Short Break

Without going into detail I have some bad stuff going on in my life which means that my posts will be sporadic for a bit. 

Please bear with me. 

Easter Prarie Schooler Project 

Here is a sneak peek of my current project. I've had the Prarie Schooler Designer Series pattern for quite some time but this is the first time that I've stitched it. 

I'll show you more after Easter.

Do you recall my Crow Stitch Markers? The picture shows two in use, marking the top and bottom boundaries, I love using them!

Happy Easter

CrossedPaws Favourite

I won't be putting advertising on this blog but every now and then a product comes along with a design that deserves to be praised. So far I've praised the Siesta Lapman Frame and Craftmates Bead Storage. This time it is my craft lamp.

It was my Christmas present to myself. It can be used as a floor standing lamp or as a desk lamp. It has very bright day light bulbs, a magnifier, a little holder which I use to hold my Tree of Life Needle Case and a clamp to hold a pattern. 

I tried it as a table lamp but I couldn't get comfy and ended up with backache. 

I prefer to use it as a floor standing lamp. The stalk is flexible so I can easily get comfortable and then position it beside me so that I can see through it comfortably and still stitch, cuddle CrossedPaws and watch television. 

It just takes a while to extricate myself without upsetting CrossedPaws if the doorbell goes!  

It makes stitching on linen so much easier! I plan to try 1*1 on 32 count soon. 

It was very reasonably priced compared to other similar items and it also fit better with my decor.

Third Blackwork Cushion Cover

This has got to be the most relaxing thing to stitch ever! 

I also love the result! 

See below. 

I now have one pillow left to stitch. 

Beautiful Blackwork Pillows

Some time ago, on a trip to Ironbridge, I found four kits for beautiful blackwork cushion covers. I loved them so much that I bought them all. 

So far, I've stitched three and finished two pillows. 

This just shouldn't happen!

What you are looking at is one of my gold needles that has just broken mid-stitch. 

The smaller piece is the eye hole for the thread. The larger piece is the remainder of the needle including the point. It is pictured on the inside of my Crow Project Folder. 

How did this happen? 

I was actually using it when it broke. It just snapped suddenly and unexpectedly mid-stitch.

Berry Stitch Markers ~ Count Twice, Stitch Once

Unpicking stitches is no fun. 

I am a firm believer in counting twice and stitching once. To make the chore more fun I've made some pretty Berry Position Markers. This way, I count, I pin, I check, I stitch.

They are made from silver plated Stick Pin Brooches with caps, silver plated findings and glass beads including a glass berry bead.

Arrgh, I've just noticed that one of the clear glass beads has slipped. I'll have to get the my jeweller's cement out!