A large project

I didn't think it would be but this took ages. In my stash I have had two pillowcases for a very long time. Over the years I have had many ideas but never really got anything started.

When our daughter got married I did think of stitching Mr & Mrs for their wedding night.... but again I didn't get started.

This year was their second anniversary, I'm not sure where those months went. The gift for a second anniversary is cotton so guess what came to mind, the pillowcases.

But what to stitch? Earlier this year our daughter and son-in-law bought their first house and on one visit she showed me a green lampshade for their bedroom so at least I had a colour idea. 

I know she likes leaves and was so pleased to spot this chart on etsy. It was a wedding sampler and too big but I was hoping the leaf tips would work.

Savanna was very good and although I didn't use it she did chart Philippa and Michael for me so I can always use it on another project.

I used the colours as Savenna had designed and had a rye smile as our daughter and son-in-law started painting their bedroom in near exact same colours.

The leaves took ages to do, I hadn't really looked at how much there was to do. My super Hubby flipped the chart so the pillowcases matched and I added a few to each edge as the chart wasn't quite long enough. 

I finished just in time for their visit, I was really pleased how they turned out and the Anniversary Couple loved them.

A special September

Firstly I would like to thank Rachel for hosting Fully Finished Objects and Jo for hosting Gifted Gorgeousness and so many brilliant blog hops. This September marks a change for me and one change is I'm no longer participating in blog events BUT will be (hopefully) posting more throughout each month, huge thanks Rachel & Jo for your blog event hosting I've really enjoyed them.

So why is this September so special .... well Wednesday 10th was my 60th birthday, I'm not quite sure how I made it here, there's been a few close shaves especially in my fifties but I'm still going.

I've had a fantastic birthday, starting early with a celebration a few days before with my friends and close family. My Hubby, daughter, son-in-law, son and girlfriend decorated the house including putting up my late Dad's scouting pennants in the garden. My daughter designed my beautiful cake and treated me to breakfast out; with her living a couple of hours away we rarely get time for just us.

My early celebration was a great afternoon with friends enjoying bubbly and cake in the garden thanks to it being a sunny day. This was followed by a super meal at a local Turkish restaurant where my elder relatives joined us. 

For my actual birthday Hubby and I took a trip to Ireland, staying in England on the way and Wales on the way back, so quite a tour. I'll be writing about our adventures in my other blog Wine, food and travel with Clare. I have already posted about our English stay in Chester and turning 60 in Dublin and will soon post about the other places we visited.

I have had so many beautiful cards and gifts, everyone has been so kind and generous. I took my cards and non-alcoholic pressies to open in Dublin and our room had the perfect window sill to put them out, quite a collection. There were more cards and gifts waiting here when we came home. I've been a little overwhelmed with everyone's kindness; our son and girlfriend's gifts included a beautiful locket, and our daughter and son-in-law's a smart watch, gifts I will certainly treasure.

So as you can see a very special September and moving on with a few changes, initially the name change of my blog. I'll be posting throughout each month with a variety of crafts including cooking & baking. I do have some stitching to share but I'll leave this post focusing on my birthday and my super family.