Blue Ribbon Sampler Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Little Bit of This and That ....

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

Mary Hurst 1661 - The Scarlett Letter

Mary Hurst 1661 - The Scarlett Letter

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