Cross stitching update and new knitting projects.

 Hello everyone, How are you?

It is a grey and wet day today but then April is always a mix here in the North West of the UK

I have been tidying my garden the last few days, my lawn is still looking very sad with lots of pot holes and bumps here and there, but like I have mentioned before having a dog means it is hard to keep a smooth lawn and we are certainly not going to stop his play. I have plenty of other jobs to be done yet like painting the shed and fence but that is for another day😀

On with my crafty projects I want to show you starting with this cross stitch folk bird design

I am stitching on 14 count rustic Aida using DMC threads, the pattern is from an old out of print Cross Stitch Crazy UK magazine, designed by Jody Rice from Satsuma Street.

Loving all the rustic colours yes I know its Spring and not Autumn but I was late finishing this one, a joy to stitch.

Next I have a new knitting project I started well I have one or two yarn related WIPs on the go 😉

This is a cute knitted Polar bear and with his own cable jumper and scarf

I just had to make him because I like making something cute now and then. 

This knitting pattern is by  knits by Sachi

Really easy to do the pattern is detailed with clear instructions and images I am using DK yarns from my stash, the jumper and scarf are 4ply. When finished his size is 16cm.

The last project to show is a crochet one 😃

a granny square waist coat nothing to complicated 6 row squares using Wendy Supreme DK, 4mm hook. I am not using different colours I just want this one colour, the pattern is an old vintage one and I just don't remember where I purchased this, sorry about that they are easy to find though I am sure doing a google search will bring up quite a few links to websites with vintage crochet patterns.

Any way I think that's it for now and thank you to all who visit my blog much appreciated.

Till next time enjoy your Easter break everyone.

Julie x

Crochet top finished and cross stitch projects.

 Hello everyone,

It is a cool grey day here in the North of England.

My lawn is definitely looking pretty sorry for itself owning a lovely playful dog that likes nothing more than digging when you are not looking dose not help because now I have lots of muddy pot holes everywhere😀

On with sharing a crochet project I have finished, this mesh stitch crochet top will be perfect for Spring worn over long sleeved tops. 

I still need to block this and hopefully when that is done the stitch pattern will show up nicely, I used WI Institute yarn made and sold at Hobby Craft here in the UK, its Aran yarn and worked on 5.5mm crochet hook.

The pattern is by Croyden Crochet

I did a little sewing I made this cute Goose ornament which had been made for Christmas last year hence the tinsel in the photograph. I

I used bits of fabric from my stash making this Goose was fiddley but if you take your time it will work out perfectly and the pattern instructions are very easy to follow.

The pattern is from Bustle and Sew 

You can find lots of lovely fabric softie patterns and embroidery projects to stitch.

I can also show you two cross stitch finishes, first one is called In The Forest by Emma Congdon

I love the colours for this one nice and bright the pattern asked for it to be displayed in a hoop but I had this frame spare and think for me it works well.

The second X stitch finish I have is called Pumpkin Patch by Pigeon Coop 

Again I choose this because of the rich bright colours, the pattern asked for stitching on black 14 count aida but I used white and stitched the sky in half cross stitch.

Both projects were a joy to stitch. I have a couple more cross stitch WIPS that I am in the middle of and a few knitting projects but I will show you on another post. 

So till next time Happy crafting 

Julie 😃

Cross stitch veggie seed packet designs and coffee club hoop WIP.

 Hi everyone,

Hope you are all well and having an enjoyable week so far, over here in the UK we are having a nice warmish day we could still do with some rain the ground is still quite dry but it is nice to be in the garden.

On with the stitchy things, I have a cross stitch finish to show off below

these two lovely finished pillows were a joy to stitch showing carrots and a radish I added a crochet radish and carrot to make it interesting and secured them all on a wooden plaque purchased from Hobby Craft here in the UK. The cross stitch patterns are from HelenPhilippsDesigns on etsy and the crochet veg pattern is from Inside Crochet magazine.

I have also finished one of a set the Coffee Club cross stitch pattern by Gemma Pratt, you can find the pattern in The world of cross stitching issue329 .

Next pattern in the set is Cake Club same magazine and this is issue 330 and as you can see below I have made a start.

I have stitched them both on 14 count white Aida using DMC threads and when both of them are done I will be framing them ready to display on my kitchen wall.

I have another finish to show you 😀

It is however a few weeks late due to the fact the title of the pattern is "April showers" but never mind the pattern is so cute.

I stitched this on 16 count blue Aida using DMC threads, pattern is by Silver Creek Samplers 

One more work in progress this is just me making something up with all my fabric pieces using the method EPP

as you can see I had plenty of pinks going on here with a splash of yellow and greens I am thinking it will make a nice cushion cover so we will see how it goes. I just love working with nice bright colours makes me happy. 

Well now I think that will be all for now 😁 until next time enjoy the rest of your week.

Bye for now  Julie x

Crochet Hen and Birds and I finished a crochet shawl/wrap.

Hello everyone,

How are you all? Well I don't know how the weather is where you are but here in the North of England we have sunny cool and cloudy sky, I don't think I will be putting away my big coat just yet.

This is just a quick catch up and I wanted to show you my finished crochet hen and birds,

super cute all I used was DK leftover yarn.

You probably saw these photos on my Revelry page where you can find more details about the pattern and designer, use the links on the right side of my blog.

I also made this group of crochet birds,

again made with DK yarn from my stash. The pattern for these three were from Let's Get Crafting magazine and the designer was Irene Strange, you can check more details on my Revelry page.


Also here is my crochet shawl or wrap I made for myself,

this is one I put together myself and the stitches I used were blocks of half trebles and chains with a 4.5mm hook. The yarn is by SIRDAR Romance.

Well that is all for the moment I promise to show some cross stitch updates in the next post and a few more WIP ,s I am knitting.

So till next time have a lovely weekend.

bye for now

Julie xx

Embroidery owl update and finished deer cross stitch.

Hello everyone,
How are you all? It has been wet and grey these past few days here in my part of the UK but today is brighter with the sun peeping through.

I am just adding a quick post before I pop off to work, for those of you who follow me on Instagram you will have seen some of my sewing updates and I thank you for the lovely comments.

Here is the progress so far on the Owl embroidery, a before and after picture,

this is a sketch I did some years ago and I kept meaning to go back to it and finish it but kept putting it off so now there is no going back I will finish it this year. The owl is not taken from a photograph just my own interpretation of how I want him to look.

I spent a good few hours on him yesterday afternoon and I plan to stitch a little each day, will show you my progress as I go.


The deer cross stitch is finished

The pattern is from an online cross stitch magazine you can find it here

I have not decided how I am going to display this yet in the magazine it shows the finished deer displayed on the side of a bag, I don't want this on a bag though but I will let you know what I decide
in another post.



I finished one more baby blanket for my Grand son due this March and my daughter has taken this to go in the bag for the hospital ready and waiting.

C2C pattern worked with DK yarn very easy and quick just how I like them.


Well that is all for now I hope you have a wonderful week.

Happy knitting or stitching

Julie xx

Christmas cross stitch buttons and patchwork table mat.

Hello everyone,

One more day to go before I break up for the Christmas holidays I have done all the shopping I just need to wrap a few more presents and that is it done.
How are you all doing with your preparations?

I have a few st itchy projects to show you I finished two of the cross stitch buttons I have been making,

the little hedgehog needs to be done then I will crochet a small circle for the backing. The pattern booklet was from one of the Cross Stitcher magazines but I cannot remember which issue number it was.


I also did some sewing on my sewing machine and using scraps of fabric I made this patchwork table mat,

I have enough bits left to make coasters then they can be used on the table over Christmas.



I have had time to crochet a warm and snug scarf for myself using Rowan alpaca chunky
it only needed 2 x 50g balls on 10mm hook.

I picked a stitch pattern from one of my books a lacy shell stitch so easy to do and works up very quickly.

I have found this encyclopedia  of techniques by Jan Eaton very good to follow if you are a beginner it has picture tutorials and is a good reference to carry around.

I have started knitting a hat and small scarf for my Grand daughter and found this self patterning yarn complete with Pom Pom  from my local shop for £2.99 there is a pattern inside the ball band but this is for an adult size so I will adjust this to fit Suzie, I probably need a little extra yarn to make a scarf but that won't be a problem.

Well that is all for now I will see if I can squeeze one more post before Christmas, so until then enjoy you week.

bye for now

Julie x

Finished Fall Fox cross stitch and a crochet christmas stocking.

Hello everyone,
How are you all? I hope you are keeping safe and warm.

I have a couple of finished projects to show you the first is the Fall Fox cross stitch I had been stitching these past weeks you may have seen progress pictures on Instagram.

The pattern is from Just Cross Stitch online magazine

Just need to find a frame now I have a few in mind there are more patterns in Just Cross Stitch that I want to stitch oh dear when will I make them all you wonder, the new issue is out now and because I subscribe online I have already printed a few (5) patterns I could not resist though.

Just look above the middle one I have my eye on Winter Wood then the Deer and not forgetting winter Bluebird so lovely and just medium sized projects which seem to be the only ones I want to tackle at the moment. I do have one very large project the Owl Bell Pull waiting in the wings and it is vast and I have not wanted to stitch it lately so have put it to one side with the hope of finishing one day.


The last finished project is crochet and I made this lovely Christmas stocking with Rudolf ready to hang on my wall

pattern is from Love Crochet magazine it is still in the shops now I believe, very easy to make all crocheted in dc stitch and Rudolf is made in separate pieces and appliqued on top, a little stuffing is used to give it shape.

Well that is all for now. Thank you all for your kind comments and visits to my blog I do appreciate them.

 Stay safe and warm

bye for now

Julie xx

Fall fox cross stitch update and a cute crochet robin.

Hi Everyone? how are you all?

Lovely sunshine here in Cheshire this afternoon I took Bruno out this morning in the rain with wellies at least that has cleared now, it is that time of year isn't it very changeable.


I showed you a new cross stitch start on Instagram called Fall Fox I have a progress update below

the pattern is from Just Cross Stitch magazine

It is coming along slowly as I have been crocheting and knitting to for my new Grand Son due next March. I am knitting a little cardigan with collar and I have started another C2C blanket which I will show soon, I just have not taken a picture yet sorry.

I have taken a picture of this little cute fella though a sweet little crocheted Robin

You know me I cannot resist a cute toy.

Complete with his little tail and bobble hat.
The pattern is from Love Crochet magazine this is an old issue I had but if you click on the Craft tab on the website they have back issues available.

Well that's all for the moment I am off to spend a few hours relaxing with some X stitch. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.

until next time

bye for now.

Julie xx

Crochet baby blanket finished.

Hello everyone,

I hope all of you are well and enjoying your weekend.
I have a few moments to update my blog before making tea. I have been quite busy with family and we have been helping my son to move into his new flat so that leaves a quite house with just Mr C Bruno and me.
However I am going to be a Nana again as my daughter is expecting a baby due next March and you can imagine my Grand daughter is so excited, so that means lot's of baby projects to plan and here is my first finish this baby blanket.

This is the first CTC pattern I have crocheted my daughter has already seen this and loves it.

 I also started a baby hooded jacket  which is being knitted using James C Brett wool and I plan to crochet another blanket too.

You may have noticed my blog posts have been fewer I find it hard to fit in around work and family as must be the same for most of us, when I am off work it is easier to post but in the mean time you can always find me adding new pictures of my projects and anything else I am doing on ,

INSTAGRAM

as Julieinstitches

and

RAVELRY

as juliesgems3

Bye for now, and if you want to link or message me I would still love to hear from you.

Julie

xx

Knitted tea cosy finished and other stitching progress.

Hello everyone,

How are we all I have not posted for a few weeks I know, I have broke up from work for the holidays at the moment with me working at a school so Mr C and I are away in our caravan on and off.

You can find me on Revelry sometimes and I have posted the odd picture on Instagram  showing pictures of any of my projects I have been working on.

I finished the knitted tea cosy I mentioned last,

pattern is by Lynn Rowe from the Woolnest

I used one of Lynn's other patterns to crochet this bunting for my sisters birthday.

Sue has promised to hang this in her summer house or along the top of her dresser, I hope she remembers to send me a picture.


I have to show you this lovely gift from my blog friend Lynn B at Happiness Is Cross Stitching
it came through the post this morning what a lovely surprise.

A very useful large cross stitch project bag with a see through front so you can easily see which project you have inside, it is beautifully made and with my favourite owl image what a super gift for a st itchy friend.
Oh and check out the owl stitch marker to all made by Lynn B

Here is how it looks with my hoop fabric, threads and notions pouch tucked safely inside.
You can find products similar to this one and many more items in Lynn's shop over at
Stitching Fairy Crafts


Before I go here is an update on the Bee embroidery I have been stitching

the pattern is from Homemade embroidery magazine special, not much more to do.

Well that is all for now, we will be away for 2 weeks so till next time.

happy stitching

Julie xx

I finished an Ombre crochet shawl and bought a new knitting book.

Hi Everyone,

How are you all I hope you are enjoying your weekend so far, we had heavy rain today but I just managed to walk Bruno before we were soaked. Tomorrow appears to be looking good with sunshine on the way which will be nice.

Well today after doing some ironing and cleaning etc; I concentrated on finishing a shawl I was crocheting for myself here is a picture

the yarn I used was by Lion Brand shawl in a ball. When you purchase the yarn there is a free pattern available to download from Lion Brands website using a code on the ball band, but I had decided I would like to crochet the shawl, and I had this pattern from Inside Crochet magazine called the Ombre Shawl by Sarah Shrimpton

The pattern is easy to follow mainly consisting of trebles and chain stitches, even though I did not use the yarn as suggested  I think it still works well for me anyway.



I also have a new book it arrived today called Knit Yourself Calm,

it is new out and the designer for the patterns is Lynne Rowe, there are at least 16 projects inside with plenty of helpful picture tutorials and instructions with new how to techniques for beginners.

It is a lovely book and would make a nice gift for someone you know who loves to knit.

If you want to read more about Lynne Rowe's work visit her website at The Wool Nest

there is also a monthly Pod Cast to follow.

That's all for now folks

bye for now

Julie xx

Crochet doll finished and cute cross stitch cow.

Hi Everyone,

Wet and warm evening here in the UK more rain tomorrow but the ground needs it badly and so do our farmers.
Our dog Bruno certainly loves a muddy paddle but is not to keen on being washed before he comes in the house.

So on with showing you my latest finish a crochet doll which was made for Suzie my Grand daughter,

she adores this and I have only been able to take one picture because it is now in her bedroom. The pattern was from Love Crochet magazine, and the designer was Liz Ward.



I also finished stitching this cute cow cross stitch pattern

the pattern was from Les Marottes de Nathalie

I stitched it on 16 count cream Aida added red check fabric top and bottom, and displayed in a wooden hoop. It is unusual but fun and if you visit the website you will see plenty of other designs to choose from, this is now hanging in my kitchen.

Oh and before I go here is just a little progress on the Owl Bell Pull WIP cross stitch I have been working on

loads more to stitch but I feel this will be a labour of love I am not really in any hurry to finish I seem to be enjoying the process, I love these colours though they are so pretty.

For now that is all I have to show you so till next time have a lovely week and I hope you find some stitching time.

bye for now

Julie xx

Knitted Bunny Rabbit, WIP crochet and cross stitch.

Hello everyone,

We are enjoying a sunny April morning here today I hope you are too.

I have some show and tell projects on the blog this morning hope you like them.  Here is a finished knitted rabbit for my Nephews daughter.

He is so soft and cuddly just right for grabbing hold of with little hands.

This is from a SIRDAR knitting pattern using Sirdar Crofter DK yarn on 4mm needles.



Also I am in the middle of another granny square pram blanket for a friend from work.

It is for a boy so no pinks in the colour choice, I opted for yarn by James C Brett chunky, and for the border I have some cream yarn in my stash to finish with.


Not to miss showing you how my cross stitch projects are going here is how I have been doing so far.

pattern from Lynn B at www.happinesssiscrossstitching.co.uk

The Time for Tea pattern is sort of finished but I am in the process of how to display it instead of putting it in a frame, as you can see I have added a  hexagon border and my plan is to add wadding and a fabric backing so I can then hang in the kitchen.


You may remember this one from a previous post, a design from the artist Jane and The Happy Crow. You can by the kits from Riverdrift House

Progress is a little slow but I am hoping for a good run at it soon, I have had so many knitting projects to finish for people it is hard to say no sometimes then I get over whelmed.

My plan is to stitch more in the coming months and have a little rest from knitting for others, I have a sketch pad full of ideas to make into cross stitch and don't seem any nearer to full filling this dream, Mr C says you are to soft and need to be firmer with yourself and just do it. It looks so easy when I read this but I know in my heart it is doable.

I will end the post on that note and see you next time.

best wishes

Julie x