Thursday, November 25, 2010

12 really important stitchy questions!

I was reading this on Reflections in the Pond and found it very interesting so I thought I'd participate too! It started on Stitchitandie.

1. What are you stitching at the moment?


Stitching- I've finally picked up Mary Wigham again, and after such a long break, I'm finding I'm enjoying stitching her again.


Quilting- Layer Cake Quilt-a-long at Moose on the Porch Quilts and a couple of small gifts.


2. How many finishes have you had this year? Small? Medium? Large? Extra Large?

Stitching- Hmmm, not as many as I thought I would- but 2 large (1 from last year and 1 started this year) and about 10 small.


Quilting- lots- 1 extra large, 2 large, 3 medium,  and about 10 small.



3. Do you think you will finish any more in the next month and a half before the end of the year?

Stitching- no way.


Quilting- waiting on fabric to finish off one Christmas gift, so hopefully, yes!



4. If you could buy 1 thing for yourself what would it be? (Doesn't have to be stitching)


This was actually quite hard! After much consideration, a personal trainer to kick my butt and get me out walking.


And after more consideration and a round of emptying the washing machine and putting more washing on, I'd like a washing machine/dryer combo that doesn't destroy clothes, or shrink them, uses very little water and electricity, and when you put them in dirty and wrinkled, the clothes come out clean, dry and wrinkle-free.

 
5. What is the best thing you have ever stitched?


Stitching- my first attempt on 28ct is up there, but probably the hardest would be the Quaker Basket from Needleprint. The *best* is probably the stitching Needlework Folder for my friend's 50th birthday last year.


Quilting- my Moda Beach House quilt here.


6. Do you like making lists?


Yes, and sometimes I even look at them!


7. Do you stitch in rotation (how does it work?) or OAAT?

Stitching- gifts for others- one at a time, but something I'm stitching for me is in a form of rotation. When I've finished my gift stitching, I pick up my own stitching and rotate those dependent upon which one I'm enjoying at that time.


Quilting- rotation dependent upon which one I'm waiting on fabric to arrive, or the block to be released.




8. What is the next thing you plan to stitch?

Stitching- tricky question. Probably a birthday gift.


Quilting- easy question!- batik quilt for Nicholas, Valentine's quilt, Paganini Schnibble plus another Schnibble that I can't remember. First two already kitted, last two waiting on fabric. Oh, and something Christmassy for me!




9. What is your fave ONS? And why?


123stitch -it was my very first ever online purchase, lol (had to be stitching, didn't it!) because they have a great range.


Have also enjoyed buying from Stitching Bits and Bobs, Needlecraft Corner and Just Needlin'


Quilting- Todays Quilting - great service. And also Cotton Charm Quilts .


10. Do you have a stitching chair?

Usually the right hand seat of whatever couch I'm sitting on. I do have a small stitching table and magazine holder that I drag to whatever spot I sitting at - I move the furniture around a lot! The table has my scissors, needles, a photo of me with Nicholas at 3 weeks old, lots of bits of paper, some charts,  some
floss from previous projects that I haven't put away, ort holder, tissues, pen, texta, nail file. Magazine holder has my wips in it.


11. Do your children/pets get into your stitching things?

Nicholas learnt at an early age- 'don't touch Mummy's stitching things' he said in a stern voice to some friends when he was about 4 yo.


Jack (our recently departed dog)  was always trying to get my floss and I often found spitty blobs on the floor where he'd succeeded.



12. Do you participate in any stitching forums?

I occasionally visit 123 stitch, but really enjoy reading other stitcher's blogs.
And am currently involved in the Layer Cake Quilt-a-Long on flickr.




Feel like answering these very important questions? Head over to Andie's where you can cut and paste the questions.

My current stitching- Mary Wigham stitched on 28ct cream evenweave with Vikki Clayton silks.





Monday, November 15, 2010

Aussies - anyone got a good honeycomb recipe?

Hi everyone

(Not meaning to exclude my American friends, but I can't always get the same ingredients here and measurements are slightly different).


I'm making biscuits for Nicholas's school concert and thought I'd also make some honeycomb.  But I can't find my green and gold cookbook so I need an easy,  idiot-proof recipe! Kinda like this, (but not necessarily with chocolate)?


Or, do you have a recipe for some type of sweet thing that's easy to make, will fit into a cellophane bag and will appeal to adults and children?  My email is in my profile, or add a comment with your recipe!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Our dog Jack- gone but not forgotten....

Jack, you brought so much joy into our lives and we miss you dearly.

We had you for such a short time, noone thought you would only stay for 3 years. We will miss your company and your crazy antics, your unconditional love and your happy nature. Our lives are so much richer for having you in them.

Life will not be the same without you. I hope your first night in heaven was filled with running and playing with other dogs. I love you Jackie, I can't believe you're gone...