Sunday, 29 September 2013

Weekend project - Can you guess what it's going to be?

I'm away this weekend so decided on a project that's a bit more substantial than the little Christmas cross stitches but more travel friendly than my tapestry.



Can you guess what it's going to be?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday, 22 September 2013

Cross stitching anywhere

Went to support some friends booked in to do a charity skydive today. Only the weather had other ideas, so we spent lots of time watching and waiting. So in true crafters fashion, I got out the cross stitch and completed this little fellow, ready for Christmas. A little achievement :-)



Another started and finished this evening, may get enough done for Christmas cards (in time for Christmas) yet.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Perranporth

Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Several projects on the go

At the moment I have a few projects on the go. I do this for several reasons:
1.) I have so many ideas, I find it hard to box them off, I want to start them soon.
2.) I love the challenge of bigger projects but they aren't ideal for popping in my handbag or sitting in bed with.
3.) I have projects at various stages so when I'm tired but want to sew there's always some simple filling stitches that I can do with out having to count stitches on charts or the project.
4.) It keeps me excited and stops me getting bored or frustrated with a project that's not work quite how I'd like it to or taking longer than planned.

Current projects:

Project 1
Is a Cath Kidston spot design needlepoint cushion from this book:



The design shown in the book:



My cushion so far:



Slightly more dots and closer together, due to an error early on. But I like it so carried on with them closer together.
I put it on a frame to make it easier, also helps to keep the shape as all stitches face one way and would pull the fabric. First time I've used a frame and like it for projects this large. Going to work the length of the frame then roll it along and continue the rows to the width needed for the square cushion. It's coming on nicely.

Project 2
Christmas cross stitches. I know it seems early and you will probably think I'm bonkers or roll your eyes when I say I started the first one of these months ago. It all started when I spotted them in Hobbycraft on 3 for 2 (an offer that was still on online yesterday). I liked the idea of stitching these mini cross stitches for a couple of reasons, one being that in a busy schedule I could stitch and see progress to keep me motivated. The other reason I liked these is that I loved the idea of them either being the subject of home made Christmas cards for close family or friends or gifts inside to go on the tree. I suspect I will in fact combine the two so that it can be used by the recipient year after year on their Christmas tree.



Each kit has everything you need in, thread, aida, chart and even a needle.

Project 3
In my room I have a built in wardrobe which originally had full length mirror doors, unfortunately these came off a few years ago and would need replacing. At the time it was out of the question cost wise and has since been used as an open cupboard. Having recently moved back home and had a good clear out in an attempt (a fairly successfully one) to make my room a simpler space with more space in which I can not only sleep but work. I also wanted a more adult, practical space in which my belongings can be stored and the room feels and looks tidy and spacious. A big ask for such a small room. Anyway after much clearing out, a good 12 or more charity bags filled, about 5 bin bags and at least 15 bags of recycling, there is a real difference.
The wardrobe although now tidying and a more practically organised storage space still has no doors. My plan - a homemade curtain. Curtain - fine, the phrase that concerns me is 'homemade'. In an attempt to save money, use my skills and time and have something that fits in with the loose colour scheme, I decided to take on the task of making the curtains myself.
So far I have measured the space, read up a little on curtain making and various types of curtains and orders the curtain header tape (the bits that essentially turns your massive mountain of fabric into a hanging curtain, on which you attach hooks).
These project is very much in the embryonic stages.

An update enough for now.
Happy crafting!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad