Pay It Forward

Having seen Anne's PIF offer I decided it was time for another go.

So, if you would like to receive a stitched gift within the next 12 months then please leave a comment on this post only. The closing date for entries is 20th November – if there are only three people wishing to sign up, then all three will be the confirmed winners – if more than three people want to sign up, then I will draw three names out.

If you are chosen as one of the winners then you must offer the same on your blog to keep the kindness going!

Some Stitching To Share

First off thank you to the winners for getting back to me with their postal addresses. I am still waiting on 2 though. I have a couple of days off from work so I am planning on packaging the gifts and sending them on their way. I will email you all to confirm when I do actually send.

So, on to some stitching. Having not shown you the last lot of ornaments it seems like ages ago that I had something to share. I have continued with the 40ct, I may as well use it up now as it is in my stitching bag. I would like to get through some more of my chart stash before the year ends, so I pulled out a Little House Needlework design. I do still like these charts even though I love the delicacy and speciality stitches of The Drawn Thread and Just Nan pieces. I think it must be the alphabets and sampler-type design I am drawn to. As there seemed a lot of blue in the design, I decided I would go with gold ribbon and pins to accessorise.

Necessities Sampler ~ Little House Needleworks .
40ct cream Newcastle Linen, stitched 1 over 2, using recommended DMC thread.
Finished as a pinkeep.

Prize Winners!

Thank you all for taking the time to enter the giveaway. I wish I could of done something for each and everyone of you but over a 100 is just pushing it a bit! There are a total of 11 ornaments now. You'll have to wait to see them when they are received, sorry I haven't taken a group shot. :) I have listed the names as per the I.D. comments. So without further ado the recipients are:

• Annette


• lynda


• crazee4books


• Edit


• M.Grazia


• Karan


• Kathy


• Lindsay


• valerie


• Myra


• Solstitches

Ladies, if you could all send me your full postal addresses, I will endeavour to get them packaged and send them on their way. Email is in my profile.

Christmas RAK Giveaway

For the past couple of years I have sent ornaments to some special people at Christmas-time. This year I would like to do things differently by having a Christmas RAK giveaway. There are 7 ornaments (unless I can squeeze some more in over the next week) in the lucky basket. Please leave a message on this post only stating that would would like to be included in the draw, assuming I have more than 7 comments. The only drawback is......that you won't know which one you are going to receive. The element of surprise is still there! The closing date will be October 31st. I will post a message on November 2nd with the list of recipients. If you are a chosen recipient, please let me have your postal address as soon as possible. I would like to get these in the post during the 1st/2nd weeks of November. At this moment in time there are postal strikes here in the UK and more are planned, so I would like you to receive your ornaments in time to hang on your tree.

Another First

Woah! I'm full of surprises lately! I've had my first taste of stitching on 40ct linen. It certainly won't be my last. I LOVE it!

I thought it was about time I stitched Sew Red, the first in a series of designs by CarolR. After seeing so many wonderful finishes of this design I decided I wanted to stick with the original colour scheme. I chose Gloriana Cranberry - it's nearly ran out now! - and a piece of cream 40ct Newcastle linen. I am so pleased with the results. My aim was to finish it as apinkeep and add it to my 'red' basket collection.

Sew Red (freebie) - CarolR.
40ct Cream Newcastle Linen using Gloriana Cranberry.
Finished as a pinkeep.

The Acorn Sampler

I have a finish!! All done and dusted. :) I have been challenged by this piece and I feel I have achieved something with the little bit of hardanger. I did add some hemstitching to the top border too. It gave instructions for the top to be turned over twice and then oversewn but I decided I would prefer it if the top was the same as the sides. It's ready for the bellpull ends now.

Just for the record here are the list of stitches used:

Band 1 = Double Back Stitch
Band 2 = Acorn Motif 1
Band 3 = Alternating Elongated Upright Cross
Band 4 = Alphabet in Double Running Stitch
Band 5 = Alternating Ray Stitch
Band 6 = Acorn Motif 2
Band 7 = Overlaid Oblong Cross
Band 8 = Double Running Stitch
Band 9 = Woven Stitch
Band 10 = Acorn Motif 3
Band 11 = Fancy Herringbone
Band 12, Step 1 = Double Four Sided Stitch
Band 12, Step 2 = Leaves and Acorns
Band 12, Step 3 = Interior Border
Band 12, Step 4 = Cut Threads
Band 12, Step 5 = Remove Threads
Band 12, Step 6 = Wrap Threads
Band 12, Step 7 = Weave Threads
Band 13 = Fancy Herringbone
Band 14 = Acorn Motif 4
Band 15 = Triple Rice Stitch
Band 16 = Alphabet in Double Running Stitch
Band 17 = Double Back Stitch
Band 18 = Acorn Motif 5
Band 19 = Double Back Stitch
Band 20 = Alphabet in Double Running Stitch
Band 21 = Cross Stitch, Double Faggoting Stitch, Backstitch

The Acorn Sampler (Little Learning Band)
The Drawn Thread.
32ct cream belfast linen.
NPI Silks and beads used as kitted.
Started 19/09/09.
Finished 28/09/09
Finished as a bellpull.

Phew!

The tense and stressful period is over, I am past the hardanger section! It was yesterday by the time I was ready to stitch that area and I was surprised it took me long to reach that point. I told you I was a slow stitcher!


You are able to get an idea of the scale of the piece with my 3 1/2 " scissors in the photo too.

Weekend Stitching

I had smokin' needles this past weekend. I have reached the area where the hardanger is going to be. I thought I had better put it away before my eyes were too tired and I went and did something wrong.

My copy of the JCS Christmas Ornaments issue has arrived today. On first glance, there are one or two that have taken my eye, but I may not get around to stitching them this year.

• Cherished Stitches - Christmas Joy Needlebook.
• Milady's Needle - A Spot of Christmas.
• Jeannette Douglas Designs - Christmas '09 Stamp Ornament.

Which ones are on your list?

Bands 1 - 3

I've made a start on The Acorn Sampler (Little Learning Band). Bands 1 to 3 are complete. It may only be 2" wide but this is 2 evenings work! Lots of Queen's stitches in those acorns. Another fact about this sampler is that there are only 4 colours; cream, gold, brown and green. I'm not sure about Band 1, it says to run your waste thread underneath the stitched you have created. It looks untidy to me so I think the ends will have to be finished off on the backside of the piece. Me and untidy do not go together.

What Is A Nosegay?

After finishing Porcelain Nosegay by Just Nan I was a little curious as to what the title of the piece meant. So I hopped on over to Wikipedia to find out. I thought it may of been an American term but it appears not. He's what Wikipedia said:

A nosegay, posey (or posie, posy), flower bouquet or tussie-mussie is a small bunch of flowers, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice to mask the unpleasant smells of the time - literally, to keep the nose gay (to keep the nose happy). In their current form, they rose to popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 onwards, at which time the tussie-mussie became a popular fashion accessory. Typically, tussie-mussies include floral symbolism from the Language of Flowers, and therefore may be used to send a message to the recipient.

Porcelain Nosegay ~ Just Nan.
32ct Lilac Belfast Linen using recommended DMC thread.
Substituted own button for porcelain nosegay button.
Substituted Mill Hill #03044 Crystal lilac beads for lavender beads as charted.

You may have noticed the mat that the pillow is sitting upon. Mum brought it from her parchment class on Monday. Knowing that Mum used to crochet and her bid to 'save the crocheted mat' the tutor bought it from a car boot sale for her. What is a disgrace is that it was only 30 pence. It is a beautiful piece of work. So I was a mat short for my bedroom, what could be better. :)



Final bit of news. In preparation of my next start The Acorn Sampler (Little Learning Band) by The Drawn Thread I thought I had better have a go at a bit of hardanger. Although I have been saying for years I would like a go I have never gotten around to actually trying. The hardanger on this piece is only half an inch square so it's not at all a complex area but still instructions had to be read a few times.

TGIF

At last I have some of my own stitching to blog about. I really haven't felt in the mood just lately for stitching at all. The remnants of 2 months working overtime I think. Everyone has had their holidays now, although I have 3 days leave next week and not before time!

Weekends are more productive for me, even if I'm too tired to stitch during the week. Woodland Sampling....Autumnal or Winter? Autumnal colours, winter snowflakes? I know....a house in the woods in the winter-time!! Yes!! I've finished it as a flat-fold with ties at the side instead of anything at the bottom, just for a change.

Woodland Sampling ~ Little House Needleworks.
32ct Flax Belfast Linen.
Recommended DMC threads.
Finished as a Flat-fold.

PIF from Sally

I had been lucky enough to be one of Sally's PIF recipients. Today I have received the most gorgeous needleroll. Sally hoped I didn't have this Shepherds Bush Forget-me-Not needleroll and I don't. I love everything about it, the sentiment, the colours, the stitches.....beautiful. It will add some colour to my SB rolls basket. :) Thank you Sally, you chose well my friend. :)

YLPS Round 3 Arrives

I had a parcel waiting for me when I arrived home this evening, my YLPS Exchange. Lillie was my partner, a new friend to add to my ever-growing bloglist. :) I received a gorgeous small pillow, something which I had wanted for...ever. The design is from the chart Spring Miniatures, a chart that I don't own so it is great that it has been stitched for me. I have tried to show you the pins too, handmade by Lillie herself. I adore them, they are so perfect. Thank you for everything Lillie.

Bellpull Ends Arrive

Just thought I would pop in on this Bank Holiday to show you the new addition to my wall. The bellpull ends arrived a few days ago and I'm pleased to say they fit very nicely. I'm always a bit concerned that I have measured properly and have the best fit possible. Still no heart charm, it wasn't to my liking, I'm picky aren't I? LOL. I can add one at any time as the bellpull aren't backed in any way. So here are my three beauties lined up on my wall.

My 11th SB Needleroll

I have yet another Shepherds Bush finish to show. This time Antique Heart Roll. As you can see it is not at all like the original. I didn't have any coloured linen, I use mostly neutrals so I am not about to purchase a huge piece just for a needleroll. The blue heart in the top row was stitched in cream but of course that wouldn't show up well so I used the lighter blue shade. Then the row aboce the lace I wasn't too fond off. First I changed it to a satin stitch row, 2 evenings I kept looking at it and decided it just wasn't right. So I chose the purple thread and stitched a variation of a rhodes stitch. The pink beads had to be matched too along with the my own lace and charm. I don't think I would be able to change anything on larger designs but these smaller sampler-type pieces I can manage a little tweak here and there.

Antique Heart Roll - Shepherds Bush.
32ct Antique White Belfast Linen using DMC threads.
Changed Pink Bead for Frosted Mauve #62037. DMC 778 n/a. Used DMC 822 as finishing, sewing on beads and charm.

Exchange Time

My round 3 Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchange has been received by Rebecca. (If you have blog Rebecca please let me know and I'll edit with a link). Unfortunately I didn't know too much about Rebecca but I did have a look back at the exchange blog to find out what gifts she had received before. I chose to stitch Rabbit from Book 46 In The Woods and finish it off as a pinkeep. I'm glad you like it Rebecca.

Rabbit - Book 46 - In The Woods.
Prairie Schooler.
28ct Antique Ivory Cashel Linen using DMC threads.
Finished as a pinkeep.

Daisy, Daisy

Another finish!! This latest one is Daisy Sampler from Country Cottage Needleworks. I bought the chart earlier this year and I wasn't sure whether I liked it or not when I got home. I just thought maybe there was too much green going on. However having stitched it up, it looks OK. The white braid helps, I didn't want to get too fussy.

Daisy Sampler - Country Cottage Needleworks.
32ct mint green linen (DMC).
Recommended DMC and WDW threads.
Finished as a flat-fold.

Framed!!

I have been to fetch him from the framers today. He is a really special piece.

A Christmas Cracker

First of all a big thank you to Sally and Chris for allowing me a loan of this chart. When I saw this needleroll on Sally's blog I just loved it. Sally was kind enough to let it go on a de-tour to my house before going on to Chris.

I made a couple of changes. Obviously I had to find some lace, the original I think had a similar shape so I opted for this shape also for my version. There should of been a different pulled row underneath the lace but I didn't like it so I changed it to a 4-sided stitch. The chart only stated colours for the beads so I just chose some that matched.

English Christmas Roll - Shepherds Bush.
32ct Platinum Belfast Linen.
DMC as recommended, own choice of lace and beads.

Random Thoughts Chart Winner

Elisa

Congratulations Elisa. Please would you send me your address via my email (in profile) and I'll get it posted on to you. Thank you all for leaving a message, unfortunately there can be only one winner. :(

The 'What Next' Problem

Thanks Angela for the title of this post (see comments from the Random Thoughts post).

Work has been hectic again this past week Having 2 people on leave out of the office really takes it's toll. There are 5 of us altogether. I do feel tired, mentally rather than physically. During the week I haven't felt like turning my own computer on, so I am now faced with catching up with all of your blogs, which is no bad thing. :) I have continued to stitch though. :)

Last weekend I started on my 'smalls' regime. I pulled out the Whitman's Vintage Red Tin Sewing Set. This is really a combined effort. Nicole sent me the tin one Christmas a couple of years ago ... is it really that long ago! I had been on the look out for the chart for it and lo and behold BeckySC was offering it in one of her giveaways. So I emailed straight away and secured it. Now I have finally gotten around to stitching it up. The scissor sheath is the only item I didn't follow the instructions for, mainly because I didn't understand them. So it ended up being 2 pieces of linen backed by interfacing and oversewn together. It's a good job it is a decorative piece and not functional!

Whitman's Vintage Red Tin Sewing Set - Fancy Work (Jane Timmers).
32ct Cream Sienna linen.
Cranberry - Gloriana Silk.
Tassel - DMC 814.

Chart Giveaway

If anyone would like the chart to Random Thoughts by The Drawn Thread please leave a response on this post. I won it myself in a giveaway from Nicki so I would like to offer it as the same. If there is more than one person then obviously I will draw a name. Closing date will be Saturday 15th August and the lucky recipient will be chosen on Monday 17th August.

Random Thoughts is Finished .... Well Almost

I say almost because I am missing the little heart charm that goes within the blue bow. I don't know whether it was in the packet of charms I bought, I assume it was, but it's not there now. I've sent for a replacement heart charm and also put in an order for the bellpull ends. Hopefully the finishing touches will be here soon and it will be able to hang with the other 2.

Random Thoughts - The Drawn Thread.
32ct Summer Khaki Belfast Linen using recommended NPI Silks.
Finished as a bellpull.

So what do I stitch next. I have no WIPs outstanding. I probably need to get a few things kitted up. I think I might get a few 'smalls' stitched up. Mmmm something to think about. :)

I noticed when I logged on that I had reached 102 followers. Wow that is just amazing, thank you all for taking the time to visit me here. I never ever imagined that many people would want to know what I was doing stitching-wise when I set out to blog. I'm not too prolific in my stitching, slow and steady, so there does tend to be gaps in between my posts.

Update Time!

Well what a glorious start to August.....wet and wild would be a good statement I think! It has started to clear up a bit now but oh it has been awful today. I decided today was the day to take Santa to the framers, well I was going to take something and I was desperate for Santa to go really. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am. I went with the idea of a triple mount with an arch at the top and an embossed wooden frame. Well obviously I didn't get that. :) I walked in and the framer said "oh, is this Secret Santa" and I said "no, Santa of the Forest". "We have Secret Santa hanging up, come and have a look". So off I went and thought that's what I want except a triple mount. Framer arranged all of the mounts, great, produces a burnished gold frame, so-so, and then pulls out another goldish frame with a little bit of an inlay on it, perfect! This is our second most expesive frame, oh. Well I just had to have that one, no others would surpass that one. "Have I showed you the 'visualizer' before", "No". So a few clicks later a framed SotF is staring back at me on the screen. Wonderful! Then he starts going through all of the different mount effects they can do. I now have choices! Because it is all computerized they can do anything! So I shall leave you in suspense with the mount effect but needless to say I can't wait for it to be finished.

So onto my progress of Random Thoughts. I have hit the bottom of the inner design, except for stitching my name, which I still have to chart. Then of course I have to attack the border.

A Friendship Award

Having finally caught up with blog reading, Angela has kindly awarded me this Friendship Award. I am supposed to name 8 blogs but to be honest all of the blogs I visit and all of you ladies and gentlemen that visit mine, I consider to be friends. I couldn't possibly choose just 8.

Edited to add: Sally has kindly nominated me in her list too. Many thanks dear friend. :)