Cause for optimism

Well we have just had a visit from a teacher from Manchester Hospital Schools to see Emma, it seems that they might be able to offer her a place to study, initially on a part time basis so that she can continue with GCSE work at least in some subjects. She would get picked up and brought home again too which would be great. We are going to have a look round the school after the Easter break and I am very hopeful that this will help in Emma's recovery- she seems to be getting better little by little.
On the stitching front I am continuing with Ink Circles Cerce des circles and Papillon Creations Serendipity ( i am now stitching this on Wednesdays with Helen and Terri). I need to get back to the L*K flip-its as I stopped halfway through the April flip-it and don't want to fall behind with them. however today I am making a new start - Spring Fresh by LoopyLou designs, this is a hardanger design and I am stitching it on Buttercup jobelan by Polstitches. I need to order some threads for it but have enough to make a good start. I will post a pic soon, however my scanner is still on the floor and DH seems to have hidden his camera..lol.

Picture as promised

Here is the scan of Serendipity by Papillon Creations. I am really enjoying stitching this - the speciality stitches add interest and it stitches up really quickly.

another new start

I read on Sally's blog about the free design from Papillon Creations
It is in 9 parts (6 have been released so far ) and is available when you sign up for the newsletter on the site. I have stitched the first part using Dinky Dyes silks in Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot on white jobelan. I'll post a picture when I have done the next part.

New Start

I am going to be stitching Ink Circles Circe des Cercles as a SAL with Jayne. I have been trying out different fabric/thread combinations (this is a big chart, all in one colour - don't want to end up hating it!) and this is what I have come up with.
It is stitched in Gold Glow by Carries Creations on 32ct cream Belfast linen ( 2 over 2)

Back again

I can't believe that it's been so long since I blogged last. I am so bad at this!
My excuse is that a lot has happened on several fronts since last time so here goes.
The lab I work at finally closed and we are now settling in at the new lab. I have just about got used to the new travel arrangements, lots of new colleagues etc but there is still much to do and I have been feeling very tired due to the stress of it all. A few of us went for a Chinese meal when the old lab close d and I was very pleased that I managed to go and enjoy myself without worrying too much about what was happening at home.
Emma is now on a course of anti - depressants and despite the fact that they make her feel quite tired and a bit nauseous she seems to be showing signs of improvement. School attendance hasn't changed a lot but she is making an effort in that direction too. She has been talking more about things that have happened in the last few months too which is good I feel as it should help her to deal with it and move on.
It was my birthday this week so I took a couple of days off work. We went out for a meal - just the 4 of us which was good. I got some lovely threads from the birthday exchange that I help to organise and a dear friend sent me this kit (the guardian angel one)
http://www.jaynesattic.co.uk/acatalog/Letters_Tied_With_Blue.html
DH and DDs bought me Stargate SG1 series 9 on DVD and I also got some cash.
On the stitching front I have stitched month 2 of the Heirloom Embroideries mystery SAL and just started on Ink Circles Cirque des Circles which I am stitching in Gold Glow by Carries Creations on cream 32ct Belfast linen. I have also completed the March flip-it from Lizzie Kate.
My scanner is now on the floor under the computer table so it's not as easy to post pics but I will try and do some soon.
that's all for now - thanks if you persevered this far......