Needlecraft Haven holiday exchange

As those who read my posts know, I love exchanges. During the summer holidays I took part in Needlecraft Haven's holiday exchange and here is what I received from Clare. A lovely sea themed biscornu (the other side has lighthouses); a postcard of Tywyn, Wales; 2 variegated threads which are aptly named, Beachcomber and Clam Shell; as well as this All the World Sampler.
Once again, thank you Clare.

Needlecraft Haven Holiday Exchange 2014
Gifts received from Clare

Just Nan SAL 2014 August Update

Another month, another Just Nan finish.

I've admired Beach Roses for a long time and when I decided to take part in the holiday exchange at Needlecraft Haven, I knew exactly what I wanted to stitch. The only question was - did the design suit being made into a biscornu as that was how the stitching had to be finished.

While stitching Beach Roses, I recalled many happy day trips to the seaside when I was a child. As children we loved to walk along the beach to see what we could find - seashells, shellfish, sand crabs ... but never beach roses :)

All in all, I'm pleased with the end result.

Beach Roses - Just Nan
Sttiched on 28ct Permin Lambswool

Beach Roses - Just Nan
Finished as a biscornu 18 Aug 2014
Stitched for Needlecraft Haven Holiday Exchange 2014

That was the week ... Month? ... that was

During the past month I've continued to combine part-time work with stitching. Most hotel rooms aren't conducive to stitching as the lighting doesn't suit. So last week, I bought a Vusion craft light. It has both a light and magnifier and can be used clipped on to my work or be left free-standing on a table. I haven't had the chance to try it yet but I'm looking forward to it.

So what have I done stitching wise? I've made progress on the Mojo Sampler SAL on The Stitch Specialists Yahoo group and I'm now on part 8. I'm loving all the difference stitches that I've been trying in this sampler.

Mojo Sampler - Abi Gurden Bee's Needleworks
Stitched on 32ct Cashel White

I've also stitched an item for an exchange but I will post on that later in the week. By that time, the item will have been received.

Happy Stitching everyone.

Just Nan SAL 2014 July Update

July just went by in a blur. I got a two month work contract and since then I have done very little stitching.
I managed to make a start on JN's True Blue design. I like how it is coming along and wish my photograph could do it justice. As I bought the chart used, I've had to find my own charms and beads to complete it. They arrived yesterday and I think they will suit. It can be hard to tell when you are buying things online.

Just Nan - True Blue
Stitched on 28ct Cashel White linen with recommended DMC threads

I'm so lucky

Today was opening day for Needlecraft Haven's summer exchange and I received this lovely bookmark and linen threads from Alison. This bookmark is perfect for me as I collect them.

Needlecraft Haven 2014 Summer Exchange
Received from Alison

By chance, Alison was my partner in this exchange and I sent her this pincushion Spot of Summer by Drawn Thread.

Spot of Summer - Drawn Thread
Stitched on 32ct Belfast Sand
Stitched for Alison, Needlecraft Haven 2014 Summer Exchange

I mentioned yesterday my summer exchange from Sharon at Friendly Stitchers. Well here it is. In addition to the pillow with a motif from the Summer Sampler by The Victoria Sampler, she sent me a supply of goodies that I will also put to good use.

Friendly Stitchers 2014 Summer Exchange
Received from Sharon

Once again, thank you to Alison and Sharon for their lovely stitching gifts. No wonder I say "I'm so lucky".

Just Nan 2014 SAL June Update

After the high of completing Just Nan's Patience sampler in May, I decided to stitch one of her smaller pieces this month. I chose Sunny Summer, Happy Garden as I thought it would be perfect for my Friendly Stitchers summer exchange with Sharon. As I know she has received it, I attach photos below of the stitched design and of it finished as a biscornu.

I enjoyed stitching this and it made up more quickly than I expected. I'm currently working on JN's True Blue Heart, which I expect to complete shortly.

Sharon sent me a beautiful stitched pillow and a wonderful selection of other goodies, but I'll share these in a separate post.

Sunny Summer Happy Garden - Just Nan
Stitched on 28ct Cashel Light Blue linen

Sunny Summer Happy Garden - Just Nan
Finished as a biscornu

Mojo Sampler SAL Update

Since I can't show my other stitching at the moment because they are exchange pieces, I thought I'd share the latest update on the Mojo Sampler SAL over at The Stitch Specialists. Abi of Bee's Needleworks has created a sampler with a delightful selection of stitches. With a part released every two weeks, this week's selection were the Diamond Ray Stitch, Cross Stitch and Woven Back Stitch. The Woven Back Stitch was new to me. Of the three stitches, my favourite is the Diamond Ray Stitch as I think the fan effect of this stitch can be versatile in use - to create diamond shapes, trees, etc.

Mojo Sampler - Abi Gurden Bee's Needleworks
The Stitch Specialists SAL
Stitched on 32ct White Belfast linen

Just Nan 2014 SAL May update

I'm very pleased to say that I've completed Just Nan's Patience Sampler. It took me longer to stitch than I expected but it has been well worth it. I've loved the variety of stitches that this sampler has but I never grew to love the recommended fabric.
Very few of my finished pieces are framed. Having waited for about ten years to get this pattern, it will be going to the framers. So Pelican Picture Framing, here I come!

Just Nan - Patience
Stitched on 30ct Legacy White Swan linen
Completed 31 May 2014

So what will I stitch next? On the Just Nan front, I'm going to stitch 'True Blue Heart'. I'm also taking part in two summer exchanges - one with Needlecraft Haven and the other with Friendly Stitchers. So all of that should keep me busy during June.

A Contribution to History, a Finish and a WIP

I couldn't resist the phrase 'A contribution to history', it makes me smile. I haven't done anything dramatic or earth shattering; just stitched my initial using DMC 321 on a 15cm square piece of linen and sent it to the Textile Museum Parc Wesserling in Alsace, France. DMC are having a permanent exhibition where the stitched initials will be displayed along with the names of the participants. Closing date for contributions is 12th May. Further details are here (in English) and here (in French).

Initial M
Stitched on 32ct white Belfast

I completed Little Blue Bungalow,(a free design from Blue Ribbon Designs) which is the 2014 chart for the Birthday thread exchange on Needlecraft Haven. The picture below shows an unfilled pillow as I need to buy some more filling. I love how the colours really stand out and fortunately I had some suitable pink/fushia fabric that I could use for the pillow.

Little Blue Bungalow - Blue Ribbon Designs
Stitched on Goldrush 32ct Murano by Crafty Kitten

I have started the Mojo Sampler, which is the current SAL on The Stitch Specialists. I've decided on a combination of purples (DMC 333, 340, 3746) and yellows (DMC 725, 744). Unfortunately, the yellow backstitch lettering isn't showing up too well on the fabric. If I am still unhappy with it when the SAL is completed, I will switch it for another yellow. The lettering reads 'I love to stitch'.

Mojo Sampler - Abi Gurden, Bee's Needleworks
The Stitch Specialists SAL
Stitched on 32ct White Belfast

Just Nan SAL 2014 April update

So near to completion and yet so far! I am on band 21 of 23 of Just Nan's Patience Sampler. There have been plenty of specialty stitches in this project which have been fun to do. I'm still not a fan of the recommended linen but if you don't try something different, how will you learn these things.

If you pop over to Zeb's blog, Keep Calm and Cross Stitch, you can see and find links for other updates in this SAL.

JN's Patience as at 27 April 2014
Stitched on 30ct Legacy linen

I forgot to say

I was so pleased with the items that I received in my recent exchanges, I forgot to show what I had stitched for my exchange partners.

For my Needlecraft Haven partner, Christine, I stitched this Spring sewing pocket found at Createand decorate

Spring Bunny Sewing Pocket -  Terry Loewen
Stitched on 28ct Natural Cashel linen

and for my Friendly Stitcher's partner, Thoeria, I stitched this needlecase for Stitcher's Day. The pdf for this free design can be found here.

Coeurbroderie2 - sablaise.over-blog.com
Stitched on 32ct natural Belfast linen

I enjoyed choosing each of these designs. For me, one of the things I like about exchanges (other than the surprise of receiving something beautiful from another stitcher) is that I HAVE to finish my stitching as something. I'm not very good at finishing my stitching for myself. Left to my own devices, a completed piece of stitching is often put in a drawer and just taken out to be admired now and again. In contrast, the stitched gifts I receive are displayed in a basket where I can see them every day.

Is not finishing stitching for yourself a common affliction or am I in the minority?

Needlecraft Haven Easter Exchange

I know I seem to have been busy stitching for exchanges recently. Here is what I received from Alison at Needlecraft Haven. There was a chocolate bunny included, but he didn't last long :)

Easter card and beaded egg ornament - Needlecraft Haven Easter Exchange

Due to postage problems, I'm waiting on my exchange stitching to arrive, so I'll not post a picture yet.