Stitching progress, Homespun and one cute find!

Hi all!  I hope you are enjoying your weekend as much as I am?  Spending time at home with family, stitching and watching the weather alternate between sunshine and hail storms has been all part of the charm.  I’m such a homebody!  How about you?

I haven’t touched my sewing machine since making Rosie’s mermaid costume (thank you so much for your lovely messages!!), but instead I’ve enjoyed some needle turn applique and hand stitching while working on Lynette Anderson’s ‘Christmas Fun’ BOM.  Two more stitchery blocks are now complete…

Each block comes with a hand-painted wooden button.  I’ve placed the angel button on the top of the tree for this photo, but will sew them all in place once the quilt has been put together.  The tree is my favourite so far – I love the white snowflakes on the beige background.

This row of angels are yet to have their faces added – as I am yet to make the yoyo’s for them.

Since taking these photos yesterday afternoon I have stitched another block – once I get going I just can’t stop!!  But here’s a photo of progress to date without the block I’ve just mentioned.

My children have been homebodies this week too, due to some viruses that are travelling about at the moment.  So I popped out yesterday afternoon to buy them a sweet treat and spied the latest copy of Australian Homespun while I was at the grocery store – what a bonus!

This issue (No.100 Vol 12.9) is brimming with inspiring projects from front to back cover!  I love the colour palette on the front cover, do you?  This is the ‘Romance’ issue!  I was first struck by the pretty handbag that is featured on the cover… and was delighted to read that the beauty is designed by my sweet friend Joy over at Joypatch!  There is also a pretty sewing set by Lisa over at Cubby House Crafts, and the most feminine cushion designed by Melissa Grant of One Day in May – someone I will be definitely watching out for from now on!  I am giggling as I write this because I’m sure I sound like a marketeer!!  Truth is, I can’t help but wax lyrical about the things I love, and I REALLY love Homespun as I know many of my friends do!

I am aware that it’s been difficult for overseas fans to purchase this magazine but that is now a thing of the past, because Homespun has just gone DIGITAL.  How cool is that?!!  You can now purchase a subscription and get the magazine sent direct to your inbox each month – just click on this link to take you to online subscriptions.    Just in case you’re wondering – no, I’m not on commission! *giggle*  I’m just very excited that my overseas friends will now be able to read this wonderful magazine each month if they so wish!

The last thing I wanted to share with you today is this wonderful tablecloth that I bought last week from my local thrift store. It’s in the above picture, and this is what it looks like on my side table…

I haven’t ironed it yet because it needs a gentle wash first – but I couldn’t wait to show you!  I had thought about making a vintage-style apron out of it, but it’s just too beautiful to cut up!  All those cross stitches… it must have taken someone a long time to create.  It has gone to a grateful home, and it got me to thinking about the work I put in to my own creations.  If they ever end up in a charity shop in the future I have no problem with that at all – I’d rather a creation give someone pleasure than sit in a cupboard somewhere!!

Before I say goodbye for today I’d just like to say that I’m really happy that you came for a visit!  I really enjoy sharing my life and creations with you and never take it for granted.   I haven’t been visiting many friends’ blogs recently because I have been investing my time with the children and at home… but it’s important for me to let you know that I haven’t forgotten about you, and that you are treasured friends!  I think this is the ‘way’ with blogging – it ebbs and flows – and it has to be flexible just like everything else in life.  It’s sometimes difficult to put things down in writing and convey them in the way that you’ll hope they’ll be received… so please know this…

…I value you! 

Whether I’m being vocal or quiet… I think you’re awesome!

Sincerely!  Vikki xo

Share