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