Sunday 15 September 2013

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








36 comments:

  1. Yummy what a lovely post.. I just adore Plum Jam the flavours are so much better cooked than fresh scrummy xxx
    I also LOVE your Robin he is really beautifully stitched.
    Love post have a super week xx
    Hugs Lynn xx

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    1. Thanks Lynn, yes I have to say that I think plum jam is also one of my faves. I made it for the first time last year and I now can't wait to make it again and again. Unfortunately it doesn't last long enough in our house. Thanks for your sweet comment on my little Robin, I really appreciate it. Much love xoxo

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  2. I love how your little robin is coming to life! And so great that you used a variety of stitches - I like when my projects are actually learning projects, too! The colours you are using are so lovely...and the rest of your post, yum! The jam sounds so good and I'm so happy you liked the cake (incidentally, this weekend I made my Oat Crumble Topping I posted about a while back, but I used spelt flour for a friend who is sensitive to plain flour, and I must say I actually preferred this version!). The flowers, the wildlife...never a dull moment at your place! ;-) Chrissie x

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    1. Thanks Chrissie, it certainly is fun learning how to do a little stitching! Yes, I always make oat crumble topping but use spelt flour and we all prefer it, for some reason it just taste so much better. Thanks for the tip though xoxo

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  3. Thank you for visiting my blog and your lovely comment. I just spend some time on your blog and I like it very much, so you've got yourself another follower!
    I love the Robin, so beautiful done ....a piece of art.
    Have a good week, Anita xo

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    1. Thanks Anita and welcome here. I look forward to getting to know you a little better. xo

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  4. Your work doesn't look like its the first time, the robin is cute. I've not mastered long and short stitch, but after reading Chrissie's tip will give it another go. Interesting pets you have round your home.
    Happy stitching.
    S xx

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    1. You are too kind my dear! I think I have far from mastered the stitches, but it is all practice, which I am sure one day will start paying off. Thanks for your sweet comment. xo

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  5. Lovely Hannapat what a wonderful post, really cheered me up after a pretty miserable weekend. Your lovely little one will settle but it takes time and is often harder on us than them as they forget all about it but we carry throughout our lives. I adore your robin, my favourite little bird, you are so clever and talented. Hannapat I hope we can catch up together maybe at the fair if you are around. Not sure if you can leave a message for me using the contact slip at the end of the blog or can I leave one for you?
    Much love and a big hug Hannapat
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thanks Dorothy. To be honest I felt so shattered and flat when posting this, so I am really pleased to hear that it cheered you up. I am definitely going this month, so lets agree to meet, if you are free that is. Much love xoxo

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  6. Dear Hannapat
    Your robin is looking fantastic. No wonder you haven't had time to finish him with everything else you have been up to this week. I am looking forward to seeing him next week.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  7. Lovely Hannapat, you little Robin is quite a character, you're doing such a wonderful job on him any your colour choices are spot-on! I need to practice long and short stitch so should include it in my next Stitching Sunday project - when I've decided what to do!
    Little Es will be well settled in school soon Hannapat, but I know her settling in is taking its toll on you: won't be long now, chin up!
    I love all your pics and writings on the happenings in your life and so look forward to my visits with you, thank you! And I'm prompted to pick some of my lavender before the parrots wreck it completely! Love little Henry - how sweet, and that jam looks absolutely delicious! Well done on a busy week and I hope you get rested up these next few days! Take care and don't stress - Es will be fine!
    Sending love your way,
    Joy xo

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    1. Thanks lovely Joy, it is all learning that is for sure and I am finding the long and short a little hard, but that is all part of the fun. I am sure you will have fun working it. Thanks for your sweet comments about little Es, yes it has been taking its toll on us all and my heart bleeds for my little girl who is in floods of tears every day, tears that shake you to your belly, but I know that in a couple of months, it will all be forgotten, but for now this Mamma just wants to love this little person who is finding it all so very tough. Sending you much love xoxo

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  8. Mr Robin is so lovely! Hope things settle down for little E soon, school is such a big adjustment for little children (and their mummies!) isn't it? I enjoyed seeing what else you have been up to as well, love those gorgeous hydrangeas. Have a great week!
    Marianne x

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    1. Thanks Marianne for your very sweet comments and yes it certainly is an adjustment for us all. Wishing you a lovely week to lovely Marianne. xoxo

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  9. Loved you post today. I think the Robin is so charming, you have learnt so much. I loved the seasonal photos too. Thanks for stopping by my blog as always Jo x

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    1. Thanks Jo, Mr Robin is certainly teaching me a few lessons, that is for sure. Thanks for your sweet comments and I love popping over to yours, it is always such fun! xoxo

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  10. Lovely post with beautiful pictures. The Robin is cute. The painting from Italy is lovely and the flowers are gorgeous. Wish we could get flowers like that here!

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    1. Thank you Pradeepa for your lovely comments and yes Hydrangeas are just so beautiful. Maybe one day when you are over you can take some back with you to dry. Wishing you a very happy week xo

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  11. Your robin is so sweet. Well done on the long and short stitches...I have never mastered these well! Hope your little one settles soon...maybe the cake will help!

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    1. Thanks lovely!! I certainly haven't mastered it, still learning. Yes cake always makes us all feel a great deal better, its amazing stuff! xoxo

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  12. I love Mr. Robin, he's looking lovely. I am glad to hear you're settling into the new school routine and that you'll have some time for yourself too.

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    1. Thanks Jennifer, yes some me-time is simply quite wonderful and I think I will only really start getting into the groove next week. Thanks for your sweet comment xoxo

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  13. Oh, your Robin came out so beautifully and sweet!! Love the stitches you used! Your hydrangeas are so pretty! They are one of my favorites!! I actually have a little wooden calendar similar to yours. ;) Wishing for a smooth start of the school year! Have a lovely week sweet one! xo Heather

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    1. Thanks lovely Heather. We clearly have great taste :-)! Thanks for all your sweet comments, you're lovely! xoxo

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  14. Your little robin is just so cute ... to draw and then stitch something like that so well is hardly the work of a beginner, you're clearly a natural!

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    1. Thanks Annie for your sweet comment, you are too kind! Xo

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  15. Your robin looks lovely, the stitches you have used really give him a feathery texture! Like you I have been cooking apples and plums this week, yum. Love your pretty lavender and hydrangeas, they make beautiful photos too. Hope all settles down school-wise and you get plenty of rest this week.
    Helen x

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  16. Your little robin looks fab, you have been busy this week, plum jam, mmmm. Have a great week. Deb x

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  17. Lucky you having a hedgehog in your garden. I hope he sticks around. The plums look delicious, and your robin is really sweet.

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  18. Hello Hannapat, I love the crochet stool covers in your header pictures. The little robin you drew is adorable. I have never done much embroidery, but it is lovely. I am sure you need good light to do it in.
    How lovely that Henry Hedgehog comes to visit, does he eat the dog food?
    Many thanks for your visit and lovely comments. Enjoy your crafty me time (that did make me giggle), and I hope your little one settles soon. Much love, Linda x

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  19. Your Robin is so sweet how talented are your nimble fingers?
    and that Lavender Ahhhhh i can smell it from here!
    bestest wishes
    daisy...
    Ps your holiday sounds amazing...xxxx

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  20. Your Robin is so sweet how talented are your nimble fingers?
    and that Lavender Ahhhhh i can smell it from here!
    bestest wishes
    daisy...
    Ps your holiday sounds amazing...xxxx

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  21. What a lovely Post! I adore your Robin, he's coming along beautifully and I love the way your stitching looks so textured. And that hedgehog is the cutest little thing I've ever seen. We don't have them here! x

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  22. Hi Hannapat - please can you email me: gillymakes(at)gmail(dot)com
    I really want to reply to your lovely message but you're a "no-reply blogger" - did you realise that?
    Dankie skattie ;-)
    liefde
    Gilly xx

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