Sunday 22 September 2013

Stitching Sunday - week 3

Hello lovelies, I am joining in today with Chrissie's Stitching Sunday. This week I managed to finish Mr. Robin and it most certainly has been a wonderful learning opportunity for me.




As mentioned in last week's post I outlined Mr. Robin in split stitch and then filled him mostly with 'Long and Short' and 'Soft Shading', which I know I haven't done completely right, but fortunately that's all part of the learning experience, and I think the next time I tackle this rather challenging stitch, I might just feel a little more at ease with its stubbornness, or is that mine wanting to do it my way?? Haven't figured that out, but I don't have to ponder this thought for too long now do I, oh no, not moi! I ended up using 'Stem Stitch' for his legs and feet and a series of long and short for his beak and his eye. I have really enjoyed working this little friendly chap, he is full of character and it has been fun to see him come to life. I now just need to finish him so he is ready for his little home in perfect time for winter.


Last  night whilst watching the X-Factor, which by the way, after a year off, I am loving more than ever. Last year I just couldn't get myself to watch it and then when I found out who the judges were this year I was completely opposed, but now here I am really looking forward to watching the last bit of the auditions, but it might have to be recorded tonight. Anyways, I digress, I stitched this very simple little bird last night using the motif from this very lovely book: 'Doodle Stitching: The Motif Collection'  by Aimee Ray. It is a really sweet book filled with some rather lovely motifs, there is something for everyone. I stitched it using 'Back Stitch' and a 'French Knot' for the eye.



I have quite a few projects waiting to be stitched, but first I need to finish two of these flowers, so that will be this week's little project.




We have had the most glorious weekend here in the North of England with temperatures around 20C. Yesterday I managed to get some bulbs into the ground, but still have a fair few to do. It is a job I really love doing, maybe it's the being part of a little piece of magic that makes it such fun.



This weekend's weather has been a pleasant surprise after quite a cold and wintery week here where I have lit fires and gotten into my winter groove of making soup again. I used this Tuscan bean Soup recipe, but used kale instead of cabbage and missed out the tomatoes and the result was very scrummy. I made this last year and it is one of those soups that you want to make again and again, so there will be more very soon.





Before I go, I might as well share some of my happies this week. I am not the world biggest Ikea fan, but it has its place, and this week me and the doh paid a visit without kids (my golly I might just start liking the place, it felt relaxed and hassle free for once!) to purchase a new sewing desk for me. Below a pic of Es helping me to assemble it. It was so very exciting for me as I have been after a 'proper' little work space for so long and yes my dearies it has finally happened. I promise to share the transformation with you very soon, even if it is only as simple as a desk, but hey ho, it takes very little to get this girl excited!




Gorgeous Sunflowers purchased for me by the kids. They look so beautiful in our kitchen.





I spent a wonderful day having lunch with friends whilst my doh did another 35 mile race in 7hours and 15 minutes. I am so very proud of him, it is such a big achievement. When I got home this afternoon I grabbed a couple of minutes enjoying this glorious sunshine, which still felt like 20C after 5pm, oh life is good!




Hope you have all enjoyed a good weekend. I am so looking forward to seeing all your stitching. Hopefully this little blog will resume some level of 'normality' again at some point in the near future, but I promise to be back this week with a fab recipe for a chocolate cake. For now, I have the dilemma of 'Downton Abbey' over X Factor, well I know what's going to win hands down. Just goes to show what exciting life I lead ;-).

Wishing you all a very enjoyable week.
Warm Wishes
Hannapat
xoxo



37 comments:

  1. The Robin is gorgeous. I'm rather partial to Robin's. Downton Abbey every time. xxx

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    1. Thanks Melanie, the same here. I love them they are so cute and I love their little characters. I think we are in for a good season of Downton, it is too exciting! xoxo

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  2. Oh Mr Robin is gorgeous! He really is. Gorgeous sunflowers too. Glad you are having a lovely weekend.
    Marianne x

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    1. Thanks Marianne, I really appreciate your sweet comments! xo

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  3. Dear Hannapat
    Your robin is lovely - congratulations! I love the Doodle Stitching books too - they are what made me think that I could have a go at embroidery. What a fab weekend too - gardening, cooking, sunflowers, embroidery, a new sewing desk and beautiful weather...perfect!
    Your new flower project looks intriguing too and I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses (probably much faster than my tree!)
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Thanks Ellie, you are too kind dear. Yes that book is great and I so love your tree and think you are doing such a wonderful job with it my dear! xo

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  4. Hi,Hannapat, I'd swear that the robin has a twinkle in his eye. You have been busy.

    S xx

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    1. Heehe Jessie, well I think you might just be right my dear! xo

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  5. Dear Hannapat, your Mr Robin is absolutely gorgeous, what a terrific job you've done there - and his little beak is just right too! I bet it was a bit of a relief stitching that sweet little bird from the Doodle book after the challenge of Mr Robin - I'm definitely doing something simple next time too! You've been doing such lovely things of late: planting - I wish you an abundance of lovely blooms; soup making - it looks delicious and I'm hungry now; new desk - now that will make such a difference to your crafting activities and I'm so pleased for you that you got what you've been wanting; sunflowers, visits with friends, happy times - you deserve them all lovely Hannapat!
    I finally got the Doodle Stitching book you mentioned and I agree, it really is a beauty with so much choice and information.
    A lovely week is wished for you, lovely!
    Love and warm hugs,
    Joy xoxo

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    1. Thanks lovely Joy for your sweet comments. I really appreciate the time you take to leave such long and lovely messages. I think I still have a great deal to learn about this stitch, but it has been fun. Well, yes, I think I agree after doing him, something simple is just what is in order for the next project. You have been so busy with so many wonderful things, that I am sure you need a rest full stop! I am pleased to hear you got this book and I am sure we will all see some of your beautiful creations from it very soon. Wishing you a lovely week too my dearest. Much love xoxo

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  6. LOVE your robin... he is full of character x

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  7. Wow you have a had a happy week. The robin is so sweet...and looking forward to seeing the other birdies.

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  8. Your Robin is very sweet, he looks all ready for winter. Soup looks yummy and beautiful sunflowers. Looking forward to seeing you new space :) xx

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    1. Thanks Cheryl, he certainly does. Yes will share it next week sometime xoxo

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  9. Such a sweet robin, love those sunflowers too. I must make soup! The results won't be great but I must make soup! :) x

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    1. I am sure it will be my dear. It is as easy as falling off a log and it is pretty yummy too ! xoxo

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  10. I am loving your birdies! Great embroidery, glad you're enjoying it, too! I need to think about bulbs soon, thanks for the reminder... Chrissie x ps very jealous of your sewing space!

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    1. Thanks Chrissie. I hope you got my email? Pleased I could offer a little reminder to you. I still have heaps to do, but last year I left it too late and ended up having to throw some out, so I am determined this year to get them all in!! xo

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  11. Your stitching is looking lovely. Good for you getting a desk, I look forward to seeing it. :)

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    1. Thanks Jennifer, will show my little space soon. xoxo

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  12. Hello dear Hannapat what a lovely creative lady you are. I adore your little robin - he is such a favourite bird for me. It looks as if you had a fun filled and very busy weekend. Loved this post and am going to have a look at the book you suggested Hannapat - I am really keen to have a go at embroidery, always put it to one side as I think I can't do it!
    Big hug Hannapat
    Lots of love as always
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thanks Dorothy, oh well I wish, but thanks anyways! Yes I too love Robins and I am looking forward to doing a few more of them. I think the book is a great place to start as some of the motifs are so simple and easy to do, like the second little bird I did. I am sure you will love it. Sending you a big hug too! Hopefully see you sunday, emailing soon! xoxo

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  13. Hi Hannapat! Your robin is so sweet and you did an awesome job!! Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful stitchings! Looks like you had a lovely weekend! Wishing you a crafty and sweet week! Happy autumn! xo Heather

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    1. Thanks sweetie, I really appreciate your lovely comments. Happy week to you too lovely xoxo

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  14. Robins have a special place in my heart, and your little one looks very chirpy!! I think Sunflowers look stunning. I have been meaning to buy some for a couple of weeks. And have you changed your blog header? Those crocheted bar stool covers are great!!

    Have a great week, Hannapat.

    Leanne xx

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    1. Hello lovely. Why doesn't it surprise me that you like Robins. I think anyone who has a little passion for gardening, must simply love this very cheeky little fellow. Well, its been the second week of sunflowers this week and I will miss them when they are gone. They certainly brighten up the house. Yes, I did change the header, thanks for your comment on the stools! xoxo

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  15. Your robin is truly amazing! You learned in your first lesson of long and short what took me a few years! Great job! Oh, the sunflowers remind me of Tuscany! I also think Andrew is amazing! Well done! your soup makes me hungry and that is absolutely not good as I cannot lose any of that weight I put on in Italy. Oh dear! Please make a tutuorial on how to join the crochet blocks as I cannot remember what you taught me. Old age.... Love you!

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    1. Thanks Ma, well I doubt that as I know I didn't do it all right, but that's learning right. Yes, don't they just! Everytime I look at them I just get transported back there in a flash. Soup won't do you any harm Ma, so go for it!! I will send you a link through on how to do it by email! Love you!! xxxx

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  16. The little robin is so sweet :) You certainly have been busy. I love the large sunflowers. They are just like a great big smile :) I would love to have a bowl of your soup as well!
    Blessings,
    Susie

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    1. Thanks Susie for your sweet comments and yes please do come it would be lovely to have you over for a bowl of soup!! xoxo

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  17. That robin is wonderful! You are very clever - you've brought him to life with your stitches. I have found that Ikea is indeed a different place without kids- much less arguing and more harmonious all round. And your soup and sunflowers look fantastic too, such good things. x

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    1. Thanks Gillian for your sweet comment about Mr Robin. Well, I think I might just have to agree with you, I think I really could start liking the place. It is so chaotic going with the kids, that the last time we went I wowed never ever to do it again, so it was great to revisit without. Happy week to you lovely xoxo

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  18. I think you did a great job with the robin. He is gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Trishie. I really hope that you are well and enjoying your little baby sweetie!! xoxo

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  19. Thanks Jooles for your sweet comment and yes those sunflowers are simply beautiful. xo

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