A little bit of everything

Hi everyone,
Once again there's been way too big a gap between posts but instead of boring you with my excuses I'll just get on with the pictures as I have a lot to show you.
Hmmm, where to start.............
I was motivated to have a little cross stitch finishing fest one weekend and managed to get three small ornaments finished.
The first is Needles and Pins Heart Pinkeep from Country Stitches
I followed Brenda's instructions for spraying cream linen with coffee before baking in the oven and then I stitched it with the recommended DMC threads. I have to say I absolutely love how this turned out.




I just managed to squeeze the backing out of a 5" square from a charm pack as I thought it went so well with the design.



The next one is Blackbird Designs Winter Garden Pincushion which is my May ornament for the Ornament a Month Challenge.





I used the recommended threads and trimmed it with chenille yarn. Instead of using fabric to back the piece I took one of the motifs and stitched it again three times.



The final ornament is Shepherds' Bush Merry Merry Be which was a kit friend Sheila bought me for my birthday.



This was the first time I've attempted the ruched ribbon trim and while it's not perfect I quite like the way it looks.
I backed it with fabric from the Moda Peace on Earth range. This ornament will count as my June ornament for the challenge so I'm happy to say I've managed to keep up and hang in for the first six months.



On the quilting and bag making front I am still working on hand quilting a quilt I've made for my baby grandson. Pictures to follow soon (hopefully) and I also made another bag from a pattern by Bareroots using fabric from the Blackbird Designs for Moda Garden Party line.




Here's a close up of the stitchery design. You should be able to click on it for a close up if you wish



I haven't done any crochet in a while but have plans for this yarn




which will become a Cath Kidston inspired granny square throw. I'm looking forward to making this.



A few weeks ago I entered a giveaway on Australian designer Anni Downs blog.
You had to guess how many buttons in a jar to win a copy of her latest book and imagine how thrilled I was to be one of the two winners!
I could hardly wait for the package to arrived and when it did, well, all I can say was I had high hopes and I was not disappointed!



The book has 112 pages and is crammed full of designs that I absolutely love.
There are patterns for three quilts, a table runner, a pillow, bags etc.
and for those of you, like me, that live in a place where just about every single thing has to be purchased sight unseen online I thought I'd show you lots of inside pictures so you can see for yourself how nice the book is.



How lovely is this little needlework bag?






and the accessories to go inside it





Another bag - LOVE this one



Finally, I want to show you some sweet little pin books that my friend Angela has been making.





Each pin book is printed onto quality cardstock which is then gently distressed for an aged look. They measure about 3" X 1 1/2"

How about this one with the popular 1940's Keep Calm and Carry on motto



each pin book has matching wool felt interior with three pearl head pins



I've kept the best til last of course and here is the latest mermaid in my collection.
This one is trimmed with narrow grosgrain ribbon and vintage buttons




I think these little pin books would make great gifts for stitchy friends or maybe you would like one of your own. If so just email me. I can then put you in touch with Angela who is happy to make them to order for you at a reasonable price.

That's it for now so, as ever, a big, big thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comments
Margaret