December?? Really??

It is indeed my Christmas advent calendar! The safest thing I could eat without being poorly! Jon is so thoughtful!!  Yes, sorry I have already opened 3 doors 😁.  Today is the 4 th of December so here is today's opening....

Look!!! A tiny bag of Haribo!!

So sorry I have been absent again.... It just kind of happened :( 

But I did finish iff the beautiful design I was stitching for Hands Across The Sea Samplers...it looks stunning in the frame and I can hardly believe that I stitched it! But unfortunately I can't show you all just yet, it's almost ready....the chart is being printed as I type! 

So what else have I been doing? I had a bit of time after finishing the last sampler and the new one so 'made' a few things!! 

Whilst out and about I came across some rather chunky wool and huge knitting needles too! So thought I would give them a go....

Rather large! But a lot of fun!! What did I create? 

A snood!  Sorry I am not very good at taking selfies! Next time I promise to smile! 

I made something useful for my mum.... A hand warmer! I filled it with winter spices and white rice... It gets popped in the microwave for less than a minute and voila! A warm pad! Oh but my smells delightful, just like gluewein! (That's why I chose the design on the front!) Mmmmm my mums loves it! 

I used crayola crayons and decided to colour the design in! A first for me and it looks ok I think. My mum liked it!! 

A while ago now jon enrolled me on Kathy Schmitz one stitch club, it's where Kathy sends out via email one design a month for 12 months and you stitch and create how you like! This is what I did with the latest one...Novembers design....

What I decided to make....

Front....

Back...

Opened out front and back...

Inside! 

Yes! I made a supersize do needle holder! I did this for a reason.... I keep forgetting where I put my needles! No excuse now! They a being looked after by sweet squirrels! It was fun to make...looking forward to the next design :) 

What else have I been up to.....

Oh yes!! Hannah's blanket jumper!! A few more rows have been added :) 

It's 70 stitches long and so heavy! But I keep adding to it! One day she shall have it! Ha ha 

After making the cute snowman mat for my mum....this one if you missed it...

Hannah then asked if I could make a mat for her! To go on the table that she and Kevin use when on lap tops.  I told them both to go choose some fabric from my craft drawers.....this is what they chose and they also chose triangles! 

They are a little larger than the hexagons I stitched by hand so these are taking a little longer! They shall get it soon!!! Ha ha 

Some rather exciting news.... I entered a competition in a cotton and wool appliqué group and I was lucky enough to be chosen!!! Eeeeeek!! Look what I won!!! 

These fabrics are beautiful and so so perfect for when I start the challenge of all challenges! Remember this...

This is my challenge of all challenges! Soon I will be able to start this...I am busy gathering supplies! Still undecided what the backing fabric will be...should I get plain or one with a tiny pattern? Thinking still....

See I am still here!! May not of been posting but have been rather busy! 

One other thing I need, yes need! To tell you all about.... For many years now I have dreamed of studying at the Royal School Of Needlework, in Hampton Court Palace.  It's just about 1 hour 30 minute drive away from where I live so it could be possible....

Anyway I have been thinking and thinking ....what if... 

They have an open day for the degree course I am interested in on 14 December....so I booked a place and am going!! Going to see if it is possible for me to join? I mean I have a lot to think about, being in my wheelchair....access my be an issue? And me being a not so young applicant! Ha ha although Han keeps telling me 45 is not old! Ha ha going to try to follow my dream... I want to do something me thing for me, to learn at the RSN would be amazing! 

I have a back up plan... If I cannot apply for September 2017 then I will go do an access course at my local college, some textile fabric arts course.  Then apply afterwards to the RSN.  I have made up my mind this is what I want to do.... Han has said any way she can help me get to my dream she will help.

I am going to have to keep up my weight loss and healthy program at the pool and mix in a bit of upper body strength too in the gym.  Not sure how or if I can do that yet, if I am ready? The gym staff are brilliant so no doubt they will advise and help me. Working towards a dream is good, right? 

Here is the course at the RSN...

I took this whole segment off their website...

Why choose the RSN Degree Course

The Royal School of Needlework holds a world-renowned reputation for excellence in hand embroidery. Offering international links and opportunities for Degree student internships and placements through its extensive professional connections.

The RSN BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art;

• Unique BA (Hons) Degree course specialising in hand embroidery
• Industry placements with fashion houses, interior and textile designers
• Learn from expert practitioners
• Study in bespoke studio apartments at Hampton Court Palace, UK
• Access the RSN library and historic handling collection

The RSN Degree course offers a strongly supportive teaching and learning environment, with visiting lecturers and tutors from the professional art, design and textile industries involved in your progress through tutorials and portfolio reviews.

Teaching is in small groups with hands-on technical tuition. You will be taught sound working practices with an emphasis on professional practice and gaining employment. Throughout your three years of study at the RSN, you will be encouraged to involve yourself with professional opportunities that will deepen your awareness of current practice within your chosen hand embroidery discipline.

All RSN Degree tutors are experienced academics and professional embroiderers who are at the forefront of their practice; many were also trained at the Royal School of Needlework.

The RSN is a dynamic forward-looking organisation dedicated to the practice and promotion of hand embroidery.

Fingers crossed I can apply!! I will keep you all informed as and when I know! How exciting!! 

Well I think I have probably bored you all enough! Ha ha 

Happy smiles to you all :)