African Sunset and a bunch of other things

I've been doing a lot of work on African Sunset lately - when I wasn't doing the Christmas Tree decorations for this year (more on that below).

I'm now half way done (if you don't count the backstitch).

I thought I'd give you an idea of where I'm at so the photo is of where I'm at on the pattern as well as part of my actual stitching.

It was an exciting moment when I reached the edge and made it down to half way. I'm working my way down to the bottom then back to the left. I'm almost ready to do the backstitch for the back of the elephant and down the back legs and tail. Right now I can see the skin wrinkles coming as I keep stitching that part.

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For those of you how have followed my blog for a while, you will know that one of my family's Christmas traditions is to have a new Christmas Tree decoration for each family member every year. I have been making them most years, although I had a break last year when one of my sister's made them.
No photo's yet because I want them to be a surprise for my family when we decorate the tree. But once I have given them to at least the family still living at home, I'll put photos up.

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Now that summer is almost here, my crochet rug has been put away for cooler days. I had hoped to have it finished for next winter, but maybe it will be finished during next winter.

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Soon I'll be putting up some posts about my sewing projects, including doing a series of posts about my quilt - the one I've been planning for exactly half my life! So stay tuned for that.
In the mean time, have a look at this photo of a gift that a friend gave me this week.