The end of 2011 WIP catch up post

Recently I got out the iron and prepared my active works in progress for a little photo-shoot.

Here’s a first photo of my stitching on Stickideen von der Wiehenburg’s Coat of Arms Band Sampler (this is the first 20 pages). Get the chart by joining the SAL here (there’s a fee of 12.5 Euros). I’m stitching mine on 40 count white linen with various Vikki Clayton blue silks (so far I have stitched through the Ethereal Blues and the Icicle Blues).

Coat of Arms Band Sampler - Stickideen von der Wiehenburg

I was incorrect when I said I’d only completed one motif on Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler in my last post… I completed OD to LB and the little flower to the right of it. I’ve also started on the motif to the right. My BP is stitched on 40 count cream linen with Vikki Clayton Fish Pepper-ika silk.

Beatrix Potter's Quaker Sampler

And here’s a pic of the whole thing so far.

Beatrix Potter's Quaker Sampler (the whole she-bang)

Lastly, here’s where I am up to with Shepherd Bush’s Holly and Ivy (now I am down to the over one section, I am not so engaged with it).

The Holly and the Ivy - Shepherds Bush

Introducing Tripitaka

Aww -- Tripitaka having a little nap

We adopted Tripitaka (Trip for short, also known as Tee and Tee-tarka – for someone so small she has a lot of nicknames!) during June earlier this year.  She was found by someone from my work, abandoned in a storm drain with her two sisters.  She was six weeks old she came home to live with us – her two sisters were also taken by people from work (a vet advised when it would be safe to split up the threesome).  Trip gets along quite well with our other cat, Felix.  Trip is full of energy and likes to play fight with Felix but he is very tolerant and just lets her get on with it till he’s had enough and will then walk away.

Here's Dr K (Joel) playing online with both cats assisting from his lap.

There’s a few more photos of Tripitaka in my flickr account here.

Felix, a true gentleman.

To finish today’s post, here’s a picture Felix looking extra dignified.  My hubby Joel told me to take a snap of him this morning when I was taking a few photos of Tripitaka as Felix is quite jealous of any attention she gets.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Yes, it’s already Christmas morning down under and I have received an iPad from Dr K. I am feeling rather spoiled this morning! I have a feeling that I may be more inclined to post often this next year…

What have I been working on?

Beatrix Potter’s quaker sampler – I have finished one whole motif this year – not the greatest achievement

Coat of Arms band sampler by SvdW

The Holly and Ivy by Shepherd’s Bush

Since we last met (in February – Shameful!!) I have finished just one piece, March by The Prairie Schooler.

I’ve got no photos to share this morning – I need to get the old iron out and give my WIPS a press.

In other news, the weight loss journey is still underway, currently I’ve lost just under 30 kilos (66 pounds – which sounds like a lot – it’s taken me since July last year to get this far – which feels like ages when you as impatient as me! Another 8 kilos till I am in my healthy weight range, it’s possible I might make it by the end of Summer). You know what the biggest struggle is now – remembering that I’m not huge any more and being prepared to try on smaller clothes! Yep, it’s all a mind battle these days. That’s not to say I haven’t got heaps of new clothes.

Joel and I adopted a grey kitten this year, we have named her, Tripitaka (yes we loved Monkey). She has injected new life into this household and is very loving. Felix is very jealous but is a gentle soul and expresses his disapproval with significant glares.

Wishing you all a terrific Christmas and all the blessings of the season. God bless.