Needles and Threads

sharing a few friends giveaway's

2012-01-06T20:41:00.004Z

hi everyone hope you've been getting a lot of stitching done, I am really desperate to start a new project but I will try to finish at least one of the projects that I listed in my last post

So of to stitch for a little while, will promise to have some photos of my progress over the weekend

Now to mention this giveaway

Sarah is having a wonderful stitching giveaway draw over at the Craftymoo blog pop over there if you wish to be entered

Nancy has a giveaway draw for the most gorgeous of trims - pop over to her blog to enter

and the very generous and lovely Nancy is also having a giveaway of some of her gorgeous threads, these are a pure joy to stitch with and fondle :) visit her blog to enter

Nancy is now having a wonderful Valentine Draw, her hand dyed threads, ric rac and chenille trims are wonderful, I have a few, please visit here to enter

Stitching and organising

2012-01-04T20:55:00.002Z

Hi everyone I'm going to shock you today I've actually done a bit stitching! Yes it's not like me LOL Seriously though, I'm so happy that I haven't been so fatigued and sore this week, apart from the fact that I've had no voice all week, much to my kids amusement. Before I have a new start, I am trying to finish of a couple of wips, 1st it is LHN's Rosey and here's my progress

just a small amount to do on her dress, I would have been further on but had to frog quite a large area of the red as I was one stitch to far to the right aarggh!

then the 2nd one I plan on finishing is BBD evergreen

it only needs the border to be stitched surely it won't take me that long, and as you can see this was a 2010 start so long overdue to be completed

Finally this is an LK pattern

that I started to stitch last month but then never managed to finish, not sure if this one will be getting stitched next, we will have to see, as I'm eager to have a new start

I would love to say a big thank you to Valerie for suggesting I contact Carol from Em-lis website regarding the Sheepish Designs I was looking for, well I did just that and I was glad to hear that she did have them in stock, so although I've already broke my Stitching from Stash Challenge (SFSC) already I am really delighted that I'm going to get them

From now on I will definitely be SFS and I really am looking forward to going through and really looking at what patterns I have ~ well we all have so much to choose from don't we?

now just because we all (well I do) like to see everyone's stash organisation, I will leave you with a few pics after I had done some tidying and sorting (sorry poor pics I know but having camera trouble)

here is my nice tidy shelves

magazines and books to the left

and to the right - threads/patterns/finishing items ect.

Large patterns stored in the purple drawers

Small patterns stored in my new seagrass baskets

The beauty of it is that this is all hidden behind my mirrored doors as
this is half of my wardrobe that hubby had sorted for me just before christmas

Then there's my finishing fabric all tidied up, so much easier to find the colour I need

and my ribbon/trims sorted

and the finishing fabrics and my linen/evenweave get stored in 2 plastic drawer units

and finally my hand dyed threads bagged in floss a way bags and then alphabetically stored in these mini drawers

please excuse the dust, this was before I had dusted everything

to go back into the cupboard!

and

each mini tower has 4 drawers each I removed the bottom one to show you inside

it took me a whole weekend to do, but it was definitely worth the effort, I am busy removing charts from my old magazines, will show you that storage idea another day

well that's all from me, off to get my shower then might get a little stitching done before bed time, thanks for visiting x

** I've had a few emails regarding the ribbons (bottom right) in my picture, these are East Of India Ribbon and I bought them a while back from a seller on ebay, email me if you want anymore details **

A quick post before the New Year

2011-12-30T17:38:00.003Z

Hi everyone, I hope you all have had a very lovely Christmas with your family and friends, We had a quiet but lovely day, DH cooked a fabulous feast, and my parents joined us as they do each year, I had been poorly over the Christmas period but glad I managed a good few hours out of my bed to spend precious time with my family. I didn't mind too much then that I had to take to bed rest for the 2 days after, I need to make another Gp appointment in the New Year, I'm needing to take more morphine for the pain than before and I don't like to rely on it too much (moan over I promise)

Now this Christmas I was truly spoiled by my DH, he got me a Cross stitcher magazine subscription, The BBD Honeysuckle Manor book, and has ordered the Joyeux Noel for me, I'm just patiently waiting on it's arrival. My DH also ordered me the Secret Garden book

The Secret Garden which is one of my favourite classic stories, I am sitting watching Back to the secret garden on tv just now, which I recorded yesterday, it's a lovely story too

I also got pj's and a new housecoat too, I love getting new jim jams at Christmas LOL, I have always bought the kids new pj's for to wear on Christmas Eve and my 14yr old Daughter wanted to still get her new pj's this year, she got a red xmas scottie dogs nightie and matching slippes and we also managed to get her one of those onesie fleece suits that all the Teenage girls are getting, Chloe's is a Minnie Mouse one, she was so cute in them :-)

and one lovely book that I had ordered myself, Jane Austens- Emma

this is one of the Penguin classics deluxe editions in which the cover looks like it has been embroidered, it is really gorgeous, I hope to add to my collection in the future

I also got a large addition to my chart stash, a little birdie told me that an U.S Online Needlework shop was closing it's doors, so DH let me order quite a few patterns, which will be sure to keep me busy in stitches for the next 10yrs or so LOL - well I think I may be due a wee treat after my 3 op's this last couple of years

Now I have decided (like many other) to stitch only from my stash (excluding buying dmc threads that are needed) until my birthday early in July
only exceptions being the BBD Winter LF patterns (as I have the other 2) and CCN cottages of the month series

Now before I start this challenge on the 1st of January, I wanted to ask a huge favour from you all
One of the charts I purchased from the U.S contained a Sheepish Designs chart called Alpha Birds
now I have been admiring the Alpha birds design for a few years now and couldn't track it down, so I thought I'd hit gold when I saw the Alpha design on the website, now it was listed as Alpha Birds so I assumed it was all 3 parts, but to my dismay, when it arrived today, I was disappointed to see it was only the 1 chart, alpha menagerie (pt2) so now I am gutted that I still can't stitch it, so please can I ask if anyone has the other 2 parts to this lovely design? Alpha Birds (pt1) and Alpha Sheep (pt3) I only want to borrow them, and I promise that I will stitch them straight away and get them back to you as soon as possible

My fingers stay crossed that someone can help me x

I hope everyone has a Merry New Year, and I wish everyone Best Wishes for the Year 2012

I do hope it will be a better stitching year for me- for that I guess I need a healthier New Year too :-)

Take care everyone and thanks for visiting

Hugs in stitches x

TUSAL 2012

2011-12-07T18:03:00.002Z

I have decided to join in with the TUSAL (Totally Useless Sal) next year, thanks to Sharon (Daffycat) for running it again
if you are interested in taking part click here to go to the sign up post

New Moon Dates

January - 23
February - 21
March - 22
April - 21
May - 20
June - 19
July - 19
August -17
September - 16
October - 15
November - 13
December - 13

I'm number 122 on the Guest List

On a Winters day

2011-12-07T15:35:00.006Z

Hi Everyone, sorry I've not posted for a few weeks, I have been suffering from a major fibro flare up for the last few days, must be something to do with this lovely cold weather we're getting but I think it was made worse with the events on Sunday, I'll try to explain a little

DH and I had went to the Panto in Edinburgh

We go to this Panto every year, usually DD is with us, but she had a bad cold. Well we both had a lovely time and when we got out of the theatre we decided to have a slow walk down to the bus stop (approx 15mins) we had to wait 45mins for the bus to arrive then when it did come there was standing room only, we didn't realise this until we stepped onto the bus, so I stood for another 30mins by the time we got to the Park and Ride I was about passing out with the pain and the heat, just after having an op a few weeks ago, it wasn't a good thing to go through
What did get us angry was a young Mum had her pushchair blocking 3 empty seats and she sat with her 3yr old on the double seat beside her, now I know when I was little my Mum would put me on her knee to free up a seat if the bus was busy, and brought us up to offer our seat to an eldery person, both my Sons both do this, isn't it just showing a little respect? needless to say I suffered badly because of the lack of it :-(
Anyhow rant over!

I have a little stitching to show, this was what I managed to do last weekend

A little progress on RP's Love ornament

A new start on LK's Be Jolly Kit

and I did this little Robin design, just needed a quick finish

I apologise for the very poor pics

I have received this chart from Sewandso

I plan to start stitching this for our 20th Wedding Anniversary, which is on the 21st Dec, so fingers crossed I'll manage to stitch it up in time

* Thanks to Gracie for the invite, I'm now a member of Pinterest :-) *
~~Also has anyone joined Pinterest lately? I joined the waiting list last month (26 nov) and not heard back from them, can I ask how long you waited to be a member?~~

I am so jealous and overwhelmed when reading all your blogs, you have all made so many lovely Christmas Ornies, I would love to have made you all a stitched Christmas ornie gift but sadly I've not managed to stitch any, it makes me feel really mean and cross with myself, hopefully my health will be better in 2012 and I'll start stitching for next Christmas in January maybe with an ornament each month, we'll see how it goes but that's my plan

I am waiting on some charts from Karen at Wasatch Needlework, ordered a few Plum street sampler charts, and one I ordered is Plum Street's Christmas Tea I hope it comes soon! also ordered CCN's January cottage from the new cottage a month series

My DH asked what I wanted for my Christmas prezzie this year, I asked if I could order Blackbird designs Joyeux Noel and Honeysuckle Manor books, after he hawwed and huffed, saying you have way to many charts to stitch do you really need more? Hell Yeah I really, really do need! LOL so of course they're on order

Thanks for stopping by, hugs to you all x

Some Christmas Ornaments

2011-11-24T22:19:00.001Z

Hi everyone, I've finally felt like I had some energy to take a few stitchy pics, although they are not great pics but so happy that I'm able to post today

I started stitching these beauties, just the Love one to finish now, I have stitched a little on it, and will post my finish soon

Love and Peace by Renato Parolin

White Linen with Dmc Threads

my first go at a beaded edging, I used Mill Hill seed beads and find they look quite small, but I bought some lovely glass beads from an ebay seller and I think they will look much better, although I won't be taking these beads of these ornaments

Finally we have 2 quick stitches, these were both freebies

White Linen with Dmc Threads

Noel-log kabin needleworks

Merry Christmas-Threadworks Primitive

and looks like I'm going to have a finishing weekend to look forward too :-)

Thank you for all your lovely comments, and I'm so grateful that you still read my blog

I've treated myself to a few winter/christmas designs, will post a piccie in my next post

and Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends, hope you all have a wonderful time x

Well of to bed to read now, the cold bug is lurking in house at the moment, Hubby and my eldest son has it, I've had a sore head all day and feel it might be my turn next

take care all x

Anyone out there who still wants to talk to me?

2011-10-28T19:17:00.000+01:00

I'm so sorry I have neglected my lovely friends for so long, it's been a terrible few months. I have not picked up the needle for so long. I am going into hospital this Sunday for a hysterectomy op, I should be in until thurs/fri I am going to sort some Christmas ornaments tonight, going to put the charts/threads and fabric into little bags so I can keep myself busy on my return home, whilst I convalesce :) sounds like a good plan

I will post piccies when I start stitching

Love Lisa x

2 great giveaways

2011-10-28T19:11:00.001+01:00

please visit ~Kathy's blog to enter her wonderful giveaway, lovely charts which I'm sure you all will love to win. I would so love to win, it even may get me out of this stitching slump I seem to be in

another giveaway can be found here at A gathering Place to win a beautiful train case, I have really fell in love with it, truly beautiful

It's been a while

2011-05-25T20:54:00.000+01:00

Hi, I hope there will be someone who will still read my blog after my long absence, I am so sorry I haven't been around much but I didn't have any stitching to show. I've been struggling a lot with my health (fatigued and pain are a horrible mix) and there's been a lot of stress and anxiety over my Daughter's schooling problems (a long story) to cut it short she doesn't attend high school due to anxiety, and it's been hard for all of us, didn't help with my depression but I've kicked my own butt and I'm on the mend

now I did pick up needle and thread at the weekend and I decided to start LK's spring alphabet as I thought the little squares could be counted as a little finish, here's my progress so far

I only stitch 1 or 2 letters/blocks at a time and I'm finding I don't get to tired or sore, so will keep this up until things get better

I have been doing loads of reading over the last couple of months, I'm on book 22 of this year, so I have been enjoying spending some me time in the evenings

Well that's me for tonight, thanks for reading x

Blackbird AOTH charts for sale

2011-03-10T15:41:00.002Z

Hi just wanted to let you know I have added ~~AOTH charts no.s 1 and 2 to my sale page~~ these have now gone (click sale/trade tab at top of page)
I will be adding the charts as I finish stitching them

Mary Glover- Part 1

2011-03-08T23:15:00.001Z

Just a quick post tonight

I started Mary Glover yesterday and finished part 1 tonight, I love how Emmanuelle has split the parts into small sections, I feel it's easier to manage and not so overwhelming

Mary Glover Sal- part 1

36ct Edinburgh Linen

Dmc Threads

Started 7th March

Well I'm off to bed to read as it's after 11pm here, I just couldn't wait to post this piccie :-)

Mary Glover Sal and Just Cross Stitch Mag

2011-03-07T19:09:00.000Z

I forgot to mention on my earlier post that I am delighted that Emmanuelle has allowed me to join the Mary Glover sal, I have my fabric and threads ready and hopefully will be making a start tonight. Is anyone else joining in with this sal?

Now onto my 2nd question, does anyone know when the March/Apr issue of Just Cross Stitch comes out in the UK? I really want a copy of this issue and usually order a copy online from the magazine cafe as you can't buy it in stores here, I don't want to miss this one so thought I'd ask if anyone knew

Happy Monday

2011-03-07T13:26:00.001Z

I'm glad to be finally able to share my stitching prgress pics with you, DH and I share the laptop and he seems to be on it when I'm ready to upload my pics, then when he's finished it's too late to start, then the camera's batteries went dead and I had to recharge them so I have been trying all weekend to post so here goes

First I'll show you my finished piece

Blackbird Designs-Aoth #2 Valentine Rose

Fabric- 40ct Newcastle Linen 1/2

Threads-CC, Gast,WDW

Start Date- 16th February '11

Finish Date- 5th March '11

Valentine Rose, I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would as I thought the brickwork might have been time consuming but it stitched up really quickly

I've personalised it with DH's name and DOB, as he is a February Birthday, and I changed the door a little

I started on the bonus pattern yesterday, here's my progress

I may start to stitch the border on the next one and work between these two designs, I'll see what happens

I'll need to visit Sally and Valerie's Blogs to see how they are getting on as I'm SALing with them

As I've been stitching on the Aoth designs over the weekend I never got much done on Rosey, but here's what I did get done last week

Finally I was so pleased when I saw the airmail packet come through the letter box on Saturday, It was my order from Karen at Wasatch needlework, and here's what was inside

It has some lovely designs in it, once again Barb and Alma have came up with another beauty!

I have been to the Doctors Surgery this morning and got bloods taken, so hopefully these will shed some light on why I've been feeling so fatigued and dizzy lately

Thanks for visiting I really appreciate it, I'm off to get a wee rest as I never slept well again last night

See you soon x

2011-02-25T23:53:00.000Z

I was wanting to join in on the ufo night over at Needlecraft Haven, so I looked through my wips folder and found one I'd like to finish
It was Lizzie Kates Green Flips series, I searched through my blog (I didn't label my posts back then) and found I had put this wip away in June of last year, here's how it looked when I put it away

and I worked on it Tues and Wed night and here's how it looks now

4 down 2 more to go and I'll be adding the border on the bottom, the colours are so bright on this

I never got any stitching done during the day on Thurs, was feeling really sore and fatigued, but I did manage a few stitches in the small hours as I couldn't sleep but I worked on a new project

I'm sure you all recognise this design. it's Rosey, I worked on her this evening, loving her at the moment

Now I am ashamed to admit Ionly have 1 piece of stitching framed and on show in my house, I can't afford to have them framed professionally and I've never found a shop that sells mountboard, spacers ect.

When I framed my first piece I just used card stock, and laced the back myself, now I have learned you have to use acid free materials, also my stitches were a little squashed by the glass, so I am going to do some investigating to find a shop in my area that I can buy framing accesories

In the meantime my stitching has been folded (yes I did say folded!) away in a drawer, well they are all creased especially the linen, then when I was hanging my Daughters school trousers in her wadrobe I had a thought, a while back I had read somewhere that a fellow needleworker had hung their stitching finishes on a coat hanger, I used the sprung clip kind and added a piece of wadding so it won't mark the fabrics and here's the result

the pictures a bit blurry but you get the idea, and I have about 6 on each hanger, I do hope to get some of them framed soon but at least they won't get damaged in the meantime, I just need to think of a covering for them to keep them clean I would love to hear how you store your larger finished pieces

Well that's all for me, hope you all have a stitchy filled weekend x

Sunday's sayings

2011-02-20T18:33:00.003Z

I hope you all have had a nice weekend

here's my stitching pics for the last week, starting with Nature's Beauty (apologies for the terrible picture)

Little House Needleworks-Nature's Beauty

Stitched on- 28ct Bone Brittney

Threads- Dmc

Start date- 4th February'11

Finish Date- 19th February '11

Then I have a picture of my Snow Garden Finish

BBD- AOTH series no 1- Snow Garden

Stitched on 40ct Newcastle linen 1/2

Threads- wdw, Gast, CC

Start Date- 13th February '11

Finish Date- 16th February '11

that's 9 finishes for me this year, yippee! as you can see from the picture I have made a small start on the next one in the series Valentine Rose, Sally and Valerie are both doing great with there progress on these designs

I will be adding these AOTH charts to my sale page so if anyone fancies getting the charts as I finish them please email me, I have also added Nature's Beauty and CHS green tree

I also can show you what I stitched up for my blogging Friend Myra

Theron Traditions-Stray pins

stitched on 28ct Flax Linen 2x2

Threads- Gast

Start Date-18th January'11

Finish Date- 19th January' 11

this was to say thanks for the project bag she made me last year, I also sent her Plum Street's Boris as she really liked this design

I'm not sure what I want to stitch next, maybe one from my new stash?

talking of stash I have been on the bay of evil and added to my fabric stash

I love them, I got some East of India ribbons too but I forgot to take a picture of them

Now I want to share with you the lovely gift I received in the mail last week

it was from Christine she had mentioned on her blog that she wanted to try stitching on some linen as she only had Osnaburg fabric, so I sent her some samples in different colours and counts, and this is what she sent to thank me, I love the bunnies and they smell so wonderful, a lovely cinnamon/orangey fragrance, and a small piece of Osnaburg for me to try stitching on, thanks Christine I love it all

Well that's me for today, I have been a bit neglectful of my blog, I have been in quite a lot of pain and I'm not sleeping. I tried to get a Doctors appointment on Monday of last week the first one I can get is on the 1st of March! my surgery is getting worse, I'm going to try again tomorrow morning

Thanks for stopping by

2 wips,another finish and new stash

2011-02-14T15:06:00.003Z

I have a little stitching to show you today, I have put some more little x's into Nature's Beauty

this was Friday evenings work, as DH was out for a meal with his work mates, perfect peace to sit and stitch
I want to get this finished so can start on another LHN not sure yet if it will be Belle Pepper or Winter sampler

I also finished up this Little Angel for my Daughter, I'm not sure about the hair, do you think she looks a little scary? I'm going to make it in to a little ornie

Sweet Little Angel

28ct Natural Linen with Dmc threads

4th feb-10th feb

this was a lovely freebie from the very talented Simone from Atelier Soed Idee visit her blog for a delightful treat

Then last night I decided to restart Snow garden,

I think it looks much better on the new fabric, although the picture does show the fabric to be darker than it actually is, but I'm happier with it. Sally and Valerie are both way ahead, and there pieces are looking really great. I hope to at least finish Snow Garden before the end of this month

Some stash enhancement at the weekend this lovely design from Lizzie Kate, I just love the colours

those threads are so beautiful, love them :)

I have been naughty and ordered the new Blackbird Designs book well it's too lovely not too have LOL

Also I forgot to show you the trade I received from Michelle she wanted a few of my charts I had for sale and she had some linen to trade as she doesn't like linen very much so we did a trade, she kindly sneaked in a few wdw threads, and here's my lovely package I received

lovely thanks Michelle x

I have just been on the Just Cross Stitch website and really love the March issue

some lovely designs in it, pity I'll have to wait a while until it comes out over here :(

Well that's all my stitchy news today, have a lovely day today however you celebrate it

2 finishes and a bit of a moan

2011-02-10T14:56:00.001Z

Well firstly I'd like to thank you all for the kind comments and get well wishes for me, I maybe don't get around to emailing you all but everyone is much appreciated, and often make me feel much better

I felt my hands were a lot better on Tuesday night so out came my stitching and here's what I chose to do

Brite Birds by Barrick House Sampler(an old freebie design)

Stitched on 32ct Ant Ivory Belfast Linen with Dmc Threads

Start Date- 7/2/11

Finish Date- 8/2/11

Brite Birds Freebie that I had wanted to stitch for a while, I just felt I needed a finish

Then I had a couple of hours after getting caught up with all the laundry etc. yesterday so I picked up this little design and finished it too

A Very Merry Spring by JBW designs

Stitched on 28ct White Jobelan with Dmc c/v 4110

Start Date-8/2/11

Finish Date 8/2/11

that's 6 finishes this year,sorry for the very poor photos just not in the mood to get fussy about it :(

I will need to get AOTH out at the weekend and at least make a start

Well that's all my stitchy news don't feel you need to read any further it's just me trying to share a few of my worries

-----------------------------------------------

I have tried to not moan so much on here, as it's meant to be a stitching diary, but sometimes life get's in the way. I have had many problems with my kids lately and sometimes I feel it just get's too much.

Some of you know that my 13yr old Daughter has had a lot of anxiety problems when she started high school, well she's in 2nd year and still hasn't done a full day in school! up until this year she wasn't managing to attend school at all, but now she attends 3 times a week for less than 2hrs at a time and she still get's upset when I leave her at the school door, I am really proud of her that she has acheived this as it's been a real challenge for her, the psychologist stopped her input after 6 sessions which after waiting almost a year for her to see Chloe I was disgusted

it's quite a lot of worry andstress on my part too as I get upset seeing her distressed, and I worry about her future

Then my Eldest Son decided he didn't like the uni and he left last month we were more worried than dissapointed, we wanted him to consider a course change but with all the snow that we had over dec and Jan the mentors weren't in the uni at the time he needed them, so he's at home now and getting very frustrated because he can't get a job, and of course that's my fault?? He is going to be enrolling into the College but that won't be until the end of August

My 15yr old Son is trying to grow up way too fast, but we don't have too many worries with him at the moment (thankfully)

I've found this a terrible winter my pains been really hard to live with, I haven't been sleeping well and the stress and the pain is a horrible mix but I have to keep going who else is going do it all!

If you got this far I am sorry for my rant I don't really have anyone apart from my Mum to talk too, just needed to get it all out

I am thankful everyday that I can keep stitching for my sanity, and that I have online friends who care x

A little stitching progress

2011-02-07T20:42:00.000Z

Just a quick post today as I've not got a great deal to share with you

Here is my progress on Nature's Beauty

I've not managed to stitch as much as I had hoped too over the weekend, it's been a tough week for me as the fibro pain has been really bad, and this weekend I spent it lying on top of my bed, my hands have been to sore to stitch, DH has also given me his cold, so looks like I'll be having a fun week!

I've not started AOTH again, must try and get this started on the new fabric, I also want to start stitching Brite Birds a free chart by Barrick Samplers that I've had sitting on my to do pile for ages, I hope I'll be able to pick up the needle tomorrow, fingers (gently) crossed

Last week I did manage to get a little gift finished up to send to a blogging friend, once I know it's received I will post a picture

This is my stash buy for last week

a lovely bargain I found on Amazon

The Snow was trying to land here in Scotland today but thankfully the rain washed it away, it is cold though so I will be keeping my tootsies warm, stay safe and warm my friends x

I've made a decision

2011-02-01T11:57:00.000Z

about snow garden, I've ordered some Natural/raw linen in 40ct, hopefully this will show up the threads more, I just couldn't have lived with how it was looking

I'll need to frog what I've done already, but for now I think I'll stitch on this

Nature's beauty by LHN, I've had it kitted up for a wee while now, so look forward to getting started on it

Thanks for all your advice about snow garden, I guess it is down to personal choice

hugs x

I'm having a stitching dilemma!

2011-01-31T21:59:00.001Z

and here's the culprit!

Yes it's BBD's snow garden and it's a nightmare! The border colour does not show up very bright, I have tried putting the snowflakes in using dmc white too see if that is more clearer, but I'm just not sure it looks ok, not sure about the window colour but I do like the colour of the house, at least there's something I like. I'm not sure if I will need to change fabric I'm currently using 40ct Flax linen, as you all know linen is expensive and I don't want to make another color mistake, If I change the threads to a darker shade then the border won't look like snow.
BTW I am using all the listed hand dyed threads, if anyone can help I'd really appreciate your advice

Well I've not felt like stitching today, just so tired and the aches and pains have hit me quite hard, so an early night with a good book for me

hugs x

Items for sale

2011-01-29T16:46:00.002Z

I'm in the process of sorting through my charts that I think I will no longer stitch, I have started to list some of them to view click the for sale/trade tab at the top of this page
I need to raise some funds to buy some Hand dyed threads for a few projects I plan to do in the future
So I am happy to trade for items on my wish list or the Hand Dyed threads I'm looking for
Please take a look when you have the chance, Thanks x

EDITED- added lots more today 30th of Jan, Hand dyed fabrics, Biscornu kits

thanks to those who have already bought or traded with me

2 Finishes for Friday

2011-01-28T13:49:00.000Z

Well this has been quite a productive week for stitching, I managed to stitch a little gift, which I will show later on, then I went on to stitch and finish The Green Tree

The Green Tree by Carriage House Samplings

Fabric- 32ct Sand Linen

Threads- Dmc

Started- 12th Jan '11

Finished- 26th Jan '11

and I also managed to finish up Boris

Boris by Plum Street Samplers

Fabric- 36ct Vintage dune Linen

Threads- Crescent Colours

Started- 15th Jan '11

Finished- 27th Jan'11

I don't know why but I never really enjoyed this one as much as I had hoped too, don't really know why?

Well that's 4 finishes to date, and it's still January I am so happy with myself :)

Now remember back in Oct of last year (I think it was) I had to put BBD evergreen away in my wip pile as I had ran out of thread to finish it, well I have got all the stitching done except for the border, which I will hopefully get around to doing soon as I just love this one! here's a pic

I have treated myself to a couple of samplers and my copy of JCS finally arrived, some lovely designs in it

I am hoping to start on BBD AOTH series, I have got my fabric and threads ready to go, all except 2 of the GA threads but they are on order. Sally and Valerie have kindly said I could SAL with them, I think it will help me to keep going with my first BAP, thank you Ladies I really appreciate it

Have a nice weekend, hope you all manage to fit lots of stitching in!

Friday's ramblings

2011-01-21T18:37:00.001Z

Well this has been me everynight this week
totally sleep deprived, infact last night I got no sleep at all, so I feel like a bit of a zombie today, and the pains quite bad

I will need to make the effort to go shopping tomorrow as Gary's Niece had a baby girl on wednesday weighing in at a whopping 10lbs 13oz

a little sister for Connor who just turned 2 this month. Chloe is over the moon too have a little baby girl cousin, I can't wait to have a hold of her (don't know the name yet) guess I'll need to think about stitching a birth sampler

Now for too share some stitching pics, here is my progress on Green Tree

sorry about the poor picture, the colours don't look anything like they do IRL, the leaves are 2 shades of green not brown and the circles are gold not orange, hopefully I'll be able to get a better pic tomorrow

And here is Boris

not got as much done as i'd like to have, but my heads so sore with lack of sleep that I can't manage more than an hour or so

I have ordered my fabric and some threads to get me started on the Blackbird Designs Anniversaries of the Heart series

I have ordered a fat quarter of 40ct linen, and I have allowed a border of 2 inches I do hope that this will be big enough? I'd love to SAL with someone on this to keep me going on such a large project, will anyone join me?

Has anyone got the Jan/Feb '11 issue of Just Cross Stitch yet?

there's a lovely sampler in it from Plum Street Samplers, they don't stock it in any of the shops near me so I ordered one from The Mag Cafe that was 3 days ago and I haven't heard from them yet, they did say there was limited copies, Keeping my fingers crossed that I will get one

Well the one good thing to come out of me not sleeping I have managed to fit some reading in, I've just read this one-

the first book of Wolff's I've read but it won't be the last, the story is such a delight to read!

Now I 'm reading Dragonfly in Amber the 2nd of the Outlander sereis by Diana Gabaldon, I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st book so I hope this one's as good

Well I hope you all have a fun filled stitchy weekend, take care x

first finish of 2011

2011-01-16T15:00:00.000Z

Hurray! I have my 1st finish, and isn't it a lovely one to have chosen

Dutch Strawberries-The Goode Huswife

Stitched 12/1 - 14/1

Fabric- 32ct Light Sand Linen

With Dmc threads

and I have started another project yesterday, here's my fabric and threads, the fabric is a 36ct vintage dune linen, but it doesn't show well in the pic

and here is the small progress I got done

hopefully will be able to do more on him today

I'll leave you all with a little pic of my fur baby's

this was there 1st caravan holiday last summer, they aren't allowed up on the seats but they sneaked up on them when I was out clearing up the awning, and the rest of the family were away swimming, when they look this cute, how could I possibly tell them off lol

My first stitches of 2011

2011-01-14T11:03:00.003Z

I have actually managed to pick up a needle this week, after almost a (unwelcome) 2 month break, I am so pleased and hopefully my mojo is going to stick around for a good while

I chose 2 projects as I thought I'd try a mini rotation to see how I got on, and here is what i decided to start stitching

this one

and this one

I stitched on Dutch Strawberries yesterday, and here's where I got to

I really love the colours in this one, I am using Dmc threads instead of the NPI silks

I got a lovely gift from Myra at the end of last year,

a lovely project bag that she so cleverly makes herself, I just love the colour and I use mine all the time, thank you dear friend I promise to have something in the mail to you very soon x

I had a tidy up of my charts yesyerday and came across this lot

EDITED- The LHN sampler has now gone, still have the LK one
yes I liked the charts so much I've bought 2 of them! if anyone fancies a swap of charts please let me know

well off to do some tidying up and laundry, I hope I have some more stitching to show tomorrow

take care x

A very belated wish to you all

2011-01-09T14:36:00.001Z

I am so, so sorry I have not been around to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I hope you all had a wonderful time and wish you all health and happiness in the year 2011

This winter hasn't been a great one for me healthwise, I haven't picked a needle up in months nor have I been on the laptop. I am struggling with slight depression which is caused by the pain and insomnia, and makes it had for me to concentrate.

We have lots of the white stuff on the ground here in Scotland which I'm sure everyone is getting fed up with now, and it does cause me to be in more pain than normal, so roll on some milder weather, and hopefully I can find some relief to be able to stitch even if only a little

I did manage a night out to the theatre on Friday evening, to see Hairspay the Musical, starring Michael Ball and Micky Dolenz it was fantastic and really cheered me up, so thank you DH for that special treat (even though I ended up in tremendous pain all day yesterday it was worth it!)

Well I am sure you have all been busy stitching away and I look forward to seeing all your creations when I catch up with blog reading

take care x

2010-11-30T13:06:00.001Z

have a happy St Andrews Day fellow Scots, the sun is shining just now, hopefully it will melt some of the white stuff!

I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted, We've been getting our hall and staircase painted and a new carpet put down, freshened up in time for christmas, and I have been doing a little stitching but not a great deal as the cold weather has really been making me ache all over, and I jusut can't find my mojo :(
I have just managed a couple of christmas finishes to date :( (not nearly as many as I'd hoped for) they still need to be made up into ornies, hopefully I'll be able to get them done soon.
I will try and get some pics uploaded in the next couple of days.
I have purchased another couple of the Blackbird designs AOTH charts, so looking for a sal to join in the new year, as I'll need support to do such a large project, so if you know of one starting up or would care to join me let me know :)

bye for now, stay cosy x

books for sale

2010-10-30T14:48:00.000+01:00

Hi I have a few of the Monica Ferris Needlecraft Books for sale, for details head over to my sale blog

Off for a few days

2010-10-16T01:33:00.001+01:00

sorry i've not been showing any stitching this week, I've had really bad neck/shoulder spasms again, the GP gave me some meds for it, I only started on them Fri morn when i came home from the surgery, but hoping by tomorrow it will have helped ease it a little. It's been a bit of a difficult week, with myself and Chloe not been very well, we weren't sure we'd make it on our holiday, so we didn't pack up things until this evening. we have booked for a week at Fiskally Caravan site, near Pilochry , we've been to this area of Scotland many times but usually stayed at a site in Birnam in Dunkeld but we've heard that Fiskally is a lovely site, with plenty of walks to take the dogs and kids on
I just hope the weather will stay fair for us to set up the caravan and awning, as i don't fancy doing it in the rain with 2 wet over excited spaniels trying to "help"
I hope we manage to get away in the morning, keeping my fingers crossed

Will be back blogging soon, take care x

giveaway winner

2010-10-11T14:05:00.001+01:00

just a quick post today, as I'm not feeling to great, but as promised I'd announce the winner of my giveaway
I used random generator and here's the result

List Randomizer

There were 17 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.1
2.17
3.16
4.15
5.14
6.12
7.6
8.13
9.11
10.10
11.5
12.8
13.3
14.9
15.2
16.7
17.4

Timestamp: 2010-10-11 12:59:56 UTC

as you can see comment 1 is the winner and that was by Carin well done Carin I will email you to get your information
thanks to all of you who entered, it was fun :)

I have another finish

2010-10-09T16:03:00.001+01:00

and here it is

Tea with Jane Austen- The Sampler Girl

32ct Ant. Ivory Linen

Stitched with GA,CC and DMC threads

2/10/10 - 5/10/10

this was a joy to stitch, and stitches up really quickly, I really want to do more Sampler girl designs, I have ordered threads for At home with Jane Austen and Good Tidings.
This chart is now up for swap, does anyone have Return to Sea with Jane, or Mansfield park sampler? I thought these would look nice together

Now I nearly had 2 finishes to show, but I ran out of wdw havana thread, even though the chart only states you need 1 of each colour, so here's how this beauty was left on Friday

I need to finish the tree(centre right) and add my initials, I am so dissapointed as I really wanted to finish it, I still have the border to add, but I might order another thread in this colour just incase. I had already placed a thread order last week so don't want to place an online order for 2 threads grrrr! don't you feel my pain lol

Well I had to keep my fingers busy and didn't want to start a larger piece as I hope my threads will arrive next week for at home with Jane, so I chose another ornie design from LHN- wooly sheep

this will keep me going for the weekend

I ordered these 2 blackbird designs to add to my collection of loose feathers, the mystery sampler design is included in LF#33 I thought I had this already but seems I didn't

and these 2 christmas designs from plum pudding needleart

I also one this chart bundle on ebay, a bargain at £2.99 this included the delivery, the only one I won't stitch is the Shepherd's Bush, not my cup of tea I'm afraid, but still a bargain don't you think? I never usually find a bargain
I haven't been sleeping well for weeks now, as the pain has been so bad, went to my GP yesterday, and she's put me back on the morphine meds so at least the pain has lessened. I chose to try to come off them last month but it hasn't worked out. She also gave me anti inflammotry's and sleeping pills, may try these tonight as I'm like a walking zombie, no need for me to dress up this halloween lol

Remember my giveaway draw ends tomorrow so leave a comment on the post below if you want to enter

Enjoy your weekend x

a giveaway for you

2010-10-02T19:41:00.011+01:00

I thought I'd have a wee giveaway, some of you are aware that due to my health I am home a lot of the time and it's quite hard to deal with some days, It means a lot to me when you visit and especially comment on my blog, so thank you to all that do
so the prize is 2 Needleroll/sampler charts from Jayniffa designs

so for 1 entry please be a follower of my blog, if you are already just leave a comment saying you are

for 2 entries please mention my giveaway on your blog if you have one, but please comment twice as I will

use a random generator to pick a winner

Closing date is Sunday 10th October

Good Luck to all that enter

and some wonderful giveaways on other stitchers blogs at the moment, here is a list of some I would love to win, just one please lol!

Sarah over at Craftymoo blog is having a great giveaway, would love to win the gorgeous fabric

Nataly is having a think pink giveaway on her blog Nataly's Needle creations

Carin is having a halloween themed giveaway on her blog Stitches by Carin

Jennifer is having a surprise giveaway draw, you can enter on her blog Confessions of a serial Starter

Mel is having a halloween giveaway and I just love the chart and the fabric visit her blog Epic Stitcher

and join in with the fun - 31 days of halloween giveaway visit here http://www.annettesacre.com/ and here http://www.deepinsidemissy.com/

A few finishes to show

2010-10-01T21:46:00.003+01:00

Firstly I'll like you to share my HD as I've finished Their Song, I loved every stitch of this one

Blackbird Designs LF 24 Their Song

Stitched on 28ct Flax Cashel

Threads-WDW

Started beginning of Sept '10- Completed 29 Sept '10

Then I stitched up another little halloween ornie- Trick or Kitty Treat, this one's stitched 1/1

Brittercup designs- Trick or Kitty treat

28ct cream Jobelan

1/1 using Dmc Threads

28th - 29th sept '10

Then I have done another of LHN's ornaments He's a Flake,

LHN- He's a Flake

32ct Witchelt Linen- Lily pond

Threads-Dmc

29th - 30th Sept '10

the fabric is more green than it shows in the picture, that's 3 I've done so far, and he will be added to my trade/sale blog along with fa la la and pear tree

and finally Fancy a Jane Day

The Sampler Girl- Fancy A Jane Day?

28ct Light Mocha Linen

Thread- Dinky Dyes Silk in Ruby

Started and completed 1st Oct '10

loved this one as soon as saw it, and I couldn't wait until tomorrow to make it up

I am hoping to get the ornies made up over the weekend, and I will be starting Tea With Jane Austen by the sampler girl. I plan on stitching 4 of these including at home with Jane (which i have) good tidings, and Return to Sea, I don't have the last two charts yet but hope to have them one day
I have taken a fancy to lots of Tanya's wonderful designs, so if anyone has any up for trade please let me know

I am trying hard to borrow DH's pc to read up on your blogs, as I'm still without my laptop, hard drive went down a couple of months ago, my next door neighbour is trying very hard to save all the freebie cross stitch charts, as I can't bear to think about losing them all

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, my sons home from uni tonight so I have plenty of laundry to keep me busy

thanks for your lovely comments and for taking the time to stop by x

some halloween stitching

2010-09-27T20:26:00.003+01:00

Here is a couple of pics of my 1st ever Halloween stitching, need to turn them into ornies but thought I'd stitch a few then do the finishing in the one day

Boo Bunny- Victoria sampler(JCS halloween ornies '10)

32ct Belfast- Light Mocha

dmc threads

26/9/10 - 27/9/10

Happy Jack-Knotted Tree designs (JCS halloween ornies '09)

28ct cream evenweave

dmc threads

24/9/10 - 25/9/10

and here is how BBD their song is coming along, this is how I left it last week, it's getting there (sorry for the poor pic)

there's a few halloween designs i want to stitch, including this one but I don't have any orangey fabric, any ideas were I could buy a piece online, preferably a uk site

EDITED- Michelle has kindly helped me out with a piece of fabric, thanks Michelle you're a star!

Not much luck with my sale items so I may need to try my luck on ebay unless anyone fancies a trade? at least I'd get something new to stitch

thanks for all your lovely comments, glad there's still a few friends that still enjoy reading my blog

take care x

charts/kits for sale

2010-09-10T14:21:00.003+01:00

I've listed a few charts for sale over on my sale blog, click here if you wish to take a look

EDITED- more charts and kits added 11/9

I'm back blogging at last

2010-09-10T12:07:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone, sorry I've been missing for so long, I had not been well throughout July, and had a lot of gallbladder pain, but in August I was admitted to hospital with high temperature and high blood pressure, and in extreme pain. The 3rd day into my stay, they operated and removed it, that was 4 weeks ago, so glad that it's over and done with.
Now I have really missed stitching my neck and shoulders have been bad with fibro pain so it's only this week that I've managed to pick up the needle, and here is what i have chosen to stitch

BBD their song- I love the colours in this one, the only thing I'm not sure about is the spacing of the letters in the word 'them' to me it looks to much space but it's the same space as charted, has anyone else noticed this? or does it look ok to you?

One good thing whilst I've not been able to stitch is that my reading bug certainly was visiting me, as you can see from my list I have read a lot of books this year, and I do enjoy this too, so it's not all that bad is it!

We packed my eldest son off to the uni last saturday, he is staying on campus for his 1st year, I have been so lost without him, but he's having a ball. The Uni is only about 40mins drive from our home so he will be coming home for the football every few weeks, infact he's coming home this weekend as there's a match on, so I'll be able to shop for groceries for him, and do his washing, well that's what Mum's are for :)

I hope someone will stop by and visit my blog, I know that I am trying hard to visit your blogs, but my laptop packed in last month, so i need to beg DD to let me borrow hers

Well hope you all have a lovely weekend, and manage some stitching x

fabric exchange anyone?

2010-06-01T00:11:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone, well at least I hope there might be one person still following this blog :)

I finished summer breeze last month, and here it is-

and this is what I'm currently stitching on, although I haven't touched it in over a week

and this is what it will look like when finished

it's funny because my current project I'm stitching on 14ct Aida, i've not stitched on aida for a while so wasn't sure how I'd get on, well I'm loving it, can't believe how quick I can stitch on it, and I'm thinking of doing more projects on 16ct or 18ct. I will still do some pieces on evenweave as I like the overall look of the fabric, but when stitching a piece that covers a lot of the fabric then I'll definitely use aida

I have decided to try my attempt at a HAED design, i have a couple of quick stitch charts, so will choose one of those, I had started stitching a little on 25ct 1/1 to see how it looked/felt, but just don't like it, so thinking of doing it on 18ct with 2 threads or on 22ct

****EDITED to say thanks to Michelle and Julie, I now have some fabric to enjoy, thanks for the swap Ladies :) *****

now that leads me into my next question, does anyone have any larger pieces of 18ct,20 or 22ct aida (preferably white or ant white, but will consider pale pastel colours) that they'd like to trade in exchange for linen/evenweave? I have 28 and 32ct neutral shades, and my fabric is mostly all still packed in sewandso poly bags and come from a smoke free home, and I would like to swap fabric that also comes from a smoke free home (sorry i just don't like the smell of cigarette smoke)
I don't want to have to pay out for more fabric when I have loads of linen I may never use, so if anyone has too much aida and would like to swap for some linen, please send me a message

stash and blog prizes

2010-04-29T18:43:00.002+01:00

I have been lucky to have won 2 blog prizes a few weeks back, I had thanked the ladies for sending me the gifts but this is the first of me getting my camera out and blogging. sorry about that

the first prize was from Michelle this was a mystery prize and here is all the goodies she sent me

so many goodies

then this lovely chart from Ranae she even was kind enough to include a little piece of the gingham linen that it's stitched on

thanks again ladies they are both wonderful gifts

now over the last few months I have added a little stash to my ever growing pile, here is pics of the charts

Do you think I'll manage not to buy anymore for a while ????

at last some stitching to show

2010-04-29T17:19:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone, sorry I've not blogged in a while, or read your blogs. I am still not feeling too well, I seem to be tired all the time and the pains in my legs have been awful. I was at the GP's yesterday and the doubled my pain tablets, they think I'm just getting used to the current morphine dose, I'm going to try them out tomorrow, fingers crossed they work.

I do have a little stitching to show, the first two are little pieces that I stitched to give me satisfaction of finishing something

puppy from a Brittercup puppies chart

dogs leave paw prints- Lizzie Kate

these were both fun to stitch and didn't need me to concentrate too much lol! I still need to add the charms

and I'm currently working on the Letter L by Nora Corbett

here is my progress-

stitching finished just to add the rest of the beads. The colours don't show well with my camera, looks a bit washed out, but it's stitched on wichelt linen-water lily with crescent colour threads as listed

still here

2010-04-08T20:48:00.005+01:00

Hi everyone, sorry i've not updated my blog for a while, still not feeling to great, I've been anaemic and really tired, so I've not got a lot of stitching done, but I have enjoyed reading a lot, which is my other guilty pleasure

Hubby bought me a new camera so when I have worked out to use it,I will post some pics of my latest stash that I have gained and what the stitching I've done

I will leave a piccie of my pooches for all you doggie lovers :) Alfie is the puppy, Ben is 4
** Edited for Kath- Ben is a springer spaniel, Alfie is a cocker, they both are from the field(working) spaniel lines ** they have such wonderful tempermant and personalities

Alfie

Ben

another new week

2010-03-15T21:11:00.002Z

and I feel like stash sorting/tidying and I plan to start with my charts, can I please ask how you store your charts? I have mine in plastic file type cases but a few are getting creased on the spines a little,

I saw this set on tesco's website, I quick like something like this as it could sit on my shelves, but it's £14.99

if any of you have any better ideas i'd love to hear them , thank you

Mothering Sunday

2010-03-14T20:40:00.001Z

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mother's out there, I hope you were all spoiled, but most important you were with your lovely babies :)
I had a quiet but nice day, DD gave me a tatty ted and a Mum metal bookmark. My DS's gave me a memo pad, notebook and pen and a packet of wethers original chocs so I'm over the moon

I've been terribly fatigued this last week or two, I have been waiting on a doc appointment for 10 days, I know that fibro does makes you tired and drains your energy, but I don't think I should be so tired. I got pills to give me a bit of a sleep at night, but I am sleeping on and off the whole day. Not great for a mother of 3!

Anyhow tiredness aside i have managed to do a little stitching- I finished the 2nd of the lhn's monthly ornaments pear tree, this was a quick one to stitch up

I restitched the wording on fa la la, as the wording wasn't showing up well, and I added the beads

I think it looks better now

And here is another finish i started this on Monday and finished it on Friday evening, so another one that is quick to stitch up, BBD- Easter Parade, I used good old Dmc, love the colours on this one. Chart was loaned to me from a blogging friend, thank you so much you know who you are :)

finally here is my latest stash buy, Drawn thread- season spots,(i had spring in my collection) I want to stitch these all on one piece of fabric, but not sure if I want to stitch them in a horizontal row or in a square of 4, will need to think about this one

thanks for visiting, i hope to catch up with my blog reading soon

stitching finishes and my 1st disaster

2010-03-02T17:11:00.006Z

Firstly I'd like to thank you all for the lovely comments you left me on my last post, I am so greatful for you taking the time to say those nice words. I'm not one to feel sorry for myself, it's just I feel so helpless that I can't make things better for DD Chloe, it's been going on too long, I just hope we will start to see some improvement soon

Now on to the good bit- I have some stitchy pics to show

First is January monthly sampler,

LHN Monthly samplers

Stitched on 28ct Flax Linen

Threads- Crescent Colours

finished as a mattress pincushion, my 1st attempt at this finish, with great help from Vonna's tutorial, the instructions are so clear, thanks Vonna

I stitched a tree on the reverse side

I'd like to maybe add a pattern on the border the next time

Second is Fa La La

LHN monthly ornaments

Stitched on 32ct Ant. Ivory Linen

Threads- Dmc

the first of the monthly ornaments, I love the colours in this one, I am thinking of doing a felt finish, I've finished a couple of ornaments last year this way. I ordered some felt squares from ebay, and a new scallop blade for my rotary cutter, my hands are too sore to attempt this, so will leave it until the weekend. I may change my mind by then lol

Next is a piece that I finished last year, but wasn't happy with the flatfold finish that I had done, so I took it apart and made this pinkeep

LHN- Holly And Berries

Now as I was doing these changes I decided I wasn't happy with February's monthly sampler, so I took it apart, but disaster struck, the linen frayed drastically and it left a sad looking piece, that I can't do anything with so it looks like I'll have to stitch it again, groan! So hence the title, my 1st disaster and hope it will be my last!
I have just put the 1st few stitches into the next monthly ornament, pear tree, I needed another easy piece to stitch

If you've got this far, well done and thank you. After visiting Staci's blog, It reminded me that my blogoversary must be coming up soon and it is, it will be my 2yr blogoversary tomorrow (3rd) so I need to think of a way to celebrate with you all. I will try to think of something by tomorrow lol

As some of you know I don't sleep well at night and take this as an excuse to get some reading done, I have been watching the TV book club and they recomended a book called the Rapture by Liz Jensen

it's a psychological thriller, and hubby just picked my copy from the library yesterday, so will get stuck into that this evening

Just before I go, If you don't already subscribe to the (fantastic) Gift Of Stitching online Magazine then visit their site soon as they are offering a free trial of March's issue you can find the site here

Well of to get some stitching done, bye for now x

2010-02-26T14:43:00.001Z

why do I keep feeling so down, could it be this miserable weather? could it be the awful fibro pain i seem to have been suffering for the last few months? or could it be the stress of having a 12yr old Daughter who hasn't been to High School since August? (long story)
Whatever it is I feel so tired and have a constant sore head. I look after my 1yr old Nephew on a Thurs and Fri, usually from 8am-5pm but this last 2 weeks I've had to tell his Mum that I can only have him until 2, this has made me feel guilty, but I get tired so need to rest before my boys come home from school, which then means leaving my DD downstairs, another thing to make me feel guilty. My Husband is great and doesn't mind cooking the dinner when he get's home, luckily he's home at 4pm so it's not too late, so why does this make me feel bad too? Sorry to moan again, I know there is a lot more people worse of than me, but sometimes it get's too much :(
well of to have an hours nap, before my boys get home
take care everyone Lisa x

Items for sale

2010-02-25T19:53:00.001Z

I have started my stash clearout as I'm badly needing too
I have listed these items on my other blog which you can view here
I will be adding more items soon

having blog problems

2010-02-24T23:19:00.001Z

I'm trying to sort out the problems with my blog layout, it's getting me frustrated, I don't see how I'm going to fix it!
I will post pics of my stitching as soon as I get this fixed

there's a great giveaway on Sarah's blog, take a peek at those lovely goodies :)

thank crunchie it's Friday!

2010-02-19T19:40:00.003Z

Hi everyone just a quick post tonight as I'm having a horrible fibro flareup at the moment. it's actually been a horrible week, hence the post title
I wanted to share my stitching with you as I'm quite happy with my progress on summer breeze, working only at the weekend on this, 2 down 1 lady to go :)

and I have a finish to show-

LHN-Monthly Samplers-February

Stitched on 28ct Cashel Linen with Crescent Colour threads

I've started stitching January's one,

I'm not sure how i'm going to finish these, i don't fancy making 12 pinkeeps as I'm not the best at finishing these. Need ideas!

I have the new lhn monthly ornaments waiting eagerly to be opened but they'll have to wait until January's finished

BLOG HELP NEEDED- does anyone know why my friends lists,archives, blog links ect. show at the bottom of the page instead of the right hand side like it shows in the layout page, tried several things without any luck, and hat's really weird is when I view just a single posting the items are on the right side but when viewing the whole page it doesn't ?? how does it look to you when you view it?

Thanks for visiting have a great weekend x

2010-02-07T19:06:00.002Z

Sorry I've not posted for a few weeks, but I have been stitching a little. Before I show you my stitching pics, I justed wanted to tell you know that i went to see 'the sound of music' yesterday with my MIL and DD Chloe, it was a xmas gift from hubby,of course i asked for it, he's not that good at surprise pressies, but hey at least you get something you like :)
Connie Fisher was fantastic as Maria, she's just perfect for the part.
Well what else have I been up to? not much really apart from going to the uni open day last week with my eldest son, he's had an unconditional offer from 4 uni's but has decided to do a masters in chemical engineering at Herriot Watt(Edinburgh) Just need to win the lottery before sept!

Now back to the stitching here's my progress on Just Nan-follow the needle

and here's a new start- summer breeze-

i've not stitched on both for a few days as been in a little pain again with all the damp weather

I'm looking for a copy of cross stitch and needlework magazine nov 09

EDITED TO SAY I HAD THIS MAG ALL ALONG IT WAS IN THE WRONG FILE, DOH!

thanks for visiting and i'll catch up with all my blog reading soon

hugs x

A New Year, and hopefully a better stitching one for me

2010-01-16T17:00:00.003Z

Well it's been a while since I blogged, I lost my stitching mojo for a while, I haven't had a great time healthwise, and life just get's in the way sometimes
I'm glad to say my mojo has returned and I've got some stitching to show

this 1st piece I started back in April of last year, here's how it looked then

and here it is now,

stitched with crescent colours threads on 28ct white evenweave

Then my 2nd happy dance Ida mae crow, I started and finished this month

stitched with dmc on linen

then onto my new wip, a just nan sal that's taking place over on the stitch and stash forum. I chose Follow the needle as my piece, it arrived yesterday and here's how It's progressing

there's 18 bands in total, I'm a bit worried about the next band as it's bargello and I've never done that before, infact all the speciality stitches are new to me

Well off to make the tea for the troops coming home from the football, enjoy the rest of your weekend x

A quick catch up post- sorry it's a long one!

2009-09-15T12:58:00.009+01:00

Hi everyone, sorry I've been away from blogland for so long. It's been a busy few months. Were do i start? well

- Meet Alfie our new addition to the family - he's a cocker spaniel, with a big personality! He's settled in well, and already thinks he's top dog!

(this is him when we brought him home) (and this is him now)

My Eldest son Jamie sat his Highers and did really well- 1A and 4 B's and he's now sitting 4 advance highers. Well done son!

DS Craig has settled into 3rd year at High School well, still keeping up with his oboe playing and he's busy with army cadets. He's also got himself a paperboy round to fund his golfing. He's one busy lad! Here's a pic of my handsome boy in uniform -

DD Chloe is now at High School the first week went well, but unfortunately these last few weeks haven't. Her anxiety and panic attacks are back (for those who don't know Chloe suffered months of it in her last year of primary school) and the stress of it all is making me ill again, the fibro pains terible and the Neuralgia in my face is worse than ever. We're waiting to get an appointment with the school Pyshologist, unfortunately these such meetings take a while to come round.

I've also started childminding my little Nephew Connor who is 8 months old, I love looking after him and taking him walks in his pram, I'm really enjoying it, but it is tiring, oh how you forget just how tiring it is lol

We've also been decorating my bedroom, it hadn't been touched for years, we're finished with the painting. Just waiting for hubby to put a carpet in our mirrored wadrobe and some shelves to hide all my stitchy stash away.

I've not managed to do any stitching in the last few months, my mojo just disappeared. I have been stash collecting though, that addiction hasn't stopped!

I've kitted up LK's Christmas by the letter and a Quaker Lady by Jardin Prive, so hope to get my mojo back and get stuck into them this week.

I'm sorry I haven't been commenting on your blogs, and if you've stopped by today I'm forever greatful. It's been horrible not been able to catch up, but hopefully I'll be able to do so now

Happy stitching!

2009-06-22T19:16:00.018+01:00

Hi everyone, I'm still here, it's not been a good few weeks for me healthwise, and I been back and forward to hospital appointments. I got my date for my gynae op, 6th July, which is fine as I'll be able to enjoy my birthday a few days before. I'm glad it is to happen soon, although I am a little nervous as i've never had general anaesethic before!

Before I show you pics of the little ammount of stitching I've managed to do, I'd like to show you the lovely scissor fob, I received from Carol, it is really beautiful and I love silver jewellery so this one was perfect for me
and a while back I won Sari's blogoversary draw, she sent me this lovely biscornu,
and a little home sweet home sign (i need to take a picture of this when my camera is charged) Sari has lovely pictures of the biscornu on her blog

Thankyou both ladies, I am so greatful :)

Now for stitchy pics- here is an update on C de Carr- (click for larger picture)

And I finally took the plunge to start a HAED design, I have bought a few over the years but decided on a storykeep to get me started. I chose this one Gossamer princess by Selena Fenech- here's the small bit I've stitched so far the size is 75w x 225h stitched on 25ct 1 x 1, I hope I'm doing it right LOL

Some good news, We're getting a new addition to the family... a new puppy! he is a 8wks old cocker spaniel, and we will be collecting him on Saturday! He will be company for Ben our 3yr old springer. Here's a pic of Ben playing a game of pat-a -cake with DD Chloe

Thanks for all your lovely comments, I promise to visit your blogs as soon as I feel better

2009-05-28T18:06:00.003+01:00

pop over to Carol's blog, and enter her fun giveaway. 3 Beautiful beaded fobs as prizes

finally Yuko is having a giveaway to celebrate 3 years of blogging, visit her blog to see the lovely pinkeep she is giving away as the prize, it's lovely

2009-05-26T00:37:00.003+01:00

oh my! has it really been nearly a month since I last posted? it's been a rotten few weeks for me health wise, but hopefully things are starting to improve
I've not managed to do a lot of stitching, the urge was there but I was so tired,
but I'm pleased to say I started Cirque de Carreaux last Thursday, and have managed to work on it twice. Here's my progress so far

I have used 1 skein already

I has been a busy weekend, so no stitching time, I hope I will be able to get some fitted in tomorrow

well it's bedtime, so I'm of to settle down with a good book

Quick post

2009-04-27T17:09:00.006+01:00

Well were has the last week went? I've not been feeling too great again. I have been having stitching withdrawals LOL I managed to stitch a little yesterday, the 1st in about 3 weeks!!!

And I've managed to miss the posting date for the Totally useless Sal again!
here's my collection not a great deal in there, well there wouldn't be when I've not been stitching

sorry for the poor photo's, I wasn't upto taking them really, but wanted to post today

finally Edgar is having a giveaway for a favourite(of mine) sought after design of Lo a Rose, please visit his blog for details

I hope I have more to show you soon, Bye for now

2009-04-20T14:22:00.005+01:00

Nina has a wonderful giveaway on her blog here, to be included in the draw you need to post a picture of your scissor collection, I only have a few pairs so pitiful next to Nina's fantastic collection!

No stitching to show, my hands have quite stiff, and I have been busy with the kids the last week, hopefully now that they're all back at school today, I will be able to get some stitching started, I have missed it!

I had got new tablets from the GP 2 weeks ago and i feel a lot better, the depression has lifted and I don't feel so fatigued, seemingly the symptoms of my morphine based painkillers are prone to bring your mood down, so you need help to lift it, now he tells me after all those years!!!
I felt that good I even managed a day out at the park yesterday with the dog, it was a lovely sunny day, and we walked along the path that runs by the sea, it was so lovely. Then we drove past Mcdonalds and had an ice cream,(even the pooch) and then home. it was so nice to get away from the four walls of the house. Dh took a few photo's of Chloe and the Ben(pooch) he's taken the camera to work, but I will post any good ones this evening

I hope I have som stitching to show next time and i promise to get caught up with my blog reading this week

Hope the sun is shining were you are today!

I've been RAK'd

2009-04-13T20:19:00.005+01:00

I was like a child on christmas morning when I opened this parcel last week, inside was the most beautiful purple beaded fob from Barb, she also sent me a lovely blackwork kit, something that I have wanted to try for a long time. Doesn't it go well with my new purple scissors that I had bought a while back

I had been admiring Barb's beaded fobs on Jayne's attic, Barb has been sending joy to loads of stitcher's this last few weeks, and I am overjoyed to be one of them, thank you Barb you really made my day.

Well that's the 1st week of the kids holidays in, We never managed to get very far, as DD slipped of the bottom stair last sunday night, and badly sprained her foot, it went black and blue. The poor thing it was really sore. DH is back at work this week so I'm hoping that I have a good few days, and I'm able to take them out and about.

Sorry still no stitching to show, my hands are playing up, but I am still enjoying reading

bye for now x

2009-04-11T23:50:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone, just wanted to pop on and wish everyone a Happy Easter, hope everyone has a nice weekend, and enjoys a choccie egg or two :)

I've not been feeling up to stitching, but I have been enjoying some reading, I have heard a few people mentioning Barbara Erskine books, so I asked Hubby to give me a lift up to the library, unforunately they only had one- this one

I'm not dissapointed- I started reading on Friday and I'm really enjoying it, I've reached page 160 already. The Library is going to try and get me these 2 by the same author- the child of the pheonix and midnight is a lonely place. I hope they do.

I really need to sort out my books I have loads that I've read, I like the idea of having a book swap, does anyone do this?

Well of to bed with my book, take care everyone Lisa x

April update

2009-04-06T21:12:00.009+01:00

Hello everyone, thanks for all your kind wishes, I still feel quite fatigued and have been going through another down period, but I hope it will lift soon

I have some stitching to show you, I have finished the travelling stitcher,(not done the needlecase yet)

I have been thinking about how I could finish this one. I don't think I'd be able to make a pocket like the one that is shown on the chart, so I thought maybe putting it onto a bag, similar to this one I made last week

And use it as my stitching bag. What do you think?

I also made a start on Growth rings, but had to leave this for the last week as I'm so fatigued I feel I might make mistakes.

Wips- I need to pick up LHN 'My needle's work' again here's my progress

Finally I missed the date for to show our orts on the Totally useless Sal, Here's my
jar, a lovely start to my collection

I received my tiny treasures biscornu exchange from Gillie, a beautiful piece in one of my favourite colours thanks Gillie it's lovely

here is the one I sent to Iza (I had to borrow this pic from Iza, as I forgot to take a picture before posting

The kids are on there Easter holidays, I do hope the weather improves it's so cold here. DH has taken the week of too, although we won't be doing that much, it would be nice to be able to get out walking with the dog. My youngest son (13) is away to camp with the army cadets for the week. It's strange only having the 2 of them at home. DS is 16 now, so he rarely wants to go anywhere with us, so it will be just DD (11) who will be venturing out in public with us LOL

Bye for now, Lisa x

Going A.W.O.L- for a little while

2009-03-25T14:20:00.003Z

Hi everyone, this is just a quick post to say, I may not be update my blog for a few days, as I'm not keeping to well, I had been to my GP yesteray and he's arranging for me to be referred to the Gynaecology dept. at the hospital. I hope I don't have to wait to long for an appointment. I'm also getting blood tests taken next Monday,as he thinks I may have Diabetes, hoepfully they will get me feeling back to normal soon, well as normal as can be for me!

Sorry If I don't manage to comment on everyone's blog, but I will try my best to visit them when I can

Be back soon

Lisa x

What's happened?

2009-03-23T01:06:00.008Z

to my layout, my profile, gadgets ect. have been moved to the bottom of my posts instead of being on the sidebar, how could this have happened? I have removed the background and went back to a blank template, but it still doesn't work
I have tried endlessly to fix it, can anyone think off what might be the problem?

Edited- I have tried to drag them into place, but that didn't work, I have removed a lot of the lists and pictures, but don't want to remove my followers list

thanks for trying to help, I hope someone reads this and knows the answer

Happy Mother's Day

2009-03-22T22:11:00.011Z

hi everyone, sorry it's been a while since I last posted, it's been a difficult week, my fibro pain has been bad, I had to attend a funeral for my Cousins 25 yr old Daughter, abdominal and pelvic pain called for a visit to the well woman clinic on Thursday, and now I have to visit my GP on Tuesday as the nurse wasn't happy with me, I won't bore you with the details, it's been quite a downer week

Happy Mother's day, Hope you were all spoiled, my day started with DD making my breakfast, scrambled egg on toast, and a glass of orange juice, at 11 and the youngest out of the 3 of them and she did it all herself, what a little angel.
I got some lovely flowers, an easter egg with a mug, a Mum bookark and pen, and on Friday DH ordered me 2 of the new John Clayton charts from 123 stitch,
I'm a fan of strictly so I will so love stitching these when they arrive!

We visited my Mum then DH's Mum, then DH, DD and I went to the park with Ben,
and to finish we had our tea out. It was a lovely day, especially as I don't get out of the house a lot. but I will definitely pay (pain wise) for it tomorrow though!

I was able to buy 2 frames for these 2 pieces, I think I did an okay job of the framing.

I fell in love with Ink Circles growth rings,
and treated myself to the required VC silks, I also ordered a Detritus bag, 25 silks- grab bag of unmarked threads. It's a lovely assortment.

It's the 1st time I've ordered, and the service was fantastic, 4 days to arrive here in Scotland!

Now I just need to hide the CC bill when it arrives , I'll be in so much trouble YIKES!!

I made a start on LHN My needles work,

Did you see the dancing on ice final, Ray Quinn won, I really enjoyed tonights show.
Thanks for visiting, I promise to catch up on my blog reading soon

Goodnight everyone, hugs Lisa x

Another HD!

2009-03-16T21:48:00.005Z

Home of a needleworker is finished, I never stitched the 2 borders on the top and bottom, I felt it looked fine without them

Home of a needelworker too

stitched with Crescent colours floss

Started 9th March

Completed 15th March

My next LHN design is going to be this one-

But before I get started I wanted to stitch this biscornu, as it's been on my to do pile for ages, Martina''s Roses, here is what I managed to stitch since this afternoon

Finally this is DD Chloe's stitching, I've tried to teach her before but she lost interest quickly, but we found ths little kit in my stash, and it's perfect for her

Thanks for stopping by, Hugs Lisa x

2009-03-15T16:36:00.005Z

Here is another update on Home of a needleworker, I never touched this yesterday, didn't feel up to stitching. It's not got a long way to go now, the roof need to be done and then the top and bottom borders. Hopefully will get this finished tomorrow

I was feeling stash deprived, and we can't have that LOL I had only £5 left in my paypal so I treated myslef to this
A tiny tresure letter by Selina Fenech. I had seen this a while back, but had thought against it, as I still have a few HAED QS's in my to do pile. But after seeing Sally's letter J, I fell in love with it again. I hope you don't mind Sally?
I have started to grid 10 x 10 squares (over 1 thread) on 25ct. I hope I'm doing this right? and I have all my threads ready to go, hopefully will be able to start soon.

DD and I never made it to the cinema, my legs were really sore, and the problem we have is the cinema is one 5 min and then an hour bus trip away, and DH wasn't able to drive us through or collect us, as he was on standby with his work. The wind was really cold so we decided just to go into town to blockbuster and DD picked 2 films to rent. Some popcorn from the local Spar shop, the 2nd part of her Hannah Montana collectors magazine, and she was just as happy.
total spend £10 so a lot cheaper then the cinema!

Did you hear the news, there's going to be a new Papillon-creations sal, it's called Castles in the Air, and it's going to be done over 24 parts.

I will be watching dancing on ice tonight, it's the semi final. I don't think Zoe should have went out last weekend. Coleen is hanging in there too long, a bit like John sergeant on Strictly!
On a skating theme DD passed her grade 8 badge at Learn to Skate this morning. She's doing really well, although she's still a little nervous of falling, but hopefully this won't hold her back too much :)

Hope you have all had a nice weekend

hugs Lisa x

2009-03-13T13:53:00.005Z

Here is an update pic on Home of a needleworker, not much progress as I wasn't feeling up to it the last few days. I was in quite a bit of pain after the dentist.

Dentist update- I had my 2 fillings, and an x-ray. The outcome wasn't too good. On my upper left side of my mouth, there isn't many teeth at the back as a few years ago I had to have them removed, because abscesses set in, this was caused by all the meds I was on. Well the dentist now wants me to have root canal treatment on my other tooth as this looks like it's going the same way as the others. Now that we're private patients it's going to cost £210!!! it's a lot of money, especially as I don't work. Did i mention that I hate going to the dentist LOL
I will have to give it some more thought. Thanks for all your well wishes.

What have you all got planned for the weekend? My DH and 2 sons will be going to the football, so I was thinking I might take DD to see 'Marley and Me' at the cinema, I've heard it's a great film.

My 2 mags arrived in the mail today, so will have a read of them before the kids come home from school

I also have these 5 country cross stitch mags for sale/trade
issues - Feb,Apr,June,Aug '08 and a older one Dec 1998.

All 5 for £4 + P&P or will swap for other U.S mags - Cross stitch and needlework / Just cross stitch / The cross stitcher

I hope I've not bored you too much, thanks for visiting

Hugs Lisa x

2009-03-10T21:47:00.003Z

Here is the little part that I managed to stitch on Home of a Needleworker too, it's not a lot but a start. I love the colours on this design, but had not realised the size of it, I'm doing it on 28ct, which is what is suggested, and it's quite big.

I've not been feeling great today, I just had to lie down to rest most of the afternoon, and the pain was terrible. I think it's my body craving for rest as I've not been sleeping at night for months now.

I have the dentist tomorrow, two small fillings for me and DD is just getting her teeth coated. I feel the dental pain a lot worse now since having fibro, but it needs to be done. Wish me luck! LOL

Well going to have an early night, take care Hugs Lisa x

A Stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

stash and an award

2009-03-08T16:56:00.007Z

I received my LHN Travelling stitcher's chart pack yesterday, It is really a lovely design, but there's no finishing instructions this worries me, as I'm so bad at finishing :(

I also saw this on the LHN site. One of the new Little Women Virtue designs, I wish they made these charts only, as they are quite expensive to buy with the threads.

I think this one is so lovely. Ah well one can dream! LOL

I have my 1st blog award Yeah! It's from Lynn and Lisa

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these kind writers

Now I have to pass this onto 8 other friends, I will need to try to do that link thingy, so if someone can please help me to do this I'd be very greatful.
Thanks Lynn and Lisa, I always wanted an award as I seemed to be the only blog that didn't, I was starting to feel left out LOL

EDITED- Thanks Kim and Rachael for your instructions on doing links, I'm a happy bunny :)

My 1st Needleroll finish!

2009-03-08T15:32:00.008Z

Here is SB A Mother's love needleroll, Lynn kindly traded the chart with me, so that I could stitch this for my Mum's Mothers day, I have used lace and ribbon from my own stash. I think it matches okay. I'm not too happy with the hemstitch, I never left myself enough fabric, and as this was a new technique for me, I'm not sure I've done it correctly. Lynn also sent me a few of he little made with love charms, aren't they adorable? thank you Lynn you're a diamond x

I do hope my Mum will be happy with it. Now I need to find something to stitch for my MIL, before the 22nd of this month, I have no idea what that will be!

I found some of this lace trim today,
I think this might look better on the other needlerolls?

Well I've not done any stitching today yet as I've been to the Ice rink with DD, she is now working towards grade 8, she's doing really well since she got her new skates a few weeks ago. I don't go to watch every weekend as the cold doesn't do my Fibro pain any favours!

I love watching dancing on ice, this is my next favourite show after strictly come dancing!
So much for my sping themed layout, It's freezing here, and there's been showers of snow/sleet all day, please can we have just a little bit of sunshine??

Well I'm of to make a start on LHN Home of a needleworker too

Hugs Lisa x

A Stitch Today, is one less tomorrow!

Yeah! another finish

2009-03-06T09:32:00.006Z

Here is 'Mum's the word' finished, I really enjoyed this design.

Designer- Primrose needleworks

Fabric- 28ct evenweave unknown

Threads- GA sampler threads, Dmc

The chart shows it made into a cushion, but my Mum is so houseproud she'd want to wash it all the time, so i think a framed finish would be better for her. I hope I'm feeling well enough to go to the shops at the weekend for one. I'm thinking a darker frame, my Mum has a lot of Mahogany furniture, so might see what it looks like next to that colour of frame
Anyhow I'm just happy that I've actually had another finish!

For all the friends who have asked who the designer is, it's Primrose Needleworks. They have some beautiful designs, but don't go blaming me if you go spending your pennies :) I have these 3 on my wish list-

I've ordered the CC threads for LHN home of a needleworker too, so they should hopefully arrive today. I also want to start on one of the new Blackbird charts I got, Will let you know what i decide

Thanks for reading

Hugs Lisa x

A Stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

Duplicate chart for trade

2009-03-05T19:23:00.006Z

I was sorting through my charts, trying to keep some sort of list as to what I have. I want to start stitching LHN Home of needleworker too, well guess what I came across 2

If anyone fancies a trade for another LHN/CCN chart please let me know, although I do have rather a lot of these designs :)
I've ordered my threads for this, hopefully they should arrive soon.

Mum's the word

2009-03-05T13:49:00.006Z

I started stitching this project, going to give it to my Mum as part of her Mother's day. It's called Mum's the word!

Here's where I got upto last night,

need to add the border yet, and the lettering. I will be definitely changing the colour of the lettering as one of my pet peaves is stitching with white or cream threads.

I've joined the totally useless sal over at Yoyo's blog http://dragonmyneedle.blogspot.com/2009/01/progress-and-new-sal.html

I don't have a see through jar at the minute so have just used this little dish for now

Thanks to everyone for all your blogoversary wishes, here's hoping the next year will be as enjoyable!

Debbie Cripps is having a fabric sale, I ordered 4 pieces of Jobelan, but then was refunded money on my paypal, saying the didn't have enough stock, just my luck! but I think they're still sending 2 pieces.Will have to wait and see

Can someone help me to do one of those link things? you know so I can link to other blogs. Hazel kindly showed me a while back but I've forgot how to :(

thanks for stopping by

hugs Lisa

A Stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

It's my 1st Blogoversary!

2009-03-03T22:12:00.005Z

I year has passed since I gingerly approached the land of blogging. I'm very glad I did, I have learnt so much, made some wonderful friends and have had my eyes opened to the vast amount of designers and stash supplies that are there for the picking! I am looking forward to another year, I'm sure I will continue to find out new ways of finishing, new designers, find new friends along the way, but most importantly keep this blog interesting enough for you all to keep visiting

Thanks for being part of my 1st year, I hope you will join me as i step into the next

hugs Lisa x

A Stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

March is here!

2009-03-02T15:19:00.005Z

I can't belive we're into Mach already I hope everyone enjoyed there weekends, I wasn't very well, had a really bad fibro flareup this time, it seems to be settling now. No stitching done as my hands were so bad, but I did manage to sort out my stash folders. I have added lots more to the sale/trade album, you can find the link in my sidebar

no stitching means no stitching pics, but wanted to share this pic

It was my Baby's 3rd birthday yesterday, that's is my Hairy Bairn Ben's Birthday

I don't know who was more excited Ben or DD Chloe, she woke me up at 8am to give him his present LOL

Here's a pic of him begging for some of his new treats, he also got tennis ball one of his addictions! He will do anything for one of those LOL

And here's a short video of him opening his parcel, the orange ball is a treat filled goodie, DH went a bit OTT with treats this year, but they'll do him for a while.

Thanks for looking, hugs Lisa x

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

Happy Dance!

2009-02-28T23:48:00.004Z

Yeah! How does you garden grow is finished! I've not decided if I want to add beads or not.

I was thinking of making it into a bell pull finish?

Now I'd like to tackle another few wips, I need to finish Sally, then I think I'll dig out EMS rose sampler. I might try to get some sort of rotation going, it's something I've not tried

For now I'll try to do a bit more on SALexandre

Hope your enjoying your weekend

Hugs Lisa x

A Stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

2009-02-26T21:40:00.003Z

Thanks for all your advice re- the hole in my papillon fabric, I think a mount board is definitely the answer. I have been trying my best to keep at it, hopefully it will be finished in a day or two

progress tonight

Will I actually have a finish soon?? I'd better not speak too soon!

Hugs Lisa x

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

Diasater or is it?

2009-02-26T09:12:00.005Z

*Advice needed please* When I went to move my papillon HDYGG piece further up the frame, I noticed a hole in the fabric! ( bottom right ) you can see were I've sewed it up to stop it from getting any larger. How did that get there??

Do you think it will covered up when I frame it? It's just under an inch and a quarter away from the stitching.

I was so disheartened as I was in a lot of pain whilst working on it yesterday. I do hope so, as it's really lovely in real life, the colours are so bright.

Thanks for all your lovely comments yesterday and everyday they mean so much

Hugs Lisa x

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

oh so tired!

2009-02-25T18:31:00.006Z

Well this is just a quick post, as I'm really struggling with the pain today. I ache everywhere, I think it's my body starved from sleep, I don't normally sleep well, but for the last two weeks I've only been sleeping from around 4-30/5am - 7am and even then it's not a deep sleep.

It's so frustrating as I want to stitch, but I'm so fatigued grrrr!

Anyway i did get a could bit stitched on Papillon HDYGG sal, here's how it looked when I packed it away in Aug of last year

and here's how it looks now, I'm half way through part 6

thanks for looking, and have a nice evening :)

Hugs Lisa x

A Stitch today, is one less tomorrow

2009-02-24T10:43:00.004Z

Hazel has kindly let me know that she has recieved her Blog giveaway parcel.
This is what I sent her,

I made a Thread holder, and there's a small pocket on the back to hold the thread card/s

Designer - Lizzie kate- friendship

I started stitching on Salexandre at the weekend, I had this sal saved on my pc and have wanted to get it started for a while now, here's what I've done so far

I'm going to dig out my Papillon HDYGG wip this afternoon, I really want to get some more done on it, before it becomes a UFO. I think it's too a lovely design to ignore.

Here's how I left it a few months ago

just to let you know I have reduced the items in my sale folder and added new clearer pics of the Loopylou designs, these are lovely projects :)

Hugs Lisa x

A Stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

Items for sale- NOW REDUCED

2009-02-20T11:52:00.007Z

just a quick post to say I have added more to my for sale album, if you'd like to take a look. All items are from a smoke free home. Prices don't include postage.
I will try update my wish list folder over the next few days.
I'm especially looking for any shepherd's bush needlerolls, I'm desparately trying to find A mothers love needleroll, does anyone know a U.k online supplier? I would love to make this for my Dear Mum
thanks

EDITED** ALL PRICES ARE NOW REDUCED AND I HAVE ADDED NEW CLEARER PICS OF ALL THE LOOPYLOU DESIGNS, THESE ARE REALLY LOVELY DESIGNS

Here's the link to my sale item-http://picasaweb.google.com/xstitchmum/CrossStitchKitsAndChartsForSale#

hugs Lisa x

A Stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

The Scary bit is done!

2009-02-14T21:55:00.006Z

Here is an update pic of the Hardanger mat, almost all of the cutting is done, just loads of wrapped bars to do now, and then the filling in stitches.
The mat is a little longer than the pic shows, it has 5 centre squares so this should give you an idea of the length

I'm quite happy with my 1st larger piece.

I've not manged to get any further with it today, but hope to get some time to spend on it on Sunday.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all

DH and I just exchanged cards, and I bought him a bar of chocolate and he bought me a kids pick and mix and 4 sherbet fountains, as they're my favourites, well it's the thought that counts :)

I thank you for all your lovely comments, and I do promise to be able to blog visit soon!

Helen- The Design is one by Mary Hickmott, and appeared in an older issue of new stitches. The threads are the gorgeous Caron threads in Seashell. Hope this helps :)

Hugs Lisa x

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

A few small finishes to show

2009-02-10T12:28:00.004Z

These 1st three pieces are 3 RR squares I stitched as an exchange on the wocs forum. It's the first time I've done an RR and I enjoyed it.

stitched for Ali's RR

stitched for Marilyn's RR

Stitched for Laura's RR

I have my 4 squares home and will show the pics later.

Then I stitched this biscornu on Sunday, pattern is one of Christine's from Alchemy Stitchcraft and was taken from TGOS magazine. I never added the tassels as I've not attempted to make them yet, but I still think it looks pretty with the beads in the corners. I used some of the materials from my "Panto Pack" that came from Jayne's attic

Biscornu- Alchemy Stitchcraft

Fabric- Polstitches L/E Cinderella

Threads- Dinky Dyes L/E Tinkerbell

Beads- Mill Hill 62012

Finally couldn't sleep last night and had a notion to do a hardanger piece so here's what I'm working on,

how it will hopefully look like when finished

Thanks for looking

Hugs Lisa

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow

Her hat's finished

2009-02-07T13:56:00.004Z

Progress is coming along slowly, finished her hat last night, all except for the back stitch. I hope I can actually bring myself to finish her, I'm hopeless at completing pieces

Thanks for the kind comments you left yesterday, I reallly appreciate them.

Hugs Lisa x

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

I've not vanished!

2009-02-06T16:57:00.004Z

Just been rather poorly, I've had one illness after the other last month, still not keeping to well. Having a lot of back and abdominal pain, (also visiting the little girls room to often) this has my Gp stumped. And the fatigue is awful. Anyhow, I needed to do something to keep my mind of it, so I've started a new project, (although my mojo isn't back yet) this is coming along slowly.

John Clayton-Sally
Started on the 31st Jan

sorry for the poor pic, the lead for our camera has disappeared so I needed to scan it, and as you can see I'm not too good at that!

Sorry I've not been catching up with all your blogs I promise I will soon

Hugs Lisa x

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

Happy New Year

2009-01-08T14:57:00.004Z

It's great to be back online, I've not been very well over the last few weeks, but glad I was well enough to enjoy Christmas day. I hope everyone had a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
I was glad I was able to pick up the needle and thread yesterday as I had a scissor fob to make for an exchange on Tiny treasures exchange blog. I had stitched one before xmas but still needed to make it up, but I cut the material to short and when I was whipstitching it closed, the fabric frayed into the stitching, so I had to make another. I forgot to take a picture too, so hopefully when my exchange partner receives it she will post a piccie on her blog
I received my lovely fob from my partner yesterday but not sure if we're allowed to show pics until the final day of mailing.
I'm hoping to get started on the Beatrix potter sampler as the 2009 sal will have started on Jan 1st, but I have a small popcorn bear to stitch on a RR before I make any new starts. Better get on with that tonight

Bye for now!

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

2008-12-05T02:18:00.004Z

sorry I've been a bit quiet, I have been rather busy indoors. DH finished decorating the bathroom, so I've been trying to get it back into some sort of order. Just waiting on my curtains to be altered. Then it will be finished.

Then we bought a new fibre optic xmas tree, as our old one broke last year,and of course DD wanted to put it up tonight so I've had to clean the living room and wash my windows. We've not put any other decorations up yet, as they are all stored up in the loft, and DH will need to fetch them down for me. I wish I had an extra room so I could have a smaller tree to put some stitched ornies on, how do you hang yours?

We're going to the Theatre on Friday evening to see Mary Poppins, really looking forward to this, we've had our tickets booked since this time last year!
I've been doing a little stitching, only made a start on a few smalls, I will post pics when they're finished.

I've been really into reading this last few weeks, I've just finished reading the House at Riverton, I read it in 3 days, it was a fantastic read! I've just received another book today, the Forgotten Garden by the same author (Kate Morton) I hope it's just as good! I won't be starting that one until I finish the book thief, I'm enjoying that book too.

stash bought/ received this week

2 u.s magazines that I ordered The Cross Stitcher and Cross stitch and needlework magazine.(jan '09) I was a bit dissapointed that I had missed the Nov '08 issue of csan as I liked the design on the front cover of this issue. I've emailed the magazine cafe to see if they still have it, will just have to wait on there reply

I've also pre ordered the new chart from ink circles it's gorgeous! this will be this years (stitchy) xmas pressie for me :)

Finally, pop over to Daisy's Quilts as she is having a fantastic giveaway prize to celebrate her 1st blogoversary

Bye for now!

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

100 post giveaway winnner!

2008-12-01T16:10:00.004Z

Here is the results of the RANDOM.ORG - List Randomizer:

There were 13 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
Hazel
Mylene
Julie
Staci
Sally
Ranae
Lelia
Daffycat
Christine
Jane
Sarah
Brokenfairy
Tammy
Timestamp: 2008-12-01 16:07:07 UTC

© 1998-2008 Mads Haahr
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional Valid CSS
Web Design by TSDA"

Congratulations Hazel! please can you email me your details and I promise to get something stitched up for you in the New Year
Thanks to everyone who entered, I really appreciate that you weren't put of by my stitching LOL

Bye for now!

A stitch today, is one less tomorrow!

Quiet Sunday

2008-11-30T16:15:00.003Z

Not much happening in my house today, I've been cleaning out my wadrobe/cupboard, it's never had a good clean out for years, I got 6 black bags full of rubbish! Although I'm not totally finished with it, (I got really sore) it has made some room for chistmas presents to be stored. I've not got all my shopping bought yet, never seem to get a day free from the kids to go. DH used to take a holiday from work and we used to go shopping whilst the kids were at school, but with Chloe not been there recently it's not been an option.
Hopefully my Mum and Dad will sit with the kids next weekend and let me get finished.

No stitching to show today, I've stitched a couple of ornaments but they are on there way to new homes , so can't show them yet.
Hope you've all had a good weekend, and the frost and cold isn't bothering you too much, I feel the cold easily, and our garden is covered in thick ice/frost, I'm so glad that I'm indoors today.

I will draw a winner for the 100 post giveaway tomorrow!

I still have loads of charts for sale or trade, please take a look when you get the chance, I'm open to offers of gently used charts click here to view

Happy St. Andrews day, to fellow Scot's!

Happy Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-27T15:52:00.005Z

To all that celebrate thanksgiving- I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families

So fed up!

2008-11-25T12:18:00.004Z

Hi everyone, unfortunately not got any stitching to show, I just wanted to post to say I'm still here and will catch up with blogs asap. Thanks so much to Hazel for helping me with the link thingy, I think I've done it right! If I have I'll be so happy as I've tried to do it for ages!

please don't feel you need to read the next part of this post, I just need to let some of my tension out

Things have been really bad at home, I'm still not getting Chloe to attend school, my DH and I had an appointment to see the headteacher this morning, but Chloe wouldn't even get her Clothes on, we asked if the head would come down to our home to see her (we're only 5mins away from the school) but she couldn't make it. I don't know what I'm going to do next, it's just getting me so upset. The Neuralgia pain that I've been suffering with for the last few months is back with gusto! My GP says it's due to the on going stress, this isn't helping my Fibro pain either.

I hope to be back online soon, thanks for visiting, and your comments are so cherished.

sorry it was such a downer post :(

making up is easy to do?

2008-11-21T19:20:00.009Z

well it isn't for me, I got covered in glue and can't cut a straight line to save myself LOL but it's been quite a good day for me getting some ornies finished, I'm quite happy how these few have turned out, it's my 1st attempt at both a flatfold and using felt.

You might notice a familiar xmas tree design, I wasn't happy with the way I had finished it the other day, so I unpicked it and started again. I think it looks a lot nicer.

Finally I had time to also make up my thanksgiving turkey,
my fabric parcel arrived in the post today but when I opened it it wasn't my order at all, so I rummaged through my fabric and found the fabric you see in the photo, it went ok so decided to go with that, as the ornie challenge ends on the 24th and the new fabric won't have arived by then. I'm not to happy with the ribbon trim, but decided to leave it alone.
I'm busy stitching another xmas ornie, so hopefully I'll have another to show at the weekend

Well DD Chloe has been dancing her heart out at her christmas dance show, she has 4 performances and is doing 4 dances this year, DH and I are going to watch her perform tomorrow afternoon. Really looking forward to it.

Can someone please give me intructions how to post a link in my posts, I can only post the whole web address instead of just putting a title, I really want to learn.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend whatever you're getting upto, thanks for stopping by

PS. I've decided to stitch a small piece in the New Year to giveaway to celebrate my 100th post, so if you want to be added to the draw, please post a comment on the post below. I will choose a winner on the 1st of December, so all entries need to be in by the 30th Nov. Thanks and good luck!

I've reached 100 postings! and a giveaway

2008-11-19T19:09:00.009Z

I can't believe I've reached 100 posts already, I have enjoyed blogging and have made some wonderful online friends through it. here's hoping I will continue to enjoy it and reach 200! I think I should have some sort of small giveaway to celebrate, only I'm not sure if anyone would want something stitched by me ?? I'll have to give it some thought
****Editited to say I will be stitching a small gift in the New Year, to celebrate reaching 100 posts, so if you want to be included in the giveaway draw please post a comment below. I will pick a winner on the 1st of December. So all entries to be received by the 30th Nov. I will include the names of anyone who has already commented on this post before I edited it. Thanks and good luck! ****

Here's what I stitched last night,
it's going to be turned into a thanksgiving ornament, as I'm taking part in the seasonal ornament exchange challenge that Vonna (from the twisted stitcher blog) is running. (Link for sal blog in my sidebar - sorry i don't know how to post a direct link)
I'm just trying to find a nice fabric so I can finish it.

On the subject of fabric, DH ran me into the next town last night, there's a large department store that has a craft dept. It's quite expensive for evenweave, threads ect. (much cheaper online) but you can pick up some nice buttons and trimmings. Also they have loads of finishing fabrics. I only had 30mins before closing, so I was going round like a headless chicken LOL I picked these 4 christmas designs, the fabric that they cut is 110cm in length and you just ask for whatever width you want. I bought a quarter of a metre of each. So thats 110cm x 25cm each, so it turns out to be a long narrow piece, and for 4 pieces it was £10 I'm not sure if that's good value or not?

I also picked up these trimmings on the passing

The reason for going last night even though it meant I'd be rushed for time, is because Chloe has her dance show on this week,rehearsal were tonight and then four performances from Thursday until Saturday which are held in a centre that's a half hour drive away. So DH will be very busy escorting her back and forth. (I don't drive so it has to be him)

Here's a sneak peek of a new start on a christmas ornie,
I will reveal it tomorrow. I'm hoping to have a go at making a flatfold with the LHN holly and berries that I finished yesterday.. you know how limiting my finishing skills are, so don't hold your breath LOL

Finally before I get back to my stitching, I wanted to show you my book stash, I bought the Jodi Picoult set and Patricia Cornwell from Tesco's cost me only £8, then I ordered the other two books from Amazon. I've heard they're both really good reads.

I read the Boy in the striped pyjamas last week it was a really good read, so sad though.

Ok that's all for me tonight, I hope I've not bored you too much LOL

Added some trimming

2008-11-18T14:29:00.004Z

well I found some xmas trimming, and sewed it aroung the ornament but I'm still not happy with the bottom of it, I tied it in a knot and let the cord unravel, but it doesn't look right, I think it may have needed to be longer, I had already cut it before reaching the end. Anyway I think I'll leave it be, and learn from my mistakes. It won't be hanging in my living room though LOL

Sorry don't feel like saying much today, I've had another bad day with Chloe, it's really getting me down, I'm not sleeping, hardly eating, and the tension in my neck and shoulders is so bad that I do't think I'll be able to get much stitching done today

Thanks to all my good friends for continuing to visit and leave such wonderful comments, I appreciate everyone.

Bye for now x

A new finish and 2 make ups

2008-11-18T00:06:00.005Z

Hot out of the hoop is this little piece, really enjoyed stitching this one.

LHN Holly and Berries stitched on 28ct brown marbled fabric, using DMC threads

Also received the mini bell pull hangers in the post, so was able to press and hang Craig's mini hanger

Finally I tried to make up this xmas tree onrnie, but not happy with it, not sure if I will unpick it and make it into a shaped flat ornie, or do you think it just needs some sort of edging ?? oh i wish I was good at finishing

Design from Just Cross Stitch Ornaments 2008

I really need to invest in some xmas backing fabric, I only had a plain piece of green and red, not very exciting :(

Today was an awful day, woke up feeling miserable after a 3rd night of not sleeping, then DH came into the bedroom and said the high school was closed due to flooding, then Chloe had one of her bad mornings, not wanting to go to school. It ended up they all argued tit for tat the whole day. Aaaghhh!! STRESS OVERLOAD

Well tomorrow's another day, hopefullly it will be a better one

Goodnight everyone, hugs x

A few charts for sale (moving to the top)

2008-11-17T11:30:00.001Z

I have uploaded a few charts for sale, these mainly include Loopylou designs, but there's a couple from Aion designs, Lesa Steele, Heirloom embroideries. I bought these charts last year but haven't got round to stitching them, and ave decided to clear some stash so others can enjoy. They are all like new, (accept for the Just Nan one which I have described in the album) Prices include P&P within the UK, I would prefer paypal as payment were possible, if anyone is interested please post a comment here or email me

http://picasaweb.google.com/xstitchmum/CrossStitchChartsForSale#

please click link above to view pictures, thanks

I'm also trying to collect the charts of the Littlehouse needleworks coffee and tea packs, also the Little woman 4 charts if anyone has any of these for trade or sale please get in touch
***Examples of the sets below***

Some pictures to share

2008-11-16T12:45:00.007Z

I'm a bit late posting these pics, but wanted to show you them anyhow, sorry to scare you with my picture!

The 1st pic is DD Chloe on her 11th birthday (26th October)

This one is DS Craig on his 13th birthday (9th November) he got 2 of these caramel cream sponges, they're his favourite

These are pics of Craig taking part in his first remembrance day march, on 9th November(also his birthday and he had to borrow a uniform as his has not arrived yet)

Finally a couple of pics of us out for dinner on my Mum's 70th birthday (13th Nov)
1st pic- my Mum, Craig and DH 2nd pic- my Dad and me 3rd pic - Mum's cake Chloe was with us but didn't want her picture taken, that's kids for you, eh!

2008-11-14T23:50:00.008Z

This is just a short post tonight, I'm busy watching children in need, really enjoying tonights programme. As promised here's a pic of my Charleston lady, hope to get more time spent on her over the weekend

I'm taking in part in a small RR, here's my square that I stitched for my friend Laura (no blog as far as I know)

Finally Hazel has kindly sent me another invite(I missed my 1st invite as I was offline for a while) to join in with the Beatrix potter sal that will be starting in Jan, I've ordered my threads from Nancy @ Victorian motto threads, I know a good few of you are joining in to, can't wait until we get started.

Can I just say a huge big thankyou for stopping by and those who have taken the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it but still can't believe that I post anything worth reading LOL. I'm also feeling rather guilty as I've not visited your blogs in a while, now I'm feeling better I'm on a mission to catch up with each and everyone of them

Enjoy your weekend whatever you're doing, thanks for stopping by x

2008-11-13T14:01:00.005Z

I've been bad, I've started another project- Charleston Lady by Vervaco, I will post a pic later of my small progress, need to charge the camera up!

I've also fell in love with this chart from Haberdashery designs called Voodoo Girl

I found it for sale on stitching bits and bobs but their shipping costs to the UK are terible. I've emailed Joanne at 123 stitch so hopefully she will be able to get it in for me. In the meantime if anyone finds it for sale elsewhere online please give me shout!

It's my Mum's 70th birthday today, and we're taking her out for a meal tonight, so looking forward to that, not been out in ages.

Pop over to Chiloe's blog, she's having a 600th post giveaway

http://chiloescorner.blogspot.com/2008/11/first-giveaway.html

Hope to catch up with reading everyone's blogs over the next few days. Sharon (daffycat) if you're reading this, can you please get in touch, I've sent a few emails to you and I've not heard back from you

thanks everyone for stopping by xx

2008-11-11T12:06:00.004Z

Hi everyone has it really been that long since I last blogged?? I've really missed catching up with my blog reading and posting. It's been a difficult few months, I've not been very well and got myself quite depressed. Things are starting to slowly get a little better with me, but no real improvement with Chloe going to school. I think a lot of my depression has to do with the stress I'm going through. It's taking a toll on all the family, but I seem to be the one who worries and stresses the most.

We've had 2 birthdays in the house over the last 2 weeks, DD Chloe turned 11 and DS turned 13, so have been eating more cake than I've ever done LOL

I've not done a great deal of stitching, only really picked up the needle last week. I've been reading a lot though. I came across a good site to keep a record of all your reading and find some good reviews on books. ~The website is http://www.goodreads.com/

Here's the little bit of stitching I've done ~ The 1st is a small xmas hanging for my son, I needed to tackle something small as my concentration wasn't very good. I need to put a backing on this and get the bell pull sewn on ~ 2nd is a small shoe by vervaco, I've still to add some pearl beads to this one.

please excuse the awful pictures!

Sunflower floss tag

2008-09-18T01:48:00.005+01:00

A small finish for me, wanted to take part in Sept challenge on the Monthly finishing blog

Sunflower taken from CCN's - Sunflower Sampler
Stitched on cream brittney using good old DMC

I must try to find a new eyelet setter, DH bought me a cheap one for £2 at a hardware store, but it breaks the backs of the eyelets, you may see the broken piece in the picture. I will need to ask hubby to try and remove it so I can put a new one on.

A quick hello and stitching update

2008-09-17T14:13:00.007+01:00

just to let you all know I'm not too well at the moment, the fibro pain is really bad and I'm suffering badly with nausea and fatigue. I am trying to catch up with all your blogs slowly but I can't sit up for too long. Things are still bad with Chloe, the school pyschologist has refused another home visit (she's only came out twice!) we have to attend a meeting at the school on Monday afternoon. Not looking forward to that, but it has to be done. This has been really geting me down, i think this is not helping to improve my health

Stitching update, no more to show on Autumn, feel I'd only make mistakes if i stitch on her right now, i did mange to get this little scissor pocket done. The patten is from xstitch-happy blog. It's really lovely design. Now I just need to find out how to make it up!

Last of all is this small piece, this is my 1st RR, and I decided on these ladies, this is my square, there will be four in total, I will receive them back in Dec, I hope to make a wall hanging with them.

Thanks for visiting, I hope to be back soon

Lisa x

Dinky Dyes silks SOLD

2008-09-13T21:02:00.006+01:00

hi everyone I have 16 brand new DD's silks- NOW SOLD

the no.s are -

mother of pearl,black opal,midnight,ocean grove,tropic sunshine,apicot,gum leaves,yallingup,ruby, silver,chery ripe, sapphire, eungella, kalgoorlie, natural, mint ice

if interested please email me

thanks for looking :)