Where did January go?

Hi everyone,

Well, I certainly didn't mean there to be such a long gap between posts. Where on earth does the time go?
I'd love to tell you that the reason I haven't been around is that I was making lots of lovely things but we've been moving furniture around and now there is a lot of painting and decorating in my future :(
However, there are a few things to show and the first is this bag from a pattern by Bareroots using Moda fabrics Collection for a Cause Alliance.




I loved doing the stitchery on this bag. Here's a close up of the front pocket. You should be able to click on it for a better view if you like.



I enjoy Niky's blog and she recently had a competition to stitch one of her designs which she kindly offered free to anyone taking part in the competition
I stitched mine on 40ct Flax linen using the recommended DMC thead



and I stitched one of the trees again on the back of the pillow adding my initials and date.



I didn't have many stitched Christmas ornaments last year and so the plan for this year is to stitch at least one a month. I joined this blog
to keep me motivated and it seems to have worked as I did manage to produce this ornament for January



The design is All is Calm by Little House Needleworks stitched on 40ct linen using the recommended threads. I swapped the green for something that would match the fabric I used to back the pillow which I think is just perfect for this design.



Still with the cross stitch here is Historic Stitches Acorn Harvest Thread Keeper.
My friend Sheila had already stitched the kit and she gave me her pattern and leftover silk threads so that I could stitch it as well and then we enjoyed a finishing day together.




This is how it looks when open




and here's the back




Another blog I enjoy very much is Lynn's I love the little felt pincushions Lynn makes and wanted to try making one for myself. This is the first time I've ever made anything from felt and I enjoyed working with it.



The gorgeous rose pins were made for me by Lynn when we did an exchange last year.

I have something else to show and think I kept the best til last. This is a journal cover that Sheila made me as a belated birthday gift.



Sheila used Rouenneries fabric by French General for Moda which is my all time favourite fabric line. I love the button on the front which seems very fitting as Sheila's sister purchased in France.
Inside there are several pockets and just look at the fabulous quilters diary she gave me as well!



I can't tell you how much I love this gift. Sheila has not been sewing for very long and she designed the journal cover herself. I'm very impressed :) Thank you Sheila. You couldn't have given me anything I love more.

I think that's it for this post. I have so many things in various stages of construction that I hope to show next time.
As always a big thank you for your visits and your encouraging comments.

Margaret