Monday 24 February 2014

Stash and a few little finishes.

Hello everyone, well it is sunshining here at the moment, washing is blowing in the breeze and I am hoping it will dry. How are you all ,well I am hoping. I do a lot of hoping. Firstly I would like to thank everyone for the kind comments on my last post ,I was so excited to get 20 , maybe I may get a few more (wink) this time!!
Well onward you will want to see what I have been up to the last few days.
As you know it was my birthday and I have been spending some of the pennies I was given . Some of it has arrived but still awaiting the Nashville new items.
Firstly I ordered the Dickens charts from Gaynor ,you can find her here:- www.stitchersanon.com.
I have done Bah humbug which was a freebie and now I have 4 others to stitch and more on the way I hope.Not too quickly though eh Gaynor.
This is the fourth one,

Not sure how to stitch these ,on one piece of fabric or as individual pieces -any ideas.
Another one that has arrived from Italy this time , and it is a design I shall be stitching very soon.
I just could not resist this one when I saw it. Then a completely different design ,which Martin wants me to stitch for the exhibition in June , they are honouring the centenary of WW1 and he asked me if he got it would I stitch it. I am going to put my grandfathers brothers name on it I think. I have chosen the fabric aptly named Vintage Khaki.
The fabric is top right. I have most of the threads so got the chart instead of the kit. I do however have to put an order in as I do need some. Isn't it always the way.
I think this one may be my Tuesday or Thurday stitch.
I had to order some sewing goods this last week as I am being very brave and doing a workshop this coming weekend, A red work bag. The tutor is Annette Bolton and in the past I have been to a good few of her workshops , however I have not been to one for a while now so I shall be feeling a bit apprehensive. Think of me next Saturday. This is what I am attempting, do you see why I just had to do it. Will have to show you it at the end as I need a man that can ,just found him.
This is a pic of the sheep part  just hope I can do it justice. Isnt it lovely.

I can show you the little needlebook I did in 2007 ,yes that long ago.
I have been getting the bits and bobs together and see the red scissors , well they couldnt go naked could they.So here they are with a little attachement.
The back view.

I also made a little cushion for my pins from a free pattern from The Primitive Hare.
And they sit nicely in my Needlework Book. 
I have to find a red pen to go in with the book.on the other side.
This was a class by Annette in 2007. If you want to look at her work go to Annette Bolton textile artist. If you live in the UK she may be doing a workshop near you. 
So my dears I have one more finish to show you ,which is the monthly challenge over on Needlecraft Haven. I had in my head reveal day was the 27th , losing the plot here ,it was yesterday so I have just sent my pic in . Christine gave us this design a freebie, to finish as we wished.


Not sure about the finishing of this one. However it will have to do. Now onto the other weakness ,books. I have been good this last week and I bought Martin 2 which he is not sure he has read,so I shall have them. He picked up these 2 as they were free with his paper and I quite like the look of them.
I am reading Blue Monday at the moment by Nicci French. I have not got into it yet , but I will persevere a bit longer. I am expecting 2 new releases this week argh will I never learn. The fabric I used for Winter Tyme with the Y backwards on the header (supposed to be that way) I saw on JB fabrics that they only had a little left so I got a larger piece and sent Sally a piece as she wanted to finish her 12 days with the same fabric. Whilst there I got a piece of red and white ,yes for the redwork bag, and the same moss one ,along with blue of the same design, lastly a piece of red check again for the bag.
Tonight I shall be stitching along with Sally on the last sheep of the series so a new start. Martin has a committee meeting so he will be out. Wednesday I will be in the parlour and stitching a tree in the meadow. Here is progress.
On Friday last I started my 4 th day of the 12 days of Christmas that again I am stitching with Sally. I did not do a lot ,but I did get the skater done.
Another wip is the one I am doing as a ufo, it has come to a halt this weekend Miss Julie, I have run out of the Crescent Colour thread for her dress so I shall have to do the middle panel and some writing this coming weekend. I have ordered the thread but it is out of stock at the 2 places I buy from in the UK so have to wait until it comes in.
Last week I promised you some sea pics and I have a couple of my girlies to show you.
Caitlin and Ella on a cold windy day.9th February. Graeme and Sue the same day but in disguise.
The sea on that day. Although rough was not as bad as it had been.

The pebbles at the top of the beach have all been swept away and left just the blue clay. Something I have never seen before.

The next week on my birthday we went over with Sam and Kate to see what had happened during the week. The sea wall has great chunks of tarmac torn up and it was scary looking through the railings to see the rusting supports. Sam had to wear his grandads coat as he forgot his!!!
I think that is all for now I shall leave you with one of the sea and wish you all a good week with plenty of sunshine and lots of stitching.Take care all,leave me a comment if you have time and to anyone that is new I am waving hello. I will be back again soon.
Sorry one more to make you smile,This is what has passed for footwear on Portland lately.
Hugs Barb.



Tuesday 18 February 2014

What a lot I have got to share.Warning!I lots of pictures and a long post.

First let me make you a cup of tea and maybe you would like a piece of German Apple cake. Are you sitting comfortably -then I will begin. I really am stuck with where to start. Valentines Day I think and a rose and card from the man I married almost 47 years ago.
He is a sweetie and look what he bought me for my birthday ! oooohh I have loved this picture for soooo long,and now I have it hanging in my lounge. My birthday was the day after Valentines.
I could not get a good pic of this as the light keeps reflecting on the glass,but it is fab-u-lous and so is he, for putting up with my love of sheep and for buying me this beautiful picture which came all the way for The Netherlands. He also spoilt me a little more and bought me 2 jugs (another weakness of mine I am afraid)and Ollie spent all his Biscuit money on a gift too.
Here are the jugs.
 It looks old but will hold some nice dry grasses or something large and flowery. The other one has flowers in it already ,from Caitlin ,Sam and Alfie. 

A beautiful hand tied bouquet. Kate gave me pennies and so did Graeme so of course I went on line shopping and ordered The Rosewood Manor new one at the Nashville market Quaker Autumn, and Carols in the Square another Nashville new one ,which will fit in nicely with this years theme. Ella bought me a bunch of roses last week which were for my birthday ,

Not sure of the name of these but they were tight when I first got them and now they are really blooming.
Kate also bought me this - I told Martin we used to use ones like it at school when we were out shopping the other day,I said it brought back memories -he told Kate so she got one
.
I know I am sad wanting a new bowl arent I . I said Ollie had bought me a present didn't I . Well this is along side the other one that Martin gave me. Books how I love books.
The one on the right is about the first world war and the journey of the unknown soldier from Arras ,(which is where my grandfathers brother was killed) we were going to visit his grave but found that he has not got one ,although his name is on the memorial there.

Just so sad . In this year of the centenary I am sure there will be many who will remember their loved ancestors who died in such horrendous numbers during this conflict. 
Anyway back to the books.
The one on the left is the Susan Branch one which is a joy.I saw this on Bunny Mummys blog and just had to put it on a list. Here is one of the pages of the inside.

And another.

I am going to enjoy reading about her adventures through the English Countryside. The words at the top of the page in the book are saying just what I need to , to all of you who have wished me a Happy Birthday sent cards and gifts ,I have been just so lucky . In no particular order here are the wonderous things I had. 
From Julie of Old Bagpuss fame ,who I was fortunate to meet last year and we are firm friends . Sorry Julie ,you are stuck with me!! I did say first but first is this. 
Isn't that just clever of Isabelle ,Julies granddaughter who is growing up so fast and is such a pretty little thing. I have it on my fridge now Julie,being held up by another gift ,more of that later.
Anyway ,Julie sent me a box which had me very intrigued and caused itchy fingers. I was good though and did not open it until the day. It rattled too you see. When I opened it I got a bit emotional , just look what was inside this.
All wrapped individually in lovely butterfly paper,which made me think of June (Butterfly Wings). Out of the parcel came this.
 Some sheepie ribbon ,sheep fabric, a birthday badge ,which I wore all day. And a noteblock which had the Friends make life special stitched on the front. Not all though Julie sent me a book . Heee hee another one!
Julie said when she read hers as she bought herself one too, she would think of me and likewise me her.This was the thought for the 17th.
I have a friend
Life is never lonesome
Or dark or cold,
Or lacking laughter's cheer.
For always there's a beam,
Of starry light,
By which to chart and steer.
Herein lies wealth,
Though having neither grand estate,nor gold,
And owing much to thrift,
Make do and mend , 
I am content-I have enough
And more
I have a friend!
By Tricia Sturgeon.
So apt I think  for Julie and me and our many friends.
It did not end there though, I was thoroughly spoilt by this lovely lady and here is what I found in the bottom of the bag.
A sheepie money box with a label that said Miss Barbs sheepie stash fund! and it had pennies inside.Thankyou so much Miss Julie.
Gosh that would be enough for most but oh no I had more.
From my dear friend Sally that stitches along with me on Mondays and Fridays and hope it continues for a long time to come. She sent me one of her stitcheries as I call them ,one day I will take a pic of the bits and bobs she has sent me over the years ,she of course knows my love of sheep!!WHO doesn't.This is the perfectly stitched and finished item.

So perfect for this time of the year , well it will be when we get some snowdrops and spring weather. The scissors were so pretty too and said spring to me. The edging is fabulous Sally and thankyou so much.
A friend of mine visited on the day and brought me this she had made. All I want is hot water .I can get into that with no problem which is a story I will tell you after I show you what she gave me.
back view -and now front view.

Linda is such an accomplished needlewoman and has me in awe of her achievement she is a lady that loves delicate and different kinds of embroidery she has recently started patchwork and has done a fine job of this. In the little pockets are a spoon,teabags, serviettes and inside is this.
So now for the tale of hot water. This morning ,yes this very morning, we had a cheque come from the insurance people for Ollies treatment, at last the claim was from before Christmas. Anyway I went to phone Martin from my mobile (cheaper as its free for me to call him) no mobile , thats why I am late doing this ere blog. Searched high and low and in baskets boxes you name it . Feeling rather sick I phoned him at work to say sorry but I could not find my phone. He suggested a few places I had not looked and I did that while he was waiting on the phone. No no joy. So now he mentioned the bin ,the green wheelie bin that was almost full. So there am I with rubber gloves on sorting through the rubbbish ,which although not smelly when you put it in ,it gets smelly after a week.I got most of it done and couldn't reach the bottom.so had to poke it with a stick lol. Outcome being I spied something pink,could it be , YES it was. A rather smelly phone which is going into a new cover as soon as it is charged. You can guess the comments about the bin by my chair.!! Do you remember the Valdini threads. All is well that ends well though and I am out of hot water.
So I am now in a bit of a quandry ,do I show you some more or leave it for another day. Just got back from hospital and good news there is nothing growing although the ribs are still a bit sore and tender she said.
Just thought I would show you this , Michelle sent this to me . She knows I am a Janeite and this fridge magnet is holding up Isabelle's picture on the fridge. I love it thankyou Michelle.
I think stitchers are just so kind especially to an old bird like me! Here are the presents from Clare(ametiu's stitching and host of Needlecraft Haven ,the threads I have not heard of before but will be putting this on the ever increasing to do pile.
And then there was this from Christine .Alchymst's Study.

Thanks to you ladies ,I shall never be stuck for something to do.From Kate of the Floss box.I ghd this on Monday I had to admit to a little smile at the card.

The caption on the card read ,Does my bum look big in this. As I am on a winter christmas theme this year the chart she chose by Lizzie Kate was welcome. Thanks Kate ,I hear she had a lovely day the day after mine.
Gosh are you thinking this will never end. I was thinking of stopping blogging as I do not seem to get a lot of comments like some, what am I doing wrong , I ask. I would love to reply to comments but do not seem to get the hang of that . Oh just ignore me , just thinking out loud. I loooovee your comments and I am always happy to read them,So onward we go.More cake!!!
Graeme and Sue said I had excelled myself with that cake, it was the very first one I made when Sue came home with Graeme the first time. She loved it then and still does.
Right ,where were we ,you will need a candle to light you to bed by the time this is finished.
My friend I went to school with many many years ago ,I have spoken about her before , we have been friends for over 60 years now. OMG I had not realised it was that long.
Anyway she presented me with this.

Isn't he cute and made out of grandads old cardigan and a button.! Because I am getting old she also bought me this for the aches and pains.
It is lavender scented.

I mentioned a card I had over at Needlecraft Haven as we were all mentioning our love of the dreaded ironing, here is the card ,sent by my boss who I worked for. 

I had a parcel from my birthday twin Angela and she continued with the sheep and care theme. 


Thankyou so much my friend ,I am so pleased we share a birthday.Almost done . Today I opened my door the postie, and he handed me yet another parcel. Not expecting anymore this was a complete surprise and was sent by June of Butterfly wings. I have only known June a short time but friendship is forming and she also lives along the coast in Devon. So she usually gets weather before we do!!!
This is the most superlicious surprise.
I really do not know how to repay all these wonderful people Just a massive THANKYOU!!!
A close of the sheepy cushion ,oh its gorgeous.

It even has butterflies on it ,Thanks June.
So you see I had a wonderful day. We went wave watching too but I think you have almost had enough now. However I just have to show you my 3 finishes,since last we spoke. 
I have continued with my  Winter theme and this is Winter Tyme a freebie design from Notforgotten Farm.and Country Sampler.

I used some more of that lovely flannel to back it with and do the sides.Second is this one the 3rd Day which is Fridays sal with Sally. 
Oh while showing you these Sheba fudge wanted to know last time , sorry haven't got back to you.,these bows are ribbons that are already to stick on ,sorry its a cheat I know. I thought I had 3 finishes to show but I have 4.This is the Gratitude Sheepie and the penultimate one. Joyfulness will be started on Monday. 

This then is my fourth finish ,not stitching knitting. Gillian the tortoise.

I am pleased to say Cailin loved her. I am now Knitting a Lizard scarf for Alfie.


So my friends if you have stayed with me to the bitter end ,please leave me a comment if you have a minute. Thanks for spending a while with me and I hope you enjoyed seeing the goodies as much as I have receiving them.I shall be back before long with more pics of wild sea and pics hopefully of my new purchases. 
Meanwhile take great care and thankyou for all the good wishes. Onto another year.
Much love 
Barb.xx






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