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 - October 2024

It's hard to believe that I have done so little crafting this year but my blog is certainly testament to that.

Nevertheless I have a Gifted Gorgeousness (GG) Update. GG is hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching and it is an opportunity to share any stitching related gifts that we have sent or received.

I've taken part in an Autumn exchange so I will have that to show next month but in the meantime here is my progress on the Lily of the Valley biscornu that was gifted to me by Clare. My progress has been slower than I would like but I'm enjoying stitching this.

Lily of the Valley Biscornu - Faby Reilly

Fabric: 32ct Natural linen

Threads: Recommended DMC threads

Part of the reason for so little cross-stitching is that most of my time was taken with making a quilt for my sister's friend who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. This was gifted to her in August. I made the quilt smaller than the pattern design as I wanted it to be more of a body length throw. I'm so taken with this design that I would like to make it again for a king size bed.

Half and Half Twist - Missouri Star Quilt Company

Fabric: 1 Layer Cake Wildflower Batiks from Island Batik, 

Moda white background and border, 

Method: Machine pieced and hand quilted

Fabric: Backing fabric, Wildflower Batiks Ginko Leaves Purple Blurple

Gifted Gorgeousness - May

Our Internet has been erratic this past month and the telephone company seem to be no closer to solving the problem, whatever the problem is. This will be a short post as I wish to get it up while I can.

First up is a quilted throw that I started back in late November. I followed Jenny Doan's tutorial (Missouri Star Quilt Co) on how to make this Double Friendship Star quilt. The recipient received it last month and was delighted with it. I admit I was pleased with it too.

Double Friendship Star - Missouri Star Quilt Co

Front

Double Friendship Star - Missouri Star Quilt Co

Label and close up of quilted star

Double Friendship Star - Missouri Star Quilt Co

Back

My other item of Gifted Gorgeousness is my long delayed start to Tea with Honey. This is a Travelling Pattern which Jo has passed on to me. After debating which colour fabric to use as I had no Light Sand Cashel linen I settled on Flax. Then I discovered that Light Sand is also know as Latte! I'm glad that I'm happy with Flax as I would hate to restart this project. Oh, I've just noticed that I've missed some stitching in the green border. I must fill that in first thing later today.

Tea with Honey - Just Nan

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Flax Cashel linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

If you are not familiar with Gifted Gorgeousness which is hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching, you can find the full details of how it operates here.

Gifted Gorgeousness - January 2021

Jo of Serendipitous Stitching is again hosting Gifted Gorgeousness this year which enables us to share stitching/craft related gifts that we have made or received. We have from the 15th to the end of each month to share our gifting related craft work. Further details and to sign up can be found here. 

I have two gifts that I received over the Christmas period that I haven't yet shared with you.

The first is this beautiful coaster from Clare (Aimetu's Stitching). It is a block from the Stitching the Night Away SAL that she completed in 2020. All the blocks that Clare stitched can be found in this blog post that she wrote in late December.

Gift from Clare, December 2020

I also received this lovely patchwork ornament from Deb (no blog); another Needlecraft Haven friend.

Gift from Deb, December 2020

I am  currently stitching some gift items but these will have to wait until a later post as I am unable to share them now.

Have a good stitching week everyone.

Gifted Gorgeousness - March 2020

Most of my March work has been for me but I finally quilted and finished this cushion cover for my sister. The cushion top has been completed since April last year. I have no idea when she will get it as all my local post offices are closed during the coronavirus restrictions in France. At least it is something that will keep :)
For further information on how Gifted Gorgeousness work, all the details can be found here on Jo's Serendipitous Stitching blog.

Gifted Gorgeousness 2020 and Needlecraft Haven Valentine Exchange

Gifted Gorgeousness is hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching where we display the crafted gifts we have made, used or received. Full details about how it works and how you can join in can be found here.

As it's February we had a Valentine's Exchange at Needlecraft Haven. No stitching was required this year. Instead we exchanged socks with a heart or floral theme and included two skeins of threads that matched the colours in the socks. This is what I sent to Katie.

Needlecraft Haven Valentine Gift
sent to Katie

Justine sent me this lovely selection. As always the chocolate didn't last long.

Needlecraft Haven Valentine Exchange
received from Justine

I think it was back in late 2017, maybe early 2018 that I stitched this mini quilt top for a doll's bed. As part of my intention to complete outstanding projects this year I finally finished it this week. It will be posted to its new home shortly. While making this mini quilt I found that half square triangles are not as straight forward as I thought they would be!

Doll's quilt

A friend of my sister is competing with their dog in the agility section at Crufts this year so I stitched this card for them. I hope they do well.

Good luck card for Crufts 2020

Gifted Gorgeousness - May 2019

Where has the past month gone? It seems no time since my last Gifted Gorgeousness post. Gifted Gorgeousness is hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching where we display the crafted gifts we have made, used or received. Full details about how it works and how you can join in can be found here.

The hand quilting on Holly's baby quilt is about half done. It will be now be put away for a couple of weeks as I won't be around to work on it.

Holly's baby quilt

Fabric: 'TAO' Modele Depose, 'Black Tie' Oasis Fabrics

design 60-137, teal fabric with orange/white stripe

My main focus recently has been stitching this Good Luck card for my sister and our mum's dog, Sonny. They took part in the dog World Agility Open Championships at Ermelo (Netherlands) earlier this month in the N. Ireland team. She and Sonny didn't win any prizes but they managed to reach one final which I thought was good given that this was their first time in an international competition.

Poodle on dog walk frame - design worked from a scanned photograph

Fabric: 32ct Jobelan Sunlit Pool, The Crafty Kitten

Threads: DMC- 318, 3799, 3787, 931, 927, 612, 677,

738, 728, 402, 950, 841

Gifted Gorgeousness - April 2019

It's time for my monthly Gifted Gorgeousness(GG) report. If you are not familiar with GG, it is an opportunity to share our gifted craft items that we make and receive. It is hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching and full details of how it works can be found here.

Since I haven't posted regularly over the past month, I feel that I have quite a few things to share with you. So here I go!

First up is my Friendly Stitcher's Stitcher's Day exchange. My partner for this exchange was Martina.
She sent me this beautiful biscornu, threads and a tape measure.

Stitcher's Day exchange received from Martina, Friendly Stitchers

I stitched a needlecase for DJ but forgot to take a photograph. However you can see it here in DJ's April Gifted Gorgeousness blog post. It's at the end.

I finished Just Nan's Snowflowers. It is a gift for one of my mother's friends. I couldn't find a suitable custom-made frame so I laced it to this canvas frame and covered the back with the fabric the easel is standing on. My mother is very happy with it, so I hope her friend will be too.

Snowflowers - Just Nan

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Exotic Orchid Belfast linen

Threads and embellishments: Recommended DMC threads 

and Just Nan embellishment pack

I finished the Llama baby quilt that I was working on and it is now with its new owner.

Simon's baby quilt

Fabric: Llama 801, Atacama 801 and Inca 801 by Indigo Fabrics

supplemented with navy and white fabrics

I've started my next baby quilt which is for Holly. Each of the blocks have been stitched and I now need to stitch the rows together. These colours are quite vibrant so I think I will choose something for the binding which will tone it down.

Holly's baby quilt

Fabric: 'TAO' Modele Depose, 'Black Tie' Oasis Fabrics

design 60-137, teal fabric with orange/white stripe

Before starting the quilt, I did some tester blocks which I also used as an opportunity to try applique with fusible webbing. I made these blocks into a cushion cover top and when it is completed I'll gift it to my sister.

Selection of fabrics in stash

Finally, a quick reminder of the gifts I sent and received in Needlecraft Haven's Easter Exchange.

Needlecraft Haven Easter exchange from Julie

My gifts for Astrid

That's everything for this month. Until next time, enjoy your crafting.

Gifted Gorgeousness - March

It's time for my monthly report of Gifted Gorgeousness (GG), organised by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching. For full details of how GG works, read this.

First up is the baby quilt that I have been working on. I've almost finished the hand quilting which is a simple cross hatch. For some reason the final section seems to be taking forever. I really have to concentrate on it this week as I want to post it on Saturday. Yes, it means that I won't be doing the housework as thoroughly as I should but it's only temporary.

Simon's baby quilt

Fabric: Llama 801, Atacama 801 and Inca 801 by Indigo Fabrics

supplemented with navy and white fabrics

I have finished stitching Just Nan's Snowflowers. The colours are so delicate I find it hard to take a photograph that does this piece justice. I've ordered a frame online and as soon as I get that it will be laced up and inserted. I haven't enjoyed stitching this as much as I thought I would, as I found it difficult to get the #8 perle cross stitches to lie as well as I would like. On the plus side, the recipient will receive it in plenty of time for her birthday.

Snowflowers - Just Nan

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Exotic Orchid Belfast linen

Threads and embellishments: Recommended DMC threads 

and Just Nan embellishment pack

So what will be next? I have some Easter stitching which I am completing for an exchange and I will be starting another baby quilt. The baby is due this week, so once I know whether it is a boy or a girl, I will be able to make my fabric decision.

The 1920's Farmer's Wife Quilt, Block 2 - Autumn Tints

I think my block is looking 'busy' and now it's finished I'm not so sure I like it. I'm leaving it as it is for the time being and I'll take a decision on whether to change it when I have completed more blocks.

1920's Farmer's Wife Quilt - Block 2 Autumn Tints

Needlecraft Haven Valentine Exchange and February's Gifted Gorgeousness

Our friendship themed Valentine exchange at Needlecraft Haven (organised by Clare of Aimtu's Stitching ties in with this month's Gifted Gorgeousness (details can be found here). Our exchange had to include a friendship/heart themed card , a skein of thread to match your stitching and a sweet treat.

I received this lovely heart brooch card, chocolate and threads from Clare.

For my partner, Gill (no blog) I stitched 'Be True' from Little House Needleworks and included a skein of DMC 746 and a bar of Poulain milk chocolate. Gill kindly let me use her photograph as I forgot to take one before posting.

Be True - Little House Needleworks

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Belfast linen Natural

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion

I'm working on two other gifts at the moment. The first is a baby quilt and this is my progress so far. I hope to start quilting by the end of the week.

Simon's baby quilt

Fabric: Llama 801, Atacama 801 and Inca 801 by Indigo Fabrics

supplemented with navy and white fabrics

The second gift is Snowflowers by Just Nan. This will be a 50th birthday present. It's almost 50% stitched and then I will add the beads. This needs to be completed by April.

Snowflowers - Just Nan

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Exotic Or hid Belfast linen

Threads: Recommended DMC threads

So it's not hard to guess what I will be working on over the next month.

The 1920's Farmer's Wife Quilt, Block 1 - Attic Windows

I've finally started this sampler quilt that I have admired for so long. Seeing Fabadashery's regular posts of her blocks has inspired me. So here is Block 1 - Attic Windows. I am using Andover Fabric's Blue Sky collection which was created by Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts.

1920's Farmer's Wife Quilt - Block1 Attic Windows

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

Gifted Gorgeousness - May

I'm just back in time from an extended holiday to post my May Gifted Gorgeousness update. At the beginning of April I posted about a baby quilt which was ready for hand quilting. It's finished and it is now in its new home in Canada. 

Fabric: Moda Big Sky, Bears-Teal and Mustard; Makower Linea Zinc;
Makower linen texture Sunflower; Makower Essentials Tiny Dots light cream;
unknown brown/grey fabric and Makower Linea Ebony for backing

I enjoyed making this quilt a lot and I love how the colours complement each other. Once again, thank you Rita Norton for the inspiration. So great was my enjoyment, I've already decided on the design and fabric for my next quilt. Details on what I'm making will follow in a later post when I'm ready to start that project.

If you are unfamiliar with Gifted Gorgeousness, the idea is that you post about your stitching/crafting which is either a gift or made from items you have been gifted. It is hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching and full details of how it works and how to join in can be found here.

A friendship exchange

Yesterday was opening day for Needlecraft Haven's Friendship exchange. The exchange was organised by Clare (Aimetu's Stitching).

I received my parcel from Julie of Julie's Stitchyknitter Journal. Her parcel had a purple theme as the flower for February is violet. This was ideal for me as purple is my favourite colour. In addition to some purple variegated threads and a friendship saying on slate, I am now the proud owner of Miss Violet, one of Julie's knitted rabbits.

Friendship exchange gifts from Julie

My partner was Christine. I stitched a friendship card, made a patchwork mug rug and included some threads. The chart for the card is a free design from Le Chalet des Pérelles and can be found here.

Un peu d'amour et d'amitié - Le Chalet des Pérelles

Fabric - 32ct Belfast white lined

Threads: Recommended DMC

Mug rug with using the friendship quilt block

Everyone made and received a lovely variety of gifts in this exchange.

Gifted Gorgeousness - July

Getting in just in time again for Gifted Gorgeousness. Things seemed to be so busy at the moment with visiting friends or having visitors.

As a reminder, Gifted Gorgeousness is hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching. Each month ideally around the 15th, we post about a project that we are stitching which uses anything that has been gifted to us or which we intend to give as a gift. If you'd like to sign up, you can find out more about it, here.

I haven't done a lot this past month but I have been stitching on this dilly bag. All the small pieces have been stitched together and my next task is to quilt these before adding the other parts of the bag. Even though I have the instructions, I'm not entirely sure how I will put it together as I have to add a top part, the base and an interior fabric. It I get stuck, it won't be finished until October as that is when I return to my patchwork group. I'm one of those people who finds it easier to follow instructions when someone shows me how to do something rather than reading a given set of 'how-to' directions. It I can picture it in my head, I can make progress.

This bag is for me to hold my stitching notions when I go to patchwork but the fabrics for it were gifted to me by Deb (no blog) and Mouse (Tales of a stitching mouse). By chance they each gave me red and white fabrics and I have enjoyed using them for this bag.

Dilly bag in progress

Gifted Gorgeousness - May

It's time for Gifted Gorgeousness again. This is hosted by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching. Each month on (around) the 15th, we post about a project that we are stitching which uses anything that has been gifted to us or which we intend to give as a gift. If you'd like to sign up, you can find out more about it, here.

I haven't touched Halloweenies during this past month but I managed to progress some patchwork. As a result I have a finish and a WIP to show.

I finally finished the doll's quilt last week and it is now with its new owner. Her dolls love it, she tells me :)
It was definitely a learning experience on this small quilt as I made a few errors such as making my binding too narrow. Oh well, live and learn.

Over the past couple of years I have received fabric in exchanges with Mouse (Tales of a stitching mouse) and Deb (no blog). I am using them to make a dilly bag (a small bag) for myself. Is there another name for this style of bag? I can only think of dilly bag. Please let me know as I am interested in that type of thing.
I like my mix of red and whites. All being well, it will be finished for the next update.

Contrasting fabrics

The lady who leads our patchwork group asked us to use strong contrasting fabrics when making our schoolhouse blocks. With this blue polka dot and white combination I think I achieved the contrast. This was all stitched and quilted by hand and though I lost interest at one point with stitching so many pieces together, I'm pleased with the final product. This has been finished as a small wall hanging.

One of my friends said that the polka dots made it look as if it was snowing. I think I agree.

Schoolhouse quilt block
Finished size - approx. 33cm x 32cm

Next week we are using fabric scraps which are any length and at least 3cm wide to make blocks. I have no idea what to expect from this exercise, so watch this space.