Sunday, 23 December 2012

More Decorations and a free chart

I have just managed to finish stitching a few more Christmas ornaments.  The template above was from one of Cath Kidsons books, based on her dog Stanley.
These two stitched hearts came in a kit with the current issue of The World of Cross Stitching.  I just added some coloured felt to the white felt hearts provided. 
A cute reindeer card from a Cross Stitcher kit included with issue 259. 

I made this Christmas Airedale Terrier snow globe a while ago but have just got around to photographing it.  I am including the chart in case anyone else would like to make one.
Wilberforce is all ready for Christmas, although he isn't sure about these antlers.  Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas.
love Shirley
 

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Christmas Decorations

 My needles have been flying recently as I have been trying to finish up UFOs (Unfinished projects) plus make more Christmas decorations than I have managed previously.  The Robin decoration was a cover kit with issue no. 258 of Cross Stitcher Magazine.
Another Cross Stitcher cover kit from issue no. 257 is this stitched snowflake garland.  I backed all the stars with red card and run them throughy my laminating machine before threading them on the bakers twine to make them a bit more durable. 
At first I strung them along the bottom of the t.v. - not a good look - I have since strung them along a bookcase since I took this photo where they look a bit more at home.
Another chart from Cross Stitcher no. 259: Season's Tweetings.
I had another go at a thread crochet starflake, this time using a slightly thicker thread and a size larger hook.  Again the pattern is from "100 Snowflakes to Crochet" currently available free from the Lion Brand website.  I still do not like them very much so don't think I will bother making any more.

I have finally finished John's Aran sweater, yay!  I was so fed up with it I just want to get it over and done with.  I really do not like knitting men's sweaters, there are too many stitches on the needles.  I told him if he wants another I will crochet it or else dig out my old knitting machine!
Anyway, I am off now to sit in front of the fire and stitch some more decorations.  The weather is feezing here, we have already had snow twice so I plan on hibernating with some crafty projects.
 
Thank you to those who sent me kind messages to my last post.  I still miss Archie so much, we were constantly together and your thoughtfulness is appreciated.  I just hope that one day I can get over his devastating loss.

Monday, 3 December 2012

Archie

On 1st September we lost our darling Archie to cancer - he was 10 years old.  It is only now I can talk about it.  He was my best friend, constant companion, hat loving, car riding, cheese chomping, costume wearing, cake loving, funny, unique "best boy".  There will never be another dog like him.