FINALLY ARRIVED

It was a big dissappointment to find the Christmas Exchange Ornament I posted last October to America never made its destination, however the good news is, that the replacement one has arrived safely. These delightful bears were published in Cross Stitch and Country Crafts Nov/Dec 1985 and is a design by Donna Vermillion Giampa of Vermillion Stitchery. I stitched it on 40 count permin linen using 1 strand of DMC and loved stitching it, so not a hardship to stitch it twice.

 Yesterday, the post brough me an exchange gift from Arlette in France, a 3D decoration  and some postcards with quotes. I am a great collector of quotes and I specially like the one " One touch of nature makes the whole world kin"  (William Shakespeare)

TUSSIE MUSSIE MORNING.

I have had a delightful morning making Tussie mussie, it is always a suprise how much I can find  in the garden to put into these tiny posies. After deciding on which flowers to put in the centre I wander round the garden tucking things in as I find them.

Cecil Brunner Roses centre this one with Lavender 'Seal', tiny heartsease violas,Pink Campian flowers,  bright pink Irish heath ( Daboecia cantabrica) edged with small pink Hebe.

Blue cornflower with Cecil Bruner roses, Lavender,Irish heath, tiny pink violas and Harebells for this posy which is edged with the leaves of apple geranium, the scent of these leaves is divine.

My next project will be some new cross stitch designs and as usual they will be of the small flowers in my garden

BRIDE'S TREE SAL

This year I have registered to take part in the Bride's Tree SAL, this is based on a German tradition that a couple's Christmas tree needs 12 specific ornaments for Happiness in their lifes journey together, even though I have been married many years, the idea of this  set of ornaments appeals to me.
There are  one a month, so thats not too much extra stitching to fit in. Each one has its own theme and there are no set patterns, just stitch what you would like as long as it is keeping to the theme.

The first for January is a House- (Shelter and or protection.)

I have chosen to stitch Groatieburn Cottage where I live.and have stitched it on 40 count Permin Linen using a variety of Embroidery stitches.  Design size-6 x 4.5 cm
I will wait till I have done several before I decide how I will finish them off, however they will all be mounted on the same size circles of cardboard.