update in time for christmas

beaded flower. really lovely

It has been several months since I have posted but I have been updating photos on my instagram account. In October I attended the Inpsirations sponsored stitching retreat "Beating Around The Bush" for the 10th Anniversary, with my sister. This was a fabulous week of three stitching classes - whitework with Jenny Adin-Christie, beading with Hazel Blomkamp and crewel embroidery with Margaret Light. I will endeavour to put photos of my work on here.

Ayrshire Whitework with Jenny Adin-Christie

one side of my needlecase

the whole experience was loads of fun and I really enjoyed meeting some teachers that i have read about and also discovering another aussie city in a new light. We went to the South Australian guild rooms and it would have been great to have had longer as it was so much to see.

Stephanie came over to join us for three days so we had fun driving around, visited barossa valley and Maggie Beer's farm and got the photo as well.

Quarterly Update

 Its been a busy few months and I have taken to working with felt for some of the time. A friend made the most delightful bookmark with a ladybird for me so I have taken this to a whole new level and created several for sale. These are at Percy's Place in Stratford or Eltham Honey as well.

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These crosses were created for a friend who is visiting South Africa and wants small gifts to take with her. I am sure the recipients will be delighted and will use them every day.

Unicorn - created for a granddaughters birthday 

 Bumblebees - did you know they are in short supply and one of my best friends has a honey business "Eltham Honey". These are for her to sell or keep, whichever she wants.

Mickey Mouse, the Owl, Cup of tea and hearts have all been done as presents for friends and family so I have the patterns and can create more as I go.

I have found a new way of stitching on felt and it is really neat and makes a nice edge. I also put a stiff lining so they should keep their shape for a while.

Next finish after 18 months is the Laura Perin Christmas Wreath. This is stitched using my stash threads and it has been loads of fun. I am hoping to mount it in a circle as a wreath that I can bring out each year. Hoping to get it finished in time for the November Art Society exhibition.

Latest starts. We have collected a number of these small bags from Air New Zealand over the years and I have been using them as small project bags. I saw a bigger one decorated in the style of Sue Spargo, so thought I would have a go. Here is the first bird one with pieces stitched and pinned ready to go. I am now ready to finish this one and will post it when done.

Busy months

Fiona's Birthday present. A project pocket.

Been a busy month so far with a few projects completed and others on the go. I made a project pocket for Fiona's birthday in this really lovely fabric and have a small needlebook to make to go with it. She was delighted with it so I was pleased.

Book marks for sale at Percy's Place

Next projects finished are more items for sale at Percy's Place. I have made about five book marks and have a couple more to make. I am hoping that these sell at the gallery as they have been fun to make but very time consuming.

I have also finished three perpetual poppies for Rhonda to sell, these are a new design shape from using the fluffy poppy that I made for myself last year. Hopefully these will be popular as well. It is coming up to ANZAC Day here in New Zealand so they should sell.

ANZAC Perpertual Poppy

 My last lot of crafting this month has been making some cards as I did not have any left. I needed a sympathy card and Jessica (from inkitupwithjessica.com) had a card which inspired me. I cut ten cards using purple and green card stock from my stash (so not the same colours as Jessica's) but go together okay. I used one of my favourite stamp sets for the flowers and also sassy saluatations for a couple. The top left card is from Jessica's web blog so I hope that she likes what I have done. I still have about five sets cut out to do but will make them another day.

Cards from recent day making. Top left was the inspiration card.

last project for the month is the Italian Love Affair for our embroidery guild. I am over half way with the Perugia embroidery and will start the Deruto next rather than the Byzantine one.

Will post pictures another day.

Anyway - one day left of the holiday break then a public holiday and back to work. My week off has become three days this holidays, but I have had time with friends and family so that has been good.

Houston. The kiwi is coming

Jan 10: a busy day. Up early and washing on even thought the weather looked dodgy. Meeting with Marilyn at the bank sorting out the parents took a while but no we are sorted. Got home and tried to do the final jobs but it all took a longer time than in the past. Packed the bag and only about 16 kegs so through a couple of extra things in. Weight at np, was 18.6 so very pleased. Got checked right through and up to lounge when I discovered that the the phone was on the bedroom floor. Amazing the staff at New Plymouth especially Gavin and managed to get hold of Marilyn a don get it back to me. I owe her big time now. A great flight to Auckland sitting next to a teacher from NPGHS. interesting discussion about the departures amongst the staff. 

Lounge in Auckland is very nice especially as it has a view now and so good. Enjoyed a peach Bellini and snacks as well as ordered a coffee on my app. Woohoo for technology. Looking forward to the upgraded flight and enjoying a couple of movies and a nice sleep. 

Weather forecast for Houston is currently 11deg so here’s hoping it gets no colder. 

Hopefully this is my plane