Happy Saturday stitchers! My Saturday has suddenly had its plans all changed. Instead of scrapbooking with my friends I am stuck in bed with a virus and fever. Never-the-less I will enjoy the rest from everyday life and hopefully bounce back onto my feet soon. I have uploaded another stitching progress video to my YouTube channel, thread garden. It shows progress on my Bothy Threads Cut Thru' projects and the Prairer Schooler Alphabet. Enjoy! I stitched more on B is for Blackbird on the Prairie Schooler Alphabet with my friends on Thursday night. The top half of B is stitch heavy so hopefully it won't take so long to stitch the lower half.

My friend, Samra, agreed to let me post a photo of her project. She is stitching it on Antique White Zweigart 36 count linen, two over two. She is stitching 4x letters across by 7 rows. She has stitched the letter box (which is usually the last block but in this case her first), D is for Drum and E is for Embroidery. Don't you just love her blocks. Isn't her first block with the stitcher in the centre so pretty?

I hope you all get lots of stitching time in this weekend, Jan x

Prairie Schooler Alphabet update...

The Prairie Schooler alphabet is going swimmingly!  I stitched a single letter, L is for Leaves, months ago and now have decided to stitch the whole alphabet on one piece of linen.  I am stitching this using most of the recommended DMC threads on 36 count raw linen using 2 threads over 2.  I stitch on this design whenever I can as I am really enjoying it. Kevin from Cabbages and Kings blog is stitching this in a cyber SAL with myself and some local friends.

A is for Anchor is finished except for the actual "A". I haven't decided what colour to stitch it yet.  The recommended DMC thread 3857 is very dark so I don't think the A will stand out if I use it. I think I will decide after I have stitched a few letters.  I have swapped a few colours in this piece.  The crab I stitched in a salmon red DMC 3830 as I felt it was more lifelike.  I also swapped the 3857 thread for 221 on the left anchor.

I have stitched about one-third of the next letter too, B is for Blackbird. The mother and baby blackbirds are darlings on top of the pie. So far I have used the recommended colours.

Until next time, happy stitching…
                                                 Jan x 

March WIPocalypse update...

Happy Sunday all,

The most progress for my WIPocalypse has been on the Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle. I have almost finished my sixth page out of nine so I am happy with that.

The sixth page is about the castle moat.  It has a cute anchor, seaweed and goldfish.

I have struggled to be motivated stitching on Promises Kept which depicts Noah's Ark.  The blending of colours means that I have to be wide awake and enthusiastic which I haven't been. I will put it to the forefront this coming month though.  Nonetheless I have stitched on the sheep and partially stitched an elephant at the front to the ark.

Measi who hosts WIPocalypse would like us to share our favourite stitching place. If the weather is fabulous, I really enjoy sitting outside on my deck during the afternoon and stitching with the view of the River Derwent stretched out before me.  I really am lucky that my home has such a view.

Happy stitching…
                        Jan x

2014 Turtle Trot: March Update

Hello special readers.

My apologies for not posting sooner. A little man's birthday and illness have prevented me.

My Tom has turned 4! He was adamant about having a Star Wars themed party even though he hasn't watched the movies or seen the TV cartoon. I gather he and his day care friends play Star Wars in the playground and this has captured his imagination. His enthusiasm was delightful as he dressed in his Darth Vader ("Dark" Vader as he called it) outfit minus the mask which was "too scary".

Following the busyness of hosting a party and life in general, I came down with a yucky virus. I am pleased to say I conquered that one using the force. Viruses can be such a drag. 

BAP Attack is hosting Turtle Trot 2014.  This is my March update. Although I have 10 projects listed in my Turtle Trot list I just cannot seem to get through all 10! I will try harder next month.  I have completely lost one project somewhere. I am fearful I lost it camping. Let's hope I track it down soon. 

Since February 10th, I have made progress on five of the ten projects on my list.  

1. Shores of Hawk Run Hollow by CHS
I was delighted to finally put the finishing touches to the rocks and ocean and stitch the sweet gull. Now I need to get busy and finish stitching the words and sun on this block.

Before:

After:

2. I Love London
A London cab is now adorning this stitcher. Ain't she sweet?  It reminds me of our London trip highlight in 2006 being driven in a speeding cab around Mayfair and Trafalgar Square.

Before

After:

3. Shepherd's Bush 2007 Christmas stocking
An adorable sheep is playing now on the hills below the king.


Before:

After:

4. Annet Eriksson's Passion for Stitching Chateau - I have still lost this! Where oh where have I put you?

5.  Christmas House by Bucilla
I added a little greenery about the window. I have run out of one colour so it stopped me earlier than I wanted.


Before:

After:

6. Designers Forum Needlepoint Rug - no progress this month

7. The Prairie Schooler Alphabet
I have started stitching the whole alphabet on one piece of linen 36 ct two over two. I am totally addicted to this that this will definitely move from my Turtle Trot to my WIPocalypse.  I have almost finished the first letter and have started B is for Blackbird.

Before:

After:

8. Country House Needleworks Santa's House- Whoops no progress

9.  Bucilla Touch of Gold-  Whoops no progress

10. The Prairie Schooler Pumpkin Patch- Whoops No progress

Overall I am proud of my stitching progress. 

Happy stitching…

                        Jan x