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,

 

Keeping Calm

I have to hand in my big, final year assessment in just under a month. I'm making slow and steady progress on my story and the accompanying essay. When I finally set down my pen, or save my latest draft, I instinctively reach for my stitching. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, spending time with needle and thread calms me like nothing else. I think it's the sense of achievement, that you can see how each tiny stitch makes a bigger picture. That's a good lesson to keep in mind this close to the end of Uni. 

In the last week, my Solo the Cat hanger has gone from this . . .

. . . to this!

I've only got another row of hearts to complete, and all of the backstitching. I love adding the backstitching on these designs, it really makes them come alive. I look forward to finishing it as a hanger when it's finally done. 

I know for the next four weeks, this is going to be my motto!

I hope you are all well and not being hindered by the weather. It's ghastly here today, grey and rainy. But still, it's Valentines Day and I'm celebrating with Lawrence later on today. I hope you have a wonderful day, however you choose to spend it.

Best wishes,

 

PS: I've reached 150 followers! Thanks must go to each and every one of you, I'm so grateful. I think this calls for a giveaway, don't you? :)

February Finishes

There's nothing like being inside when the rain is pouring. You pull a snuggly blanket over your legs, set up a good TV show and stitch away. It's one of my favourite things to do. There has been an awful lot of rain recently, so plenty of time for stitching! I have some finishes to share.

First up, I added the finishing touches to my cards. These were both made from various scraps and threads from my stash. I have a huge stock of blank cards too. I'm hoping to actually use some of them this year. 

And next up, another finished piece. I put the final backstitching into Dolly's Stroll this morning. It makes such a difference to the design.

As soon as I find a suitable frame in one of the charity shops, this little lovely will be pressed and framed. I'm actually quite sad that I've finished this piece. It was such a pleasant stitch. But that does mean I get to go stash diving in the near future! I'm not sure if I want to spend my stitching time making up a few more cards, or starting a larger project straight away. I'll have a rummage and see what takes my fancy. 

I have some Uni reading to be getting on with this afternoon, but you can bet I'll be picking up my needle later on this evening :)

Best wishes to all,

   

A little bit of progress

Good morning everyone! I just thought I'd post a quick update on my latest WIP. I'm  enjoying every stitch on this All Our Yesterday's design called Dolly's Stroll. It's going to look even better when the finishing touch of the backstitch gets added. Still got a few more crosses to stitch before that point though. Here is my progress as of last night (sorry for the wrinkles!).

My days have been filled with Uni work. We have more assignments this semester than any previous one, so it's a case of getting my head down to work hard. It's not all hard graft though. I'm off to a tea party this afternoon with some fellow Creative Writing students. I'm very much looking forward to it :)

I hope you have a lovely day planned too.

Best wishes,

 

Stitch From Stash Update: January

Here I am with my first Stitch From Stash update! It's been a very busy month for me, but I always find time to pick up my needle. I find it so relaxing after a hard day of study. 

Money spent: £0 - not a penny! I'm saving up for when I truly need some new things.

Finished WIPs:

So pleased to have finally finished the Pokemon Project completely! These three are displayed in Lawrie's room at University. He says he's very proud to own something I've made specially for him. He is a sweetie, isn't he?

I finished up this sunflower bear this month too. It was a nice and gentle stitch. I'm hoping to finish it up soon so that I can gift it to my grandmother.

I finished this little Halloween ornament too this month. I have two more of these kits in my stash. I've got this idea of Halloween themed bunting in my head, using these designs. Let's see if I can pull it off!

New starts:

This All Our Yesterday's design has progressed a lot since this picture, but I haven't had a chance to update it. I think this will definitely be a finish for February. 

I've started a couple of card designs this month too. Using scraps of fabric and leftover threads from kits, these two will be finished in no time. 

There we are, my first post for the month. I'm determined to post every month, fingers crossed I can!

Best wishes,

 

Full Team

Hello everyone. Lawrence just sent me this picture and I had to share it with you all. I've finally finished the Pokemon project for my lovely boyfriend :) Here they are all together:

Just a quick post from me today. I've just completed my first week of work experience at Ransom Publishing. It's brilliant and I'm learning so much. But this week has left me feeling rather sleepy, so I'm lining up pyjamas, stitching and good DVDs for tonight!

Best wishes to all,

A Good Start

Hello my friends! I hope you've all had a fabulous start to the New Year. I know the weather is not making it easier for any of us. I've never known rain to be so continuous. Still, it's the perfect excuse to stay inside and stitch :) My only stitching-related New Year goal is to keep up with the Stitch From Stash posts. I'd like to get my post in for every month, and stay within budget of course :) I'm doing well so far, not a penny has been spent. 

I have my first finish of 2014 to share! Hurrah! I started this little guy in December. He sure helped get me through the last few days of last semester. I think he's got a very sweet face :) 

I'm hoping to make him up into a large scale ornament and send him to live with my grandmother :) We'll see how long it takes me to do just that :P

And I have my second finish of 2014 to share! Hurrah hurrah! This was a cute kit I had in my stash. I decided to leave off parts of it, including the backstitching. It's just how I wanted it to be :)  

It needs to be fixed on the hanger you can see in the picture. Then it will be all ready for Hallowe'en :) I have a couple more of these kits in my stash, so I'm sure they'll be making an appearance soon.

And finally, I have my latest start to share. Cath really did spoil me with a birthday parcel full of lovely kits. I've pulled out another one to help me think of summer days when the wind is howling outside. I really love All Our Yesterdays designs, long time readers will remember this is not my first pattern from this range. You can see other designs I have stitched here.

I think this piece will keep me out of trouble for awhile :)

This week is all about getting ready for my final semester. I can't believe I'll be all finished with Uni by the summer. But I'm trying not to think about that just now. I'm just going to take things one day at a time :)

I hope you are cosy and warm wherever you are!