Halfway there

The sampler for the top of the octagonal box is progressing well.   I've changed the colour of the fruit on the trees - the pale peach charted just didn't do anything for me.   And the colour of the owl is several shades darker than the chart dictates.   Overall I think it works.

What didn't work is the discovery that the lettering is in one strand of floss over over thread of linen!   I'm very grateful the DBEM bought me an Ottlight for my birthday.   The strain on my eyes is much reduced but the lettering is still going to take quite a while to complete.

Hopefully you can read what it will say when fully stitched as it is going to take the veritable month of Sundays to reach the final D.   I'm going to remove the word Needlework and centre the word Treasures as I don't intend to stitch the pincushion, needlebook etc to go inside the box.
And on the stitchy update, good night to all

At long last

Finally after all these years,  at breakfast today I got the chance to greet the Deaf Blind Elderly Mother with
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four
Her laughing answer was "But I need you and you feed me!   Happy Birthday".
But it wasn't just the ability to personalise the famous lyrics, the counter moved into significant territory.
Look!!  Exactly one year till retirement.

Birthdays lose their magic as the years go by and today probably goes on record as one of the quietest I have ever celebrated.   But then, it's hardly a significant number except to John, Paul, Ringo and George:-)   Next year is the big one when I receive my Golden Birthday card from the Government no less and become a superannuitant.

So on the note,  goodnight for now.   Stitching progress to report hopefully tomorrow.

At last - a project that captures my interest

For a time my stitching mojo had completely disappeared but in a trawl through my stash cupboard I found this chart and the fabrics.   Most of the floss were in my DMC boxes too so I was able to quickly kit up and begin.  I am making the box on the right in the picture.   There are needlework smalls also charted but I don't have need for those so may stop at the box only - in which case I will have to change the words a little. 

It has been a long weekend here and splendid weather so not only have I done some sewing (a T shirt for me, a blouse for the DBEM  and two pair of "active wear" trousers) there has been a few excursions out to the various beaches around the city.   

My sweet peas are flowering and promise a profusion of blooms.   Currently they are only a deep cerise pink so I am hoping for some variation as that's what the packet promised.

Each evening as soon as the weather forecast is complete I don walking shoes and at a brisk pace, tramp the pavements around the neighbourhood while the DBEM stays home and plays her favourite computer game.   My reason is that the walk is good for health and well being; her excuse is the game is good for maintaining brain health and well being.   We can't both be correct-  surely?

A Catch Up

No needles have been active at my house for quite some time.   Any enthusiasm for stitching seems to have died and each evening I look at my basket of "yet to be finished items" but cannot summon the will to begin.
I have been knitting and the short sleeve cardigan is almost completely finished.   If you remember this was knitted to use up left over yarn from a long sleeved cardigan.  Would you believe I still have yarn left-enough for two pairs of socks I should think.   This merino yarn has a tremendous yardage in each 50g ball.  I should have the pieces blocked and ready to be stitched up this weekend after the final buttonhole tonight.
A couple of weeks ago the DBEM gave me a scare with a trip to the emergency department at the hospital.   Thankfully she has mended well and is almost back to her usual self and is even knitting again!  

So last Saturday I went halfway across the city to hear some bell ringers and watch their practice session on a mini bell tower.

At long last I have heard the Stedman Triples which I had read about in Dorothy L Sayers Book TheNine Tailors.   It was a fun excursion on a beautifully fine day.   Auckland City Heritage Week usually has something of interest although it was a long walk to get to this one.   There is little parking in that area of the city.