Next Projects and Some Christmas Ornaments

I was hoping to finish my Dutch Beauty Sampler yesterday but ran out of some of the threads. I find it very annoying when you buy a kit and run out of supplies when you have used the threads carefully. I only have a small peacock to stitch and it will be finished. 

I will post a photograph when finished as it is very crumpled from handling at the moment and will not photograph well.

I have decided my next big project will be to stitch all of Victoria Sampler's Alphabet series as one big piece. I have the supplies ready with the exception of the charms which I shall select further into the project.

I have been looking forward to this project for some time and after the monotony of several months' stitching using the same thirteen cotton floss colours the range of colours, vibrancy and textures of these silk threads will be so beautiful.

I am also going to start a Hardanger project to varying my stitching . I have been inspired by  Nouli who has stitched some gorgeous Hardanger pieces. Please have a look at her blog, you will not be disappointed.

I have ordered The Lace Garden chart by Cols Creation

This will be a framed piece rather than a mat so I plan to add some bead work and some Krenick Braid.

I thought that I would share with you some ornaments that I stitched for Christmas 2010

And here is Snowflake by Little House Needleworks.



I love this one so much that it has stayed out all year.

Its another windy day here at Trewoon and after a night of heavy rain the ground is very wet. As my chores have been finished and there is a casserole simmering in the AGA I am going to take Poppy and Blue for a bracing walk along the coast path. When we get back I am going to settle down to finally finish Dutch Beauty. Yey !!

Warm wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore

Nicola

Decorating Trewoon for Christmas

I had a busy day yesterday decorating Trewoon for Christmas. It took all day  and I was exhausted at the end but it was worth it.

As I unpacked the decorations happy memories of  Christmases past flooded back. Our Angel for the top of the tree is now looking very old but I cannot replace her. My MIL bought this for us for our first Christmas together.

I love garlands and use them where ever I can

I love small Christmas trees and wreaths as well and put them where ever I can



Poppy and Blue are fascinated by the baubles on the trees as they think that they are balls for them to play with.

The weather is very wild and stormy today so I have decided to light the fire and settle down to an afternoon of stitching.


I am starting the last page of the Dutch Beauty Sampler. I will be pleased to finish this one as it seems to have gone on for ever. Although I like the piece the 13 or so colours become very boring after a while.

I am starting to think about what my next project is going to be. I have so many I want to do, it's difficult to decide. I think that I will start another big one but vary my stitching with some smaller pieces.

Best wishes from By The Seashore

Nicola

My First Post

My first post has been a long time coming. I have surprised myself about how nervous I have been about posting. Well here goes:-

I thought that I would start my blog with a post about cross stitching as it was through this that my love of needle work started.

Sometime in the 1990's I came across, by chance, a cross stitch magazine in a waiting room and whilst flicking through read an article about Moira Blackburn.

Looking at the pictures of Moira's work I decided that I wanted to have a go at stitching a sampler and I went home and bought one of her chart kits.

Since then I have stitched all of her designs and have had great pleasure both in the many hours spent working them and looking at them framed on the walls of my home.

Three Things by Moira Blackburn

I retired a few years ago and since then have had the time to explore other forms of needle work. I enjoy hardanger, blackwork, quilting and knitting. I am hoping to start my first needlepoint project in the New Year.

In 2011 I have focused on designs by Victoria Sampler and The Sweetheart Tree and my big project of  "A Dutch Beauty" by Permin.

Through my blog  I am hoping to meet other needleworkers and share my journey of learning new skills and improving my existing sewing skills.