Happy New Year!

Just wanted to say
Happy New Year!!! and I hope that 2008 brings us all everything that we wish for!!!

Where does the time go?

Well it's Boxing Day already and the festivities are over for another year. We got back from my mum's on Teeside a little while ago and now I am gearing up to go to work tomorrow.

I got some lovely gifts for Christmas - an REM live CD/DVD, the new Neil Young CD/DVD, the latest Patricia Cornwell book, a watch, choccies, Bladerunner DVD, gloves. I got lovely stitchy stuff too - the 3 coffee thread packs by LHN, some beautiful turquoise threads from my friend Jayne who also sent a silk scarf, purse and jewellery roll, thanks Jayne and from the Stitch and Stash gift exchange I received Ink Circles Cirque des Triangles, Heirloom linen by Polstitches, OWS thread and gold needles. Don't know who my partner was yet but thank you whoever you are.
I also received a beautiful pendant from Sheila - again many thanks, Sheila.

Haven't done any stitching this week but hopefully will get round to some at the weekend.

No time at all

to do anything - at least that's how it feels. I have been so busy trying to get ready for Christmas and go to work that I don't seem to be getting a lot of stitching done! I have completed Humbug by Christine of Alchemy Stitchcraft and he is hanging on my tree and I made up a couple of biscornu from stitching I did on holiday. I started stitching on my RR which starts in the New Year ( I know I'm cheating but I also know that I am getting some new charts for Christmas and I am going to want to stitch on them in the New Year!! I will share pics when I have completed my second piece of stitching for the RR
In other news DD1 passed her driving test on Wednesday - at the second attempt! So much better than me who gave up after 2 goes..lol. I think I have all my pressies sorted now - just a couple more cards to make and things to wrap, which I am going to do tomorrow as it is my day off.

Just a quick word

to say that I am feeling rather under the weather with a cold today and to show you the lovely card I received from Jaclyn in the stitched card exchange on Jayne's Attic. I really should take part in more exchanges as I do love receiving things..lol

At last stitching....

Finally got around to posting some finishes.
The first is Psalm 145 by LHN which I have stitched for my daughter's church - hope they like it! It is stitchied on 28ct evenweave "Earth" by Polstitches using some of the recommended WDW and GAST plus a few other hand- dyed threads where I did not have the charted colour.
The second finish is Serendipity by Papillon Creations - this has been finished for a while and I just love it. I'm looking forward to seeing what Yvonne has for us next year.

Still around

but really busy... I've been very busy at work and with enjoying myself recently so had no time for much stitching or blogging. Work is a little better - just had to impose my point of view a bit and make sure I didn't get taken advantage of. Got to work the weekend though but then I have Monday and Tuesday off! Helen I promise I will post some stitchy photos then. Thanks to everyone who commented on my holiday pics - wish I was back there now!
Had a good time last Sunday at Collectormania in Manchester - got to meet some of the actors from my favourite TV show - Stargate Atlantis, I met Torri Higginson, David Nykl and Jason Momoa and they were all lovely and really friendly. Can't wait to see who comes to the next one in March.
As I said I haven't done lot of stitching - what I have done is work on some of the small designs from the Fall Collaboration pack that I started on holiday and also Tumbling Leaves by Alchemy Stitchcraft, just need to make them into biscornu now! Next week I plan to work some more on Cirque des cercles and Ring'o'roses.
Alos eating into my stitching time was knitting - I have made apair of fingerless gloves for me and am now stitching a pair for Emma, next up is a scarf for me. I bought some lovely wool from Elvincraft
that's all for now - stitching pics will follow soon!

And another one!

this is Emma and me on the beach at Moraira on the Costa Blanca - the ones in the previous post are of the beach, sea and surrounding area. It is a relatively unspoilt bit of the coast but I'm not sure how long it will stay like that judging by the amount of building going on.
almost forgot to say - thank you so much to everyone who left comments for me - reminded me of why I started to blog in the first place and I promise I will keep blogging this time.

Holiday pics

Had a really rotten day at work - lots of disagreements, which I hate and no proper plan of how to complete the tasks we need to carry out. I am trying this evening to be positive about it all and go in tomorrow with an action plan which I can make work otherwise I think I may go mad!!
Anyhow to cheer myself up I have been looking through some holiday photos and thought I would share a few with you.

Long time no blog

Hi everyone

I know, I know I'm hopeless at this blogging thing but I'm determined to have another go. I haven't felt much like sharing recently - been very down for no apparent reason but that is, hopefully behind me now.
Just got back from a lovely week's holiday in Spain, several firsts for me there - my first time abroad, first time on a plane. I found it all quite stressful and got rather anxious at times but really enjoyed myself and now can't wait to go back. It won't seem so strange the next time.
I would like to post some holiday pics but Blogger won't let me at the moment, I'll try again another time.
On the stitching front I have signed up for a RR organised by Sally - we are stitching one of the Quaker books by With my Needle, 5 stitchers are taking part and it should be fun. I am also stitching some of the charts in the Fall Collaboration pack - planning to make some biscornu and a little secret stitch for Christmas.
When those are done it will be back to Ring'o'roses and my SAL with Helen of Heirloom Christmas.

thanks for reading, be back soon

thank you for the comments

just wanted to thank everyone who commented on my latest postings, it's lovely of you to take the time.
Tracy, I am stitching Cirque des cercles using Carries Creations "Gold Glow"

Catch up (2) WIPs - a few pics

A quick update on my current stitching, Serendipity and Ring'o'Roses by Papillon Creations and Cirque des Cercles by Ink Circles

Catch up (1) - stitching weekend

I can't believe it was a week ago but last weekend I went on the Stitch and Stash weekend organised by Jayne of Jayne's Attic. There were 10 of us together with the designer Carol Tinson who I have met twice before. Edda travelled from Iceland and Ina from the Netherlands to meet up with us which I thought was fantastic. The weekend was a combination of stitching and relaxation and was very enjoyable. I shall attempt to summarise..lol
Friday pm - travelled by train to Hull, then met up with Edda at the station and continued on to the Village Hotel by taxi. Met up with Carol T and the other ladies and checked into the hotel where I was sharing a room with Edda.
Friday evening - to Carol's house for Chinese takeaway and chat - several of the others did a show and tell, all very interesting and a good way to get to know people.
Saturday am - breakfast at the hotel then back to Carol's for the workshop, the basis of which was how to change a design to suit one's own taste, decor etc. Spent a lot of time thinking about shape and colour, determined to move out of my comfort zone and away from neutral colours. finally decided on aqua/blue shades to go with the new bathroom I have planned. After lunch chose fabric ( raw belfast linen for me) and started stitching. Had a gift exchange, I got 2 lovely charts which I mean to stitch very soon.
Saturday pm - returned to hotel to prepare for the evening, quick change and a drink then off to a casino for a fabulous meal and a good time. I had a go on the roulette tables. played for a while but didn't leave with any winnings..lol
Sunday am - more breakfast then back to Carol's where I did actually get some stitching done. Bought some charts and threads from Carol and got a lovely hand made pendant in the raffle from Sheila ( thanks Sheila, DD loves it so I may not see it again..lol). Carol did a lovely lunch then we chose beads for our projects (though I may not use any) , did some more "show and tell" and said our goodbyes.
Sunday pm - travelled to Selby by coach with Edda and then on to Manchester by train.
Had a fabulous time and can't wait to meet up with everyone again.
The pic is of my project so far - not a lot of progress but it will get finished.

Been a while

since I blogged - sorry folks but everything just seems to be getting on top of me at present. Work is ridiculously busy and I have been working odd hours so that I can see Emma off to school as she is only attending in the afternoon at present. On the plus side she seems to be enjoying the new school so I am hopeful that things will continue to go well.
Tomorrow I am off to the Stitch and Stash weekend in Hull. I am not even remotely ready so will be rushing around tonight and in the morning to get to Hull to meet Edda at the station. I am really looking forward to my stitchy weekend and will try and take some pics while I am there (and remember to blog about it too).
Stitching -wise I am continuing with Ring'o'Roses and really enjoying it - pics next week I promise!

My new start

is Papillon Creation's Ring'o'roses. This is the first page plus a little bit more. I am really enjoying stitching this and it'is stitching up very fast.

The Counting House by LHN

I finished this design - The Counting House by Little House Needleworks - a while ago but never got around to showing a picture of it. It is stitched on Polstitches evenweave " Lightening Strike" using a variety of hand dyed threads - some are the called for ones, some OWS from my stash.

Trying something new

I just tried out posting a slideshow from Photobucket - came out a bit larger than I intended but hey... These are the Seasons in the Square designs by Just Nan that I stitched last year.

Serendipity progress

I worked on Serendipity last night so thought I would share my latest progress - didn't get a lot done but it's getting there. The scan is a little wonky but you get the general idea!

Cause for optimism

Well we have just had a visit from a teacher from Manchester Hospital Schools to see Emma, it seems that they might be able to offer her a place to study, initially on a part time basis so that she can continue with GCSE work at least in some subjects. She would get picked up and brought home again too which would be great. We are going to have a look round the school after the Easter break and I am very hopeful that this will help in Emma's recovery- she seems to be getting better little by little.
On the stitching front I am continuing with Ink Circles Cerce des circles and Papillon Creations Serendipity ( i am now stitching this on Wednesdays with Helen and Terri). I need to get back to the L*K flip-its as I stopped halfway through the April flip-it and don't want to fall behind with them. however today I am making a new start - Spring Fresh by LoopyLou designs, this is a hardanger design and I am stitching it on Buttercup jobelan by Polstitches. I need to order some threads for it but have enough to make a good start. I will post a pic soon, however my scanner is still on the floor and DH seems to have hidden his camera..lol.

Picture as promised

Here is the scan of Serendipity by Papillon Creations. I am really enjoying stitching this - the speciality stitches add interest and it stitches up really quickly.

another new start

I read on Sally's blog about the free design from Papillon Creations
It is in 9 parts (6 have been released so far ) and is available when you sign up for the newsletter on the site. I have stitched the first part using Dinky Dyes silks in Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot on white jobelan. I'll post a picture when I have done the next part.

New Start

I am going to be stitching Ink Circles Circe des Cercles as a SAL with Jayne. I have been trying out different fabric/thread combinations (this is a big chart, all in one colour - don't want to end up hating it!) and this is what I have come up with.
It is stitched in Gold Glow by Carries Creations on 32ct cream Belfast linen ( 2 over 2)

Back again

I can't believe that it's been so long since I blogged last. I am so bad at this!
My excuse is that a lot has happened on several fronts since last time so here goes.
The lab I work at finally closed and we are now settling in at the new lab. I have just about got used to the new travel arrangements, lots of new colleagues etc but there is still much to do and I have been feeling very tired due to the stress of it all. A few of us went for a Chinese meal when the old lab close d and I was very pleased that I managed to go and enjoy myself without worrying too much about what was happening at home.
Emma is now on a course of anti - depressants and despite the fact that they make her feel quite tired and a bit nauseous she seems to be showing signs of improvement. School attendance hasn't changed a lot but she is making an effort in that direction too. She has been talking more about things that have happened in the last few months too which is good I feel as it should help her to deal with it and move on.
It was my birthday this week so I took a couple of days off work. We went out for a meal - just the 4 of us which was good. I got some lovely threads from the birthday exchange that I help to organise and a dear friend sent me this kit (the guardian angel one)
http://www.jaynesattic.co.uk/acatalog/Letters_Tied_With_Blue.html
DH and DDs bought me Stargate SG1 series 9 on DVD and I also got some cash.
On the stitching front I have stitched month 2 of the Heirloom Embroideries mystery SAL and just started on Ink Circles Cirque des Circles which I am stitching in Gold Glow by Carries Creations on cream 32ct Belfast linen. I have also completed the March flip-it from Lizzie Kate.
My scanner is now on the floor under the computer table so it's not as easy to post pics but I will try and do some soon.
that's all for now - thanks if you persevered this far......

Catch up

I've been very bad with blogging regularly but am going to have another attempt to post on a regular basis. In the meantime here's a quick cathc up.
Emma is doing much better - though there are still some problems at school I am hopeful that they will be resolved and I will not have to take the ultimate step of removing her from school as thsi would mean giving up my job to homeschool.
On the job front I had the chance of promotion (again) but decided not to apply as I think I have enough going on in my life at present..lol. It would have meant a lot more pressure for not a lot more money and also a return to Monday to Friday working at a time when I really need to be flexible. All in all not a good move and I'm glad decided against it. My lab moves to a new building soon - in fact I start work there on Monday - as manager of a group of 16 staff I've never met before - can't wait!
My DD was 18 on 3rd of February - she had a lovely party for all her friends, only slightly marred by a group of lads who hadn't been invited trying to disrupt it. Got it all sorted in the end though and a great time was had by all.
On the stitching front I haven't accomplished a great deal, my current WIPs are L*K 2007 flip-its, currently stitching March, Heirloom Embroideries Mystery huswif 2007, LHN Counting House and Home of a Needleworker. I will try and get some pics done soon.