Stitch Me Up a Spring Runner

Hello everyone and thank you so much for visiting me today as I take part in my very first blog hop.  So exciting!  It's the Stitch Me Up blog hop hosted by Mdm Samm, Sew We Quilt, and Jane, Jane's Fabrics.  Thank you both for putting together a fun hop and such a great source of inspiration.  Everyone's creations are just lovely.  You all are so very talented.

For this hop we were provided wonderful designs to choose from.  The designs were created by Cyndi from Stitch, Stitch, Stitch, and Debbie from Busy as can Be.  The sponsors are Colonial needle and Presencia Threads.  I chose to stitch Bee Tree Designs, Elements, it has such a vintage look to me. I  love vintage embroidered linens and display them around my home.  This sweet design provided the perfect opportunity to stitch a Spring runner for my Easter table.  I used a pastel palette of presencia finca size 12 perle cotton and colonial needles for all of my embroidery. 

I love the simplicity of this design and the way it flows so I shaped the corners of my runner to enhance the look. The fabric is 100% linen backed with white Kona Cotton. 

I made a generously sized runner so that I could place my table decorations on it without covering up or obscuring the embroidery.

We're ready for our breakfast tea!  What a fun Hop...Thanks Mdm Samm and Jane for allowing me to participate.

Now I'm going to hop on over to visit these lovely blogs, please join me.

Kristin @ That Other Blog
Robin @ That Other Blog
Jane's Fabrics and Quilts
Dexter Days The World Through our Window
Sew Nicely
My Art, My So Called Life
Just Sew Sue
Co mne bavi
Life, Quilts, and a Cat too
Tea Time Creations
Read, Quilt, Cook, Pray
Cate's Linens
Shade Tree Quilting
Ladybug Dreams

Red House Sampler

Just a quick post to show my latest cross stitch project.  Brenda Keyes Red House Sampler. This is the stitched model.

This is how much I've stitched thus far.

I'm stitching it on 28 ct. Cashel Platinum linen using the suggested dmc floss colours. It's quite a large sampler but not as large as my last one which was Needle Print's reproduction sampler Mary Peacock...She should be home from the framer this weekend.  I'll be happy to finally get that one on the wall.

Thanks for visiting me.

It's Spring Somewhere

But not here, not yet.  This is what was going on outside my window yesterday.  


 There's beauty in the day and I'll remember to visit this pic in the summer when its 98 degrees.

Hope you're having a sweet Spring day.

Need a Litttle Sunshine

I'm so ready for Spring and warmer weather.  There have been many overcast days.  A little more sunshine to enjoy would be wonderful.  Let's see if I can brighten things up a bit.  How about a sweet cross stitch for the tea room.

Maybe start gathering my Easter table decorations.  Not quite sure which china I'll use but I am sure this bunny pitcher will be the center piece.

 

Some lemon cookies would be nice too!

Think I'll end the day with this little cutie.  She needs clothes.

Better get started knitting her dress:-)

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to stop by on Thursday March 28th for my Stitch Me Up blog post.

Tea and Bird Watching

Just a few days ago it was cloudy, snowy, and wintery.  The bird feeders had not been filled yet and all my feathered friends were left to fend for themselves and find cover within the conifers.  Must change that!

Conditions are much better for them today.  The feeders are filled, they're happy, and so are we as we watch them while enjoying tea and scones.

 Now, instead of the lemon curd, I have lemon glaze on mine, since becoming vegan, butter is not an option. 

 "I can see you, can you see me?  The little chickadee on the left blends nicely into the brush.  The cardinal takes center stage.  The beauty of nature.

Have a great week.  Thanks for stopping by.

Sharing my day with:

Sunny Simple Sundays

 

Instead of Blogging I Was...

Re-decorating my kitchen.  Painting.

When my computer quit on me, I found myself with more time (Imagine that).  I decided that maybe this would be a great time to update my kitchen.  I also wanted to try my hand at painting with chalk paint.  There was a lonely little cupboard sitting in my garage all covered with "everything".  I painted it antique white, distressed it a bit, and here's the result.

Finally a place for my antique ironstone. I was now in full fledged painting mode.  I decided to paint the small towel holder on the other side of the kitchen.

Over the summer and in between paint strokes, you could find me stitching.

This is the "start" with a looooong way to the finish.

Getting Closer but still a ways to go.  When I'd break from stitching, you could find me quilting.
 A sweet little table square.

I also made a lifestyle change...I am now Vegan.  That was the most significant change of all and the best thing I could have done for my health going forward.  Still have some annoying sinus issues though.

So here we are at the end of the year.  The creek is icy and the winterberry bushes are full.

The cold wind blows...

Time to weave.  The looms will be making their rhythmic sounds again as I weave scarves, towels, and such.  Feels good.  This is a "blue jean" coloured scarf for Krista.

I couldn't let the year end without knitting a pair of socks.  I call these a tribute to "Dickens"...The Christmas socks.

Nothing like a nice pair of worsted weight socks to keep the chill away.

There were many things going on last year that got in the way of blogging and I seriously considered not blogging ever again.  But I really do enjoy blogging and visiting all the various blogs of creative and talented people. You all inspire me.  So In 2013 I will keep my camera handy and look forward to sharing the creative side of me here at Thistle Creek Cottage.

Many blessings to you.  Thanks for visiting.