Stitching Sunday, Mr Robin where are you?

I am joining in today with Chrissie for our Stitching Sunday. It has been a rather busy week, with not quite as much time as I would have liked to do a little stitching and other things, but I managed to get a few stitches done and unfortunately everything else has fallen by the wayside.

I have really enjoyed starting work on Mr Robin, it has certainly been a learning curve for me as I haven't worked any 'Long and Short stitches' before, so it has been good fun to learn. I found 'The Embroiderer's Handbook' by Margie Bauer in the library and it's been invaluable. I really love this book as it gives detailed information about every stitch imaginable and it comes with detailed images of how to actually work each stitch, which for a beginner like myself is so important.

 

I started by outlining the individual areas with split stitch and then used a combination of 'long and short' and 'soft shading' to fill it. I really wanted to use a myriad of browns and greys for this little robin that I drew. I still have a bit to do before he is finished, but hopefully I will be one step closer next week.

After a very trying couple of weeks with little Es starting school, I am really looking forward to her settling into full school days next week. It has been a very rough ride over the last week and a half, fortunately I know it simply is a difficult phase for her to get through and over time things will fall into place. For now I am looking forward to a week of resting and also having some crafty me-time (the withdrawals are getting to me!). Fortunately there are always happy things around us to keep our spirits high and this week there has certainly been a fair few things to put a smile on my face and seeing as I haven't done much blogging lately, I thought I might as well share a few with you here today.

Some lovely apples and plums from a friends garden, stewed and used to make some lovely plum jam and then yesterday I followed Chrissie's Monday Cake recipe and adapted it to be gluten and dairy free and used some of the lovely plum jam. I think it is fair to say that we all love it, so thanks Chrissie.

My Tuscan painting bought in Rome, stretched and ready to hang.

Some lovely Hydrangeas from a friend that will stay in water until their colour changes and then I will dry them for use later this year. 

Last night whilst we sat down to watch the X factor, the cat dragged a jumping frog into the house and then minutes later the dog ran outside and started barking like his life depended on it. Upon investigating we found Henry the Hedgehog had paid us a little visit. It was such a treat, maybe it is time to make him a little house somewhere in the garden.

The last of my lavender in the garden brought in and now bunched and ready to dry around the house.

Thanks for all your lovely comments on our holilday, you really put a smile on my face. I am so looking forward to seeing how everyone has gotten on with their stitching over the last week. Wishing you all a happy Sunday evening or Monday morning, wherever you are and best wishes for a happy and creative week ahead.

Warm Wishes

Hannapat

xoxo