I'm loving this one

I was looking around on the net last night, and came across this.

Bent Creek - Big Zipper 2007

Love the earthy colours and the idea that there's an extra piece to add bit by bit. The master kit comes with pattern for the border, moon, star, and the first design 'Love Grows', plus 18ct linen, floss, and button. This costs about $68. The additional patterns released in stages cost $16 each. Not cheap, but such an interesting piece. Hmmmm, it's very tempting.

When is enough really enough?

Never - if you're talking about needlework.

Mum and Dad visited yesterday, and Mum started talking to me about needlework, as I had printed up some pictures of designs she might like to purchase in the future. We were discussing how much other people buy (probably trying to justify what we buy) and Mum said how addictive it can be. There's always new patterns, threads, kits, etc. that catch your eye and you just have to have it. It doesn't matter if you already have enough in your stash, you just have to keep adding to it. There's plenty there to last a few lifetimes, but as soon as you see something new that you like, that little voice inside your head says 'you've got to get it!'.

I think a lot of us hide behind the idea that it's a 'hobby', which of course it is, but it can also be called an addiction. Saying this though, if it's my addiction in life, then I'm quite happy with that. It's not bad for my health (maybe my finance health though), I can enjoy it on my own or with friends, it doesn't harm anyone else, and you've always got some sort of result at the end of your own work.

Here's to everyone's needlework addiction, and the joy it gives us. Enjoy the ride!

My first finish for 2008

Well, I even surprised myself and got Wishing Sheep finished today. I didn't think I would get the time, but I did. It's such a cutie. Very happy looking colours for a birthday theme.


This is my first finish for 2008, and I hope it's not the only one I do. Last year I ended up finishing just the one, which was a fairly disappointing effort. These small pieces only take a couple of afternoons to do, so they're much more achievable for me.

I've started stitching something!

On the spur of the moment today I decided to start a small needlework piece. Small, because I know that I'll get it done quickly. I chose Shepherd's Bush, Wishing Sheep. Since it's my birthday month, I thought it tied in well. Here's what I did this afternoon.

Don't know whether I'll get anymore done tomorrow, but another afternoon's session should complete it.

More shopping

I really should control my spending since I still have to pay for most of my trip to the Cook Islands, but I've just placed an order with The Rocking Horse. They're having a 20% off sale today and tomorrow, so I'm trying to get the things I missed out on at the Silver Needle New Year's sale. Plus I've ordered a few extra items. LHN's charts My Needle's Work, and Home Of A Needleworker (too) to name a couple. Mum was still after some small SB kits, so I hope to get those for her as well. Will post a pic when my order comes through. I know I enjoy seeing people's 'stash reports' on other blogs.

Now I think it's time to go to bed. My eyes are starting to feel heavier and heavier...

Happy Valentine's Day

Hoping everyone has a lovely day tomorrow..

Green Snowman

I've just had a quick look at Shepherd's Bush site, hoping they'd have it updated, and they have! The new design that's really caught my eye is Green Snowman. How cute is it? A companion to Red Snowman (which of course is in my stash) and just as gorgeous. I love the hat he's wearing, all the buttons down his front, and the flower covered snow hill. I never get tired of seeing Tina's new designs.

SHEPHERD'S BUSH - Green Snowman

Cook Islands here I come!

Well, my sister and I booked our holiday to the Cook Islands Thursday night. We're leaving on 13th September and arriving back home on 26th September. Flying Air New Zealand and staying five nights at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, three nights at The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa which are both sister resorts, and then six nights at the Pacific Resort.

The Rarotongan and Pacific are both on Rarotonga, the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort is about a 40 minute flight north of Rarotonga. It's just off Aitutaki on it's own small island called Akitua. It's the only accommodation on that island and we've got a free upgrade to a beachfront bungalow. The waters there are supposed to be as blue as you see in the travel brochures. We'll probably do a cruise round to other islands in the area. One of them's called One Foot Island, and there's not much on it except limited accommodation and a Post Office. It's a must see so I'm told.

Beach on one of Aitutaki's motu Rapota

If this is a picture of what to expect, then I'm already getting excited. How relaxing does this look?

From Rarotonga we will probably do a day tour of the island. There's a bus service that goes clockwise and anti-clockwise round the island at regular intervals. This will be handy if we want to go to other areas, including the main shopping part of town, on our own.

Plenty of swimming, sunbaking, snorkeling, kayaking, and walking to do. We can go at our own pace and have an enjoyable, relaxing holiday. The weather will certainly be warmer than home, so that alone can't be a bad thing. The countdown begins...

Can anyone help me find...

This post I've got a question, hoping someone can help me.

I subscribe to the American Country Sampler magazine, and in the January 2008 issue I discovered this gorgeous cross stitch design. It doesn't mention in the article anything about it, unfortunately. I was wondering if anyone would know what the designer/title would be, or if someone knew where I could find out about it? I've thought of sending an email to the people of Country Sampler, but wasn't sure whether they could help.

It's on page 39 if anyone has a copy of the magazine themselves. It's a lovely Amish design and I don't know how old it is, or even if it's still in print.

If anyone can help me I'd appreciate it so much.

I told a lie

Hi, I must admit that in my last post I mentioned I'd finished my Picasa albums, but after looking over them again and checking with my Epson albums, I've discovered that I missed some. The ones I've forgotten about are my non SB stitching, Mum's non SB stitching, and my UFO's. So bare with me, and I'll get those added soon. My UFO's are also in my WIPs Archive album which have photos of all my stitching progress over time.

I've been searching the net again on the weekend and came across a site that had some music playing on it. I scrolled down and found they had an iPod on their page. There was a link to the site where you can download one youself, so that's what I've done. You can make up your own - style, colour, etc., then add your songs. I've added some songs to mine (including a few Aussie ones), so it gives you an idea of what music I like.

I'm totally amazed what you can do on the net.

Finished my new album

Just an update to let you know that I've finished adding all my pictures to my new Picasa Album. It took quite a while, having to add comments to each picture, but I've finally finished. Was able to copy what I had written in my Epson albums, so I already had all the information on hand.

I scanned a needlework piece that Mum did last year into her Shepherd's Bush album today. It's called Windmill Sampler which is from the old Vanessa-Ann Collection titled Weatherbee Farm. Quite a lovely design by Tina before she and her sister Teri, became Shepherd's Bush.

Mum's stitching Christmas Drawers by Shepherd's Bush at the moment. I've done this one myself and it only takes a handful of afternoons to do. A few different stitches but not too complex from what I can recall.

I still haven't done any stitching for a long time. I've been on the computer a bit lately, as you can see by the number of entries in my blog recently. Thought I would try to dedicate a bit more time to my blogging.