What am I stitching?

 Hello friends, 

I have had a little sort out and decided to give rotating various cross stitch projects a go!  I thought I would start with 3, just to see if I can manage them:

1. Blue Ribbon Design - Botanical Blessings

2. Blue Ribbon Design - Behind The Gate (A Halloween Calendar)

3. Historical Sampler Company - Heart Pot Sampler

1. 

The Chart, what eventually it will look like!

This is where I picked it up again after oh so long being on the shelf.  

Progress! It's slowly coming together.

These flowers are really lovely, I thought a good place to stop and rotate.

Goodness, I will have to try to take brighter photos! Looking very dull, I assure you the colours are really lovely.

2.

The chart, what it will I hope resemble!?

                        

Taken from the cover to help visualise what I am stitching.  This is for Han and K as they love Halloween.

                

This cross stitch had not been started so I decided to start with the hanging pieces.

HUGE learning curve making these!! OMG! well I only just left enough fabric around each square! Note to self leave a bit more!! That's not a design error, the instructions are really clear! I just cannot follow instructions very well! Somehow I managed to pull them together.

Front.

Back.

3.

Where I found the cross stitch, I was searching for something traditional that I could adapt and make more personal.  I will be adding a more personal touch to this sampler and turning it into a wedding day heirloom for han and K.

                          

                              

                            

This is where I picked it up again from.

This is where I am now after stitching.

A little personal touch added here, hang and K have a cat (on right) called Eggy Bread and a dog, a pug called Lancelot on the right.  Something to note about Lancelot is that he has a wonky ear that's always down! Also one eye after recently having it removed when he had a cyst. This is only one of many quirky personal bits I will be including.

Let's see how this goes! I am not sure how often to review this, maybe once a month? Then hopefully you will be able to see my progress.

Until the next time..

What have I been up to...

Thought I would share my stitching 'nook', it has some of the models I stitched for Hands Across The Sea Samplers.  Unfortunately the first picture has terrible glare, further down you can see the embroidery, this first one is more for position. I should say... I am useless at taking photos!

Incidentally the embroidery on my stand is a sampler that I am adding a personal touch for Han and Cat although I call Cat K! More on that another time.

This monstrous sampler literally fills one of my walls! It's one I model stitched for HATS called Sarah Braizear Mills, 1829, by far the largest sampler I have ever embroidered. 

This adorable sampler, another I model stitched for HATS is Ann Roberts, it's very quirky. And in the small picture frame below is Warm Winter Woolens from, Little House Needleworks.  I adore pretty much all their designs! And yes on the left are Easter shaped eggs I hand embroidered, I left up as I like them and thought if I get around to it maybe I can change the design or theme, Ha ha ha no idea how I thought I would have time! lol

This next one yes another HATS, this was the first sampler I model stitched for HATS and will always be special to me. It is Louisa Coulimore. Underneath the frame is a branch of hawthorn berries and a dog rose, seen better days now, it is getting old.

Yes! Another HATS model stitched called Sally Stansfield 1841, this is a really sweet design that I loved to embroider. The random branch below is a segment from my Protected Nature piece I created for my final piece for my BA Textiles degree.  I couldn't part with it, I love the caterpillar!

On the small cupboard under those HATS framed embroideries are some small 3 dimensional embroideries I have created.  The Zen Garden, everything embroidered apart from the wooden tree ring used as the base.

This has a collection of oddities, the fairy ring I designed and created, a random paper mache shark because why not! The small cross stitch in the frame is a design from The Trilogy called Happy Home, so cute.

The miniature rubber plant I designed and created, the pink flower is from the orchid family and I enjoyed creating it. I guess it's kind of like a larger curiosity cabinet! 

I  have been designing more cross stitch designs, really enjoying this new journey.  The first design I created is HOME, oozing with strawberries because it reminds me of summer but I don't like them! (This is in the same place as my free design, click the free design to take you to my shop).

Then I created an inclusive cross stitch chart, I should say, if you all don't know, I am a wheelchair user, that's me!!

Wheelchairs are not often represented within this community so I thought I would create a chart to change this.  Embracing my own disability to firmly say yes! highlighting that people with disabilities belong in this crafting community. (These are in the same place as my free design, click the free design to take you to my shop).

Have I been cross stitching or creating? Of course! more to come! 

I want to say it's been so so lovely re-connecting with so many of you from when I blogged previously, before going to university.  

Until the next time....

 

FREE For You To Enjoy

I am now dabbling in creating and designing my own cross stitch charts and have always wanted to provide FREE charts for everyone to enjoy.  

Now that I am able to do this I can offer my first FREE cross stitch chart: 'Spreading Kindness'.

If you look on the right side of my main page of this blog you will see this image below, click it and it will take you directly to my FREE cross stitch chart, it is an instant download.  Download, stitch and enjoy!

Until the next time...

Anyone out there?

Hello again!

I am not sure how many people still blog? It's only when writing new posts I realised how much I actually enjoyed this, writing as a why of remembering what I get or got up to! Also for the slim chance of another person to read what I get up to, I find this part the most fascinating, I love to pop over and read what others get up to within the bogging community.

I thought I had my fill of hospitals, seemed not! Han had to visit for routine bloods, this is some feet to get her to attend as she really does not like this procedure.  Her appointment had been continuously put off since March by Han, so we sat and waited.  Her appointment time came and went, odd we thought, so han checked with the nurse and apparently yes it was the right day of the week but the wrong week!! Seeing as we were already there I told Han we might as well see if there was space to get the bloods done.  Thankfully they slotted Han in and Han proudly showed her arm where they removed her blood!  Of course we had to visit the hospital cafe to 'recover' from the 'shock' ...... the words within ' ' are to be taken lightly as Han was fine! Nothing coffee and cake could not fix!                 

    

The Welsh Cakes were a little treat for Jon, I don't like dead fruit.  And to be honest they say they are Welsh cakes but they are nothing like a cake! Here in Wales they are everywhere, all different varieties, but fruit are the traditional ones. If you have never tried Welsh cakes let me know and I will see what I can do, maybe I can organise a Welsh parcel that includes something I make too? Cross stitch/embroidery and other things welsh?! I know people are busy and do other events with other blogs.  I guess I am enquiring if anyone would be interested in an exchange? No matter where you live, just thought it would be nice to do. I would love to stitch something Welsh too, make a Welsh parcel for someone? Not sure if anyone knows but Jon is Welsh, sings welsh but not a native 24/7 welsh speaker.  Welsh is a lovely dialect and I love to listen to it.  When I previously blogged I lived in Sussex, southern England, living in Wales, for over 4 years now and I love it.  Next time I go out and about I will remember to take photos so I can share it to you all.

Let me know what you think?

Till the next one......

The strangest 24/48 hours ever.....

Where do I start...

We were all struck by how covid-19 affected all our lives.  It continues to linger in the background, oh believe me it's still there. I live in Wales, Cardiff and being vulnerable is very frightening, I have had covid twice now and each time it affected me very differently. Long after covid started my first positive was during 2023 and the second time was 2024. The first time I did all the home tests and they were all coming out negative, my symptoms were getting worse so we were told to go to the hospital to get bloods done, this is where they informed me that yes I had covid, that lasted around 2 months of being positive. Yes I regained some strength afterwards but not back to how I was, then I got covid again.  This time a home test confirmed it,  and it lasted around 6 weeks.  Unfortunately everyone around me also got covid, we are not sure who had it to start but everyone, hang, K and Jon got it.  Covid literally drains your energy and leaves you feeling utterly paranoid as to how or where you're next going to get it.

Our family has tried to cope the best we can, it was only this year we all decided to stop wearing masks outside our home.  But still in wearing the masks in drs surgeries and hospitals just for added protection. Needless to say we will be returning to wearing masks.

Yesterday I found out how cruel covid can be, in fact I am still in shock writing this post.  I need to paint a picture of Jon, so that you can understand how shocking this is and has been. Jon, my husband is the most laid back person with so much patience I have ever met, he needs it with me and my autism as I am very unpredictable at times! He literally is a very calm person, never raising his voice never shouts, swears or argues, seriously calm! 

Out of the blue with no warning Jon started to shout but with rage and anger on his face, he ripped off his polo t-shirt like the Incredible Hulk, I am not kidding at all.  It was like watching a movie of Dr Jekyll and Hyde.  In a split second Jon had gone from calm quiet to screaming swearing, shouting, ripping clothes and everything he was doing was so out of character I instantly knew something was wrong.  The challenge was to get him help but he was not in any shape or form compliant or think he needed help.  After a couple of hours of coaxing and persuading I managed to get him to outside our doctors surgery.  The doctor (GP) was told what was going on and they thought he was having some sort of medical episode.  Unfortunately Jon didn't see that he needed help through the rage and aggression he was exhibiting so the police were called to keep him safe as a precaution.  Jon collapsed and was taken to A&E Monday night (2nd June 25), I met him in A&E and he was very quiet calm and had no memory recollection, missing around 6 hours when he was literally on the rampage. 

We were going to go up to the hospital yesterday to see him and find out what went on, but were told not to go as he had covid.  Not just covid, but apparently the new strain and Jon is now one of the only 8 people within Wales to have a severe reaction to this strain.  He has swelling on his brain which was pushing his frontal lobe? This is what caused the change in his behaviour. I am not savvy with all of this information but it's not good I know that much.  Then we found out that he has had this strain of covid for over a week,   it's scary as Jon showed no symptoms as all, he was fine, we had just finished shopping in IKEA! None of us are showing any form of symptoms, we all took covid tests, all negative, we are being hyper vigilant.

A few months ago Jon had a slight droop on his right side of his face, we went to get his checked out and were sent to the hospital where they did multiple tests and discovered that he had had a stroke.  The medical team were is shock as he is according to them very young to have a stroke, he is early 50's. That was a huge worry, so the thinking is that he was already compromised so when he got this new strain of covid it hit him hard. Thankfully Jon has his phone on him so that we are FaceTiming and talking via messages.  He continued to undergo tests and CT and MRI scans, after being pumped every 4 hours with anti-inflammatory medication. Apparently well enough to come home! So I await his return today hopefully!! 

I am so sorry my 2nd post back is so, well not probably what you expected, thankfully just heard in the last few minutes that even though Jon still has covid, the infection on his brain that caused the swelling has disappeared and he has the green light to leave.  I was really worried, and frankly still in a little shock at the events that occurred over the last 24/48 hours.  

Something lighter.... I have taken to dabbling in designing cross stitch charts, a sneak peek of something I am working on.

Here are some questions, if you can help, as I have been away a while and want to know:

1. Are people still interested in what's being stitched/embroidered?

2. If there is anything specific people want to see?

3.What don't you want to see? (be truthful then I will know and not post it!)

4. any returning tips? I literally seems to of forgotten everything!

If not responses they I will just do what I do lol

Until the next time, keep smiling 😊

Where has the time gone?

Firstly, I cannot express to you all that being here feels a little surreal after all this time!  I checked and my last post was 17th June 2018, literally 7 years ago!!! WOW! Let me tell you an awful lot has happened since then! I will try to unpack....

I had just completed my first year of my Textiles degree, in Sussex. Updating this now I am thrilled to express that I have completed my Textiles degree, after moving to Cardiff Wales to move to a better Textiles degree.  I graduated with First Class Honours June 2022.

For my final major project as part of my Textiles degree I created a a totally new 3D structure all hand embroidered apart from the huge wooden tree ring base, the tree branch within and the woven willow around the structure.  It was developed from exploring seeds and seed pods, I was fascinated at how seed shells protect the inner seed.  I using this concept to create an environment that was protected by a woven willow shell like form. Some photos of some of the elements I embroidered below:

It was whilst on my Textile degree that I started to push the boundaries of conventional hand embroidery.  I really liked experimenting with 3 dimensional 360 degree hand embroidery. Below a few of the things I have been experimenting with.  But also sharing with others as I launched an Etsy store with Hans (daughter) help. Sadly with all my studying my Etsy store had taken a back seat for a while, soon to be upon and running more active shortly now I am free again! 

I did go onto studying a Masters degree In Cardiff at the University of South Wales, and graduated literally this June 2025! More on this to follow!

I launched my own business : keeping a touch of Germany I adore so much having lived for so long there as a child and adult.  Zenf, this is something I love with my bratwurst when visiting Germany! Zenf is mustard! I will once I remember how blogger works again add a link on my page to my Etsy .... if I can!

How can I forget!! Whilst studying on my Textiles degree Covid hit..... OMG!!! Those were really tough times, thankfully out the other end now.

I did go through a really tough time alone in student halls all through Covid, to make things easier for myself I shaved all yes all my hair off! Thankfully its hair and grew back! As you can see from this photos that my phone recently decided to remind me off this time too! I left my eye brows! I mean I can laugh about this now, and think WOW I actually did shave all my hair off! Wondering what everyone else got up to during covid lockdown? I didn't really stitch through covid, I did however submerge myself into my university work, that kept me busy.

A few embroidery and stitchings I have done since I was last here! Oh I plan to stay this time, if there are still people that blog? I had to use Instagram for university but never really got on with it, so thought I would return to blogging now that I have the time.

1.Melting ice cream.

2. Front

3. Back

4. Crewel work tree of plenty I designed and embroidered.

5. Close of details.

6. Close up of details.

7. Close up of details.

8. Hand embroidered lizard eye close up.

9. Lizard eye.

10. This was a 100% hand embroidered project I undertook to create a Zen garden, the only element not hand embroidered is the wooden base.

11. Close of the red bridge and bamboo I had embroidered.

12. More Zen garden details.

13. The completed Zen garden.

14. A close up of the raked sand area that is made from thousands of tiny French knots.

15. This is a tiny miniature rubber plant I hand embroidered, only the pot that is not hand embroidered!

I have been cross stitching too, mainly adding a few stitches here and there to ongoing long long long work in progress projects!  I will probably get around to sharing here soon! I have also been designing! Something I never thought I would ever do! I currently have a fascination with strawberries, this one is one of my own creations I am working on, I will share more soon.

What else has happened.... hang got married! photos to follow if you would like to see them? Jon and I are coming up to our 15 year anniversary this Christmas Eve, yes we married on Christmas Eve! and going strong. We all now live in Cardiff, Wales and love it here, but would rather be in Germany! ha ha 

I think this post is long enough and probably a shock to most of you that follow me, to see that I am back after so long! Would be lovely to re-connect to you all again.