Blackbird Designs Cross-Stitch

I’ve changed direction for a while! Although I had told myself that I probably wouldn’t tackle cross-stitch again because it’s so challenging to the old eyesight these days, I wasn’t prepared for just how much I would be attracted to Blackbird Designs – equally their collection of fabric (particularly the ‘Harvest Home’ range!) as well as their cross-stitch creations. So, I’ve backtracked and bought a pattern for just a small piece and here’s how I’m getting on so far. This one is called ‘Buttons & Pins’.



Working on linen makes it a tougher project, but having used linen in the past, I’m afraid I can’t go back to Aida – it simply doesn’t look the same. And it’s not too bad if I can work on it in the daylight – but under electric light in the evenings is more challenging! It’s been a Bank Holiday here today, so I’ve been able to get a few hours in on it – things always take longer than you think though don't they – if I repeat that to myself often enough, I might just get it into my head ....... this morning I said to myself “oh I’ll probably have this finished by this evening. Dream on Julia!!!!

It's finished!

.................... my Heart & Home Quilt top that is!


I still have to buy the wadding and the backing fabric and of course quilt it (the really hard part!), but as all of that will take a while yet, I thought I would show it to you at this stage. I realised when I looked at the dimensions in the book that it's not actually as big as I assumed it was, so I've added an extra border in the red fabric ........ it's still not as big as I would have liked, but I didn't want to keep adding bigger and bigger borders and end up diminishing the middle (and main) section.

I discovered a shop recently who provide a basting service - something I hadn't come across before, so when I can afford it (as well as the wadding and backing fabric), I shall have them do to that part for me. That will ensure a nice neat basting without any folds on the back!! And then I will quilt it myself - not sure yet though whether that will be by hand or machine.

I have to say, I am very pleased with the results - what do you think?

Last block & Car booty!!

I’ve finished the last block of my ‘Heart & Home’ quilt – only the borders to do now!!

I haven’t had much sewing time this weekend as I’ve had a friend to stay, so I’ve been cooking, entertaining etc. instead and this morning, we went to a car boot sale – I haven’t been to one for ages and as the weather was perky, we thought we’d venture outdoors instead of staying in.



This is my car boot ‘booty’, below. A mini wicker hamper basket, which I thought I could line and use for threads or something like that. Then the black frame, which will do for a little cross-stitch embroidery; and finally two lovely little coffee cups; something I’ve been after for a while, but didn’t want to pay much for - I got the two of them for £2.00, so not bad!


................ anyway, back to work tomorrow!!!

Heart & Home Quilt

Well, despite having a shorter weekend (having worked overtime on Saturday) I managed to complete 5 more blocks on my ‘Heart & Home’ quilt over the weekend , which leaves just the one block to do (I’ve left my favourite one until last!!) – the appliquéd flower block! And then borders etc. etc .......... I shall have a little bit of filling in to do too with the neutrals, as no matter how hard I try (and I am using my ¼ inch foot), the blocks still don’t match up exactly and, I’m afraid I made a bit of a hash of the tree block, which means it’s ended up a smaller than it’s meant to be ...... but, hey, if you don’t tell, I won’t!!!!!

Sorry about the top photograph - it was taken at night!!

Giveaway!

Brenda over at Pumpkin Patch Primitives is hosting a 'Giveaway' to win a kit to make this gorgeous little 'Woolley' quilt - isn't he cute?!! Brenda will be choosing a name on 7th August, so hurry over to her blog and leave a comment ....... and let her know that I sent you too, 'cause that way, I get an extra entry!! Good luck everyone ..... including me!! LOL