Boris joins the Cat Party!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

I hope you have all had a pleasant weekend? Mine has been pretty relaxed, we went out for some shopping and a meal yesterday then today I have just stitched away and watching the Bob Ross marathon on Twitch - love it!

So, as expected the next cat didn't take very long at all. After coming home yesterday evening I sat down and managed to complete all the cross stitch in the cat, then today stitched up the bowl then added the back stitch to both the cat and bowl.

I think this little guy is so cute!

So as last week this will now go away until next weekend when the next cat will be stitched - so far this rotation seems to be working out well for me.

In other news I won £50 on the national lottery! Woo! So of course that has been very wisely spent on stitching stash :)

First I picked up this PDF chart from Etsy;

It's a super geeky Fallout pattern which I plan on stitching up for me and David for our wedding. I still can't decide on what fabric to use though - I don't want anything too bright.

Next I got a few more charts I've had my eye on for a while;

This is To Have and To Hold by Country Cottage Needleworks.

Again, this is for mine and David's wedding - I know why the heck do we need two wedding pieces?! But I plan on the Fallout one been for our computer/geek room while this one will probably hang in the hall or living room.

Next was At The Met by Mirabilia. I've loved this one since I first saw it. No idea when I will stitch it though!

Lastly was A Little Luck from Lizzie*Kate. I think this is a fun little stitch and I plan on stitching this one in March for St Paddy's Day, fingers crossed this shouldn't take me too long.

I've also bought some hand dyed fabric from Crafty Kitten as she has had a sale on, but I will share that with you once it arrives.

Plan for the week? To continue on Lily!

Until next time!

Emma xo

Row of Cats and New Stash!

Good evening all

I hope you are all well and had a pleasant/productive weekend! It sure seems strange tonight how dark it is already - this clock changing business always messes me up!

Anyway, after my finish which I showed in my last post I had a look through my stash and thought about what I would like to work on next. I decided no new start, and instead to work on some Wips in the hope of getting one or two finished before the new year.

Here is how Row of Cats by Bothy Threads looked the last time you saw it.

It's been a long time since I've touched this but I've figured if I just aim to stitch one cat a week then I will get this complete by years end. So I started working on it on Saturday afternoon while rewatching House on Netflix and here is where I am now :)

I'm pleased, of all the cats in the pattern this is probably the one with the most colour changes but he stitched up pretty quick none the less.

Fingers crossed just a couple more evenings and I should have all the crosses in and the back stitch done - this is one project I back stitch as I go as each cat feels like a little finish :)

In other news I got some stash this week! I picked up the Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament magazine for this year, in the UK it's sometimes a bit of a pain to get hold of but I got mine from Patchwork Rabbit.

I have to say there doesn't seem to be as many in this years which jump out at me and scream "STITCH ME!" but thats ok, still a few that I will get done at some point - I am still stitching things from the 2012 magazine!

Is anyone elses Bloglovin' messed up? My feed hasn't updated since yesterday but I see on blogger news feed people have definitely updated? I've tried logging in and out again but still no luck.

Once my cat is complete I will be back to share that and what else I plan on working on each week.

Until next time!

Emma xo

New Start...in more ways than one!

Good evening!

I hope you are all well and had a good weekend, I don't know about you but I think this past week has flown by! Sure doesn't seem like a week since my last post!

Thank you all for your kind comments on my latest finish, it is hard to reply to them all while I am on the phone app and Ipad, I can't wait to get my own computer back again!

So, as I mentioned last week me and the MIL took at little trip last Sunday to the Hobby Crafts show in Glasgow, it was a last minute decision to go but we had good fun and both ended up coming away with some stash.

MIL is more in to crafting with felt and card, although over the years she has tried her hand at almost everything crafty!

I on the other hand was pretty limited in my choices, I only came across two stalls for cross stitch, but never mind, I still got some goodies!

First was one of the cute new kits from Bothy Threads called Sew Dinky Gingerbread House.

It looked so cute stitched up and it was a very reasonable price for a full kit so I thought "Why not?!"

Here is my progress so far;

Not much, but its a start and I am having a lot of fun with it :)

I also picked up one of those polystyrene wreaths which I have plans for, although I don't know if that will be for this Christmas or I might just have to hold off till next year!

Lastly, I picked up one of those stitched Advent Calendar kits from Pinflair, when it's finished it should look something like this...

Although again, I don't know when that is going to happen, haha :D

In other news I had a job interview last Thursday and they offered me a job on the spot! The money isn't great, nor the hours but it is better than nothing. I am still applying for other things but now at least the pressure is off to find something. I am due to start next Monday, so I will keep you updated on how that goes.

Until next time, have a good week!

Emma xx

A Stitching post...of sorts!

I hope you are all ok today and enjoying your weekend?

I named this a stitching post of sorts as I haven't actually done any stitching, but I did buy new stash! So I see that as a step in the right direction...haha!

I was rather sad to hear that Nene Thomas has decided to retire her work from the Cross Stitch community. Luckily over the years I had picked up a few I liked but there was still plenty more I could of had.

However, having recently quit my job money is tight so thanks to the sale on at the moment I settled on just one.

Corsair Daemira - Nene Thomas

This one has been on my wish list since I first discovered HAED, and has even been in my basket before checking out once or twice before. But I've always felt guilty about buying another when I already have so many in my stash.

But I knew I had to have this one before it goes away.

All of Nene's work will be retired on the 15th October, and the sale is going on until the 6th so it might be an idea for you to have a look this weekend and see if there is anythign you want too!

You can find it *Here*

Yes I am enabling here! Haha

Until next time!

Emma xx

Valentine Surprises :)

Good afternoon!

I hope you are all well and enjoying your weekend. Here it is windy and raining so I have no plans to venture out today, perhaps tomorrow when I shall go for a run!

Another successful week with the weigh in, losing another 2lbs! So that makes 12lbs since I've been on Slimming World and 25lbs total! I am very happy :)

So yesterday was Valentines day and I must say I was very spoiled this year. First, while Heaven and Earth were still having their 50% sale he bought me three charts!

I love them all, and they were all on my wish list. I have no idea when I will get to stitch any of them, but I look at it as an investment for my retirement - even if it is 40 years away! Hehe! :D

Then, once we got home these were waiting for me too :)

Later he cooked me a three course meal, with parma ham with warm ciabatta to start, followed by Steak and Chips and finished off with a chocolate millionaires shortbread dessert - YUM! Not so sure there will be a weight loss this week after all that! Haha :D

I have only stitched a little this week, and it has been on a secret project, which I can't share with you at the moment as I know the receipient reads my blog - sorry!

I would just like to say hello to all my new followers too, and thank you all for your lovely comments you leave me, I don't always seem to have the time to reply to them all these days but I do try :)

Emma xo

Knitting Finish and Goodies in the Mail :)

Good Evening!

A mid week (ish) post - I am really spoiling you :D hehe

So after I completed part two of Holly and Hearts I wondered what to do next, then on Sunday as I was having a big clear out I came across some scarf yarn I bought a while ago that I forgot I had!

So Sunday night I made a start and managed to get it finished and washed last night. I figured it would look great with my new winter coat which is red, so I thought a black scarf with a little bit of sparkle will look lovely.

You can't see the sparkle so well in the picture sadly...at least I will be warm when waiting at the bus stop in the morning - last two mornings we have had frost!

After work yesterday when I got home I had a package waiting for me and I couldn't figure out what it could be?? It was from the lovely Steph at Show and Tell! I was the lucky one chosen for a travelling pattern but she kindly included lots of goodies for me too :) Thanks Steph! :D

Look at this! How cute! Now I just have to find somewhere for it to live out of furry paws reach :)

I made a small start on the travelling pattern also, I chose the "Then" version, shouldn't take too long so keep an eye out as it will be looking for a new home soon! :)

Excuse the shadow!

Valma, I have not forgotten you, the travelling pattern will be on its way as soon as I make it up to the post office on my lunch break at work, fingers crossed the next day or so!

Until next time!

Emma xo

Busy Busy Busy

Hello everyone!

This post was planned for the weekend but somehow we are on Wednesday already.

But I have lots of news to share!

First up, here is my (late) TUSAL.

My jar is packed with threads now, perhaps next year I need to find a larger jar so I don't have to "smush" them down so much.

I had lots of nice stitchy mail this past week too. First my prize from Craftycat's giveaway arrived. The chart is lovely, as is the fabric. Never stitched on such small count but it will be something fun to try :)

I already have plans for the Christmas charms, watch this space :D

Next a travelling pattern arrived from Lanybleu Stitches. This one has visited stitchers all over the globe! Of course I will keep the tradition going once I finish it, so keep an eye out for a post if you are wanting this :)

~ Thank You So Much Ladies ~

I also got tickets for the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching show, I have never been before so I am looking forward to it. Two friends are also coming along too, although they will be looking more at the knitting side of things. We plan to take a trip to Betty's Tea Room after as well. It should be a great day.

I took part in an event on Facebook again, this time it was a surprise RAK event to celebrate the groups first birthday, I had a very generous partner who got me vouchers for both my choices! Once I have received the goodies in the mail I will share :) If you read this thank you so much!

I have also signed up to Serendipitous Stitching's Halloween blog hop. It is a great way to find new blogs and lovely to see all the stitching, you can still join in too!

I have been working away on some stitching too, but it is so close to been finished I'm not going to share a photo just yet :)

Part two of the Holly and Hearts Mystery SAL should be on its way to me soon too!

I think that is everything I had to report, Friday is my brothers wedding! I can't believe how fast that has come around, I can finally give my present to them which I finished back in August (Finished picture here).

I'm sure I will be back posting again at the weekend with photos from the wedding to share :)

Until then, have a great week!

Emma xo

Turkey and Goodies for me (and you!)

I'm back!

Did you all miss me? Hehe :D I had a great time on holiday but also glad to be home, as much as I love my Mum a week is my limit with her lol.

I'll quickly show some photos of the holiday then get on with the stitching/goodies updates...

View from our room

Turtle in the harbor at Fethiye

Rock Tombs in the Mountain - Fethiye

Fethiye Bay

Me at the Mud Bath in Dalyan

Dalyan River Delta

More Rock Tombs at Dalyan

While on holiday I got a tiny new start, its not much and I'm not telling you what it is yet :D hehe. But I want to get Darth Finished and another project started soon so it will be going away again for a while.

Holiday Start

Once back (2 am this morning!) I had some wool I ordered waiting for me! I have had some of this before and it was practically buy one ball get two free so how could I say no?

Each set came with a pattern book, and as I say I have ordered some before so I now have three extra books. Would anyone like one? If so state in a comment below you would and if there is more than three of you I will do a draw, I will keep it open until next Sunday morning (22nd). Just to make it clear, this is for the book, NOT the wool - that's all mine *evil laugh*

Today in the mail this arrived! The first part of the Lizzie*Kate Mystery Christmas SAL! I think I am going to start tomorrow (ssssh don't tell the other half!) and make Sunday my SAL Sunday from now on. I want to keep up with this one (famous last words!).

Sorry for the picture heavy post! Fingers crossed I will be back soon with some progress shots on the SAL and of course Darth, I hope to have him finished really soon!

Emma xo

Quiet Weekend

Here in the UK most of us enjoyed an extra day off thanks to the bank holiday, my only complaint is we don't have another now until Christmas!

But I made the most of it, other half was away all weekend so I stitched, shopped and did whatever I wanted all weekend, it made a nice change but I did miss him, the house seemed very empty.

After finishing the wedding gift (thank you for all the nice comments!) I started on something new. I know I probably shouldn't have done but its not a particularly big project so should be done soon enough.

This is a free pattern I found here and knew it would look great in our geek room.

Another benefit of the bank holiday was all the sales going on! I ordered lots fabric from My Fabric House and today they arrived! There was also a note in there explaining because I am a loyal customer I now get 5% off every purchase I make, how generous...just means more shopping :D

This weekend also happened to be mine and the other half anniversary (well, technically it is today, but we always just say the August bank holiday weekend) These were waiting for me when I woke up on Saturday :)

Hope you all have a great week


Emma xo

Yiota's-xstitch - My first review!

Good Evening!

I hope you are all well and looking forward to the weekend! I know I am!

I have something a little different to share with you tonight, instead of stitching progress I have a review to share with you!

I recently stumbled upon this gem of a website, I had never heard of it before, so chances are some of you might not of heard of it before too!

Yes, I am an enabler! But we all love to build our stash right? :D

So, the company is Yiotas-xstitch! It is a small, family company based in the UK, however they do ship worldwide with very cheap shipping rates so don't let that put you off my overseas friends!

They offer a wide variety of charts and kits which are available in 14ct or 16ct Aida or 28ct Evenweave which are all very reasonably priced, here are a few of my favourites...

Top L - Cottage by the Sea, Top R - Winter Veil
Bottom L - Elegant Geisha, Bottom R - Modern Heart

If you prefer to get charts over kits then not to worry, they also offer patterns available by post or email. Personally I love email charts - instant satisfaction!

So, I asked for the Modern Heart kit and two days later there is was waiting for me in my postbox when I got home from work, super fast! Perfectly packaged too, I love companies who make that extra effort to avoid damage or folding of charts.

Naturally I was like a child at Christmas so had to take a peek straight away, the kit included;

• Full Colour Picture - I find these great for reference! 
• Large Clear chart, the symbols are so easy to read
• Fabric (I picked 16ct Aida)
• Needle
• Tips and Instructions;

Then we come to the thread. Oh my. Pre bobbinated and labelled threads!! Meaning no messing around sorting them all out and I can jump straight in! Perfect!

The threads provided are Maderia, I have never used these before so it will be something different to try to the usual DMC. But not to worry if you are not a fan of Maderia, all the charts come with DMC conversions.

As you can probably tell I am really quite excited about finding this company, however I don't think my bank account will be! I see me spending my hard earned pennies here, with so much choice there is something for all tastes and ages.

If your still not sure they even have some freebie patterns on the site, which are here.

If you want to find out more they can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or their very own Blog

Now it is just a case of finding space in my rotation to squeeze it in!

I hope you all go take a look, but don't blame me if you end up spending! :D

Emma xo

*I must state I am in no way connected to Yiota-xstitch or the people working there, I simply wanted to spread the word about this company!

#90 Goodies, Stitching and Feeling Proud!

Good afternoon all! I hope you have all been well this past week, mine has been ok, which I will explain...

First up, stitching. This has gone ok, not nearly as much as last week but still a noticeable change. Here is the wedding sampler last time...

Before

And here it is now! As you can see the Groom now has his head and his other arm as well as the rest of his body, just need to stitch his hand and his champagne glass and he is done! Other than all the back stitching and French knots of course but those will be added later.

28-04-13

Another good surprise this week was the arrival of some goodies! I had taken part in an event on Facebook for Colour Cascade Fabrics, we all partnered up and sent a gift card for us to spend as we liked. Typical me I went way over the gift card amount with my shopping, but as soon as I saw the fabrics I knew it was worth it!

Rocket Queen

Oceans

Whole Lotta Love

These photos really don't do them justice, and the speed they arrived was fantastic considering they came from the other side of the world! I will definitely be shopping there again.

On Wednesday one of my best friends got a life changing phone, after months of trying she found out she has been accepted in to Brittania Royal Naval College to train to become an officer! I am so happy and proud of her, she has wanted it so long!

It is all very sudden, she finished work on Friday and leaves for Dartmouth a week tomorrow! It will take some adjusting, from seeing her at least once a week to only seeing her once every 10 weeks and I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for her partner. But we are all very supportive of her and trying to keep her calm, as she is very nervous about leaving!

With this in mind I don't see much stitching getting done this week, it could be an emotional week ahead!

Emma xx

#86 Has Spring Finally Sprung?

Well this weekend saw some sunshine in my little part of the world - hooray! The last of the snow finally melted today, and I hope that is the last I see of it until the end of the year!

It is so nice to be sat here in the evening and to still have daylight with us, I wish we were on this time zone the whole year through, it is so nice to see daylight after working all day!

This week the postman was ever so kind and brought me a surprise all the way from Portugal from the ever so sweet Nia!

Goodies from Nia :)

A little Easter lavender bunny was waiting for me, it smells so divine! Thank you so much Nia! :D

Not much stitching has been done this week, I think I have been losing my bug a little lately, I want to be outside and doing other things rather than sat inside stitching the day away.

That said a little was done on the wedding sampler

Before

I got the front wheel done and all the black in the grooms suite, really this is a pretty easy stitch I just need to get back in to the right frame of mind and I should get this done in no time!

07-04-13

I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready for the week ahead, not sure if I will be able to cope with a five day week again after all the short ones recently!

Emma xo