Birthday Gifts for Friends and Other Stories!

Sorry to have disappeared for a couple of weeks. I just haven't felt like posting but thought it was time I sorted myself out so I now have a few photos to share.

First of all it was my friend Lisa B's birthday last week. I'd had something stitched but hadn't got around to making it up so was a wee bit late sending it to her. Lisa loved it which made me very happy.

Little House Needleworks Home

Unknown fabric

DMC

Started 26th June 2012

Finished 28th June 2012

Birthday Gift for Lisa B.

Saturday was my dear friend Karan's birthday and this is what I stitched for her.

Homespun Elegance Making My Heart Happy.

32 count fabric

DMC

Started 15th June 2012

Finished 16th June 2012

Birthday Gift for Karan.

I had a lovely thank you card from her yesterday which said that she loves the heart and sentiment:) I'm so glad you liked it Karan:)

Well over a year ago Christina kindly sent me a needleroll kit she had in her stash but wouldn't stitch. I was looking through my stash for something new to start but was feeling too lazy to kit up so thought this was ideal as everything was in the kit.

Lori Birmingham Stitcher's Needleroll ( as kitted)

Started 28th June 2012

Finished 29th June 2012

I'd like to pass the chart and leftover threads on to someone else who would like to stitch it so just say in your comment if you'd like to :) If more than one person is interested I will pick a name :)

I've also done some finishing on a couple of bits I'd finished stitching while I could do nothing more than stitch or knit! I have to rely on Abi or Jess to lift my sewing machine out for me.

This one is Shepherd's Bush Elizabethan Needlecushion.

And this one is Shepherd's Bush Our Hearts Pincushion.

My stitching has slowed up a lot now that I am able to do a bit more and I'm getting out walking more too. I still have to behave on the lifting front but I do forget sometimes and know I've done it. I desperately want to have a good dust and clean but it's getting myself motivated to do it although Jess says he will help me and we're going to do a room a day.

Anyway back to stitching. I had a new start at the end of June. It's Carriage House Samplings Wash Day which I am thoroughly enjoying. I have done a bit more to this since I took the photo. I must admit I've got a bit fed-up with my stitching. I think because I've been able to do such a lot ( which was great if I'm honest. Who doesn't want to sit and stitch all day!) and now I have such a lot to make up which I've had a crisis of confidence with I just don't want to do it so much. So at the moment I only have 3 WIPs. Yep 3 one of which I can't show! 

I've also been getting on with my SAL with Mouse; Little House Needleworks A Stitcher's Heart. It is almost finished then I'll start on the Shakespeare's Peddlar piece. 

I'm trying to be good and not buy anymore new charts for a bit longer. It's hard though when you look through what you have and don't want to stitch any of it ( I do have SB stuff that I want to stitch!) but I still love what I have. So I'm going to use the money from sales I've made to kit up stuff I already have.

I have been doing some knitting. I take my Crest of a Wave Baktus to craft club with me on a Tuesday. I'm really enjoying being able to go there again. I've been searching Ravelry for an afghan to knit as I'd love to have one to hand down and found a free one so I asked my DH if he'd mind me buying some wool. I bought some on sale from Kemps so I'm good to go when I've finished some other bits. I'd also seen one in a magazine that I'd picked up at craft club when one of the ladies had brought some in for us to have but it was in two parts. Nic very kindly sent me the mag with it in so I can knit that one too! Anyway this has been keeping me busy.

This is one of Abi's mitts. She chose them ( Alderman Mitts a free download on ravelry) but I wasn't sure I could knit them. I've never used DPNs before plus they're cabled and the thought of all those needles filled me with dread! As you can imagine I am rather proud of myself. The other one is about halfway done then I have to start on some for Jess as she has decided she would like some too but she wants hers red and black.

Last but by no means least my dear friend Michelle went to France on a stitching retreat the other weekend and very kindly sent me this lovely coaster. I have it on my little table by where I sit to stitch. Thank you so much Michelle. It's so sweet of you to think of me.

Almost forgot Abi has started up a blog. She doesn't stitch but she's using it to show her photography and just general chatter. I'd really appreciate it if you have a spare minute just to pop on over and say hello:) http://apocketfulofwonderland.blogspot.co.uk/

Well I think that's everything for now. I still have a few bits for sale if you'd like to have a look:)

Until next time.

With much love

Sally

xxxx