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Friday, March 28, 2008

Stash Ordered

I've just ordered a new cross stitch kit. I fancied doing a map which I've not done before. My father needs a picture for his bedroom and he's got a birthday in May so I'm going to stitch a map of the inland waterways. It's actually of the Four Counties Ring if that means anything to anyone. Anyway, it doesn't seem to be widely available so I've ordered it from Stitch and Things which I've not used before so hope that will all be ok.

I've also ordered the threads needed for the April square of the Juggy Bug Deisgns mystery monthly calender which Julie has released early. Yet another lovely design. Can't wait to do it.

So now I'm full on anticipation waiting for it all to arrive. It probably won't be until the middle of next week at the earliest. In the meantime, I continue with Fruit Smoothie and may even pick up Boquet for Cheryl again as Rachael has suggested using a white pillow case on my lap to help me see. I shall give it a try!

My sister is also keen for me to do a cushion for her son's room so I'm trying to stear her towards one of the Boothey Threads cut thru designs. Either the pirate ship or the rocket as they both look good fun to stitch. Anyway, we will see what happens.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Update

Well, as I said in the last post I've turned the Blackwork Challenge piece into a cushion. It's the first time I've made one so I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.
I've also been busy on Fruit Smoothie which is coming along very well. You can get a feel for the final size of it as the bottom line is the bottom of the internal frame (if that makes sense!). The lines are looking a bit wonky because of the way the fabric is streatched in the hoop, they straight really - promise!

Friday, March 21, 2008

Fruit Smoothie

I'm going to crack on with the Fruit Smoothie now. This is how it looks at the moment.

I'm stitching this on 40 count linen which I have to say is quite small. But the design comes along so quickly it is lovely to stitch. Each little square feels like a mini finish.

I've made the blackwork piece into a cushion now. That was the first one I'd done. I'll get a picture of it on here soon. So many new experiences!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Happy Dance

I've done it. I've finished the blackwork challenge. All I have to do now is decide what to do with it.
The original plan was to turn it into a cushion for our lounge but Hubby's not so sure. So I'm having to re-think that one.
Next project, back to the fruit smoothie.


Monday, March 17, 2008

Almost There

I've been doing a lot of work on the Blackwork Challenge and it is almost there. It won't be long till I have a finish. Here's an updated pic.
I've really been enjoying this and am very pleased with the result so far. I've just got to decide what it is going to be when it's finished.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

A Start at Hardanger

I've always thought that the hardanger designs are so beautiful and I've now managed to find a free beginners design courtesy of India Grace's Yahoo Group. So I've made a start.

It's not much yet and I know it's going to be a slow project - just because it's not top of my list. I think it's a little untidy at the moment but I guess that's because I'm learning new stitches (I can't expect it to be perfect first time).

I've done a lot of work on the Blackwork Challenge and it is very close to completion. I should have something to show quite soon. Everything else has come to a halt for now as I want to finish this first.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Birthday Card

My 7 year old daughter has been busy stitching a birthday card for her Daddy. I think she has done so well.
She followed the chart all on her own. All I did was find the centre for her and undo a couple of knots she created along the way. The really nice thing about it was sitting together and doing our stitching. It was lovely to share a hobby. She's been so proud of it - and rightly so I think.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

New Look

I've been having a play around and found a new look for my blog. I hope you like it.

Stitching last night was all around the Blackwork Challenge which is still progressing. It's making slower progress now as each stitching trip around the design is getting longer. I'm still enjoying it though and shouldn't be too much longer before there's a finish (famous last words!).

Today is Tuesday so it's UFO night with Stitch Clubs. I'll be working on the Boquet for Cheryl tonight - I'm trying to make sure it doesn't become a UFO.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Stitchy Spring Swap

I received my swap item from Jacky this morning.



I love it. All the extras - so unneccessary but lovely. Thank you Jacky.

Windy Day

We had a lot of wind around here last night. Luckily everything is holding together at the moment - although I don't hold out much hope for our broken fence, I don't think it will make through tonight.



I finished my suprise spring stitch swap over the weekend so will be sending that out to Brazil today. I will post a pic when I know it's been received.



I've also done some more work on the Blackwork Challenge which is coming along very nicely.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Blackwork Challenge

I've done some more on the Tams Creations black work challenge.





I've made a mistake in that I've added an extra line to the "stars", but I was half way round before I realised and I like how it looks so I've left them as they are. It's very addictive. I keep thinking "I'll just finish this thread then get on with something else" and then I look at it and think "I'll just finish this pattern and then get on with something else." and then there's thread left on the needle so I go back to my original thought and so it goes on.


I've also done some work on the spring swop. All still a secret of course!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Slow Progress

Here is an update on the Boquet for Cheryl.


Progress is slow just because I'm doing so many other things as well. It's hard to work on in the evenings due to the black material and I don't get much time to stitch during the day.

Partners have been allocated for the Secret Spring Swap so I've started work on that today. Obviously, I can't show it on here until after it has been received.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Blackwork Challenge 1 SAL

Well I've made a start on this at last (the SAL started on Saturday). I'm stitching on 18 count ivory Aida with DMC 3844. I'm really enjoying it so far, it's not difficult but looks really impressive. Here's progress to date.

Hopefully I'll do some more of the Boquet for Cheryl tonight.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Fruit Smoothie


Well, I've made a start on Fruit Smoothie. I'm really enjoying it actually. It's quite different to anything I've done before, I've always done pictures in the past. The 40 count linen is very small but it does make a good image.

I still want to do the blackwork SAL but still don't have materials. There is plenty of fabric left from Fruit Smoothie which will probably be enough but what colour to choose with it? I'll have to use something I've got as I don't really want to buy anything at the moment.

My husband thinks I'm mad anyway. He can't understand why I should want more than one project on the go at a time. But then he doesn't understand the addiction anyway. He's very understanding, and likes the results but doesn't have the patience to do anything crafty!




Sunday, March 2, 2008

Jugg Bug March

I've finished the March square of the Juggy Bug design and I've started the Fruit Smoothie stitch along. Here's the March square:-


I'm stitching the Fruit Smoothie on 40 ct linen - 1 over 2. It's the first time I've used linen and it is lovely but 40ct is so small. I'm sure I'll get used to it as I go along.

I'm supposed to be starting the blackwork SAL as well but I still haven't decided on a colour combination or what to use it for (which will kind of decide the colour scheme really) so I haven't made a start on this yet. I'll have to play catch up.

Mother's Day


Happy Mother's Day to all the mummies out there! I hope you are all going to be spoilt rotten.


Look what my girls made for me - bless them.