Just Nan 2014 SAL October update

I didn't do any stitching in September but I returned to my Just Nan designs in October. I finally finished stitching 'True Blue Heart' but I have no idea yet what it will be made into. I didn't have the original embellishments for the design so I had to find alternatives. I'm happy with the Sapphire flowers that I bought but less so for the Amethyst Opal heart. It blends into the surrounding threads too much for my liking. I might change it later if I find something that I think is more suitable.

True Blue Heart - Just Nan
Stitched on 28ct White Cashel linen

I've made a start on Mitten Men as I wanted something small and quick. It's small but I'll need to come back to you as to whether I found it quick. All being well, this design will be finished by the end of November.

Mitten Men - Just Nan
Stitched on 32ct Natural Permin linen

Stitching time

I've started to stitch my Christmas ornaments and here is the first one. When I saw this 'Santa's cat and dog' design from Madame Chantilly earlier in the year I just had to get it as I have so many cat and dog lover friends. Here is the dog design which has still to be finished into a hanging ornament.

Santa's Dog - Madame Chantilly
Stitched on 36ct hand-dyed linen (hand-dyed by Madame Chantilly)

I met Madame Chantilly at a needlework show in Pexiora, Aude. She was delightful to speak to and I hope to buy more of her designs in the future.

I finally filled the pillow I made for Little Blue Bungalow, our birthday thread exchange at Needlecraft Haven. It's only been waiting since May. Why I kept putting it off, goodness knows, because it didn't take that long to do.
This free design can be found on the Weeks Dye Works website, here.

Little Blue Bungalow - Blue Ribbon Designs
Stitched on Goldrush 32ct Murano by Crafty Kitten

If all goes to plan, I'll get some stitching time today and I'll start another Christmas ornament.

Season of mists and

Autumn exchanges! I haven't been stitching much lately but I just had to find time for Needlecraft Haven's Autumn exchange.

I received this lovely acorn wall hanging from Deb which as you can tell from this photo is hanging from the mantle of my fireplace. The close-up of the stitched acorn gives you an idea of the detail.

Acorns were obviously the 'in' thing as I sent this free acorn ornament from The Workbasket to my exchange partner, Ursh.

Quaker Acorn - The Workbasket
Stitched on 32ct Permin raw linen

Needless to say that having taken part in each of the seasonal exchanges at Needlecraft Haven this year, I have already signed up to the winter exchange. I have an idea of what I'd like to stitch but that might change when I find out who my stitching partner is.