tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61855804655195707022024-03-19T21:47:45.326+13:00MY BLOGMargarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.comBlogger1320125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-17675044622730029182024-02-25T17:03:00.001+13:002024-02-25T17:03:38.215+13:00And a finish!<p> Voila! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYq43lCg-RAvqzorkqTe8xdbdBDXEM6n2a_fsgNj2EBizQwhPjhxxxogiYnvzkiX_sw6lTeMyZHq5B3NwvSzZYiqaJZY03LOAfCneQa7OVJE6I5HarBC5nphK_e3PCZQAmzcY3wmnzXMcWLDTN_YkYX24lrX4rsdBdau53r6odI44i285NT-zM6FF5aPA/s4032/IMG_4493.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYq43lCg-RAvqzorkqTe8xdbdBDXEM6n2a_fsgNj2EBizQwhPjhxxxogiYnvzkiX_sw6lTeMyZHq5B3NwvSzZYiqaJZY03LOAfCneQa7OVJE6I5HarBC5nphK_e3PCZQAmzcY3wmnzXMcWLDTN_YkYX24lrX4rsdBdau53r6odI44i285NT-zM6FF5aPA/s320/IMG_4493.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I took the class for this last September and am very pleased to have it complete. There was some reverse stitching as the blue DMC floss required a second skein and was a different batch number so I had to unpick and ensure that the full bandwidth was the same batch. Can you notice the difference? Probably it’s only me who can tell!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuFXLALoeF4E54xEDvJ-zeBg-bQpJ5kcI7xE66WI1w3-BtgcQtfBdafCw_MEIQgV4mSzJ3MaTAfy9ZuuGZuw5cxZ2G6y046yAIG2ozgrFAq6aUmEbyssYhJS3Hhw3WpBX4dArkGa0xj6Pc26Om75HCFc1HKY62CX2zXXZL2YYfxoid-7ss321LPYVKYs/s3704/IMG_4494.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3704" data-original-width="3022" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuFXLALoeF4E54xEDvJ-zeBg-bQpJ5kcI7xE66WI1w3-BtgcQtfBdafCw_MEIQgV4mSzJ3MaTAfy9ZuuGZuw5cxZ2G6y046yAIG2ozgrFAq6aUmEbyssYhJS3Hhw3WpBX4dArkGa0xj6Pc26Om75HCFc1HKY62CX2zXXZL2YYfxoid-7ss321LPYVKYs/s320/IMG_4494.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><p>The local quilting shop lady insisted that a plan weave linen would be a good lining fabric. I’m not totally convinced but as this piece is only going to be stored in my cabinet and not in use it was a price decision in the end. And all is well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKQdkYhD-y-0fBfSeI78D-Lc7ya4RKWbqllXbXDf0cIYk8zSCbL23sIm4Mj_Z6lh0ROj5trStmUPo-u7wz-X2UM5GDlp-yKXKpfqHnjrRJd3AWCQ3Qj_paxwQ3lBsiAqBayhPA_doA4v3PYsqEHkBOkpH5BfoJltfCIxnPdqyfrujnqwxzeaaRpHGxmk/s4032/IMG_4492.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKQdkYhD-y-0fBfSeI78D-Lc7ya4RKWbqllXbXDf0cIYk8zSCbL23sIm4Mj_Z6lh0ROj5trStmUPo-u7wz-X2UM5GDlp-yKXKpfqHnjrRJd3AWCQ3Qj_paxwQ3lBsiAqBayhPA_doA4v3PYsqEHkBOkpH5BfoJltfCIxnPdqyfrujnqwxzeaaRpHGxmk/s320/IMG_4492.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>So now I have something ready for the March Show and Tell stitch group I attend. Happy happy.</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-76411951446167521932024-02-18T19:03:00.003+13:002024-02-18T19:03:56.029+13:00Progress Report - I am doomed !<p> Two panels on my Wessex Drawstring Bag are now complete and instead of stitching, unpicking and re-stitching I have decided to do the mathematical calculations and stitch tacking threads first. But given the obstacles to date I am still pleased with progress.</p><p>So I did calculate, measure and count but still. Can you see the error? So tonight I will be “unstitching “ I am so annoyed with myself! This project is doomed!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fIARNEY2jTCPX0sh1kMbstWYxD5JSmQvc5d5-vbVuJU5TH_laQMYn6SfQkwY9WS_vxHCxXNIgpJlJhscJpcjRbRTmu-WQxpupr18gmchtpvdUnp-THrUqS91fHbzsqSNyN6LJokal5fj2AvOqiByTv7FmiVqJ6CnJFvXRo5winvfz9GLImHeDKhaqMo/s4026/IMG_4490.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2104" data-original-width="4026" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fIARNEY2jTCPX0sh1kMbstWYxD5JSmQvc5d5-vbVuJU5TH_laQMYn6SfQkwY9WS_vxHCxXNIgpJlJhscJpcjRbRTmu-WQxpupr18gmchtpvdUnp-THrUqS91fHbzsqSNyN6LJokal5fj2AvOqiByTv7FmiVqJ6CnJFvXRo5winvfz9GLImHeDKhaqMo/s320/IMG_4490.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Again, it is another fine day here if a little windy, so I am going to sit outside and get a good dose of Vitamin D. But first I must “slip slop slap” with the sunscreen.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-15056580554389954272024-02-02T20:34:00.001+13:002024-02-02T20:34:21.216+13:00Finally….<p> Well, persistence has paid off and finally panel one of the bag is finished. That’s it for tonight! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ody8UyLf40VLHbkjg96s3KZT5GbCbSba0g1ciij9LxZ6TvQH8aNQMQeLI9gs6GkQ-7Cp93X1F6qwZMtzhOdiRqTqUWPIRGndd1PPw92_HzbdV0Y2clcI873hY4Yv7ZgU4nelTqff-35IN83l0qOv-lMXrikuNSucNt2UkGkhE0Zwv09Z0mWV-5AFFz0/s2720/IMG_4485.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2720" data-original-width="2530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ody8UyLf40VLHbkjg96s3KZT5GbCbSba0g1ciij9LxZ6TvQH8aNQMQeLI9gs6GkQ-7Cp93X1F6qwZMtzhOdiRqTqUWPIRGndd1PPw92_HzbdV0Y2clcI873hY4Yv7ZgU4nelTqff-35IN83l0qOv-lMXrikuNSucNt2UkGkhE0Zwv09Z0mWV-5AFFz0/s320/IMG_4485.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div><p>There are four panels to this bag so I’m hoping for more control and less reversing for the next panel.</p><p>Meanwhile my evening chores call so I’ll sign off and be back again it’s another report soon.</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-23996921941966924962024-01-31T21:26:00.005+13:002024-01-31T21:26:54.729+13:00Yes! Again!<p> I’m beginning to wonder why I even started this dratted project! This time I did read the instructions and I closely inspected the photographs I’ve taken of my friends finished piece. But still, every stitch on this panel has been unstitched and redone! I’m fed up with the whole thing and it’s gone into the naughty corner for the night and I will read a book before bed. And tomorrow I will pull out all the cut incorrect threads and start this band again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa-lWISprw_gsxUDvTuzEOSLKhiNSv-xzfRk9OyLVQkf-o7fM2F73srdC7HZuq4jxWS-uS7cJWY-2Rf3K38lx2nI_g1VGP5Vr9mQYPEZLDnF1J7PXUdCN5AIavjSNDfkmHNsmrLU1FoQW7usEZTP4GK-K_vHgFBqtwh90j_U_JnYvXQ0UfIKyr7j4t_k/s3188/IMG_4484.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2801" data-original-width="3188" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa-lWISprw_gsxUDvTuzEOSLKhiNSv-xzfRk9OyLVQkf-o7fM2F73srdC7HZuq4jxWS-uS7cJWY-2Rf3K38lx2nI_g1VGP5Vr9mQYPEZLDnF1J7PXUdCN5AIavjSNDfkmHNsmrLU1FoQW7usEZTP4GK-K_vHgFBqtwh90j_U_JnYvXQ0UfIKyr7j4t_k/s320/IMG_4484.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-25100069566595863332024-01-29T14:09:00.004+13:002024-01-29T14:09:55.407+13:00From this to this….<p> My good friend Fiona always used to remind me to “read the instructions”. She was correct! I have had to undo every last stitch of this piece and will start again. One thread of floss on 32 count linen taxed my eyesight but the “reversing” is now done.</p><p>From this</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3BnT5fDYHF25p1Jkyi_SG-uxoeKUkuqmsRSQbvr-5cuH5FVPGOK9bmVcPdhsR-f-kqyGYdh-7m7XXe0oS4opU1lbkgkzk9qUHabBsxH6iPQITu2rBK1mqTjzTYyAhQczcsvse5fDBgu2rZeyRba1jyg3sveTgakTYfUFSRksz_Bav-cyS_Cb2MJMeiA/s3949/IMG_4481.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2087" data-original-width="3949" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3BnT5fDYHF25p1Jkyi_SG-uxoeKUkuqmsRSQbvr-5cuH5FVPGOK9bmVcPdhsR-f-kqyGYdh-7m7XXe0oS4opU1lbkgkzk9qUHabBsxH6iPQITu2rBK1mqTjzTYyAhQczcsvse5fDBgu2rZeyRba1jyg3sveTgakTYfUFSRksz_Bav-cyS_Cb2MJMeiA/s320/IMG_4481.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>To this</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkZ7ol0cnaBVfzyfNdbbY4dZPlJwIevKTglI21Ceua9mIAHJhzBrctP-31OSZZ-7Nuhfh99HOmg5C5UDTRYi604SEEuOAlLnKI4lCvRkDOnjyQVNRNiU7Q4qo5fzpdtJg08xUmAE22XzTwC3uRxKQ24HY_ogXdxXOb5-osfY-6EMFcITH8EsaleP06Jg/s3656/IMG_4482.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="3656" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkZ7ol0cnaBVfzyfNdbbY4dZPlJwIevKTglI21Ceua9mIAHJhzBrctP-31OSZZ-7Nuhfh99HOmg5C5UDTRYi604SEEuOAlLnKI4lCvRkDOnjyQVNRNiU7Q4qo5fzpdtJg08xUmAE22XzTwC3uRxKQ24HY_ogXdxXOb5-osfY-6EMFcITH8EsaleP06Jg/s320/IMG_4482.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>So now to begin again and this time follow the instructions!</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-39558008288169457962024-01-23T00:00:00.001+13:002024-01-23T00:00:00.144+13:00Long Time No Blog<p> It is ages since I have updated my blog and I hasten to reassure any who are still reading this that I am quite well and indeed have just returned from an extended holiday in Japan visiting friends. After a break of 36 years I had a Japanese Christmas and New Year - and the cold weather that accompanied this season. New Zealand may have been sweltering under a hot summer but the days were cold in Japan. Still it was a lovely time. I took lots of photographs, ate a lot, walked thousands of steps each day and did no embroidery. Such was my guilt about the latter, I packed my threads and fabric in my cabin luggage for the return flight but was so tired I slept all the way.</p><p>Now I’m home and catching up on washing etc I fully intend to set a regular schedule and make friends with my needle and thread again. A Wessex Stitchery Drawstring Bag is started and I have promised my Japanese friend a hardanger “curtain” for her to hang over her dressing table mirror! Yes, I was surprised at that too but she definitely wants such so I’m in the process of purchasing the 32 count linen and appropriate DMC Perle on line and will soon make a start on that. Meanwhile, there’s laundry, shopping, garden, catch up with family and friends and generally a resetting of daily life.</p><p>And on Friday, Little Sister and I go to make bookings for The Great UK adventure. I have an interesting life:)</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-27164897167056254022023-10-20T20:57:00.000+13:002023-10-20T20:57:07.706+13:00Christmas Ornament finished.<p> Today I finally finished this small Christmas Ornament and with this I think the 2023 requirements are fulfilled. As I won’t be in New Zealand for Christmas I have to make sure they are all ready and sent to the nieces and nephews before I depart.</p><p>What do you think of this one. Partway through I regretted stitching over one but it was the only way to ensure the finish was an appropriate size. And I wanted to use everything from stash. Success on both counts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGov7R6WnY7JefcIhge9bm8ypUU1J8yD0PE8lllL40ImTnfsVmKtHUxclnBWQTZt2JFdx2NomdSsmyKpJUNDo2iywDibSRzmqzW2JJ__pLjdBl8SsuZk82YIyO8_DmVoanBt50WryAQbhPHiiorPoh9hGYQey0b5MwXv7zf-jtBVrTEDC0NYJ1RjaFDo/s4032/IMG_3744.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGov7R6WnY7JefcIhge9bm8ypUU1J8yD0PE8lllL40ImTnfsVmKtHUxclnBWQTZt2JFdx2NomdSsmyKpJUNDo2iywDibSRzmqzW2JJ__pLjdBl8SsuZk82YIyO8_DmVoanBt50WryAQbhPHiiorPoh9hGYQey0b5MwXv7zf-jtBVrTEDC0NYJ1RjaFDo/s320/IMG_3744.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>What shall I stitch next I wonder? The first weekend in November I am doing an embroidery class which is a Ukrainian Whitework clutch purse. So until then I may just dabble and sort through charts and linens in the stash cupboard without starting anything fresh. I don’t want too many projects on the go at once!</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-60934073505042771212023-10-15T17:28:00.002+13:002023-10-15T17:28:38.471+13:00And a finish<p> Regulations in New Zealand forbid me from driving for two weeks after my surgery so what am I going to do while imprisoned at home? Finish my Blue Hussif of course. So last night as the results of our General Elections rolled in and the Blue colour of the winning National Party filled the screens, I put the finishing touches to my Blue Hussif. I’m rather pleased with this one and it already has a safe place in my Cabinet of Wonders</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQqmIM4ujtJKaMYKfMB-8YInQ5NLrV9KQ7rY8Q8C0-jl2DecMHSOfBM37VlComYXkmo4_rf7tJ_ywCoBEHBKK4utFtJ3gJO1eU8MtpeIjaVy2xRQYw7Ays5Itv-YkobZ2qwBar0HcdiQdRpu_SljiccacnKNfmiT2PItS5Hx-qOL7kEU98f_KVI6haNc/s4032/IMG_3732.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQqmIM4ujtJKaMYKfMB-8YInQ5NLrV9KQ7rY8Q8C0-jl2DecMHSOfBM37VlComYXkmo4_rf7tJ_ywCoBEHBKK4utFtJ3gJO1eU8MtpeIjaVy2xRQYw7Ays5Itv-YkobZ2qwBar0HcdiQdRpu_SljiccacnKNfmiT2PItS5Hx-qOL7kEU98f_KVI6haNc/s320/IMG_3732.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I’m rather pleased with the detail on this - the covered button fastener mirrors the pattern exactly becoming almost invisible. And the attachment of the needle pages and pin cushion fit exactly the pattern of the quilting on the inside. Quite a fiddle to get all this correct but well worth the trouble.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZKIFmvY3bvgoKlwSa7jkf7mGQ1YctOarwR8aJSlh3PGWue-laBohm58NydLu84NimrCT_1kzPClTuvBQpW0iiD7pHy3uaU5MFQ-MeDMl-S0o35m1zJkn1-G20qcmyEDLRxHv7IwSPeIhtdta2q1nrnxQZkpWZcJFQ0UkbbnkyvaFuVrTR0jUiFEhYUA/s4032/IMG_3731.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZKIFmvY3bvgoKlwSa7jkf7mGQ1YctOarwR8aJSlh3PGWue-laBohm58NydLu84NimrCT_1kzPClTuvBQpW0iiD7pHy3uaU5MFQ-MeDMl-S0o35m1zJkn1-G20qcmyEDLRxHv7IwSPeIhtdta2q1nrnxQZkpWZcJFQ0UkbbnkyvaFuVrTR0jUiFEhYUA/s320/IMG_3731.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I’ve now started on the last Christmas Ornament for this year. I’m not sure what the linen is - an oddment from my stash - but I’m stitching it over one and wondering why on earth I ever though this was a good idea? But sometimes it’s necessary to get the final item to a correct size for the tree. I’ll show progress later on this week. </p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-56366009390970234192023-09-27T15:49:00.001+13:002023-09-27T15:49:48.782+13:00Cabinet of Wonders<p> Tomorrow Niece #2 and her three little girls are coming to visit. It is school holidays and this is part of their routine. I try to create memories for them and this time they are to be allowed to handle the contents of the Cabinet of Wonders (so named by Little Sister). Today I emptied it out into two laundry baskets - removing the few vases to a safer place. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVcZY2NWDPDNEPYbrA35EakTpSPYHjXofQq4uRtaOiUa5HhPqdhEpulgd_86SmQaJpmUw51OctKcQolcwKbFFEW_y-fOad_fW9Tios4Yn6pGytSAPVikLtnTvlKKfDmIdMz7w9ZPQYQqWCSR-W6pq65yetaALdz334XgpsxRTdDMYr-17_rvT_P0JdtA/s4032/IMG_3710.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVcZY2NWDPDNEPYbrA35EakTpSPYHjXofQq4uRtaOiUa5HhPqdhEpulgd_86SmQaJpmUw51OctKcQolcwKbFFEW_y-fOad_fW9Tios4Yn6pGytSAPVikLtnTvlKKfDmIdMz7w9ZPQYQqWCSR-W6pq65yetaALdz334XgpsxRTdDMYr-17_rvT_P0JdtA/s320/IMG_3710.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Then inside three of the items I hid small named gifts. It will be fun to see them inspecting, chattering, describing and eventually replacing on the shelves, all these goodies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfg-QEAreus-I14Ex65u8gHi5mN9Z9eUqG2LamZqB6kU9D6RB5wcuMT1XC4WFmhIZCZm4_YkS1rgzX_NmCd8UsNDl1UynLU8TTXeqBBe9Z_MBq1eAk5MZayx553cE48rHHgsYk63PnThXIuyP4PzqeCzoGIo7rOtQpvyZ7bfnDILD_A5KlqIC8uauD74c/s3638/IMG_3701.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2582" data-original-width="3638" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfg-QEAreus-I14Ex65u8gHi5mN9Z9eUqG2LamZqB6kU9D6RB5wcuMT1XC4WFmhIZCZm4_YkS1rgzX_NmCd8UsNDl1UynLU8TTXeqBBe9Z_MBq1eAk5MZayx553cE48rHHgsYk63PnThXIuyP4PzqeCzoGIo7rOtQpvyZ7bfnDILD_A5KlqIC8uauD74c/s320/IMG_3701.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>After all that expended energy lunch will be hummus, crackers, veggie sticks and fruit. Yes! They are a healthy eating family. But inside these small tin cases are hidden a couple of chocolate surprises.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W5MDQWXiaHPUiZVnz4WtHSLDdvZZP6PlOSCPWPeejIDK27NtJJe1UuK4QAwQNzvvjAvKrY4tPkK-lkHge9qEk3fuAoeUylsiKwFYyCnasxFpkRWmLd5sW0pDGdu8TOHSwKIpfSQD5gf4SCn9uF6r02dw0kaAHmdUzcDsq_3BpC2-i_x_jDD7gbuu-Yc/s2899/IMG_3702.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2899" data-original-width="2856" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W5MDQWXiaHPUiZVnz4WtHSLDdvZZP6PlOSCPWPeejIDK27NtJJe1UuK4QAwQNzvvjAvKrY4tPkK-lkHge9qEk3fuAoeUylsiKwFYyCnasxFpkRWmLd5sW0pDGdu8TOHSwKIpfSQD5gf4SCn9uF6r02dw0kaAHmdUzcDsq_3BpC2-i_x_jDD7gbuu-Yc/s320/IMG_3702.jpeg" width="315" /></a></div><p>Oops! Don’t tell their mother😳</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-25207942306138072032023-09-22T18:06:00.002+12:002023-09-22T18:06:32.050+12:00Flip side of the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!<p> I’ve been having a run of these days for a week now. Despite my righteous attempts to improve fitness and maintain strength and balance (oh and lose a little weight) with five times a week gym visits and training under professional supervision, last Wednesday I twisted my knee getting out of the leg press machine (I know!!) and since then have been crippled and in such pain. Buckets of tears, a doctors visit, physiotherapist visits and a deluge of self pity later, I confess that while I may be almost 69 I feel more like 89! I grimace at the pain, swallow anti inflammatory and painkiller and do everything so very very slowly. Praise the Lord for audiobooks and embroidery.</p><p>But the flip side - My Blue Hussif is coming along and providing maximum enjoyment. The outside is almost complete.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTkq3q2jgCazlHUXc4CuTVqYR1mpBHtb9vBksIQuOuPNYog4JIQkXJ8JAZl_GocyM9WAO_aJZK03fAQE3PhRfNejhlOOx-DI3perWFiZIXo5YXctSR_AGQgehv0Fmjy3W-qZcFjO3CHqdMLrtA0-NTtm4UHmvRguLHKsgbVwITlV3tmGTiytNlqIaqJg/s4032/IMG_3698.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTkq3q2jgCazlHUXc4CuTVqYR1mpBHtb9vBksIQuOuPNYog4JIQkXJ8JAZl_GocyM9WAO_aJZK03fAQE3PhRfNejhlOOx-DI3perWFiZIXo5YXctSR_AGQgehv0Fmjy3W-qZcFjO3CHqdMLrtA0-NTtm4UHmvRguLHKsgbVwITlV3tmGTiytNlqIaqJg/s320/IMG_3698.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Today the post man brought me some linen for my next project so I am well stocked for this rehab period. Tomorrow or the next day or even Monday I may brave the supermarket, hanging on to a trolley, and stock the pantry and fridge. Then I will be confident of maintaining a fully supplied season of hermit life😂😳</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-65965335366609158092023-09-08T09:59:00.002+12:002023-09-08T09:59:22.472+12:00And…finished!<p> The small bag/tin/container is now fully finished so I can call it a success. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4ed5joIMXi5IX7iMu1JNH3hdavMjaCDyc96z-e3EKQePyflFt9PSXNNX-ITtMXuRyM9HSpSND2pNMkTiAaJgfky1-B_BSUeWCso4tma1GYLlNZrPnIhGavJD07IekPMPwVDZrC2_H-oaAU6_FSvoUgMCaujoM8S8XfNpMFI155pncrjIfbl7qXfHcy0/s4032/IMG_3684.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4ed5joIMXi5IX7iMu1JNH3hdavMjaCDyc96z-e3EKQePyflFt9PSXNNX-ITtMXuRyM9HSpSND2pNMkTiAaJgfky1-B_BSUeWCso4tma1GYLlNZrPnIhGavJD07IekPMPwVDZrC2_H-oaAU6_FSvoUgMCaujoM8S8XfNpMFI155pncrjIfbl7qXfHcy0/s320/IMG_3684.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I’m not fond of having more than one project on the go at a time but currently have two so am working hard and solely on one so that I can get back to my comfort zone. And then…I signed up for a two day workshop in Ukrainian Whitework at the beginning of November, While I have mastered the eyelets now, the long rows of “narrow edging” proved a challenge so I’m hoping to get help with those. In my small bag/tin/container, I resorted to a saw tooth satin stitch to finish top and bottom but that is not strictly kosher:(</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-65904419538074897172023-09-03T20:13:00.000+12:002023-09-03T20:13:02.974+12:00Inspired by The Sampler Gathering<p> When I went to the TSG at Lake Taupo I took a one day class with Kerry Seeley to make a Ukrainian Whitework Scrap Bag. The first stitched piece ended up in the rubbish bin but I started another and am well pleased with the result. Yesterday I went to get some cotton fabric to make the bag and so hopefully tomorrow these “ingredients” will turn into a small bag.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo2W4LrswC3CpeE7CDlyPbRqan-6mJSXcV38vyLclO794a00lu_64QUisETdyAgHfDGchbiqmNoEhPIOd7gaGehhI6tJHMP5kOZzcu7bLWKY6AcQotw7a073U6huTs05NNMsHYK3E_ztG280wbDfrwTfFvkmObEGgCzxL0v0t_GAQuADib7hfpqYJXzk/s4032/IMG_3681.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo2W4LrswC3CpeE7CDlyPbRqan-6mJSXcV38vyLclO794a00lu_64QUisETdyAgHfDGchbiqmNoEhPIOd7gaGehhI6tJHMP5kOZzcu7bLWKY6AcQotw7a073U6huTs05NNMsHYK3E_ztG280wbDfrwTfFvkmObEGgCzxL0v0t_GAQuADib7hfpqYJXzk/s320/IMG_3681.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>And I purchased this chart from another tutor at the TSG and am making great progress on this. The designer sent me an email explaining how she had been inspired by tiles she had seen on a trip to Portugal. I am loving this as it’s my favourite blue and so rhythmical to stitch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQlAixYc9NeXvd-l60yqE_MGsaQUewtbTl5Pybm8WFp_U3Ro0K1LwyBd3hhzeTdhbf1gPuLk1i4o3E52-nzd1PTiIPb5LIIsEq8VUfASSoOMbmtu_myzABygkWM6d4z57VJEn5VFw8m3qtW9m6_Uhg9Gx6T4JKfVNpmWSOysKCtKiMb8dq_nJiszuoKk/s3669/IMG_3682.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3669" data-original-width="2515" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQlAixYc9NeXvd-l60yqE_MGsaQUewtbTl5Pybm8WFp_U3Ro0K1LwyBd3hhzeTdhbf1gPuLk1i4o3E52-nzd1PTiIPb5LIIsEq8VUfASSoOMbmtu_myzABygkWM6d4z57VJEn5VFw8m3qtW9m6_Uhg9Gx6T4JKfVNpmWSOysKCtKiMb8dq_nJiszuoKk/s320/IMG_3682.jpeg" width="219" /></a></div><p>While stitching I am dreaming of my next project which will be to use up the jewel coloured thrums my weaver friend Claire gave me. For that I’m thinking a small canvas work zipper purse.</p><p>Spring has sprung her in New Zealand and I am enjoying sitting out in my sheltered back yard absorbing lots of Vitamin D but I’m making sure not to get sunburnt😉</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-61842010325209879362023-08-19T15:54:00.005+12:002023-08-19T15:54:33.461+12:00Small Pillow<p> My embroidery cupboard already has way too many small pillows but the chart I received at the Sampler Gathering seemed to cry out for this finish. I’m super pleased, even with the colours, but it will reside in the cupboard to become unviewed and probably unappreciated 😉</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rE7qcmWdEZJSrpLf_x7lCcU3RZMETYDDIxHZDzUiK8uAn_B1Qm1v8XtcVgFyFFV-rPgnuD3fR9bMiPaZFXeBcayerXYKSPcgDt_kNtg7dJR8SMSevH_6v3ZRMm2i5KLSUfoq_-PVOLKtPQdktyFqPEV4Lqapf-IR1ZhBdBYr0WT52m2xiRXlSJEuJ5s/s3448/IMG_3669.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2733" data-original-width="3448" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rE7qcmWdEZJSrpLf_x7lCcU3RZMETYDDIxHZDzUiK8uAn_B1Qm1v8XtcVgFyFFV-rPgnuD3fR9bMiPaZFXeBcayerXYKSPcgDt_kNtg7dJR8SMSevH_6v3ZRMm2i5KLSUfoq_-PVOLKtPQdktyFqPEV4Lqapf-IR1ZhBdBYr0WT52m2xiRXlSJEuJ5s/s320/IMG_3669.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>If you see the back you’ll understand why I felt compelled to stitch this. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflrRyzP9BYVrgc9F00nv6txs5HsK9VClE7Ie-hgRDlw5sFC24L2oNw6pqfXoWe6tI-OK2O5dx81nfsUpt-DPKcnHBY9vVwrM3PYMJY8aLASbYMy2bZNMoaHSxfyxuqZNtn79cBgtzmW8W75PxcBA6-a2X7BxSEuck8LVSOwjXK76ronwBx6OhQkMkr4s/s3638/IMG_3670.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2812" data-original-width="3638" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflrRyzP9BYVrgc9F00nv6txs5HsK9VClE7Ie-hgRDlw5sFC24L2oNw6pqfXoWe6tI-OK2O5dx81nfsUpt-DPKcnHBY9vVwrM3PYMJY8aLASbYMy2bZNMoaHSxfyxuqZNtn79cBgtzmW8W75PxcBA6-a2X7BxSEuck8LVSOwjXK76ronwBx6OhQkMkr4s/s320/IMG_3670.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The linen was originally Permin#32 and was buried in mud for many days following the fierce cyclone in February. Sherelyn and her friends laundered and relaundered many times to get the linen to this “antique” (let’s be kind, it is stained) finish and renamed it Gabrielle Linen. </p><p>Today I have tacked out the linen to make a start on a new project. Antique white Belfast linen and DMC 930. What will this turn into I wonder?</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-53992028405811346572023-08-10T11:00:00.001+12:002023-08-10T11:00:00.132+12:00Back in the groove<p> Last weekend I drove through the centre of the island to the beautiful Lake Taupo and joined around 60 other women for a weekend of stitching, speakers and chat. It was fun. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--xgISE123ZS_Mt_zwgARyv6a9IY06aHZyufMIoBh9ABWxjSQXysQepkxDEzgK2VS5XVX7U5jf6ZHens1GUk5dZbrUauU_kR7kwtBplGeXKftc5Qh0H-ubFp6yMrJ3MZYBYtwY_kj1TbNz4HrTrn6dUuKX_rh5Z-KN7OjS0M2IQoZRfXzRS5SYz95t78/s4032/IMG_3649.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--xgISE123ZS_Mt_zwgARyv6a9IY06aHZyufMIoBh9ABWxjSQXysQepkxDEzgK2VS5XVX7U5jf6ZHens1GUk5dZbrUauU_kR7kwtBplGeXKftc5Qh0H-ubFp6yMrJ3MZYBYtwY_kj1TbNz4HrTrn6dUuKX_rh5Z-KN7OjS0M2IQoZRfXzRS5SYz95t78/s320/IMG_3649.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I took a class in Ukrainian Whitework - although mine is actually blue 😂 and am back to my enthusiastic stitching self. Indeed when this piece is done I have an idea for another in this technique.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb0xrRpqXmT0U_DB9W7Ju_nFyMIMf6OfdxuJlmM9PsP1N-4YNIRV3LDmGtqdVpWlSgTeq6ERT2GW3vMdYon_wZjdh1rathWp1Zj-mgvU0sKgcJvovqJZWz_RKc2n6l5F3efMQlflAxZToZVgJpYItENpTWbNIcUCkUPkZyLm7NZrRyv7OQonYZbshAxw/s4030/IMG_3657.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2407" data-original-width="4030" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb0xrRpqXmT0U_DB9W7Ju_nFyMIMf6OfdxuJlmM9PsP1N-4YNIRV3LDmGtqdVpWlSgTeq6ERT2GW3vMdYon_wZjdh1rathWp1Zj-mgvU0sKgcJvovqJZWz_RKc2n6l5F3efMQlflAxZToZVgJpYItENpTWbNIcUCkUPkZyLm7NZrRyv7OQonYZbshAxw/s320/IMG_3657.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>And the apocalyptic mud bath that was my garden has been transformed and I now have to wash the dust an dirt off everything, resurrect my pot plants, and when the weather cooperates welcome the guys back to paint my fences. I am so very very pleased with the result and feel this was a good investment for the future.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr35iN-Tzs5EpxBRm8s2q748eoejzGDXarAbikx5lZeVD3LpcJjx8Z2RbwcxjsdzyUArUguPSZ54HEKLfVPiJRyn815KdFpGM8KmfVyhABe1Bw9qO1Uyv_xCItflpiEj3NILz9JVf1vvpXxTb1FceUAQclV4hNkrjMwhuL4ApfiduMiLF6q4V8JKPYeKs/s3442/IMG_3654.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2579" data-original-width="3442" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr35iN-Tzs5EpxBRm8s2q748eoejzGDXarAbikx5lZeVD3LpcJjx8Z2RbwcxjsdzyUArUguPSZ54HEKLfVPiJRyn815KdFpGM8KmfVyhABe1Bw9qO1Uyv_xCItflpiEj3NILz9JVf1vvpXxTb1FceUAQclV4hNkrjMwhuL4ApfiduMiLF6q4V8JKPYeKs/s320/IMG_3654.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-55532093603993691092023-07-25T13:25:00.000+12:002023-07-25T13:25:10.066+12:00Taking a break from stitching <p> Well, not a long one. </p><p>Next year Little Sister and I are planning a trip to the UK. To be brutally honest Little Sister is going with me on my trip to the UK🙂 as she says she has no specific wants and I have a looooong list. So I have a large road map, my little notebook and plenty of time to create an itinerary. But I have a shock at how close towns/cities are to each other. Looking at the map I think “oh if Oxford is next that will be a days drive from Winchester” and then checking with Dr Google Maps I find it is around one hour😳. This is a fun way to spend a day when I am stuck indoors with a head cold.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_BG2jNe2nGsMi5Ob9Zad_wDz3e0Te_quZnyxN1uwmvSWLIvqXBEfnh05g1qJt4qq6nN1JCxJ0-zRBbNeFBkEzhQdkY7OUzUvX_dXx4ABqQt8PBrs1Q21QLhyPOjYuMfE3vG41GotNOKnnRdQ2Q5T4MLLwwXn3hNGupsKWkwwhl_owJ8xygIdOgwo3BM/s4032/IMG_3625.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_BG2jNe2nGsMi5Ob9Zad_wDz3e0Te_quZnyxN1uwmvSWLIvqXBEfnh05g1qJt4qq6nN1JCxJ0-zRBbNeFBkEzhQdkY7OUzUvX_dXx4ABqQt8PBrs1Q21QLhyPOjYuMfE3vG41GotNOKnnRdQ2Q5T4MLLwwXn3hNGupsKWkwwhl_owJ8xygIdOgwo3BM/s320/IMG_3625.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Our trip is not until May 2024 so I have plenty of time to plan the intended five weeks. As a bribe I have promised to send Little Sister to visit her son and grandson in Amsterdam for a week then meet her there and fly home from Schipol. I shall probably explore London in that time if I pluck up the courage to do it alone. Gold Hawk Road Fabrics are on my list along with 84 Charing Cross Road, and Heatherwick’s Rolling Bridge A very eclectic mix.</p><p>And my next project is a Wessex Stitchery Japanese Komebukuro for which I have selected colours and tacked out the linen. I’m looking forward to this one.</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-20252541992288174622023-07-23T14:49:00.001+12:002023-07-23T14:49:27.639+12:00<p> Two more Christmas Ornaments completed. I'm happy with these and part of the satisfaction comes from knowing that everything was from stash. Can you tell that I'm on a campaign to reduce my size of stash?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d5EXYiCS_2xUzgIDvyduTZ8RpV1bObxUYBLe063mDxtNILIlZhm1IuH8DfClyWDOGXLWs7o8obtCrD5yY-cu3HrBS-CPxJjCqzRlzzVei90cKVLPhb1kQPoioxUt6rtZ-KLuExRTk2y7lHEWlSQMUKVHR9LKO11HQ83WSraUtXLj9I78CMqTR7kk_gk/s3506/IMG_3623.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3506" data-original-width="3022" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d5EXYiCS_2xUzgIDvyduTZ8RpV1bObxUYBLe063mDxtNILIlZhm1IuH8DfClyWDOGXLWs7o8obtCrD5yY-cu3HrBS-CPxJjCqzRlzzVei90cKVLPhb1kQPoioxUt6rtZ-KLuExRTk2y7lHEWlSQMUKVHR9LKO11HQ83WSraUtXLj9I78CMqTR7kk_gk/s320/IMG_3623.HEIC" width="276" /></a></div><p>I also have some knitting on the needles and am making good progress with that. But currently have a nasty head cold so am spending most of my time curled up on the sofa under Grandma's knitted blanket with a good book.</p><p>See you later.</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-15955132643236724052023-07-12T12:03:00.000+12:002023-07-12T12:03:22.649+12:00Wessex<p> At Guild we are doing a group project of a Concertina Wessex Stitchery Needlecase. This has been an exercise in patience and reverse stitching for me; and I thought I could count😉. However I have made progress as this photo proves. The panel of the right has to have needle lace flowers to complete it and the panel on the left , although the stitching is correct, is actually in the wrong place. So I will have to get out of that and start again correctly. Oh dear. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtGGN3YgIjzPqcMEAvdkMimO8UFAjkXZuyqCneRyLpdsD_CCLCbPIJzer81asDC_AODXSiIeAhbDOHxejODv_ccTfvDus6TPVraQDsxrbiKsVCnxz9bAYeiMPYYydl8N5rlEIWVt640a419apK-41EVX4T9DqZhjeP8Erpps_LFDzK-Oak4HBzIPUBTA/s3235/IMG_3613.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="3235" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtGGN3YgIjzPqcMEAvdkMimO8UFAjkXZuyqCneRyLpdsD_CCLCbPIJzer81asDC_AODXSiIeAhbDOHxejODv_ccTfvDus6TPVraQDsxrbiKsVCnxz9bAYeiMPYYydl8N5rlEIWVt640a419apK-41EVX4T9DqZhjeP8Erpps_LFDzK-Oak4HBzIPUBTA/s320/IMG_3613.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Meanwhile on the estate we have M U D ! My little cottage stands in a quagmire which is being tamed by two hunky landscapers as frustrated as I by the incessant rain. Yesterday I chose paving stones, said no to the suggestion of an extra garden bed and prayed that all this would soon end! The finished result will be good but I don’t love the process.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O6zskPLRlNr3bvoifwM2WBvbGM3rtgm-wHdsszFuSzKqFtNiYqJTF128VLtc8paxUNy_Ds4R1NUhDBKobvf-weZ7hw5sw8IiNSWbJUSVqtHyXzDbi0-vfoOnSvLMlEbAHAgp9FJkZUZsxpspn1PlNorZ8sUwidOq_g0qclWEoZxOPYpyuL7rzVzVa0I/s3840/F7736F3F-E940-40EC-8FC5-A3B7BE20EBF0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O6zskPLRlNr3bvoifwM2WBvbGM3rtgm-wHdsszFuSzKqFtNiYqJTF128VLtc8paxUNy_Ds4R1NUhDBKobvf-weZ7hw5sw8IiNSWbJUSVqtHyXzDbi0-vfoOnSvLMlEbAHAgp9FJkZUZsxpspn1PlNorZ8sUwidOq_g0qclWEoZxOPYpyuL7rzVzVa0I/s320/F7736F3F-E940-40EC-8FC5-A3B7BE20EBF0.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><p>And as an added bonus I went to the hospital for a Venogram which required an IV lure in each arm. My right arm is always a challenge and yesterday it took 7 attempts and three different nurses to admit failure before they decided that Ultrasound Guidance was needed. After all that trauma the actual procedure was only a matter of minutes but I am happy that the cardiologist is now confident he can do the surgery here in Palmerston North and I won’t be sent to Auckland. Such is life. Good and Bad. Sweet and Sour. Or as Maisie Mosco said in her book, Almonds and Raisins.</p><p>Having slept well I’m ready to face another day.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-49877572778604421642023-07-05T16:38:00.000+12:002023-07-05T16:38:00.495+12:00Return of my Mojo<p> At long last my mojo has returned and I am currently enjoying a piece of Wessex Stitchery and am continuing with another Christmas Ornament.</p><p>And as a bonus, my weight has dropped. Yes since my dear Mother passed away I gained some bereavement kilos but this past two weeks I have become friends again with the bathroom scales as well as with my John James Tapestry Needle :)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW46B6DMsTKoTGI0_9wH0O4B-V440wEhfDmBFsvHOajSKEWoylolPsqf2HIz2l1tMZAxnIIWYpi-ZtMcU4Z9DWWq7Yq3Ka_huffEPfpnzxCUz_nFQ-KeusK6853Cpo0m-YBX-U03BpaYnQ4FJLQY3ocQF7TlSoY4WBwpMzbfF88NOxwufO2YroH0O-m-w/s3259/IMG_3596.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3259" data-original-width="2871" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW46B6DMsTKoTGI0_9wH0O4B-V440wEhfDmBFsvHOajSKEWoylolPsqf2HIz2l1tMZAxnIIWYpi-ZtMcU4Z9DWWq7Yq3Ka_huffEPfpnzxCUz_nFQ-KeusK6853Cpo0m-YBX-U03BpaYnQ4FJLQY3ocQF7TlSoY4WBwpMzbfF88NOxwufO2YroH0O-m-w/s320/IMG_3596.jpeg" width="282" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4S9YctReP8iTsAKtGCJTHjXIcwCy3wpXg4b_eyV8VNEvcBwtYAxlhHvbcRHw5rFK7QXfaITiD3zsX-tOg-YSDEzeHx0f2LyBZF4P90MaE8AcOM56AuOx29NDo18u4Y4ja2biuTlu7CwulrFbiQdnOo9AWwKQTn3SbfBC-IpTAeY87uUedrW2r5lDs0g/s4032/IMG_3597.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4S9YctReP8iTsAKtGCJTHjXIcwCy3wpXg4b_eyV8VNEvcBwtYAxlhHvbcRHw5rFK7QXfaITiD3zsX-tOg-YSDEzeHx0f2LyBZF4P90MaE8AcOM56AuOx29NDo18u4Y4ja2biuTlu7CwulrFbiQdnOo9AWwKQTn3SbfBC-IpTAeY87uUedrW2r5lDs0g/s320/IMG_3597.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Here’s a snap of the two current projects - the ornament almost complete and the Wessex needlecase only just started.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOKKFsbu_8R56laEqw9Ih6csXbk29BU3uJKjCr9G52weVOpvKDAUXbhhJKz7nGDtc3U4Mt5sG6_gRjLzB4M1IosIiKTnbW0AkiYgDXlaKTNnhtrsrdN0360XIpRznDdQmF8kNiUvmh0D2eGjC-Oi7TxXZ6R2Bh1VVgwB3YxttGOUQjy93D_FxTAcC-M4/s4032/IMG_3594.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOKKFsbu_8R56laEqw9Ih6csXbk29BU3uJKjCr9G52weVOpvKDAUXbhhJKz7nGDtc3U4Mt5sG6_gRjLzB4M1IosIiKTnbW0AkiYgDXlaKTNnhtrsrdN0360XIpRznDdQmF8kNiUvmh0D2eGjC-Oi7TxXZ6R2Bh1VVgwB3YxttGOUQjy93D_FxTAcC-M4/s320/IMG_3594.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Meanwhile on the estate I have two hunky landscape gardeners tearing up the flower gardens in preparation to replacing it all with a “next to no maintenance” garden which is part of my future proofing. Currently it is an awful muddy mess and I wonder if it will ever come to resemble the beautiful sketch they drew for me when we were deciding on shrubs, plants and trees. I am trying to keep positive I promise !</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-27794266788277769942023-06-22T13:00:00.001+12:002023-06-23T12:13:15.291+12:00A new start and a little progress<p> While talking with Little Brother recently I realised that Christmas is not too far away and this years ornaments for the family have not been started. So I went through my collection of Just Cross Stitch Ornament issues and chose six that looked promising. This week I have made a start on one and in the process discovered that I enjoy stitching once again :)</p><p>I finished this as a small hanging pillow - it’s not too firmly stuffed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3ZfoyTv788RnAMGPIDurN4MPSUxRtolNoUlgbNepyw1aPTwSxOoOsom8EhxtL6j60VMkUY5HM53OvVgUz8IQs_7qcZr-HIK1NHxcLbmwNUYPAw_b8iA3bAgcf3deWsYqG1dw0WJgYfAHT51OBNbwjwCjeOSHeHS6tQmjlzKU_JpoeuvRaPTVcqdoEZ8/s4032/IMG_3574.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3ZfoyTv788RnAMGPIDurN4MPSUxRtolNoUlgbNepyw1aPTwSxOoOsom8EhxtL6j60VMkUY5HM53OvVgUz8IQs_7qcZr-HIK1NHxcLbmwNUYPAw_b8iA3bAgcf3deWsYqG1dw0WJgYfAHT51OBNbwjwCjeOSHeHS6tQmjlzKU_JpoeuvRaPTVcqdoEZ8/s320/IMG_3574.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Also I was commissioned by a friend to make a bag as a thank you to the lady who donated a lot of fabrics to our stitch group. I had taken three pieces so was only too happy to make a bag and hope that this creation suits. The felted ornamental front came in one piece and I merely attached it. All in all a good sturdy bag which should be useful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipETBvPfjFrZTyd_PRPp1X22shUMdrjQMoG0WMsrTqv4SnxcL5DjoN2GxtS-xZTxBq_qrQiSJfv-4E-bd1jwCRADJ7B2Po2DOcUu7Qvcgpmwci9xgXdmkyJ1PljSmf30MXU7Uapv-BIo9wO-3krcQqk3MaW_rPNp6PJSkH8Uajrjk4B8i8PuZ6Dpw0j-8/s4032/IMG_3576.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipETBvPfjFrZTyd_PRPp1X22shUMdrjQMoG0WMsrTqv4SnxcL5DjoN2GxtS-xZTxBq_qrQiSJfv-4E-bd1jwCRADJ7B2Po2DOcUu7Qvcgpmwci9xgXdmkyJ1PljSmf30MXU7Uapv-BIo9wO-3krcQqk3MaW_rPNp6PJSkH8Uajrjk4B8i8PuZ6Dpw0j-8/s320/IMG_3576.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>So on a roll, I dived into stash and also made a bag which I was convinced would not work geometrically as it has no side pieces. But voila! I shall send this to an aunt who is going through a tough time as she loves roses and pink!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjamz4hw9zf8u0arm-r6s_TMzWOEubJObIURiiFckhRswy1wqi_SiVZ6G2MMjOUIrTdrf7fFrFVqPUP_7N3UVynn8WF_DoexpW1NKzGBipMhe9Gw9Z6HLEMLZrgRUjlQfUlhJrbqQOKA7UJ-3boYhk4BDeRsB-WhG7qVhJp6SOPMHR7f2288xIgT3itmA/s4032/IMG_3577.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjamz4hw9zf8u0arm-r6s_TMzWOEubJObIURiiFckhRswy1wqi_SiVZ6G2MMjOUIrTdrf7fFrFVqPUP_7N3UVynn8WF_DoexpW1NKzGBipMhe9Gw9Z6HLEMLZrgRUjlQfUlhJrbqQOKA7UJ-3boYhk4BDeRsB-WhG7qVhJp6SOPMHR7f2288xIgT3itmA/s320/IMG_3577.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>And I have started on a kit I purchased eons ago. I was slightly unnerved to find it was over one thread of 32 count linen but so far so good. I’m using a mix of DMC and Dinky Dyes to keep the costs down but I must confess that silk is far easier to stitch with than cotton. If I were a rich woman I would stitch only with silk! Pictures of that to come when enough progress has been made!</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-47124191157765647212023-05-24T09:36:00.000+12:002023-05-24T09:36:11.759+12:00Taking a break <p> I have a finish to show - the Frisian Whitework strawberry decoration is complete. It hangs on my cabinet door. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1zaSVCbJQlIIjX-JjpGZPzcUA0m5t6CGBArqKZxWj-vNUn4PlIoKXoqKl-e-JxVCD-j1cTat0gW_sdZPnVeNMzCiqdR3q-RWUXEDWrTqwCoNWP_mmSF73cGfbVOBgz-kudftrNtRNwxEKTirq3UJIIjNfHedTDgRPCZiDFn6g9lffxvp7K9-u14Q/s3264/IMG_0432.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1zaSVCbJQlIIjX-JjpGZPzcUA0m5t6CGBArqKZxWj-vNUn4PlIoKXoqKl-e-JxVCD-j1cTat0gW_sdZPnVeNMzCiqdR3q-RWUXEDWrTqwCoNWP_mmSF73cGfbVOBgz-kudftrNtRNwxEKTirq3UJIIjNfHedTDgRPCZiDFn6g9lffxvp7K9-u14Q/s320/IMG_0432.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Despite finishing this and still having boxes of thread and fabric in stash I cannot find anything that inspires me. This week I went through all my charts and books but …. No. Nothing seems to bring on the enthusiasm. For the next week I have a visitor staying so will take a break from stitching and make some progress on my knitting and then see what happens.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2iZtexy5IC2WBuuDOZTnMKiVnQdyxd0n1-fQNLcKb7NfMCVAO2kVeuDhOTgQcdVAAJ63L4Df_oX-id98R8lZoMjSHpDOnmL7BTuF4UK4uSTkcrBs5h_jg2ZpavSus9UVnAcqnc1APGIZKEUhr6y5MaD594tD_A4YQOkWrEJ7Wmtiy3e6cWwB654L/s3264/IMG_0431.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2iZtexy5IC2WBuuDOZTnMKiVnQdyxd0n1-fQNLcKb7NfMCVAO2kVeuDhOTgQcdVAAJ63L4Df_oX-id98R8lZoMjSHpDOnmL7BTuF4UK4uSTkcrBs5h_jg2ZpavSus9UVnAcqnc1APGIZKEUhr6y5MaD594tD_A4YQOkWrEJ7Wmtiy3e6cWwB654L/s320/IMG_0431.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>What am I knitting, you ask? I am hoping this will turn into a warm and wearable cardigan of the variety my beloved Mother described as an “at home cardie”. I’m knitting from a cone of wool so I can avoid too much sewing in of ends. After a lifetime of sewing in the ends on Mother’s striped knitting I think I’ve earned a respite 😂</p><p><br /></p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-1874400414250452142023-04-23T19:04:00.001+12:002023-04-23T19:04:39.669+12:00New Start<p> I seem to have lost some of my enthusiasm for stitching and only the prospect of yet another month going by with nothing to show at stitch group has got me to put needle into new project.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAbNH0WJS0hwALsX2IQghRmgdrVKVJi_0UICSwnWCaJkcHyL3OfhJyi10b1Y8Kj9L41EPbXMLgT6yFrg8kpqtOZ0AVBMZfn6nH7dQR93yVm-Z5hSqn7Ssfi8zi3yjdPcXt6mu1mKkr38WedL76fBFwCnIs0cE5w4YBOfA9ePlcPdPNtBLA1WoX4ND/s3457/IMG_3532.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="3457" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAbNH0WJS0hwALsX2IQghRmgdrVKVJi_0UICSwnWCaJkcHyL3OfhJyi10b1Y8Kj9L41EPbXMLgT6yFrg8kpqtOZ0AVBMZfn6nH7dQR93yVm-Z5hSqn7Ssfi8zi3yjdPcXt6mu1mKkr38WedL76fBFwCnIs0cE5w4YBOfA9ePlcPdPNtBLA1WoX4ND/s320/IMG_3532.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This is to be a Frisian Whitework Strawberry but will be smaller than the chart dictates as the linen is 32count from stash rather than the suggested 28 count. But as the idea is to continue using up stash I will go with what I have. The linen is what used to be called Confederate Grey and I’m using #12 white DMC Perle.</p><p>I have a couple of knitting projects on the go as well so plenty to keep me busy. See you again soon.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-22761318673415588432023-04-09T16:30:00.001+12:002023-04-09T16:30:00.184+12:00Finally…..a finish<p> Life is back to my usual now after Older Brother’s funeral. However stitching mojo has not recovered yet and I have forced myself to complete this set.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnt_CBdiDyJTuzbQ_rXDqdVqSNGEMj7Uk2TQLRhSG81SvSjvZ25PvZ2vo_E2PwPBR-U8-rVF2R8h42QIYdnhzCXgkc1nQmcDcjzzCa6fx2FoQCycE9C_3TojYHcIYMEthp9qoBUL-oNmd1F8Kr0fvpioNCPeKe4oTHsiLzDomcZAG1vXeUs7tSJGC/s4032/IMG_3527.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnt_CBdiDyJTuzbQ_rXDqdVqSNGEMj7Uk2TQLRhSG81SvSjvZ25PvZ2vo_E2PwPBR-U8-rVF2R8h42QIYdnhzCXgkc1nQmcDcjzzCa6fx2FoQCycE9C_3TojYHcIYMEthp9qoBUL-oNmd1F8Kr0fvpioNCPeKe4oTHsiLzDomcZAG1vXeUs7tSJGC/s320/IMG_3527.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>In an effort to reduce my huge stash of embroidery fabrics I have decided to make some covered coat hangers. First up is one for a birthday gift needed for the beginning of August. I’m thinking of using a hardanger pattern from deep stash. So tonight’s pleasurable activity is to go through my fabric and select an appropriate linen.</p><p>My great nephew who lives in Amsterdam should be warm next winter! Little Sister, his Granny, and I are both knitting pure wool sweaters :) Here’s my latest effort.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzGHS7DDMHt2Bnh9w91gn0s8Jj3PhpGNo3MYURP4JtMRDI4wtjlj3Fy8iGaU2wJTibL_Xx7LZd97sIUPmYb_1YdlnV4v0oxjCyNvNrRTrGmh74ZYq5-V09vZ73aFLLEoMXDCRpCU_GbR1oFn3uLsIEvqPKRUVl498nqTlmDzsxtLkaM7DnKWdrXeB/s4032/IMG_3525.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzGHS7DDMHt2Bnh9w91gn0s8Jj3PhpGNo3MYURP4JtMRDI4wtjlj3Fy8iGaU2wJTibL_Xx7LZd97sIUPmYb_1YdlnV4v0oxjCyNvNrRTrGmh74ZYq5-V09vZ73aFLLEoMXDCRpCU_GbR1oFn3uLsIEvqPKRUVl498nqTlmDzsxtLkaM7DnKWdrXeB/s320/IMG_3525.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>And I have booked a weekend away in the central North Island to attend the Sampler Gathering and have enrolled in the Ukrainian class. Four classes are offered and all are counted work but I found this one most appealing although I certainly do not need another small bag! It will be good to have friendly company for this adventure. Here’s the tutor sample. Mine of course will be blue!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wxwC4HGePvXefppw-U-_xb8Ul0047diNSawTjf2XdEOypIWMBkSkklmw6JdZcEagoQ_kKoqEOW_YRJ8rbBV408oGPVx-tjXY5KHElduivvHslDihCCNRR-ycgBStJBY7-FpHWpMob9VaXyE3DgYMiBdSqQVwXHYcJ_Wlj1Ijl9GZ5xpYAXX41TDh/s869/IMG_3526.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wxwC4HGePvXefppw-U-_xb8Ul0047diNSawTjf2XdEOypIWMBkSkklmw6JdZcEagoQ_kKoqEOW_YRJ8rbBV408oGPVx-tjXY5KHElduivvHslDihCCNRR-ycgBStJBY7-FpHWpMob9VaXyE3DgYMiBdSqQVwXHYcJ_Wlj1Ijl9GZ5xpYAXX41TDh/s320/IMG_3526.PNG" width="276" /></a></div><p>See you later</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-11318601481646016712023-03-10T21:05:00.000+13:002023-03-10T21:05:34.429+13:00My Precious<p> Today my sewing machines were discharged from their “hospital” and I gladly collected them. It has been lonely without them and I admit, I was rather worried that my Blue Elna wouldn’t be able to be repaired. However both are working beautifully.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_ZBF760pkdlVzCoqQqajuikPzrBNx5mcrAQfWFWU20tFin1kCniMb44TBchrKKwuW54koJmWXabS0iPGs9dEJ-3o4XzctDRCQxD9ckf3VdvA8_SQIbrZSgiY_M4dPom-cM9oRs8WMU-hV4AzUx507-V7_jG4VIPhum_KKUtBADp4XmEzHHseo1_v/s4032/219FF2E9-4306-4923-AA16-CA77D6FDE758.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_ZBF760pkdlVzCoqQqajuikPzrBNx5mcrAQfWFWU20tFin1kCniMb44TBchrKKwuW54koJmWXabS0iPGs9dEJ-3o4XzctDRCQxD9ckf3VdvA8_SQIbrZSgiY_M4dPom-cM9oRs8WMU-hV4AzUx507-V7_jG4VIPhum_KKUtBADp4XmEzHHseo1_v/s320/219FF2E9-4306-4923-AA16-CA77D6FDE758.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>That Elna has been with me for something like 55 years? I remember Father persuading me to spend more than I really wanted to and purchase one the same brand as Mother’s was at the time. It was painful parting with so much of my hard earned holiday-job-money but it was a wise buy. Mother’s machine eventually stopped working and not long before he died Father bought her a small basic Janome. I’m so glad I kept that and have a back up.</p><p>Recently a friend gave me two lengths of fabric from her mother’s estate and I am going to stitch a blouse with the fine Japanese cotton and attempt a pair of lined trousers from the wool gaberdine. An pair of trousers bought many many years ago are being sacrificed for the pattern and I have found a helpful series on YouTube to guide me through. Not right now though.</p><p>My older brother is very unwell and next week I am making the journey north to see him for possibly the last time. A 9 hour drive will be quite an adventure but I have the satisfaction of knowing that only yesterday my Mazda passed it’s check with flying colours. I will be taking a bag of embroidery, knitting and some books with me as well as low expectations of how much may be accomplished. Little Sister will also be there and hopefully we can ease some of the burden for Sister-in-law. So once again I may be off the radar for some time. But there may be something of note to record when next I’m back at the blog.</p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-4974229640576599542023-03-03T21:56:00.001+13:002023-03-03T21:56:27.162+13:00Presents for little girls<p>Tonight I have finished dress and doll for “soon to be 8, Great Niece I”. The dress fabric was on sale so I was happy. She is tall and her mother has supplied the finished length measurement so hopefully all will be well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-fN4n7OMUD2Oi-e9XfAUg6QzrtIa4Gco1QdYt6WpfWAwSNzHAh2IovRlBTv4DF9FYDuzGyENVcMvE4wyQkiPCYz7Uf1AgxI3lVB0C7fHVQVX6O8MR_DCh8eZ6FsjYptgQXz83J72098EZabbGkY4kPHKLNF24yyeVXwKmMyY2_XAFsgRt39LONXH/s4032/IMG_3506.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-fN4n7OMUD2Oi-e9XfAUg6QzrtIa4Gco1QdYt6WpfWAwSNzHAh2IovRlBTv4DF9FYDuzGyENVcMvE4wyQkiPCYz7Uf1AgxI3lVB0C7fHVQVX6O8MR_DCh8eZ6FsjYptgQXz83J72098EZabbGkY4kPHKLNF24yyeVXwKmMyY2_XAFsgRt39LONXH/s320/IMG_3506.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3QCm8tdhGD3SPfZN0LO0CFyEI4ou-FzvGUw9PLfcsl60sijzGuiveCCkYxr60QeslLHfdzHSe8waQfC5uDeCjyfyoPsdpMajedBaJBZqrYgfC4ubhVbb8XW4cMDmNJKbyWKoqdlwkGE11Gkipqr6b8Wge8ORjRevZ2MqB0nUX6R5umueuLr6FK8F/s4032/IMG_3505.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3QCm8tdhGD3SPfZN0LO0CFyEI4ou-FzvGUw9PLfcsl60sijzGuiveCCkYxr60QeslLHfdzHSe8waQfC5uDeCjyfyoPsdpMajedBaJBZqrYgfC4ubhVbb8XW4cMDmNJKbyWKoqdlwkGE11Gkipqr6b8Wge8ORjRevZ2MqB0nUX6R5umueuLr6FK8F/s320/IMG_3505.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>The parcel that went off for Great Niece X last week was obviously a success. I was pleased with it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpcQcFTvnB6Iok5rR66FkLoPh-CldoZWoQ_5dEWvndrdhxrZ8Yl1Zgo6xFvO5YrkHAv09ksPayuIspowvAm6KfQeFQkZt5v05CLzNZvtS4KHrTYB763x32CBZ4vvYXO4w0Vzlljl82uLZxRRGfZ_mSjZHdy0d97uNq2NMcJ_Y3Ua6OPyIYBTIsPnG/s4032/IMG_3499.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpcQcFTvnB6Iok5rR66FkLoPh-CldoZWoQ_5dEWvndrdhxrZ8Yl1Zgo6xFvO5YrkHAv09ksPayuIspowvAm6KfQeFQkZt5v05CLzNZvtS4KHrTYB763x32CBZ4vvYXO4w0Vzlljl82uLZxRRGfZ_mSjZHdy0d97uNq2NMcJ_Y3Ua6OPyIYBTIsPnG/s320/IMG_3499.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1yWbHR3jeHJvuvFA8Wm0BOLxnRPjZiL4H90aj-o6sue9-iO-dXuHwhRtqE24TCcl7RwWEePwcB6K7E6Vaz600Fc73WeO2t84AxbJq8Oe2Wle1Ps5-1UzniVePhRII0fx50-u28TD-ULZ410msEwFqk3Fj6_krTc01TlEV-QYljjG0T8dp7riRBbI/s4032/IMG_3501.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1yWbHR3jeHJvuvFA8Wm0BOLxnRPjZiL4H90aj-o6sue9-iO-dXuHwhRtqE24TCcl7RwWEePwcB6K7E6Vaz600Fc73WeO2t84AxbJq8Oe2Wle1Ps5-1UzniVePhRII0fx50-u28TD-ULZ410msEwFqk3Fj6_krTc01TlEV-QYljjG0T8dp7riRBbI/s320/IMG_3501.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>Her mother said all the girls enjoyed their gifts but the dress was a great hit! It is a full wrap and with the frill definitely has the twirl factor! Dearly Beloved Elderly Mother’s button box provided the decorations for the dolls shoes. I love it when I can use bits and pieces from stash. Great Niece I has a small cloisonné butterfly brooch on her doll. It belonged to Dearly Beloved Elderly Mother’s Grandmother. My niece and her husband like history so I’m hoping that Great Niece I will enjoy having a brooch which belonged to her Great Great Grandmother Or maybe all that will be too much for an 8 year old mind to comprehend. </p><p>Next I need to complete the Blue Boston Etui. I’m currently making a pin cube and still have the top of the bag to finish off. Then I have some wool and a new pattern to knit a pair of winter socks. But I want to dig into my stash and find another embroidery project too. Hopefully my embroidery mojo will return now that Dolls and Dresses are out of the way.</p><p><br /></p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6185580465519570702.post-62466054769430896482023-02-06T16:57:00.000+13:002023-02-06T16:57:01.453+13:00The construction is never so satisfying<p> I have completed the cardinal pocket from Betsy Morgan’s Willing Hands book but am not really satisfied with the construction. Still, as I was telling a friend this morning, I have had the pleasure of stitching it and the satisfaction of doing something else from the book my dear Mother bought me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7Vno4htMwOT_1Yh1aOTCVBdT7Ha63Ac1KYixWtE9vZoQwvOKnamQI6ULTT121mE-nS2tZRHYnYL1nHc8q64SaqzQwzmDVVkZfPN9yOhwojhA--vH20bPqzXCMLbcIIApcvfYQ06f4OEyFypCPs6LHylvkvYs-scppqHqiZlu-eOw-HsbrdzfN0vF/s4010/IMG_3488.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1897" data-original-width="4010" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7Vno4htMwOT_1Yh1aOTCVBdT7Ha63Ac1KYixWtE9vZoQwvOKnamQI6ULTT121mE-nS2tZRHYnYL1nHc8q64SaqzQwzmDVVkZfPN9yOhwojhA--vH20bPqzXCMLbcIIApcvfYQ06f4OEyFypCPs6LHylvkvYs-scppqHqiZlu-eOw-HsbrdzfN0vF/s320/IMG_3488.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ1aZ-v64RrmS7EQArjThXFWZHx3K4ZsXv1Y6VHzqMRbIEzMFJ2GkGrjt7tbqPkFedm2xN-SHJuoI_mJ5c6eXnP07fPEma70x2W3_H6DRQjXSR-Tcp1gxsdltpcxCo2d4fsblXjuewcHhfC2z6ZqnD0y0SWXMBDu0SNnRyxGQzX1ivD02p1r-9dUu/s3704/IMG_3489.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="3704" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ1aZ-v64RrmS7EQArjThXFWZHx3K4ZsXv1Y6VHzqMRbIEzMFJ2GkGrjt7tbqPkFedm2xN-SHJuoI_mJ5c6eXnP07fPEma70x2W3_H6DRQjXSR-Tcp1gxsdltpcxCo2d4fsblXjuewcHhfC2z6ZqnD0y0SWXMBDu0SNnRyxGQzX1ivD02p1r-9dUu/s320/IMG_3489.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>And now I’m working on the Bristol Sampler bag but doing it in blue. The air has been almost blue too as the small 1.5” paper pieced triangles defeated me and I resorted to square and changed the style. I think I’m happy with what I have done (?) and am currently working on the small needle book and scissor fob. The needle book has a fun plaited ribbon spine which looked like a doable challenge! But in actuality defeated me and I had to adapt! Now I just need to actually finish the scissor fob and make up the bag and pin cushion. This week? I’ll see.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpZvdljJynsXItubvgAPLuuhDISaeqTpNVX5IjQ1L4YJv0Y7YA98Li1Ap3pQ_dpb6wd0PU6DueQoXopzDtKAQ-aWX3DeDFWvMFhOqtSmL7WA1ZqkL3UVDTpv99Bjb6Oo1Wks5xuSMcKJXkEUdytV69MwLkTxL7CcP3ihqkJTYMLafd2McpsuJvasr/s3371/IMG_3486.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2699" data-original-width="3371" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpZvdljJynsXItubvgAPLuuhDISaeqTpNVX5IjQ1L4YJv0Y7YA98Li1Ap3pQ_dpb6wd0PU6DueQoXopzDtKAQ-aWX3DeDFWvMFhOqtSmL7WA1ZqkL3UVDTpv99Bjb6Oo1Wks5xuSMcKJXkEUdytV69MwLkTxL7CcP3ihqkJTYMLafd2McpsuJvasr/s320/IMG_3486.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>The little dresses and dolls for the Great Nieces were a hit and the six year old and eight year old are being very noble in containing their impatience. I have cut out the dress for the six year old and tonight plan on cutting the doll pieces. I need to find suitable dress fabric for the eight year old but the local shops didn’t have anything I liked. An hour away in the city where my younger brother lives there’s another fabric store so methinks I need to have a day out. </p><p>Today has been HOT and WET but I have donned a raincoat and been out in full scale war against the caterpillars devastating my cauliflower. Let’s just say that war victims were great in number and I think my cauliflower will survive. Dratted white butterflies and green caterpillars. I need to find some way of creating a insect proof cage thing that will still allow sun and water in….or may be just resign myself to summers of war against invading insects!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08554874389968864826noreply@blogger.com5