Release and Caution

 

Last Friday, I had my plaster taken off... The doctor suggested a hand bandage or lightweight brace to not only give me a little support but also remind me not to fling my hand around quite as yet as there was every possible chance that I could re break it... The bones it seems take around about three months to heal and become stronger so in fact I am only half through the healing process... 

It was good though to have my arm free of that extra weight and to be able to shower without having to protect my cast from the water - but best of all was to be able to lather my arm with soap and feel the deliciousness of the warm water running over it. My arm also needed plenty of moisturizer because after six weeks in plaster it was dry and peeling...

So, now I have a little more freedom of movement I am going to attempt a little bit of cross stitch and perhaps some drawing or colouring - all of which I have missed in these last six weeks...

I figure that once my six weeks are through, we here in Victoria might hopefully see the Stage 4 lock down and 8pm to 5am curfew lifted which has also been given a six week period... Life and times in a world wide pandemic...

2020 has certainly proved interesting on many levels...

Erin had prettied up my cast with one of her drawings... I was a wee bit cross that at having a cast a my age and then to add insult to injury not able to have anyone sign it was a bit rich...

"Breaking" news...

After taking a tumble down our very steep outside concrete stairs after I miscalculated my step while taking photos I have ended up with this...
After two weeks in a half cast and a CT scan to determine what was to be done next the good news is - I have a brand new white shiny plaster cast...
The bad news is I have three breaks - the better news is that after consultation with an orthopedic surgeon, the chap I am seeing and he agreed that a substantial plaster cast for four weeks might be the shot...
As the saying goes "them's the breaks' "

June 2020

Well who would have thought when I posted that last entry on the first of January that the world was about to enter the challenge of its life... And all our lives...

I am not going to go on about it as we all know what life as become, however I did want to mention it here as to mark its place in history...

Now on to the better stuff in no particular order...

The Jetty

Potting Shed

Johanna Basford colouring pages and a leaf rubbing

Every Winter I have the urge to do something with yarn and needles - this year it is a Granny Square Knee Rug - with my rudimentary crochet skills

Little House Needleworks - Giving Thanks

Browyn Hayes - Jardin Quilt blocks
These two blocks are part of a series that I have been working on for the last few years - every so often they see the light of day until I become disgruntled then they go away again - but 2020 just maybe their year to be completed - at least to the block stage...

Bird in Hand - Blackbird Designs.

Peppermint Purple's Blackwork 2020 SAL  (weekly blocks)

Elizabeth Almond's Black and Gold Floral Cross

Welcome to 2020

Well, here we are in not only a new year but also a new decade... 2020, who would have thought...

Hopefully, I will be a little better at blogging this decade than I was in the last... But you know how it is, life happens...
I have a few ideas and tentative plans and for someone who normally flies by the seat of her proverbial - that is saying something...
While this blob will mainly concentrate on my stitching and  stitchy creating I am also going to include a few of my other loves peppered with some life updates as they happen...

Of course my other passion is reading so I will post my current read here as I go... I am not going to give an in depth review or rating as I believe reading and books are very subjective - horses for courses so to speak... 

So with out further ado let's begin

My first new start for 2020 and indeed a new decade...

There is quite a story behind this pattern...

The first time I saw this design stitched was at an exhibition in late 1992 probably not long after the pattern was released... I was spellbound and thought it was the most beautiful design I had ever seen...
At that stage I was working full time and while I dabbled with small pieces of cross stitch I had never contemplated a piece like this.
The next time I saw Earth Angel my life had had many changes including a new address in a different part of the city...
She shone out from the window of a needlework shop called the French Knot.
It was a beautiful and magical shop with a collection of stunning fabrics, jewelled threads, a myriad of patterns and fabulous stitched models. It was my little part of paradise.
I knew straightaway that I wanted this design and so I bought her, the fabric and the called for DMC threads. I took home my treasure and put it away in a drawer...
Earth Angel has moved with me a number of times and I have stitched other pieces and enhanced my stash considerably yet I have never stitched her...
I think that I believed deep down that I could never do her justice and that there would be a 'right' or 'perfect time'.
Life has spiralled away as life does and the years flowed past and circumstances changed...
Of late I have thought a lot about my stitching and I have come to some realizations... As with any realization there comes the good, the bad and the ugly...
Without boring you all with details, I have come to realize that that moment of perfection will always hover out there on a far horizon always out of reach. That the moment is now and if I don't take the risk of stitching this design I never will be satisfied with anything else I stitch or buy for that matter.
So, since the moment is now - I have started...
I have changed the fabric which came via my stash at a much later date and offers a softer background and will 'hero' the design.
The colour is somewhere between DMC #157 and #932 - depending on the light...
I have wound bobbins for the colours I will using first...
I would like to think she will be completed by the end of the year and ready for framing...
While Earth Angel will be my focus piece she won't be my only new start for 2020 - I have a couple of other stash acquisitions I would like to bring out to the light...

The photo on the left more true...

Design - Earth Angel - Lavender and Lace Designs
Thread - DMC - as charted
Fabric - 25 count evenweave blue/grey

The top photo is more true to colour...

Returning to Blogging and my Knitting

A few years ago I subscribed to the Art of Knitting which was a weekly issue magazine through the newsagents. It basically took you from beginners to I would imagine, quite complex knitting at the completion. 
Each issue offered different sections which you could divide into a binder under the appropriate headings. It also supplied two balls of yarn - these were to knit the squares that came under section called - The Thow - which required you to knit a small square which ultimately would make up a rather large throw. Knitting these squares would of course build your knitting confidence as each square was a different stitch. These squares took roughly an night to knit.
I bought the first eighteen issues and while I liked them I knew in my heart of hearts I couldn't see myself knitting 120 squares. I had managed to knit nine of the required squares and I was quite pleased with my results because knitting or crochet for that matter, doesn't come as an easy skill for me however, I cancelled my subscription and put it away. A change of address saw me pack it all up and forget about it.

Fast forward to now - I am currently de stashing my craft room and came across across the squares once again. I found this square started with four rows knitted it just waiting for to be picked up and completed.
The colder weather and early dark nights always has my hands turning to yarn and needles as I sit in front of the heater - so I thought it could be the right time to pick this up and finish it. Of course with that small victory under my belt I have turned to the challenge of next square... 

My plan is to finish the 18 squares in the issues that I have, then repeat some of them in different colours until either the yarn, my patience or the colder weather runs out... 

Whichever one happens first, Matilda may be in line for a new blanket if there are enough squares to join into something worthwhile...🐈🐈🐈

A Year On...

It has been a year to the day since last I blogged... I am uncertain to why I stopped blogging - I just did and the time moved on swiftly...

Just to show that I haven't been completely idle - here are some of the projects I have been working on...

Free style crochet - Granny Square - (including the cat model!)

Canvas Work - Laura J Perin - Simple Gifts

Elizabeth Almond - Black work

The Needle's Notion - Coverlet Collage

Lizzie Kate - Cherish 

Cross Stitcher Magazine - Strawberry Thief

Nora Corbett - Azure Mermaid

Derwentwater Designs - Seasons - Summer

Winter...

Dare I say... A finish!!

Winter Flower Sampler - Elizabeth Designs. Stitched on 28 Count Antique white evenweave - with DMC threads and ThreadWorx - Sea Treasure for leaves.

Started 22nd June 2015 - completed 5th May 2016. It was a l-o-n-g Winter...

 wink emoti

And the Winner is...

The wheel barrow!! After trialling D's charms - the wheel barrow is the one that is 'just right' as Goldilocks was remembered for saying more than once... It suited the space like it was designed for it. Thanks D x Now all I need to do is give it a wash and iron, sew the charm on and think about framing it...

More New Starts...

Two new starts for 2016... I have fallen under the seductive spell of the new DMC Coloris range...

The first pattern is a freebie from the internet so I can't show you anymore than those bits sneaking out from the sides. It will be stitched on 25 count Purple Passion Jobelan with Coloris 4505

The second pattern is a T.A Smith Design called 'Felicidad' which will be stitched on 28 count Antique White evenweave with Coloris 4513.
 

A Finish and a New Address

On the last night in our old address - a finish... The space at the bottom between the trees will have a charm when I can find one..

Happy Mail!!!  An ebay purchase arrived at our new address - so with most of my other stitching packed away what could I do but begin... And yes another house...


Sharon

Patchwork Houses

In between packing boxes in readiness for the big shift - I am doing a little stitching. I have put a couple of projects aside to stitch until we unpack at the other end as with this move I have lost my stitchy room - so it may be awhile before I can unpack. While I still have a way to go with this one - the finish line is in sight. I am so pleased that I have persevered with this even though at times I was very tempted to 'release it to the world'. The blank space between the bottom border trees is placement for initials and date as in the original pattern however the jury is still out on that. I have seen a blue bird charm that would occupy the space really well. But until I am sure it will remain a space... And I am yet to correct the mistake ;) 

2016 begins...

Despite being three days into 2016 I haven't begun on any of my proposed new starts - instead I have been concentrating on my 'problem child'.. A lovely little design by Jardin Prive which I really love - however I seem to have been at odds with this from the very beginning. I could say that for every stitch I have stitched correctly the 'frog' and I have been 'hand in hand' with the rest.

wink emoticon

This one I could have buried in my 'tub of shame' gladly, but instead I decided to give it one last go before I abandoned it altogether. I wish I could say everything was forgiven and has gone smoothly - but alas not so. However I have donned my "no fail" hat and I am stitch by stitch making my way to my first finish for 2016. I am hopefully that it will be finished by the end of January. Then onto one of my new projects...

Take care

Sharon x 

Butterflies...

And another finish for 2015... This time a free pattern of butterflies on the internet. It is stitched on 28 'Celtic' cashel Linen from Stitches and Spice Australia with Cottage Garden Thread #411 - Grand Ridge. Unfortunately  the photo doesn't do either the fabric or the thread justice...

Dare I say... a finish!

I put the final stitches into this while I drank my morning tea at Brunetti's Camberwell. I started this on the 30/03/2015. An Ink Circles freebie - Ink Spot #7 - Four in the Bush. Stitched with DMC threads on 18 count Aida - from Sew It All Australia from their multi packs option. And so... on to the next one!!

Little Miss B's Birthday

 Today was little Miss B's birthday - she turned two. That time from when she was born until now has flown like birds on the wing... She is now a little personality who is displaying traits of her own. She knows what she likes and in an equal amount what she doesn't. From a grand parent's perspective I think we have the luxury of watching them grow and develop - perhaps it is because for most of us we are that much removed from the everyday rush that we had as parents where each minute was timetabled, crammed and action packed. Watching her develop and reach out to her world is like watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset, hearing music or reading words that move me - it touches deep within. Really, what more does one want from life than this???

As I watched Miss B today I wondered what lay ahead of her and I hoped that she would always be fortunate enough to have choice in her life and horizons broad enough to explore her world whether it be physical, mentally, emotionally or spiritual in a safe and peaceful way. I wished for her as the cake was cut that she would always be happy, healthy, prosperous and content. And that if she were to have dark days they would be a scattered few and far between...

But for today, it was about a little girl who was surrounded by those who love her and who was not too sure what all the fuss was about. And of course Peppa Pig...

Happy Birthday to you Miss B!!!

Surprise!!!

Even her presents had a continuing theme.

A 2015 Finish!

Now that my friend has been delivered of this today I can share it. She and her husband made a sea change - quite literally - by relocating close to the sea. I met H when we worked together selling retail books - she is also an ex - librarian. The moment I saw this Lizzie Kate design I knew it expressed all I wanted to say. I used DMC and added some blending thread to the water so that when the light catches it - it sparkles. I had it professionally framed and I was so pleased with the end result. I photographed it lying down - still wrapped in its cellophane so it looks a little uneven but it was perfectly centered. The frame looked like driftwood and the fabric colour suggested sand and of course the quote made mention of stories so it accomplished all I set out to do...

More Blooming

I have added more flowers and more leaves to my Winter Flower Sampler - I am still not sure about the new additions - however I will wait to see how it all comes together as it progresses...Once I have completed the leaves down the side I will move onto the 'T'... The tiny darker pink flowers are Smyrna stitch - sometimes called double cross stitch.

Take care now

Sharon

'Win'

Winter Flower Sampler - Elizabeth Designs

I have a 'Win'  and some more leaves and rambling flowers... I discovered that I have made a couple of mistakes but for the moment I have chosen to leave them -  life isn't perfect and so it seems - is my stitching.... Once I have finished this section I will move onto the 'ter' of Winter... I would like to think this will be finished by my birthday mid September... Despite some frustrations, mainly due to my inexperience I have really enjoyed stitching this one and I am hoping that my enthusiasm will last for the  Spring,Summer and Autumn samplers...

I can't believe what a difference adding those flowers has made...

Until next time, keep those needles moving...

Sharon

Autumn Retreat Cross Stitch

Autumn Retreat - Adapted from the works of R.L. Anderson

Despite the promises I keep making (and obviously breaking!)  I have bought another stash acquisition ... Quite different from my usual  - but the colour palette of this one seduced me.. This photo doesn't do it justice...

I am quite keen to start it but there is a couple of projects already underway I want to finish first. What sold me on this one? As I said I loved the colour palette but the composition of  is also satisfying. I love the central position of the vase with its dropped blooms and its cascading flowers which fills the majority of the frame. Your eye then picks up the fallen books and the candlestick hiding just behind the vase and travels up past the patterned wall paper to the shelf above and the plates and mug resting on it.What makes it interesting is the doily underneath the vase - while the vase is central in the frame - it is set off to one side on the doily making it a beautifully balanced composition.

Beautiful colours

For you Daffy Cat

I thought I would show you my ort container. It all started many months ago when I started using a plastic screw top container as an ort container. When my grand daughter could hold it she would turn it around looking at the colours and  as she got older she would roll it across the floor. It is now ball shaped and quite soft to touch although it is quite dense as the threads have woven together. Now keep in mind this is the product of  quite a few months of stitching not a monthly collection as yours is...

My Ort 'jar'

Until later, keep your needles threaded

Sharon

Opening the Door...

I have been missing in action for the last 19 months... How the time has flown since I last wrote the news of my grand daughters arrival. She is now a sturdy toddler who is constantly on the go and busy experiencing her expanding world...

The last year and a half has been hectic -  me, changing jobs within the same brand name but in a different location and cutting back my working life to a couple of days a week and let's not forget the house moving - all that sorting, packing and unpacking!!! And of course time spent interacting with "a little possum" on a regular basis and watching her grow...

I have come back here to the blog and wandered around in it from time to time. I felt like I was care taking an empty house as I checked that all was secure within its 'walls' and I have noticed that some of my 'neighbors' in my side bars have moved on leaving no forwarding address. As I went through and deleted them I couldn't help reflect on my blogging beginnings all those years ago - long before the - as we know it now - social media of Face Book, Twitter, Instagram and goodness knows what else.. How easy is it now to communicate about your life - a word or sentence, a photo and it is done!! As I write this I can see changes in the blogger platform making it far more user friendly from those first couple of years when just getting a post written up and a photo uploaded was very much trial and error - especially the latter. I can still remember people asking me what was a blog and was it safe??? How times have changed...

Have I come back to blog? Not really sure but my thoughts are that I would give it another chance. I have discovered you tube and within that - floss tube - a cross stitching community which I love connecting with. I doubt very much I will be come vblogger - not sure if that is the correct term - however I do enjoy watching these windows into everyone lives and of course their stitching. I am hard pressed to say which I enjoy the most - the stitching or the stitchers. People have fascinate me - so to have this opportunity to interact through this media is great. Although in saying that even through blogger and the old on line chat rooms/ forums I have met a great group of people over the years - including a few who I still stay in contact with both on-line and face to face.

Now down to business... What are you most likely to see if you visit here?? Again this will be a vehicle for my stitchy, crafty life and perhaps some reading and real life to keep it equally seasoned... This was the intended purpose for this blog way back from that very first entry all those many years ago - that and for my own record of what I was doing at that time. Nothing much has changed in that respect... I am going to give it a trial for a couple of months with a once or twice a week update. If by the end of that I feel it is redundant then I too will shut it down and call it an end of an era...

So what have I been doing??? I think that I have returned to my first love - cross stitch. For all the years I have been doing it I haven't got much to show as I was easily frustrated by it and would toss it aside the moment it became too difficult. Since finding floss tube, a group of people and more importantly someone reasonably local to share my love of stitching I have fallen in love with cross stitching all over again. Giddy in love and stash building like there was no tomorrow. I think too finishing a couple of long standing pieces gave me a  such a sense of satisfaction that I wanted to do more. Plus having a grand daughter has given me even a better excuse to stitch - my horizon is limitless... Whilst I may never be the greatest, fastest or complex pattern stitcher I enjoy it and it gives me both a sense of peace and accomplishment. Now I just have to live longer to stitch all that I have in my stash...

A stitching snapshot in random order... As I get more organised -  hopefully so will the photos...

Take care and keep stitching...