Christine, one of the members of Needlecraft Haven, kindly runs our Monthly Challenge. At the start of the month she posts up a freebie chart she has found online for us all to stitch.
Previously the chart each month has been Christmas themed so by December we have already stitched 11 ornaments. This year Christine is alternating the theme: Christmas one month, general the next, Christmas the third and so on throughout the year.
We can use any thread, fabric and finishing but cannot show our finished item. Instead we send a photo to Christine and the last Sunday of the month she reveals the Gallery showing all our variation finishes.
As January's Gallery has been revealed today I can share my finish for this month. I stitched it on 14ct navy Aida using DMC B5200, 666 and 779. I also used DMC S800 and 35200 to add a bit of shine. The design was from La Contessa.
My other finish is a bookmark for my friend Mary. Luckily I noticed in time she would be with her family for her birthday so sent her card and gift there. I quite enjoy doing blackwork using Weeks Dye Works, the variations are more obvious in some colours but it's lovely thread to use. I used Deep Sea for Mary's bookmark.
Hubby's sister is over from US to visit his/her mum for a few days. He took Thursday off so we could take them out for afternoon tea. As MIL lives near Daventry we looked for somewhere nearby and found Whilton Locks Garden Centre. It was a lovely little place, the cafe had views across the fields and the canal marina was just across the road (although too cold for us to walk around)
Our afternoon tea was lovely: choice of sandwiches, a selection of cakes and scone with jam & cream. It was served on a large wooden board with refillable tea and coffee - very nice.
I'm hoping this week to do some more on my Bouquet Sampler as I haven't done any for a few weeks. I hope you've all had a productive first month of 2018 and it continues into the second.
9 comments:
Two lovely finishes Clare! I liked the La Comtessa design when I first saw it on her blog. The navy fabric is a great choice and I love the white trim against it. Beautiful bookmark for Mary. I have never tried blackwork with variegated threads, it does look lovely.
Enjoy your family time and your special celebration this week!
Two super finishes Clare and that afternoon tea looks scrummy
Love the ornament. The bookmark is a lovely gift.
Your version of the ornie turned out really well, Clare. Love the book mark, too.
mmmm I like the look of that afternoon tea.... yummy.
Your navy fabric really works well for the ornament finish, I really must try and stitch on darker fabrics.
Great bookmark for Mary.
x
Great work on the freebie choice. Christine really does find the best freebies. I love dark fabric too.
The tea looks wonderful too, what a nice treat.
So happy to meet you Clare on Blogger of the week. I loved all of the stitches you showed and look forward to looking through your blog. Your ornament came out so pretty and love you bookmark too. Great job! RJ@stitchingfriendsforever
Two wonderful littel finishes.
I find your blog from Blogger of the week.
Now, I am following you.
Best wishes Manuela (from Germany)
I love my bookmark, Clare and your choice of linen and threads for the La Contessa design were ideal.
It's hard to beat a cream tea for an afternoon treat when out with family or friends.
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