threads

I finished up another peice tonight, but it’s secret stitching so I cannot reveal it yet…

Thanks for visiting….

Hugs & Stitches

New Year…New Journal!

Good morning friends….I have had a productive morning, even though I did not rise until 9am (I have a childfree weekend!)…

• Changed the bedding and did the laundry
• Wrote 750 words for my poetry essay draft (only 600 called for so some cutting required)
• Drank 3 cups of tea from my Cath Kidston mug
• Quaffed toasted English muffins topped with butter and honey,
• Chose backing fabrics and trims for my 3 recent finishes
• Started my new Stitching Journal for 2012

So rather productive I think you will agree!

I stocked up on some fabrics and trims yesterday for some future projects…pretty fabrics, ribbons, cords, lace, beaded trims…perfect!

Michelle and I traded recently and here is what I received…

Lots of lovely charts inside to stitch…yummy…thanks for trading Michelle :0)

Off to cut my fabric for my finishes which I will make up this evening hopefully…have a good day!

Hugs & Stitches

SAL Progress!

I have managed some stitching this week, not as much as I would have liked….but life gets in the way sometimes!

Firstly I have just stitched the fourth part for the iStitch SAL, I am stitching this over 1 on 32 count, you can see how small it is by the needle!

I also managed some stitching on my TSG SAL piece too..

I ordered a new chart from Tanya yesterday…as soon as I saw it I just had to have it…”The Witch School Sampler 1821”…I ordered the CC & GAST required and a few other bits too…rude not to…don’t you think!

Isaac had his cast taken off his foot on Thursday, he is tentatively walking around, he had a bath this morning which removed a lot of the dry blood etc. which made it look a lot better, but I am still being bandage nurse as he won’t put socks and shoes on without a bandage, so we have compromised…bandage during the day….fresh air to it on an evening and overnight to aid the healing!

We took a walk around to the local shops, usually a 25 minute round trip….55 minutes today, but at least he is up and moving around!

I booked my ticket to go to the Stitching Show at Harrogate in November, I am going with my lovely friends Michelle & Kath…should be a fantastic day out :0)

Another X Factor double bill weekend, plus Downton Abbey is back tomorrow evening and Spooks…I love the autumn, lots of great TV and more time to get snuggly & cosy and do lots of stitching!

Watch out for a giveaway coming soon to celebrate my 40th Birthday in 3 weeks time!

Have a great weekend!

Hugs & Stitches

Packed Post

Lots of things to show you…so I will keep the wording on the light side….firstly I can reveal my exchange received and sent for the Summer Holiday Exchange on the “Stitched With Love Exchange” blog…this is what I received from April…

and this is what I sent to Shannon…

I stitched Tanya’s freebie “To The Beach” using hand-dyed linen and Crescent Colour threads and edged it in ruched ribbon.

I finally got around to making up some pillows today..

I did have a little spurge at my favourite shop yesterday….a mug in a tin, sewing scissors in a case, vintage buttons (used on the pillows), a fat quarter bundle and some green/rosebud fabric (used for the garden pillow)

No more writing…it’s getting late…have a good Monday

Hugs & Stitches