ONE MORE

        

I ended last  month s stitching with one more for my Alice in Wonderland Collection. Sue knew I was looking for a tiny pocket watch and she called in to show me what she had, this one is just perfect thank you Sue. Alice and the Cheshire cat sill to come but need to wait for the right inspiration and materials.

I am currently stitching a piece for the regional Exhibition later in the year, also Wessex stitchery as a guild project and a Faby Reilly piece with Fiona each Wednesday morning. Along with that I have started Christmas stitching, first up with some tiny dresses for the folk in Eve's dolls house. I have brought to life my other blog ...other side of the mountain  ..see here to record the petite dress making project. Short posting this time as Rebecca Rabbit is waiting for the fitting for her latest dress.

TEA FOR TWO

I had seen advertised on line a " High Tea necklace" made with tiny enameled teacups. and to my delight I found a much cheaper version, my order took 5 weeks to get here  but proved to be well worth the wait. Table and food borrowed from the doll's house so the mad hatter could invite the March Hare to tea.

 Next month after my visitors come and go I think I will put the Christmas tree up in the unit as I do want to see what they all look like hanging on the tree, and by then I will have added to the collection.

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. 

1 a MONTH CLUB -FEBRUARY

This month's decoration is a heart, it could be hung up and enjoyed for Valentines Day then put away till Christmas or given as a Valentine gift to a friend. One I know is going to be given away attached to a wedding present.

I have been able to get some extra stitching done during January and have a couple of months decoration already done.

February start with a guild work day,  the project for the day was felt letters, Caitlin and I worked together on one for Ronan,I had stitched the Winnie the Pooh ready  and so she managed to finish her letter on the day,

and this one is Heather's work in progress I expect we will have several finished and on the show and tell table at the guild meeting later in the month.

Thanks to Rhona's sharing on her blog Tangled Threads I learnt about Peppermint Purples free blackwork SAL and yes I have started almost caught up the first month in two nights stitching. no photo yet but will share later, Now several of the guild members who saw my stitching at the work day have joined too.

Lots of stitching planned for this month, however this morning the weeds in the garden call.

AS THE YEAR CLOSES

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. -

Oprah Winfrey

There are some things I want to share before the year closes , firstly from Ann I received this lovely Christmas ornament stitched in colours that she knew would be perfect for my Christmas tree. the tree is still up I am enjoying it and keeping to tradition, leaving it there till the 12th night.

Also to share with you, the Toblerone needle case set I made, and all credit for this must be given to Lynn B of Happiness is cross-stitch blog not only did she show the beautiful set she made but she has a three part tutorial on how to make it.  I love needlework accessories and always looking for new ideas, making this was sheer pleasure and I have plans to make at least one more, it makes a lovely gift or even something special for yourself. Check it out for your self here

Following a request to share how I make the covered retractable tape measures I have opened again my other blog..... other side of the mountain and shortly will post a here's how for the tape measures there. here is the link for the blog.  I need some better weather with good light to take my photos. Our weather at present is quite miserable, and certainly not suitable for the much needed  gardening however that means it is good stitching weather and I have been stitching the four little witches free designs from The Snowflower Diaries I am now on the last one so will be able to show them in the new year. I think Spring Witch is my favourite.

 

I have not made a list of things to stitch in the new year but have given myself a theme.....Because I can.... which means anything that takes my fancy! And for that I am waiting the arrival in the post of my first chart, I plan to stitch  Little house Needlework's Calendar Girls. But now it's back to finishing Winter Witch.