I Love Cross Stitch

Monday Update

2012-02-06T22:20:00.001Z

The First part of last week, I worked on my Friendship Tea Sampler:

I finished up at a nice area to leave it for a while.

Last Friday I started Summer Sampler by Prairie Schooler. Lynette, from a Yahoo group I belong to, loaned me the chart seeing I had done the Autumn one back in 2010. Thank you so much Lynette!

This is what I have managed to do on it so far. The picture does not do justice to the fabric which is a minty green colour. I didn't have any 32ct white so substituted this one from Polstitches.

I also did 300 stitches on my HAED Spirit Storykeep and also stitched on my UFO for Evalina's oldest UFO Challenge.

Evalina's Oldest UFO Challenge

2012-01-31T22:43:00.003Z

I managed to get a lot of stitches into the top part where the bird is over the course of January.

This is Evalina's challenge which she is running on her blog. I would of liked to have done more on it but it is difficult with juggling other pieces. I will try to get a lot more done on it in February!

Good Progress this Week!

2012-01-30T18:13:00.000Z

I am really pleased with the amount of stitching I got in this week. First off Midnight Enchanter.

Still got quite a lot to do on the left hand side and the bottom. This piece is HUGE!

Next up is The Green Man HAED.

I restarted this on Lugana as I did not like how it looked on the Dublin linen which was the recommended fabric. There's nearly 1600 stitches put in.

Next up, a project that should of been finished by now, Halloween Fairy by Miribilia.

I managed to get a lot done on her wing.

The next project is a UFO I forgot I had. Its Friendship Teatime Sampler. This piece is so pretty and I have added it into my rotation.

Saturday, I had a day off from cross stitching and managed to do four crochet squares for my throw.

So all in all a really good week!

Celtic Summer Finished!

2012-01-23T15:51:00.001Z

I can not believe that I have actually finished her! I have been working on her on and off for several years.

It is going to be really strange not to be stitching on her any more.

Thank you so much for all the comments over the years. I really appreciated it and especially over the last few weeks as it helped me get motivated to finish her.

I now need to restart The Green man by HAED and also finish Midnight Enchanter, but that will take a while as it has so much back stitch.

HAED Spirit Update

2012-01-17T18:52:00.000Z

This is what it will look like:

This is a before photo:

And this is what it look's like now:

So far, this is a total of 5000 stitches, done 1 over 1 on 25ct Lugana. I have done half of page one and two. This is the full width. It also includes Kreinik, which is quite hard to get the stitch to lay flat on 1 over 1.

I was stitching my other HAED The Green Man on Dublin linen which was the recommended fabric. It looks ~~absolute shit~~ terrible. I had put in 500 stitches. So I am restarting it on 25ct Lugana which arrived this morning.

Last Friday morning, I received a lovely RAK from Debbie in Canada. She sent it before Christmas and for some reason, it only just arrived. Better late then never!

She sent me a lovely needle case and some floss from The Gentle Art. I am already using the needle book case and it will stop me losing lots of needles in the arm of the settee! Again, thank you so much Debbie!

Celtic Summer and Exchanges

2012-01-11T23:51:00.000Z

This is the last progress update as the next one will be when she is finished.

Here is a before photo:

And this is what she looks like now:

A close up of the area I worked on:

As you can see not too much more to do. Hopefully she will be finished within a week!

I will also be running a give away when I post the finished pictures.

Exchanges

This one is from Shelley for the ILCS Group Birthday Exchange:

I love everything. The scissors have the Union Jack on them! I love the chart and I have done a couple of the pirate ones but not this one. Also included was the fabric to do it on. Thank you so much Shelley!

This one is from Nancy in LV for the Autumn exchange on ILCS.

I just love the ornament, it has a little owl on it, which is not showing up in the photo. The chart is one I wanted and tried to get from sewandso but they said it was OOP, so I am made up with it! Thank you so much Nancy!

Celtic Summer Update

2012-01-05T17:38:00.000Z

I have put a lot of hours into over the last few days. If I can keep this up, then I can see a finish very soon!

Here is a before picture:

And this is what it looks like now:

As you can see, I have got a lot of stitches in.

Here is a close up of the area I am working on:

I have also put in 400 stitches on my HAED Story Keep 'Spirit'.

I will post an update on it very soon.

I am also putting a few stitches into my 'Arise on the Wings', every day, for Evalina's Oldest UFO Challenge, which I will update on the last day of each month as instructed by the challenge.

Goals of 2012?

I have decided not to do any as I never stick to them!!!!

But what I would like to stick to is to complete two BAP's before I start another large project. Celtic Summer and my big Magician would be the obvious two seeing they are both the most completed BAP's I have.

I still have not finished my Halloween Fairy, so that would be nice to complete as well.

It would be nice to rotate both my HAED's, Spirit and The Green man, regularly!! I think that is more likely to happen when Celtic Summer and the Magician is finished.

My only ultimate goal would be to be able to stitch on a regular basis!!!!

Evalina's Oldest UFO Challenge.

2012-01-02T19:08:00.000Z

I saw Evalina's challenge on her blog and thought it would be fun to join in.

I have literally picked my oldest UFO which I started when I first started Cross Stitching.

Yes, it's a BAP! lol and I am just hoping there are no counting mistakes in it since I was literally a beginner when I started it.

It is designed by Joan Elliott.

As you can see, not a lot has been done to it. I am going to try and stitch on it on Tuesdays and The Virtual Stitch in's on ILCS.

Wish me luck because I am going to need it!

Midnight Enchanter Update

2011-10-19T19:44:00.001+01:00

It's been a while since I updated this, so here is a before picture:

This is what it looks like now:

A close up of the area I am working on:

A prospective shot on how large the project is:

So what do you rate my chances on getting it finished this year? After the cross stitching, there is tons of back stitching and piping to do..........time will tell on whether I get it done this year lol.

A Finish and Update and More

2011-09-29T19:56:00.000+01:00

I have finished my January owl for the Oakhaven SAL. I really like the way it has turned out.

I have worked on my Halloween Fairy also.

I finished the wing and am now starting on the second one.

I have worked on Midnight Enchanter, but no pictures yet.

I got a wonderful present from my daughter Rebecca. She gives me presents now and again for looking after my granddaughter. I just love it!

As you can see it is a Cath Kidson sewing basket. I just love her stuff but have never bought any as it is so expensive!

My daughter Becky and my granddaughter Androulla (Ulla or Doullie)

She has just started walking these past few days. I love her to pieces.

On Sundays last year, I used to meet up with a couple of other stitcher's, Sophia and Jenny but had to stop going because of looking after my granddaughter. Sophia emailed me out of the blue, and after I said I couldn't make weekends, moved it to a Tuesday evening. It was nice to be able to stitch with other stitcher's. This Tuesday gone was my first evening with them. Apparently three other ladies are interested in joining us.

Thank you Evalina!

2011-09-27T13:26:00.003+01:00

I was lucky enough to win Evalina's Followers Appreciation Give Away on her blog http://evalinamaria.blogspot.com/ and my packet arrived today!

I have already opened the chocolates lol. The LK chart is just adorable and I will definitely be stitching it. The dream catcher will be going in my bedroom and the frog is just so cute! It is the first time I have won a blog give away.

Thank you so much Evalina!

A Finish and Update

2011-09-25T23:32:00.000+01:00

Woohoo! I finished Just Nan's 'Boo'.............~~it was supposed to be a needle book but I couldn't understand the making up instructions~~, I thought it would look nice as an ornament [cough cough].

Halloween Fairy is slowly coming along. It would have a lot more done on it if I didn't keep starting new projects :-)

I also started 'The Great Escape. It is a free SAL using speciality stitches on The Stitch Specialists Group and designed by Abi.

Not much to see yet and I should of taken a close up picture..........they are montenegrin stitch.

I also worked on Midnight Enchanter but will post a picture when it has more done on it.

Vicky L suggested I join Oakhaven Designs group as I mentioned I love owls, as they are doing a SAL on owls over 12 months. They are on Septembers one now though. I have nearly finished the January one and hopefully will get it finished tomorrow. The owls are so cute!

Went to a fancy dress birthday party on Saturday night. Pictures can be seen here in my other blog

Two Small Finishes

2011-09-17T16:02:00.000+01:00

And yes they are small lol, but a finish is a finish and I have had hardly any this year.

First up is a Christmas Tree ornament. It was in TWOCS magazine and now I have finished it, I am not sure if I like it.

It is done on plastic canvas and uses little buttons for tree decorations.

Second finish is the cover kit from the same magazine:

It is a Margaret Sherry design.

Here it is in the actual card. Not sure what I am going to do with it, keep it or send it to someone!

I have started another little ornament, an owl this time. Just recently I have started to have a 'thing' about owls..........hmmmmm I can see a new collection starting up now lol.

Variety is the Spice of Life

2011-09-16T14:57:00.001+01:00

Since falling ill, Colin said to put my feet up and stitch, so stitch I have.

First off is Halloween Fairy. This is what she looks like now:

As you can see, I have just started one of her wings. She is stitched completely in Cresent Colours.

Next up is Just Nan's Boo:

The picture is a bit blurry but you get the gist of what it looks like..........it is very bright but for some reason the colours have not come out in the photo very well.

Then there is this cover kit from TWOCS:

As you can see I am on the back stitching. I have realised why I hate cover kits. The aida is cheap and nasty, always run out of floss and too much back stitching lol, but saying that, it does look nice. It is a Margaret Sherry design.

Next an ornament:

This is a chart from TWOCS. I remembered I had some plastic canvas so I had everything to be able to do this at no added cost. Just need to cut it out and add embellishments and then put some sticky backed felt onto the back.

Last but not least:

I started this literally years ago lol. It has had a thread put in it here and a thread put in it there lol. High time it got finished. It is a Wizzer ornament from Janlynn. in case you haven't guessed, a snowman lol.

I have not worked on any of my large projects this week, but hope to next week at some point!

Thank you for reading this post, comments always very welcomed and much appreciated!

Halloween Fairy Update

2011-09-06T13:58:00.000+01:00

This is what she looks like so far. She is stitching up really quickly. I am glad I swapped the material as I think she looks a lot better on this one than the one that came in the kit. At this rate, I think I am on track to finish her in plenty of time for Halloween!

This is Just Nans 'Boo'. I am thinking of making it into an ornament rather than the needle book as the instructions are a bit convoluted! Besides, I can always stitch it again.

I also started a cover kit from WOCS magazine. Its a cute Margaret Sherry Christmas card. I am stitching on that when I look after baby Ulla as it is small enough to try and keep it out of Ullas way lol.

Saturday, we drummed in Alexander Park, which was a fun day for families with lots going on. Colin and I were very fortunate to have our photos taken by a professional photographer. We found them on Facebook lol.

Colin without his topper on (top hat)

Me with one of my wigs. I just love my topper!

Group photo, the twins are standing one either side of Colin.

Last night we had a Section 5 Pirate crazy golf session all dressed up as pirates. We had a great time even though it was blowing an absolute gale. Made for more interesting playing lol.

Trying to Regain my Stitching Mojo

2011-08-31T18:50:00.001+01:00

My stitching Mojo hardly exists although I really want to stitch. I get very frustrated when this happens.

I really do want to stitch but two things happen when I try:

A/ I pick some stitching up and just end up staring at it.

B/ I want to start something new but do not have the 'urge' to sort something out to stitch.

So, I went through my stash and forgot I had this kit by Mirabilia, 'Halloween Fairy'. It is not a very large piece so should give me some incentive. I thought it would look better on a lighter fabric than the linen it came with so picked out a piece of Polstitches Fabric I had laying around.

All being well, I am hoping that I can get stuck into it tonight.

Wish me luck!

Lost My Stitching Mojo

2011-08-23T22:06:00.001+01:00

The last couple of months, I have completely lost my stitching mojo. Where the hell it has gone I just don't know. I seem to stitch for a couple of months and then nothing for a while. I would dearly love to stitch again, but have not a clue what to do. I would need to stitch something small to get me into it, but what? Suggestions always welcome.

Here is where I left off on Celtic Summer:

And here is a close up of the area I was working on:

What I can say is that I miss Rene dreadfully and I know she would want me to carry on stitching :-)

Other news: I am awaiting another Colonoscopy and a CT scan where my stomach problems are concerned. The consultant is worried as I have lost 24lbs without dieting and in such a short time span. I have been put on a strict diet but am still eating chocolate as I just can't give that up lol.

Drumming is going great. My twin boys have joined Section 5 now. Last weekend we drummed at Bodiam Castle Medieval Fair and were lucky enough to drum on top of a turret complete with medieval clothes. It was awesome to say the least!

Getting ready to drum by the castle.

Nice shot of the castle! (I'm the one in the cloak with the flower garland on my head lol)

Getting ready to drum on the turret! It could be heard for miles.

Colin and I in 'normal' section 5 garb..........I ditched the face paint for this event at Crowhurst and went for a wig instead lol.

I know some of you are interested in Castles here in the UK, so here is a link to Bodiam Castle:

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-bodiamcastle/

It is situated 12 miles from where I live.

'It's a Jingle out There' Finished

2011-06-17T21:27:00.000+01:00

It's a Jingle out there by Lizzie Kate stitched in DMC

I couldn't resist finishing this off this afternoon instead of stitching on Celtic Summer. I am not sure whether I will frame it for Christmas or finish it some other way.

For my next small piece, I found a Mill Hill kit called Wisteria Angel that somehow ended up as a UFO which is about half done. Lots of beading going on in that piece and I will post a picture once it is finished.

Update on Celtic Summer

2011-06-15T19:05:00.000+01:00

Here is a before photo:

And this is what she looks like now:

And a close up of the area I have been working on:

I am really pleased with the way she is turning out.

I have also nearly finished 'It's a Jungle out There' by Lizzie Kate, which is my small piece I am working on.

I will post a picture of it once it is finished.

Update on The Green Man and CITA

2011-06-11T18:37:00.000+01:00

I finally started The Green Man by HAED. I need to get some more threads for it so at the moment I am stitching on my other HAED 'Spirit', which is a story keep.

So far I have done 600 stitches all in blues, greens and black.

Castles in the Air

This is what it looked like before:

And this is what it looks like now:

It is slowly coming along.

Colin and I have joined a drumming group. We play at festivals, carnivals, private functions etc which we raise money for the special baby unit at our local hospital. We are called Section 5 Drummers.

Its great fun and relieves a lot of stress at the same time lol. I love watching little kids faces when they see us playing. They get so excited.

As you can see in the above picture, beer is a necessary part of an event before, during and after we play lol.

Spirit HAED Update

2011-04-25T20:54:00.001+01:00

I have done 10 hours on Spirit. Here is what it looked like before I started with 200 stitches in:

And this is what is looks like now with 1400 stitches in.

1400 stitches altogether so far! It stitched pretty quick as there wasn't too many colour changes and a few of the blocks of 10 x 10 had only two colours. I can see why people get adicted to HAEDS. I get quite excited for every 10 x 10 square I cross off on the chart!

I have also done a bit on my Lizzie Kate, this is what it looks like.

Not too much more to do on it. It stitches up lovely and quick.

Now it is on to stitching Castles in the Air. I thought I was on part 5 but I am on part 4. I'm hoping to get quite a bit done in the 10 hours before I rotate again.

Very sad day

2011-04-21T18:19:00.001+01:00

I am very sad and upset as we had to put one of our dogs Lupi to sleep. He was riddled with arthritus and his liver was begining to fail. This is one of my favourite pictures of him.
R.I.P dear little Lupi will always love you and miss you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Bookshelf is Finished!

2011-04-19T16:26:00.000+01:00

Woohoo, it's finished. I can't believe there was so little to do on it! The picture does not do justice to the colour of the fabric which is a crystal peach.

Since buying my HAED The Green Man, I have discovered that I already had a HAED on the go, a story keep. It only has 200 stitches in, but I am going to start stitching on it regularly. I also found a Lizzie Kate piece, 'It's a Jingle out there' half completed, which I will stitch on while I am looking after baby Ulla. It is impossible to stitch on any thing thats needs full concentration as she is a very cuddly baby. So, the HAEDs will be done when shes not around and easy pieces for when she is around.

I must Be Mad!

2011-04-18T16:45:00.000+01:00

Why you ask? Because I have just purchased a HAED chart.......

It is The Green Man Cernunnos. I have just ordered 25ct Dublin Linen for it from www.sewandso.co.uk

I didn't really want to commit to a HAED but it was the only chart I liked when I was looking for a Green Man one. I am going to get it kitted up over the next couple of weeks. I am hoping I don't have to buy too much thread. If I do, I will buy as needed.

Seeing it is such an undertaking, I will have small projects on the go as well.

Lizzie Kate Finished

2011-04-18T14:10:00.000+01:00

I finished this yesterday afternoon. I am pleased how it turned out. I swapped out a couple of the colours, I used purples instead of blues on the doghouse.

I am going to finish The Bookshelf next and then move on to a new project. I am not sure what though yet.

Lizzie Kate Update

2011-04-16T14:05:00.000+01:00

This is what I have managed to get done so far. I swapped out a couple of colours on the dog house from blues to purples. Its a bit blurry as had to use my mobile phone camera.

Long Time no Post!

2011-04-14T19:31:00.000+01:00

It has been a long time since I blogged. I haven't been around for many reasons but the primary one being illness. It has just been one thing after another. I have had on going problems with my stomach since I had my gallbladder removed. I have now been diagnosed with bile reflux. To put it simply, they screwed up my operation and didnt leave enough 'pipe' for the drainage of the bile into the intestines and now it pools into my stomach. Add that to pre menopause, depression and anxiety/panic attacks, I have had a shit few months to say the least! Because I have not been stitching as my thumb joint on my left hand has seized and the Dr has recommended I stitch again to try and make it more supple. I haven't and could stitch due to the arthritus but I have some good cream for it, so from tonight I am going to start stitching again. I am not picking up my last piece, The Bookshelf even though there's hardly any left to do, for now, but I am going to start a Lizzie Kate piece just to get me back into the swing of things.

It's not a brilliant picture as had to use my mobile phone as the batteries have died in my camera. I am actually on the last band. It looks washed out but the fabric is actually a lovely crystal peach.

This is the LK chart I am just about to start stitching on. So, wish me luck that I can get some done without my thumb playing up too much!

A RAK from Shelley and More!

2011-02-04T19:41:00.000Z

As promised on my ILCS Yahoo group, here is my RAK from Shelley......................

Isnt he just the cutest frog? Here he is on my seasonal shelf that still needs adding to.................

Again, thank you so much Shelley, I love him and he will live on my seasonal shelf. I think I need to get him some play mates though lol.

I finally finished my granddaughters, Whitneys, blanket. I got rather behind on it.

I have this weekly publication where you crochet a square a week. Eventually you get enough squares to make a throw out of them. Some of the squares I think are pants, but I still crocheted them lol. I am hideously behind on it to say the least! I got the bug to crochet again and managed to do 7 squares over a few days.

Tomorrow is the virtual stitch in on my group. I am hoping to finish The Shelf over the weekend. I am looking forward to starting something new lol.

After my last post, a lot of you expressed an interest in my teapot. It is a limited edition collectors piece. I collect teapots and tea paraphernalia. Don't laugh lol!!!!!!! I have loads of miniature teapots as well as some full size ones. Some of you have stated you would like to see my collection. I will get some photos of them all over the weekend and do a blog entry on them. I am always on the look out for new ones. Some miniatures I found in charity shops.

Talking of tea, I think I shall have a cup of Rooibos (I don't do caffeine) and a slice of mince meat fruit cake I made :-)

The teapot is a fish and chip shop. Yup, that's right, a fish and chip shop lol.

I haven't brought any pots for simply ages, as haven't had the funds to do so, but I am hoping to add to them this year. I also collect china thimbles but that's a different story!

The Bookshelf Update

2011-01-31T18:19:00.000Z

Click on picture to see it clearly.

This is where I am on it so far.............not too much to go now. Maybe I will be able to finish it by the end of the week. Can't wait for it to be finished and hanging on the wall!

I have also been stitching on my froggy exchange on my ILCS Yahoo group.

Although I didn't sign up for the TUSAL as it was closed by the time I found the blog hahaha, I thought it would be fun to take a photo of my orts jar at the end of each month.

It looks quite pretty and sparkly as it has gold Kreinik in there.

I spent the afternoon cooking cakes and stitching, so what a lovely way to round of a cold but productive day with a cake and a pot of tea :-)

Midnight Enchanter Update

2011-01-26T15:40:00.000Z

I got so engrossed in stitching this yesterday that I stayed up until 5.30am! Guess I made up for all the stitching I could not do over the least week due to a flu like bug, which I am not completely over still.

Here's a close up of the area I was concentrating on.

I know you are all thinking that he is nearly finished, well trust me, he is not lol. I have to stitch a rock shelf he is standing on and the background, then there is tons of back stitching to do.

This is the first piece out of two that I am working on as part of a challenge Evalina set me.To complete my UFO's before she completes hers. Whoever wins sends the other a gift or makes something for them.

I got my partner for the Froggy Exchange in my ILCS Yahoo group, so I need to start that.

I also got some new fabric through this morning from www.sewandso.co.uk A nice green Jobelan so I can start my Lizzie Kate Spring sampler at the end of the month.

Update on The Bookshelf

2011-01-17T16:40:00.000Z

Here is how far I have got on this so far. I am really enjoying stitching it. Hopefully I can get a lot more done on it over the next week. I also managed to get some done on Midnight Enchanter. I will take a picture of it soon as I'm trying to get it to a certain point before I do.

Currently reading: The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens

The Bookshelf Update

2011-01-07T22:45:00.000Z

Here is the first update on 'The Bookshelf' by Little House Needleworks. It is so apt for me seeing I am an avid reader!

I am really enjoying stitching on this. Had to give it a break for two days while I waited for my floss to come that I didn't already have for it. But, I couldn't just order 4 flosses, so brought a new chart too! I am concentrating a lot on my seasonal shelf this year so I brought the August Sampler from Waxing Moon Designs. I picked August as it is my birthday month and wanted it for my shelf :-)

Hopefully I can get it done before August. I am treating myself and buying the overdyes for it rather than using DMC for it.

Stitching Goals for 2011

2011-01-04T20:55:00.001Z

I thought I would give this a go this year. I don't usually bother as I tend to be all over the place with my stitching. But I have thought long and hard and this is what I would like to get done:

Midnight Enchanter-----Finished

Celtic Summer----------Finished

Castles in the Air--------At least up to part 8

The Bookshelf----------Finished

Also I would like to start and finish all four Lizzie Kate Seasonal Samplers (Snippets 22 to 25)

I have an August Sampler coming in the post but can't remember who its by.......would like to start and finish that also.
Amended....Just looked on sewandso and its August Sampler by waxing Moon

Quite a hefty list......lets see what I accomplish lol.

Celtic Summer Update

2011-01-03T20:14:00.000Z

I can't believe its been nearly a year or so since I last updated this! I still have quite a bit to go on this including lots of beading but I would say there's about a quarter left to do now. The pictures not brilliant for two reasons: A/ Colin took it (lmfao) and B/ it was taken without natural light. I will get another piccy at the end of the week when I have stitched on her a bit more.

Long Time No Post

2011-01-03T02:32:00.000Z

I am finally stitching again after a turbulent couple of months.

Colins Nan finally passed away peacefully in her sleep on the 29th December. We will be attending her funeral on the 10th up in Dunstable.

I have been stitching on my Celtic Summer which is a SAL on my ILCS group. I am going to get it finished this year as Rene was a part of the SAL too. Picture to follow during the next few days.

Every New Year Rene and I always start a new SAL together. We picked out the chart several months ago and I am still going to go ahead and stitch it but I will be starting it in a few weeks when I can afford to buy the things I need for it.

Tonight I started Little House Needleworks 'The Bookshelf'. I didnt have the right coloured fabric for it but what I chose seems to be working pretty well. There's not enough done for an update as I need four colours for it which I have ordered from Sewandso, and cant do much until I get one of them ;-(

I am also determined to keep my seasonal shelf up to date, so I have a few charts already for months and seasons.

Evalina's Give Away!

2010-10-26T22:38:00.000+01:00

Evalina has a fabulous give away on here blog. Click HERE to go look!

A Finish and Midnight Enchanter

2010-10-26T20:14:00.000+01:00

I finally finished my Prairie Schooler 'Autumn Leaves' last Sunday. It's not the kind of thing I usually like to stitch but I liked the words. It looks wonky where it came off the Q Snaps. It needs ironing and pulling into shape ;p

I have a challenge going with Evalina where UFO's are concerned. The challenge is to finish my two UFO's before Evalina finishes 'Bless the House', 'Provence' and a UFO of her choice. The one that completes the challenge first, gets sent something from the other person. My first one to finish is my Midnight Enchanter by Dimensions. Here is a before picture from when I last stitched on it:

And here's one after I finished on it on Sunday night:

I concentrated on the blue frock bit, here's a close up:

I'm going to try and stitch on it as much as possible. When this is finished and I mean 'when' lol, the second UFO will be my Celtic Summer. I am also trying to finish a crochet blanket for my third granddaughter of the year, who is due in the next two weeks or so!

So dear stitchers, please keep me motivated by your wonderful comments, they really do help and keep me stitching on it!

Two Finishes and a RAK

2010-10-18T11:00:00.000+01:00

It's been a couple of week's since I last blogged. Health has been a big issue for me. I had to have an Upper G.I Endoscopy and the news wasn't fantastic. I have to see a specialist but in the mean time I am seeing my Dr this Wednesday for my new tablets. I hope they work and help!

ILCS Virtual Stitch In

I found a piece I finished a year or two ago and decided to finish it off properly. I added some embellishments to it as well.

It's an old freebie by Barbara Ana. I used DMC glow in the dark for the white ghost and the cobwebs. I am pretty pleased with the way it has turned out.

Another Finish.

I finished my October Lizzie Kate stamp. I think this one is my favourite so far.

I don't think I will bother with the November one. Not this year anyway. It's my least favourite....it has a turkey on it and seeing we don't celebrate Thanks Giving here in the UK, there's no need to rush to do it.

I have nearly finished my Praire Schooler sampler as well. Not to many stitches left to put in. Not done any on my Sunday piece for the last few Sundays....my Lizzie Kate 'It's a Jingle Out There'.

Last but not Least

I got a fabulous RAK from Shelley on my ILCS group. It couldn't have come at a better time.

Needless to say, that I have eaten the chocolate already!

Again, thank you so much Shelley, well appreciated! The card and ornament are on my seasonal shelf :)

Update

2010-09-28T15:10:00.000+01:00

I managed to get some stitches into my Lizzie Kate piece whilst I was away for the long weekend. It will look better once his eyes and mouth are done lol.

No point in doing a picture update on my Autumn sampler as not much done to it since the last picture. I have also started my October Lizzie Kate stamp but again, not enough done to warrant a picture taken.

We went away to Stratford Upon Avon which is Shakespeare's birthplace and we saw his actual house. Photo's can be seen here on my blog or my blogger Blog if you prefer http://amethyst-lady.blogspot.com/

Give Away Winner

2010-09-28T14:46:00.000+01:00

And the winner is.........................................................

Which is Heidi! Congratulations you win the Dragon Floss. Please send me your address so I can post it to you.

I choose the winner by inserting the amount of comments I had for this post and then using the random number generator.
Thank you to everybody who commented.

A Finish and Update

2010-09-16T11:52:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I started and finished my ornament for my groups blind ornament exchange on ILCS. I am pleased how it turned out as I haven't stitched one of these little kits before.

I have nearly finished my Prairie Schooler Autumn Leaves Sampler.

And last but not least is my Lizzy Kate Christmas piece which I stitch on at my club on Sundays.

I have just started on his scarf so he looks a bit odd at the moment.

Give Away

I will be drawing the winner on Saturday!

Update and Give Away

2010-09-07T14:46:00.000+01:00

Stitching

I have been working all week on my Prairie Schooler Autumn Leaves Sampler.

It looks a bit wonky as it came off my Q Snaps and I didn't pull it straight for the photo.

I am about half way through it now.

Sunday I went to my stitching group. I didn't get too much done on my LK piece but every stitch counts!

At least it should be finished in time to be framed for Christmas lol.

Give Away.

6 Skeins of Polstitches Over Dyed Dragon Floss is up for grabs.

To be in with a chance of winning, please leave a comment on this post. I will announce the winner next week.

These are beautiful threads to stitch with. I will put all the names into a bowl and let one of the twins pull a name out. Good luck to all who enter.

Bookmarks, New Stash and Stitching!

2010-09-01T20:18:00.000+01:00

Bookmark Exchange

First I would like to thank Denise in Saudi Arabia for my lovely package on the ILCS Bookmark Swap.

The bookmark is lovely and my photo does not do it justice. It is finished off so well. I love the floss and can't wait to try the herbal teas as that is what I drink mostly :)

This is the package I sent to Judi. I used the photo she took as I did not take one of all the package just the bookmark.

New Charts

I don't buy new stash very often especially this year as my stitching has been very up and down. I had some money for my Birthday and treated myself to four Lizzie Kate Charts and one by Prairie Schooler.

My tastes in charts have really changed. I would never have considered doing this sampler before. I think a lot of the time, the picture on a chart or how it is displayed on online shops do not do it justice and it isn't until you start stitching it that you realize how nice they really are.

Stitching Update

I couldn't wait to start the Prairie Schooler chart and I am stitching it on 28ct although the recommended was 32 ct, which I didn't have in white. It will just be a little bigger.

I am into seasonal stitching at the moment and enjoying every stitch.

My other update is a Lizzie Kate piece.

It is stitching up lovely. I am stitching on him now for the two hours I am at my stitching club on a Sunday. As long as it's finished for Christmas as we tend to talk a lot lol.

And Finally!

I have not forgotten about the give away. I will be putting it on my blog very soon. I am in the process of sorting something out for it.

Midweek Update

2010-08-25T14:50:00.000+01:00

On Monday, I finished 'Let it Snow' by Barbara Ana.

I really like the way it has turned out............this one I am definitely keeping after giving the last one I stitched away!

My new start is 'It's a jingle out there' by Lizzie Kate.

I was stitching for the blind ornament exchange on my ILCS group that Rene is running until I saw that it was 5 by 5 inches so too big for an ornie. I will have to find another one to do for it.

I am taking up Evalinas UFO challenge and will be stitching on my Wizard. I will update my progress on him on him next week.

I see that I have 123 followers. If I reach 125, I will do a blog give away!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lizzie Kate September Stamp

2010-08-21T13:45:00.000+01:00

I finished my September Lizzie Kate Stamp.

I am very pleased at the way it turned out. I was going to start my ornament for the blind ornament exchange on my ILCS group, but I didn't have two threads and needed to order some neutral coloured fabric (which arrived in the post this morning), so yesterday I started a freebie by Barbara Ana. I have stitched it before but gave it away. It's called 'Let it Snow'. I am keeping this one as I want it to go on my seasonal shelf.

I'm stitching it on a scrap of Polstitch's over-dyed fabric called 'Sky High'. It will resemble a snowman when it's finished lol. I just love snowmen.

The last two days I have baby sat Ulla (Androulla) my granddaughter, while my daughter runs their restaurant. Here she is asleep in granddad Colin's arms .

Stitchy update

2010-08-16T12:06:00.001+01:00

Freebie from Lizzie Kate using:

Polstitches Dragon Floss in Poppy,Pots of Gold, Follow your Dreams, Seasonal

Sampler Threads in Bubblegum and DMC in 740.

Here is the ornament I did for the ILCS Summer Ornament exchange. I didn't actually get to do the swap as my partner has been ill so it looks like I will be keeping it.

I've been in bed with a nasty flu like virus the last week but felt well enough to get up yesterday and do some stitching which I haven't done in a long while. I started my bookmark for the bookmark exchange on ILCS that Meari is running. At time of writing, it is nearly half completed.

I then started Septembers Lizzie Kate Stamp. I don't think I've done July's or Augusts.

I had a really good stitching day yesterday and am pleased with my progress.

I'm engaged!

2010-08-04T14:22:00.001+01:00

Yes you read right, I'm engaged! This is the story behind the tattoo lol.

Colin was always asking me to marry him and was always saying no lol. So a couple of weeks back, knowing Colin hates tattoo's, I said to him, 'The day I'll marry you is the day you come home with a tattoo of my name on your arm!' So you can guess what he did............yup he got it done lol.

Last Friday we went to my best friends wedding and Colin was best man.

Colin and I........I don't like wearing dresses hence my expression lol.

Jayne and Olly

At the evening reception, Colin did his best man speech and then ~~the little shit~~ my beloved started talking about me. I knew right away what he was up to and dived under the nearest table head first. The groom, Olly pulled me out by my ankles and put me in an arm lock lol, so I couldn't run away.

Colin proposing

Colin proposed to me complete with ring and asked me to marry him next year.........I called him a few choice names and said yes lol. At this point I was still sober lol.

We had a fantastic time at the reception. Jayne changed out of her wedding dress and we rocked out with plastic blow up guitars as she had a live guitar player/singer at her wedding Mick Mepham who is fabulous and has played with greats like Eric Clapton! If you haven't guessed, Jayne and Olly are bikers :)

Jayne and Me

Me Jayne and the twins

Ashley rocking with the big guys

Jayne Ashley and me.

As you can tell, Jayne and I don't act our 46 ~~years of~~ age lol. We were the bestest friends at school and somehow lost touch and she found me on Facebook. We are having a ball together and act just like school girls giggling all the time.

Big update

2010-07-21T14:00:00.000+01:00

This is the new project I have started to tide me over until I get my partner in the ILCS bookmark exchange that Meari is hosting :)

It is a small kit by Mill Hill called Wisteria Angel, which will be an ornament complete with beaded tassels.

I also finished Androulla's pram blanket:

Androulla was not available at the time the picture was taken lol.

I have just 'inherited' a book group on Yahoo. Sadly to say the owner passed away so the son made me and another lady co owners. I am looking forward to help running it as I'm a voracious reader and have a huge passion for books. The group is lovely as it's about British Classic books and the group reads a classic each month and we have discussions about the book. It's a small group but very nice.

Last but not least, I went out on a hen night on Saturday as my bestest friend is getting married on Friday. Jayne and I were the best of friends at school but we lost touch and she looked me up and found me on Facebook. It's like we have never been apart. We still giggle like school girls when we are together lol.

I'm the one in the middle with the pint of beer :)

P.S

Colin my partner, got a tattoo done on his arm yesterday...............no big deal you might say but Colin has never had one done before lol. Picture and a reason why he had it done, to follow shortly.................lets just say, I will think twice before I say things in future lol. People are guessing on Facebook what he has had done lol.

Woohoo, a Finish!

2010-07-19T17:03:00.000+01:00

By Sue Hillis PS144

Stitched on 28ct Summer Khaki Lugana.

Woohoo, I can't believe I managed to stitch all afternoon and get a finish too! Now I'm not sure what to stitch on next, something already in progress or start something new? Decisions, decisions :)

The end of last week I managed to finish baby Angelina's cot blanket. I am making baby Androulla's pram one at present.

Last but certainly not least is a picture of baby Androulla with her proud parents. Doesn't she look just like her daddy lol :)

Small update

2010-07-13T08:39:00.000+01:00

Sunday I met up with Sophia and Jenny, the ladies from my cross stitch group. I can't actually remember the last time I stitched so I was pleased to get some done on my pirate which should of been finished a long time ago.

Last Thursday (8th July) I was privileged to be at the birth of my granddaughter Angelina. She is such a cutie!
I have nearly finished crocheting her a cot blanket, then I have another one to crochet as my daughter Becky's baby is due any day now and then I can get back to my cross stitching lol. Although I do have a third baby blanket to crochet as my daughter Kimberley is expecting a baby in November. Talk about a baby boom in the family lol.

Are you missing me? lol

2010-06-30T19:23:00.000+01:00

Are you missing me? lol

It's been a while since I did a blog update but my life has been very hectic. I can't believe that within the next two to three weeks, I will have two new grandbabies! I have been helping my daughter in the restaurant, so thats why I havent been online so much let alone on my groups. Cross stitch has taken a bit of a backburner for a while just while I get the baby things done.

First off, I would like to say thank you to Lori for my lovely pincushion and matching bag and goodies for our swap on International Hand Stitchers. I love it and so does my grandson. He walks around with tortoise pincushion when he is here lol

I have managed to finish a pram blanket for Becky, the peach one, and am now crocheting a cot blanket for Sarah. Got to finish that one and start another cot blanket and finish it by the time the babies are due :o

I have also managed to do some more squares for the throw from the Art of Crochet publication.

Besides, just lately, every bit of cross stitch I'v picked up, I've gone wrong on. So a break is probably good at the moment until the baby bits are finished. Obviously my mind is elsewhere!

I have Colin at home off sick from work with a virus and my gas boiler has been condemned so I am waiting for my landlord to install the new one. Thank gawd we have an emersion heater for backup hot water.

I hope everyone is well and healthy. I will be back in full on groups as soon as both grandbabies are born. So for now, happy stitching my friends.

Big Monday Update

2010-05-17T14:47:00.000+01:00

Oh dear, what a bad stitching week I have had............way too much frogging and I was so cross with myself over it as I pretty much never make huge mistakes when it comes to my stitching. First frogging ordeal was my pirate.

I had used the wrong colour on his face so had to frog the entire lot which also included the skull and crossbones and the edging around the hat. This is what he looks like now.

Guess your wondering what the second frogging incident was? Unfortunatley it was my Castles in the Air. On the second peacock I was one stitch out, so, out has to come the whole peacock, what a pain in the proverbial arse lol.

This is my progress on my Haed Storykeep, 2004 stitches lol. Had to scan it as the camera couldn't pick up the details where its so small. Theres loads of colours used here lol.

Good news is that one of my twins asked Saturday out of the blue if he could do some stitching so I sorted out one of those little stitchables. Come Sunday he had stitched two of them, so kudo's to him. Mind you he probably won't stitch for a long time again lol.

Sunday I met up with Sophia and Jenny for our weekly stitching session. It is nice to get out and be able to stitch with other ~~fanatics~~ ~~about stitching~~ stitchers. We have two more potential new members. In two weeks time we will be having the meeting at my house and then might be meeting their until new premises can be found as I have quite a large living room.

My other new love is crocheting. I got the bug pretty bad I'm afraid. I did a little stash shopping for it and bought these.

Aren't they gorgeous colours? They were bloody expensive though and I couldn't get any of this cotten in purple or a really bright yellow. I am going to make another throw with these. The throw I am currently doing is from a weekly publication, The Art of Crochet, and it uses wool and dullish colours as you can see from the previous squares I have done and the two squares below. I need to try and source some cotton online that is cheaper but must be very colourful. Colin nearly had a fit when she rung up the bill for these lol. It was from an upmarket shop that only sells expensive wool and cotton and not the everyday kinda stuff. Hastings is ~~shit~~

bad for trying to buy stuff like this ;p

Heres square number 6 of my throw.

And square number 7.

Last but not least is my Lindita Senorita:

She is booked in for the groomers but theres a waiting list and as you can see, she's really hairy now hehehe. The groomer has such a time with her as Lindita does not like being groomed at the best of times let alone having her fur cut, hence why we send her to the groomers and don't do her ourselves lol.

Update

2010-05-11T10:25:00.000+01:00

This is my progress so far on Castles in the air. Nearly finished part four now. I'm trying to put a few stitches in most days to try and catch up.

This is Sue Hillis's 'Another Day Another Ship'. It is stitching up quite quickly.

Sunday I met up with Sophia and Jenny, two local stitchers who advertised for other stitchers in one of the cross stitch mags. We are going to be stitching together most weeks, so should be fun.

Busy as a Bee Pincushion

2010-05-07T16:15:00.000+01:00

Stitched on 28ct Jobelan in Buttermilk.

Pattern free, available HERE

I stitched this pincushion for an exchange on a Yahoo group I belong too.

UFO Tuesday update

2010-05-05T15:49:00.000+01:00

Here's my progress on Midnight Enchanter by Dimensions. He is slowly getting there with me stitching on him on UFO Tuesdays via my ILCS group.

As I compose this, I am talking with Rene on Yahoo messenger. Earlier I said to her, 'I don't know what to stitch on today', and she said, 'start your pirate one' So I have lol. I kinda meant which one shall I stitch on that I already have on the go lol. Oh well, whats one more new start right?

Evalina's Challenge lol

2010-04-29T19:29:00.001+01:00

Evalina has set a challenge by asking are we brave enough to show the contents of our handbags/purses. Well Evalina my friend, I'm brave enough lol.

In mine is my old purse and the new purse which I havent transferred my money and cards in to yet. My make up bag, old till receipts (luckily I only cleared my bag out a few days ago as I usually have LOADS of ~~crap~~ till receipts lol), Sugar free mint Polo's, Nokia phone, strawberry tea bags, Dr's prescription, little notepad and pen, Dr's appointment card, an old envelope with nothing in it lol ,tissues and a ladies doberry doberry thing.

I only carry the makeup I am wearing in my bag as I have too much of it to carry around with me.

A finish and update.

2010-04-29T14:58:00.002+01:00

Lizzie Kate June 'stamp'.

Stitched on a fabric oddment from a Polstitches 'Grab Bag'.

I finished this last night. I really like the way it turned out and I think it is my favourite one so far.

I framed this too which was a job and a half. I originally was going to make it into a pillow ornament but decided once it was finished that I wanted it framed. What made it a pig was I hadn't left much for the boarders on it as I don't when making ornaments as I like to be econimical with fabric. So, out came the sewing machine and I sewed strips of fabric on the stitched piece so I could stretch it to frame it. There's a little hint of the pink fabric at the bottom of the frame. Other than that, it turned out ok.

Shelley from my ILCS group, sent me a RAK. She sent me some floss I needed for a couple of projects and a Wolf chart which I really love. Thank you so much Shelley!

I have started two new pieces. One is a stitched pincushion for an exchange and the other is a Tea Sampler by The Design Connection. I really love the way this one is turning out and the picture on the chart does not do it justice.

I am really excited about this coming Sunday as I am going to meet up with a couple of stitchers from my town. They advertised in one of the cross stitch magazines, which I didn't get, but Sadie emailed me with the particulars, so I emailed and we have arranged to meet at lunch time Sunday. So, thank you Sadie, very much appreciated that you thought of me!

Monday update

2010-04-26T14:02:00.001+01:00

Colin and I went away this weekend to his mum and dads. I did mange to get some stitching done on my Lizzie Kate June Stamp.

Colins mum, Linda, stitches too,and this weekend I enabled her to stitch on linen! I am looking forward to seeing how she gets on with it next time we go visit.

I did get a wonderful suprise from her.............whilst we were out shopping on Sunday afternoon, I mentioned that I had finally decided on the theme for my kitchen, teapots, cups, tea and coffee theme. As it happens a friend of hers relative, passed away, and she had lots of minature teapots and she had just given them to Col's mum. It wasn't just a few, it was a big cardboard box full of them! Some of them are really really pretty. So Him Indoors now needs to put up shelves in my kitchen for them to go on. They will be going in the dining area. What a great start to my collection. I will take a picture of them when they are all unwrapped ond on the shelves. I just need at some point, to stitch some teacups/teapots/coffee/tea type stuff to accompany them.

My kitchen walls are totally bare. Him Indoors says it looks way too sterile lol.

My grandaughter Destiny was two years old on Friday. Time seems to fly by so quickly now. Here she is with her daddy, and my son, Christopher. Dosn't she look just like her daddy lol.

A Lizzie Kate Finish

2010-04-20T23:23:00.000+01:00

Lizzie Kate Snippet #S75

Fabric, 28ct Jobelan in 'Buttermilk'

I'm having two weeks off my large projects to do some small items and this is my first finish. Meari sent me this for my Birthday last year in the ILCS Birthday Club. It is very appropriate right now seeing I am getting three new grandbabies this year to add to the three I already have :) So, thank you again Meari!

I swapped out a couple of colours ie the purple instead of dark blue for the text lol.

I was going to make it into a pillow ornament but I am leaning more in getting it framed but I am not sure if I have left enough border to do that. I am going to pick up a frame on Thursday, hopefully, for it.

Monday update

2010-04-19T15:51:00.000+01:00

On my ILCS group, I challenged the members to a finishing weekend. It was to finish off items that were already stitched and just need turning into something. I found five unfinished items but only managed to finish off two.

A snowflake ornament and a little dragon holding a candy cane that I turned into a keyring for Colin. I had my grandson Rylee staying over night on the Saturday so my attention was devoted to him and the twins and we watched the second Chipmunk movie lol.

Sunday evening I worked on my ornament for the Summer Ornament exchange on ILCS. At least I managed to get some stitching done eventually lol.

Biscornu finished

2010-04-14T14:04:00.000+01:00

This one was a long time in the making as I like to have one small project on the go while I am stitching on my BAP's lol.

'Holy Mud'
By Barbara Ana.
Stitched on 28ct Anabelle in Silver Grey
Stitch count 70 x 70
Available HERE

The little cute piggy button was sent to me a long time ago by Nancy J.

Monday update

2010-04-12T18:52:00.000+01:00

I spent my weekend stitching time mainly on my Castles in the Air Sal. I am halfway through part 4 now.

Here is a close of the peacock and fountain........the fountain still needs to be back stitched.

Clicking on the pictures will enlarge them.

I also put a few stitches in my piggy biscornu which is almost finished now.

I did start on my first HAED but it did not go well for me. I used the suggested 2 threads over 1 on 25ct evenweave and it looked ~~shit~~ bumpy. Plus my eyes were streaming due to eye strain. I am having problems frogging it as well. Maybe I should send it to Rene La Frog to do it seeing she loves the little buggers so much ;p! I am determined to stitch it, its the Spirit Story Keep BTW, so might stitch it on 18ct aida instead.

I am also running a seasonal ornament exchange on my group and I am looking forward to stitching one for my partner whoever it will be as I haven't done an exchange in a long time.

Lastly, since my last blog update I have done one more crochet square for my throw. I am getting behind on that as well lol.

Part 3 Finished

2010-03-30T17:00:00.000+01:00

I finished part 3 of my Castle's in the Air Mystery Sal by Papillon Creations last night. I made a boo boo on it before I moved homes but didnt discover it till last night. I stitched the sides from part 3 arse about face, put sides 2 and 4 where parts 1 and 3 should go and vica versa. It don't really matter as they are practically the same, it just means the colours are in different places lol. My mind must have been elsewhere when I made the mistake as I usually pride myself in not making such big mistakes in my stitching lol. At least I don't have to frog it lol.

Finally, an update

2010-03-25T13:53:00.000Z

I guess I have been missing in action for a while. It's not been intentional but a combination of things have occured to merit me devoting less time to my stitching. My back has been bad, major stomach problems and arranging a surprise 40th Birthday party for Him Indoors which was last saturday but his birthday was Tuesday the 23rd. That was stressful and it was like a covert Military operation but a good time was had by all.

On the stitching front, not much accomplished but I hope to rectify that now. He is looking pretty good now.

I have also managed to knit some mittens for one my granddaughter's to be who will be named Sofia Andrula.

Last but not least, I have done two more squares for my throw.

I am also crocheting a blanket for Sofia for when she is at my home :)
I have knitted an aran cardigan for one of the babies but I am having trouble putting the blasted thing together. It was knitted in a weird way ie from cuff to cuff then right and left front, then body and then button band. I am an experienced knitter but the putting together is driving me nuts and it will probably end up going for a flying lesson across the room lol.

Finally, a very poor update lol.

2010-03-02T16:30:00.000Z

Here is two weeks worth of stitching..............pitiful isn't it? And to top it all I haven't got the chart so went to reprint it and no ink FFS! Oh well shit happens lol. It's my biscornu from Barbara Ana.

I have knitted for the first time in 20 years +. I knitted some booties.

My daughter had her scan yesterday and she is having a girl! So thats two grand daughters that will be born in the summer. Two little princess's to spoil rotten lol.

I am in the process of knitting a bonnet, when I can be bothered. I don't seem to want to do much at the moment but what the heck, I am used to it. I seem to have these episodes and then all goes back to normal lol.

This is the second square of my throw. I'm behind in that too and I have the third one ready to do. I hope I can get it done before the next four parts arrive lol.

I haven't worked on my Magician or Celtic Summer for a couple of weeks so I need to get going on them too.

UFO Tuesday update

2010-02-17T14:54:00.000Z

Here's my progress so far on my Midnight Enchanter that I am stitching on for UFO Tuesdays on my ILCS group. I've nearly finished the left hand side of him and then it will be on too his robe part in the middle and then the background.
My Circe the Sorceress and my Haed will have to go on hold as I can't afford the bits I need to get for them. We had a real crappy couple of months with everything going wrong from the car, to the tumble dryer and having to buy new sofas as Colin sat down on our old sofa and broke it lol. It was well old and second hand when we brought it. Now I just got my duel fuel bill in and it's really big so I will be comparing the market online needless to say to see if we can get cheaper elsewhere. Also it was my oldest son's birthday on the 11th and the twins birthdays are on the 19th. Thank gawd I have my other wips lol.
I have a pretty good routine going at the moment and it seems to work for me. I do UFO Tuesday with the Magician and Thursday for the L&L SAL which is my Celtic Summer and then the rest of the week for whatever now the dragon's finished. Maybe I will try and get the biscornu finished beforetrying to do a major catch up on Castles in the Air? lol

Summer Dragon is finished!

2010-02-10T15:42:00.000Z

I can't believe I have finally finished him woohoo! I am so pleased with the way he has turned out.

I feel like I have been stitching on him like forever and it will feel weird now that he has been finished. I will miss stitching on him.

I would like to thank everyone who has been behind me on this project, for all the encouragement and all the fabulous comments, THANK YOU!

Last but not least, I would like to thank Wanda J from Edmonton, Canada, who sent me the chart and all the supplies to do him .....THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Piggy update

2010-02-01T19:49:00.001Z

I've been stitching hard on Summer Dragon. Hopefully not long now till it's finished!
My small project is Holy Mud by Barbara Ana. I say small, but it is the biggest biscornu I have done so far. It's fun to stitch. I'm in no hurry to get it done as long as it's sometime this year lol.
I will be doing Circe the Sorceress once the dragon is finished. Just need to get it kitted up. I already have the fabric for her. I can't wait to start her!

Page 5 0f 6 of Summer Dragon finished

2010-01-25T14:07:00.000Z

Yes, page 5 is finally finished! I am beginging to see the end in sight lol. This will probably be the last update now until he is finished, although it might be a while till the next update as there is a lot of back stitching to do on the actual dragon itself. Thank you for all the fabulous comments on him, it truly helps me to keep stitching on him.

UFO Tuesday and other stitching

2010-01-21T11:12:00.000Z

Tuesday I managed to finish the right side of him and stitch his staff. I really like how he is coming along now. I have had people asking me about the fabric and it is 'Night' by Sugar maple Fabrics 28ct Cashel linen. The chart called for 14ct black aida and I thought this would look much nicer.
I have also started a biscornu that has been screaming at me for months. It is 'Holy Mud' by Barbara Ana. I just love cute piggies and never seem to come across much in the stitchy world so I was rather delighted when I saw the chart for this one. No piccy yet as not done enough to warrant taking one. I'm in no hurry to finish it. It's there for when I need a rest from Summer Dragon.
Talking of which, I have finished all the stitching on page 5 now (Summer Dragon) and am in the process of doing the back stitching on the border. So, that just leaves page 6 which there isnt much to do and back stitching the dragon!

A chocolate RAK

2010-01-20T11:16:00.000Z

I was RAK'd this morning by Sadie ! This lovely lovely lady sent me a box of chocolates from Hotel Chocolat a premier chocolate company! Also included was a card which says:

Kelly, Sorry I can't help with the motivation on Summer Dragon but I CAN help with the choccie! Thank you for running such a fab group. Sadie x

Thank you so much Sadie, I am really touched by your gesture!
I am going to sit with my stitching and have a few chocolates this afternoon, again thank you so much!

Summer Dragon Update

2010-01-18T13:11:00.001Z

Here's how he is looking now. I would really like to finish him by Colins birthday which is near the end of March but I won't hold my breath over it lol. I have nearly finished page 5 out of 6 now. There's not very much to do on page 6 and then after that theres just the back stitching on the dragon and a few beads. My main problem is trying to stay motivated with it! I am adamant I am not going to start anything else until he is finished! m,aybe I need an incentive lol?

Summer Dragon update and foray into crochet

2010-01-04T16:56:00.001Z

On Saturday I joined in Terri's Stitch In. From 12pm to 6pm, whatever your time zone, you stitched. Including the rest of the weekend, I got a lot done. I finished my Mill Hill ornament which I have already posted about. Then I got Summer Dragon out although I was tempted to start something new. I am determined to finish him this year. Page 5 is about half way through and after that I only have one more page to do which does not have too much on it. Then all the back stitching on the dragon itself.

Click on the picture to bigify.

I saw an advert on telly for a crocheting magazine. It's a weekly publication in which you get to make a throw made out of various crocheted squares. Each week you get a ball of yarn and the instructions plus the magazine has patterns each week as well as step by step guides http://www.theartofcrochet.com/
So I purchased the magazine, stitched the first square and now I am hooked. Needless to say I have subscribed to the magazine. They send 4 issues at a time so I will probably have to wait for a few weeks before I receive any so I have set myself a challenge to see how much of Summer Dragon I can get done in the meantime lol.

I haven't crocheted since I was a child so it's a challenge for me to learn all these new stitches, but I'll get there in the end. This is my first square for the throw. It's worked over two rows of one row double crochet then one row 1 double crochet stitch then 1 treble crochet stitch. I just got to figure out how to work the ends in nice and neatly and how to get them to stay there.

First 2010 finish!

2010-01-02T22:17:00.000Z

I finally finished Frosty by Mill Hill. I love the way he has turned out.

We have had a very busy and hectic holiday period and my stitching had been zilch until I managed to pick this up last night! Hopefully I can get back into a routine with my stitching now.

Sock it to me Santa Exchange

2010-01-02T22:13:00.000Z

I received my Sock it to me Santa exchange from Peggy on my ILCS group. It was well worth waiting for and as you can see, she really spoilt me. Thank you so much Peggy, I love it all!

Please sign up for my PIF

2009-12-27T14:10:00.000Z

I am one of the lucky recipients of a PIF run on Evalinas blog . Thank you so much Evalina!
So without ado, if you would like to be a recipient then please leave a comment on my blog.

Send no less than 5 stitching related items per person within the next 365 days.
Items can be DMC, other threads, stitching needles, straight pins, buttons, scissors, ribbons, etc. - a combination of items such as 3 threads, 1 pack of straight pins and 1 pack of stitching needles or just 5 threads.
The items must be new and not used. (Send things you'd be happy to receive.)
You will post this PIF on your blog and do the same for at least 2 people.

Mid week update.

2009-12-02T22:00:00.000Z

I worked on my Wizard for UFO Tuesday. I am enjoying working on this so much that when I finish one of my WIP's, I'm going to upgrade it as a WIP lol.

I started my Mill Hill Frosty ornament but there's not enough done to warrant a picture being taken yet.I'm not getting much stitching time in at the moment but I hope that will change pretty soon!

'Naughty' finished.

2009-11-24T23:48:00.000Z

I finally finished my Mill Hill Ormament 'Naughty' tonight. I really enjoyed stitching it.

Here it is finished....................

And here it is with 'Nice'

I also stitched on my Wizard for the ILCS UFO Tuesday. It is really coming along now . I am enjoying stitching on it again. This evening, I started 'Frosty' which is another Mill Hill Ornament. There's not enough done on it to warrant taking a picture.

Clicking on both pictures will 'bigify' them lol.

Mid Week Update

2009-11-19T15:08:00.003Z

I have concentrated mainly on my Mill Hill ornament 'Naughty'. It is very close to being finished now. I just have the beading and a bit of backstitch to do.

Tuesday I worked on my Midnight Enchanter for UFO Tuesday. I didn't get as much as I would of liked done but every stich counts! I am enjoying working on this again.

Clicking on both pictures will bigify them lol.

UFO Tuesday, Midnight Enchanter

2009-11-11T15:35:00.004Z

(Click on photo to bigify)

On my Yahoo group, I resurrected UFO (unfinished object) Tuesday. The idea being that you pull an unfinished, forgotten work out, and put some stitches into it even if it's only 10 minutes.
I pulled out Midnight Enchanter by Dimensions and put a good two hours into it. I have to say I really enjoyed stitching on it.

Celtic Summer update

2009-11-06T14:37:00.002Z

(Click on picture to bigify lol)

After several months, I finally have an update on her. I must be over three quarters of the way done on her now. The borders are fiddly with constant colour changes and beading but the skirt is now stitching up really fast. I was hoping to have her finished this year as I have sworn to myself that I am not to start anymore BAP's until I have finished at least two of the BAP's I have on the go. Needless to say I am very disapointed in myself this year as I haven't finished a single BAP! So when this one is finished and maybe the big dragon, then I will have the daunting task of what new big project to start lol.

I have also made good progress on the Mill Hill 'Naughty' ornament.

'Nice' finished

2009-11-03T22:23:00.000Z

I finally finished my Mill Hill ornament 'Nice'. it wasn't through lack of not trying. Every time I sat down to stitch, something cropped up lol. I really love it. Now I need to get a good start on the 'Naughty' one. I absolutely adore the Mill Hill kits. I did this one aida and not the perforated paper and made it into a pillow ornament.

I have never really had a theme in my kitchen but I have a really nice sized kitchen come dining room and have decided to do a tea and coffee theme, mainly tea though. I love those one cup teapots that fits on top of a cup. I have one and use it all the time for my herbal teas. So I think the theme would be apt as I want to collect teapots. I have a couple of projects to do that are teapot themed which I hope to start in the near future after I have finished my ornaments.

Mill Hill 'Nice'.

2009-10-23T20:51:00.003+01:00

I have not managed to do much stitching the past week but was able to stitch all afternoon today. I worked on my Mill Hill ornament 'Nice'. I love how it is coming along. I'm about three quarters done now. I got a lot of the beading done. I usually do the back stitching last but I could not resist back stitching the reindeer lol as he is so cute. I am hoping to have him finished at the end of the weekend.

Motivation back

2009-10-10T13:37:00.004+01:00

I havent stitched in a good few weeks and got talking to Rene La Frog on messenger last night and she got me back to stitching. Its an ornament called 'Nice' from Mill Hill and hopefully it won't take too long to finish. Every year I say I am going to do Christmas stitching and every year I havent. So I am hoping to change that this year and do lots of ornaments. I've just ordered another Mill Hill kit, a snowman this time.

I have actually unpacked all (or most) of my stitching now and Colin has put some of my stitching up on the walls so there's now more motivation to stitch.

A finish and ILCS Birthday club part deux

2009-08-18T00:25:00.003+01:00

I stitched this bookmark for Rene's daughter, Manda Panda. She has similar tastes to me so it was real easy for me to choose what to stitch for her. I hope she likes it!

Here are my gifts from Nancy J, Vicky L and Kim in Oz from the ILCS Birthday Club. Thank you so much ladies, I was truly spoilt!

This was from Vicky L, thank you so much, I love it all!

This was from Kim in Oz. Thank you so much......you sent me a DD chart that I did not have so thanks again!

Last but not least, this was from Nancy J! As you can see, she really spoilt me. She made me a beautiful bracelet and scissor keep (see below for close up). Thank you so much Nancy, I love them.

Summer Dragon update

2009-08-13T18:11:00.002+01:00

(Click on picture to bigify.)

I finally have an update. I havent touched him for a while but spent two days stitching on him this week. I really want to start a new large project but I have promised myself that I will not until he is finished. Besides, I still have Celtic Summer on the go which I do on Thursdays and The Papillon SAL that I do on Sundays. All three projects haven't really been touched lately so I am trying to get back into the routine with them.

ILCS Birthday Club Presents

2009-08-11T13:22:00.004+01:00

This is what I have received so far from the ILCS Birthday Club. I still have three more parcels to come which are on their way from Nancy, Kim and Vicky, which I will post pictures of when I receive them.

This one is from Ethel, she really spoiled me as you can see! The thread Heaven is welcome with open arms since Cols mum has mine lol. Lots of nice fabric and I always love to get socks!
Thank you for everything Ethel!

This one is from Meari. She sent me three Lizzie Kate charts, a handy measurer, a stitchy nail file, needles (very grateful for as I have run out and am using a nasty old needle from a magazine cover kit!) and Humour is a Virtue chart by Thea Dueck. Thank you so much Meari, I loved it all.

This one is from Shelley. I love the Dragon chart as it is very unusual! As you can see, she stitched me a lovely bookmark and it is so well stitched and finished. I love the fabric and buttons too, so thank you Shelley!

This one is from Melinda, thank you so much! I have already stitched the free piece that is the companion to this one, and am looking forward to stitching it. She also sent me the beads to go with it!

This one is from Debbie S, which was on my wish list. As you can see, she included the fabric to go with the charts. Thank you so much!

This one is from Rhonda. I want to start stitching all the charts in this book right now but it will have to wait lol. Thank you so much!

This one is from Debra H. I have not seen this design before but absolutely love it. Will definitely be stitching this one! Again, the needles couldnt have come at a bettter time!

Thank you ladies for making my Birthday extra special!

I also received 'Bewitching Cross Stitch' by Joan Elliott from my ex hubby, Ivan, which was on my Amazon wish list. Thank you hunny!

A finish and a Pressie

2009-08-09T18:44:00.002+01:00

I finished my first Hardanger piece today. Thank you so much Rene for running the class! I was very nervous about the cutting part but it is easier than it looks. I had more trouble with wrapping the bars.........go figure lol! The design is a freebie from Polstitches. I got the pack which includes fabric, threads and beads from Polstitches specifically for the project.

Rene sent me a pre Birthday package. I just love my piggies. Isn't the cupcake soooooooo cute!

Thank you Rene. I love it so much! Also I received a bookmark from Rene as well that she stitched me seeing I couldn't do the bookmark exchange that I ran as there were an even ammount of participants so I couldnt join in. I just love it and have nearly finished the one I am doing for Rene's daughter Manda Panda.

I am getting very excited as it is my Birthday tomorrow and I get to open lots of pressies from the girls on the Birthday Club. It will be the first year that I will of got stitchy presents!

A finish and a WIP

2009-07-23T15:58:00.002+01:00

Last night I finished my Celestial Bookmark, only I am going to frame it as it is too big and nice to use as a bookmark lol.

(Click on piccy to bigify)

I also finished part three of Rene's Hardanger class this afternoon. The next step is the actual cutting. Not sure whether I am looking forward to that part lol.
I also started another bookmark last night for Rene. I didn't join the bookmark exchange as there was an even number of people taking part so Rene said she would do a one to one exchange with me so I can get to do an exchange lol.

Castles in the Air-update

2009-07-20T18:16:00.004+01:00

(Click on picture to bigify.)

I decided to finally get Castles in the Air out and get part 3 started and hopefully I will be able to finish it before part 4 comes out! I am really enjoying this as I love doing speciality stitches. I am not stitching as much as I could lately. I just don't feel like stitching a lot of the time but once I start stitching, then I am fine. Guess most stitchers get like that at times.

I am feeling pretty excited at the moment as well as we have just bid on a house. Don't know whether we will get it or not.

Freebie finished

2009-07-15T13:40:00.002+01:00

I finished Carlas freebie. The photo is crap as my scanner wont work and my camera is crappy as well, need to get a new one lol. I used purples instead of blue and used Kreinik for the words and blending filament with the cotton for the snowflake. Thank you Carla for giving it to the group!

Celestial bookmark

2009-07-12T18:27:00.004+01:00

Today I decided to take a break from pig projects and work on my bookmark.

Actually, for a bookmark it is very big. The dimensions are 30 wide x 120 high. And most of the area is solid stitching. I put my scissors next to it so you can get some idea how big it is. I love stitched bookmarks and when I was looking for a bookmark, I found I had hardly any let alone many stitched. I left my most favourite one at Colins mum's so I guess I won't be seeing it again. Being a prolific reader, one can never have too many bookmarks, but in my case, not enough!

Colin cooked the dinner today as I am still feeling sore, but getting there.

Our area was flooded

2009-07-07T14:12:00.002+01:00

Pictures and story curtesy of Hastings Observer online

(I live just around the corner and luckily on a hill!)

Date: 07 July 2009 By Richard Morris

After weeks of scorching sun the heavens finally opened this morning - flooding parts of Hastings and leaving cars in St Leonards submerged in pools of water. Storms hit 1066 Country at just after 1am this morning and have not let up since. Blackman Avenue was one of a host of roads closed off by the time locals left for work, with fire crews battling to clear water which had flooded at the end near Battle Road. In fact, as our exclusive pictures show, parts of Hollington were left as much as five foot underwater, with cars wrecked, gardens ruined, homes flooded and bins bobbing on the water. Elsewhere, parents were told St Paul's School had been forced to close after it was a struck by lightning, causing the electrics to short circuit. And, students on their way to Filsham Valley School were diverted across the South Saxons Wetlands in order to get to lessons because of severe flooding which left the entire school field under water. Emergency services said they were inundated with calls. Mark O'Brien, of the local fire service, said: "We were called out two hours ago because of flooding in Blackman Avenue and Hollington Old Lane. "We have received a number of calls about flooding across town with properties and road affected. "In Hollington Old Lane there has been severe flooding due to the rainfall last night. A number of residents are staying in their properties and are cut off by flood water. "They are in no immediate danger and are being asked to go to the upper part of their homes where it is safe. "Water has not entered the houses and we are working hard to make sure it does not. "There is forecast to be further rain today." He said nine homes in Hollington Old Lane had been affected and two in Blackman Avenue, adding: "The flood water is running towards Stonehouse Drive where around 20 properties have been affected." He said the area had flooded because a storm drain had not been able to cope with the high level of rainfall, adding: "We have got emergency equipment and teams on standby to rescue residents in case the water level rises."

Hardanger

2009-07-06T23:43:00.003+01:00

Rene started her online hardanger class today and this is my first part completed. The photo isnt that good as the light from the scanner bounced off the light material. I really enjoyed doing it, so much so that I got my Castles in the Air SAL out and started part three. Just what I needed to get back into stitching.

Apparently, some of you think I have stopped blogging on my day to day blog where there hasnt been any updates in google reader. I have been blogging but for some reason, the feeds are not going through. Alternatively you can add this blog which is exactly the same as my other blog..........it's a back up lol and on Blogger. What can I say? I like blogging lol.

On the road to recovery

2009-07-04T13:26:00.000+01:00

Last Tuesday, I had my gallbladder removed. I'm doing well, just very sore. I'm very bored though as it is so hard just sitting or laying around lol. I was so bored yesterday that I signed up for Club Pogo lol. Also been playing lots of World of Warcraft online lol.
Sod's law that we have been having a heatwave while I've been stuck inside.............mind you, not a bad thing I guess as I dont want to get burnt.
Oh yeah, been Twittering and on Facebook a lot, also learnt how to make the most out of my Nokia E71, including how to upload piccys straight from my mobile to Nokia Ovi and Twitpic etc.................I feel like a darn geek now lol.

Summer Dragon, page 4 completed.

2009-06-09T19:47:00.002+01:00

(Click on photo to bigify)

I have just finished page four and only have two pages left to go! The picture does not do justice to all the metallics and blending filaments that are used. All the borders, except the grey areas, contain some metallic or another. Even the black rock contains metallics. So, just two pages to go and then the back stitching of the dragon. Then it's finished, woohoo!

England Heart by The Victoria Sampler

2009-06-04T15:24:00.004+01:00

(Click on photo to bigify)

I finished my England Sampler by The Victoria Sampler. I am really pleased with the way it turned out. The kit came with information too.

Official Flower: English Rose
Motto: "Dieu et Mon Droit" (God and My Right)
Bird: European Robin

The offical Flower of England is the English Rose, and the Robin on the left is the official bird. The Foliage stitch under the Robin, symbolizes the wonderful green valleys that attract visitors from all over the world. The St.Georges Cross is the national Flag. The featured stitch represents the surrounding ocean (fan stitch), as well as the Thames River. Finally, at the bottom of the heart, you can find the Crown of England to celebrate the long reign of Queen Elizabeth 11!

On Monday we rang Kodak and they said they would send us a new printer head free of charge and it turned up yesterday (Wednesday), I am certainly impressed with how speedy it turned up! So needless to say, I printed out the Papillon pt 3 SAL out lol.

PT 2 finished of Castles in the Air

2009-05-31T18:57:00.003+01:00

This afternoon I finished part two of the Papillon SAL, Castles in the Air. As much as I love stitching it, I had to force myself to do it as I have lost the plot where stitching is corncerned and over the past couple of weeks, have not even fancied stitching. And I'm fecked off as the printer won't print properly so I can not print part three out. The past two weeks have been very stressful for me, lots of things happening, some good, some bad and a smattering of bad panic attacks inbetween. And on top of all this poop, we are trying to move house. [Full story on the other blog.]

Catch up time.

2009-05-13T14:03:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I spent quite a few hours on Summer Dragon. I am almost done with page four now. I am trying to keep this as my main project now because it should of been finished a long time ago. I've had to many distractions lol. I won't be starting anything big either when it is finished as I am moving straight onto Celtic Summer and The Magician that has become a UFO. Talking of UFO's, I found another one. It's a bookmark, but a very large bookmark of the sun and moon. That has now become my smaller project.
I hope everyone is well and managing to get stitching time in!

'May' by Lizzie Kate finished

2009-05-11T14:47:00.001+01:00

I finally finished it although we are already into May. I might give the next one a miss as I am so behind in my stitching now! Oh well, better late then never lol.