Rather embarrassing really

I needed something calming yesterday so I sorted out my material into cotton/poly-cotton/other type piles and then thought I'd start on some of the other shelves. The cross-stitch shelf has a fair amount of used patterns that I've kept, and a rather embarrassing amount of kits that I've started and haven't finished from the last 17 years! So to shame myself into finishing them (one day) I've added a new section to the side bar lists. Anyone else care to own up to half-completed, or barely started, crafts? Go on, make me feel better................please.

On a slightly better note, I found the above cross-stitch which used to hang in the living room when I lived with my Mum, which I am going to re-mount and hang in my new hallway. I also found the small embroidery which I didn't even know she had done - so this is the only example. This too will also hang in the hallway when I have mounted it properly. I'm going to use the embroidery hoops as I love to see them hanging on walls with embroidery in them.

And finally, one finished granny square blanket - yah. Although it's not very big (probably just over a metre square), it covers my legs when I'm sat on the couch, so that's big enough for me. Actually, if it were any bigger it would be very heavy as it's made from cotton rather than wool. It is lovely and soft though, so perfect for me.

Some fantastic Christmas pressies

A wonderful sock kit (Altered Element) from my wonderful hubby. This was actually on my wish list - hopefully start this later.

Some velour fabric (Myriad), again from wonderful hubby.

And, a counted cross-stitch of flower Fairies from the in-laws. These things should keep me busy for a few weeks :-)

Hope everyone else got something they wished for too.

Santas and Monsters

I meant to add these pictures earlier but I forgot. My favourite is the bottom one because he is nice and simple.

Well, no.3 and no.4 are very pleased to meet you all. Just one more to go.

Santa and mini monster 2

Well, here's monster no.2 - no.3 has arms and legs so far, so hopefully by the end of the day he'll be ready to meet you ;-).

Just wanted to show you a couple of cross-stitches that I've made in previous years (think they both took about 3 years each to make). I tend to get fed up doing cross-stitches, they're great to start with then it's just a bit repetitive. The top one is a hanging one and the bottom one is a bell pull which I bought at a stitching fair in Harrogate that I went to with my Mum and Nan many many moons ago.

Craftiness

I was thinking about where I get my craftiness from the other day. I always remember my Mum knitting or sewing (she had a sewing pile in the corner of the room where she would put all the clothes that needed repairing). She used to knit jumpers and cardigans, and she also used to knit the scarecrows that Jean Greenhowe made. We all have our scarecrows still.

She made my wedding dress for me and the bouquet that I carried. Later on she discovered cardmaking and parchment work - she was fantastic at parchment work. Such wonderful, delicate pieces. Oh, and there was the cross-stitching that she did. She had her work framed and displayed in the house. She always used to say if she didn't spend her money on crafting bits she'd be rich :-). I think she was richer for spending the money on the crafts she enjoyed so much.

She also made fabric christmas stockings and advent calendars for the grandchildren. In fact, she was so good at the stockings she used to make them every year for other people who ordered them from her. Such special things, even more so now.

My Nan is also very crafty. She has bad arthritis in her hands so she can't knit, but she certainly makes up for it with her sewing. She makes the most gorgeous pictures that are sewn, quilted, crewelled, beaded. Absolutely amazing things. In the bedroom, I have a picture that she made for my Mum. Wonderful.

I have such love, respect and admiration for these 2 ladies - one who is watching from afar xx