Secret Stitching Sweetheart blog hop 2022

Jo has organised the Secret Stitching Sweetheart blog hop again. Each participant receives a photo to post online from a secret stitcher. We hop around the blogs of those taking part to see who received our photo and to reveal ourselves as the Secret Stitching Sweetheart.

To find out who has taken part and to visit their blogs, please visit Jo of Serendipitous Stitching.

I have received this lovely pillow. The saying brought back many fond memories as I remember my Granny used the expression "you're as cute as a button".

It's not fully finished but I've stitched Jeannette Douglas's Valentine mini bouquet. The links for this design as well as January's mini bouquet can be found here. This was a quick stitch and I completed it over two evenings.

Valentine Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion

Have a lovely day everyone.

Smalls SAL - January 2022

It's the first 2022 link up for the Smalls SAL hosted by Mary and I'm pleased to say that I have some stitching to show.

First up is Baked Goods from Little House Needleworks. If you think "I'm sure I've seen that recently" you are right as I stitched it for our Needlecraft Haven Christmas Ornament Exchange. I liked it so much that I had to stitch one for myself. This pattern was a gift from Clare and at Needlecraft Haven we have made it our Travelling Pattern in 2022.

Baked Goods - Little House Needleworks

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart Sand linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads and chose 3865 for ecru like colour

I've admired Jeanette Douglas's designs for some time and her free Mini Bouquet Sampler during 2022 has given me the opportunity to try some of her designs. I am stitching each month's design individually with the intention of completing each one as a scissor fob. I am using her suggested DMC thread conversions and I'm pleased with the end result in the mini pineapple bouquet.

Pineapple Mini Bouquet - Jeannette Douglas

Fabric: 40ct Zweigart Light Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion but used 3011 for both stems and leaves

My final 'show and tell' is not really a small. I'm taking part in Needlecraft Haven's Temperature SAL and here is my progress as at 30 January 2022. I know temperature SALs have been around for some years but I had never done one as I had no idea what I would do with the finished piece. When I saw the floral temperature SAL from Jardin Privé, I knew immediately that I wanted to stitch this one. I plan to 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

Gifted Gorgeousness - January 2022

During 2022 Jo of Serendipitous Stitching is again hosting the link-up for Gifted Gorgeous. What is basically allowed is anything connected to the word "gift", whether is is a gift to you or from you. 

I have taken out my Chatelaine's Alpine Seasons Garden in another effort to complete the stitching on it. I had a 'nudge' from DH who asked me at the beginning of the year when I was going to complete the project he bought me. When Clare introduced a Large Project SAL at Needlecraft Haven I knew it couldn't be ignored any longer.

Here was my starting point:

Alpine Seasons Garden - Chatelaine as at Late 2020

Fabric: 32ct Belfast Sand linen

Threads: Recommended silk threads

And here is my small progress as of last Sunday. If you look closely you can see that I've added some stitches in the upper band. There will definitely be more to show next month.

Alpine Seasons Garden - Chatelaine as at 9 September 2022

Fabric: 32ct Belfast Sand linen

Threads: Recommended silk threads

I'm also knitting a sleeveless tunic for my sister. The back is almost finished.

Zola tunic - Rowan

Wool: Katia Merino Aran, color 81

Needles: 4.5mm needles and 4.5mm double-pointed needles 

Gifted Gorgeousness - December 2021

I have been remiss during the latter part of this year in not recording the gifts I've made or received. So before the year is over I will put that right by showing the gifts that were sent and received in three Needlecraft Haven exchanges.

First up is my Christmas exchange ornaments. I received this beautiful ornament from Justine with this gorgeous Cranberry red thread.

NH Christmas Exchange - From Justine

I stitched Baked Goods by Little House Needleworks for Gill. This design was gifted to me years ago from Clare. I now want to stitch this design again for myself.

Baked Goods - Little House Needleworks

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart  Belfast Flax linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Back in October I also took part in Needlecraft Haven's Halloween exchange. Our Halloween themed stitching was to be completed as a bookmark. I stitched 'Owls in Moonlight' for Mel as I knew she liked owls. 

Owls in Moonlight - Blue Ribbon Designs, Just CrossStitch October 2014

Fabric: 28ct unknown blue/grey fabric

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Mel was my exchange partner and she sent me this terrific bookmark, which just happens to have a owl on it. It will not be used now until next October but will sit in a box with my bookmark collection. I've got over 200 bookmarks as I often buy them as a souvenir when on holiday. 

NH Halloween Exchange - From Mel

Finally, there is the Needlecraft Haven summer exchange that I also took part in. The theme for this was wellbeing, so it could be anything finished as a pillow that would make the recipient feel bright and cheerful. For Justine I stitched this Victoria Sampler pillow. I thought the colours were so pretty. It was available as a free design with The Victoria Sampler Summer Garden Sampler for a time, so I am not sure if it is still available.

Bloom -  The Victoria Sampler

Fabric: 32ct Fabric Flair mint green colour

Threads: DMC 300, 500,725, 778 #12perle Blanc, Atalie 'Les 4 Saisons'

and unknown variegated green, pink and red threads

Clare stitched me this sewing themed friends banner. I hadn't taken a photo of the finished pillow and the lighting is too poor today to get a decent photo, so I will update this photo on a brighter day.

NH Summer Exchange - From Clare

2021 Advent Calendar Blog Hop Day 13

Jo of Serendipitous Stitching is hosting her annual Advent Calendar Blog Hop. The theme this year is Christmas trees, our traditions, ornaments and whether we are a Star or Angel household when it comes to a tree topper. The links to this year's participants can be found here. Today it is my turn to share some Christmas tree memories and some Christmas stitching.

Since this year's theme is Christmas trees, I had to stitch this tree design.

Christmas Tree Sock Hop - Fresh Threads Studio,

Just Cross Stitch Christmas 2011

Fabric: 28ct The Craft Kitten Dawnblush Lugano

Threads: Suggested DMC but substituted DMC 958 for DMC 3812

and Soie d'Alger 2114 for DMC 907

We don't tend to take a photo of our Christmas tree and since we put it up the final weekend before Christmas, it is still sitting in its box. As we put it up so late, it comes down on the Epiphany.

You've probably guessed with my reference to box that we put up an artificial tree. This year we are putting up a new tree as last year's had got so old and droopy. It had been in use for 25 years so it doesn't owe us anything. Our tree is topped with a star.

When I was a child we always had a real tree topped with an angel, but once Santa stopped coming my parents bought an artificial one. We had beautiful glass ornaments and I always made sure that I was the one who put up the bell. I looked forward to the day it would be given to me to hang on my own tree. Sadly during the late 1980's someone dropped the box when taking it out out of the loft and virtually all the ornaments were broken, including 'my' bell.

As a result our Christmas tree is decorated with ornaments that my husband and I have bought together over the years. We tend to buy to buy a Christmas ornament when on holiday so for example, we have Santa on a San Francisco tram, Father Christmas climbing the Eiffel tower, Murano glass from Venice and wooden ornaments from Oberammergau. This means that decorating our tree can be a slow task as there are many pauses prefaced by "Do you remember when ..."

All the Christmas/Winter ornaments that I have received in crossstitch exchanges over the years are hung from a garland which hangs behind our television. That way I can easily admire them every day that they are up. The current year's exchange ornament is always hung in the centre.

Have a happy Advent season as we progress towards Christmas day.

Stitching Friends are Friends who Count 2021

Will you guess who my friend is in this summer's blog hop from Jo at Serendipitous Stitching? 

My stitching friend began her blogging journey as an OU (Open University) student. As life changes so has her blog and since the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown in the UK, she now regularly updates us with her cross stitch projects and takes part in many of Jo’s blog hops.

On reading her blog posts I find it difficult to categorise her stitching preferences but I know that she stitches on Aida and has found that she likes a size 28 needle though she is normally a size 26 fan.

She is an active participant in her church and choir, though I think lockdown restrictions mean that congregational singing (to her disappointment) is still banned. It’s not really a substitute but I thought she might like this design of carol singers from lilipopo.

Alternatively, according to her BFF (a clue) she has a thing about frogs and toads. I hope that is in a good way as I would choose this cross stitch pattern for her as a fun, quick stitch. This design can be found at Daily Cross Stitch.

In case you haven't already guessed it, my stitching friend is Roni from Life Outside the Washing Basket who regularly blogs about her BFF SAL with A Patchwork of Crafts.

Smalls SAL - JULY 2021

This month I'm showing both my June and July small stitching as I forgot to link up last month!

This SAL is hosted by Mary and all those participating for the July check in can be found on her blog here.

My 12 Days of Christmas SAL at Needlecraft Haven continues to be the focus of my small stitching. 

Sixth and Seventh Days

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads for red version

Sixth Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

Seventh Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

Smalls SAL - May

Mary of Mary's Thread hosts the Smalls SAL on the last Friday of the month. It is an opportunity to share our stitching on small projects during the month.

As in previous months, the 12 days of Christmas continues to be my focus for my monthly small projects.

Fifth Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads for red version

Fifth Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

I also wanted to 'test' an alternative to white fabric for my next Just Nan sampler so I stitched this little design from Follow The Needle on lilac linen. The effect is more delicate that I would like for the main design so it looks like white linen will be used.

Scissor fob rose from Follow the Needle - Just Nan

Fabric: 32ct lilac linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Smalls SAL - April 2021

I'm continuing to feature my 12 days of Christmas stitching in the Smalls SAL. This is hosted by Mary of Mary's Thread. If I complete anything else that meets the criteria during each month that will be a bonus.

First up is Jardin Privé's design. I'm stitching this as one piece and I've started to add the border. Rather late in the day I've realised that I haven't left as large a border space on the left hand side of my fabric as I should have had. The border will fit in but I will only just have enough additional fabric for finishing. 

Fourth Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Jardin Privé

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads for red version

Here are my four calling birds from Plum Street Samplers.

Fourth Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart White linen

Threads: DMC 415, 932, 3750, 3820

Stick 6 in 2021 - Second finish

Oh dear, this design did not want to be stitched! The finished stitched piece was my third attempt. First I didn't like my original choice of fabric. I stitched one flower and the colours didn't look good against a neutral colour. Finally I settled on this pale lilac but it is a 32ct linen, making the design larger than I wanted. So I decided that I would stitch it 1 over 1, but I didn't like how that was turning out. I was using DMC colours and I started to think that I really needed the suggested Gentle Arts and Weeks Dye threads. In the end I had to concede that it had to be stitched over 2 and then the suggested DMC conversion worked. I made one change to the design when I replaced the initial B with a small heart next to the left side of the bowl.

As it is larger than I wanted for a pincushion, this will now be finished as a flat-fold ornament or it will be framed. When our non-essential shops reopen next week, I will explore my options for finishing.

Sewn in Friendship - Heartstring Samplery

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart pale lilac linen

Threads: Suggested DMC conversion with DMC 3012 replaced by DMC 730

Sampler Saturday

Over the past few weeks I have making progress on my sampler stitching. I'm pleased to say that I have now completed Just Nan's Winter Blues sampler. By keeping to the proposed schedule that Jo of Serendipitous Stitching suggested for the Just Nan Junkies Facebook group I kept on track. My current plan is to complete this as a bell pull.

Winter Blues - Just Nan

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart White Cashel linen

Threads: Suggested DMC and Kreinik threads

Embellishment pack included with chart

I have now started the next sampler for Just Nan Junkies and it is Nan's Garden. I'm behind on the proposed schedule but I will catch up. So far one of the things I like about this design is the picket fence. The brick Florentine stitch works so well here.

Nan' s Garden - Just Nan

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Platinum Cashel linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Embellishments: To be sourced 

Finally, I have completed three of the seasons on 4 Wishes. There is now only Autumn left. This might take longer to complete as I plan to return to Alpine Seasons Garden before the end of the month. These brighter days have me wanting to take it out. I know it's just a notion I have but I prefer to work on it these days in brighter daylight.

4 Wishes - Just Nan

Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Raw Cashel linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Embellishments: Included with chart

My Ten Things for Serendipitous Stitching's Tenth Blogaversary

Jo celebrated her tenth blogaversary last week and she invited those who wished to join her with their list of ten to do so. Here are my replies to her ten questions.

1.    The tenth project you completed

I think this was the tenth project I completed. If not, it was either ninth or eleventh! This was completed around 1997. I bought a trinket bowl so I could add this to the lid. It is still waiting. It was a neat fit and I was reluctant to squeeze it in.

Ice Moth - Just Nan

Fabric: 32ct Rue Green Belfast linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Embellishment pack as provided with chart

2.    The tenth blog post you made

In this blog post I was celebrating that I was now ready to sew together the 463 pieces that I had cut for a single bed quilt. Unfortunately about half ways through this project my sewing machine had to get repaired and I lost my enthusiasm for completing this. Sadly it is still unfinished.

3.    The tenth blog in your blog roll (or your reader or however you follow blogs)

I use Bloglovin to follow blogs and tenth on my list is Elfin Stitches. Elfie mainly stitches Christmas ornaments and I first visited her when following one of Jo's Blog Hops.

4.    A designer you have stitched more than ten designs

I have only two designers for whom I have more than ten of their designs and I have also stitched more than ten of them as well: Just Nan and Little House Needleworks.

5.    A project that took/is taking more than ten years to complete

This is a small tray cloth that I started too long ago to mention.

Small Classic Walnut Tray - Susan L Meier and Rosalyn K Watnemo

Taken from Tray Designs in Hardanger Embroidery

Fabric: Zweigart 25ct Blue Dublin linen

Threads: DMC 3753, #5 775

6.    A design on the theme of "ten"

The closest fit I can get to this is the tenth design in the Little Sheep Virtues from Little House Needleworks which is Kindness.

7.    The tenth colour on your current project.  Do you use this colour a lot?

I have two WIPs at the moment which use more than ten colours. These are Just Nan's 4 Wishes and Nan's Garden. It just so happens that the tenth colour in each is DMC 647. It's not necessarily a colour I would think of using.

8.    Your tenth WIP for WIPocalypse, WIPGO or whatever list you make

I don't make a list that could fit into this quesion.

9.    Your tenth finish this year (or last year if you haven't finished ten so far this year)

My tenth finish this year is Day 2 of Jardin Privé's 12 Days of Christmas

10.    How has your stitching style changed in the last ten years?

Over the past ten years the main change in my stitching style is that I now stitch more small designs. Before that I tended to be a one project at a time person and these tended to be medium to larger sized projects.