Sampler Casket is now complete

I have now finished the stitching for the Sampler Casket but need a break so it is put away until I find the right colour silk for lining and then I will construct.
Some simple cross stitch is in order to soothe the soul and I have made a start on this - in a larger count fabric and my favourite DMC 115 this is just what is needed.   I plan on the complexity being in the construction so watch this space.  

And while I am making little red crosses I will dream of my next project.   What shall it be?
Yesterday was Embroiderers' Guild and I took a bag with all the little projects I have made for their sale table as I don't plan on making any more this year.   I'd like to do some hardanger so will need to consult my stash and see if I have fabric and thread for that.   Perhaps I will find a trip to the LNS is necessary?!
The HD3QBEM is recovering well from her surgery and is currently knitting what I call a raspberry ripple hoodie for one of the great grand daughters.   Amazingly enough, the pattern is ever so slightly more complex than usual but there have been less dropped stitches and mistakes so we are both happy!
Well I am off to make dinner now and then have a date with Antiques Road Show:-)

An unproductive blogging break?

Life and the general administration thereof interfered with both stitching and blogging for a while so I have little to report.
Work continues to be interesting.   This past week on two separate reception shifts I had one offender tell me I am charming and then another tell me I am an f****ing b*****. So you win some and lose some !  Thanks to an intensive training course I am rapidly becoming expert in the electronic monitoring software for home detention offenders.   So not only is the job interesting but intellectually stimulating too.   The first three months have flown by.
The weatherman promised rain each day which thankfully did not come and instead we had clear cold days on which I saw the sunrise on the way to work and the sunset in the way home.   Almost the winter solstice now and I can look forward to summer:-)

Stitching has been boring blanket stitch as I worked on using up linen scraps to make a couple of Mary Stewart Hussifs.   Tonight I will finish inserting the flannel needle pages at the bottom and the final cord. Yay!   Do you like the little wooden bead?   These are made of NZ native timber called Rewarewa and have been in my stash since an impulsive buy some years ago.   great to have a use for them now.

And  I have made a decision re the Sampler Casket and find my enthusiasm for that has returned.  So next up is a sprint/mini marathon to complete that.   It will have initials (of the stitcher-me)  and names of the receiver and her parents (my first great-niece) and I will present it to her for her first birthday in the hope it will become a treasure box for her future.  Inside I am going to place another stitched piece wrapped, beribboned and secure for her to open on her 21st birthday. And inside that will be .... Well I can't spoil the whole secret can I?   I would have loved a mystery like that when I was growing up so hope it will appeal.

My collection of smalls for the sale table at Guild Exhibition is looking good.   Enough at present I think.   I need to get on with other pieces.

Oh and the ruby wedding  pocket is done and now I only need to  print off on small cards the 40 Bible Promises that will be placed inside.   I am well pleased with this one both in colour and idea:-)
Now I am off for a date with a book before I need to think about dinner.