End of April update

These past few weeks have flown by and it will soon be my busy May and June period when stitching will virtually dry up.

I took part in the Needlecraft Haven Spring exchange. I sent Gill a hanging ornament of the word Spring. I took this from the Just Nan sampler 'A Breath of Spring'. I also stitched an Easter card with the 2008 Dragonlet by Dragon Dreams. Of course I forgot to take a photo of that.

Spring from Just Nan's 'A Breath of Spring

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Cream Belfast linen

Threads: DMC 610, DMC Ecru

From Julie I received this pretty rabbit spring ornament, threads, flower seeds and card.

A close up of my rabbit spring ornament.

Last week I fully finished Just Nan's 'Spring in the Square'. The other three seasons will be fully finished as the year progresses.

Spring in the Square - Just Nan

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Light Mocha Cashel linen

Threads: Proposed DMC threads

Embellishment: Swan Lake Gold Visions charm, cording DMC 520 and 522 thread

Even though I have a couple of larger projects that I could be working on, I just want to stitch on smaller projects at the moment. That is why I started and finished stitching Just Nan's 'Summer Stroll'. For some reason I want to go through my Just Nan stash.

Summer Stroll - Just Nan

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Platinum Cashel linen

Threads: Proposed DMC threads

Embellishment: Embellishment pack JNB34

For a change of pace, I've also picked up a knitting project that I started a couple of years ago. More accurately I should describe this as a restart because I had a partially finished sock and had no idea where I was in relation to the pattern. This is what I knitted so far and I'm determined to keep going until I have a finished pair of socks. I'm knitting the free Easy Cable Sock from Winwick Mum.

Easy Cable Sock - Winwick Mum

Needles: DPN 2.75mm

Wool: Rico Design Superba Klassig 4 ply, No. 405 (discontinued)

Have a good week wherever you are.

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

Gifted Gorgeousness and a Valentine Exchange - February 2025

It's time for my monthly Gifted Gorgeousness link up with Jo of Serendipitous Stitching.  Each month we show anything received or sent that we can squeeze the word gift into. If you are unfamiliar with this blog link up all the details are here. 

First up is the Valentine/Friendship exchange at Needlecraft Haven. Our theme this year was to send our partner something they could use in their stitching or knitting.

I sent Gill a pair of scissors, a scissor fob and size 26 needles (not pictured).

  

Wescott 7.6cm scissors for Gill

Pearls & Rosebuds - The Drawn Thread

Fabric: The Crafty Kitten 32ct Murano Strawberry Daiquiri

Threads: Suggested DMC threads except DMC 233 replaced with DMC 3722

Embellishments: MH 03021, size 8 white pearl beads, 2-3mm width soft pink organza ribbon

I received a beautiful collection of fabric, buttons, pins and a sparkly Perle deep pink thread form Clare. I already have ideas on how I will use these.

My gift from Clare

During the past month I've been stitching on my Christmas gift from Clare as part of our Needlecraft Haven Christmas Crew SAL. It is being stitched on white fabric that she gifted me a number of years ago. This is my progress as at the end of January which is when we share our progress.

Christmas Crew - Faby Reilly

Fabric: 28ct white evenweave

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

I made some progress this month on Chatelaine's Alpine Seasons Garden. It's been more than a year since I last stitched on this. My husband who bought me this as a kit sometimes wonders if he will see it completed. When I last showed it the outer border had been completed and I was about to start the floral inner corners. This left corner has been my focus this past month.

Alpine Seasons Garden - Chatelaine as at 15 February 2025

Fabric: 32ct Belfast Sand linen

Threads: Recommended silk threads

To close this post, I stitched 'You have my Heart', the free anniversary design from Hands on Design. As I only managed to complete it on the evening before Valentine's day, it is not fully finished but here it is.

You have my Heart - Hands on Design

Fabric: 32ct Belfast Flax linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads except DMC 3833 replaced with DMC 3832

All in all, I've had quite a busy stitching month. Now if only I can keep this up for the rest of the year.

Gifted Gorgeousness and Fully Finished Gallery

I have two finished ornaments which both qualify as Fully Finished and Gifted Gorgeousness items this month. To learn more about both of these monthly SALs visit this link at Serendipitous Stitching for Gifted Gorgeousness and here at The Ten Hour Stitcher for Fully Finished Gallery

The first ornament you will have already seen as it was my Needlecraft Haven Autumn Exchange piece for Clare .

Autumn Bliss - Tracey Richards of Wrought Iron Stitching, Just CrossStitch, Autumn 2024

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Mocha Belfast linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Embellishments: Black pompom

This second ornament was completed for a little girl who loves anything to do with space and the planets. She loved it. I've already helped her find out what she needs to do to become an astronaut. I found this free design on Durene Jones' Facebook page.

Your're Out of this World - Durene Jones

Fabric: 32ct Winter Sunset linen fromThe Crafty Kitten

Threads: Suggested DMC threads except Dmc 728 used for DMC 725

Embellishments: Blue/grey chenille wool for trim

I should have more to show next month as my Christmas stitching is under way. It seems no time since I was last Christmas stitching.

Needlecraft Haven Autumn Exchange

Despite increasing postal costs, at Needlecraft Haven we still continue to participate in seasonal exchanges. It is lovely that I can take part as it increases my sense of belonging to a stitching community.

I received this lovely selection of gifts from Gill (no blog). With my sweet tooth, it goes without saying that the chocolate didn't last long.

Autumn Exchange from Gill

My exchange partner was Clare. I sent her the items as shown below.

My exchange gifts to Clare

A close up of my exchange ornament to Clare.

Autumn Bliss - Tracey Richards of Wrought Iron Stitching, Just CrossStitch, Autumn 2024

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Mocha Belfast linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Embellishments: Black pompom

I also sent Clare two Santa ornaments for her church Christmas tree. It was my first time stitching on perforated paper and it was easier than I expected. For some reason I imagined that it would tear easily. Thankfully it didn't.  These are both free designs; Santa Cookie Small can be found on Shannon Christie Designs Instagram page and the Santa on the right is from Durene Jones's Facebook page.

Santa Cookie Small - Shannon Christie Designs and Santa - Durene Jones

Fabric: 14ct Antique Brown perforated paper

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

I think I might be back to stitching regularly again.

Fully Finished Gallery and Smalls SAL - February

I'm doing these two link-up posts as one because the contents for each are the same this month.

Thank you Rachel for hosting the Smalls SAL. I don't always have something for it but I enjoy taking part.

I stitched these Valentine cards for Gill and Clare at Needlecraft Haven. Both of these are free designs. The Valentine Freebie can be found on Erin Elizabeth's Instagram feed for 6 Jan 2024 or her Facebook page and the Valentine Dragon can be found on Dragon Dreams Inc. Facebook page.

LEFT: Valentine's Freebie - Erin Elizabeth Designs

Fabric: Unknown 32ct in a milk chocolate like colour

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

RIGHT: Full Valentine 2010 Dragon - J.L. Aikman-Smith, Dragon Dreams Inc

Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Antique Ivory Belfast linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads except DMC 326 replaced with Au Voie d'Alger 3025

My sister received this hanging heart, a free design from October House Fiber Arts.

You are Loved - Robin Sample, October House Fiber Arts

Fabric:  Unknown 35ct White linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads except DMC 3833 replaced with DMC 961

Finally, for the Chinese New Year I stitched a dragon keyring for my Chinese friends. This is the dragon from the 2010 dragon Valentine design on Clare's card.

Dragon from Full Valentine 2010 Dragon - Dragon Dreams Inc

Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Antique Ivory Belfast linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads 

Gifted Gorgeousness - December 2023

It's hard to believe it is nearly the end of the year, making this the final blog post for Gifted Gorgeousness in 2023.  Hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching, this is a good opportunity to share the crafty gifts we have made and/or received each month.

December the first was our exchange opening day at Needlecraft Haven. I stitched Clare a snowman ornament and a robin Christmas card. The robin is a free design from La Comtesse & Le Point de Croix which can be found here and the snowman is from a Brittercup Design that was gifted to me by Ursh, a former Needlecraft Haven member. The snowman is stitched on a fabric that was gifted. I've shown the back of the ornament as well as I was pleased to find I had a piece of fabric that would suit.

Christmas Robin - La Comtesse & Le Point de Croix

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Newcastle white linen

Threads: DMC 349, 630, 869, 3363, 3767, 3831, 3841

Winter is in the air (scissor fob design) - Brittercup Designs

Fabric: 25ct Unknown  evenweave latte fabric

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Back of Snowman ornament featuring another Snowman

I received this pretty ornament and other items from Gill. The threads are gorgeous and I'm looking forward to using them. In real life the bells on this ornament look 3D. The chocolate didn't last too long (LOL).

Needlecraft Haven Christmas exchange from Gill

I have completed the stitching on the Just Nan travelling pattern Tea with Honey. I have stitched 2023 as the year of completion on the base. That is my incentive to fully finish it as a cube before the year ends.

Overview of completed stitching and beading

Tea with Honey - Just Nan

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Flax Cashel linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Base of Tea with Honey with year added

Centre design of Tea with Honey

In 2022 Jardin Privé offered a free floral Temperature SAL on her site. I finally completed the stitching at the beginning of this week. I still intend to fully finish it as a cushion cover.

Projet Météo 2022 - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Light Lilac linen

Threads: Suggested range of cool, warm and other DMC colours

and using a 4 degree Celsius range between colours

I am stitching something for myself. My intention is to complete this reindeer design from Punch Needle & Primitive Stitching (PNPS) as a drum pincushion.

Reindeers Winter - Liezbeth Gottschall of Thistles,

in PNPS Winter 2015

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Belfast Natural linen with a gold thread

Threads: Suggested DMC threads except 3023 for 3024 and 3053 for 3052

I wish you all a Happy Christmas.

Gifted Gorgeousness and Fully Finished Gallery - September 2022

At Needlecraft Haven we exchanged summer themed pincushions. This is the pincushion that I sent to Julie using a free design from Hello at Liz Mathews and it is my sole Fully Finished item for the past month.

Summer Celebration Small - Hello from Liz Mathews

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: Recommended DMC threads

In return I received this beautiful sunflower pincushion and threads from Gill. The sunflower is appropriate as so much of the surrounding countryside is full of them during July and August.

I also sent to Clare these two initials (J and Q) for her church Christmas tree. If you read her blog you will have seen her finishing of these here. The J initial is a free design from Fox and Rabbit Designs' Cherry Monogram Pincushion.

 J from Cherry Monogram Pincushion- Fox and Rabbit Designs

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Vintage Blue linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads but substituted Atalie's Carmen for red

Q from Country Alphabet - Leisure Arts

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Silver Moon linen

Threads: Recommended DMC threads

For those of you unfamiliar with Jo's Gifted Gorgeousness and Rachel's Fully Finished Gallery SALs, further details can be found here and here.

Until next time, enjoy your leisure interests.

Gifted Gorgeousness and Fully Finished Gallery SAL - July

Between visiting family and this heatwave I managed to squeeze in some stitching during the past month.

For those of you unfamiliar with Jo's Gifted Gorgeousness and Rachel's Fully Finished Gallery SALs, further details can be found here and here.

Increasingly I find it difficult to find birthday cards that I like to send. My taste hasn't kept pace with that of the card industry. As a result I stitched this card for a 60th birthday and it is both my Gifted Gorgeousness and Fully Finished item this month. The cupcake design is free on Durene Jones's Facebook page.

Cupcake - Durene Jones

Fabric: 28ct Crafty Kitten Jobelan Just Peachy

Threads: Recommended DMC threads

There has been no progress on my Alpine Seasons Garden this month but I have managed to catch up on my Jardin Privé Temperature SAL. Here is the midway point at the end of June.

Projet Météo 2022 - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Light Lilac linen

Threads: Suggested range of cool, warm and other DMC colours

and using a 4 degree Celsius range between colours

As the heatwave continues, stay cool and safe.

Fully Finished Gallery - June 2022 and Needlecraft Haven Jubilee Exchange

I actually have something to show for this month's Fully Finished Gallery which is hosted by Rachel, The Ten House Stitcher.

At Needlecraft Haven we had a Jubilee coaster exchange and I stitched this Commemorative Crown free design for Gill (no blog). It was my first time putting stitching in a round coaster and I imagine it will be awhile before I do it again. It was fiddly! I added some lettering, ER II and 70 years in silver but I couldn't get it to show up well in any photographs. I should have used another colour such as purple. Why purple you might ask.

Commemorative Crown design - Jenny Barton www.gathered.how

Fabric: 28ct Brittany Ivory evenweave

Threads: Suggested DMC threads except Krenik 102HL for

DMC Light Effects Gold and a gold sewing thread for backstitch

Well, it so happened that Clare stitched the same design for me and she used purple which as you can see below is more effective. As an aside, purple is one of my favourite colours.

This is not the first time that Clare and I have stitched the same design in exchanges.

Finally an update on my Jardin Privé Temperature SAL. Here is how it looked at the end of May. As you can see, it is definitely getting warmer. I haven't started on the strong reds yet but I'm getting there.

Projet Météo 2022 - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Light Lilac linen

Threads: Suggested range of cool, warm and other DMC colours

and using a 4 degree Celsius range between colours

Easter Treasure Hunt Blog Hop

Thanks to Jo I am again taking part in the annual Easter Treasure Hunt Blog Hop. For this Blog Hop, Jo has asked us to post a photo of something seasonal that we have stitched (e.g. Easter, Spring, Floral) as well as an alphabet letter which will form part of a mystery phrase.

To collect all the letters to discover what the mystery phrase is and to see who has taken part, please visit Jo's blog with all the information here.

My seasonal stitching is Spring Tulip mini bouquet from Jeanette Douglas.

Tulip Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion

My letter for the mystery phrase is E. 

To collect the next letter in the phrase, please visit Tiff at Tiffstitches a Blog.

Smalls SAL - February 2022

It's time for my Smalls SAL linkup hosted by Mary of Mary's Thread. I haven't alot of stitching to show for this past month but here it is.

First up is my Mini Valentine Bouquet which you would have already seen on my Valentine's day post. I'm loving this free series from Jeannette Douglas and I'm looking forward to downloading the next design tomorrow from here. 

Valentine Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion

As it is the end of the month here is my update on Jardin Privé's Projet Météo. I'm expecting more variation on the colours of my flowers over the coming weeks as Spring arrives. 

Projet Météo 2022 - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Light Lilac linen

Threads: Suggested range of cool, warm and other DMC colours

and using a 4 degree Celsius range between colours