January Smalls SAL

Previously hosted by Heather of Stitching Lotus, the Smalls SAL is now hosted by Mary's Thread. All the information on how to join in can be found here.

I didn't have much stitching time in January so I've only one small finish to share with you. If you've read my previous post you will have seen it already. It is Noah's Welcome Mat, a free design from Plum Street Samplers. I will probably stitch another one before the year is over as I have a friend who would also like to have this design as an ornament.

Noah's Welcome Mat - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Belfast Natural line

Threads: Recommended DMC thread

Gifted Gorgeousness - January 2019

The first month of the New Year is almost over. As I've been away, I've just got back in time to write about my Gifted Gorgeousness this month. Jo of Serendipitous Stitching continues to host this monthly blog post. It's always good to see what stitching relating gifts we've made and received each month. If you wish to take part, this post gives all the relevant information and you can find out who has taken part this month, here.
First up is a belated Christmas present from Deb (no blog). This Christmas wreath only arrived a week ago. At least I have it in good time for next year.

Wreath ornament from Deb

Given my sister's love of animals, I had to stitch this Plum Street Samplers freebie for her. I was so pleased with the backing fabric that I decided to share a photo of it as well.

 Noah's Welcome Mat - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Belfast Natural linen

Threads: Recommended DMC threads 

Finally, Clare (Aimetu's Stitching) has been as generous as ever and sent me these three DMC threads with my birthday card. I thought the thread colours looked good beside the floral arrangement that my sister sent me.

Birthday card and DMC threads from Clare

Until next month's Gifted Gorgeousness, enjoy your crafting.

Happy New Year and Wrapping up 2018 finishes

First of all, Happy New Year. I hope that 2019 does not fly by as quickly as 2018 did. Last year just passed so quickly. We had a number of visitors throughout the year, especially during the summer and I think that, coupled with our own travels meant that time passed quickly.

I'd like to show you the quilted cushion cover that I finished just in time for Christmas. The design is Daybreak from Jaybird Designs. This was a trial run before I make the cushion with some daschund print fabric that I bought in the summer. I'm so glad I did as the finished cushion with border is approximately 50cm (around 19.5 inches) square! Ideally I want a cushion cover that is around 45cm (18 inches) square so I have reduced the templates to get closer to that on my next cushion cover. I didn't do the maths upfront because I lacked confidence that I would get it right because Daybreak is a hexagon design. I only made the necessary adjustments to make it a square when I got to that point and then I wanted my border. I felt it needed a border to finish it.

Daybreak - Jaybird Designs

My final finish of 2018 was a first for me - a pair of knitted socks! Many thanks to Julie (Julie's Stitchyknitter Journal) for her encouragement and Winwick Mum's easy to follow Sockalong instructions and YouTube videos. I've already got wool line up for my next two pairs of socks. I learnt a lot about using variegated wool while knitting these which I will hopefully use in the future.

Berger de France - Goomy 50, shade Imprim Prun