tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79220879177070886922024-03-13T18:18:51.815+00:00stitches in cotton and woolgranniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-74738696217244321972012-05-15T20:56:00.000+01:002012-09-18T20:57:19.719+01:00I've been hooking ....<div style="text-align: justify;">
my little hands off and I've got my
first large project done! It's the Anna Shawl from a pattern on
Ravelry. And I did it!! I even managed to follow the pattern! Ok there
are a couple of mistakes, a single instead of a double crochet in one
place and some missed chains but hey! it looks alright :-D</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUHpM1jmbI8/T7IakJpVm4I/AAAAAAAAASo/fpnjwwIGj0A/s1600/P5140150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUHpM1jmbI8/T7IakJpVm4I/AAAAAAAAASo/fpnjwwIGj0A/s320/P5140150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This
is done in a purple dk cotton yarn (Vinni's) which was a bit of a toad
to work with at times but on the whole I had great fun with it. I do
need to block the shawl out which will make it a bit bigger and will
really open out the pattern.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've
already moved on to my next project, a scarf for a friend who is having
a bad time at the moment. I'm doing it in a super squooshy merino so
it will be nice and soft. I've nearly finished it but I won't post a
picture until she has got it.</div>
granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-16081094627240167422012-04-30T20:51:00.000+01:002012-09-18T20:55:03.110+01:00More stash .. and some finishes<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finished my first every granny
square blanket, you know the one using the (bloody awful) free "yarn" I
got with a magazine?? Well DD1 decided she wanted yellow in it too as
it's her favourite colour so I had a quick trip to the LYS and got some
yellow. Two yellow granny squares later and it was done. After <strike>bodging</strike>
sewing it together, we decided it looked a bit unfinished :-( so five
rounds of granny later around the edge and DD1 proclaims it done! Yay!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_T83VTWb5vg/T55WypKoQAI/AAAAAAAAARo/xkjryfYl21Q/s1600/P4230130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_T83VTWb5vg/T55WypKoQAI/AAAAAAAAARo/xkjryfYl21Q/s320/P4230130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whDUofUYoTk/T55ewZ0k-9I/AAAAAAAAASc/nXySrX1fQ30/s1600/P4230131-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whDUofUYoTk/T55ewZ0k-9I/AAAAAAAAASc/nXySrX1fQ30/s320/P4230131-2.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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Next
is my funky scarf - I don't know why but for some reason the colours
remind me of a pinata! It's quite long, but that's ok and I like them
wrapped around. It looks really good with my denim jacket :-)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Stubcs5Yw8/T55Xh-V9p_I/AAAAAAAAAR4/xth3L6MPVBE/s1600/P4300140.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Stubcs5Yw8/T55Xh-V9p_I/AAAAAAAAAR4/xth3L6MPVBE/s320/P4300140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally,
some more stash (ooops!). Two more of the gorgeously smooth Lantern
Moon hooks - in a 5.5 and 6 - and this too cute project bag (Lantern
Moon again) for when I'm out and about.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Umypqxq-_yw/T55YEO-OR4I/AAAAAAAAASA/7WDJjkwBDxY/s1600/P4280136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Umypqxq-_yw/T55YEO-OR4I/AAAAAAAAASA/7WDJjkwBDxY/s320/P4280136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last, but by no means least, some really cute stitch markers that I found on folksy.com!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOJKpYkgSPg/T55eVJo7HzI/AAAAAAAAASU/-A_n8hZHgsE/s1600/P4280138-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOJKpYkgSPg/T55eVJo7HzI/AAAAAAAAASU/-A_n8hZHgsE/s320/P4280138-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I
am now absolutely itching to get started on my Anna shawl, the
fab-u-lous purple yarn I have for it is screaming at me so I'm going to
make a start on it tonight once the girls are in bed :-) For today
though, more granny squares!</div>
<br />granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-11235514769629674632012-04-27T20:55:00.000+01:002012-09-18T20:56:12.131+01:00Some crochet wips<div style="text-align: justify;">
.. today, first up my funky scarf.
I started this for a bit of practise with my tension and stitches. So,
I chained 150 - using a no 4 hook and some fabulously bright Wendy
Supreme luxury cotton DK - and did three treble crochet into each
chain. But I realised it was too short when I had got to the end so I
did a bit of a bodge job and added another 150! I will have to see how
it turns out!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdICEZwiL_E/T55T-Uwv9_I/AAAAAAAAARU/He8CgWTFMgw/s1600/P4280134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdICEZwiL_E/T55T-Uwv9_I/AAAAAAAAARU/He8CgWTFMgw/s320/P4280134.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And
second, my emerging pile of granny squares! You can see that the
(acrylic) yarn is marbled and it varies from pinky-purple to a dark
purple marl so it should look quite interesting once it is all put
together. I'm using my favourite No 5 hook for this one and I'm getting
9 squares from each 200g ball. 27 squares down, 63 to go!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxiTjmRV6vQ/T55UJCl12HI/AAAAAAAAARc/d9FJrK0ivsc/s1600/P4280133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxiTjmRV6vQ/T55UJCl12HI/AAAAAAAAARc/d9FJrK0ivsc/s320/P4280133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-11242073175309210682012-04-21T20:54:00.000+01:002012-09-18T20:54:47.316+01:00Starting out with some stash ....<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well I started the week by
purchasing some hooks from purplelinda, just standard metal ones but a
complete bargain for the price and, coincidentially, the same as the
hook we had been given in our goodie bags at the crochet course.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next,
a schoolgirl error. I picked up the only crochet mag I could find.
Bonus I thought, it's got six balls of wool on it, I can use them to
practice on. BIG mistake! Awful awful acrylic wool! It split all over
the place but I have managed to make something with it .. more on that
later.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So,
off the wool shop I went. Now our local wool shop is a little, um,
chaotic to say the least. There is wool everywhere! Shelves, floor,
the cash desk, piles by the door, under the shelves .. it's great! I
wanted something a little better than I had but I wasn't quite ready for
any sort of hand dyed <i>proper</i> posh wool. So I picked up some
purple varigated wool - acrylic again but sooo much nicer than what I
had. I also got myself a knitters needle to stitch things together.</div>
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Most exciting though, I treated myself to a gorgeous Lantern Moon hook case. Here it is - </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2xwuLOpNl4/T5MeGBq9QtI/AAAAAAAAARE/ZhWCbNZX-Y8/s1600/crochet4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2xwuLOpNl4/T5MeGBq9QtI/AAAAAAAAARE/ZhWCbNZX-Y8/s320/crochet4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh and even nicer, two Lantern Moon hooks, in a 4 and a 5, just to start with. Of course, I fully intend to get a whole set!</div>
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Finally,
I thought I ought to have some sort of book to refer to. I can't get
used to the English terminology so I went for this one, it looks a bit
of fun and the author is American: </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5gxS_mygtM/T5MdCVny5DI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/qEC2eKkZD7c/s1600/crochet3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5gxS_mygtM/T5MdCVny5DI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/qEC2eKkZD7c/s1600/crochet3.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is the good thing about getting a new hobby - all the lovely new stash you get to buy :-D</div>
granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-90984139444044876102012-04-14T20:50:00.000+01:002012-09-18T20:52:38.554+01:00Something new ....<div style="text-align: justify;">
I signed up for a beginners crochet
course. Why? Boredom, yes a little. A need to to learn a new skill,
yes. Wanting something with a little more immediate finishes and
portable than my stitching, definitely! So I thought - crochet, why
not. I had seen all those cute little bugs and cupcakes that my fellow
bloggers were making and I wanted to be able to make them too!</div>
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So,
the crochet course. Saturday 14 April 2012, the day I learnt to
crochet. I had had a little practise just with a scrap of yarn but I
didn't even know what stitches I was doing. I do now. The crochet
course was one of the most interesting and inspiring days I have had in a
long time. The teacher Honey-Lee was amazing! She has been crocheting
for 30 years and is so fast! But it was her enthusiasm that was
catching - she loves crochet!! It was great to meet people who were
'into' crafting - I just don't seem to meet other crafters 'in real
life'. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We
started with the basics, a cloth, using single and double crochet (I
should add here that I have been taught the American terminology and it
actually makes more sense to me!). Ok, I unpicked it a few times but
hey! there was the beginnings of a cloth!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next,
the granny square - hated by Honey-Lee - but I LOVE them! I think it
is their uniformness (is there such a word??) and I quite like that they
are repetitive. Then on to the start of a monster, well that was a bit
of a disaster (too many increases so he was a bit wonky) but, it was a
start. Finally, we started a big project, a shawl. I chose this one - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/annas-shawl-4">Anna's shawl</a>
- so just basic single and double crochet but I bought some gorgeous
purple wool to do it in. I can't wait until I get a little better to
make a start on it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, a busy day, but sooooo fab! Oh and the food was great too, always a bonus :-)</div>
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*and yes, I wish I could claim that the fab blanket at the top of the page is mine - but no such luck!</div>
granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-39255118393624211112012-03-29T10:15:00.001+01:002012-03-29T10:35:43.465+01:00Awww shucks .... I got an award!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JO1-97ADYoE/T3QhCSFY8KI/AAAAAAAAAPw/hszKCiz7sNo/s1600/liebster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JO1-97ADYoE/T3QhCSFY8KI/AAAAAAAAAPw/hszKCiz7sNo/s1600/liebster.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited, honoured and happy to say that the lovely <a href="http://www.erlabjorke.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Erla</a> has given me a Liebster award! Thank you so much Erla! You really should check out her blog, she has the most wonderful stitching on there :-)</div>
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The Liebster award comes with four conditions that each recipient must satisfy when accepting.</div>
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Choose 5 up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers to award the Liebster to.</li>
<li>Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.</li>
<li>Post the award on your blog. List the bloggers you are giving the
award to with links to their sites. Leave comments on their blogs so
they know about the award.</li>
<li>Share 5 random facts about yourself that people don’t know about you.</li>
</ol>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are the five people (and their blogs) that I’ve chosen to share this award with:</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.clares-crafting.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Clare</a> Clare (fairly) recently had her first baby (who is gorgeous!!) and so, understandably, hasn't crafted or blogged for a while. Here's hoping we get some more update of her fantastic Train soon!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.falstaff-folly.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Falstaff Folly </a>Sue's blog is always beautifully photographed and you can follow her adventures in doing something New52! This year, Sue is trying out new recipes and so far they have all looked delish! Oi Sue, bring some round here!! ;-) </li>
<li><a href="http://www.stitchysam.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">StitchySam</a> Sam always has such beautiful stitching and is a fellow HAED addict!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.firefliescatsinthegarden.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fireflies and Cats in the Garden</a> Leonie's blog is always full of great pictures and is a fab read.</li>
<li>Shhh because this one is cheating .. but only very slightly! The <a href="http://www.diaryofamanbroider.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Manbroiderer</a> has just over the 200 limit but I had to include him as he does some amazing work! </li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And here are my 5 random facts: </div>
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Before I had my children, I was a lawyer .. and I hated it!</li>
<li>I am a keen amateur photographer and have been lucky enough to get the really good shot or two!</li>
<li>My favourite colour is purple, and I even have a purple kettle! </li>
<li>I have registered for a beginners crochet course (they provide lunch and homemade cake, what more could you ask!) and I'm really excited about learning a new craft.</li>
<li>I love to read. One year I kept a note of every single book I read and it totalled well over 300 - but then I didn't get much stitching done that year!</li>
</ol>
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I'll be back soon with an update on A Princess is Born because I have nearly reached the end of page 2 - yippee!!</div>
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<br /></div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-62774647592979615442012-02-29T13:29:00.003+00:002012-02-29T13:32:04.747+00:00Just had to post today ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
.... because it's leap year :-) </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I am way overdue an update - life has been rather tough lately what with one thing and another. But all through it I have had my stitching as a constant, reassuring, presence. It can't say anything to comfort me, it can't hold me when I feel down but it is still my friend - it is always there when I need it. </div>
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So throwing myself into my stitching I have finally managed to complete the first page of A Princess is Born by Hannah Lynn. I love the colours in this one so much, but the blardy confetti was an absolute pig! I've moved on to the next page now and it's not quite as bad so I am hoping that it won't take me the six weeks page one took. Yes, six weeks!! I can normally get a page done in two weeks max!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGsTDjd2BQU/T04mJk5DiaI/AAAAAAAAAPo/ih9CNx3ivro/s1600/P2260082.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGsTDjd2BQU/T04mJk5DiaI/AAAAAAAAAPo/ih9CNx3ivro/s320/P2260082.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next up is Tranquility (The Vintage Angel). On to page two with this one, but I have to admit the blue got a bit much. It will make a nice change from the confetti of Princess so I have a feeling I will be going back to this one soon! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WIkuKvgTXk/T04mF8dI89I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/benb2qCiW0E/s1600/P2110070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WIkuKvgTXk/T04mF8dI89I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/benb2qCiW0E/s320/P2110070.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sadly neglected at the moment but one that really needs to be completed, is my page on the Chelsea Project of Chelsea's Gift (Hannah Lynn). Not really that much to do but I didn't park on it, and it's driving me crazy squeezing all those odds stitches in!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50CKpw79oe0/T04mHHsxEHI/AAAAAAAAAPY/heYKYiwoSkk/s1600/P2110071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50CKpw79oe0/T04mHHsxEHI/AAAAAAAAAPY/heYKYiwoSkk/s320/P2110071.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, is Mini Masquerade (Sessler). Another confetti mess but so nice to have a limited palate of colours, you definitely don't spend so long finding the next thread you need! Despite it being a mini, I really think that it has lost none of it's detail. I am really pleased with the way it is turning out.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vyvq2oWpG8k/T04mIM2BQ0I/AAAAAAAAAPg/HmJ1lTU-jAI/s1600/P2110073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vyvq2oWpG8k/T04mIM2BQ0I/AAAAAAAAAPg/HmJ1lTU-jAI/s320/P2110073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've realised that I have been totally unrealistic with my stitching goals this year - it's nearly March already and I am seriously behind. I have discovered also that I don't like stitching to deadlines! So, I have decided that I am going to drop the HAED SAL piece, Bookend Kitty. It's cute and I love it but I really can't get in to it at the moment. Maybe I might get back in to it later in the year? Who knows, but for the moment, it's coming out of the workbasket.</div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-27309423036233434092012-01-27T11:15:00.000+00:002012-01-27T11:15:31.106+00:00And the winner is .....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKWYeswhaIY/TyKG0bOrjlI/AAAAAAAAAOo/tlOGmz5c6qo/s1600/photo-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKWYeswhaIY/TyKG0bOrjlI/AAAAAAAAAOo/tlOGmz5c6qo/s320/photo-18.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The fourth person to post that they wanted the travelling pattern - FAERIE!!!</div>
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Congratulations Ali! Please message me with your postal address (I will aim to get the pattern in the post to you on Monday) and also your choice of prize!</div>
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<br />granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-34119305577291185112012-01-24T11:21:00.002+00:002012-01-24T11:21:51.891+00:00LAST CHANCE FOR THE GIVEAWAY AND TRAVELLING PATTERN!!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is the last day for the travelling pattern draw! If you haven't already put your name down to receive this super-cute pattern next, make sure you get it done now!! I will be closing entries at MIDNIGHT (UK time) tonight, 24 January. </div>
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Don't forget, you could also be in for the giveaway too!</div>
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HURRY!!!!</div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-21634134512882184002012-01-15T11:59:00.001+00:002012-01-16T20:50:21.545+00:00Ta da!! The travelling pattern is ready to move on :-)<div style="text-align: justify;">
At long last ... I have stitched the travelling pattern!!!!!! Now c'mon, don't faint - I really have done it! Here's a little bit:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xq67UPgyaw/TxK8Fu_F5JI/AAAAAAAAAOY/pe-19F77OqE/s1600/P1150024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xq67UPgyaw/TxK8Fu_F5JI/AAAAAAAAAOY/pe-19F77OqE/s320/P1150024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here it is finished! For some reason, the colour of the fabric has been totally lost in photographing, it's a pretty pale lime hand-dyed but it looks a patchy grey to me here :-( I've stitched this one over one on 28ct with Carrie's Creations hand-dyed thread in Berry Blast. I really like the way it has turned out :-)</div>
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So, the pattern now travels on - after a slightly longer than anticipated stopover in frosty Oxfordshire. </div>
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If you would like to receive the pattern next, please leave a comment below and I will draw the winner next Wednesday which is the <i>25th of January</i>. You should <span style="color: black;">note that if you would like to be part of the travelling pattern there are a few rules:</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: purple;">You must have a blog.</span> </li>
<li>Comment on this post only, saying you would like to be part of the Stitcherhood.</li>
<li>You must have an active blog to participate, if you have a blog but
never post on it you won't be chosen to be the next stitcher.<i></i> </li>
<li>The stitcher who
will receive the travelling pattern must stitch it (within an acceptable
time frame) finish it and display the finished piece for all to see. </li>
<li>Then the stitcher must offer up the traveling pattern for another stitcher to use and it will be off on its travels again.</li>
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Finally, as I have had the pattern soooo long and I feel ever so slightly guilty, I am adding a little giveway to the winner :-) You will also receive a RAK of your favourite Heaven and Earth Designs QS or SK. Or if HAEDs don't float your boat, then a voucher for an online needlework store. </div>
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Happy stitching everyone, and good luck!</div>
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PS Please feel free to tell your followers about the pattern and the giveaway!</div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-54982187392025914582012-01-09T10:11:00.000+00:002012-01-09T10:11:30.902+00:00WIPocolypse January 2012!<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's that time already and I have made some progress on my WIPs for the year - yay! You can see my (ever-changing) WIPocolypse list by clicking on the tab above ;-)</div>
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I got a new camera for Christmas, so here goes with the first progress photos:</div>
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<b>1 SAL Bookend Kitty (HAED) </b></div>
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I started this yesterday, a little behind the scheduled SAL week on the Board, but I was into another WIP and didn't want to stop and prep fabric. A bit messy, but I've got a few stitches in. Stitched on 28ct Almond jazlyn, two over one, tent stitch. Yes a bit of a change for me - not my usual jobelan (which I am regretting slightly as the holes seem a bit harder to see on the jazlyn) and tent stitch! Controversial I know, but I decided to give it a go after using it on my Chelsea square.</div>
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<b>2 Mini Masquerade (HAED)</b></div>
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I started this on Christmas Day as a present to myself lol! Well
the kids were in bed and DH was asleep on the sofa - what else was I
supposed to do eh?</div>
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Stitched on 28ct light lilac jazlyn (again although the holes are easier to see on this colour) and again two over one, tent stitch. This is my first mini from HAED and I have to say I was a little concerned when I first started, I really couldn't see any detail and was sure that it was going to look a blurry mess. But of course I should trust in the charting (as always) and look there you go, I have daffodils! Again looking a little messy but I have literally taken it off the Q-Snap to make a start on Kitty then I think I will go back to it. My first 'black and white' too - just a few colours, so amazing how much detail there is!</div>
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Well that's me this time round. Happy stitching everyone :-)<br />
<br />granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-44173854869775195282012-01-04T13:49:00.000+00:002012-01-04T13:49:05.307+00:00With head hanging in shame ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
... I blog today :-( I have been absent from blogging for too long. I missed IHSW in December and I've still not updated my wips or sorted out my goals for this year and we are already a few days in!!</div>
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But worse, I have still not stitched Cucki's travelling pattern, for which I can only apologise and say that life really did in the way in December with organising Christmas, the end of the school term and DH returning from an 8 month stint in Saudi :-( I am hoping that now things have calmed down - ie. the kids have gone back to school - I can sit and stitch it this weekend. </div>
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So keep 'em peeled for another update very soon! I PROMISE!</div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-29047274082694822952011-12-16T09:52:00.003+00:002011-12-16T09:52:32.457+00:00December IHSW<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's that time of the month already - yay! Hermit and stitch for all you are worth :-) I'm hoping to get some major stitchy time in as DH isn't home yet so it's just me and the girls. Just click on the hermie link to the right and that'll take you right to where you need to be!</div>
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Happy hermitting everyone! </div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-4394929744862652282011-12-15T17:08:00.000+00:002011-12-15T19:15:48.318+00:00... and the blogging is still behind!<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
I don't seem to be getting the hang of this, do I? ;-)<br />
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I am waaaay behind with my stitchy questions and I have now received the travelling pattern and a really lovely Christmas card from Jo. I really must get my stitch on with that pattern! Life has rather got in the way with school finishing and Christmas coming but I am very conscious that I need to get it done - sorry everyone! I am still in two minds what to do, whether to follow the pattern or go for something small and different - I think something different might win.</div>
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Anyway back to the questions for now:<br />
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<b>Day 5: </b>How long did it take from the time to learned to stitch, to finish your first project?<br />
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eeek, can't remember how long that first piece took me .. it must have been a few weeks. Well it was 20 odd years ago and didn't make a note then of how long things took me.</div>
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<b>Day 6:</b> What is your favourite piece that you've stitched?<br />
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It's a toss up between the birth sampler I did for my DD2 or my HAED finish, Porthole of Fantasy. The sampler for sentimental reasons and the HAED, well because it's a HAED! </div>
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<b>Day 7:</b> Your least favourite?</div>
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Well, it's one of my UFOs. It's a picture of Valentino Rossi on his
bike that I decided to stitch for DH for our wedding anniversary about 4
years ago. There is 27 different shades on blue and it's on 14ct aida
*shudder* needless to say, that's why it's a UFO! </div>
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Hello everyone joining in the fun with the blogging advent calendar! Today is my turn and I have chosen a picture of a cushion I completed last year to add to our Christmas decorations. He was really quick to stitch and the pillow came ready made but I think he looks great!</div>
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Our tree has been up for some time, my three girls couldn't wait. Since then our two kitties have been making whoopie with my ornaments - luckily the precious ones at at the top :-)<br />
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As the girls are still quite young, we are still 'developing' our traditions. Some things that I have continued from when I was are a present at the end of the bed (keeps them quiet for a bit in the morning) and waiting until they have eaten breakfast before opening presents - mean I know but let's face it once they get started it all seems to be over in minutes!</div>
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Best wishes for the Christmas season to you all!granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-76720349483692959522011-11-30T22:33:00.001+00:002011-11-30T22:36:38.816+00:00Ok Ok .. I know<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been AWOL again, and I haven't kept up with my question of the day either :-( BUT I have got some news to share ... I will be the next recipient of the travelling pattern!!! You can see it on Jo's blog <a href="http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/2011/11/travelling-pattern-travelling-onwards.html" target="_blank">here</a> and check out how gorgeous Jo's version of it is! I'm looking forward to its arrival :-)</div>
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Hopefully normal service will now resume, and I will try and pick up where I left off on the questions ... well I'll try anyway lol</div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-52762410012592850422011-11-04T13:14:00.000+00:002011-11-07T12:30:48.571+00:00Hasn't worked very well, has it!?<div style="text-align: justify;">
The whole point of these questions was to try and encourage me to blog everyday. Well .. uh .. nope, that ain't happened! Here we are on 4 November and I've missed three days' worth already .. oops! Right, catch up time.</div>
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<b>Day 2: What is your current stitching project?</b></div>
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At the moment I am working on one of my HAED projects, Tranquility. </div>
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<b>Day 3: Do you have any other WIPs?</b></div>
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Seriously, is this a loaded question or what lol ! Of course I have other WIPs, or should I call them (slow)WIPs? I have - actually I am not going to say how many - other HAEDs on the go and also some kits that are in my 'deep storage' that really ought to be finished at some point.</div>
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<b>Day 4: How did you learn to stitch?</b></div>
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I bought a kit and followed the instructions! So totally self-taught as no-one in my family, or none of my friends come to think of it, were stitchers. My Nan used to knit and crochet and my Mum can knit and is great with a sewing machine, but at the time she wasn't a stitcher (although I have now turned her to the dark side, along with my sister!).</div>
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Not really much else to blog about today and, most boringly, no photos :-( I've been making steady progress on Tranquility and had hoped to have half the page done by now but I'm not quite there yet. Hopefully I might get caught up a bit over the weekend, children allowing.</div>
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We've had the final page for the SAL today too, so I really ought to do some more on Curl Up as I think I am a couple of posts short of the requirement to qualify for the remainder of the SAL charts. I also need to do some more work on Ice Wind, but I just can't seem to tear myself away from Tranquility. On the plus side though, I have met - quite unintentionally - some of my yearly goals on the HAED BB! Yay, go me!</div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-25067042513025326482011-11-01T09:48:00.002+00:002011-11-01T09:49:17.070+00:00Trying to get back in the blogging groove ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been in a bit of a blogging blackspot for a while now so, finding inspiration from my fellow stitcher and blogger Kerry, I am going to try and answer one stitchy related question a day<b> </b>and what better day to start than the first of a month? Thanks to Kerry for the questions - you can find her fabulous blog <a href="http://www.ramblingsofabiscornuaddict.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a> and if you want to know what other questions there are, you can check them out in the "Coming Soon" section of my blog.<b><br /></b></div>
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Although I may not have been blogging, I have been stitching, and got a page finish on Tranquility which I am very excited about. It took me exactly four weeks - not bad considering that the little bit of butterfly was a confetti nightmare! Still, it was mostly lots and lots of blue - disappointingly I haven't been able to spot the butterfly shapes that are apparent in the background of the original art. Perhaps they will become more visable as I move through the next page.</div>
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I've been having issues with iPhoto and can't get photos from my camera to my lappy which is frustrating to say the least. I shouldn't complain as this is the first problem I've ever had with my Mac - perhaps Mr Jobs is having the last word ;-) RIP - such a cool guy.</div>
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So, here is a picture but it was taken on my iPhone so you will have to excuse the quality :-(</div>
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I have moved on to page 2 which is lots more blue and a whole butterfly this time. I'm hoping to get through it quickly because I want to get to her face on page 3! </div>
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Finally, today's question of the day :-)</div>
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<b>Day 1: What was your first finished project?</b></div>
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It was actually my first start and my first finish (I obviously was a lot more disciplined then lol) a Country Companions kit of Tom Mouse and he wore a stripey jumper and wellies. Luckily it was lots of blocks of colour and I stitched it as a present for my Nan. I framed it (very badly) and it hung on her wall until she died and I think one of my cousins has it now. If I looked hard enough I could probably still find the chart in my stash! </div>
<br />granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-35741098099757123242011-10-18T01:17:00.000+01:002011-10-18T09:54:01.111+01:00IHSW<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a <i>great</i> hermitting weekend! Despite the girls being around and DH not going back to work until Sunday morning, I got loads done :-) I worked on one of my HAEDs - Tranquility by The Vintage Angel. She is being stitched one over one, full crosses on 28ct bone jobelan.</div>
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The only problem I have now is that iphoto has let me down and just crashes everytime I try to import a photo :-( I have taken one with my phone and have posted this for the meantime, so sorry no before shot just yet ..</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWV1MeQcMDA/TpzEN5d_zpI/AAAAAAAAANE/Q82-qJJRgbA/s1600/photo-14.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWV1MeQcMDA/TpzEN5d_zpI/AAAAAAAAANE/Q82-qJJRgbA/s1600/photo-14.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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There has been an awful lot of blue but bizarrely I have enjoyed stitching it. You will see that one of the butterflies is starting to appear at the bottom :-)</div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-18127073450603514982011-10-13T09:28:00.001+01:002011-10-18T09:53:37.612+01:00It's almost that time again ..<div style="text-align: justify;">
.. so don't forget it's
International Hermit & Stitch Weekend starting this Friday. All
you need to do is click on the crab at the top of my page and you can
sign up. It's a great way to meet new blogging friends and is the
perfect excuse to sit and stitch all day long - like we need an excuse,
right?!</div>
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I'll
be back later in the week with a proper stitchy update but in the
meantime, a big "hullo"! to all my followers, old and new - I can't
believe 65 of you read my blog! Thank you!<br />
<br />
<br />
** edited to add that I've been having blogger issues - it took 5 attempts to get this published and I think that the comments section may still be having a crisis! If you cannot post a comment to this post, please let me know by commenting on my previous entry and I will try and sort it out! ** </div>granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-25959264701021764272011-09-28T10:07:00.001+01:002011-09-28T10:07:20.039+01:00.. sigh ..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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aaaarrrrrrgggggghhh what is it with me
and new starts at the moment?? Why can't I just settle down and get
something done ... or maybe even *gasp* finished! I have another newbie
in the pipeline - Tranquility by The Vintage Angel. I couldn't resist and finally bought her in the sale. Here she is again (I know that you've seen a picture here before but she is sooo gorgeous she is worth another look):</div>
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It seems like fate that I have a piece of my favourite bone jobelan in *exactly* the right size so I have to do it ... yes? Completely dire on the thread front though, I think I have about 6 of the 90 I need - so another order has gone off to Donna at Cross Stitch Heaven. But, after looking through my stash, another! Ta-da! some of the threads I need for the first column are in Dragon Charmer! I could "borrow" them and put them back when the order comes from Donna. So ... fate strikes again ... yes?!</div>
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That means I'll have had 3 new starts in just over a month! Yes I know no-one is counting but seriously?? These are HAEDs we are talking about ... it's not like they are a short term commitment .. I *really* need to get a grip on myself!</div>
granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-75465378370246140912011-09-19T11:19:00.003+01:002011-09-19T18:08:28.147+01:00IHSW 16-18 September 2011<div style="text-align: justify;">
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No before picture for me this time
as I had yet another new start ;-D Gypsy Firefly by Aimee Stewart
charted by HAED. This is how she will look when she is done:</div>
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And this is my progress after the weekend. Stitched on 28ct light moss jobelan, one over one and full crosses:<br />
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I
didn't get as much done as I had hoped, far too many things going on
and the girls didn't give me much time to stitch. Hey ho, tomorrow is
another day!</div>
granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-43587652448147208452011-09-15T10:28:00.000+01:002011-09-15T10:31:06.833+01:00I've had to have a little re-organise :-)<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
Since we added Missie and Jess the kittens to our family, my stitchy stash has been increasingly in danger! At first, they left it well alone but now Jess has decided that she rather likes the taste of DMC, Missie likes to swipe my needles and they both like to sleep in my workbasket! </div>
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I am so used to be able to leave everything as I left it that it has come as rather a shock that I will now have to pack away each night. So, never one to miss an opportunity to spend money on stash, I have made a couple of purchases to make the tidying away a little easier! :-D </div>
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First of all, I invested in a little unit with drawers in. The gap between the wall and the sofa is so small that I really didn't think I would find one that would work. But this little unit is perfect - I picked it up in Argos (and it comes in other colours too). The top drawer has my threads and wips for my QS, the second drawer my BAP and the bottom one has my spare q-snaps and bits and pieces. The top is also useful for standing my ORT tin on ;-)<br />
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But, not content with that, I decided I <strike>wanted</strike> needed something to pack away my current wip each night. I didn't want to have to rummage around in the drawers to get everything together each time I wanted to stitch. So, I found this!<br />
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Cath Kidston </div>
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I first saw it when I went to London at the beginning of the holidays in another colourway but this one has just been released and I just had to have it. So now I have my very own caravan - it really does make me smile everytime I look at it! </div>
granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-80197779751980754932011-09-15T10:20:00.002+01:002011-09-15T10:48:04.901+01:00Wow, it has been aaaages!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just looked at my last post and it was 11 August! It just goes to show you that the summer holidays really do nothing for your free time. I had so little time to stitch, let alone blog :-( But it was good to have fun with my girls, even if the weather was - as usual - disappointing!</div>
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Now the girls are back at school, DH is back at work for three weeks and the perfect time of year for staying in with your stitching is on it's way, it's time for a little me time. So, in an effort to get my stitchin butt back in gear I am going to join in with the International Hermit and Stitch Weekend!! I found out about it on Joyze's blog <a href="http://joysze.blogspot.com/">right here</a> and I've posted the IHSW button here on my blog too. Just click on the button to take you to the information page :-)<br />
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I think I am going to use the opportunity to make a new start - yes another one! BUT this new one is a big love for me and I've waited quite a while for Michele at HAED to release it - it's Gypsy Firefly by Aimee Stewart. I totally adore this one!! I often dreamt as a child of having my own gypsy caravan and travelling the highways and byways in it. One of my favourite books was Danny Champion of the World, which if you have read it you will know that Danny and his Dad live in one! Here she is:</div>
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I'm also adding another gorgeous chart to my stash this week and really must resist the temptation to start her too. It's this one - Tranquility by The Vintage Angel. Totally gorgeous and sooo peaceful!</div>
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But what have you been stitching, in those rare moments you have had to stitch, I hear you say?! Well, I am ashamed to say, it was another new start! I had one of those weeks where nothing was calling to me (Really? Out of the all the wips I have? Yeah right!!) so I started Moonglow by Hannah Lynn. Well my justification was that I didn't have a Hannah in my wips ;-D Here is my progress so far, please excuse the gaps, but I was missing some threads.<br />
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Isn't it great - I just love the colours in Hannah's work. And, now that I've got a picture, I can really see the moon coming together, up close it has just looked like a blob!</div>
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So, that's me caught up except for the blog I drafted over the summer with my new storage stash which I will add pictures to and post in a bit.</div>
granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922087917707088692.post-18341986527376233862011-08-11T23:12:00.010+01:002011-09-10T13:58:20.039+01:00Finally!I have at last finished page 1 of Curl Up! It has taken me weeks! I have never, ever struggled with a page as much as I did with this one! Here he is: <br />
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It has been busy chez moi just recently. DH home, kids off school and I enjoyed a couple of days in London seeing a show and doing lots and lots of shopping! A friend and I wandered around Covent Garden for hours, and of course spent a few hours in Selfridges too ;-) We saw Pygmalion with Rupert Everett (cor!) and Kara Tointon and Diana Rigg. Totally brilliant, one of my favourite plays. It doesn't matter how many times you see it, it is still fresh and relevant today.<br />
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But now that it's settled down a bit and that ****** page is behind me, I can get on with something else for a while so I am going to do a bit on FF150. I've not stitched on her in ages so she fits nicely into the slow wip sal on the BB this week. This is how she looked when I left her last, just over a page done:<br />
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Still not sure about the green, but I'll keep going!granniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816670492390763875noreply@blogger.com5