Back With A Bang

Hello hello! Thank you for your lovely welcoming messages on my last post, I knew there was a good reason I was missing this community. I've always found readers on blogger so friendly and I'm so pleased that hasn't changed :)

To get back into crafting and cross stitching, I decided to have a good old clear out. I needed to do this anyway, as Lawrence will be moving in to the flat next month and the poor boy will need a bit of space! I created a huge pile of glorious mess in my attempts to tidy up:

I managed to clear the box you can see above and fit in everything that was left into my craft tower. I was ruthless, donating bits where I could and chucking scraps that I no longer had use for. I even threw out a couple of WIPs that I knew I didn't have the heart to finish. It's a clean crafting slate. 

I have three old WIPs that only need backstitching done to finish them, so that will be what I'm working on over the next week or two! Then it will finally be time to go stash diving and find pretty new projects for me to get stuck into :)

Best wishes to all,

Bekca

xxx

Lookey Look!

Woohoo! It's here, it's arrived! I am at last reunited with my stash and as you can probably tell, I'm giddy with excitement :D

I can't wait to go stash diving and find new projects. But I've also got my sewing machine and fabric box back, so I'm keen to finish finish some older projects too. I will hopefully have much more to share in September compared to August :)

As much as I would like to play with my sewing stuff all day, I'm working all weekend. Mustn't grumble though, as I've only got a few shifts left before my holiday next weekend. Lawrence and I are jetting off to spend a much needed week of relaxation in Lisbon. We've both been saving for a long time for this holiday and we're both so looking forward to it.

Hopefully I'll be back for a bit of show and tell soon. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. 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,

Stitch From Stash Update: April

It's that grand time of the month again. And for the first time this year, I actually have some stash spends to report! Me and my house mate made an order from 123Stitch and these are the goodies I received.

3 packs of clearance stickers to add to my Europe 2013 scrapbook. (I had to buy them immediately, in case the store ran out of the matching ones!)

32ct Light Mocha Belfast Linen

Country Cottage Needleworks - The Needlework Shop

Little House Needleworks - Miss Peepers

Just a small stash enhancement, but it really made me smile. I can't wait to get started on the new charts. So, my grand total was (not including posting and darn custom charges we were forced to pay) . . .

£21.81

Out of a total of £100 I could have spent this year, I've only spent £21.81 of it. I'd say that's a pretty good track record :) And I've still got plenty of items in my stash to work on, so I don't think I'll have to buy anything else this year, maybe just a couple of thread colours. 

Onto the stitching update!

Current WIPs:

White Magic is coming along beautifully. I'm enjoying this piece so much, I've even got into the swing of the blended thread sections. I'm nearly half way through this piece, nearly onto the second set of pages. 

Finished WIPs:

This is my latest finish - Country Cottage Needlework's The Tea Room. I hope to finish the three charts of this set that I have in order to frame them to decorate my new home in the summer. I don't quite know where I'll be living yet, but I know I'll have some pretty pieces to decorate it with!

I also finished up this cute hippo as a gift for my sister.

I'm nearly finished with my last assignments and then I've got a bit of free time heading my way. You can be sure I'll be spending lots of time stitching this summer!

Best wishes to all,

 

Lucky Lady

I've been very blessed lately with prize wins and gifts from some dear stitching friends. I was lucky enough to be chosen to stitch the travelling pattern by Elisa. The pattern will soon be moving in with its latest owner, Karoline.

I recently commented on a finished design made by Nataly over at Nataly's Needle Creations. She had recently finished Hibernation Day by Heartstring Samplery and it looked gorgeous. I left her a comment saying so, and Nataly very kindly sent me the chart! I'm so pleased to own such a lovely design and I have started, but just a few stitches. I'm challenging myself by stitching this piece over one on 36ct fabric. It will be so beautiful when it gets finished, if I manage to get that far!

My lucky streak continued with a prize win from Justine over at Justine's Cross Stitch. She recently held a Spring Giveaway and my name was drawn out of the hat! Justine thoroughly spoilt me with a wonderful parcel that truly brightened my day.

I received a whole bunch of DMC threads, a door hanger, a darling card, sweet Easter chick ribbon, a fab chart book (which I'm sure you'll see more of) and the best gift of all . . .

Justine made me a personalised scissor fob and I love it! It's such a beautiful handmade item and I will treasure it. 

Thank you so much to Elisa, Nataly and Justine for making me feel so grateful for such wonderful stitching buddies :)

Hope you're all enjoying a lovely weekend,

 

Stitch From Stash Update: February

Hello everyone! I'm back with another SFS update. I've loved rummaging through my stash this month to find new projects. I've been using threads leftover from kits to make up some quick cards. Nothing is wasted here!

Money spent in February: £0!

I can't believe I've managed this two months in a row. I've got so many lovely kits and charts and fabric and threads that I don't need to buy anything just yet. I'm trying to keep spending low in other areas of my life too, so I'll only be purchasing items that I really need.

Finished WIPs:

Two little cards made from spare threads and offcuts of fabric.

Dolly's Stroll is all finished up and waiting for a frame.

Current WIPs:

I haven't managed to move forward on Solo since your last saw him. The backstitching is very intricate, so I'm saving it for a time where I don't have as much Uni work to do. I'm hoping he'll be a March finish though :)

New Starts:

I could resist no longer! I had a little break from big projects after finishing Farmhouse, but this one was calling out to me last week. I've got a fair few stitches in. It's not easy, as the colours used are all very similar, with lots of blended threads too. But I know it's going to be beautiful when it's finished. My new start is Dimensions, White Magic. 

That's all from me today. I'm now going to spend the rest of the day writing for my dissertation. I find doing a little bit every day really helps me - slow and steady wins the race :) I hope you've all had a brilliant start to the week.

Best wishes,

 

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!!! 

Another year older

Thank you so much for the lovely birthday wishes on my last post. I had a truly wonderful day and was thoroughly spoilt! I must say a couple of thank yous to two birthday fairies who really made me smile.

First, I got this wonderful parcel from Elisa at Old Ragged Threads. Elisa was swift to the post office and the package was tempting me for days! I was very good and waited until the big day. It's a lovely ornament alongside a M Designs chart and a very suitable card :P Thank you so much Elisa!

 

Birthday day gift number two came from Cath over at The Stitchin' Chicken. Cath truly spoilt me with an array of kits and charts, and even a new hoop! It was a wonderful selection, and I didn't previously own any of the kits. I can't wait to get my needle into this little lot. A huge thank you to you too Cath!

 

I had the most wonderful birthday. I went to Uni in the morning and then Lawrence came over and I opened my cards and gifts. I felt so blessed when I opened every card and unwrapped every parcel. I am so lucky.

Lawrence took me out for dinner that evening. We went to Loch Fyne, which I had never been to before. It was such a stunning restaurant, very welcoming and warm too. The food was certainly delicious.

This was my starter of charcuterie plate, so good. Lawrence enjoyed crab cakes.

 

 

Then for main I had this delightful bowl of goodness! It's a pear, butternut squash and pumpkin seed salad, topped with a fillet of kiln smoked salmon, with a side of chips. It was heavenly!

 

We split a bottle of my favourite Pinot Grigio wine too. I felt like a true birthday girl, being spoilt rotten by my love. I felt so content when I went to sleep last night :)

I hope you've all had a great start to the week too, I'll be back soon with a stitching update.

Best wishes,

 

New pretty things!

Hi everyone! It's so nice to be back in the swing of blogging again. I've been slowly doing the rounds and catching up with blogs. It's so lovely to leave comments again too :) I'm making my way through all of the blogs in my reader which is a truly enjoyable experience. Your needles certainly have been busy!

I had a wonderful time out in Southampton with Lawrence at the weekend. We had lunch out in Pret a Manger, which is one of my favourite places for a quick lunch. One of the best parts of the day was a trip to the giant Fabricland! I got a metre of the green and gold design, which I'm going to use to finish up Venusaur, and two half metres of the other gorgeous prints. Aren't they pretty?

I've managed to squeeze in a fair amount of stitching time this week, in the evenings of course. Lottie's New Scooter is coming along marvellously and it such an easy project to pick up in the evening. Thank goodness for Aida! 

In other news, I was picked to be Overall Performer at work this week. It was really lovely to be recognised for the hard work I do there. As my reward, I got to leave half an hour early and got to pick something from the incentive box. Some of you may remember that I've come home with things before from the incentive box, so it was a real treat to pick something again. I came home with this darling mug in a tin set. The only thing wrong with it is the tiny chip in the mug that you can see (just!) in the picture below. There is nothing at all wrong with the tin. I've just got to decide if I'm going to use it to store sewing bits or food bits!

I've got deadlines this week and other Uni commitments so it's busy as always round here. But then at the weekend, me and Lawrence are going up to London to go and see The Lion King in the West End. Lawrence's mother got us tickets for Christmas :) I can't wait! We're also going to visit the National Portrait gallery and have lunch at Carluccio's to make a real day of it :)

Hope you're all having a wonderful week,

 

Treats of All Sorts

What do you do when your housemate goes to throw away three perfectly good (albeit slightly brown) bananas? You stop her at once with promises of cake and shrieks of waste not want not. As a student, being thrifty is a necessity of life. I've had a lovely morning baking this sweet smelling banana bread. It's the first cake I've made using gluten-free flour and I can't wait to taste it! Although I love baking, finding the time to do it is such a treat. Sunday mornings before everyone else is up is the perfect time to spend in the kitchen :)



I had a lovely treat in the post last week. Tricia from The Stamper's Stitches sent over a chart from my wishlist and the most beautiful handmade card. The generosity of my fellow bloggers fills my heart and it was so thoughtful of Tricia to send me a gift. Thank you my friend, I hope to return the favour some day :)

Also in the post this week, just a couple of days ago actually, was my 123stitch order. I try to only do an order twice a year, a massive one after Christmas then a smaller one when I really need to. The rest of the time, I just make do with things I have. It's ok though, I have a lot of stitchy things!
So, in this parcel I got a large length of 32ct Lambswool fabric, JBW Designs Scottie dog (would love to get this finished for Christmas!) and a whole bunch of threads, mainly for Lawrence's Pokemon that he keeps pestering me for :P 

And finally, (phew! Quite a long post for me :)) I have an update to share on Mississippi Riverboat. This is the perfect design to work on in the evenings when I come home from Uni or work - sometimes both in the same day! It really relaxes me and let's me unwind after hectic days.

I've had some lovely comments recently with well wishes for my Uni life. It's going really well actually. I got my first essay back with a high mark and I was very pleased. My parents were proud too and gifted me with a £10 Sainsbury's voucher :) I have been a very lucky lion this week, recieving goodies, gifts and things that make me smile from all over the place. Life is wonderful.
I hope you've been having a relaxing weekend. It's a bit on the cool side here, but I'm going to take a wander into town to go and browse the farmer's market. Here's hoping I find even more goodies there too!
Best wishes,
 

PS I'm wearing my poppy with pride today and I hope you are too :)

Breakfast and Bargains

Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments on my last post! I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to working there. I start on Tuesday with a four hour shift, the perfect way to ease myself into a new shop. Elisa, you were right in your comment, I'll have to be careful when my wages come in, the stock is so pretty!

I had a wonderful day last week. Me and my house mate decided we should do something special before she goes home for the summer. When we go to Buddy's (a restaurant I'm almost certain I've mentioned on here before), the breakfast menu always looks so tempting. So last week, we decided to try it out!
My friend had the Yankee Doodle breakfast, which came with two strips of crispy bacon, two griddled eggs, two hash browns and two buttermilk pancakes. Doesn't it look yummy? That's why we keep going back to Buddy's - the food is just so darn good.



I on the other hand opted for the pancake stack of two pancakes. Look at these beasts! No wonder I could only managed one. They were delicious, thoroughly covered in maple syrup, but very filling. You can just see in the background the pot of tea I had with breakfast too. I thought I'd add a British touch to my American breakfast :)

We then headed off on a train to nearby Eastleigh to do some shopping. Eastleigh has a wonderful range of charity shops and I couldn't resist a wander inside a couple of them. I didn't buy much today but I did get these two clothes patterns for only 50p (78cents) each!

The dress pattern dates from 1972 and the skirt is from 1965. I will have a go at making these eventually, I think it will be quite a learning curve.
We went to the cinema after our shopping and saw Dark Shadows. Visually, it was a stunning film but I think the lack of explanation of some of the characters let it down a bit. Still, who can say no to a bit of Mr Johnny Depp? Plus, we literally had the whole cinema all to ourselves! It was just me and my house mate in a huge Vue cinema - it was so cool.

I hope you've been having a brilliant time lately and enjoying the glorious start to summer. And having lots of yummy pancakes! :)
Best wishes,