Barb's Ramblings - stitching 'n things

At last the long awaited...........

2012-01-31T16:07:00.000Z

Lottery win?-no, Premium Bond win?-no , the Euro Millions win? -no. Sorry to disapoint you it is just a giveaway! As I did not do one on my 2nd blogaversary which is now 2 years and a bit .So despite keeping you in suspense I am now at last doing it. I have sorted through my stash and that is what you will win if you would like to.Ok first I shall need you to comment on this post I would like you to be a follower if poss but it is the comment that will count. Right here is what you will get.

This oneabove is a kit , fabric supplied is Aida but you could do it on linen.

Some sheepy designs and I think I may do these as an altogether sheep one so now you have 2 choices to win something. Then we have

So there you have it the sheep charts are a giveaway on their own and the other charts, kit, are together if you get my drift . Please say which you would like and I shall choose a winner on the 15th Feb as there may be happenings here on that day!!So now that is taken care of would you like to see the happenings of this week. First of all I must mention the family as G S &E came down on Sunday for a curry. Martin makes them from scratch and although he doesn't make them often ooohh they are yummy when he does. He grinds and roasts all the spices (house smells for days) and all the accompanying chutneys etc.When I said to Graeme dad was thinking of doing a curry ,the response was, We will be down!!! I have to say Martin does have a kitchen maid(me) when all the prep needs to be done and the washing up. He did a Balti this time so not too spicy for Ella ,who informed us that she would sooner have that than a roast dinner. Unfortunately Graeme had an asthma attack and really did not feel well so he laid on our bed for a while. He is just so tired and I think that contributed to it. He did not eat dessert ,which was Mango Fool ,which we had not done before but it was yummy and so easy. Sue took Graemes home for him to have the next day. He did not get it though as when she got home from work she said it was looking at her when she opened the fridge saying Eat me!!!!! So she did.So that was our Sunday.I did some knitting instead of stitching.Monday was the Shepherds Bush meeting at mine with Sally and Colleen. Oh dear I am afraid we had to give Colleen more than one glass of wine as she does not like flying over the ocean !!!!lol.Anyway I finished Simple Joys and we all had a very happy dance. Today I put it together along with something else .

The violets are from the garden they have been out for so long now.Talking of SB I got this from Sally this morning so this will be my new start next week as I just looove those dangly stockings.

Sorry about the photo I think I must have had my crooked head on when I took that.Tonight it is Quaker Diamonds and I shall show you progress on that one next week. Wednesday is Jane and The Sampler Girl night over at Needlecraft Haven and Whoo hoo today I stitched up my bag and I love it!!!!

I decided only to knit the front as I think I may have run out of wool if I chanced doing the back .So I found a piece of calico which was just the right size , made some cord type handles with my cording thingy and WHOO HOO there I have a new knitting bag .2 finishes this week no wait there is one more ,Thursday I think I frog more than I stitch on Elizabeth by seeing Barbi's progress on Margaret Mary (she has already done Elizabeth) I just had to order these two girlies. They came yesterday. Meet Molly and Margaret Mary- now I find there is another one-oh when will it ever end!! I am waiting a while before I succumb to that one.

Pardon?Oh the other finish well that was my first Prairie Schooler Santa , Karan sent me this one for Christmas along with a couple of other charts of theirs. I have 11 now so hope to do one a month . Anyway here is the little fella, measuring 2anda half inches by 3 complete.

I think he's been on the wine too as he is a bit blurred,no ,it's not me who has been on the wine! I think I was a bit close. I don't know what it is about these Santas they look so fierce!So another one of those to start on Friday. I have not decided which Sampler Girl design to stitch next so you will have to be patient to see which one is chosen . Stash I did get was the Winter design from Blackbird designs and also Christmas Garden. A couple of SB kits (which I cannot tell you about)and January and February wordplay by Country Stitches. I am now going to concentrate on what have instead of getting more. OR I will be needing another giveaway!So before I go thanks for the comments and also welcome to the new followers I shall soon have to have a catch up on blog reading I am getting very much behind, Hmmmmm I could comment on that statement but I won't. Hope you have enjoyed our little chat and don't forget to leave me a comment on this post only either for Sheep or Mixture.Take care allHugs n stuff Barb

Mondays update on Tuesday!

2012-01-24T15:23:00.001Z

Oh dear time slips away and my Monday update is now on Tuesday ,it could be worse it could be next week lol.Well how are you all my friends ,we are much improved here and I am writing this before I go find my cooking head and make a Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek pie. Not done it before but have had special request from other half .He has gone back to work (I know he is retired,but you cannot keep a good man down) it is only for a couple of days a week for a couple of months. It will help pay for my stitching obsession but don't let on will you.!!Well I said I would give you an update on the weeks progress ,some things well although I stitched I have not done lots,unlike Sally I have not got smoking needles.I do however have a finish to show you,I started this the first week of our SAL for this year Shepherds Bush with Sally and Colleen on a Monday night . Here is the Tiny Garden Roll .

This was lovely to stitch and last night I was rewarded with a new start .Simple joys pincushion .

This was last evenings progress at Colleens, the girls are virtually coming to me next week. I am hoping that I may finish or be close to finishing this one too.So maybe if I do a Tuesday update next week you will be able to see that one.Tonight it is UFO night with Miss Julie and Mr Stick and the Quaker Diamonds, I will not show you last weeks progress on this one as I need to do a little more before you can see I have been stitching on it.Wednesday last saw another new start but knitting not stitching, I am going to knit myself a bag for my knitting and to put Claras diary design by The Sampler Girl on the front. In the parlour last week I finished another line and maybe just maybe this may be a finish this week. Whoo hoo.

Thursday I worked and frogged on Elizabeth and so not a lot of progress on that one either, I have taken notice of Gabi though and ordered Margaret Mary and Molly from Traditional Stitches . Thanks for leaving that comment Gabi. Also thanks to Lainey who unfortunately offered the loan of them to me after I had ordered them as she has them . Aren't you stitchers the best.Friday saw me working on my Prairie Santa and if I could get my eyes to focus properly, he may be stitched quicker. Saturday /Sunday I finished the front of my Scandinavian cushion and started the back. So there we are another week done and dusted.Family news is I said I would try and get a photo of the boys when they came over the other evening.

Sam and Alfie bear , little angels! I still have not got pic of my tall Grandson Jack who will be 18 this year he never seems to be about when the camera is (must take after his grandmother).The other day walking home from school Sam was delighted to see near where they live, an Eddie Stobart lorry named Ellie May,(Nanny did not know they all have names) it was unloading at a garden centre ,so Kate was dragged up to inspect it and they had their picture taken on Kates phone with the driver. All sorts of questions were asked and the boys went home happy .

Last but not least a pic of my latest acquisition from Martin he saw this and thought of me , I like pooh bear and he thought I could use it for soup. So I have! Maybe a little stash if it arrives before next week you shall have a preview before it gets stitched !!So again thanks for all the comments etc next week I shall also be posting a giveaway I am keeping it for followers only I think or should I do just peeps that have commentated as I would like someone to have it who really leaves me a nice word or two . Anyway look out for what I decide next week.Take care all and hugs n stuff from meBarb,

The weeks progress

2012-01-16T15:01:00.000Z

I have not been sitting twiddling my thumbs honest. So I thought I would try and do a weekly update. As you know Monday is Shepherds Bush night and here is last weeks progress with the Tiny Garden Roll with Sally and Colleen ,we are off to Sallys tonight to sit by the fire in the comfy chair (that is if Colleen does not get there first). If you need to see where I was last week you will have to look at previous post.

It is really pretty.

Tuesday is UFO night and I have restarted work on my Quaker Diamonds by Rosewood Manor ,I am doing this on Sassys Fabric over one. I have taken a before and after pic for you on this one as it is a year since I put this in the box of abandonment,just did not think I had abandoned it for that long.

Wednesday is Parlour night over at Needlecraft Haven with TSG . This is Claras knitting design from Tanya at the Sampler Girl and today I noticed there is a nice free design on her blog put up today.

Thursday and I have spent some time with Elizabeths arm , I was not sure if I liked it on the darker fabric ,or more to the point I think I cut the fabric too small so have now got 2 arms on different pieces of fabric lol.Whilst speaking of Elizabeth does anyone know of anywhere I could get the rest of the Carriage House Samplings girls as I think I may like to do the others too.

This is the first attempt and now the other one.

Friday is Christmas night and here is where I have got to on my Santa.

Looks a totally different red to the picture but I did use the colours suggested.So that was my stitching week and then it was the weekend. I have done a little more of my red and white knitting and only 16 more rows off finishing the front ,thankyou so much for your kind comments on this.

The back is plain so I will not be boring you with pics of that. I shall show you it all finished at some point in time.I also had a little play with needlefelting and here is someone I named Goldilocks. I still have to pluck up courage to do her face. I must admit it felt a bit weird needlefelting her as it was a bit like sticking pins in a voodoo doll, not that I ever have done that ,I just did not like it.

My other half Martin has been tinkering with the glass, before Christmas I asked him if he would make Jane of Buttons and Stitches a suncatcher of a lop eared bunny . He took it to his glass group to finish it off and held it up for the others to see and whoops!! he dropped it. Mind you there hangs a tale , mentioning the R word on Portland is considered to be ill luck. One of the ladies said to him, Well you should have known better to bring one of those onto the island. My dad wouldn't go fishing if the R word was mentioned ,you can say bunnies though.Anyway I digress, he kindly made me another one to send to Jane and if you go look at her blog you can see it hanging in her window.So that is the handiwork for this week.Yesterday ,Sunday, we went to Graeme our sons for an almost Christmas dinner (as we couldnt make it on the day) and to celebrate his birthday ,tell me how can I have a son who is 44 today. I did offer him a phonecall at 3.40 to wish him a Happy birthday but he declined . Anyway Caitlin our grandaughter (when she found out we were going asked her Uncle if she could come too)she gets on so well with Ella Graemes daughter. So we picked her up and drove to Graemes. We had a lovely time and meal ,they had made duck in a sour cherry sauce which was rather nice. Loads of veg and crackers as well. 3 desserts and then Martin Graeme Ella and Caitlin went for a walk in the woods at the back of Graemes. Oh almost forgot the one who needed a run in the forest Ollie went too.

Ella is on the left and Caitlin on the right.

Ollie loves going to Graemes ,he adores the forest and has lots of fuss and playtime.

Looks like he enjoyed it -yes?So that was my week and last night when we got home the dreaded cough started, I do hope it does not think it is coming back -I do not want it.So off now to prepare for an invasion, Kate has to go to Caitlins open evening an so they are all coming here for a fish and chip supper ,just hope I get some time for stitching with S&C . I will see if I can get the boys to sit still for a pic later. Take care all ,thankyou for your lovely notes and comments. Will try for an update next Monday.Hugs n stuff Barb.x

Cracked it at last!

2012-01-09T16:29:00.000Z

I have been trying to post honest, but blogger had other ideas ,so after dragging my feet I installed Google Chrome and it works.

The lurgy I have had is finally going, and I have a sort of voice again. So now I can catch up with all the Christmas (seems like forever ago now) and even some before Christmas news. Well Christmas was a non event here as New Year and I was so disapointed we could not see grandchildren open presents etc but my other half cooked us a Christmas dinner and it was lovely.

Before Christmas I finished Snow in love a little ornie from L.H.N. but I cannot show you cause guess who forgot to take a pic before putting it away. I did take one of this finish again before Christmas by Country Rustic Primitives. Just loved how this turned out .

Some needlefelting books

Some wool for the felt making.

My attempt at a bag!

I think maybe the family think I have too much time on my hands as I had quite a lot of crafty things,something else new I have not tried before and notice what it is a picture of!

Now I have started a kit given by Graeme and family and oh I am really enjoying this ,it is so long since I did any fairisle knitting, but I saw this in a magazine and when I was asked what I would like this is what I chose.

I thought I knew exactly the stitching that would accompany it , on a Wednesday in the parlour at Needlecraft Haven- I am going to be stitching this. As we started last Wednesday I can show you what I have achieved so far.

My other stitchery things have now been started (see list in sidebar) some I have done very little on but as it is my night with Sally and Colleen here is my start from last week.The Shepherds Bush needleroll Tiny Garden.

Please excuse wrinkly fabric ,hope to get more done tonight to show you next time. Colleen is doing a wonderful job on her Checkered Sheep. I thought I would start with some littles before maybe doing a biggie.

For christmas Karan sent me a Prairie Schooler chart I have wanted for a while D-E-F and also some Santa charts ,she also told me sew and so had a sale on ,bad Karan ,bad Karan, of course I had to get some of the others as well it would have been silly not to really.

The ones Karan sent me and the others I bought.

Before Christmas these arrived this was down to Hazel of Quietly Stitching as I had to go see as I had not heard of them before. So Christmas stitching will be in plenty this year !!!

I have started oneof the Santas but not done enough to show. I also have started the Big Red Hen that Michelle gifted me .So many new starts.

I am going to go and see if Mr Stick and Julie will have me back on a Tuesday for a UFO I started last year Quaker Diamonds so we shall see progress I hope on that one.

I have also started Elizabeth by Carriage House Samplings ,she has a hand and an arm so is somewhat disembodied.

So there you are a glimpse of what is to come.

I finished 46 items in 2011 and read 36 books. Wonder how this year will go. I am trying for a few more books and maybe 50 finishes but we will see maybe I am being a little optimistic here!!

Talking of books -here are a few I had from my daughter and crew.

I watched this series and was so pleased to get the book, she also got me this one.

What did I tell you about being busy!

I do hope you are still with me, I have a few ornies to show you that I had from stitchy friends. Julie espied the pineapple themed ornie from one of the church ladies and it hung on the tree.

So from left to right, A little ornie so beautifully stitched and finished from my Irish friend Anne. I asked her who the designer was and she told me it was in the GOS a little while ago. The little blue one was from Barbara another friend who keeps in touch from time to time again stitched so beautifully and finished . The one on the right was the pineapple one. Would you like to see the backs?

I think that is all the stitching I have to show you . The weather here lately has been so windy and I have been really worried about damage that can occur when these high winds are occurring.However,we have stayed more or less intact, the garden and some of the fencing has taken a battering but on the whole not too bad, Where is the cold winter ,I still have geraniums blooming in the garden and I noticed when I took Ollie out at lunchtime there is a single marigold bravely thinking it is summer. Violets have been out for ages.Just a couple of pics of the Camillia and the Vibernum

Well who needs a medal for staying with me thus far, I can tell you that this blogger has nearly driven me nuts trying to get my head round how it all works now. PERSEVERANCE!!
Now be afraid ,be very afraid as here is a pic of me wearing the cowl that Heidi made and I won in her giveaway.

Sorry about that, but Heidi needed to see me wearing it. It has kept my poorly throat warm and I love it thanks Heidi.Notice the new specs and I think I need to get my hair cut!!
Take care all hope you have not been too bored.
Look forward to seeing your comments appear, thanks for taking a little minute to leave me a few words, they mean a lot.
Hugs n stuff
Barb

A quick hello and new year wishes.

2012-01-01T16:53:00.002Z

This is a very quick post as I am really in the grip of something nasty and yesterday Martin started too. Christmas was a non event(I think it may have been the gringe that stole it) with New Year following hard on its tail. We will make up for it later with family though, I have hung a big bell on the front door with unclean on it.
However ,I just needed to wish all the friends I have made through this blog thingy, (that I did not ever think I would come to get the hang of). Julie and Karan you do not know how much my life has been enriched by your nagging to "start"my own blog. Thanks.
Special thanks goes to all of you that leave comments (and some I know that have problems trying to leave them ) . I do love seeing a little note pop up.
For my SAL friends Sally , and Colleen with our Shepherds Bush nights long may they continue. Do we start tomorrow?
The Sampler Girl and Jane night over at the Parlour ,for all my maids thanks for continuing with me. Wednesday we start again.
I have sorted some bits out that I need to get stitched (well loads really)and I will let you know what soon. I also have some bits and bobs from stash so look for a giveaway.
No pics this time but do have some taken. A couple that were finished last year !!
So my dears thanks once again for the encouragement , friendship and I wish you more of the same for the new year.
Hugs n stuff Barb

Tis the season -

2011-12-17T14:26:00.017Z

For snuffles and sneezes and the Winter Cold ,and you thought I was going to say to be jolly!!Bah Humbug!!Just after a little sympathy!
I do still have a Jolly Christmas head on because I WON Heidi's giveaway on A scattering of moments blog.A lovely snuggly cowl which I could do with right now to keep my head warm. I have been a dancing partner of Heidis for a while now and I shall be happy dancing all day when the parcel arrives from Holland.
So my dears are you all ready ,apart from the sprouts. I have a loathing of sprouts my mother used to cook them till they were yellow,I swear she put them on the day before they were needed lol.
Last time I gave you a Dorset dumpling update ,I was asking about the tree and thanks to your comments and a bit of pleeeeeeze from me it is twinkling merrily in the corner. Here it is if you can see it , I am hoping Father Christmas may teach me how to use this camera as everything seems so dark.

Mr Frosty snowman is keeping a watch for snowflakes ,but he should be facing the other way, somehow I do not think he will be lucky this year.
I also took a couple of closer pics for your attention.

Bit blurry sorry, but my little fairy on top of the tree was joined by a "This House Believes ornie this year .
Talking of ornies here are the exchange ornies from Needlecraft Haven, I had this one from Mary, and it is so pretty

This is the one I stitched for Christine

Taken from a JCS mag a few years old.I am pleased to say she liked it.
Whilst I was doing this my other half said he would make her a penguin and you can see him at Christines blog The Alchymyst's Study.
Tomorrow is Christines birthday so if you are reading this Christine hope it is/was a good one.
OK drum roll now please the SALs with Sally are finished!!whoo hoo well for me anyway .We will be back to Shepherds Bush I expect in the New Year as I could not imagine Mondays without visiting Sally and vice versa and Colleen too. So without further ado here is The Christmas Carol Stocking designed by The Primitive Hare and stitched by me with a couple of tiny additions.

Here is last years TSG one and this years hanging out together.

I have just ordered a new one The night before Christmas from Margaret and Margaret. I have not used them before but Hazel was telling me about them as she wanted to know about The Christmas Carol and who the designer was . So of course I had to go check them out . They have some really pretty ones,and I ordered their latest design too. I saw Vintage Christmas by CCN done in alternate colours on Carins blog and so yes I am a naughty girl and Santa may not come. Go take a look you may be tempted .

The next little to show you is the other SAL with Sally , she has a lot to answer for that Sally friend of mine, anyway no persuading needed with this one as we got it last year to do this. Here is my version I stitched it into a little pillow for the tree over one on Sassys 28 count fabric. The Sampler Girls Glad Tidings.

Our grandchildren are getting just a tad excited now! Christmas elves are peeking through letterboxes and leaving crumbs all over the kitchen when they have been spying on behaviour.
Oh it is a wonderful time for the little ones and we all have our special memories I am sure. So now if I do not get chance to get here again before next week,please all stay safe and have a wonderful time with loved ones andfriends. Thanks for all your comments and your dear to me friendship , please do not be afraid to speak up all you 129followers , it is so lovely to get old friends and new commenting.So I shall leave you with a bored golden retreiver under the Christmas tree-OK when WILL it be Christmas I am waiting.

So it is goodbye from me and I am wishing you all a very Happy Christmas /Yuletide and take care
Hugs n stuff
Barb

Can we put the tree up this weekend?

2011-11-30T14:53:00.005Z

Can we,can we? I know, but I am a big child at heart, I love the tree being up and the way that time flies by these days it will be down before I get it decorated!!!
Ollie is ready to be the window decoration as you can see by the header. In fact if he is not there people are beginning to ask if he is ok. The postman did not stay at the door very long yesterday, as he thought we were out as the dog wasn't in his usual lookout spot.Ollie likes to say hello to all the delivery people. Well my bloggy friends I hope you are all well and ready to shop until you drop, we have 2 birthdays this week coming with Caitlin (14) on Friday and Jack (17)on the 6th.Our grandchildren are growing into lovely young people,and if it is possible to get a photo of them together I will and share with you.

Last week I tried my hand at needlefelting and made this.

It needs a bit more work on the handle but not bad for a first try. I had another first try at these little bunnies this week but I have a bit of bother with them not holding the shape well when I have stuffed and stitched the opening shut ,does anyone have a solution.

Just have to practise more! They were from a Tilda design .
Now I have just pressed post so you will have the first bit to read ,call it a trailer dur.
Stitching is progressing ,I thought it was the 1st today so I was going to show you my ornie I had from my secret partner over at Needlecraft Haven, but I cannot as its still only the 30th November , is this dementia creeping up on me.
I have finished my Scandinavian Christmas by Atelier Soed Idee which I won as a giveaway on Carins blog. Oh I loved this and although I tend to tinge the air blue when using the sewing machine I must admit I am quite pleased with it.

We found a twig to hang it from and ta-da the cards have just begun to arrive. Mine are still in the boxes waiting .Not a job I really enjoy doing.
Today I have done a little shopping and fell in love with a little girls something, more than that I cannot say. I also bought a lovely scarf for a friends birthday, I tend to give for birthdays to friends rather than Christmas as I feel it is their special day rather than Christmas which tends to be more family orientated.Qhat do you do ?
I think we would all love to give to everyone but needless to say it cannot be done.
Last time I posted pics of unfinished ornies and here is the finish.

You can click on any of these for a closer look,but remember you can look at the dust but please do not write in it lol.
I bought a canvas from an arts shop for £1.50 tied a bow with a jingle bell on velvet red ribbon and then put pins through the ornies and the ribbon. Maybe next year I will do a bigger one.
Then I finished my Christmas Bells hanging pillow ,but mine was stitched over one so it is ornie size.

That one looks better bigger , I think my camera is getting temperemental.
So since I last wrote I have not been slacking ,mind you the ironing and cleaning are shouting at me.
Also the Sal is growing with Sally and I visited her on Monday and Tuesday to do a bit of stitching and a lot of frogging. Christmas Carol Scrooges house just got finished when it started to snow. I had to get the shovel out and clear the path (damn frog) but then it came down deep and crisp and even. I still hope to get this done for Christmas , Sally is beginning to think she may not get hers finished by the time the man in red comes. I have a feeling she might just do it .This then is progress

Tuesday was Glad Tidings from The Sampler Girl and here is where I have got to, not very much done this week but I am hoping to finish this one in a few weeks.

I mentioned at the beginning I was just a big kid, well I have never read this book and when I saw it I had to have it. The illustrations are gorgeous and just for those it was so worth getting.

The book is illustrated throught like this and it is just soooo pretty.
So my dears it is so nice to chat with you ,and your answers and comments are always so welcome THANKYOU so much for taking a little time to drop me a note. I think last time I mentioned Martin had a website for his arts and craft organisation but I may have given you the wrong address here it is again http;//royalmanorworkshops.weebly.com
Now for some other news, and somebunny would like to thankyou for your interest in his whereabouts and faith in his returning.
OH HAPPY DAY!

I was going to say we found him in the dusty garden shed where he had got shut in after hunting for carrots ,but I am afraid he cannot claim fame like Peter Rabbit. He was found under the chest of drawers in the bedroom,he usually lives on top with the rest of his family ,somehow he must have been knocked off and when I was doing the (not very often moving out of furniture) there he was ,slightly dusty and his spectacles were bent, but he was so pleased to be rescued. As you can see Rose and the girls are delighted to have him back.
So on that happy note I hope to be back with another epistle soon ,take care and its only 25 more sleeps! Argh and not enough done yet.
Hugs n stuff Barb x

You may remember this

2011-11-17T16:13:00.018Z

Hello my dears, this is the parcel that I received from Angela (who has no blog ,but should!!! as she writes me really interesting snippets from time to time).I have not lost the plot there is method in my madness of posting the same pic for you to see.

This is my return gift to her a design by The Primitive Hare stitched into a little bag with a few goodies enclosed.
Angela was in the States when I sent this so I had to wait a week or so to know if she had got it. Poor Angela was jet lagged when she opened it and thought I had sent her a butterfly. Not until a day or two later when she turned the thread keeper the right way up she realised the butterfly had metamorphised into a Jane Austen Silhoutte, which made me smile when she wrote to tell me.

It has been a while (again) beating myself with a big stick here,since I last posted . I keep thinking to myself I really must do a blog update ,but unless I have got something to show you I feel there is not a lot of point. So I am updating my wips,as I have not finished anything else I can show you yet. I have done a exchange piece but we are not allowed to show that . I have also got more stash. So with out more twittering on my part.You may remember these too!!
Here is Monday nights Christmas Carol stocking which is being stitched by Sally too. I was feeling rather fed up as the last pic I took (I did not show you)as I had a big frog visit and had to demolish some of the brickwork and part of the roof, however all is rebuilt and oh boy I can understand why Sally said it is a mansion.

Tuesday night again with Sally, thankyou so much Sally for being a brilliant Sal partner, this is Glad Tidings, which I am stitching on Sassys fabric over one. Designed by The Sampler Girl.

Really loving this one.
Wednesday evenings you will find me in the Parlour , with my Sampler Girl stitching or Jane stitching. As I have completed "What would Jane do ?"I am now doing an ornament from The Sampler Girl called Christmas Bells.

The Parlour is over at Needlecraft Haven forum and you would be most welcome to join us .
I am now going to tell you some sad news, before I show more needleworky things. You must remember Seymore and Miss Rose , they got married and had Maisie and Millie.

This was their wedding day and such a happy occasion, but I am afraid Seymore has gone missing, the girls are so upset and Miss Rose too, Julie Mum (who was responible for them coming to live with me) is sure he will turn up ,in the dusty cupboard no doubt, and one day when I feel like ferreting (oh no ferrets isn't the right word!) he will be languishing in the peace and quiet. Meantime Miss Rose has a cousin arrived today ,this is the church mouse I found today whilst visiting a little craft room at a church in town. Has anyone a suggestion for a name for him.He has come to give comfort to the others.

Of course whilst in this crafty goodness I managed to slip a few bits into the bag. A lovely little bowl which will be nice for Christmas delicacies to reside in at £3.Also the two little crocheted mats so delicate and perfectly done for the sum of £3.50. Too cheap really considering the work that goes into them.Mr Bunny as £4. So bargains to be had.

It has been a beautiful day today ,and seeing my old friend for coffee and a chat was the icing on the cake. We did so much walking (well for me) and I ended up having to rest this afternoon.So now I am sitting here in the comfy chair writing a missive to you .Tonight, Thursday, is the Card holder by Soie Idee and here is progress for you.

Weekends are stitching bits and bobs last time I showed you the Christmas Carol by The Primitive Hare and here are 2 more to go with it.

Julie will recognise the Holly and the Ivy. The other one is part of A Baby in a Manger by Cherrywood designs.
So that is my weeks stitching .
Martin has been busy in his glass shed making little plaques and penguins but cannot show you picture yet.
He has also become chairman of Royal Manor Workshops, http://royalmanorworkshops.webs.com again after a 3 year break if you want a peak then go take a look. He would like any feedback local or otherwise.
The other member of our family needed a little attention too and the vet has been visited , really just for his booster immunisation jabs but he had to have his feet looked at and has to go back in 2 weeks.

A pic of the Ollie dog with his raggy ball.
Which is his 2nd favourite toy.The first being a rather smelly beaver who needs to go in the wash.
Martin surprised me with this

He knows I have a liking for words and so bought this for me to enable me to write whatever I wish in different alphabets, I think it will be so useful.
Other stash received are the charts I were hoping to arrive so I could stitch one for my secret partner over at NH but they only arrived this week so too late for me . You may be reading this so sorry, had to choose another for you.I have received mine and it is so lovely,will hope to show you next ime.

Notice the word theme again.

So there we go peeps , our family are mostly fine, Kate has been to hospital this week and had her plaster taken off, they x-rayed it and the bone is not healing , so she has to go back in 4 weeks and no work. They have fitted her with what she called a Transformer boot, but her ankle is still very blue with bruising and swollen. It seems as if she may have to have surgery to wire the bones.
I am now going to do a little stitching on my Card holder , I may need it soon well in a few weeks so got to get it done!
Take care all ,thankyou for the lovely comments which continue,welcome to any new followers and hope you will continue to follow and maybe comment when you have time.
Hugs n stuff
Barb

Double,Double toil and trouble

2011-10-31T14:54:00.024Z

Fire burn and Cauldron Bubble!

ooohh just had the broom overhauled ready to go flying tonight! We had the family over yesterday and well just had to make these cauldrons for the treats!

The witches kitchen was the free design for the Monthly Challenge over at Needlecraft Haven ,the design was by the Primitive Hare and I stitched it over one as I did the Take one my pretty by Plum Street Samplers. The Cauldrons I picked up for 80p each and just filled them with sweeties.
It seems ages since I last spoke , sorry but you know by now pain sometimes gets the better of me ,and although I have good intentions of keeping you informed of the happenings here, things get away from me.
Firstly I have to tell you that I was thrilled ,absolutely thrilled to win Carins blogaversary giveaway . Carin is just lovely and does such wonderful quilting with help from her witch Brumhelda who I would love to have to live with me. She certainly is a good witch.

The design is from Simone at Atelier Soed Idee and Carin arranged for me to have the pattern and the charms sent direct ,which Simone did and also put in the skein of silk as a little gift from herself,then a few days later Carin sent me the rest of the threads to stitch the design. I found the fabric for the backing of the card holder on the net but could not get the red here in the Uk ,so settled for the taupe.
Now I just have to find time to stitch it before the man in red arrives . Thankyou Carin I am not usually lucky but I think Brumhelda must have sensed just how much I liked the design when she saw my name. Are you sure she would not like to live in England with me.
Well my pretties I have so much to share with you , as it is almost a month since I last posted and I keep saying to Sally ,I will update my blog ,she must think I have not been stitching here on a Monday with her but I have honest and to prove it here is my progress on Christmas Carol Stocking (By Primitive Hare).

Tonight I am starting the roof, Sally started the roof first so she will be almost finished with the dust and builders.I am not a lover of building houses as you know but most designs I like seem to have them in , so just have to make lots of cups of tea for the labourer. The Primitive Hare - or should I say Isabella is really sweet and I have become hooked on her designs -Oh my! I should be locked up or my card should be for safety. I have just finished her Christmas Carol not the one above an ornie design and although it is in its naked finished state

it has got to be finished into something. Have to get thinking how to head on , as I have an idea but have not worked out how to yet.I have also finished another of her designs and as it is a pressie I cannot show that yet either. Then at the weekend I got her advent calendar on PDF , so yet another to get done. Maybe not this year though. She has a book out and I am sorely tempted but maybe the man in red will help out with that one.Wonder if Martin will read this?!!!!
Talking of Martin my dear husband, he has had his eye operated on and now is seeing in colour again and is really happy with it. I must admit to being nervous for him when they came to take him to theatre but he is such a good patient and I did not have to find a nurses uniform to fit me ! He had to have an urgent endoscopy which showed up a duodenal ulcer so he has medication for that ,which also seems to have settled down. Alfie the grandson with the broken leg is out of plaster but is afaid to put leg to floor and walk properly. Kate has another 2 weeks to go before she finds out if she has to have surgery or not.Other than that all are fine.With all the hospital waiting etc it was just as well I had some reading matter to hand.

I did not take these though:-

Having been a fan of Beatrix Potter for many years I at last have the set of her books. I am currently reading the autobiography

A fascinating and wonderfully illustrated book about Beatrix with some old photos of her and her family . Martin said I should be ok reading the little books at night as they are not too heavy hmmmmm ,he probably meant they were right up my street. The Tale of Oat Crag is another Cottage Tale from Susan Wittig Albert, she has just released the last one but I will wait until it is in paperback.
Oh hope you are not too bored as I seem to be whittering on a bit. I have for many weeks been stitching in the Parlour over at Needlecraft Haven and at last I have finished Mansfield Park.
Fanny has her house and all is well.

Sorry about the dark photo,think I need to have a look on how to work this camera!!
Michelle stitched this design and asked if anyone would like it, I am still planning to have a blackbird wall and thought it would add nicely to the ones I already have anyway what do I get through the post is this

Thanks Michelle I will put it on the list, which gets ever longer .Talking of birds this one I spied and Michelle when I have stitched it,it is yours.

I also have some more stash one a Christmas one from Homespun Elegance and not one ,not two,but three from Little House Needleworks. There is no hope for this stitching woman and everytime I say thats enough now someone posts a lovely on their blog or a missive comes through from an internet shop and I am away.

I have also ordered a Sampler Girl witchy one ,but that will be for next Hallowe'en. On that note I am off to find my witches hat and a cat that will not be afraid to fly me! Take care all thanks for those continuing comments 19 most ever last time. Can you beat that?!
Hope the rambles have not left you too thirsty , if they have I can make you a cup of builders tea.
WHoo hoo off into this Hallowe'en night,keep safe and from the old witch herself
Hugs n stuff.
Barb x

There was I ready for Autumn

2011-09-30T15:56:00.017+01:00

The Golden rod is yellow,
The Corn is turning brown
The Apples in the orchard
With fruit are hanging down. Helen Hunt Jackson

Then we have Summer back with a vengence! Phew it has been a warm few days here in Dorset,hope you have been basking too.
Sorry I have been away so long ,so much going on , lots to tell and lots to share. Or a bit anyway.
Well on the family news Alfie bear who is 4 (going on 94) was playing touch here ,in our care, with his siblings. All 4 charging like loonies when Alfie tripped, Jack fell over and onto him and broke Alfies leg in 2 places. Jack was mortified that he had injured his little brother. Caitlin was the mother hen and fussed over everyone, Sam was just shocked and Alfie well you can imagine the noise.
Kate our daughter had gone to the hospital with her other half he has back problems and she wanted to hear what the physio had to say. We felt dreadful as it happened here ,but as she said it was better it happened here as we do not panic in a situation.We are like ducks calm and serene on top and paddling furiously underneath!
So he has a bright red plaster -which should be changed on Wednesday next. I say should be because this morning Kate misjudged her bottom 2 stairs and landed on her foot awkwardly. She thought she had broken her ankle ,her dad took her to A&E Caitlin came home from school to sort out Alfie as he is off school and needs to be lifted to the loo. Anyway long story short it appears she has broken the outside bone and ligaments in her right foot. So she is in plaster too up to the knee.She has a blue one. Lots of worry going on there how on earth they will manage.
She will be off work 6-8 weeks.
Of course working weekends she gets weekend enhancements .
Martin has 2 hospital appointments coming up in October ,one of which he was hoping Kate would drive him as it is his eye op.
IT never rains but pours.
Well no more apart from the comment from Alfie when he saw Kate in plaster when they got home. Well I hope we don't have to lift mummy to theloo.
Now what else have I to tell you.

Martin took me out to see the ducks in the duck pond at Abbotsbury. This is a Tithe barn where the taxes were gathered by the local monks. It is now a children themed play area. The picture of it and the duck pond is a bit dark -sorry. We has hoped to see some of the Abbotsbury swans there and ducks but this was it.

It was a nice afternoon out though.
On the stitching front I have finished the 2 ornies to go with the tree I showed you last time that is three I promised myself I would finish for September.So here they are.

This is Christmas Tea by Plum Street Samplers. Stitched on Sassys Fabric over one.
I have looked at this one in my basket for the past couple of years and thought it was about time I stitched it.
Then I did this one .

This one is a slight adaptation from The Reindeer Sampler by JBW designs. I stitched it over one and as it was so twee added the Reindeers names and an extra line of snow. The little bells I strung to the bottom ,9little bells for 9 reindeer.
Next the Mystery is revealed.

Don't the colours vary. Top pic. Just finished.Middle pic. Finished into an arm resting cushion for my wrist. Bottom. The back finished with some fabric I purchased from Thread Bear. This was Salem remembered and is in memory of Bridget Bishop who was the first person hung at the Salem witch trials in 1692 I think I have that right.Purported to have been born in England.I have been reading about some of these trials and some of these poor women were really persecuted beyond belief.
I also have been doing my Sal with Sally and Colleen on Mondays with SB designs. I have this week finished My Moms Garden which I changed for My Mums Garden. Mil was delighted with it. I filled it with Lavender her favourite and tied a tag with the words that Tina had written on the design. Her five childrens names ,her and her hubbys initials on the heart and there you have it.

Sally and I have decided to have a little break ,with it being so close (well ish)to Christmas and we have both purchased this little beauty from Isabella at the Primitive Hare. We both share a love of The Christmas Carol both book and film ,I have to watch every make of this film at Christmas from Patrick Steward to the Muppets!! So when I espied this and told Sally it seems she is a fan too,.

You do not need to see the fabric (antique white 32 count ) or the threads I have got to do this. There may be a few little changes though. I also ordered the threads for Glad tidings The Sampler Girl design which again will be a SAL just before Christmas with Sally. We do get along really well and it seems to work that we speak before during and after our weekly sal.
Martin has bought new stash, sort of, this week a new tropical fish tank . Here it is starting to be filled.

We do have more than one fish in there, honest, it looks as if the angel is the only one to see. We are still waiting the water to clear a little. Graeme is asking permission if he is allowed to have our old tank!!!!!
Well dearies I think the other half will be home from bed building soon so I am off to get dinner, thankyou so much for your continuing comments it is so good to see them pop up . Bless you.
Hope it wont be so long before next post, and that I do not have anymore breakages to report.
Take great care
Hugs n stuff Barb.

a

2011-09-30T15:56:00.000+01:00

The Summer Exchange.

2011-09-13T17:11:00.008+01:00

Here is the lovely stitched item I had from Lisa of LisaVslounge. It is so perfectly stitched and finished and I love it. Thankyou again Lisa. I also had some goodies enclosed

Aren't those pens so cute, in fact my grandchildren were heard to say, Nanny please may we have those pens. So in true Nanny fashion, I mean how can you say NO they are mine all mine, so sorry Lisa they are lost to me but Caitlin and Sam are now taking them to school to show their friends.
The fabric is lovely and summery all sea shells and I know exactly what to use that for ,but not until next year. Also I had some stickers and beads and buttons . How about walking along that beach on her card in Australia,mind you I think she did a brilliant job as thinking summer when it is winter cannot be easy!

This was an exchange for The STITCHED WITH LOVE exchange hosted by Lainey and Colleen. They did a great job and are currently running an Autumn/fall one which is closed but there will be a Christmas one coming up.
So come on get in the spirit and share a little joy by joining,that reminds me I haven't yet.

Ok here is what I sent to Catherine of Bramblewood stitches.

These were the stitched items I sent. I altered and added a few things to the needleroll,and the living is easy was an addition. I was sorry to see that one go. The fabric it is standing on is a Sand colour 36count linen.

No you are not seeing double, Tina (no blog) made me Downton Abbey a Sampler Girl design scissor fob and as I love it so much I thought I would send one to Catherine. As Tina reads this I did not want her thinking I had sent her mine so took this so she could see I still treasure hers. Downton Abbey as a lot of you know is really Highclere Castle and if you google it there is a lot of fascinating information. Did you know Downton Abbey is back this weekend. Oh dear DH will want to watch Spooks and after me having a Strictly fix it will be his turn to choose. Have to record so much now.
Anyway I digress.
Talking of other half we, (I sprinkled the frit in the areas that I wanted the colours , that is crushed glass) and himself did the rest. It is a candle holder and I put a Beach Walk yankee candle in it. It started off pale with light sprinkle for the sea spray,going to pale blue green and sand colour in the bottom, I was really pleased how it turned out(after 3 attempts) and I think Catherine was too.
Mind you I almost had kittens posting it all that way. Also in the pile were needles that Catherine said she used to put her new needles in,some 36 count Sand coloured fabby, a bookmark for her summer reading book .I tried to keep it sort of seasidey colours.
The card is an artists impression of Weymouth!!
Also was a box of Fudge from the Weymouth sweetshop. I could have gone on forever with this one (imagination running riot).
So that was the exchange I have been itching to show you. Phew .
A quick update this time, stitched with Sally and Colleen last night, they had to dodge the scaffolding on the way in as we are in the process of having solar panels fitted with the rent a roof scheme.I am progressing with My Mums Garden and next time i post I will let you see. I am trying to get 3 yes 3 christmas ornies done this month, have got 1 done, 1 almost, and 1 more to choose.
Tomorrow is the Mansfield park Sampler Girl Sal so that house will be started to be built. Busy Busy so cannot be sitting here, chatting away ,thanks for all your comments last post and hope I may get a few this time too.
Take care and see you soon.
Hugs n stuff
Barb

A taste of things to come, and those that are already!

2011-09-09T11:50:00.017+01:00

Well it is forecast for high winds and rain again this weekend, so more rough seas and spray. We went over to look at the Chesil Cove on Tuesday, talk about just blown in from the windy city,there are times when I am thankful I am not a size 10 (not often but sometimes) the wind fair took your breath away,but it was so exhilarating to see the sea and feel the spray. Sorry about poor quality of pics as I said it was wet raining and my glasses could have done with some wipers.
Such a shame an awful weekend is forecast as so many autumnal shows are on and if it is anything like Tuesday we will not be venturing far.
This damp weather is no good for the pain either. I think next time we visit Colleen I shall stay there (if it is not too hot).
Last time I told you Jack may not get his maths course for A level as he only had a B, all is well ,when he turned up on Monday he had an interview with head of Maths and he said his paper showed he was 1 point off an A so he would let him do it.
However after the homework he was given he is beginning to wonder what he is letting himself in for!! He had grandad helping him last night -hmmm -perhaps not having any lessons as such for a few months has made him rusty. Martin said some of it he has not done for almost 50 years!! I think they both had brain ache when they had finished. The college had given them papers to see how they would do not using calculators and I think they were A level type papers to see how they would react. We shall see later when he finishes today.
Alfie bear the littlest grandchild started on Monday just Mornings and afternoons next week. Full time after that. Everyone else children wise restarted with new teachers etc.
All happy at the moment.
It must be that time of the year again when Squirrel Nutkin comes searching for a little something to nibble. Here he is just outside the lounge window on his way to have a little snack of the sunflower hearts.

Need a magnifying glass to see him,he was just having a quick look at me.You can click on the pic to make it bigger and then he/she will be looking at you! However here is a closer view. If you click on this one you can see him holding on to the perch bar. I did try to get one of him hanging by his tail but could not get close enough.

Sorry if you are not a fan of these greys ,but he is just so sweeeet.
Enough I hear you say is there no stitching news this time, oh yes there is a finish ,but only a small one and some gorgeous stash (please have drool bowl handy lol)
Well finish first I think, this is for the NH christmas monthly ornie of which this is the first I hope to do this month. Not a tree ornie but could be if you wanted it
to be if you stitched it up at the bottom and made a hanging loop.

Prairie Schooler Christmas trees11 stitched over one on 28count linen.

Mansfield Park has now at last got its fancy border and the frog was visiting at the time of stitching , I now have a Fannys house to build. I hate building houses!

A little progress has been made on My Moms Garden and Sally and Colleen were there to witness the swearing and gnashing of teeth that accompanied the frog visit there too. I have undone the "DARN" darned tulips and will come back to them later!!
Have you seen Sallys new start the Pansy Roll its luverly.

I also have a little progress on the piece that I started back along when I asked if anyone knew what it was, with The witching season almost upon us I hope to have a finish to show soon.

Oops almost forgot that one, this was a design that was chosen to be stitched as part of the monthly challenge on Needlecraft Haven. It is a free design called Le Temps des Cerises by Le Chalet des Perelles.
Now my goodies .

I succumbed to this and if you like a bit of history and also some designs to stitch this may be a book you would like too.If you want a look at what is in it then go to Anitaslittlestitches blog and scroll down to Aug 23rd..
Meanwhile here is one page for you to see

At last I had my Loose Feathers too and hopefully I shall not have to wait too long until the next one.
Some threads from Vikki Clayton arrived to enable me to make a start on the Needlecharmer. Whenever !

Also to whet your appetite some peas in a pod etc in the new Mollie Makes magazine that came this week.

So a fairly productive week in more ways than one, we (the royal one) tidied an attic and found lurking in its depths these beauties but what to do with them .

Perhaps I could incorporate one into a giveaway at some point. They are boxes that contained different teas that came from Fortnum and Mason .
No I do not shop at F&M Chance would be a fine thing, a friend of ours used to be a buyer for Twinings Tea and from time to time a few boxes would be going begging.Well my dears thanks so much for coming over , I would offer you a cup of tea,but the boxes are empty,it would have to PG tips. Ok I will go put the kettle on, how many?
Thankyou for all the peeps that come and leave me a little note , its just so nice to know people enjoy reading these wafflings of mine, and also to be able to look back and see just what has been achieved in a year. I hope I will at some point have the go ahead to show you what I had and made for the summer exchange hope it will not be too long .
So bye for now and take great care of yourselves
Hugs n stuff
Barb

First of all the good news!

2011-08-29T15:50:00.009+01:00

Hello all this Bank Holiday Monday in the UK. I am hoping that those who have had to contend with "Irene" are keeping safe and not too much damage to property etc. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Well I promised you good news first, this is Our grandson Jacks exam results, we are very proud grandparents and can tell you he got 8 A's, 2B's, and 1A*. He is however wondering if he will have to resit the Maths B to be able to do the academic course he wants -He was so close too, his Maths tutor said he was 3 points off. I think if he did not have girl trouble that week maybe,just maybe ,it would have made a difference.
He has to go to the college on the 6th September to see if he can appeal and still do the course with Maths included. He will be doing Chemistry, Physics and Biology so fairly "strong" subjects.Hopefully the girl situation won't be an issue now.
Nevertheless he did good, despite him being very unhappy when he first started at that school and being bullied.
I am hoping he will be popping in soon as we do have a little cheque for him.

This post will hopefully not be as long as usual( I can almost hear you breathing a sigh of relief). I have finished a couple of small bits ,firstly a little something to go in the Button Box, This was a design by Danybrod and going through my charts I knew I had to stitch it for the "box".

It looks like a may have an order for another box as Sue ddil saw it yesterday and fell in love with it. Hinting! I have my buttons in an old Sainsburys bag in the cupboard. Did I fall for it? well we shall wait and see ,have to find the right design.
The GSand E came down yesterday (I think it was the roast rib of beef we had for dinner that did it lol) so 6 for dinner . Mum in law came too , it was really yummy ,after dinner they all went for a walk and on getting home they had home made scones jam and cream and cheese scones for tea. So they went homewards ready to go back to work full and content. They have just got back from 2 weeks in Turkey and were lovely and brown Ella spent most of her time in the water apparently.

Now talking of baking I also finished this , I loved it as soon as I saw it and it was one of those ,I HAVE TO STITCH THAT NOW!!!

This is LHN design and stitched on Sassys fabric over 2 which came hard. Finished with a Lindt Bunny Bell that Julie sent me.
That is all I have finished for you this time , I have been having a little trouble with my eyes and headaches. I did and will be stitching with Sally and Colleen at Colleens tonight , and I will show you progress made until today. Cause I have not done tonights yet !!!

I think I may stitch this as a gift for mil , I can stitch her 5 childrens initials on it. Especially as the little description of why the design is called My Moms Garden is so fitting to my MIL. I know strictly she is not "My" mum, but Martin cannot stitch and the sentiment is so apt. Would you like me to tell you what Tina of Shepherds Bush wrote.

"My Mother loved her garden very much. Many of my fondest memories are of her working tirelessly out in the garden nuturing and cherishing each bloom.But I believe that if you had asked her which were her most prized blossoms,she would have said-her children.As much as she loved her dirt and roses,I think we were the garden she tended best of all .I have often wondered how she raised 5 of us in such seeming good humour and appeared to enjoy every day of it.I have bowed to her many times during my years as a parent. This is for you Mom."

Martins Mum has been like a mum to me too, she is still so interested in all things related to family,she tends her garden most days and I think this little note sums her up perfectly so I shall put the initials of her 5 children and the sheep that features in it will be to her from me,a psuedo daughter. So I hope she likes it when it is done.

Last week we went out shopping for a friends birthday present and did a tour of the galleries around Weymouth and I did get her a present. Martin saw me gazing at this felt bowl , I was fondling the fleece type wool around the top. I was amazed when he said to the lady we will have this too. So it is now sitting on the table , I put some homespun Portland fleece wool in it and added a couple of My mums old knitting needles as I felt as if it needed "finishing ". I love it.

How Lucky am I (well he had bought himself a new laptop,that morning).
Well my dears I am now off to play leftovers for dinner in the kitchen , Ollie did well with leftovers yesterday too as we cooked way too much. Hope to have another finish to show you next time but what into I just do not know.
Take care all and thanks for the comments , I love them all and its good to know out there are such super duper people.
Hugs n stuff
Barb.

My magnificent man........

2011-08-21T16:32:00.024+01:00

and the flying machine!
Well folks last Sunday was up into the wide blue yonder for Martin.It was slightly overcast when we set off for North Devon for Martins experience trip in his Tiger Moth. Which was a retirement present from his bosses.
I won't bore you with loads of pics , but he is the one in the flying jacket. Ollie and I watched with trepidation from the car as they rose into the air and disappeared from view.
You can just about see him centre above the treeline.
45mins later I could hear an aircraft approaching and over the airfield .

They climbed to about 14OO feet, to be able to dive and loop the loop . Then the landing on Terra firma. He thoroughly enjoyed it , and unbeknown to him they had a camera mounted on the plane which takes a DVD of the whole thing.
After leaving we tootled on to Dartmoor which was quite a way and then Ollie had a walk and an icecream!

Well we all had an icecream as they are really good here. It is a have to when we come here. Also we had to have (or I did) a Dartmoor fix,can you guess what it was ?
We seek them here,we seek them there,they were in a hurry and I was not quick enough.

We had to stop in the road so they could go by and they were not going to stop for a photoshoot.

I think they then took pity on the sheepcrazed woman and let me take a pic.

Satisfied I agreed we could make our way home now ,and that was our day,it was a lovely day out once I had got him back safely to ground.
Anyway I expect you out there would like some stitchy news. I have stash ,oh I know I shouldn't but I did get his permission.
Do you want stash or pics first. Hmmmm , I think I will save the finish until last.
Well I did say I really wanted these new SB ones just so I can continue on a Monday with Sally and Colleen , I am expecting Sally to visit and Colleen if she can get a flight!! I started My Moms Garden(which I altered to My mums Garden), last Monday. Sally will be having a new start soon I am sure, as she is going great guns on her "Family",Sally gets so much accomplished so quickly we are all in awe. Colleen has had an accident and broken 3 ribs poor girl, she blamed it on Miss W ,no news about Miss Wrigley though,hope you did not fall on her! I reckon she had been at the wine bottle!!! Seriously get better soon Colleen. I think she is still managing to stitch though, no ribs needed Colleen in stitching ,just fingers lol.

Just visible is the start I made , the rest is the stash I had.
Also in the post this week were LHN baked goods ,which I need to do next I think.With it came the crows a plenty.

Still with me?
I also have been following Blissfullystitching blog, and Elizabeths progress. It is looking lovely and I thought as I have this chart, better get threads, especially since the amount goes down (if you did not know) from £18 TO £15 before paying duty,in November. Ridiculous isnt it.,that is if you are importing from the US.Anyway I ordered Vicci Claytons threads for this so another new start coming up.

This week I ordered the threads for the Needle Charmer. So I have all I need now famous last words.
My friend Michelle was offering this chart on her blog as she has stitched it , and lo an behold it was in the post this week.Thanks Michelle.

These are for another project I have in mind.I got them from The Patchwork Rabbit who is a lot cheaper for GAST ,WDW,and CC.
Ok of course an update on Mansfield Park by The Sampler Girl.

Now -ta-da!! The FINISH.

I finished this Blackbird Designs "Wild Lilies" and made it into a box top. The box was an old Twinings Tea Box, and I needed a box for my buttons. This is the inside.

The label on the lid reads Button Button who has the button.
So I am hope you enjoyed reading the weeks "doings",and hope you have a good week ahead too. Oh before I go- when I have left a comment on someones blog,I sometimes have an e mail saying new comment on whoevers blog-can someone tell me how to do it.In very simple terms please (I am a very simple person.)
So now thanks for the comments and hello to the new followers ,take care all and happy stitching
hugs n stuff
Barb

Pull up a chair,

2011-08-10T15:37:00.017+01:00

and come sit with me a while , I will regale you with snippets of news and stitching finishes and "I have some" that will hopefully make you want to stitch too , so many seem to be missing a mojo lately. Just perhaps ,perhaps perhaps.

I am firstly going to show you my "Little packet"that Angela (no blog) sent me. We are very taken with Miss Austen and you can imagine my delight when this arrived for me.

From time to time we send a little "Jane" item and I now have to think of the return gift. I was thrilled to have the little needlebook ,it is just so sweet. Now I know Angela will not mind as she asked if anyone would like one or two or three or maybe even 4 then she is selling them. Her email is john.sweby@btinternet.com and she will be delighted to hear from you .
The thread winder apparently came from the US and has taken a while to get here,so meantime Angela put needle to thread and stitched the sillouette of Jane .I have hung it above my Jane dresser.

So a big thankyou Angela .
I also received my Summer Exchange parcel but cannot show you that just yet.
Now on to the stitching I have done,as you may remember I had mentioned that Julie had a birthday this is the piece I stitched for her.

This was taken from The Honeysuckle Manor book by Blackbird Designs , I changed the colour of the GAST silk and the backing fabric which I cannot show you was a new line from Thread Bear.
Julie loved it and I am so pleased. Seymore sent Miss Rose shopping with me to find a little present for Julie Mum and she chose a guardian angel pin , as she had been made to shop, he had to write the card. If you do not know about" Seemore and his family" they are my little family of Julies knitted bunnies ,who keep me on my toes stitching wise. In fact Seemore has been so good at his job making sure I stick to my UFOs along with Mr Stick (thats another reason to get stitching) that I have this to show you ,Whoo hoo !!!

This is Autumn, you hadn't guessed had you lol. It is a design by Cross eyed Cricket ,I stitched it over one one Sassys 28count fabby. I now have to do the other 3 to do!!!!
Another finish that was a quick one but when I saw it I could see it finished for Hallowe'en ,PrimitiveDesigns by Jennifer Taylor-Goss. Her blog is simplegoodesstitchedbyjennifer.blogspot.com if you like Primitive then you will like her home and blog.
This is Shadows of a Thousand years.

Again stitched on Sassys fabric over one then tea dyed and splashed with coffee.You do not need to adjust your eyes ,the blanket stitch I made crooked on purpose .Honest.
You know I sal with Sally and Colleen (I think Colleen is still with us) and this week yep another!! finish this is Sophies Pincushion a SB design. I keep looking at the new ones they have just brought out , hinting heavily to other half here, I think I am talking to his left deaf ear !!

I will be sending the chart on to Sally.The wording reads She tended her garden of gladness and fears,nurtured with love watered with tears.

SO have I inspired you to get your needle out and stitch.
I had a phone call from a friend who I do not see as often as I would like , she said she had to drop her hubby at a Victorian Fort near us and would I like to go with her to the Dorset Art and Craft Exhibition. Of course I jumped at the chance, it was a choice between that or going to see Cars 2. Well ok what would you have chosen, so Martin drew the short straw .
I took a few pics but surreptiously, but no cross stitch as they didn't have much that I considered worth taking pics of.In fact I was told I should put mine in. Oh no , not one for doing that , I dont mind you ladies seeing my efforts but not sure of exhibiting.So this is a quilt done by a man and it was incredible.

Entitled have you guessed yet. "Thats the way to do it"

This little barn that was a woodsmans shed , of course when Seymore saw it , he whispered he may like to move in.

He could see himself pushing the wheelbarrow and the apron hanging on the door is just his size.In fact it would be just perfect for him to escape to.
Only one more and taken for Martin, I will let you into a little secret about 13 years ago (oh dear ) better get Mr Stick out Julie. Martin started a boat and it is still awaiting finishing. Anyway I just had to take this one to show him that it CAN be done dear.

This Sunday he is up up and away in the Tiger Moth flight ,so look for some pics next time.
Well my dearies , hope you will be able to see exchange photos next time. I shall leave you as I begun with dear Jane, my last weeks progress on Mansfield Park.

As it is Jane night over at Needlecraft Haven I am now off to stitch.
Take care all and thankyou once again for the comments love them all.
hugs n stuff
Barb

Sharing is good!!

2011-08-10T15:37:00.000+01:00

Time for an update

2011-07-28T11:58:00.022+01:00

Oh dear time gets away from me and before I realise it another week or weeks have gone by and I feel like the White rabbit in Alice , hurrying along I'm late ,I'm late!!
However I will getthis one more post in before the end of the month.
Well my friends how are you one and all, I am feeling tickety boo,(to go along with the clock and WR theme!
I have had Graeme and Ella visiting this week as they are camping nearby. We used to go camping a lot when they were young (oh no not now) and he has not lost his love of it. Kate was supposed to be going with her tribe too ,but they have all gone down with a tummy bug this week. So she has sign on her door to stay clear! Graeme and Ella have been walking a lot finding geocaches. Martin went with them to see H.Potter in the week, I think Ella was a littl unsure in places but the "boys" enjoyed it. I stayed home with Ollie. It has been so nice though having them close enough to come for lunch or dinner or just a pop in as they were passing. They went back to the camp site with Rock cakes and Ginger Fairings too, and brought the "empty"tin back before leaving to go home this morning. I don't expect we shall see them for a few weeks now , G & S have got a couple of busy weeks before going to Turkley for 2 weeks on hols. Oh well mustn't grumble I have had son and grand-daughter fix.
Ollies feet are still not a lot better and vet has upped his dosage of pills again, and added some more antibiotics. Now saying it this doesnt clear up he will have to go and see a skin specialist -which is quite a drive away! Oh my , hope it clears with the medication. Poor dog his feet are so sore.

Anyway enough of me dribbling on you need to see some pics don't you. Well by now you may have seen the lovely RAKS that Sally has been sending to all and sundry,what a sweetie she is. I had this from her and it fits nicely in the box she made, the fabric for the back matches too.

I have been so fortunate in getting these Sallys stitcheries , I think to receive a little something through the post ,totally unexpected it just the best, and this week I got another little package. Kate sent me these sheepie things she had been collecting from various places and she "made" the little Dolly Sheep ,which I have renamed Myrtle, thanks so much Kate for brightening my day. What is it with all my sheep having to have names , well it does help when you have to round up the flock. I am hoping Ollie will train to be a "sheepdog" .

Thankyou so much ladies ,whilst I am thanking (almost put thinking there) can I thank those that leave so many nice comments , I read them all and do like to see them. I often wonder when I read the ones on others blogs how on earth do you get so many to leave a few words.
Anyway digressing here, I have finished a few bits and bobs ,some I cannot show you, one is for Laineys summer exchange which will not get posted until Aug 12th so it will be a while, one is for a birthday lots of you know who that is for I expect.
Another is the monthly challenge piece over at NH ,Christine if you are reading this I ACTUALLY managed to stitch this one .
I can show you this one as although I haven't yet posted it over on NH ,I will be doing soon. It is the Christmas ornie challenge and I have only done 2 this year ,oh woe is me! it's that time thing again!! Will have to catch up . This is a Barbara Ana design from Creative Poppy.

Another finish to show you is French Heart which I have been stitching on a Monday evening with Sally and Colleen, these SB designs are so soft and delicate.
I finished it into another cushion backed it with pale pink spotted fabric. I do not have a lot of wall space left and this lend itself to a bed cushion maybe.

Of course having finished this one I had to start another only a twee one this time, this is Sophies pincushion. I do have an admission to make I am not sure I am using the right threads as I got them mixed up (thought I had lost them) with some others so taking pot luck!!

One more stitchy item but a way to go yet,, this is up to date progress on Mansfield Park by The Sampler Girl ,

I am pleased with how this is coming along albeit slowly. Julie is doing In the Meadow and it is just soooo pretty,if you pop along to Julies stitchyknitter journal, you can see it for yourself,I think it is last weeks blog post.
So many of those I want to do, and when I think I have caught up a little ,Tanya goes and brings out more, so what is a girl to do , Stitch girl Stitch!
Other half ordered some frit the other day and wow look at these colours. Frit is crushed glass to be used in fusing. He also made the little sailing scene ,frit is used for the sand.

This little hanging measures 3"x1.5"
I had a little play when Ella was here doing a fabric style pic , not brilliant but you get the idea.

Now I need you to close your eyes and inhale ,then open the eyes.

Could you get the full effect!! I do as they grow right by my back door and when the patio door is open oooohhh it is so fragrant.

Well my dears I think that time has come again to think of preparing the dinner, and decide what I want (need) to stitch on this evening a couple of ufos need an outing I think or Mr Stick will be after me.
So take care all -hope I have not bored you all to tears I know I do tend to ramble on.
See you next time , and hopefully I shall watch that clock a bit better and then I won't be late again.
Hugs n stuff
Barb

Are you sitting comfortably- it may be a long one.

2011-07-09T15:12:00.022+01:00

Well hello and welcome ,to a blustery day on the South Coast. I have some goodies to show you and the exchange I was taking part in and also bits and bobs too.
Where do I start - well who will come with me and run beside the sea!?

It will not be sand between your toes on this the "Chesil Beach", which stretches for 17miles from Portland (in the distance) to West Bay ,they do say you can tell where you are by the size of the pebbles ,going from Large at Portland to small at the other end. Why I am saying this,well this week I went to photograph the house where I grew up (almost the house where I was born) I spent my growing up years in this cottage and various relatives lived in the same street. This is on the Isle of Portland ,although it has a road joining it to Weymouth now, at one time it was only joined to the mainland by the Chesil Bank,that was before my time.
So here is the street I grew up in, looking from top to bottom.

It doesn't look very steep ,but believe me it is when you have to walk up it to get to Fortuneswell ,which used to be a quaint little shopping street but now has an air of neglect about it. There used to be a haberdashery shop at the top of our street, and the Misses Jarman served everyone with courtesy, and what a treasure trove this little shop was ,with wooden drawers holding the most delectable things for a needlewoman or even a little girl who wanted a printed cross stitch traycloth so she could do one like her mum.
Ah memories. In one street we had 2 haberdashers ,an ironmongers the infamous sweetie shop , fishmongers ,2 butchers greengrocers and lots of old fashioned shops.Jammy Read owned the toy shop ,I have not the faintest idea why he was called that. They all displayed goods for sale and for gazing at if you had not got any pocket money left from the week before.Not that I would have bought a fish (oh no) but hot roasted peanuts were a favourite.
Anyway we shall be here all day at this rate.
As you can see the sea is not far away but living on a slope we were pretty safe ,the people is Chiswell not being quite so, as before the sea wall was built the sea came over fairly regularly in the winter . I used to lie in my bed and be lulled to sleep by the sound of the pebbles being drawn back by the sea .Loved stormy nights but was always a little concerned the sea may come higher than the street below us. This is a picture of the cottage where I grew up taken this week. I do have one of me outside the front door when I am about 12 I think if I can find it I may let you see.

My bedroom window is just above the porch and I always had a fancy for climbing out in the night and having an adventure - too much Enid Blyton I think.

The building in the front of the picture I believe when the house was built was used for smoking fish, my dad used to keep his lobster pots etc in there it always smelt of tar and rope. I could quite easily live here again, in fact I said to Martin I would love to see inside and maybe do a house swap -you can imagine the answer to that one.

Anyway I shall share some more pics that we took that day later.
I expect you have had enough by now. So on to some stitchy pics. I took part in Laineys Teatime/Picnic exchange and I have been itching to show you the goodies I had from Teresa at Heartfelt stitches in the U.S.

Look at all these sweet little packages all with little quotes about tea and teatime on them. Have you espied him yet ? Look again if not and you will see the teeniest crocheted sheep on the envelope. Do you want to look inside - hee hee shall I keep you in suspenders!Oh all right then here we go prepare to be jealous !!

2 Little gold teaspoons,with tea pot on one and teacup and saucer on the other.
A little tea book full of snippets about tea.

An absolutely me notebook ,just loved the colours and the pic on the front. I have put all the tea comments in it.

A sweet little sheep for me to stitch.

A coaster for my tea cup.

Something for when hunger or just a chocolate fix strikes.

Certainly spoilt but the best is saved until last here was my stitched item, if you read this Teresa you must be thrilled to have made this ladies day.

The inside.

Even the little fob that Teresa has mailed me to say it was her first attempt at that ,has a little teapot on the end . I was absolutely dancing(WELL ALMOST) round the room. A very generous lady doing her first exchange and everything so perfect.She personalised it with my name on the back and a little cross stitched sheep. Thankyou so much Teresa.To Lainey who organises these exchanges a big thankyou to you too , just signed up for the next one ,if you fancy it too go along to Stitched with Love Exchanges.
How much more shall I tell you this time perhaps I will show you what I stitched for Vicki L in the U.S. I won't bore you with items sent just the stitched item hmmm.
This Lizzie Kate design I made into a wet wipes holder ,perfect I thought for wiping sticky fingers after a picnic cake.The back picture I left the wipes sticking out to show what it was,but they do fit in there nicely.

Oh ok I will give you peak at sent goodies.

Vicki loves cats so I sent her a Kelmscott needleminder with a cat on. A packet of 'posh'paper serviettes, a piece of Sassys fabby in dusk as she likes purple, some dinky dye threads in various colours, a hanger for her wall.
I am never sure if I send enough or if I do it right but I haven't had a complaint from Lainey yet, she vets what you are sending before it is sent ,or at least I think that is what she does lol.

Well my dears I think that is enough for today ,I have been managing to stitch a little but not a lot to show you. I would like to say Bless you all for your comments last time and for the healing thoughts, I am feeling better hope it continues to stay away for a while. Ollie still is limping very badly ,with everyone asking what is wrong when we take him out. I think he needs some canvas boots,but don't think he would keep them on.
I will try and catch up again soon , hope you have not been too bored by the memories - I can show you more if you like -in fact 2pics to share before I go ,again of Portland now going to be famous for its Sailing in the Olympics next year.

This is the arch under Rufus Castle leading to Church Ope Cove where smugglers used to bring in their ill gotten gains.Built in Henry 8ths reign to protect the bay.
Lastly a pic of the new part of Portland.

So bye for now , take good care of you and yours and I shall be back again very soon with updates.
Hugs n stuff
Barb.

Red roses from a blue lady

2011-06-26T13:51:00.013+01:00

Sorry, I know it's for a blue lady but thought I would change the title to a more apt one.

I am also sorry it has been a while since I last wrote and today it may be a gobbledegook as I am on my 'stupid' pills. The pain has kicked in big time and I sent Martin off to his archeology dig today feeling very much under the weather and he felt awful leaving me. Much talking to from dd, has me on the meds again ,which I admit to having dulled the pain a little. So here I am trying to spell and talk sense so if it all goes awry you will understand why.
At least I can sit and watch Wimbledon next week if it all gets too much. Hang it I shall watch it anyway lol!!!
Well I now have a other half at home (most of the time) he retired a couple of weeks ago . He is like a fish out of water poor thing and I think it will take a bit of adjusting to.

You may remember that we were off to the dogs for his leaving 'do' , I missed out as I went down with a tummy bug and really couldn't contemplate having to sit in a limo drinking Champagne with his bosses and their wives. Felt awful not supporting him ,but the children were waiting there for him when he got there, so he had some family there for him. He had a lovely night (apart from one incident which I will not go into here) one of the gifts they gave him, was an experience day ,he is torn between going for a flight in a Tiger Moth (his era !!! well almost) apparently they dress you like Biggles,THAT I would like to see. Or the other one he quite fancied was a balloon flight. So when it happens I shall hope to get pics so I can show you.
We drove up to Graemes last Sunday for fathers day dinner , we had a lovely day with them and in the afternoon we went for a walk along another part of the river. The afternoon was warm and birds were chirping away, don't know if they were swallows or swifts but they were darting about over the meadows. We had to cross like a suspension bridge, only not as big , but I hated the sensation of swaying over water with space between the planks. Graeme was hoping to find a Geocache or two and did, we walked quite a long way (for me) and when we got back to the bridge I thought I would not be able to climb the 2 high steps onto it. I shall show some pics if they don't frighten you too much . I am the short dumpy one!!! at the back and with Sue.

How did I dare show you that, I was in green not that awful colour of drab beige. Ella snaffled Ollie to walk and here they are Ollie not feeling too good, he looks an old dog now. We have had major problems with him this week due to a reaction with new meds at £230 a month these for his feet, and his epilesy pills ,we thought at one point we would be losing him as it caused him to have symptoms of an overdose . Even the vet was concerned and has been phoning us for updates. We had to stop the new ones and cut back on his normal ones. He is a lot better but still has muscle weakness and is not eating very well. Vet wants to try him on half dose of the new meds when he has recovered but I am a bit wary.His feet are so bad though ,what are we to do .

I did have a lovely present from Martin to mark His retirement and here she is.

I have named her Emily do you think it suits her. She looks rather pensive watching over my 'Mums'little patch.
Not much in the way of stitchy news as pain has been stopping me stitching, in fact the last 2 days I have done not one little x. Getting really frustrated. Anyway let me update you on the SB French Heart , hopefully if I can get my fingers to work for any length of time this may be finished in a couple of weeks.

You will have to excuse the rumpled look of the fabby as I didn't get to press it before taking photo for you.Click on it to see detail. Sally, hopefully I shall join you and Colleen tomorrow, it all depends on EB who is staying over as teachers have training days and G & S are working. Also depending on the wretched pills.
Another one is the TSG Mansfield Park that I am doing . This week I am hoping to get some sails on my boat then I shall sail away into the wide blue yonder.

A couple of Blackbird designs came this week and I have succumbed to ordering the new Loose feather designs that are being brought out . They look really pretty and I just could not resist ,also ordered Dandy Dreams as I think it may be good to stitch for grandchildren. So now have to watch those pennies.I was going through the stash the other day omg , just so much and I shall never have time to stitch it all.
These blogs and designers have a lot to answer for.

I mentioned Martin was off on a dig today ,they are digging a site on Portland and hoping it may be of Saxon origin, he is taking Ella tomorrow. Wonder what she will think of that? He took a little something to G&S last week, he did some glass fusion and made this.

I think they would like another 4 coasters.
Well dears I think I shall now have to go and get some medication or dd will be on my case and it is feeling as if I need another boost of the ditzy pills.So until next time ,when I hope to have more to show you,take great care of yourselves and yours
Hugs n stuff
Barb.x

Buzzy Buzzy Busy

2011-06-03T15:43:00.010+01:00

Bees are a buzzing in my garden, I love bees and have been a little concerned that there did not seem to be as many this year , I have changed my mind on that, as with the heat and various flowers coming into bloom we have loads.

Sorry the mallow looks so messy with the willow behind it but the bees love it and I did not have the heart to pull it up .
Anyway enough about the busy bees, this busy B has got some wips to show you , I have a finish but it is for an exchange at the end of the month so it will be a while until I can show you.

Before I show you the wips, I have been so fortunate to "meet" some lovely ladies through this blog and NH, and this week I had 2 little packages pop through my letter box. Oh talking of things popping through letter boxes, I am so sorry if you tried to leave me a comment on my last post,about Sallys wonderful box, silly blogger has been playing up, just hope it behaves itself this time. I have tried to leave comments on various blogs too with no luck . If you manage to leave one this time oh I would be such a happy B.

I know ,I know, get on with it Barb, here is my first parcel

This was a little scissor fob ,well that is how I am using it. and oh ELISA how you knew I liked Sheep I really do not know lol. I have attached them to my Sajou scissors and it looks really good.I also had the Tailor of Gloucester card too, I like Beatrix Potter animals and Iknew when I opened it that it came from Elisa. OK i knew anyway because her name and addy was on the package ,but I think she uses the TOG as a little 'her mark'. Also in the package was some sheepie fabric and a bar of yummy chocolate, I took pic before I ate choc,which is slightly obvious as I couldnt after could I dur!!!

So how about that, Elisa said it was a little something for me as I had sent her a Rak she was delighted with, I love it this and as I use my scissors every day I shall be reminded of her.
So thankyou number one. Thankyou number 2 came this morning, a lady I met over at Stitch and Stash before we went over to Needlecraft Haven, this is from Barbara,who has not got a blog but we keep in touch every now and then and she saw this thought of me (you ladies you know me too well) and send it me.

Isn't he twee, I have not seen these sheepies so tiny so he has joined the flock and I have named him Eric. Why Eric well he just looked like an Eric! I know Barbara reads this so thankyou once again my friend and he is now part of the fold.
So am I the lucky one or what.
Ok now onwards to the wips I have to show you,although may I ask do any of you get problems with your arm joints (I am right handed ) so more pain in right wrist than left and now I have started with pain in my left inside elbow, do you know what I mean, I know the elbow is on the outside!! I have suffered tennis elbow in that arm in the past but this is on the inside and seems to be after I have been stitching of an evening . Probably holding it too tight or bad posture I guess.
I digress!!!!
Wips.

This is last week Wednesday night and this weeks progress on Mansfield Park ,another TSG Jane Austen piece. Will be pleased when the alphabet and numericals are done. I would like to know what happened to J and U though.

Now is my new start on Monday with Sally and Colleen , it does not look much but it is so pretty and I love the special stitches they put in. This is the top left hand corner.It is a kit from Shepherds Bush as it is our SAL with SB and is called French Heart.

Arent the colours so soft and Icecreamy,just yummy.
Pics are clickable for you to look closer , just don't look too close though as I had not done the weekly dust lol.
Then and I hope to get brownie points for this as T is almost finished , U start next week.

Just got more leaves to attach to more branches .I think Julie and Mr Stick will be impressed as I am now 2 letters off finishing this ufo. I really do not know why it has taken me so long as I love it. Perhaps because it is over one hmmmm don't know.
Just started is this RAK that I had from Jane ,Tilly and Oscar it is Lavender Hill by LHN ,not a lot done yet though.

So that is my stitchy news for now.
Family news is Ella went for her first Guide Camp this week and loved it but has got Wellie rash. She has a birthday next week she will be 11 and this weekend Sue and Graeme have booked into an upmarket camp site near them with swimming pool etc, for her party with a few of her friends for 2 nights . Rather them than me.it is quite warm though.
Sam went off to Cub Camp yesterday , he has not been away from home before only here for sleepovers. So wonder what he will think of the limited Sanitation !!
This Sunday is Martins 66th birthday, he will not thank me for mentioning that!! He has lots of glassy making things to open so I may have more bits for you to see next time. Then next Friday yipee the BIG day arrives and he retires (for good,we will see, I am not holding my breath here) I think he may be called on from time to time.
We are apparently going to the dogs, (ok I know what you are thinking) next Friday evening for a meal (hope its not dog) and then the dogs as a leaving do . This will be a first for us both, we are being collected in a stretch limo Oh my goodness !along with the 2 bosses and their wives ,the workers are coming in a mini bus. I think it will be a mixed reaction with Martin as when you have worked all your life since leaving school it will be hard not going back to work .
Well my friends I am now off to get dinner for the worker and this weekend we may get some work done on the garden .The Royal 'we' you understand.
Ollie is well by the way as I have not mentioned the hairy one of the family.
I will leave you with a pic of a busy in the Thrift.

Take care all and BEE busy stitching. Take care
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

All by myself- for you to see

2011-05-28T12:00:00.006+01:00

Well I think this deserves a post all to itself. I had a package from Dear Sally this morning, I had sent her another SB kit (well got to keep her busy) lol. Anyway this morning," as a thankyou", she said and for our friendship, she sent me this.
Gulping here!!

I could not believe my eyes when I saw this gorgeous box that Sally had painted and then mounted her beautiful stitching on. Upon opening, it was not all ,inside was the little cushion that matched it. I know it is out of the Stitchers Journey book and thought you may like to see it against the original.

Isn't it just perfect,Sally knows my tastes so well,and I have a little Sallys basket with all the little gifties she has sent me since knowing her which sits at my bedside. This will not go in there it will sit beside the stitching chair. I know you would like to see inside so here you go,

I am just blown away by this (can you tell) and would like to say a big THANKYOU Sally, you are the best!!
I did try and take a closer one so on that note ,I will be back in a few days with an update.Just had to post this though.

Take care all and hugs n stuff from me
Barb

All along the backwater among the rushes tall,

2011-05-20T14:39:00.020+01:00

Ducks are a dabbling ,up tails all.

This was taken last weekend ,we went to Graemes at Wimborne and had a walk with Ollie down by the river. As well as the speedy ducks, gliding along all serene was this
and following a discreet distance behind (no not Ollie although he desperately wanted to join them) was her mate.

Anyway my little swanducks how are you all, I have to say I am a lot better this week, apart from the back which I will not go into here ,just saying I am sitting here with a bottle(not gin) tucked firmly on it and not moving a lot.
Thankyou all so much for my welcome back comments, was I gone that long ! Hope your weekend is as good as ours last weekend. We spent Saturday with Graeme Sue and Ella as I said earlier. Graeme cooked a 30minute recipe from Jamie Olivers book and it was so yummy. I did try and get a pic for you but got his hand instead and when it was dished up we were so intent an just eating it I forgot. Here is the scrummy chicken dish complete with Graemes hand.

Then on Sunday ,Martin and I spent all day in the kitchen cooking for Kate and her family and mil. Phew at the end but it was nice.
It is a bit of a birdy theme post this time, as we started with water birds, how about another one-

Just had to take a few of him - I think he has a split personality he thinks he is a garden bird.

I think the birds are desperate for water ,apart from the ducks etc of course, and so is our garden ,the front needs sorting so don't look too close. Another visitor in for a drink with the sun showing all his wonderful colours in his feathers was Mr Magpie.

continuing with my birdie theme I visited Christines blog ,Alchemey Stitchcraft and she had a mention and pics of some fabulous fabric she had ordered. So as you do, I went and had a look at Fabric Inspirations website and WOW!!! HAVE they got some fabulous designs. I only succumbed to 2 one of which I cannot show as it is for an exchange piece. However I can show you this

What do you think ,isnt it gorgeous , I can see some cushions in that and even Martin liked it. I may even have to think redecorating around this just love the colours- so Christine thanks for the link ,will let you know if Martin thanks you too when I show him the paintbrush .
I have had a little stash too this week ,one I cannot show that exchange again, but I ordered this yesterday and got it this morning and it had only arrived in the shop at 3 yesterday afternoon. This was from Chris at The Nimble Thimble she is so brilliant for SB designs.

Now do I do one of these or French Heart for the SB sal with Sally and Colleen , think it will be French Heart first,so that is next Monday sorted. Speaking of Shepherds Bush and the Sal this week saw yet another happy dance (wonder if that is how I did the back ,just too much dancing !)with Sophies Roses ,will show you front and back.

As I have lost my tame framer and am running out of wall space I thought another little cushion was in order.
As well as the SB sal ,I am also doing a sal with Jane Austen and The Sampler Girl designs over at Needlecraft Haven as many of you know and this week I finished my other bedpost design a TSG design but changed the colours. This is the letter from Darcy to Elizabeth.

What do you think?
I am not the only one who has been busy Martin has been busy with his glass fusion, and I am delighted with these two that he finished, first a votive holder for a lovely lavender /lemon yankee candle, it stands about 3 inches tall.

I hope to have more to show you of his work when he retires -if you want to see- but the other one he did was this little dish .The dragonflies are copper sheet punched out with a dragonfly punch . Brass sheet and little wire coil.All sandwiched in between 2 sheets of glass and fired in his kiln.

I think that is all my news for now, so I will wish you all a very good weekend, we are hoping to get in the garden this weekend ,and so I shall end with a pic of our Rhodendron that is not going to last too much longer.

Take care all and we will talk again soon. Please leave me a comment I do like seeing who is reading this waffle!
Hugs n stuff
Barb

Did you miss me?

2011-05-09T16:02:00.002+01:00

I am sorry I have not been about for a while, and thanks for the Big hug Julie I can tell you it has been needed. I am not sure what is going on as the hands and wrists have been so painful just wish they could make up there mind if its RA or not. However the main reason for the quiet period is due to hands not much stitching has been done so not a great deal to show you. Also,feeling sorry for myself here ,I have had the lurgy back scratchy throat cold cough (again!!) so not felt much like doing anything, HOWEVER now I am back and feeling much better now the cold thing has gone and I have been forced to stay away from doing much .So I have been perusing your blogs and havent you all been busy. Sally has been as prolific as usual and I hear I may have to get the clogs out for a happy dance, well got to make a noise havent you when dancing. lol.Tonight is a visit to hers for tea with Colleen, who has found her sheep and now has to stop them escaping by stitching a shepherdess.
I did get some done on Sophie and hope to get another border finished tonight. Here is progress so far girls, I think French Heart is next on the SB list.

Really loving this one . Not sure if it will be a framed or pillow finish. What do you think ?
I have 2 finishes to show you one is a companion piece to A spot of Spring which I showed you last time ,this is a Spot of Summer .

As I did not have a sun charm suitable I found this Sunflower in my box of many things and it seems to go. I also put the ribbon again around the design as I did with spring as I need them to go next or at least close to each other. I found some fabby too that went well for the back.

I bought this for a backing for Daisy Cottage a design from LHN ,or it may be Country Cottage one of them anyway ,I still have it to do ho hum so much to do.
I bought a new magazine or should I say Martin bought it for me when I was not up to much, called Simply Homemade, I am impressed as I am knitting a scarf from it, and Martin has made a fused glass piece from it. How many times have I bought magazines and not done anything from them ,for us both to get something out of the same mag well I think that is a result.

Progress so far.
Martin has been playing with glass and he fired up the kiln to fuse some glass to make a plate. This is the design before it went in the kiln.

It took hours to 'cook' but disaster when he opened the lid it had cracked which turned into broke as he picked it up. Such a shame as it was really pretty. This week he had a go at a fused candle holder but cannot take pic of that until he makes the base.
I know its not stitchy but it is crafty and thought you may like a look at our other stuff. I have got another stitchy finish to show you which is A Sampler Girl freebie, this I have been doing with my Wednesday night girls . I think I told you I was doing something for the 'bedpost' and this is it.

I did this on 28count fabby over one with Dmc threads. What do you think , I think it looks so pretty hanging there. Won't tell you what the other half said about the second line , I will leave it to your imagination!
So that is my two little finishes ,I know have to decide which SG I am starting this Wednesday.
Post before last I think I asked if you knew what design I had started ,got the crystal ball out, here is another update are you any the wiser?

We have had terrific thunderstorms here in Dorset over the weekend we even featured in The Daily Telegraph today with a lightning strike taken over the Chesil Beach .
My dear Martin bought me this when he bought his paper today ,oooohhh Colin Firth shall be watching this soon.

Our daughter Kate (Catherine) she was there first lol. has a birthday tomorrow, she had the big one last year, so we will probably go out for lunch and see what I can treat her to as a pressie.
Jack had his prom last Friday ,he phoned me to say he was on his way to pick up Camilla (the ex) he sounded so happy, I was a very choked up Nanny here I can tell you. He had a wonderful time and then they had a after prom party that went on until the small hours. He said he had a slight hangover the next day,he is not used to drinking unlike some of the youngsters these days.
Anyway that is all my news for now so I hope I can get some stitching done quickly, so it is not such long a wait for you.
I have an exchange piece to stitch so don't hold your breath , this is being run by Lainey and as I enjoyed the last one so much I thought I would do it again. I think I have chosen a design for a finish that will take a while , and I cannot show it so I may be a while!!!
Take care all and keep well.
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

t

All is revealed and a happy dance

2011-04-19T15:27:00.025+01:00

Hello to you all on another beautiful day. The sun is shining and guess what?
No I am not repeating last times post- have you noticed the difference yes Lucky has found her hat, she is wearing it at a jaunty angle and is so pleased that I found the safe place I was hiding it in. Not in the bin after all.
Oh I have so much to tell and show you this time are you sitting comfortably ,then we will begin.
You remember Colleen was my exchange partner for Laineys spring/easter exchange, and I could not show it you until I was given permission. Well Sgt Lainey said this afternoon that we could show it anytime now. Now !! so here is what was in the parcel.

Lambs Egg by Shepherds Bush.Lovely little sheepies, I love the ribbon on the top , it is beautifully stitched and just so me. Are you jealous ,hee hee. Along with the dear egg were these goodies.

A notepad, 2 cards of silk which I shall stitch sheep with i think (well what else).
Then a sachet of Lavender, and a pillow top for me to stitch which I already have ideas for. Thankyou so much Colleen ,I am delighted with it all and I love my Lambs Egg. Wonder if it will hatch me a lamb, I digress.

I will show you later the goodies I sent to Colleen. I was thrilled when she was chosen as my partner. Talking of Colleen and SB last night her and Sally travelled here to Sal with me. I have progress on Sophie and her roses but not as much as I would have liked , just a bit weary ,but more of that later.

I am loving this one and I think I may have to get Peter in his patch to go with her.
Not just yet though , sigh , trying to be good. It is a trial though. I did have to send for Rosies threads and whilst there I saw Julia Flynns diary and had to get that (you know why don't you).Also threads for In the meadow and Cobwebs and Crows by Prairie Schooler.

Maybe something to do with the white creatures in the foreground.lol.
Serious sheep addiction here. Has anyone in the UK watched the Dales programme that is currently being shown,I am in heaven oh sheep and the one that looks as if it has dreadlocks. Last night a lady started by rescuing 4 sheep from slaughter and now has 600 rescued sheep. she spins their wool and makes it into clothing. Martin sitting in his comfy chair without lifting his head said,Don't go getting any ideas!!
Awww spoilsport. Ollie would like to become a sheep dog I am sure.

Sorry off on a tangent again here. Ohh I see a link there , at the weekend we had all the family over -want to see- well its my blog and I want to see so here is the tribe , but first of all the link with Ollie.

Sam grandson with said Ollie. Sam absolutley adores Ollie , now is the feeling mutual or is he just being nice to Sam.
We had a shock as Caitlin arrived in a "dress"

Having 3 brothers we usually see her in trousers. We think she is a lovely girl,but then we are a tiny bit biased. I did not realise grandads knees were in the way.
Alfie was playing hard to get and did not want his photo taken.

I snook this one when he was not looking, but Kate will not be amused if she saw this.
Then there is the Son in law and Mil ,not saying too much here.

But for almost 86 she is not doing badly.
Then the rest of the family arrived and here are Graeme Sue and Kate.

Graeme was sitting behind the chair so no one could stand on his foot, he has joined Jack in the ingrowing toenail brigade. Speaking of whom no picture of Jack , he was off somewhere in the garden, did get the last one ,phew I can hear you all saying,
of the two girlies Ella and Caitlin.

So that is the tribe minus one. We had 12 for dinner and in our dining room it is a bit of a squeeze,but we managed and as well as the roast I did 4 (yes you read that right 4)puddings and all went. That was our Easter dinner get together as G & K are working next weekend.Phew!! So now you know why I was so weary yesterday.
Lovely to see them but oh the peace when they had gone.
Are you still with me, well done gold stars all round.

As you know I have been working in the kitchen in more ways than one, the JA or TSG design Sal is still having people coming along on a Wednesday night, it is over on Needlecraft Haven if you want to join us ,you would be more than welcome. Anyway without more ado drum roll please ...........

Tomorrow will see another new start of one of Tanyas designs.I was hoping to get this framed before showing you, but as I cannot get a pic for the girls at NH for last weeks progress to post on the forum I thought I had better put it here for them to see I have not been asleep in the comfy chair.
So we are back to happy dancing ,wonder if anyone has their shoes on. Here comes another one.

This was a Drawn Thread design a scissor fob as a RAK for Jacqui ,I also sent her a notebook organiser and some backing fabby .
Not finished yet . I finished this ,this morning another Drawn Thread design "A spot of spring " this chart was gifted to me by dear Sally, I did not do the hemstitching called for ,I had mislaid the instructions ,which by the way I have since found dur.
I withdrew some threads and put some ribbons through.

I expect by now you will all gone off yawning and saying too long ,too long. I do hope not as I love to get your comments .
I only have My gifties to Colleen to show you and then I am done .
I hope you all approve of the things I sent her as I have not done that many exchanges so never too sure if I am doing it right.Anyway this was it,it is now in sunny Florida and Colleen is delighted.

This was a kit from Shepherds Bush called Softly Spring ,I really enjoyed stitching this one just so sweet and delicate.
So my little fruitbats, time has come to say goodbye for this time, you may breath a sigh of relief now . I will try to make it shorter next time , once I start I do not know when to stop .
So take care all
Hugs n stuff
Barb.

The long and winding road

2011-04-12T14:31:00.021+01:00

Or at least it seemed like it on the way back. It has been so beautiful weatherwise here in the South of the UK, and Ollie persuaded me to do the long walk (well for me anyway) so off we set.

Half way down the road there is a farm track,through the fields but unfortunately no footpath.So onward.

Ah a signpost ,but I do not think I could even attempt the coastal path ,so after looking at the signpost

I came to a field so Ollie and I spoke to the horses,before walking ,oh so slowly home.

There were 2 other horses but as Ollie was getting impatient we just waved at them and left lol.
On my way home I took this ,my mum used to say the cold weather has not finished until the hawthorn has finished blooming. Oh dear will I have to get the thermal vest out again.

Just so pretty though,we arrived home an hour or so later , oh dear did I know it and Ollie just slept ready to go out again in the evening along the Fleet.
However you have come for stitchy news haven't you and boy do I have some - Last Friday I heard the post come through the letterbox, would there be anything for me, a pink envelope caught my eye and some well known writing.
Bless you Julie, my dear friend Julie had sent me a little something(it may be little but oh I know how much work goes into these tiny littles and it is so perfect) she knew I would love ,and here it is.Sorry about the photography .http://juliesstitchingjournal.blogspot.com/
Julie has a better pic on her blog.

I sent Julie a kit I knew I would find a struggle to finish being a biggie, so she kindly sent me a thankyou ,no need ,but a lovely thing to do. Over one on 28 count Lugana and a Prairie Schooler design , Oh Julie I love it and already it has been used so much.Also were a bundle of Vicki Clayton threads oooohh nice. Thankyou Julie..
I also received from another friendly person-aren't stitchers the best, a couple of charts from Sally who kindly sent me the Autumn Spot and Winter Spot from The Drawn Thread. These were to go with the Spring and Summer spots that she passed on to me after stitching them ,last weekend I started Spring -thankyou so much Sally its so delicate. Will keep you updated on progress.
Below that is another new start, does anyone know what design it is? I will add a little each week .HEE HEE!

I also finished a little Rak for Jane who has a blog here
http://buttonsstitches.blogspot.com/
This is the one I forgot to take a pic of.There is one on Janes blog though ,and you will also meet Tilly and Oscar . It is an i-stitch design on 40 count fabby ,which was a first for me.
I don't know if the links to the blogs work but they are in my side bar so you can get to them that way.
I hope you are still with me, I tend to be rambling on a bit this time. I have some progress on In the Kitchen with Jane thought I had better show you this before the girls meet tomorrow night, look at those rosy red apples, I admit to changing the apple word to green instead of red as I thought cooking apples are usually green.

Talking of apples,here is some that will be in a pie later in the year

Some apple blossom on our Bramley apple tree.
Oh the weather has been so kind to our tree peonies ,this one looks like tissue paper and is the first time it has flowered ,the other one is not so far advanced as it does not get the sun so much.

Do you need some more flowers?

This is blooming in the wild part of the garden.These narcissus are almost over ,but they still smell divine,

On Sunday when Mil came over for lunch she took a bunch home as she loves the scent. She arrived clutching these sweet little tulips-15years ago her and dad went to the tulip fields in Holland and brought these bulbs back . I think they were bigger than this originally but aren't they sweet.

Someone else has a little posy, last night was SB salwith Sally and Colleen and we now have a dressed Sophie with a posy, next week I shall start the border ,wasn't sure about the yellow hat but I think it will probably come good.
Here she is just saying hello.

Talking of Colleen , this morning I had this from her in Florida,oooohhh now I wonder what is in here.

I was Colleens exchange partner on Laineys Easter Springtime exchange , I am not sure if I have to wait until Easter to open it, have asked Lainey and Colleen. Just so tempting and now you are wondering too aren't you ,well why not share the suspense. I will let you see when I can.
So now you are all wondering when ever this is going to finish I had better end with a thankful note for all your lovely comments 16 this time ,I also see I have just gone over the 100 followers so maybe a little giveaway may be in order in a few weeks time after Easter maybe.
So I shall ask for you to forget me not -with these little friendly faces
the garden is full of them -shades of blue!

Thanks for visiting and coming on my ramble with me. Take care and keep stitching.
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

It is a Spring Wednesday and the sun has his hat on.

2011-04-06T13:52:00.010+01:00

Unlike Lucky who cannot find her hat anywhere. I think she must have dropped it in the bit bin I keep by the stitchy chair and it got put out with the rubbish. I have almost lost my Sajou scissors in there . I had to empty the outside bin to find them before that got emptied. So Lucky is hatless.
What a beautiful spring day it is, I have been into Weymouth and took advantage of pre season quietness. Soon it will be bustling again and not a square inch of sand to be had. Not that I am one for the beach ,in days past maybe ,but not now. Sand sandwiches etc oooohhh no. However I have a finish to share with you , I did this from the Blackbird Designs Stitchers Journey ,over 1 on Sassys fabric . I did alter the lighthouse to red stripes, but was pleased with the result. Then what to do with it , oh well I found this hessian bag that I got for £1 and thought I would do a seasidey themed bag. I did not realise how hard this was to stitch on to and thought I had it straight. I should not think !I am not good at it. It is not straight , I do not do straight! when will I ever learn, I am going to do crooked sea designs on it , so it looks as if it was on purpose !!lol. I really ought to unpick it and do it again but........

I also had another couple of finishes which I cannot show you, as I bought some jiffy envelopes today and wrapped said finishes and put them in envelopes ,before I had taken pics, DUR!!! I think the senior moments have become a little on the longer side , I am hoping the recipients will post pics for me.

Last weekend was Mothering Sunday,my mum always called it this, not Mothers Day and I stick to the tradition. My dear Son Graeme was in Jersey with his in -laws who were celebrating their golden wedding and his mil 70th birthday. If you remember she had a massive stroke last year , so it was another hurdle for her. She is progressing well.Anyway Graeme came down and left me a parcel as he would not be here.He did phone when he was in the shop and asked if i would rather have something for the garden or a sheep, Just no contest,was there?!!!! He did phone me on the day as well which was nice . You are all waiting to see what was in the parcel aren't you . Well here she is ,this is "Dorothy".

Dorothy is the 'mummy' sheep with the sheep jumper on. I was thrilled of course. This little window is right by my stitchy chair in the lounge, please excuse view from window it is the neighbours garden.
I did not see Kate either as she was working and did not finish in time to get over. I did see her the day before instead though and this is my pressie from her.

A little something for me to admire on the step by the back door.
I cannot visit my mum as she is an angel mum, or her grave as she is too far away. So on Saturday I planted up (her girl ) as I call her with some pansies for thoughts.

Martin was busy mowing and pruning at the weekend, when he wasn't getting in a two and eight with the portable greenhouse that he bought. It was a bit too portable when the wind blew. He has now fixed it!!
On Monday I did my SB night with Sally and Colleen , and I started Sophies Roses, again it is in the very delicate shades that SB are so famous for. I am not sure how well it shows up on the fabric for you but here is a glimpse of the dressing of Sophie.Hope Colleen gets her memory fixed soon she is being missed.

I finished my 11th book of the year yesterday, I seemed to have slowed down with my reading.
Before I post my last pic , I must just thankyou for the comments you continue to leave in my little post box, I do appreciate them all and you are so kind about my ramblings.
Well last pic coming up,the ladys that join me over at NH on a Wednesday night (that IS tonight girls, here is my progress In the Kitchen with Jane.

Take care you all, and watch those stitchy fingers if you are in the garden playing with mud it plays havoc.
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

Sunny Sunday

2011-03-20T12:09:00.014Z

All at once I saw a host, a crowd of golden daffodils:
Hello all of you out there in the land of blogging, it is a beautiful day here in the South of England ,birds are singing , and you get the feeling spring has sprung.
Today we visited the garden centre to get a couple of new roses (Anniversary present from the MIL). Whilst there I couldn't resist grabbing the camera, the smell of these was divine and I brought a couple home ,just for the smell.

This is the time of year for new beginings and that is what I will be showing you -my new beginnings this week.

This is my new start last Monday with Sally and Colleen, thankyou all by the way for your comments on The Journey , I have it wrapped up awaiting what to do with it. Perhaps I will just bring it out when we have a guest for their room. Anyway this is Lucky the Shepherds bush kit I received for my birthday from Colleen, I just could not face a really large one, he/she is just so sweet and well sheepie. Thankyou Sally and Colleen for allowing me to continue my Journey with Lucky and you.

The next one was my TSG and Jane new start on a Wednesday night over on Needlecraft Haven ,this time I am in the kitchen with Jane. It is a quote taken from one of Janes letters to Cassandra and I am loving the colours.

I have had this kitted up for some time and it called to me from the evergrowing pile that it really needed to be next!Of course when Tanya informed us she was having a TSG sale this week ,I REALLY should not admit to this but just couldn't resist getting these on pdf. I can blame the friendship one on one of the Ladies on NH SAL as she is stitching it-also it has a white furry creature on it lol.

The next one , oh I know you are all shouting 3 new starts this week! but I HAD to stitch this one as it spoke to me as soon as I saw it in my new Stitchers Journey book from Blackbird Designs. Lots of lovely designs in it but thought one start from there would be enough!!

It is being stitched over one on Sassys Fabric and I am adapting the 'special stitches'. I did start it as the chart but decided it would be too big so hope it will still do the design justice.
So there are my 3 new starts - cannot count either as there is another sitting beside me and I cannot say what it is or show you as it is a giftie .
This week Martin and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary, just to say the romance is still there .

On that day it was also Red Nose Day for Comic Relief and to do something funny for money Caitlin our grandaughter decided she would sit in the sea. BRRRRR it was a foul day on Friday and quite cold but the sea was just a tad cold. Just to prove she did it-

Did that make you feel chilly-I think she did too. She raised £70 so she did well.

Martin also had a finish this week he made me a kite for my window.

My thanks go to all of you who continue to leave me comments , I must learn how to send you an answer via your comment post. Life is a steep learning curve for me these days lol.
Well I am not writing reams this time, I do love reading what you think of my little offerings though and I have one more to go to get to the century in my followers.
So I shall leave you with another springy pic and wish you a happy and sunny stitchy week.

Hugs n stuff
Barb x

200 years

2011-03-14T10:34:00.012Z

In 1811 Jane Austen wrote Sense and Sensibility -which was then designed by Tanya of the Sampler Girl into this piece- that has been finished by me and now has to be framed.
Tracey gifted me the chart and thankyou so much as I loved stitching it. The years are 1811 and stitched date 2011 exactly 200 years. I have a Sampler Girl thing and love her designs ,so on Needlecraft Haven I have a Wednesday SAL night devoted to Jane Austen and or The Sampler Girl designs. If you want to join us you would be more than welcome.
I have had my 2 new charts come and for now I am calling it a day until I catch up on some of the ones I have. It will be buying threads now I expect ! Well that is the plan anyway.lol

I just had to give in to these as they have sheepies on.

Well I have not a lot of news to tell you ,but we did go to our friends 60th party on Saturday held at an upmarket hotel in Poole.On our way there I espied some little baa lambsies in the fields but we were on a dual carriageway and we couldn't stop for a picture so that is why you have not got a sheep pic to drool over lol. I did take some piccies of the outside of the Hotel, you may even get a glimpse of me ,which in itself is a rare event.
Here is the outside of the hotel.

The Hotel overlooks Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, an affulent place on the South Coast with homes here fetching millions of pounds.
Apparently twice a day the ferry to France goes by the Hotel and Celia said it almost looks as if the ship is coming into your room it seems so close.
Well this is just a little catch up as I said not much news.
I am stitching (hopefully) grandchildren allowing ,on the SAL with Colleen and Sally. I think we have decided to have a week at home this week on account of me having to take 4 grandchildren with me. So is it to be The Earth Gatherers or Lucky hmmm still have not decided.
This is where I have got to on Autumn ,N almost finished.

Last -shall I post this - well I did tell you I was pooh bear shaped !!!

Left to right Martin love of my life,Celia our friend who is 60 today and you would not think she is defying the specialists by being alive ,her daughter is the "girl" at 33 who has just had a heart attack, Norman her hubby and last but not least the me on the right. I am so sorry to inflict that on you! I was in pain there and having a problem standing upright and no it was not the alchohol.
On that note I shall leave you and after the shock of actually showing you a photo of me I will probably be away a while lol.
Take care you all and I will if I may join with you in saying a prayer for all those in Japan, it is unimaginable what they must be having to deal with and I really feel for them. An overwhelming disaster on such a tremendous scale in more ways than one.
Nature can be so cruel.
Bye for now
hugs n stuff
Barb.

Have you got your dancing shoes with you

2011-03-09T14:55:00.021Z

Well hello on a fine spring day and doesn't it make you feel sunshiney inside and out. I had a wander down the garden this morning the Hazel has catkins on about 3" long ,I have 2 contorted ones and was tempted to cut a twig or two but Martin is not a lover of the pollen they are full of.So instead I took a pic of the camillia.

Anyway the title was have you got your dancing shoes ,you may dance along with me because here are the finishes I have to show you, as you know I have been stitching with Sally and Colleen my Journey with Shepherds Bush,and this week I am happy dancing. In fact the girls and I danced so hard on Monday,I have had to have the feet up all day yesterday. Mind you the soothing lavender had me nodding off. As you can see I have finished it into a lavender pillow(can you smell it).

I am not sure what will be next as I had a birthday present from Colleen and this is what she sent .
So do I stitch "Lucky" or do I do a biggie hmmmm decisions.
I also had a gift for Janes birthday that I had stitched, it is a Blue Ribbon design and I also filled this with lavender ,got a thing about lavender. Do you like lavender may I ask.I also sent her a Fobbles gift voucher so I am looking forward to seeing what she is going to choose.

Talking of birthdays - Jane did send me a gift voucher from Mary Kathryns Handicrafts and I chose these, and on Janes birthday! they arrived here ,thankyou so much Jane I got these for my birdie wall.

As most of you have seen Julies blog, and the baby box I sent for Amy and baby, well I popped into Weymouth this morning to meet my friend Jean and when I got back I saw propped up on the doorstep a long green box. Inside were these:-

12 pink carnations ,gyp and fern. Such a sweet thought and totally unexpected. Thankyou Amy they are beautiful and you really shouldnt have done that. You need your pennies for the pink!!!!
I also had another suprise this week (goodness me) this came from Hazel (quietly stitching) ,bet you cannot guesswhat it is .it begins with an S , and here it is.

I had a bit of a deciding moment! should I put my crocheted sheep on my scissors or keys ,as you can see the scissors won. I did wonder if Hazel had been busy with her hook, but she mentioned in her note that she saw it and had to get it for me. I do not know what I have done to deserve such generous and sweet friends from the stitching blogging world ,but I am so touched when an unexpected comes in the post.

These next few goodies were ordered by me, and ohhh I also have another couple coming (bad girl ,bad girl) The Stitchers Journey book from Blackbird designs ordered from Down Sunshine Lane -Amy is brilliant. Just have to stitch this one that is in the book,as I live by the sea.

From Thread Bear I ordered these and want these done Now too !!

I am hoping that these designers will let me catch up before they show me anymore temptation! I seem forever to be playing catch up.
Of course I could always ask Kate dd if she wants any more to do. As you know I like to try and run one theme into another and talking of Kate here is her progress on Celtic Autumn (changed colours) ,she has not done loads and was a bit concerned I was taking a pic to show you. Silly girl -you are such nice people!

So one more finish to show you ,Jean my old school friend bought me the cream lanterny thing and I said I knew exactly what I wanted to stitch to go in or out of it.This is what I did.

A closer view,

I stitched this over one on 28count slightly spring Sparklies fabby. It measures about 2inches square. Lark by JBW designs and the "Lark" words I put on the back.
On Saturday we are off to a friends 60th birthday party, hope I may have some pics to show you as it is being held at lunchtime in a rather up market hotel . You may remember that I told you a while ago that she had major heart surgery ,she is being put on the transplant list at the end of the year. She did not think she would live to be this old,sad but she is so positive. Anyway she had a call from her son in law her daughter has had a heart attack and will have to have a bypass and is also suffering form unstable angina she is 32 with an 18month old toddler. Life is so unfair at times. So if you are reading this and suffering I do wish you well and hope that you know folks do care and from one here in particular "if you need a hug,you got it".
Well now off to re read this in case I have written a load of rubbish ,well why change the habit of a lifetime . I should finish S&S tonight on the Jane /Sampler Girl SAL on Needlecraft Haven. So another finish coming up and maybe next time i write I will have the other 2 charts I have ordered -now where did I put that needle.
Take care sweeties
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

All the S's Stitching & Stash

2011-02-25T15:42:00.010Z

Shepherds and Sheep,Sense and Sensibility .

Hello there all,

Now I have recovered from the jet lag, Florida even virtually is a bit far in a day lol.
Well another week gone, Martin is counting the weeks now ,days and hours too. I must admit it will be lovely to have him home ,wonder how he feels about wielding a paint brush and becoming the gardener to the lady of the house!!
I will have to make this quick as said man of the house will be home wanting his dinner, although it is a quickie tonight, oops better rephrase that. Made ham ,cheese and leek pie and so only has to be put in the oven and I have cheated with new herby potatoes and salad so nothing really much to be done now.
So onwards onto the stitchy progress as I promised Colleen and Sally an update on the journey.
Can you see the terminus in sight, I will have to do another one when this is finished I think.

I think the colours are so pretty on this.
I have another work in progress to show you -Sense and Sensibility -Jane Austen by The Sampler Girl and the more this grows the more I like it ,hopefully another HD soon.

I have also finished my birthday gift ,but that cannot be shown yet. Also did a little knitting and that has been posted and should be received very soon.
In the post this week I had a long awaited order from Sew and So, for the first time ever, and I have been dealing with them for years my order went astray, then they were out of stock of a couple of items so they held it until it was in again. I had just phoned them to say I still had not got it and she said it had been shipped out that day.This is my bits from them.

This little bird has been admired for the longest time , and when a birthday present was bought by my old school friend (yes she is as old as me and our school years were a very long time ago) I knew I had to get the Lark to be stitched for it. I will show you in due course.
Also in that order was

and will go with Summer I already have and Spring which I have just ordered and they both go with this

Julie you will be pleased to see N has been started and I also found this lonely little bat, I am glad there was only one as I do NOT like bats. This is my UFO and as I now have 3 more in the set to be doing I had better get a move on.

Also this week I have had an order from Thread Bear arrive and so more to stitch, I wonder if I have enough lifetime to do it all. I did give away one piece this week, my daughter Kate used to stitch before her life became so hectic, last Sunday she asked if I had anything in my retirement drawer (she jests of course) that she could do. So she took away the Autumn Celtic Angel to do with all the bits and bobs and a frame too.. Wonder how its going --she thought it may help her relax...it will until she gets a frog visit!!! I digress-
Here is the order from TB

Being an ex florist (can one be an "ex" florist) I just had to have this one.
Then there was this

Which I am going to stitch for Feb ornie on Needlecraft Haven -I know its soon March but it will just be a little late!!!!
Last but not least was this piece of fabric which I just loved as it is a black birdie design.

Even the black birdies came for a look.
So my little sweetie pies that is this weeks news.I have put in a couple of orders so more to show you at a later date. Now off this computer and to get dinner underway . Tonight I shall pick up a needle ,but what shall I stitch ,any ideas?

Happy stitching to you all take care and many hugs
n stuff
Barb x

On our way! bet you wish you had joined us now!!

2011-02-20T19:32:00.009Z

Here is where Sally and I are off to tomorrow for our SAL at Colleens this week. All in the imagination of course ,but our Mondays have become the highlight of the week. This is Colleens home in sunny Florida. Sallys Emmanuel is really coming on so nicely and if you would like a look see then she is Stitchangelstreasures. Colleen is stitching SB checkered sheep and her blog is Threads in my Garden ,I really must get my head round this linky thing!
I will show you progress on The Journey later in the week.
I did think I would get some stitching done today but have had mil and dd and family over, so as they have just gone I am going to collapse and pick up the knitting needles.
Thankyou for your sweet comments for my birthday. Speaking of my birthday I did say I would share with you some sheep pics. Well one or two.
We were driving home and this was the view from the road, the sea is Lyme Bay,and the Chesil beach between Abbotsbury and Bridport.

However this is not really why Martin had to screech to a stop and leap out pursuing these guys.

Of course I was in the car singing Baa Baa black sheep!
Martin is really a star as it was cold and fine raining at the time. He probably knew I would sulk all the way home if I did not get a sheep fix picture lol.
So this weeks plans are hopefully get a birthday pressie done, post my baby parcel to Julie and her daughter. SB Tomorrow and ufo Autumn on Tuesday ,Wed S/S The Sampler Girl .Then hopefully I shall get the christmas ornie started I have not even done the challenge yet either argh!!
Off now to put the feet up ,thanks for commenting and replying to any questions I have asked on your blogs.
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

Come share with me

2011-02-17T09:42:00.019Z

the kindness shown to me on my birthday . Thankyou so much for your good wishes , pressies and cards. It all meant so much .
Anyway without further ado I shall do this in alphabetical order I think as I really had some lovely bits and bobs.
Angi (no Blog)but member of NH) sent me a lovely pair of sheepie socks ,which I havent got a picture of as they are in the wash ,so that is a really good start isn't it. She did send me a handmade card though which I did take a pic of.

BarbaraBL (no Blog)but member of NH sent me some lovely french ribbon.

Christine - alchemy stitchcraft blog sent me this, Martin sitting reading the paper did not even look up when I opened this, he heard me say oh wow!, and the comment was I bet something has sheep on !! Oh dear is this becoming an obsession lol.

Colleen my SAL with SB on Mondays has said she is treating me to something from DSL and is coming direct from them- oooohhh another surprise.
As I am doing alphabetically
Jane a stitchy friend from Manchester sent me a Mary Kathryn gift voucher by e mail will share with you when I receive what I have chosen .
Next from my friend Julie-Julies Stitchknitter blog known as Oldbagpuss, were these delights ,don't you just love the card.

The little bag is so perfectly stitched ,the glove will help the arthritic hands, the wool is being fought over for a pair of socks (his or hers).The chocolate lambs probably won't last long!
next was

This was all from Karan-who really had gone to town. Karan was the very first person to speak to me on a forum and I like to think like all the other ladies on there and who have now joined NH that we have become friends.
Anyway she sent me a bareroots pattern thinking I would like it. I love it- and as Graeme ds had given me some pennies ,Martin said he would take me to the craft centre at Broadwindsor so I bought all the fabric for the bag and all sorts of other goodies.

So now all I have to do is make it !!!!!!!!!!!! Please everybody don't hold your breath,don't want anyones death on my conscience lol.
Hope you are still with this , I told you I have been spoilt.

Some of you may have seen this on Sallys blog,so you will know what is coming when I say my stitchy friend Sally sent this to me.

The back has a pocket for scissors and little hearts for threads .
Again beautifully stitched and finished, and it will be treasured with other things Sally has sent me - I have a special Sallys basket lol.
Next is from Tina (no BLog) although she should ,we keep nagging her. I loved this little fob so much I sent a pic of it to Tanya at The Sampler Girl and she put it on Facebook so how about that Tina.
Anyway here is what she sent me and then a pic of said fob on my Sense and Sensibility wip .

So haven't I just been so lucky.
I also had 29 birthday cards and 3 e cards. Just so blessed and overcome here.
I think I should show you what Martin got me ,I did fall in love with a mirror ,and I have to admit that he was pretty taken with it too. I should have got him to take a pic for you . It was in a gallery in Abbotsbury called Dansel , very nice wooden items made by very talented craftsmen,anyway this mirror was approx 3foot by 4 and it had the colouring of thelounge in the border which was red and browns and cream marquetry of like a medieval scene of a supper along the top and apple picking on the sides with a lady catching the apples at the bottom. ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS but the price of just under £2,000 was touch more than we could afford ! So I came away with this which is also fabulous but a tad less expensive.A photograph album for the ancestors !

I really had a wonderful day , then at teatime Kate dd arrived with her tribe singing Happy birthday with a cake ,Alfie being most upset as they had forgotten the candles,left them at home ,so Ihad to pretend . I just have to share with you the inside of the card they had all written on.

They gave me a bouquet of pink roses and Kate gave me vouchers to spend.
I did have lots of bits from friends and family in fact it was bit like the generation games conveyor belt ,just needed the set of saucepans lol.
Oh and I must share with you Ellas gift to me ,but it will not get eaten!

Oh my ! It goes on- the postman has just arrived -oh he is grumpy this one. I had ordered a couple of books for Martin for VDay and they arrived with some other things. I do suppose he had the other gifts this week but it is his job. Anyway he just knocked the door and when I opened it I was greeted with blimey you keep me busy here , I am like a donkey!! I was a little taken aback do you think he was joking.Anyway I may as well show you the things that have just arrived
first up from my Irish friend Anne- we have not been in contact so much recently but I think of her often and I know her dh has had some nasty health problems so I will just take a minute to say ,you really are a sweetie for remembering Anne and thankyou. This is what I received ,it smells of Lavender too,hmmmm lovely!

Then from Clare who is the owner of Needlecraft Haven this has arrived , I love the card Clare and the chart and thread is so pretty.

BIL in Australia card came today too.
Last but not least and not birthday is this that I ordered a month or so ago but was it not worth the wait.

Well my friends leave a comment for me if you would ,I do like to see a little note from you all. I need to know -if I have 96 followers (96) why do I only get at most 15 comments lol. However if you do then you are a star and thankyou
Now I feel like I am at the Oscars -I am going to say to each and everyone of you that made the 15th of February such a special day for me THANKYOU SO MUCH!!
I have a couple of pics to share with you ,I saw some sheep when we went to Broadwindsor and Martin was braveheart and went and took some pics for me (in the rain) so will show you next time as they are a little different.
No stitchy news this time will catch up soon, I think next Monday we are off to Colleens for the Sal so will perhaps post a piccie of her (posh)residence. Take care all and thanks for visiting me whilst I sit in this comfy chair.
Hugs n stuff
Barb.x

A finish and a couple of wips

2011-02-14T11:52:00.007Z

Well hello and happy Valentines Day!
This is just a quick update really on my progress on The Journey. Tonight I have Sally and Colleen coming over (well virtually not really) and the Sal continues. Sally is going great guns on Emmanuels Song ,wonder if she sings along while she stitches -too busy talking I think lol. Colleens Checkered sheep too is looking lovely and I do hope she gets a sheep in there soon!! Take a look at her blog Threads in my garden to see where she is with it.
Here is my progress up to last week, I am hoping to get the basket of flowers done this week, that will take me back to floristry !!

These are clickable so you could take a closer look. I posted a pic from the time before progress so you can see I now have a shepherdess,she won't be very pleased I called her a shepherd! She also now standing on a flowery grass mound and that sheep had better not eat those flowers or it might get sick.
Wonder how much will get done tonight,this is really delicate and pretty,done with one thread of silk.
Thought you may like to see Sense and Sensibility progress too ,this is a Sal I am hosting over on Needlecraft Haven , Last count I think there were 7/8 of us. After a demolition job on the house I have rebuilt it and finished glazing and rendering, as some of you know I am not a lover of stitching houses. I do like words though and have started the sentiment . I was not sure of the colours, but somehow they do work together.

I also have been stitching a little gift but cannot show you that yet.
Talking of gifts here is the blankie all finished, it will be in the post sometime soon ,well in a couple of weeks or so I guess as I have to put something else in the parcel. It is no where near as neat as Julie mums knitting ,but it will do a turn and I absolutely needed to do it when I saw it.

I think I have just published this before I finished it argh!!!!!!!!
Again talking of gifts just look what I have got!!

Arent I the lucky one , I have a birthday (groan yes another one) but I have such generous ,kind, sweet , and well you know who you are ladies that have sent me some goodies to open tomorrow.
So perhaps I shall share those with you later in the week. I think maybe Colleen and Sally we shall crack open a bottle of bubbly tonight lol.
Take care all and I will catch up with you again later.
Hugs n stuff
Barb

Just a little pink

2011-01-30T18:33:00.015Z

Or should I say in the pink!
Well not quite yet,but I am getting there, just thought you would like some pinkness too!
However before I type anymore may I just thankyou all for your get well wishes,your sympathy and your friendship. You do not know how much it means to have a 'lifeline'through you and your blogs , and even Martin asks how some of you are now. So on behalf of me and mine thankyou.
Now before I get maudlin here, I think I had better share with you what I have been up to. I saw about a week or so ago on - Life with needle and thread blog,(still haven't mastered the linky thing) a super duper blanket and thought; oh I would like to knit that . Yes, I did say knit, so I e mailed Julie (whose blog it is) and she kindly sent me the pattern. 2 DAYS later I had the wool and here it is in my other Julie bag in the process of being made.

I know I have let the cat out of the bag to one person who reads this blog of mine ,as she is going to be the perfect Nanna ,but she doesn't know what else I have hiding in the bag lol.
The wool is called Patter Pink so of course a little more pinkness.
I have been told it is going to be a 'pink'.
Why I say this is, because when Kate our daughter was expecting her second, she was convinced it would be a boy, and when she was delivered of a girl , she looked at me (I was with her at the birth of her first 2), (her dh couldn't do it)and said, Oh Mum ,its a pink!!
So here is a picture of her pink now.Caitlin.

This was taken in the week, had a phonecall saying she had a netball match at a school near us and could she come here after. Which of course she did, stayed and had dinner with us ,then Martin ran her home later. She suprised us as she has had her hair cut short. She has the most gorgeous dimples but for some reason they do not show in this pic very well. Out of the 4 she is the only girl and the only dormouse,the boys are not very bed orientated.
Talking of beds , we were delivered of a new bed for the spare room last week ,it is only a single as it doubles as my sewing room ,so if I get a problem with sleeping I can go up there and stitch in bed !!!
Of course that is partly what you came for ,yes, a stitchy update. Well the reveal day over at Needlecraft Haven was today and this I finished last night. I thought as Valentines Day was approaching this would look good tied to a heart.

Of course I do not think it matches up to this heart that Martin made for me a couple of years ago.

My other little finish is this little Christmas ornie a design from Bent Creek.This was my finish for the Needlecraft Haven monthly christmas ornie , this was done over one,and seemed to take an age.

No more finishes to show you this time but I can show you my progress on the wips, or you could skip this bit lol.

The journey continues with Sally and Colleen on Monday nights,we are off to the U.S.tomorrow to spend the evening with Colleen. Will let you know progress next week.
Really liking this one, although some of the thread is very close to fabric colour. I was hoping to find a shepherd to look after my sheep but could only find half a one.
The next one is Autumn by the Cross Eyed Cricket which is my UFO on Tuesdays with Julie and Mr. Stick ,I still have not quite finished the M but almost.

The Sampler Girls Sense and Sensibility is growing on a Wednesday too, this is being done as a SAL night on the Needlecraft Haven with 7 others. I did not do much this week I had to do my online grocery order which is only the second time I have done the shop this way.

Sorry about the crumpled fabric,in the photo.As you can see I have been on that construction site again building houses!
Then last but not least the Quaker Diamond wip , not a lot done here either as I a couple of finishes to get done! Also wool arrived.

So that is all I have to share with you this time. Oh in one of my previous posts someone asked if I could share the designer of the hardanger I use to display some of my pieces. I think its under the roses this time.It is from New Stitches Magazine no 11 which is very old but I still think you can get the older copies.
We have a birthday boy in our household this week, Ollie will be 8 on Friday . Wonder if Rory his friend from the US would like to come for tea.
Take care my friends until next time, and I do hope you all remain 'in the pink'
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

Hear ye,well not a lot !

2011-01-13T11:50:00.015Z

Hello everyone did you think I had deserted you . As if I would. Some of you know I have been feeling a little under the weather,due to a virus thing and then a perforated ear drum. Which I can tell you is not pleasant. Anyway been Drs again today and have more antibiotics as she said it is still very red and angry in there. She needs to see me in 2 weeks unless it gets worse. Then she if the deafness is still there she will send me to Audiology- oh the joy of all that.
Anyway that is all I am going to say on the subject . Since I last wrote we have celebrated the New Year and we had all the family here for dinner. Oh boy was that a squeeze but we managed and all enjoyed it.

The Journey begins. On the first Monday of January 2011, Sally Colleen and I started our respective Shepherds Bush Designs. This is the start of the Journey and it is so nice to stitch. This was the first weeks progress followed by this weeks.

It does not look much progress but every little helps and some of the thread colour is very close to the fabric colour. I think they are clickable if you want a closer look.
Then on Tuesday I decided I would do the Rosewood Manor Quaker Diamonds -this I am doing over one as the Quaker Christmas,here is the start on that although I think I am going to change nights to Thursdays as I want to do the UFO night with Mr Stick and Julie on Tuesdays . I am going to do the Autumn design I started or I can see it being put away until this Autumn. Anyway another pic for you

I placed a 50p piece next to the first motif I finished so you can see just how small it is.
Now I will show you how far I have got with the Autumn Ufo ,however I do not want you to think it is all wips I do have 2 little Happy Dances to share.

The first one is The Sampler Girls Claras Dance done on fabric called for and also threads. I am quite pleased with how this turned out, although I now need some more filling-so shall send for that when finished on here.

Then I was reading Heidis blog the other day and she had stitched this design from Danybrod and I fell in love with it. So of course being the copycat I am ,well imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so they say, I had to stitch it. On my 60th birthday a friend gave me this photo frame and I have had it upstairs awaiting something to put in it. I now have to find the other 3 seasons to put in it lol.So if you see any designs out there. Let me know. I did wonder if to use the same design but use the seasonal colours and change the tree and adapt the words. Anyway My thanks go to Danybrod and Heidi for pointing me in the right direction with this one.

Yesterday was the night I had decided would be my Jane day,and I am delighted to say Tina , Angela and Margaret have decided they would also fancy a Jane Day. Tina and I are doing Sense and Sensibility and Angela and Margaret are stitching Fancy a Jane Day. So girls how did you get on. I did mention to Margaret I would maybe set up a blog for Jane stitchers but I have not yet decided on that.
Anyway another wip for you

I had not realised how narrow (but long) this design is.
So that is me up to date with stitching.
Thankyou so much for your enthusiasm and encouragement to me in my stitching . I just cannot believe how kind you all are. I have just realised I have 93 followers ,blimey 93 I never thought I would get that many.
Family news ,well we have had Sam who is now 9 enrolling for cubscouts and taking his promise. He was 9 last week and although he is not smiling properly(trying to keep a straight face I think) here is a pic taken last night just after he got home.

Sorry it is a little dark.
It was also the whirling dervish that is Alfies ,birthday yesterday heis now 4 and I just love this pic of him , I GOT A BIG BOAT Nanny he said,Think he was pleased don't you.

Jack the eldest grandson started his GCSE exams yesterday. I think it was English a subject he is not really that bothered about although important. He is excellent at Maths and Sciences though.
Sunday is our sons birthday ,Graeme will be (oh perhaps I had better not say )but it makes me feel old realising my son will be 43.I do not know if we will get to see him or not.
Martin has just come in to take Ollie out as I am confined to barracks . He really is a treasure, coping with a chest infection of his own too.
I have one little piece of stash to share which I shall do for next Christmas , I know Sally said she would post me hers when she has done it but I thought she may like to have a Jane night again together later in the year where we stitch the same design.

I also have been a little naughty and ordered an early birthday present for me well Brother usually sends pennies. So I took the bull by the horns and ordered The Needle Charmer by Examplar Dames in the US. As it was $28 I do hope I dont get charged by the PO here. It has happened to me once and i felt as if I did not want to order from the US again,as when you have to add £12 to the order it makes it an expensive chart. Anyway when it arrives I will of course give you a glimpse.
Ok I think that is all my news nothing much happens when you cannot get out.
Take care all and keep stitching. Thanks for saying Hi - it is good to have a friendly visit.
Hugs n stuff
Barb.zx

My friends wishes for you for 2011

2010-12-30T14:08:00.026Z

are in the wassailing song that is in my sidebar, turn on your volume press the play button. I also thought for you here in the uk you would like a reminder of what is coming (I think) next week, Larkrise to Candleford. I do like this sort of programme. Also I have watched Miss Potter again and so like this music from it.
Firstly I will give you a peek at what I have been stitching since last I wrote.

This is Pine Roll by Shepherds Bush . Words read:-Pine and Yew to crown the earth. Christmastide brings joy and mirth .Finished on Christmas Eve.
I then on Christmas day evening started Claras dance by the Sampler Girl hoping to finish it on New Year Eve (but I dont think so somehow) this is progress so far,but you will have to excuse the poor pic and crumpled fabric.

So now the man in red has been and I have been just so spoilt by family and stitchy friends.
Before I bore you with all my goodies, a picture before it comes down in a few days time of a tree, and a dog and a tree with a rescued duck. This was before he had his new lion and penguin !!

We had a lovely Christmas ,spending Christmas Eve with Graeme,Sue and Ella.We were a bit unsure as to the condition of the roads and as to wether we should go, as they have been very icy. Pavements not being much better.If you have had nasty conditions(sorry but my sick sense of humour wanted to jump in there with lumbago rashes etc) where you are I hope you stayed safe.
On Christmas Day we took mother in law with us to spend the day with Kate ,Iain and tribe. We were met by a very excited Alfie, who informed us we had to go see the mess that Rudolf and his friends had made of their lawn. Bits of chewed Carrots everywhere. Even Santas sleigh had left an imprint in the snow. Sam who is 9 was thrilled to see he had been left a box on the doorstep, in it was a bright shiny bell from Santas sleigh for being such a good boy.Isnt it magical when the belief is there. Santa was very very kind to them and they had lots of parcels to unwrap.
I have them all coming here on New Years Day what on earth was I thinking!. Graeme and family are coming down to spend NYE with Kate and her family and some friends , so I think there will be some fun to be had there. Not for us old fogies , a quiet toast(we dont buy the noisy toast!think I have lost the plot here)more gin needed lol. and then up early to prepare dinner for 14.
Anyway I hope you had all you wished for and more,as I said I was very lucky and loved all that I had.
My lovely hubby well he bought me these GORGEOUS earrings. White gold and Tanzanite.

Karan a stitchy friend got me interested in Crystals a little while ago and I have some amethyst (birthstone) ones like these . He also as a smiley,bought me a bottle of perfume I used to wear when we first met L'Aimant , I could not believe he remembered.I am not sure if it really something I would wear now ,but on the odd occaision. The first Christmas present he ever bought me was boxed set of Wishing by Avon many many moons ago. Sorry rambling on here . He also got me these 2 to go with my other one.

Love the one with its legs in the air,it says inside, Time to put ewer feet up. The other one in the rain says Wish ewe were here. One can never have too many sheepies can one.
I won't bore you with other bits I got from family ,but I must share stitchy things with you.
Well I was gobsmacked upon opening this from my oldbagpuss friend Julie, I admired her bag she made back a long and look what she made and sent me.

It is just so neat (well what else do I expect from Mary Poppins friend Practically Perfect in every way) . Also she enclosed this little SB design which is now hangs on my tree .Sheepies ooohhhh sublime.

Thankyou Julie ,like MP you are one in a million.
Another stitchy friend Karan (of crystal fame) had evidently looked at my wish list on S&S and had sent me this.

OH yes! more sheep ! This coaster is by the same designer as my mugs. Karan got me Sweeping Cobwebs a design I must stitch by 2011 Hallowe'en. Karan also knows I like the birds that visit the garden and sent the lovely bird bookmark . I am so blessed.
Then from Jane a complete suprise and now I understand the comment on my last post.

Jane said she hoped I liked this design on the comment about Sallys gift of the same design to me. LOL Jane, but she has told me that you do not need a new Barb.So pleased to hear that Jane !Thanks Jane.

Angi (no blog) who won my blogaversary earlier this year, sent me this sweet little coaster ,another who likes birds, we often compare notes on what is visiting our gardens.She also sent me 2 of her pretty pins with crystals on the tops. Thanks Angi.
Talking of birds ,it has been very cold here in the UK ,we always leave fallen apples for the birds to enjoy in winter. This year we have been thrilled to see Fieldfares and redwing flocks (well 30 or more)in the garden enjoying the fruit.It has to be exceptionally cold for them to come to our garden. If you do not know what fieldfares or redwings look like there are some good images on google.
Now onto sheep again ,what is this fixation with sheep ,sorry but I just think they are oooohhhh just so woolly!!lol.
This I got from my friend Irish Anne , I think she has done a 'shirley sheep',looks a bit like me ,well the same shape anyway. No point in pretending otherwise.

Oh Anne it did make me smile.
I was so delighted to get my next gift. I have a few obsessions as well you know by now and I have a 'persuasion' for Jane Austen so this I loved . Angela thankyou so much for my Austen gifties this year , and I am so pleased you found me or was it me who found you-hmmm . Anyway here is what Angela sent me.

I must show you what MIL bought me and my brother.

The fabric and threads for The Sampler Girl Sense and Sensibility , These are mainly GAST,a couple of DMC and my brother bought the 28 count fabric. Lucky girl arent I . I am doing a SAL with Tina (no blog) on Wednesday nights so if you fancy a Jane night and want to join us please do ,leave a comment for me.
You can stitch any TSG Jane design.
Whilst on the subject of Sal ,my next years starting Sal next week will be

Mondays with Sally and Colleen The journey ,of Emmanuel(s song) with his Checkered Sheep. all designs by Shepherds bush . I think Julie maybe joining us with the SB ornies but not sure.
Wednesdays with Tina and whoever Sense and Sensibility a Jane night.
Another night that I feel like in theweek will be Quaker Diamonds by Rosewood Manor this I am doing as a SAL at Stitch and Stash.
So keeping busy.
My Quaker Christmas we got back the day before Christmas Eve and it is now hanging on the wall next to the Spirit of Christmas I did last year.

A little stash came my way too and it is just so pretty looks complicated though.

Yesterday Martin went to Kates to do a few jobs for her,a willing helper was had in Alfie who by the end of the day was marching around with a pencil behind his ear (like grandad)and marking bits of wood ready to saw. He's priceless or am I just a little biased.
Well folks I think this has gone on long enough ,you are probably nodding off in your chairs now. I do hope you have a happy ,healthy and prosperous New Year and that you keep in touch by leaving comments and I look forward to sharing your stitching and mine over the coming year.
I will leave you with my tiny kitchen window

My three candles -one for my angel dad,one for my angel mum and one for my angel fil,to say although they are never forgotten, at this time of year especially we wish they could be here.
Blessings to you all and I will be back with perhaps a newsier (is that a word) post in 2011. Take care all off now for a large cup of tea of maybe something a little stronger as this has taken me ages! Thanks to you all for your friendship this year ,I really feel as if I am not quite so shut off from the rest of the world having this little corner of it.
Hugs n stuff
Barb

Will this be you?

2010-12-16T15:44:00.006Z

Well it certainly won't be me!!
I think I mentioned last time I was going to stitch Gone Sledding by The Sampler Girl .It was a quick stitch but I only got it finished this morning.

Looking at the pics now the snowman seems to have veered off a little on his sled.
Perhaps he has been on the boozy juice,Barb you must not judge everyone by your own standards! I jest of course.
Well folks are you all prepared for the day itself, I still have things to wrap and one thing to post ,but all in all I have got everything anyway.Just need to rob a bank as the grandchildren (older ones)want money.

I have not been stitching this last few nights, I have been -- knitting-- do you remember I started these socks for Martin a while ago. That long I could have sworn I had finished one and told Julie so. However I had not , and only got down to the heel on the first one. So thought I would get them done. Martin is a hole in the sock man ,forever getting holes in his socks. So I have told him with all the loving effort ( wink) gone into making these he had better get his mum to darn them if he gets a hole in them. He says they are lovely toasty warm,tried them on when Ifinished them last night and wouldnt take them off. Now have I started something here,am I going to live to regret it!!!!!!!!!
So here are said socks

Perhaps I could borrow Martins socks to rob the bank lol.

That is my makes for this week .
I did have a couple of little gifts this week though. One is still under the tree which was from Angi, and argh it is tempting me so badly. So cannot show you that .
The other was from my friend SAL Sally , isn't it cute.

I did say to her though I think you are all stuck with the old one I don't think there is anychance of a new me.
It is a Tanya from the sampler girl design in the Gift of Stitching Magazine. Sheep too so well ,what was there not to like. Thanks again Sally a friend indeed.

You may (or may not )be wondering what I have propped the pinkeep up on with Winter Woolies on the inside it is this-

Just had to show you that didn't I.
Well the mug is empty and I really must drink more,forever being told,just not the Gin mother! Hee hee I am now going to put the kettle on and make a cuppa ,want to joing me. If I do not get here again before the 9sleeps are up ,stay safe and have a good Christmas .
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

Rockin around the Christmas Tree

2010-12-10T14:19:00.006Z

Well these little choir people will be if they drink the booze in the background. This is a little group and tree that Martin made .
How are you all, I am feeling a bit brighter today ,just the wretched throat and cough. It is very quiet here too, no voice. I am hoping to get myself geared up to get cards written and some shopping to do too this weekend. At least I have not got Christmas food shopping to do ,well only a little as we are going to spend Christmas Day with Kate and the tribe. A real family Christmas ,shame Graeme Sue and Ella cannot join us, but it is my turn on New Years Day when they all have said they are coming here.
I have a couple of finishes to show you I did this little pillow for Tina for her birthday along with a couple gifties. I did this over one on Sassys 28count fabric and it is a Jardin Prive design . Tina was delighted with it . So all worthwhile.

Did you notice the sheep!!!!I think it is 'clickable' if you need a closer look.
My other finish and its a ta da moment here .I am just sooooo pleased with this and I was dreading putting it together .

Drum Roll please!!!!!

I was not sure where best to take pic,as you can see its very long,but oh I like it. The Sampler Girl design Christmas Stocking.
As you know I have been stitching this along with Sally on a Monday night. Thankyou so much Sally it has been great fun and I am looking forward to the Journey with Emmanuel and Shepherds Bush with you starting the first Monday in the New Year.If you are wondering about the title I am going to stitch The Journey and Sally is doing Emmanuels Song,not sure about the other titles being done by the other girls., I think Colleen and Julie are joining us too so whoo hoo more stitchy fun. I have not deserted Jane though and I shall be starting another Sal with Tina on Wednesday nights as a Jane night,we are starting with Sense and Sensibility sampler at least that is the one I have chosen from my stash and I think Tina has the same. I am going to order the GAST threads for this in a moment . Also a new start will be Quaker Diamonds by Rosewood Manor does anyone want to join me with this one.

I have been having'A weekend with Mr Darcy', this last week or so , I really liked this book ,not at all demanding ,with references to various Jane Austen characters and sayings, I will miss snuggling up with this one. I finished it last night and thought I would read Darcys Christmas next - so in the twinkling of an eye I had downloaded it to my Kindle.

I am going to stitch Gone Sledding tonight ,another Sampler Girl design which I have been going to do since I got it earlier in the year,I see Tanya had it in her 12 days of Christmas sale over on her blog.

Our snow has all gone and it is a very grey sort of day here.Well my friends again thankyou for finding a few moments to leave me a comment .
Thanks for the encouragement you have given me since starting this ere blog.
Now I am off to empty the screaming washing machine and the drier has now stopped its whirring too -but no I am not getting out the dreaded ironing board.!!
Take care you all ,keep warm , enjoy your weekend whatever you are doing and keep stitching!
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

Together we will

2010-12-05T11:55:00.011Z

build a snowman! or two or three or four.

Sam Caitlin Jack and Alfie enjoying a day off school, due to snow fall here in the South of England, we do not get snow often and thought we were going to escape this time too.Only a couple of days we couldnt get out,the children were so excited Sam wanted to go out at 7.30 am in his pjs to play. We called to see them Friday as it was Caitlins 13th birthday on Thursday and although she had a day off school because of the snow, no one could get to see her until the day after.
Ella the other grand daughter also had snow and was busy building a snowman with her dad,

Ellas was a snow girlie! Then my dear son Graeme sent a text with this one off to the pub for lunch now.

Someone else loved the snow after the first few tentative steps outside being not sure. He then proceeded to become a snow plough and would not come indoors.

Ollie is not a dog that barks but as he would not come in I left him to play and every now and then I heard a woof, he needed me to throw snowballs for him then I heard 'mum come quick'

I think my duck has got hypothermia can you resucitate him!!!!
Who has lost the plot here do you think, well the snow has all gone and it is a bright sunny day here today. We managed to get the christmas tree up yesterday and even is I say it myself it looks good . Today I have woken up with the lurgy ,scratchy throat and cough, do not know where I picked this up from as no one I have seen has it. So I shall be dosing myself up, Mil has decided to give her Sunday lunch a miss.
You may have been wondering where I have been - I have had problems with wrists and hands so typing has been kept to a minimum and no stitching for a few days . So not really a lot to tell you.
I did manage to stitch a little on Janes Stocking the SAL that I am doing with Sally, and oh the people are just so pleased they have their house ready to move in at Christmas,the outside got painted this week .Hopefully when I meet up with Sally tomorrow there may be a hd looming.

I must admit to being a little unsure as to wether I would have chosen those colours for my house but it seems to work lol.

Also since I last wrote I finished these two lhn ornies and they are now hanging on the tree.

My Julie friend sent me the ribbon to hang them with ,thanks Julie.
I have a couple of stash purchases one for me and one for a birthday pressie,mine is Belle Pepper from LHN. Cannot show you as I have not got them yet.I also have been stitching on a birthday pressie and hope to make it up this afternoon,if I can stop spluttering long enough.
Well my sweeties sorry this is so short but thought I had better put fingers to keyboard before you wander away and forget me.
Hopefully I shall be back to see you soon. Take care and keep free of this winter cold bug thing.
One/two more pics to share with you ,I saw this shivering in the cold in the garden.

Thanks for continuing the comments ,I love to see one has arrived,take care all and if you have snow keep it,lol after 2 days I had had enough lol.
Hugs n stuff
Barb x

A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

2010-11-13T15:42:00.009Z

Hello folks, another week and another quick catch up .Bet you cannot guess where I have been this afternoon- its been a few years since I have been to one of these.
A jumble sale - would you believe it!!! My Susie certainly won't as she is definitely an up market girl.
Well talk about eye opener !I think some of the people must be seasoned 'jumblers' if there is such a word.I had to smile at my Martin there he was standing ever so politely standing waiting to look ,whilst seasoned rummagers were right in there, I have only ever been to one other in my life and I was about 10, but I got a pile of autumnal coloured clothes for £4 for 14 items including one cellular double blanket in a mustardy orange colour.

Now I can hear you saying What is she playing at now ,well last week we were sorting out one of our lofts (we have 4) and this came to light ,and I thought, oh I would like to finish that as it would sit in front of the fire. This is what I found, I started this whilst still at work so it has been waiting for a while to be finished.

Here is where it will lay for Ollie to rest on I expect!

This is a rag rug-hooked not a proggy rug, I did find a proggy one started up there too ,that will be a summer one as it is all cotton fabrics, well thats the idea anyway. I will be doing a UFO night with Mr Stick to see if I can get it finished. Oh dear I have just realised I have said that in front of witnesses.
Do any of you dear friends do this craft or have done it or want to have a go as you are welcome to join me.
I have also visited 2 Charity shops today too and there was a lovely woolen red coat, but just to cut up I thought £19 was a bit steep. Lovely to wear, if you were a lot thinner than me though. Martin said he doesn't know what the chaps at work will think when he is asked what he did at the weekend -hmmmm visited 2 charity shops (did take something though) and a jumble sale. I have sent him out to plant daffodils now .
Hope all are well out there in the blogland, I have suffered this week a bit its the cold and damp . The comfy chair has had my behind stuffed in it most days.
Boy I have the jumble tipped out beside me ---methinks it is going in the washing machine in a moment.
Well I suppose I had better tell you stitchy news for this week. I started the LHN Peace on Earth ornie with the sheep. OF COURSE. I think I had a border frog gremlin come to visit ,as I frogged that border 3 times! it would have been finished but for that.Hopefully I shall show you that next week. I did finish one ornie though ,pic doesnt really do it justice as it is really pretty delicate and sparkly.

Sorry folks deserted you there - couldnt stand the smell any longer what it is about clothes from C Shops etc you get that sort of stale smell, so now it is all gaily swirling about in the washing machine.Anyway I was telling you of my ornie. This one

It is from this years JCS ornie mag and is by Charlottes ,I wasnt too sure about Magic- thought Magical was better so added a couple of letters also the twinkly stars.
Last Monday I stitched with Sally on Jane . I do hope the homeless people that are awaiting their house are ok,as it has started to snow and they only have the top of their roof done.

no, I haven't missed words out they come after. This is just so nice to stitch and I really enjoy Mondays with Sally,ESPECIALLY as she had done tea and crumpets last week!!! Thanks for your company Sally.
Well tomorrow is a new ornie start I hope if I get Peace done.
I have not done much else I am afraid ladies , I keep thinking its Friday today I have lost a day somewhere.
Oh by the way Angi that won my giveaway,has told me about the new Kelmscott sheep minder and I love it. I think when I find someone that has it I shall be skipping along to buy one. Bad girl Angi! you know me too well all you ladies.
I was hoping for a sheep fix when we were tootling along to the jumble sale in the country, but not one to be seen, we did see some very pale cows but that is what they were, not sheep.
Ollie has had another trip to his favourite vet this week ,he now has an ear infection. Jack my grandson thinks he is a hypocondriac. So yet another £110 this week.So pleased the tropical fish are healthy lol. Jack and Caitin popped in for tea after school on Wednesday , they had cross country and Jack is very sporty,he came 3rd out of the 55 that took part, Caitlin was 54th and one dropped out. She hates running but volunteered as numbers were low. Well someone had to come last she said. Oh I do love my grandkiddiwinks.Today Jack is visiting Oxford Uni with the school. Kate is hoping he won't get any ideas.
No stash to speak of only some Buttermilk linen and a magazine I ordered some time ago which at last arrived,

I have done no more on the Autumn design , as I say do not know where this week has gone .
Well my little fruit bats, I think it is time to drag himself from the bulb planting or he will be ceased up and frozen to the spot . I have just been to take a pic of the sunset ,standing at the back door and so I will leave you with the hope of a nice day tomorrow with a red sky at night.

Thankyou for your comments I look forward to reading them-it is fortunate you cannot see how many times I view my own blog to see if anyone has 'talked'to me.
Take care and I hope I will have something to share with you next week.
Hugs n stuff
Barb

First week of November

2010-11-06T13:51:00.006Z

The year is flying by and almost at its end . How worrying is that. Seems as if years slide off the calendar at a great rate of knots. November brings back memories of Portland Fair which took up the length of one of the streets, we thought it absolutely fantastic to be given a complimentary free ticket for a ride, all the pennies we saved during the year would get spent on trying to win a goldfish (which promptly died the next day poor things) or the inevitable china ornament that seemed to be made of a chalky substance which went to the next jumble sale collection that came along. It was always this weekend of the 5th. Then bonfire night included oh what fun.
Oh well times are different and all has changed no more the up and down horses , the strange and wonderful side shows that you could only see if you were not a child, the boxing matches etc which were oh so tantalizing to an inquisitive child not to mention the bearded lady and so on.Yes folks I am that old!!!! Oh the smells too ,of candy floss and hot dogs toffee apples etc, still I am not here to drift into nostalgic memories of my childhood.

This is the weekend I can start thinking of Christmas as it always seemed to follow the fair and bonfire night. So on that note this is my little finish this week .Sally and I decided we would try and get these done on Sundays as a sal, I started mine on Saturday last so got it finished on Sunday.
Snowy Pines by LHN.

If you did not see the ones I did for Hazel she sent me a pic for you to see.

I have not got a lot to tell you this time and I really must get my stitching fingers working as I have loads to get done. I was going to start, I have got my love to keep me warm ,but it looked really heavy the little I did, so that has been put on hold ,instead I started this and it is stitching up delightfully.

Got a job to put this one down. Martin said why are you stitching a witch Hallowe'en is over, well it is still Autumn ,but it will be done for next year won't it, I said. I would like to stitch the others in this series too.

Last Monday and another Monday is looming is Jane Day with Sally ,this is lovely to stitch ,but I am dreading the mansion that is next,or it seems like a mansion! Anyway here is progress so far

SO that is all folks this time , thankyou for your continuing comments they mean a lot . Take care of yourselves till next time
Hugs n stuff Barb

November]]

2010-11-06T13:40:00.002Z

WOOHOO!!!

2010-10-30T16:06:00.008+01:00

I have a happy dance to share ,I am prancing round (I write fairy stories too lol) well I would if I could,prance around and write fairy stories.This is my finish

Quaker Christmas by Bygone Designs done on Sassys Celery fabric 28count ,with Vikki Claytons silk threads.
I hear Tina is almost there too, so WE DONE AND DID IT GIRL.Thanks for sal with me.
We started this as a Christmas sal so it is done and will be framed for Christmas.
Measurements are:-

Just so happy with it,can you tell !!!

Not so happy yesterday we have had BIG!!!!!!!! problems with our Internet Server and Martin was almost tearing his hair out yesterday as it wouldn't upload anything , e mails took ages to go if at all, and then this morning it wouldnt even connect. He has just phoned me to say to try it as he had "conversation" again with them this morning and HEY PRESTO at the moment it is working.Wehave had so many problems this last few months and if it was not such a pain changing e mail addresses to all and sundry (not that I call my friends sundry) , it is Martin it would affect most,we would be changing like a shot.
Frantically trying to get this done and posted then a couple of e mails to send .

Last week I had a sheepie suprise from Christine ,just so sweet of her she said she saw this and thought of me (I wonder why? lol)

I also sent out the 2 ornies to Hazel over at Stitch it and Pass it on,another 2finishes, but unfortunately I forgot to take pics ,dur! it was the Button up for Christmas designs from Cathy Jean at Victoria Sampler.Hazel was pleased with them anyway and so I am pleased too.

Tonight is Jane night with Sally yipee ,so look for an update on that in the coming days. We also decided to do the LHN ornies we have been collecting through the year on a Sunday , as I could not get to the computer yesterday I have almost finished Snowy pines so another finish looming. A couple of starts pending , well one I have started Autumn by Cross Eyed Cricket this I am doing over one, although I have to work out how I can do the fractional stitches in it. There arent many so hopefully it will not be too difficult.
I had the linen and threads for I have my love to keep me warm so I am hoping to start that one night a week. I also need a sheepie and a birdie night. ARE there enough nights in a week I ask myself.
So girlies I am sorry this is another short one but I need to get some things done on this machine in case it all goes to pot again.
Take care and I will hopefully catch up towards the end of the week.
Hugs n stuff
Barb.x

27th October Happy Blogaversary to me!!!!

2010-10-27T09:00:00.004+01:00

Well hello there folks! This is just a tiny post as I thought I would not keep you in waiting any longer . I did not do the random generator thing as I wasn't sure how to. So the old fashioned way of names in a bowl. I did have a little brown jug I was going to use but Martin couldn't get his hand in it lol.
So he is to blame for your name not popping out -sorry to all those,but congratulations to..............

Angi M I will be in touch and the parcel will be on its way soon.
Thankyou to all who entered and for all the lovely comments, bless you.

I too was a winner this week, for a long time I have admired Stitcheranons work and so entered her giveaway, not knowing what it was and I WON. WooHoo!! Not a stitched item that I was hoping for but a certain amount to spend at a needlework shop of my choice,how about THAT. I chose some 36 count linen and threads to stitch my 'I've got my love to keep me warm', by the way Gaynor I shall be sending you a rak stitched by me somewhen in the next 365 days as I didnt get my three people wanting to do a pif ,hope this is ok by you .

I stitched with Sally on Monday night on my Jane Stocking and this is progress so far.

Aren't those little sheepies so cute. Really really pleased with how this is coming on.I think Sally has finished the row I am about half way through and is going to start the words next week. Hopefully I will be able to catch her up and be roughly at the same point again.
So folks I am now off for a nice warm bath to soothe the aches and pains. Take care all and I will catch up with you again soon.
Hugs n stuff
Barb

Tomorrow ,tomorrow

2010-10-26T11:19:00.002+01:00

I will see you tomorrow ,its only a day away.
Don't forget the chance to win my giveaway will announce the winner tomorrow.Thanks to those who already left a comment for me on the relevant post.
Hugs n stuff
Barb.x

Is it possible? at last an update

2010-10-21T09:33:00.021+01:00

That today I may get this written ,without the gremlins visiting ! Lets see if I can show you a picture of your stitched piece for the giveaway - just dont forget to leave a comment on that post.

When I went to meet a friend for coffee yesterday ,in the coffee shop of all places I found these pins and they were just what I needed to go in the cushion for you ,so I felt really pleased with that little purchase.So that's the front ,now the back,
As I said yesterday the fabric I bought whilst on holiday. I must admit to being pleased with the finish of this and I am going to stitch one for me at some point too. Just hope whoever wins it will like it.
Anyway enough of the giveaway, I would like to send you all but the pocket won't allow so just the one parcel I am afraid.
I have had rather a problematic time with the wrists hands etc and this morning I think I ached from neck down , a hot bath and medication are easing it so hopefully if I can sleep tonight then it will help. But you do not want to hear about that! you want to know what has been happening , what has arrived etc.
Well we had a fabulous weekend with the family ,4 generations making Halloweney type things, MIL who is 85 to Ella who is 10 having me teach them how to make pumpkins. Graeme and Martin and Ella at times,making a giant spiders web to go in her bedroom window-we had lots of good food ,

lots of laughter and just a relaxing weekend ,especially for Sue who is a daughter-in-law in a million, I mentioned I could not reach the plate rack that runs round the top of the kitchen /dining room with all my dusty plates on, no longer dusty , no sooner said than done! Out with the steps (which I am not allowed on) plates etc down , I washed them ,mil dried and Sue bless her washed the shelf and wall above and put it all back . I now have a kitchen that is totally clean.However she did relax after ,whilst all the creating was going on snuggled on the sofa with my magazines.

Picture of some of the said plates.Scuse the top of the fridge another flat surface for the Dh to put things.lol.

Sue asked me to thankyou for your good wishes for her mum, who is home but she gets very frustrated with herself , she was such a chatty lady and now her speech is slurred and she cannot at times make herself understood, however Sue says although she is not quite the same and things sometimes come out wrong she still has her mum.Apparently she asked Sues dad if she could go and thank the paramedics who administered the medication in time , who, when she did, thought it such a nice thing to do as they do not get thanked afterwards very often.
Kate and tribe came over Monday night as Jack had his parents evening, sil was in Manchester so we fed the others and Kate had hers after. Jack is set for A and A* in most subjects IF he keeps at it. His teacher says he needs Bromide in his tea!
So I have seen the family in the last few days.
Ollies feet are healing at last ,but the bathing and putting cream on still continues.
Ok so what has arrived been stitched etc.
Well I had this bought me by my lovely man, when I am tired holding a hardback book is not good,the pages won't stay still so he got me this.

A KINDLE.

I am enjoying Eat,pray,love at the moment on it, I do miss a real book but it is easier for me.
Talking of books ,Graeme brought this down for me on Sunday, some yummy recipes in it and only £5 at Sainsburys, and he got discount too not bad eh.

I also bought this after seeing a friends copy ,she bought it at the show and it was £14.99 I got it from Amazon for £7.99 just a little different ,but I would love to stitch the girls (grandaughters ) one of the bags each , full of plans lol.

On the stitching front I have at last received my Shepherds Bush order,and The Journey has arrived as well as the pansy roll. The journey has nice words which are:-
Take Joy in the journey and the friends you find along the way.

My friend Sally is going to stitch along, a Shepherds Bush design Emmanuels Song I think, we start on January 1st if you fancy joining us ,any SB design and probably on a Monday night.

Talking of Monday night this is our Jane night and we are stitching The Stocking, here is progress so far.

I think maybe I will have another night in the week for TSG designswhen the SB one starts as I have so many I want to do.
I still have most of these ornies to do - must stitch more -chat less- here is the latest I have got.

I like the way this one is finished. Whilst browsing LHN site I came across this download from Gigi R, ,proceeds to UNICEF , and there are some lovely designs in here. Just thought I may enable you too,it is in French and I don't speak a word of French but all looks fairly straightforward, and if the bear of very little brain can figure it out I am sure you clever bodies can.

12 patterns are what you get.
I have had a finish besides the cushion, only a little one but I like it.It is on the chimney breast, a design by Country Rustic Primitives and I have mounted it on a piece of black painted hardboard with string for a hanger.

Just ordered a winter one ,thought I would do one or two to hang there for each season.
Now last but certainly not least I had a little gift come yesterday from my friend Julie who sent me this , it is on my to do pile Julie which grows ever higher, it is just so pretty and when I am in a pink mood it will be just right. Thankyou so much for thinking of me ,also there was a lovely chatty note and the picture on the front was just so cute. I have to say that it gave me a lift on an otherwise mundane day.

You may remember Julie has been encouraging me with the crochet lark, I cannot do very much at all without pain kicking in, so I am picking it up for a short time only. Martin wants a blanket for his "old age" to keep his knees warm, I hope he isnt going to need it for an awful long time!! Graeme said oh like that can you make me one for when I sit in the consevatory-oh how I hate to disapoint him. Wonder how long he can wait!
This is progress on blanket so far lol.

Well folks I think I have at last caught up , this dratted machine has behaved itself and I am about to press post.Thanks for your very kind comments, andI hope you haven't got too stiff sitting reading this. I am off for a good stretch (I think I would like to come back as a cat , as they always look as if their stretches hit the spot.
Take care all and I good luck to those who wish to enter the giveaway
Hugs n stuff
Barb

oops dont know what happened there

2010-10-19T15:36:00.002+01:00

Sorry folks but I have just posted an eighth of my post -have I been subjecting you to this mayhem for almost a year sigh! Well I will give you an update either tomorrow or Thursday as I am not in the right frame of mind to type it all again, However the giveaway post holds leave your comment to be entered on that and it is a bar of soap should you be wondering!!!!!
Going to look in the dusty cupboard for my brain (just typed brian ,whoever he is,argh .
Take care back soon
Hugs n stuff Barb.
Thanks Lesley Anne your comment is counted.

When Autumn leaves float by my window

2010-10-19T14:12:00.003+01:00

I just love autumn how about you.Well I am about to celebrate (commiserate with you),my first year of blogging. SO if you would like to have a chance of winning please pass it on to all and sundry to give them a chance too and if you would leave a comment on here saying you have done just that ,I will make the draw on the 27th October which will be the date of my very first missive.
I was a bit disapointed in the response to my pif but thanks to Jacqui who responded ,can you e mail me your addy.I am going to make the pif a rak instead and send to three people somewhen in the coming year so Jacqui consider yourself one of those. Does that make sense .
Anyway here is what I have put together for the giveaway

I have stitched this cushion from the Honeysuckle Manor book by Blackbird designs ,it has my initials and year on it, I changed the colours from the ones in the book,it is stitched with GentleArt threads Peacock and Flax. The backing fabric I bought while we were on holiday,along with a bar of handmade soao from Odds and Suds in Tavistock,a packet of heart buttons, a small parcel of fabrics for you to use however you wish, A Christmas card kit ,a little bag of lavender, and a bag of Thorntons chocolates.

Would you like

2010-10-08T10:40:00.002+01:00

Something stitched by me. Well I signed up with Sallys pif and so now I am posting this in the hope (everything crossed) that 3 of you will sign up for mine.Here is what it is about.
.
"The idea is that 3 of you join my Pay It Forward and then I will send a hand made gift (made with love!!!) to each one of my THREE within the next 365 days!

So this is me, asking for 3 people to join my PIF -just leave a comment to this post !That's it...no Catches! NOW...I only need THREE...who wants to be my THREE????

So please come and join me and be one of my THREE because I would really love to make something special for you."

Look out next time for a blogaversay giveaway which I am hoping you will all (69)followers enter .
Hugs n stuff
Barb
I will give you a blog update soon, probably next week as not much to report this.

I will try again-

2010-09-30T17:32:00.031+01:00

I typed almost a whole blog grrrr, then the internet threw it all away,will try again.It is almost an hour ago now so I have calmed down a little.
Well we are home and as you can guess by the header we saw lots of sheep!! The sheep I wanted a pic of scarpered when we opened the car door. So we took his friends instead although the one on the right is doing a disappearing act too. The one I wanted had a white face and his features were of a smiley face ,no I kid you not. That is why we stopped to take a picture but perhaps he had enough of being in the limelight and got suddenly camera shy.Before you ask I had not been on the boozy juice either!!
Well folks shall I bore you to tears with the dreaded holiday snaps,well go on then just a few ,then I have some stitchy pics to show you.
We had a lovely relaxing week away, no hot sun and beaches or days by the pool for us,instead we stayed in our lovely countryside and had some "us"time - we do like Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside ,some say it is bleak but it has a beauty all of its own. What do you think?

You get the picture!
Anyway we stayed on a smallholding about 5 miles from Tavistock and apart from 5 blacksheep these gorgeous girls a horse and a cockerel that seemed to think it was daybreak all day (but not at daybreak ) it was just soooo quiet.

We could have had fresh eggs for breakfast but Martin said he would pass on that one.
We stayed in a converted barn in a small hamlet (you don't hear that word much now do you)? about 5 houses in a road that led to nowhere. A pic of the barn and 2 views from the upstairs windows, one looking at the owners house and the other of their neighbours opposite.

Ollie had a great time too, we frequented the watering hole we go to in this part of the country and he had his usual bowl of water and biscuits. Then we had finished our meal the chef brought him out a slice of beef. Dog friendly I think so.

The sign above the bar says Dogs welcome , children on a lead.
Then he had his usual dips in the River Tavy ,a bit further down than this was taken. The water rushing over the weir was in its autumnal colours of tweedy brown with gold hightlights in the sun.Well I thought it quite pretty anyway.

Whilst there we thought we would visit Morwellam Quay,a tourist attraction we visited some years ago ,people dressed in victorian dress and lots going on. We were a little disapointed to find it looking less than bustling and just a little neglected.Apparently we found out later that the place had gone bankrupt and had new owners. I suppose they are going to work on it to get it back ,just seemed such a shame. Anyway I took a few pics for my blog and will put underneath what they are.

A boat. Seriously this was a barge used to take things down or up river.
Morwellham was known for mining copper and in its time was a thriving place,with its own little schoolhouse .

One of the miners cottages.

Are you losing the will to live yet? I know its not awe inspiring, but Martin likes waterwheels and such its a man thing,so had to take this for him. Anyway off we went to Dartmouth the next day, through the twisty windy roads. Martin actually got me on a boat!I am definately NOT a lover of boats big or little, but Ollie was jumping up and down wanting to go and Martin too ,so after I found out where the lifejackets were-you think I am joking -it is a standing joke in our family that I sat under the lifeboat all the way to the Isle of Man when the children were little .Somewhere I have a photo.Anyway it was only an hour and a half , we weren't sure how Ollie would like being off Terra firma so we opted for the shorter river cruise (that was my excuse and I was sticking to it.)Anyway the boat had a bar and a G&T saw me braving the elements (its was so calm not even a ripple) and almost shivering me timbers. Want to see the river ,we passed Agatha Christies estate but you couldn't really see much but a glimpse behind the trees.We also Jonathan and David Dimblebeys home,name dropping here.

Luckily we had decent weather and the only day it grizzled was Wednesday and rained Wednesday night. I of course being in Tavistock had to visit the needlework shop, not much in the way of cross stitch ,but lots of lovely fabric and bits and bobs,Martin was beginning to despair of me and my daily fix.Here are a few of goodies bought.

Some ribbons and tassels - you never know when you will need a tassel or two.

Of course some books- I just love these Tilda type designs - just got to make them now lol. Oh I fell for the nightshirt angels so I am going to make this and bought the fabric whilst there.

Of course then I saw this little sweetie and had to get the kit. Bad girl bad girl. Then Martin saw this beauty so it had to come home with us.

Did I say there was nice fabby in this shop hmmmmm yummy.

I did some stitching too since last we spoke and I used some of the new fabric to back this Stacy Nash Lets play in the dirt pincushion.

I also stitched these two

I have never done this type of easel finish before and boy did I get sticky, I do not think I shall be doing many more like this, not a lover of glue sticky stuff. They don't look too bad though do they.
Of course on Monday last and this was my Sally &Jane day,which has seen the stocking grow a little , hope Sally hasn't missed me too much, although I see she has been very very busy herself.

I hope you are still with me on my epic blog, I do have a little more to share with you, lots of people seem to be hooked on this crochet lark and I have struggled .oh boy have I struggled but as I couldn't play on my computer this week as the keyboard wouldn't let me type some letters and the frustration set in. So Martin ordered me a new keyboard and fixed it last night. What a man.
Anyway I digress. Not perfect by any stretch but for a first finished attempt ta da-

Must not neglect stitching ,that was a note to self.
Before we went away I received in the mail a package from Faye in the U.S. we are part of Stitch it and Pass it on, and now I have to stitch these designs for the next person and I am really looking forward to it. So applause please for Faye and the Stitch it and Pass it on girls here is Buttoned up for Christmas designed by Cathy Jean of Victoria Sampler.

Well folks are you still awake as I think I am almost. Must be those sheep again.
Oh thanks for all the wishes for Sues Mum, thankfully she is on the mend. I do not think it will be a quick fix though as her speech and writing skills need a therapist,who surprise surprise cannot give them an appointment for at least 3 months.They have decided to go private as her brain needs to retrain as quick as poss. Thanks also for comments on the pumpkins,
Well next time I will be giving you a chance to win a giveaway as I will have been blogging for a year on the 27th of October- doesnt time fly when you have fun- thanks or blame goes to Julie and Karan for nagging me.
Anyway if you arent asleep yet I know a boy who is -dog tired -he really needs to get a bigger chair.

Sweet dreams all ,take care and if you want to leave a comment I would just love it.
Hugs n stuff
Barb

Home again .

2010-09-30T16:03:00.000+01:00

Just a quick addition

2010-09-15T11:04:00.002+01:00

In my post earlier I mentioned I wanted to make some pumkins just thought you would like to see my tomato size pumpkins and one larger Going to look for something to hang some on too. See you in 2 weeks, enjoy your hobbies whatever and I will hopefully be back with all my news soon.
Hugs n stuff
Barbxx

You have heard of putting your head in a lions mouth

2010-09-11T16:18:00.026+01:00

well the header is a picture of Ollie and his lion.!!!

Hello everyone, how are things with you? I have lots to show and tell you as I am a bit late updating this . It has been a mixed bag weatherwise here in Dorset, but at the moment it is sunny albeit blustery and it certainly is a little chilly in the breeze.
I am sure that the dear old apple tree will soon be bare of fruit if it does get really windy, proof that there are apples though.

These turned into this:-

You can probably see the Jane Austen saying that I shall be stitching at some point, my fathers favourite was apple pie. I think Graeme my son takes after him!!

Last post I think I mentioned that we had a glut of tomatoes ,then we didn't ,and this was how they looked yuk,little caterpillars had had the lot. Just hope they enjoyed them .

No more garden news,although you may remember I said I only had one gladioli out of 20 I planted, Christine was having trouble too with them in her garden. Suddenly we had a growth spurt and this week 6 came into bloom, 3 are a gorgeous burgundy colour.

Well look see what I received in the post this week from my lovely friend Sally, totally unexpected and so welcome with the news we had this past week.

Isn't it so me, even the sheep is the same shape as me !!!!! If anyone watches Shaun the sheep ,I liken myself to Shirley lol.Thankyou so much again Sally.
Anyway as I mentioned we had news this past week a bit of a shock , our DIL Sues mum had a stroke on Monday. She is such a kind and thoughtful person she did not deserve it.There is a slight improvement though, just such a shock for Sue and family though.
I wasn't going to mention the garden anymore!! , but wondered if you would like to Take a turn around the garden with me, this one of my finishes since last time.
It is clickable as all pics are (I hope).
This was stitched over one on Sassys 28count fabric and is a Sampler Girl design.
I can also show you an almost finished Sampler Girl pillow, I am awaiting the filling as I had run out (it came this morning).
This is her latest design, and I just had to stitch this one, as as you know I am such a fan of Jane.(and Tanyas designs of course)

Such a quick stitch ,but a design that works for me!
Maybe just one more Jane ,not a finish but a wip that is another SAL with Sally, and is The Sampler Girl Stocking or will be when its finished , which will be a while yet.

I did start this post yesterday but the internet did not want me to play so I have just taken up where I left off. So today it is Monday and for Sally and me it is Jane Day!! Yipeee.
Another wip and some progress I will finish this by Christmas ,I will , I will, I did stitch on it last night too.

In the corner you can just see a book that I thought I might like that came this last week ,it is Blankets and Throws to knit ,by Debbie Abrahams and they look scrummy,however working out the cost, oooooh bit prohibitive.But took a pic of one to show you,I would probably be knitting this in my dotage, WHAT! I AM in my dotage!!

I found a rather large bag the other day it was in the dusty cupboard all along,I peeked inside, well now, I thought ,I have a ufo and a half, I started this some years ago ,at least 10, it will be at some point a charm quilt. All stitched by hand and every piece different,but so many memories sewn into this, a piece of fabric from my grandaughter Caitlins first dress, fabric bought specially for this whilst on holidays in Austria, Italy, and this country. Various pieces gleaned from dear friends some no longer here. So I thought to myself I really SHOULD finish this. So I have put a back and filling to it and I am doing a tied quilt ,thought that would be quickest and still in the hand .Then I only have the border to do so --as they say watch this space but dont hold your breath!!!

It doesn't look much in the pic but it wow it is BIG, and quite colourful.
Also last week I did have stash post ,want to see, yes I know you do.As I love seeing what you all have and just sometimes you enable me too.
So first to last are these :-

Autumn a new design by Cricket Collection.

This one I have wanted for a while but I could only get it from ABC Therapy and kept holding back as their shipping seems a bit expensive and they take ages or seem to, I caved in in the end and now have it. At the same time I got this can you see a Hallowe'en theme coming here, I want to do some of those pumpkins.

Another design I have liked a while is, Lets play in the Dirt by Stacy Nash Designs,can someone tell me please when will I get time to stitch all these and also who will want the finished articles when I am gone!

Then came this months auto ship from DSL the Lhn christmas ornie, must get on with these too arghh.

Which leads me into another finish ,strictly speaking though, it is for the Stitch n stash group christmas ornie for September ,but Septembers page is not up yet so I shall show you here.

I am trying to have a primitive theme this year and just liked the words on this one.Plus it has a bird!!so could even hang on the birdie wall ,this is a design by Simple Goodes stitched by Jennifer. I finished it with a hessian back to add to the primitive look.
I also visited the tame framer yesterday and he had done the 2 birdie ones and Generosity. So I am awaiting 2 hooks for Awake the Dawning Day and to thine own self be true. Meanwhile here are the others.

This is actually a true pic of the colour of the birdie wall the next ones well nothing like but gives you some idea of what it is like.

See nothing like.
Martin framed Return to the Sea for me today the same as Home will take pic when I get them on the wall.I am a very lucky girl,I have a hubby who is good with his hands!No comments please on that last remark.
Also this last week my magazine came , I decided to subscribe as it was so much cheaper. Pumpkin recipies this time in it, but as my pumpkin is about the size of a tangerine I will not be making pie or soup lol.

I mentioned earlier about Sues mum, well although her speech is very slurred and limited ,she has regained a little use in her right arm. We went up to see G S and Ella yesterday for dinner, my son had sent Sue out for some 'her' time to meet a friend for coffee ,while he cooked the dinner, Sues dad also came before Sue and he went off to visit at the hospital.Martins Mum came too ,so he did well cooking a roast and an apple crumble for 7. He then thought his mum might like to go to Hobbycraft which is near them, I went screaming and kicking that I did NOT want to go,and if you believe that there you really dont know me!! Anyway I got a few bits and bobs ,some felt for pumpkins and some Hallowe'en type ribbon, some buttons and just bits I thought might be useful. Also bought Ella a stencil design book as she stayed behind with Martin and walked Ollie. We had tea and saw Sue briefly when she got home, poor girl looked absolutely done in, and we heard when we phoned to say we got home safely that she was just off to bed 8.30. I think having to see her mum like it, and having to be patient while her Mum is so frustrated, dealing with her dad who she says is not positive and her brother who felt that the grand prix was more important than going to the hospital.Well you get the picture.
Anyway there is a marked improvement on this time last week when it happened.
Well folks I do not think I have much else to tell you, if I do not get to the blog again it is because we are having a holiday next week, so shall have to see how much I get done as to wether I get another post done before we go. No internet access there or mobile ,so books and stitching being packed.
I have 10 comments to answer thankyou so much for them , I do read them and would like more ,I expect some read and don't comment but please do as I do enjoy reading them.You say such nice things and it is nice when someone likes what I do. Anyway ,

Jules thanks for commenting and the sweet words.

Jane so pleased you like accompanying me on my journey as I do on yours.

CarolR the hardanger was done a while ago and Mylene asked if I was doing any at the moment , that was my first piece (jumped in with both feet)so it is not perfect , it is so forgiving though as it has had so much spilt on it through the years and washes so well.

Lesley Ann thankyou for your comment on Ida Mae, you can see her framed now.

Heidi lol, at your liking of my Little Women bag-

Angela hope to see the LW on your pics soon then!

Julie and Sally if you are ever this way I will make you a rhubarb crumble!!

Simply Stitchin in the garden -Just love your title and thankyou for your comment.

So all answered and now I am going to wash the tea things before settling down in the comfy chair to sal with Sally and Jane Austen.
Take care all and thankyou for coming to visit me, hope to speak to you soon .
Hugs n stuff.
Barb

Giveaway

2010-09-04T10:15:00.000+01:00

Loretta is having a lovely giveaway here http://lorettasstitchingblog.blogspot.com/
pop in and have a look see at the goodies, I am sure you will be pleased you did.I will be back in a few days with an update.