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

Rabbits are nearly done...

All my rabbits now need is the grass to sit on....

A pinch and a punch for the first of the month...

A pinch and a punch for the first of the month! My kids get me with this every month but maybe I will get in first today.

It has always struck me as strange that in Australia the seasons change on the 1st of a month but in many countries it is related to the equinox. So while we are in Spring here (as of today) it is still Summer rather than Autumn in the northern hemisphere.

Here is an update on my "Spring rabbits" on the Marjolein Bastin cross stitch sampler:

I'm enjoying watchin the rabbits grow. I think they will come alive once I backstitch their little eyes.

Thanks for walking through my garden...

Jan x