** Time for stitching **

At last I have had time to just chill - and I have spent today sorting out my 2010 cross stitch projects - now that's what I call a good Boxing Day :)

So here are the things I'm doing next year:

St Lawrence's Tree Festival - my theme is 'symmetry'

I have decided to stitch ornaments they are vertically symmetrical (so if you put a mirror down the centre the image will be the same both sides. I have found some designs from World of Cross Stitching Xmas Cards booklet. I'm starting with the filigree designs and am using Maderia metallic thread 4022 & 4065. I'm using up my small bits of fabric and am using 28ct Quaker Cloth in white for my first few. I am doing this as part of the Christmas Design SAL

Travelling Stitcher

I have joined Chris' SAL and my chart pack arrived just before Chrismtas from Polstitches. I found some natural linen fabric in the attic stash which I think is 30ct (well it has too many holes for 28ct and not quite enough for 30ct) The floss came with the chart, it's Crescent Colours and I've used my floss ring for the first time to keep them tidy :)

Little House Needleworks SAL

I have also joined this SAL, you may have seem my first three ornaments although I have not finished them yet. I have not stitched Fa La La which is the first official ornament as my chart did not arrive from US. Hopefully it is in the Christmas post and will arrive soon. The next chart is on it's way so fingers crossed that arrives and I can get stitching. I have chosen 28ct Quaker Cloth in Natural to do these ornaments, hopefully I will have enough to do them all but if not then I'll just have to go shopping - won't that be a shame ;)

Stitch and Stash - 2010 Round Robin

I am organising this on the Stitch and Stash forum. There are 5 stitchers so far. I have decided to do another table topper and have spent a lovely afternoon browsing the internet for charts. I've decided on Lizzie Kate's Autumn, Spring, Summer and Winter Baskets, along with her Friends of all Seasons. I am using Zweigert 28ct Jubilee in Antique White and will be asking my fellow robins to use DMC floss. I have an idea of the layout but will make a final decision when the charts arrive.

My other project is the 2010 Weekly SAL on which I hope to finish my St George, and maybe the two Christmas designs I did not finish this year.

We had a lovely day yesterday with the family here for dinner, everyone loved their gifts and I was so lucky to have an iPod Touch from DH, DS and DD. They had even had the back engraved "Clare Hearnden - With Love Nick, Michael and Philippa x x " - it was such a special thing to do.
Thank you to all my friends for the lovely gifts, especially Julie, Karan and Brenda. I have loads of choccies which I will have to ration to keep on Slimming World - I lost another 1.5 pounds last week which means just 1 pound t go to my 2 stone - but I think Christmas will delay it a bit :)

Just a few photos to finish with - and to wish you all a very

HAPPY NEW YEAR

All of us at the bowling Christmas Eve

Ruby and her new toy

My chocolate cake and Michael's gingerbread house - yum yum.

Season's Greetings - God bless

Merry Christmas

to you all - I hope you all have a wonderful festive time.

I have not sent many cards this year but have instead added to my charity fund on Aimetu's Stitchery

We've had a wonderful Christmas Eve tea - homemade pizza and curly fries LOL and we are just off to Lakeside for a couple of games of bowling. Now Michael and Philippa are older we always go bowling Christmas Eve to start the festivities. Here's our Eve table; I'll take one tomorrow too - I love setting the table.

Tomorrow we have Dad, Mum and my step-dad here for dinner. All the gifts are ready and the food is waiting - I've even managed to cook Ruby some special biscuits.

I have also been stitching - I've done some work on Christmas Tidings which I am hoping to finish over the hols - although I also have to do some work on St George, plan my Round Robin, set up my Travelling Stitcher and sort out my ornament plans for next year's tree - it will be called Symmetry so all my ornaments will be virtically symmetrical :)

Have a wonderful festive time, love to you and your families, God bless.

Peaceful Sunday

I had a great day yesterday - we took dad to the church to see the trees and met Julie and her DH there too :) My mum and step dad were also there, as was my god-mother (dad's cousin) and another one of dad's cousins and her daughter. It was quite a family affair LOL. Julie always comes over - it's great to meet up and chat.

I have managed to do some of my Christmas Wishes stitching - first time in months LOL. But I have realised that it is stitching that gives me a headache in the morning - I think it is connected to my right shoulder and neck and is to do with the actual action of stitching. I am trying a hot wheat bag whilst I am stitching and am going to try some ibruprofen gel too. I'm seeing my specialist on Wednesday so will ask him if he has any ideas. I have thought this before and did at one time try to stitch left handed. I have joined 2010 Weekly SAL thanks to seeing it on Karan's blog. The UFO night on Stitch and Stash was really good but I couldn't always stitch on the nominated day so I thought this SAL would be better as it gives me a week to stitch - I'll be working on my St George.

Ruby is improving but it is very slow work. People who visit say she is getting better but there is still a way to go. I do however hear of other people's dogs and their habits which make Ruby seem like an angel LOL. So far she has ripped a stuffed reindeer and Friday she ate a bauble from the tree - glass one but DH said she crunched it up well. Yesterday she started eating the cotoneasta berries - I hope they are not posionous. I have baked her some doggie bisuits which look ok but I will not be eating them as they are tuna flavoured. All ingredients from my store cupboard with no colours or flavourings so she should be ok.

And what about Strictly I am so pleased for Chris - he certainly travelled the longest distance on the learning curve - a perfect pair - Congratulations Ola and Chris :)

So our perfect Sunday is hair cut day - our hairdresser is just doing dad then I'm the last one. Lunch is always at the pub in haircut Sunday - and then this afternoon is chillin' time - just a stroll with Ruby and then staying in nice and cosy :) I just need to wrap DH's pressies for tomorrow - birthday boy :)

Have a great weekend - I hope you are all sorted for Christmas, enjoy the festivities.

God bless, Merry Christmas to you all.

Photos

I remembered the camera when we went to church on Sunday so here are some more photos of Miss-tree and the beautiful trees at St Lawrences.

Miss-tree

Miss-tree, Philly (DD) and me

Nick's mum, me and Philly

The church

Thanks to everyone who stitched an ornament - I'm just sorry you can't all see it in person, the scent alone is fantastic.

Merry Christmas

Miss-tree and dad

Long time no post - sorry, life has been a bit hectic. School is busy, Ruby is just Ruby and I am feeling a little tired. Anyway....

tonight we have been to church and put up Miss-tree. I forgot my camera but did manage to take a photo on my phone. We are back there Sunday so I will take the camera then. Thank you so much to everyone who sent an ornament - Maria's arrived yesterday and I need to take a close up photo at church. Thanks Maria it's gorgeous.

Last Monday was my dad's 83rd birthday and we took him to the Cross Keys Ghurka restaurant. It was a lovely meal and we had taken a small birthday cake which they brought out accompanied by birthday music. It was so funny when they brought out the knife to cut it - not a knife a splendid Ghurka sword. Again the photo is on my phone but as you can see dad was very happy.

A few weeks ago the Head of English and I took 12 students to the Town Hall to take part in a Public Speaking competition. This is quite a new thing for our school and not something our students would normally consider doing. They were absolutely brilliant and our Team B actually won :) we are soproud of them. The local press came to school this week to take some photos, and the write up is in tonight's paper.

I have a very busy weekend - we're out tomorrow with my school colleagues, Saturday we're at a friends for dinner and Sunday MIL is coming for Christmas dinner as they will be away for the festivities.

I have finished 'Peace' for the Little House Ornies SAL, it's a Country Cottage Needleworks design from Just Cross Stitch Christmas 2007. I've stitched it over one; this is my third over one ornament and I'm really enjoying it. I'm not sure what I'm going to pick to do next, if I get any time before Christmas.

I hope you are all ready for the festive season, happy stitching.

SAL ornament finished

I have had a really busy week. Unfortunately two members of our English teaching team have been off sick so I have had to cover their classes. It was very stressful as I have never covered lessons before and all the admin (like taking the register and using the smart boards) was new to me. Although I was a teacher and am quite happy teaching I found all the setting up and admin duties very tiring. It was a huge physical jump for me too :(

I have not done anything this weekend. Yesterday we had a dog behaviourist come round to help with Ruby. She was expensive but good and we have a few new strategies to try, although both DH and I are struggling to lower our voices enough when telling her off. One thing she did say was to change her food from processed dog food (we were using James Wellbeloved) to ordinary food so Ruby now has porridge and apple for breakfast (same as mum LOL), carrots instead of biscuits for snacks and real meat for tea. Tonight she has had raw liver, cooked potato and cabbage - so now I'm cooking for 5 LOL

DS and DSGF went to Bognor Regis last week for a few days to stay with her nan - and DS is now eating meat - hurrah he might put some weight on now as he is sooooooooooooo skinny and not that healthy.

Today has been haircut day so I have done nothing again. I really needed a quiet weekend as my arms and legs were not right after the busy times and stress of last week at work.

I have managed to finish stitching my first ornament fro the Little House Ornies SAL I have done Country Cottage Needleworks 'Let it Snow' from the JCS 2008 Christmas Issue. I stitched it over one as I have fallen in love with this method - because it is so small I changed the snowflakes to DMC Perlescent Effects E3747. (The picture is sideways again - can anyone help?)

I'm going to do Peace (same designer) next - it's from JSC 2007 Christmas issue - and again I'm going to do it over one.

Have a good week, happy stitching.

TUSALand waggy walk

It's TUSAL day so here's my collection

It is finally growing again as now Ruby is quieter I can stitch yippee. She knocked over my original jar so MIL bought me this gorgeous bonbon jar from the charity shop - I love glass.

We've had our certificate today from The Dog's Trust for our sponsored walk. Thanks to everyone who sponsored us - we raised £100.

This is Philly's dress she has designed and made for her textiles GCSE. The photo doesn't show it off really, it's stunning.

I'm not posting much tonight as I am quite tired. I had to cover a teacher's classes today which I enjoyed (I used to teach and it's nice to be back in control of the class) but I'm out of practice so am completely exhausted LOL.

Off for a night of stitching :)

Snowman fa la la

I've been off sick for two days so managed to get some stitching done :) I've had a go at one over one because I am planning to do my SAL ornaments like that for the Little House Ornaments SAL

It's a Plum Pudding Needleart design and is a freebie.

Fa la la by Plum Pudding Needleart

fabric : 28ct evenweave in ecru

floss: DMC 310, 729, 761, 815, 3051, 3828, 3853, B5200

If anyone can tell me why some of my images turn sidewides once uploaded I'd be very grateful - they are always the right way round on my harddrive and some (like this one) have never been rotated.

Happy stitching

HD - my new design is finished :)

I've finished my new design - it's a whitework candle ornie:) Margaret from CrissXStitches in Wales asked if I could teach whitework (last year I taught hardanger for one of her workshop days), so I have designed this candle ornie. I wasn't ready to take it to Wales last week so I'm posting it to her this week - I hope she likes it and asks me to teach again. I've decided to call it 'Elegant in White'.

It's been a busy week at school - I don't think there will be any changes to my wages until next year, phew. Every Friday someone brings in goodies to make lunchtime exciting. I was one of the three down for this week so I made Lemon Drizzle Cake, it disappeared amazingly fast so I guess they liked it :)

I'm hoping to get stitching today on my first ornie for Little House Needleworks Monthly Ornament SAL. We have a choice of ornaments to stitch from previous copies of Just Cross Stitch Christmas issues so I'm looking forward to a cuppa and a browse this afternoon, ready to stitch tonight when watching Strictly. It's live from Blackpool tonight :) Philippa danced at the Tower Ballroom when she was 6 in a national team competition for ballroom dancing - her team came second.

I am doing ok-ish with my Slimming World diet - I lost twopounds last week which was good considering I did not stick to it too well when in Wales. This week I'm again ok-ish as in the day I'm really good but Ido struggle at night especially when DH suggests going out. Last night we went to TGI Friday's which was fabulous and I did have a salmon salad. Welldone I hear you say mmmmmmm what about the Mudslide cocktail though - Bailey's, Kahula, vodka, ice-cream and chocolate.......hanging my head now, it looks terrible written down but oh it did taste good :)

It was Bonfire Night on Thursday but as our garden is a bit smalland Ruby barks at any bang we haven't had any fireworks. Instead I bought the kids (19 and 15) some sparklers to have with their boy/girl friends. I think the photos show that you're never too old for a sparkler.

Michael (DS), Amii (DSGF), Kieran (DDBF) and Philippa (DD)

Michael, Amii and Kieran


Kieran and Philippa

I think they are off to the civic display tonight. We're staying in to watch Strictly,stitch and enjoy lamb shankfor dinner, yum yum.

Have a great weekend everyone:)

SALs and Books

I've signed up for two SALs already for 2010 LOL I think with Ruby letting me stitch quite a bit this week I have the bug !!

LHN Travelling Stitcher SAL

I haven't bought the chart yet as I'm having a good look round at all the online suppliers. I am tempted to buy the ready made bag but it is quite expensive and I'm sure with my new overlocker I can make it up myself.

Little House Needleworks Monthly Ornament Stitchalong

I'm going to do this for next years tree (yes I know - this years hasn't happened yet LOL). I don't know what theme or name but love these designs and justfancied joining the stitchalong. The charts are being sent from Down Sunshine Lane as a special offer which will add another dimension to the SAl - a postie surprise every month :)

I am busy working on my new design - as usual it's changing as it grows LOL but hopefully I can finish it today. I need to chart it up then which is the bit that takes ages. Fingers crossed I will be teaching it next summer in Wales - I really enjoyed the teaching day last year.

Although it's early for New Years Resolutions one thing I would like to do next year is have my own web site - at the moment I use my other blog for my chairty designs but it has its limitations so I might branch out into the world of web sites.

We went to Astley Book Farm on Friday - oh my I could stay there for days never mind hour. These are the books I adopted this time :

I guess the dog choice is obvious LOL; breakfast with God sounds good to me :)

Tracy Chevalier wrote "Girl with a Pearl Earring" which both DH and I loved so I couldn't leave her book behind.

Kate Morton is a new author to me but these two jumped out and it's never a good idea to buy one and not the other as when you go back it's always gone - excuses, excuses, hee hee.

and this one is for work :)

So I will have loads to do this half term.......... wellI can hope for another one can't I? I hope you all had a good Halloween; the festive fun is about to start so happy stitching.

Stitching news

At last I have some stitching news - I managed to stitch two nights running whilst we were at the caravan :) I am working on a new design, I'm quite pleased with it so far, hopefully I can show more soon, if Ruby lets me get on.

Whilst away I treated myself to World of Cross Stitch - I haven't bought an issue for a long time as I was finding it a bit samey. I was very pleased with the charts in this issue - I especially love the freebie booklet and the gorgeous Maderia thread - I can feel some Christmas stitching coming on (Ruby allowing).

Talking of Ruby she has been a little nightmare over the last few days at the caravan - heaven knows what gets into her sometimes. Today she has been "helping" me do some cleaning upstairs - I had to rescue a few things she thought she would like to use but she wasn't too bad. She has finally gone to bed - all on her own, into her cage and is lying down. I am surprised although I have had to put the radio on as she was waking and barking at any little noise. I wonder how long it will last :)

We're off out to a Chinese restaurant tonight; just me, DH and my dad. It's quite a posh one but worth it for a treat. No special occassion but dad has been unwell so we thought it would boost him up a little - not sure it will do my Slimming World much good though.

Happy stitching everyone, and enjoy half term for those of you who are off.

This week's news

It's been a bit mixed this week.

I had been waiting all week to have a meeting with our new Head (he wanted to see the five Learning Mentors altogether).We have all been worried our job roles would change, listening to other colleagues and previous meetings with senior management lead us to think this. Anyway he finally asked to see us Friday, which was a teacher training day. Worry over for now anyway - he wanted to discuss our job titles and salaries as we have to all be inline with other school (we're paid more at the moment) and he was just warning us things may change sometime next year. Although this is not really mgood news I was expecting far worse so left feeling quite relieved.

My dad has shingles so this week I have been looking after him again. He hasn't needed much really just a few more visits but it all takes time. We saw him today (you'll see later) and his rash looks much better.He is also more chirpy and not so tired. Hopefully he is well on the mend.

My weight is going up again :) I cannot seem to get back on the diet but I must. DH, Ruby and I are going the caravan for three days (yes no kids) so I'm going to really try hard and do lots of walking too.

Yesterday we went to Reading to watch London Irish v Leiester Tigers. A colleague at work had some free tickets but could not go and gave them to me. DH, DD, DDBF and I set off just before lunch - good job as the traffic was terrible, probably because of the half term hols. The match was ok but Tigers lost - I'm not sure I like seeing them in their away kit either, they look like Coventry City Sky Blues LOL. We all had a good day though :)

Today is DS 19th birthday and we've had a lovely time. MIL and her partner popped round earlier (they did not want to stay because of dad's shingles - I'm sure he's ok but they do worry). DSGF and DDBF came round as did my mum, step-dad and my dad. I cooked New York chicken with jacket potatoes and veg, and did lemon meringue pie or autumn fruits pie for pudding. We had a good laugh playing on the Wii sports and Ruby was very good. The four youngsters all get on well and it was nice to hear lots of laughter around.

No stitching news but I am hoping to get some done at the caravan - hopefully :)

Walking, stitching and resting LOL

We've done it :) We did 6 miles today for the Dog's Trust sponsored walk and have raised just over £100. I had loads of layers on because it was a bit nippy first thing - this is a photo of me and Ruby - the hat is fab it has two black ears :)

We are all tired now and for once she is lying down and having an afternoon nap - perfect for DH to watch the F1 GP (although he's nodding off too).

I have finished four more ornaments for Miss-tree - I need to look at how many I have and start getting some tinsel and other bits to add to the tree - it will soon be December LOL. There is another one but I am having trouble with my blogger account and it won't upload. For some reason too some of my photos are always on their side - they certainly aren't on my pc. I can't add to my lists either - the link stays black - if anyone has any ideas I'd be really grateful.

Hopefully now this week I can get the JA Christmas SAL up to date as I am soooooooooooooo far behind.

I have started to get the arrangements done for another meet up here in Nuneaton - it will be April 24th 2010. If anyone is interested and you want some more information just let me know.

Have a good week everyone :)

Stitch Night

It was stitch night last night at mum's - although we only meet once a month it comes round really quickly. Four of us went last night:

Mum (Jan) - working on another quilt - lots of hand quilting on a huge double quilt.

Jan - working on a silk embroidery. Jan paints the picture onto the fabric then adds embroidery.

Maureen - binding the edging ready for her Celtic Christmas project. I had got all the materials for Maureen from Sew and So so she was busy setting it all up. Her frame wasn't big enough so Jan (who lives across the road from mum) popped home and lent Maureen a larger frame.

Clare (oh that's me LOL) - another ornament for Miss-tree. I have three or four now ready for finishing so I'm hoping to get sticking tonight.

We were busy all night and couldn't believe how quickly 9.30 came. Hopefully we can find a few more people to come along and get the group going properly.

DH has been off sick this week with a terrible cold, I'm not sure Ruby made a good nurse though. She is a monkey at times. We are doing the sponsored walk this Sunday - 6 miles - so I hope the weather stays fine.

Not much more news and no photos this week, but I'll take some of the ornaments when they're done.

Have a good weekend :)

Lesleyanne is ...

the winner of my 100th post giveaway. This is her blog.

I can announce it now because she has received her parcel which I wanted to be a surprise. I did not stitch anything this time (I just cannot manage to so much with Ruby) but sent some flower charts, fabric and threads.

More news soon x x x

The winner ....

will be announced after the weekend (cos we're at the caravan again).

Could I ask everyone who entered to email me their snail mail so as soon as the winner is picked I can post off, even if I don't get chance to blog - thanks.

My email is clare@hearnden98.freeserve.co.uk

Thanks - have a good weekend everyone

Post 100 - and a great stitcher's day

I cannot believe this is my 100th post and although I have just had a giveaway I'm having another one :) I will enter everyone who replies to this blog and will be sending a little surprise gift to the person my DD picks out of a hat - good luck.

I've had a fabulous day today which is good because I've been having a bit of a stressful time which is why I've not been blogging much. Nothing really in particular just lots of stuff all at once :(.

Anyway today was a meet up here in Nuneaton organised by Lynn. All these stitchers came: Jacqui and Craig, Kathy, Chris, Tina, Hazel, Tracey, Maureen, Angie, Jan (my mum), Vicki, and Lara and her mum. We've had a brilliant day finshed off by a lovely meal in the pub. The photos say it all. Thanks Lynn it was a lovely day.


and this was my gorgeous goody bag - thanks Tina its lovely.




Last weekend DH and I went to London and had a fab time. We went to St Pauls Cathedral and climbed to the top of the dome to the Goldern Gallery. Saturday we went to a wine fair and then walked along the Thames back to the tube - it was lovely.


I received this beautiful ornament from Barbara for Miss-tree.



I have quite a few now, with a few more being made (I don't know why some of my photos are sideways,they aren't on my pc)
On the 18th October we are doing a 6 mile walk for The Dog's Trust - we'd be grateful for any donations - either on our online page or by post. The Dog's Trust helped us with our first dog and of course saved Ruby :)

Good luck with my giveaway - happy stitching.