It's Arrived!

Wahooo guess what arrived last Thursday? Yep my last Frosty Forest auto AND my lovely Silver Creek Samplers Garden Bliss chart. It is as gorgeous in real life as it is in the photos online! I will admit to feeling a little emotional when I saw it. Of course I just had to sort some fabric and converted the GAST and WDW online to DMC,  although I did change the skin tones a little, so that I was ready to start it on Tuesday evening. So this is my start on 32 count Crafty Kitten Vintage Petals. This will now be my Tuesday evening stitch. My Dad would approve of this one although he approved of all my stitching and always took great interest in it.

When I ordered my chart I also ordered one for my long time online friend Fi, as she had asked if I would get one for her, and on Monday I received an RAK from her of an extremely cute sheep needleminder. Thank you so much Fi x

Before I show my other WIPs I will announce the winner of the JBW Designs Our Family chart. As only one person showed an interest in it and that person is Michelle! Congratulations Michelle! The chart will be in the post ASAP.

So what else have been up to? Well I have finally got some trims on some bits and pieces that have been sewn up for a while so here they all are. I decided to pop outside and use my holly etc as props! These were mostly stitched last year. Still have several to decide what to  do with.

I have been beavering away on LHN Needleworker and I took it with me to Gill's on Monday.  She was having another open day for her wool store and I took it just in case we had a bit of time for crafting which we did . Unfortunately I realised I'd made a mistake in my counting last week but I have done too much to frog so it is staying. I will have to be careful with the top and bottom border when I stitch that to make them right or just leave them off. I'll decide when I get to them! Almost finished the wording last night.

Just Nan Wintry Mix is almost finished. I have been enjoying stitching a Just Nan again. It's been a long time since I stitched one and I have loads that I've stitched.  This one is just so pretty. I might sit outside this evening, depending on the weather, and see if I can finish it. I'll be stitching another Just Nan when I have finished.

I made a good bit of progress on my CHS piece from the Just Cross Stitch mag. I love how this is looking. The colours are so beautiful . I plan on stitching the alphabet design as well.

Not so much progress on June's Honeysuckle this week. Sunday afternoon we went to the cinema to see How To Train Your Dragon 2. The cinema is getting rather expensive now but I used some of my Tescos club card vouchers to get 4 adult tickets so it didn't cost anything other than £10 of my vouchers which is a good deal. Afterwards we went to KFC so by the time we got home and I got settled down to stitching time was getting on. It was good to get out though and the film was fantastic although we all ended up crying. Won't say why in case any of you are planning on seeing it!

Monday evening I cut my stitching time short so that  we could commemorate 100 years since the start of World War 1 with "Lights Out " from 10 pm to 11 pm. The idea was to just have a single candle or light source. It was very poignant.  My Grandad's cousin died at the Battle of Arras in May 1917 from the wounds he sustained. 

So this is how my Frosty Forest is looking.  Almost done with Snowman's Cottage.

Today is Jess' 23rd birthday but we're just having a quiet day . I can't believe she is 23! How on earth did that happen? 

That's all from me for this time. I hope you are all enjoying the rather hot weather we've been having over here. I'm sorry to say that it is way too hot for me. I have been sitting out in the garden but only in an evening when it's not quite so hot!

Also another message for Sue about the Better Homes and Gardens A Cross Stitch Christmas book that Lo How A Rose was in. On my last post I did leave links that would take you directly to the book both on Amazon UK and USA but I'm guessing that you didn't see them. I have just found a photo of the book from when Lois sent it to me so here it is :)

Thank you all for continuing to visit me and for leaving lovely comments . I appreciate each and every one so much.

Until next time.

With much love.

Sally xxxx

BOAF Sally Spencer Sampler

Just a quick post for now. I'm trying to do some finishing, not getting far and getting very frustrated! Anyway remember my WIP?

Well I hate it! Don't ask me why as I don't know. I loved the design so much when I saw it stitched up by KarenV that I bought the chart but now I can't stand to stitch it anymore. This is what it looks like finished.

So I was wondering if anyone was interested in buying my WIP with the chart and threads ( GAST). I can't afford to give it away as it cost me about £25 with the chart, threads and fabric. So I would like to sell it for about £15 plus postage. So please someone take it off my hands so I don't have to keep stitching it lol! If you are interested please email me ( email is in my profile).

Fingers crossed I'll be back in a day or two with some actual finished pieces!

With much love

Sally

xx

A Stitching Crisis Lol!

A stitching crisis indeed! I blame all those weeks of having nothing else to do but stitch whilst I was recovering from my surgery. It was all very nice at the time but now I'm struggling. I won't say that I hate cross stitching but I'm finding it hard to get myself motivated. In my attempt to get back to how I was I've even picked up HAED Guardian again. I really feel the need for my hunky angel to help me out here and hear my pleas for some good things to happen to give us some hope and not just a fear of doom and gloom that we seem to have these days. I think part of my problem could be that I feel so despondent. I've gone off track a little there! Lol! I don't seem to be enjoying my stitching as much as I did and I'm not even sure that I like the few things I'm stitching on at the moment. So what to do? Start a load of new stuff? Persevere with what I'm stitching and see how it goes? 

Anyway enough of that. Time to show some actual stitching and some knitting. 

Barb and I both finished our Blackbird Designs last week so this Monday it was new start time. I chose Small Token and here's the little bit I stitched.

Last night I decided on a new start. Possibly going to be a big mistake as it'll mean I have two HAEDs on the go but I promised Abi I'd stitch this one for her. I did start it ages ago but the fabric wasn't right for my plan not to stitch the black background so this time I'm stitching the background. This means lots of black and here's my 400 stitches from last night. As you can see I'm using Magic Guide fabric which is brilliant! You just wash your piece when it's done and the marks wash out. Saves lots of times spent gridding:)

I've made a bit of progress on BOAF Sally Spencer Sampler. Not enjoying this as much as I had hoped.

As I said earlier I have picked up HAED Guardian again. I'm not sure if I will actually stitch the whole thing so I will just see how it goes. This chart was gifted to me for a reason by my surrogate sis Lisa and it means a lot to me. I think I managed about 500 stitches over two nights.

I've finally remembered to take a photo of my framed Lizzie*Kate 6 Fat Men. I still haven't got it hung on the wall!

Lastly some knitting. At craft club a couple of weeks ago I finished my Crest of a Wave Baktus. I'm really pleased with how it turned out but when I was sorting some needles for my next project I realised I'd knitted it on smaller needles than I should have! Duh! 

I had to get Jess' mitts finished before she moved back to her student house and I did. She wanted hers red and black and I love how they look. Oh that is her hamster Wesley getting in on the act!

Finally I started a new knitting project and this will be what I take to craft club with me each week and I may well do a bit at home when I've had enough of stitching in an evening. It is the Arsenic and Old Lace Afghan which I found on Ravelry. It is a huge undertaking but so far it's looking OK. This is my first block. I'm knitting it in Woolcraft Aran.

I'm hoping to get the enthusiasm back for blog commenting properly too. I feel so bad that I haven't been doing much but I just seem to be able to get myself motivated. I think I need a swift kick up the butt!

Need to get my finishing stuff out too and make a start on the boat load of stitching that needs making up ( OK boat load is a bit of an exaggeration but for me it's a lot!

Take care everyone.

With much love.

Sally

xxxxx

Finishes and Stuff

I can't believe it's nearly 2 weeks since I last posted. Anyone miss me? Lol! I honestly don't know where the time has gone but we have been busy what with one thing and another.

I have been stitching and have had a few finishes. I finally popped the last few stitches and did the backstitch on Just Nan Floral Fifteen. I was thinking earlier when I took the photo that I was ready to stitch it all together but I've just realised I need to sew the beads on! So glad I realised now.

Just Nan Floral Fifteen

Country vintage cream and country vintage green linen

DMC

Started 19th July 2012

Finished 29th August 2012

It's going to be fun ( not) putting it together!

I didn't quite get my August ornament for the Christmas All Year Round SAL finished in August but never mind. I did leave the border off as I think I like it better without.

Little By Little Designs Making Spirits Bright

36 count linen

DMC

Started 15th August 2012

Finished 2nd September 2012

Barb and I have been stitching away on our BBD pieces on a Monday evening and I finished mine this week. Not sure what I'm going to decide on next but I loved stitching this one. The chart is now for sale

Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers no.6 Truly Thine

28 count Jayne's Attic Count on Me Carnation

Victorian Motto Threads Antique Rose

Started 6th August 2012

Finished 3rd September 2012

I've made very little progress on BOAF Sally Spencer Sampler but at least it's a little progress!

I had a new start last night of the Home Sweet Home chart from Cross Stitcher which June kindly sent me. Love this so far.

I finally got L*K 6 Fat Men back from my framer but haven't taken a photo of it yet. I've had it over a week and it still isn't even up on the wall! I need to stop stitching larger pieces as I'm running out of wall space!

My DH had another week off last week but we spent much of it at his Dad's house trying to get it cleared out as it is sold subject to contract. Obviously they have to wait until everything sorted before it can go through but we all want to get it cleared so we can move on. Not forget but move on. It has been a very emotional time for us all. However we did have a day out on Thursday and we went to Whitby. Well what a day we chose! When we set off it wasn't too bad but as got on our way the rain started to come down. It rained and rained and rained some more! We got wet through and we were so cold as the wind was howling! We did enjoy it though and I've got quite a few photos of the abbey ( cannot believe it cost the four of us £23 to get in to see it! A bit of a rip of I think personally!). Trying to get photos was fun in the wind!

My visit to the dentist went OK and I was very brave and had my wisdom tooth out with just a local. I will admit I was very scared but it's done and will only cost me £49 instead of at least £200. I still haven't got full feeling back in my tongue but I know that can take a while to be right again and my gum is still healing from where the wisdom tooth was ( and boy was it a huge tooth!). 

Well I had better go as I'm off cleaning kitchen cupboards at DH's Dads after lunch ready for the new owners once it all goes through.

Will catch up with everyone is stitching soon.

With much love

Sally

xxxx

Happy Belated Birthday Julie :)

Monday was my lovely friend Julie's birthday. Friends are so important in our lives and are to be treasured and my stitching friends are incredibly important to me. So I stitched Julie this to show how important she is :)

Homespun Elegance Making My Heart Happy

unknown fabric

DMC

Birthday gift for Julie.

You may remember that I stitched this for Karan's birthday but I just love the sentiment of it. I am very happy to say that Julie loved it. Happy Birthday my dear friend.

I've had a couple of finishes since my last post. I wasn't far off finishing my July ornament so here it is. Not made up yet I'm afraid.

Blackbird Designs Christmas Ornament 2004 ( from the JCS ornament mag 2004)

32 count fabric

GAST and DMC.

Started 17th July 2012

Finished 26th July 2012.

I haven't decided on my ornament for this month yet. I have two short listed!

My other finish is this cutie. Not made up yet but I might get around to it today.

Shepherd's Bush Snowman Treat Bag ( kit kindly gifted to me by Shirlee )

Started 16th July 2012

Finished 23rd July 2012

I had a new start. Photo does not do the fabric or threads justice. It is Birds of a Feather Sally Spencer Sampler.

I've sort of been concentrating on Just Nan Floral Fifteen and have almost got the first 5 parts completed. I love the colours.

Finally a while ago I admired Lainey's finish of BBD Willow House. I've loved this piece for a while now and she kindly offered to send me the chart and here it is :) Thank you so much Lainey {{{{hugs}}}} I'll be passing this on once I've stitched it.

Barb and I are thinking of having a break from our Shepherd's Bush Monday SAL and picking another designers to stitch for a while. We haven't decided as yet so watch this space!

Need to get to the PO as Barb and I are having a private SB stitched piece exchange and we are posting out today :)

I must apologise for not having commented on many blogs recently. My reader had nearly 200 new posts in it yesterday so I'm afraid I had to mark them all as read and I will start again. 

Better go and get to the PO!

With much love

Sally

xxxxx

Lots Of Stitching

I have lots of stitching to show. Please bear in mind that I can't do much of anything else then sleep, rest, stitch and knit so I have done a lot more stitching than I normally would have. It has been frustrating watching my DH and Abi do all the cooking, cleaning etc while I sit back but if I don't do as I'm supposed to my surgery will have been a complete waste of time and there is no way I am going back into hospital even though it was a nice one and all the staff were absolutely brilliant. So this post will be picture heavy.

My first finish was the night before I went in for my surgery.

Birds of a Feather Love

35 count white linen ( I think)

DMC

Started 1st May 2012

Finished 8th May 2012

I picked up my stitching again on the Saturday after my surgery. I had taken Little House Needleworks Snow White in with me but did not feel up to stitching.

Little House Needleworks Snow White

32 count Sparklies Pisces evenweave

DMC

Started 12th May 2012

Finished 19th May 2012

Because I sorted several projects before my surgery I actually pulled out some charts I'd had for a quite a while and one of them was this one.

Midsummer Night Designs Remember Me Stitching Pocket

32 count ivory evenweave

Crescent Colours

Started 14th may 2012

Finished 17th May 2012

This one was an absolute joy to stitch and I have to admit that I did not want to put it down. I am so pleased I bought the CC threads for it when I bought the chart. I don't think this will be my last MND piece.

Final finish is this lovely one.

Little House Needleworks Joy to the World

32 count raw linen

DMC

Started 15th May 2012

Finished 16th May 2012.

I now have three WIPs. First one is my SB SAL with Barb ( not sure if Colleen is still with us or not) and this is the front of Our Hearts Pincushion. I'll start the back next Monday.

The next one is Chessie & Me Scarlet's Christmas Sampler. I am using the fabric which came with the chart ( it's Lakeside Linens and it's gorgeous to stitch on ) with GAST. I didn't buy the limited edition ones for this so am using normal ones. I stitched more on this yesterday but couldn't be bothered to take another photo today.

Finally I couldn't resist a Sampler Girl design for my recovery period so I started Northanger Abbey.

If you've stuck with me so far thank you :) Lol! Here's a couple of photos of the cards I've received from family and friends.

My lovely friend Michelle sent me this beautiful card and pincushion which is gorgeous and really lifted my spirits. It was waiting for me when I came home from hospital. Thank you so much Michelle {{{{hugs}}}}

Another lovely friend Ann ( no blog) sent me this lovely card and pillow which I absolutely love. Thank you so much Ann for lifting my spirits {{{{hugs}}}}

My dear  friend Tricia sent me one of her beautiful hand made cards along with some pretty thread and a very yummy sounding Red Raspberry herb tea bag. Thank you so much Tricia {{{{hugs}}}}.

I am now very near at the 2 week post surgery stage and I am not doing too badly at all. Some days are better than others. I still get very tired and I don't think I've slept this well for months. From the day after my surgery right through last week I think I cried every single day! Yesterday was not brilliant as I've been feeling under the weather. I had a very short walk ( just half way down the street!) on Sunday with my DH as the patient information leaflet said I was allowed and then on Monday Abi took me out and I walked a teeny bit further. Problem is remembering not to go too far as I have to get back!

Mouse and I are starting a SAL of the Little House Needlworks/ Shakespeare's Peddler charts that were released at Nashville tonight. I'm looking forward to that :)

Thank you for reading and thank you for all your lovely comments on my last post. Not sure when I'll be back again but I'm going to try and read and comment on a few blogs today but please bear with me if I don't.

With much love.

Sally

xxxx

A Birthday Gift for Michelle :)

Yesterday was my lovely friend Michelle's birthday and having noticed her love of bluebirds :) I stitched her this:)

Blackbird Designs So Fade My Hours 

32 count evenweave ( can't remember the colour off hand!)

DMC 

Started 29th March 2012

Finished 12th April 2012

Birthday gift for Michelle.

This was a joy to stitch and I just love how it turned out. It makes me happy to know that Michelle loved it too:) Happy Birthday my dear friend xxx

I've stitched a little more on BOAF Love but, boy, has this little thing been causing me some problems! I got mixed up with two symbols and stitched the wrong colour so frogged that then I realised I'd made a mistake on the man so he's higher up than he should be. He is staying that way!!!!

Finally I treated myself to an evenweave grab bag from Polstitches the other day and it arrived today. This is what I got in it and I love them.

I also treated myself to the Joan Elliott book Bewitching after seeing some lovely WIPs and finishes on the Polstitches Facebook group. It arrived today and it's fantastic. Yes I know I'm supposed to be stitching from my stash but I am still doing that! Lol!

Thank you for all your wonderful comments on my finishes the other day :) 6 Fat Men will going to the framers and I think I'll make The Journey into a pin cushion or something.

Apologies to anyone who has been unable to access my blog due to content from Shabbyblogs. Shirlee alerted me but I couldn't understand it as my blog background was not from there but I had two buttons in my sidebar so have now removed those. Thank you for the heads-up Shirlee:)

Well I'd better get myself off here and vacuum upstairs. I need to get caught up on blogs too but will do that tomorrow :)

With much love.

Sally

xxxx