I have a king!

I am embarrassed to say it has taken me a year to finish William the Conqueror. At this rate I won't finish this piece for another 41years! I started this king in the 2015 Crazy Challenge last January. here he is in all his armoury. He is a strong and handsome fellow. No wonder he was victorious at the Battle of Hastings. He is stitched on white 14ct aida using the kit threads. 

                   

I have set stitching goals this year - something I didn't do last year. My plan with this project is to stitch one figure per month. That should be achievable. I also plan to read about the history associated with the royalty as I stitch them. The interesting fact about this William is that he spoke French and not English which influenced our language greatly. 

Until next time happy stitching,

Jan x 

       

Around the World Blog Hop and Finish!

Hi everyone,

The lovely Sarah in Stitches nominated me to write do the Around the World blog hop.  I met Sarah online about 2 years ago. She is the first person I have ever known who lives in Dubai.  I love that our cultures, landscapes and weather can be so different but we can still connect through our hobby - cross stitch. We are not so different after all. 

I live in Hobart Tasmania, a small island off the mainland of Australia. It has a harbour and is overlooked by a beautiful mountain covered in snow (even though we are only a month off Summer)! 

The view from my home of the River Derwent with the Tasman Bridge.

What am I working on?

If you have been following my blog and YouTube channel  (Thread Garden") for a while, I know you are going to all immediately say the Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle. It seems to be my signature piece. I cannot say I am working on it anymore, as I proudly put the final back stitch in it yesterday. I have to now wash it and then sew on  three gold stars before getting it framed.

Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle stitched on 16ct light blue Aida

So now I am going to madly work on other WIPs before the HAED SAL (Heaven and Earth Designs Stitch Along) and Mirabilia SAL starts in December and January respectively. The  projects that will receive focus are a fairy WIP called Touch of Gold by Bucilla - see below. 

Bucilla "A Touch of Gold" stitched on 28ct "mushroom" even weave

My new signature piece for my blog and channel will be the Prairie Schooler alphabet.

Prairie Schooler alphabet stitched on natural linen 36ct using DMC threads

How does my stitching differ from others?

There are so many different designers and styles of cross stitch out there that my work differs because of the designs I choose. I think I have eclectic tastes loving samplers to fantasy designs, fairies to traditional. I also love typographical designs.  I sometimes change a few colours when I stitch a design or don't follow the instructions 100% so that makes my work unique. Also I might finish them in a different way than the designer might have suggested.  

Why do I create what I do?

Like other women in my family we cannot keep still. I always like to be busy and keeping my hands busy allows my mind to escape and relax. I would find life very boring without cross stitch.. 

How does my stitching  process work?

I stitch for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours per evening. As I am a mum of three children I can only occasionally stitch time during the day (mostly weekends or school holidays). I am a member of two delightful stitching groups so have local stitching friends which is an asset. When I am not working I am often thinking of cross stitching, looking at it online or daydreaming about it. 

Unfortunately I could not find any recipients to pass the banner onto so to speak. If you haven't done this tag consider yourself nominated. If you do it, tell me and I will come over and check it out. 

Happy stitching...

                     Jan x 

A Finish and A Castle Update...

Hi everyone,

I have a finish!  I enjoyed sewing charms and beads onto my hubby's completed Shepherd's Bush Christmas stocking last night. This is the 2007 "Brett" stocking.  It is my fifth SB stocking I have stitched and one of my favourites.  My hubby is delighted.  He enjoys the religious story of Christmas, so stitching a King rather than a Santa was perfect for him.  The robe is stitched in the most gorgeous rich Weeks Dye Work threads.  The stocking is stitched on 11ct natural linen over 2 threads.

I will now take the stocking into my local needlework shop who will sew it into a stocking. I sewed two of them into stockings myself previously, but wasn't 100% happy with the second one I did. I am now happy to offload that part of the project.   When the stocking is complete I will post a photo of it with the others.

It is time for a Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle update also. I am so close to finishing it that it isn't funny. Probably only 3-4hours of backstitching left.  I have been surprised at how much I have enjoyed the backstitching.

There are so many funny characters in this design which keeps me entertained as I stitch.  Like the man reading the news on the toilet, the poor old fellow in the catapult and the bird almost struck by a wayward arrow.

Happy stitching all...
                        Jan x

Castle Progress. Almost there!

Progress over the last week:  the before photo is on the left and after photo is on the right

Great news. I have finally joined Instagram. My account name is: threadgarden  I have been posting lots of videos over at "FlossTube" (aka YouTube) also.  My channel is called: "Thread Garden".

How's your stitching week been?  

                                                  Jan x

Hello readers,

My anticipation is high this week as I come towards the end of cross stitching the Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle.  Only a small section of the final page remains. I will of course have to tackle the back stitching then but that shouldn't take too long.

To remind you, it is stitched on light blue 16ct Aida.  Last week saw me add fish to the moat, water (in a pretty variegated thread) and seaweed.

Time for a WIP update!

Hello readers,

Since my last post, I received Happy Mail from Jo at Serendipitous Stitching.  I won the Easter Blog Hop.  Jo sent me a gorgeous handmade Goody Bag filled with delicious Jodyri hand dyed Thread and a chocolate. Thanks Jo for bringing a smile to my face! I don't have any Easter themed stitching so she enhanced my stash with a delightful Easter pattern also (not in photo).

The Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle is stitching up fabulously. I only have a page and a little left then will finish it with the backstitching. I am trying to focus on this so I can finish it very soon.  I am currently stitching the cellar and the cell.  The prisoner is about to make a jail-break so that will be a fun part of the pattern to stitch! Such a story is told in this design.

The Prairie Schooler Alphabet is going well also! This is an inspiring stitch done on natural 36 ct linen. In the photo I have almost finished G is for Garden (which is now finished).  Next up is H is for Honey. Also pictured below are some finished blocks, E is for Embroidery and D is for Drum.

Gosh cross stitch is exciting! So many patterns to enhance my stash and to start. I couldn't help buying three patterns in the latest Heaven and Earth Designs sale naughty me.  Did anyone else succumb? I have to stop myself.  Right, stitch those WIPs then move onto the next pattern.  I am being v e r y  s t r o n g.

Happy stitching until next time...
                                             Jan x

June WIPocalypse update...

Hello happy stitchers,

My needles are still warm from all of the stitching I have done on my two main projects (my WIPocalypse stitcheries) over the last few weeks. The full moon has come and gone and I am late posting. Sorry!

 The Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle is sporting a tower and staircase (on the left side of the cross stitch). I have almost finished my sixth page so am two-thirds finished.

The Prairie Schooler Alphabet has become my other WIPocalpyse project.  I have almost finished the 6th letter, F is for Friend.  Such a sweet block featuring two ladies holding hands between their neighbouring homes. Only 21 letter blocks left after this one (yes, I can count - there is a 27th block at the end of the alphabet so that it can be stitched in 9x3 format).

 If you would like to see and hear me chat about these two projects, you can view the video below from my thread garden YouTube channel:

 

Measi, who hosts WIPocalypse  posts a question every month to answer on our blog post. This month's question is:  Have you ever been to a stitch gathering such as a retreat or a festival? 
I have been to plenty of scrapbooking and quilting retreats but never a stitching one. Maybe one day! 

Thanks for coming by my garden...
                                                  Jan x

Stitching fun...

Hi stitchers,

I have been working more during school hours over the last few weeks, giving school children immunisations. I have had a less time for blogging as a result -sorry! I am sure the children liked seeing my face at their schools - NOT!

Also there has been no end of drama with our boys in our household recently with Tom (my 4yo) breaking a bone in his forearm (at the supermarket of all places) and 13yo Jack being sick with pneumonia. Luckily both boys are improving now.

I have had loads of fun stitching on both of my main projects.  The Bothy Threads Cut Thru' castle is progressing well.  I love the tower which I am stitching.  A stair well is next up in the tower.  I bought  a washable pen to try marking the 10x10 squares to make it a little easier to stitch (especially so I don't muck up the counting).   I have 3 1/2 pages left and counting (plus all the backstitching of course).

The Prairie Schooler Alphabet has been growing. I have almost finished stitching E is For Embroidery. What a pretty block that one is the a pretty cross stitched embroidery in a frame with a pretty lady, scissors, needle and cotton reels adorning the block.  Just another 2 hours of stitching left then I am starting F is for Friendship.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today...

                                                      Jan x

Bothy Threads Cut Thru Fun!

Hello readers,

I am back with my Bothy Thread Cut Thru' updates.

The castle is now sporting a tower on the top left side. Sure some more bricks need to be placed but it's formation is there.  I cannot believe how quickly this is growing.  Each page seems to fly by!

I am stitching on the Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Pirate Ship at a slower rate as I am only stitching on it on Wednesday evenings for about an hour (aka Pirate Wednesdays).  I am still stitching the first page.  Last week's progress was on the sail above the duelling pirates. I am stitching this with the lovely Justine. 

Well that's all folks for today. Stay tuned for How To Tuesday when I will post my video on how I do my two-handed cross stitch method.

Happy stitching...
                        Jan x

Happy Tuesday everyone! I have finished my fifth page on the Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle. I will move across to the Dragon's Lair now in the lower central part of the picture. It sure stitches up fast. My needles are flying through the Aida.

 Also I have done Pirate Wednesday and stitched more deck. I am about to stitch upwards and create the sails.

What cross stitching kits and patterns are lurking in your cupboard? I have decided to share my stash in a video on my YouTube channel. I hope you enjoy my goodies if you watch the video.

  Well that's it for today. 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

Bothy Thread Cut Thru' Updates...

The new school year has started this week which means a week of new starts and lots of driving around again. My daughter is in Year 10 and my eldest son in Year 8. Luckily I still have a little one or I might be feeling grieved they are getting so old! My Tom (3yo) doesn't go to school until next year which keeps me feeling young. So after a busy week with the school run and my work, I have only had a snatch of cross stitching time left at the end of the day.

Nonetheless, I did Pirate Wednesday with Justine which meant stitching on the Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Pirate Ship. I have stitched the legs and torso of another pirate.

I have started stitching the moat with a pretty variegated thread since I last posted about  the Bothy Thread's Cut Thru' Castle.

I hope you gets lots of stitching time this week. My fingers are crossed I do.  At least  tonight is free.
Jan x

I love my Bothys...

Hello fabulous readers,

Today is Pirate Wednesday so I have an update on Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Pirate Ship.  I was rudely interrupted whilst stitching on it last night by the sirens of fire and police vehicles and the roar of a water-bombing helicopter,  so I didn't do as much stitching as I would have liked.  There was a small bushfire one kilometre away from our home. It was 40 degrees celsius yesterday (which is very hot in farenheit) and with strong winds we were nervous and kept a close eye on it.  We live in an Aussie bush setting so fire is a possibility. Luckily the emergency response was fast and it was doused fairly quickly.  Some homes were only metres away so they had a lucky escape.

In regards to the pirate ship I  have started stitching the pirate the ginger-beared pirate is duelling against.  Only done his feet so far. Next week I should have his body, clothes and face stitched.

I have been working hard on the Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle also.  I finally stitched the little man on a ladder at the side of the castle after frogging him and then the ladder!  I have also worked on the body of the dragon in his lair and the start of the dungeon. This is my fifth page out of nine so it is progressing well.

An Aussie summer always includes a camping trip which we returned from yesterday.  We got down and dirty with Australian wildlife and local convict history.  Tom loved sleeping in the tent. He was definitely the most comfortable as the rest of us had lilos that deflated. He cried when we had to pack the tent away!

Thanks for wandering through my garden…

                                                            Jan x

Stash fun...

I couldn't resist a little stash building lately. I bought another Bothy Threads Cut Thru' kit. This time it is the Pirate Ship.  The lovely Justine and I thought it would be fun to stitch it together on different sides of the world.  We will make a start very soon and stitch it as a SAL.  I couldn't resist buying it as I have a three year old boy and what better to adorn his wall than a castle and a pirate ship.

Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Pirate Ship kit
16ct Aida 

I also had trouble passing over this sweet pattern from The Prairie Schooler.  This is called In the Woods.  I think it will be the perfect pattern to stitch in my fortnightly cross stitch group when I finish L is for Leaves.

The Prairie Schooler L is for Leaves

I will be back on the full moon to reveal progress on my WIPocalypse projects . There has been quite a bit of progress on Noah's Ark and the Cut Thru' Castle. Lots to show you!

See you then…Jan x

The Royal "Throne" is cross stitched...

The moment you have been waiting for...a cross stitched toilet! Well it isn't backstitched yet but it sure will look hilarious once it has been.  I had a giggle to myself as I stitched the bathroom user's bottom.  A once-in-a-lifetime moment no doubt.

This Bothy Threads kit is stitching up quickly. I have cross stitched all of the Royal Bathroom and am now back to stitching the other side of the Dragon's lair below it. I have also added more backstitch in the King's chamber- the swords and shields are now outlined.

Thanks for the lovely comments on my advent post.  Be Very Merry this Christmas!
                                                                                                                         Jan x

Bothy Threads Cut Thru' Castle update...

Drum roll please.... I have an important update on my Bothy Threads Cut Thru' castle.  I am cross stitching the toilet scene in the yellow royal bathroom LOL.  It will be hilarious when it's back stitched!

I am enjoying stitching with my new Q snaps 11x11 inch as they keep the fabric taut and aren't bulky or heavy.  

Thanks for wandering through my garden...

                                                                Jan x

Cut Thru' Castle cross stitch progress...

With teenagers' activities at this time of year taking up the weekends and end-of-year dinners taking up the evenings, it is hard to find stitching time.  My cross stitch progress has been a tad slow.

The Bothy Threads Cut Thru' castle is the only WiP I have stitched in the last week sadly.   The Royal Bathroom is coming along.  I have added walls in a sunny yellow and windows in a crimson red. Stay tuned for the Royal Toilet which is coming soon LOL!

Are you itching for stitching also?  Thanks for walking in the garden...
                                                                                                        Jan x