Thrift shop buy...

Don't you love what my mum found me at a thrift shop for $2? Aint' it cute?  I'll put my HAED threads in it.

Speaking of HAED threads I am wondering how to store them within it. I want to keep my project threads together. I am thinking of keeping them in zip-lock bags in bundles of 3x or 4x. This way I thought it would be easy to keep left over threads in with them also. Has anyone tried this? Any other ideas on thread storage? 

I am thrilled to welcome new followers to my blog!!!  50 followers is a milestone for me.

If I don't get back to my blog over the next few days, I wish you all a Christmas that is...

merry and bright *

PS. I have added a page to my blog with my WIPocalypse list. If you haven't heard about WIPocalypse check it out!

Silly Season...

It really is the sillyseason. The last week at our house has been crazy!!!  Four concerts featuring my two eldest children all happened to be in the one week. It sent not only toddler Tom crazy but moi a little frazzled too. But that's what happens in the southern hemisphere at Christmas time - everything including the school year comes to an end.

Well now that I have those events out of the way I'm getting into the spirit of Christmas. I couldn't resist making these sewn cross stitch ornaments from the Christmas 2011 edition of Cross Stitcher magazine. I only bought it yesterday as a hospital read while my daughter had minor surgery. I came home later in the day and stitched all three in the one evening which is good going for me! Today I have completely neglected the housework and sewn them up. I l.o.v.e. the look.

I have also done a few lines on page 1 of my HAED ("Love" by Marta Dahlig). As you can see Bob too is enjoying my HAED. Apparently cross stitches in frames are really comfortable!

I have also been working on my MB English garden sampler but not enough to post a photo of significant progress.

Happy Silly Season to you all!

Silly Season...

It really is the sillyseason. The last week at our house has been crazy!!!  Four concerts featuring my two eldest children all happened to be in the one week. It sent not only toddler Tom crazy but moi a little frazzled too. But that's what happens in the southern hemisphere at Christmas time - everything including the school year comes to an end.

Well now that I have those events out of the way I'm getting into the spirit of Christmas. I couldn't resist making these sewn cross stitch ornaments from the Christmas 2011 edition of Cross Stitcher magazine. I only bought it yesterday as a hospital read while my daughter had minor surgery. I came home later in the day and stitched all three in the one evening which is good going for me! Today I have completely neglected the housework and sewn them up. I l.o.v.e. the look.

I have also done a few lines on page 1 of my HAED ("Love" by Marta Dahlig). As you can see Bob too is enjoying my HAED. Apparently cross stitches in frames are really comfortable!

I have also been working on my MB English garden sampler but not enough to post a photo of significant progress.

Happy Silly Season to you all!

Advent Calendar

Welcome to Day 4 of the Christmas Stitching Advent Calendar kindly hosted by Serendipitous Stitching .

I finished another two Shepherd's Bush Christmas stockings this year (one for toddler Tom and one for myself) so now I have a collection.  Just one more left to stitch for my husband.  I have found the perfect place to hang them this year too in my new home!

I had fun, summery Christmases as a child in Australia. My Grandma was Mrs. Christmas. Along with thousands of Christmas decorations, streamers, lights and mechanical toys decorating her living rooms at her house she adored dressing up.  My favourite memory is Grandma dressing up to play Mrs.Claus as a surprise for her grandchildren.  She surprised us in a Christmas card dress that she had paintakingly sewn together complete with bright red stockings. We laughed and laughed with her. The best thing about it was she had bought us all an extra present for us.Just when we thought we had opened our last present there was one more.

Another favourite memory is a Christmas decoration (see the above photo)  that my DD made when she was 6.  She spent hours cutting cardboard, painting and gluing it together at school keeping it a surprise for us until Christmas.  It was her own design.  It is always pride of place in our house. We love how each reindeer have a unique personality.

Merry Christmas to all!

Am I photographing my stitching or my cat?

Bob (my blue British Shorthair) would definately say that the photoshoot is of him.  My stitching would say otherwise...

For those of us in the Southern hemisphere the school year and "after school" activities are reaching their crescendo. End of year concerts, assemblies and plays are scheduled to occur in the next two weeks in the middle of Christmas preparations.  You get the picture.  I've been up to my eyeballs in dancing costumes. At least there was a moment last week when I thought I had finished sequinning so worked on my MB sampler and on my first HAED.  Then I was pulled back into reality and found out there was another costume that needed sequins. Oh well, it will be so worth it when I see my DD's ballet group dancing on stage.

My first HAED "Love" by Marta Dahlig has been a learning process.  Unlike the MB sampler I have to sit at a table to do it as I working it on a frame using my two hands.  I also have to stitch with a light due to the small hole size - this is a first for me! I was getting bored with the black so started on some antique blue.  I am using 2x strands of DMC on 25ct Lugana. The holes are so much smaller than the 32 ct linen I am usually stitching on but I am adjusting to it. I am looking forward to spending more time on it over the summer break.

Butterflies on my wall...

After finding this craft idea on Pinterest I knew I just had to do it. I hunted town for a large butterfly punch and then hauled through my stash of scrapbooking paper. I glued each butterfly after folding them in half to the backing board with a glue dot. And even better - it only took 30 minutes from start to finish!

Thanks for stopping by my garden...
                                                          Jan

I've sewn a ...

Welcome to my new followers. Waves and cheers from Australia!!!

I sewed this bean bag as a gift for my DD's 13th birthday. She looooved it! Elephants are her favourite and this fleecy fabric was covered in them. The pattern is from the book "Sew" by Cath Kitson.

It was so cute watching my toddler back up to sit in it . I'll make him one for Christmas using an owl print.

Thanks for visiting my garden...

                              Jan x

Sequins...

This week has seen me help organise some ballet tutus for one of the groups my DD dances in.  The end of year concert is fast approaching so I've been cutting and sequinning. 

My HAED is slowly but surely growing. The black is a large part of top left of the project. Luckily it's the only colour so far as I haven't looked at the DMC list. Steady she goes...

I'm working on the left side border of the MJ English sampler. Progress appears slow when working the borders.

Meet Mr. Hedgehog...

I have stitched another little on my MB English sampler. Mr. Hedgehog has come alive with his eyes and whiskers stitched in place.

Well I'm managing to do a little of my HAED. I think I'm doing the hardest bit first - BLACK. 25ct is so teeny tiny. Any tips for making it easier stitching black would be greatly appreciated.

The first stitch is in...

That's right everyone I have started stitching , my first HAED.  The rainy weather drove me to do it he, he, he. Like I needed an excuse! I have done about 120 stitches into my 25ct luguna antique white linen. All black DMC thread so far. I am doing it on an oak lap frame. I haven't used a frame for years. I've decided to train myself to do the two-handed stitching method with the frame resting on a desk. Hoping it is will quicker using that method.  I need to use my daylight lamp as those stitches are oh so tiny! I figured if I stitch on it everyday then I should progress with it nicely.

Marjolein Bastin is progressing well.  I have finished two seeds to the left of the toadstool and have half done the hedgehog.  I should have the hedgehog knocked off by tonight.  In Australia we don't have hedgehogs. We have echidnas instead.  

Thanks for visiting my garden.
                                                   Jan x

My First HAED!!!

I can't believe it.  I have purchased my first HAED (insert Happy Dance here).  "Love" by Marta Dahlig.  It is a completely different pattern to the ones I put in the HAED survey last week on my blog for your feedback. I found it by accident here while trawling blogs. As soon as I saw it I knew it was the one! 

As you can see, Gypsy Firefly was voted to be the most popular pattern voted by you, my readers. Don't be alarmed as I still love it and it will be my second HAED pattern.

Now to begin gridding my 25ct antique white luguna linen...

Doing a Highland fling...

I have just returned from taking DD to compete at a Highland (Scottish) dancing competition on the weekend.  This is not a new thing to me as I grew up Highland dancing myself. I can proudly saw I even particpated in a highland swordathon (doing the well-known sword dance) last week to raise money for the Australasian Championships which will be held in Hobart next year at Easter.  And yes I was a bit stiff the next day.

My DD's kilt is blue Stewart of Appin. It was my sister's kilt so it's lovely that DD fits into it!

Whoo hoo! My Molly Makes mobile phone kit that I won on Sarah's blog arrived.  I love it and can't wait to stitch it. It's my first blog win so even better"!

I am doing a Highland fling today (figuretively speaking) as I have nearly finished stitching the toadstool. What part of the sampler will I do next? The hedgehog? The squirrel? I guess you will have to wait and see...

Take my HAED survey...

I try to blog twice weekly - Mondays and Thursdays. It seems to fit best into my life.  I hope it doesn't mean I am a control freak.  I'm always hoping I have enough stitching to show you though after 3x days. Mostly there is something to show you. When I first started my blog back in '09 I was doing it on a random basis which meant there were long stretches which were blogless :(
Do you have regular blogging days or do you just blog at random times? 

Over the last three days there is progress on the toadstool...

By the way I haven't forgotten about the Hawk Run Hollow patterns I have bought.  I have decided to use 36ct linen for the Shores of HRH as I will cope with the stitching size better. I am going to start Shores of Hawk Run Hollow after I finish Marjolein Bastin sampler. I am trying very hard to not have more than one BAP going at a time. The temptation to start another is very hard to resist!

DH and I took our family to the Royal Hobart Show today. A toddler meeting a kid (the goat variety) is a moment to remember forever.  My eldest son (nearly 11) is missing from the shots. He took off with some school mates once we arrived at The Show which was the last we saw of him LOL.

Thanks for stopping by my garden,

                                                          Jan  xox

A toadstool is growing...

I am up to my favourite part of the English garden sampler - stitching the toadstool.  I love the colours in it and the spots on it's surface. Can't wait to stitch more of it!

 Over the last few weeks I have been thinking about decorating ideas for my sewing room. It's the one room in the house I have a full say on how it is decorated.   My DH likes to gives his input everywhere else.  Here is a little collection I have put up on my sewing room wall.

These old sewing threads which belonged to my DH's grandmother really appeal. I will never use them but enjoy opening their wooden box to admire their beautiful shine, devine colours and vintage labels. Have you got any sewing memorabilia?

By the way if you are a HAED fan please do my survey?  I am going to by my very first HAED but there are so many beautiful patterns and I cannot decide which one to get first.

Thanks for vising my garden,

                                       Jan x0x

An Autumn Story...

The main reason I enjoy stitching the Marjolein Bastin English garden sampler is it reminds me of the Brambly Hedge stories by Jill Barklem.  I adore Brambly Hedge and its world within a wood.  The little mouse with the nearby juicy blackberries I have just stitched are as adorable as the pictures in Jill's books.
  

       

"It was a fine Autumn. The blackberries were ripe, and the nuts were ready, and the mice

                               of Brambly Hedge were very busy."  Autumn Story by Jill Barklem

10 Things you might like to know about me...

1. What was the last film that really moved/disturbed/thrilled you and why? Jane Eyre. The eerie noises from the attic room get me every time.


2.If you could be given ANY gift what would it be?
The gift of pushing thoughts into other people's minds particularly my husband so I don't have to repeat myself. I love my husband so much despite this.
Can I have a second gift?  The ability to crochet. It's the one craft I have FAILED at. I can never keep the tension right.


3.What's your favourite way to wake up and what's the first thing you do?
I love a little sleep in. 8am is the latest I sleep into these days.  First thing I like to do in bed is have a coffee while reading a book or my iPhone.


4. What crafts have you done?
You name it I have probably done it in a big or small way. Scrapbooking, sewing, quilting, cross stitching, tapestry, knitting, crochet, hobbytext (remember that one?) are the biggies.


5.  What were you doing before you started this?
Chasing my toddler around. It's quiet downstairs I think I should go check to see what mischief he is up to.
ADDIT - checked Tom. He was taking all the photos frames from the top of the dresser and giving them to Bob, the cat.


6. When was the last time you cried laughing?
Last week reading my 10 yo DS's story.  His characters were losing limbs and dying all over the placein his sci-fi fantasy story.


7.What did you want to be when you were little?
A school teacher.  I changed my mind in Year 9 and became a doctor instead.


8. What is your current favourite TV program?
Doc Martin. I've only just become a convert and love it. Maybe it's the doctor patient cringe moments in it I relate to the most. 
9. What would you name yourself?
I have been known as Jan nearly all my life so I would drop Janette from my birth certificate if I could.


10. What characteristics do you hate about yourself?
I'm terrible at keeping cupboards tidy

First blog win!!!

Happy Jan here (as a Jan I am not a fan of the catchphrase "not happy Jan" by the way). I've had my first blog giveaway win!!! Thank you Sarah for hosting the giveaway. I have won a Mollie Makes iPhone case kit. Can't wait to receive it.

There has been progress on my right Summer border on the cross stitch. Another shaft of wheat. I am totally in love with my new "angel" scissors. I received these as part of a free gift when I purchased a cross stitch from The Fox Collection recently.

Thanks for visiting my garden,
Jan

Mouse Monday...

"It's time for bed, little mouse, little mouse,

Darkness is falling all over the house."

Mem Fox

Picture update...

My computer wouldn't come to the party yesterday and upload photos. Today is a different story thankfully and my computer is nice to me again. Here is a photo of my Marjolein Bastin progress. It is a lovely stitch. Just when I am tired of stitching one picture I have finished it and can move onto the next!

Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for visiting...
Jan x

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

My week has been interrupted with the passing of a dear aunt. I had the honoured but daunting task of sharing some memories during the funeral. I was worried I would become emotional during it but luckily held it together. Surprisingly the funeral had more laughs than tears as we celebrated her gift for living life to the fullest.

My aunt chose the most beautiful song to be played as photos of her life were shown. It is a version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.What amazing sentiments it shares!

The bench seat in my Marjolein Bastin cross stitch has been stitched! I have now started stitching a little mouse nibbling on a juicy apple.

Sorry for no photos. My internet connection is not playing nice...

Thanks for visiting, Jan x

Ready to hang for Christmas...

Toddler Tom's Christmas stocking is ready and waiting to be filled with presents. I am so happy with the colours - boyish but fresh. I have to admit but I didn't sew it up into the stocking. I sewed my other children's ones but was extremely nervous the whole way through so worried I would muck it up. I love the way my local needlwork shop sews it together.

Basking in the sun...

Great to be back. I hope life as been good to you in my absence. Thanks for your visits and lovely comments. Each hello inspires me in my crafting.

I have been away on a holiday to sunny Queensland. Amazing blue skies, gorgeous beaches and fun theme parks. Consequently I haven't quite finished the bench seat in the very centre of the MJ cross stitch sampler but it's close. I think it will be finished in another 2x nights of solid stitching.

I was excited on my return to collect a family heirloom chair that I repainted then reupholstered in a linen. I am so thrilled with it. The chair was bequeathed to my husband by his late aunt. The gold leaf and velvet just didn't suit our modern-style home.
BEFORE:

AFTER:



By the way, Bob the cat didn't suffer. He stayed at Catnip Cattery and was treated to daily play sessions, long pats and massages. I had almost daily texts and photos from Bob (LOL) so we felt very comfortable with leaving our kitty baby for the first time.

Spring has sprung in my cross stitch...

The rabbits are now happily hopping in the grass so I have started on the park bench in the very centre of the sampler. Yes, I have stitched half the sampler. Hooray!!!

Here is a little present I recently bought for myself. Isn't she sweet? I adore fairies so couldn't resist. The colours in it are so soft and muted. I'm trying so hard not to start her as I don't want too many large cross stitch projects on the go at once. We'll see how long before I give in to temptation.The design is called "Touch of Gold" and is based on a painting by a German artist Bente Schlick. The kit is made by Bucilla. Are you any good at resisting starting new projects?
'

Thanks for walking through my garden....
Jan x