Aspirations

The other day Connie sent me a link http://xszemkozt.blogspot.com to the incredible talented Nina and her Blog. I loved what I saw so much that I decided to try and dye my own linen following Nina's instructions. I used a 'teapigs' tea called 'Berry Fruitful' and this was the result. Not bad for a first attempt but I was sure I could do better if I tried. Who doesn't remember that phrase from their schooldays?

My next attempt was using chamomile tea with this choice of threads and ribbon. 

And here is my final attempt using ordinary tea.

I really had a good time playing with this but no one need worry I certainly won't be making it a full time job.

Wonderful Presents

I was very lucky to have a wonderful hand made presents from my friends Janet and Heather this Christmas, Janet made mea beautiful scissor case complete with scissors in the colours that she knows I love best.

Isn't it just exquisite.

Heather, knowing my love of Teddy Bears, dressed these for me. They are called 'Penny Patch' and 'Suzie Sew'.

Wonderful people with great talent.

Will I Ever See Grass Again

More snow today. When I went to bed last night we almost had a thaw and then overnight another 3 inches. Not, I know, nearly as much as other places but still enough for me. Merlyn is able to go out for a walk now so he skated along on top of the snow. He looked like a bedraggled rag when we got home.

The poor birds are also having a problem finding food. We put out food on top of our garage roof and look what we saw...........

There is, however, an upside to being stuck inside the house for a number of days. I have completed several projects and here they are.

The first is a Shepherds Bush piece that I used as a box top. I painted and waxed the box and then mounted the needlework on the top. Now I need to find some goodies to go inside it.

Then I knitted nm DIL a lacy neck warmer and matching gloves. She is an absolute delight to have in our family and it's a pleasure to see her face when she wears the things I make for her. The pattern was given to me by a good friend in the USA who also loves lace knitting.

That's all for today. Now I'm going to carry on with my pre-stitching of Jackie du Plessis's 'Thistlewood' ready for our class in May. I've completed the pre-stitching of 'Briar Rose' and I am so looking forward to the classes to finish both these pieces.

The Peculiarity of Computers

I have been struggling for several days trying to change the surround on this blog. Nothing works and I cannot alter it. It's obviously something to do with Firefox because I have had problems with my email since Firefox updated. What it is to be computer illiterate.

Anyway here are a few finishes to show. I have a wonderful friend Janet who finished these for me as I was running out of time. She is trying to build up a finishing business and as you can see, is very good at it.
This is a Shepherd's Bush heart design called 'Gypsy Hearts'

I supplied all the finishing materials and Janet made this beautiful cushion for me.
I love Shepherd's Bush needlework. Their designs are always so delicate.

The next is another one by Shepherd's Bush called 'Quaker Heart'. Again, this is finished by Janet.

I used my choice of silks and so this is not true to the original but is more to my taste.

That's all I have for you now. I must get back to 'Puppy Patrol'

8.45pm - A big Thank You to my wonderful friend Patti who, in an instant, managed to change my background.

A View From My Window

You would be forgiven for thinking that this was taken abroad somewhere. But No - It was taken from our living room window yesterday. There is two inches of snow on the ground and the temperature is below freezing. These parakeets have been flying around for several years now but never been in such desperate a search for food that they would come this close to our home. There is a flock of about seven that were feeding on and off all day. It was almost 'One in, one out, keep moving' and we filled the containers twice over and poured seed on the ground.

The Guinea Pig Becomes A Puppy

Yesterday, one day earlier than expected due to the adverse weather conditions, we collected the newest member of our family. His name is Merlyn and he is a Blue Merle Border Collie. He comes from the same breeder as our other Border Collie Chia.

I first saw him when he was three weeks old and he looked like this...........















He looked so much like a guinea pig I wondered if he would turn into a proper Collie. But he has and he's so cute.















Chia doesn't think much of him but I'm sure as he grows she will get used to him. He's so small at the moment that I'm sure she is still running with the guinea pig theory!

Well Here I Am Again

I know I haven't posted for ages but I do have a lot of things to show you. These are things that I have quietly finished whilst the rest of my life has gone crazy. I've spent two wonderful visits with some American friends who are beyond wonderful. Their generosity, both with time and material things, have given me more than I can ever repay and my life is much the richer for having spent time with them all.

I plan (Yes everyone who knows me will no that nothing ever goes to plan) is to add a few photos every couple of days just to bring you up to date with the wonderful things that I have stitched upon.

I made a promise to myself that I would not buy anything new until I had completed some of the class kits that have amassed in my cabinet. I thought I had been so good when I managed to close the cabinet doors now. Something that wasn't possible before.

So let me introduce you to Miss Maisie and Miss Beatrice.

I really enjoyed making these as must be obvious from the fact that there are two of them. I just couldn't make up my mind between the two colours of felt. I had bought both pieces on a visit to France earlier in the year and this was just the opportunity to use them. Luckily I had cotton fabric that matched and there I was with two of them. They took on their own personalities and names as I was making them and now sit primly on the cupboard.

So until the next time.........................