Monday 31 December 2012

Stitching in 2012

Well I have had quite a good stitching year.

I started the year by finishing a Lizzie Kate design "Love keeps us Warm" and had it mounted and framed straight away, something I have not always done.

As you will know from my other posts I entered my first cross stitch exchange, produced some new needle cases and started a stitching blog!

I went on a number of sewing workshops during the year and went to the Harrogate Show in November to replenish my stash - not that it was needed.

I am finishing the year with two more Little House Needlework designs;"Baked Goods" is on the way to be finished and "Joy" needs a little more stitching.

I have lots of plans for the New Year including stitching all the new Little Sheep Virtues from LHN and join in more exchanges.
My New Year resolution has to be to try and use some of the stash I already have before buying more but don't hold out much hope!

My fingers are crossed for a giveaway of Ginghers Scissors over on missyyllanous.blogspot.co.uk to get the new year off to a good start. Already had the AA out today to my car and British Gas to mend the boiler after 2 days with no heat or hot water so that good start is needed.

Thank you for reading my blog and leaving encouraging comments. I get lots of inspiration from all the stitching blogs out there and I hope that in 2013 you may find something on mine that will inspire you.

Very best wishes for a Happy and Peaceful New Year

Melanie x



Saturday 22 December 2012

Christmas Greetings

I would just like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year

Melanie xx

Saturday 15 December 2012

Cross Stitch Exchange

I recently entered my first Cross Stitch Exchange to make a Christmas Ornament. I decided to stitch "Joy to the World" by Little House Needleworks, I love their ornaments and charts and am inspired by their lovely finishes. I was very pleased with the result and hope the recipient was too.
As this was my first exchange I decided to enclose a small gift of 4 satin threads from my stash and a little plaque with a homely greeting all wrapped up with a handmade gift tag.
I posted my parcel well in advance of the deadline as it was going to Canada, but sadly have not received any feedback to say if it arrived safely or if it was liked.
I am satisfied that I completed all that was required of the exchange and in the spirit it was intended, just to know it had arrived would have been appreciated.
I looked forward to receiving an ornament with great excitement and was not disappointed.
I received a lovely beaded ornament from Laura. The beads were a lovely shade of blue which happens to be my favourite colour and so could not have been any more appropriate.
Thank you Laura, I will treasure my first exchange ornament x
This first experience has not put me off and will look forward to participating again in the new year.

Melanie x






Saturday 8 December 2012

Getting ready for Christmas

I have spent the day getting the house ready for Christmas. I love the tree when it is all dressed and the lights are on and twinkling.
I wanted to try and display some of my stitching things which I have not done before. This is my first attempt and will add to it as I finish off a couple more ornaments.
The small blue beaded ornament was the ornament I received in my first cross stitch exchange.
Thank you Laura it is beautiful and a fabulous colour.
The other ornaments I have made over the last few weeks.
The little snowman you can see was made by my dear husband who is a Woodturner and loves trying out new ideas.
The quilted cushion was made on a workshop recently at Oswaldtwistle Mill with Lords Sewing.

I hope you all enjoy getting your own houses ready

Melanie x







Monday 3 December 2012

Needlecase

I have been playing around with a design for a needlecase using my embroidery machine.
I embroidered the front of the case using a Brother design and used a Criswell design for the piece of lace inside which I have used as a pocket to keep scissors safe.
This is my very first one, but now have the bug and have been making them in different colours.
The front cover and the lace are embellished with Swarovski Crystals

Melanie x





Sunday 2 December 2012

New Blog

Well after much deliberating I have finally decided to have my own stitching blog. I have been inspired by so many interesting blogs and hope mine can develop and eventually inspire others.
It has taken a while to sort this page out and so will post more later in the week.

Melanie x