Time for a WIP Parade

Hello friends, recently I decided to get out all my projects and have an ironing session so I can share a WIP Parade. Loading up these photos, I've realised I didn't get a current progress pic of the Shepherd's Bush stocking I have on the go, Martha. It's been awhile since I lasted stitched on it but will share an update another time.

First up, is a new start I had during my summer holidays, Christmas Parade by Cottage Garden Samplings. Featuring Santa and his forest friends, I couldn't resist this design.  I'm using 32 count Fossil Fox & Rabbit linen and the recommended threads. I had so much trouble stitching Santa's beard, I had to restitch parts of it several times!

Another start I had in early December, The Light of Winter by Brenda Gervais. Stitching on 36 count Ballet Slippers by Fox & Rabbit using the recommended threads. Sadly, I haven't picked this up since so must get back to it one day soon.

Humming of the Bees by Blackbird Designs, started September 2022, stitching on 36 count vintage mocha Belfast linen, using recommended threads, another project I haven't worked on for ages.

Next up, Plum Street Samplers This Happy Morning, which was one of my birthday starts last April. This washed out photo is not really showing the colour of the linen correctly, which is 36 count Black Swan by Fox & Rabbit, using the recommended threads.

Oh Joyous Day by Blackbird Designs, started way back in September 2020, a stitch along with my friends Clare and Nicki, the fabric is 36 count Wren by Picture this Plus and using the recommended threads.

Winter Rose Manor by Brenda Gervais, also stitched on 36 count Wren by Picture this Plus, not too much to go now but why did I leave all the house stitching til last??

Merrily Merrily We Welcome Spring, fabric is 36 count Oaken linen by Picture this Plus. This has been on the go for a couple of years now.

Kringles by Little House Needleworks, started in 2020 during our first Covid lockdown, this has been quite neglected but I pull this out every now and then. Stitched on 32 count smokey white Belfast linen.

Wilhemina by Fox & Rabbit, which was a Patreon club chart last year, I'll try and finish this before this Easter. This chart is being released for the Nashville Market.

I also have the 2023 Tiny Modernist mystery Christmas stitch along on the go to, which I'll have an update for next time.  

Two other projects from my stitching basket, I've decided not to continue with so both have been "let go" - that felt good as I know I'm not interested in stitching the designs anymore.  

Do you have any stitching goals or plans for 2024? Are there any charts you are looking forward to being released during the Nashville Market? 

See you soon x

A New Project, a finish & a Special Birthday

Even though I'm trying to stick to my stitching plans of getting older projects finished and getting this year's ornaments well underway, I couldn't resist starting the Red Bird Sampler by Brenda Gervais.

The thread colours are so pretty and look fab against this piece of Fox & Rabbit linen.

Late last month it was my lovely friend Clare's birthday.  We originally had plans for a lunch out and catch up with our stitching buddies but it ended up being postponed due to the current Covid outbreak.

I made Clare a small project bag for her gift. The stitched design is a freebie, Lace Makers Cottage by Stone Street Needleworks, which can be found here. 

Look who recently turned 21, my gorgeous niece Zoe! I can't quite believe it, it seems just like yesterday she was born - I was so excited to become an aunty for the first time. 

We celebrated with a small family lunch at my parents.

Zoe and her Dad, my younger brother Marcus.

See you soon x

A finish, new stash and summer things

 And just like that it's February! This week Hannah starts her first year at high school so she's excited and a bit nervous! Dance classes start back too and we have a long weekend coming up so a trip to the beach has been planned, if the weather is ok. We've had some really hot days lately and there's more on the way during the week but the long range forecast is showing rain! 

Over the recent weekend I had a few hours of sewing time and this is my first completely finished stitching project for 2022.

This sweet design by Heart in Hand was a club kit last year from the Silver Needle's A Little Help from our Stitching Friends. I was honestly thinking this kit was lost in the mail as it took over four months to arrive here to New Zealand.

I used this pretty piece of Tilda fabric for the backing and the ric rac trim and button were supplied in the kit.

Our little vegetable garden has been going great this summer and each week we've been getting a small amount of produce as well as being able to pick tomatoes and cherry tomatoes every day.

Usually when I arrive home after work I make a nespresso coffee to enjoy before beginning the afternoon jobs and getting dinner ready. Lately due to the heat I've been making an iced coffee, which is just the nepresso over ice, add cold milk, more ice and it's so yum.  I only add the cream and chocolate dusting every now and then, ha ha

Due to the mail suspension between here and the US at the moment, I'm so missing being able to jump online and place an order to 123 Stitch. Not to worry, we have several great stitching sites available here in NZ so I recently placed an order with Art & Frame in Christchurch - I can't absolutely wait to visit there again this July.

Art & Frame stock some of the lovely Fox & Rabbit linens from Australia, they are the most loveliest colours and I can't wait to try these.

A few new charts, and when I do eventually stitch the Heart in Hand chart I'll have a go at making a drum like in the picture.

That's me for today. Let me know if you have any special stitching plans for February. I'll be carrying on with stitching on the couple of projects started I started in December. I'm also going to stitch the first few of my 2022 Family and Friends Christmas ornaments, charts I've already picked out and have ready to go with fabric and threads.

See you soon xx