Home Alone

So far my holidays are not turning out as planned...

Saturday - complete the last minute present and food shopping, check.

Sunday - My family come to visit. No check. They left home and got stuck in a wall of traffic so decided to turn round and go back home.

Monday - DH and I spend a rare day together just the two of us. No check. As we got the day together yesterday dh has gone out with friends for the day leaving me home alone.

Don't get me wrong I'm really not minding being home alone, it means that I get to spend Christmas Eve as I please. This means catching up on emails and blog reading and when I'm done here I will be stitching for the rest of the day :)

Yesterday we went for a lovely walk in the mist and frost which was beautiful.We live near the beautiful village of Lacock and are lucky enough to live 5 minutes walk from a wonderful path which takes you on a several miles walk to the village. We didn't go all the way to Lacock yesterday just a little way down the mist covered path.There were plenty of frosted leaves and branches to see along the way, very festive. (some of these images are better if you click for a full size picture). And spooky silhouettes when the sun tried to break through. Have I ever mentioned how much I love trees. I could spend hours sitting under a tree gazing up through it's leaves and branches. I don't know there is just something magical about trees. And my favourite scene of the walk a whole patch of frosted rushes by the river. I couldn't resist taking a picture of the real photographer in our family. You can see a few more pictures of things we saw on the walk in dh's Merry Christmas post here.

Yesterday evening was spent curled up on the sofa watching TV and playing with the cats. I have shared a few photos of Hector recently, but his brother Hugo is camera shy. I love this photo which I managed to get last night proving that yes I do have the privilege of sharing my home with not one but two white kitty angels. Of course Hector still insisted on being star of the show!

Holiday Hangover

I can't believe it's been so long since I last blogged, time really is flying by at the moment. MIL is still not too well and we have been going round to cook for her most evenings which is eating into what little free time we have after work each day.

Also last weekend was my work's Christmas party, I broke all my cardinal rules ...
1. Never go to the office party
2. Never drink at the office party
3. Definitely don't get drunk at the office party
4. Do not dance at the office party
5. Under no circumstances dance with the Chief Exec while drunk at the office party
....(sigh!) Consequently I had the worlds worst hangover and the weekend was wasted!

I have managed to squeeze in some creativity though. First off some knitting. Here is the scarf that I've knitted for my friend Charlotte, I'm safe to share as she does not know about my blog.This is the same yarn that I used for the hat I made myself not so long ago, I just love the texture and the yummy colours, here is a gratuitous close up.

Usually I like to try and make my Christmas cards too but this year I left it way too late and only managed to make a few. I fell in love with a beautiful embroidered tree design by Annwyn Dean in a recent Classic Stitches and decided to reduce the size of the design to fit on a card. I made about 10 in the end but time just caught up with me so this was no where near as many as I wanted to stitch .... maybe next year!

I'm Dreaming of an Orange Christmas

Here's what I have been stitching these last couple of days. First off some postcards for a My Favourite colour swap. Ok so if you are a regular visitor here it will come as no surprise that my cards are orange :)

This is quite a big swap and so far I've made about half of the cards that I need, it's taking sometime but I don't mind working with orange always makes me smile.

Last night was the embroiderers guild meeting and we had a sewing evening. We all made little tree ornaments, all stitched by hand, a couple of corners on my turned out a bit wonky but I still think it's cute. I just need to add a bit of ribbon and then grapple the tree out of the attic to add my decoration to! I've also been working a few Christmas cards, I've left it way too late to make all of mine handmade this year but I am doing a few for family and friends, hopefully I will have them finished and ready to share by the weekend.

Somerset Saturday

No creativity from me today. Although the weather was not the best Mark was itching to get out with his camera. Usually I manage to forget to take my little compact when we go out but today I remembered so here are a few snapshots from my day.

First off here is a picture of the Black Nore Lighthouse near Portishead. I really liked this view with the little round window. You can find out more about the lighthouse here. We went to Clevedon to see the pier (picture below) and came across this lovely tiled fountain dating from the 1890, grade II listed no less. More info here.

I loved the colours and textures on this piece of the sea wall at Clevedon. I'm sure passers by must have thought I was quite mad photographing the ground but there is something about this shot that I find beautiful.

We finished the day at Burnham-on-Sea with another lighthouse. Not much of a sunset but the light was lovely none the less.

My favourite pastime of the day was photographing the photographer.
Battling the elements at Black Nore, it was so windy we both had difficulty keeping our cameras still in the wind.On the beach near Clevedon Pier. Shooting the sunset at Burnham.

Take It Further

This year I had hoped to participate in the Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge, but what with various family issues I only managed the first few weeks.

Sharon has recently announced her challenge for next year, this time it's a monthly challenge so I've signed up as I think this might be more managable for me than a weekly challenge. You can find all the details here, who knows maybe you'll decide to jump right in and join too!

Confetti

Yesterday afternoon wasn't as productive as I had hoped, I don't think there was any particular reason, time seems to disappear so much faster when I'm at home compared to the long hours I have while I'm at work! However I did manage to get another set of postcards made.



These are for a confetti swap. Ok so I know there isn't anything technically difficult about snipping up a few fabrics and then stitching over them, but I really love how these turned out. Their freeness reminds me of graffitti or those 'drip and drizzle' abstract paintings that Jackson Pollack is famous for. (If you enlarge the images you will probably get a better picture of what I mean).

Burning Practise

It's been another busy week here at Angelcat manor. MIL should be coming out of hospital today, even though we will have to continue to visit every day to cook her meals I should get a bit more free time without all the toing and froing from hospital so hopefully we will settle into a routine again soon.

In the meantime I have a day off work today and have decided to spend it catching up with blog reading and of course hitting the sewing machine. This morning I have been burning as a practise for the bag piece that I made the other week.

As I think I mentioned before I decide to make a basic grid for my practise piece, here it is before I cut it up. As I still owe plenty of postcards in various swaps I decided to cut this down for postcards. Here is one of the cards in progress after I had burned some voids in the grid. Here I'm attaching the background fabric.
And this is how one of the finished cards look. They are all slightly different and I didn't burn the voids in any particular order or pattern, just whatever I felt looked ok as I worked on each piece. I now have a whole pile of little sparkles left over, they are tiny pieces, the cut outs from the voids. I have no idea if I will ever be able to use them for anything, but they look too pretty to throw away! So here we are it's only midday and I've already managed to complete a set of postcards and spent several hours catching up on internet stuff, who know what I will have achieve by the end of the day. On the list of things I hope to do is finish at least one more set of postcards, start making a few christmas cards and finish a knitted scarf that I have in progress. Ok so maybe all of that is a bit ambitious but it will keep me busy for the day :)

Ready to Burn

So after waiting for my camera battery to charge and attempting unsuccessfully to get a good picture of my bag in progress I figured out that the piece is just about the right size to fit under the scanner.
I'm now at the stage where I'm supposed to burn holes to create some void spaces in the design. After all time it took to stitch the darn thing I've decided not to dive in and burn straight away without some practise. So today I will be stitching up a basic grid pattern using the same techniques to practise my burning on. Wish me luck!

Knitting and Precious Gifts

So I still don't have a picture of the finished stitching on my bag project to share. I did take one but managed to delete it and now my camera needs charging. Sometimes I can be so ditsy. Instead I'm going to share something else that I've just finished.

I knitted myself a hat, one of the few knitted things I've managed to finish. Honestly I have half started knitting projects every where, I think the problem is I'm attracted to things that are just a bit too ambitious for my basic knitting skills and have got stuck and the difficult parts of various projects. As you know I don't like sharing pictures of me but what the hell, after the lack of blog posts here for a while I don't expect many people are reading any more anyway!
The picture is a bit dark so you can't really see the beautiful colours in the yarn I used very well, I will try and get a better one soon. I'm pleased with the way it turned out and have bought some more of this beautiful yarn to make a hat and scarf set for my friend Charlotte for Christmas (she doesn't know about my blog so I'm not spoiling any surprises here).

Before I sign off I just have to share some pictures of 2 precious gifts that my friend Vi sent me all the way from Australia. Look at this totally adorable pin cushion (again please excuse the poor quality picture there is not much good daylight at the moment and when there is some I'm always at work!).
Vi also sent me this beautiful friendship doll. She made this with a wonderful rainbow theme to remind me always of my Mum. Definitely one of the most special gifts I've ever received. Thank you so much Vi.

Stitching again

It's been another tough couple of weeks in Angelcat land. MIL still hasn't made much progress and after a few days at home is back in hospital, so the long days of work and hospital visits continue.

Last week I was knocked out with the flu and a horrible cough which was none too pleasant (and I missed the November GWE meet because of it which I am thoroughly annoyed about), but thankfully the worst of that seems to be gone now.

I really need a break from all the madness and as luck would have it I had signed up for a workshop with the Swindon Embroiderers Guild this last Saturday. The aim of the day was to learn the techniques to make a filigree bag. Everyone seemed to have a really enjoyable day. Here are some of the group hard at work, just look at the concentration, they look totally engrossed don't ya think?
Sadly I didn't get very far with my bag, I was a little disappointed but I think I didn't really get a good grasp on the concept at the beginning and chose a stitching pattern that was way too intricate for my meagre skills. The only picture I have to share of my work in progress is the piece all layered, pinned and ready to stitch. By the end of the day I still hadn't finished stitching, let alone started the burning process. I am happy to say that I spent half hour at my machine this evening and the stitching is almost done, who knows if I get of the computer and back to the machine I may even have a picture of the stitched piece to share tomorrow!

Spooky Eyes

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has commented and emailed me about my last couple of posts, it really does mean a lot to have so much support from so many cyber friends.

So I've decided to be done with feeling sorry for myself and get on with things, after all things could be a lot lot worse. Verobirdie left a great comment on my last post about remembering the joyful things that happen each day no matter how small. I think a 'joy journal' would be a great art project!

Madhatter also mentioned that she likes to find some creative time everyday and I think that would really help me. Most days at work I tend to work right through my lunch break, and do I get any extra thanks, no I don't, so starting tomorrow I will be packing some portable creative projects in the car and lunchtime will become my creative time. I'm feeling excited and more relaxed just thinking about it.

I know I have been and missed Halloween celebrations this year, but I just have to share this picture of spooky eyed Hector which I took while messing around with my camera for a few minutes today.
Hope you all had a great weekend!

What is normal?

Ever have those times when you feel like your life is not your own?

At the moment mine is an endless round of work and hospital visits. Don't get me wrong I need to pay the mortgage and I don't begrudge the time that I spend at the hospital I wouldn't want to be anywhere else family comes first. BUT the last two years just seem to have been one thing after another, just as soon as I feel like I'm getting back on my feet life comes and deals another sucker punch ... when will normality resume? What is normal? It's been so long I think I forgot.

What a week

I've had no time for creating, getting on the computer or anything this week. My mother-in-law was rushed into hospital at the start of the week. It's been a constant stream of work, hospital visits, looking after her cat and trying to get some sleep in between. They've done lots of tests and we have had a few different diagnosis, but at the moment they think she might have Lupus. Hopefully we will be able to get back into a routine soon and I will have more positive things to share.....

Angels and Fairies

Yippee Blogger seems to have gotten over it's brain-fart yesterday and will let me post pictures today, so here are the snaps that were missing from yesterdays post. I have quite a few to share so I've only uploaded 'small' pics but you should be able to click on them to get the full sized image.

First up a full length shot of my fairy. This is a view of the back showing her wings and the flower detail I added to her dress. A close up shot of her face.

Some shots of all the fairies and angels that were made in the class. Lastly Lois had lots of wonderful dolls for sale, including some wonderful witches and ghosts perfect for this Halloween season. I fell in love with this adorable ghost and he just had to come home with me.

Antique Angels

Well my workshop curse struck again. The Janet Bolton class was supposed to be this last Thursday but sadly Janet was feeling unwell and so it had to be cancelled (well hopefully more postponed than cancelled as they hope to rearrange it for sometime early in the new year, wow talking about the new year already hasn't this last one just flown by!).

It hasn't been all bad news for this week though as yay I finally managed to find a workshop that actually went ahead. The class was called Antique Angels and the tutor was a lovely lady called Lois Brooks. The idea was to use old pieces of lace and antique fabrics to make an angel or fairy. I don't really have much old lace and things so I decided to bend the rules a bit and go modern and (yes you guessed it) orange.

Sadly blogger won't let me put any photis up at the moment so I will just have to keep you in suspense. I will try with the pictures again tomorrow.....

A lot about nothing in particular ....

Since finishing my endangered species cards I haven't had much time for stitching, but since I know it's all too easy to get out of the blogging habit I thought I'd post anyway. I want to say a huge thank you to all who left such lovely comments on my previous post, it was wonderful to have so much encouragement in connection with a project that meant a lot to me.

Last night I officially became a member of the Swindon and North Wilts Embroidery Guild, another lovely bunch of stitcher ladies! I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone over the coming meetings. I've signed up to do a day workshop with them in November which I'm looking forward to.

Speaking of workshops I've had two cancelled on me these last couple of weeks grrr, both were being put on by the same organisation and had to be cancelled due to lack of numbers. It's such a shame as I was really looking forward to both, one was Creative Knits and the other was a felting workshop. Nevermind in a couple of days I'm off to take my Janet Bolton fabric collage class so that should be great! As I don't like to blog without pictures I thought I would share a couple of pics of a beautiful bouquet I had from my work friends last Friday. I think I mentioned a while back that I had a promotion a work, it's hard to explain but at the time it was a part time promotion and last week that became a full time promotion, sadly it meant moving to another team. Even though I've only moved a few desk rows down my old team gave me a wonderful card, some flowers and gifts to celebrate my new job, they are so sweet. I don't always like my job but thankfully i work with some lovely people which sometimes makes all the difference when you are having a bad day! Before I go, if you are feeling Autumnal I just have to say you must visit Mark's blog (link in the side bar) as at the weekend he went out with his camera and took some lovely pictures of all kinds of fungi which were sprouting in Savernake Woods.

Endangered Species

Even though this is my 316th post (can you believe it?!) and in most of these posts I have shared pictures of the things that I have been creating I'm feeling a certain sense of vulnerability about sharing this set of postcards that I've made. Don't ask me why as I can't quite put my finger on it.

Maybe it's because the subject of this set is close to my heart and I really want to do it justice .....

Maybe it's because I've poured my heart and soul into these and I don't want anyone to not like them (don't get me wrong I know everyone has different tastes and what I like won't necessarily appeal to everyone, usually I can't accept this but not this time)...

Maybe it's because I know my drawing skills which formed the basis of the designs isn't great .....

Maybe it's because I haven't had much practise at free motion stitching.....

Maybe it's because despite the fact that they haven't all turned out as accurate as I hoped but somehow I still love them ....

Maybe it's because each took me a couple of hours and yet in many ways they look so simple...

Whatever the reason maybe I'm feeling nervous..... Here goes the three cards I have been making for an Endangered Species swap.

Red Squirrel

Polar Bear

Orangutan

To find out how you can help save the worlds endangered species visit here.

What Planet Are You From?

You Are From Neptune

You are dreamy and mystical, with a natural psychic ability.You love music, poetry, dance, and (most of all) the open sea.Your soul is filled with possibilities, and your heart overflows with compassion.You can be in a room full of friendly people and feel all alone.If you don't get carried away with one idea, your spiritual nature will see you through anything.

http://blogthings.com/whatplanetareyoufromquiz/">What Planet Are You From?

Great Western Embroiderers

Today I spent a fun afternoon stitching with a whole crowd of lovely ladies, some of whom I'm sure will become good friends over the next few months. I went to my first meeting of the new GWE group. This afternoon was the second meeting of the group but I met quite a few ladies who like me were attending for the first time. I also got a chance to briefly meet Anna too whose blog I have long been visiting and admiring.

We spent the afternoon making a sampler from two different stitches. We worked in two different groups so it was a great way to get to know some of the other members, as we got round to plenty of chat while we were stitching. A couple of ladies took my blog address so hello to Gemma, Deborah, Mary and Mary if you are reading :)

Here is my piece stitched in herringbone and chain stitch. A couple of the ladies pointed out that it has turned out to be the perfect size for fitting into a CD case, which was a challenge set at the first meeting so I plan to make a second piece as a backing for exactly that purpose :)

Gemma and I spent a while talking about knitting too as Gemma had a fabulous hand knitted top on that she had made and directed me to the Cricklade Needlecrafts shop so that I could buy myself a skein. Gemma you were right the lady in the shop knew exactly what blossom meant! I also came away with some sock yarn and a pattern as I have been itching to try socks for a while. Gemma if you are reading the heel part sounds very complicated so I may be pouncing on you at the next GWE meet with a half finished sock for some help!

It really was a lovely afternoon, and at least I have one reason to look forward to going in to work tomorrow, which is to book the afternoon off now I have the date of the next meet. Thanks for introducing me to the group Maggie!

G is for ...

Helen kindly reminded me that I hadn't yet posted a picture of the cards I made for the something beginning with G swap. No, I haven't been trying to hide the fact that I hadn't made them it was just with my busy week at work last week I forgot to post about them. So here we are ....
Apologies for the bad picture quality it was a dull day when I was trying to take this photo (we've had a few of these recently, lol!). G is for Girl, green and garden. H is next, I have started them but I expect it will be a few more days until they are finished and ready to post about, especially as I have about three other half started things to be working on too. I've chosen a pretty obvious H for anyone who wants to try and have a guess...

As well as the G cards I also forgot to share this card that I made for the Artsnthemail September challenge - Knitting. The brief was to include any piece of knitting on your card, I took the simple approach and just knitted up a few rows with some fancy yarn and attached it to some of the blackberry dyed fabric from a couple of posts ago.

Autumn

I've been so busy at work this last couple of weeks I've hardly had time to think let alone blog. It doesn't happen very often but I've had a few late nights at work and I had to work yesterday too, yuck!

Things should be back to normal now though and I can get back to creating. I had fun yesterday evening making these cards for an Autumn swap.
It was quite time consuming cutting all the leaves and then handstitching them, but I enjoyed every minute (it was just so nice to have some creative time) and I am pleased with the way they turned out.

This week I have booked Tueday afternoon off work and am off to a meeting of a new group the Great Western Embroiderers, which should be a lot of fun. Also this coming Saturday I should be going to a creative knits class. The last time I booked a course with the group that are running this one it got cancelled due to lack of interest so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one will go ahead. Speaking of Knits here is another of my hats on location...