TUSAL - post 7, several finishes, new favourite online shop and some giveaways to share ...

Dear all,

I am going to Edinburgh tomorrow to visit the zoo and their pandas! I am very excited. And it is my graduation (again) next Wednesday ... so there are tonnes of excitement in my life.

On to updates.

TUSAL:

July 2013

2013 so far and July

2013 so far with July 

So many orts ... will need to push them into the glass soon ... or get a larger jar.

Some finishes and a new favourite shop:

The new shop came recommended by the amazing Sarah of 'Sarah in Stitches'. Click HERE to see her blog.

And the shop (you might ask) is The Floss Box. To check it out click HERE.

It has long been my desire to stitch a biscornu or two, so I have asked Sarah what shop would she recommend, and she was kind enough to respond with some suggestions. At the Floss Box the charts can be either downloaded, sent to you by email or post. I stuck to downloading ... and had them immediately on payment. They are also quite cheap and could be bought with paypal. I bought 4 so far, and have stitched 2 already (3rd is in progress).

The finishes include:

Biscornu #105:

I have used slightly different colours by Anchor:

168

302

304

311

316

877

and this is how it came out:

 

Biscornu #330

This biscornu is in monochrome. I used DMC 69 on black fabric. The thread is variated colour.

back

front

I love how this one turned out, though it took longer than expected to stitch it. I do have the final puppy by Margaret Sherry to show you ... but I'll leave that for a separate post.

Giveaways:

#1 - Cushion give away @ Eline Pellinkhof a designer's journal / Ard's - Catch 22

To enter you need 2 messages:

- 1 here

- 1 here

Deadline: 17th July 2013

#2 - 50 followers giveaway @ Heather's Stitches

A lady that I follow is currently celebrating reaching 50 followers with some stationary and tea giveaway (I do love tea).

To enter click HERE

Deadline: 31st July 2013

#3 - 60th Birthday giveaway @ Everybody loved Clark

It was recently brought to my attention that this lady is having an extremely generous giveaway. So I am passing on the information (which to be fair most of you already have).

To enter click HERE

Deadline: 15th July 2013

#4 - 200 Followers Bunny giveaway @ Cross Stitch Cottage

It seems only recently did this lady celebrate her 100 followers giveaway, but she is becoming increasingly popular; pop along to see her knitting and embroidery creations ... and her magnificent cat. I need one of those.

To enter click HERE.

Deadline: 31st July 2013

#5 - A spotty giveaway @ PatchMania

A lady who creates some great patchwork is having a giveaway. I am so jealous of the quality of her photos. 

love the spots ...

To enter click HERE

Deadline: 25th July 2013

#6 - Giveaway @ A House by the Sea

Another kind giveaway:

To enter click HERE

Deadline: 24th July 2013

#7 - Varnish/Silk giveaway @ Sunny world of Yamir

This lady is doing two giveaways ... silk yarn and nail varnish.

To enter click HERE

Deadline: 20th July 2013

#8 Giveaway with a surprise @ Handmade by Natulja

Another blog I have discovered where a lady makes adorable toys from linen. I will begin my own soon ... I promise (my will be fluffy and cute ... I think)

To enter click HERE

Deadline: 25th July 2013

#9 - 2nd blogaversary Giveaway @ Sub Rosa Cross Stitch blog

A lady that I follow is having a giveaway of 3 cushions! There will be 3 winners. She designs some lovely designs. One could lose track of all the things I want to buy.

But if you are not the winner or are and want the patterns the lady is giving them free if you purchase one of her charts (till 31st July 2013). I might be very tempted by this (will wait for my pay first to see if I can afford a little stash enhancement).

To enter click HERE.

Deadline: 20th July 2013

Till soon,

Fabrics and other ...

Dear all,

It has been a week since my last post ... and it does seem that I only get a little me time for posting during the weekends. But that is okay I do still get my daily intake of cross stitching and reading other blogs. I am hoping once the faulty component from my computer comes back and I will yet again expand the ram the new refound speed will help me to get about the internet world faster with less crashes.

In this as promised I will share all the fabrics my mum dyed. I will mention what substance she has used for the dye, and what mordant (where I had made a note).

all the dyed fabrics in their plastic packets

bottom row from above ...

top row from above ...

... now without the packets ...

#1: 

evenweave

dyed - curry

mordant - aluminium

#2:

evenweave

dyed - onion skins

mordant - white vinegar

#3:

evenweave

dyed - onion skins

mordant - aluminium

#4:

evenweave

dyed - red onion skins

mordant - aluminium

Another picture:

The camera did not do justice to this deep green. It is gorgeous ... and more appealing in real life.

#5:

Another green ... same colour but a lighter shade.

evenweave

dyed - red onion skins

mordant - vinegar

#6:

evenweave

dyed - curry + elderberries

mordant - ?

#7:
This fabric I am currently using for the puppies from 'Puppy Love' by Margaret Sherry

evenweave

dyed - fennel

mordant - ?

#8:
 In real life the colour is brighter ... more orangy peach.

bookmark

dyed - paprika

mordant - ?

#9:

? count (larger squares than 14)

dyed - red onion skin

mordant - none?

#10:

 I am giving some of this away in my giveaway - click here - for details.

22 count

dyed - turmeric

mordant - ?

#11:

Again picture does no justice ... the colour is more clean in real life - light peach.

14 count

dyed - onion skins

mordant - none?

#12:
 again less grey more light yellow (close to ochre)

16 count

dyed - little of turmeric + basil + marigold mixture

mordant - ?

Probably overall the closeups ended up worser than the whole together capture for the fabric colours.

Anyhow just wanted to share some of the gorgeous fabric that I own. These are all of the ones my mum has dyed. But I have also purchased quite a few pieces during the exams stress... so now I have a little draw of stash.

I have two more small finishes to share ... but till the next post ... and maybe by then I will have my third.

Giveaways:

Yes, a few more to share. 

#1 - Special (floss) Give-away @ Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe

One of my favourite regular give-aways ... of course I never win. And this one for entering someone else rather than yourself. But I love looking at the dyed floss ... and keep promising as soon as I sort my finances out I will invest in a more independent floss than DMC/Anchor. It is right at the top with purchasing my very first LHN. 

To enter click here.

Deadline: 30th July 2013.

#2 - French Giveaway @ EmiliaSoVa

The lady creates gorgeous dolls; and generously is having a giveaway for some beautiful fabrics.

To enter click here.

Deadline: 15th June 2013

#3 Fabric Giveaway @ MoiSkrapinki

A very creative lady is having a generous giveaway of some of her fabrics.

So, take a peak at her blog.

To enter click here.

Deadline: 8th July 2013

#4 Giveaway @ Murzilka Moya

Some more fabric being given away:

The fabric:

But the lady is also giving away some other bits and bobs so take a look at her blog.

To enter click here.

Deadline: 15th July 2013.

#5 Giveaway @ Тайские всякости

And for my last to be mentioned giveaway there is something very pretty:

To enter click here.

Deadline: 15th July 2013

Till soon, when I will show off my small finishes.

                                                                           

Wipocalypse - post #6, reviews and dare I say giveaways ...

Hello all,

It seems to me I have fallen through some hole like an Alice in Wonderland ... and time has just run away from me. I have picked up some extra hours at work, so was a busy bee ... since I stitch during lunch times (that's some extra stitching to share).

Wipocalypse - post #6

Oh dear this means we are half way through the year ... I have not amended my targets yet, but I will decrease specifics, and include an aim for finishes. More on that at a later post. And now to the stitching:

Puppy Love by Margaret Sherry

May 2013

a lot done here ...

Puppy #1 complete

Puppy #2 complete

 This is what the #3 was like when Wipocalypse post was due last week:

Puppy #3 progress

But in a few days it became ... well complete:

Puppy #3 complete

I am making good progress on #4 (the final of the set for me) but no pic.

Field of poppies:

June 2013

As I thought gridding is going very slowly and painfully on evenweave.

QS Literate Dragon:

May 2013

June 2013

And to see the bigger picture:

June 2013

Snowflower Diaries:

I recently mentioned a new SAL. Well with no progress pictures I have a finish ...

Truly, Madly, Deeply ... complete

'Truly, Madly, Deeply' by Snowflower Diaries is a free pattern from HERE.

I don't remember what colours I stitched with as silly me with so many projects on the go decided to tidy up and put them away. It was a combo of DMC and Anchor that much I know. If you are interested about the SAL(s) I am partaking in click HERE. There you can see some more finishes of various charts by this designer.

Fabric I have used was Cashel - Vintage Green 28ct. It's gorgeous! and has this crackling effect. One of my crazy mid exam stress purchases.

Will show you again later once I get it into a proper finish.

More shopping ...

Hmm ... not as bad as you'd think. I got the following from a charity shop:

Anchor ... with a few slots empty I guess this is still close to full collection (or part of it) ...

... Guess how much it cost me? A massive total of £5!!! What a bargain and it came in a box.

Book Reviews

'Home-Made Vintage' by Christina Strutt 4/10

There was a nice rabbit doll in this book. Although very simplistic projects, they'd be great for cross stitch finishes: bags, aprons, pillows, etc.

I might even borrow it again some time. You can see from my ratings the opinion I have on finishing touches is not that high... no wander my box of finished stitchings is getting fuller. 

'Red Ted Art' by Maggy Woodley 4/10
Some crafts for kids. My favourite is the egg candles; not sure it is a great idea for kids to do them, but I definitely want to try.




'Patchwork Bags' by Cecilia Hanselmann 5/10
Not too bad. Red Retro used very nice fabric ... which I want! So that upset me a little. And that particular bag was although simple but nice in design. I liked the makeup bags (all four), Rose Windows could be adapted to hold small cross stitch project in its windows; again simple but effective. Must stress that the designs are very simplistic - but would suit a beginner.




'Mollie Makes Christmas' by Mollie Makes 2/10
I only like 1 project of a crocheted reindeer in this book. I am going to even include it's picture (from back cover so not infringing any copyright I guess)

Giveaways

#1 - Colours of Summer @ Swet-lanka

Some beautiful fabrics ...

To enter click HERE.

Deadline: 7th July 2013

#2 - Giveaway @ Bellissi

Look at the amazing teapot! Wouldn't it be wonderful to store bits and bobs in and look gorgeous on the shelf.

To enter click HERE.

Deadline: 4th July 2013

#3 - A Giveaway @ Cat's Home

Aren't bunnies cute in real life and as toys ... check out the following giveaway.

To enter click HERE.

Deadline: 1st July 2013

#4 - Giveaway @ Interior Toy

Another gorgeous toy/doll being given away. I have a book from a library on making dolls. I do want to try to make one myself some time... staying away from clay this time (ended up a mess last time I tried). 

To enter click HERE.

Deadline: 30th June/ 1st July 2013

#5 - Useful Giveaway @ Aunty Rose
Gorgeous box. Amazing for storing those little things.

To enter click HERE.

Deadline: 1st July 2013

Well this post has taken me a lot longer than expected. How long do you think I will be able to keep up this sharing of book reviews and giveaways? Anyhow, I am not too worried as they are not the main part about blogging ... the sharing is, regardless of what it is ... which reminds me I still haven't shown off all my beautiful fabric mum dyed. Next post I promise. And don't forget to enter the most important giveaway - mine!!!

click here click here click here

Till soon,