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Sunday, 1 February 2026

A month of Stitching

What a wet and stormy month January has been. On the plus side it has meant that I have had more stitching time than usual as I've been indoors. This will probably be my most productive month for the year.

I completed stitching Just Nan's Winter in the Square. 

Winter in the Square- Just Nan
Fabric: Zweigart 28ct Light Mocha Cashel linen
Threads: Proposed DMC threads
Embellishments: Winter Sheep Gold Visions charm - to be added 

There was further stitching on Frosty Forest. Not alot but some. Unfortunately I need to rip out the bottom border as it is two threads too high. I can't face doing it just yet.

Frosty Forest - Country Cottage Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Pearl Grey Belfast linen
Threads: Suggested DMC threads
Note: Gifted from Clare

My sister asked me to stitch her some dog themed coasters. Woof Spoken Here is an ideal size for the coaster I have. This was a free design from Stitchy Kitty. Her website page is no longer available so I can't provide a link to the design.

Woof Spoken Here - Stitchy Kitty
Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Cream linen
Threads: Suggested DMC threads. Substituted DMC 422 for 3828, 
605 for 3806 and 3362 for 3345

I need to restitch this Lizzie Kate design on 36ct linen. As you can see from the photo below, it is too big for the coaster. I thought I might be able to squeeze it in but it doesn't work.

Dogs Leave Pawprints - Lizzie Kate
Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Antique Ivory linen
Threads: Proposed Weeks Dyes threads except DMC 334 for Sky 
and some DMC 801 for Kris's Bon Bon

For a number of years I've pulled out Little House Needleworks's Needle and Thread Scissor Bed/Pin Pillow to stitch but always ended up putting it away again. This time I looked at the invoice that was enclosed with it and discovered that I had bought it in June 2012! That was the incentive I needed. I kitted it and I've stitched the mattress coverlet. I just need to stitch the scissor fob now.

Needle and Thread - Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Natural linen
Threads: Suggested Crescent Colours and DMC 754

In 2022 I started the Cottage Garden SAL by Wiehenburg Designs. When I saw it on DJ's Blog (Tickled Pink in Stitches) I had to have it. Her finished project can be seen here whereas I have only just finished Part one of this 12 month SAL.

Cottage Garden - Weihenburg Designs
Fabric: 
Threads: Proposed DMC threads

For the past few years, I've been stitching blocks from the 1920's Farmer's Wife Quilt book.  When I started this English Paper Piecing project I had planned to make a King size quilt. Since it has become something I work on between other projects I have lost momentum. Therefore I've decided that I will make a lap sized quilt as given the speed at which these blocks are being completed, I think it is the only way that I will finish something with this fabric. Here are my latest two completed blocks,  Homemaker, Homeward Bound.
1920's Farmer's Wife quilt blocks - Homemaker and Homeward Bound
Fabric:Laundry Basket Quilts, Blue Sky by Andover



Friday, 9 January 2026

End of 2025 and early 2026 update

I like my catchy blog titles, Ha! Ha!

For Christmas I received lovely stitching and craft gifts from my Needlecraft Haven friends as you can see in the photo below.

Presents received from Needlecraft Haven friends

We also had our Christmas ornament exchange at Needlecraft Haven. I received this pretty Mrs Claus in the kitchen ornament from Julie.

NH Christmas Ornament received from Julie

I sent this Just Nan 2008 Christmas reindeer ornament to Gill.
Blitzen Glistens - Just Nan
Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Opalescent Belfast linen
Threads: Proposed DMC threads
Embellishments: Charm pack purchased with chart

Before the end of 2025 I finished stitching on four projects but they still have to be fully finished.
First is the bookmark kit from Gill that I had nearly finished in November.

Summer Bookmark Kit - The Textile Heritage Collection
Fabric: Black Aida band in kit
Threads: In kit
Note: 2024 Christmas gift from Gill

Second was Santa's List.
Santa's List - Country Cottage Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha Belfast linen
Threads: Suggested DMC threads
Note: Gifted from Justine

Third was Just Nan's Lady Scarlet's Christmas
Lady Scarlet's Christmas - Just Nan
Fabric: Zweigart 28ct Flax Cashel linen
Threads: Proposed DMC threads

By mid December I fancied stitching something different so I pulled out Just Nan's 'Spring in the Square'.  This was a project that I had kitted for a New Year start in 2023 so it was ready to go. This design stitched up quickly and made my fourth finish for November/December. I just need to add the central charm and mount it on a canvas frame and it's completely finished. I  love the colours in this design.

Spring in the Square- Just Nan
Fabric: Zweigart 28ct Light Mocha Cashel linen
Threads: Proposed DMC threads
Embellishments: Swan Lake Gold Visions charm - to be added

Naturally I wanted to follow this up with Just Nan's 'Winter in the Square' so I started this in the New Year. Progress on this has been slower due to its snowflake border. Last night I fell into the trap of just wanting to complete a few more stitches before bed. That was a mistake as I miscounted and now will need to removed some pale lilac stitches from the inner left hand corner. 

Winter in the Square- Just Nan
Fabric: Zweigart 28ct Light Mocha Cashel linen
Threads: Proposed DMC threads
Embellishments: Winter Sheep Gold Visions charm - add on completion

If I managed to keep this level of activity up throughout 2026 I would have a very productive year. However I know that is unlikely to happen as I always seem to have a slump when the summer season arrives.