New homespun construction site!

So a new construction site has been started across the pond! I showed a pic on my last post of the homespun houses I have started putting together and although very late in joining the SAL, Anne has kindly invited me to come on board.

The reason for the delay? I had to bide my time until I came across the book here in the UK.

I am further behind than most and for that reason I will show 3 this month.

I think I have 1 more house to put together but I have a lot of windows still to do.
Initially I thought this would be a good project to practice my needleturn applique-just windows and doors, but between my lack of skill and the fact that homespun isn't straight to start with, I have wripped out more than I have stitched I think, but we shall persevere!

Go check out Anne's blog to see what others are doing and have a great weekend.

Hello! Feather wool tree link and tutorial

It sure has been a while...........!

No point in starting to give you loads of reasons as to why I have been away for so long, suffice to say, life has been busy.
Why now you ask? Well, a number of very thoughtful people have dropped the odd email to see that things were all OK and of recent I have received a number of emails asking about the wool tree I made last year, so I want to pass on that info as best I can to let people get ready for Christmas:)

I have to give credit to my original inspiration and that is the directions I followed for my first little tree and where I am directing you to follow the instructions regarding the whole method of cutting and gluing etc, so go to here.
Good directions!
So, for my large feather tree, I am sorry but I just adapted the above directions and after measuring for you, roughly they are as follows. I'm sure you creative people could do much better, but roughly here you have it!
I used a 30 inch dowel rod (an old stick would be cool too).
For the bottom 2 rows I cut my wires 9 inches with 7 wires on each row.
Next 2 rows from bottom-7 inch length by 7 wires/row.
Next 2 rows up, 6 inch length by 5 wires/row.
Then 2 rows 5 inch length with 5 wires/row.
Top row, I cut the wires 4.5 inches with 3 on the row.
Finally on the top, I drilled a small hole on the top of the dowel.
Cut a further 4.5 inch wire and insert in the top with glue gun after applying the snipped wool of course.
I used glue gun and brown flower tape.
I hope this helps you get a few made for Christmas:)

While on, I thought I would reassure you that my stitching therapy/addiction?? still continues (when time permits).
Here are a few things I have been working on recently.
This is a Country Stitches pattern, however, I used 32 count linen and it came out a lovely neat sized pillow to display

A Buttermilk Basin, wool runner

Lastly, this is on my design board. I have been watching Anne (Cottons and Woolens blog)and all her friends making this quilt but I knew how difficult it was to find the book, especially in the UK, but after patiently sitting it out, I found one in England, so I am far behind the rest, hence why I haven't joined the quilt-a-long. So this is for you Anne and thanks for all your inspiration:)

Slow progress!

I'm not sure how this post is going to go with all these changes to blogger, but here is an attempt anyway, to see if I can master it! We have been blessed with the most beautiful weather today, which just called for lines of washing to be hung out! yes, sadly I had multiple washes to do, to my shame, but I honestly believe the family members of this house land down their entire wardrobes when I call for dirty laundry! Again, another busy month has just flown by and again as a result my poor stitching only gets fits and starts here and there, so I will share with you what I am working on, as there doesn@t seem to be many finishes around here anymore. So blogger puts photo's on in the order we download them now???? Well, I will know for again-maybe you should start at my last pic for that was how they were intended! I am still slowly plodding with 'Home Sweet Home' in fact I am behind as I have only one stitched of this grouping and the next set have arrived. I so wanted to keep up with this one. I suppose if I stopped starting other projects, that might be the answer......

Like this one.....just had to have a little cross stitch on hand and loved this from 'With thy needle and Thread'

What it will hopefully look like....

I haven't ever done much piecing and some time back I bought a layer cake by French General, so thought I would give it a go-a bit less prim than I am used with but I so loved the fabric and so enjoyed making something bright and 'summery'!

Don't be looking too close but I am trying to hand quilt it after googling techniques-I think the secret to even sized stitches might me a special thimble which I don't have......that's my excuse!

I have loved seeing/drooling over all the new patterns/fsbrics from quilt market; so much to be tempted by, but sure not enough hours in my day to accomplish many, but it doesn't stop me wishing. Thanks again for stopping by-I hope this publishes ok as the preview thing is scaring me-looks like it has already published and I haven't finished. We shall see how it presents, O no, where is spell check gone???? Happy stitching, Shazy

I can't believe I am sitting posting-it's been so long I have to think about everything I try to do to upload photo's!lol!

Life has just been a gallop this last while, not all pleasant but thankfully there are blessings not to be overlooked either!
With the busy-ness etc blogging has had a back seat and I apologise for not commenting on blogs-I'm afraid when the choice of a few spare mins presented themselves, my therapy got preference; namely, my stitching! I do find that it helps me relax, which in turn helps me get the jobs on hand dealt with!

Today finds us off for the Easter break and I have my niece staying over and to lift her mind (her mum is having an op today)we got to stitching, so we are having a relaxing day. Here is my daughter and niece learning stitchery!



Then below are some things I have been working on during my 3 months absence from blogging.
First up is 'Home Sweet Home' by 'Heart to Hand' I have the first 3 blocks finished.
Now before you say, what about your other Autumn quilt........I have the top all sewed together, just have to do the vines etc and I haven't taken a recent picture.



This next is a different colour palette than usual for me but I am enjoying working on it- a Sandy G pattern.



Then something handy for the Easter break-some stitchery blocks by Primitive Stitches that Karen from Farmhouse Woolens had in her shop a while ago.
I am loving doing it especially since I have realised the joy of 'Transfer eze'
I LOVE this stuff. The last pic shows it in action-just print out pattern, it self-adheres to your fabric, you stitch, put it in water and it dissolves away-brilliant!





Ok, my time seems to be up on here, they now want chocolate cake!

I appreciate if you have taken time to visit me> Maybe I will get back again before 3 months!!!

Shazy x