The last of 2011

Well, 2011 is almost over and there is a New Year on the horizon. So, I think it is appropriate for one last post before the year collapses into regrets, hopes, and expectations.

It has been one long 2011 with so many changes. I lost my job, boyfriend, some sort of stability. Redeployed to a 10 hour contract now, self-employed (with the business somewhere flying overhead and web designer behind the schedule by about 6 months at least), a degree that seems to be in ruins, no time at hand, no job secure for next September or house for that matter, and a passport that is about to expire I have to admit that I am looking forward to a new start, new year, and all that jazz. 

The last post will be of the Fizzy Moon that I was in a rush to make (including Christmas Eve believe it or not) ...

It is called 'A Winter Wonderland' and was in the 16-month Calendar September 2011 - December 2012 by the World of Cross Stitching. It came as a free gift with the issue 182. It was a Christmas gift for my mum. And she is planning on turning it into a pillow ... so await an update from me in the New Year about the progress. 

Wish you all to enjoy the celebrations and till next year,

Lija

Merry Christmas

A card from the World of Cross Stitching Magazine Issue 181. 'Christmas Kisses'.

It did not start very well ... I have managed to cross stitch an entire colour in the wrong shade. Then I ran out of the light blue for the background and finally of time.

But in the end I think it was worth it.

Finished finally

This project has taken me longer than I have expected to finish ...

'Watembea Nyumbani (Walking Home)' original art work by the Kenyan artist Gakonga. It has been done on 18bpi cream Aida fabric, much more strenuous for the eyes in comparison to the 14count I normally do.

An Anchor kit I bought on sale ... it is also something different to what I'd choose. I am already working on the next one, but again I have picked a rather big project, so might have to update the progress.

It is also slightly askew ... hopefully this will change with ironing. 

Till next time,

Lija

New everything

Well, I have now moved into my new place ... it's nice central and yet near nature. I even managed to make friend's with a local squirrel ...

Constant internet access when needed and not needed is great ... but there as always there is a lot to do with not enough time. Application for jobs amongst others. The need to decide on the future is quite pressing ... oh dear. Aw well and to cross stitch ...

I love Newton bear .. this is my first of the set yet to come ... I have done it during summer. An Anchor kit ... enough thread, but which wasn't very strong unfortunately, it kept pulling apart and ripping. I don't think I have the same problem with DMC though. So whether the other one is just stronger ... or it was me being aggressive I don't know.

Till soon,

When I  have an exciting new project to share,

Lija

A tiny little bear

Going back to the roots of things... this tiny little bear has been stitched by me when I was much younger. As you can probably guess (neglecting all the shades and colours - parents don't tend to go for 'lets buy all new set of dmc numbers' ... more like 'look in the box, you are bound to find some browns or yellows'). 

It was from a book of collectable teddies ... 12 for all months. I my memory does not deceive me this might be November.

Till next week,

Lija

Posted and sealed in an envelope

The appalling lack of internet continues. We have finally received a box and all the passwords and go ahead 'nod' to set it up, just to get disappointed with a missing telephone line. And even I have to hang my head and admit that that poses a rather large problem. Well, no fear it is almost time to move again for the next year ahead of me.

And now to cross stitch ...

    

This magnificent card was part of a kit that came with the World of Cross Stitching magazine issue 179. I think it is perfect for use as a birthday card (probably one of the only types of cards I generally give). Christmas ones are always rare with me - excluding immediate family. Do I give a Christmas card or the New Year one or both? And what happens if I forget one but not another distant relative or friend? I have a few boxes of unopened Christmas cards that I am destined never to give out. They will no doubt eventually be passed on by me to my very younger brother who will give the cards out to all his mates at school as is the custom with children at school. In fact I sit down to write Christmas cards every year and fail at the enormity of this daunting task.   

I have now stitched these two cards from the set of three as birthday cards for two of my friends. And the third still needs to await its destiny.

Another problem that I am beginning to face is that while I am attempting several larger projects ... they take much longer to create and will eventually mean that I will run out of projects to display on this blog ... but not to fear and persevere I say I will cross that bridge when I come to it. All it means I need a birthday or something of the kind to motivate me.

Till later,

Lija

Last week

Free kit from World of Cross Stitching issue 178.

I have used it as a get well card for my sister, after her recent operation.

A bit belated and short,

till next Wednesday,

Lija