Saturday, January 31, 2009
Little Ballerinas framed
Friday, January 30, 2009
Chocolat
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Back Online!!!
As I mentioned in my last post I was able to finish French Heart. I loved stitching this as there was plenty of different needlework techniques to keep the interest going. There was nothing too difficult as Shepherd's Bush instructions are easy to follow. The only problem I had was running out of the Old Lace thread. I seemed to have plenty of French Stucco left over so maybe the quantities were mixed up. I managed to find some more Old Lace in another kit I'd already finished and used that, so no major catastrophe.
Here's some photos of it finished.
I haven't been stitching my current WIP the last few days as we're going through the hottest heat wave in 100 years at the moment. Temperatures have reached over 40 degrees (104 Fahrenheit) the last few days and tomorrow's going to be no different. Even next week it's still going to be in the 30s (86 and above) all week. It's just so hot and my poor cats have no energy and they're just lying about on the floor. The air conditioner is going but gives little relief in these temperatures. We'll survive though.
In my upcoming posts I'll be able to show you my progress on Chocolat, a new exclusive kit to add to my stash, plus I've had Little Ballerinas framed for my niece. I'll be giving it to her this Saturday. The frame's nothing fancy but I'm pleased with how it's turned out.
I haven't had the time tonight, but I'll try to catch up with some blogs tomorrow night. Can't wait to see what you've all been up too!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I'm still here!
I'm missing my blogging and finding out what everyone is doing, so I hope you're all creating wonderful projects out there. I can happily say that I've finished French Heart. It was so enjoyable and I'm so pleased with how it's finished up. I've been taking progress photos so when I'm back online properly I'll post some pics for you to see.
I've now started on one of my French designs called 'Chocolat'. It's done using one over one which I'm amazed I'm even attempting. It's driving me up the wall in some parts but I'm persevering with it. I've been asking myself 'what were you thinking' when deciding to go with the over one, but since it's not a big piece I thought I'd rise to the challenge.
Thanks for your comments lately and I'm sorry to have stopped midway through my progress on French Heart. I was so enjoying keeping you up to date with it. I just wanted to drop by to let you know I was ok and hopefully I'll be back in a week or so. I've been suffering withdrawal symptoms with the lack of Internet access and I'm looking forward to catching up with you when I return. Have fun with what you're working on and be sure I'll be back again soon!
Happy stitching everyone and take care!
Monday, January 19, 2009
An angel appears
French Heart - 18 January 2009
I'm gradually getting there bit by bit. The angel has made an appearance, along with some roses, flowers, and a few smaller borders. There's so many interesting sections for the eye to feast upon with this design.
I've changed the template of my blog AGAIN! Don't know how long I'll keep this one. I guess until something better comes along. :)
Thanks for dropping by, and I hope you've enjoyed the stay. You're welcome anytime!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
New stash to show
Friday, January 16, 2009
A rose by name
French Heart - 15 January 2009
I think Shepherd's Bush kits are fantastic as they include everything needed to complete the design. No hunting around shops or the Internet to find the right thread or fabric required, it's all ready to go. They also include the cutest thread card to hold all the threads for the pattern your working on. It's only made of thin cardboard but it has printed on top a motif with their popular designs - moon, stars, flower, sheep, and heart. Underneath this is their name and to finish it off it's cut into the shape of a heart. There's usually ample holes for all your thread colours, and somehow makes your kit feel complete. Even their smaller kits include this thread card. The only thing that changes with each kit is the colour of the motif on the card.
Shepherd's Bush Thread Card - included with every kit
Just thought I'd entice your appetite a little and let you know that I have received some new stash in the mail. I'll let you hang on for my next post to find out what I got!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I promised to show you...
French Heart - 13 January 2009
I worked on what they call the 'house' area. Simple stitching with only cross and back stitching required. The only other feature was a Satin Stitch below the house. There's some more beading to be placed. One in the centre of the flower in the house, and others on the flower vine at the bottom. Below this, where the space is, the shoe button will eventually be placed.
This design has certainly been a bit more challenging but not what I would call difficult. I'm far from there yet but I'm looking forward to seeing it finished. Not that I've had enough of it though, as I'm enjoying working on it. I'm just eager to see the end result. Myself, along with you all, will just have to be patient. :)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A warm glow
I got some more stitching in tonight though, hence the late post, but will take some photos tomorrow and show you then. Stay tuned!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Latest progress
French Heart - 11 January 2009
The border on the right is called Hungarian, and the one at the top is Triplet. Both very easy to do. There's yellow beads to go on the purple bud vine but I will wait til last to put those on as I stitch with a hoop.
Hungarian and Triplet stitching
I may have a break from stitching tonight. We'll see...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A little more stitching
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Florentine Border
8 January 2009
Doing these types of designs makes me realise why I like Shepherd's Bush so much.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Outer border done
French Heart - 7 January 2009
It's my youngest cat's birthday today also. She's turned two! Here's a picture of her in my bathroom sitting on a bath towel. She's got into the habit lately of pulling it down off the towel rail and getting cosy on it. :)
Charlotte - two today
Now I'm off, as I want to have some tea then get onto French Heart. Until the next update... happy stitching!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
A start on French Heart
SB French Heart - started 6 January 2009
It's going to be a lovely design to do during our Summer here.
Monday, January 05, 2009
2008 Finishes
Thread colours of French Heart
Sunday, January 04, 2009
First finish for 2009!
Yippee!!! I managed to get Life And Liberty finished last night. All that was needed were the buttons to be added this morning. This done, I'm able to you show some pictures of it.