Almost.....

No pictures today, it's not that I haven't been doing much, but I've been working on a crochet piece to do in the car and don't have much more progress on the family tree sampler.  I stopped to do a couple of decorations, but forgot to take pics.

Drive safely wherever you may be and hope the weather lets you get there safely.

Merry Christmas......

Karen

Getting closer....

I've not done very much on the sampler.  I was a square out, which meant a whole nights work down the drain, but back on track now. (fingers crossed).

However, in the last couple of weeks, I've re-arranged my sewing space.  It's not a big room and there was a bed here, but it's gone into the shed.  The TV cabinet fits in a treat & is very handy.  The little fabric boxes fit perfectly at the bottom with space for bigger items above.  The little sewing machine (much used & loved) was mine as a child as is about 45 years old, but not in perfect condition.  The drawers were in a bedroom, but are more suited to my fabric stash (at last a better place to store it).  Finally, I've inherited some other fabrics & baby wool from my late MIL, as well as some wonderful buttons.  They will all  be treasured & then put to good use.

And the heading, well we're 10 sleeps away from Christmas.  We're off on the road this year, so if you like us are driving do take care on the roads.  Don't stress about what you can't control, just leave a bit earlier to get there.

Thanks for stopping by....

Karen

WIP......



Family Tree X-stitch from the World of Cross Stitching issues 127 & 128

 It's been a week since I was last on here, so thought it's about time for an update.  Here is the chart I'm using for my Family Tree Cross Stitch.   I must admit I don't have much done so far.  I'm using 32 count linen with DMC threads.  I was one square out & had to unpick the 'love' part - so frustrating, but it all matches now (thank goodness).


Here's where I'm up to



Cushion creation

The above cushion was created as a gift for someone who likes red & yellow (obviously).  The back is the same fabric as the outside border & I put in a zip to make washing etc easier.  Finished it last night, so it's off in the post today - almost forgot to take a photo before it went.  I hope they like it - wpn't know that until the 25th.

Wow - it's only 18 more sleeps to the jolly red man arrives.  This year has gone by so quickly, that I sometimes don't think I achieved a lot - although when I look at my completed list, I must have....

Our weather is somewhat sticky, & not a lot of rain unlike other parts of Australia.  My sympathy to those who can't go home, have lost stock, crops & a livelihood - I hope your lot improves.

On a brighter note....enjoy your festive season planning and drive safely wherever you are.

Thanks for stopping by.....

Karen

The Lion is complete.....

Samburu - by Jenny McWhinney

It's done - happy dance - and I'm really pleased with it.  Now I need to back it and turn it into a wall hanging.  I've found some very nice light brown cord fabric and some dark brown crushed velvet I plan on using for the binding.  Add a pocket to the back & then I can hang it up.

4 months of work, on and off, to get this finished.  Now I've just started on my family tree cross stitch, which once there are more then a couple of dozen stitches, I'll post a photo.

Tomorrow is December 1, so there are 25 sleeps left to Christmas.....not long now, but I'm almost ready, but have an item to get done for youngest daughter, so I'd better get cracking.....

Thanks for stopping by

Karen

Finished........and WIP....

I've finally finished a couple of things that have been clogging up my lounge.


Humbug front



Humbug Bottom

Humbug back



This little Humbug design was a freebie from  http://www.victoriasampler.com/ from their freebie pattern collection.  I did make a mistake in the chart when doing the Algerian Eyelets, but as they are at the back, it's not that obvious (unless you look at the chart).

It was an enjoyable stitch, and next time I'll follow the chart lol. 

This rug was another freebie design, but was started so long ago, I have no idea where I found the pattern.  However, I did make it bigger and use some oddments of acrylic yarn I had.  We were away from home, so I wanted something that I could do without the need to concentrate.  I think it looks quite good across the back of the lounge.

Now to the Lion....



The lion is progressing quite well.  My aim is to finish it completely well before Christmas (only 32 sleeps - can you believe it) and I'm confident I'll make it.   I want to start a family tree cross stitch before then, so I must get this finished.  Some people think it looks way too neat, but once it's finished I'll add some scars & stray hairs etc, so watch this space.........

Thanks for stopping by....

Karen

More show results......

 Our second local show gave the above piece a first prize, plus my first ever blue ribbon. It's called Wrens & Grevillea by Semco.

 I entered this piece in the second show as the jacket from the first show had gone to it's new home.

So, overall for this one was a first and a second.  The A3 quilt challenge got the second prize in this show as well.  Not bad for my own creation.

Christmas is now just over 5 weeks away.  I'm pleased to say my shopping is almost done (I don't like leaving things to the last minute), so I can sit back and relax a bit & finish the Lion off, re-arrange my sewing room and plan my next major stitch.

Thanks for stopping by....

Karen

Back.......

It's almost 2 weeks since I last posted.  A sad time for the family with the passing of a close family member.  However, the house is returning to normal now everyone has gone home.

During the 2 weeks, I completed Shaun the Sheep (from the free pattern from PurpleLindaCrafts), as there were times when I needed to occupy myself with something, when we weren't reminiscing or baking for afternnon tea for after the service.  Mind you I don't cook, but if I'd had a video camera.....well.
Anyway, I like Shaun.  The Lion hasn't had much done, but as we return to just the 2 of us at home, I will continue on working on him.
During the 2 weeks, we had our local show too.  My quilt challenge did well, placing with a second and the Borinia & Fringed Violets placed first, but the Willow pattern was unplaced.  The candlewicked cushion placed second as well, along with a first for a fine crocheted doily & a cross stitch on linen.  I had 4 pieces unplaced, but I was over the moon and it did brighten up a sad few days.....
Thanks for stopping by......
Karen