Back in Business

Don't know where the last few weeks have gone but at least the summer seems to have finally arrived.  I now have a new camera, my old one which had been chewed, dropped and generally abused finally gave up the ghost.  The old one was about 10 years old and although I hate learning to use new gadgets I must admit my photos are much improved as you can see by these two examples, above and below.

My sewing room (above) is the fourth design I have worked from my Veronique Enginger book. I am taking a break from this book now and want to work a few things a little bit different.

This cross stitch Atelier sign is for the door of my sewing/craft room.  I tried out some fabric oddments, ribbons and other craft bits and bobs from my stash before deciding how to finish it.

Here is the finished sign...... 

I just need to fix it onto the door now.

 

I fell in love with a Sue Hawkins meadow flowers biscornu design with stumpwork poppy in a copy of Stitch magazine last year.

I bought the materials pack direct from Sue which uses Oliver Twists spun silk.

 

I haven't done any embroidery for a long time so I really enjoyed making this.  The poppy and leaf is in stumpwork which I have only done once before. 

Here is the finished biscornu......

My sewing machine has not been idle and I run up this little linen bolero jacket from Simplicity pattern no 1984.

Amongst my current projects is a piece of filet thread crochet worked on a size 1.50mm crochet hook!  It looks like an old rag at the moment but am hoping once it is finished and blocked it will look o.k., fingers crossed.

 

Beaded Biscornu

After the success of my first biscornu I decided to try another. Here is the result:-

The chart is a freebie called Winter Forest from matryoska biscornue here. I decided to stitch it using Anchor variegated thread no. 1207 and the Craft Factory Rocailes beads on 32 count Belfast linen. I am very pleased with the outcome.

Biscornu and Booties

This is my very first biscornu although making one has been on my to-do list for a while. The chart is available free at Lenkas designs here. I love the way it has turned out and am sure it won't be my last.

Also a pair of baby booties I recently crocheted for a competition. I was lucky enough to win first prize. The pattern was in Let's Get Crafting: Crochet Special 2009 and I added some vintage buttons and spotted ribbons.