Jo's Journal

Jo's Journal has moved!

2007-09-23T11:27:00.000Z

Jo's Journal has moved to:

http://johannauk.wordpress.com/

As some of you know I have been having trouble with Blogger since changing computers, and it has been a real chore trying to post. I wanted to be able to blog regularly, and just moved to a new home today, see you there!

September WIPs

2007-09-05T17:00:00.000Z

This month I wil be concentrating on 4 projects - 3 samplers, and a long time UFO.

My main focus will be on the latest stitchalong at Stitch Clubs - Rachael, Jacky and myself (and hopefully a few others), will be working on the Quaker Gameboard Sampler from Papillon Creations
My progress on Day 5:

I will resume stitching on Red Velvet this weekend - I have fallen a long way behind on this stitchalong (also with Jacky and Rachael), and hope to get in a good few hours work. It will become my regular weekend project.

Next up, sometime over the next few days, I will restart the ABC Red & Blue mystery sampler - another stitchalong with the girls from Stitch Clubs - I misplaced the piece I previously began, so will pick out new fabric and floss over the next few days, aiming to start again next week.

Finally - in between the samplers, Iwill be working on a piece I started stitching for my Gran several years ago - I put it down because I don't enjoy working on it, but have picked it back up as I dearly want to finish something nice for my Gran, who is always so interested in my stitching.

The design is Sonatina Rose, from Heritage Stitchcraft - and is about 3/4 complete...I really dislike working on florals, but it is a pretty design, and will be lovely when it is finally finished.

the big knit - innocent smoothie hats

2007-08-24T09:47:00.000Z

Sorry I haven't been around much on the blogs lately, look forward to catching up and seeing what's new! I have still been doing a little craftwork - a few fluffy scarves, baby hats, and a couple of stitchy projects for a swap.....will try and get some piccies soon.

The 2007 appeal from innocent smoothies has begun - with a new name, the big knit - this years goal is to raise £200,000 - a total of 400,000 hats will be needed to reach this goal, I am going to aim for personal target of 100, and will try to get a pic of each and every one on here :)

2007-07-07T13:08:00.000Z

I have been playing catchup with a few things lately so haven't had much time for blogging and stitching lately. I have managed to finish the black parts of my Celtic Ferret Knot - from now on it gets even easier, it is just 'colouring in'

I also completed these two biscornus for the Biscornu Beginners Swap, hosted by Jacky. I really enjoyed making them (though I am disappointed to notice after mailing I missed a few stitches on the orange side of the first one!! Hope my partner won't mind..) Will post pics of the ones I receive in the swap when they arrive. I want to make more now, think I could become hooked! One of the girls at Stitch Clubs mentioned the idea of making biscornu Christmas ornaments...what a wonderful idea, I am going to make a few! We are also thinking of doing an ornament swap, would be great fun!

Oooh, I'm a slacker!

2007-06-18T10:32:00.000Z

I haven't blogged, stitched, or done much of anything these past weeks! And for once, it's not Big Brother to blame, I am just not feeling very motivated. When I do pick up the needle, I have been working on the knot - which is still great fun, I just can't seem to sit still and stitch for very long. I do have an update pic, but not as far along as I'd hoped to be by now:

With only 4 colours to this design, it will be an easy, and fairly quick stitch, and will no doubt be my first WWS finish :)

Celtic Ferret Knot

2007-06-06T09:40:00.000Z

My latest order from White Willow Stitching arrived on Saturday - I couldn't resist starting the Celtic Ferret Knot - it works up super quickly....I think I may actually finish a WWS! Also included in my order were Isis and Osiris Portrait, and Does He Bite? to add to my large and growing collection!!

Just Jo checking in!!

2007-06-02T12:31:00.000Z

Haven't had much chance to get online for a while - was visiting my sister in Southampton this week...my hotel room could just about pick up a broadband connection but it was shaky, so I just got online to keep up with email and of course a game of Scrabble with Jacky and Rachael...couldn't leave the girls waiting all week!! LOL

Took a trip to Portsmouth to visit the Blue Reef Aquarium - that was great, I keep tropical fish, so have a keen interest in fish and other underwater life anyway. Great fun coming face to face with sharks, rays, and an abundance of other creatures!

And not taking any crafts with me, meant I actually found half an hour or so each night to read 'The History of Love' - about halfway through, not got this far through a book for months! LOL

Farcus Wafflebubble checking in...

2007-05-24T14:56:00.000Z

Saw this on 1-2-3 Stitch today, it's silly and very funny....I have edited out a few lines as I don't like to insist that it is sent to x amount of people blah blah blah...

I can't wait to hear what your new name is. This just takes a minute and will make you laugh. MY NEW NAME IS IN THE SUBJECT.....DON'T LAUGH UNTIL YOU FIND OUT WHAT YOUR NEW NAME IS..

We all need a little stress-reliever! This only takes a minute. Sometimes when you have a stre ssful day or week, you need some silliness to break up the day. Follow the instructions to find your new name. The following is excerpted from a children's book, Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot Professor Poopypants, by Dave Pilkey, in which the evil Professor forces every one to assume new names... So:-

1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your New first name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to de termine the second half of your new last name:

a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = bubble
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = bum
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice

(I also edited the final s, as 'fanny' doesn't translate well for us Brits!! LOL)

Grated fingers! LOL

2007-05-23T20:54:00.000Z

Well, I managed to grate my knuckles cleaning a cheese grater this afternoon.....that's what you get for preparing a nice healthy salad, I swear chocolate is safer ;-) So no stitching for me today, too sore to bend my fingers, but I have managed to cast on some knitting, so have made a start on another bear for Teddies for Tragedies. Also, putting my stitching aside has meant I finally sat down with a book. I am reading The History of Love by Nicole Strauss along with a friend at Stitch Clubs. It is the first time in months I have sat with a book for long enough to really get into it, and I realised just how much I miss reading - maybe I should put down the crafts and the laptop just once in a while...

A sampling of samplers

2007-05-21T08:11:00.000Z

Ooh, I haven't blogged for over a week? So what have I been up to? Well, I finished the Passion des croix freebie sampler:

Then on Friday night, I picked out another chart and made a start....stitching with 1 strand, I was able to complete this one by Sunday morning. I do really enjoy working with 1 strand, and these samplers give me the chance to do that, and to use up some smaller pieces of fabric. The aida is much more yellow than it looks in the pic, and the thread is DMC 312.

Although I vowed I'd wait to choose a third, I picked out one more last night and am about to start on grey aida, using DMC 3802 (purpley red). This time, the chart is an oval shape, featuring boats. All of these designs can be found at:

http://passiondescroix.com/passiondescroix/composition/grillesdecompositions.htm

I am also still plodding along with Red Velvet, and will post a pic when I am up to date :)

Teddies For Tragedies

2007-05-12T15:49:00.000Z

Teddies - "Made with love, to show that someone cares..." - what a lovely sentiment at the Teddies for Tragedies website. I just sent this little fella on his way, I hope he will go a little way to showing a little love and happiness to the child that receives him.

I HATE that frog.....

2007-05-08T22:06:00.000Z

Well, I had a major visit from the little green monster today....I had to stitch the same part of my sampler three times today before I finally got it right - all that ripping left obvious holes where the stitches had been pulled....with a bit of teasing with the needle and a wash and press I hope it won't be too noticable. Anyway, here is the result, and despite a disasterous day, I am really happy with this sampler, until this it has been a really fun project to work on, and I am sure tomorrow will be a better day...

Passion des croix

2007-05-03T19:50:00.000Z

May 1st saw the start of a stitchalong at 1-2-3 Stitch - we are stitching our own choice of the Passion des croix freebies. I chose the September design by Amandine Jebrode, and this is where I am on day 3. Members of Stitch Clubs are also sharing progress here.

Speaking of fish....

2007-05-02T12:18:00.000Z

I just got this snap of a few of my tropical fish exploring the new addition to their tank - this ornament was a little pricey at £12.99, but it does make a charming addition to the aquarium - in fact it is now the main feature of the tank. Looking at this pic I can see the gravel needs cleaning, but until then, the weed just adds authenticity (at least, that's my excuse!)

Something 'fishy' about this sock....

2007-05-02T10:52:00.000Z

I finally plucked up the courage to try my hand at sock knitting - only to find that knitting on 5 needles is not as hard as it looks - in fact, it's a doddle so far!! Okay, I still have to get to the heel yet, but I'll worry about that when I come to it. The yarn is 'Opal Rainforest - 'Fish'. I am taking part in a sockalong at Stitch Clubs, and it just so happens that Angel Yarns are also including Opal Rainforest in a current sockalong. My family will probably be relieved, something different than scarves this year for Christmas ;)

Bargains galore!

2007-04-30T09:53:00.000Z

Last month, my local 'Wool and Needlecraft Shop' sadly closed it's doors. I guess it's true that every cloud has a silver lining, I picked up some great bargains - the yarns were all 50p per ball, and will be great for the various charity groups that I knit/crochet for. The aida fabric was £1 per piece - the blue-grey being 12X18 inches, the navy & red both being fat quarters...and I had an additional piece of red that is now the setting for my Red Velvet WIP. The little kit was 50p, and I picked up the little spangles at 25p per packet...not sure what they will be used for yet, but they looked pretty ;)

Sweet Success!

2007-04-27T16:14:00.000Z

I had a busy day yesterday - after realising I hadn't sent my part on an exchange on Swap-bot, I go to work on 6 crochet squares - 3 each for 2 partners. When those were done, having also realised the deadline was near for the Gingerbread House, I got to work on a few little pieces....the wrapped sweet was knitted some months ago, but yesterday I knitted the little flower, and the cupcake from the patterns provided - and after a little searching online, found patterns for a liquorice roll, and an iced chocolate bun...which is my favourite piece so far, love how that turned out. Having emailed the project co-ordinator, I found these are due by the end of May, so I have about 5 weeks to get a few more sweet treats made up - they really are a lot of fun!

Today it is back to my Red Velvet - coming along slowly but surely, the 'I' is taking shape. And in preparation for a sockalong, I ordered a sock kit from Angel Yarns - I chose a Petticoat Cotton...the kit contains the yarn, pattern, needles, and 2 hand-made stitch markers....really looking forward to it - I have put it off for so long as I have never used double pointed needles before, let alone 4 or 5 of them!! But it will be a fun challenge, look forward to sharing progress on my very first sock soon!!

Giant Knitted Gingerbread House - needs your help!

2007-04-26T12:27:00.000Z

Being assembled for events in aid of North Devon Hospice and Great Ormond Street Hospital, this project desparately needs your help - in particular, knitted gingerbread men are needed....if you think you could spare some time, please visit for more details and a free pattern:
Knitted Gingerbread House

You SHALL go to the ball...

2007-04-25T20:31:00.000Z

I worked for a few hours on Cinderella last night for UFO Tuesday - looking at the backstitching there is on this piece, I decided it wouldn't hurt to put a few stitches in now...stitchalong progress on Red Velvet permitting, I will continue to stitch her this week, as I would like to get her mailed asap. I don't usually really enjoy stitching Disney designs (though I love to watch the cartoons!! LOL), but I do think this one is a beauty!

Friends To Seniors blog

2007-04-25T11:28:00.000Z

I added to my sidebar, a mini version of the new blog of the charitable stitching website that is closest to my heart - Friends To Seniors. The manager of the project, Sylvia, will be writing updates to the blog, which you will be able to read right here at Jo's Journal (to read the whole entry, clicking on it's title will take you to the main blog ). You can also grab this 'widget' for your own site or blog - the more exposure the group gets, the more elderly people that can be reached out to, and the more helping hands the group can find. You can also grab the widget code for my blog if you like ;)

'J'

2007-04-24T13:53:00.000Z

A little behind target, I finished the 'J' motif on my Red Velvet last night - really enjoying this stitchalong!

I put a few stitches in on 'I' this afternoon, but now it is time to make way for Cinderella....tonight is UFO Night at Stitch Clubs - I really want to get as much of her finished tonight as possible, hopefully she will be ready to send to Cuddle Cushions this week.

I am finally going to give sock knitting a go soon - all being well this week..just need to get a set of needles, then I'm off. Wish me luck!

No Act of Kindness..

2007-04-20T20:19:00.000Z

I completed this sampler today - designed by Robin Busch, and offered for download at 1-2-3 Stitch, 'Kindness' is a wonderfully versatile design - a group of stitchers have worked on this in various colours, each as beautiful and unique as the other.
I really enjoyed this design...as I was determined to finish this today, I will be playing catchup tomorrow on Red Velvet. I have an empty house 'til Monday, so my only distarction will be the laptop. And the cats. And the housework - nah, that can wait LOL

Have a great weekend!

A sunny Wednesday.....

2007-04-18T12:00:00.000Z

...and I'm inside stitching. What another beautiful day it is here in Devon. Not a bit of breeze, I could probably take my stitching outside quite safely - but then I couldn't spread everything out and have my laptop easily at hand!! LOL

A couple of updates - I made some more progress on Cinderella last night for UFO Tuesday:

I have found a home for her when she is finished - she will go to a group called Cuddle Cushions - who are making cushions for children in an Australian hospital.

And I have an updated pic of Kindness - not as far along as I'd like to be, but still hopeful that it will be finished this week. I pulled out the purple centres of the motifs to replace with a bright yellow..which will also be used for the wording:

When this is done, I have another stitchalong lined up (surprise, surprise!! LOL) - myself and some of the girls at 1-2-3 Stitch will be working on various Passion des croix - starting May 1st.

Samplers in Progress

2007-04-14T10:29:00.000Z

For one who 'doesn't like samplers', I seem to be sttiching them more and more these days - they have certainly grown on me in recent months, and two of them as you have seen are my most current WIPS...and I have just suggested a sampler stitchalong at 1-2-3 for the Passion des croix freebies.

My progress as it stands on Kindness:

I hope to finish the border this weekend, and the whole sampler by next weekend. This lovely freebie designed by Robin Busch, is now available for download at 1-2-3 Stitch

And Red Velvet - I have now completed both the L and K sections, will move onto J tomorrow:

And if I fancy a break from samplers in the week, I will be working on this freebie from Cyberstitchers - it will be sent to the Cross Stitching For Charity group, to be made into a quilt for Friends To Seniors.

Half a century

2007-04-13T15:24:00.000Z

My Mum reached her half century this week - she insisted on not having a party, so instead went out for the day with my sister Sophie and I. We went for dinner in Lynton at the Cliff Top Restaurant

I'd never visited Lynton & Lynmouth before, it was a lovely day out, but poor Mum had worn the wrong shoes for walking and her feet were very sore by the time we'd finished walking.

I left it late ordering a cake for her birthday, and my decorating skills aren't up to much - I was able to order this pretty little cake 'last minute' from Botham's of Whitby :

One of the yummiest fruit cakes I ever tasted, would definitely reccomend them!

'L'

2007-04-08T14:51:00.000Z

The first motif of my Red Velvet is completed - I have moved onto K today. Hope to get this week's section done quickly as I just signed myself up for a square for a Friends To Seniors quilt via Cross Stitching For Charity - and would also like some time to work on Oriental Beauty..I would love to get her completed in the next few months.

If I was born in 2893....

2007-04-06T13:53:00.000Z

If You Were Born in 2893...

My Name Would Be: Reunn Uaro
And I Would Be: A Prophet

If You Were Born in 2893

Well, now I know!

Good Friday

2007-04-06T09:55:00.000Z

Seems like AGES since I last blogged, and it's only been a little over a week. My sister is visiting from Uni so I haven't had much chance to get online recently. My sister and Mum are visiting family in Somerset today, so with an empty house, I should get plenty of time for catching up today. Thought I would begin by updating with some of my recent stitching....

First up is an updated pic of 'Kindness' - the pic is very dark, will make sure to get one in better light next time!!

Sylvia of SOLAK and FTS mentioned that we were getting low on logos to be used in the cards that are sent out with each quilt - we jumped in and got busy, should be good for a few months now. Below are the two that I stitched:

I also made some progress on 'Oriental Beauty' - I am loving this piece more and more while I work on her, the colours are so perfect for spring, especially now the sun is shining!

And last but not least - I made a start on the 'Red Velvet Inscription Sampler' - I have stitched most of the first motif since this picture was taken, and will update before moving on to the next one.

If you want to join our stitchalong at Stitch Clubs, we are aiming to stitch one motif each week.

Well, I am going to make the most of my 'freedom', and hopefully get in plenty of stitching...then I thought I would surprise my sister with some of her favourite snack...little raisin-fairy cakes, and of course I will have to sample one when they are finished baking, just to check they are okay....

If I don't get back on before hand....have a lovely Easter weekend everyone!

Grannies and Cosies

2007-03-29T15:10:00.000Z

A few finishes ready to go in the mail....3 granny squares for the 'Love them for what they are' exchange at Swap-bot - these will go to 3 different partners, and I should soon be receiving 3 from my own pals. There is a similar swap, 'Scraptastic' taking signups at present - you need to be a member of Swap-bot to take part.

The three little hats, are in fact egg cosies, covering 3 little Cadbury eggs. One will go to a winner in a contest I recently ran, the other 2 will be received by an exchange pal at Friends To Seniors. Thanks to Jacky for help with the size of the cosy patterns!

Westward Ho!

2007-03-29T09:02:00.000Z

It was my birthday yesterday, and my Mum treated me to dinner. We decided to pop down to one of our local seaside towns, Westward Ho! It was a grey day, so not great for taking pics....not so bad if you cut out the sky ;)
We then decided to gamble some pennies is the arcade - okay, not a lot of risk involved in the penny machines, but the fun of watching them all drop down is just the same. Almost. Now I just need to tear myself away from the new addition to my Sims game...Seasons...so that I can finish all the projects that need to go in the mail this week!

Kindness

2007-03-27T11:15:00.000Z

My progress so far on 'Kindness', by Robin Busch....if anyone is interested in stitching this design - featuring the border as shown, and the wording 'No Act of Kindness, No Matter How Small, Is Ever Wasted' - Robin has kindly given permission for this design to be shared. It is a pretty piece and lends itself nicely to a stitchalong - which is exactly what I am doing with the ladies at 1-2-3 Stitch. It will be fun to see the different effect using different fabrics and threads.

If anyone looks at the slightly enlarged view of this pic, try to imagine there is no cat hair......

Busy crafting week ahead!

2007-03-26T11:10:00.000Z

Well, I have set myself up for a busy week of stitching....as well as my 'Oriental Beauty', I also have plans for a few other projects. I have an RR to get finished and mailed by March 31st...my chosen theme is cats, and I have yet to pick a design!! Think it'll have to be something very quick and easy!! LOL. Currently sharing space on my lap with the laptop, is a large piece of aida with the beginnings of a new project...I couldn't resist signing up for a stitchalong at 1-2-3 - I love to stitch a design that is so versatile, and really looking forward to seeing different colour variations on this one. My own is being stitched on black, main colour DMC 3804 (pink). It is quite large, but very quick to stitch, so I hope to get it done before our big one at Stitch Clubs starting April 1st - Red Velvet Inscription Sampler from Blue Ribbon Designs. Not to mention of course, a set of knitted egg cosies for an exchange, thoguh they will only take a few hours.

So, hopefully lots to share with you this week, but it'll mean less time at the PC!!

Oriental Beauty

2007-03-24T10:30:00.000Z

When I was tidying up my WIP album the other day, I came across this pretty piece that I haven't worked on for a while - it is 'Oriental Beauty', by Joan Elliot. You probably all know me well enough to know that I have a HUGE amount of WIPs, and that I will no doubt put this one away again and not get close to finishing...but it'll be fun trying ;-)

The sun is shining, I should be making the most of a beautiful day, but I REALLY want to stitch!! LOL. I could really do with a nice conservatory or summer room right now - reckon my landlord would take on the request? LOL

So, with three cats for company, a large mug of coffee, and of course, my trusty laptop....I settle down to a day of stitching!

A few more FTS finishes

2007-03-23T17:05:00.000Z

I finished a few more squares for Friends To Seniors this week. Pics are lousy...they really are all stitched on white aida!! LOL

I am going to give the quilt squares a break for a few days and concentrate on some of my own stitching.

Stitchers' Galleries

2007-03-22T08:29:00.000Z

I made some updates to the Stitchers' Galleries yesterday - as well as making posting to message forums/blogs easier by adding 'Get URL' capabilities to the images, I also added some new themes and frames to make albums even more customisable. The galleries offer 30MB of space to all users, in a community of like-minded people...with thousands of other images to browse!

I also updated my own album with some of my recent finishes and WIP updates.

A few finishes for FTS

2007-03-19T15:29:00.000Z

Finished a few squares this week for Friends To Seniors last week - they will all be used on quilts for the Universal Beneficent Society - an organisation which helps some of the poorest elderly people in the UK. Our association with the UBS has meant that we are able to reach out to many more people than before.

A new look

2007-03-18T09:37:00.000Z

I thought I would give my blog a facelift - I finally found something that really suited me, hope you like my new look!

Back on the Early Shift

2007-03-14T13:11:00.000Z

UFO Tuesday once again prompted me to pull out 'Early Shift' for another session. I was able to get in a good few hours stitching, and at the end of the night, the result was this:

I am enjoying this piece more and more each time I work on it!

Ah - this is the life

2007-03-10T12:52:00.000Z

Couldn't resist this snap of my eldest cat - Kitty....she has been curled up like this all day on my in-progress crochet blanket - put paid to my plans for the morning!! LOL. Cats look so contented in their sleep don't they - I wonder what they dream of?

A couple of stitchy pics to share - this lily I finished yesterday....it was mostly done, just needed backstitching:

And this one was finished some months ago, and was sent along with the lily to Friends To Seniors:

'Early Shift' revisited

2007-03-08T18:57:00.000Z

Another UFO Tuesday at Stitch Clubs saw me make another dent in this long-time-completely-forgotten piece, I was quite pleased with my progress, and was actually disappointed to put it down...though if I didn't, no doubt one of my curreny projects will become neglected and, in turn, become a UFO itself!! LOL. Very much looking forward to picking this up again next week, and just goes to show a UFO deosn't have to be a chore if you are filled with renewed enthuisasm!

Hats again - LOL

2007-03-06T12:55:00.000Z

Finished putting together an envelope to send to WOCS - as well as the 2 hats I blogged about previously, I finished another 6..also in the envelope are 10 packs of scratch mitts, which I was lucky enough to find on sale for 10 per pack of 2 pairs!

If you aren't a member of the WOCS group, but would like to see some of the squares, quilts, and knitted/crocheted items that have been collected since the group began, they have an a photo album at Webshots - WOCS PICTURES. Enjoy, there is already a lot to see - and the group was only formed in January of this year! I really enjoy knowing that whatever I stitch/knit or crochet....however large or small, it can and will be used somehow :)

And the winner is...

2007-03-06T08:55:00.000Z

Sue Clarke - who correctly guessed that the WIP posted below, is Legolas. As you can see, I have a long way to go yet!!

Well done Sue....thanks for playing, your mystery prize will be on the way soon! :)

Well done also to Linda M - who was the second person to guess correctly, before I had posted the result, a little something will be on it's way to you too!

Mystery stitching, mystery prize...

2007-03-04T15:14:00.000Z

Well, it is much later than I originally planned it, and I didn't finish page 1 after all (didn't do a single stitch whilst my sister was visiting) - but here is the promised WIP pic of my latest 'start'. It is a White Willow Stitching design, and the first person to correctly email me with the name of the design I am stitching, will win a mystery prize :)

Sloganizer

2007-03-03T10:39:00.000Z

My sister sent me this link:

http://www.sloganizer.net/en/

I typed in my blog name, and got the slogan...

Jo's Journal Strikes Back

Rather fitting for my recent return to blogging, don't you think?

'March'ing on!

2007-03-02T12:37:00.000Z

Wow - 2 days into March already, where has the time gone.....doesn't every year pass so much more quickly the older you get? Been a quiet few days for me craft-wise - my sister is visiting on a week off from Uni, so I haven't had a lot of time. Did put in half a round on my crochet blanket, and knitted another couple of preemie hats (will post pics shortly before I send them to WOCS)

I haven't managed to finish page one of my 'mystery' project yet, so I will post a WIP tomorrow, finished or not.

Have a great weekend!

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

2007-02-26T17:42:00.000Z

Well, my Wii arrived this morning - and worth every penny!! It takes gaming to a whole new level....and even gets my bum off the chair!! What a great excuse for splashing out on a new toy....good for the weight loss ;-)

What kind of cookie are you?

2007-02-24T17:42:00.000Z

I found this over at Jacky's blog (Hadenmaiden's progress) - Jacky, looks like we're both made of the same stuff!! LOL

You Are a Black and White Cookie

You're often conflicted in life, and you feel pulled in two opposite directions.
When you're good, you're sweet as sugar. And when you're bad, you're wicked!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

And blue for a boy!

2007-02-24T12:25:00.000Z

Just finished another preemie hat - same pattern, just rolled the brim a little higher. One more on the needles now, in white, then it's back to my mystery cross stitch.....with breaks in between for sewing purple strips together into blankets.

Pink for a girl...

2007-02-23T21:30:00.000Z

I fancied a change from stitching this afternoon, so I knitted this little preemie-sized hat to send to World Of Charity Stitching:

Next is a little blue one, same pattern - available here. Easy to work on whilst I enjoy CSI....just how many episodes are there, seems like every day I see a new one!!

Fly away, butterfly!

2007-02-23T15:01:00.000Z

Well - yesterday I put the last backstitches in this butterfly for the SAL at Stitch Clubs - it should only have taken a day or so, and took about a week!! LOL - everything that could go wrong, did.

Despite my frustrations whilst stitching it, I am pleased with it now it's finished. You can see the butterflies stitched by other members in our SAL gallery

I am busy at the moment working on new project - a White Willow Stitching design....though I can't say which one yet, as I am going to offer a little contest to the first person to correctly guess what it is....if you are thinking that this contest has been designed to make me feel less guilty about starting yet another new project - well, you'd be spot on! I hope to post the pic on Monday or Tuesday, so check back for a chance to win a mystery prize ;-)

I want a Wii.......

2007-02-22T15:42:00.000Z

Been checking the 'in stock' links the past couple for days - caught one today at a good price, now just waiting to see if I got in quickly enough. Not prepared to pay over the odds on Ebay so, I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed. My theory is that I don't have to feel guilty buying this console, it may at least get me off my bum a little more than sitting here with the laptop.....

Early Shift

2007-02-21T11:13:00.000Z

Well, here is the result of my UFO stitching - Early shift, the 'after' pic:

I enjoyed this old piece, but won't make it a regular WIP...I will save it for UFO nights, as I have a lot of other projects Ineed to finish up more quickly!!

Red Hair Day

2007-02-20T20:37:00.000Z

Well, it's been a few days since my last post....hoped that I might have a finished piece to show you by now...another butterfly at least, but my stitching has been disasterous the past few days.
Pulled out an old piece for UFO Tuesday at Stitch Clubs - 'Early Shift' by Heritage Stitchcraft. I haven't stitched on this since I first started it back 5 or 6 years ago. I will work on this every Tuesday from now on, until it is finished.

I decided it was about time for a haircut (been 11 months since the last one!!) - went a lot shorter than planned, and a little redder, but very happy with it.....feels sooooo short now though. Couldn't get a good pic:

Will certainly be easier to manage, it was almost waist length beforehand.

Well, best get back to that stitching......

What a grey day :(

2007-02-16T15:13:00.000Z

Well, the sun has not attempted to make an appearance at all here today....it has looked like late evening all day, not the most uplifting of weather.

But hey, I am indoors stitching, so who cares!! LOL. I am going to put Elven Love down for a few days to work on a couple of smaller projects, so I have taken an update pic...

For the next couple of days I will be working on quilt squares for various projects, hope to have a couple of finishes to share with you over the weekend!

And whatever you are up to this weekend, have a good one!

Elven Love

2007-02-15T19:00:00.000Z

Looking through my 'stash' the other day, I came across my favourite chart in my collection....though not always my favourite to stitch. It is 'Elven Love' - a discontinued White Willow Stitching design. I really wanted to get back to work on it, so pulled it out for UFO Tuesday at Stitch Clubs. Here was my progress on the last update, and on the right, a picture of the original artwork, by Selina Fenech:

I have stitched a little more since this pic was taken, and look forward to posting a new update pic soon!

Other news today - not a lot! (Story of my life) I ventured into town to get some fish to restock my aquarium, only to find the shop itself was restocking, so I couldn't get any buddies for the two lonely little neons swimming around my tank. Then, walking back through town, I passed my local 'Wool and Needlecraft Shop' - they are closing down next month, such a shame, it is a lovely little store. But I can see a few bargains on the horizon, and I picked a few cheap yarns up as usual from the odd dyes basket. Always a dangerous place for me to look!

Great to be back to 'blogging' again - like chatting to an old friend.....let's see if I can keep at it a little longer this time......

Honey, I'm home......

2007-02-12T17:46:00.000Z

Wow, it has been some time since I last 'blogged' - I decided to try and breathe some life into this poor abandoned journal of mine.

Let me begin by sharing with you some of the projects I have worked on in recent months:

I stitched these three blackwork butterflies in January - the 1st two are part of a stitchalong at Stitch Clubs - they will be sent to a charity group as a set of 12 to be used in a quilt. The third will also be used in a quilt, and will be sent to the World Of Charity Stitching (WOCS) group

I also stitched two pieces which I sent to Donna in the US, that she finished into bookmarks - didn't she do a smashing job?

Alice in Wonderland

2006-03-04T08:52:00.000Z

Wow, long time no blog again huh? My poor neglected blog will see some light again this year, as Karen has restarted the meme - YAY!!

The memes are now monthly - February was Alice in Wonderland...I designed this:

A simple start to ease myself back in...look forward to finding out the theme for March!

AMOE (Angel Moms On Earth)

2005-10-13T09:36:00.000Z

This is a lovely website, providing 'Angel Moms' for 'Angels' in need. All angels needs will be different - some ma live in a family with financial struggles, others the victims of bullying, or perhaps suffeering from illness or disabilites.

Angel Moms On Earth

I signed up yesterday and was lucky enough to be given an Angel straight away. I look forward to writing to her, and sending few extra treats. It will be wonderful to get to know her.

Meme 45

2005-06-20T14:22:00.000Z

Meme 45 - In The Garden:

I realised I was late with the In The Garden theme, so stitched this up in about 5 minutes...must try harder next time ;)

Still here in Blog-Land!

2005-05-08T14:20:00.000Z

Believe it or not, I am still here in the land of blogging - even though it has been so long!!

I have loads of stitchy pieces to show you, I will blog them later - for now, I would like to say...I finished a meme on time!! LOL - in fact, I finished this one early...scary, huh?!!

The theme for Meme 42 was "Time Flies". I couldn't find a design small enough that I really liked for this theme, so decided to chart my own - now available as a freebie at Purple Cross Stitch

You see, time really does fly. And on that note, must log off for now, more later......

FINALLY - A MEME!

2005-02-14T11:13:00.001Z

A meme, at last!!

MEME 36 - Be My Valentine!

TWO BLOGS IN ONE WEEK!

2005-02-13T00:27:00.000Z

So, what's new? Me, blogging twice in one week, that's a novelty!! ;)

I have been working on another piece for Helping Hands - a tiny burial gown:

FRONT

BACK

This gown is so tiny, it measures just 7/12 inches. The back is left open, to make dressing the tiny, fragile 1-2lb babies as easy as possible. It is so sad that these items are needed.

What else is new? Well, I just recently set up a new aquarium...though getting the fish to pose for a photo wasn't an easy job. Here's the best shot I could get on my camera phone:

Now just to finish my little meme by tomorrow.....

Still here

2005-02-10T01:04:00.000Z

I am still here in the land of blogging, just got a little lost....

What have I been up to these past months? A little job-hunting, a little stitching, and a whole lot of eating and sleeping!! I have been a little productive.....just finished these little baby clothes for Helping Hands For Premature Babies

Also finished a few stitched squares for Friends to Seniors

And finally, stitched this piece up for a Chrismtas RR that I am involved in - cute little fella isn't he?

Now to catch up on some memes.....

Happy new year

2005-01-01T15:16:00.000Z

Nearly Chistmas!

2004-12-20T17:03:00.000Z

Wow, just 5 days!! Then it's back to reality and the shock of the state of your bank balance!!

Actually, I'm kind of looking forward to The Big Day this year..and hey, it's always a great excuse to overeat, and not feel guilty...

Well, what have I been up to. Not a lot to report actually. I have managed to fit in quite a lot of stitching lately. I even fit in a meme:

The theme was Yuletide. This is one of my own designs, and can be found at:

http://members.tripod.com/~zucchi_/freecharts.html

It will be finished as a card for my Gran. I have enjoyed the memes this year Karen, and look forward to stitching in many more in 2005!

That's it for now, catch up later!

And if I don't see you again...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2004-10-31T14:11:00.000Z

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

That time of year...do you draw the curtains, turn out all the lights, and hope the "Trick Or Treaters" won't know you're home? Or do you join 'em, scary costume 'n' all? Halloween isn't a big deal in our household, but we don't want eggs lobbed at the windows, or worse, so we've stocked up on the sweeties, to be safe :)

Thanks to Christina for the wonderful Halloween blinkies, and look, she made this specially for me:

Recognise the little fella? I love it, thanks Christina!!

Have a safe and wonderful evening everyone!

Scary Meme

2004-10-25T01:04:00.000Z

Late as usual....will try to get a scan, ad this piccie is lousy!!

Cardboard city due for demolition!

2004-10-16T11:38:00.000Z

Finally, I get back to blogging! Been a busy few weeks since the move, but slowly, it's getting there.

My new furniture arrived yesterday - all flatpacked, so I have a weekend of construction ahead. But the best news, is that I will get to knock down Cardboard City, and not a moment too soon!! It's driving me mad, I can't find anything, and am in permanent fear of a midnight collapse!!

I have had a little time for stitching though...I was the 4th and final person to stitch on this beautiful round robin for a lady named Diane, at Stitchers Bonanza:

I stitched the brown one, top left. This was a really enjoyable project to stitch, I was really happy to see the finished RR...I didn't want to give it back!! LOL

I have also been busy on a couple of baby items for Cuddles. Cuddles is a UK organisation, that collect blankets, burial gowns and hooded wraps for babies that don't make it. I am working on a little blue blanket and a tiny cream coloured burial gown. I haven't made one of these before, and it is so sad to see just how tiny it is turning out.

I am really missing the Memes, can't wait to get back to them. Look forward to catching up on what the rest of you have been working on!

Take Care, and have a good weekend everyone.

Cardboard City

2004-09-19T21:51:00.000Z

Welcome to Cardboard City!! LOL

This is the sight that will greet me tomorrow, and a painful reminder that there is still more to be getting on with. I hate moving house!!

My PC will be all packed up tomorrow night, and I am not sure when I will be getting back online again, so I will take this chance to say goodbye for now, hope to see you in a few days!!

Now that's why I didn't blog for so long...

2004-09-14T13:49:00.000Z

I forgot just how addictive blogging can be once you get going. I was up until 2:00am last night making a start on getting things right here, and oh no, I still have such a long way to go!!

This afternoon, I want to show you the Santa I recently finished stitching for the Christmas round robin I was invited to join at Threads of Life:

This is one of a set of 12 ornaments in a Leisure Arts leaflets..the other three ladies in the group will be stitching their choice of the reamining 11, so the final choice and placement will be a surprise. I am really looking forward to working on all the other pieces too, I love Christmas stitching!

Well, back to work n my blog now, sort out a few more of those links. I guess blogs are a permanent work-in-progress, always something new to add!

Welcome

2004-09-12T06:48:00.000Z

I have decided to move Jo's Journal..I think this free blog has a lot more to offer, and I am hoping it will renew my love of blogging, I've had nothing to write for such a long time!! Please bear with me while I tidy up here, make this page really 'mine', and transfer over all the old entries.

Karen's Cross Stitch Meme - #25

The theme this fortnight was "Olympics" - wishing we'd had more of these....I chose to stitch this gold medal:

If you would like to see what he others stitched, check out the Meme Gallery.

I also had time to stitch this little buterfly as a belated piece for theme #24:

This is stitched on sparkly aida, and will be joined by 4 more critters to make a bookmark for my Gran.

Well, it's 1:15 am, and I have to be up in 5 hours for work, so much as I am aready enjoying becoming re-addicted to blogging, I will call it a night!!

About time I showed my face again....

2004-07-23T01:29:00.000Z

First of all, my latest piece for Karen;s Cross Stitch Meme

A fun idea, this time the theme was the colour green! I wasn't sure I was going to be able to join in this time, but as we were a little late starting, Karen has given us an extension until today, so I am just in time.

I spotted this little fella last night and couldn't resist!! As I stitched him on a spare piece of 6 by 6 inch fabric, I think I will mail him on to SOLAK. He was so much fun to stitch, and he only took a few hours.

Other stitching I have been working on recently:

I stitched this piece for Friends to Seniors. Lavinia is 96 years old. Her daughter requested an angel theme, and I thought this plump angel would make a fun addition! Also this week, I have decided to try to make a little progress on some UFOs while the summer weather is hiding away...I promised myself I would work on whatever piece I came to first when I opened my UFO box, and was pleased to see this one:

This was my progress on July 17th, I am trying to stitch on it for at least an hour a day, until I get bored of the dreaded blending filament and hide it to the bottom of the pil!! LOL - It's a pretty piece though, and will be worth it in the end (I hope!)

Meme Time - Games

2004-06-28T00:32:00.000Z

Wow, I'm early for a change...a whole week early!! Had some free time this weekend, and thought I'd put it to good use!!

I stitched this Coaster design for the latest theme of "Games", at Karen's Cross Stitch Meme. Karen chose a very vague theme this fortnight, to see how each of us would interpret it. I look forward to seeing what the others involved have come up with!