Topsy Turvy November - Spring

This month's TT SAL is all about Spring. I have spent a lovely time looking through all stash and online for my spring design. I did find some lovely freebie designs which I shared in my GG November post and on Facebook in the Topsy Turvy Group.

So what did I choose ... nothing. I had no inspiration at all. I only stitch things with a known outcome ... an exchange, a gift, something for our home, and I just couldn't find the right thing or right purpose.

That was until I found a UFO in my box. In 2010 I did a Round Robin with members of Needlecraft Haven. I cannot find any details about it as the forum we used is no longer available, I might still have the card I sent with my piece so I'll go hunting later.

Anyway, my piece was a tablecloth on the theme of seasons. It's beautiful stitching using Lizzie Kate's design and of course includes spring. So how am I using it in this month's Topsy Turvy, well it isn't finished, sadly it has just sat in my box. 

I have planned out my hardanger edging and made a start. This will be my work for TT SAL this month and December, but I'm not sure how much I will get finished. I hope I keep the enthusiasm and it will be on our table sometime in 2022, as you can see it's been folded up quite a while!

Gifted Gorgeousness in November

 

The 15th of each month means it's Gifted Gorgeousness time. 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.

I only have one item to share this month as many of my current gifts are for Christmas so it will be January before I can share.

October was Needlecraft Haven's Halloween Exchange, this year we had to stitch a bookmark. My stitching was for Christine and although posted on the 23rd it did not arrive in time for Opening Day on 31st October, in fact it is still with Postie.

I received a super bookmark from Justine, very effective stitching. Justine also included a book, a lovely treat. 

Susan Hill also wrote The Woman in Black and The Man in the Future. The spooks must have been working as it was also on UK tv as a drama on Halloween night although we didn't watch it.

Thank you Justine for my lovely Halloween Exchange. 

Fully Finished in November

 

Rachel, Ten Hour Stitcher, hosts Fully Finished Objects for us to show and tell about the crafty items we have completely finished. Thanks Rachel, your FFO prompt each month really helps me finish my projects instead of them still in my project folders.

I'm late posting this month, I had drafted my post before we went away but didn't have time to actually post it.

My first finish is an ornament for JCS Stitch Along on Facebook. This fun monthly SAl using the Just Cross Stitch Ornament Magazine is hosted by Jo, I'm always behind and not sure I have done all the months, this was for June.

My other two finishes are for my 12 Days of Christmas, again a group on Facebook hosted by Jo but also with the ladies at Needlecraft Haven. I can't believe we have just two months to go although I haven't even started the eleventh days yet. 

My two series are by Plum Street Samplers and Jardin Prive.

As we start November

 

It's November, blimey how did that happen. I cannot believe we have just 2 months left of 2021, what a strange year. 

My WIPocalypse plans have not always been on plan each month but it has been a good way to keep an eye on what I'm doing, and when. Here's my October plans and how I did:

• Valentine's design for TT SAL - stitched but not finished 
• 12 Days of Christmas - Ten Lords a Leaping (PSS and JP designs) - both finished 
• JCS ornament SAL - My Big Toe Designs - Merry Christmas - finished
• JCS ornament SAL  - Lisa LeAnn Designs - O Christmas Tree - not started
• JCS ornament SAL - The Little Stitcher - St. Lucy's Light - not started
• Summer and Autumn Challenge with Needlecraft Haven - not started
• Halloween Exchange with Needlecraft Haven - completed

My November plans are: 

• 12 Days of Christmas - Eleven Pipers Piping (PSS and JP designs)
• A set of Christmas gifts
• Making up a special Christmas gift
• Christmas Ornament Exchange with Needlecraft Haven
• Spring design for TT SAL 

And speaking of Topsy Turvy SAL the next theme runs over two months so a chance to do a bigger piece or just enjoy more time to finish. The TT SAL theme for November and December is Spring. 

You can join Topsy Turvy SAL on Facebook, with Needlecraft Haven or by blogging on your own blog. I'm not sure what I'm making for 'spring's but here are a few freebie designs I found:

Jardin Prive - Spring Tree

Kitty & Me - Is it spring yet?

Sarah White - Say hello to spring

The Fat Quarter Shop - Spring 

You'll also find lots of free designs on DMC web page and at Lovecrafts. There are so so many super designs it's going to be a hard choice. I have already stitched the tree from Jardin Prive, it's a lovely design. I did all four trees and change them in the frame for each season. 

Happy stitching, whether you are busy with festive designs or joining in with TTSAL, it's always so lovely to see everyone's projects and finishes.