Two finishes.

 Last time I wrote, I mentioned that I had an advent calendar folded, pinned and ready to sew. 

I finally got to it yesterday, just before Chooky called a zoom meeting for the Chookshed Stitchers. So I was sitting closing the binding when the email inviting us all to join arrived in my inbox. As you can see it is a simple Scandi style calendar.

I didn't get real fancy with the quilting, this one is a donation piece. I layered it with an off cut of batting and a piece of mystery red fabric. It came in one of those bundles I purchased. It's not felt, but not fleece and it's not... I really don't know what it is except perfect for the back of this advent. LOL

I had an off cut of red that was just right for the binding.

Here you can see the wavy line quilting I used between the pockets and over the arch shape of the picture. Then around the outside of the whole thing. Like I said, I kept it simple.

The back has a pair of D rings in the top corners to hang it.

Tada!

Job finally done.

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Another job that is finally done is my Cross stitch project.

St Nick was completed today, just before Torstein and Charmaine brought Mummy and Daddy to Nanny's house for tea.

I had a look back at my records and I started him in October of 2020. (It was a blast looking back at pictures of the grand children back then too. Torstein was a tiny baby.

The next time St Nick gets a mention was in December last year.

He made quite a bit of progress then stalled again. I've picked away at him through this year, doing a little here and there.

Finally he is finished. It took a while to add all the little details created using back stitch, French knots and couched threads. (Hopefully you can click on the image and see things a little closer). 

It was worth all of the effort. I am delighted with how he looks.

I'm not sure if I will frame him or make a soft wall hanging with him.

I sort of plan that one day he will go to live with either Jonny or Kay back in Britain, so glass is probably not a good idea. I could frame him without the glass of course.

For now he can rest somewhere, while I think about how to finish him for display. 

For those who like to know he is a Dimensions chart, designed by Peggy Abrams. One of a pair,

I have his brother to stitch, but I think I'll get on with a smaller project before starting another incredibly detailed St Nick.

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As I mentioned, the grand children were here for their regular visit. Charmaine helped me to make dessert while Torstein and Grandad played with fire engines.

They both ate a big tea and then played some more.

Time I think to put my feet up and recover with a cup of tea.

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Back to work tomorrow.