Still merrily stitching!

 

 

 

As it says above still merrily stitching, can't say my needle is whizzing through the air but I am progressing with my christmas project for my DD.  The reindeers now have antlers, tails and ears.  One of them is eating some mistletoe.  And now I am coming on to the more fiddly bits.  I am using stitch and tear on the back, never used it before. I was worried when the material started to pucker (I love that word) but a friend told me that as stitch and tear has no give in it and the material does, that is why you get a pucker!

 

 

 

How do you like the anemone picture now that it has been framed?  Nearly had to take out a mortgage to pay for the framing, but why spoil the ship for a happorth of tar - if you get my meaning!  The great thing about stitching is that you can make a really personal present for a friend, which hopefully they will like.

 

 

Do you remember that wall hanging that I am involved with here in the village, well 3 of us had a get together yesterday morning to check each piece that has been sewn, we have 54 pieces!  We then sorted out the layout, it took us all morning and it looked pretty good when we had finished.  Sorry this photo doesn't show all the pieces but it gives you an idea, mine is just above the date on the photo.  We now have to sew it on a piece of calico it will be about 64 inches by 85 inches when finished.  Wish us luck when we come to stitching them all on the calico!

 

My DS's partner who has never been a keen baker, has really got the baking bug.  She came up a couple of weeks ago, so that I could show her how to make scones, we then progressed to a Victoria Sandwich.  She was thrilled with the end result, she's now made Lemon Drizzle cakes and Chocolate Brownies.  Can't wait to hear what she is cooking this weekend, her family are certainly reaping the benefit.  There is a great resurgence in baking at the moment, which is great as there is no comparison between shop cake and homemade, it's cheaper, tastier and you know exactly what ingredients have gone into your cakes.

 

I needn't tell you what the weather is doing, it's doing what it is always doing RAIN!  I'm so keen to get out in the garden and do more tidying up, it's really frustrating.  I guess I will just have to be content with staying indoors and sew - not too bad an alternative.

 

Thankyou for visiting my blog, and welcome to any new visitors.  Be back with you soon.

I have started gardening!

We had a few nice days when the sun was shining, so out came my secateurs and I started to prune my roses.  I've got most of them done just got a couple of climbers to have a go at.  The ground is still very wet (paddy field wet) that I can't do much more than that.  Thought you may like a couple of photos of flowers to remind us that spring is coming.

 

 

This is a window box that I planted up with cyclamens, sorry the photo is not that good, you can see the reflection of the house opposite.

This coming Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday, so don't forget to make your pancakes.  I usually just have sugar and lemon juice with mine, but I have bought some maple syrup for something different. 
 I am still stitching my Christmas table centre for my DD, I have appliqued and stitched around each applique with blanket stitches.  Just starting on the embroidery really enjoying doing it.  My theory is that if I start stitching it now it should be ready for Christmas this year.

The other night whilst I was lying in bed trying to sleep I started to think about some of the toys I had as a child (don't ask why)  a kaleidoscope, jigsaw puzzles, snap card game, a John Bull printing set, loads of books, a teddy bear and a g------- (can't say the name), all came to my mind.  I always wanted a doll that cried but never had one and a bike but my parents wouldn't let me have one they said it was too dangerous, as there were too many hills!!  Just think what the children get today. 

I have to go off shopping, when I get chance, to buy some Appletons crewel wool, I have seen a pattern of a cauliflower which is a pin cushion, in the Australian magazine Inspirations. I love this magazine it has some beautiful stitching in it, it lives up to its name as it is inspirational. 

I have to catch up with reading your blogs.  Do you know where the time goes?  You think you are all organised and before you know it that's another week gone, or is that an age thing.  Thankyou for visiting my blog and get your pancake pan out ready, and don't forget to toss them.