Summer Stitching Plans

I spent a bit of time over my break sorting through my stitching stash bins, and other crafts, organising some up and coming projects, and filing away patterns and threads from the end of last year's stitching finishes. 

On the agenda over the next few months some of the designs I'd like to stitch include Lizzie Kate's Jingle Flip it series (which is going to be a stitchalong with my friend Kath), continue with the Shepherd's Bush Fold series, Mirabilia's Bluebell Fairy for Hannah, and The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery's Story Time Sampler - a mystery sampler.  I've also picked out a couple of other small projects to work on as well as some of my 2015 Christmas ornaments. It feels good to have a semi stitching plan worked out, lol.

During January my stitching time has been focused on one project, Strawberry Fields Forever by Blackbird Designs, a lovely stitch so far.

I'm using the recommended threads and fabric for this design. I've stitched quite a bit more since the progress photo above, aiming for a finish by the end of the month.

Summer Holidays:Part Two Palmerston North

Once we got home from our holiday in Taupo, it was time to say goodbye to Glenn (he had to go back to work) and head south with Hannah and Zoe to Palmerston North to stay with my family there.

My aunt had a day off from work one day so we went on a little road trip, firstly stopping by Arran Farm for some fresh milk, which is near Fielding.  

Then it was back in the car and off to find Horseshoe Bend Reserve, a lovely spot by the river in Tokomaru.

We couldn't go all that way without going on a bit further to Shannon, a small country town well known for its little collection of lovely shops and cafes.

We spent the rest of our week in Palmy catching up with my aunt and uncle, my cousin Donna and her partner, visiting local parks and the pools, and of course, shopping!  Lots and lots of sales on at the moment, lol.

Back with a stitching update tomorrow!

Summer Holidays: Part One Taupo

Whoops, I was away from here a bit longer than I had intended - we've been having the hottest weather here and it's been far too hot to sit in my little office at the computer. Day after day, after day, one of the hottest summers I can remember for quite a few years.

I'm now back at work after my annual leave, I can't believe how fast the time went! What a wonderful few weeks it was, and to finish off our holidays we headed away on a little family holiday for a few days.

Taupo is one of our favourite holiday destinations, and being only a few hours drive from home, a great place to spend a few days doing all the touristy things or in our case, chilling by the lake.  It was HOT while we were there so most afternoons were spent at the lake, at our favourite spot at Kinloch.

There are so many activities to do and attractions to see in Taupo, many we have done on previous holidays. This time some of the things we did were visited Mind Junction, played mini putt by the lake, went to the night carnival, visited Huka Falls, had fish and chips by the lake, lots of swimming in the motel pool and of course, in the lake - very refreshing!

So pleased that one of my favourite ice cream treats has been bought back as a limited edition this summer, Tiptop's Mint Chocolate trumpet, yummo!

Part Two of our holiday away coming soon!

Framing

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that before Christmas I collected some framing I had done during the year. Most of my framing is done by a friend of mine, Willie, who likes to do a bit of woodwork in his spare time.  He has framed several of my stitched pieces over the years and at the start of 2014 I gave him a couple of things to work on during the year.  These were stitched over the past two or so years.

Santa's Village by Country Cottage Needleworks

Christmas Mystery Sampler by Lizzie Kate

Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler by Brenda Gervais/With Thy Needle and Thread

Christmas ABC's by Lizzie Kate

Christmas Rules by Lizzie Kate

I asked Willie to frame these pieces very simply in keeping with some other of my other framed works.  I was absolutely thrilled out they turned out and received lots of lovely compliments from friends and family since they have been hanging on the walls around home. Of course, the Christmas ones have now been wrapped in bubble wrap and popped away til next Christmas.

See you soon x

First Finish for 2015

Christmas Celebration Sampler

The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery

stitched with DMC threads and 32ct crystal fossil hand dyed fabric by Picture this Plus

I've so enjoyed stitching this little sampler over the past few weeks.  I may just have signed up for the 2015 Story Time Sampler.

See you soon x

New Year, some new stash

Happy New Year to everyone!! I hope you've had a great start to 2015 so far! We had a very quiet evening on New Year's Eve having a barbeque with our family and didn't even see the new year in, haven't for a few years now :)

I have been getting loads of stitching done over the break - early morning seems to be a productive time. I still quite haven't got into complete holiday mode, waking around my normal rising time of 6am and some days I haven't been able to fall back asleep.  I've nearly finished the little Christmas Celebration sampler, only 1/4 of the border to go and then I can start something brand new, I love starting new projects as the new year starts!

A few weeks ago I placed an order for some charts and supplies and they arrived just in time to go under the Christmas tree.

Strawberry Fields Forever is going to be my next start, and I'll take this away with me when we head away on our little family holiday in a few days time.

See you soon x

To & From - lots of photos

Now that all the presents have been unwrapped I can finally share a few of the gifts I made over the past few months but firstly, I'll show some of the wonderful gifts I received from my dear friends:

From Kath - this year's ornie:

And last year's :)

Two gorgeous Just Nan charts, I can't wait to stitch these next year

From Clare, this year's ornie:

A lovely wall hanging

From my friend Wendy, a set of handmade cards for all occasions, what a neat idea, and a yo yo covered ball ornament (which I can't find the photo of!)

My friend Elizabeth also sent some handmade ornaments for our tree - so lovely,



Two for Hannah as well:)



And now for the last of my handmade gifts.  Here's what I made for Clare: Homespun Elegance ornament

a wall hanging

Blackbird Design's Topiary in Bloom

and lastly, two wall hangings made for my Mum and MIL Heather, both are Gail Pan Designs

I also treated myself to a few cross stitch charts so I'll share them in my next post:)

As this will be my last post for 2014, I just want to wish you a very Happy New Year and thank you for your visits here, and comments and most of all, your friendship. 

I'm looking forward to the new year and have lots of stitching, sewing, can't forget knitting and crocheting projects planned!

See you in 2015 xx