Fair and Square - Autumn round

Sorry you will have to view these beautiful squares sent to me by Gillie sideways! Can't work out why they have rotated, as they looked straight to me when I loaded them!

These are the square sent by me to Gillie.

Back at the wheel

I hadn't intended taking a blogging break - believe me! But life has a way of dictating otherwise - and I have been really busy with lots of family and health issues that have kept me fully occupied.

I do see light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

Normal service will resume - next week.

Meiow

I made this pinkeep this week.

Kitty Cat by Twisted Thread
stitched on Gingham linen
using DMC threads

Fair and Square 9

Prarie Schooler - Seasons

Stitched on 32 count Flax

using DMC threads

These are the squares I stitched for Stephanie M and in return she stitched me this - I just love the colours. many, many thanks Stephanie.

You may recognise the design as I stitched it for Suzanne in an earlier exchange, so I was delighted to have my very own version.

Oh Dear me...

It just hasn't been my week this week...

Monday -was under the duvet alongside a multitude of cold/flu germs.

Tuesday - much the same as Monday, but this time without the duvet.

Wednesday - back to work and my phone died. DS dental appointment had to be re-arranged.

Thursday - the TV decided it would switch on , then half the picture would go, then it would go off. Probably needs replacing. Ho Hum.

Today - collecting DS from school to attend re-arranged dental appointment, when the car refused to move from the middle of the car park. Had to call DH for a rescue (luckily for us he works nearby). Made dental appointment, DS has to have braces! He is not a happy bunny. The car recovery man has moved the car, but the garage can't look at it until Tuesday!

Was going to see my Dad tomorrow, so have had to cancel that.

Do you think that's enough for one week?

I do!

Stitched

Stitched up

Stitched in

unpicked.

Enclosed

encased

hemmed in.

Gathered together

flat felled

overlocked.

Steamed and pressed

The slow train...

I had a wonderfully colourful win on ebay last week, as you can see!

I am collecting in preparation for a quilt for DD, who wants it to be "colourful" and "busy". I also purchased a basket for said quarters - which is filling nicely.

The post also brought these lovely squares from Vonna in the Fair and Square exchange - Acorns are a favourite of mine, and I love this LHN design.

No progress pictures, as most of my current stitching is for upcoming exchanges - I have also been enjoying the company of my DD who was home for a visit. Lots of chatting, but perhaps not as much stitching as there should have been.

This week I have a reluctant scholar as DS faces the prospect of school tomorrow, and I have a W.I. party tomorrow night, for which I am baking.

The nights are drawing in, and I don't feel ready for the long dark winter days quite yet - maybe I am just reluctant to admit that "summer" has been and gone, and that the umbrella I have had as a constant companion will needs be replaced by woollies and wellies and thick warm socks!

Thank you to all who comment, it is very welcome and much appreciated.

Fair and Square round 8

Vonna has let me know that the squares I stitched for her in the Fair and Square round have arrived safely.

I adapted a design from Sampler and Antique Needlework quarterly, summer 2007.

Celebrate Summer

Yours truely enjoying an ice on holiday last week.

The beautiful squares I received from Rowyn in the Fair and square celebrate summer round.
My progress on Simple Little Quaker to date.

Coo eee I'm home...

Having had a wonderful week in Wales, visiting with DD.
North Wales has an abundance of beautiful coastline and places of interest, all backed by stunning mountain scenery. I would post pictures - BUT
I dropped my camera in the sand and it took exception to this treatment, can't think why!

So until normal service is restored here are some links of places we visited, to wet your appetite!
http://www.castlewales.com/beaumar.html

http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/events_and_leisure/visitor_centres/south_stack.htmll

http://www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/piers/bangor%20pier.htm

Thanks for all the wonderful comments people have left for me, and the 2 blog awards I received when I was on holiday. I am truely touched.

F & S Round 7

I have just had confirmation from Suzannehttp://www.squaziandthechicken.blogspot.com/that her squares have arrived safely.

They were stitched on 32 count Belfast linen in Antique white, using DMC thread and embellished with Mill Hill beads.

Thanks to all who have taken the time to comment on my previous posts - your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated

The return of the blogger...

These are the beautiful squares I received fron Suzanne in Round 7 of the Fair and Square exchange, I am just sorry that my photographic skills do not do them justice.

This is a more detailed photo of the square.

I haven't been altogether idle, although lack of posts may suggest otherwise. This is the biscornu I stitched for Nicola in a private exchange we did when she was in the Dales .

Adjusting to the "empty nest" is still an ongoing emotional rollercoaster.

Thank goodness for stitching friends - bless you all.

Adjusting...

slowly to the void caused by our DD leaving home. The house is quiet, the atmosphere calm and unhurried. The bathroom surprises me every morning - it is tidy.

But we miss her, it is the small insignificant things, her hairbrush by the mirror, her one slipper by the sofa, her music in the background, the notes she left on the table, her cooking, and her suduko. Good luck Baby Girl.

My nest is empty...

Fair and Square to KathyA

This is my exchange to KathyA - I stitched an adapted Lizzie*Kate, using WDW threads on 32 count Belfast linen (Flax)

I really loved the colours and will be doing this again!

Fair and Square from Kathy A

This is the delightful square and wonderful goodies I received from KathyA in the Fair and Square exchange - she very thoughtfully included threads and fabrics in my favourite colours, as well as a lovely Quaker chart, needles and holder.

Thank you Kathy - I loved it all!

A tiny treat

I stitched this recently for my friend Pam, and learnt that it had arrived safely.

Thread gatherer silk - Autumn Leaves, over one on a scrap of fabric I had.

Fair and Square part II

This was my exchange from SueW. Her design was adapted from a Drawn Thread design in beautiful subtle colours. Thank you Sue, I shall treasure it.

Fair and Square - Earth Day

My Fair and Square exchange to SueW.

ebay stash

My ebay win this week, 4 very pretty fat quarters - greens - sorry the photo isn't too clear. So now No excuses for not finishing anything.

Quaker Progress

A update on my progress on this delightful sampler. Hoping to add some more this weekend, or maybe have a new start! Mmmm...

Pillow Finish

A couple of photos of the pillow I stitched this weekend. Sorry about the light quality. This is what you get when you take pictures at night!

It was Sweet Exemplary by Ewe & Eye and Friends. Stitched on a remnant of hand dyed linen using American Thread company 1502. It was a fun quick stitch and finish, just to prove to myself that I can actually complete something . I have to thank my good friend Pam for this chart, thanks Pam, and also for the eggs you see in the background.

I was also busy finishing my Earth Day Holiday round for the Fair and Square exchange - but I can't show pictures just yet.

Happy Easter

This is the Easter arrangement I did at my flower class last Wednesday. The moss basket was made in class at Christmas, and has kept really well - a squirt with the water spray greened it up.

I then used those lovely orange-peach roses, and added a certain something with the wonderful ginuea fowl feathers. Surprisingly the small chocolate eggs have stayed put, (I did count them!) and the paper eggs were purchased from work.

My Mum loved to arrange flowers, so this is for her.

Happy Easter to one and all.

Rebecca Margaret Alice

21 years ago today we welcomed Rebecca into the world.

She has brought us untold joy, sleepless nights, stress, laughter, a unique view of the world, boyfriends, black t shirts, cats, a dislike of washing up, and a whole life time of love.

Thank you baby girl!

Progress ... Simple Little sampler

My progress so far... this is a very relaxing stitch. I am also using Petites for the first time.

A PS to the roof repairs that took place on Wednesday - they blew off again Thursday night - what did I say......................I'll leave that to your imaginations.

Thanks for all your lovely comments - they truly enhance my stitching and blogging experience.

Fair and Square exchange

My postman brought this wonderful exchange this morning. I had had a rather fraught morning at work, and this made my day. My exchange partner Tracyhttp://tajinaz.blogspot.com/ had included a pin cushion, hanging, space dyed threads and charms as well as stitching this beautiful peacock.

Thank you Tracy - it is delightful, your thouhgtfulness is much apriciated.

12 Houses - The Drawn Thread

12 Houses Sampler

The Drawn Thread

Stitched on recommended fabric using DMC threads

I finished this today. I have stitched it for an old friend of mine who will be moving house later this month. It was an enjoyable stitch, apart from the chain stitch on the right hand side, which I found difficult to make even! Off to the framers now.

Thank you for looking.

Beginning and End...

My new start this week Papillon Creations Simple Little Quaker, stitching on 36ct Chantilly creme with WDW Twilight.

This is my stitching for the first ornament of the Bride's Tree SAL. It was adapted from a freebie found at The Floss Box. It was stitched on Polstitches Mythical Mermaid using Gloriana silks -Cranberry and Vikki Clayton silks - Haywains.

We are also without several roof tiles and front guttering - thanks to the January gales last night - hay ho, is that another battle with the Insurance company I see looming ahead of me.

Unexpected treat

An unexpected treat this afternoon - an afternoon at home - as the forecast snow has arrived. This was the scene at noon today from my living room window. I wonder what I can possibly find to do - ? (HA HA)

Back at last...

It is nice to be back among the blogging community after an enforced holiday due to computer problems!

The Drawn Thread 12 Houses Sampler, I am using recommended threads and fabric.

Right: My Christmas stitching Heartstrings The Santa Factory, can't remember which fabric I used , but it was suggested DMC threads - I still have 4 small hearts to add at some point.

May I wish all visitors to this blog (new and old) a very Happy New Year, and wish you all lots of time and opportunity to stitch (and enhance your stash!)