Something old and (maybe) something new...

So I finished the secret stitchery piece yesterday. It was a joy to stitch and so quick!

I might have to do me some more of that.

But first, back to something old. My Spring Queen cross stitch project got put on hold last year, while I stitched the Jewelled Elephant.  I pulled her out again yesterday and spent some time reacquainting myself with her and even spent a couple of hours stitching. Which was nice. 

Before I did any of that however, I had a look in one of my hidey places and found these two boxes.

 Way back in 2010, (I thought it was longer than that) I collected a BOM kit. and stowed them away in my cupboard, for 'one day'.

 Each month I received a bundle of pretty fabrics.

 One or more stitchery patterns and instructions on how to finish each block.

Working on the secret stitch has given me a taste for stitchery and I've been having a look through the boxes and I just might make a start on this one.

I went out today and bought some supplies.

But first.....

Domestics. :-(

A Lazy Sunday

Well, maybe not so lazy. I've done two loads of washing got it dried and put away.

We scooted to the shop for lunch supplies and Tony got the vacuum out as Belle is moulting and leaving huge clumps of white fluff everywhere she goes!

Aside from that, I've spent most of the day so far settled into my comfy seat, with my stitching.

I finished stitching and beading the jewelled elephant.

 All done except four golden beads!

How frustrating.

Four beads!

Sigh, I've ordered more and they should be here soon.

So an (almost) finish means a start right?

I was having a tidy up in my room on Friday morning and came across a pattern that has been coming and going on my to do list for a little while.

It's finally getting it's turn.

As you can see, it's not a cross stitch, but a colourful wee stitchery piece.

It's a gift, for someone who sees this blog.

So this is all you get.

Hmmm, I wonder if it's for you?

I have to say, I'm enjoying it, very much I love how fast it's going.

It's giving me a taste for doing more stitchery.

I've had a quilt kit stashed away (for many years) that has some pretty stitchery panels.

I'm off to make a cuppa, then it's back to my needle and pretty threads.

The house feels very empty

Tony and I took the trees and other Christmas decorations down yesterday and now the place has that bare and empty feels that follows Christmas.

I swapped out the Christmas Quilt for Spring Sprouts.

It doesn't do much to fill the emptiness, but it is a pretty greeting to anyone who comes through our door.

Belle will have to find another quilt to snooze on!

We've had some very hot days here, Saturday reached 36 on our shady deck, but Mr H didn't think to get photographic evidence. (I was at work) Yesterday was overcast all day, then we got a good amount of rain in the evening and over night.

We're back to blue skies today.

I'm off to work soon, I start at 10.30 on Mondays, which means that sometimes I get to sew for a while before going in. Sadly not today, I have one or two domestic chores to get finished. Tomorrow and Wednesday are days off though and I plan to sit and stitch as much as possible for those two days.

I see many bloggers posting plans for what they want to achieve this year.

I have no such plans, I'll just see where the muse takes me.......

*

I'm off to the washing line.

What a Difference a Day Makes

Suddenly it's a new year.

Happy New Year.

I wish you all that is good for 2019.

And a drop or two of rain!!

For those who need it.

It's not just the year that has changed. Things are looking better in our garden, especially the green house.

We did have ripe (ish) fruit on Christmas day

But now, a week later I have fruit that I'm happy to make tomato salad with.

It has a much better colour and flavour than the fruits  Tony insisted on picking on Christmas Day.

The New Year has also had an impact on my stitching!

Today was the first chance I've had to sit and stitch since 19th Dec, which is when I last showed this picture. I did find time to do a little stitching that day, but for some reason, didn't take a photo.

So after about 7 hours of fun today

WOW!

What a difference.

Even allowing for the work I did before Christmas, I know I have made huge advances today.

It was lovely to just sit and stitch.

Maybe I'll get chance to do more tomorrow?

That would be very nice indeed.

I can feel the end of this piece coming close, it might be finished in time for Christmas! LOL

It was supposed to be  present for Christmas just gone!

During a break today found myself pulling out my Spring Queen project, last seen in August 2018.

I may have also spent some time window shopping at lunch time............................................

And I downloaded a free pattern a couple of days ago..........................

We'll see.......

*

Happy New Year.

Finally, a day to relax...

After I managed to get caught up on some domestics.

Now I can relax and do some me stuff.

First a Christmassy blog post.

The most important gift wasn't wrapped.

Belle had left me a whisker on the arm of the couch.

I don't really know why, but rather than vacuuming them up or throwing them away I collect them.

I treat each one I find as a gift and thank her for them.

 As far as humans go I was lucky and received some lovely gifts again this year.

Tony found this chap. I didn't name him yet, but he is on patrol on our patio.

What a handsome fellow he is.

Joe brought this wee treasure along, it was hand made by his girlfriend Lee.

 My very own hand built Fairy house. Isn't it cute.

 In the image below, you get a better idea of how small it is.

 It reminds me very much of the old Celtic stone buildings seen around the Isle of Man.

(If you're interested,  look at this blog.)

Another hand made gift I received is this lovely machine mat made for me by my friend Janice.

Each of the pockets was filled with goodies too. (There was chocolate, but it didn't survive until the photo shoot!)

As you can see, I already have a machine mat but that is ok, this beauty will still be used and loved, it fits perfectly over the arm of my sewing chair and the pockets will keep scissors and things very handy.

 My mother in law gifted me this cute wee tin.

 Even though it's currently sat in my sewing room, it's actually full of recipe cards.

I fell in love with this character on the front of the tin.

Of course I didn't just receive hand made goodies, I sent some too.

I was lucky enough to be invited to send something to dear Chookyblue. Sadly she decided not to do the SSCS this year as she just has so many other things going on and it does take a lot of her time to organise and encourage us all.

 One of the secret swappers sent out an email inviting us to repay all that Chooky does for us, by sending her a wee ornament for her tree.

What a great idea!  

I made not only a wee ornament but also a set of coasters using kiwiana fabrics.

 Here they are all bundled up with a button tree ornament.

Blue of course.

 I hope they arrived on time.

Another gift I made was for Janice. A cute little project case all made with more Kiwiana fabrics.

 I had fun trying to decide which fabrics to use, with such small pieces it ended up looking very busy.

I couldn't resist this fun fabric for the back.

I also sent along some of my recently made bunting as I seemed to make far too much.....:-)

Janice assures me it is just the right size for one of her windows.

Here you go, a work in progress shot of some of the button tree ornaments I made.

Well, that's it for now.

I'm off to spend what is left of my me day sat with my cross stitch.

It's far to warm to do anything else.