A finished knitted sweater for Autumn and other crafty things.

 Hi Everyone, How are we all? 

Well again I have neglected my little old blog and my Instagram page it's not that I had nothing to show on there I  just didn't seem to be in any rush to show it all. Shame on me that's not to say I have not been reading any blogs I have and very enjoyable reading to, but my fave thing to do at the moment is watch YouTube channels with related content like yarn, crochet, sewing etc; while I am sewing or knitting away on my latest WIP'S 

There is however on YouTube a channel that I love to listen to which is not craft related in the least and that's The Great British Radio Play

You can listen to radio plays from the 70s, 80s, and 90s if you so wish.

But for now I am going to show my finished knitted sweater that I made ready for the colder days ahead.

This yarn is lovely to knit with I have used this for many other projects it's by WI Institute for HobbyCraft UK Aran weight knit on 5mm needles. Below ate two past projects using this yarn,

this pattern was by King Cole.

Next I have started a new cross stitch the first Christmas design this year hopefully it will be finished in time we shall see. It's a cute mouse,

the pattern is called Cold Nose warm Heart designed by The Geeky Stitching Co

Also I purchased a Mindful Colouring E book, I love colouring and drawing or doodling of any kind. But I saw this and thought I would treat myself

it's for Knitters and Crochet by Lynne Rowe you can print at home PDF size A4 find more details at Lynne's website Knit Crochet Create

Well that's all for now

take care Julie x

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

Finished knitted sweater and cross stitch folk animals house.

 Hello everyone,

Long time no see here on my Blog, I thought I would have a little tinker with it and see if I can start it up again. You will find some old posts on here from years ago so I have left these on and there is also allot of posts I have lost to, I have to say I was never very tech minded so always struggled a bit posting and editing. 

As I go through everything here on blogger it seems they have deleted a few services like the follow gadget is not in use and subscribe by email is not there to, so I don't know how good my posting is going to be or if anyone will see it who knows. You can however find me on INSTAGRAM and RAVELRY details on the right side of this post😏

Well I can show you a finish I had been knitting a nice warm snugly sweater for myself using WI Institute Aran yarn which you can purchase at Hobbycraft a UK store.

It is very easy to knit the yarn is lovely and soft also washable the stitch pattern is Cobble stitch a 4 row repeat pattern from Womens Weekly UK magazine stitch library. 

This is a simple drop sleeve round neck and it's made to fit my measurements M/L.

I have also been doing a little cross stitch I started this Folk Style House pattern

stitched on 14 count cream aida using DMC threads. The pattern shows it finished on black fabric but I am not happy using dark fabrics my eyes are not to good for that (hence why I only stitch on large count) so some colour changes were made so they can stand out on the light fabric, it is still very enjoyable to stitch with nice bright colours to.

You can find the pattern on Etsy the shop name is XCrossStitchPatternX by Julia.

For now that's all this was more of a test post and hopefully I will post more often with more knitting projects a few crochet finishes to show you and the cross stitch updates to.

Hope you have a lovely weekend

bye for now

Julie x

Bird and teacup cross stitch finish and new mini black cat cross stitch calendar project.

Hello everyone,

How are you all on this wet cold snowy day here in the UK? well we don't have allot of snow it is only sleet mixed with rain. So because it is to cold to go for a walk I thought I would stay in and keep dry, Mr C is watching Winter Olympics and I am sat in a cosy corner of my craft room ready to start sewing.
Just before I do that I will show you one finish and a couple of new starts for cross stitching.

In the March issue 2018 of Cross Stitch Crazy magazine there is a free Bird in a teacup card kit by Durene Jones here is a link to her Etsy shop and instead of using mine as a card I have put it on the front of one of my old journals.

I think it works a treat but I have just noticed I have not stuck it in between the spots very well whoops! it's for me it won't matter.

The next new cross stitch project is the mini black cat designs from my blog friend Lynn B at
Happiness Is Cross Stitching
Lynn has started mini black cat patterns for each month and at the end it will make a lovely calendar to display on the wall pop on over to Lynn's and find more details about the series.

I have some 18count Aida in my stash which may not be everyone choice but it works for me and I will be choosing my own colours.


That's not all I also have this winter house cross stitch pattern I will be stitching to.

I purchased this last year so it is about time I made a start on this one before summer comes. The pattern is from Tiny Modernist by Cheryl Mackinnon you can download PDF patterns from her site.
I am using blue 14 count Zweigart fabric which was in my stash and not the one suggested on the pattern, I like to use what I have where possible if it works which it dose so I am happy with that.

Well that is all for now, till next time happy stitching or knitting everyone.

Julie.C x

Progress on my owl embroidery and I made a fabric pouch to display the deer cross stitch.

Hello everyone,
How are you all?

I have an owl embroidery update

I made a few colour changes around the branch I wasn't happy with the previous colours I choose so had to unpick that area and replaced them with DMC 3781, 3022 I am pleased with these two new colours now.

So I had a break from stitching the owl to think about how I would finish and display the Deer cross stitch I did (check previous post) and here is the result.

Using the rim of an embroidery hoop and no zip ya! to hang on the wall or the edge of your table great, I think I might make a few more.

I know this is not a new idea I have seen quite a few online in fact when I was reading through my old cross stitch magazines like October Issue 323 CrossStitcher  inside this one is a Scandi-style bag with hoop, so if you would like to check it out go on there Facebook page here

The cross stitch pattern in the mag is by Lucie Heaton which is one I plan to stitch sometime, and there we are in my next post hopefully I will be able to show you the Owl embroidery all finished.

So till next time
Happy stitching/knitting

Julie x

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

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 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

Cross stitch Owl Bell Pull update and I finished two cushions.

Hello everyone,
Welcome to April, how are you all?

The sun is shining here this afternoon it is a lovely day, I will be going out with Bruno in a bit for a nice walk but first I will do a quick post update.

I must show what arrived in the post this morning,

something I ordered from my friend Lynn B look how lovely it has been wrapped, I love the card and owl tag.

Look what was inside, how nice and Lynn made me a sweet Owl fob. Thank you so much Lynn i have somewhere safe to keep my sewing project and needles, it will be ideal to take away with me in the caravan too.
Check out Stitching Fairy Crafts by clicking the link on the side of my blog.



Now for an update on the cross stitch Owl Bell Pull

this picture was taken a few days ago and I have stitched more last night so I will post again soon and show you how it looks.


In a previous post I told you about a cushion I was going to knit for my Grand daughter well that is now finished.

Suzie loves it and has promised me that the cats will not go to sleep on it.

I also crocheted a cushion for myself with left over yarn I had.

This is one side,

and here is the back either way it dose not matter, I made this to go on the sofa and I think I have managed to match the colours well with the two fabric cushions that I have on each side.

Well that's all for now I am off to enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Happy stitching or knitting.

bye for now

Julie x

Autumn cross stitch update and knitted owls.

Hi everyone,

Well here we are and November is upon us the weather here in the UK is sunny and mild but I believe temperature's are going to drop near the end of the week.

With all the lovely Autumn colours around now the leaves are falling I have made progress with the Autumn cross stitch I started.

I just love the colours for this one, pattern is from Tiny Modernist


The progress on the ship ahoy pattern is coming along to I will show you pictures of that quite soon.


 I have been shopping in our local charity store and what did i find, more cross stitch patterns,

I could not resit they were such a bargain £2.00 for three magazines,

and these three were  50p each (single patterns) well that's another lot to add to my stash.


Did I mention that I was knitting two owls for my friend at work well I have finished them and just in time for Christmas too, that is good going for me.

Yarn used is King Cole Tinsel chunky, knitted on 5mm needles and scraps of DK yarn for the face and claws.
You can find details for this yarn at KingCole

Well that's all for now, have a lovely weekend.

Julie x

WIP owl embroidery and cross stitch updates.

Hello everyone,
How are you all?

The weeks have been busy and I have been snatching a few hours here and there to work on my embroidery project, this was a fun sketch I did of an owl on a branch.

Slow progress on the cross stitch for Jane and The Happy Crow you may have seen in previous posts, not much more really. I cannot wait to hang it on the wall when finished.

What else have I been stitching well I made a simple needle case for a family friend with scraps of felt and applique flowers on the front of the case, she was thrilled to bits when I gave it to her because she is just starting to learn how to cross stitch so you can imagine I have been sorting through all my stash for fabric aida and threads for her to practise with.

I have also made a card for my sisters birthday

Well I hope you have been enjoying the weather where ever you are today is a little dull but the clouds are starting to clear, and if the weather man is right we are in for another  heat wave here in the UK. It has been to hot for me to knit and to be honest apart from knitting a little short sleeved top for my Grand daughter made with Paton's dk cotton that has been all I have wanted to do.

Cross stitch and embroidery is allot cooler to do and I am enjoying the process, I have been drawing small sketches for ideas for myself which is fun to do. I hope you are finding time to relax and sew and having a fabulous week.

Till next time

Julie x

Progress on Jane and The Happy Crow cross stitch.

Hello everyone,

How are you all? I hope you are having a nice Bank Holiday, if you are like Mr C and I we tend not to venture to far on the roads it gets so busy on BH just opting for a chilled out weekend instead.
The weather here is still dull and wet with strong winds but with a possible brighter afternoon, fingers crossed then.

While I wait for the sun I will show you how far I am with Jane and The Happy Crow x-stitch,

quite a bit to go yet but enjoying stitching this one. I already have a place on the wall where I am going to hang it.

While I do that one I am also working on a small heart sampler of my own,

as you can see I am stitching a small bookmark to. I was thinking of adding either some small decorative buttons or charms, I will have a route through my stash and see what will work best.


Remember I told you in the last post I was making a crochet blanket for a baby and a few things for my Nephews two little girls, well here are some pics of them all finished and ready to be given and posted.

Three cardigans one knitted and two crochet, not forgetting I added the knitted rabbit in the parcel to.

Here is the crochet baby blanket.

Just an easy granny square pram blanket with five crochet flowers, I used James C Brett chunky yarn for this lovely and soft.

Hopefully now I can find some free time to make some things for myself so until next time enjoy your weekend.

bye for now

Julie x