A construction marathon

I've had a couple of days annual leave and apart from some errands for the DBEM my time has been my own.   Unfinished projects needed to be done and so I ran a construction marathon:-)
First up two bookmarks
There is some satisfaction in having mastered this Aztec Stitch bookmark.   I finished a cream monotone one too but that has been given as a gift already.   These two will stay in my box of "finished but with no permanent homes" box of goodies - here's a couple of fuzzy shots.

Also completed are four Marken Mice.

And what;s next?
Well, a hardanger border for an apron and a piece of Myreshka.   Previously I've stitched a couple of pieces of Ukranian Myreshka but I was afraid I had all but forgotten the technique so am giving myself a refresher course.   As well I have printed off three Christmas Ornament charts from the old Gift of Stitching digital magazine and will make a start on those too once they are kitted up.
The DBEM isn't well so I'm confined to quarters a little more and am finding ways to improve the shining hour.

Constructing a Marken Mouse pincushion

Some time ago Deb asked how a triangular piece of stitching could turn into a mouse.
So starting from this....

I back stitch a square around at the required distance (note to self -  accuracy is important here.  Must be square!)

Behind the open work slip stitch a piece of bold coloured fabric.   This time I have used cobalt blue silk.
Then fold in half to create a triangle and stitch almost closed - allow a space to insert sufficient stuffing.

Close up the gap and join together .

Satin stitch a black nose, add whiskers and french knot eyes.  This is a pin cushion so toning pins are necessary.   Tonight's mouse still needs two tiny pink ears but I haven't fetched the box of felt yet:-)

Clear as mud?   I've not used one of these pincushions but the mouse is a cute addition to an embroidery display -  and they sell well on sales tables.

Final Day

Today was my last day at the office and from Monday I start at the new one - just fifteen minutes walk down the hill.   My colleagues put on a wonderful morning tea and presented me with two great gifts.
Pandora sparkly earrings

and a Westfield Gift Card with some healthy food (dark chocolate is said to be healthy!)

So it was a strange day as I completed tasks, reassured my boss that she would survive the change to a new PA and signed off.
Now I have a wet weekend to survive.   Wouldn't you know it - the weatherman says Monday is to be wet too.   Just when I will be starting to walk to work.  Fortunately I have a good raincoat, large umbrella and boots:-)

And a confession -  Arabian Nights has been put into respite care and I am back to enjoyably counting linen and using up a scrap of cream linen to create four Marken Mice and three Aztec Stitch bookmarks.   I have mastered the dratted Aztec Stitch bookmark chart.   Thread groups have to be in a multiple of four + one.   Worked perfectly this time.   Progress shot tomorrow as there are decisions to be made.  I'm trying a variation of style and may need to poll comments to help me decide.

Three Blind Mice

I'm enjoying my "diversion from planned route" into Marken Mice.
Three are in the process of escaping from needle and linen.
Stage one is the foundation - not your normal Kloster Block but over six fabric threads.

Stage two is cut threads, woven bars and eyelets.

Stage three is filling stitch.

Apart from one frustrating episode of reverse stitching these have been a therapeutic diversion but will soon be complete and it will be back to Arabian Nights:)

Lenten Lilies

Today was bright and sunny but the DBEM has caught my cold so didn't get out to church.   We did go for a drive to the seaside though and enjoyed the view over the mudflats:)

After completing one piece of my knitting I have returned to Arabian Nights and made a small amount of progress.

But I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms from my favourite counted work so made the decision to have another project in tandem and have started a new collection of Marken Mice.

Tomorrow is another public holiday here and I have only two items on my list of chores so will have time for another long walk as the weather lady promised it would be fine!   Hope she's correct:)

Our Lenten Lilies have bloomed prolifically at just the right time.  For a rather plain flower they make quite a display.   We are entering the season of leaves and today I swept up a large pile as well as three buckets of chestnuts from the neighbours tree.   I'm going to search for a recipe to make the wonderful chestnut puree I used to eat in Japan as the DBEM would enjoy that I think.