flyingstitcher

2007- the year of consumption!

2007-01-09T20:12:00.000Z

I have decided that this year is going to be the year of consumption. I am terrible for stockpiling things "just in case". I have cupboards full of toiletries, towels, clothes, food etc. either bought so that I don't run out of things, or because they are on sale etc. etc. Notice that I am not even mentioning the "stash" cupboard at this point. So... this year I am going to use what I have, it will hopefully reduce the things I have around the house, and also save money as I don't need to buy things like shampoo and soap. I am also extremely bad for not using things because I either don't want to use them, and spoil them, or the fear that if I do use them, then I won't have it anymore. So, again I need to change my mentality and start to enjoy what I have, and not lock them away in cupboards.
This also relates to my stitching, so my plans for 2007 are to work on my WIP's. I have decided that my schedule will be to work on Chessmates on the appointed 2nd weekend of the month for the SAL challenge on the HAED board. At other weekends I can work on whatever grabs me. During the week, I am going to work on a WIP per month. This month I have chosen to work on Roasting Apples around the Hearth - Beatrix Potter charted by Green Apple. Next month I will choose another, but it will probably be the Michael Powell, Tuscan Gardens 2. This is unless I am quite close to a finish on RAATH, in which case, I might carry on with it into February.
Thanks for all the kind comments from the UK stitchers forum on my last post, it's great to know that there are such a great bunch of people out there!
I have recently been accepted as a member to the forum, but more of that in my next post.
I leave you with a picture of my black cat Litha enjoying snuggles. I have realised that she is hard to photo as, as soon as I get the camera pointed at her, she runs toward me, so I can't "get" her.

2007 New Year, better Year!!!

2007-01-07T18:41:00.000Z

Well hi guys, been a way for quite some time now. But I promised Namuelle that I would try again to do this blogging thing, so here goes.
2006 was a royally dreadful year! Well actuallyto be precise it went downhill from October 2005. There was a bried up period around March/April time, when I was happier with the world, and I also discovered the joys of the virtual stitching community, then it hit the fan again from May and been on the slide ever since. This is almost exclusively to do with my employment. To explain, I work from home for a company based in Bolton, and go out to appointments around the country. I am an accountant, and the company I work for service the petroleum and hospitality sector. Around October 2005, we lost a big contract, which meant redundancies. This was a worry as my DH is a full time student having decided to retrain 3 years ago, so I am the only breadwinner in the house. The company also decided to change their service offering whereas before the accounts were processed in the head office, and I went out with the completed accounts to consult on them, we were now to complete the accounts out in the field. Not a problem, because obviously capable of it, but work a little tedious, entering recipts for £1.59 for bread etc, and obviously far more time consuming. My working week started to hit the 50-60 hours mark. Things settled down around March, April, we booked a "big" holiday for us to Rome, normally using our touring caravan because of costs, then wham, more redundancies were announced. Before, I had been told on the quiet that it was ok, I would be safe, but this time not the case, everyone fair game, regardless of client numbers. Once more the uncertainty, but I was ok, being told whilst in Rome, I was texted to be told that I still had a job! But since then we are all under huge pressure to bring in more clients, work stupid hours, and be grateful we still have a job! Some have since jumped ship, giving those left even more to do, but the bottom line is, I don't want to go back to working in an office, and I need my level of salary to keep us. I was convinced the firm would finish at Christmas, but so far not, although I am still on holiday and haven't opened my post, so there could still be a letter in there. But that is how I feel, everyday not knowing how much longer I have a job, but not knowing where to go as an alternative. To cap things off, DH started his teacher training in September, so he had his University course work to do, as well as preparing lesson plans and teaching materials for the school placement etc. , so he couldn't do his normal role of running the house for me as he was leaving at 7.30am, coming home at 4.30pm and then working to 9-10pm every night and at least one day a weekend. Life as we knew it stopped, no food in the fridge, never having time to catch up with talking to each other or doing things in the house. It was a living hell. I am determined that 2007 will not be like this. It was a mere existence. I am not sure quite how it will change but it has to. I am full of positive determination to not work so much, which is really easy to say when I am not doing it, but when I am still sitting at a clients at 7pm, 2 hours from home because they have a problem, will I keep to it?
So there you have it. Truth laid bare.
I am now off to ponder my stitching challenges for 2007. If any of you are still out there reading this I hope this explains in some way my erraticism. Like I say I am deteremined that 2007 will not be a repeat so hang on in there with me if you will, your support is very important to me!
I leave you with a photo of a current WIP. It is a HAED design Chessmates by Stephanie Pui Mon Law, and I have completed 6 pages of the chart, 28000 stitches which is about 16%. I completed this by 30 December to qualify for a half year goal on a BB that I frequent, the HAED BB.

It's a McKenzie

2006-08-03T20:14:00.000+01:00

I've been bought a pressie!!! Got home from work today, and DH had been out and bought me a 1921-1923, (age unknown at moment) Ladies model McKenzie!!! How cool is that. Too excited to blog right now but had to share a photo.
Off to drool again, and stop jumping up and down.

What a Wednesday

2006-07-26T19:12:00.000+01:00

I have been working from home again today. It's been great as I haven't had a lot to do. I had a very leisurely get up and breakfast. Made a few phonecalls and sent a few emails. Managed to sort out my old files that needed to be sent to office for archiving, and even managed to get to the gym. That's what I call a good day! Much better than sitting on the motorway for 4 hours! It's still pretty hot here. I do like it because we get to eat outside, and just be in the garden, which is nice.
On the stitching front I am frantically trying to finish page 1 of Chessmates. Still not seeing anything in the picture, but the colours are nice. It just seems such a long way off finishing. I am really tempted to start another one, because they are so nice, but the thought that it would mean an even longer time before a finish is putting me off.
Here's the link for Linda Ravenscroft's Marked One, what do you think? Can you see my temptation? www.heavenandearthdesigns.com/markedone.jpg
Also just seen A Perfect Sphere and rather like that one too! www.heavenandearthdesigns.com/aperfectsphere.jpg
There's no hope!
Stitch or no Stitch asked how many WIP's I have at the moment. I have updated my side bar for the latest, and that is was I have at the moment. I must admit though that I have only listed the cross stitch ones, and not included my canvaswork or quilting!
DH is beavering away on the garden still. Hoping to have a patio by the end of summer.
Going away to sit down and stitch some more.
Will post a WIP when I have finished page 1 of Chessmates.

Roasting Apples

2006-07-25T18:19:00.000+01:00

Here is a WIP of my Roasting Apples around the Hearth. It is a Beatrix Potter design charted by Green Apple. I started this just before Christmas last year, didn't do much on it, then got bored of it. Picked it up a couple of weeks ago now as I am stitching it on a hoop, so it's easy to do in the garden. Also took it to Stanford Hall on Sunday where it got wet!
Really hot again today! Signed up a couple of new clients, so not a too bad day.
Still battling with my "to do" list. I have so much stuff to do, and I feel guilty about not doing it, and stitching instead. Thought that if I tried to break it down into manageable goals I would feel better about it, which has worked in part, but still makes for a busy week, and not enough stitching time.
Went to LNS yesterday for some more needles. The ones I bought a couple of weeks ago are sharp in the eye, and snag the threads. I bought a packet of "Piecemakers". They were £2.50 for six needles. That's about $4.50. Very expensive. We were talking about jobs you could do where you could stitch at work, yet get paid. Decided a night shift at a call centre would do the trick. Not sure how well it pay's though.
Have a serious stash buying yearn at minute. Really fancy Mirabilia's new one White Christmas, and also two HAED by Linda Ravenscroft have caught my eye, Marked One and Dark Eyes.
Off to wrestle with conscious and "to do" list

What a washout!

2006-07-23T19:18:00.000+01:00

Today was Founders Day at Stanford Hall, a Vintage Motorcycle Club annual event. Decided to go in the car, and not on the bike due to carrying stuff. Very overcast when we left, so had to pack for every eventuality, rain coat and sun hat! Yesterday was quite warm, but rained quite a lot in the afternoon and evening, so was hoping today would be nice! No chance. Still overcast when we got there. Wandered round the auto jumble. I was then "parked" by the arena so that DH could have a good dig around with rusty bits of metal. Got my stitching out, amid funny looks, and it was quite pleasant until it decided to rain. So chart and fabric got damp, as did I. Rain stopped stitching, so I sat in chair, and got rained on, DH meanwhile blissfully still digging around in jumble.
Nearly got bought a present. DH spotted 1918 Sparkbrook motorcycle which he quite fancied for me, but it had sold when he went back. Never mind, obviously not meant to be. What I really want is a ladies model, late teen's early twenties bike, but they are very rare. I spotted one in an auction catalogue a couple of weeks ago, and expressed an interest. When DH looked at website to get the reserve price it was £10,000. LOL, I've always had expensive tastes, and didn't even have to see it to decide it was nice and expensive.

TGI Friday!

2006-07-21T23:38:00.000+01:00

What a week, it's been hot and busy. I prepared my "to do" list for the week on Sunday, and haven't done too bad on it. Failed on the eat a piece of fruit a day one however. On the up side, been to the gym twice, and had duty visiting twice, so not as much time for stitching as would have liked, but done my necessities.
It was DH's mum's birthday today, so we took round a present tonight, bought her brushes and canvases as she is an artist. DH's brother and sister in law also were there. Left later than planned, but then did actually go to the gym, so feel quite superior.
Litha is becoming quite the huntress! Brought us three "presents" yesterday. She is definitely challenging Marlon for his crown.
Off to plan the weekend. There is a vintage bike club do on Sunday at Stanford Hall called "Founders Day". So will be going to that. Hope it stays nice so that I can take stitching.
Will leave you with one of my Rome piccies. We spent quite a lot of time by the Trevi Fountain as there was a good pizza take-out, and ice cream parlour close by, so that was our lunch stop.

Pincushion Exchange

2006-07-20T19:14:00.000+01:00

Well guys, to catch you up with events during my blogging absence, one of the things I did was take part in a summer pincusion exchange which was organised by Namu on the AngelSan Forum. I was given the name of my stitching partner, and told we had to post by around 20th June to reach destination by beginning of July. Problem was, I did not know what my partner liked/disliked in the way of stitching. I finally settled on a pattern, happily stitched it one Saturday at the beginning of June, and was quite pleased with it. Bad news struck when on Sunday I found a topic on the forum for stitchers likes/dislikes and my partner had put dislikes fantasy, dragons, magic etc, which is my absolute fave! Likes cute/cuddly, which I rarely stitch. I had decided to stitch a sun motif from Fantasy Cross Stitch by Julie Hasler, so had a huge panic that she wouldn't like it. DH calmed me down assuring me that it was fine, and that she would like it, so I sent it off to her at alloted time, put a few other bits in to soften the blow, and just hope that she really did like it.
I received my package quite early in the month of June, and it burned a hole in my fingers as I promised that I wouldn't open it until I had sent mine. When I opened it, it was a beautiful beach scene stitched by Margaret, together with a lovely Dimensions butterfly kit, and a letter. It wasn't until I got back from holiday, and caught up on blog's that I realised my exchange had come from Stitch or No Stitch, who's blog I visit. Dumb eh! But it was lovely to realise that it was "that" Margaret who had sent me the goodies. So ""Thank You"" Stitch or No Stitch.
Piccies enclosed of my lovely package, and the pincushion that I sent on to Quebec.

Sooooo Hot!

2006-07-19T19:46:00.000+01:00

It was 35 degrees centigrade whilst I was driving down the M6 today! So hot. Must admit though that the car is the coolest place at the moment as I've got air conditioning.
Bit of a better day today. I should have had a second appointment this afternoon, but when I phoned to confirm, they cancelled me. I tried not to sound too pleased, and said I would speak to them in a week! LOL. Not great diary planning as I had scheduled to go back to Stoke next week as I couldn't stay today because of 2nd appointment, so as it was cancelled, I could've done the 2nd Stoke, whereas now I'm still going to have to back next week. Tomorrow's has also cancelled me, couldn't move Friday's to tomorrow, so am at home most of tomorrow, before a late appointment, and will have to use one of my "at home" day's next week to go to tomorrow's! Whoa!!!!!
Anyway, just a quick blog before I have to go back out to meet a friend.
I have recently discovered Heaven and Earth Designs, and their Bulletin Board. It was a blog that I read that led me to this wonderful world. (Mel in Dubai) if anyone else read's it.
The folks at the BB are just great, really friendly, and there's a lot of action on it. I have also started my first HAED which is a SPML design called Chessmates. It is a big design, I am doing it over 1 using 1 thread on 22 count hardanger, and there are about 50 pages to the pattern including thread chart. I think I shall be doing it for some time!

The HAED link is www.heavenandearthdesigns.com/chessmates.jpeg

Hi Trysori, yes the sampler is lovely, and wasn't difficult really. I'm sure that you will really enjoy stitching yours. I'm going to go around with a big star pinned to me now that you feel star struck! LOL

Unspeakably Cross!!!

2006-07-18T22:21:00.000+01:00

Let's just say that it is 10.15pm, and I finished work at 10pm, having started at 9am this morning! It has been in the 30's today, so I am hot, and my office continually, a) screws up and lets me down, or b) asks me stupid questions about why/why not I have done something. And then all go home on the dot of 5pm.
Life sucks!
Stitching has suffered, don't know how much I will do tonight, and haven't had any dinner and it's too late now!
Bleurghhhhhhhhh

Wierd Month

2006-07-17T21:15:00.000+01:00

Well I'm back, sorry that I haven't blogged for ages but it hasn't been the best few weeks for me. Apart from Rome which was absolutely fantastic, and I was sorely tempted to not come back.
I will update you all on what's been happening over the coming entries rather than do a long and rambling post here now.
First up to tell you, I have been published as a model stitcher again, although not credited. I picked up the September issue of World of Cross Stitch because there was a Michael Powell design in it. When I sat down to read it I found my blackwork sampler that I had done ages ago staring back at me from a six page spread. It has been slightly worked on since I returned it, and I am assuming that when a model is stitched, only one person is asked to do the design, not more than one model stitcher (any input from other model stitchers would be very interesting on this), so.... I guess it's mine.
I am posting a picture of the work when I finished it.
Work has been the reason it's been a bad few weeks, back to my usual 10 hour days, and an email received today saying we are still not doing enough, or working hard enough, or putting enough unpaid hours in, so not impressed at moment.
It's really hot here at the moment. It's been 31 degrees centrigrade here today, think that's high 80's. Just come back in the car and it's still 28 degrees at 9pm at night. Unheard of for England!
Off to try and get a bit of stitching done before I fall asleep.

June Goals

2006-06-02T19:47:00.000+01:00

Well another frantic week.
Went to LNS on Tuesday to sort out fabric for MP kit. Learnt something new today, American Antique White fabric is not the same colour as English Antique White. I had pinched the fabric from one of my TW kits, and it was much more yellow than what I should have been using. Not a problem if that was the only piece that was to be stitched, but I had been planning on stitching the set of three. Grrrrr. So I had to have another piece cut to restart MP on, unpick what I had already done, and return the fabric to the TW stash. Needless to say, when I got back from LNS, the bag was thrown in the corner and has not been looked at since.
My May stitching goals went sort of ok. To recap:-
Monday's - work on Peacock Tapestry - Done
Finish left hand border of PT - Done
Do all "x" symbols of PT - Done
Do left hand topiary and Urns on FI - Partial Topiary and Urn done

So for June here goes, this is for up to 25th June when I will then go away. Hurray!!
Make up Pincushion for Exchange
Do 1 page of TG 2
Stitch on Mondays with Teresa
Finish left topiary and urn's on Fairy Idyll
Finish main section on page 7 of PT

Art Collector

2006-05-29T12:14:00.000+01:00

These are the pieces that I bought from DH's exhibition. I liked the ceramic because it reminded me of a dragon. It is actually a tea light holder.
Yesterday did go quite well apart from one major hassle. I started the MP kit. The threads are on a thread card which has two rows of holes punched next to each other, rather than on either side of the card. They were also just draped through the holes rather than secured, so I was grumbling away about this whilst DH was watching World Superbikes from Silverstone. I then started to put the fabric in the hoop, and was struggling to get it in. Again grumbling away to myself when DH looked over and said "that fabric is aida". Now bearing in mind I don't like aida and haven't used it for years, and the kit say's it is packaged with 27 count evenweave, this was a big surprise to me. I looked at it, and realised he was right, and I hadn't put two and two together. So I had to pinch some fabric from one of my stash kit's and I started it on that. Look's like another trip to LNS to replace fabric.
I also discovered a big plus to technology today. I had bought a speaker and MP3 holder last week primarily for the purpose of charging my MP3 without a laptop, you can do this from the mains with the kit. But I set the kit up in the bedroom, and realised I could then play music in the room without having a stereo up there. I've also got a radio on the MP3 so bingo!! I am a bit slow in the technical department, but this is great! I am so impressed with this for £9.98. Bargain!! LOL
Today the weather is iffy. One minute nice sun, next showers. I think I've guilted DH into washing caravan as I said I was going to clean the bedroom, and he said "but you don't want to do that on your day off". I sort of shrugged and muttered it needed doing, so he later announced about the caravan plans. So, I've finished bedroom, but he's still outside with brush and bucket. I think I got the better deal.
Off to stitch with Teresa later. Think I might put some quality time into PT and do some of the main section rather than just border. I should be able to spend a decent block of time on it.

Where did the Week Go?

2006-05-28T07:38:00.000+01:00

This week has just flown, I'm sorry to not have posted before. I am now doing my usual weekend thing so thought I would catch up. How is it that during the week when you have to get up, you're half asleep and don't want to get up. Yet at the weekend, 7am on the dot, my eyes are open and I'm wide awake! Now that's no bad thing if you like to get up and about and do things, which I do quite like. DH on the other hand is not so much a morning person in the weekend, and likes to lie in bed leisurely drinking tea. I normally go along with this, and often lie awake so as not to wake him too early, with things going round in my head. This morning though, I have gotten up and am sitting in the sunshine (which is a rare thing at the moment) blogging. So, it's 7.30am on a holiday weekend, and I'm awake, DH hasn't come downstairs to moan about "what am I doing up at this time, and come back to bed", so my day has begun.
So a round up of the week. As you know, Monday wasn't good. Tuesday felt as if it was Thursday! The week, although flown, also seemed long! Which I know sounds mad, but that's how it felt. Drove to Derby on Tuesday, which is about 75 miles, and an hour and a half's drive, got there, he had forgotten I was coming, so I got back in the car and drove home! Wednesday I had so much to do, one of DH's student friends had her end of year exhibition opening, so we went to Wolverhampton to see that. Thursday I was in Oxford, and as didn't go to that place last month, had 2 months to do this time. Consequently didn't finish until 5.45pm, then it took me 2 and a half hours to get home, the traffic was really bad, think everyone had broken up early for the weekend. It's also half term next week, so maybe that helped too.
Friday, I had my MOT day, dentist, haircut, nurse and chiropractor! I also had to fit a meeting in with an Area Manager before dentist at a nearby McDonalds, and a gym session! Again I finished about 8pm. Oh, and I also sneaked a visit in to LNS to get some fabric for the pincushion exchange. I was really good, I bought the fabric, paid for a skein of Appleton's which they had posted a few weeks ago, and it came to the princely sum of 65p.
However that visit led to my downfall yesterday! I had decided that I quite fancied doing some Michael Powell stitching to take on holiday with me. He has a trilogy called Tuscany which really suited my holiday stitching mood. There were 4 kits up on ebay, so I have been watching them all week hoping for a bargain. They started quite cheap, but by the end they went for the cost of a ONS. No bargain's to be had there then. DH was convinced there were spook bidders bumping the price up as the bidders had colour related id's. He has this theory about ebay that spook bidders are pushing prices up! I'm not sure, but maybe it isn't so crazy. Anyway, his big exhibition that he has been organizing finished yesteray, so he was down there all day taking the work down, and closing it up, so before he went we tackled some more "to-do's". The welcome pack from Eurocamp arrived which was very exciting! Only four weeks away! So we ordered our maps from Amazon. Decided on the guide books we wanted. I had bought the Lonely Planet Rome guide from WH Smith, as Amazon had an old version on it. Decided to keep that one, it looks the most user friendly. It also has sections about "doing it on the cheap", so to speak, very useful if there is a student in the house. LOL.
As soon as he left the house, my downfall visit really kicked in, went back to LNS. Bought a Michael Powell Tuscan Trilogy 2, and ordered Tuscan Trilogy 1, to take away with me. Michael Powell doesn't seem to be well known outside the UK, either that or his stuff isn't distributed worldwide much, as there were no listings on US ebay at all. I quite like his stuff, it looks better stitched than in the photo's, the colours are quite bright. I think it will be quite a relaxing stitch. I have put a link into his website so that you can check out the designs. Let me know what you think. www.michaelpowellcross-stitch-art.com
I was also led astray by the LNS owner Sharon, who is lovely. She has just signed up with Hoffman's to get US stuff direct. Before, she used to get it through the UK distributor Solo, but they seem to have gone all papercrafting, so she has gone direct. She had some new dragon chart's in from Patricia Allison, they are seasonal dragon's and were Spring and Winter. Well......so cute!! Never heard of PA before, but definitely liked them. Charts had also been signed by PA! They were swiftly put on one side for future purchase! So very bad day on stitch stash front!
I then came home, and sat in front of TV catching up on video'd episodes of "Medium", with Patricia Arquette. I missed it first time round, but they are repeating it on Sci Fi channel. I stitched my pincushion exchange. Yay HD!!! and finished all the stitching. I haven't made it up yet, but hey, half way there. I thought that it was really self controlled of me to not wade straight into the new MP kit!
Finally, the photo printer on ebay didn't sell, so consulted Amazon again, who were listing the new model of the Canon, only a bit more than I wanted to pay, so ordered that, so the other 2 can go back to the shop when it arrives.
Whew!!!!!!
DH also arrived home with a picture that I had bought from his exhibition, which he collected for me when it was all taken down. I am now an official "art collector". LOL
One of his art group members had done it. She is hoping to become an associate of the Royal Society of Birmingham Artist's (RBSA), so if she does, the value should go up. I do actually really like the picture, it is oil on canvas of a sea scene. I will post a photo next time.
Well that was a mega post, hope I haven't bored you guys. Must post more often so it's not so long next time. DH still not stirred. Look's like it's going to be a good day.

Frustrated with a capital "F"

2006-05-22T20:35:00.000+01:00

Can't tell you how frustrated I am today. For the last few day's I seem to have been going round in circles. I have a "to do" list for the week, which includes various tasks, and whilst I attempt to work on that task, I seem to be met with opposition to resolving it!!! Therefore no "to do's" get done. Prime example, car needs to be serviced before holiday, phone dealership to book it in, get price quoted. New dealership has opened down the road, part of the same company, thought that might be more convenient to take it to, so phone to see if they have space and get price. Price quoted £40 less than original dealership. Now I had checked 3 times that it was the correct service they were quoting for, they assured me it was. Spoke to DH for advice being a mechanical thing, go back to original dealership and ask them to match he advised. After all £139 compared to £99 is a big difference. ( I feel you can see the accountant coming out in me!!! Either that or I am certifiably tight! LOL)
Original dealership said oh, we actually quoted you wrong price should be £179!!!, but we will stick to £139. When told of the other deal, I was told, no definitely wrong, they wouldn't be using correct parts etc, and in fact the manager of this dealership was looking after both, so he would be speaking to "Down the Road" to set them straight. So phoned "Down the Road" back to say didn't now need their booking as I wasn't sure it was the right service for the money. They then proceeded to assure me it was correct, and the assistant said "but if you wan't to pay more for the same thing, then go ahead". She even had that tone in her voice which said you must be mad to pay more but I'm not going to argue. S0......... it was left she was going to send me service details with price confirmed. Dilemma continues, arrange car service still on "to do" list.
And as for digital camera's, been trying to find one small, affordable and taking a decent picture of stitching. Had tried Fuji A400, which was ok, but not brilliant. Took it back to shop under their 30 day no quibble guarantee, and was told it was a "lens" problem. So was told to take home a Canon Powershot A520, as this would do the job. Only problem was it was more money, but being sold as a bundle with a photo printer which I don't want. So photo printer is for sale on ebay, which if sold will bring price of camera down to what I want to spend, if not back to something else. Sort out digital camera still on "to do" list. Aaaarghhhhh!!!!!!
You get my drift.
Another one of my "to do's " is to sort out materials for my exchange piece on San's forum. Reading San's blog tonight she has actually finished her piece! So not only has she sorted out her materials, but finished it too!!! I am sadly lacking. Power to San.
So now that I have taken my frustrations out on you guys I am going to settle back into my chair and stitch with Teresa. If I can get the digi cam to take a good shot, I will post update tomorrow.

SBQ of the Week

2006-05-21T18:05:00.000+01:00

Since this week has been so busy, and I am having major digi-cam hassles, I thought I would use the SBQ of the week:-

Lately, it seems that many stitching bloggers have experienced a loss of their stitching mojo. Have you ever lost your stitching mojo? If so, how did you get it back and how long did it take?

The answer is most definitely yes!
I usually get it back either by
a) not doing any stitching, putting everything out of the way, and it eventually crawls back about a month later.
b) receiving a model to test stitch for a designer here in England, which immediately makes me want to work on anything apart from that, and draws me back to wanting to do my own stitching. LOL

The BB's and the stitching blogs are great for reviving my mojo! Looking round everyone's blogs and seeing their fantastic wip's and HD's definitely inspires me to stitch. I love seeing what everyone else is doing and how beautiful they look. They all look so much better than in the pictures you see showing the designs for sale. All I need now is to win the lottery so I can spend lots more time stitching!
Stitching has sadly taken a back seat again this weekend, will do some more on FI tonight, then PT tomorrow.
Updated FI enclosed.

We Booked It!

2006-05-16T20:08:00.000+01:00

What a tense night I had last night! PT was sadly neglected in the SAL stakes.
After I had blogged I was so wound up about the whole holiday thing. DH was not too popular to say the least. Well, I decided to check out the web pages of Eurocamp to see what it would actually cost to go when he finished term, just in case the prices weren't as bad as the brochure. Pulled up the details of the campsite and it was available at end of June, and wonder of wonder's there was discount for late summer booking, and no children! The price worked out nearly the same as September. I was then in a dilemma, it was only 6 weeks away. I am a huge organiser of things, I like everything planned to the last detail with lots of lists. September I was prepared for, 6 weeks away I was not. DH then had to go out to a meeting, so left me to get more wound up, should I take the plunge and go for it, or should I be cautious and not!
My Mother was also out for the evening so I couldn't seek her "wisdom" on the subject.
Pacing started, getting more frantic with the passing hours, and the absence of DH. it got to 10.30pm and I was struck with thoughts of a) ringing him and demanding him to come home and talk about it, or b) it was probably too late now as the availability had probably gone.
He finally showed at 10.45pm, when I sat him down, discussed it for all of at least 5 minutes, which on reflection was quite unfair considering he hadn't had a lot of input about where he would actually like to go on holiday, and we booked it.
So we are going to go to a campsite about 25 miles from Rome for 9 nights, with a night either side halfway from Calais in the French Alps, for the last week of June, first week of July! Round trip of approximately 2,500 miles! My poor Corsa won't know what's hit it. It is only 14 months old now and got 28,000 miles on it!
Major planning starts now!
Thanks for your comments on the last post, I really appreciate them all, thanks for reading my ramblings!
Updated picture of PT enclosed.

What my Stitching Should Look Like

2006-05-15T19:35:00.000+01:00

Well after the success of adding in my Chalice Well link yesterday, I am going to try and add links to what my stitching should look like, as Stitch or No Stitch asked me to do.
The Peacock Tapestry can be found at www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/pt.html
The Storyteller is at www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/story.html
Fairy Idyll is at www.mirabilia.com/crossIndex2.html
It is design no 21.
I did some more on FI yesterday so am posting an updated WIP.
Tonight is my SAL with Teresa so will be doing some more on PT.
Big disappointment on the holiday front today. Was planning to go away in September before DH goes back to University. Hopefully catching the cheaper prices after the kids go back to school. Got a Keycamp and Eurocamp brochure sent to us, and rather fancied a site near to Rome. Could cope with 2 weeks in a tent near to Rome. Checked availability on website, all ok, price ok, then DH phoned Uni for start of term dates. 4th September!!! No good to man nor beast!!! So looked back at brochures, to go in July when he has finished this year's Uni, 3 times as much, and most definitely out of the budget.
Look's like a wet weekend in Wales is on the cards. LOL
Back to the planning department for holidays.

A Grand Day Out!

2006-05-14T17:14:00.000+01:00

Where did this week go? I haven't blogged much this week and I just don't know where the time has gone. I haven't stitched much either.
Went to patchwork on Thursday night. Spent all night still cutting out sawtooth star pieces. Thought I was ready to stitch them together when no, read the instructions, the 2.5" squares all have to have a line drawn on them! There is 5 sets of 32 to do. Won't be stitching them together for a bit then. There is no class next week as it will be "Malvern". Malvern is England's biggest quilt show at the 3 Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire. The NEC in Birmingham also holds one in August, but Malvern has been going for years, and most people really love going there. It starts on Thurdsay until Sunday. Might get the chance to go, depends on how things go. Don't really want to buy anything, but it's nice to go and look.
Yesterday we had a day out, which is quite rare for DH and I. We went to Glastonbury. There are some gardens there called "Chalice Well", which are really beautiful and are the home of a natural spring. They are also at the foot of Glastonbury Tor. The web site is www.chalicewell.org.uk if you fancy a virtual tour. On certain evening's they open the garden and light it with lanterns and candlelight. It looks really beautiful. We stayed there until around 10pm, then DH drove home while I fell asleep in the car. I was very supportive! Got home about 12.15 am and fell straight into bed I was so tired.
I bought a new skirt in Glastonbury, I think I have strange tastes in clothes, I like the hippie thing, so Glastonbury is a good source of clothes, unlike normal shopping centre's.
I am going to work on Fairy Idyll tonight. Considering it is supposed to be my focus piece, I don't seem to be making much progress. I took PT with me yesterday, and managed to stitch some in the car on the way down, and then again sitting in the gardens. Tomorrow is the stitch with Teresa night, so I will work on it again.
The stitching goals on PT are going well, but not so good on Fairy Idyll, must try harder! LOL.
I have also been setting general goals for the week, including stitching, to try and keep pace with everything that I need to do. I am finding it quite good to actually write down what I want to achieve that week, as I am being more focussed about it, and not just thinking I know I need to do it, I'll get round to it. This weeks goals all achieved except for Fairy Idyll.
Thanks for all the comments on my blog! I really appreciate them!
Back to stitching.

Woo Hoo!!

2006-05-09T21:19:00.000+01:00

My blog sidebar is fixed!!! Went to one of my clients yesterday who is a computer wizard! Mentioned my little blog problem, he took one look at code, deleted a couple of symbols and hey presto, blog fixed! Easy when you know how. So many thanks to Martin.
Worked really long day yesterday, 13 hours later and I was done. Not much Stitching with Teresa was therefore completed. Fortunately spent a bit of time over weekend on PT, so am not doing too bad on goal list. Did do some stitching, so goals still on target.
Tonight I am going to do some more on Fairy Idyll. So inspired by everyone's huge lists of completed items. Do they not sleep?? LOL. I wish I could get as much done! I don't seem to be drawn to small projects, I like to get my teeth stuck into large and complicated one's, hence the Teresa Wentzler fetish! They don't make for quick finishes though, unless you're called Vincent from the TWBB.

Terrible Planning

2006-05-07T17:57:00.000+01:00

Friday night was the night that we had said we would visit DH's sister in law as it was her birthday on Saturday. Checked the TV guide before we went out to find, horror of horror, Most Haunted Live was on! One of my favourite show's. It hasn't been around for 6 months, so was totally unexpected, and we had planned to go out! I briefly considered cancelling the visit, then decided that was mean. So I had to video it. But by it's nature a live show doesn't work so well not watching it live.
So Saturday was spent catching up on 3 hours of MHL on video, before that evening's show, and going round garden centre's looking at paving for our patio project.
Saturday night, settled down to watch MHL, PT on the go as the border is easy. MHL has a nasty habit of putting messages along the bottom of the screen while you're watching. My pet hate as sub titles and tricky stitching do not mix! Then the wierdest thing started happening, the electricity started flickering, my stitching light flickered, the answerphone crackled, at one point all the light's went out briefly. Too spooky! I must admit I was a bit scared. I'd always laughed about people texting in to the show saying things like, while I was watching the light' s flickered, and my dog started barking, but it really did happen at our's last night!
Today we went to a local motorcycle show. It was quite small so didn't stay too long. Did manage to get a seat cover for my bike, a Triumph Tigercub so that was quite exciting.
When we got back, did more work clearing the back garden.
I am now gearing myself up for an evening of intense stitching watching MHL. DH is going to his motorcycle club meeting, so on my own.
Stitch or not to Stitch asked if I could post some pictures of the finished article of my WIP's. I am working on it, so watch this space!

Finally I have posted a picture of my other ginger cat Howard and Litha my black cat enjoying the sun.

Right Way Up!

2006-05-04T22:18:00.000+01:00

Tried to post last night. Had written post, attached picture, then blogger went down! Most frustrating.
So here goes again.
Didn't stitch much last night, too much time spent on San's new forum and reading other blogs. Tonight I have been to patchwork. It has been a really hot day today. Up to 25c. Even the breeze was warm which is unusual. At patchwork spent the entire evening cutting out the next round of blocks for my quilt. They will be sawtooth stars. After patchwork, went to vote in our local council elections.
I am so excited that people read my blog, and leave such lovely comments. So thanks to you all. Just goes to show what a nice group of people stitchers are.

Back to Work

2006-05-02T20:33:00.000+01:00

Back to work today after Bank Holiday.
I stitched with TW last night, and even if I say so myself, stitched hard!
I worked on Peacock tapestry, and finished the left hand border, and some"x" symbols.
That is a start on my May goals. DH was watching Matrix, really couldn't follow the plot and stitch a TW! LOL.
Matrix 2 on tonight, so going to try and watch that and do Fairy Idyll.
I joined the AngelSan Forum today, so have spent time on that instead of stitching. It's true what people say that blogging seriously cuts down your stitching time!
Must be more tired than I thought! Have taken picture sideways! How stupid is that! Will do better tomorrow.

May Day

2006-05-01T17:47:00.000+01:00

Well today is May Day, and can be taken in all senses of the word!
I've decided to set some stitching goals for May, so the phrase could be being used quite often this month if I'm not on target!

Here goes:-

Monday Night's - participate in TW SAL working on PT
Finish all of left hand border on PT
Finish all symbol "x" in border on PT
Finish left hand Topiary & Urns on Fairy Idyll

It was probably fatal to set those goals as it will no doubt prompt an unexpected model stitching piece to arrive in the mail now. That always seems to happen when I want to do my own stitching, when I'm uninspired with mine, they never come.

I have been working on Fairy Idyll over the weekend. Not too bad progress this last week. Must focus more, more stitching less blogging!

I decided that May is the month to get focussed. I have been coasting this year so far with lots of things building up that I should do, but don't want to. I am going to make a real effort to plan out some of these activities in the hope that I will actually do them. I love lists and crossing things off, if I commit them to paper who knows!

I've also beeen playing with my template trying to add other blog links and WIP list in. Still can't get text size or colour right. Can't see piece in code that relates to this, so may just have to live with it. The headings are fine, it's just the items. Knew I wasn't born to be a programmer.

Off to do PT now as it's Monday, first step of Goal! LOL, let's see how long it lasts.

First you see it, then you don't

2006-04-30T18:09:00.000+01:00

Totally unproductive stitching day today!
Work on the garden started in earnest. DH decided it was time that our big holly bush had to be moved, seeing as it was going to be slap bang in the middle of where the new patio area was going to be.
As you can see, the area has opened up a lot now it has been moved. We have moved it to the right side of the garden, where it should not block out the light, but hopefully will be happy there. I just hope that it survives being moved.
Hopefully tonight will hold more stitching!

Lazy Day

2006-04-29T18:50:00.000+01:00

Seeing as today is the first day of the holiday weekend, I have been outrageously lazy. Even my office assistant felt the need for a lie in.
I have done some work on Fairy Idyll, although not a a lot as the sunshine tempted me into the garden before lunch, and I have been there ever since. I will catch up on it tonight as I decided which part I wanted to get finished today. Sigh! I am hopeless with setting stitching goals!
On the bright side, I did some more work on PT while sitting in the garden, so at least that has seen a bit of progress. The perfect day for me is sitting in the sun in my garden, stitching and with my cats. They all joined me today. Even Marlon eventually got up. Howard is my other ginger cat, he loves lounging in the sun. Litha is my black cat, she is still young and playful, so doesn't sit still for long.
DH and I have been planning some work in the garden. We haven't really touched it since we moved in nearly six years ago, save for a bit of chopping and pruning. Want a patio area where I can get some serious stitching done in the sun.
Will post some stitching WIP photo's soon.

A bit of Sunshine

2006-04-28T21:39:00.000+01:00

Today has been a bit cloudier than yesterday, but still nice. I'm sure it won't last though as it is Bank Holiday, and it is the "law" it has to be miserable all weekend. Hope I'm proved wrong. LOL.

I have been looking at WIP's of Peacock Tapestery on the TW BB today. Just goes to show I have been "working" from home again. No seriously, the office decided to disable my laptop for 5 hours today and took my main piece of software off to be tweaked. What else am I to do but blog I ask you?

The WIP's of PT were so lovely, it inspired me to get mine back out and do some work on the border, which I am finding very tedious. It is however the ideal part of the project to do in the garden or on the go as it is quite repetitive.

PT is my second oldest cross stitch WIP. I have been doing it off and on for about 5 years. 'Bout time I finshed it eh?

Patchwork Night

2006-04-27T21:51:00.000+01:00

Thursday night is my regular patchwork night at our local college. Tonight was the first week back after Easter. It is a mainly a recreation class, and most of us go for the chat as much as the stitching. Tonight was a bit fraught as the external verifier was in to assess our one City and Guild student, so we had to be quieter than usual. Very hard for us lot, we've a reputation for being loud.

I am working on a quilt made up of borders. I have completed the central section, and the first round of flying geese. The second round is sawtooth stars which I spent the evening cutting out.

Today was a lovely hot day, the sun was really strong, makes you think that the summer may finally be on it's way. Can't wait. I even spent some time in the garen reading this afternoon. Very naughty considering I should have been working! I did have the cordless phone and my mobile by my side in case I had any calls. I started Mia Dolan's book, The Gift.

Today was very exciting as I had comments on my blog! You guys out there are reading my ramblings.
Thank you Joyus for your comment and all your technical know how, it's much appreciated. I shall give it a go over the weekend.
Thanks also to Allie and Seahorse for your kind comments on my WIP's.

I'm planning how to spend the bank holiday weekend. Stitching is figuring very highly on my list, just got to work out how selfish I am going to be if I do spend the majority of time on this.

ZZzzzz Not!

2006-04-26T22:10:00.000+01:00

I have discovered another important fact about blogging. Blogging in bed before sleep does not lead to a conducive night's rest! It has taken me ages to get to sleep the last couple of nights, and also I don't feel that I've had a good night's sleep. Therefore I will have to adjust my blogging schedule and not leave it to last thing at night.

I have been browsing lots of blogs tonight, everyone really brightens my day reading about all the trials and tribulations of life, and also the happy events. I do not work in an office, but am based at home and travel around the country. The blogs are my version of office gossip!

I am at home now for the next two days so am going to try and format my blog template. I am really struggling to add entries to my blogroll, need to change the size of the font and the colour. Would also like to add WIP list. If anyone out there knows how to do this formatting, I would love to find out.

Been to Leicester today, unfortunately my visit coincided with their two pool tables being recovered, so left with a headache!

Another WIP is The Storyteller by TW. Haven't stitched much on this this year. Might pick it back up when I want a break from Fairy Idyll.

Focus WIP

2006-04-25T23:12:00.000+01:00

Today has been hectic as normal. Worked in Derby today so 3 hours in the car. What a waste of valuable stitching time. Started a new audio book, The Seeker, it is a ghost story so should be quite entertaining.

Went to our local shopping centre this evening, Merry Hill, to collect my new glasses which took ages. Also had a quick look at digi camera's. Told you that this technical stuff was adddictive. Therefore stitching time seriously reduced this evening.

I have too many WIP's to own up to at the moment. Maybe later in my blog will I get the courage to actually make a definitive list. Some are as old as 9 years! My current focus WIP is Mira's Fairy Idyll. I started it around the middle of February, but it was interrupted by the arrival of a model piece that I had to stitch for an English designer. That has now been finished and mailed back, so I can go back to Fairy Idyll.

Technology ain't it great!

2006-04-24T20:31:00.000+01:00

Well, it has been a learning 48 hours. I have learnt how to use a digi cam, as well as the basics of blogging.

I have been working from home today, which means I haven't had to spend hours in the car travelling the country's motorways.

I have been aided by "my beautiful assistant". Hopefully picture included, if I really have learnt the basics of blogging.

Marlon likes to keep me company during my work and does a valuable job of making sure that not one piece of paper can be moved on my desk! Including the ones that I would like to work on.

Working from home saves hours of travelling time, I don't know why more employers can't be more into this as it is so much more productive. Do any of you guy's out there have any thoughts on this?

What a Day!

2006-04-23T14:00:00.000+01:00

Last weekend was Easter, and the first time off work that I had since New Year, and wouldn't you know it, I got struck down with the bug that's going around. All plans cancelled 'cos I felt so rough, but I discovered a new and potentially seriously time consuming interest - blogging and the internet community. So, I have been reading people's bogs for the past week, and thought I would like to give this a go. And here I am, I have started the flyingstitcher blog.

I would like to thank those of you out there that do devote time to posting blogs as I found them really interesting to read. I have been reading several this week and they are great! I might also get the courage up to post on a BB.

Picture content on this blog may be difficult as I don't have a digi camera, or know how to use one, but DH does.

That's me for now, back to stitching.