Stitched With A Nana's Love

October 1, 2012, 7:15 am

≫ Next: The Alphabet Series is Finished and an Ann Medd Chart Giveaway

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

Good progress has been made this week on VS Alphabet series and I really feel if I am back into the swing of things. Hopefully another week or so and it will be finished.

I am umming and aarring about whether or not to sew the hemstitch borders around each alphabet as this will be framed rather than a wall hanging. What would you do?

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

I love bullion roses.

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

The tweed stitch was fun to do and has a great texture.

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

The occasional charm adds interest.

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

I never imagined I would cross stitch a pair of underpants.

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

More bullions.

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

There is lots of sparkle.

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

Thea is such a creative designer.

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

The nutcracker is so cute.

Victoria Samplers - Alphabet Series

I had to go to Truro last week and I could not resist popping into a quilting shop on the way home. As soon as I saw this panel I thought it would be perfect as a play mat for our grandson who is due to be born on December 31st.

I blanket stitched around the squares, added the border panels and backed in navy fleece.

A package of beautiful silks arrived as part of the Cabinet of Curiosities course. The photograph does not do them justice.

We have enjoyed watching the Ryder Cup this weekend and stayed up late last night, what a thrilling last day.

We got the munchies in the afternoon so I made some cappuccino biscotti and some lemon drizzle cake.

Before I could get my camera out someone had helped themselves.

Finally does anyone know what type of butterfly this is? I haven't seen one like this before in our garden.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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The Alphabet Series is Finished and an Ann Medd Chart Giveaway

October 8, 2012, 6:38 am

≫ Next: Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

≪ Previous: Stitched With A Nana's Love

Victoria Samplers Alphabet series

HURRAY !!! I enjoyed every stitch and feel that I have learnt a lot along the way. I started this at the beginning of April and finished last night with a long break in between when looking after my MIL.

Here is the last section. I will post lots of close up photos when it is back from the framers.

Victoria Samplers Alphabet series

I am having a giveaway for my followers both old and new of The Scarlet Letter's Ann Medd 1742 chart.

The Scarlet Letter - Ann Medd 1742

Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw a name in fourteen days. Good luck to everyone. Don't be put off by the size just think of it as several samplers combined.

I would love to hear from you with suggestions for another BIG project.

I was going to start Chatelaine Designs Fairy Flower Garden but the kit is still in the mail from the European Cross Stitch Company. I also bought the chart for the Peacock Garden which was emailed to me. The wonderful Yvette at Sewandso.co.uk kitted it up for me and within 24 hours it was here (they are a fantastic company to deal with).

So this is my next project. It has been stitched by Beau pippin and you can see it finished on her blog. I can't show a picture as it was a mystery project and there wasn't a photograph with the chart. It is encrusted with beads and metallic threads. Gorgeous!

Lots of baking has been done this week and I had a practice for my Christmas table.

I used a cream cheese pound cake recipe from joyofbaking.com It was delicious and very moist.

If you have any cake recipes that use cream cheese could you pass them on.

I bought some Christmas Cookie cutters from Lakeland. I wonder if my cookies will look this good?

I think that I am going to go and make a start on Peacock Garden.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

October 9, 2012, 12:41 am

≫ Next: Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns

≪ Previous: The Alphabet Series is Finished and an Ann Medd Chart Giveaway

Please could Michele a no reply blogger who left details about the Blue Ribbon Sampler on my previous post contact me with an email address. I would like to chat further about this sampler which i have fallen in love with.

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Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns

October 15, 2012, 6:09 am

≫ Next: Can anyone help ....

≪ Previous: Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

Peacock Garden - Chateliane Designs

I have had a first good week of stitching Peacock Garden and am pleased with my progress.

Peacock Garden - Chateliane Designs

It was originally a mystery and I am tackling the chart in the order that it was issued in. I will be adding the beads at the end. There are an awful lot of them!

Peacock Garden - Chateliane Designs

Victoria Sampler's Alphabet series went to the framers this morning and I have chosen the same frame as Ann Medd.

I was overwhelmed by the kind comments that were left last week by my pin pals. THANK YOU.

Through one comment left I learnt of The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood. WOW!!

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

The panels of filet embroidery are gorgeous.

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

Michele who has stitched this amazing sampler contacted me and I have swapped a chart from my stash for it. Michele hasn't got a blog (as yet!) but did send me a link to a photo album of her work which is superb.

As a lot of you will know this book is out of print, is highly sought after and sells for quite a bit of money on Ebay. Michele's kindness in exchanging it for a chart that can be readily bought is truly wonderful. Thank you again Michele.

I was also very touched by Krista's generosity in offering to loan me the book. Thank you Krista.

Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns and I hope that I will be able to pass on the kindness shown to me.

It has been a busy week in the kitchen.

This dessert is scrumptious and very easy to make. This case is crushed ginger nut biscuits, the filling whipped mascarpone and creme fraiche and the topping fresh raspberries brushed with home made red current glaze.

I have made two Victoria sponges this week, this one was filled with apricot jam that some friends in Switzerland made. It is the most delicious jam, you cannot get the apricots ripe in the same way in this country.

Today we are having double orange loaf.

My son had a calf born on Friday, I am so glad that it is a girl as the boys eventually get eaten (:(: she is called Molly.

I received some photographs this week from John Wright, a very gifted photographer, who regularly stays with us.

Poldhu Cove

This one is of our little cove.

Mullion Cove

Mullion Cove in a storm.

Mullion Cove

You can see how easy it is to be swept off the sea wall.

A wonderfully dramatic sky.

The wild ponies on the cliffs are little butter balls, their grazing must be very good.

Poppy has not been well, 2012 has not been her year.

Damaged her eye in the undergrowth and had to have an operation to remove the resultant ulcer.

She stood on an old rusty nail that went right through her paw and had to have an operation to remove it (it was horrible).

She cut her gum and it would not stop bleeding, she collapsed on the second visit to the vets through blood loss and had to go on a drip. They struggled to get it to clot and eventually has to cauterise the wound.

Next she damaged her cruciate ligament.

Damaged her other eye again playing in the undergrowth, had an operation two weeks ago and then on Friday she had to have another operation as the first had not worked. Bless her at the moment her eye has a protective contact lens in and is partially stitched up.

Throughout all of this we have been very worried because she became an "old" dog. Our vet ran an extensive series of tests and it turns out that she has a problem with her thyroid and is allergic to turkey.

The thyroid medication has had an amazing effect and poppy truly has her "POP" back.

The vet is coming to check her eye this afternoon, she seems to know when he is coming and disappears.

I hope to settle down this afternoon and do some stitching and watch the results show for Strictly Come Dancing. Last night I didn't seem to achieve very much as I had to make a dash to the nursing home as my MIL had fallen (she is OK) and we had some holiday makers arrive late.

There was no way I could stitch through Downton Abbey it was so sad , I won't say what happened as it may spoil it for others but series 3 is a must watch.

I have been checking out youtube for Dancing With The Stars. They are all soooo good. I wish British TV would air the show, they used to.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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Can anyone help ....

October 19, 2012, 6:57 am

≫ Next: A Winner, A SAL and some new stash

≪ Previous: Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns

Victoria Sampler - Alphabet Series

Alphabet is back from the framers and I am VERY pleased. (a rare photograph of me)

Here are some close up of the rows.

Victoria Sampler - Alphabet Series

Can anyone help me find other bloggers who have stitched The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood. I am amazed that a google search through images and blogs has not picked anyone up.

Do you know anyone?

Please would you put a request for information on your next post?

I have a few questions I would like to ask before I start.

The sampler has been kitted up with AVS and 36ct Edinburgh Linen in Flax. I am so tempted to start it straight away.

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

Peacock Garden has progressed well.

Peacock Garden - Chatelaine Designs

I couldn't resist adding a few of the smaller beads to see the effect.

Peacock Garden - Chatelaine Designs

On the cooking front I came across this recipe on joyofbaking.com for apple galettes. It was so popular I ended up making them two days running. It becomes difficult to find new ways of using produce from the garden at the end of the season.

Apple Galettes

In the garden some of the bulbs that were planted only a few weeks ago have started to come up. Are we going to break our record of daffodils in full bloom the first week of November ?

Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion - Daffodils

Before I go my sister who is visiting has insisted I post a photo of me blogging taken by her without me knowing.

I am now off to decide where Alphabets is going to hang ........

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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A Winner, A SAL and some new stash

October 21, 2012, 3:31 am

≫ Next: Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.

≪ Previous: Can anyone help ....

And the winner of the Ann Medd giveaway is .........

Kathy Ellen Congratulations, I hope that you get as much enjoyment out of this wonderful design as I did, Please could I have your address.

I am participating in a SAL of Scarlett Letter's SDW Sampler with Michelle who doesn't have a blog at present but I will be posting pictures as we go along of both our samplers.

SDW Sampler - Scarlett Letter

We hope to stitch one evening each week. If anyone would like to join us you would be very welcome. It is a beautiful and unusual sampler and one I will be proud to complete.

I love Scarlett Letter and spend hours studying their website. I have been very naughty this week and ordered the following kits in silk.

English Transistional Sampler 1711

and

Dorcas Haynes 1720

and

Elizabeth Simon 1758

If I could I would have bought many more.

I also bought some charts from Laurie at Corgi Cottage who is having a stash sale. Check out the link there are many beautiufl charts.

I gave in last night and started Blue Ribbon. It is wonderful to be working on 35ct with AVS silks, I could not resist any longer.

We are off to visit my MIL and then hopefully a round of golf. Downton is on tonight so not much stitching today.

Poppy is due to have her stitches out tomorrow, bless her. The Thyroid medication has continued to make a huge difference.

To all my pin pals a big thank you for your continued support and encouragement. You have given me so much confidence to share my stitching journey through life.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.

October 23, 2012, 8:34 am

≫ Next: A Little Bit of This and That ....

≪ Previous: A Winner, A SAL and some new stash

The Blue Ribbon Sampler - Olwyn Horwood

I could not resist starting the Blue Ribbon Sampler on Saturday night. I haven't done too much stitching as Strictly Come Dancing, Downton Abbey and The Great British Bake Off Master Class have been on the television. All my favourite programmes. Hopefully I will achieve more this evening.

Thank you for responding to my call for help and putting me in touch with others that have started the sampler. It seems as if many stitchers have the book and started but not completed it. There appears to be quite a few charting errors and I have been advised to leave the right hand border until all the blocks have been lined up so that I have room for any adjustments.

If you would like to see some rare close up photographs of a finished sampler then visit Michele's blog stitchingcatsandchickens which she has just started. It is well worth a visit.

Michele is currently stitching Victoria Sampler's Alphabet Series as one project so her blog will be very interesting to follow.

Michele will be joining me with the SAL of the SDW Sampler by Scarlett Letter.

SDW Sampler - Scarlett Letter

Joining us with be Elaine, and Robyn . This will be the first SAL for all of us. We hope to stitch one evening each week to suit our own schedules, sharing updates on a weekend to encourage each other and then post about it once per month.

If you would like to join us you would be very welcome. This is such a beautiful and unusual sampler and one that I look forward to displaying in my home.

I am off to feed Poppy and Blue and then I am going to settle down with my needle.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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A Little Bit of This and That ....

October 26, 2012, 7:38 am

≫ Next: Dull November brings the blast, Then the leaves are whirling fast

≪ Previous: Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.

The Blue Ribbon Sampler - Olwyn Horwood

Progress is being made on Blue Ribbon. It is not the easiest of charts to work from.

The Blue Ribbon Sampler - Olwyn Horwood

There are four pages of corrections available. If anyone has the book but not the correction sheets please let me know and I will email them to you.

The Blue Ribbon Sampler - Olwyn Horwood

The saw tooth satin stitch runs around the nine inner panels. There are two stitches omittedon one "tooth" it was not easy to find where I had gone amiss when I reached the end of the top row.

A good chart would have highlighted this.

The Blue Ribbon Sampler - Olwyn Horwood

This is such a pretty border.

I had an email from another stitcher about the photo album of JoAnn Hoffman and Bethany Gallant. I am sure that a lot of you know about their work but if you do not it is well worth a visit here.

When browsing their albums I came across Scarlett Letter's Mary Hurst and just had to order the chart.

Mary Hurst 1661 - The Scarlett Letter

What I really need is an extra pair of hands to stitch all the charts I seem to accumulate.

The SDW Sampler SAL officially starts this weekend. There are five possibly six of us. (Robyn if you are reading this please contact me with an email address, you are a non reply blogger and I have no way of responding to you.)

The first daffodils bloomed on the 24th October beating Trewoon's record by one week. I believe that this is a "Paper White" and what is particularly pleasing is that it is one of the newly planted areas.

I have been meaning for ages to take some photographs of finished projects and today I finally got around to doing so

The following is a mish mash of projects stitched over the years in no particular order.

We have bought a pram, push chair, car seat "system" for our expected grandson and as it is considered unlucky for Chris and Kate to have it in their home before the baby is safely born I have it here.

Blue is very interested in it. I wonder what he will think of the baby?

We played golf yesterday, it is good to be getting our lives back on track.

I did some baking this morning and tried out a muffin recipe - vanilla, chocolate and fudge chip, with a cinnamon sugar topping.

This is another recipe from joyofbaking.com. I am enjoying working my way through her web site.

This week's holidaymakers should be arriving soon so I am off to meet and great. Wishing you all a fabulous weekend.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

↧

Dull November brings the blast, Then the leaves are whirling fast

November 4, 2012, 6:33 am

≫ Next: Every day's a perfect gift of time for us to use

≪ Previous: A Little Bit of This and That ....

Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

I am really pleased with progress on this sampler and adore the colours. I like stitching borders and it has occurred to me that it has been a long time since I have done so, curiously my last series of projects Victoria Samplers Alphabets, Scarlett Letters' Ann Medd, And They Sinned & Dutch Beauty do not have borders. I am certainly making up for that lack now.

I hope to finish the bottom of the third panel tonight and I will then be moving onto the specialty stitches and filet panels. I have a problem with the filet panels as I have been unable to source the required coton a broder 16 and 25 in a suitable colour in the UK. I have never stitched with this type of medium before so I am a bit stumped for alternatives. Can anyone help with advice.

I am finding lots of little errors but it is not taking way my enjoyment.

BLUE RIBBON CORRECTIONS

I thought that it may be useful to others to have list of further corrections I have found whilst stitching Blue Ribbon. I may have misinterpreted the charts so please make our own mind up when working this sampler. I have an official 4 page list of other corrections for anyone who wants a copy

.
Page 58 in addition to the correction already noted, on the fourth border the second flower bud has three stitches missing.

Page 60 satin stitch border to the left stitches omitted from the chart near start of fourth border

Page 60 fifth border, third flower vine from right, stitch missing, stitch same as all other vines.

Page 61 fourth band omit last two stitches at the end of the vine to balance with left end.

Page 62 second band first two vines on left stitch as the others, add one stitch on the right hand side end of vine to balance, there is room with the border.

Page 62 third band middle upper flower vine omit double row, should be same as the rest of the band.

Page 62 fifth band omit two stitches on base of first flower to match second and third flower.

I will update this list as I go.

SDW Sampler - Scarlett Letter

I am really enjoying the SDW Sampler SAL and am very pleased with progress after two Saturdays spent stitching. It has been great fun sharing this project with a fantastic group of pin pals. We have all had some trouble with the blackwork panel at the top. The thread has not been laying well on the 36ct. I have bought some AVS Paris which does lay better but I am going to leave the panel until the end.

I have been pondering about changing this panel completely and am torn between stitching true to the original or personalising my sampler.

I have been admiring some samplers on Scarlett Letter's web site which incorporate cutwork and drawn thread work and have an urge to do the same on SDW. I dont' have to decide for sometime yet!

Back in the summer I purchased two books:-

This is a very useful book with good instructions and diagrams. For anyone interested in drawn thread work this is well worth putting on your Christmas list. I bought the book directly from Luzine the author and she was delightful to deal with.

I also treated myself to:-

The work and linens featured took me back to my Noona's home in Italy. There are some really gifted needlewomen who create such amazing heirlooms.

The week has passed very quickly, we had good news from the ophthalmologist on Thursday with Poppy's eye and then late on Friday afternoon she hurt her cruciate ligament again! Our vets are marvellous and they have kept in touch over the weekend. She spent yesterday medicated with painkillers and anti inflammatories asleep on the sofa in front of the fire. She is able to weight bear on the leg today but is still in a lot of pain. I think that a decision will be made tomorrow or Tuesday if they have to operate. They already have recent scans of the leg and I hope that with rest in may improve. Poppy is having an awful year.

It has been a mixed week weather wise.

Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion

We have had some very interesting cloud formations. Lots of strong winds, hailstones, vertical rain but then we have also had crisp sunny days.

We took advantage of one to pop over to the boat to check the ropes after the winds.

Mylor Marina Falmouth

It could have been a summer's days.

Mylor Matina Falmouth

My DH walking down the ramp onto the pontoons.

Mylor Matina Falmouth

There was a super little sports car parked up on the jetty.

When I started writing this post the rain was coming down horizontally being driven in by the strong wind off the sea, now the sun is out and beams of light are falling across the desk. I think I will take Blue for a run around the gardens before the next rain starts. I will have to creep out so that Poppy doesn't spot us.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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Every day's a perfect gift of time for us to use

November 12, 2012, 5:19 am

≫ Next: Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship

≪ Previous: Dull November brings the blast, Then the leaves are whirling fast

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

This is where I am with Blue Ribbon, not as far as I had hoped as I had to unpick two days' work. Lining up the blocks is not easy !!!!

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

I have edged the filet panels but have not cut the threads yet as I did not know if it was wise to do so until the end. I am concerned that as I like my fabric to be drum tight to work on this might exert too much strain on the edging for the cut threads to hold. Does anyone have any experience with filet panels and millennium frames that could offer advice.

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

I will be working on the motif section in between the speciality stitches next.

Since starting Blue Ribbon I have had LOTS of emails asking if I would sell the book. Amazingly this book is listed on the internet for between $120 to $220. I was shown a great kindness by Michele when she gave me the book and I will be passing that kindness on when I have finished. I will have a giveaway for my followers only, not email subscribers.

SDW by The Scarlett Letter

The SDW SAL is coming along and the first three pages are finished. I love the lion, he has such a cute tongue. It is surprising how much you can achieve just giving one day a week to a project.

I have been busy with baking this week, lots of the family's favourites but also a new recipe that was given to me by Nikki.

It is a cream cheese cake and I used a bundt tin. It was delicious, moist and had a lovely texture. I have added the recipe to my personal cookery book.

Nikki also provided me with a chocolate cake recipe which I have made this morning. It is still baking in the AGA so if successful I will post some photos next week.

It is said that things come in threes and that has been the case for me this week. I have been VERY lucky.

The first to arrive was a big parcel from Krista . It was filled with toys for Poppy and Blue.

Poppy looks dazed in this photo, she was heavily medicated at the time but she was still interested enough to get up and investigate. Boxers LOVE toys.

Krista also enclosed some blank notelets for me made from photographs that she had taken. They are so beautiful I will enjoy using them when corresponding with my friends.

Thank you Krista your kindness and generosity has once again touched me.

The next surprise was winning Elaine's giveaway. The Art of Elegant Hand Embroidery.

The Art of Elegant Hand Embroidery by Janice Vaine

It is a beautiful book jammed packed full of photographs, diagrams and well written instructions. I will get a lot of use out of this book so it has found a very good home with me.

The Art of Elegant Hand Embroidery by Janice Vaine

I particularly like craft books when they are spiral bound, so much more practical for using whilst stitching.

Elaine is a gifted needle worker and is new to blogging. Her blog is well worth a visit.

As you know our son is having a baby at the end of December and my dearest friend and follower, Elizabeth gave me this gorgeous aran jumper she has knitted for the baby.

Elizabeth is an amazing knitter and makes wonderful cardigans and jumpers. She is staying with us for the next fortnight and is busy knitting another jumper for the baby.

I would like to introduce you to Blueberry a collared dove.

A few weeks ago Blueberry was found in our gardens being attacked by several crows. They had him pinned to the ground and were pulling out his tail feathers. The crows were shooed away and Blueberry was picked up and brought to the house. He had a nasty puncture wound under his wing, damage to his tail feathers and was traumatized.

He has now been nursed back to health by my friend Debbie and we "soft" released him on Saturday back into Trewoon's gardens. He still looks a bit "ruffled" but the rescue organisation that gave Debbie advice said the sooner he was released the better.

I was so pleased to see him on Sunday morning and again this morning. The doves feed next to my sun room and he was back with his partner feeding on the seed fallen from the small bird feeders. I am so happy that he found his partner.

Birds feeding photographed in the gardens of Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion

I have been remiss of late posting photographs of the birds in the garden. It is only recently that I have brought my cameras etc., out again.

Birds feeding photographed in the gardens of Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion

Competition has been fierce for pole position at the feeders.

Blue Tit photographed in the gardens of Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion

I adore the expressions on this Blue Tit's face.

For anyone who is interested Sewandso.co.uk are running a 5% off voucher for anyone who signs up to their newsletter.

The "dinger" has rung on my timer so I am off to get the cakes out of the AGA.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship

November 19, 2012, 5:49 am

≫ Next: Whoops !!!

≪ Previous: Every day's a perfect gift of time for us to use

Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

Not so much progress this week as I had hoped. For some reason I have been very tired in the evenings and I haven't put the hours in. Very little was achieved at all on Sunday as we spent most of the day going back and forth to the nursing home as my MIL had a fall on Saturday evening and a suspected mild stroke. I didn't even get the chance to watch Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday.

Thankfully it only takes us literally two minutes to get there.

Add caption

The centre motifs are completed, they are arranged so that the sampler can be hung either way up. I was very tempted to stitch them all one way as I cannot imagine changing the way I hang the sampler but on reflection I thought that it was a nice quirky touch, making it very different to my other samplers.

I have been thinking about where I shall hang her when finished. The colours suit my drawing room as both the sampler and the room are in varying shades of greens, pinks and mauves.

The trouble will be finding a space on the walls. It will be a shame to break up the art collection that we have in this room.

This little nook off the main room is a favourite spot of ours to sit quietly either watching the waves and passing ships, reading or day dreaming. It is very easy when sat here to drift off.

SDW by Scarlet Letter

Our SAL is progressing nicely and my enjoyment of stitching this piece has been greatly enhanced by the friendship of the other ladies. I look forward to picking up SDW every weekend. Previously I had not been able to stitch more than one project at a time but the SAL has changed that.

I read a very interesting post this week on a blog that I follow ( I am so sorry but I cannot remember which one) that had a link to a review of needles by the Scarlet Quince. It was very interesting, normally I use John James gold plated 28 & 26 but I do like the needles that come with The Scarlet Letter kits but don't know what make they are.

Do you have a favourite brand of needle?

I have had several emails asking what frame I use to stitch on. Over the years I have bought several different sorts and have had lots of problems with getting the tension right. I like my fabric to be drum tight including the sides. I tried lacing the sides but it was a nuisance and time consuming re-lacing as I moved down the fabric. I bought "suspender" like straps for the sides but again I did not find that I had the right tension.

Then I read Mary Corbett's review of the Millennium Frame and the follow up review.

I also watched this video. What you see is really how easy it is to set up.

I cannot praise the frame enough.

Last week I posted a photo of the jumper (pullover sweater) that Elizabeth knitted for my expected grandson, this week Elizabeth gave me another gorgeous jumper she had knitted. Aren't they beautiful.

Thank you Elizabeth for your kindness and generosity. Friendship is certainly a work of heart.

I have baked nearly every day this week. After the success of Nikki's cream cake recipe she very kindly shared with me one of her family's favourite bakes, an extremely chocolately (is that a proper word) cake made using ice cold water. OMG it was amazing. I made two and took one to my friend and when I returned home this was all that was left. I wonder who ate half(!!) the cake.

I also made another two cakes with the cream cake recipe again one for a friend as a thank you for a favour.

Fresh out the oven this morning were some chocolate chip and toffee muffins. They won't last long and Blue is guarding them to make sure that he gets some too.

November is the month of both Blue and Poppy's birthdays and I like to give them something special. Here is a good recipe that is easy to slice up and share with other doggy friends at a birthday party.

300g (11oz) minced lamb

200g (7oz) flour

50g (2oz) oats

50g (2oz) ground sunflower seeds

100g (4oz) cottage cheese

2 eggs beaten.

To decorate:-

150g (5oz) low fat cream cheese

100g (4oz) Cheddar cheese slices cut into small squares

1 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F/gas 4)
Lightly grease a 20cm (8") round cake tin.

Stir the minced lamb, egg, oats, ground sunflowers, cottage cheese into a bowl and mix well together.

Spoon the mixture into the cake tin and bake for approx 45 minutes, leave to cool for a few minutes then place on a rack to cool completely.

"Ice" the top of the cake with the cream cheese and use the cheese squares to decorate, sprinkle with the chopped parsley.

We are off now to visit my MIL. When you know someone who is unwell it brings home that fact that good health is the greatest gift. Thankfully Ray and I have each other to share the responsibility of her care this makes us realise that contentment is the greatest wealth and faithfulness the best relationship.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

↧

Whoops !!!

November 22, 2012, 7:07 am

≫ Next: Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year

≪ Previous: Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship

Please ignore my previous post if it shows up in your reader.

I was playing around with a little surprise and published in error but stay tuned for the proper post with a few more goodies in the next ten days.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year

November 22, 2012, 8:23 am

≫ Next: Monthly Draw Prize List

≪ Previous: Whoops !!!

2013 will be a "red-letter" year for me as I turn 50 in February. It is going to be a special year both as a milestone in my life's journey and as I plan for the year to be filled with Scarlet Letter samplers.

Marion Robertson 1834

I am inviting you to join me on a Scarlet Letter Challenge and to enjoy the wonderful selection of reproduction samplers that Marsha has charted

Elizabeth Mitchell 1828

There are 326 samplers to choose from in various sizes and skill levels. The Scarlet Letter website rates each chart either beginner, intermediate through to advanced.

Grazing Sheep circa 1810

It is easy to participate, there are only two requirements:-

Start or resume a WIP of one or as many Scarlet Letter samplers as you like (each finish will give you another entry) between now and February 20th 2014, regularly sharing with me your starts, progress and finishes via a blog that is in the course of being set up.

Post about the challenge on your own blog or if you don't have a blog just pass on news about the challenge to a friend in another way.

Elizabeth Simon 1758

On February 20th 2014 I will draw seven names from a hat, there will be two first prizes of $50 vouchers for Scarlet Letter, one has very generously been sponsored by Marsha. In addition there will be 5 runner up prizes of Scarlet Letter charts of your choice.

Dorothy Walpole 1774

If you would like to take up the challenge and share my Scarlet Letter year leave a comment on this post and Jo will contact you about posting on the blog Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year. If you are a non reply blogger please email me (at nicola.parkman@gmail.com) your email address.

If you haven't blogged before I will be happy to post your progress

Diligence

The Scarlet Letter website has an online shop where charts can be purchased or a list of international suppliers can be found here. There is a UK retailer wye.co.uk and although they only show kits Dean will order the chart(s) for you.

Jane Atkinson 1780

I will be working on as many as I can from the charts in my stash, but which ones? It is so hard to decide - they are all wonderful.

Rachel Ayres 1829

I do hope that you will take up the challenge and share my passion for Scarlet Letter and reproduction samplers.

AW 1662

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Monthly Draw Prize List

November 29, 2012, 11:09 am

≫ Next: The 8th Day of Advent

≪ Previous: Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year

I had hoped to have a photo of my progress on The Blue Ribbon Sampler but Blogger will not let me upload any stating that I am out of space. I have read of the same problem on a few blogs in the past week.

What can I do?

We are just a week into my Scarlet Letter Year and we already have nearly 70 participants. If you would like to join in the fun there is plenty of time, just post a comment on this post and I will contact you.

If you have asked to join and you haven't received your invitation to contribute then it has either gone astray or you are a no reply blogger. We currently have 5 no reply bloggers that we have been unable to track down an email address for. Please contact me with your email address at nicola.parkman@gmail.com

(Just quick note that in addition to becoming a contributor it is important that you also become a follower so that each new post goes into your reader).

I have listed the monthly draw prizes for the challenge tonight on Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year blog.

They are:-

DECEMBER 2012

My favourite silk is Au Ver a Soie and I am giving away 10 skeins The first name out of the hat on December 15th can choose the colours.

JANUARY 2013

Hopefully this month there will be lots of stitching but just in case you have not purchased your chart the first name out can select a Scarlet Letter Chart of their choice and full yard of linen from Scarlet Letter's wonderful selection subject to availability.

The prize for the second name drawn has been sponsored by Elaine of emilyscupboard and is for one of my favourite charts

Jane Atkinson

Thank you Elaine for your generosity. Elaine has recently started her blog and it is well worth a visit.

FEBRUARY 2013

February is my birth month and I wanted this prize to be one that is special to me. Pride of place next to my sewing chair sits my spool caddy.

Hyers wood Spool Caddy

Richard stopped taking orders for his custom made sewing furniture in September but has very kindly agreed to make another one for me with a scarlet cushion (of course!).

MARCH 2013

We may be seeing some finishes in our gallery this month so it is the perfect time to start another sampler.

The name drawn can select a Scarlet Letter Chart of their choice and full yard of linen from Scarlet Letter's wonderful selection subject to availability.

Dorothy Walpole

Dorothy has been a very popular sampler to stitch, what will you be choosing?

APRIL 2013

By April we will have had our silks, fabric and chart so it is time for me to share with you my favourite embroidery scissors.

Sajou Mother of Pearl style scissors

I hope that the winner this month will enjoy using them as much as I do.

MAY 2013

Time for another Scarlet Letter Chart of your choice and full yard of linen from Scarlet Letter's wonderful selection subject to availability.

The weather here in the UK will hopefully be starting to warm up and my husband should be setting off on his round the UK boating trip.

Seventeen Sailors

A perfect month for me to stitch Seventen Sailors to commemorate his voyage. What will you choose?

JUNE 2013

I like collecting sewing etuis and boxes, the moment I saw this I wanted it.

DMC Home Forever Sewing Box

If you are the name drawn how will you customise the panels?

JULY 2013

We will now be roughly half way through the challenge and I hope that the gallery will be filling up and another perfect opportunity to start a sampler.

The name drawn can select a Scarlet Letter Chart of their choice and full yard of linen from Scarlet Letter's wonderful selection subject to availability.

It will be summer here in the UK and my son's flock of sheep will hopefully be as plump as these.

Grazing Sheep

AUGUST 2013

By now I hope to have completed one or two samplers and will be needing to replenish my silks so I am giving away another 10 skeins.

English Transitional Sampler

I will probably be starting the English Transitional sampler which has the most vibrant colours.

SEPTEMBER 2013

Time for some reading, my favourite magazine is Sampler and Antique Needlework quarterly

I am sure that many, if not most, already read or subscribe to SANQ so the name drawn will win a year's subscription to start at a date of your choice no later than September 2014.

OCTOBER 2013

In the UK autumn will be well and truly here and the evenings starting to draw in. I like nothing more than to light the fire and settle down for an evening's stitching.

The name drawn can select a Scarlet Letter Chart of their choice and full yard of linen from Scarlet Letter's wonderful selection subject to availability.

AW 1662

AW would make an ideal winter's project.

NOVEMBER 2013

I have been hearing for some time about the gorgeous silks available from hand-dyedfibers.com and I would very much like to try them.

The name drawn will receive a $50 gift voucher so that they too can try Vicki's silk threads.

DECEMBER 2013

Our gallery should have lots of finishes in it now.

Will you be fed up of stitching yet? I am sure you won't be so let's have another Scarlet Letter Chart and full yard of linen from Scarlet Letter of your choice.

Just as well Marsha has so many designs to choose from.

Jane Stott

Maybe Jane Stott, a Pennsylvania Christmas Sampler would be a festive choice. I haven't seen her stitched before.

JANUARY 2014

Our last monthly draw so a special one.

If you are a follower of my blog Stitching by a Cornish Seashore you will know I LOVE my Millennium Frame so the drawn name will receive a standard frame

THE GRAND FINAL DRAW FEBRUARY 20TH 2014

As a thank you for participating and completing a sampler(s) with me and making my Scarlet Year special the first two names drawn will received a $50 voucher.

One has very generously been sponsored by Marsha and the other by my husband Ray.

The next five names will each receive a Scarlet Letter chart of their choice subject to availability.

Hopefully I will be able to post properly again as soon as I have sorted out this storage problem.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

↧

The 8th Day of Advent

December 7, 2012, 4:30 pm

≫ Next: The Blue Ribbon Sampler is Finished. HURRAY !!!

≪ Previous: Monthly Draw Prize List

Good Morning dear "pin" pals and welcome to the 8th day of the Advent Calendar Blog Hop.

A BIG THANKYOU to Jo of serendipitousstitching for arranging the blog hop, Jo's events are always great fun to participate in.

I would like to share with you a favourite festive piece

Snowflakes - LHNs

It is dear to me as on the 24th December many years ago Ray and I got married at the Snowflake Inn in Stowe, Vermont on a skiing holiday.

December is the month that I like to use my Gingerbread House etui and it sits next to my sewing chair.

Gingerbread House Etui - Victoria Sampler

It is such a festive design.

Gingerbread House Etui - Victoria Sampler

The theme for this year's Blog Hop is "Stocking, Sack or Something else". Here at Trewoon we place our presents under the tree.

Not many there yet as I still haven't started my wrapping.

We have two trees and this year there should be quite a few goodies under them as we have nineteen coming to celebrate Christmas.

It is going to be a very special Christmas for us as I have my first grandchild due to be born on New Year's Eve.

Earlier this year I made a christening gown.

Christening Gown

The sleeves were very fiddly.

I added some pearls to the bottom scallop and sleeves.

I loved these little buttons, so sweet.

I have been very busy these last two weeks with Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year. I would like to thank everyone who has supported the challenge. The nicest things in life are always better when shared.

We are now at 120 + participants (!!!) If you would like to join in please email me but it is essential that you include your email address. We have many who have contacted us that have been no reply bloggers and we have been unable to sign them up. (if you have asked to joined and haven't had a response this could be the reason, please email again)

Marsha Parker, the amazing and very talented designer of The Scarlet Letter is participating with the challenge and will be regularly contributing to the blog with sneak previews of new designs and will be answering questions.

You can imagine my excitement as Marsha is one of my heroes.

The Blue Ribbon Sampler - Olwyn Horwood

Despite being behind schedule I am very nearly there with BRS. The dreaded filet panels are looming. I think that I will only be working on them when my eyes and brain are fresh. It is the 36ct that is making me nervous of cutting the threads I have bought some new hardanger scissors as mine have had a lot of use.

SDW Sampler - The Scarlet Letter

The SDW sampler that I am stitching one day per week as a SAL with Michele, Elaine, Krista, Shannon and Robyn is great fun and I really enjoying the inter action between us. Thank you my stitching sisters for making this a memorable and loved sampler.

Last weekend was my MIL's birthday and we had family visit with us to celebrate her birthday. On the day they were due to arrive I tore around the house making sure that everything was perfect for their arrival and then I popped out to the supermarket to pick up a few odds and ends.

When I returned home this is what greeted me.

Ray's boat had come out of the water for the winter and he decided to wash his mooring ropes in my clean sink !!!!

He told me that he thought that I would be pleased as he hadn't used the guest bathroom.

Why he couldn't of used the boot room sink I do not know. Don't you just love them.

I may have the last laugh though as he went through a whole bottle of washing up liquid so he might find that he starts to "foam" when the boat goes back in the water in April.

A warm welcome to my new followers, if you have a blog and I haven't signed up to follow please let me know so that I can do so.

Thank you for visiting and I wish you and your families a merry Christmas, a joyous Hanukkah, a happy Kwanzaa, no matter how you celebrate may it be filled with love, laughter and good food and company.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

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The Blue Ribbon Sampler is Finished. HURRAY !!!

December 18, 2012, 5:01 am

≫ Next: A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

≪ Previous: The 8th Day of Advent

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood was finished on Sunday afternoon. HURRAY !!!

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

I did change the filet panels. 36ct turned out not to be a problem with cutting the threads but the floss I had was far too bulky to do the ghost stitching so I substituted beads and changed the design slightly. The needle weaving was great fun.

Here are the final corrections

Page 84 6th border second flower from the left stitch as other flowers. Error in dmc 3822.

Page 86 3rd border middle flower set of leaves missing to the right.

Page 86 7th border stitch middle flower as the 1st and 3rd error on the tips also stitch the leaves on the middle vine/stem to match the other two, error on the right hand side.

There were a few other corrections which I managed to lose on my ipad notes. So sorry.

Do not let the charting errors put you off stitching this stunning sampler. My advice would be to study each border before you stitch it and you will spot the small corrections needed. I would recommend that you tack out the positioning of the three centre panels before you stitch the speciailty stitches as there is no room for "winging" a counting error.

I have been itching to start Dona Dorotea by The Scarlet Letter. I am stitching her on Lakeside Linen vintage meadow rue 36ct with AVAS threads.

Dona Dorotea - The Scarlet Letter

My other project SDW, another TSL project is progressing well. It is surprising how much you can achieve just having one stitching session per week.

Although I could not stitch her this weekend as Santa came to visit together with many of our family. Nineteen all told !!

We had an early "Christmas" for my MIL and her family travelled down from Wales for the weekend. We were quite a house full.

Thea and Rhys my SDD's two boys were so excited that Santa was coming early, we put out food for the reindeer and cake for Santa before going to bed. They were up bright and early and great fun was had watching their delight as they opened their presents from us.

It is a grandparent's privilege to spoil their grandchildren.

Theo and Rhys did the draw for The Scarlet Letter Year first monthly prize and Leona in Australia won 10 AVAS threads of her choice. Well done Leona.

As my MIL is not well enough to sit at a table we had a buffet style meal which was a success. Too much food as usual but all delicious. We had to put most of it out on the worktops.

We had a lovely present as well on the weekend. The painting of Millie, Blue and Poppy was delivered by the artist David Sandell. We are so pleased, he has captured the spirit of each of my babies. I miss Millie so much.

I will be taking this and BRS to the framers this week.

I received a surprise in the post yesterday from Gracie of needles pins and dragonflies. A beautiful hand made humming bird. Isn't it adorable.

Over the years I have collected quite a few little feathered birds for Christmas decorations and I place them amongst the greenery of my garlands.

Thank you Gracie for this perfect gift, it will remind each Christmas time of your generosity and kindness of heart.

I am very busy at the moment designing the layout and interior design of a new cottage "By The Seashore". This cottage was originally the stables/garage with coachman/driver's accommodation. Lots of wooden beams and stone walls and amazing views.

By The Seashore, Trewoon, Poldhu Cove

The kitchen has been planned and ordered. I have chosen solid oak free standing units with back granite worktops. A custom made oak island in cream not the blue shown and a stunning custom made double plate rack again in oak.

I have gone for a black retro Smeg fridge freezer and a large retro black range cooker. I must be mad having another Smeg fridge, the parts are so expensive and the customer service poor but they look so good.

I have designed both the shower room and the bathroom and am ordering everything today. I have gone for a huge shower for the ground floor bedroom ensuite, I love the space when showering. On the first floor there is a very spacious bedroom with a quirky beamed ceiling. In the ensuite bathroom I have chosen this free standing bath. When you have been out walking the coast paths its good to relax and soak in a hot bath.

I am choosing the bedroom furniture today. I have always envisaged a big brass bedstead in this room. I want our visitors to be able to lie in bed enjoying the view of the cove and sea.

The baby's due date in getting ever closer and I want to share with you a cape that I have knitted.

My DS, Chris had an identical one when he was a baby and I was so pleased when I found the vintage pattern on ebay.

As this may be my last post before Christmas I wanted to wish you all a season of blessings.

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the Year.

Nicola xxx

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A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

January 1, 2013, 5:06 am

≫ Next: Look what the stork brought

≪ Previous: The Blue Ribbon Sampler is Finished. HURRAY !!!

The Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

I had an early Christmas present from my framers, a two day turn around !!!! I have also received a lovely email from Olwyn which I will attach to the back of the frame for prosperity.

I have been holding off posting hoping to have some news of the expected arrival. We had a false alarm this morning but what is a pregnancy without one or two of those.

Not too much stitching has gone on over Christmas but I do have some progress to show you.

Dona Dorothea

I have struggled with Dona Dorothea, why I do not know but I guess some samplers go like that. I think that it is probably because we have had some sort of virus over the holiday season.

Dona Dorothea

She is has some vibrant colours that show off the silks.

Dona Dorothea

The stag motif caught my eye this first time I saw her.

Dona Dorothea

I adore all the animals.

SDW

I just love the SDW sampler and as the motifs develop I find my needle is flying. I could sit all day and stitch her.

I have received some wonderful gifts from my pin pals and here they are in order of arrival.

Elaine of emilyscupboard sent me some gorgeous silks, the colours are so beautiful and these will be used very quickly. Thank you Elaine.

Next to arrive was a parcel from Michele of stitchingcatsandchickens. There was a present for me

and for the baby

The bunny slippers are so cute and the little hat is adorable. Kate and Chris love them. Thank you so much dear friend.

Next was a beautiful biscornu and some gorgeous linen from Sharon of shebafudge

It is beautifully stitched and I will treasure it. Sharon chose the pattern for me very carefully and it is exactly what I like.

Thank you Sharon.

Finally I received a pattern from Shirlee from The Easily Influenced Stitcher. Thank you my friend.

Shirlee writes a brilliant blog and has a wicked sense of humor. Well worth a visit.

The weather has not be kind over Christmas and on Christmas Eve the tree surgeons had to come in to attend to an ancient pine.

We were concerned that all the rain water which was hanging around in the garden had weakened the roots. The surgeon thought that it would be alright but took some of the branches off to alleviate the weight nearest the cottage.

Blue and Poppy have ate well over Christmas and have done a lot of sleeping.

I think that we will all need to loose a few pounds in the New Year.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

↧

Look what the stork brought

January 2, 2013, 4:59 pm

≫ Next: Blue Ribbon Sampler Giveaway

≪ Previous: A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

Archie William Parkman born 9.00pm 02.01.2013 safe and sound.
Just got back from the hospital and wanted to share the news with my pin pals.
I think a BIG bar of chocolate is in order for the nerves and a cup of tea, far too happy to sleep.
Much love
Nana xxx

↧

Blue Ribbon Sampler Giveaway

January 8, 2013, 5:01 am

≫ Next: And the winner is .........

≪ Previous: Look what the stork brought

Blue Ribbon Sampler by Olwyn Horwood

With Christmas and all the excitement of the baby I had overlooked the promised giveaway of the Blue Ribbon Sampler book.

I decided last year that all my giveaways should be for my existing followers only, however, as there are quite a few of you that already have this book tucked away and because there are so many who would like to have the chart I thought that I would make an exception for this particular prize.

So in order to qualify I am asking that you post details of the giveaway on your own blog so that as many people as possible get a chance to win (If you don't have a blog just pass it on via facebook, a forum or word of mouth). You don't have to be a follower but it would be nice if you are.

Just leave a comment explaining how you have passed on the news of the giveaway on this post and on February 1st I will draw a name out of the hat for this beautiful chart.

There are further prizes to be won this month on Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year Blog 1 and Blog 2. Yes !!, there are now two blogs and there are over 160 of us stitching Scarlet Letter Samplers. If you want to join in the fun there is a place for you too.

This month's prizes are a Scarlet Letter chart of your choice, a full yard of Scarlet letter linen of your choice and the gorgeous Jane Atkinson chart. There is also a bonus giveaway.

Dona Dorothea

I am sorry about the awful photographs, I dropped my ipad on Friday and shattered the screen (I will have it back tomorrow repaired) and it is a very dreary wet day so the light is just not here for good photos.

Dona has progressed well despite being side tracked with the baby, I hope to have her finished by the end of the week if all goes to plan.

SDW

SDW gets better and better. I love this sampler so much.

I have not finished stitching the motif on the right, it is too big for one stitching session, (which is all I do each week on the SAL) but it is so beautiful.

I had planned to shows lots of photos of the baby and the building work but alas they are on the ipad but I do have one.

He is doing really well and has already put on weight, he likes his bottle and sucks all the time hence the dummy !!! Thank you for all the lovely cards, comments and messages of congratulations, they have been much appreciated by us and the proud parents.

Good luck with the giveaway.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

↧

And the winner is .........

January 31, 2013, 4:09 pm

≫ Next: Valentine Exchange

≪ Previous: Blue Ribbon Sampler Giveaway

.......... and the winner of The Blue Ribbon Sampler book is Elaine of Emily' s Cupboard , congratulations Elaine.

To mark the start of my birthday month I have a 20% discount voucher for all my followers which has been sponsored by my favourite ONS in the UK.

Sewandso are committed to providing the best online retail experience you have had backed up with the largest selection of products at great prices with super fast deliveries. Their staff have excellent product knowledge and always go the extra mile.

Sewandso want to know what you think of their company and if there are any products or improvements that you would like to see added to their website.

Please let them have your opinions in the comment box below and I will email you a discount voucher code for 20% off AVAS threads that can be used as many times as you like during the next three months. (If you are a no-reply blogger you can email me instead).

If you live outside the EU you are entitled to tax free shopping, click the icon on their home page for the VAT free prices. At today's conversion rate a skein of S d'Alger is $4.13 US dollars or $3.95 AUS dollars and you will have 20% off these prices.

Details of their shipping costs can be found HERE

Jane Atkinson

I have been having great fun stitching Jane Atkinson and it is a pleasure to sit and stitch her each evening. Her garden is growing and the flowers blooming. I have chosen the verse I am going to be personalising her with

Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him,

neither out of his feet to be trampled on by him,

but out of his side to be equal with him,

under his arm to be protected by him,

and near his heart to be loved by him.

I will then add our names and wedding date.

SDW

The SDW SAL is progressing well and SAL'ing is such a fun way of stitching.

Dona Dorothea

Dona is back from the framers and hung in my side hall, this may not be her permanent place.

I have such wonderful pin pals and have received some lovely gifts over the last few weeks.

June of Butterfly Wings sent some gorgeous goodies. A beautiful ornament, Archie's first one, a little cuddly rabbit and a booklet of charts that are a must for me to stitch, they are of little children on the beach, perfect for where we live, I hope that by next year I will be taking Archie down to the cove to build sandcastles and go rock pooling.

Thank you June. Kate, Chris and Archie send their thanks too.

Dearest Laurie of Corgi Cottage sent me a fantastic selection of Scarlet Letter kits, including the Christmas Sampler which is OOP. Thank you so much Laurie, I was bowled over with your generosity and kindness.