An almost finish...

Over half the year has gone.  Time has rushed by and I still have lots of items on my To-Do list!
This ornament has the stitching complete and just needs to be completed -  maybe this week. I am debating whether to play safe with a circular finish or try to be smart and create a star shaped ornament.   Time will dictate I think.

And a close up -  this one was stitched on 28 count cashel linen in my favourite DMC115   The original chart called for beads but it has been decided that this one shall remain beadless.

I have two others half stitched and want to get them all done this week -  I wonder whether there will be enough hours in each day?

The sashiko piece was completely satisfying and most inspiring.    I can see a repeat of this one but probably not until next year.   Perhaps a bag?   We shall see.  

I stitched the sashiko on navy homespun poplin with white Japanese sashiko thread and then very carefully with tailors chalk inscribed concentric circles which I quilted using red Gutermann sewing thread.   Quilting over sashiko is certainly not traditional but I was pleased with the result.   Navy, red and white is always a pleasing combination, as any Frenchman will tell you!
We have had a fine but chilly weekend which I have thoroughly enjoyed but there are still several items on my weekend chores list so I will love you and leave you.

Kogin and Sashiko

I have finished my July page for the NMMSAL and it is now sewn into the book.  
Kogin is Japanese darning and provides a beautifully neat reverse side as well but of course I had to stitch it in before I photographed it ;-)  You will have to take my word for that.

And a close up.   I stitched this piece on a scrap of beige Binca fabric bought in Japan over 20 years ago and used navy sashiko thread also from Japan.  

The Sashiko piece is stitched and prepped for me to quilt this.   I intend to trace concentric circles on this and quilt lightly- hopefully emulating a piece of work I saw on the internet some time ago.   Quilting and I have an unhappy relationship so this plan may not work -  we shall see.

And tonight I pulled together a few bits and pieces from stash for yet another Christmas Ornament. 

I am truly joyful to use up bits and pieces!   And tonight while I watch New Tricks and my favourite Amanda Redman I will be plying the "needles without eyes" for a new summer sweater.   It is cold and mid-winter here but I can dream can't I?

From Stash and To Stash!

Today I went shopping for a Christmas Tree.

No it doesn't actually look like a tree yet but it will!   And hopefully with beginning preparations early this will be complete in time to mail to its overseas destination for the beginning of December.
At the shop I found this...

First I saw the miracle word Belfast and then I could see beautiful hardanger and at this price...of course there is space in my stash cupboard!
My stash cupboard is really a treasure trove and 99% of the time has exactly what I want or need.   Today when tracing a design for my Sashiko page in the NMMSAL I retrieved a packet of Chaco Paper (the bright blue packet in the top left) purchased around 25 years ago in Japan!  I just knew it would be useful one day.

The design is now traced on to the Navy poplin and tonight while watching Amanda Redman on the TV I hope to complete the Sashiko and then attempt the concentric circles of quilting.   I need to get the Sashiko completed quickly before the chalky carbon line wears off.  
It has been fine here all day (an unusual occurrence for a weekend at this time of year) and I managed to get my garden weeded and tidied up and replanted the strawberries into fresh soil and fresh pots.   Perhaps with all the Tender Loving Care, in December we will have strawberries Chez Nous.