Birthday stash

Just thought I would stop by and show a pic of the threads I received from the Stitch & Stash Birthday thread exchange. Aren't they lovely?

I also took a quick pic of what I was working on yesterday. This is the fifth of the six Tea and Coffee threadpacks from LHN - only one more to go and I will have finished them all!

it's a bit crooked because it's not in the frame properly - think I need lessons in photography ( or patience). If I get the urge I may take some more photos today as it is bright and sunny

SAL update

Hi All - sorry time seems to have got away from me and I haven't had a chance to blog. I have been stitching though and have made more progress on Cirque des Triangles

I am still having trouble with the digital camera so have had to scan again but I am determined to get it sorted this week so I can get some better quality pictures and also photograph some of the other things I have been working on.
I am also doing another SAL with Sheila and a group of people at The Stitchers Village . This is my progress so far on Hearts & Flowers Tuffet. It is quite tricky as Sheila has pointed out that on the chart the heats are not central to the cross stitched section. Unfortunately I had already completed the cross stitch so am now having to position the hearts accordingly. It is pretty though - threads are Dinky dyes silks. Aplogies for the quality of the picture.

Did I mention that it is my birthday tomorrow? Not looking forward to having to say I am in my fifties ..LOL. Anyhow we are off to the North East for a meal with family and then I have a week off work. Hoping to get out and about and just have a relaxing time. Next weekend is the Nuneaton meet up which I will be attending for the first time - looking forward to seeing old and new stitching friends - if you are going then I will see you there!!

More Fair and Square

I have heard from Marie that she has received the squares I stitched for F&S #11 so I can show them to you here. The design is a freebie from With my Needle, stitched in Olde Willow Stitchery threads as charted except for the green which I had to sub

Today is CdesT SAL day with Sandra - I am planning to spend the whole day stitching as I haven't had a day off this week and am back in work tomorrow.
I am going to be doing SAL with Sheila probably starting next week. We are doing the Hearts and Flowers tuffet by Jo at Dinky Dyes which is available as a download from The Stitchers Village. I have chosen some threads - Dinky dyes silks but mine is going to be pinky purple.
I bought the chart for Cotillion and am now thinking about colours. I think I am going to get a piece of 32 ct fabric in Chestnut from Polstitches and stitch with GAST/WDW and Crescent colours in a variety of brown and beige shades. Hope that sounds nice - it does in my head ...lol
Anyway now I'm off to stitch ... have a good weeken and once again thanks to all who comment!

Fair and Square exchange

These are the squares I stitched for Cindy for the Fair and Square Winter round. The design is Holly and Berries by LHN (a Christmas exchange gift from Dusty). Cindy liked it and I enjoyed stitching it so all in all a good exchange

Fair and Square and a SAL update

Can't believe it's been 10 days since I blogged. Had a day off today and went into town with Emma - did a little shopping and had some lunch. It was nice to spend time together. She has now gone out with friends so I am checking the computer and then will settle down to stitch. I had a lovely surprise the other day - Sandra sent me the chart of Chocolate Shoppe by LHN which she has just completed - as I had admired it on her blog. So that will now be my next new start, once I have finished Herbal Tea!
I received my latest Fair and Square exchange from Cindy today - I love them. The design is by The Workbasket and is stitched in GAST thread in Cornflower.

I stitched on CdesT on Saturday ( SAL day with Sandra ) and continued on Sunday to complete the triangle I was working on. I ma very pleased with the progress I am making with this - a SAL really does help.

Have you all had a look at the Stitchers Village? It looks as though it will be a great resource and a lot of work has gone into setting up the website. It will be interesting to see how it develops.

I have been giving some thought to my choice of design to start stitching on my birthday - thanks Sally for all the links - I now have a very long wish list! At present I am leaning towards Cotillion by Papillon Creations but have not made a final decision yet. I may get the chart to have a look at anyway as I love Yvonne's designs.

Another update

As promised here is this weeks stitching on Cirque des Triangles. I am really enjoying stitching this design and it is growing quite quickly. Due to the really dull dark weather here I am having to scan instead of photographing and the colour looks a little washed out but in real life it is a lovely subtle blend of green and silvery grey . I am now thinking that I want to stitch Cirque des Carreaux in a bronze colour ( so I better get on with this then!)

Finally, an update

I'm a little late with this as I have just been ridiculously busy over the last week and I don't even really know why. I think with the snow and ice it just takes longer to get anywhere and to do anything ( no snow days here - made it to work every day eventually though the ground was treacherous underfoot ).
As today is SAL with Sandra I thought I had better post my progress from last week. Now I didn't get a lot of stitching done last Saturday due to horrendous day at work so I had a little catch up yesterday ( I was off due to what is known as "compensatory rest" - which means that you can't start a shift within 11 hours of finishing the last one and as I didn't get home until 2.30 am I got the day off! - I would have finished work at 1.30pm anyway as I worked 3 hours extra on Thursday but at least I didn't have to do the travelling). Anyhow here is my progress so far.


I didn't manage much of my rotation this week but I am still going to stick with it - I find that I am enjoying my stitching more this way and pieces which I had been neglecting are now being worked on - I will try and post more pics when I can find some batteries for the digital camera. My exchange pieces are almost done - hopefully they will go in the post next week.
Even though I told myself I was not going to be buying stash at present I succumbed to Mary Kathryn's superbowl sale and bought a few items for gifts and exchanges and somehow Beach Cottage by CCN slipped into the basket - I just love this design - it reminds my of some lovely h0lidays by the sea.
Speaking of stash I am trying to decide on a chart to get for my birthday - since it is a significant number ( or so people keep telling me..lol) I want to start stitching something on the day - a medium size design in one or a few colours - I'm thinking something Quaker but can't decide what it should be. If anyone has any ideas or can point me to any designers I would be grateful (Sally if you are reading this can you help?) I'm sure that when I see what I want I'll know - if that makes sense.
Well that's all for now - hope those of you who still have snow stay wrapped up inside and warm - if stitching goes well today I will try and post another update tomorrow.

An exchange and a SAL

Finally I have a little stitching to show. My rotation went OK last week except that I was really busy with work at the end of the week ( 2 nights working 'til 2.00 am..ugh) and didn't get a lot done. I am happy with it though and also with the fact that I am enjoying my stitching much more than I was. In fact I feel I am entering a creative phase and am determined to focus on this and worry less about work - if I can.
Due to the above work I didn't get a lot of stitching done on the SAL I am doing with Sandra - I will try and fit in a little more this week as I am working on Saturday - during the day this time thankfully! The design is Cirque des Triangles by Ink Circles - the thread colour does not show up well in the scan unfortunately but it looks very nice in real life.


I received my squares for Round 11 of the Fair and Square exchange from Marie P. - aren't they pretty? I am still working on mine - pics will follow when they have been received. I really like this exchange - it is simple with loads of time to complete and there is no pressure to try and outdo anyone which is the feeling I get from some exchanges and why I don't often take part. I can't be a full on stitcher who has loads of time for finishing so this just suits me down to the ground. Sorry didn't mean to rant there, it's horses for courses and for me stitching is something which usually happens at the end of a very long day and it is meant to keep me sane!

Well I guess that's all for now - thanks for reading
and thank you to everyone who has been leaving
comments for me - they are very much appreciated.

A new plan for the New Year

Just a brief post ( mainly as a note to self!) . Next weekend I am starting a SAL with Sandra, we will be stitching Cirque des Triangles by Ink Circles. Mine is to be stitched on 32ct antique white evenweave with Carries Creations thread in Dried Sage; these threads were a gift (from my dear friend Jayne) for my last birthday and I have been feeling really guilty that I haven't stitched with them yet! I will be posting my SAL progress here so you can all see how I get on.

Anyway this got me thinking about organising my stitching time - I have never been able to stick with rotations so I am doing this in a very relaxed way

• Monday: small pieces and exchanges (currently my 2 F&S exchange squares)
• Tuesday: one of my UFO pieces (currently Cut-through Jayne's Attic)
• Wednesday: Book of Ink Circles
• Thursday: LHN ( currently the tea and coffee thread packs)
• Friday: a Blackbird Designs piece - I have 2 kitted at present
• Saturday: SAL with Sandra
• Sunday: a mixed stitch piece (curently Toccata #1 by the Drawn Thread) or exchange pieces
  

By having themes rather than having to stick rigidly to a rotation I am hoping I will stay motivated. If I get tired of a piece I will try to replace it with something from the same category.
Wish me luck!

Quick update

Well where has the time gone - I seem to have been chasing around achieving very little for weeks now.
Since the last time I was here I have been on a visit to the North East of England where I met up with my friends Jayne and Carol - I had a lovely weekend as Carol's guest in her beautiful home and also caught up with Sheila and Kate . We went to a craft fair in Durham and I managed to get a few Christmas presents which were well received by DD and DH.
Then it was Christmas which we spent at my mum's ( also in the NE) and then back to work for a very busy New Year.
Now that all the holiday period is over I want to get back into a routine with life, work and stitching. I have signed up for 2 more Fair and Square rounds - I really enjoy these as you get to "meet" some interesting people. These are the squares I received from Annette in the last round.


Aren't they pretty?
Well I shall be stitching my 2 exchange squares for the next few weeks and then I will stitch a biscornu for the Jan Houtman Foundation. Pics will follow here when I can post them.

Autumn exchange

Dusty has kindly sent me a picture of the biscornu I stitched for her for the Autumn exchange on Jayne's Attic ( my picture vanished into cyberspace somewhere). It is the Autumn Biscornu by Barbara Ana designs
I have completed my Fair and Square exchange piece for Annette but cannot show yet as I have not sent it off to her. I also completed "Love Letters" the Papillon freebie but decided not to use it for the wedding card as I had originally intended, instead I stitche d a design from this minth's CrossStitcher mag - pics of these will follow when I get a chance.
I want to stitch some ornaments but am feeling uninspired at the moment - mainly due to the fact that I am very, very tired - don't know why really although work is very stressful and I am letting it get to me which I shouldn't do. I have a long weekend off next week though which should help.
I plan a lazy day today - just me, stitching and the TV..lol.
Well thanks for reading and for the lovely comments you post - I really do appreciate them.

Autumn exchange

Yesteday was the reveal day for the Jayne's Attic Autumn exchange organised by Clare so I can now show what I sent and received.
I received a lovely pinkeep from Christine - my first one. I love it and Christine also sent me some lovely NN thread and gold beads. Thanks Christine. I am now inspired to make up some of my LHN finishes into pinkeeps, this will be my project for the New Year.
I sent to Dusty - the Autumn biscornu by Barbara Ana - it made me smile to stitch it - I hope Dusty likes it. I am going to stitch the Winter one for myself I think!
I have just been looking for the pic I took of the biscornu before I sent it to Dusty but it seem sot have vanished from the computer - typical! I will have to ask Dusty to take a pic for me.

Back again

Had a couple of busy weeks so not been able to blog - still trying for that elusive day off work but things are so busy at present it is difficult . I know that if I take a day off in the week it just means working twice as hard the following day..lol.
Last Sunday was my mum's birthday so DH, DDs and I want up to the NE for the day. We went for a meal at the Cleveland Tontine (McCoys) restaurant - for anyone who knows the area it is on the A19 at Northallerton. We had a lovely lunch - I had black pudding followed by bream with crab risotto and a chocolate brownie and pistachio ice-cream for dessert. Then it was back to work on Monday. I was on call Thursday and Saturday this week - quite quiet for a change - worked a couple of hours on Saturday evening then had to go back in at 6.30 am Sunday morning. At least it meant I was up to go to Sainsbury's nice and early.
On the stitching front I have a finish to show you - "Where my Heart Blooms" by Blackbird Designs - I loved stitching this. I am now stitching "Love letters" a Papillon Creations freebie to make into a card for a wedding we are going to in November.

Not been around

I haven't had a chance to blog at all recently - been really busy since getting back from my training course and then went down with a nasty cold. I had to keep going into work as I was so busy and then when I was on call on Friday night I managed to trap the little finger of my right hand in a heavy door (don't ask how..it was midnight and I was very tired). So yesterday I was very sorry for myself - sneezing all the time and hardly able to hold my stitching!! However I feel much better today, which is a good job as I was working this morning and am on call tonight.
On the up side I do have some stitching finishes. I have completed my Autumn exchange piece for the exchange on Jayne's Attic and it will be on it's way in the post tomorrow. I hope it arrives in time as I am a little late in posting it. I will post a pic on 2nd November which is reveal day.
I also finished off the Tumbling leaves biscornu which I started stitching on holiday in Spain a year ago! It does take me a while to get round to thing but I get there eventually!
I have also finished Blackbird designs "Where my Heart Blooms" - can't take a pic yet as it is much too dark now. Watch this space! I have "Beyond my Heart" to stitch next and I was very bad and ordered the charts and fabric for the other 2 designs in this years series. I will have to wait a while for the threads for those though.
I am also planning to visit the North East for the Stitch and Stash Christmas get together on 6th December - I am really looking forward to it as I haven't seen any of them for ages. I don't have any local stitching friends so it is nice to meet up with others who understand my obsession..lol

Back again

Well I'm back - the course went well, hotel was OK and I had a couple of nice meals out, including a lovely Chinese banquet. Just have to get it all working at work next week when it is installed.
I received my squares from Dani for the Fair and Square exchange - posted in Canada on Monday, arrived in Manchester, UK on Thursday - must be some kind of record!
I love them and now need to make them up to do them justice, any suggestions/tips welcome please. The design is from The Gift of Stitching stitched with Caron Waterlilies "cedar".

Away for a few days

I have to go on a training course for work in Basingstoke so I will be away until Wednesday evening. Don't expect I will get a lot of stitching done but I shall take some with me just in case. I am continuing to stitch on my Autumn exchange piece and also have a new start "Be Still and Know" by MBT Designs which is for my daughter.
I have enjoyed my few days off work - I did get some painting done and also found time for some stitching ..lol. I have been reading the latest Kathy Reichs book - Devil Bones too.
Back to work on Thursday which I am not looking forward to but hey it pays the bills.
Thanks again to everyone who has left me a comment - it's good to know you are out there.

Fair and Square

I joined the Fair and Square exchange group and sent off my first squares to Dani. She wanted Quaker squares so I stitched the top part of the Quaker Flower freebie by The Workbasket in DMC 115.

A busy (but enjoyable) day

I took a trip to London yesterday - for some work related training which was pretty uninteresting but by happy co-incidence my friend Carol of Heirloom Embroideries
was in town and we managed to meet up for a coffee and a quick catch-up. It was lovely to see her again and hear her news. I also got to see some of her latest designs in the flesh and they are gorgeous.
I haven't any finishes to show but thought I would show you something I stitched a little while ago - seemed appropriate - it is one of the Tea and Coffee threadpacks by Little House Needleworks/Crescent Colours. I have all 6 of these and they are lovely to stitch. They are stitched in one strand of CC Belle Soie silk on 32ct linen from Polstitches ( I'm afraid I can't remember which shade - think it might be Georgian). The silk is lovely with very good coverage.
I am currently stitching a piece for the Autumn challenge on the Jayne's Attic board so I can't show that at present! I have a few days off work now as I had a lot of hours owing so I am going to try and spend some time stitching (although I am meant to be painting the woodwork round the house..lol)
Finally I would just like to say a big thank you to Edda, Karan, Julie, Sally and Chris for taking the time to comment on my last post and for the words of encouragement. I was so touched that you hadn't given up on me so thank you all and Sally I think I sounded a lot more confident than I really am...lol. Blooger is being very silly at present and won't let me comment on blogs but I am reading all of yours too!

Giving it another try!

Now I know no one will be reading this because I am the worst blogger in the world and let down the lovely people who used to read my blog by never getting round to updating it. Well I am going to try and do better! There are a couple of reasons for this

• I read so many great blogs that I feel guilty that I don't put something back by sharing my own stitching
  

• I feel that I am entering a phase of my life where I need to take control. Some bad things have happened to me and mine over the past few months and years. I now feel that I am in control of my life to the extent that I can deal with whatever it throws at me and keep on going. I've learnt that life is for living, it's no use thinking about the past and what might have been
• My stitching has been varied and random recently and I have no routine at all and am deperately in need of one or I will never finish anything. This blog may help to inspire me with that!
  

So here I am the new positive me...lol
I don't have any stitching to show at present because I have been in a phase of lots of new starts and no finishes except for some exchange pieces which I can't show at present but I am stitching on "Where my Heart Blooms " by Blackbird Designs and hope to have it finished soon.
So, wish me luck with my new positive outlook and I will try and reward you with lots of stitching pics!

Memories

I have joined in the SAL on Jayne's Attic
- designed by Jayne herself. So far I have really enjoyed stitching it - it is technically difficult enough to make it interesting but still a fun stitch to do. I am stitching in different colours to the recommended ones - with Jaynes' help I have chosen DD silk in Hawthorn, with coordinating DMC threads. I love the way it looks so far, can't wait for next month!

A quick stitchy post

I have completed stitching the front and back pages of the Quaker Friendship book which I am stitching as a RR with Sally, Lisa, Tracy and Chris.
Stitched with one strand of Old Willow Stitchery thread (Boysenberry) over 2 threads on 32ct linen

Happy New Year!

Just wanted to say
Happy New Year!!! and I hope that 2008 brings us all everything that we wish for!!!

Where does the time go?

Well it's Boxing Day already and the festivities are over for another year. We got back from my mum's on Teeside a little while ago and now I am gearing up to go to work tomorrow.

I got some lovely gifts for Christmas - an REM live CD/DVD, the new Neil Young CD/DVD, the latest Patricia Cornwell book, a watch, choccies, Bladerunner DVD, gloves. I got lovely stitchy stuff too - the 3 coffee thread packs by LHN, some beautiful turquoise threads from my friend Jayne who also sent a silk scarf, purse and jewellery roll, thanks Jayne and from the Stitch and Stash gift exchange I received Ink Circles Cirque des Triangles, Heirloom linen by Polstitches, OWS thread and gold needles. Don't know who my partner was yet but thank you whoever you are.
I also received a beautiful pendant from Sheila - again many thanks, Sheila.

Haven't done any stitching this week but hopefully will get round to some at the weekend.

No time at all

to do anything - at least that's how it feels. I have been so busy trying to get ready for Christmas and go to work that I don't seem to be getting a lot of stitching done! I have completed Humbug by Christine of Alchemy Stitchcraft and he is hanging on my tree and I made up a couple of biscornu from stitching I did on holiday. I started stitching on my RR which starts in the New Year ( I know I'm cheating but I also know that I am getting some new charts for Christmas and I am going to want to stitch on them in the New Year!! I will share pics when I have completed my second piece of stitching for the RR
In other news DD1 passed her driving test on Wednesday - at the second attempt! So much better than me who gave up after 2 goes..lol. I think I have all my pressies sorted now - just a couple more cards to make and things to wrap, which I am going to do tomorrow as it is my day off.

Just a quick word

to say that I am feeling rather under the weather with a cold today and to show you the lovely card I received from Jaclyn in the stitched card exchange on Jayne's Attic. I really should take part in more exchanges as I do love receiving things..lol

At last stitching....

Finally got around to posting some finishes.
The first is Psalm 145 by LHN which I have stitched for my daughter's church - hope they like it! It is stitchied on 28ct evenweave "Earth" by Polstitches using some of the recommended WDW and GAST plus a few other hand- dyed threads where I did not have the charted colour.
The second finish is Serendipity by Papillon Creations - this has been finished for a while and I just love it. I'm looking forward to seeing what Yvonne has for us next year.

Still around

but really busy... I've been very busy at work and with enjoying myself recently so had no time for much stitching or blogging. Work is a little better - just had to impose my point of view a bit and make sure I didn't get taken advantage of. Got to work the weekend though but then I have Monday and Tuesday off! Helen I promise I will post some stitchy photos then. Thanks to everyone who commented on my holiday pics - wish I was back there now!
Had a good time last Sunday at Collectormania in Manchester - got to meet some of the actors from my favourite TV show - Stargate Atlantis, I met Torri Higginson, David Nykl and Jason Momoa and they were all lovely and really friendly. Can't wait to see who comes to the next one in March.
As I said I haven't done lot of stitching - what I have done is work on some of the small designs from the Fall Collaboration pack that I started on holiday and also Tumbling Leaves by Alchemy Stitchcraft, just need to make them into biscornu now! Next week I plan to work some more on Cirque des cercles and Ring'o'roses.
Alos eating into my stitching time was knitting - I have made apair of fingerless gloves for me and am now stitching a pair for Emma, next up is a scarf for me. I bought some lovely wool from Elvincraft
that's all for now - stitching pics will follow soon!

And another one!

this is Emma and me on the beach at Moraira on the Costa Blanca - the ones in the previous post are of the beach, sea and surrounding area. It is a relatively unspoilt bit of the coast but I'm not sure how long it will stay like that judging by the amount of building going on.
almost forgot to say - thank you so much to everyone who left comments for me - reminded me of why I started to blog in the first place and I promise I will keep blogging this time.

Holiday pics

Had a really rotten day at work - lots of disagreements, which I hate and no proper plan of how to complete the tasks we need to carry out. I am trying this evening to be positive about it all and go in tomorrow with an action plan which I can make work otherwise I think I may go mad!!
Anyhow to cheer myself up I have been looking through some holiday photos and thought I would share a few with you.

Long time no blog

Hi everyone

I know, I know I'm hopeless at this blogging thing but I'm determined to have another go. I haven't felt much like sharing recently - been very down for no apparent reason but that is, hopefully behind me now.
Just got back from a lovely week's holiday in Spain, several firsts for me there - my first time abroad, first time on a plane. I found it all quite stressful and got rather anxious at times but really enjoyed myself and now can't wait to go back. It won't seem so strange the next time.
I would like to post some holiday pics but Blogger won't let me at the moment, I'll try again another time.
On the stitching front I have signed up for a RR organised by Sally - we are stitching one of the Quaker books by With my Needle, 5 stitchers are taking part and it should be fun. I am also stitching some of the charts in the Fall Collaboration pack - planning to make some biscornu and a little secret stitch for Christmas.
When those are done it will be back to Ring'o'roses and my SAL with Helen of Heirloom Christmas.

thanks for reading, be back soon

thank you for the comments

just wanted to thank everyone who commented on my latest postings, it's lovely of you to take the time.
Tracy, I am stitching Cirque des cercles using Carries Creations "Gold Glow"

Catch up (2) WIPs - a few pics

A quick update on my current stitching, Serendipity and Ring'o'Roses by Papillon Creations and Cirque des Cercles by Ink Circles

Catch up (1) - stitching weekend

I can't believe it was a week ago but last weekend I went on the Stitch and Stash weekend organised by Jayne of Jayne's Attic. There were 10 of us together with the designer Carol Tinson who I have met twice before. Edda travelled from Iceland and Ina from the Netherlands to meet up with us which I thought was fantastic. The weekend was a combination of stitching and relaxation and was very enjoyable. I shall attempt to summarise..lol
Friday pm - travelled by train to Hull, then met up with Edda at the station and continued on to the Village Hotel by taxi. Met up with Carol T and the other ladies and checked into the hotel where I was sharing a room with Edda.
Friday evening - to Carol's house for Chinese takeaway and chat - several of the others did a show and tell, all very interesting and a good way to get to know people.
Saturday am - breakfast at the hotel then back to Carol's for the workshop, the basis of which was how to change a design to suit one's own taste, decor etc. Spent a lot of time thinking about shape and colour, determined to move out of my comfort zone and away from neutral colours. finally decided on aqua/blue shades to go with the new bathroom I have planned. After lunch chose fabric ( raw belfast linen for me) and started stitching. Had a gift exchange, I got 2 lovely charts which I mean to stitch very soon.
Saturday pm - returned to hotel to prepare for the evening, quick change and a drink then off to a casino for a fabulous meal and a good time. I had a go on the roulette tables. played for a while but didn't leave with any winnings..lol
Sunday am - more breakfast then back to Carol's where I did actually get some stitching done. Bought some charts and threads from Carol and got a lovely hand made pendant in the raffle from Sheila ( thanks Sheila, DD loves it so I may not see it again..lol). Carol did a lovely lunch then we chose beads for our projects (though I may not use any) , did some more "show and tell" and said our goodbyes.
Sunday pm - travelled to Selby by coach with Edda and then on to Manchester by train.
Had a fabulous time and can't wait to meet up with everyone again.
The pic is of my project so far - not a lot of progress but it will get finished.

Been a while

since I blogged - sorry folks but everything just seems to be getting on top of me at present. Work is ridiculously busy and I have been working odd hours so that I can see Emma off to school as she is only attending in the afternoon at present. On the plus side she seems to be enjoying the new school so I am hopeful that things will continue to go well.
Tomorrow I am off to the Stitch and Stash weekend in Hull. I am not even remotely ready so will be rushing around tonight and in the morning to get to Hull to meet Edda at the station. I am really looking forward to my stitchy weekend and will try and take some pics while I am there (and remember to blog about it too).
Stitching -wise I am continuing with Ring'o'Roses and really enjoying it - pics next week I promise!

My new start

is Papillon Creation's Ring'o'roses. This is the first page plus a little bit more. I am really enjoying stitching this and it'is stitching up very fast.

The Counting House by LHN

I finished this design - The Counting House by Little House Needleworks - a while ago but never got around to showing a picture of it. It is stitched on Polstitches evenweave " Lightening Strike" using a variety of hand dyed threads - some are the called for ones, some OWS from my stash.

Trying something new

I just tried out posting a slideshow from Photobucket - came out a bit larger than I intended but hey... These are the Seasons in the Square designs by Just Nan that I stitched last year.

Serendipity progress

I worked on Serendipity last night so thought I would share my latest progress - didn't get a lot done but it's getting there. The scan is a little wonky but you get the general idea!

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......

Catch up

I've been very bad with blogging regularly but am going to have another attempt to post on a regular basis. In the meantime here's a quick cathc up.
Emma is doing much better - though there are still some problems at school I am hopeful that they will be resolved and I will not have to take the ultimate step of removing her from school as thsi would mean giving up my job to homeschool.
On the job front I had the chance of promotion (again) but decided not to apply as I think I have enough going on in my life at present..lol. It would have meant a lot more pressure for not a lot more money and also a return to Monday to Friday working at a time when I really need to be flexible. All in all not a good move and I'm glad decided against it. My lab moves to a new building soon - in fact I start work there on Monday - as manager of a group of 16 staff I've never met before - can't wait!
My DD was 18 on 3rd of February - she had a lovely party for all her friends, only slightly marred by a group of lads who hadn't been invited trying to disrupt it. Got it all sorted in the end though and a great time was had by all.
On the stitching front I haven't accomplished a great deal, my current WIPs are L*K 2007 flip-its, currently stitching March, Heirloom Embroideries Mystery huswif 2007, LHN Counting House and Home of a Needleworker. I will try and get some pics done soon.

Happy New Year!!

Just wanted to post on the first day of the year. Hope 2007 is a great year for everyone! I aim to try and make it the year I take control of my life (in a good way) and achieve something positive.
Hope it brings you all that your heart desires!

Apples

Thought I would share a pic of my recent finish. I love these thread pack designs and have now completed two (the other one is Pear). I have Berries to do and then I will need to treat myself to some more..lol

Update at last

I've fallen a bit behind with blogging - too much going on at present I'm afraid. On the stitching front I finished Apples the CC/LHN collaboration and have returned to a WIP "Kingfisher in Flight " to do a little stitching on before Christmas. After Christmas I hope to make a new start but not sure what it will be yet.
As for other things Emma is doing OK - she has been very under the weather but went to school for a full day today - I went in to see her teacher who was rather more helpful having received a letter with practical advice from the consutlant psychiatrist. Hopefully things will improve but I've learned to just take one day at a time!
Will try and blog again soon but sooo busy at present!! Just like everyone else I guess!

Mystery SAL completed

As I mentioned I have completed the Mystery SAL 2006 from Heirloom Embroideries. I am eagerly awaiting the start of the 2007 SAL as I find Carol's designs so enjoyable to stitch and also feel that I am learning new things and improving my technique as I stitch them . Her instruction has enabled me to stitch things that I thought beyond my abilities.

Trying to be optimistic

Well we spent most of the afternoon at the hospital yesterday - the psychiatrists view is that Emma is moderately depressed ie not in any immediate danger. the advice was to see how things go with the measures the school are putting in place for Emma and get her to attend her counselling sessions and then review the situation in the New Year. If there is no improvement then we may have to consider anti-depressants as a last resort although there are other types of therapy available which she can access via her counselor or a psychologist. So I am trying to be optimistic about it all.
This means that I will go back to work on Monday but will take more time off if needed - luckily I still have lots of annual leave left.
However I still need to finish painting the hallway - so instead of messing about on here I should go and get started..lol.
I haven't forgotten about the stitching pics - will try and do them tomorrow.

Feeling drained today

after quite a stressful time. I had to go with DD and the counsellor she is seeing for a meeting at school to see if they could offer her some support as she is finding school life very difficult at present due to her low mood and other things. Well the counsellor has been off so the meeting was arranged on the last minute, she picked us up to drive to school and about 5mins into the 15 min journey her car had a puncture. We missed the meeting and then had to wait an hour until the head of year was free again. The meeting was quite productive though and I hope that it will help Emma when she returns to school next week.
We have to go and see a psychiatrist at the local childrens hospital tomorrow - I'm hoping that they will be able to offer some advice on how we proceed from here!
On the stitching front I spent an hour or so this afternoon working on "Apples" the LHN/CC design
while watching Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis which I recorded last night.
Yesterday I finished stitching and beading the Heirloom Embroideries 2006 mystery SAL and also started making up the biscornu from the same designer. (Pictures to follow soon I hope!)

A stitching finish!

Today I completed "Autumn in the Square" by Just Nan which is the final piece in this seasonal series. I intend to frame these and display them as a group - but that may be after Christmas, something to look forward to after the decorations come down!

Bad time

I'm not sure if I picked a good time to start this blog as I'm going through a difficult time family wise at the moment. My DD who is 15 on Monday has some problems (which I don't really feel able to share at present) and I am extremely worried.
As a result I am not getting a lot of stitching done although I have been knitting - a hat and scarf for me (using Colinette wool) and handwarmers for DD ( wool from The Natural Dye Studio which I found on Ebay- they use only environmentally friendly plant dyes and the wool I bought is British and spun by them). I haven't knitted for years but am quite enjoying doing small things - next project is a pair of socks. They will be for me as the rest of the family laughed hysterically at the thought of hand knitted socks..lol.
Autumn in the Square is almost finished however and I will post a pic in the next few days.
On a happier note we won £100 on the lottery on Wednesday - we always split our winnings (usually just a tenner) so I have £25 to treat myself. I'm thinking of getting some LHN charts in the Thanksgiving sale at Down Sunshine Lane and I've signed up for another monthly club at Jayne's Attic for Carrie's Creations threads.

Return to blogging

Well I haven't blogged for an absolute age but seeing as a few people I know are using Blogger now I thought I would revive my neglected blog.
I'll try and post whenever I can but that may not be often!
In stitching news I made a new start today - the LHN/CC collaboration kit Apples - very pretty colours so far but it's quite small so I will post a picture when I have completed it.
Need to play around with this blog and cheer it up a bit but not tonight...lol

Cottage Dreams completed. This is a Judy Dixon design. 

My latest finish

At last I have completed Cottage Dreams by Judy Dixon. I seem to have been stitching this for ever but the result is well worth it. The colours (pinks and fawns ) are absolutely lovely. I really must get some of these designs framed and put on the walls.
Other than this things are pretty quiet. All thoughts are of GCSEs at present - I'll be glad when they are over and I can stop nagging Sarah to revise!!

Lavender Spray by SewtobeSeen designs (Judy Dixon) 

Latest news

Still haven't got into a routine of posting on here regularly. Still don't have enough time! Busy at the moment with family things, Sarah is sitting GCSEs in the next few weeks, obviously I'm concerned that she isn't doing enough revision and she is certain that she is!! Emma has other issues with school, she is the subject of some low level bullying and is reluctant to accept the help available. It has resulted in her missing somelessons and skipping school on occasion so very worrying.
Om a brighter note went with Andy while he did a zip slide at Old Trafford yesterday in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. I encouraged him to do it as I had a friend who died from CF last year at the age of 28. He raised £122.oo which I think is great.
On the stitching front I finished Lavender Breeze by Judy Dixon which I started at the stitching weekend in March. I have started Heirloom Christmas by Victoria Sampler as a SAL with a friend from a stitching group. It is going well so far and is very enjoyable to stitch.

Brownbird Sampler Copyright Bent Creek 

Long time no post

Haven't posted on here in a while , too darn busy! Work continues to be a nightmare - not sure how long things can continue like this before something cracks ( probably me ) Morale is so low, everyone is getting at everyone else and among all this we are supposed to provide a service for the patients!
However I now have 5 whole days off!!!! Should be able to do some serious stitching I hope! Going to see the "Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy " film tomorrow - hoping it will live up to the book. Then on Saturday visiting my Mum, hope this goes OK, can sometimes be a little tense.
On the stitching front I have 2 recent finishes - Bent Creek's Brownbird Sampler and Judy Dixon' s Louisa's Garden.

Stitching weekend

The stitching weekend finally arrived! After months of waiting, agonising, wondering whether I really wanted to go I finally did! And it was great!
Travelled down to MK on the train and then on to the home of the designer Judy Dixon where I met the other participants, most of whom I "knew" from various Yahoo groups. Everyone was so nice that I, who never speak to people I don't know unless I have to, found myself really enjoying the day and the company. We did a hardanger piece specially designed by Judy which was absolutely beautiful. Then it was on to the hotel and a visit to a cross stitch shop. I bought a VS design - Heirloom Christmas, my first VS.
Then it was out for a fabulous Chinese meal and back to the hotel for chat (lots of chat)
The next day after breakfast we returned to Judy's for a freestyle embroidery lesson, now this isn't me at all - haven't done embroidery since primary school but I really enjoyed it. I must be strict with myself and get it finished before I forget how to do the stitches though. We got to see lots of Judy's stitched designs and they are all fabulous. Lots more chatting, it's amazing how much there is to talk about!
Then it was back to the station at MK for the journey home.
I really had a good time and made some new friends. Looking forward to doing it again sometime.

Not been around

Well it seems a long time since I posted on here. On Tuesday March 1st we were broken into and our PC was stolen amongst many other things. So.. I was offline and very shocked. the whole house had been gone through and though there was little actual damage the idea of someone being there was horrible. I was very upset, took a couple of days off work and got the place cleared up and then decided to get on with my life.
Went back into work on Friday March 4th and worked all weekend - tough, very busy but it took my mind off other things.