Lizzie Kate 2017 Spirit of Christmas Mystery Sampler

By now I'm sure you've probably read all about Lizzie Kate's retirement and how the last chart will be released on 1st March? I was quite shocked to hear this as Lizzie Kate has been one of my absolute favourite designers since I very first started stitching. 

Over the years I've stitched loads of the designs, and also collected loads of the patterns, and I just love all of the numerous Christmas designs. I will definitely miss collecting the Tiny Tidings chart each year. I wish Linda and her husband all the best for the future years and thank them for the many, many happy hours of stitching they have given me over the years.

My latest finish is the Lizzie Kate 2017 Christmas mystery sampler. By the time my chart, fabric and supplies arrived in New Zealand last year, it wasn't a mystery anymore as many stitchers around the world had already completed Part 1 and some were all ready working on Part 2. I soon got mine underway and then it was put aside until I picked up again during my Christmas holidays.  I stitched on this during our annual family holiday to Taupo, when it was pouring down with rain and we couldn't get out and about, and it also went with me to the beach, where I'd try and add a few stitches here and there.

Lizzie Kate 2017 Spirit of Christmas Sampler

stitched on 32 count Heartland linen by Picture this Plus

Weeks Dye Works threads

Last week I finished the bottom band of stitches and then added the buttons and beads during the weekend while watching some of the Winter Olympic highlights. I really enjoyed stitching this design.

See you soon xx

Lizzie Kate Mystery Sampler

This is another of my neglected projects from late last year, Lizzie Kate's 2017 Mystery Christmas Sampler.  I think the first chart arrived in early October so I stitched Part 1 and then into my stitching basket it went.

After a major muck up and having to take out a whole week of stitching (!!!) Part 2 was completed during our holiday to Taupo.

I nearly finished stitching Part 3 over the weekend and then it will be time to add the embellishments. The extra charts that came with the patterns are very cute so I'll be stitching them some time soon.

Bye for now xx

Latest Stitching and Long Weekend Celebrations

Part 1 of the Spirit of Christmas sampler, this year's mystery sampler by Lizzie Kate, was finished last week. My supplies took a little while to arrive here in NZ so by the time I got to start part 1, many other stitchers around the world were already finishing Part 2!

I'm going to leave attaching the embellishments until all the stitching is completed.

A small parcel arrived last week containing some newly released charts and a few threads.
I love the saying on the Lizzie Kate chart, I'll be kitting this one up soon!

Last weekend we enjoyed a long weekend, with public holidays both Friday and Monday for us, Hawkes Bay Anniversary and then Labour Day. As well as catching up on some much needed gardening jobs, we had family visit us and a few catch ups with friends. Glenn and I also celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary on Sunday.

It was a weekend of celebrations around our small town too, as well as our town commemorating 150 years, Hannah's primary school had their 150 years birthday celebrations.

It was a beautiful morning to watch a parade in our main street.

Then we spent an enjoyable afternoon at Hannah's school for a welcome by current pupils, a cake cutting ceremony and then afternoon tea.

There have been several other events run in conjunction with the 150 years of Waipukurau, including a major exhibition at our local museum. I went along to check this out a few weeks ago.

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It was incredibly interesting checking out the displays and seeing all the old photos.

Lastly for today, our beautiful snow ball, or pom pom trees, have been out in bloom. I think a bit earlier this year. I just love watching how they turn from lime green to white.

See you soon x

A Stitching Catch Up

I've been stitching on a few Christmas gifts and some of my 2017 Family & Friends ornaments so can't share any pics yet but I recently started two new stitching projects including:

Feliz Navidad by Blackbird Designs

While we were away, the supplies arrived for the latest Lizzie Kate Christmas Mystery Sampler.

This has been my stitching piece over the past few evenings so I hope to get Part 1 finished soon as Part 2 is now on its way.

See you soon xx