Friday, December 20, 2013

Rounding off the Year.

Hi everyone,

I seem to be getting ever worse at keeping up with my blog but I didn't want the year to end without posting something.
I have some finishes so on with the first. The design for this Christmas tree stitchery is from here and I finished it into a little candle mat.



Back view



The lovely fabrics were gifted to me by friend Angela Thank you Angela!

Still with the Christmas theme here is an ornament I stitched from a free pattern as part of a SAL on this French site



Back view



I didn't do a lot of Christmas stitching this year but I did finish something that has been sitting in the "finished but not finished" box for more years than I can remember.
It is so long since I stitched this that I remember very little about it. I think it might have been a kit by 4 My Boys.
Anyway, here it is finally finished into a door hanger





I fell way behind with Chookyblue's SAL but managed to finish the sewing case which was the project for August




The design is from the book Some Kind of Wonderful by Anni Downs

Fabrics used are Beach House by Blackbird Designs for Moda. Here is how it looks on the indside.



The only other sewing project is this knitting bag. Not my usual choice of colours (it was won in a giveaway one time) but it was just an experiment really. I have fabric to make another one now that I'm happy with the changes I made to the size which is loosely based on this tutorial



I've been doing a lot of knitting so the bag has been put to good use and I have quite a few finishes. I know not everyone that visits here is interested in knitting so further details of any of the projects can be found on my Ravelry page

Akoya Cardigan


Hitchiker Shawl



Vanilla Latte socks



A Noble Cowl



My interest in spinning continues although I am still very much a beginner teaching myself from books and videos.
This is my latest attempt and probably the best to date although I have a long way to go to get a yarn of a consistent thickness.



and this is the next braid I will attempt to spin



So I think that's it. All that remains is for me to wish you a very happy Christmas if you are celebrating it and happy crafting in 2014. Thanks for visiting my blog and your continued friendship over that past year.

Margaret



41 comments:

Yvonne W said...

I am so impressed with your Christmas things-- love that snowman, The knitting-- that cardigan would have taken me years to complete, and I cannot believe you can spin as well! What a talent!
Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

Sheryl said...

Hi Margaret. What a lovely collection of things. I love your candle mat, the fabric is very pretty and the snowman ornament delightful. Happy Christmas

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Beautiful work Margaret!
I love the snowmen ornaments and your bags are beautiful!
Really, really love all your knitting, your cardigan is gorgeous and your shawl and cowl...well all of it really! :)
I hope you have a really wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing what you stitch up in 2014!!!
V xxx

Mii Stitch said...

A great post full of goodies! I love that snowman ornament finish you did with the SAL & that beautifully finished sewing case!!! I'm so jealous :) Have a lovely Christmas holiday & hope to read you again in the New Year x

Cindy said...

Everything looks wonderful! Such beautiful knitting too! It makes me want to get out my needles, but it would take a lot of practice to get back to doing anything like your things:) I think your yarn is beautiful also. That is something I have always wanted to try.
Have a Merry Christmas!

Margaret said...

Wow! Everything is just lovely! And your knitting and spinning! That yarn looks pretty perfect to me! And the knitting is gorgeous! Love Ravelry!

Abby and Stephanie said...

You are multi-talented and everything is so neat. I love your snowmen ornaments and those buttons are perfect on your little sewing bag. Wowzer...that hank of yarn looks like it was purchased from a shop. I know nothing about spinning but you did a gorgeous job. Now to see what becomes of these beauties. Your finished yarn projects are very impressive. Wishing you peace and joy and the Happiest New Year!

Nancy said...

Beautiful projects Margaret! The candle mat is such a pretty idea, and I think your snowman turned out perfect! Your knitting skills are amazing!

Vickie said...

Yes! You are very talented! Beautiful. Merry Christmas.

Jenn M said...

Lots of lovely things - I'm not surprised you have had no time for blogging! I visited the French site you mentioned and spent a good thirty minutes just ogling away! I especially love your spun yarn - that is something I really have to see someone do as I just can't get my head around how it's possible to go from roving to yarn.
Have a wonderful holiday and I look forward to your creative makes in the new year!

Jenn @JennsCraftyWorld

Manuela said...

Wonderful works.
Lovely christmas ornaments and the bag looks fantastic.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Manuela

Chookyblue...... said...

lovely sewing as usual............thanks for being part of the SAL too......Merry Christmas..........

angelasweby said...

Even when you have a hundred things going on in your life, Margaret, you still manage to produce the most beautiful work. You really are a gifted talent needleworker whether it's a cross stitch needed, a sewing needle or a knitting needle.
I adore that little freebie whimsical snowman and tipsy tree :-) and the candle mats are beautiful. I knew that pretty fabric would be put to good use.
Your knitting is amazing. I love the hitchikers shawl and the cowl so snug for the winter months. Amazing spinning too.
I can't tell you how much pleasure I get from your blog :-)

Caz said...

Love the sewing bag,, and the yarn you have spun is gorgeous!!!

Carol-Ann said...

Whether it be cross stitch, patchwork, knitting or spinning everything is such a delight, a great reveal.

Ellen said...

Just love everything, they are gorgeous! My favorite is that candle mat, beautiful embroidery and that fabric is wonderful!

Enjoy your spinning, that yarn is gorgeous!

Happy Holidays!

Hugs,

Barb said...

You have been super busy with so many beautiful projects!

sigisart said...

Dear Margaret,
always when you are posting I am so impressed what you are working. Such a lot of wonderful things you did!!!
I wish you and your family a Happy Christmas ans see you in 2014...
Hugs
sigisart

Andrea said...

You have been busy. Everything looks wonderful. Love your ornaments and bags.
Have a very Happy Christmas and I look forward to visiting again in 2014.

Giovanna said...

Lovely finishes - well done, and Merry Christmas!

Karen said...

You've been very busy and everything is so beautifully done! Merry Christmas!

Coco Cross Stitcher said...

Such fabulous finishes and well done. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and all the best for the new year
x catherine

Lesleyanne said...

So many gorgeous finishes.

Carol said...

I may not knit, Margaret, but I am so enthralled with your latest projects. That cardigan is absolutely lovely--I adore it!! You are so lucky to have multiple crafts that you enjoy and do so well.

Love your little stitchings, too--so cute and nicely finished :)

I always look forward to your new posts, Margaret--I hope you keep blogging even if it is just now and then :) Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas!

Sally said...

A wonderful post Margaret. It's lovely to see you posting again. Love your Christmas finishes.

Merry Christmas!

Lili said...

Hello!!
So many beautiful projects!!

Merry Christmas!!
Hugs,
Lili

Sheila said...

I don´t know where to start...I love everything you ever make! That cardigan is as professional as one made on a machine...love it.
And love the snowman, and tree and....EVERYTHING!!! As always :)
Look forward to seeing you soon...hugs xx

Anonymous said...

Now, I love the cardigan, impressive job there, and the hitchiker shawl, a real beauty. Well done ! Didn't know you were a knitter as well as a quilter and a stitcher (and a card maker, thank you :-)).
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, plenty of happy moments.
Val

Karoline said...

All your finishes are gorgeous, love the colours in your Hitchhiker.

Have a lovely Christmas

Anne said...

Gorgeous knitting Margaret! Love the shawl! Beautifully finished ornaments too! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

Crafty in the Med said...

lots and lots of smashing makes Margaret!
Wishing you and yours a magical Christmas time...Merry Merry Christmas!

Amanda x

Tammy said...

I cannot get over your knitting!!!!!!! All your projects, the stitching, knitting, spinning, are just mind boggling! I am fascinated with spinning-your newest one looks great. Congratulations to you!

Brigitte said...

All your projects - be it knitting, sewing or stitching - are truely perfect. No matter what you start, everything turns out so beautiful. And you even started spinning. I'm very curious to see what other talents you still have :)

Wishing you a good and healthy new year 2014!

Anonymous said...

Lovely finishes!!!!
Happy new year
Françoise

Penny said...

You always have so many fabulous pieces to look at! The snowman ornament is adorable - thanks for sharing the link! Your knitting is just gorgeous! As much as I would love to be knitter, I just don't know if it will ever happen. :) I don't know how I miss your posts, but am always happy to hear from you! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Lynn B said...

Hi Margaret,

Oooo there are some gorgeous projects here, in particular the knitting, you have done such a lovely job! I am into knitiing at the moment but I am not as experienced as you, I am trying to improve my knowledge in this area.
Love all of your finishes as always.

Happy New Year.

Best wishes

Lynn B

Jeanne said...

Good to hear from you Margaret. It's hard to keep up with this blogging isn't it. You have been busy as usual I see. Gorgeous finishes - that sweater you made is awesome. I never really got into the knitting bug luckily as I'm already overwhelmed with stitching and quilting stash LOL. I hope you have a great 2014 with lots of fun projects.

Paula said...

I always find your makes really inspiring as they are so beautiful. My passion is knitting and I have also started spinning with a drop spindle. I am no expert and fear taking the yarn from the spindle on to the next stage so as yet I have just kept going. Seeing your finished product though has urged me on to go for it. I too have several books on the subject and bought my kit from a medieval fayre a year or so ago. Happy New Year.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Dear Margaret, All your work is most beautiful. Love it. Your knitting projects are most impressive and lovely. We are having the most dreadful Winter. 2 feet of snow and blustery winds that would blow you away. All schools closed for 2 days this time around.. Please send me warmth from Spain.. Hugs Judy

Ulla's Quilt World said...

So lovely! :)
Greetings from Finland!
Hugs, Ulla

Diana said...

I love all your finishes have a wonderful February too.