Squazi & The Chickens

Earth Sampler

2009-11-11T16:01:00.003+11:00

First I would like to say thank you to all the lovely people who sent me emails of condolences for the passing of my grandmother. I think I have sent all of you an email of thanks. My family and myself appreciate all the sentiments and that your thoughts and prayers were with us during this time.

Well, well, well! My missing threads finally came in and I was able to finish the last few numbers of Earth Sampler. I was on such a role and then I ran out of WDW Charcoal. It took several weeks for my order to come in and then I somehow lost my enthusiasm to finish. The other night I decided enough was enough and I pulled that baby out of the basket and finished it, yeah!!

Design: Earth Sampler

Designer: The Primitive Needle

Fabric: 40ct Natural linen by SewItAll

Thread: Gentle Arts and Weeks Dye Works

I received this chart from Karen when she had a giveaway on her blog. Now I would like to do the same here. If you would like to go into the draw for the chart "Earth Sampler" by The Primitive Needle, just leave a comment indicating that you would like to be entered in the draw. I will be drawing a name on the 21st November.

A few weeks ago I had read on Cheryl's blog that she was trying the Motivated Mums, chore planner. Now, I am terrible at getting my chores done and sometimes the house is quite disgraceful. So I downloaded the last few months of the year planner and I am giving it a trial to see how I go. I started on Sunday, and so far it seems to be working. The house is cleaner than ever before, but I have two whinging, whining children who seem to know when I need to get work done and are on a mission to make the house as messy as possible. The two follow me around wanting to be picked up and carried about, they pull things from the shelves and cupboards and spread them throughout the house. I love my kids to bits, but they can be so trying at times. Some chores take a long time, especially with three bathrooms in the house and with two kids, some chores need to be done a little more often than the planner suggests, but so far so good. The only things I can't seem to get done are the Sunday "Pamper Yourself" and the daily "Quiet Time". Oh well, can't win them all!

Lizzie Kate Exchange

2009-11-11T09:51:00.008+11:00

I received my Lizzie Kate Exchange piece from Susan the other day. She stitched two cute Christmas pillows. Aurelia took one look at them, cuddled them and said "one for Amelie and one for me". These two pillows now reside in their respective rooms. Thank you Susan, both of these pillows are great and so well made, we all love them.

Now my exchange person should have received her Lizzie Kate piece by now, but I haven't heard anything from her. I don't think she reads my blog, so I think it's safe to show what I stitched.

Design: Summer ABC's

Designer: Lizzie Kate

Fabric: 28ct Lugana - Mushroom

Thread: DMC

Finish: Hanging Pillow

Much Loved

2009-11-02T09:02:00.003+11:00

Sadly on Thursday my beautiful and kind Grandmother very suddenly and unexpectantly passed away. She was found collapsed in her home. I feel very sad for my father and his brother and sisters as both of their parents have passed away. I also feel sad for my girls because they won't get to really know their grandmother.

I have been thinking about her and trying to recall memories of spending time with her. They all seem to revolve around food and eating. She was the most amazing cook and would put on wonderful lunches and dinners for everyone. I fondly remember in the middle of winter standing at the stove, stirring the polenta for dinner. The wood stove going for both warmth and cooking. I also remember her spending many hours teaching me how to knit and do tapestries. She would also very patiently listen to me practice my piano lessons on her piano.

I remember my grandmother taking me shopping, to the zoo, to the city and to the local Italian clubs on a Sunday for lunch. I have so many great memories of long driving holidays to see relatives interstate, picnics on cold misty days in the Blue Mountains, picking chestnuts and the yummy food served at each and every gathering.

My Grandmother was so proud of her family. She had seven grandchildren, saw four of them get married and had two great-grand daughters. My Grandmother was the kindest, most loving, selfless person I have ever met. I know that she is in heaven at my Grandfather's side smiling down on us and watching over us.

Where does the time go?

2009-10-26T10:39:00.010+11:00

Everyday has been so busy for me, I wake up, feed the kids, tidy their mess and before I know it, it's lunch time. So I feed the kids, tidy their mess and then it's time for preparing dinner. I feed the kids, tidy their mess, shower them and put them to bed. (Do you see a pattern!) This leaves me with so little stitching time. I usually stitch in the evening before bed, so I have only an hour or so at the moment.

We have also been having the brick dividing wall between our kitchen and lounge room rendered. The guys did a fantastic job and considering the floor was carpeted on the lounge room side, they hardly left a mark on the floor. What has been left is right next to the wall and will be easily vacuumed up once the wall has dried enough for the vacuum nozzle to touch the wall. Our house renovations are coming to an end, our ensuite should be done early next year, which will leave us with a little painting and then the new timber floors go down.

So this is all I have achieved recently. I have completed stitching my section of Deb's Emblem Of Love RR. She has chosen the loveliest pink linen and beautiful silks.

I also stitched this little piece for Terry for the Hooked On Exchanging Halloween exchange. It's a little portion of the Prairie Schooler Design "When Witches Go Riding". I have finished it into a long hanging pillow with a beaded border. I have to apologise to Terry as a few days after I posted the exchange, I realised I forgot to backstitch the pumpkin's teeth and the cat's whiskers. I still think it looks good though.

Design: When Witches Go Riding Book No. 148 (Top border portion only)
Designer: The Prairie Schooler
Fabric: 32ct Belfast linen - sand
Thread: DMC
Finish: Beaded hanging pillow

We had a very busy weekend this weekend past. On Saturday we had a look at some timber floors and decking. The prices vary incredibly, so we are now awaiting someone to come and measure everything up for us and give us a quote. We had to drive all the way into the city, so we thought it was a great opportunity to have an impromptu picnic by the water. A little fish and chips and a rug and we had two very happy girls.

On Sunday we celebrated my Dad's birthday by having a family Yum Cha lunch. We had a great time and as you can see by the photos, Amelie thought it was fantastic. She had a try of almost everything and enjoyed it all. While we were dining, a thunderstorm blew over and we had to try and make our way through the Sydney streets with a pram, one umbrella and torrential rain. My DH and I were soaked and not too happy, the girls, who were on the pram and under the umbrella thought it was the best time ever. I suppose that's kids for you.

Very unfortunate!

2009-10-23T08:44:00.003+11:00

I saw this meme on Monique's blog and thought it might be a little bit of fun. Type your first name preceded by the word “unfortunately” into Google and see what comes up.

Here is a few of my favourite. Unfortunately Suzanne:

starved to death living in the tree
has had a calling of the conscience and she's come to look for Barsom in the forest
researched this was almost certainly meant seriously as a training flick for the wives of America
needs a man who wants her AND her offspring
repeatedly exhibits arrogance and pride, naively believing that her position is above others
friends and family were often anxious about inviting her to meals
the usual comment is, "you look different"
is already dating burly, Crazy Joe Davola
became pregnant as a teen and ended up marrying her baby's father
didn't get to benefit from any of it, which is too bad

I think the last one sums up the whole experience!!

Halloween Exchange

2009-10-14T10:42:00.006+11:00

Yesterday morning, bright and early mind you, the postman delivered a parcel containing a Halloween exchange. Ellen sent me the most wonderful exchange package for the H ooked On Exchanging Halloween exchange. She stitched the cutest ornament and included some wonderful goodies. The design is by The Prairie Schooler and comes from last years JCS Halloween issue.

Aurelia was most fascinated that Ellen had sent "her" some lovely things, now who's exchange is it I ask. The trick or treat bag and the wooden Halloween ornament are now hanging in her room, but at least I managed to keep the stitched ornament. Thank you Ellen for making this such a fun and wonderful exchange.

I am involved in several other exchanges and Aurelia is already talking about the "things" she will keep for her own room. Talk about bossy!!

Last week I was very fortunate to have a happy dance. Not a stitching happy dance, but I think maybe even better. For the first time since Amelie was born, my ironing baskets are empty. Just before Amelie's party I decided to make one last go at getting it done and after many hours of ironing it's finished, but it all starts again this week. I have promised myself that I won't let it get that way ever again. Let's see how I go!

One Year Celebration!

2009-10-12T14:09:00.006+11:00

Yesterday we celebrated Amelie's first birthday. It was a fantastic day, although a little cold and wet. I spent the whole morning cooking and we had a wonderful buffet lunch, yummy desserts and a great cake (which I didn't make this time). We had thirty one people at the party and everyone seemed to leave pretty happy. As usual Amelie was spoiled rotten with lots of gifts from everyone. She was so incredibly tired by the end of the day, she slept through the night for the very first time ever. I only wish she would keep it up for good, but I know that tonight will be back to two or three wake ups through the night.

I have been stitching a little, mostly on exchanges, but with all the party organisation going on, I just haven't had a lot of time.

Dust, Dust Everywhere!

2009-09-28T10:07:00.006+10:00

This last week has not been a good week for us. The two girls and myself have all suffered the effects of a very nasty stomach flu that has been going around. We are all better now, but I tell you it really knocked me flat for a few days.

As the title of this post suggests, it's been very dusty around here this week. Not from renovations and not from a lack of house cleaning (although we won't discuss this topic). We have had some very unusual weather conditions, which has meant that red dust has blown from halfway across the country, leaving a red film over everything. Last Wednesday morning, this is the scene we woke up to.

I was able to clean most of the dust off the timber blinds and windowsills until we had another dust storm on Saturday morning. Not as bad as the last one, but enough to leave more dust around the place. Looks like a very busy week of cleaning and dusting!

During the week I also received my Friends Through Thread exchange from Nancy. She made this beautiful pinkeep/scissor & needle holder and a little bag that it can slide into. It's very cute! Nancy also spoiled me with all those other wonderful goodies. Thank you Nancy, this was a wonderful exchange and I really love the whole package you put together.

PS. If you remember I had a problem with a few pairs of Scissoroo scissors rusting? Well I contacted the company that they are made for and distributes them. They sent new ones out and even sent a prepaid envelope for me to send the rusty ones back. Now how's that for service!

For The Love Of Needlework Exchange

2009-09-17T11:05:00.005+10:00

I heard from Becky this morning that she received the needlebook I stitched her for the Love Of Needlework needlebook exchange through the Friends Through Threads blog. I love this form of finishing and it's a real lot of fun. I used the same principle as the stitcher's book, but stitched a few less pages for the different needle gauges. This time, to stiffen the pages, I used extra stiff interfacing which I ironed onto one side of the batting. It gave the book the strength to stand up, but made it easy enough to insert the needles into each page.

Design: Black Needles (freebie found here)
Designer: Marie Auriau (Ravenelle)

Fabric: 32ct Belfast linen - White

Thread: DMC

Finish: Needlebook

The New Laundry

2009-09-14T08:57:00.012+10:00

What a busy week it has been, stitching, washing, ironing and cleaning. With the laundry having been completed, I had to catch up on two weeks of washing and ironing (well the washing has been, the ironing is a work in progress). All the renovations have put so much dust around the house and it took some time to clean it all away.

I am so pleased with my new laundry, it's so much bigger and brighter, the photos don't do it justice as they were taken on a dark gloomy morning. The painting has not been finished as we are still waiting for the render to dry.

I have finished stitching Lisa's RR and it was a lot of fun. For those who were interested, it's the River Fish Sampler from the magazine Cross Quick Dec/Jan 1989. I stitched the three top most fish.

I have also finished stitching the first section of my Emblem Of Love RR. I have decided to stitch the multicolour version using Gentle Art Sampler Threads, DMC and Olde Willow Stitchery. I have left off the dedication and the date and will fill them in when it's complete. I am not quite sure what I will do with each of these parts yet.

I also completed and posted a small gift for Cathy. Cathy sent me a button to finish my baby sampler a year ago and shame on me, it's taken this long to get a thank you to her. I stitched this little scissor fob over one for her, but what a challenge to finish it. Once I had stitched the little pillow together, I had an interesting time turning it the right way round. I am really pleased how it turned out though.

Design: Floral Bookmark (freebie)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler

Fabric: 28ct Cashel Linen - White

Thread: DMC

Finish: Scissor Fob

We have a winner!

2009-09-08T15:09:00.002+10:00

Sorry I am late in announcing the giveaway winner, I am drowning in a sea of laundry. The laundry has been completed and there is more washing than I have ever seen before to get done. I can only manage three loads a day as there is no more room on the washing line for more than that. Tomorrow should see the end of it though.

After using a random generator, the winner of the giveaway is PeggyLee:

"Peggy Lee said...
Hope you had a wonderful birthday. I love reading your blog.
Thank you for sharing your talent. I would love to be included in your
giveaway."
Thank you to everyone who entered in my giveaway. I will have plenty of photos to show shortly of my stitching and my laundry.

Giveaway!!!

2009-08-28T07:59:00.003+10:00

First of all I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful comments on my stitching progress. I feel much better about my whitework project and I think I might even stitch another one again.

For my giveaway last week, I had Aurelia draw a name (sorry no photos as the cameras are packed away at the moment) and the winner is Cheryl. If you would like to email me your details and I will get the chart in the mail to you as soon as possible.

Today is my birthday, so in celebration, I am having a giveaway. I am giving away the Prairie Schooler chart "From The Heart" and a needlework small stitched by myself. If you would like to be entered in the draw, please leave a comment on this post only. I will be drawing a name on the 5th September.

The laundry renovations are going well. They are doing a fantastic job and my laundry is now almost twice it's original size. The tiling and cupboards go in this coming week and it should be finished by Thursday. There is dust all over the house and the washing is piling up high, I think I will definitely be kept busy with housework once it's all completed. At least I have accomplished a lot of stitching while this is all going on.

Stitching Progress

2009-08-23T07:55:00.008+10:00

I managed to finish some stitching during the week. The dreaded whitework project that I fell out of love with is finished. I think if I had used evenweave fabric I would have liked it better as the stitches would have looked better. I tried a new finish by stitching the twisted thread around the outside of the pillow. I think I may have needed to twist it a lot more than I did, but for a first attempt, I am pretty pleased with how it turned out.

Design: Beginner Whitework Ornament(freebie found here)

Designer: Teresa Wentzler

Fabric: 32ct Belfast linen - Platinum

Thread: DMC and Mill Hill beads

Finish: Pillow

Next is a piece that I stopped only because I don't stitch on Aida anymore. I figured that since I wanted to get my WIPs out of the way, I should get it finished. I think I may finish it as a pinkeep.

Design: Victorian Blooms

Designer: Sally Gilpin

Fabric: 14ct cream Aida

Thread: From kit

Now that I have finished this lovely design, I thought that someone may like to give it a go as well and on linen I think it would look great. So if anyone is interested please leave a comment. I will include the leftover thread as well, because there is no specific thread brand given and only generic colour names. I will draw a name on the 28th August, when I will be having another giveaway to celebrate my birthday.

On Thursday my order from an ONS arrived and I received the missing threads for Earth Sampler. So on Friday night I was very busy stitching away to catch up to Ranae. I think I am a little behind, but nearly finished. I am hoping to get it finished by next Friday.

A while back, Lisa had received her RR back, but not all the fish had been stitched, so I offered to stitch a little on it for her. I have really enjoyed stitching on the two little fish and loved it so much, I am stitching the last fish for her at the moment. I hope you don't mind Lisa, your RR will come back completed. It was a bit strange feeling to go from stitching on 40ct to stitching on 14ct Aida. A lot easier on the eyes, that's for sure.

The last piece I have to show is my start on the new RR I have joined. Edgar very kindly sent me an invitation to join An Emblem Of Love RR. I have decided to stitch it on 36ct Ivory Edinburgh linen, using the polychromatic version. I am using the recommended threads with only one substitution for the Olde Willow Stitchery thread that I have been unable to source. This is such a wonderful piece to stitch, very relaxing and such wonderful colours.

Well, that's all for me for a little while. The laundry renovations have begun and my craft room and study are off limits from tomorrow until the dusty demolition work is completed. I think I have piled up enough projects on the dinner table to keep me busy for the week. I should get plenty of stitching done with no washing or ironing to do for two weeks and very limited household chores. My next post should be on Friday, my birthday with the announcement of the giveaway winner.

Birthday Wishes for Aurelia

2009-08-17T12:01:00.009+10:00

I can't believe my little girl is three. Aurelia turned three on Saturday and despite having a cold and fever (yes again!) she had a great day. We bought her a doll that drinks from a bottle and then does a wee in a potty. Well, there was water everywhere and all she wanted to do is watch this doll wee. Children are so obsessed with bodily functions!

Yesterday we had a birthday party for her and again she had a wonderful day. Her brief for the birthday cake was pink with fairies and flowers and a castle. I came up with a plan made the cake and my DH did a wonderful job of decorating again. He loves this part and really enjoys the decorating. I only had to put in the last finishing touches.

All my progress

2009-08-05T08:28:00.002+10:00

Here is what I have been up to this last few or so. I have been continuing to stitch 'Earth Sampler' by The Primitive Needle every Friday night and here is where I am up to. The gaps are because I am still awaiting some threads that I ordered. I wish I could stitch more, but I just can't stay awake any longer than around 11pm on Fridays. I start to make lots of mistakes, so I just waste my time that way.

I have made progress this time on 'Flax Fields' by Carriage House Samplings. This one has been difficult to stitch as the weather has been very dry and my hands even drier. Even though I have been using some great hand cream, I am finding my hands catch the silk thread.

'My Needle and My Floss' by Waxing Moon Designs is coming along as well. Not as fast as I would like, but I really just can't get into this one. I am not liking the fabric or threads. Her face blends into her cuffs which blend into her dress. Her dress looks like she had a terrible accident with the coffee pot.

I have also been working on more secret stitching and hopefully, when I have more than five minutes without the help of my almost three year old expert, I can finish them and send them off. Some are PIFs, some are just gifts. But who needs an almost three year old who wants to snip and glue everything she sees helping??? Aurelia just wants to help with everything and always says she won't touch, but those little fingers seem to be on everything all the time.

The slow down...

2009-08-03T16:03:00.006+10:00

What a week, it's rushed past so quickly and I don't think I have had a chance to stop. My DH took the week off so he could spend some time with us and we really had a blast. Unfortunately Amelie came down with a fever at the beginning of the week which turned out to be a case of roseola. So I had a spotty princess for a few days.

I had a chance to visit my local patchwork store and picked up a few fabrics. I grabbed some beautiful flannels that I am going to use to finish Amelie's Christmas decoration from last year (I know I am very bad!) Thankfully the lady at the store was able to help me pick out a few fabrics that went together, I am terrible at this part.

On Wednesday we spent the day shopping at some Italian grocery stores where I picked up many, many kilos of pasta and many tins of tomatoes, yummy cheeses and cold meats. We had a lovely lunch of pizza and then yummy gelato and cannoli afterwards. (Sorry no pictures!)

On Thursday I made a trip to my LNS where I met up with Sandra (Sampler Lover's Blog) for the first time. Sandra and I have been keeping in contact for a few years now, but never had a chance to meet until Thursday. Sandra brought along her samplers Elizabeth and Betsy for me and I was so thrilled. It's great to see them on her blog but in real life they are amazing. Her stitching is so precise and these samplers are really intricate. My DH and daughters were very patient as Sandra, Karen (owner of The Stitching Post) and I talked for over an hour. I have to say thank you again Sandra for making the time to meet up with me, especially at such short notice. Whilst there, I couldn't leave without a small purchase, so I picked up the two latest Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers, a few threads and some ground walnut shells.

After that visit, we went for a lovely trip down the scenic railway and did a little bush walking. It's great to be walking in the fresh air, where it is nice and quiet, except for a almost three year old who has to give a running commentary on everything she sees. I think the whole of the Jamison Valley also heard about everything she saw. At least both the girls had a lot of fun and both slept pretty well on the way home.

Lots of Goodies

2009-08-03T14:23:00.007+10:00

A while back I had lent Margaret a copy of one of my charts so she could stitch a basket band. When Margaret returned it this week, she popped in a little handmade gift as a thank you. She sent this wonderful pear which is so beautifully stitched. I really hadn't expected anything, so it was a wonderful treat. Thank you Margaret, it's absolutely delightful.

I also received a beautifully stitched gift from Joan. I signed up for a PIF from her earlier in the year and she has already stitched them. This is a long pillow with a design from the 'Thank You Sarah Tobias' book. I really love this design and it was the reason I bought the book in the first place. Thank you very much Joan, I really love this pillow as do both of my daughters.

Finally, the last is a chart that I won from Paulette of Plum Street Samplers. She recently had a blog giveaway and I was lucky enough to be able to choose one of her beautiful designs. I decided that I just couldn't go past 'A Handwork's Pace’. Thank you Paulette for this wonderful gift.

PS. The beautiful Scissoroo scissors you can see in the pictures have severe corrosion on the handles. I have only ever used the pair once using clean dry hands, otherwise they have been stored in their case. I am so disappointed that they have deteriorated so quickly (I only purchased them in March). Does anyone have any ideas what I can do?

Earth Sampler - A Beginning

2009-07-22T10:47:00.007+10:00

I made a start on Earth Sampler by The Primitive Needle on Friday night. Ranae and I are doing a SAL every Friday night in an attempt to get this design completed. Here is what I managed to stitch.

It's fun and really hard to put down. I have been tempted by it during the week, but I put it away in my stitching box. I figure if I don't see it, I won't be naughty and stitch on it any other day. I am missing a few threads, so I am just stitching around those colours until my order arrives.

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of The Moon Landing, my DH's work had a rocket launching competition (my DH works in the aerospace industry). They had to build and launch a homemade rocket using non-chemical methods. All weekend my DH was back and forth from the hardware store and designed a pretty good launch pad and then we all had to drink lots of fizzy so he could make some rockets from the bottles. Aurelia had a fun time helping him test his rockets. I must say my DH was like a little kid, so excited to get it built and for it to work so successfully.

The end of our RR has arrived

2009-07-16T16:47:00.010+10:00

I am so very pleased to say, that I have stitched on the very last RR piece in the Little House Needleworks RR. I finished Julianne's square yesterday and I am really pleased with how it turned out. Julianne requested a theme of Country Stitcher/City Stitcher and I decided to put together my dream country manor.

The house, big tree and squirrel are from 'Little House Neighbourhood', the sheep from 'Wool Needlebook and Scissor Fob', the hare is from 'Woodland Samplings', the topiary trees and hedge from 'Season of Rest' and finally, the flowers and gate from 'Season of Hope'. I have a photo of the overall RR. It all looks great, I am sure Julianne will love it.

So ends my RR commitment. I am a little sad, as I really enjoyed putting together everyone's squares. I am sure that I will do another RR again, they are a lot of fun.

Jolene is having a great giveaway on her blog Dip Diddly Designs, check out her blog. Jolene is only new to blogging, but boy does she stitch some wonderful designs.

I know this is really late, but here is an update of my Ort Jar for the Totally Useless SAL. I originally had it in a glass bowl, but it was getting really dusty and looking very yucky. I transferred the contents into this new jar, but I am filling it up pretty quickly.

Ranae and I are stitching the Earth Sampler by The Primitive Needle as a SAL on Friday nights, if you would like to join us, please let me or Ranae know.

Amelie started her new swimming lessons on Saturday and she really had a whole lot of fun and didn't get upset or cry once during the lesson. Our new instructor Kelly has taught Aurelia since she was six months old and is the best instructor I had ever met. I am so glad that we were able to get Amelie into her classes.

PS. I have to apologise for the photo of Flax Fields, I just realised that I took a photo of my progress, but there had been no progress at all. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking.

A long awaited post

2009-07-10T09:02:00.014+10:00

I have finally got back to blogging this week after a few weeks of drama. As you know, the washing machine emptied it's full load of water out onto the carpet, which has now been removed. Yes, we are living with concrete floors in a small area of the house and it's winter and yes, it's cold.

Basically, the reason this all happened is that we don't have a floor waste in the laundry floor, hence the water had no where to go except around the house. In order to replace the floors, we now have to address this problem, which means a total laundry renovation. Currently the laundry doesn't look like it fits into the rest of the house, so we are having one wall of the laundry removed, so the laundry expands another metre and uses up the useless hallway. Please see pictures for further clarification. While we are renovating, we are going to have the exposed brick walls around the house covered with dry wall, so that should lighten up the house and reduce the amount of dust in the house. Finally, when all that work is completed, we are having floating timber floors laid through the high traffic areas of the house. This will mean the flooring will all match and be much easier to look after. I have found a contractor, who has come up with a great plan and reasonable price. We now only have to work out the finer details and he should be able to start in about eight weeks time.

While all this was happening, both Amelie and myself have been sick. She had been crying and sleeping less than ever before. For several nights I sat up in a chair in her room so she could sleep on my chest. At the time I was really annoyed and couldn't understand why. Several days later I discovered the reason when I was sick as well. I developed a really sore throat, that when I laid down felt like it was on fire. When I sat up, it didn't hurt as much, which explained Amelie's desire to sleep upright on my chest. Both of us then lost our voices and mine is only just getting back to normal.

Enough of that, now to some stitching. I entered a draw on Karen's blog and I won the chart 'Earth Sampler' by The Primitive Needle. Once everything settles down and I get my stitching commitments out of the way, I am definitely starting this one. I have already ordered the fibres I need. So thank you very much Karen, I am definitely going to enjoy stitching this one and I think it will reinvigorate my desire to stitch.

Last week I received a purchase I made from Kathy Barrick's Etsy Store. Most of you would recognise her from her Carriage House Samplings. Kathy is currently selling a number of her OOP designs on her Esty store and I just couldn't resist these purchases.

I have made a tiny bit of progress on my 'Flax Fields' by Carriage House Samplings. Not as much as I would have liked, but any progress is good I suppose.

I have also stitched a little more on 'My Needle and My Floss' by Waxing Moon Designs. I really want to finish this one soon, so I can send her off to another willing stitcher.

Finally, I have to apologise to Julianne. This is my progress on your square for the LHN RR. I was supposed to have posted it off last week, but as you can see I am not quite finished. The house needs a roof and then there is a squirrel and a tree to stitch. I am going to make an extra effort to get this one stitched as soon as possible.

I will leave you with some photos of last Sunday, when we took a trip to Sydney and went to the Aquarium, had Yum Cha for lunch and spent a lovely afternoon at the park and merry go round.

Just a quick post

2009-06-30T09:55:00.003+10:00

I do have a lot to show, but on Friday my washing machine decided to empty a full load of water all over the floor. The carpet has been ruined and now starts some pretty major renovations to ensure it doesn't happen again. For the time being my time is filled with organising builders and tradespeople and making sure that the renovation is completed quickly and efficiently while ensuring the work is of high quality.

I will be perusing your blogs, but I may not have time to leave comments. I will try and post some more information at the weekend. Thank you for your patience.

Prairie Schooler Exchanges

2009-06-13T10:54:00.008+10:00

First of all I have to say thank you, thank you to everyone for their wonderful comments on my stitcher's book. I have been on cloud nine all week. My husband has even mentioned widening the doorways so my head can fit through, lol.

I received this beautiful exchange from Jayne this week for the Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchange. Jayne has stitched a scissor fob and thread tag with my initials from Prairie Schooler Book #76 - The Farmer's Alphabet. Aren't they just adorable and I am not sure if the photo shows it, but the fabric is a lovely shade of pale pink. Thank you Jayne.

Sorry about the crappy photos, it's hard to get good help these days. The light is bad and DH used the cheap camera.

I am going to show the exchange item I sent to Laurie for the Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchange. I sent it the same time as I sent Jill's exchange so she should have received it by now, but I haven't heard whether she has it or not.

Design: Spring & Fall - Book #90 (May square)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler

Fabric: 32ct Belfast linen - sand

Thread: DMC

Finish: Pillow

Amelie started her swimming lessons last week, but they were not very successful. We have tried a new swim school to the one Aurelia attends. This was because the one Aurelia attends is so popular I had trouble enrolling Amelie. This new swim school believes in a very hard line of introducing babies to the water. She was forced underwater, dragged into the water and frightened until I had to say enough was enough. This morning, she was not very happy to go in the water and cried a lot, I wouldn't allow her to be dunked under the water. Thankfully, my DH spoke to Aurelia's swim instructor last week about how Amelie was treated and they have been able to fit her into Aurelia's swim school early new month.

Secret Project Revealed

2009-06-09T10:26:00.005+10:00

I can finally reveal the secret project I have been working on the last few months. This is an exchange that I sent Jill for the Friends Through Thread Blackbird Designs exchange. I decided to give a stitcher's book a go and found that the motifs from 'Their Song' fitting in perfectly. I did the stitching and backstitching and then basted and baked the piece in coffee to give that old look. I must admit it was a pretty easy stitch, just very time consuming, especially counting all the backstitch. I used a great tutorial over at Volarium. The only change I made was to pad either side of the cardboard with a little 'Warm and Natural' on the pages. I didn't pad the cover as I wasn't sure that the book would fold and sit properly. In hindsight, I could have done this by making the cardboard slightly smaller than the backstitch line. However, I still am very pleased with how it turned out.

Design: Their Song (Loose Feathers #24 )

Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 32ct Belfast linen - white (coffee basted and baked)

Thread: DMC

Finish: Stitcher's Book

Blackbird Designs Exchange from Cathy

2009-06-04T12:10:00.006+10:00

On Tuesday I received a beautiful exchange from Cathy. It was for the Blackbird Designs exchange for Friends Through Thread. This is the very first pinkeep I have received and it's it just gorgeous. Cathy's attention to detail is second to none. The design is Tulip & Star Pinkeep from the With Needle and Thread book and the backing fabric is a Blackbird Designs fabric as well. Don't you just love how she has twisted the ribbon around the outside?

Here is a picture of all the lovely goodies she sent as well.

After all the exchanges and stitching for everyone else, I decided that I needed to stitch something for myself. Here is my new start, it's Flax Fields by Carriage House Samplings. I am stitching it using the recommended NPS and Gloriana silks.

My sale of household items on eBay was a massive success and I have already spent a good portion of the money. I purchased a whole lot of beautiful R & R Reproductions linens from Home Sweet Home Needlecrafts. I really recommend Janet and her store, she has such an extensive inventory of fabric and she has been very helpful. Sorry, no photo to show as I forgot to take a photo before I packed them all away. I also purchased a whole lot of threads from another ONS. I have updated my sidebar of my blog and have listed all my kitted up charts. I figured that if I purchased all the fabric and thread to get all these charts done at some time or other, I could keep my stash buying under control (I'm sure it won't happen!).

Amelie recovered from her tummy troubles and started eating solids quite well and sleeping better. Then she started cutting more teeth, six at one time to be exact. Why do my children have to be so quick to get teeth? Oh, well at least they are over and done with quickly. Those teeth had just about come through and then she caught a nasty cold. Last weekend she had a fever of 40C and was very unhappy. This last week she has been sleeping really badly again both day and night. I really can't remember the last time I had a good nights sleep. I think it was in the brief time before Amelie had the stomach bug that she was only waking once a night. That must be about 3 months ago. I know that I just need to get her day routines working so that she sleeps well in the day and then the nights will follow. Easier said than done, especially when the neighbours are putting an extension on their house and there is a constant banging and crashing coming from over the fence.

Amelie starts her swimming lessons tomorrow, so hopefully I will have some photos to show later in the week. The two exchanges I stitched should be received in this next week, so I will be able to show those off as well. I am really keen to show off my Blackbird Designs exchange piece as I really put a lot of work into it and challenged myself with a very different finish.

I'm a busy girl!

2009-05-10T09:48:00.008+10:00

What a week!!! I started Amelie on some pumpkin and pear last week in the the evening as advised by my community nurse, but what a mistake. She went from sleeping well at night, to sleeping in 40 to 80 minute blocks. She had terrible tummy pains, a red raw bottom and I changed so many nappies I think I went through a week's supply in only 3 days. We decided to stick to a tiny bit of baby rice at breakfast the last few days and she is a lot happier. I just don't think her tummy is ready for anything else quite yet and she has only just got the hang of eating off a spoon. As a result of all this drama, mummy has had very little sleep and can't concentrate properly on anything.

May I give you an example. Last Thursday I made a lasagna. The sauce tasted beautiful, the béchamel was perfect, but then my brain went to sleep. I have no idea what I was thinking, but as I layered everything together, after the first two layers of lasagna sheets I forgot to put the remaining sheets in. The result was a very sloppy mess when I served it. The lasagna tasted lovely and the next day it was quite firm and easy to cut, but at the time I could have cried. A whole day's cooking wasted. At least my DH and Aurelia thought it was still great and happily ate it anyway.

I think the severe lack of sleep has attracted frogs to our house, who I swear have taken up residence in my sewing basket. Everything I touch I have to re-stitch several times. I did manage to get my Prairie Schooler exchange stitched and my Blackbirds Design exchange is progressing, but I think I may have been a little too ambitious with this one.

This last week, we have been cleaning out the cupboards and storage areas and I have listed a whole lot of items on eBay. I am really surprised at how well all these items have done. The best part is that me DH says I can keep all the money from the sales to spend on stash. How great is that!

This is what I stitched for my mum for Mother's Day. I am pretty pleased with how it turned out, although finishing with Lugana is a bit difficult as you really can't fold back the edges of the fabric.

Design: Summer Flowers Sewing Set - Biscornu

Designer: Lody Steward (Gift of Stitching Magazine, Issue 31 August 2008)

Fabric: 28ct Lugana - Antique White

Thread: DMC

Finish: Biscornu