What a wonderful world

We have had the strangest weather in the UK over the last few months. It seemed like winter wouldn't really let go, there would be a warm spell followed by frosts. As a result my garden has been confused and battered by the wind. Finally spring/summer has arrived as we hope is here to stay and the plants are growing and bringing colour to my garden.  Last year I planted a lupin which was lovely - this is has come back in full force...pretty impressive

So now I wait for the rest of the garden to come to life and show its colours after the delayed start:-)  

On a stitchy note I have been a little slow but am enjoying a new start My Dwelling Place part 1 from Little House Needleworks (this is an club hosted by Dyeing to Stitch in USA). 

So looking forward to getting the next installment.

On a personal note, I have some news.... as you know I got the courage to leave my job and with the encouragement and support of my dear husband I have taken the leap to start and online needlework store - Peakside Needleworks. It has been a dream to open a local needlework store and hopefully this is the beginnings of achieving that dream.

This blog is personal to me so I won't mention this again but please wish me well as I take this leap.

Oh forgot to say - my crochet hook has not been idle..a dear friends of mine are expecting their first child imminently so I have made lovely little green and white baby blanket for them. 

I need to be making another soon too - as during a great catch up with a life long friend, she has told me that she expecting a winter/december baby. Such excitement.

So I leave you with thoughts of spring, new challenges and new birth...what a wonderful world.

Best wishes

Sx

Family Sampler

I have had the most wonderful time stitching the Little House Needleworks - Family Sampler.   This has been such a lovely project and my children have really enjoyed seeing it. I did get the Classic Colorworks threads suggested and I am so glad I did as they really do enhance the design beautifully. 

Here's some pics from the start...

 

to finished and a permanent home found on my wall...

We have a framer that comes to our local market on a friday morning and is incredibly reasonable and always treat my needlework with such care. This has been a blessing and although I know different frames suit different pieces there are two that I tend to use that really compliment the stitchwork I have produced.

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One other little finish although not yet "finished" is my lovely birthday gift. My first attempt on 35count linen and I am very pleased with the result...

 

 

 

Bird in Hand - Blackbird Designs

In other news I am now 'semi-retired' (this is the term I am enjoying instead of unemployed) after finishing work in the middle of February. I can not say how much 'lighter' I feel and my brain is already starting to work on things.  I have decided that as I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity ....  I must find a path forward that I will love. In the meantime I am going to focus on home and family and keeping my hands busy;-)

I have just peeked out my window and it's snowing - not much but I am sure that the plants hae been thinking that spring was near. We have had a very inconsistent winter this year I am really hope that summer will be better....

Happy day everyone
S x

What a day

I have had a day. Not looking for any wishes but today is my birthday. In the past I have always protected this day viciously refusing to do any work, housework or any other ( normally by taking a days leave).  Today this was not to happen but all for good reasons - only 3 more working days left before moving on with life. These are incredibly exciting times.... I am planning to follow things I love, home, family, crochet, cross stitch and garden. It's going to be great.

On that note look what my dear friend, Hazel treated me with ... Cross stitch AND chocolate - can't beat it:-)

Apologies for the flash reflection.

Progress still being made on the Little House Needleworks - Family Sampler.

I am really enjoying this, especially with the options to personalise it.

I have also joined the Sampler life SAL which is very exciting, so looking forward to seeing how it turns out:-)

Not much other news, just catching up a little and trying to blog more often.

Have a fab day everyone.

Always

Sue

Time to catch up..

Goodness me the Christmas season has past us so fast, I haven't got to keep you all updated on things created.

Last year I stitched some ornaments for our tree and had a wonderful 'finishing day'. I marked it on the calendar and refused to do anything but make my little stitches into fab ornaments for my tree. I love the way that scrap of fabric with my careful stitches turns into a little bit of Christmas cheer to hang from the tree.  They certainly make me smile when I see them nestled amongst the twinkly lights.  So here is a pic to show you how they turned out....(I think an overview was the best way to show them and to post photos of each would be too much)

As a very big treat to myself I finally got around to framing some of my finishes and hanging them up on my stitching wall....

It makes me smile every time I see them all together.

Christmas was a lovely homey family time this year with my in-laws joining us for the first time in years, as they have this year moved permanently to the UK from South Africa. My big sister also stayed with us for a few days over Christmas which was so nice as it has also been ages since we have managed to spend any time together. All in all a wonderful time, with my darling children being thoroughly spoilt.

It goes without saying that Christmas dinner was a feast  .... And the leftovers became a very yummy pie on Boxing Day.

With the new year there is always some changes.....I have resigned from my current work, which I have not enjoyed this last year and as a result not had my head in gear for. I am so grateful and blessed that I can resign without worry and am looking forward to taking some time to really decide what I would like to do. In the meantime I need to work out the last few weeks and then focus on my home and family before making any further plans.

A thank you to Belinda from Blue Ribbon Designs for a mention on her facebook page. I love her designs and am looking forward to seeing the result of the project she is currently working on. 

Best wishes for the year ahead.

Sx