Stitch from Stash 2014 Planning

I'm looking forward to the beginning of the Stitch from Stash challenge. Mel from Epic Stitching is running this year-long event and I'm so excited to be taking part.

I thought this was the right time of year to have a sift through my stash and dig out some projects. Do you know, I don't think I'll have to spend much at all this year! I unearthed some real treasures, including some pieces that I have been generously gifted with over the years since I started blogging. Here's my selection of designs I've got lined up, as soon as I've finished my current WIPs of course.

I have no idea which one I will be stitching first. I shall have to see what I feel like :)

I also dug out some cross stitching magazines that I knew I had. Most of my magazines have been organised into files, but I kept these three whole. They've all got lovely designs in them, so I've got plenty of projects to be getting on with!

I am in awe when I see pictures of stunning craft rooms. I keep all of my crafting supplies in various boxes around my room. I didn't realise I had half the stuff I've rediscovered during my sorting out today. Who knew I had 7 pairs of scissors?! 

I wish you all warmest wishes for the New Year. I can see 2014 being a very exciting year for me :)

 

Season of Joy

Hello all! Well, I'm having a fab time in Glastonbury. My mum is spoiling me rotten! I've had all manner of sweet treats and goodies throughout this week. I'll need my running shoes lots when I get home :P

I hope you all shared a wonderful Christmas with the important people in your life. I'm so pleased I arrived in Glastonbury early. I travelled here last Sunday, which was just before the big storms hit. I don't know if I would have made it if I left it any later. I felt grateful that night to be tucked up in my bed, safe and warm from the howling weather. We only had a little damage here, a bit of flooding in the cellar. After watching the news, it seems Glastonbury got off lightly!

On Christmas Day, we spent it quietly at home, watching movies, eating and drinking - it was perfect. I was very lucky to receive lots of presents from my parents, ranging from the practical to the pretty.

My mum's pristine Christmas tree!

Lovely presents for me - socks/cake slice/books/DVDs/mugs/fancy cake wrappers and toppers/napkins and a box of my favourite chocolate Brazil nuts :)

This is the gift I'm most pleased with. The photo has decided to sit the wrong way round, but you get the gist. Mum made me this cushion after I mentioned to her about my back. I sometimes get pain in my lower back and I know it's because I don't sit properly when I'm writing or stitching. Now I have this great cushion to help support it. It was such a thoughtful present.

I couldn't resist buying myself a gift just before the big day. I stopped buying cross stitch magazines when I went to University. Firstly, because I couldn't justify the expense and secondly, because I already had quite a few! But if you can't treat yourself at Christmas, when can you :)

There are lots of charts in this edition of CrossStitcher, as it came with a free booklet filled with retro charts. I must admit, I picked this one over the others in the shop because of the Camper van chart. I do love the old fashioned Camper vans! This is probably going to be my last stitching related purchase before the Stitch from Stash challenge begins. Is anyone else joining in with Mel's new group? I signed up straight away! Not only will it help me save money and stitch up a few things that have been hiding away in drawers, but I might win prizes too! Do let me know if you're taking part as well :) The original post explaining all is here. 

I head back to Winchester tomorrow after a wonderful week in Glastonbury. I will cherish the time I have spent with my family, but I am looking forward to returning to my independent life in Winchester. New stitching projects await!

Best wishes to all, and Happy New Year!!! 

Festive Cheer (picture heavy!)

 Thank you all so much for the lovely comments left on my last post. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season, filled with friends, family and food!

I thought I'd do a picture walk today of all the Christmas goings on in my student house. I'm so looking forward to be spending Christmas with my family, but it's still nice to spend time with my house mates and decorate our house too :)

Here is our humble tree, complete with presents and home made decorations!

I'm sure you will recognise these little ornaments from my previous blog posts :) It's great to finally be able to display them properly. 

Also on display for the first time this year is my framed CCN Gingerbread House.

We had our house Christmas meal on Thursday, seeing as most of us were travelling on different days to get home. We didn't take the traditional route for food. We had a Mexican night! I was on cooking duty, which I love. I take such joy in preparing food for others, that we can all sit around the table and enjoy. I made two different types of chilli and a batch of rice, and we also had home made guacamole and Christmas tree-shaped tortilla chips! Very festive!

White rice and veggie chilli (sweet potato, spinach, peas, onion, kidney beans)

Meat chilli in the slow cooker (beef mince, pork mince and bacon)

After we were thoroughly stuffed from our delicious meal, it was time for presents! I received such a wonderful gift from my house mates. It was so thoughtful and perfect for me :) 

Isn't it charming? It's a wooden suitcase that's been decorated to look vintage. It's just so pretty and I love it! But even better, there were more goodies inside. 

A DVD from my wishlist, two vintage style coasters (I collect these) and an X-men comic. 

I feel truly lucky to have been given such a gorgeous gift. Big thank you to Kathryn and Lucy!!

I feel spoilt already and the big day isn't even here yet. I'm travelling tomorrow. I've got my tickets and booked seats so it should be fine, but you never know with our railway systems. Fingers crossed I make it to Glasto in good time. Yes, I am taking my stitching on the train :)

Best wishes and Merry Christmas,

 

December Update

Hello my friends! Goodness, what a busy month December has been. I've been swamped with assignments for most of the month. I'm glad to say they were all handed in on time and to the highest standard I could achieve. Fingers crossed for good marks! I'll find out after the Christmas break.

When I was spending my days chained to my desk, there was nothing I liked more than packing up all of my work at the end of the day and heading to my stitching chair. Although I haven't been blogging much, my needle has still been flying! I've got a finish to share :)

 

I finished Paws for Thought. This charming design was gifted to me from Cath. As it was mostly block stitching, it was the perfect stitch to relax with after a long day.

As soon as this one was finished, I couldn't resist diving into my stash! Another chart Cath sent me caught my eye. My grandmother loves sunflowers so I think this will make a perfect gift for her.

 

I like the shades used for the teddy bear, it's keeping things interesting.

 

I've spent this first week of holidays preparing for Christmas. I absolutely love this time of year. And now that I'm no longer working, I can go home for Christmas! Yippee! I shall be spending a week in Glastonbury with my parents and I'm so looking forward to it. Tonight, I'm having a meal with my housemates and we're exchanging gifts. I wonder what I'll get? So exciting!

I hope all of your Christmas preparations are running smoothly. I'll be back soon to share pics of our decorations :) I've seen some gorgeous trees on blogs recently, just lovely!

Best wishes,

 

 

200th Post Giveaway Winner!

Oops! I'm a day late with announcing the winner, but I'm sure you all know by now that I'm useless at sticking to schedules :P

I had 17 lovely commenters on my giveaway post and the comment the number generator selected was number 10. That comment was left by . . .

The Inspired Stitcher!

Congratulations to you, lovely lady! Please email me your mail address and I shall post the parcel as soon as possible :)

I've been very busy lately with writing for assignments and planning for Christmas. Even my stitching has taken a back seat! In two weeks, it will all be over and I can enjoy a restful holiday season, needle in hand :)

 

Best wishes to all,