Forget-me-Knot

A date to remember ......

2012-02-07T22:30:00.000Z

It is nearly the end of our special day, yes......... our wedding anniversary. I just can't believe it is 42 years ago DH and I signed that wedding register, and he's still the handsome, loveable, funny man I said yes to. Where does the time go? So on the theme of romance I've put together a collage of a few of the hearts I have made over the years, in time for next week and Valentines Day

On the stitching front, things have been very slow. I seem to have lost my mojo, I did finish a spring biscornu for an exchange but otherwise nothing to show. The crazy 15 challenge was hard work but I did manage to start a project each day ( have yet to add photos to the page to update). Hopefully that mojo will be back with me this week.

Happy stitching

A Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long (TUSAL)

2012-01-23T12:27:00.001Z

I've joined in the TUSAL for 2012. I had seen it on several blogs last year and wondered how it worked..... here is the link to explain
http://itsdaffycat.blogspot.com/2011/11/totally-useless-stitch-long.html

So here is my jar........

As a reminder, I have added a tag with all the new moon dates for 2012. Wonder how long it will take to fill it? I'm planning on using all the scrap threads in some machine made fabric, cos it sounds like fun.

happy stitching

First post of 2012

2012-01-06T14:48:00.000Z

Firstly, A Very Happy New Year to all who read this new post of 2012.

I started the Crazy 15 Challenge on January 1st, if you would like to see my progress and what I decided to stitch, please click on the tab above. That page is to show my progress until January 15th when I should have all projects started. Progress and finishes thru the year will be posted here.
January is always a hard month for me, the cold and dull days make me want to hibernate, and I get the 'winter blues'..... roll on spring! I'm going to try and keep myself busy and hopefully get at least two finishes before the end of the month.

I'll leave you with a lovely orchid I have on my kitchen window sill, this is its second flower stalk.

and Petra if your reading this .... yes, it is the one you gave me in the summer when you were over here. Thank you, it gives me much pleasure.

Happy stitching

One finished.... another to start

2011-12-01T10:34:00.001Z

Yes.... so pleased with myself, I have finished one sock. Now the hard part is to get another finished, but I will push myself to get it done by the end of the year. That will be my knitting craze finished with for another year. Actually they are fairly easy to do, it's just the first few rounds that are a bit fiddly but after that working with so many needles was no bother, even with all five needles in play for the heel. Had a bit of a problem understanding how to graft the toe but after watching a Utube tutorial it became clear. Take a look....

and it fits perfectly.

Now I can show the Christmas ornie I sent to my partner on FS group, as I know she has received it. I am still waiting for mine, post is a little slow sometimes across the pond. It's a LHN chart, Gingerbread Village. I have already started stitching another for a little surprise for a family member.... not saying who, they may read this.

I am still kitting up my Crazy 15 ready for January...... now need to find 4 more charts, I have taken one out .. far too large for me, I stitch better with smallish items. Going to cut and neater edges of all the fabric I have waiting.... make a list of floss needed and look thru my stash. Hope I shall be ready for Jan 1st. It is very hard not to start some of the ones I have already kitted. Patience is not one of my virtues, but I do work better under pressure, and the pressure will be on to be ready.

Ok I'm off to browse for charts and will leave you with a snap of what's in flower in my sun-room.... ugh! where's the sun?

Happy stitching

A new start and a near finish

2011-11-18T10:50:00.000Z

My new start is ...... 'drum roll'....... socks, yes I'm knitting again. Don't do much of it but now and again I see something and I think 'I can knit that'..... well, I saw these socks when blog browsing and found a kit online. The kit includes yarn, set of five needles, pattern and cute little stitch markers. Wish I had picked a brighter colour now but I could always do a second pair. I don't class myself as a knitter by any means, but I think I am doing ok so far. What do you think?

My 'near' finish is a LHN Deck the Halls, it is a lovely little piece to stitch. Will be adding it to my Crazy 15 Challenge for next year. I must spend some time today looking at how much fabric and floss I need to buy ready for this challenge. I also need to add 3 more to make up my 15. I'm thinking Christmas, then I may be ready next year with a few ornies made.

LHN Deck the Halls

I shall have it finished this week, so watch this space...... need to look for fabric to make up into a little pillow. I did finished one Christmassy ornie this week but can't show as its on its way across the pond for our Friendly Stitchers swap, and I don't want to spoil a surprise.

The weather here is bright and sunny today, but a definite chill in the air. I'll leave you with a few snaps of what's in my garden this week.

I love the colours of Autumn, Fall..... but feel sad as I know it means the cold of winter is on its way..brrrr...

Happy stitching

Not a lot happened this week!

2011-11-04T17:10:00.000Z

I don't seem to have done much stitching this week, not a lot has happened but it seems to have flown by...... ... I did get my Christmas ornie swaps in the post for International Hand Stitchers group, will show photos when I know they have been received. Two to USA and one to Australia, hope they fly as quick as my week has. I have started a LHN 'Deck the Halls' christmas ornie, and it's lovely, I'm sure I will be stitching this one again and again.

It is my DH's birthday today, so as he loves muffins and cupcakes I made him some Banana and Choc cupcakes, recipe from my favourite baking book (see last post). ummmmm..... must start on a healthier diet, think we both got a few pounds to lose now...

Yummmy !!!

I will leave you with a few snaps from my garden, really looking autumnal now.......

the resident blackbird will enjoy the orange Firethorn and red Cotoneaster berries this winter.

Happy stitching

Phew! nearly a disaster!

2011-10-26T16:51:00.000+01:00

My DH loves choc muffins, so being the good wife that I am...... I decided I'd surprise him with some homemade ones instead of his normal shop bought ones. Now, I have made this recipe before and it's easy. Ok, so I whip up this batch of 12 and pop them in my new oven, set the timer and turn around to start cleaning up. I spotted the microwave and thought *****!!! , opened it up and there inside was the melted butter that should have been added to the muffins. Quick as a flash I got the tray out of the oven, it wasn't very hot!!! then spooned the mixture out of the paper cases into my mixing bowl, added the butter and blasted it with my mixer on full power. Then arranged new paper cases in the muffin pan and spooned the mixture back in. Into the oven once more they went..... timer set again. Time to clear up the mess, and oh it was a mess ... chocolate mix everywhere. I hung around the oven with my fingers crossed............ after 20 mins I stuck a skewer in one and DONE, out the oven and onto a rack to cool. They looked good!

And they tasted GREAT! The recipe is out of this book my son bought me for my birthday. http://hummingbirdbakery.com/cookbooks/the-hummingbird-bakery-cookbook/

Being pleased with my success in the light of a disaster I decided to make my favourite cake, Lemon Drizzle. I did concentrate more this time and didn't have any mishaps. If you would like my recipe for this cake just leave a comment and I'll get it to you.

Yummy.... it won't last long! Now I'm back to stitching.....

Two finishes!!!

2011-10-22T17:36:00.000+01:00

I am so thrilled ....... I have finished the stitching on my LHN Home of a Needleworker. It is the first big project I have worked on in cross-stitch and am so pleased I finished. Now to find a frame to fit, or should I take it to a framer? A 'do it myself ' would be cheaper, but can I do it? Only one way to find out...

Here it is, not a good photo

I know there are a couple of stitches in the wrong place and I didn't get my name spaced out evenly, but it's a finish, so I'm happy.

Well my next finish this week was a small doll quilt, made for a challenge on 'smallquilttalk' yahoo group. The challenge was to use a four-patch block and there was lots of talk about red and white quilts, so I had a go. Here's my attempt, it measures 9 1/2 by 14 inches, and the big stitch quilting was done by hand. All the fabric I found in my stash, which surprised me as I don't use a lot of red in my patchwork.

My little mohair bear I made last year seems to like it.

Now I'm starting on Christmas ornaments, I've just ordered two LHN charts so hope I can get them finished before December. I'll keep you posted on progress

Happy stitching!

Crazy 15 Challenge 2012 - my list so far

2011-10-10T22:25:00.000+01:00

I can't believe how quickly time has gone by, I haven't got very far with my stitching since my last post but I did make a start on organizing my Crazy 15..... well, I have 10 on my list, what do you think so far! I'm looking for smaller projects for the remainder to give me some chance of finishing. I have 3 kitted up and 2 just waiting for threads........ must do a little shopping for fabric and a few more threads, and maybe a few LHN charts, oh and needles.... I broke one this morning.

Crazy 15 Challenge 2012
Coffee Menu, by LHN
Tiny Linen Pinkeep, by Jane Greenoff
Tiny House, by LHN
Snowflake Biscornu, by Faby Reilly
Espresso Yourself, by Kell Smurthwaite
Hot Chocolate, by Kell Smurthwaite
Tea for 2, by Kell Smurthwaite
Bee Welcome, by Abi Gurden
Heart Stitcher, by à mon ami Pierre
The French Hen, by JBW Designs


Crazy 15 Challenge

Did you notice my little plastic wallets? I have A4 and A5 sizes, they are so handy for keeping a project together. Found them at my local supermarket, very cheap too! So here's a pic of them in my 'WIP' bag, ummm.. so neat.

Don't think I shall get much stitching done tomorrow, my oven blew up this evening just as I was about to put our dinner in!!! ....... the cooker is not that old, and I have had it repaired twice, but this time DH says 'oh no we buy another one', so that's what I'm doing tomorrow. Salad anyone?

Happy stitching

Autumn finish and needlebook exchange

2011-09-24T18:21:00.001+01:00

I can now show photos of the pretty needlebook I received from Viv in our Friendly Stitchers exchange.

from Viv

This photo does not show it too well, but there are lots of beads which make it shine. It's really lovely and beautifully stitched. I think I may look for a new camera for Christmas, or is it just operator training I need. I'll wait and see what Santa brings.


mine to Viv

I added a little pincushion with mine to Viv, as I was going to use the acorns on the book cover but they didn't fit well, so I used them for a pincushion, and stitched the pumpkin instead.

While looking for charts for this Autumn exchange I found a little hanger, and I've finished the stitching this week.... still got to do the making up. Here's a link where I found it, some lovely free charts for all seasons. http://gazette94.blogspot.com/

worked on 28ct hand-dyed evenweave by Polstitches

I've also been busy with my LHN 'Home of a Needleworker', I'm so pleased with it, can't wait to get it finished and framed.

getting near to a finish

Well, my list of 15 for the Crazy Challenge is proving to be a bit of a challenge in itself..... I still can't decide what I'm including. I only have 3 kitted up so far, much get more organised. I have found some plastic folders to keep each project in as I kit them up, which will help me keep track of things. As you may guess I'm not the world's most organised stitcher....... but I'm getting better !!!!! I'll dig out some more holiday snaps for my next update.

happy stitching

Where was I? - ' Downunder mate'

2011-09-13T21:52:00.000+01:00

Did you guess where I was on holiday? DH and I had a great time for just over 5 weeks.... here's another photo from that amazing country, the beautiful city of Adelaide, SA..... shopping on the Rundle Mall

Rundle Street and Rundle Mall are named after John Rundle (1791- 1864), an original director and financier of the South Australia Company, which was formed in London in 1834 to promote settlement of the new colony of South Australia.

The sheep were on the road to the small town of Melrose, in the Flinders Range. It was a wonderful sight to see early that morning, a field of blue with sheep dotted about. The plant they were grazing on is Echium plantagineum, commonly known as Purple Viper's Bugloss or as Paterson's Curse or Salvation Jane (particularly in South Australia). Other names are Blueweed, Lady Campbell Weed or Riverina Bluebell. The name Salvation Jane comes from South Australia. In times of drought, many of the states grazing pastures died. Due to its drought hardiness, Echium was a source of food to the grazing animals in the state, hence the name Salvation Jane. I believe it is toxic to horses.

The beach ............ 'sigh' was perfect. If I won the lottery that is where you would find me, building a house overlooking that bay..... named Tumby Bay on the Eyre Peninsula. There was a quilting shop too, what more could I ask for......

Now onto an update of my stitching this past week, more stitching on LHN's Home of a Needleworker, and a small autumn piece for a small hanging pillow, which I haven't got a photo of yet, so will wait till its finished.

I am really enjoying stitching this one, I have got the feel of linen now and love the look. I think I am completely mad, cos I have signed up for the Crazy 15 Challenge, info here

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crazyjanuary2012 ,
so I have been browsing to find 15 projects I want to stitch next year. I'm a very slow stitcher so it will be a challenge to finish 15 in a year. Might have to choose mostly small ones, with a few medium, certainly no large projects. My Mary Wigmore is the only big project I can concentrate on, maybe I can add that as one of my 15. I know I shall be doing some LHN charts, one will be the 'Coffee Menu' as I love that and it will go great on my kitchen wall. Also I have French Hen by JBW Designs to add. I'll update next week on my 15 chosen ones.

happy stitching

a look back!

2011-09-02T21:44:00.000+01:00

Not a lot of stitching has been done lately, apart from an autumnal piece to be made into a needlebook, which I can't show yet as it's for an exchange in Friendly Stitchers group.

So I've been looking thru my photos and thought I would show a couple of holiday photos, plus what I stitched on that holiday. See if you can guess what country I was in .......

sheep grazing, early morning


a perfect beach!

now to what I stitched .....

ready to bring home for Christmas

Look out next week for more 'looking back' at holiday photos and the stitching done. Plus the answer to where the sheep are grazing and the location of my perfect beach ....

Happy stitching

A busy week......... but little achieved!

2011-08-20T18:19:00.002+01:00

I seem to have had a busy week but don't feel much has been achieved. I think I would have felt better if I had started something new, I do like to start projects and finish them ... it seems it's the bit in the middle I'm not good with ..lol

My progress on Mary is slow, Home of a Needleworker is better but still slow......

Mary Wigham sampler

Home of a Needleworker

I did finish a small wallhanging that will be going to our eldest son. I made him a 'Union Jack' wallhanging a few months ago and promised a 'Stars and Stripes' one too. I didn't take a photo of the 'Union Jack', but here's the 'Stars and Stripes' with a dish of my tomatoes... they are yummy!!!!

Both hangings have a sleeve on the back ready to hang, but I bet they won't be on his wall until I visit.........

I received a lovely summer biscornu from Christine in our Summer Sensation exchange on Friendly Stitchers, I know she has received what I sent out so I can now show them both,

made for Christine

received from Christine

it was a great swap and I'm looking forward to joining the next one, a needlebook.

The highlight of my week .............. a trip into Cambridge courtesy of the new guided busway. Here's a link to show the route
http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/around/thebusway/

it was quick with brand new buses, very comfy, and I could use my buspass, so no cost......... the longest guided busway in UK. I don't go to Cambridge very often, because driving in and parking is awful, the main A14 road is so busy at all times and it's often at a standstill, then the parking is expensive, when you find a space. But with this new busway taking me into the heart of the citycentre I may go every week ... this is a lovely shop I visit ;) http://sewcreative.co.uk/camb.htm great for stash building.

Happy stitching

Off to a good start.....

2011-08-13T12:15:00.000+01:00

Yes, my new projects stitching on 32ct linen have started well. But the 'Home of a Needleworker' started off badly, I stitched the top border along the wrong side of the linen, the short side! so a lot of unpicking was done. After a couple of other miscalculated stitches and re-do's I think I am now on the right track. I do need good light and natural light is best for me, so I stitch mostly early morning or late afternoon sitting in the sunroom. Not that we have had much sun lately, been very overcast and showery, still the light is good.

Here's the progress so far............

Now the second new project, the Mary Wigham sampler......... I am so pleased with myself as it is going really well, no unpicking! I think it maybe that I am taking it slowly and being extra careful. But I like to think it's Mary looking over my shoulder and guiding my needle. I love the colour of this first thread I'm using, I shall just add other colours as I go along... I've no master plan for a colour scheme. I know it will take me months even years to complete but I'm so enjoying the process.

So here's the progress .....

I've also been working on some patchwork, a little basket quilt. I made these basket blocks a few weeks ago and then left them in my 'unfinished box'... we all have one of those!.. Well, my sewing machine was feeling a bit neglected with me doing all this hand stitching, so I spent time with it and joined the blocks into a small quilt top. Then machine quilted a small wall hanging I'm making for my eldest son. I'll show that photo when it's finished, but here's my baskets.........

I've now got to go thru my stash for fabric for a border, don't think I have any suitable...... I haven't been to my LQS for ages, might be a good idea to have a look what they have! I'm sure I will find some and more.

What I stitched this week.......

2011-08-05T21:47:00.000+01:00

I finished a little keyring for my beautiful DIL and gave the sheep legs! Can you see the mistake? I didn't see it until I looked at the photo ....... the question is now... shall I unpick and re-do or let it go?

I'm talking about the 'HO' on the first HOME.... they are two stitches higher than the rest! silly me!

I have gone mad and decided to try and stitch a Mary Wigham sampler, on 32ct linen which I have never used before. The floss I'll use is a Crescent Colours, shade Chilli Pepper, may add a teal/grey too, think its called Dublin Bay. This will be a big challenge for me, so fingers crossed and I will keep you posted on progress. I have also started 'Home of a Needleworker', again on 32ct linen. It's a chart that's been on my 'wish list' for ages, I love all LHN patterns. Wish me luck with these two, they are both big projects for me, usually I only do small items that I can finish quickly, but think it's time to go forwards and so up to the next level.

Happy stitching

Chillies and tomatoes!

2011-07-30T21:49:00.000+01:00

I've not done much in the way of stitching this week, but did manage to finished my exchange biscornu. Just need to post it off next week, but sorry no photo yet, but I will show you this what I managed to finish off too............. can you guess what's in here!

....something I love! its so amazing! and partly to blame for not a lot of stitching getting done!.....

can you see it... just peeping out! yes........ its my new Kindle. Thought it deserved its own case so I found these charm squares in my stash and they seemed to fit the bill fine. I love the lime and black together.

The title of this post does mention Chillies, so here's an update of how they are doing

and the tomatoes, but I think I may need a recipe for green tomato chutney!

and I'll leave you with a gorgeous fuchsia flower that's in one of my hanging baskets.

Still stitching.....

2011-07-23T14:33:00.000+01:00

This week I finished another little biscornu in lovely summery colours. The fabric is from Polstitches http://www.polstitchesdesigns.co.uk/ a lovely soft hand-dyed evenweave, threads were DMC. These are so addictive, I think I shall be making lots more. Take a look here for some free patterns http://www.theflossboxfreebies.com/free-patterns/free-cross-stitch-patterns ... ummm which one do I stitch next. May have a go at a 15-sided one... now that would be a challenge!

I love this sweet welcome design with the sheep, stitching is nearly finished, then I will make into a pillow.

lol... a couple of legless sheep! Don't worry they will have legs soon, the fabric is pure linen and it's taking me a while to get the feel of it. Think I prefer evenweave.

Happy stitching!

Mail arrived!

2011-07-15T18:08:00.001+01:00

I had two packages in the mail yesterday............. first a gorgeous package from Mouse of Friendly Stitchers. I won fourth prize in the Mid-Summer Show and Tell comp. (ok, so there were only 4 entered..lol). But I feel I won first prize, cos inside were some beautiful threads and cute scissors. I am so looking forward to stitching with them especially the silk, they are yummy colours too! Scissors are like fabric and floss... you can never have too many. take a look...

Oh! and my second package was my Kindle......... I've wanted one for ages and finally did it! So far I'm very impressed with it, so easy to use. No photo, but I'm sure you all know what they look like.... everyone seemed to have one but me!

DH and I went off in the motorhome to Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk last week, only for 3 nights but it was a welcome break. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/rendlesham After a lovely day walking the forest trails it was good to sit and stitch in the evening sunshine. Here's a little Christmas heart I finished stitching....

the chart was a freebie I found on a french blog, can't see which one at the moment but will add when I find it again. ( http://gazette94.blogspot.com/ thanks Mouse) Not sure how I'm going to finish it off, maybe a pillow or hanging... any suggestions most welcome

happy stitching

Look what's in my greenhouse!

2011-07-09T11:24:00.002+01:00

I have this small greenhouse where I try and grow plants from seed for my garden. This year I decided to try some tomatoes and chilli peppers............ and wow they are looking good!


to this in July!

from this in April .................

A little organising of stash

2011-07-03T09:29:00.003+01:00

I decided a re-organisation of my thread stash was badly needed as I just toss skeins in this old tin and ...... well it's a mess! So here's the result of my evening's work, not ideal but a lot better. I can at least see what colours I have now, but there's room for more floss of course!

The before and after photos............ much neater don't you think?

ummm.... should have a go at my fabric stash now!

I'm back

2011-06-30T22:56:00.002+01:00

Oh! my, it's nearly a year since my last post, I could say 'life got in the way', I've been busy etc..etc... but the truth is I'm not a very methodical person and do things as and when! so please forgive me for my bad blogging habit!

so I thought a good old re-vamp would give me a bit of a kick .... new template, new title, a fresh start!

I've added cross-stitch to my list of crafts, a good many years ago I stitched a few pieces but I now want to try my hand at a sampler. A lovely old style, perhaps in red.... just looking at charts trying to find one that inspires me. In the meantime I have been practising on biscornu pincushions, and a needle book.

Summer now....... where have I been!

2010-07-22T10:49:00.000+01:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted..... I'm really bad at this blogging!
To update, its now Summer! and here are a few flowers out now in my garden. Never did get those sunflowers or climbing beans planted. Still always next year ........

The garden is looking a bit neglected as we're been away down to Cornwall and at the Norfolk coast, making the most of this lovely summer weather. I've also been busy making bags and a couple of dolls, which I will show in my next post.

Spring has arrived at last!

2010-04-25T21:44:00.000+01:00

It was a beautiful day yesterday and I couldn't settle into any needlework so I took my camera out into the garden. I was really surprised how many flowers I had to capture. More to come I hope, well there maybe, if I get my act together and plant the sunflower and morning glory seeds I have waiting. I'm going to try some climbing french beans too!
Must try and get motivated into finishing some of my UFO's. I get so easily side-tracked ...... then another new project gets started. Still, I have got my Snickerdoodle Dreams bag swap off across the pond, was really pleased with the way it turned out. Can't show yet, have to wait til I know it has arrived, but with the 7 days of no flights I expect there will be some back-log to clear so it may take longer then usual. Fingers crossed and wish it a speedy journey.

All Hearts!

2010-03-31T11:33:00.000+01:00

All hearts! I've been on a roll with these, lavendar hearts. They are so easy and fun to make, I like things that are quick to do as I soon get bored!! Think they may be good for a craft show... if ever I get round to doing one! Got more ideas for them too, but first I want to finish off a few more of those UFO's...... like a fairy, Christmas stitchery, a prim Annie and Andy, the list goes on... and on....

Let me know what you think of my hearts

Update on Betty Boo

2010-03-28T18:30:00.000+01:00

I've been trying to get Betty Boo finished, nearly there........ so here is an update on how far I have got. The head is not stitched on yet, hair needs a little more styling and her dress needs a skirt. The red net covering her up is going to cover her shoulders and arms, and maybe an underskirt too! Shall I get her finished by 31st March ? ....ummmmm not sure, but I'll try. I've so much other stuff waiting ......... watch this space

King of Hearts and The Old Hag

2010-03-03T21:45:00.008Z

I can now show what I made for my partner in our latest swap at 'All Things Prim'. The King of Hearts, he was so much fun to make and I am pleased to say he arrived in the USA safe and sound. Best of all, Kristine loves him! I was a little worried about that as Kristine makes such brilliant stuff and can turn her hand to anything crafty.

Look what Kristine of Kitchn'sink Studio, (link on right under blogs) made for me.... awesome.... she is Hunchback Hag with her caged canary, or Old Aunt Zula as Kristine named her. I adore her, shes just my kinda gal! Don't you just love that face.....

Annie in the Garden Stitchery

2010-02-21T15:05:00.004Z

Last year our prim group held a Stitchery swap... participating members sent a stitchery each month to a partner, then when all were received we made them up into a final item. Here is my completed blocks made into a small quilt, which I am using to cover my sewing machine. It was a good exercise for me to try out some patchwork blocks I had never attempted before. One day I will make that big quilt I keep promising myself.

Knitting?

2010-02-15T14:59:00.005Z

Now I'm not much of a knitter, infact I sometimes hate it! But one thing leads to another and well........ it all started with my beautiful DIL buying me this gorgeous handbag. It's in a colour I love and goes well with my big black winter coat, but I didn't have a scarf in the right colour for this cold weather . So off shopping I went and couldn't find a scarf suitable. Then had the brilliant idea... I'll knit one, it can't be that hard, chunky wool and it will grow quickly. Found this great Sirdar Persia yarn, wool blend and it goes perfect. Have now made myself a warm scarf and a beret to match. Very pleased with myself - for a non-knitter!!

Betty Boop Challenge

2010-02-11T11:42:00.003Z

I decided to try the Betty Boop Challenge set by Rivkah Mizrahi of http://dollmakersmuse.blogspot.com/ its a very interesting pattern.... see what you think of my progress so far. The hands are so ugly, may make another set and she has shoulders like a footballer. The black sparkley fabric will be her dress and the red net her underskirt. I can't decide what to use for the hair yet.... maybe wool roving, but I don't like needle felting much. Watch this space.. will I get her finished?

Snowdrops and Soup!

2010-02-11T11:23:00.006Z

While I was waiting for my soup to cool ready for the freezer I took this photo of the first snowdrops out in my garden........

I love to see them, makes me think better weather is on the way. Well, we had snow and it went away fairly quickly only to come back again, and it is so cold now!

So here are the photos of my carrot soup and my snowdrops.... hope you like both!!

Meet Trixie

2010-01-03T16:18:00.004Z

Well, so far so good, I've finished off one UFO.........

meet Trixie, The Wall Pocket Troll, pattern by Ute Vasina. I just adore her trolls, they always make me smile.
a few more to go!!

Happy New Year !!

2010-01-01T22:27:00.005Z

A new year, a new beginning! I'm thinking of making a list of things I want to achieve this year... not resolutions, cos they always become disillusions!! lol.. I would like to experiment with paperclay, so might start researching into what I need and find a supplier. Thinking on the lines of the vintage dolls.... we will have to wait and see!

Also I am thinking about a quilt made up of different star blocks.... not a large quilt more a lap sized one. But first I must attack my basket holding some UFO's, there's a rucksack to finish, a least 3 dolls, and a couple of trolls! Wow this is gonna be a busy year, better get going tomorrow.

I'm back!

2009-12-31T22:03:00.008Z

Oh! I've been very bad at this blogging....... can't believe how long it is since my last post. I promise in this New Year to try harder..lol.. sounds like my old school reports!!

I'm trying to finish a small quilt at the moment, made up from stitchery squares done by members of our prim group. The theme was 'Annie in the Garden' and I must admit it is looking good....... what do you think?

Work in Progress

2009-03-30T17:44:00.004+01:00

Just a little peek into what I am working on at present. I haven't done patchwork for a while so am enjoying playing with blocks again. I must decide soon whether to hand quilt or machine ........ think machine will win! I do like to hand quilt but on smaller projects now.

Critter Swap

2009-03-01T10:40:00.007Z

I must show you what I received yesterday....... in our prim doll group we are having a critter swap, now I'm not really into critters but my partner, Victoria sent me this beautiful Grunella Frosch. She is delightful and so well made, I just love her...... thanks Victoria.

and this is the critter I sent to my partner, ....... Rodney Rabbit

Red and White Pincushion

2009-02-18T20:26:00.003Z

In the Yahoo group I belong to, we have a monthly pincushion swap, January's theme was red and white so here is what I came up with for my partner. I promised myself that this year I would use and try out all the stitches and features on my sewing machine. I bought it 18 months ago and still haven't really put it thru its paces, but I do love it....... just wish I could have bought it years ago! In case your wondering its a Bernina Aurora 440QE, and it really is a joy to use.

Pink and black are the colours for the next pincushion swap, so thinking cap is on.....

Another Fairy

2009-02-18T20:10:00.003Z

I have been very slack these last couple of months with my blogging, but I hope to be more 'on the ball' with postings from now on!

Here's the second fairy I made from the Ann Clemens pattern, Wattle Nymph. It's a good pattern to use, fits together well, but a little large for what I wanted so I reduced it by 25%. I shall make it again at full size when I have finished what I have on the go at the moment.

Fairy at the bottom of my garden

2008-12-18T21:06:00.004Z

I can now show what I have been working on for the past few weeks, a little woodland fairy made as a Christmas pressie for a good friend ........ she has now arrived at her new home in Australia.

2008-11-19T22:20:00.000Z

Work in progress

2008-11-19T21:57:00.007Z

I haven't posted much lately, but I have been busy making swaps and Chrissy pressies so I can't show them yet. Here is a redwork I started a while ago, also a doll that has been hanging around waiting for her veggies to be made, still got the carrots to do. One day she will be finished and hanging on my kitchen wall.

Pincushions

2008-10-25T14:55:00.001+01:00

I love to use up scraps of fabric and one way is making pincushions. Here is just a few..... mostly made as swaps in our Yahoo pincushion group, which is fun.

A selection of past makes

2008-10-11T21:47:00.002+01:00

Mini Quilt

2008-10-11T21:01:00.005+01:00

Here's a little quilt I finished this week... been 4 years in the making! The 4" log cabin blocks were sewn by hand by foundation piecing. The putting together was by machine and then I tied all layers. Good use of fabric scraps from other projects. Now I won't feel guilty buying more fabric tomorrow at the Stitching Show.

More Halloween

2008-10-02T11:25:00.003+01:00

I don't usually do the same thing twice, but I enjoyed making these pincushions so much I went mad and did a few... the one without the hat is much smaller than the other two. They will make a great Halloween display.

Tote bags

2008-09-29T15:16:00.003+01:00

a couple of my tote bags, made for swaps and now both in Australia

Halloween pincushion

2008-09-27T09:20:00.005+01:00

I seem to be on a roll with Halloween stuff... funny as we don't celebrate here in UK as much as in US. This is a pincushion ornie made for a swap in a pincushion group I belong to. On its way to Australia now!! I stained some bright orange polycotton to make the pumpkin and did the witches hat with painted calio and rusty wire round, then trimmed with a brown painted cotton bobbin tied with raffia. Oh and of course added some pins!! Think I may make one for myself too!! or anyone that would like one!! lol....

Halloweenin' Annie

2008-09-27T09:15:00.003+01:00

Just finished this Halloween Annie... don't you just love her little cat and pumpkin trick or treat bag!! Watch out for another one like her, as this one is off to Texas!!