How Many Days to Christmas??? Panick Alert

Hi there to you all yet again. My stitching seems to be taking a bit of a turn for the worse at the moment. I'm trying hard to keep on top of it but I seem to have a bit of a wandering mind set. I haven't even put on the frame my 12 Days of Christmas so unless I can get my head in gear the chances of it being finished in time for this Christmas could be doubtful. I have been getting on with 'The Three Kings' though. I am pleased with progress here as I am almost at the top of the inner border on the right hand side although there are still the beads to sew on. All three kings are finished stitching and beading as is the most of the background which was rather fiddly. So it's just a case of knuckling down and getting the rest of the border done. Perhaps that my best bet is to get this one finished and then concentrate hard on the 12 Days.
The colours yet again don't seem to have come out right I wish I knew what I was doing wrong, I just can't get the lighting conditions to do it justice.

I have made some progress on the Christmas decorations that I started to give myself a bit of a boost. There will be eight of them when finished and I'll have to order the frames for them in due course.






This one when finished shows animals in the stable. They all look a bit odd without the back stitching on. My DH has yet to recognize any of them before b-stitching!!

Just to show that my garden is as muddled up as I am, here is a picture of a 'spring' flowering clematis called 'Ruby Wedding'. Flowering beautifully in the wrong season. Could this be 'Global Warming'???

Some things are at the right time The grapes are changing colour. Yippee.

Winter Wonderland has moved on. Must admit in the past I have had the Mill Hill Bead designs done in no time at all. I think I have done all the cross stitching on it and have to finish off the beading, quite a few on this particular piece are the petite beads so have to be cross stitched on to look good. It a very pretty piece and when the lights catch the beads it looks stunning. I know that Mill Hill have release another 'blue' based design that will look good with this one. (Must think about that one.)



For a change I went to watch my eldest grand-daughter playing netball last Wednesday. It was a coolish evening and as I had finally bought myself a waterproof/windproof coat I decided to wear it. Was I glad!! It rained,rained and more rained just like stair rods. At least I was dry and warm. The girls (who play in a Womens' League) drew. They played really well and I think if it hadn't been for the weather conditions would more than likely have won. Still I'll be watching again next week and will see how they go on then.
I've also been doing a bit of reading. It's a book titled 'The Conquest' by Elizabeth Chadwick. it's taking place about the time of the 'Norman Conquest' in England 1066 and all that. It's the third book I have read by the same author recently and true to form read them in the back to front chronological order, you know that seems just about right for me.

I've just realised my head has jumped a bit I've forgotten all about Halloween. I haven t stitched one Halloween thing, nor have I anything to stitch Oh Boo Hoo.

I've been having problems just trying to write this blog as the save part keeps failing and I haven't been able to upload pictures(Oh Whoa is Me) it's taken an age. Anyhow moan over. Finally managed to do it.

Again thanks for popping in and hope you can find the time to leave a comment. Until next time Happy stitching to you all.

A Bit of This and a Bit of That

A little late with the old blogging but here we go again. I was away last week staying with my grand-daughter while her siblings were away on their school PGL week and her Mum and Dad had gone away for a few days. I did take some stitching with me but didn't manage a lot as I was helping her with a needlework project from last year school term that had gone horribly wrong (not her fault I hasten to add). The fabric that the school had provided her with to make an apron for her 5 year old cousin was rather like lining material and slid all over everywhere, she was supposed to have appliquéd another slippy fabric on to it. Well she did her best but everything just frayed and she ended up very upset, so I found some other material and she started from scratch. It got finished and I think she will now have given it to her cousin. So sorry I haven't got a photo of this work of art but it did look quite good. Any how that's my excuse for not having done stacks of stitching.
When I get back home one of the first things I do is have a look round our small garden and these roses had come out in defiance of the fading summer ....Good for them I say.

I had decided a few weeks ago that I would stitch some Christmas ornaments for my eldest son for his tree. I am taking some designs from Donna Kooler's 555 Christmas Designs ' Inspirational Christmas' hanging. There will 8 of them and I intend to put them into small circular frames.

The colours are more pastel than I had imagined but I am sticking with the stated DMC threads.

I also dug out Window Wreath, I started it a few months ago but never seem to get round to putting any stitches on it. So I surprised it ...it's very pretty actually and there are some very subtle colour shadings. It's single thread two over two and I forget when I start doing it so out come the frogs for a short while.


What do you think of my apples they look as if they have come directly from 'the Wicked Queen's basket' (when she had changed into the Old Lady) from Snow White.

Oh yes! back to stitching. I finished my 'I Believe' by Mill Hill while at my sisters a couple of weeks ago and am very pleased with it.

Also back out for a few days was 'Castles in the Air' I haven't yet caught up all the downloads as I have the right hand side to finish and I wouldn't mind thinking that the next download will be here before I've done it, still never mind there are several months of it to go and if I concentrate on my Christmas pieces and get them finished then I should have plenty of time to catch it up then (I hope) . So I thought you might like to see it unrolled for a full view of it so far.

Back to my Christmas Themes 'The Three Kings' have found their way back onto the stand. I spent yesterday sewing on some of the zillions of beads that needed to be caught up and there are still a lot more to go on. The bottom left hand side is almost complete, just a few purple beads to go on there and then that small section will be complete. Hopefully this will definitely be completed for Christmas time. I just love doing these Jim Shore ones, stacks of beads and lots of colour.

Last but not least Winter Wonderland by Mill Hill started but not yet quite finished.


All the beads to put on it and the rabbit button, I'll have to get on with it and then my finish list doesn't look quite so appalling compared to some of you stitchers out there. I really am quite green with envy at the speed some of you can stitch.

Many thanks as always for popping in and leaving you inspirational comments. Until next time Enjoy your Stitching.

Finishing, Start and Enhancing

Here we go posting day again. The Big Finish of 'Break Time', finally and with great relief the mammoth UFO is completed. I did enjoy doing the face and hair as it was so bright and cheerful, he does look quite a friendly chap. Currently it is stretched out along the back of out settee still waiting to be ironed and also to be decided on exactly WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH IT? I have been looking for fabric to turn it into a wall-hanging but up to now have found nothing that appeals in the least, so I guess that for a while it'll be rolled up and stored until a bright idea comes to me.

With the completion of Break Time it was a case of looking for the next UFO for Jen's I've Started so I'll Finish....Eventually. I came to the conclusion that I'd pick one that I'd put away because I thought that I had used all the wrong coloured red beads and was totally demoralised by it. It was cast to 'To Do' cupboard before Christmas LAST YEAR ( now that's an improvement on some of my UFO's). This is how it looked on Thursday last week when we went down to visit my sister for a few days

Once again some pictures of our garden. This lily is taller than I am, must admit that doesn't take a great deal of doing as I am only approximately 5'2", it is absolutely beautiful.
Now this clematis was given to us by my sister when it had decided that it didn't want to flower anymore!! It was a case of perhaps different soil may give it a boost and WOW it really has done.

Just to prove that the grapes are growing and starting to look like grapes here you are. There are several bunches and we are hoping that they will keep on fattening up

Back to some cross stitching updates. The 8 Maids a Milking is now completed and must admit that I am very pleased with it. The 12 days are now back up to date so mini happy dance. The colours on it are beautiful but once again I don't seem able to photograph them to show how pretty they look.

'Castles in the Air' has appeared back at the top again and is now back on the stand to try and catch up a little. The latest download has got some blackwork on which makes a pleasant change, I decided that I'd do the left hand side and then move over and do both the missing downloads on the right hand side( if that makes sense). I've made a start on download 14 but then off to my sister's house so it'll have to wait.

Whilst visiting big sis I decided to get my DH to take me to The Nimble Thimble (a shop of dreams) and did a little enhancing. I was really taken by the design by Waxing Moon Designs.
I purchased the 28ct 'Crystal Magic' Cashel and also the
beautiful frame by 'Poppy Kreations'. I have a feeling that this isn't going to be left hiding for a long time.
I had taken some stitching with me and decided to boost my moral by starting something new (naughty me) instead of working to complete some smaller easier transportable piece. This is the one I have started... guess what back to beads!!!


Once again thank you for popping in and also taking the time to leave a comment. They are so much appreciated.
Until next time Happy Stitching to you all

Feeling relaxed...Makes a change.

The sun's shining again to day, although we have had rain and some of that has been quite heavy at times. Areas near to us have been hit by the flash floods and you've guessed it the hose pipe ban is STILL ON. Some of our plants are now suffering but we have managed to revive them a little, thank goodness. The tomatoes are starting to ripen and I can tell you they taste delicious. My poor carrots seem to have given up and vanished along with the radishes and the spring onions, still onwards and upwards the gooseberry bush is coming along well and the grapes are actually starting to look like grapes. Yippee.

My younger son and his family have returned from their short holiday to Spain and appear to have had a good time. My son rang me today to say that they had landed safely although delayed at the airport and that he had was just on his way back from the hospital after having his shoulder X-rayed. I presumed something must have happened on holiday but thankfully no, it was on the recommendation of his physio, to check out some sort of damage he has inflicted on himself over the years of playing and coaching field hockey and also playing cricket for a team he's played for, ooow let me see must be 22 or 23 years. I hope that it's not going to be anything serious as I think it would quite deflate him. Fingers crossed.

I am back on grandchildren duty tomorrow for a couple of days. I'm quite looking forward to it for some strange reason... at least I'll get some more of Breaktime done, or maybe I'll try and weed their garden a little. Now to how Breaktime is doing. I think I'll have one more turn up to finish him off, (well maybe).

Here's my photo update
. Not much more now. If it hadn't been for Jen's I've started so I'll finish....eventually I think this would still be forgotten at the back of some dark neglected cupboard.
I went looking around some fabric shops the other day trying to find something that I could use as a backing for him to turn him to the wall hanging I've been thinking about. Alas to no avail. I found some Halloween material that I quite liked but that isn't going to help me. I was looking for something that would sort of complement the colours in the clown but also look really good. When I see some of the finished pieces on the varying blogs with some great backing fabrics I can't help but wonder where in the world you find them.
I must admit The Three Kings and also Castles in the Air have not seen light of day yet again. My excuse for this is that I have been trying very hard to catch up my 12 Days of Christmas so that I am back on track for getting it finished in time for Xmas 2010. The beads have arrived so I have been able to finish the missing bits. I had seriously under bought the beads in the first place (my own error though) but I think I now have sufficient. The Seven Swans are completed and swimming away there.

I notice on the photos this time that the beads don't seem to have the knock out colours that they in the flesh (so to speak) and I have no idea how to get the true effect of them, it seems to be very hit and miss.
The 8 Maids are coming along well even though they are rather fiddly .

It seems quite strange cross stitching people, so that means that I'm getting to the last sections of the 12 Days as well.
I've treated myself to Donna Kooler's 555 Christmas Cross Stitch Designs and am waiting for that to arrive as I have some idea of making some Christmas Decorations for my older son, I've ordered material as well so perhaps I'm on a roll.....We'll see.. That son has just gone on holiday, he's gone camping so I hope that the sun shines for him and his family. They'll have a good time regardless though I'm sure.

Here's hoping the Postman arrives soon with my goodies.

Until next time thanks for calling in and taking time out to leave a comment they are so much appreciated.

Enjoy your summer and stitching. Byee for now.

Guess what....The Sun's Shining.

Hi there everyone. Summer holidays are upon us. That means that for the last 10 days we've had grandchildren staying with us. Very busy cooking and doing the old cub badges with my two youngest grandsons. Must admit they did very well and duly deserve their badges when they get them. The flapjacks and oat biscuits were delicious.


I must admit it was very nice having someone to do the washing up and window cleaning as well.

You've guessed it.....rather camera shy grandson!!


The hosepipe ban is still on despite the fact that there have been flash foods and torrential downpours, You know the same old story 'WRONG SORT OF RAIN', after all it's all wet, I do know what they mean, at least the gardens are fine. Thought you might like to see a little of our garden as we are further along in the year. It isn't looking so great really but we have some bright spots.






We had a bout of strong winds which ruined the hanging baskets and 'burnt' several plants. Luckily the tomatoes are doing well whether they will eventually turn to the right colour is another matter. It's a good job that we like green tomato chutney!!




My DH and I have just returned from our 'Garden Centre' roam with another new plant for the garden,it's a climbing Hydrangea which we intend to plant on a North-facing wall that we have always had a problem with. Here's hoping that this will solve it! Along with our plant we have bought some more bird feeders to replace the ones that have finally fallen apart. Already filled with seed,nuts and suet treats .....not a bird in sight!!!.
This picture is something that cheers me up it's a patio apple it just grows in a pot and it fruits every year. The apple type is' Katie' it was bought after the death of our Mum, Kathleen, back in 2001 my sister has a tree as well.

Because of the grandchildren visits and minding, cross stitch has been a little on hold. Unfortunately The 12 Days of Christmas has fallen behind. I should have been onto the 8 Maids a Milking but my Swans are still getting their feathers so they can't swim very well yet. Still never mind as I now have a few weeks while the 'young ones'( this includes my sons and their wives) are all away on their Summer hols. That is Guides camps, Cadbury World, Longleat, Spain all in no particular order. My hubby and I are just putting our feet up at home and probably pottering about a bit. I'll get some stitching done and the odd game of golf will creep in for my DH.
Here's my picture of the 12 Days. I will do better I promise



Must admit that while at my son's with three of the grandchildren I did get quite a lot of my UFO done which is for Jen's blog...I've Started so I'll Finished....Eventually
I have quite surprised myself with this one as finally I find that I am enjoying it. I am now on the last few of the 42"inches width of this piece, the chart is very hard to read as it is a hand drawn one and several splodges are just guessed. His face is much more cheery than I expected and I have put some half stitches in around the eyelashes although they are not actually shown on the chart. ( I just have to fiddle around a bit and make it mine)



I have been trying to catch up on my reading blogs that I follow and wanted to leave a comment onRocky Mountain Stitcher to say how well I thought her mermaid was doing but unfortunately I couldn't get it to take any comment. If anyone knows Berniceplease will you ask if she can check her 'settings' as I notice there are no comments and this seems strange as her stitching is lovely. To Bernice' It could well be me being a little in my dotage doing it wrong'.


I am now away to get some more feathers on my Swans....so thanks for calling in and leaving a comment. Enjoy your holidays whatever you may be doing.
Until next time HAPPY STITCHING

Water, Water everywhere but not a drop to ......water the garden with

Hose pipe ban in full force. Absolutely pouring down! That seems to be the way it goes. We have been told it's not the right kind of rain or else in the wrong place. Sounds very strange, fortunately I know what they mean but it doesn't help the bad feeling when watching water coming out of underground pipes that need repairing by the water company. That's the grumble over.

Now to happier things. My DH and I have been away this weekend. He's been on the old golf course thoroughly enjoying himself. Mind you his feet ache and his shoulders need a massage, could be from lack of golf playing through the injury earlier in the year or else the fact that 'Old Father Time' keeps chasing him and he's starting to find he's catching up!!!.
I had a good weekend stitching as did my sister. I took with me the dreaded Break Time, which I started by following Jen's I've Started so I'll Finish....Eventually. I have to be honest and say I haven't yet got a picture of the latest progress made this weekend but I have an update of prior advance. He's coming along well and I have at least got a sense of achievement from how he's doing.

I have been thinking about what to do with him when he's finished and top of the list of ideas at the moment is a hanging for the bedroom my grand-children use when they come. I'm still considering this though. I'm not the best at finishing things like that and I really don't want him to look a mess. Has anyone any good finishing tips???

I promised last time that I'd post my picture of The 12 Days of Christmas, 6 Geese a Laying after I had beaded it so here it is. There are still missing some red beads off the wing as i have yet to order them.
I have started the next part being the 7 Swans but up to now have only done 2 1/2 sides of the frame, that is my current WIP on my frame. Both the Twelve Days and the Three Kings were started for YoYo's Christmas Blog. I haven't heard anything for an age off Yoyo and am becoming very concerned.


The best progress has been made on The Three Kings. Despite a visit form the frogs where I took out a full section of the base pattern believing I had counted the centre square 1 stitch out, only to discover after I'd taken it all out that it was right in the first place. I can tell you I cried all the way to the kettle. Put the stitching away and started again the next day. After giving myself a good shake and making sure that I had my good frame of mind in control I set to on the third King. I can tell you his robe is a pain with fiddly back stitch round the sections that seem to make up the 'flower leaves on the robe. Granted they look worth it when you can see it for rea, the colours are lovely. At least this time the photo has a better colour, last time it looked washed out.


Last week I went to Liverpool on a visit with one of the school's I volunteer at. Must say we all had a great day we visited the World Museum. The children had been studying Egypt at school, the museum had a super Egypt display and question hunt, We also went in the planetarium and that was also superb all the pupils enjoyed it even though several of the girls clutched hands because of the sometimes intense dark. It a place I would recommend if you aren't too far from there for 'Summer Hols' visits,
Off now to watch the 'High Lights' of the 'Tour de France'. I'll be out of breath after about 2 minutes. I just don't know how they do it.

Happy stitching to you all. Thanks for visiting, Bye for now.

Just a bit of this and a bit of that.

The weather has still been fantastic. Just a couple of days that were a little undecided. We have had some rain but mostly overnight. Still spending a lot of time in the garden . We have been painting the fencing and redoing the back gate. It is now looking quite smart again. After power-washing the brick paving we now have to re-point quite a lot of it. Oh dear! Must admit though it looks a good deal brighter than it was, well worth my DH's efforts and my clearing up and brewing up job.
'
We have been having strawberries and ice cream. It's great when you can just pick them and 'Yummy' they have tasted delicious, we have never had so many so it's been great.

Cross-stitching had been a little on the back-burner because of the outside tidy up. I have beaded all the 6 Geese (honestly) but alas I have forgotten to take a picture so that'll have to be a wait for next time.
I spent and extra day grand children caring this week. All to do with the month end causing extra work and also covering for their other grandma who's having a weeks holiday in Spain. She went looking for the sun! I think we found it by staying in the UK.
Anyway because of the extra time away from home I have been able to do more on Break time. So here at long last is the BIG ROLL UP.

All the back stitching is done so when it vanishes around the roller I at least know I don't have to worry over whether I have forgotten any bits. So now it's the check jacket and smiley face as my next targets. With a little bit of luck it'll be finished sooner than I anticipated. (Well perhaps a lot of luck).

I have managed to catch up part of Castles in the Air I think I have just done part 12. I spend quite a lot of time trying to figure out what part will come next, but obviously to no avail. Guess what I just finish a bit and another download arrives.



That will have to wait as I am trying to get myself focused back on the Three Kings, now they haven't been stitched on for the last month. I am going to have to do some serious stitching on it to get it back on track and for some reason I'm having a bit of a problem getting going. I have decided to do part of the third King and then the bottom border so that the bottom section will be completed.
I must to get started on The 'Seven Swans a Swimming', only so that I stand a chance of having it done for THIS Xmas. I always enjoy stitching it no idea why, I find it sort of grabs you and away you go. After the swans I'll be onto all the 'people 'parts so that'll be interesting. Hoping to go visiting my sister again shortly. It's so enjoyable when we go. My DH goes playing his beloved golf and my sister and I usually get quite an amount of stitching done. Her DH potters in the garden (he is known periodically to turn his hand to stitching), he's always doing something so he's always busy.

Here's an extra picture for you. DRUM ROLL TA TARA TA TARA.

Here's Break Time progress since the roll up. He really is growing. Shame the chart isn't clearer hate to admit some of it is guess work.



Hope you all have a good time enjoying the weather or doing your stitching or whatever you get pleasure from. Until next time

Happy stitching to you all and once again thanks for visiting and leaving your comments.