Lots of stitching and other news

Hello friends, how quickly the days seem to be going right now. It's been quite hectic at my work and I've also been helping one of my aunts that recently moved, with packing up and then unpacking at her new house. 

Hannah has a couple of days left of the school term, then two weeks holiday break, and once she goes back for the last term of the year, she'll only be at school for a few weeks before study leave starts for end of the year exams. She's recently had her annual dancing exams, and has also had a visit to our local polytechnic, where she is going to be studying one day a week from early next year. Exciting times ahead for our girl.

Lots of stitching happening here right now too. I've been really enjoying stitching on some of my sampler projects including Oh Joyous Day by Blackbird Designs. I love the colours in this design.

More finishing is happening when I have a bit of time to get my sewing machine out. These two adorable bunny designs are from Lila Studio's Spring Parade 1 & 2 booklets, stitched on 36 count vintage mocha linen.

Strawberry car 

Carrot Car

Winter Rose Manor, which I started way back in January 2021, is nearly done. I don't know why I left the house stitching until last though!

Stitched on 36 count Wren by Picture This Plus linen with the recommended threads, WDW Conch for the house.

Part 1 of the 2024 Christmas Cuckoo Clock mystery stitch along by Tiny Modernist is finished and I'm looking forward to seeing what Part 2 will be on the 1st October.

One of my work friends recently made this pretty set of stitching accessories for me - needlebook, pumpkin pin cushion and thread catcher. I love the pink fabric.

A new start recently - I waited patiently for this chart to be released as a PDF, Beautiful Things by Primrose Cottage Stitches.  I think this design will look awesome on the front of a project bag.

I hadn't done any lunch box baking in ages so on the weekend I made a walnut, apple and carrot loaf, yum, 

Chocolate chip and banana slice, this was so tasty. 

                                                      

                  

I always love to try Whittaker's new releases and picked up these two from the supermarket recently - being a dark chocolate fan, the raspberry and strawberry would be my favourite.

I snapped a pic of these gorgeous irises in my aunty's garden the other day - I really do miss the spring bulbs at my old work place. 

This coming weekend we are catching up with some friends we haven't seen in ages, and our Daylight savings hours start on Sunday. I can't believe that October is nearly here!

See you soon x

Lots of Stitching to Share

For the past few months, I've set myself a goal of spending time at my sewing machine at least once a week, even if its just for 30 minutes. I certainly did that a few weeks ago, with face mask production in full steam - making them for us, my parents, Glenn's dad, my sister in law, Hannah's friends, my friends, I think I made about 60 in total - all different styles and fabrics! 

I've been finishing up some of my Christmas stitching projects, some stitched recently and others earlier in the year.

First up, is All the Trimmings, a free pattern offered by the Fast Quarter Shop during September.  I stitched this pretty design on chalkboard linen using the recommended DMC threads. Made into a small pillow with Lady Dot Creates trim.

A few ornaments, pattern from Spirit of Christmas by Lila's Studio for some dear friends.

This is the ornament I stitched for my friend Carol in the US. I was so happy that Carol has now received this safely since mail has been a bit hit and miss to and from New Zealand. (At the moment, we can't receive any mail from the US - so sad I can't make any pre Christmas stash purchases). 

Anyways, this is Snow Joyful by Homespun Elegance

This is the ornament I stitched for another dear stitching friend, Andrea from the UK, which has also now arrived safely.  This is Dazzlin Deer by Heart in Hand.

This is Hannah's 2021 Christmas ornament, Mouse Decorates for Christmas by the Tiny Modernist. So cute!

Merry, a free pattern offered by Heart in Hand, stitched for a work friend.

2020 Prairie Schooler Santa ready to be added to the basket

Ho Ho Ho by Trellis and Thyme, stitched for a friend's grandaughter.

Lastly for today, a new start from earlier in the month, Little Deeds Sampler by the Scarlett House.
 

I'm using most of the recommended threads and 32 count Limestone belfast linen. This is going to be a gift for one of my younger cousins, who was meant to be having her graduation ceremony from Medical School at the end of November but it has now been postponed until May 2022. We're all very proud of her. She is now working as a Junior Doctor.

Have a fun weekend, and see you soon xx

Jolly July is on it's way

For a few years now I've participated in Jolly July, a stitch along on Instagram organised by Kimberly from the Fat Quarter Shop, and Priscilla and Chelsea of Stitching with the Housewives. As I stitch Christmas designs all year round, I usually spend all of July working on these.  This year I've decided to have a mixture of new starts and also get some stitching done on some older projects including one or two started last year during Jolly July.

I spent a couple of happy hours on the weekend getting fabric, charts and threads organised for this month and also, checking out what ornaments I've already stitched during 2021.

I haven't shared any of these so here we go, all stitched - just to be finished some time.

Jolly St Nick and Rudolph, by Stitching with the Housewives

Berries in Bloom, a freebie by Hands on Designs

Mouse's Christmas Decorating by Tiny Modernist

Ho Ho Ho by Trellis & Thyme

2020 Santa by the Prairie Schooler

Joy - Lila's Studio

Peace - Lila's Studio

Noel - Lila's Studio

Gingerbread Cookies by Little House Needleworks

Snow Joyful by Homespun Elegance

Dazzlin' Deer by Heart in Hand

Are you going to be participating in Jolly July? 

See you soon xxx

Stitching on Sundays & Mondays

Here's the first of the ornaments I've stitched from Spirit of Christmas Set 2 by Lila's Studio, so sweet.

I'm stitching on 36 count Summer khaki linen with most of the recommended threads. The plan is to stitch one of these lovely designs every month, there's 8 in total.

Next up for #santasundayxs and #merrymondayxs is Merry Old Soul by Brenda Gervais.

I've been wanting to stitch this for absolutely ages. I'm using most of the recommended threads and the fabric is 32 count Smokey Pearl Belfast linen. 

For tomorrow's post I'll have an update about all the Blackbird Designs I've been working on over the past few weeks.

See you soon x