An exchange, a reveal, a treat and a WINNER !!

The weather here at the moment is beautiful - sunny days with the occasional shower (usually when I'm walking Ruby) but the garden is springing into life.

It was Opening Day yesterday for the first part of the Four Season's Exchange on Needlecraft Haven. This exchange happens for each season and members can sign up for as many as they like; all seasons, just one, or any two. There is no set finish but the design must be based on spring.

Alison was my partner, my parcel had arrived a few days ago so I had it hidden out of temptation until yesterday. Had I known the beautiful gift inside I would have had it open days ago - Alison stitched a beautiful blackwork pin cushion with beading - it's so intricate.

Blackwork pin cushion from Alison

My partner was Ursh who lives next door so my postie was Hubby early one morning on his way to work. I stitched a needleroll based on a Sweetheart Tree design. I changed the rose colours to yellow for spring.

Needleroll for Ursh

I like doing season themes; the summer exchange is now open for sign ups so that will be my next exchange - after the Easter one of course, but that is stitched ready to post.

The March Christmas Ornament Challenge has been revealed - this month Christine chose a snowman by Jura Point de Croix. It was a larger design and some stitchers chose to do it over one but I used 28 count. It is large but I didn't intend it to hang on the tree. The snowman gave me a little trouble for no reason but now he's done I love him.

March Christmas Challenge

Sunday was Mother's Day and we had quite a weekend. Philly came home from Uni on Friday night and Saturday we took both my Mum and stepdad and Hubby's Mum and partner out for lunch. Luckily Michael was off shift for the afternoon so we were a table of 8 - all the family together.

Sunday I was spoilt with Hubby buying me some beautiful tulips and a bottle of my favourite wine 'Sancerre'. Michael also bought me wine - a bottle of Wishbone sauvignon blanc - a new wine to me so that will be a great experience. Philippa bought me a beautiful engraved mirror for my handbag - it reads

When we're apart you're still in my heart. I love you always Mum x x x x

 

We popped into town and of course called into The Abbey as Michael was working - I insisted on a few selfies:

My gorgeous girl

Best bartender ever !!

 

My lovely Hubby Nick

My tulips from Hubby

 Back home Hubby made a lovely buffet which although it was a sunny day we decided to eat indoors. But not before we enjoyed the sun to taste and review a bottle of champagne I was sent by Tesco. I often get chosen to be one of their tasters - I must be getting it right, and it's quite an enjoyable task.

Michel Gonet Champagne

Stitching wise I am back on track with my rotation although I do have a small gift to get finished by Friday and another one to do as soon as possible. I have started September (The Drawn Thread) and tomorrow night is Santa's village. We are away this weekend but I will take my UFO Angel Blessings as there is not much to do - I might not do any as we're going to a wine tasting (bit of a recurring theme going on) but I'll be very annoyed if I get time and have not taken anything.

AND so to my Blogoversary giveaway - thank you to everyone who asked to be included - 14 bloggers in total, some well known acquaintances, some new friends who I hope will visit again.

All 14 went into the hat and the lucky lady is ...........

Bev C of Kainga Happenings out in Australia

I have yet to chose the items as they will be from my stash so I keep my no spend on Stitch from Stash but I'll be drawer, box and cupboard hunting in the next few days and sending a parcel to the other side of the world.

Thank you for calling by and sharing my news - happy stitching x x x