Calico Craze....

She's just the best....my Purrsie! Lots of love and

affection, and now I'm excited to find a calico cross

stitch pattern that reminds me of her.

I love Cross-stitch....I love my Calico, and so I must combine the two to maximize the cutesness factor in my house....so now I'm on the hunt to find an awesome calico pattern that is a zany as she is....Here's a few pics of the furry beast. :)

Stitchery Loves Company

....And what kind of company does stitchery love? Why TEA of course! Loose leaf tea is another passion of mine...I love the whole ritual of making it, and then, after adding a bit of honey to my favourite darjeeling tea, I sit down in my comfy chair and stitch after a long hard day's work.

This is my favourite cup too!

Love Tea!
Love it!
Love it....................Yum!

It Doesn't Have to be Big to Count.

Even the smallest embroidery project can mean a lot to someone because it is made especially with THEM in mind. Anyone can spend a few minutes at home decor shop, and find something that would suit the tastes of the person receiving the gift; however, investing a little time, and effort and love into an embroidered gift will mean so much more -  especially because they put a little of themselves into it.

This bookmark is being made at present using "Linen" floss. I love this thread because its matte, rustic look appeals to me. There are "slubs" in the thread which add to the character of the floss.

The Fellowship...

As I grow older, I find it harder to find true friends who share my interests. Of course, it was much easier when I was in school; but at that age,  we were still discovering who exactly we were. It's only now, in my thirties, that I find myself deeply rooted, and wanting a kinship with like minded people. That's the main reason for this blog really...

A couple of years ago, I found such a friend on "myspace"...Luminea Meredith - a kind gentle soul who was my age, creating all manner of things handmade. She derives satisfaction from her creations as I do, and is always looking for that next project. She fills her home with such creations, and inspires others to do the same.

She makes Spa baskets, filled with her loving care - embroidered pillows, embroidered robes, breakfasts trays with embroidered coasters, and candles adorned with ribbon. Indeed she puts her heart and soul into her creations, which makes them not only "custom", but priceless to the people who receive them.

Embroidered Pillows, and cross-stitch hangings adorn her walls. She keeps her house feeling fresh by switching out her home decor as the seasons change with her delightful and meaningful creations.

Catching the Easter Bunny!

Soon, Easter will be upon us...as a child, visions of this huge brown floppy-eared bunny rabbit hiding chocolate eggs around the house drove me to heights of pure jubilation. My brother and I would race around the house, each with a bowl in hand trying to find the most chocolate. We were a blur...we were a whirling dervish! We were like the Tasmanian Devil we watched on T.V every Saturday morning!

And then...

My Dad would call to me "I see the easter bunny! Hurry Hurry!" I would race to the window, looking feverishly down the street...only to here my father say..."Ohhhhhh,,,,you just missed him...."

Love you Dad.

In the Series of Ladies...

Here's the second lady that I am working on which is part of the same series. She's almost done, and I will post the final picture upon completion. Again, great detail to her costume, skin tones, and all round shading.

One of a Series

Wow...here's one I actually finished! :) It's one of a series of ladies adorning period clothing. So far I have three of these patterns, and am looking to purchase the whole series down the road someday to create a collage. I love these patterns because the shading and tonal values in the final product is simply soft and stunning...quite an elegant series actually.

Poppies in Bloom.

A few years ago, I would always find my neighbour Nora working on her garden at the side of her house. I know this because my kitchen bay window from the old house used to face her wee garden. Every morning like clockwork she was out there plucking out the odd weed - maintaining her small patch of earth that was hers alone.

I remember her Poppies the most. Those orange-red beauties that looked as if they leapt out of an old oil painting...so beautiful.

Years later, I found this pattern in a cross-stitch magazine, and decided that I must stitch it. Now, true to form, it's not yet complete....seems to be a common theme here....hmmm....but so far so good!

An Old Love

This is a VERY large cross stitch by Gold Dimensions. I believe it's about 12x16, and it's STILL not done. I have about 20 per cent left to go at the bottom. When I am finished, I will photograph the complete piece. I have been working on this off and on for about 8 years....that's right...8 years. After a while, I feel the need to switch it out, and work on something new and fresh; however, now being so close to completion - I look forward to finishing and framing this heirloom quality piece.

Pretty Peacock.

This is a work in progress... nice little 5x7 crosstitch developed by Gold Dimensions. I'm about 60 per cent finished this piece; however my favourite part of this project will be in the final details. I'm even going to add some iridescent seed beads as a finishing touch.

Camille Monet....Embroidering