A Stitch In Time

A Little Bit of Stitching

2012-01-09T11:53:00.000+11:00

Ok, so it's been a long time since I updated you on how I'm going with any of my cross stitch projects. So now that it's a new year, I thought I should at least say something about where I'm at.

My sister loved it that I am doing African Sunset for her. You might remember from my last post that I wasn't sure if she still liked it. It was nowhere near finished for her birthday, but I wrapped up what I'd done and gave it to her, saying that I would keep working on it. She told me that everytime she sees this design in a catalogue she cuts it out to keep, so I know I made the right choice.

You can see from the picture below how much I've done. It looks great, even without the back stitch done. However, I still have a long way to go.

I'm also still going with Hang in There Panda. I don't have enough of some of the thread colours, but the company it is from will send more (free of charge) if you request them. I have already had to request one colour and it took about 6 weeks to arrive, but now that I found another colour that I need I decided to do as much of the rest of the stitching as I could without it to see if there were any other colours I needed before I ordered it. That way they could send them all at once. But I haven't done anymore on it since I gave it to Mum because I was trying to get more of African Sunset done.

Then Christmas was approaching and I had some cute little mini cross stitches, complete with frames in Christmas designs. I like to have a new ornament or something every Christmas, so I decided to do one of these. I ended up almost getting 2 done by Christmas, but I still have a bit more stitching to do, so it will be my new one for next Christmas.

Below you will see the cute wreath that I did for Christmas 2011. I changed the pattern slightly, but I like it better the way I did it.

Finally, I have been making birthday party invitations. They were interesting because I decided I wouldn't buy anything new for them, but use what I had in my cardmaking/scrapbooking stash.

They have worked out beautifully, and I learned a bit about working with vellum - including printing on it and different ways to attatch it. Now I just need to find the dress to wear to the party, make the autograph book and do some baking.

Updates

2011-07-15T18:18:00.002+10:00

Where do I start?
I have been doing stitching, crochet and making more felt brooches. I forgot to photograph the brooches before I gave them away to my girls on camp - LF8R Winter Teen Camp that my church runs with CYC. I was a leader again this year (my 2nd year) and I gave my 4 girls each a brooch. Most of them ended up using them in their hair for our 80's Prom, the last night of camp. They were gorgeous!

For my crochet rug, I am now back to purple, having finished the next section of blue and the 2 rounds of maroon that go in between. It's getting too big to photograph!

I didn't get 'Hang in There Panda' done in time for my Mum's birthday. I still wrapped it up, along with the picture, and will complete it as I have time. Part of the problem is a lack of thread being supplied. Thankfully the company will send you more thread if you run out. I did have to get some of one colour, however I have now run out of another colour. I don't need as much as they will send, but I can't just go out and match it, because they don't use standard threads. I'm going to do as much as I can, to see if I need more of any other colours before sending my order.

I'm still going with 'African Sunset', but there is no way I'll get it finished by the start of next month. I plan to do the same as I did with Mum, wrap what I've done and include the picture. Hopefully the person I'm giving it to still likes the picture. Not sure what I'll do otherwise.

I finally finished my course, and my new job starts on Monday! I'll be spending several hours everyday looking after primary school aged children in an After School Care Program! Some opportunities for craft will come up there, so that's good. Other than that, I just need to make some more time for stitching. One thing I'm doing is cutting back on my internet time. It's amazing how much time Facebook and other internet things take. It's a battle, but one I'm determined to win.

Puppets and Brooches

2011-05-12T18:08:00.000+10:00

One of the requirements for my Children's Services course was to make a puppet that went with a song or nursery rhyme.
I chose 'Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary' as my rhyme, and this is my puppet:

To present her I used a basket which I put in silver bells, cockle shells and some little dolls. The effect is very nice. Today was the day we presented them. So now I just have to wait to see if I passed.

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I've also been making some more felt brooches. Five in all.

A nice thing about these brooches is that I was able to earn a little money for them.

Craft Updates

2011-04-02T17:51:00.003+11:00

I thought it was time I updated you on some of my projects. I haven't blogged for so long because I've been a little busy - family emergencies and starting studying again have taken almost all my time. First up, is my progress on 'Hang in There Panda'. I was working on it a bit, but then realised I was running out of one of the threads. Thankfully you can order more thread free of charge from Dimensions. It took about 3 weeks, but I can now get on with it again. I was trying to get it ready by the beginning of May, but I think it might be more reasonable for the middle of June. As you can see, I have a little more of the panda to do and then all the other sections.

Next there is 'African Sunset'. There is absolutely no way I will get this done by August as I planned. However, what I have decided to do it tell the person I'm giving it to how much I've done and that I will finish it as soon as I can.

I'm currently trying to get the top left corner finished, just so I feel like I'm getting somewhere and so that I don't have to constantly change colours all the time.

And then there is my crochet rug. As I do with many projects that I design myself, I have changed the design of this once again. I was planning to use two balls of blue to one ball of purple with two rounds of maroon in between. However, I am almost to the end of the second ball of blue and I would prefer to have more blue before the next purple section. So I'll just do however many blue I feel looks right and then do some more purple. I will stick with the two rounds of maroon in between though.

You couldn't really get the full colour contrast with the photo of the whole rug, so this next photo is a close up of how the three colours work together. I love how they all complement each other and it will be interesting to see how the next part goes. I'm still not sure quite how large the rug will be.

Oh, and can anyone tell me how I can even out the edges? They are a little wonky right now. I have heard something about blocking, but I'm not sure how it will work on a project this size. I'm guessing that it has to be done once the rug is finished.

One of the things I love about this now is that it keeps my legs warm while I crochet - a perfect winter project!

Something Small, Something New and a Little Progress Too

2011-01-12T17:06:00.004+11:00

After all the large projects I've been doing, I felt the need to do something small, so that I'd feel I actually accomplished something.
So here they are, a book mark and a Christmas decoration.
The hanger on the Christmas decoration is actually green, but for some reason my scanner picked it up as blue.

So with those finished I was ready to move onto something else. I decided to work on this cute, stamped cross stitch panda.

As a general rule I hate stamped cross stitch. You can't get the stitches even and cover the markings for stitching at the same time. But I didn't realise it was stamped cross stitch when I bought it, and I intend giving it as a gift.

I have done a little more on African Sunset, but not much. I find it very frustrating having to change colours all the time, and the colours are much different that what I usually work with. I really hope the person I plan to give it to still likes it by the time I finish.

Now the question is, can I get African Sunset and Hang in There Panda done by the time I plan to give them to the intended recipients. I'm beginning to have my doubts.

A few more things from 2010

2011-01-02T21:04:00.003+11:00

There were a couple of projects I did at the end of last year.
I ended up doing our family Christmas tree decorations again.

This time I went with the felt theme of craft that I've been doing lately.
I used a cookie cutter to make a pattern and then cut out 2 felt pieces for each one. The gold star in the middle is a brad. I had to put a small hole through the felt to get the brad in, but other than that it was easy. I sewed the 2 sides together with a contrasting embroidery thread, stuffing the star before I finished stitching. The hanging loop is red rickrack. I need a contrast for the red stars, but didn't have anything available. I made 8 in all. One was actually blue with a silver star brad - my friend has a blue and silver theme going with her Christmas tree.

The other project was a birthday card. I used Stampin' Up stamps from a couple of different sets. One of the sets was 'Window Dressing'. I love this set. It has so many possibilities!
I did make another card, but I don't have a picture of it. I also used Stampin' Up sets for that one.

The Lighthouse

2010-12-28T23:57:00.003+11:00

So, I've finally finished The Lighthouse!!

It has taken me exactly 8 months. Not that I was working on it all that time!

The embroidery details on it I did without marking them, so I'm really happy with it.

Now I just need to turn it into a doona cover, like I've been planning for 13 years!

And then I need to figure out what project to start next. I think I need something small ... a Tatty Teddy maybe?!

Craft Drought

2010-12-11T17:23:00.002+11:00

Ok, so I haven't posted since October, but then I haven't really done much craft since then.

I've done 1 more ball of blue wool on my crochet rug. The thing with this is that it's too warm to work on it in summer, so it's just sitting there waiting for a cool day and time for me to pick it up.

I haven't done any more on The Lighthouse for ages. I really should finish it so that I can get on and finish the doona cover.

I have done a little stitching on African Sunset, but I have to be careful now that my sister has returned home. It is supposed to be a gift for her 21st birthday which is in August.

Hmm ... what else have I been doing?

Well I made some Christmas crackers. A few years ago I bought some kits, complete with the firecracker parts. Last year my sister made them up, but this year it's my turn.
I haven't done out tree ornaments either, in fact our tree is still boxed up in the shed. I have done a little decorating in my room though, and as I type there is Christmas music playing and I have a Christmas candle burning. As for the tree ornaments, I thought it was someone else's turn this year since I have done them for the last 4 or so years.

I think I just need to get off the computer and get crafting!

A Sewing Day ... Finally!!

2010-10-03T17:47:00.003+11:00

Yesterday for me was a sewing day - or at least a sewing afternoon.
I've needed to do this for a while and it finally worked for me to get some things off my list. I haven't quite finished the list, but it's now down to just 4 things.

The first photo is actually the progress on my crochet rug. I've finished the 1st ball of purple, the second section of maroon and started on the next ball of blue. I love the way it looks and the contrast between the sections of blue.

The next photo is of the t-shirt that I altered for a clown costume. I ironed on some flower motifs and around the bottom hem I sewed a sequined, decorative trim. I love how it jingles!

The costume is for Good News Gang this week. We are having a special event - Everybody's Birthday. The kids all get to dress up in what they would like to wear if it was actually their birthday. This way we can celebrate all the birthdays for the year without having a separate party for each child.

And finally are the other things I sewed. 2 headbands and a small bag. The bag I got the fabric and ribbon for at a craft show that I went to last year. It's just 2 pieces of fabric sewn together with the ribbon sewn into the seam, then turned right side out. Half the fabric is inside as the lining.

The headbands are just a single length of fabric which I folded in half and sewed up the side. Then I turned the fabric to have right sides out and sewed the ends. The ends are then folded twice over lengthwise and sewn up to make narrower parts for tying.

And that's my carft weekend. I'm now in the process of making some cards. One is using some stamps I recently bought off Ebay.

Too Much!!

2010-09-17T00:28:00.003+10:00

I'm convinced I have too many projects on the go, and too many potential projects competing for mental space and to be done.
Let me tell you what I've got and then you can decide.

Crochet Rug - 2 balls of blue, 1 ball of purple and 4 rounds of maroon complete
The Lighthouse Quilt/Embroidery - 75% done (or maybe a little more), once complete to be incorporated into a quilted doona cover
African Sunset Cross Stitch - 5% (or maybe a little more done - needs to be completed buy August 2011)
Felt Brooches (photo not yet loaded on my computer; people who see them think I should be making more and selling them; I have some of my own designs that I would like to try)
Doona Cover - I have the fabric (it matches my curtains), I just need to cut and sew
Hair Towel - one of those turban things (I've made 1 but I need a 2nd one)
Alter new Jeans - I have to put elastic in the waist and that requires hand sewing because of the belt loops (I really need a good thimble)
Finish off the latchhook rug that my sister did for me (the edges need binding - and yes, I have the stuff to do it with)
Headbands - I have the fabric to make and they would literally take 10 minutes or maybe 15 - and that's for 2, if I just had the sewing machine out
Drawstring Bag - to go in the Operation Christmas Child shoe box (needed before next month)
Clown Outfit - needs to be completed before Term 4 starts
Cardmaking - I have new stamps that I'm dying to use, plus some ideas I want to try

So that's my list - so far! I'm sure I've forgotten something.

Then there is the interior design course that I'm doing, plus planning for next year - like applying for study at TAFE.

I just need block time to concentrate on this and not get destracted by, well, my computer, which I'm on now when I really, really should be in bed.

So what do you think?

Bright and Cheery Craft for a Gloomy Day

2010-08-18T16:06:00.007+10:00

Today is a very gloomy, grey day! It's cloudy, raining and freezing cold.

I needed to do some craft, but didn't feel like doing any of the projects that I have on the go. So this is what I ended up doing.

It's a felty! A dahlia. I just needed something bright and cheerful, and something that I knew I could finish. I guess I needed a sense of accomplishment.

A friend gave me the kit, so I didn't choose the colours, but I love it anyway. You don't quite get just how bright it is from this photo.

I've got 2 others that I will do at some stage. One is a sparrow, the other and owl.

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So, I should probably also update you on what else I'm doing. My crochet rug is coming along well. I've now finished the first 2 rounds of maroon and started on the first ball of purple. I love the way the maroon just breaks things up and adds a bit of brightness between the blue and purple. And 1 round just wasn't enough. It needed 2.

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I've also been making some cards.

Here are a couple of them.

Round and Round We Go

2010-08-05T16:55:00.003+10:00

I now have 2 balls of blue wool done, plus a little extra to finish the 32nd round.
And, as you can see, I have started on the first maroonn round. I have decided to do 2 rounds of maroon before starting on purple.

I love the contrast between the blue and maroon, although you can't see it here.

As for my other projects, I haven't done anything more on them. There are just too many other things to do in a day, and this is much more portable, especially when I am sitting in the car waiting for people.

I thought about making the maroon rounds a little more decorative, but haven't found a pattern or stitch that really works in. I'm thinking I might do a shell pattern for the outer edge though.

The Stars Are Out

2010-07-22T22:56:00.002+10:00

So this is my latest card!
Once again my cardmaking supplies seemed to explode all over my bedroom (which is where I construct these masterpieces).

I'm guessing you're all wondering what I used for the gold star chain. Actually, brads! Instead of pushing the metal pins through the card, I bent them out flat, then curled the ends over to form a ring. I put a split ring (like those used in jewellery making) between the stars and then one at each end. The ends are secured to the card using jewel brads and the middle star had some adhesive foam to keep the chain in shape.

The row of stars at the bottom is an ink stamp, actually using white ink. The words in the middle are also stamped, but I went over the white ink with a white gel pen.

The inside of the card and the envelope are made from white paper with yellow polka dots.

This is for a friend's 21st.

Crochet Rug - The First Ball

2010-07-14T22:35:00.003+10:00

Well this is the progress on my crochet rug.

I've finished the 1st ball of wool (plus the start of the 2nd).

The first ball made just over 19 and a half rounds.

I've worked out my pattern, of sorts.

I have 3 colours: Navy, Purple and Maroon.

So the plan is for 2 balls of Navy, followed by one round of Maroon, then 1 ball of Purple, followed by a round of Maroon ...

I have 10 balls of Navy, 5 of Purple and 3 of Maroon, so I'm hoping this will be enough.

Actually, I can't get any more of the same brand wool, so it will have to be. The blocks of colour will decrease as the rug gets bigger because more wool will be needed for each round.

I'll do another update after the second ball of Navy.

And for those wondering, this much has only taken 2 and a half weeks!!

A New Challenge - Crochet!

2010-07-07T22:05:00.003+10:00

Ok, so this week I've been teaching myself to crochet using a DVD. I'm actually making a rug, which is very ambitious for a first project, but I want to really learn the stitch.

So I'm starting with a Granny Square and just going around and around, getting bigger each round until I will end up with this massive Granny Square as a rug.

The only thing the DVD didn't teach me was how to change colour or at new wool when my ball ran out.

My friend, Jenny, does crochet, but when I asked her how she did it, she said she just tied a knot and kept going. So I decided to look on YouTube and this is what I found.

It's such a great video, and I think I may try this method since it shows both changing colour and securing the tail of the new colour. The only thing is that she finished off the previous round first. Hmm ... I'll have to think about that.

Progress on Current Projects

2010-05-28T18:19:00.004+10:00

Here is what I've done so far on 'The Lighthouse'.

As you would know from my first post about it, it's not a cross stitch but an applique. And that has posed a big challenge.

The instructions have been difficult to understand - probably because I'm a beginner at this. And then I've complicated matters by changing from doing needle-turn applique as is in the pattern. So the first thing you will notice is that this is backwards compared to the picture in my sidebar.
While this is a mistake according to the pattern, it just makes mine completely unique!

So, what I've done so far is trace and cut out all the pieces and today I assembled them onto the backing fabric. I used a great bonding medium and now I just have to start the blanket stitch to keep everything together.

There is also a bit of embroidery for details, such as the fence, lighthouse windows, lighthouse light and so forth.

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I've also been working on 'African Sunset'. That is going well, but I can only stitch it when my sister is away at uni. So for this weekend while she is home, it's safely tucked away.
Sorry, no picture of my progress this time.

Project Overload

2010-05-15T22:16:00.003+10:00

Is is possible to have too many projects on the go at once?

I was reading someone else's blog tonight and they said they have 7 cross stitches on the go.

Also, can you have plans for too many projects in your head at once?

My dilemma is that I think I will forget to do something important, a project that will be a gift or just something in general because I'm thinking about too many things at once.

Ok, so I've heard that we only actually use a very small percentage of our brain at once, but still ...

There is this one project that I have been thinking about and planning for 11 year. Yes, you read that right. ELEVEN!

I keep changing the plan, which is not surprising since I first started planning it as a teen and some of my tastes have changed.
I'm now saying that my current plan is the last one. We'll see!

Part of the current plan involves my 'The Lighthouse' project. I'm planning on using that as the centrepiece for the doona (quilt) cover. The plan used to be for a cross stitch sampler, but I like my current idea much better. The doona cover is going ahead. I purchased the base fabric today. I have no idea what the rest of it will look like, although I have been adding to my fabric stash for the past 11 years. The colours that I want to use haven't really changed all that much. I'm currently planning for the rest of the area surrounding the centrepiece to be crazy patchwork. I just kind of like the idea of putting my fabric stash together in a random way. I just hope it works. There will be a plain border between the centrepiece and the crazy patchwork.

Ok, so then I have another doona cover that I'm making using the same fabric as my bedroom curtains (once this is done I may try to get it posted on Ikea Hacker ).

Then to continue with my sewing projects list I have a few items of clothing needing alterations, some things to mend, covers to make for my desk chair (the black is boring and doesn't match my room), and the binding to do on a latch hook rug (my sister did it for me, but said I had to do the binding - she has now learned how to do it as she goes).

And then there are my cardmaking and stamping projects, including a set of cards for my Mum for her birthday (shhh, don't tell).

So, I ask again, is it possible to have too much planned or on the go?

Done!

2010-04-24T22:25:00.004+10:00

Today I completed Butterfly Profusion!!!

I'm so glad to finally get it done. Even though I started it 11 months ago, I wasn't working on it all that time.

I also completed the Butterflies Linen Table Runner, the Christmas Tree ornaments and a few other mini projects (as you can see from earlier posts). I estimate that it actually took me only 4 months to do.

You can't see from this picture, but there was blending filament used on some of the butterflies to give them a shimmer in certain light.

Somewhere I made a mistake in counting, but buy the time I discovered the problem it was too late to make any changes, and it really hasn't affected the overall look.

One wise person (I don't remember who) said that you don't make mistakes, just personalise the pattern!

I am now starting 2 new projects. One is an applique quilting project - The Lighthouse. This will form the centrepiece of a new doona (quilt) cover that I have been planning for 11 years. I think it's time to get it done and use some of my fabric stash.

The second project is African Sunset. This will be a gift once it is completed. Have a look at the picture in my side bar. All of it is stitched - none printed. It's sure to look good when finished, and it's totally different from the usual style of pictures that I do.

Oh, and in case you're wondering the blue marking on the Butterflies Linen Table Runner has almost all come out. I just need to wash it again, and then put some kind of backing on it so that I can use it. Although the more I look at it, the more I realise that I'm not that keen on the colour choice. It may just end up in my Glory Box, or given to someone.

Where has the time gone?

2010-04-20T18:33:00.002+10:00

I can't believe I haven't posted anything here since February.

So, I guess you're wondering what I've been doing.

Well, I finished the stamping project that Mum was getting me to do (see my last post), at least the first pack of tags, anyway. We just can't find anymore of the right size in the shop at the moment.

I've also been working hard on Butterflu Profusion, and you will be pleased to know that I've almost finished. I am currently working on the final butterfly - the orange beauty in the bottom left corner.

And then I've been doing some mending and clothing alterations - like putting some elastic into a pair of jeans so that they don't gape at the back.

Oh, and I've been teaching a friend how to sew with a sewing machine. She knew how to sew by hand but hadn't used a machine and wanted to start making clothes for her family.

So that's what I've been doing.

Along with changing my mind (AGAIN) about the quilted doona cover that I have been planning for 11 years.

A Stamping Good Time

2010-02-18T12:59:00.002+11:00

I've been busy with stamping over the past few days. Above are some little gift tags (or whatever) that my Mum has asked me to do. The pictures, like the hedgehogs I stamped with black ink and then used my Stampin' Up! stampin' pastels to colour them in.

I've also been making some cards and covers for folders.

A Little Bit of Sewing

2010-01-14T20:23:00.006+11:00

So you've been wondering what I've been doing over the past few - gasp - months, well, except for the Tiny Stockings (see previous post).

For the past few days I've been doing some sewing and mending that has been piling up. My sewing machine saw the light of day today for the first time in months.

And this was the result:

A personalised sheet set.

Several members of my family have sheets of a similar colour, so to tell mine apart from the others I decided to personalise them.

The butterflies on the sheets are hand-stitched on with button hole stitch, after using an iron-on fusion to hold them in place.

The pillowcases just have a strip of the same fabric as the butterfiles, machine stitched in place.

And then there is my latest completed cross stitch. I didn't have it in my list of projects, mostly because it was a little one that I just picked up when I needed something small to take with me.
So here it is 'Especially For You' from the Country Companions collection.

I'm still going on the table runner, and worked on it some more today. I'd really like to get on with something else, because it is starting to annoy me, having to alter the pattern slightly because the printed cross stitch just doesn't look right. I only hope the blue outline comes out when I wash it, otherwise I will have spent all that time stitching it for nothing.

Tiny Stockings

2009-12-14T12:02:00.004+11:00

These are the finished stockings! I actually got them done a little while ago, but haven't had a chance to take a photo until now. I got them hanging on the tree, which was set up last night, but not yet decorated. As I mentioned when I first talked about these, each family member (who lives in this house) were able to choose their stocking. No one has had a good look at the finished product yet, but I want to keep the suspense.

The one below is mine!

So, to all of you out there reading my blogs,

Merry Christmas and God Bless.

Friendship Card

2009-09-01T21:38:00.003+10:00

This is a card I made recently for my best friend, Jenny.

I used plain white A5 card stock which I folded in half lengthwise.
The hedgehog and mouse stamp is a Penny Black design called Merry Band.
I also used a couple of stamps from the 'Think Happy Thoughts' set by Stampin' Up!

As I was making it, I debated whether or not to colour in the mice and hedgehogs, but realised that if I coloured one, I would have to colour all of them, so I decided to leave them as they were. I think it looks rather effective.

Popcorn

2009-08-28T15:15:00.010+10:00

In honour of my blogoversary next week I have purchased 4 gorgeous Popcorn kits.

Actually that's just an excuse. I love these and decided it was time to get them.

Popcorn is a little brown bear, in case you haven't already guessed, and his little duck friend is named Souffle.

There is actually a whole set of friends - Popcorn, Butterscotch, Peaches, Blueberry, Coconut, Honey (all bears) , Souffle (duck) Biscuit (dog), and Candyfloss (doll).

What I didn't know is that the little flower after his name is actually a small paper flower. I just thought it was cross stitch. That will add something extra to each kit, and I think they won't be complete without them.

It really is a dangerous thing for me to be subscribed to cross stitch magazines and emails (this lot was via email from VicStitch).

Where Have I Been? you ask.

2009-08-09T22:37:00.007+10:00

Yes, I have been stitching.

No, I don't have photos.

No, I haven't been blogging (at least not here - try my other blog).

I have finally framed and fully finished Beach Tranquility.

I'm very happy with it and currently have it sitting on the bookshelf (er, one of them) in my room. I need to get a 'plate stand' for it to go on because it can't be hung on the wall. The way it is framed doesn't allow for a picture hook.

I've also been working on the Tiny Stockings for this year's Christmas Tree Decorations (see my last post). So far I have 3 stitched. For the 4th one I am almost up to the backstitch. After that I have 5 to go.
I've decided to stitch them all and then make them up into the stockings. I'll get a bit of a production line going, I think.

As far as other projects go I have once again changed my mind as to how I'm going to make the patchwork doona cover that I have been planning for the past 11 or so years. I am actually going back to an idea I had near the beginning of a crazy quilt. It will work with what I have already done so far, which is have a backing peice with a cross stitch sampler in the middle.

Then there is the doona cover that I'm going to make to match my new curtains. I got some curtains in the 'As Is' section of Ikea - 2 sets in fact. One I'll be using a curtains, the other I will make into a doona cover.

Hmm ... what else is there. Well, some cross stitches that I will give as gifts need to be started, and I still haven't put the butterfly applique on the sheets I purchased (see an older post). My templates are still in a box that has not been unpacked since we moved.
With all my books now on the shelves, I realised that I don't have room to put my craft supplies on there like I'd planned, so I have to decide what to do, especially with all my scrapbooking papers and cardstock.

So that's where I'm at right now.

Christmas Planning

2009-07-06T16:03:00.003+10:00

We have a Christmas tradition in our family that each person receives a new Christmas Tree decoration each year.

Some years they are purchased, other years hand made.

For the past few years I have been the one orgainising it. The decorations have included beaded items, painted plastic eggs, and mini guide dog soft toys.

This year I am again working on hand crafted items - tiny stockings with cross stitch motives. Each one will be different, but all are from the Bucilla 'Tiny Stockings' kit. I will be stitching and making 8 of the possible 30 stockings. And I've decided to start now so that I'm not rushing to get them done before Christmas.

Paper Fashions Prize

2009-06-30T11:04:00.004+10:00

For those of you who read my stitching blog and are wondering why I would be doing something other than stitching on here, I guess you need to re-read my intro. I'm not just into cross stitch. I also do card making and dabble in scrapbooking.

And right now, I'm just wanting to win this pack! The ideas have started to flow, and I don't even own it ;)

So if you would like to enter the contest, click on the image or here.

Sweetheart's Gate

2009-05-15T15:35:00.005+10:00

It's finished!

I put in the final backstitch stitches last night.

There is one tiny thing that I'm disappointed about, but it's the pattern, not my stitching that is at fault.

This one took me 6 months to complete. I started it on 15th November 2008 and finished on 14th May 2009. Much faster than the last one.

I haven't got a photo yet, but I'll do that as soon as I can and update this post.

Of course this adds to the growing pile of finished work to be framed. If I could just find a good picture framer in my area ...

I've also decided what my next one will be - Butterfly Profusion.

I was reluctant to do another Dimensions kit, however I have had this one waiting for a long time, a gift from my parents a few birthdays or Christmases ago (I'm not sure which, it's been that long).

This kit has printed aida cloth, however the stitching is all counted.

It also has a new tecnique for me - blending filament. I'm still figuring out how it will work. I think it's supposed to add a glittery sheen to some areas of the stitching. I'll fill you in as I go.

Backstitch 2

2009-05-08T10:23:00.005+10:00

Yesterday I was talking about doing the backstitch on 'Sweetheart's Gate' and how it defines areas of the stitching. The photo above is one I took last night to demonstrate how it has been working. Have a look at the 2 tree branches in the middle of the shot. The one on the left has a distinct definition as to the edge, while the one on the right just blends in with the other stitching. You can also see some of the detail in the birdhouse.

The photo below is of where I'm up to. Once I have the backstitch done on the other tree branch, I'll be scrolling the frame down to work on the lower areas, where the majority of the backstitch is to be done. Each of the flagstones in the path and the pickets on the fence is outlined, as well as details on the hats, some of the flowers and the flower pots (not shown in this photo).

Backstitch

2009-05-07T10:57:00.003+10:00

Ok, so I haven't posted on here for a while, and I don't have any current photos.
But, I do have some news.

Just a few nights ago I finished the main stitching on 'Sweetheart's Gate' and started the backstitch.
It looks good without the backstitch, but the backstitch defines certain areas and draws things together, like leaves on the trees.

This time I'm working right to left, top to bottom. I've almost got the top section finished. Last night I was working on the birdhouse.

What I've Been Working On

2009-03-18T10:55:00.004+11:00

This is my completed square for the comfort quilt. I have now given it to the ladies who are constructing the quilt. I was told that what I had done, including the colours, would fit perfectly with the fabric chosen. I also found out that each woman who did a square chose a different Bible verse. I can't wait to see what the quilt will look like when it is finished.

And this is my progress on Sweetheart's Gate. My last photo showed the top half of the stitching, which I had completed except for the backstitch. I have now stitched all the way down on the right side (except backstitch) and last night I did the last few stitches over to the left side. Now I'll be working my way up to the top again, before completing the backstitching after all the main cross stitches are complete. Even without the backstitch you can already see the shapes coming out of the pots, basket, fence and paving of the path.

I can't believe I only started this project in Novemeber 2008. This one shouldn't take me 12 months to finish!

Comfort Quilt Square

2009-03-04T11:41:00.004+11:00

So I guess you're wondering what this is and why I haven't got an update on 'Sweetheart's Gate'.

Well, one of the ladies in my Bible study group lost her son in the Black Saturday bushfires, so we are making her a comfort quilt as a way of support and letting her know we care.

Each of us were given a square of calico and were able to decorate it how we chose, making sure that we left at least an inch all around for stitching up. We have to include our name and a Bible verse as well as any other decorating that we do.

We did a similar thing last year when our Bible study leader was leaving - hers was made into a bag, and the squares were much smaller.

I found this pattern in a cross stitch book that I have and decided that it would be perfect.

I did change one of the colours - the yellow of the heart. I thought the original was too brown.

The stitching is actually in the top left corner of the square and I will be writing the Bible verse using a fabric pen because it would be too hard to stitch.

If you're wondering how I got the stitches so neat, I used waste cloth. I didn't get to try the new soluble one (see an earlier post), just the normal one that Mum had available. There were a lot of half crosses in the design so I had to be very careful not to pierce the waste cloth. If I had it would have been very hard to pull it out without damaging my stitching.

And it continues ...

2009-01-16T12:51:00.003+11:00

... to happen every time a new Fox Collection Catalogue arrives in the mail.

That's right, I put in another order for cross stitch kits. Last time I told my self no more for a year. At the time I was thinking a twelve month period starting from that date. Well, it hasn't happened. The new year started and a new catalogue arrived, and as they say, "The rest is history."

I've put most of the pictures in my 'Projects to Start' list - except for one that I can't get a picture for.

So there you have it. I'm beginning to think I'm addicted to buying new cross stitch kits.

I was talking to a friend about this very thing - 4 days before my latest order - and she has the theory that we are planning for our retirement!! Lets just say that I have at least 40 years before that day arrives, so if I was to keep buying kits at the rate I am and my current time spent stitching remains the same, I think I should be able to do at least 3 per year in retirement, as well as one a year during my working life. Of course the assumption is that I will still be able to see to do it, I won't have arthritis in my hands and I will still love doing cross stitch by then.

Hmm ... I think I need to invest in a new storage box for my 'Projects to Start' collection.

Holiday Projects and Progress

2009-01-13T12:10:00.008+11:00

Ok, so I know you have all been wondering what I have been doing over the past 3 weeks.

Well, there were Christmas, birthday and New Year celebrations, hanging around at home, watching TV and DVDs, sewing, stitching and decluttering (see the link to my other blog).

I decorated our family calendar. I guess you could call it an off the page scrapbooking project. This year I branched out a bit and some pages have some 3D bits on them. I discovered that you can colour the Kaiser Craft Fozz Felt with textas and it looks great.

I won some of the white daisy chain several months ago and wasn't sure how to use it, but this worked really well for February.

My mending bag was getting rather full, so I did some of the mending while thinking about a couple of other projects that I wanted to get done. I bought a new set of sheets in the after Christmas sale (normally about $250, I got it for about $75). It is plain blue and there are a lot of other blue sets in our house, so I wanted to jazz it up a bit. I decided that I'd applique a butterfly onto each sheet and pillowcase. Out came my Fiskars Butterflies-1 shape template and I traced the one I wanted onto a piece of paper. After tracing the smaller one, I realised that I didn't really like the shape all that much, so I tried the larger one. That one didn't quite work for me either. So later that day when I was in Spotlight I found the second butterfly template and purchased it.

I haven't traced this one yet, so the sheets are still waiting to be adorned. I also need to decide what fabric to use.

And then there were the new PJ shorts that I was sewing. I bought the fabric months early on a clearance sale, but hadn't had the time to make them. One morning I got out the fabric, cutting board and all my bits and peices and cut them out (after making a couple of adjustments to the pattern). I had forgotten to buy the right colour thread, so I couldn't finish them that day. Once I had purchase that, it only took a couple of hours for me to finish them (although my sewing machine broke part way through and I had to change machines). So here is the finished product.

I haven't worn them yet, probably next week.

Finally, as promised here is an update on my progress of 'Sweetheart's Gate'. It is coming along quite nicely.

I have stitched up to the top on the right side and am now working on the more central parts at the top (all on the same page of the pattern which is divided into 4 with some parts crossing over because of how I photocopied them). There is part of the stitching that you can't see on this photo because it is rolled down on the scroll frame. You can just see bits of it at the bottom. I have done a little more since this was taken last night.

So that's about the extent of my crafting over my holiday.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2008-12-23T17:14:00.002+11:00

To my followers and those who just happen to stumble on this blog,

I won't be blogging for a little while because I am going on holidays, but I will still be stitching.

When I get back I'll post an update of 'Sweethearts Gate' so that you can see my progress. I'll have some extra stitching time since I won't be at work for nearly 3 weeks.

So to all, Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

2008-12-08T09:52:00.002+11:00

This is how much I've done so far on 'Sweetheart's Gate'. I took this photo yesterday, but I have done a little more since.

I love it how you can already see parts of it coming together, like seeing the top of one of the gate posts.

For those who are interested, on my camera I have a setting for photographing documents. I've found this is best for taking cross stitch photos.

"Old" Crafts

2008-11-25T14:21:00.003+11:00

There are some crafts that are popular today and some that seem to be very unpopular.

So, I was just wondering if anyone still does some of them.

I saw Macrame mentioned in the comments on a blog. I thought that went out in the 70s (or at least the early 80s).

Everyone knows that scrapbooking is in - BIG TIME! There are stores everywhere, thousands of websites, blogs and magazines dedicated to this craft.

Knitting has made a comeback with those bars offering knitting clubs (I heard of one in Sydney a while back) and guys are taking it up too.

I see cross stitch mentioned a few times (ok, so that's my thing and what this blog is mostly about), but you can't get that as much as when I started stitching 16 years ago.

Quilting is another popular one - magazines, quilting groups etc.

So, are there some crafts that you do that may not be so popular right now, or are you doing the popular ones?

I'd put a pol in this post, but I don't know how.

Starting new projects

2008-11-19T11:47:00.004+11:00

I love starting new projects.

I hate starting new projects.

Starting a new project means I have finished the last one (usually) and am ready to move on to something else. It's a good thing. I love sorting the colours before I start, the feel of the threads as they run through my hand as I separate each colour from the others.

But I hate starting new projects because the centre of a counted cross stitch always seems to have about five different colours in the vicinity and each one only has a few stitches in that area. It makes it very hard to decide which colour to do, but the thing that bugs me the most is how to start and finish the thread for that section. Starting is ok if an even number of strands is used (ie. 2, 4, 6 - yes my current project uses 6 strands at once in some places), but when you have an odd number it can be very difficult if you aren't working in a straight line for several stitches.

Sweetheart's Gate is like this. Yet another Dimensions kit that I am doing. I love their pictures, but the stitching can be a challenge with their half crosses (easy to do, but you have to remember which way to stitch them), combined colours, and the use of different numbers of strands. In this one some colours need 1 strand, others 2, then some need 3, 4, 5 and 6. Six strands is a lot, even on 14 count aida cloth.

I'm not really complaining, because these pictures have so much depth, and really I think I have more Dimensions kits in my TBS (To Be Stitched) pile than any other brand.

But regardless of the company that the kit comes from, starting new projects can be a hassel.

Soluble Waste Canvas

2008-11-13T16:38:00.004+11:00

Have you ever used waste canvas?

If you have you will know that for stitching it's great, but when it comes to removing it after stitching it almost takes as long to remove the waste canvas as it did to stitch the project (depending on the size, of course).

Today I received an email from one of the cross stitch shops that I occasionally purchase from, and there at the top of the list of new products was this Soluble Waste Canvas from DMC.

The next project I do needing waste canvas I will definately give it a try if I can find some to buy.

Way to go DMC!!!

Fancy Shoes

2008-10-29T10:35:00.002+11:00

You probably don't know this, but I am one of the leaders of our weekly children's minstry on a Wednesday night at church. I have the pleasure (mostly) of working with our Grade 2 & 3 kids. At the start of this year we had a "launch" for the year's theme of 'Walking Like Jesus' and introducing our main Bible verse - "Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6 (NIV).

Each of the leaders wore their favorite 'shoes' - some wore slippers, others wore flippers, each was different.

The photos above are the shoes I wore. No, they aren't my favorites, but they are a lot of fun.

I bought a pair of plain white shoes and decorated them with fabric paint, flowers and beads. Each thing on them represents something I love. The flowers, butterflies, and the hearts on the back because I love the kids. (Ok, so there were some squiggles and spirals and things too, but that was for colour and fun.)

So there you have it. Another non-cross sitch project.

Girl Reading

2008-10-29T10:30:00.002+11:00

And there it is 'Girl Reading' (or 'Reading Girl' depending on who you ask) completed.

I chose this one originally because reading is something I do a lot of and this was a perfect way to combine two of my passions - cross stitch and reading.

Completion News

2008-10-27T15:13:00.003+11:00

I'm very excited!

Last night I completed 'Girl Reading'!!

I was tired but only had a really small bit to go and just had to finish it. I started this on the 4th November 2007 and completed it on 26th October 2008. Just 9 days short of a year working on it.

Yahoo!!!

Now, like most of my other projects I have to get it framed.

Picture to come soon.

I have also decided that my next project will be a small one, and have chosen 'Beach Tranquility'. This one I can easily frame myself because the framing materials were included in the kit.

I just couldn't help myself!

2008-10-16T14:45:00.005+11:00

I've wanted to do a Thomas Kincade counted cross stitch for sooooo long, but no one has had them in stock for ages.

Then today I got an email from VicStitch and they had 25% off everything in stock, but not only that, the email also said new in stock Thomas Kincade cross stitch and needlepoint kits.

Well, that was that. I clicked on the link straight away and there is was, Thomas Kincade - Lamplight Bridge - Counted Cross Stitch Kit. This was exactly the one that I wanted to do if I ever got the chance.

I told myself after the last cross stitch order that that was it for the year. No more until you finish a few more. But how could I resist? This was a dream come true. With the discount I paid less than the normal cost even after adding the postage charge.

I probably have enough kits to last me for the next 20 years at the rate that I currently do them. Every time I buy more I tell myself that this may be my only chance to get this kit and if I don't get it now I may never be able to.

I guess I really do have something to be thankful for when I think about still being single - I don't have to justify to someone else where I spend my money.

Stitching world ...

2008-10-06T12:23:00.004+11:00

... I have not forgotten you.

I know, I didn't give any updates for the whole month of September, but my camera has not been seeing the light of day, even though I have thought of a few photos I could take.

Yes, I am still stitching "Girl Reading" or "Reading Girl" depending on who you ask. The progress bar has moved, just not as much as I would have liked.

Nothing done for a week though. I haven't felt like stitching. Actually I haven't felt like doing much of anything. Bronchitis is to blame for that. It's been coming on for a while, I think, but it really hit me last week. So much so that bed seemed like the best place to be most of the time, or on the couch, doing absolutely nothing, except dozing.

I just have the wisteria at the top of "Girl Reading" to go, plus the tiny bit of back stitch for her eye brows, and then I'm done.
I've nearly been stitching her for a year. Next month will mark the year since I started. Of course, I have started and finished other projects within that time.

Just so you know, my cousin loved the project I did for her son!

Happy Day

2008-08-25T10:32:00.001+10:00

Another project Completed!

This one is in the Suzy's Zoo series.

It's really cute.

I started it on my holiday in July and finished it on Friday night (22nd August).

So now it's back to doing "Girl Reading"

Birthday Card for Amy

2008-08-05T12:07:00.004+10:00

This is the birthday card that I made for Amy's 18th birthday.

I did promise that this blog wouldn't just be about cross stitch and so here is my first non-cross stitch post.

For this card I've used rub-ons, stickers, ink stamping. No brads, but it looks like I have for puting on the 'Birthday Wishes' tag.

Inside the card I also used my Brother P-Touch for a 'Happy Birthday'.

I hope she likes it.

Bear with Rattle & Rocking Horse

2008-07-14T10:33:00.004+10:00

This is the "Bear with Rattle" that I have done for my cousin's second child. It is so cute.

And this is the "Rocking Horse" that I did for a friend. Also very cute. Ok, so I guess you're wondering why there is no date on this one. Well, that's because I couldn't fit it under the name and it didn't look right anywhere else. The pattern didn't actually have a specific spot for a name - that was my addition to it.

Both are now wrapped and ready to give when I see them.

Baby Gifts

2008-06-19T12:38:00.002+10:00

I now have a person to give the Rocking Horse to.
A friend of mine had a little girl last week (1st girl after 4 boys).
So, I will complete the name on it and get it ready for her.

I also really have to finish the other baby gift, as I will be visiting the family in a couple of weeks.

Don't worry, I will take photos and put them up of the framed, finished gifts. (Not until I've given them though.)

Update on Girl Reading

2008-05-12T10:19:00.003+10:00

As promised here's a picture of my progress on this project.
I've actually done more since this photo was taken (26th April 2008), but it gives you an idea of how much I've done.

In case you are wondering ...

2008-04-21T11:08:00.003+10:00

Yes, I am still stitching.

I completed the stitching of the baby gift, but I haven't framed it yet (too busy doing other things).

I'm still working on Girl Reading and it's going quite well. I'm not getting quite as much time on it as I would like, but I'm at a point where I keep having to changed colours and figure out which section to do next, so it's slow going.

I now have a nice new digital camera, so I will try to remember to take some progress photos so that you can see how much I've done.

Until next time ...
Happy stitching!

Found something for the Baby

2008-02-18T16:18:00.002+11:00

Well, I couldn't find a kit that I liked, but I did find a cute book and decided to do one of the things from that.
When I went to Spotlight on Friday night the only baby kit that I could find looked even more girly than the rocking horse. So I looked through the little cross stitch chart books and found some really cute teddy bears doing baby things. There were groups of baby bears and single ones doing things like blowing bubbles.

The one is chose is a bear holding a rattle. It looks like it's about to fall over, but is very cute.

Once I decided what I was going to do, I went through the colour list and bought all the colours I would need (even though I knew Mum would probably have most of them at home anyway), the aida cloth (funny story there - I thought I got 14 count, but ended up with 16 count), and the framing bits and pieces.

I started it over the weekend. Check the new progress bar to see how I'm doing.

Baby gift

2008-02-13T10:59:00.000+11:00

Ahhhhh!! The baby is a boy!!

Ok, so that really is good news ...

... except that the Rocking Horse cross stitch is a bit to girly to give to a boy. The picture itself would be fine, but the colours are all wrong for a boy.

So now I have to find another cross stitch to do, and do it in a hurry.

HELP!!

2008-01-23T15:17:00.000+11:00

Does anyone know how to get pencil marks off aida cloth without having to take it off the scroll frame to wash it???

As I stitch, I mark off each square on my pattern with greylead pencil. The problem is that my scroll frame rested on the "coloured" in squares and I know have some of the pencil marks rubbed off onto my aida cloth.

I really don't want to take the work off the scroll frame because I would have to sew it back on, but I do have to get the stains out before I continue stitching on that part of it, because it would be visible in the finished areas.

I really hope someone reads this and has some answers for me.

In case you are wondering I have tried using an eraser designed for use on fabric, but that has left rubber residue and did not really work, in some spots it smudged it further.

Working on it

2008-01-09T09:26:00.002+11:00

Just an update on how I'm stitching.

Girl Reading is coming along well. I got some extra done while I was on holiday from work over Christmas. Not quite as much as I may have wanted to do, but there's always a lot going on at that time of year.

I would really like to finish it this year (2008), but we'll see.

No news on the baby yet, but I wouldn't expect that for another couple of weeks, maybe a month. Of course if the baby is born in exactly one month, we will share a birthday!

That's all for now, but keep checking the progress bar for this and you'll see how I'm going. Wish I had a digital camera, then I could take pictures of the progress and post them easily (I'm still using film).

Rocking Horse

2007-11-05T11:45:00.000+11:00

This one is actually a present for a new baby.

Only problem is I can't quite finish it because the baby isn't born yet, so I can't add the name.
I also don't know if the baby will be a boy or a girl. If the baby is a boy, I'm in trouble. This is definitely more of a girl cross stitch. The colours on the picture didn't really match what I was given, plus it really does look more like something for a girl than a boy.

Can't show a picture yet - I wouldn't want the mother to see if if she happened to look at this blog.

So technically it's finished (the baby's name is something I'm adding to the pattern).

I always have trouble ...

2007-10-18T14:12:00.000+10:00

... working out which project to start next when the last one is completed.

Do I do something simple because the last project seemed to take forever to finish?
Or do I do something complicated because I enjoy learning new skills and challenging myself to getting those larger things done?

Then I have think about gifts that I want to give to others that require a bit (or a lot) of stitching. Do I do that cute baby sampler even though I know I can't finish it until I know the baby's name, and whether the baby is a boy or a girl? Or do I wait until the baby is born to even buy the kit? OK, so I haven't done that yet, all the ones I've done for babies have been suitable for either boys or girls - except one that I did for my cousin's baby where the pattern would change slightly depending on whether it was for a boy or girl.

If you ever have that problem, get the 2 patterns side by side and work out which stitches you can't do until you know and if there are any stitches that will change mark those off and only stitch the parts where it doesn't change.

Another question is whether you want to stitch one of the kits you have on hand, design a new one yourself or do some completely different craft/project.

Last Christmas my parents gave me a mini quilt kit of a lighthouse for something different to do. So far I've opened the pattern and looked at the instructions. Not sure when I'll actually start that one though. It's not a project I can do infront of the TV, which is where I do most of my stitching.

Stitching in front of the TV is a challenge in itself - do you watch the tv or 'listen' to the TV and stitch. I have to admit that if I didn't stitch in front of the TV I might get my projects done faster. But I don't like to sit in front of the TV and not do anything. If there's a part of a movie you don't want to see it's really handy, you just put your head down and focus on your stitching rather than on the screen. But the stitching generally stops when I'm watching the critical parts of a movie or show. The biggest problem is that I make mistakes and sometimes I can't figure out how I made them (short of pulling everything out and starting over again - which is not an option when you've stitched half of the project before you even find there was a problem).

But I digress ... the real question was which project next. And to tell you the truth I don't know the answer. I think I need to line them all up, spin in a circle, point with my eyes closed and stitch the one I end up pointing to.

I haven't got all of my 'To Start' projects on this blogg. Some because I don't have the pictures and some because I plan to do them for other people and I don't want them to know about it. Only problem with that is I can't do most of them right now because I still live with the people I want to do them for and they would see what I am doing. Can't do presents that way - they need to be a surprise.

A Friend

2007-10-08T11:58:00.001+10:00

Another project completed!!

I finished this last night. I started it in February, just after finishing "In Her Garden".
It was such a fun project to work on because it really didn't take long to see the puppy and kitten as you stitched and they are so cute!
Now I just need to get it framed (I still need to get "In Her Garden" framed too).

A Big Thank You

2007-09-20T15:17:00.000+10:00

Before I get too far along with this site, and further projects, I want to say

a BIG THANK YOU to Marlene

for teaching me how to do cross stitch back in 1992 when we visited you in Queensland.

Progress Report

2007-09-20T15:13:00.000+10:00

A Friend by Fiona Jude

No, I haven't finished this one yet.

I'm up to the letters for 'Friend'. I've done the 'R' and am working on the 'F'.
It seems a little strange to do things slightly backwards, but in this case that's the most accurate way of doing things.

This has been a really interesting project to work on. I started with the dog's nose and face, and it really didn't take long for it to start looking cute. I finished the dog first and then moved onto the cat. Because of the pattern the first thing I did was the cat's outstretched paw, and it really looked like a paw, even without the rest of the cat. I don't think I've ever worked on a project quite like this, where you can see how the whole thing works together before you have even stitched it.

Fiona Jude - you've done a wonderful job on designing this one!!

In Her Garden

2007-09-04T12:01:00.001+10:00

I completed this project in February after 2 years working on it. I wasn't working on it all the time, just while watching TV.

I haven't got it framed yet (I found this picture), but I plan to do so very soon.

It was a real challenge because every square had some stitching, I always seemed to be changing thread colour, and I learned some new skills as I was going.

The good thing was that there wasn't much backstitch. Just on the lady herself. The lace shawl fringe was done using fine cord and couching.

I can't wait to have this displayed when I finally get it framed.