The big finale for 2012!

Completed Coat of Arms Band Sampler, a photo by Cathymk on Flickr.

I’ve started some annual leave and so it seems that I finally have some time to update my long fallow blog. And do I have some news for you – I finally finished the Coat of Arms Band Sampler! It was a total pleasure to stitch – even during those times when I thought I’d never get to the end. Finished on the 9th December 2012. Started sometime in November 2011 (I think! – Now I understand why I should update the blog – I’d have more of an idea about the time it took to do!)

Via Flickr:
Stitched on White Newcastle Linen (40ct) one thread over two with Vikki Clayton silks. I used: the Etherial Blues Series, Icicle Blues Series, Denim Blues Series and Mermaid Blues Series with two unknown varigated blues (also by VC just unlabled) to create the colour scheme.

Design is by Stickideen von der Wiehenburg.

Sticking my head above the parapet

Hello, just sticking my head up over the parapet to say “Hi”.  I’ve not posted anything yet this month because I haven’t had any sustained stitching time. I do have a little progress to share on Shores (working on Block two not yet completed) but I haven’t managed to get my camera and my stitching together to create a picture for you to view – next post, I promise.

I’ve started a reduced hours regime at work, I am now there 6 hours a day which suits me quite well, I was hoping to get more stitching done in the spare time but that has not yet eventuated,  still this is just the first week and it takes time to build a new routine.

Feeling a little blah, I’m sure when needle finally meets fabric again I’ll cheer up, till then my friends.

Oooh! Nashville Market Previews!

I’ve had a headache all day (feeling better now) and haven’t been stitching… so, I’ve got the shopping itch! ABC stitch appears to have the best selection of previews of Nashville releases up at the moment.  Here’s a few of my faves*…

From The Cat’s Whisker’s Design Studio (our local gal): Victorian Memories Chaise Lounge and For my Friend Scissor Pocket.

From with my needle: Fair Maiden’s Etui.

From Blue Ribbon Designs: It’s cold outside.

And from Keepsake Stitches: Keep love in thy heart chatelaine.

I’m looking forward to adding these to my stash sometime soon!  I’ll be stitching tomorrow and Monday and should have a real stitching update Tuesday-ish.  Till then, happy stitches!

*can’t keep these to myself! It’s just not fair.

We’re back home, a quick catchup post.

I’ve got to leave for work shortly so here’s a quick catchup…

Merry Winter - Homespun Elegance

Whilst we were away we heard that Carol received the winter package I made up for her. Here’s Homespun Elegance’s Merry Winter Stitched on 40ct Summer Khaki linen with Belle Soie as charted. I finished it as a mattress pincushion (my first ever!).

From me to thee - Hillside Samplings

We got back on Monday night and on Tuesday I heard from Marika that my Christmas Ornament had made it all the way to Finland at last. Marika is a big fan of Country Cottage and Little House Needleworks and I guessed she probably had already got most of their ornaments stitched for herself or given to her, so I took a punt she’d like this piece by Hillside Samplings, which to me is very like the Little House style.

The whole package for Marika

Here’s a picture of the whole package. Somehow I forgot to do the same with Carol’s package.

I’ve uploaded the rest of the photo’s of our trip to Flickr. Here’s a link to the set. I hope you will have a look. Tasmania is a lovely State. We enjoyed our very short trip there.

Well I better get off to work. The bus leaves very shortly!

It’s Saturday…

… And I’m at work.  I’ve got a cold and it feels all sinus-y.  Ah woe is me! 

 Sorry about the drama queen act – I just couldn’t help it! And to top it all off my girlfriends are off on a stitchy weekend without me (le sigh).

Enough moping!  In stash enlargement news I shopped the HAED birthday sale – I picked up:

1. Bubble Telescope by Ciro Marchetti
2. A Wintery Heirloom by Jane Wooster Scott
3. Old World Map (not sure who the artist is for this piece – beautiful)

And I’ve fallen big time for the new Mirabilia Bluebeard’s Princess – I love her beautiful floaty hair.

I received my Celtic Sampler – Wallace by The Needle’s Prayse (Darleen O’Steen)  in the mail this week.  I’m so excited to get started on it – looks like it will be a real challenge (but fun too).

I’m now just hanging out till 5.30pm so that I can rush home and get on with stitching my pretty purple spot sampler.  It’s really holding my attention at the moment.  I am pretty pleased that I have been able to keep up with the parts so far.  This week I was even able to find some time for a new start (a stocking for my neice Cate (shhh don’t tell her Gran, otherwise she’ll be all over me)) – it’s Shepherd’s Bush’s Jillian’s Stocking. 

Hopefully I’ll be back tomorrow with an update with pictures of some stitching and less whining!

Till then, happy stitches to you all.

(photo is one of my first ever from when Joel gave me my camera – Peter Rabbit with Oregano -It’s still one of my favourite pictures.)