April Smalls

It's me ... I'm still here, just not so chatty at the moment, apologies for not keeping up with everyone's news.

Mary at Mary's Thread is the lovely host of the Smalls SAL. On the last Friday of the month we share our small stitching items that we have completed but not necessarily fully finished. 

Thank you Mary for hosting this great SAL, it's a super way to see everyone's little stitching. 

I have a small this month, and it really is small. I have made a hardanger heart for the church tree. It was a trial one and I didn't follow any chart. I'll probably do a few more of these and a few bigger ones. 

Quite a few years ago I made a hardanger tutorial blog ... here's the link, it might help understand the stitches a bit for anyone wanting to give it a go.

I will have some FFO and GG stitching next month, hopefully I can catch up blog reading too.

Gifted Gorgeousness in April

The 15th of each month means it's Gifted Gorgeousness time, the time each month when we share our latest gifts. These can be gifts given or received, or any item made using fabric, threads, buttons, ribbon, chart, backing fabric that has been gifted.

This great idea is hosted each month by the lovely Jo at Serendipitous Stitching,  if you visit her blog you'll find the links to everyone's Gifted Gorgeousness posts. Thank you Jo for hosting another year of GG, it's great fun posting and reading.

My first GG is a selection of threads and fabric that I bought using a gift voucher and will be used for a very special gift .... I can't say anymore ssshhhh!

My next GG is from DJ, I love it. Hardanger isn't something DJ does very often and it is a style of stitching that requires checking a lot as a stitch out of line causes cutting problems. This is so beautiful, super work DJ, thank you so much it will look lovely on the church tree.

My friend Julie sent me some Lizzie Kate charts, totally unexpected, they brightened my day and will be stitched once time allows. Julie also sent a Blackwork Needle Book chart from Serendipity Designs, thank you so much Julie, you're very kind. 

I had another surprise parcel the day after Julie's had arrived. I organised an Easter Exchange for the members of Needlecraft Haven but this year I didn't join in, I just didn't have time. Mary very kindly stitched an ornament for me and sent it with a beautiful stitched card. Thank you Mary you are so kind to stitch for me too.

I'm a few days late posting as we have been away for the weekend but it's lovely to have gifts to share ... back to secret stitching.

Fully Finished Objects in April

 

Rachel, Ten Hour Stitcher, hosts Fully Finished Objects, a super chance for us to show and tell about the crafty items we have completely finished. Thanks Rachel, it's a great way to see how much stitching I have done, especially this year as most of my projects are large and it's easy to think I'm not doing much, like just now. I've started a large intricate project, two weeks in and it's going ok. 

I have two finished objects but they are for a very special occasion later this month, our nephew's wedding. I'll be sharing in May with hopefully a few wedding photos too. 

It would be easy to not post but Rachel is so kind to host this I feel I should say something ... even if that's actually about nothing.

I'll sign off with a photo of the chocolate swiss roll I made for Easter, I hope you had a chocolatey time too. 

Blog Hop and Easter Greetings

It's Blog Hop time - organised by the lovely Jo at Serendipitous Stitching the idea is to hop around everyone's blog following the links and discover the letters to reveal a hidden sayings. 

My letter is ... 

Jo asked us to share some Easter stitching so here's my Easter tree, full of ornaments I have received over many years. 

Keep my letter safe and hop over to https://lecoeurceltique.blogspot.com/ for the next one. 

My Grandmothers twig is safely in her jug (it's a branch from a twisted hazelnut tree that was in her garden and then ours before it grew too big and had to be removed, but I saved a branch) and is adorned with eggs. Our sideboard has an array of Easter decorations including two chocolate bunnies that I can't wait to enjoy and two knitted baskets from a charity giving box in aid of Ukraine. 

Wishing you all a very happy Easter, enjoying plenty of goodies and time with those you love. 

Tulip tip : pass a pin through each stem just below the flower head and they stay up straight!