Welcome back - Wipocalypse, sheep, bunnies, and a giveaway

Dear all

Welcome back. It seems I have been gone a while. Precisely for the full 2018 (and only two posts in 2017). New year comes with new resolutions, and one (or two) of mine are to blog and stitch more. So here I am. Humbly returning to the blogging sphere.

One of the things I loved a few years ago was participating in Wipocalypse SAL. So lets add that to my monthly posting list.

Wipocalypse - January 2019 check in

I like having a number of goals that I can hopefully tick off. I decided to make it easier for myself by picking one at the start of the month. I can then stitch on it or any prior month selection for the challenge.

In January I had little chance to stitch, however I picked up my lengthly ignored sheep. The desired goal is to finish them all (so far 6 done, 2 partially stitched, and 4 not started). I started them as part of a SAL a number of years ago... however fell off the grid since.

January 2019

There is only the remnants of the border left ... so hopefully I will have a finish for you next month.

I did start a new project last year 'Bunny Love' by Judy Rossouw (Anchor), although I have not blogged about it. It has progressed significantly in the initial push so here is the start image for my February goal.

January 2019

I'd love to get this one finished, however there is still quite a bit to go. So fingers crossed for this upcoming month and lots of progress.

Question of the Month: What SALs are you participating in this year?

I am participating in this one ... and maybe will join the Smalls SAL (if the sign up is still open) ... after all there are six sheep still to go (including the nearly finished one).

Giveaway

Sometime last year I have decided I wanted to be a minimalist. An interesting decision for a hoarder that took sometime to formulate in my head, and will take even longer to achieve. Many of you will understand what a difficult challenge that is (all you need to do is look at the amount of stash we stitchers accumulate!). And this is reflective of a lot of areas of my life. 

As part of the process of decluttering ... one needs to discard, sell and giveaway the items one no longer keeps. So for the embracing the giveaway ... I will host monthly giveaways. 

This is a handmade makeup or other purpose bag with a cross stitched winter witch (as can be seen in the picture). The cross stitch design is by the Snowflower Diaries.

Approximate measurements:

length: 16 cm

height: 10.5 cm

width of base: 3.5 cm (decreases to top)

All you have to do is comment on this post before the end of the month. And a winner will be announced in the first few days of March. Please make sure I can contact you.

Until soon,

Lija

Sheed # 9.2 - Kindness

Hello all,

Again I have been M.I.A. for a little bit.

Recently a colleague told me a quote by Winston Churchill...

... "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm" ...

... but apparently he never said that.

My next 100 stitches on Kindness:

Thank you all for the lovely comments on my last post. It was definitely good to receive support. I keep telling myself I can cope, I can deal with it. But it whatever the mysterious 'it' is difficult. 

I am finally booked onto a revision course for my retake. I do hope it helps. The entire process has taken me about 5 weeks to organise. After I decided to tell myself to stop hiding my head in the sand I had a big decision to make ... where do I study ... do I go for something more expensive or do I just try again with the same place. After pondering this choice for a few weeks I came to a conclusion to go with the more expensive college, mainly as it is a residential course that is run mostly on weekends and came highly recommended. So I was saying ... I came to a conclusion to go with the more expensive provider... just to be told it was fully booked. But I am in luck as it turns out two weeks later, today, I was told they have a cancellation ... and I can have a place. Phew!

Until somewhat soon I hope.

Lija

Sheep # 9.1 - Kindness

Dear all

Again I am attempting to catch up on one thing or another. Blogging ... stitching...

Here are my first 100 stitches on Kindness by Little House Needleworks:

As you may know I am doing this as part of a SAL with Sarah. Who is definitely better at keeping to agreed time schedule than me. 

Until soon,

Lija

#7.8 Sheep Sal - Peace complete

Dear all,

Sadly I haven't posted in some time (again). I have been attempting to catch up with Sarah in our Sheep SAL and am still failing. On a positive note here is my complete sheep 'Peace':

Complete - August 2016

Some great news is that I passed two more exams towards my Chartered Accountancy (Corporate Reporting and Strategic Business Management). Only one exam left until I am fully qualified! Study starts next week.

Until soon,

Lija

SALE, sheep #7.7 and Wipocalypse ...

Dear all,

I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last post.

It is also very hard to believe how much has changed since then. United Kingdom has voted to leave EU. Lets say since the result came out it has been a turbulent fall into the abyss for us.

Pound sterling is failing. The earrings I was planning on buying for £9 have magically increased overnight to £11! (and I am dreading to think how much other purchases I have planned cost). On a positive side for those of you outside of the UK you can now grab a bargain from our island. In addition (just to be a bit more tempting) we are having an up to 50% SALE over on our Etsy store (click).

We are trying to clear out some of our older stock ... so how about a birdhouse that you can stick your needles in while you stitch ...

50% Sale - now £6

or a linen bag to stash bits and bobs ...

50% Sale - now £6.50

and another idea for your needles, pins, buttons  ...

50% Sale - now £5

Talking about all the various changes in my life... I am finally no longer a trainee ... as of 1 July I have been promoted to a Tax Semi Senior. So after a week long depression following the referendum something good finally happened.

And now onto the stitching ...

Sheep SAL # 7.7

The next 100 stitches ...

700 stitches

Wipocalypse update ...

I haven't done one of these updates in a while, so in addition to Alice and Dodo by Tanya Bond (that you seen in the last post).

June 2016

Since then I have done some late night stitching on Christmas Candle.

July 2016

I am yet to finish page 5 and 6 ... and now page 7 it seems. I have started the additional page for a challenge I was participating in on Heaven and Earth Designs forum. Unfortunately I have not met it. The challenge was to stitch a full page in cross country method.

Half a year has gone by and I only met one out of my sixteen goals. Not a very inspiring progress, but on the other hand a few of the goals are getting quite close to being met.

Until soon,

Lija

Alice and Dodo #1 and Sheep SAL #7.6

Dear all,

I realise I haven't update you in a while, so a post is long overdue. I have a new start and the next 100 stitches on my sheep.

The new start is 'Alice and Dodo' by Tanya Bond (Gecko Rouge kit).

One of the 2016 goals is to stitch one page, and I have started from the centre (mainly for ease of starting). 

And of course my next 100 stitches ...

600 stitches

I am beginning to really dislike this count as the only time I can stitch is with daylight ... or I can't see the holes! And as I stitch mostly in the evenings this is slightly difficult to progress with.

Until next time,

Sheep SAL #7.5

Dear all,

The next 100 stitches on the sheep:

500 stitches

Until next time,

Sheep SAL #7.4

Dear all,

A quick update on the next 100 stitches:

400 stitches

Until next time,

A finish and Sheep Sal # 7.3 update ...

Dear all,

Remember I promised to show what we gifted mum ... this was a joint project for my mum's 50th birthday with my sister of Cross Stitch Mania.

Complete - March 2016

I was hoping I could show you it framed ... but framing is getting delayed due to mum's indecision on what colour to paint the frame.

'Take Shelter together!' This Rainy Day Kitty by Durene Jones is from the World of Cross Stitching magazine issue 240.

Also incidentally here are my next 100 stitches on the sheep ...

300 stitches

I am slightly scared to check out Sarah's progress ... I have a feeling I am very very behind.

Until soon,

Sheep SAL - #7.2

Dear all,

I have now managed to stitch a further 100 stitches and am attempting to post via my phone app ... How technologically advanced of me.

Bare with me while I work out the kinks. I have a vague idea that if this is at all possible I could in future take photos on my way to work and do a post during the lunch hour. But we will see if this works first. [edited on computer to resize photo, add caption and signature].

200 stitches

Here is the sheep ... At 200 stitches it is beginning to form. It is so much nicer to stitch during the day light hours. 

Until soon (with the next 100 stitches),

Sheep Sal - sheep #7.1

Dear all,

It seems that that poem about mice and men is quite appropriate as is probably always the case.

Sarah of Sarah in Stitches and I have agreed to resume our Sheep SAL at a moderate pace of 100 stitches per week (ehm a few weeks ago). I am off this week on annual leave so it is my full intention to catch up.

So here are my first 100 stitched of 'Peace':

100 stitches

I have found that recently most of my stitching time has been devoted to a joint project between my sister and me. My mum who has just turned 50, requested a cross stitched picture that took her fancy from a magazine for her birthday. We have been very busy stitching it, but unfortunately did not quite made it on time and I am still trying to complete it (now on my own as my sister after staying for a week with us has departed back home).

Hopefully I will finish it soon and will be able to share! 

Until soon with more sheep updates,

Sheep #5.5 and Stitch from Stash October 2015 ...

Month: October 2015
Spent: £0
Earned: £0

Dear all,

Yet another boring post for buying stash ... or rather lack of ... yay! Essentially you take one move, lack of cash, no internet or time ... and you have a frustrating inability to buy much.

Also further 400 stitches on my sheep (technically I am now behind by a week - sigh). 

But hopefully there is still a chance to catch up ... and Sarah won't give up on me just yet.

I have now managed to unpack, with an exception of a few misplaced objects that I need to find a home for.

...I also can't believe that I have just over a month to get ready for my next set of exams! Two this time ... and by the lack of revision in this house I am seriously worried. There is still time I keep telling myself.

Sheep #5.3 and Stitch from Stash September 2015

Month: September 2015
Spent: £0
Earned: £0

Hello all,

I am sorry for my long absence. I have now moved houses (lets hope this won't become an annual exercise) and it took until yesterday for the internet to be transferred and fixed.

My cross stitch is all over the place ... some projects are already unpacked, others still in boxes. Sadly to admit I am using one of my massive bed drawers for all the projects/fabrics/stash that is yet unstarted for the time being ... and it is a mess. I miss my organised drawers and shelves. Incidentally I had no time or money to spend on any new stash.

Sarah and I started on the next sheep and due to the whole internet/moving house I have fell behind in posting.

So ignoring my missed 2 posts I am up to:

600 stitches

I have also fallen behind on my other sheep. Hopefully I can get that one done soonish as well.

Till soon (I better go and continue unpacking),

Sheep #3.7 - complete

Dear all,

'Simplicity' which I was stitching with Sarah is now complete!

May 2015

I somewhat lost my way at the start of this sheep with various delays but now it is complete I am very happy. My third (or rather fourth finish ... if you count the exchange piece I haven't shared yet) of 2015.

May 2015

Till soon,



P.S.  Look out for my next sheep next Sunday.

Sheep #3.4 ...

Dear all,

Unfortunately it is still very grey here ... so cannot update you on much.

I do have the next 200 stitches of my sheep photographed in a quick spell of sunshine ...

800 stitches

So, this means I am finally caught up. Just need to do another 200 for tomorrow and hope for sunshine. Also, keep your fingers crossed for me and I might have Ember finished in a day or so.

Till tomorrow (I hope),

                         

Sheep #3.3 and the winner is ...

Dear all,

Apologies for the missing Wipocalypse post. I thought of posting today but the sky is grey and crying so not much chance of good photos.

I do have an update on the sheep (photo taken a few days ago) ...

600 stitches

Okay, I am now almost caught up with the schedule of stitching. Last Sunday was meant to have been the post for 800 ... I have the next 200 stitched ... just not photographed. So as long as I make sure to get it up to 1,000 by this coming Sunday I am on top of his SAL. 

Also, remember I had a giveaway back in January ... well I have finally got around to drawing a winner ... and it is Cucki! I am still in the process of stitching/assembling and thinking ... but hopefully I can send the package soon.

Anyhow, stay tuned ... Wipocalypse post still coming up, exchange package arrived from Sarah, and the next 200 stitches on the sheep.

Till soon,

 

Sheep #3.1 ... a week and 2 days late

Hello all,

Apologies for being late yet again. But so you know we have started up the next sheep for the SAL. And it is 'Simplicity'. This is my first 200 stitches:

200 stitches

And a little closeup:

200 stitches

I am currently up North visiting family and stitching like mad on 'Ember II' which I was hoping to gift to mum this visit ... but so far I am loosing this battle. Though I am getting close. Two colours left on the right side (last 3rd). Mind one of them has quite a bit of stitching.

Once I am done with this I will definitely catch up with the sheep. I have missed the little fellas...

I was discussing with mum recently ideas for what my brother could potentially do for his egg competition... I have suggested sheep ... but unfortunately the idea did not take.

Till soon,

 

The Sheep #2.7 and #2.8? or in other words I have a finish ...

Dear all,

I have finally completed 'Joyfulness' which I was stitching along with Sarah, Kaye and Anne.

Sarah has already turned hers into a gorgeous pillow! Click HERE to see. But mine will remain uncompleted for now.

 

So this is my first finish of 2015! How exciting. With slightly more time on my hands I have managed to update a few of my tabs: I have updated the pre-2015 finishes and started a new one for new finishes. Mainly since the other one was getting too large to manage. 2014 was a bit of a disappointment on the finishes front.

I have also updated the 'Stash'. It remains scary to look at but I am hopeful for 2015. I will make it more manageable and will try to stitch from it more! No new starts until I have a finish, and no new buys until two finishes (so should provide a decrease). But this is likely to prove to be a bit of a hard challenge.

I will need to deal with Wipocalypse tab in the next few days as I am already behind. Missed the first check in and should be doing my second one by now!

Till soon,




P.S. There is still some time to enter the giveaway on my 'Grow your Blog' post click HERE.

The Sheep #2.5 and #2.6 ... have I caught up yet?

Hey all,

Only 9 days to go to the deadline! I am frequently becoming the last person out of office ... but hey ho it is great to be alive. I love it. Mind I wouldn't mind dreaming about the missing thread and fabric again! So I guess I am battling my addiction for cross stitch and becoming a workaholic? Or is that just wishful thinking? Still have the cravings to buy stash... but as I am doing Stitch from Stash (or stashers anonymous ... only joking) I am not allowed, gotta save to buy. But more on that later.

So the sheep:

1000 stitches

1200 stitches

1200 stitches

I also have some progress on 2 of my wips to share soon.

But until then,

The Sheep SAL #2.3 and #2.4 ... or in other words I am soooo behind

Hi all,

Are you surprised hearing from me? Well I am.

This is my first post of 2015! Lets hope I'm not gonna spend the year with how I am starting ... late.

Most of you know how I moved down South (of England) for a job back in September ... well the business is taking hold of me. I am a tax trainee and with the tax returns being due on the 31 January following the fiscal year this is one busy period. Last week I managed 61 hours! I love it! It is amazing ... I sit down at the desk and don't realise how the time just disappears. The only issue is back pain. It is slightly better once the lovely person who sits next to me fixed my chair (it was locked in a silly reclining position).

Anyhow that is me to the end of the month sorted! It does have a slight limitation on my other activities. I still stitch about an hour before bedtime but not always am able to work on sheep as for example I tried yesterday and could not see the holes! It is 35 count even weave. Then there is the issue of photography (I know I know excuses excuses excuses).

600 stitches

800 stitches

Believe it or not I am almost done with the next 200 (due last Sunday). 50 to go. So who knows maybe this Sunday you will see 2 sheep and me catching up.

Thank you so much for your comments on my failed goals. Some of you had amazing ideas.

I particularly liked Shebafudge's ... to pick up a UFO and work 1 or 2 strands. Surely if I follow this advise I will get it done eventually ... when I am 200 years old knowing my dedication to those pesky UFOs. 

I am also limiting myself to what I join this year ... but more on that later. And I am definitely sticking by the sheep. If Sarah doesn't kick me out for being terrible at posting updates.

Till soon,