Busy Times

Nearly getting to the end of my secret squirrel project, the stitching for it is done and only the paperwork remains. The fun side....

This does now mean that I can slowly begin to return to my own bits and pieces such as working on the tea solves everything piece which is so close to finishing. I think I can get it completed this coming weekend. Which will be cool.

Think I am a little bit too in love with the trailing, again...

I also have my application for the Farnham Maltings Christmas fair to finish and get in the post and I have to say I've already thought about the design for this year's Christmas decorations. I'm sorry! I hate to bring the word up as much as you do, although to be fair I've put it off for as long as I could. Don't hate me.

Almost the next newsletter time, now you will have to forgive me the next one won't be a big but I think you will like it as it will feature the free little embroidery design I promised you all.

One final mad panic, is the napkin I must stitch and get back to them on the 2nd September, I am sensing it's going to be mad dash on that one. Tea, will hopefully be my saviour for that one!

When things are a little less manic I will show you some progress shots of the studio, hopefully when I get some artwork on the wall. Just ordered a load of frames from Habitat which will help with that one.

Well I do like to be kept busy!

Slight blip and quietly stitching

Not so many photographs this week, I've been quietly working on my secret squirrel project and getting things sorted in the new place. Granted my unexpected problem that I hit on the very first day of my holidays this week was my computer dying again.

Needless to say I was not awfully impressed. And despite numerous attempts to get the damned thing to work again I came to the conclusion that I can't keep getting it repaired, and I am pretty certain it's the motherboard again which would be the third one. I don't like having to replace something if I think I can get it repaired but sometimes you have to weigh up the pros and cons on doing that. Even if the repair will always be cheaper than a new computer the very fact this is the third time its died, the potential loss of data (i've not yet attempted to access the hard drive) the agro of getting it repaired and the threat that it may well happen again was enough to make the decision that enough is enough.

I have at least managed to give away the screen, so that's one less thing that needs scraping. The tower won't be for a long while yet.

There was another pro for getting a new computer as I opted for an all-in-one so that I don't have to try and figure out a solution as to where to store the tower. I purchased a few bits from IKEA, but stupidly didn't keep them in the boxes so I couldn't return them. The 'solutions' are currently under my desk. Shout if you interested in a tower unit holder (fix to a desk), a keyboard thingie and a cable rack then drop me a note. 

This thankfully is the last big purchase for a while which is a relief as frankly I think my bank accounts are weeping at the constant purchasing. Not as much as me.

Anyway, it's no biggy and things move on and as I am slightly head of myself for the secret squirrel project, and as I am in need of a break working on that I've managed to get back to my 'Tea Solves Everything' piece, what do you think? Not much left to do :D

The next thing will be once complete will be either writing a pattern or a kit for a similar or same version of it, and I'd like to produce some postcards of it. 

Normal Stitching Service has Resumed...

Yes, I am finally back up and running again. Well, not running but stitching. My studio come guestroom is near enough complete, bar a few odds and sods to sort out. But I can and have at least been able to get stitching. Feels nice to be able to get back to it. Even though I have admit I had a couple of 'Omg so much I can do...where to begin' moments. Which isn't new!

So what have I been doing well, I've been prepping for my Secret Squirrel project, which I'll be starting to stitch this week and I've gone back to my Tea Solves Everything embroidered quote.

I was doing a spot of jumping around with this piece as I was keen to get more sections done. That and stitching 'solves' was making my eyes go a bit weird. It was either that or I was a wee bit tired this afternoon. So I completed 'thing' and was playing about with how I was going to do 'every'. Now originally I was going to do it in padded satin again but I had a idea at the last second of doing French Knots, and I like the effect....

Eyes slowly drifting in different directions...

'so' is done so I skip off to do 'thing and then thought, let's start 'every'.

I am going to try and squeeze a bit more stitching in this evening and tomorrow night before I get on with the commissioned piece. I've worked out my schedule and I've pretty much only got time to do that until the end of the month. Now that's not to say I won't get it completed early, I've given myself a health amount of time to work on it without feeling as though I have to rush it to meet the deadline. Whilst I don't mind working under pressure I don't want any mistakes!

Oh, I managed to also purchase and complete a pattern this week too. Now this was great really because when I reached as far as I could with the studio on Wednesday night I wanted to start stitching on Thursday but wasn't sure what to do...then I saw this pattern on What Delilah Did 'Mini Folk Letter' and I had to have it. Well after a moments deliberation and Sophie Simpson on Twitter (the lady behind the designs) goading me to do it. Granted it didn't take much encouragement. It didn't take long to stitch and all that remains for me to do is to get it framed and hung on the wall. 

It wasn't the only pattern I purchased, I also picked up the Bee pattern I had my eye on for a while. Though I won't be starting that one till the Autumn. 

Finally but not least, now I've been taking about this for a while. When my darling little Bergamot passed away at the beginning of the year I knew I wanted to, but not straight away, get a new hamster. I put it off because firstly I missed the little blighter, and secondly I was trying to purchase a flat. To get one during this time would have been wrong. Anyway, when I finally moved I knew it was only a matter of time before I got a new one. And I did yesterday, he's a rather timid, but rather fluffy Syrian called Hamish. There was a moment I was going to call it Hannibal because all it seemed to like to do in the shop was bite things. I don't really have a decent enough photo to show you because he's rather shy. But there will be a shot soon!

Now, with all that typed out I am rather in need of another cuppa!

Tea Time!

It really sum up my weekend, when I found myself stitching tea, whilst drinking tea....

Text looks a little bumpy, but with a little bit of tweeking with a needle I've managed to give it a much smoother finish...

This is my last full weekend of stitching for what I think will be a fortnight, I have family commitments and I'm moving (finally) into my new flat. Life takes over, and all my lovely projects have to be packaged up safely and carefully, pending it's travels to Farnham. Then well hopefully I'll have my studio/room up and running in quick time. I kind of need to get it sorted quickly, as I have a commission which I will be accepting tomorrow to get done by the end of August. It's not a private commission but something for a magazine. I weighed up everything, and I thought what the hell, what's life without a little bit of pressure ;) 

This isn't of course my last blog for a while, I can still squeeze in time for that! And I have a newsletter to get written and out by the 1st August too. 

Want it Wednesday: Share a Pot

There is nothing better than a pot of tea when you have friends round. I regularly get my hand-crafted teapot out (much loved gift from a dear friend) to indulge in my favourite drink of choice, tea.  Here are a wee selection of some of my favourite pots you can buy...and if you haven't the room for a teapot then why not a print?

If you have a favourite teapot why not show yours off, leave me a comment!

White Lace Hand Painted Teapot by Dprintsclayful

Handpainted Teapot by RoomforEmptiness

Teapots Art Print by lauraamiss

Raw Chocolate Teapot by clamlab

Tea, Royal Pig and Stitching

There is nothing quite like progressing a project, and by jove this one seems to be moving along rather quickly, I think that may be down to having completely settled on the stitches, normally I tend to change my mind. So not wanting to leave it another day to show you where I have gotten to I thought I would talk you through the following shots...

I do love a bit of metal work and on the beak I have introduced a thin layer of padding, and began to couch silver passing using a coloured thread to give it a different feel and drew in the deep purple of the silk used for the bird's head.

To help with the sharp bends in the beak I used a trusty pair of tweezers to help force the passing into the shape I wanted before stitching it down. 

At this stage I had begun to plunge the passing to the back, it's both a satisfying bit of the job but bloody infurating at the same time. Anyone who thinks embroiderers are patient folk I assure we are not. Or at least I am not. It takes time to do this bit, it's fiddly and can drive you to distraction....and yet it looks bloody good when done. 

The job isn't over when you plunge the thread to the back, you have to sew the threads down so they don't shift or pop back up. I've done this bit now since coming to write this post. If I remember to I'll take a shot of that too so you can see what I have done, though I slightly cheated...but hey its a perk of being shown how to do it properly you can find the loop holes.

Of course, I didn't just sew over this lovely bank holiday (yeah despite the rain!) I had a wee tea party with a couple of good friends, watched the pageant and the concert (bitched about the crap bits and whooped with delight at the cracking bits).  I have to say this was the best jubilee ever and long may her Majesty reign that's all I say. Though I do hope the DoE gets better real soon..perhaps he wanted to get out of watching the concert.

Calico got the Royal treatment, a little wee felt crown and Union Jack Ribbon (thank's to my best mate's mum)

Can't beat a Victoria...Elizabeth Sponge (by the way not bad for a 22p sponge mix from Sainsbury's basics! The Fortumn jam and fresh buttercream helped too)

I hope everyone else had a thoroughly good time, even the non-Brits! 

Right on with the tea drinking and the stitching!

Tea, Cake and Discounts

I am having a nice chilled out Bank Holiday weekend before the onslaught begins on a very busy month on the run up to my holiday. Yesterday I was up in town having a very lovely afternoon with Ms Tiina Burton we try to meet up as often as we can to have tea, chat and a good old natter. This is then usually followed by a good old window shopping session. She is very good at stopping me from buying jewellery. I need someone to do this.... 

Now normally we go to Liberty's for tea but since they have changed the menu (which is so dull) and reduced the number of tea it offers (which is now piss poor) I was on the hunt for somewhere new. Just round the corner in Carnaby Street is Kingly Court (highly recommend it great boutique shops) and up on the very top floor is Camellia's Tea House. Oh my lord so many teas to choose from I personally loved 'Skinny Bitch' but opted for Sweet Orange which was lush. This helped wash down the scones, yummy. Very good prices far cheaper than Liberty's and a much nicer atmosphere. For those in a wheelchair whilst it is a little awkward to get round you can get to the top floor via the lift. The staff were very nice too (again better than the snotty lot at Liberty's which can sometimes ruin a good day out). www.camelliasteahouse.com  <-edited

No trip to Carnaby's is complete without a quick dive into the Play Lounge were yet again I walked out with items I didn't really need to purchase but couldn't bring myself to leave behind. So I got some really cute stickers and another 'I love Tea' (lunaartik.com) I am determined to find Earl but got Oolong instead (blue one). They are slowly starting to overtake the flat. I was really tempted to by the uber large Cavey (it was pink and squishy) but stopped short from do so, another time. 

You will note also in the photo below (left) that I have redrawn the headpiece design, I was bored on a train, I think I prefer the design on the second teardrop shape various running stitched circles rather than running stitched lines, works better with the other shapes on the design. 

Now its time for me to pull my finger out, stick Supernatural on and stitch. 

Oh before I disappear to stitch let me tell you about the following discount code: DCHUZZAH11 which is now active in my Etsy store from now till the 18th. It entitles the buyer to 15% discount. It's a little something before the store closes for my autumn vacation. 

Apple Press

Nothing like a witty title, okay just me then?


So I've been a bit quite several things have gone on with family and what not, and life as every has gotten in the way, some good things some not so good. Though as I write this I am currently awaiting news on the impending birth of my first nephew. So my thoughts are currently focused on my sister, little one to be and her partner.


However, I have managed to squeeze in a bit of stitching, not much as as I said my thoughts are focused else where, but I have managed to make another supersized coaster, and I do have a few other sketches to do for other things, but as and when I get the time. So here it is and it's now available to purchase. Just click the image to be taken to it's listing page. 

On from the apples, and now onto the press (get it?)  I received a very lovely message via my website to say that they had blogged about my site, and it was from the CrossStitcher magazine. If you click the image below it will take you to the page in question, it was a very lovely treat of an email to get.

Click me to read the article

Mmm Biscuits & Tea

Nothing beats a big mug of tea and a couple of biscuits, and what sucks is having no where to put the biscuits, why use a massive plate for a couple hobnobs (other biscuits are available) when you can use this nifty oversized coaster, room for your mug and your biscuit. Perfect. 

Mmmm Biscuits & Tea

Super Coasters

Everything these days is super-sized, and whilst most of it is stomach churning this little or should I say large beauty is super-sized for a purpose. It has enough space for your mug and a stack of biscuits (well I can never just have one) and it's also gone a bit patriotic with an England style flag design, using iconic Liberty Print fabric.


Now listed at my Etsy store! $12.50USD

Rustled up this evening....

Teabag Version 2

I like this version, its not totally different from the last one I made, but I altered my technique added another press stud, and changed which order I worked things in. Thus making it in my opinion neater, and for me personally easier to make.

Monogram Tissue Holder

Now I can't decide whether or not to offer this style in my shop? I have a large selection of Tana Lawn now, so I could offer several styles....I don't know.

Anyway, I like mine. Never really made one for myself, so this is rather nice.

Hmm, I think I need to do some pondering on what to do about making new stock.