Here's the end result

I said I was going to make it easy for myself when I finished this little piece, and I lived up to my word. No extras added, just made it into a mini cushion. I had a bag of lavender bought on one of my local stash outings, so I have filled it with some of this which gives it the most beautiful smell when you hold it up to your nose. For the backing I've used a small piece of floral fabric with a brown background. I was in two minds with how I should finish the backing. Another idea I had was to have a piece of Vintage Light Mocha linen as used on the front, and stitch in the centre the small flower buds either side with my initials and 2009 in between them. I opted for the easy option (as I often do in life). Hope you like the results.

The only other thing I've done which is similar in finish is the SB 2004 Fob. So I'm fairly happy with how Chocolat's turned out.

We're having another hot day today. Over 40 degrees and it's a dry, windy, oppressive heat. I had to hang some washing on the line before, and couldn't wait to get back inside again! I've got a wall air conditioner which makes things a little more comfortable. Wouldn't have been able to finish up Chocolat today otherwise. :) There's supposed to be a nice cool change later in the day, so I'm hanging out for that!

It's finished!

STARTED ~ 25 January 2009

FINISHED ~ 6 February 2009

DESIGNER ~ Creations de Chrystelle (French)

PATTERN ~ Chocolat

FABRIC ~ 32ct Vintage Light Mocha

THREADS ~ DMC

Stitched 1 over 1

I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to get it all done tonight but I got there. Although I'm yet to become a fan of stitching over 1, I do like the delicate and detailed look it gives. Just loved the thread colours of this one too. Now I've just got to decide how to complete it. I think I'll turn it into a mini stuffed cushion. Don't want to make it too difficult since finishing is not my expertise.

I will probably end up stitching this one again some day. I'd like to see how it comes up over two. I also want to get the other chart which is a companion to this one called Tea. It's a similar style with the alphabet at the top.

I think I'm going to have a look at the instructions for this Stacy Nash pattern I've recently received. I'm thinking of starting it next. Don't you just love the excitement of starting a new project?

Have fun stitching and enjoy your weekend.

Progress update

This little Chocolat is taking longer than I would like. I think doing it over 1 takes at least twice as long as over two. There's a flower vine at the top, and flowers either side in the centre to do. Another stitching session and I think I'll have it done though. Then it's onto finishing it properly. Still deciding on that one.

Chocolat - 5 February 2009

Well, not much else happening here. We're in for another hottie on Saturday. Blah!

Hot Chocolat

The steam is rising from my cup of hot Chocolat.

Chocolat - 2 February 2009

Thanks for all your comments about the Stacy Nash Group (and my other stitching). I didn't put a link up about it because I don't know whether they're accepting any further enquiries from people who still want to join. They got more than their usual amount of up to 100. Jeanne from Country Sampler in Wisconsin is handling the group, for those with curious minds and want to investigate further. Be warned though, it may be too late to join. Good luck!

Chocolat

As I mentioned I'm now working on Chocolat by the French designer Creations de Chrystelle. I started this the day after I finished French Heart. It's worked one over one, so is proving a bit of a challenge for me. I must admit though it's a lovely, delicate and detailed look using this method. Once I get past the cup it shouldn't be as awkward. I'm using 32ct Vintage Country Mocha linen and it needs only five different colours of DMC threads. I stitched the border on the 25th and the rest was done on the 26th January.

Latest update on Chocolat - 26 January 2009

It's still too hot here to even think about stitching at the moment. It reached 45.1 degrees (113.18 Fahrenheit) in Melbourne today, and the high 30s where I live. And here I was complaining that we weren't getting a Summer just a short while ago. :)

Anyway, I'm off to check out some of your blogs and see what you've all been doing while I've been out of touch. Be sure to check back because I'll be posting pictures of Little Ballerinas over the weekend, plus that exclusive kit I got in the mail. Bye for now!