My hands have not been idle ...

and I've nearly finished this sampler!  The lovely thing about needlepoint, is that it's portable so I've been able to take it over to Royal Wootton Bassett with me and do a bit now and then!  

This is the first Ehrman kit I've ever stitched and it's by far the most complicated!  There were a lot of single stitches and the colour shades were so close!  I used the wrong colour on several occasions but I don't unpick unless I absolutely have to, so I've had to be a bit creative towards the end and use the thread that I've had left rather than the planned colour but I'm really pleased with it.  I absolutely love these traditional samplers but I often wonder how women managed in years gone by - stitching them by candle light!

Dad doing well ....

It's three weeks now since Dad's surgery and he has been amazing and is back at home ....

and my lovely Mum has finished my scarf -  thanks Mum!

Obviously haven't had much time for sewing lately but I'm sure I'll be back to it soon!  We've had builders in so I've taken the opportunity to have some new cupboards and shelves built in my sewing room and it's currently being painted so hopefully I'll be able to start moving all my bits and pieces back in next week!  

And finally, Happy Birthday to David ...

Sewing Bee ....

Fantastic to have the Great British Sewing Bee back on BBC 2!!!  Really enjoyed tonight's episode and can't wait for next week!  It's going to be another great series!

Had my own sewing bee this morning with my lovely friend, Sue Hayes!  We made a few more music stand banners for her Forte Band.

Think I've passed my blogging bug on to my daughter, Poppy!!!  Check out her blog www.poppy-bakes.com.  Lovely cupcakes Poppy!

Actually, I might not be blogging for a little while as my wonderful  Dad has to have an operation and so I'm going to put on my nursing hat and go over to Royal Wootton Bassett to look after him and Mum.   Love you Dad - hope all goes well!

BTW I have finished the wedding quilt!  I'm really pleased with it but obviously I can't show you yet - just in case the bride-to-be sees the picture!  It's all pieced and ready to go to Barbara to be long arm quilted.  

Happy Valentine's Day ...

Think someone loves me!!!

Another cushion ...

because they are SO easy and quick to make as gifts!

This tea cup cushion was for my friend Penny!  Happy Birthday for yesterday Penny!  I love paper foundation piecing - you get such a lovely tidy result!  I used some pretty fabrics from Lucy at Secret Garden Quilting and of course some heart buttons.  I used the free motion quilting technique for the steam and feel that I'm beginning to get the hang of it now!  

Just had to share this picture with you ...

Archie - not looking too happy at having to share his basket with Krispin, my Mum and Dad's Westie!!!  I love the way that Krispin has rested his head on Archie's bottom!!!

Invitation has arrived ....

and quilting has begun!  :)

Just need the hat now! :)

Tom was miffed ...

that his sister got a cushion for her birthday, so ...

KUBC stands for Keele University Boat Club which Tom is now a member of ... the colours are the Club colours (yellow, red and black) ...

and it's all in the detail ... catching a crab is a boating term!  The button is David's idea !!!