Busy, Busy, Busy...

We have been very busy lately and this meant that my blog took a little bit of a back seat.  I have kept up to date with what you are all doing and had chance to leave comments tonight.

We had a few ups and downs like all families and we are hopeful now that things are a little more organised.  My Mum isn't well, not life threatening but also needs new knees and she has always been a very active person so it is a big change for her to be sitting doing nothing whilst she waits for a date.  We lost a family friend who we spent alot of time with growing up and it just makes you think about your own family.  

We are also moving our son permanently to Dundee and when you live five hours away it can be a little demanding on your time trying to find all the information you need for a student.  He is coming back to have a holiday with us and a break with some of his friends then he will back to start year three of his course.

In September we are hoping to see him take part in some theatre work so I will keep you posted on the progress.

Happy Stitching all :)

FNWF and Mani Di Donna Black Ruby Sewing Purse...

I know - I am very late with my post - please accept my apologies.  I took photographs but life got in the way this week and other things took priority but as of tonight we are all sorted and I am back to sewing so thought I would show what I got up to last Friday before I do more stitching tonight.

I started on the Black Ruby Sewing Purse by Mani Di Donna, I fell in love with this pattern (and a couple of others!!)...

It is made with 32 count Confederate Grey linen and Weeks Dye Works Lancaster Red and Charcoal threads along with Weeks Dye Works Red wool to match the threads.

The pattern comes with the decorative wooden panels needed for the top of the main purse.

It took quite a few hours marking out each of the sections as you stitch it all on one panel and then cut it all out after completing. 

So tonight I will carry on stitching the purse area.  It is then beaded with Mill Hill black magnifica beads.

May the 4th be with you...

Okay, so call me corny, but I just had to as I am a huge Star Wars fan and Solo is due at the cinemas soon so couldn't resist.

I got a my first finish for May, WOW, that was fast I hear you say, so without any further delay here she is...

Shepherd's Bush Shepherd's Spring

I hope the colours can be seen.  It was quite difficult as it is a pink linen with pink, green and grey threads so I did try to get better lighting for the pictures.

The shepherd with the blackbirds surrounded by flowers (beads and stitches)

I love the baskets - the instructions were very easy to follow fortunately as they look quite complicated because they are layered stitching.  Each basket is completed with four rose and cream beads.  Followed by three little hedgehogs and a row of beaded flowers.

My favourite is the vegetables, they look quite detailed and enhanced by the rabbit charm.

I loved stitching this as it was a change from the usual colour of linen.  The amount of thread that was supplied with the kit was huge and will probably make another four of these.

It's off to the framers next week with a couple of other pieces.  I whizzed through this in two and a half days as I want to start on a Mani Di Donna pattern which I will share with you this evening in the stitch along Friday Night With Friends.

See you later :)

The merry month of May...

Well, I am calling it merry because I am out of plaster - yayyyyyyy!!!

The month of May is the month for love and success so I have had a great start, I got out of plaster this morning with my break now healed at 80% which is wonderful.  Can't drive yet - that's another story which also happened in an April that I would rather forget.

It is my Mum & Dad's Ruby Wedding Anniversary today and they have been treated to a wonderful four days in a luxury hotel that they love in the lake district.  Today saw them on Lake Ullswater for a steamboat all around the lake after a beautiful fruit breakfast - they are being really good and tonight is a special dinner for them.  They are wonderful people and do alot of charity work so it has been nice to see them doing something for themselves and enjoying being catered for by a fabulous team at The Inn on the Lake.

The Inn on the Lake and one of the steamers in the foreground.

The view from one of the beautiful furnished and decorated bedrooms.

I hope you are all enjoying some glorious sunshine wherever you are, it is beautiful here today and nice to have all the windows open for fresh air.