tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915199931653299702024-03-12T20:22:42.234-07:00Starry-eyed-stitcherStarry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-5345771257102404552017-04-14T02:51:00.001-07:002017-04-14T02:51:14.065-07:00What kind of fool .... ?What kind of fool am I? <div><br></div><div>I will show you later!</div><div><br></div><div>The problem with this blog-writing thing I have found is this.</div><div><br></div><div>I write my blog - I am fired with enthusiasm, I am proud of myself for actually doing it. I want to write another one, but it is too soon, only hours. So I will wait, just a day or two, well maybe a week. And then ..... before you know it, weeks have passed. </div><div><br></div><div>So I have a couple of things to share with you. </div><div><br></div><div>I will do it through the medium of tiny, tiny pictures that you will need to click to see anything at all. I am so sorry, I don't know how to do any better.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh74Lw4dtTJ2VuM2P3l0ZTexY1AmHVeT-kF7mnc0g764syVAzanXE-MtuYFLRAl8viaLl7PbssR9_ey7NAhtLChuGgX9ILDFV0z8UisxRjIsvARC9JJtpI9mnBadqDOyH_viRLsDsyEg1/s640/blogger-image-249354379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh74Lw4dtTJ2VuM2P3l0ZTexY1AmHVeT-kF7mnc0g764syVAzanXE-MtuYFLRAl8viaLl7PbssR9_ey7NAhtLChuGgX9ILDFV0z8UisxRjIsvARC9JJtpI9mnBadqDOyH_viRLsDsyEg1/s640/blogger-image-249354379.jpg"></a> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh74Lw4dtTJ2VuM2P3l0ZTexY1AmHVeT-kF7mnc0g764syVAzanXE-MtuYFLRAl8viaLl7PbssR9_ey7NAhtLChuGgX9ILDFV0z8UisxRjIsvARC9JJtpI9mnBadqDOyH_viRLsDsyEg1/s640/blogger-image-249354379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NsXxoVr8f1O_SHc2gOUtLx1cFaxC22kzG0OlfLuClGjNQ-Dtq0OkVQPme3MjqVtBBh9Lwp0BYPa4KAM12UNSu-afmvaB_AFRCW94wP9EhEUcenWfiC8qF7eW2_hyphenhyphenkQ_SRW1yhaSxAZw3/s640/blogger-image-632450152.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is La-D-Da's Basket Weave Needle case which was launched at Nashville market last year, I think. It has been stitched for ages but recently finished. It's an effective design isn't it? </span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">( Now - can I say at this point that I manipulated these pictures to sit side by side. Let's see what happens when I post.) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM33mPK1HfEdO2ZSxwmUqDmn-J6ssbH-Oiw0nQMAaIQMCMDFZfS6OeQQnXRMEyZ7Ml_RG08OVN-FS2wemf6MhyFqJ7c3qKB1dV2MZn-SftaJGD-qsBzxUX7QTaiqeZGXMUhNbN7-FVW_1n/s640/blogger-image--214183669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM33mPK1HfEdO2ZSxwmUqDmn-J6ssbH-Oiw0nQMAaIQMCMDFZfS6OeQQnXRMEyZ7Ml_RG08OVN-FS2wemf6MhyFqJ7c3qKB1dV2MZn-SftaJGD-qsBzxUX7QTaiqeZGXMUhNbN7-FVW_1n/s640/blogger-image--214183669.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUO01lfMCnb8ACKncWM_agoKSOqi_hjCaX2SWXLujHcqfLyitdZCuU2VwHoQn-3-t-n4IfJ7hsgw3y4TQhkSXZghv4KMANba6jth9D-w7mNKO3YPxPBQGxSJrWvPY4l7E0d03XNj68bd5/s640/blogger-image--341161775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUO01lfMCnb8ACKncWM_agoKSOqi_hjCaX2SWXLujHcqfLyitdZCuU2VwHoQn-3-t-n4IfJ7hsgw3y4TQhkSXZghv4KMANba6jth9D-w7mNKO3YPxPBQGxSJrWvPY4l7E0d03XNj68bd5/s640/blogger-image--341161775.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This little needle case was also stitched a long time ago but remained unfinished. I think it was a freebie, but I am happy to be corrected. It looks fine, but actually it doesn't have a page inside yet for needles as I didn't have anything suitable. I made a little circle of beads<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> to hide where I joined the ribbon to the spine ( I forgot to slip it inside the seam when I was stitching it together!) but - it looks like a tiny buckle - so now it's a design feature! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I know, you are all thinking this girl is no fool, with her design features and all, what can the blog title possibly mean?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It means this. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTM0JQcLkr1mNZfzmXMfPbhFX_ZaL-QYxgfE_4REFtz68s66XvBSM56X1bdJ9_doXb1N0rNmZK0wgGEqDfRIXepMitzI4JjTjcfgXpp8MysGsZeK_DXJsjjmy8-Cw8VtSdpbtvsr91fXn/s640/blogger-image-1497904050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTM0JQcLkr1mNZfzmXMfPbhFX_ZaL-QYxgfE_4REFtz68s66XvBSM56X1bdJ9_doXb1N0rNmZK0wgGEqDfRIXepMitzI4JjTjcfgXpp8MysGsZeK_DXJsjjmy8-Cw8VtSdpbtvsr91fXn/s640/blogger-image-1497904050.jpg"></a></div> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I sent this picture of my spring ornament to several friends who all admired it - it is their duty so to do - but they missed the mistake which even I couldn't fudge. Can you see it?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Here is where I am with my Quaker book SAL. I finished the first page and have just started on the second. I am liking it and I think the colour will be OK. Thank you for your reassurance.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mMBS6bNuIAuQfe1wTYchCL1H6cHxEJrJqigpJ_8xPzb-SJ4lqTzhlBAOJKPXEPbURfMoCudosIFfTEBCcQYdhedXc9PRVL6rO_agWkcpSQkUD9MY-PrqfCVcAN6YrfZlfE1L_apBNDK8/s640/blogger-image--2067563682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mMBS6bNuIAuQfe1wTYchCL1H6cHxEJrJqigpJ_8xPzb-SJ4lqTzhlBAOJKPXEPbURfMoCudosIFfTEBCcQYdhedXc9PRVL6rO_agWkcpSQkUD9MY-PrqfCVcAN6YrfZlfE1L_apBNDK8/s640/blogger-image--2067563682.jpg"></a></div> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have a few other things to share, but they can wait til my next blog in a few hours, or days, or weeks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thank you for reading, and for your comments after my long absence, I really appreciate it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Just this last picture, then if you insist. This is my entrance dressed for Easter.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MPv_r_2IwJujDM6NMYFbQe4VfGsHu3I8NuU09QMJl8son-9HYGbgaDpgIjkLPF4bGQrppy0JV5e1qn8VjRqZSUFy6l1jiAjLrlKapelFCaBKpTHroUn9C8Ccks-3SXdrbJu4ijyvFloh/s640/blogger-image--1864205612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MPv_r_2IwJujDM6NMYFbQe4VfGsHu3I8NuU09QMJl8son-9HYGbgaDpgIjkLPF4bGQrppy0JV5e1qn8VjRqZSUFy6l1jiAjLrlKapelFCaBKpTHroUn9C8Ccks-3SXdrbJu4ijyvFloh/s640/blogger-image--1864205612.jpg"></a></div> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Have a lovely Easter doing just what pleases you and your loved ones. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Just eat the chocolate, for goodness sake!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Irene xxx</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-81146863504332864022017-03-29T06:26:00.001-07:002017-03-29T06:26:08.087-07:00Really? That long?<div>So ...... I have been gone a while. </div><div><br></div><div>Granted. </div><div><br></div><div>But you know, it was nothing you did. </div><div><br></div><div>Honestly, you were nothing but supportive.</div><div><br></div><div>It was me, I needed space.</div><div><br></div><div>Space to - well - just follow my whims, blow with the wind, to bob about on the tides of life.</div><div><br></div><div>But I've done all that now - so here I am. </div><div><br></div><div>Actually, out of the blue I got a comment on my blog about a piece I had completed which sent me scurrying back there to have a look. I read through some previous postings and I was reminded of all kinds of trivial happenings and pictures of my dogs and some stitching that I had completely forgotten about. </div><div><br></div><div>It was a pleasant experience. </div><div><br></div><div>So I decided to have another try to document my stitching in particular but maybe a little of my life too. </div><div><br></div><div>I thought I might include some pieces I have completed in the interim and show progress (ha!) on work currently in the work basket. </div><div><br></div><div>Actually I use a plastic box with a lid to store my work, baskets are pretty and homely and rustic but do not withstand the hurricane of incoming large wet dogs.</div><div><br></div><div>Do you remember Bronte and Cassie? My two Irish setters? Well Cassie is all grown up now and is the most loving dog you could hope to meet. After the trials and tribulations of puppyhood, she and Bronte love each other. </div><div><br></div><div>They do. </div><div><br></div><div>They greet each other every morning, look out for each other throughout the day, sleep together and cry if they are accidentally separated. They are amazing creatures. </div><div><br></div><div>Here they are mid-adventure, Cassie at the front, Bronte behind her, obviously they didn't know you would be around so they are not perfectly groomed. They are NEVER perfectly groomed.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1Sq9Q30T_4L2mpOD0jI8fmDGTGkaZQJpzUq5UpoD3c4eDuXwEDdh_SdA67P0cdON3pdvZ1jsrZ6TImO34ruehqIeRg4wjCR19dzRBYC7ujM-uQfJJRHACyEuwc3DR-QnX6Br9F2zvJJz/s640/blogger-image--91072812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1Sq9Q30T_4L2mpOD0jI8fmDGTGkaZQJpzUq5UpoD3c4eDuXwEDdh_SdA67P0cdON3pdvZ1jsrZ6TImO34ruehqIeRg4wjCR19dzRBYC7ujM-uQfJJRHACyEuwc3DR-QnX6Br9F2zvJJz/s640/blogger-image--91072812.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>But back to stitching.</div><div><br></div><div>So, for this first-after-a-long-time post I thought I would show .......</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4qGhRkK2jNEEhhNQCWf-37gEnT4WpYFzqwQ5-bPSouOn6BknrfuwpSsT3XSooVaOVHx0YY-RMZ6W2Tzcv8QJfyrGid_Qkv4hItbzyqK3649TPUxUWZoxaHpA9dd9QfuyAWxho4agKPOw/s640/blogger-image-1908274562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4qGhRkK2jNEEhhNQCWf-37gEnT4WpYFzqwQ5-bPSouOn6BknrfuwpSsT3XSooVaOVHx0YY-RMZ6W2Tzcv8QJfyrGid_Qkv4hItbzyqK3649TPUxUWZoxaHpA9dd9QfuyAWxho4agKPOw/s640/blogger-image-1908274562.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDQOnlcAfjNtB8sEJt00AddFzCmDqIbBiJLDil2zWg9nT3nM1E5awMsrM2RDzk8n2ubMAYfpyiy6_7gN4uHZLKuUjqqMjIda3oI09UugLYm5AD5OYuCks2p2kqeDVLj9RYdCcaWQa-n_w/s640/blogger-image-1893465142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDQOnlcAfjNtB8sEJt00AddFzCmDqIbBiJLDil2zWg9nT3nM1E5awMsrM2RDzk8n2ubMAYfpyiy6_7gN4uHZLKuUjqqMjIda3oI09UugLYm5AD5OYuCks2p2kqeDVLj9RYdCcaWQa-n_w/s640/blogger-image-1893465142.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m4xe1_QcpRH2kzWQLtfdQ83CESBsFdtcilBc5pcjXjDIG8dZFCtEW62IgisZG4cPXpJbv8XoqoqNL2lRg3EPkp0W_R2TyxHcozoZK7czHEYcxV3moVwaWU8mnroMbi7QJfqpf1_9dvaJ/s640/blogger-image-484676332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m4xe1_QcpRH2kzWQLtfdQ83CESBsFdtcilBc5pcjXjDIG8dZFCtEW62IgisZG4cPXpJbv8XoqoqNL2lRg3EPkp0W_R2TyxHcozoZK7czHEYcxV3moVwaWU8mnroMbi7QJfqpf1_9dvaJ/s640/blogger-image-484676332.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">......... this Quaker box designed by Manni de Donna. It was fun to stitch and I did it as a SAL with my friend Anne who stitches here with me on a Thursday night. If I remember correctly, the thread winder and the tag for lifting the lid were available separately. The colours are not good ( I know, nothing changes), it looks quite grey here, but it is definitely a variegated blue. We changed the little pin pillow slightly by making it a mattress finish rather than the flatter charted design. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Anne and I are so into Quaker at the moment. Our current SAL is A Quaker Pattern Book by With My Needle. If you don't know it, it is a small concertina book with five double sided pages of traditional Quaker patterns.</div><div><br></div><div>I am stitching mine with a Threadworx colour and I am just not sure. I think it might be too modern a choice for this design, but I tried others and I was not happy with any that I had in sufficient quantity. So, I will keep going.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3tvGtdIv-u3_mnzEz9WOR5cHtqiX7Fi_g4udVfx2UPSh-mU1LoZwZKhJLNIr1r8MO4oD5rE-lHM4yYsrC_2dnsOAOdhesKwtaB_TTGMP2_RCgkd0vfLGX5fKN7QvkJL5_7CUGfI3YaM_/s640/blogger-image--875043290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3tvGtdIv-u3_mnzEz9WOR5cHtqiX7Fi_g4udVfx2UPSh-mU1LoZwZKhJLNIr1r8MO4oD5rE-lHM4yYsrC_2dnsOAOdhesKwtaB_TTGMP2_RCgkd0vfLGX5fKN7QvkJL5_7CUGfI3YaM_/s640/blogger-image--875043290.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It is charted for Crescent Colours 'Milady's Teal' and mine is quite teal, she said convincingly.</span></div><div><br></div><div>So there you go. First post in ages finished. </div><div>Thank you if you remembered who I was and came back to have a look.</div><div><br></div><div>Just don't ask me about Milkmaid. No - don't!</div><div><br></div><div>Oh now you've asked, I suppose I need to tell you. </div><div><br></div><div>Next time.</div><div><br></div><div>Bye for now</div><div>Irene xxx</div><div>PS This post was easy to write, but a nightmare to publish. I am sorry the photos are tiny, I have forgotten so much since I last posted, but I will try to do better next time.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-66871128455189409122015-08-17T02:35:00.001-07:002015-08-17T02:35:23.556-07:00Lavender pillows - and sulky sons.So, it was my nephew's Toby's girlfriend's birthday, (so glad I got the hang of the possessive apostrophe thing!) and he asked me to stitch her a personal sampler. <div><br><div>This was a week before the Birthday Meal and Gift Presentation.</div><div><br></div><div>I love him, but in such a short time, I just couldn't produce a sampler that would be personal to her, especially as I had never met her and therefore, apart from her name, knew nothing about her. </div><div><br></div><div>So instead I made a stack of little lavender pillows.</div><div><br></div><div>You know when you think to yourself "Tons of time for these little things"?</div><div><br></div><div>The Birthday Meal was an hour's drive away and we were due to meet at 6-30. </div><div>At 4-30 I was still stitching the beads around the last one.</div><div><br></div><div>I had warned my son that I needed to devote all the time I had to finishing these pillows or else we had nothing to give. </div><div><br></div><div>I sat in my stitching chair, shouting </div><div>'Bring me stuffing', </div><div>'Bring me lavender' </div><div>'Bring me beads'</div><div><br></div><div>These, to my son, totally obscure demands, were interspersed with hysterical screams of</div><div>'Not that cupboard'</div><div>'Second shelf, SECOND shelf'</div><div>'They ARE there, just LOOK'</div><div><br></div><div>By the the time we settled into the car for the journey we were both exhausted, and I must say, ominously quiet!</div><div><br></div><div>But Heyho.</div><div><br></div><div>Emily loved them and we loved her. You know when you meet someone with your sense of humour, who can build on a story and create absurd pictures? That's Emily! </div><div><br></div><div>I must say, my gift wrapping, through the necessity of having no time at all, was inspired. I stacked the pillows and tied them with ribbon. Crumbled up lilac tissue into a round box, added the pillows with more tissue on top, put on the lid and tied with a broad organza ribbon, but the really clever bit, in my opinion, was grapping a few stalks of fresh lavender from the garden as I rushed past and inserting them into the ribbon. It looked so fresh and smelled divine.</div><div><br></div><div>So here are the pillows, starting with the largest.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGDfKHL0JdPl87tby-UKjw14noWvnDSbt_Jq2dslhC485j7GpQ6EZDGCz_sDUVvwpkmuCJHEHyeojOgGIqoqHHWTF-I96XOpbxB4anyKwhbA8aaai_XQ6Fgv3bauQU0uMuzbiuV96BFEE/s640/blogger-image-43208695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGDfKHL0JdPl87tby-UKjw14noWvnDSbt_Jq2dslhC485j7GpQ6EZDGCz_sDUVvwpkmuCJHEHyeojOgGIqoqHHWTF-I96XOpbxB4anyKwhbA8aaai_XQ6Fgv3bauQU0uMuzbiuV96BFEE/s640/blogger-image-43208695.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Wp-AeJKt_zDathvkpeeNutma162fr2V1T_zKYla5-j23548pHV-uUlEYDgZd9PTgnxuui-j9z3WxNTHZItTHhagz1MZa74mGIhsX3n4Bb2p6V0bUWfPUorIbtV_z5Ah0NHiDcMIaR7x/s640/blogger-image-1340264877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Wp-AeJKt_zDathvkpeeNutma162fr2V1T_zKYla5-j23548pHV-uUlEYDgZd9PTgnxuui-j9z3WxNTHZItTHhagz1MZa74mGIhsX3n4Bb2p6V0bUWfPUorIbtV_z5Ah0NHiDcMIaR7x/s640/blogger-image-1340264877.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbtEX7xpLn_-hpqUOUzJjcK0b9C1kM4I2HG9BSSw_tCBpTV-ENcGTwNINojviATVjKtUTu-lpr3Nb0j1f2hlHscqZwG6KsCYPKZ_y3ifftYo8Q3lkguhUZw0EHKVzP4mWEyv-plsCAh9-/s640/blogger-image-131834616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbtEX7xpLn_-hpqUOUzJjcK0b9C1kM4I2HG9BSSw_tCBpTV-ENcGTwNINojviATVjKtUTu-lpr3Nb0j1f2hlHscqZwG6KsCYPKZ_y3ifftYo8Q3lkguhUZw0EHKVzP4mWEyv-plsCAh9-/s640/blogger-image-131834616.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I really cheated quite a lot to do these in the time I had, as well as shop, and eat, and clean - oh - and sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I pulled a few variegated threads in green and lavender, mostly GAST, and just interspersed them where I felt I needed to. It saved a lot of thread changes and still looked pretty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HkcbFjl5iQMCK_dTp9HFKn46hrd_-DjVGPm2u5Yg0VVC9qMcwS92L-WOug7HkHYO3j1qma4cGfmCnkhoXNBWgD2iZ8Y6rwDiEUE7hsl9WP71n9Nh6lrZbjBVVVnb-zbpaEaEVKm1cW9R/s640/blogger-image--1577735919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HkcbFjl5iQMCK_dTp9HFKn46hrd_-DjVGPm2u5Yg0VVC9qMcwS92L-WOug7HkHYO3j1qma4cGfmCnkhoXNBWgD2iZ8Y6rwDiEUE7hsl9WP71n9Nh6lrZbjBVVVnb-zbpaEaEVKm1cW9R/s640/blogger-image--1577735919.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This final one I thought could be a key or scissor fob and I tied it onto the ribboned stack.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh - I could have out it in the outside!!! Just thought of that. Darn it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My sister took the pictures for me, I just didn't have time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And sadly, I don't now!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by, comments always welcome and gratefully received</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Love</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Irene xxx</span></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-83286606390194038002015-07-05T03:03:00.001-07:002015-07-25T08:00:48.021-07:00Tall Year Square and foundlingsI thought at first I might be a changeling, you know,<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> the offspring of faeries or elves exchanged for a human child, but actually I now suspect that I am in fact, a foundling.</span><div><br></div><div>I believe that many years ago I was born a Princess, a girl child of royal blood, I mean really, Royal Blood.</div><div><br></div><div>All I can think is that I was conceived during a loving, nay, passionate, but forbidden liaison berween a Prince of the aforementioned Royal Blood and a poor servant girl. The Family refused to acknowledge me or my beautiful fragile mother who immediately died of a broken heart. I was given to a childless couple far away from the Palace in the coldest most Northern part of the country and brought up as their own child.</div><div><br></div><div>This couple were kind and generous and loved the little one as their own and the infant gave them so much joy that eventually, eleven years later, they had a baby of their own to be a sister to the Royal child.</div><div><br></div><div>And so on.</div><div><br></div><div>Sorry.....I got a bit bored with all that.</div><div><br></div><div>But how, you query, do you know this?</div><div><br></div><div>Well, because, obviously, I was born to stitch with silken threads on fine linen.</div><div><br></div><div>Some years ago, I attended a workshop with the wonderful Betsy Morgan when she visited The Sampler Guild here in the UK. I chose two kits to stitch, the Tall Year Square and The Elizabethan Casket. I loved the pre-stitching and was inspired by the work we did in class so I came home and put it all away in a cupboard for several years!</div><div><br></div><div>But recently I found it again, blew off the dust and set to work.</div><div><br></div><div>I can't tell you how luscious it all is. </div><div><br></div><div>The threads are Gloriana silk, soft and glowing and beautiful, the linen - perfect pastel pieces. The perles are DMC, chosen to match the linen so beautifully and the slub silk linings - Absolutely Glorious.</div><div><br></div><div>And I finished it. </div><div><br></div><div>I know, the whole thing, stitched together, on my own. And it worked. It actually is exactly the same as the one Betsy made. I am taking a lot of credit for this of course, but perhaps some credit should go to Betsy's gentle informed teaching, her detailed charts and impeccable finishing instructions.</div><div><br></div><div>So just pictures from now on with my usual inane comments that accompany them.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIW-riNSwldJfSuCI3xZnWm5TReFrVUa5TkdxvW610Q1ojD1EVsw4WUVLAWwrNiN6Z6X5luUvzugHOeEumBMoYDmyvR_dWXbdhgumlxKEOw0jtuBjfpZ670Nez9gvUUoO6ozD8_sKYLw0/s640/blogger-image-545861463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIW-riNSwldJfSuCI3xZnWm5TReFrVUa5TkdxvW610Q1ojD1EVsw4WUVLAWwrNiN6Z6X5luUvzugHOeEumBMoYDmyvR_dWXbdhgumlxKEOw0jtuBjfpZ670Nez9gvUUoO6ozD8_sKYLw0/s640/blogger-image-545861463.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The completed box. As if that wasn't obvious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6VvhbDqeC_NIsi4esgb0FQ9XnI-kgcEPvQ3Vsaid6oYUAsa5CbS9nhikVZTS0ObSNzYS9rXeXXBFWRmhF36JqopvNyTBYJyAJv32EgLPZPGp2ipXgHL7thNtZKkJI5sPmNKBI7zU8nCn/s640/blogger-image--173861615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6VvhbDqeC_NIsi4esgb0FQ9XnI-kgcEPvQ3Vsaid6oYUAsa5CbS9nhikVZTS0ObSNzYS9rXeXXBFWRmhF36JqopvNyTBYJyAJv32EgLPZPGp2ipXgHL7thNtZKkJI5sPmNKBI7zU8nCn/s640/blogger-image--173861615.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The box opened, with some of my little treasures - bone laying tools and thread winders. The stitched square on the scissor fob moves up and down the cord. I know!</div><div><br></div><div>The cube in the middle was the pre-stitching project which we joined together in class.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMlGgdW3CqgU4-mCgEt_FIrOUs_cEGAJVWdRtk7CZ-n5L87ziPVeeuP4YI6Uske2UxOw-0u7w-sSIAYQApv9yl1lG6NbcLi6NIFvtVufxFFG-0kZptZz8Y0VudkKjemgKyFA1KuEJObqn/s640/blogger-image-357325618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMlGgdW3CqgU4-mCgEt_FIrOUs_cEGAJVWdRtk7CZ-n5L87ziPVeeuP4YI6Uske2UxOw-0u7w-sSIAYQApv9yl1lG6NbcLi6NIFvtVufxFFG-0kZptZz8Y0VudkKjemgKyFA1KuEJObqn/s640/blogger-image-357325618.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>This might be Spring, but it might not because it was dark when I took the photos, but I think there is a little frog just visible amongst the lilies.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgidHPxoNTYpFtSp5z52aGHtIzzMl3yEoPTCIlMOU9InEA1CaHhWFMfEngtb4euJfDcwmWTWTU7zahZtEqojSdkIpMfPRogeMcW-t8sD1J3VjKBAtkx5EgipZnffRbuDQr6AVenGRc0Mom/s640/blogger-image-1392780645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgidHPxoNTYpFtSp5z52aGHtIzzMl3yEoPTCIlMOU9InEA1CaHhWFMfEngtb4euJfDcwmWTWTU7zahZtEqojSdkIpMfPRogeMcW-t8sD1J3VjKBAtkx5EgipZnffRbuDQr6AVenGRc0Mom/s640/blogger-image-1392780645.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or is this Spring with the bunny rabbits? I think these two photos might be interchangeable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0Y2TBrYwCzwhgiMd93j4OlpRwCcEztFiDarWJvnF-yQgRFz9VcVFv5rplCQm2pv6_9YqR3dS__nyXitmOGU1o_icfHqohmAsXuVHx71opYenJTPtui65AsgJNjKhDgU8sYyCkoW9n9z0/s640/blogger-image--164136815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0Y2TBrYwCzwhgiMd93j4OlpRwCcEztFiDarWJvnF-yQgRFz9VcVFv5rplCQm2pv6_9YqR3dS__nyXitmOGU1o_icfHqohmAsXuVHx71opYenJTPtui65AsgJNjKhDgU8sYyCkoW9n9z0/s640/blogger-image--164136815.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Autumn - easy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dc_9jZ1SJihH5CiejaK9U1kbYrni8egQfFIrLlOWdRD-yU-4ldixKMsXAeA7DJCcTsO_jr3RrKIzYiTaPwO6k0y3Da4MqzVxqYStaCb-1JILrhUgTORQ2wJ1psJUw3UYvRmmCWn5399t/s640/blogger-image-1679452137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dc_9jZ1SJihH5CiejaK9U1kbYrni8egQfFIrLlOWdRD-yU-4ldixKMsXAeA7DJCcTsO_jr3RrKIzYiTaPwO6k0y3Da4MqzVxqYStaCb-1JILrhUgTORQ2wJ1psJUw3UYvRmmCWn5399t/s640/blogger-image-1679452137.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Winter, also easy. Those cardinals are such a giveaway. I changed the back of the fob to echo the design of the bottom of the etui which I have forgotten to photograph. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdurYZWgDfwhxRoLVt3HJXkfMeluhEx44LuXmJmFsweXWf2J-CnraP_2QPDA3FuwbFyIXtlUbuD9ce9mHosQFUNCsmSpHaUGIXSjP7AbCaqD0RJDnipQtJvtQqlb1-8VpxKW5KRV6MbkhM/s640/blogger-image--916874591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdurYZWgDfwhxRoLVt3HJXkfMeluhEx44LuXmJmFsweXWf2J-CnraP_2QPDA3FuwbFyIXtlUbuD9ce9mHosQFUNCsmSpHaUGIXSjP7AbCaqD0RJDnipQtJvtQqlb1-8VpxKW5KRV6MbkhM/s640/blogger-image--916874591.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I wanted to show you the lid, mostly to demonstrate how Betsy covered every little detail. Under the button which holds down the lid are four Algerian Eyes stitched in the perle colour of the cords which run through them. You don't see them unless you really look but when you do find them it brings a little smile to your face.</div><div><br></div><div>We made those barrel button tassels too.</div><div><br></div><div>So there we go. How nice is that?</div><div><br></div><div>I just wanted to add one more photo before I finish.</div><div><br></div><div>My young dog, Cassie, cut her her foot on the beach and needed to have it stitched.</div><div><br></div><div>And here is the picture of that.......</div><div><br></div><div>No, not really! </div><div><br></div><div>Next to the Vet's Surgery is a garden which has been allowed to run wild, it is very overgrown and quite a bit of litter has accumulated there, but just against the fence, barely visible in all the rubbish, grows a rose bush and this is a picture of the rose I stole, took, borrowed - rescued.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7GFeEs5u7S3nGaOE5BnfpxerIo42wbLOe-m5eyseqVlyh1HUL-lVE4iHswHfUrRvRtgdYd6LBxuOsAvX0KWwewSTfinLCKFPy-mt5x4pFdDT7710VctY_7kbAkt4dNWC0Do4bzNyTU_W/s640/blogger-image--1855910471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7GFeEs5u7S3nGaOE5BnfpxerIo42wbLOe-m5eyseqVlyh1HUL-lVE4iHswHfUrRvRtgdYd6LBxuOsAvX0KWwewSTfinLCKFPy-mt5x4pFdDT7710VctY_7kbAkt4dNWC0Do4bzNyTU_W/s640/blogger-image--1855910471.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It is one of those really old-fashioned roses, velvet red with a rich heady perfume. </div><div><br></div><div>I saw it - I wonder how many people walked by without seeing it?</div><div><br></div><div>Of course, they won't see it now because I pinched it!!</div><div><br></div><div>Enjoy the sunshine if you have it,</div><div><br></div><div>Love Irene xxx</div><div><br></div><div>I've just published this and checked it and the pictures are pathetic. Even if you click on them, they are pathetic. Look - just pop round and I'll show you it!</div><div><br></div><div>And....I've just seen the date - 5th July. That's when I wrote this and have only just taken the pics to go with it. I am sorry.</div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-56928879201689394422015-05-21T04:06:00.001-07:002015-05-21T11:22:33.858-07:00Sea, surf and sunAnd drizzly rain!<div><br></div><div>It is an overcast morning here in the UK so I took my newly finished ornaments outside to photograph them. I set everything up and was only then aware that there was just enough drizzle in the air to curl my newly straightened hair.</div><div><br></div><div>The things we do for our art is unbelievable.</div><div><br></div><div>I just re-read that. 'Set everything up'. Sounds a bit studio and arty, but I just took a board outside and plonked everything on it. It took me - well - a minute? </div><div><br></div><div>So this is what I have to offer after my long absence from my blog.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmjcvgmznEkaguKRCeBtlLjKYD5VdbeLtWLiBoZsCRIqAOeM8vLR2hcoYPT0_b9901Jx3T6monBD5dK1FPa0Ic2GVx558A7bOOF_1os4fGrzxF0dFaVd983E95_eccnA-OVX6iervKBdr/s640/blogger-image--1745071750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmjcvgmznEkaguKRCeBtlLjKYD5VdbeLtWLiBoZsCRIqAOeM8vLR2hcoYPT0_b9901Jx3T6monBD5dK1FPa0Ic2GVx558A7bOOF_1os4fGrzxF0dFaVd983E95_eccnA-OVX6iervKBdr/s640/blogger-image--1745071750.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lots of new seasidey themed ornaments for my Summer tree display. They are a bit different from my usual projects. These are stitched with bright primary colours on a white 28 count linen over one thread. I hardly ever do that. Use white linen and primary colours I mean, not stitching over one.</span></div><div><br></div><div>I needed something bright and cheery to get me back into my stitching mood which was lost for a little while.</div><div><br></div><div>Shall we look a little closer?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifv3em3e_YgMbp-EbkpFhZHZmV-UaiZjFHxxQdH6Tz6Sxml8NCyw6wdFQl54C23vhSt-rZgUMJwjXD4Ruzi-A-q_kNFZcG0qat_ChFCvsu98EfZqvEl6YbmZPtL4Xzws10ZIW5O99V4a1P/s640/blogger-image-934183426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifv3em3e_YgMbp-EbkpFhZHZmV-UaiZjFHxxQdH6Tz6Sxml8NCyw6wdFQl54C23vhSt-rZgUMJwjXD4Ruzi-A-q_kNFZcG0qat_ChFCvsu98EfZqvEl6YbmZPtL4Xzws10ZIW5O99V4a1P/s640/blogger-image-934183426.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I call these two 'Swim' and 'Sun'.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W7eZ5wIaXI5c0BiO71RHYwZAoddrqJYFzp8SuNnI-nH7nlekQkMf1Gz8iH90lh0BQHEBm6Dh3b8O60u31ewR55UFDq_qCn0546H8eWiblQtFqtOu8M1EAnZUkYFENMgPJE_ZAzszGXRN/s640/blogger-image--966445962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W7eZ5wIaXI5c0BiO71RHYwZAoddrqJYFzp8SuNnI-nH7nlekQkMf1Gz8iH90lh0BQHEBm6Dh3b8O60u31ewR55UFDq_qCn0546H8eWiblQtFqtOu8M1EAnZUkYFENMgPJE_ZAzszGXRN/s640/blogger-image--966445962.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>After much soul searching, I called these two 'Sail' and 'Shell'. I actually think 'Shell' is my favourite as it leans a bit more towards my usual style. The shell is stitched in a Kaalund silk thread. I have a few of these threads which are beautiful soft muted variegated colours.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTlAzN7aoM8Hkf48kN0RbEafptZvhXL2IV8_6OdlhPNw5jtBqDxf7DstkLwcFuKqmIxjmMJt4PbBgtUzOR4UTN7X580G5_sFdX3zK1dRLjiJGYDRiP2Y-dOYnoLAWid_u14q1H4z9pZ5m/s640/blogger-image-797518219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTlAzN7aoM8Hkf48kN0RbEafptZvhXL2IV8_6OdlhPNw5jtBqDxf7DstkLwcFuKqmIxjmMJt4PbBgtUzOR4UTN7X580G5_sFdX3zK1dRLjiJGYDRiP2Y-dOYnoLAWid_u14q1H4z9pZ5m/s640/blogger-image-797518219.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The seabirds are not by the same designer, but 'Blue Beach Hut' and 'Sailing Ship 5' are. </div><div><br></div><div>I know what you're thinking - "How does she come up with these titles?' </div><div><br></div><div>It's not that easy, believe me.</div><div><br></div><div>Last two.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCdMJIOezRO7LrsZ1s2KInqasY13lG4rnLRLPtQinGYqNjyF94Ns_iMm2RCeBjHcGunAv5KCjbpk3klt-SVL0gow5Ogio5lhEmqjjmpfN_6oPUlYmgIbpXkKbOEZdvYTTIDkxMc41wn44/s640/blogger-image--732346609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCdMJIOezRO7LrsZ1s2KInqasY13lG4rnLRLPtQinGYqNjyF94Ns_iMm2RCeBjHcGunAv5KCjbpk3klt-SVL0gow5Ogio5lhEmqjjmpfN_6oPUlYmgIbpXkKbOEZdvYTTIDkxMc41wn44/s640/blogger-image--732346609.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>'Sea' and 'Yellow Beach Hut with Life Belt'. </div><div><br></div><div>They're very summery aren't they? I will display them with some big shells I have and maybe hang a few small shells on the branches too.</div><div><br></div><div>One last piece to show you.</div><div><br></div><div>I went to a meeting of our local Embroiderer's Guild and the speaker there, Lynne Hardy, was demonstrating traditional Assisi work. So bearing in mind my Seaside theme, I completed these Seahorses. How far-thinking was that? Sadly I was not far-thinking enough to make them into an ornament when I did the others and only remembered them after I had put fabric, stiffening, cord, and the iron away!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNeXkP1eI23GTNJRkLcjNBNRT6YAgdIHUXGR-8qaUWZQiFDX04ABEThBsBrwloThMhgBBg4Tf9g7b94kgLHJfP5gzo00A0LyTekDMYAjG_NDejXw6o6vvUpgxj-egMj6ziiSVK9sOAu02/s640/blogger-image-1456256518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNeXkP1eI23GTNJRkLcjNBNRT6YAgdIHUXGR-8qaUWZQiFDX04ABEThBsBrwloThMhgBBg4Tf9g7b94kgLHJfP5gzo00A0LyTekDMYAjG_NDejXw6o6vvUpgxj-egMj6ziiSVK9sOAu02/s640/blogger-image-1456256518.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I will complete it soon though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, that's it folks, sorry I am so very tardy with my postings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By the way, did you know that if you press the exclamation / comma key on your iPad keyboard for a little longer than normal you get an apostrophe? Cool eh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thank you for staying with me and I hope you enjoyed my peek into those lazy hazy days to come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hopefully.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love Irene xxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">PS. The book these designs came from is 'Sand, Sea and Cross stitch' by Anna Field. Forgot to mention that!</div><br></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-88877874383774211212015-04-01T07:55:00.001-07:002015-04-03T06:00:04.576-07:00Do you see what I see?BYou concentrate, you focus, you stitch. <div><br></div><div>You press, you hem, you join, you bead.</div><div><br></div><div>And ONLY when it is completely finished and hanging on its appointed twiggy branch, do you see it.</div><div><br></div><div>Then you fret, you worry, you blame. You disbelieve.</div><div><br></div><div>How could I have done all that and NOT NOTICE?</div><div><br></div><div>So.....</div><div><br></div><div>Do you see what I see?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOkT9WjBbX5T1qo2prmsm7XEF7sJsHJ79UEcMSSyfQulKXBZrWQD90xdeli_W6rgxZBhjJRvfzAbAPF1TC3_5zueJukGWgG8SQz2fLyp9szmM14b3W4BvFP0vlBuS6VUrC2GmCyHzH4bl/s640/blogger-image-1936577515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOkT9WjBbX5T1qo2prmsm7XEF7sJsHJ79UEcMSSyfQulKXBZrWQD90xdeli_W6rgxZBhjJRvfzAbAPF1TC3_5zueJukGWgG8SQz2fLyp9szmM14b3W4BvFP0vlBuS6VUrC2GmCyHzH4bl/s640/blogger-image-1936577515.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div>Look at the little purple flower-thing. It's all wrong! <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh my!</span></div><div><br></div><div>I am considering taking it apart to re-stitch the flower, because when I look at this little Spring piece, ALL I SEE IS A MISTAKE. </div><div><br></div><div>Hey ho.</div><div><br></div><div>I decided to make a few smalls to hang on my newly-purchased afore-mentioned twiggy tree.</div><div><br></div><div>Sadly I don't know who designed them, they were odd charts I found in my growing pile of odd charts.</div><div><br></div><div>I impulsively stitched the next one on black 28 count linen. Not a usual choice for Spring but I love the jewel like result. It is edged in purple cord which also made the hanger. All of these ornaments are very small, stitched over one with one strand.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm27Aw8sRHj_mG1G3zDyCFMktIv5aqQMR2UptRPRwK1qX3C8YoLFzKa70a7breV87rWsiTNL0hDYX5F5gsuOdHlA8BK5mC1RdoTElTkCdk1xgqB2Ab1iOnilZRwf3kczyjphB-5y0z6at/s640/blogger-image--1053690566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm27Aw8sRHj_mG1G3zDyCFMktIv5aqQMR2UptRPRwK1qX3C8YoLFzKa70a7breV87rWsiTNL0hDYX5F5gsuOdHlA8BK5mC1RdoTElTkCdk1xgqB2Ab1iOnilZRwf3kczyjphB-5y0z6at/s640/blogger-image--1053690566.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Heartsease? Violas? Pretty though, eh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Final one for today, although I have four (4!) more stitched and ready to make up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I know!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How good am I?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How dusty is my house?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyodYnFHHpGzAeQ-ysBoX8glH-cSGmD_J7f7F0ulRnzMovkK8D9_i0r_nU5ypyRrHARdLi0moNbVLZNr3y75AfuD4dj6Y5Pc8Ykvp-8ILnAyZZU0DJ27ZZ7Rh6puCLbpGhJd-UiJnFxhz/s640/blogger-image-1744495217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyodYnFHHpGzAeQ-ysBoX8glH-cSGmD_J7f7F0ulRnzMovkK8D9_i0r_nU5ypyRrHARdLi0moNbVLZNr3y75AfuD4dj6Y5Pc8Ykvp-8ILnAyZZU0DJ27ZZ7Rh6puCLbpGhJd-UiJnFxhz/s640/blogger-image-1744495217.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So this a little blue bird. Like you couldn't see that! I think it may be a freebie but again I don't know by whom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And to finish..........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Shhhhhh</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Puppy sleeping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wN_To8mC-ncltQpZQVVQ7PJEa5FCJtvBImbgf6GApt4Y3NQwcUWpxdj_DjAVavJoY88b5Hj0beI_KYlGtRfUK2wZPrLgt87E-oqsME5B1RLH3_ksbT81ii9-HxjnhnnilJLv4Gt0skk8/s640/blogger-image-1120054158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wN_To8mC-ncltQpZQVVQ7PJEa5FCJtvBImbgf6GApt4Y3NQwcUWpxdj_DjAVavJoY88b5Hj0beI_KYlGtRfUK2wZPrLgt87E-oqsME5B1RLH3_ksbT81ii9-HxjnhnnilJLv4Gt0skk8/s640/blogger-image-1120054158.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh alright, I know she has food stuck to the bottom of ears, but you try washing the face of a hyperactive six-month old Irish Setter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's just not going to happen!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have taken this moment ( for that's all it will be ) whilst both Bronte and Cassie rest and recuperate after their walk this morning, to catch up with my blog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hope you have enjoyed reading it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thank you for your comments - always, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">always appreciated.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Have a lovely Easter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Irene xxx</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Edited - one problem solved, the Blue Bird design is from The Little Stitcher.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-42800383096495018762015-03-02T09:54:00.001-08:002015-03-04T09:02:24.213-08:00Serbian Proverb<div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I just loved stitching this adaptation of Plum Street Sampler's 'Serbian Proverb'.</div><div><br></div><div>I was pondering for a long time about possibly stitching a welcome baby sampler for the girl who helps by walking my two dogs a couple of times a week. I wanted something longer lasting than the usual storks and alphabets but couldn't find anything that seemed just right.</div><div><br></div><div>Then I remembered this lovely sampler and thought it was just perfect. I needed to adapt it to fit my needs but that was easy and I hope I didn't spoil the simple spirit of Paulette's design.</div><div><br></div><div>I showed the design to my friend and told her with some confidence that it was a 'Surburban Proverb' for my baby walker! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwCq72qOnpC9ffWf0b6EW_wLFQh0ldryQmb4koy2VJRFwzHkaqoVQs5gYugfC76LnCSj09p9zoxkcwd52SZk445o6tS4a8viAw_AE1c-Z0zvlo14ePpUbRuAX0cFj5v5yYBqXI5uJcPiY/s640/blogger-image--601838103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwCq72qOnpC9ffWf0b6EW_wLFQh0ldryQmb4koy2VJRFwzHkaqoVQs5gYugfC76LnCSj09p9zoxkcwd52SZk445o6tS4a8viAw_AE1c-Z0zvlo14ePpUbRuAX0cFj5v5yYBqXI5uJcPiY/s640/blogger-image--601838103.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I tell you, old age and senility are rushing towards me at an alarming speed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do you want another example??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My sister bought me two 'Tiny Container Bead Storage Trays' ( I am befuddled remember, so feel free to rearrange those words if need be).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They look like this anyway, you will have seen them around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPX-FN3uwqeTFMJWLhmTYCFjSxEuxiFr877uNEBlCZgaf4q8souV3Q2HBK0ep1qSysrsWREhq61G4emqUcQ0rdoAHDAieec-8Wv1t1ph2wWlPO4WaqzqNWkisAs7FLmCoc4AMc98w_w243/s640/blogger-image--1024704649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPX-FN3uwqeTFMJWLhmTYCFjSxEuxiFr877uNEBlCZgaf4q8souV3Q2HBK0ep1qSysrsWREhq61G4emqUcQ0rdoAHDAieec-8Wv1t1ph2wWlPO4WaqzqNWkisAs7FLmCoc4AMc98w_w243/s640/blogger-image--1024704649.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I must say, I have had a lovely time and whiled away many happy hours filling the little ( tiny) containers up with my beads. I am not quite finished which is why these are not arranged in colour columns. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Obviously. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wouldn't dream of leaving it in this higgledy-piggeldy fashion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was filling up some of the containers whilst my friend Anne looked on. I carefully clipped down the lid and then placed them in their column, making sure to put it the opposite way to how I had taken it out. I wanted the lid on top and the clear plastic underneath.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I carried on for some time, with Anne watching. Eventually I remarked " I don't understand why they have put the containers in this way. They need to be the other way up. It doesn't make any sense"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anne looked at me, and then without saying a word, leaned over and carefully turned the whole tray round.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I looked at her and we laughed so hard. It was ages before we could compose ourselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before she left she helpfully gave my son the names of a couple of Homes for the Bewildered that he might want to check out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Soon" she said "You need to do it soon"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well that's it for today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had Spring here in England this morning with blue skies, sunshine and snowdrops and Winter this afternoon with real snow drops. Brrrrrr.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lots of love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Irene xxx</div></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-39478734303054388782015-02-16T04:21:00.001-08:002015-02-16T10:11:29.324-08:00Strawberry Sampler BookI love this.<div><br></div><div>It was difficult to stitch because, and apologies to Jane Greenhow, the instructions and charts were terrible. The reproduction of the charts was really poor too and at times it was impossible, even on this original chart, to distinguish one symbol from another.</div><div><br></div><div>It was a kit, by the way.</div><div><br></div><div>So - moaning over - this is The Strawberry Sampler Book. </div><div><br></div><div>It is stitched on double pages which are hemmed and then the double pages are stitched together to hide the 'workings'.</div><div><br></div><div>It really is a sampler book, with various embroidery techniques, making it interesting and challenging to stitch. It has pattern darning, hardanger, pulled stitches, blackwork and has ribbons and beads as embellishments. I bought separately the tiny scrimshaw strawberry to use as a bookmark.</div><div><br></div><div>I think the pages speak for themselves.</div><div><br></div><div>So here there are, chattering away.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKXw2UDOS0Fsh3I3oDdjnQhQE5_qhalb-7HZCVYbt9oNTi__uHlQrJjmjRzU2LksEv_Tx-e4cUi26F2byo7BIoCRaQ5HXJGjGaav1pskWf5W_Tvdqbx1Mim_T2YwKk3eEBx99qMyfgUeB/s640/blogger-image-1149069542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKXw2UDOS0Fsh3I3oDdjnQhQE5_qhalb-7HZCVYbt9oNTi__uHlQrJjmjRzU2LksEv_Tx-e4cUi26F2byo7BIoCRaQ5HXJGjGaav1pskWf5W_Tvdqbx1Mim_T2YwKk3eEBx99qMyfgUeB/s640/blogger-image-1149069542.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, stating the obvious, the book closed, tied with a ribbon bow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Jj3nfoMTBgM7TfdgjbS0nFWVZjEOoFIrDA4L6oHeHO6q4xGXTzRC8MHOHqEe3BWeMQbM5PEChAGsESqW3sZSD-mT70gN9YHHMzjuwSFtEFlwvtGAc5JW44R3iLQev4gk4H7SxIwMB-aU/s640/blogger-image--1780627310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Jj3nfoMTBgM7TfdgjbS0nFWVZjEOoFIrDA4L6oHeHO6q4xGXTzRC8MHOHqEe3BWeMQbM5PEChAGsESqW3sZSD-mT70gN9YHHMzjuwSFtEFlwvtGAc5JW44R3iLQev4gk4H7SxIwMB-aU/s640/blogger-image--1780627310.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The index page. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bullion stitches!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Two colours of linen were used in the book, as you can see here. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV20gQ_R0K5uoSSLrMpdKQKYlaSodJK4kYH_IWGdqh1lkGPThnqDU1hYc7_6tCgpYPTmyWgbUab3W0fTu4B7wmi9FSKnBlxREImsvm85DFnjVdHqEyo6VFRc2xH5r0fyQSayK1A0grwx6/s640/blogger-image--1051910891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV20gQ_R0K5uoSSLrMpdKQKYlaSodJK4kYH_IWGdqh1lkGPThnqDU1hYc7_6tCgpYPTmyWgbUab3W0fTu4B7wmi9FSKnBlxREImsvm85DFnjVdHqEyo6VFRc2xH5r0fyQSayK1A0grwx6/s640/blogger-image--1051910891.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>The first 'easy pages', cross stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDk5nzizphuIEdOwVShpEk79bSxzQMsBkl5B67qICwlDl2qtpVSBvInTSQNGU6ePgbjT7KyXKVPib2ZJZn0zd0iNPw1ZJFFC-c7HdTghxAPXaDErw8mq_s14AmV8wPiRKtM-kLBlVevyKc/s640/blogger-image--459527179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDk5nzizphuIEdOwVShpEk79bSxzQMsBkl5B67qICwlDl2qtpVSBvInTSQNGU6ePgbjT7KyXKVPib2ZJZn0zd0iNPw1ZJFFC-c7HdTghxAPXaDErw8mq_s14AmV8wPiRKtM-kLBlVevyKc/s640/blogger-image--459527179.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Darning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I know, you can't hear what the pages are saying for the noise I'm making!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY8asxM-TYRxO7xjiQw44OOTZ09oz-MeLYZriDo1eOzb_ASCIBzHCt1fdMd6pDDMiou9_pzIZF1gkgX1tbZT64EeEP4FChsaJXGVdGqZBucAg9uf-grTf8qM63P0M7JIeQfDLkMXHt7A2/s640/blogger-image-509554236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY8asxM-TYRxO7xjiQw44OOTZ09oz-MeLYZriDo1eOzb_ASCIBzHCt1fdMd6pDDMiou9_pzIZF1gkgX1tbZT64EeEP4FChsaJXGVdGqZBucAg9uf-grTf8qM63P0M7JIeQfDLkMXHt7A2/s640/blogger-image-509554236.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More darning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And hardanger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With red silk behind so that the finely wrought stitches show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh, alright, not finely wrought, but they're not bad. They've got those birds eye fillings and everything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjSI2m-MfORXZNcGH7cwWytekLdeLosMRWyj15BtvsqGkpTyLSUwDuv57L5_xh_5h5fxjLXBSnKNR2E6furPXSkng9Je3KeEhEofjapWDqeMbMe1rpBHa1D72v0HomfGEKKpntsOwQdeV/s640/blogger-image--315650901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjSI2m-MfORXZNcGH7cwWytekLdeLosMRWyj15BtvsqGkpTyLSUwDuv57L5_xh_5h5fxjLXBSnKNR2E6furPXSkng9Je3KeEhEofjapWDqeMbMe1rpBHa1D72v0HomfGEKKpntsOwQdeV/s640/blogger-image--315650901.jpg"></a></div><br></div>More hardanger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pulled stitches. These were new to me and enjoyable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Beaded strawberry flower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPHluA61Q2kOXZNaQRW4KCUlu8-qdZlzGeXKEFjhyc50knyDcQ0z2VF_Fe7dt-Ie1U1H95CQCCo5k4oBImqtAj79kJu3N-1Nz8m1N2PK4INGbyKQTTuIC6N7d9zHvHi3srE6AXLN2wrDl/s640/blogger-image--1174024937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPHluA61Q2kOXZNaQRW4KCUlu8-qdZlzGeXKEFjhyc50knyDcQ0z2VF_Fe7dt-Ie1U1H95CQCCo5k4oBImqtAj79kJu3N-1Nz8m1N2PK4INGbyKQTTuIC6N7d9zHvHi3srE6AXLN2wrDl/s640/blogger-image--1174024937.jpg"></a></div><br></div>More of the afore-mentioned things and some Smyrna stitches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTaltohsLr8UxHqbk7Q1idR-x15pdHJ3QO3qASv4g6gvVokCT_aiJeESaQmNAZKCSHOBH2veX3Z28J-FZZ3DwueNVWBlx6i1gILRqOAN5OAkElmj3ZHu7xJHevxWVJYaezo-y6LvfYXpl/s640/blogger-image--1894179814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTaltohsLr8UxHqbk7Q1idR-x15pdHJ3QO3qASv4g6gvVokCT_aiJeESaQmNAZKCSHOBH2veX3Z28J-FZZ3DwueNVWBlx6i1gILRqOAN5OAkElmj3ZHu7xJHevxWVJYaezo-y6LvfYXpl/s640/blogger-image--1894179814.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Are these pulled stitches too?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think they might be. With beads and ribbons - to embellish!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And to finish - blackwork.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOdBGtVcOjpD5hxCkRpT7rgy6CLoNZRYiMzCBKXAGtEFfpRogAsjVzBdvwPDT9S0dUXX5wo1mJHWjY0N3t7F9Cs1U702RNo20xb-ss5YHzX6DgqajB3aWyH_LkOPa2kz00nLHyKi5U01i/s640/blogger-image-1822926821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOdBGtVcOjpD5hxCkRpT7rgy6CLoNZRYiMzCBKXAGtEFfpRogAsjVzBdvwPDT9S0dUXX5wo1mJHWjY0N3t7F9Cs1U702RNo20xb-ss5YHzX6DgqajB3aWyH_LkOPa2kz00nLHyKi5U01i/s640/blogger-image-1822926821.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The front and back of the book.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So that's it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's nice isn't it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My friend Anne stitched this at the same time, and to be honest, she was the pioneer. She worked it all out, page by page, in spite of the appalling instructions, and I just copied. If she hadn't, it would be languishing in the UFO drawer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But hey, now it sits on my dresser and I take the praise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks for ploughing through, (plowing through?). If you can think of something to say, please do and I'll make sure these darn pages shut up long enough for me to hear it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lots of love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Irene xxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">OK. So I've published the blog and the photos are not showing the full two pages which is, to put it mildly, a bother. I've had a fiddle and now the last picture is tiny and you still can't see the two pages. My life is fraught. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">EDIT. My super friend Anne has pointed out two things in her comment. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On the picture which says 'Strawberry Fields' they are drawn thread, not pulled stitches. You cut the thread and weave it back through at the side to hide it. We did panic!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Also, if you CLICK on the pictures you can see the whole thing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thank you. Xxx</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-67349342126747358222015-01-20T06:37:00.001-08:002015-01-20T06:51:53.931-08:00Stressing about distressing?A lot of people stress about how to make their carefully worked project look old - look distressed - as if it had been around for at least a hundred years.<div><br></div><div>Is that you?</div><div><br></div><div>Yes? </div><div><br></div><div>Well, allow me to help you out.</div><div><br></div><div>Linen.</div><div><br></div><div>These first couple of pictures show how easily linen can be made to have that old, found in the bottom of a dresser look.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh0zmcZ7RT9tYvxcfhJ2W7Bcfqn2oe6MW4EXA9bNFoLbAPNjrtvVIk8xAOxReES-vgsf2e9IPRr1VcEJmpHZjUIU153o4t4WvggaNvW0o_uWTmtWDMTLBqf3hxE3QHCgxJrTIsLUkx74m/s640/blogger-image-459238959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh0zmcZ7RT9tYvxcfhJ2W7Bcfqn2oe6MW4EXA9bNFoLbAPNjrtvVIk8xAOxReES-vgsf2e9IPRr1VcEJmpHZjUIU153o4t4WvggaNvW0o_uWTmtWDMTLBqf3hxE3QHCgxJrTIsLUkx74m/s640/blogger-image-459238959.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a 32 count Tin Roof linen, note the tiny holes and pulled threads? These are all at one edge of the linen, suggestive of many years of storage and perhaps moth nibbling? It happens!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2guiCBo0aDGo-Xk98vRm_OBSlyIxMJnLzQCF02uS3TRd6Md39zxE9SC85Ktq84ySbTEEKtJ0Sc99DYhOsWES3WTo7LWI45INFiH5cijfw9EAtyROro0j0KGilmanQOaKTUHwi0d1k1Ln/s640/blogger-image-583219476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2guiCBo0aDGo-Xk98vRm_OBSlyIxMJnLzQCF02uS3TRd6Md39zxE9SC85Ktq84ySbTEEKtJ0Sc99DYhOsWES3WTo7LWI45INFiH5cijfw9EAtyROro0j0KGilmanQOaKTUHwi0d1k1Ln/s640/blogger-image-583219476.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Not so noticeable here, so if you need a more subtle look, this might be for you.</div><div><br></div><div>Threads.</div><div><br></div><div>Many stitchers choose to age their threads after stitching, but may I suggest this?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhoQERofSqM4c3Lic0fGWvt2FGrmZbHOjn8ee3iYc2e2ZVbq3Brw54m5ENNtB5VYv_nVkloNLOzHuHwqG2lA4CONU7oG-I6D-JmxfQdfU-vbWh2Airw7ijocos9ZjLhCrIZTveXvh16uA/s640/blogger-image-1661077107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhoQERofSqM4c3Lic0fGWvt2FGrmZbHOjn8ee3iYc2e2ZVbq3Brw54m5ENNtB5VYv_nVkloNLOzHuHwqG2lA4CONU7oG-I6D-JmxfQdfU-vbWh2Airw7ijocos9ZjLhCrIZTveXvh16uA/s640/blogger-image-1661077107.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Now here, as you can see, the threads have been pre-aged. This is a very quick process which, if not monitored, can quickly make your threads unusable, but rescued at just the right time results in a stiff darker hued thread, often separated into its component strands, supremely convenient for stitching, especially as the single strands are of different lengths, allowing you to choose the right length for the project in hand. The freeing of the threads from their labels enables a more random, casual colour scheme.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ-74EixqN1xENoqRroDEwRbhM_aWrEgI7ti_e2jAMCsiCpn-j4V2k1ZYSSmsgGXnOgCh1xR4RVMtVE4auYCG-WY7MRHRGC2reitYcprOpFE1IpPES1gmT8J8mlU6kiDYIxLmZAPKeAzZ/s640/blogger-image-1924068942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ-74EixqN1xENoqRroDEwRbhM_aWrEgI7ti_e2jAMCsiCpn-j4V2k1ZYSSmsgGXnOgCh1xR4RVMtVE4auYCG-WY7MRHRGC2reitYcprOpFE1IpPES1gmT8J8mlU6kiDYIxLmZAPKeAzZ/s640/blogger-image-1924068942.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Now, here is something I think you may not have considered in your quest for authentic ageing.</div><div><br></div><div>This embroidery hoop has, as you can just make out, a rough uneven surface. This can, without any effort on your part, catch on your linen, allowing threads to break, and to snag and drag, resulting in tiny holes similar to, but different from, those illustrated earlier. You may also find, for that final touch of authenticity, that it can result in minute specks of blood being scattered on your project, which quickly darken to brown stains which are almost impossible to remove. A wonderful, antique, much sought-after look.</div><div><br></div><div>All I need to do now is to reveal how you can achieve this look, add more prims to your dough bowls, suspend more ornaments from your feather trees.</div><div><br></div><div>There are many makes available on the market, some of which you may be familiar with, but throughout the many years I have been stitching, I have found the most effective to be this,</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvlX_hbQnxRUsrEFqLa2_lQn4jbIWtH52ZSeW0uFeE2ytINb2hvE-BAWqAaHGaSOElY_7a5pilD9aDmtNqMu3_Nxa-k4CqosZkYBHPx299cR1Sb7m5HZtAHQaU-upAFPZP_3o7_J87SwM/s640/blogger-image--1315011747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvlX_hbQnxRUsrEFqLa2_lQn4jbIWtH52ZSeW0uFeE2ytINb2hvE-BAWqAaHGaSOElY_7a5pilD9aDmtNqMu3_Nxa-k4CqosZkYBHPx299cR1Sb7m5HZtAHQaU-upAFPZP_3o7_J87SwM/s640/blogger-image--1315011747.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>The Irish Setter puppy.</div><div><br></div><div>This little creature will, without even being asked, turn it's attention to almost any craft.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtXaH1zs1rzzyh-m57cNaMME7ocU2I8_YY7nT-wWLPGFH3nufzZE2C6TMVC6pLO1bRQnfFcDg0Y2jKJl_zICwr6Y5Ap2C40duetkjNjk8qHua1BxX4WOvuxLfH8Pd-Vd6XPOPjEv-wAmU/s640/blogger-image-1179397901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtXaH1zs1rzzyh-m57cNaMME7ocU2I8_YY7nT-wWLPGFH3nufzZE2C6TMVC6pLO1bRQnfFcDg0Y2jKJl_zICwr6Y5Ap2C40duetkjNjk8qHua1BxX4WOvuxLfH8Pd-Vd6XPOPjEv-wAmU/s640/blogger-image-1179397901.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>Here, a rare picture of her at work as she stretches a piece of crochet to a more convenient size.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8FnIK8UItJaFEXOE63XIUTEVdfabgCWdCZ666PHQvbzuGErTA4Gkul5yNcQvH7HoQYlk2jENOH__6sNsiKtfjqE7_v1K6SkSTYZwbYne55bFusEVpr0rUKbmcRviv1fizvjTJNAzGC49/s640/blogger-image--33602428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8FnIK8UItJaFEXOE63XIUTEVdfabgCWdCZ666PHQvbzuGErTA4Gkul5yNcQvH7HoQYlk2jENOH__6sNsiKtfjqE7_v1K6SkSTYZwbYne55bFusEVpr0rUKbmcRviv1fizvjTJNAzGC49/s640/blogger-image--33602428.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And here she unwinds a ball of wool, ready for use.</div><div><br></div><div>So there you have it. </div><div><br></div><div>If you prefer your work vintage, buy a puppy.</div><div><br></div><div>Better still, buy this one.</div><div><br></div><div>Final thought, you can have her. </div><div><br></div><div>Free.</div><div><br></div><div>Love</div><div>Irene xxx</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-3094710601295751342015-01-12T01:32:00.001-08:002015-01-12T02:07:31.390-08:00Poppies and musings.So, I didn't want this new-found enthusiasm for posting to fade and decided to do a shortish posting showing a very pretty poppy ornament.<div><br></div><div>I always start off with the intention of a short posting but then my fingers run away with me and I don't know where to stop, but this time ......</div><div><br></div><div>I'm not sure how I found this designer - I think maybe seeing some of her biscornu on Pinterest but she is so clever.</div><div><br></div><div>Her name is Faby Reilly and she is French, although her web site is also available in perfect English.</div><div><br></div><div>It's odd - I said in a previous posting how much I loved Stacy Nash designs, and I do, but these are entirely different and I love them too.</div><div><br></div><div>I wonder what it is that defines our taste? Why some things appeal and others don't, why things at almost the opposite ends of the spectrum can have the same attraction? </div><div><br></div><div>These philosophical debates are for another time, methinks. ( remember 'short' posting?) but it's interesting isn't it?</div><div><br></div><div>I read somewhere once that we could be attracted to our romantic partners looks because someone of similar colouring, eyes, face shape once peered into our pram when we were babies. Scary thought eh? </div><div><br></div><div>Faby Reilly designs beautiful biscornu, where the stitching creeps across the join lines, but also other projects too, like needle cases, humbugs, purses, hanging ornaments, all following a theme - poppies, wild roses, a Christmas collection. Lovely. I bought tons. Of which I have actually stitched? </div><div><br></div><div>One.</div><div><br></div><div>But a nice one.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEbm1Gci0JdZOHcd5qFtwGTKVw93xNbkdhxlHoa4hpw8KEGPGs7cnz5xhAqr6bFFgCd-8aisYNmKLn4k8WIzVj4KxcYoR_wM26Htbet6OyIm8ONytkCActf-PHX47XgnZJP-pMA3bCgAr/s640/blogger-image--112488623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEbm1Gci0JdZOHcd5qFtwGTKVw93xNbkdhxlHoa4hpw8KEGPGs7cnz5xhAqr6bFFgCd-8aisYNmKLn4k8WIzVj4KxcYoR_wM26Htbet6OyIm8ONytkCActf-PHX47XgnZJP-pMA3bCgAr/s640/blogger-image--112488623.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuva07S2mQpFUtVB33i2iSY2E7lSz-fF7U2izPGJ7lzw1EZOp-Z0_4xrUrzyAxr_XKRmNWFRYgX_h6yehyphenhyphenREmEG8NOw5-ErDUV30WckKRYkyY8HHvkNVEpfFPpo5myzsmRyindku-Ma218/s640/blogger-image--992966062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuva07S2mQpFUtVB33i2iSY2E7lSz-fF7U2izPGJ7lzw1EZOp-Z0_4xrUrzyAxr_XKRmNWFRYgX_h6yehyphenhyphenREmEG8NOw5-ErDUV30WckKRYkyY8HHvkNVEpfFPpo5myzsmRyindku-Ma218/s640/blogger-image--992966062.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">These photos seem a bit dark, but I hope you get the idea. I finished the ornament with a black bead edging and hanger and added little tassels with red bead accents. There are also little beads used in the design. Those red circles are not buttons. Oh no sirree. They are woven-spider-web-stitchy-things. I am not just an expert on the sewing machine and an expert technician, I am an accomplished embroiderer too. Why the Royal School of Needlework haven't picked me up is a mystery.</span></div></div><div>See how the poppy buds come around onto the back? </div><div><br></div><div>So there you have it. Hopefully a new designer to you. Go have a look at her site. I could add a link here but I don't want to blind you with science.</div><div><br></div><div>We are experiencing gale force winds in the UK. The shipping forecast for ships at sea around the UK predicted severe Gale Force 10 winds overnight. Let's hope everyone stays safe. And that the enormous DEAD pear tree in the garden next door does not squash my house. </div><div><br></div><div>What would I grab first? Presuming all living things were safe. Tell you next time!</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thank you again for your comments, and just for reading this, even if you don't comment. It is always appreciated.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Have a lovely, safe day,</div><div><br></div><div>Love Irene xxx</div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-4977486847287791972015-01-06T01:50:00.001-08:002015-01-07T00:44:06.811-08:00Garden Maiden Sewing Roll.Well, look at this, I'm back again.<div><br></div><div>Obviously this can't go on, two postings in one week, but when the muse strikes......</div><div><br></div><div>This project was an exclusive kit from Nashville Market last year, designed by Lori Markovic from La-D-Da. It contained everything needed to complete the sewing roll.</div><div><br></div><div>The threads are a mixture of GAST and WDW and the linen a lovely 30 count from Weeks called Confederate Gray ( or if you're English 'grey')</div><div><br></div><div>I must admit that I have quite a decent stash of threads and linen now, thanks in particular to my blogging best friend Carmen Sutton of Cardman Antiques who has sent me lots of lovely things, especially linens. But even so, there is a pleasing comfort in having a kit with everything there. You can settle down to stitch with such a shiver of anticipation. Carmen was responsible for getting hold of this kit for me too. Thank you so much.</div><div><br></div><div>Also, here in the UK unless you are very lucky, you never get a chance to handle ( well, fondle<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> really) linen and to see some of the different shades. This Confederate Gray was lovely to use, as was the Dolphin used for the Emilia Poole piece. I don't think I would ever have chosen the Dolphin to order online - too risky - but it was beautiful.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3f3RKffqvldJfLej7ZpaQ-cSMksAelWsu0-uZPpe8HnRQbs5NRwgJ2jOwgEKWZq4Zhe7bDxWn91Zw54KzdUqQm0Mu18xL6RtfaJNbpN3PZGvkHMxuD4E42vL34CIruud0Bn-hTHaQTWHg/s640/blogger-image--1155865733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3f3RKffqvldJfLej7ZpaQ-cSMksAelWsu0-uZPpe8HnRQbs5NRwgJ2jOwgEKWZq4Zhe7bDxWn91Zw54KzdUqQm0Mu18xL6RtfaJNbpN3PZGvkHMxuD4E42vL34CIruud0Bn-hTHaQTWHg/s640/blogger-image--1155865733.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">This is the roll rolled. It looks quite wobbly here, but it isn't. ( Say this with certainty and it will be believed)</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuq4RegpNTcc5PcEF-LTJZXdlXkBF6oMeWAdeKdJtTJlxFHyehyceqSwzCrqOHNtfFO5q_5ETK6JwhNoebUhV6ZIUM8MKg_iuFIP48si2PH7zzQzjznpr9PMswKVZgxArnAiYHc3RPkh5X/s640/blogger-image--237469618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuq4RegpNTcc5PcEF-LTJZXdlXkBF6oMeWAdeKdJtTJlxFHyehyceqSwzCrqOHNtfFO5q_5ETK6JwhNoebUhV6ZIUM8MKg_iuFIP48si2PH7zzQzjznpr9PMswKVZgxArnAiYHc3RPkh5X/s640/blogger-image--237469618.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div></div>This is the roll unrolled. Really nice isn't it? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jK0wZLFKh2l4CCweyTJJAkmQLV4-jYqzeGIC0tVr2L2K6s559lXs2DJQKx5ZsrP2lKaK9lsUk9sLMJdDkksQEpG0GYGbr37BcEwZMCVHGr0uRcHBTa2fSxG0EG8ImE-uUOVRlPcMK76s/s640/blogger-image--51812939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jK0wZLFKh2l4CCweyTJJAkmQLV4-jYqzeGIC0tVr2L2K6s559lXs2DJQKx5ZsrP2lKaK9lsUk9sLMJdDkksQEpG0GYGbr37BcEwZMCVHGr0uRcHBTa2fSxG0EG8ImE-uUOVRlPcMK76s/s640/blogger-image--51812939.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The inside of the roll. Just in case you couldn't work that out.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now - I put off stitching this because it really needed some machine stitching. Quite precise machine stitching really. And I am soooo bad with a sewing machine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But ..... look!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I did it. And it looks fine. I even managed to stitch the ribbon in without being able to see it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I could probably make a wedding dress now, if anyone needs an expert seamstress?</span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I will finish with a picture of the two dogs. I think this one just captures the look of resigned despair on </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Bronte's face. Cassie is sitting on her back and before and after this photo was chewing on her ears.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqSTRTaQNuKlwjMRRMDz5OFVc-gZDHRDDhpDCax-zMYyLXagEvVB-2R7sRDNtSGMoaPJI9SeHyn2VjGvvpx2X7TI9A7TBMng7mVR_LJsZUqULlSp16SZHP6nwuESHTjr7MJwiBRqgBTZG/s640/blogger-image--2084527769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqSTRTaQNuKlwjMRRMDz5OFVc-gZDHRDDhpDCax-zMYyLXagEvVB-2R7sRDNtSGMoaPJI9SeHyn2VjGvvpx2X7TI9A7TBMng7mVR_LJsZUqULlSp16SZHP6nwuESHTjr7MJwiBRqgBTZG/s640/blogger-image--2084527769.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Don't worry, I don't let this nibbling go on for too long. I take my turn too!!! My ears are equally chewed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thank you so much for your comments on my last post. It is so gratifying to know you are there, my loyal blogging friends.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Love</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Irene xxx</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Edit.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">PS. Just checked the blog online and only part of the pics are showing. Need to work on that!! Try to imagine the missing parts! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">PPS. Had a fiddle and the pictures are better. I could probably work for Microsoft now if anyone needs a expert technician? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-73355575798278000462015-01-03T15:07:00.001-08:002015-01-06T05:04:00.730-08:00A return. Emilia Poole and puppy news.I know. <div><br></div><div>Just ages. </div><div><br></div><div>People always say 'Life got in the way' and it does. But not Life with a capital 'L' - no - just life. An ordinary, mundane, shopping, cleaning, eating, sleeping, stitching sort of life. </div><div><br></div><div>But a good life for all that.</div><div><br></div><div>So I decided, again, to reinstate my blog on January 1st - a new year, a new beginning. Check out the date today. January 3rd. Failed again!</div><div><br></div><div>I have quite a bit of stitching to share, but I will do it gradually over several postings, if you can bear to <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">stay with me for a little while.</span></div><div><br></div><div>If you have kept me on your list of blogs. Thank you. I hardly deserve it, but thank you.</div><div><br></div><div>So, today, Day 1, I will show you Emilia Poole by Stacy Nash. I love her designs more and more, she just seems to hit the spot with me.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4AQhiCp3FyuQuVKAWH9z056L3JlczcsFi72AU04mXTSM0-wG7fSUXyd4HkSPcj7kDTYkEjvQVAJwZ4MLUgomnvr6kD9b0Y3TM3y70tcaxdfpdS_ti-BvD1ES4up73ZjL-YO0E9IqhCyx/s640/blogger-image--1020970888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4AQhiCp3FyuQuVKAWH9z056L3JlczcsFi72AU04mXTSM0-wG7fSUXyd4HkSPcj7kDTYkEjvQVAJwZ4MLUgomnvr6kD9b0Y3TM3y70tcaxdfpdS_ti-BvD1ES4up73ZjL-YO0E9IqhCyx/s640/blogger-image--1020970888.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>This is the front of the oval box. Nothing like stating the obvious! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqpky6nyKLNKMICNIjroh_G8SyXna4HFSzVj1uB_920g9-cqTSZgaaZyDk_ZakeBFI_zoHSTp5upS5bSeOUGPDpshTVBKFNb_CsIAfsv5Wt8h4pvh9g0z3c4cPlA2f72Q-al9YR9os693/s640/blogger-image--1017581291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqpky6nyKLNKMICNIjroh_G8SyXna4HFSzVj1uB_920g9-cqTSZgaaZyDk_ZakeBFI_zoHSTp5upS5bSeOUGPDpshTVBKFNb_CsIAfsv5Wt8h4pvh9g0z3c4cPlA2f72Q-al9YR9os693/s640/blogger-image--1017581291.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>The front of the needle case book. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0FeqfTifgW6uqIbtg3kWHcss76j6FpBI-Tw-5c4lixi9qj_K9kJAQfJPz5-m1NrJIMdPHRInxbq2aA6PsS-3EF2bHWgm_XvLzqRVSaeuWG9ztrBqrnMeSXqVDatb9aSAyvU77_QW0Yj4/s640/blogger-image-847641892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0FeqfTifgW6uqIbtg3kWHcss76j6FpBI-Tw-5c4lixi9qj_K9kJAQfJPz5-m1NrJIMdPHRInxbq2aA6PsS-3EF2bHWgm_XvLzqRVSaeuWG9ztrBqrnMeSXqVDatb9aSAyvU77_QW0Yj4/s640/blogger-image-847641892.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div>Now - this should be the back cover, but I was so absorbed with getting the woollen binding stitched properly, that it became the inside instead. Well, I won't tell anybody if you don't. The initials are those of Anne and Carmen as we did this as a stitch-a-long.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrzFhfMUWudFTbtGIrjaARy5N3n38xnDzCbqyxnEYfCaJX41EYgGpP0Lm_u2xO6EFLyk2ImXqGWITcuiEw9GqiSeMKoHgNyXVG238R3xklZAkhZDbxyKQikv14NKTQUB-ELKN2gbi73Jn/s640/blogger-image-270822942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrzFhfMUWudFTbtGIrjaARy5N3n38xnDzCbqyxnEYfCaJX41EYgGpP0Lm_u2xO6EFLyk2ImXqGWITcuiEw9GqiSeMKoHgNyXVG238R3xklZAkhZDbxyKQikv14NKTQUB-ELKN2gbi73Jn/s640/blogger-image-270822942.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>I added a little strawberry scissor fob using the lining fabric which is not very clear here, and the woollen pin cushion.</div><div><br></div><div>This was my first attempt at lining and completing a box finish and I really love it. The scissors are an old pair I picked up at an antique market for a few pennies. </div><div><br></div><div>I have just one more thing to share before this shorter than usual post. </div><div><br></div><div>This is Cassie. She is just 12 weeks old and is another Irish Setter puppy. We lost our gentle Meg a short time ago and she left such a big hole in our lives. Cassie is soooooo sweet and sooooo naughty. </div><div>She is fast becoming friends with Bronte who is now 3 years old.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnlz4wr23fDi9Es7wrytvb05JcUkCFy8tGBNjGcf6M8xnfFBL43vLb82y5koj_-hx8dz1NfVJhIZFSqtrRIiYLYUR47MAbEuqVPZiQdYDNc9o59ECgqc5dENuqlhk-1eg6t8K0YTidM3y/s640/blogger-image--1183305269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnlz4wr23fDi9Es7wrytvb05JcUkCFy8tGBNjGcf6M8xnfFBL43vLb82y5koj_-hx8dz1NfVJhIZFSqtrRIiYLYUR47MAbEuqVPZiQdYDNc9o59ECgqc5dENuqlhk-1eg6t8K0YTidM3y/s640/blogger-image--1183305269.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div> They play together a lot and Bronte has the patience of Job with this needle-toothed baby! </div><div><br></div><div>I was contently sorting beads - as you do - at the dining room table and could hear the two dogs 'playing' in the drawing room. I was engrossed sorting the very pale pink from the pale pink and chose to ignore the rumpus happening in the next room. My son eventually asked me to go have a look and I discovered they had brought down 2 rolls of toilet paper and were having a grand game. The room was fast disappearing under this soft comfort tissue!!! </div><div><br></div><div>Well, no doubt there will be more to tell and to show next time. </div><div><br></div><div>If you chose to read this, thank you, if you choose to comment, it would be much appreciated. Thank you.</div><div><br></div><div>Happy New Year!</div><div><br></div><div>Love Irene xxx</div><div><br></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-82876883964773617432014-03-20T03:37:00.001-07:002014-03-20T03:37:20.400-07:00Winter themed......I have tried a million times - yes, I counted - a million times, to post on Blogpress this morning but as soon as I get more than a dozen well-chosen (!) words written, it just crashes.<div><br></div><div>So I'll show you, Blogpress - ha ha - I will use Blogger and serves you right!<div><br></div><div>So, as I was saying, my unofficial resolve to post more often has gone by the board. But here I am, finally, with a bit of stitching to show.</div><div><br></div><div>If I can remind you ( I think I mentioned it on my previous post, but I daren't leave this page to check!) I was going to make some Winter themed ornament smalls which would replace the Christmas themed ornaments on display.</div></div><div><br></div><div>Well I did a few, which I will share with you.</div><div><br></div><div>You can't wait can you?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3ydohId3dJZE2SJqH53TLz2G8N7Lgjri8rmmktMFdN4Xk6BB_rA1-hZyb6tF9sD4Dz4gS_Utg5C18v7vZmP-0M-U-sHLhnLYYQIh6G54Tdayu04BR0al7V-3RT6coRQwkIW3QdGiuktb/s640/blogger-image--1350282648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3ydohId3dJZE2SJqH53TLz2G8N7Lgjri8rmmktMFdN4Xk6BB_rA1-hZyb6tF9sD4Dz4gS_Utg5C18v7vZmP-0M-U-sHLhnLYYQIh6G54Tdayu04BR0al7V-3RT6coRQwkIW3QdGiuktb/s640/blogger-image--1350282648.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Bet you recognise this one? It's from this year's JCS ornament special and it is SnowBirds by CCN stitched over one on 30 ct Tin Roof. I gave it a beaded edge and hanger. I wrote all this down on a little card. It's called 'keeping a record' and although I have tried it in the past, I usually lose the <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">card.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6AeaahGTJL7Uk5mnoEPSKkTrUgEPOFJyKVDM9CU5EY5XvT1qlV_z9erqkKy0m2EsE9jRci4vbOghOND3xpzJjAAMtkhMq7yKRNIqV5hrT2rL4JN4fkSm6CGSVUCyULOJhipmutTLCuN0/s640/blogger-image-1156222038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6AeaahGTJL7Uk5mnoEPSKkTrUgEPOFJyKVDM9CU5EY5XvT1qlV_z9erqkKy0m2EsE9jRci4vbOghOND3xpzJjAAMtkhMq7yKRNIqV5hrT2rL4JN4fkSm6CGSVUCyULOJhipmutTLCuN0/s640/blogger-image-1156222038.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I love this one, again stitched over one on 32 count, using DMC not-quite-white and ecru. It is 'Winter Tyme' by Not forgotten Farm.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cDMLSzpZZOotj75wItzeWiBhGw1SY61fju3WiOc8D6nHKoQnd7R7-e5FZvrD5sdQEfPPBn8fk4kdbzRkbiOhnNaob87YofU8RWMJCkupDILow3Zr4D5d64YFzC3lNx_WUwng9jxDRw1s/s640/blogger-image--902728785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cDMLSzpZZOotj75wItzeWiBhGw1SY61fju3WiOc8D6nHKoQnd7R7-e5FZvrD5sdQEfPPBn8fk4kdbzRkbiOhnNaob87YofU8RWMJCkupDILow3Zr4D5d64YFzC3lNx_WUwng9jxDRw1s/s640/blogger-image--902728785.jpg"></a></div> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">These are snowdrops.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh alright. So I lost the card! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I do know it's stitched over one and I added teeny tiny iridescent sequin things which had a greeny hue which matched the snowdrops. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This amazing co-ordination of theme and colour doesn't happen by accident you know.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Well actually this did. The little box full of thousands of sequins fell off the shelf so I used them. I could have done more stitching, but it took hours to pick the rest up off the floor!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow3aVufy5Q95ZmJAjvZIP_FNZKDAKtrYAiOUBmq0R3wLxJ0b5nCgBrTyLkgeh_BjH4etcg0iE6aXss10-HmUP6jUvlLs5rrc2f8jfuEIxbo19a6KgVzZ4QY4fkm51TZsUWs8tdZWpuK8E/s640/blogger-image-1166880809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow3aVufy5Q95ZmJAjvZIP_FNZKDAKtrYAiOUBmq0R3wLxJ0b5nCgBrTyLkgeh_BjH4etcg0iE6aXss10-HmUP6jUvlLs5rrc2f8jfuEIxbo19a6KgVzZ4QY4fkm51TZsUWs8tdZWpuK8E/s640/blogger-image-1166880809.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Another snowdrop.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Fooled you!! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have the card - this is stitched over one again and it's a freebie by The Little Stitcher.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I have a few more to show you, but I'll keep those for next time.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">To finish here I wanted to share a sweet pin pillow given to me by my friend Anne. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I'll tell you the little story behind it, but you are a stitcher anyway so you will understand.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Anne and I stitch together every Thursday evening and we will often look up across the table to see one or the other of us threading and re-threading a needle with a minute end of floss trying to stitch the final couple of cross stitches in that colour. We care not a jot that we have yards of the stuff in front of us, we are determined not to start a new thread. You do it too, right? </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Well, Anne found herself at home doing the same thing but finally gave up saying 'This is a stitch too far'. And those very words inspired the pin pillow.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">If you look carefully you can see a tiny thread coming from the unfinished motif and another in the little stitched needle. Clever eh?</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJb8ZE7HAg-goJWCwcIUwQ9-q-37O3zzdUx-9t6oSsHdH-mvtGfsVhu-sCzN_1pyNQ1ib6-zbQdvGbCH3QgJpEnPgJMpCF4Kjgc047qf5A7JtRCKdUYG7tn1HgRpwCHd74LOucWTncPv-/s640/blogger-image-752133906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJb8ZE7HAg-goJWCwcIUwQ9-q-37O3zzdUx-9t6oSsHdH-mvtGfsVhu-sCzN_1pyNQ1ib6-zbQdvGbCH3QgJpEnPgJMpCF4Kjgc047qf5A7JtRCKdUYG7tn1HgRpwCHd74LOucWTncPv-/s640/blogger-image-752133906.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sorry it is such a poor photo. I am lazy and use my iPad camera instead of firing up my 'proper' camera and doing all the transferring of images thing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's lovely to be back. Thank you if you waited for my return and read the drivel thus far. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now, onto Spring themed ornaments. Slow down world, I need to catch up.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lots of love</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Irene xxx</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-39279806219914360112014-01-20T07:38:00.001-08:002014-01-20T07:38:56.049-08:00What we do for our art!Alternatively titled 'Acorns on a Dead Rose Bush'<br /><br />So . . . . <br /><br />I was browsing my way through the many and varied items on the internet and saw something that I liked. 'I can do that' was my first thought, as indeed it is the first thought of many such idlers. But on this occasion - I actually could do it!<br /><br />I rang my country-dwelling sister and ordered her to 'Gather me acorns aplenty' so of course she did. I am older than her and pulled her hair when she was little. The fear lingers on.<br /><br />I gathered together the necessary supplies. This unfortunately involved throwing away the acorn nuts which my sister had painstakingly gathered and keeping only the caps (maybe I should have told her that?) I used the caps, a head pin and a variety of beads and set to work.<br /><br /> Anyway, after an hour I produced these.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/20/611.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/20/s_611.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /> Oh alright, after several hours on several days.<br /><br />Today I fiddled about, checking Pinterest boards, reading blogs and generally squandering my time as if it was a unending resource. Eventually I decided it was a good day to take some photos and write my blog. <br /><br />Back to the title.<br /><br />I had hoped to show you these acorns in sunshiny glory, but after the aforesaid time-wasting the sun was only visible in one small corner of the garden - you know - that corner over there, where the dead nettles are? <br /><br />I threaded up a selection of the acorns on beading cords and began to hang them artistically on the ivy. Sadly, the knots on the shiny cord kept slipping open, sending the acorns plummeting downward. By the time I had re-threaded, re-hung and replaced them and applied soothing balm to my nettle-stung fingers, the sun had moved relentlessly on, heeding not my artistic endeavours.<br /><br /> I stood on tippy toes, up to my knees in nettles and took this photo.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/20/612.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/20/s_612.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> You can just see the sun disappearing in the corner.<br /><br /> So... Acorns on a Dead Rose Bush.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/20/613.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/20/s_613.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Taken by me with nettle-stung, thorn-pricked, cold fingers. <br /> But so worth it, n'est pas?<br /><br />I have some stitching to show you too. I have decided to go for a Winter theme to replace the Christmas one, but need to stitch a few more to have anything like a display. I have also resolved to keep a note of the name, designer and linen used. I have given up on my goldfish memory.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/20/614.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/20/s_614.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is, she said with some confidence, LHN's Saltbox Christmas, stitched with recommended colours over two on 32ct Tin Roof. ( oh, for goodness sake, I forgot to write down the colours and linen and count, so I just guessed. I'm not perfect)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/20/615.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/20/s_615.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> This is the Snowman Quaker freebie stitched over one on something count something. I hung little shiny crystals from the bottom. To look like ice?<br /> ( my new recording system is having teething problems )<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/20/616.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/20/s_616.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And this is a wooden Red Cardinal which I've had for ages from those clever people who make the little sledges, stitched on perforated paper.<br /><br />Well, I have tons more to show you, but this is enough for today. <br /><br />Fell free to make acorns. <br /><br />If you need any caps, let me know. I'm sure my sis would be happy to go a-gathering, she's hardly busy at all.<br /> <br />Thank you for your comments. Always read and very much appreciated.<br /><br />Love, Irene xxx<br /><br />Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-59619824078392201292014-01-01T02:49:00.001-08:002014-01-01T02:49:37.241-08:00The return!Bet you thought I'd given up this blog-writing business eh? <br /><br />Nope, just sort of lost the urge for a while. I have really enjoyed reading other blogs but was just too - well - lazy I suppose, to pick up the metaphorical pen and paper. <br /><br />Pen and paper - who can remember that??<br /><br />Anyway I have resolved, not in the big New Year Resolution way at all, but in a personal 'let's make a bit of an effort here' way to write up my blog a little more often.<br /><br />I will try not to be so wordy, try not to wait until I have a finished piece to show, and try to be worthy of the many friends who started to follow me and who have, no doubt, given up in disgust. <br /><br />So, to begin again, Happy New Year. Let's hope we all have one free from major health issues spent with the people we care about. <br /><br />And if we could all win a lot of money, well, that would be nice too.<br /><br />I have been stitching steadily all year, but didn't photograph everything. I just forget.<br /><br />So here is Diligence, the Scarlet Letter sampler I finished from the challenge. I finished it quite quickly but didn't even trouble to post it on the main blog. Don't know why.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/146.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_146.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I can't find the full image of the finished piece but I am going to press on and not wait another seven months. This proves I finished it as it's the bottom. And those are my initials (IH). And I started at the top.<br /><br />I did quite a few Halloween and Autumn themed ornaments. I'll just show the pics, it's weeks since Halloween, but if anyone wants details 'spect I can find them.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/147.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_147.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Just so as you don't have to tell me, I know this Halloween is a bit wobbly. <br /> A witch made me do it wrong.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/148.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_148.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /> I love this little Cherie Wheeler rabbit. <br /> I know its not Autumn but it's nice.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/149.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_149.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/150.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_150.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/151.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_151.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/152.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_152.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/153.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_153.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/154.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_154.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/155.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_155.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/156.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_156.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/01/157.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/01/s_157.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I stitched loads more. <br /><br />Honest. <br /><br />I just can't remember what they were. <br /><br />But this time next year I will know because I will have kept a record here on my blog of every single stitch and then I too can do clever little montages of my year's work. Interspersed with flying pigs.<br /><br />I crashed my car on Boxing Day! <br />First accident in almost fifty years of driving. Nobody hurt but a sad little car sitting outside my house for a week. It's gone off to hospital now. The garage provided me with a courtesy car. I will be lucky to get my right foot in it. I may well need a second car for my left foot. <br /><br />Well, there we go. <br /><br />The first post of 2014. <br /><br />The first post of many. <br /><br />Those of you who have been holding your breath for my return can now exhale - in fact I think you should. Nice and easy now, it's been a while.<br /><br />Love Irene xxx<br />Oh and don't even get me started on Pinterest. That......that.....thief of time!<br />Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-11947472365920435972013-05-25T05:57:00.001-07:002013-05-25T06:35:29.912-07:00Fish are jumpin' .........<div>I found myself in the garden today warbling 'Summertime' in a voice not unlike the famed Kiri te Kanawa. Well OK, not that much like her, but the sun was shining, my step was light, the neighbours were out and the fish were jumping! No high-growing cotton - this the the north of England, after all.</div><div><div><br></div><div>I decided about 5 years ago that although I loved the idea of myself as a gardener, you know - worn old straw hat, tanned healthy features, sensible shoes, in fact I hated gardening, so I invested a small sum of money and had my little corner of England landscaped into an accessible, peaceful, stress free zone.</div><div>Here it is.....</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv3QbxPVxHIu0VjvHc5MgIT5z6PkCX0so1mOtShILtGJ1FVetNNMgHFiDReBQBo3NWiUF81rU7dIPvnjEc-tM0kMJY0tHoy5koeC9cp8IS3xLd8EbktQbGsoGngA2DaP5I7IKxuLf6w16/s640/blogger-image--186496487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv3QbxPVxHIu0VjvHc5MgIT5z6PkCX0so1mOtShILtGJ1FVetNNMgHFiDReBQBo3NWiUF81rU7dIPvnjEc-tM0kMJY0tHoy5koeC9cp8IS3xLd8EbktQbGsoGngA2DaP5I7IKxuLf6w16/s640/blogger-image--186496487.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See - the fish were actually jumpin'!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have quite a bit of 'show and tell' for you. Mostly stitch related, a bit of dog, some stained glass and some amazing maths. I know!!! What can that be?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmw510gQMkuliNQP_ZpYsEtELI5QIni5ijOutY13RDhtSS3h8kF7_tQxdn_upF0E4N11Y74ve4jDdJlqYIzWRm3GpKp2BB8_bJeKXcfcefxxHB6bUx0iGrv7uvC41And_uDET08bWGz7r/s640/blogger-image--1256974065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmw510gQMkuliNQP_ZpYsEtELI5QIni5ijOutY13RDhtSS3h8kF7_tQxdn_upF0E4N11Y74ve4jDdJlqYIzWRm3GpKp2BB8_bJeKXcfcefxxHB6bUx0iGrv7uvC41And_uDET08bWGz7r/s640/blogger-image--1256974065.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> (Not sure what Blogger is doing this morning. This post might be problematic!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway, I am very enamoured of Stacy Nash designs at the moment and this is her Butternut Tavern.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I used the recommended GAST but linen from stock which was a little paler so needed to change Lexington Green which didn't show at all to Endive - which did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My lovely friend Carmen Sutton made me a gift of My Name is Lidya, Stacy's latest book and if you haven't seen it, it is delicious and I am sorely tempted to begin something from it. I have always fancied a drum pincushion....... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Carmen also sent two of her unused projects by Lauren Sauer in the hope that my friend Anne and I might actually make them. Let me tell you Carmen, Secret Garden is on its way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then we have </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimQoaHRCG_AgvRr737zdUq2G3Dw1iRxpcIICB7usDeCvCDoJL0C4DEwz4fmDpM3crCUNI-Vk4YkKwA3wH32QCB1QXnwKCXEjeSNY0GDDSZIGxJlpbqgRn-s2gRsAUYMYZwQjdQ6neKi7b/s640/blogger-image-1346509622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimQoaHRCG_AgvRr737zdUq2G3Dw1iRxpcIICB7usDeCvCDoJL0C4DEwz4fmDpM3crCUNI-Vk4YkKwA3wH32QCB1QXnwKCXEjeSNY0GDDSZIGxJlpbqgRn-s2gRsAUYMYZwQjdQ6neKi7b/s640/blogger-image-1346509622.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimQoaHRCG_AgvRr737zdUq2G3Dw1iRxpcIICB7usDeCvCDoJL0C4DEwz4fmDpM3crCUNI-Vk4YkKwA3wH32QCB1QXnwKCXEjeSNY0GDDSZIGxJlpbqgRn-s2gRsAUYMYZwQjdQ6neKi7b/s640/blogger-image-1346509622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloqxNMHIu-9GLsm6Zpu7bD6qwksZLNdxo0rgByL1XfR-eKrl5UoHRtW_qt2FgMWnOZAwVTEg3wEw8oht3GutZmax4usgXuPB1jqb2J1jIUUaBIPQBUFUFeQjpp4C3D3V74h5qrHuE4vhd/s640/blogger-image--543080290.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> H is for Honey by Prairie Schooler. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My sister Karen's friend lives in a cottage called Beehive and Karen asked me to make a door hanger for her so I chose this and adapted it for the purpose. I stitched it over one using DMC on a darkish 30 (I think) linen. It is quite small as you can see, only 7 cms ( just under 3 inches wide).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Had you forgotten about the amazing maths?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, here we go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The little bee on the back measures 1 1/2 cms x 2 cms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Stitch count 17 x 22. Therefore there are 374 cross stitches in it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Each cross stitch requires 4 passes with the needle, making 1,496 stabs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What do you think the recipient will say?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">" Aw look. There's a bee on the back"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh, little do they know!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have just discovered why Blogger is so different today. I normally use Blogpress, not Blogger. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Is that the men in white coats I hear marching purposefully up the path?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, to press quickly on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDZfO39YMRVRkGvPrd22YgOW0vavAsnd_LX1fWbg9eaa4p0SB5aHUESkYusTSa6raaOOynXgukYiMFND5mJ0j_ARA_HHOuPRv79CF0S3xalRglAEvaHeGyW-8N3s77n8Dfd8lEpV9kaBO/s640/blogger-image--1215044952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDZfO39YMRVRkGvPrd22YgOW0vavAsnd_LX1fWbg9eaa4p0SB5aHUESkYusTSa6raaOOynXgukYiMFND5mJ0j_ARA_HHOuPRv79CF0S3xalRglAEvaHeGyW-8N3s77n8Dfd8lEpV9kaBO/s640/blogger-image--1215044952.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a very crumpled 'Diligence' by Scarlet letter. The border is finished as is all the lettering and I have just started the house. Then an urn with flowers and initials et finis!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mmm better not celebrate just yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You haven't seen much of my dogs lately, but here here they are now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkvBbFfpMTXZwAfJibzbTURiX-0-5mEoiEmTxTOc7RYnSSYMdWxW_spRd7P1n4axFQ6mzlkEENRByF9lncdejIKGCWhsICzYtiwFKIOv6TjekKYs3_yWmuSN2lhhUbLbZZG4CmN25fFiY/s640/blogger-image-1027730921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkvBbFfpMTXZwAfJibzbTURiX-0-5mEoiEmTxTOc7RYnSSYMdWxW_spRd7P1n4axFQ6mzlkEENRByF9lncdejIKGCWhsICzYtiwFKIOv6TjekKYs3_yWmuSN2lhhUbLbZZG4CmN25fFiY/s640/blogger-image-1027730921.jpg"></a></div><br></div> I am calling this 'A Settee Full of Setters.'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shush, quiet, or we will get nothing done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Almost there now. A relief to a lot of you, I know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After it took so very long to make the stained glass panel for my shower room, I decided to make some smaller items, like this dragonfly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLvG6CWyTu8nQR6xmARDhhzyQUqAbyzJ3x-dxoY_P30ZvgocldmXmuTlvRqNCtLiW2zmDFbJne31wuOdpQ_nwcYHI8ZFPe9kyhyphenhyphencMdglL5ECSCm3ZIhyphenhyphenx6GNYjUUNlwpHosLoYOEdldLZ/s640/blogger-image--244278852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLvG6CWyTu8nQR6xmARDhhzyQUqAbyzJ3x-dxoY_P30ZvgocldmXmuTlvRqNCtLiW2zmDFbJne31wuOdpQ_nwcYHI8ZFPe9kyhyphenhyphencMdglL5ECSCm3ZIhyphenhyphenx6GNYjUUNlwpHosLoYOEdldLZ/s640/blogger-image--244278852.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I gave this one to Anne for her birthday. I used to give her stitched things, but her stitching is so much better than mine now. Hey ho!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am making butterflies to hang from the trees in my garden. They are simple and quick to make and I have about 5 foiled and ready to solder. Stained glass can be leaded or foiled. For smaller items, foiling is easier and is just as weatherproof as leading. You just wrap thin copper tape around each piece of glass and solder them together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One last picture. In the garden of the house next door to me is a cherry tree. It is far too near to my house. The roots are probably snaking through the foundations as we speak, but for a few short days, my son opens his bedroom curtains to this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JzhWcHlhNV5uYgKaTag2o6pxNcgpz4akeB4OP6R_5yvezGorq56E8A4gnanK6q8qSHuSKD48A-c-5tR_e60REjeBctJiuM83W0pb0Uxq7obcIJh7AtUNgQernJcnM_I-j8hWvMf1Fx6Z/s640/blogger-image-102549403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JzhWcHlhNV5uYgKaTag2o6pxNcgpz4akeB4OP6R_5yvezGorq56E8A4gnanK6q8qSHuSKD48A-c-5tR_e60REjeBctJiuM83W0pb0Uxq7obcIJh7AtUNgQernJcnM_I-j8hWvMf1Fx6Z/s640/blogger-image-102549403.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The blossoms are there, in fingertip reach. Absolutely glorious. We'll worry about the foundations another time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After all, tomorrow is another day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hope yours is beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Irene xxx</div><br></div> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div> </div></div><br></div></div></div>Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-71432635156407162172013-04-08T07:49:00.001-07:002013-04-08T07:49:06.633-07:00Stained glass finishOK.<br /><br /> I know this is a stitching blog, but if you had worked on something for as long as this has taken me, you would want to have a teeny tiny 'Ta Da' moment and maybe even a discreet unhurried two-step around the kitchen too.<br /><br />This is my stained glass panel. I based it on a patchwork quilt pattern. <br />Maybe 'Flying Geese', may not be!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/08/823.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/08/s_823.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='450' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I am sure passing quilters would know, I knew once, but this (insert swear word) thing has taken so long that I am not sure I have a working brain cell left now.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/08/824.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/08/s_824.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> A closer look. <br /><br />I did actually crop this to eliminate that white bit at the top which is a piece of frosted glass with light shining through it, but my iPad refused to accept any alterations.<br /><br />So.....what did I learn from this very long encounter with glass, copper foil, lead and solder?<br /><br />Cut carefully!!!<br /><br />That's it really.<br /><br />Cut carefully. <br /><br />Then all the little shapes will fit together and you will not have to un-peel all the copper foil you laboriously stuck around each little triangle and you will not have spend hours on a grinder cutting millimetres of glass away. <br /><br />I did discover that although a millimetre, in itself, is not very big, when you have an extra millimetre on two sides of 160 pieces of glass - that adds up to quite a bit. <br /><br />Well - enough to make the panel too big to fit the hole for which it was designated.<br /><br />It fits now. <br /><br />Because of the afore-mentioned hours spent on the grinder, chewing up my nails, removing small but painful lumps of skin, being splattered by glass-dust laden spray.<br /><br />Oh yes it fits now.<br /><br />It is in the shower room. <br /><br />Where it can be seen at it's very best by male visitors to the loo. <br /><br />So worth it then.<br /><br />Bitter and twisted - moi?<br /> <br />Irene xxx<br /><br />Male visitors - just ignore the panel and concentrate on your aim - that's all I'm saying.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-20017086305184276212013-03-05T03:58:00.001-08:002013-03-05T04:05:10.659-08:00Talking to myself......Do you do it too?<br />
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Talk to yourself?<br />
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Not in general life, although there is time for that too, but when stitching?<br />
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I say to myself things like ' to the end and one more' and 'up in one steps' and 'three the same'<br />
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No doubt any non-stitcher listening to these muttered ramblings would be quietly backing out of the room whilst phoning for those white-coated men, but I bet stitchers know what I mean.<br />
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I look at the chart and think I know what I'm doing, but during that split second as I transfer my gaze back to the linen, unless I have actually said the words out loud, so that I can hear them, I have forgotten what I am supposed to do.<br />
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I know!<br />
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It's bad, really bad.<br />
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Anyway, I did manage to concentrate long enough to actually finish something.<br />
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I would like to thank Ms Stacy Nash for this pretty thing. It is her 'Tribute to Summer' sampler and I just love it. I loved to stitch it and I love it now. That's a lot of love!<br />
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The sun, a rare object in our Northern skies, is shining today but the wooden window things are casting shadows. Some people are never happy!<br />
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I have this thing about leaving a light on in any houses I sew, so I have here too.<br />
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Stacy's instructions recommend using two threads for the white flowers - but hey - she's just the designer, I know better than her so I'll just use one!!<br />
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Mmm.<br />
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I did actually like the damask look of one thread, but then thought 'Well, OK, I'll try it her way' and stitched the next one using two threads.<br />
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Mmm again. Quite like the crunchy look of two threads too.<br />
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So rather than frog out one flower, I decided to mix the flowers, using one and two threads randomly.<br />
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And I love it.<br />
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Did I say that before?<br />
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Now a quick update on my Scarlet Letter Challenge sampler Diligence.<br />
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These colours are so vibrant and the words are so hard!!<br />
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Well the words themselves are not hard, as such, no - its the spacings in-between the letters that are hard.<br />
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It takes me ages and an awful awful lot of the above mentioned out-loud mutterings to decide where to start the next letter. I finished the word 'Diligence' - I know - the very first word - and immediately had to adjust the position of my second word to make it fit!<br />
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This is not good.<br />
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There are many words still to go. This is going to be sore-throat-makingly tedious.<br />
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But hey, it's not a race. Is it??<br />
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Just to finish, a quick photo of Bronte, caught whilst almost sleeping in the sun this morning.<br />
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She will cheer your day. She cheers every day for me.<br />
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Thank you so much for your comments and welcome again new followers. <br />
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It's lovely to have you here.<br />
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Love<br />
Irene xxxStarry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-49626781227245755022013-02-03T07:52:00.001-08:002013-02-03T07:52:24.163-08:00Scarlet Letter sampler Diligence. Thought I would start with a little splash of colour.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/1117.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_1117.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='1066' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The daffodils are out in the shops and are so inexpensive and pretty that they can be a little glow of Spring in every corner. <br /><br />I am really enjoying working on the sampler I chose for the Scarlet Letter challenge. I was a little too late to join the original one hundred, but am part of the second group on Blog 2.<br /><br />After much deliberation I chose Diligence and this is my progress so far.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/1118.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_1118.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The colours are bright and beautiful and the AVAS thread so lovely to work with. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/1119.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_1119.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A close up of the corner. The thread for the daisy petals was a little too yellow I thought, so I substituted AVAS creme which is a little lighter without being bright white. <br /><br />I have used rice stitch, double running ( or in my world - back stitch ) and the dreaded queen stitch. I was going to ask my friend Anne to do all those for me, but seeing as she is stitching the same sampler on our Thursday night SAL it did seem a little unfair. I am just doing them and trying not to worry about it. They are the pink blobs in the middle of the green diagonal border, so - who knows if they are good or bad?<br /><br />I also recently finished stitching Parson Brown, although he is not 'finished' in the true sense of the word.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/1120.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_1120.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />He was a lovely stitch, started when the snow was falling outside.<br /><br />But now we have daffodils.<br /><br />Hey ho.<br /><br />Lots of love and thank you for reading.<br /><br />Irene xxx<br /><br /><br />Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-224561842265219132013-01-09T03:40:00.001-08:002013-01-09T03:40:28.084-08:00A-tisket-a-tasketI've filled my little basket!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/09/322.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/09/s_322.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='533' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A new year affects people in different ways. Just read a few blogs and you'll see.<br /><br />Some look back, often in wonder, at what they have achieved. How many promises made and kept. How many projects finished.<br /><br />Some look forward in anticipation, lists of new projects, penned with determined strokes, stretching far out into the future.<br /><br />I do none of this.<br /><br />I can't remember what I stitched in 2012. If I had kept up with my blogging I would have some idea, but I did not, so I do not. <br /><br />I have one project on order for 2013, but aside from that I shall blow with the wind! I will see where my whims and fancies take me. I will dilly and dally along the way. I will care not a jot!<br /><br />The changing of 12 to13 did have an unexpected affect on me though. I felt an overwhelming need to finish things. So I did and will show you some now.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/09/323.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/09/s_323.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='533' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />These are four of the pears designed and freely offered by Marly from Samplers and Santas. I had five, but gave one away as a Christmas gift. It had to be forcibly removed from my clutching fingers. But I will stitch it again and try to keep up to date with her monthly designs. ( not a promise, more a pleasure)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/09/325.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/09/s_325.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='533' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is a set of Prairie Schooler patriotic strawberries. I used a slightly faded variegated red and blue and really liked the effect. The red is WDW Brick, but I can't remember the blue! I finished these with little stalks of rolled felt rather than hangers.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/09/326.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/09/s_326.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='533' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It's too late in the year to go on about Christmas ornaments, but I thought I would show a few - just for the record! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/09/328.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/09/s_328.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='533' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is quite tiny, stitched over one. I showed it to my son who thought it was a postage stamp!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/09/329.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/09/s_329.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='533' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This one is really pretty. Quaker Birds by LHN, again stitched over one and finished with little iridescent droplets. I gave this to a favourite aunt - she would have needed to be a favourite! I am sooooo mean!<br /><br />Now a project that is started and will be ongoing this year. I am just loving doing it and would have been further on if I had not been distracted by the need to produce Christmas ornaments. It is Tall Year Square by Betsy Morgan.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/09/330.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/09/s_330.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It is a tall box with seasonal sides and the cube, which was our class pre-stitching, sits inside the box. Here you can see the Autumn side finished and the Winter side begun with the matching sides of the cube showing. <br /><br />This is a luscious project to work on. <br /><br />The linen is so beautiful and the threads are - well - luscious! They are Gloriana and if I could, I would have them all for my stash. The colours are so beautifully dyed and the thread never, NEVER, catches or knots. The sheen on the finished stitching, especially the long stitches is just amazing. <br /><br />My one definite new start this year is a Scarlet Letter sampler. My friend Anne and I are taking part in the challenge and after much discussion we have chosen 'Diligence' to stitch in the silks. It is ordered and we are desperate to start. It will be our Thursday evening stitch-along. We will encourage each other, but hopefully we will stitch diligently to the end. <br /><br />See what I did there???<br /><br />I don't seem to blog often, but when I do, I try to give value for money, so thank you if you got this far.<br /><br />I see I have crept over the 100 followers mark, so welcome my friends, I hope you find something to interest you here.<br /><br />I will give news of the two dogs, Bronte and Meghan, next time, suffice to say Bronte just careered from one misdeed to another yesterday and was in trouble all day. One of the very bad things she did concerns one of Marly's lovely sampler boxes!<br /><br />Mmmmm.<br /><br />Lots of love <br />Irene xxx<br /><br /><br />Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-50144413232166708162012-10-18T04:05:00.001-07:002012-10-18T04:05:35.593-07:00First box finish....and a DaisyHello again,<br /><br />My promise to blog more often was hardly worth the screen it was written on!<br /><br />However, I have been busy.<br /><br />I look at many blogs (ah ha - that's where my time goes!) and have always wanted to try a box finish. But there were difficulties. <br /><br />For example, where do I get a box from?<br />What do I use to paint it with.<br />How will I attach my design, assuming that it will fit the space?<br /><br />(Can I just say that I know that since I retired from teaching, my grammar has deteriorated. The first sentence in my list should say ' from where do I get a box' and the second 'with what should I paint it'. I know this and still I write like what I have wrote!)<br /><br />Anyway, I found a box (at a Garden Centre, would you believe!) my blogging friend Carmen suggested acrylic paint, my stitching friend Anne worked out dimensions and stitch counts and I stitched it and stuck it in!!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/18/400.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/18/s_400.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='666' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is the outside, the box is painted dark brown. I didn't attempt to distress this one, but I think I will next time.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/18/401.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/18/s_401.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='666' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is the inside, with a wool felt needle page, a green check background and a little pocket for holding scissors. I was going to line the sides of the base with fabric, but choose instead to just paint it green. I am quite pleased with it - for a first try.<br /><br />Also....another first try.<br /><br />I am, she said modestly, now a jeweller.<br /><br />I know!!!<br /><br />My friend found a really good offer on one of those discount coupon sites for a day making jewellery, so we bought tickets and sorted out our beads.<br /><br />But...it was so much more than bead threading. In fact there was no bead threading. We worked with copper and silver and hammers and punches and saws and stuff. And the best thing was, after only four hours, we actually had something decent to show.<br /><br />We began with copper and I designed (for truly I am also designer of fine jewellery) this little tree pendant. It is a bit rough and ready I know, but it was only a practice piece.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/18/402.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/18/s_402.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='666' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then we were allowed the real stuff........ ooooh silver!!!<br /><br />This is my attempt. My favourite flower, a daisy.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/18/403.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/18/s_403.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='666' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I couldn't find a plain chain, so popped it onto this amethyst bead one and I love it.<br /><br />This is a craft I could get into. (into which I could get!)<br /><br />.........If it wasn't for the stitching, and the stained glass, and the spending of hours reading about other people's lives.<br /><br />Hey Ho. <br /><br />I think I should have retired when I was 21, then I could have tried all these things.<br /><br />I am attending a class by Betsy Morgan at the beginning of November. She will be in the beautiful Cotswolds visiting our Sampler Guild and I am really looking forward to it. I will be stitching the Casket Etui and the Tall Square Year Box ( those are all the right words but not necessarily in the right order!). I am just about finished the pre-stitching.<br /><br />About time you say? I know already!<br /><br />My lovely setter Meg has has so much trouble recently. She is in hospital as we speak. She quickly developed diabetic cataracts which made her blind but luckily our pet insurance covered her to have them removed, which happened last Tuesday. Then she got an infection behind her eyes which gave her a lot of pain and could have blinded her permanently. We rushed her back to see the specialist veterinary eye surgeon and he was able to operate again and save her sight. She needs another 24 hours observation and then we can bring her home. She is such an amazing, patient, lovely dog. I really believe she knows that whatever we do we are trying our best for her. Can't wait to bring her home.<br /><br />Thank you for your lovely comments on my last post. I really appreciate you calling by. Be assured that I read all your blogs too, even if I don't always comment.<br /><br />Lots of love Irene xxx<br /><br />I am sitting at my little desk in the bow window as I write and have just noticed that Bronte has eaten the tassel holding back the curtain. B.......y dog!!<br />Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-58046422922703735752012-09-07T03:22:00.001-07:002012-09-07T03:22:10.981-07:00Quaker ball- finally bouncing.Here she is - my Quaker ball finished.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/07/227.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/07/s_227.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='533' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In fact the whole finish was very easy, much easier than I had anticipated, but it took quite a long time.<br /><br />This artistic (!) photo makes the ball look as though it is floating in a sort of ephemeral way, but it's not, it's sitting on top of the glass funnel of a candle stick-thing.<br /><br />I roughly counted how many sides I had to stitch together, and it's about 54.<br /><br />54!!!<br /><br />That's about 13 small ornament finishes. <br /><br />And you thought I was just sitting here!<br /><br />I showed it my son who thought it was a lovely ball - for the dogs to play with.<br /><br />I wonder where he is now, that boy of mine.<br /><br />I have to tell you a perfectly true story. <br /><br />I was sitting quietly stitching together the two halves of the ball and as I was nearing the end, with only a few sides left open for stuffing, I began to realise that it would actual take quite a bit of filling to get that firm finish I was wanting. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/07/228.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/07/s_228.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='533' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I worried that I might not have enough filling to finish the job and thought I had better check.<br /><br />I walked through the house to the room where I store my sewing stuff.<br /><br />And saw this. <br /><br />Honestly - this is what I found - <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/07/229.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/07/s_229.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />While I had been in my far-away-happy-stitching place, Bronte had chewed up a cushion.<br /><br />So.......problem solved then.<br /><br />I finish today with this little photo; taken in bright sunshine, but so pretty I thought I would share it.<br /><br />I found, in an antiques fair, this old test tube stand, and I use it to display small flowers and greenery throughout the year. I think these little flowers are some kind of anemone. They grow almost wild in my garden, but I never planted a single seed.<br />Nature is wonderful isn't it?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/07/230.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/07/s_230.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We are having a lovely September here in England, hope you are too.<br /><br />Thank you for your most welcome comments.<br /><br />Love Irene xxx<br /><br />PS. Lucy, I tried to email you but it just kept returning. Can only think 28 or 30 count linen for the Spring Rabbits. xxx<br /><br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-3066561822727159582012-08-27T03:04:00.001-07:002012-08-27T03:04:04.095-07:00Quaker BallI know!<br /><br />Here I am again.<br /><br />A feast or a famine - that's me.<br /><br />Anyway, whilst I have been away from you, I have been stitching, so I have a bit to show.<br /><br />I thought I would start here with Amaryllis Artworks Quaker Ball.<br /><br />There was a lot of debate about how big the finished article might be, with arguments about whether the given measurement was the circumference or the diameter. It clearly states Circumference, but this did not satisfy everyone!<br /><br />I chose to stitch the middle size, fearing that the smaller one might be a bit tricky to manipulate for finishing. <br /><br />And I liked the colours!<br /><br />It was charted for 32 count linen, but I had a nice piece of 34 (or 35?) so I used that. I began by using two strands of the recommended WDW but didn't much like the effect so stitched over two with one strand.<br /><br />Also, it had a border of chain stitch and I began this stitching with a confident toss of the head - after all I could chain stitch when I was five years old.<br /><br />Mmm - I pulled it out because it was so wobbly it was untrue, even following the running stitch guide and resorted to my usual back stitch.<br /><br />I am halfway through joining now. The finishing is easy, just a bit tedious. The instructions and diagrams ate excellent.<br /><br />The ball overall will be bigger than expected ( see above ) but the joining squares are less than an inch when the edges are turned in.<br /><br />Pictures??<br /><br />Let's see.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/27/375.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/27/s_375.jpg' border='0' width='350' height='466' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> These are the pieces of the second half of the ball, just starting to join them.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/27/376.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/27/s_376.jpg' border='0' width='350' height='466' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And this is the first half completely joined, still with some tacking stitches showing.<br /><br />Interesting eh?<br /><br />Love Irene xxx<br /><br />PS. I am still experimenting with BlogPress and have changed the picture size. The results can't be seen until the post is published. If they are far too big, or just silly, I apologise in advance.<br /><br /><br /> Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-85114302976452849102012-08-25T02:29:00.001-07:002012-08-25T02:29:44.607-07:00A test posting using BlogpressAfter having so much trouble combining text and pictures using Blogger, I am trying out Blogpress. <br /><br />I use my iPad for just about everything now; it is so much quicker than my laptop or netbook.<br /><br />Let me see if I can add a picture - any picture will do!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/25/211.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/25/s_211.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /> Well.......that seems to have worked. <br /><br />This, by the way, is a photo I took in a very wet Ireland a couple of years ago.<br />Ireland is green and beautiful.....and very wet!!!<br /><br />Now I need to publish and see what happens. <br /><br />If you are reading this, sorry it's so boring, but if it works, I will definitely blog more often and it will hopefully be about stitching too!<br /><br />(I found a video online which demonstrated how to use Blogpress. Sophie, whose video it was, sounded about eight years old - Heyho!)<br /><br />Love Irene xxx<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91519993165329970.post-5163272705638186092012-08-23T04:57:00.000-07:002012-08-23T04:57:49.355-07:00Chaos. Oh - and a bit of stitching.<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
In the olden days, those golden days I now refer to as the BB Days, my life was easy.<br />
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I would flutter a duster around, walk my obedient and obliging setter, Meghan, in the morning, then after partaking of a little light lunch, she would sleep and I would stitch with her by my side in companionable silence.<br />
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In those balmy, hazy, long-forgotten BB Days.<br />
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But now I have Bronte.<br />
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Here she is at 6 months. <br />
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In a rare moment, when she is actually still.<br />
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Glorious.</div>
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And here we are after she has brought in a plant pot full of soil and scattered it over a white(!!!) rug.<br />
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Note the now-perfected innocent 'Wasn't me' look.<br />
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I was going to show the toy this stuffing once belonged in, but really - it was just too awful.<br />
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Note the small log retrieved from the garden. </div>
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The white cafe-style lace curtain from the kitchen door.<br />
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This looks bad, but if you could see the brass rod it hung from............</div>
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Mmmmm. <br />
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And now the really serious stuff.<br />
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A barely recognisable chart, not even stitched.<br />
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Oh - and the little red scrap??<br />
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Wall paper.</div>
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So, in the midst of all this chaos, I did manage a little stitching.<br />
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I needed something which was repetitive, easy and achievable and these <br />
Prairie Schooler Christmas Strawberries were the perfect choice.<br />
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I could pick one up, stitch a little and then put it by without too much trouble.<br />
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I found a finishing site which gave excellent instructions and I will add it later.<br />
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The valves on this computer took an age to warm up this morning and I daren't leave this page even for a moment to check the website address.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49797/73a7c58b2beb13064eb2dcbe37729345/image/265c166fd9fe54a4.jpg?size=400" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJcSoETz_xSq1atiW7Irnkd9bF3ewml1v5-VbRLyoGOQqrz7nSpRceR3xyOfhci5gEl1Xhv6k3LKfpS3RFOwvvhWFKTUTHnb2JzJ5sYeElQNEY1wviHnSupEhsIOQ0e2hNXXecgz-3ncu/s1600/Christmas+strawberries++Bronte's+chaos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJcSoETz_xSq1atiW7Irnkd9bF3ewml1v5-VbRLyoGOQqrz7nSpRceR3xyOfhci5gEl1Xhv6k3LKfpS3RFOwvvhWFKTUTHnb2JzJ5sYeElQNEY1wviHnSupEhsIOQ0e2hNXXecgz-3ncu/s320/Christmas+strawberries++Bronte's+chaos.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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I made a little collage of the individual strawberries<br />
because......<br />
the side you can see in each one is the seam.<br />
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I know!<br />
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I'm getting the hang of this sewing thing.</div>
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There is some old saying I think, which suggests that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade?</div>
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Well....</div>
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I cut out some of the lace motifs from the ruined curtain and may well use them</div>
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as backing on some small ornaments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WLoHP0MRiMvRoQzA10C-cXpECkvDZGNYf1GSOxGgE3h4HPA-DRQ5dpKsfBEXThgeDhofQD_aKrgHUVzEME1kJ1mI07uR3hyz8QQrycUyEdAf0DzwXdAk2Eg3FSxdhvvNZA7p8w2Xddsb/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WLoHP0MRiMvRoQzA10C-cXpECkvDZGNYf1GSOxGgE3h4HPA-DRQ5dpKsfBEXThgeDhofQD_aKrgHUVzEME1kJ1mI07uR3hyz8QQrycUyEdAf0DzwXdAk2Eg3FSxdhvvNZA7p8w2Xddsb/s320/IMG_3508.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am not going to be beaten by a six month old dog!!!!</div>
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Thank you for calling back after my long absence. </div>
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I have to sat that Bronte is not the only reason for me being missing for so long. </div>
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My mum was in hospital for 3 weeks and is making only a very slow recovery and Meghan, my sweet and lovely dog, has been diagnosed with diabetes and although she is doing well, she has a couple of major operations to face yet.</div>
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Lots of love Irene xxx</div>
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PS. I have been away for such a long time that Bronte is now nine months old. I have had such problems with Blogger that I tried to publish this post three months ago but could never, after hours and days of trying, achieve text and pictures together. </div>
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So I gave up. </div>
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To spite Blogger!!</div>
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Ha ha. That showed you, didn't it Blogger?</div>
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Starry-eyed stitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617572469207597697noreply@blogger.com11