Stitching through the Winter

Hi all, I hope this post finds you well. I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying my stitching lately. Even when I'm not putting needle to thread, I'm reading magazines or browsing blogs or eyeing up my next stitchy purchase. It's lovely to be fully immersed in a hobby once more. 

I've got another card finish to share. This one is a birthday card for my grandmother, who doesn't own a computer, so no risk of her seeing it before the big day! I used a design from an old magazine from my stores, then picked the colours as I went along from my box of leftovers. I'm glad I'm not the only one who keeps leftover threads - they're so handy for small projects like this. 

I finished Love Cats fairly quickly. It was all block colour then a bit of back stitching so it was a nice quick one. I'm thinking of adding her wedding date and gifting this to my sister. Just got to find the perfect frame first!

And I have a new start to share. I don't think this one will take me too long at all. It's Time for Tea by Country Cottage Needlework and I've subbed a couple of the threads for ones I already had. I'm definitely a budget stitcher! 

That's it from me this time. Only two weeks to go until surgery, then there will be no stopping my needle :) I've started kitting up a few things so it will be nice and easy for me to pick things up during my respite time. And then it will be Christmas! I've sent some SewAndSo links to Lawrence so hopefully Stitchy Santa will leave something for me under the tree!! 

Best wishes,

Bekca

xxx

One Finish, Two Starts

I've been having a bit of a tough time of late with endo, but the silver lining is it means more stitching time! I had a mammoth session last week and managed to finish Cocktails:

I'm going to tuck this away with the companion piece, Teacups, and keep an eye out for suitable frames in the charity shops. Then when we move, I can get them both framed up and on display in my kitchen. 

I couldn't wait to start another project, so much so that I ended up starting two! These pieces are both from the same magazine, CrossStitcher Issue 321. The first one is this gorgeous Sewing Machine project, but I'm just stitching the main top half. Here's where I'm up to so far:

And the other piece further along in the mag is called Cook's Notes. I'm going to have a kitchen covered in cross stitch by the time I'm finished! Here's my progress on that one:

I'm quite enjoying having a couple of projects on the go, I haven't done that in so long. I'm thinking I would like to start another large design again, maybe something like Farmhouse, but I haven't seen one yet that I'd be willing to spend months and months stitching on! 

I haven't got all the thread colours for my two latest starts, but my 123stitch order should be arriving this week. I'm so excited! I've got heaps of stickers coming my way for my latest scrap book idea, as well as plenty of threads and maybe a sneaky chart or two that jumped in the basket as well. 

It's my last full week with the District Nurses this week, then I start my new job on Monday. September is a busy month for me, I hope you've all got wonderful plans for the start of Autumn too.

Best wishes,

Bekca

xxx

Tea and Stitching

Hello friends, how are you all? This is my second day off in a row from work, so I got all the boring jobs and chores done yesterday. Now I have time to blog read to my heart's content, as well as settle down to some stitching time with a film later :)

I recently went charity shop shopping with a good friend from University. We browsed the book sections but weren't having much luck. Just as we were leaving our final stop, I spotted a box filled with crafting magazines. Lo and behold, there were cross stitching ones! They were from 2014 and 2015 - who could ever donate new magazines?! There was no price tag but the assistant told us she would sell them 3 for £1. Can't argue with that!

I came home with six practically brand new magazines for £2. They were minus the free gifts that normally accompanying them, but I still think it was extremely good value. I browsed them all for hours before finally choosing a new design to start.

My mornings don't really start until I've had a cup of tea, so this piece really spoke to me. I'm stitching over one, which is quite hard going. I rushed into getting started, and to be honest, should have spent more time considering my fabric choice, but oh hum, I've started so I'll finish. If I'm able to, I'm going to make a Sew and So order soon to buy the correct threads. I'm sure a few other things will sneak into my basket too! 

I've got several pieces that are so close to be finish, but just need tricky backstitching on them. I will get round to it, but it's not as appealing as a fresh start. I'm sure you know the feeling :)

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

 

PS The next post will be my 250th! I think it's high time I did something special. I think I better start rustling up a giveaway prize . . .

A Car Called Pond

Hello friends! Thank you for all your sweet comments on my last couple of blog posts. I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things with blogging. It will be much easier now that I have access to the Internet in my flat. It was far too expensive to purchase on my own, but now that I'm sharing bills with Lawrence, I can be back online! I cannot wait to spend my day off tomorrow browsing through all the wonderful stitching blogs. Has anyone new arrived? If you've got a new favourite, please let me know in the comments, I need to keep up with these things :)

I haven't been stitching as much as I would like to, due to a nasty case of neck pain that I've been struggling with. It's been difficult to look down, so not ideal for stitching. Still, I'm sure things will be back to normal soon :)

Here's a small finish that I completed recently, a card for my friend who recently passed her driving test. The nickname she gave her car was Pond, as it has a tendency to leak! I'm quite pleased with the simple style :)

I hope you are enjoying glorious weather wherever you are in the world. I must admit, it's been a little bit too hot for my liking, but it will pass soon enough.

Best wishes,

 

Posting for Posterity

Just to make a neat gap between my old stitching projects and my upcoming new ones, I thought I would post the finished Blackbird Designs sampler. It took me so long to complete this piece, not because it was particularly difficult, but because I lost my mojo for awhile. But it's done and dusted now :)

I think I would like to have it framed, but it doesn't really match the decor in the flat with this colour scheme. So for now, it will simply have to go in the drawer with the others! I should get around to finishing a few pieces really, it's such a shame to keep them hidden. Maybe I shall dedicate a future day off to a craft day, and I can make a huge mess again! Are you a messy finisher? Or is it just me?!

Bekca

xxx

My Friends

I have been away for far too long.

I can't believe the last time that I logged in to blog was last November. That's the longest break I have ever taken from this blog since its creation. There are many reasons why I took an unscheduled break, work load, family bereavement, illness, weddings and at one point, a distinct lack of stitching. I'm sorry for disappearing so suddenly, but I'm sure many of you can relate to the way life gets in the way sometimes!

But I looked over my stash today, in readiness for Lawrence moving in, and I thought, no, I'm not ready to give up this hobby. Stitching used to give me such pleasure and peace, there's no reason to give it up.

I cannot wait to be inspired by all the stitching activity that's been going on whilst I've been away. I've only picked up my stitching again recently, but I will hopefully have a few pictures to share soon.

Best wishes to all,

Bekca
xxx

The Good Old Days

Just flying in to share my latest progress pic of my Blackbird Designs sampler. I think I forgot to mention in my last post that I'm stitching this one over one :) It's tiny, but only one colour so I'm still enjoying myself. Here it is so far . . .

When I first started cross stitching, I would often spend most of a free day stitching. I would put on a couple of films and sit and stitch for hours on end. I don't get to do that much anymore, because there always seems to be "more important" things that require my attention. I should really carve some time out for my hobby, because it definitely puts me at ease. My workload is getting more intense as the festive season approaches. Unfortunately, I have to attend a funeral alongside Lawrence next week. He lost his grandfather recently, and the two of them were very close. I'm going to support him and the rest of the family.

With all the drama that's been happening recently, as well as the build up to Christmas, I think I just might deserve an evening of stitching in front of a film. It's my favourite way to spend me-time.

Thank you for being patient with my lack of posts. I hope to be back in the swing of things soon.

 

Bekca

xxx

Stitch From Stash Update: October

Hello friends. I'm back in the library to bring you my latest report. Stitching was slow at the start of the month, what with the craziness of moving in and settling down into my new flat. But my mojo has returned, boosted by a lovely gift all the way from Canada.

Yes, I was lucky enough to win a SFS prize last month! I couldn't believe it! I was sent four gorgeous charts by Blackbird designs. I couldn't wait to get started on one. I'm stitching this with Dark Chocolate thread on pink fabric. It's dreamy.

 

So, onto the report!

 

New starts:

 

 

WIPs:

 

I'm up to the backstitching on Mouse, but I didn't manage to take a pic before rushing out. I really want to get this one finished, it's taken me far too long.

 

That's all I've got from this month's SFS. I'm so glad Mel will be running a similar event next year. I've enjoyed every month :)

Best wishes

 

Bekca

 

 

Stitch From Stash Update: September

Just sneaking in on the very last day of September with my report for this month. It's not looking healthy I'm afraid. I haven't blown the budget, I haven't spent anything this month, but I haven't been able to stitch much either. 

The flat is a more difficult process than I imagined and it has been taking up a lot of my time. I've been working long shifts too and I haven't had the energy to pick up my needle. I'm hoping that I'll be all moved in by the weekend, so I can sort through my stuff and get some new project under way. 

I did manage a little stitching during my weekend in Glastonbury so I do have something to share.

Current WIPs:

My little mouse is all finished, just awaiting his backstitching. I'm on the final few rows of the pudding, and I've also got to stitch the plate it's on. But a finish is in sight! 

That's all from me for now. I hope to be back soon with more stitching and a tour of my new home :)

Best wishes,

 

Off on an Aeroplane

Hello friends. This week has been very trying. I've had stomach problems since the start of the week, which resulted in me having to take a day off work yesterday to recover. I never have days off and I felt a little bad taking it right before my holiday, but there was nothing else I could do. It was more important to me to get better and enjoy my holiday than struggle through a long shift and feel terrible on the plane. I'm glad to report I'm on the mend now, although still a bit weak from lack of food. But the most important thing is that I feel well enough to travel :)

I have a few stitching things to share before I jet off. First up is Christmas Pudding. Yes, I'm still working on this little guy. I moved onto the mouse for a change of colours and I'll tackle the rest of the pudding at a later date.

It looks like a magical, floating pudding at the moment, I need to add the cake stand too. I'm determined to get this one finished, I do like it enough to keep stitching on it.

Since I got my stash back, I haven't really had the time for a good rummage through, what with work and being poorly. But I did pull out the necessary threads to get this one finished. It's Barnyard by Bent Creek.

I don't know what I'll finish this one up as, I'd like to get a bit more creative with my finishes, now that I have all my kit back.

So that's it from me and I'm officially signing off for a week for my holiday. I'm sure I'll have some snaps to share when I return :) Best wishes to all,

 

Stitch from Stash Update: August

Hello friends! As we know, it's been a slow stitching month for me. I've been finding more joy in books rather than needle and thread recently, which is fine, but I am truly missing getting stuck into a good project. I haven't spent any money this month, even though we were given a bonus to use. However, I can see an order to Sew and So in the near future, I need some new starts! 

So onto the stitching. I suppose both of these count as WIPs, even though I've stitched as much as I can on Barnyard. My main stitching supplies (including my sewing machine) arrive on Friday and I cannot wait to go stash diving :)

Current projects:

Here's where I'm up to on Barnyard. Silly me for not packing white thread! Of all the colours to forget, honestly :P I'm missing the filling in on the barn, and the tree is missing its trunk, but I'm sure I will get it finished by next month.

And I have done a little bit more on Christmas Pudding since my last update too. I love it enough to want to finish it, but I'm only working on it on my days off when I have the patience for it :) I will be delighted when the actual pudding is finished and I can move on to the cute mouse.

That's all from me today. I'm currently looking for a more permanent place to live in Southampton. I'm currently living in a shared house but I'm branching out and looking for my own one-bed place. It's very exciting! My job is going well too, I'm still enjoying the work, it changes on a day-to-day basis. Still, there's nothing like a day off is there :)

 Best wishes to all.

 

Stormy Weather Equals Stitching Time

Hello friends, I hope you're all keeping warm and dry. These storms are awful aren't they? I've managed to dodge the worst bits, but I did have to walk to work in the rain at the weekend, not fun. 

I didn't have a lot to share with you when I first thought about writing a post. I will admit, I have fallen out of love with this little Christmas design. I still think it's cute, but the scattered stitches of similar colours are driving me mad. I will get it finished eventually, but it wasn't helping me to relax after a long day at work. Here's an update to share anyways . . .

I became so disenchanted with this piece, that I decided to move on to a different design. This is my new start, Barnyard by Bent Creek, a gift from Elisa a while back. It's a simple design, I pulled out my own thread choices from my Anchor box and got stuck in. I must say, I'm truly enjoying stitching this one, it's coming together quite quickly.

I think another reason I lost my stitching mojo for a bit was because I didn't have all of my stitching essentials with me. I went to grab my scissors to cut some fabric for Barnyard, before realising I didn't pack them! But this won't be the case for much longer. My parents are visiting at the end of the month and offered to bring some of my stuff down with them. This will make it easier for when I eventually move out into a more permanent residence. I am going to send them a list, and my stitching chest and sewing machine are going to be high up on that list! I'm missing my machine more than I thought I would, it's such a handy thing to have around. Hopefully we won't be apart for much longer :)

I hope you've all had a wonderful start to the week, despite the changeable weather :)

Best wishes,

Stitch From Stash Update: July

July has been a real whirlwind month for me. I moved out of the city I had lived in for three years, made a new city my home, started my new job and started committing myself to finally finishing a novel. And between all that, I've always made time for my stitching :) It's time for another update and this month, I actually spent money!

Total spends: 

99p for a DMC thread needed to complete Miss Peepers.

Finished projects:

I've had lots of lovely comments on Miss Peepers already, thank you all so much for your kindness. Here she is again, she was my only finish for this month.

New starts:

I started a Christmas in July themed stitch and I'm making good progress. It's a bit slow going because the various shades of similar colours means I have to concentrate, and sometimes I don't feel like doing that after a seven-hour shift! But I am enjoying the piece, I think it will be a sweet finish when it's done. (sorry about the creases)

So that's my update for this month. I think I've got plenty to keep me busy over the next couple of months, but I'll feel much more at ease when I can have all my stitching stuff back with me :)

I hope you're all enjoying a lovely weekend. I'm posting early this morning because I'm off shopping with my sister today. It's been awhile since I've seen her and I can't wait to catch up :) Have a lovely day! 

Christmas in July

It's nice to be thinking of cooler climes during this spell of hot weather. I'm not too bad in the heat, but it would be much better if I was lounging under a shaded tree, rather than at work :P It's been a long week so I'm grateful for my day off today. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a few more stitches in today. Here is where I'm up to with my latest WIP . . .

I'm making steady progress, but I do have to concentrate. There's five different types of green thread, so I have to keep my eye on the ball :)

Hope you're all enjoying a lovely weekend, best wishes.

 

Jeepers!

I've finished Miss Peepers! I'm still so in love with this gorgeous little design. I used my own thread choices alongside some of the recommended DMC threads and I'm really happy with the result. I can see me stitching up another one of these beauties by the time summer is up :) Here she is!

It's funny. When I was a little girl, I couldn't stand pink. Pink annoyed me. Nowadays, pink and green is my favourite colour combination! It's funny how our tastes change as we grow up :)

I have a new start to share too. I'm embracing Christmas in July and started this darling little kit gifted to me from Cath over at The Stitchin' Chicken. It's mostly block colours with a few bits of backstitching, a lovely project to enjoy after a long day at work.

Back to work for me tomorrow, but I've got friends visiting for dinner tomorrow evening which I'm very much looking forward to :) I hope you all have a lovely week.

Best wishes,

 

A Different Kind of New Start

Hello all! I started my new job at the start of the week, I'm working at ALDI in Southampton. I was very pleased to get this particular job as its in an ideal location within walking distance from my house. I've done two shifts and today is my first day off. 

I like the freedom my new job gives me as I have two days off a week, as well as some afternoons. This is great for stitching time! Miss Peepers is coming along a treat. I was pleased to hear that I had been a bad influence on Justine from Justine's Cross Stitch, who has recently purchased this chart to stitch for herself. I can't wait to see your version Justine!

Here's where I'm up to with mine . . .

Not too much more to go actually, I think I may be able to finish it within the next couple of days. And then I'm going to have to get creative with what I stitch next. As most of you know, I packed up a lot of my stitching stuff when I moved to go into storage. I have a few supplies with me, but I also remember the vast collection of charts I have saved on my computer. I may not have a printer, but I know the library offers printing services. Oh, the lengths I will go to for cross stitching! :P

Hope you're all having a great week, best wishes. 

A New Stomping Ground

Hello friends! Well, I've made it safely to my new place in Southampton. Sunday was a very busy day. My parents drove all the way from Glastonbury to help me move my stuff. They're storing most of it in their outbuilding until I find a more permanent residence. 

It was strange to see my room in Winchester completely bare. I felt a little sad as I closed the door for the last time, but I know I'm moving onwards and upwards. Plus, I know I'll see my former housemates regularly. They're not getting rid of me that easily!

I've settled into my new room here. I'm having to live out of my suitcase, but I can cope with that. I've got a cupboard and fridge/freezer space all sorted, so I'm perfectly content. I managed to get some stitching in last night, here's how Miss Peepers is looking . . .

I start my new job in just under a week. I'm quite looking forward to going back to work actually - more money for stitching supplies! Keeping within the SFS budget of course :P

Best wishes,

 

Stitch From Stash Update: June

Good morning fellow stitchers :) I'm back again for another SFS update, this month has certainly flown by. I have finished the cross stitching on White Magic, but I'm yet to do the backstitching. I unearthed a Solo project from awhile back that I'm halfway through the backstitching on. But I'm afraid I've packed up both of these projects in preparation for my move to Southampton, so no pictures to share.

I haven't spent any money this month, but I do have a new start to show. This is how far I've got with LHN's Miss Peepers, a chart I bought in my first stash splurge a couple of months back.

I'm using some of the allocated DMC colours, but not all of them. This was supposed to be a project for Southampton but I couldn't resist starting a bit early!

In other new, I got the job! I'm going to ALDI today to sign the contract and I start in about a week and a half. I'm so pleased! It's so exciting to be moving to a new city and starting a new job and finally beginning the next chapter in my life :) So yes, I've been packing up a storm. I'm limited to one suitcase for the summer, so I had to severely condense my stitching stuff. I've narrowed it down to this . . .

Box of Anchor threads so I've still got a varied choice, but it's not as bulky as my DMC boxes. A selection of fabric, a hoop and a thread holder. A cute mouse kit and a couple of other charts. Miss Peepers is in the project bag at the front, which also contains needles, pin cushion and scissors. 

This is what I've got to last me three months over the summer, before I get my own place and can move all my stuff in. Hopefully it will all last for that long!

I hope you're enjoying warm, sun-filled days, just like we are in the UK. Best wishes to all,