Look what came in the Mail...

I had a wonderful week last week, my mail was full of delights, firstly my HOE Biscornu from Jane. Thank you Jane - it is a Thea Dueck design stitched on Pewter linen.

Then Heidi http://needlenecessities.blogspot.com/ sent me this super scissor fob, with an acorn and leaf charm on the end,I love acorns! She wrapped it in the above fabric - which I thought was a lovely way to wrap a gift.

Then Nicola http://talesfrommyneedle.blogspot.com/ sent me this beautiful pinkeep. We had planned to meet up when she visited the Dales, however I had a family event and couldn't make it. So she sent me this. It is a Prairie Schooler design. Aren't the colours so fresh .

It cetainly made my week.

Springberries Needlecase

I stitched this lovely needlecase a design from Cinderberry stitches
Inside!

However I used a hand dyed thread, and didn't check for colourfastness.

As a result, when I steam pressed the design, the dye ran, as you can see here.

I was very disappointed, as I had planned to send it to a friend as a gift, my God-daughter, hearing of this, stepped into the breach and "found it a good home"!

I am working on a second attempt, with colour fast thread.

Why is learning from one's mistakes so painful?

QFRR - my progress on Jinger's piece

I am participating in a Quaker Friendship RR. Here is my progress so far on Jinger's http://raeofsunstitches.blogspot.com/ piece.

A great big thank you to all who responed to my sock SOS.

It seems I was knitting on the wrong side of the needles!

I have started again - and will keep you updated on their progress - this WILL probably take all year, I am a very SLOW knitter.

(You have been warned.)

Sock SOS

A plea for help from all you sock knitters out there. I am attempting my first pair of socks, and am struggling somewhat - my problem seem to be that I am knitting this sock inside out! What am I doing wrong? Suggestions or remedies greatly appreciated.

Secret santa Swap

My stitching group held a secret santa Swap this Christmas. My partner was Heidineedlenecessities.blogspot.com/ and I stiched this cushion for her, it is a Lizzie Kate chart "Friendship begins with kindness".
Here is the full swap.

In return I was delighted to receive from Barbara www.granniesblog-barbara.blogspot.com. this host of delightful goodies. I have to say that the scarf and teacosy are most welcome, she also sent a lovely fabric bundle, threads and a book.

Thank you Barbara.

Happy New Year

May I wish each and every one of you a Happy and healthy New Year.

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!