HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAITLIN

Today is Caitlin's birthday, 23 years ago I was mounting an exhibition of antique embroideries in Coromandel  when I got the call that my second grand daughter had arrived in the world, I was not to know then, that here was the next embroiderer in the family and a fifth generation needlewoman. We have been able to share the love of stitching together from when she first started stitching at the age of five. Last year we stitched together  a collection of animal decorations,  and I shared this photo at the end of the year.

we had managed to stitch 17 and planned to add just one more, then the plans changed. Caitlin decided they would be great as an Advent activity with Ronan add one a day to the Christmas tree during December, so more were needed, another 7 in fact plus a star for December 25th. I have stitched the seven needed and added them to her birthday present. When I checked my photo's just now I find I did not take a photo of the penguin so here are the other six.

the rooster

and the hen

          

                                                                      a koala Bear

Monkey

                                                                            Pig

                                                                        Sea horse.

Next birthday in the family is Rachel's and she has requested some Christmas decorations... cats. for her tree which is silver blue and white theme. and its time to make a list of my Christmas  stitching for the three wee ones. I am blessed that I am still able to keep my needle busy. 

FOUR SEASONS

I think my favourite set of peg dolls at this stage is the .... four seasons. Each of these ones has a little embroidery on the costume.

Spring.... as you can see has a daisy theme.

Summer... the dress is Liberty fabric  and there are Bullion stitch roses on the cloak and hat.

Autumn... along with the autumn tones of the braid,  leaves and berries decorate the cloak.

Winter... all rugged up for the cold weather... what we have here today with forecast for tomorrow even colder. the  dress is a tiny piece of embroidery left over from another project.

Now I am working on my challenge doll.... 

1 a MONTH CLUB -AUGUST

I had lots of fun creating this month's decoration, I had been given some lovely large walnut shells, these I cleaned and bleached before using clear nail varnish on the outside and a dark red one inside,  my little mouse which I have made many of over the years was the perfect size to sit in the shell. What you can't see  is the two extra leaves, one going under the mouse and the other at the back that were glued to the shell to hold the decoration of leaves and beads in place.

I am also having fun with blogger  the layout has suddenly changed  and frustration I can't do as I want, so posting this before I lose it and will experiment more on my next post.