Stitching by a Cornish Seashore: May 2013

Thursday, 30 May 2013

An overdue update

Grazing Sheep

I have been introduced to Candy Crash and Monkey Quest and much time has been spent on the computer rather than with my needle.

I could not resist adding a black sheep, you have to have a rebel in the flock.

Grazing Sheep

I have used Rainbow Gallery "Wisper" which is a mohair thread for the fleeces. The specified stitch was bullion which I enjoy and have done a lot of on other projects but I substituted this with a mixture of french and colonial knots to create a similar texture to my son's sheep.

I am pleased with the effect.

A badger update - Hop-a-Long Cassie(the three good legged one) is doing well and in addition to visiting the Chocolate Box she now comes to my house and By The Seashore so is being well fed.

The bird box is occupied again this year, we have a camera and microphone linked to our TV. This shows seven eggs but a further one has been laid and a Blue Tit is sitting on them. Last year we had seven and five successfully flew the next.

I have a new strain of Poppies in a flower bed, for some strange reason she does like to sit in odd places watching the world go by.

It is a beautiful day at Poldhu Cove and we have been out walking this morning.

Ray' s nautical adventure is going well although he has still got engine niggles and has been unable to blog due to poor internet connections.

Here is a selection of photos around the lochs and shores of Scotland.

Today they are travelling along Loch Ness. Ray's grandchildren are on the boat this week and they are on monster watch. The first one to spot Nessie wins a prize :o))

This looks like paradise.

Here they are racing the Hogwart's Express.

Negotiating one of the many canal lochs.

Those colours are real as taken with an iphone.

I am missing him dreadfully now, a month is a long time and there is another one to go :o((

Ray has used a washing machine and a vacuum cleaner for the first time in his life (seriously) it was quite funny hearing him say that he had separated his whites and colours. I have told him I want lots of demonstrations when he gets home.

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Aristo Lap Stand and Margin Allowances

I have been lucky enough to receive my Aristo Lap Stand, they are like hen's teeth to get hold of the demand is so high.

I have been using it today and am so pleased.

I have posted a new video of the Aristo Lap Stand onto youtube.

I am really looking forward to using this. It is so versatile. I will be able to stitch just about anywhere using my Millennium Frame.

I have been asked about how much fabric I allow for attaching my linen to the Millennium Frame.

It is always a personal choice and my way is not to say that someone else's isn't a better way.

Here is Joanna Warren.

I have started two inches below the edge of the dowel securing the fabric.

I would have been clear of the top bar if I started 1.5 inches down but I prefer to have generous margins as I like to have mounts around my work when framed.

The fabric trapped under the dowel is 1 inch.

It is the same which ever way up you like to work. This is my favourite.

Therefore, the minimum I believe that you can get away with is 2.5 inches but I tend to work with 3.0 inches if I have enough fabric. I have got away with a little less than 2.5 inches when I was squeezing a project onto some linen but I would not recommend it.

I hope this has helped.

As I have been typing this post I have received two text messages, the first from Ray.

This is Ailsa Craig an uninhabited island they have passed today on route to Scotland.

The sea conditions are perfect.

He has made good progress today. Liverpool to Largs. Bad weather is coming in so they will probably hole up in Largs for a few days.

The second text was from Archie.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Thursday, 2 May 2013

A finish of two very different kinds

SDW German band sampler - Scarlet Letter

SDW was finished last week and came back from the framers today.

SDW German band sampler - Scarlet Letter

I changed the top blackwork band to a saying that means a lot to me especially recently.

SDW German band sampler - Scarlet Letter

I have included the initials of the other ladies in the SAL.

SDW German band sampler - Scarlet Letter

My last post showed Jane finished and here she is framed. She is my second all time favourite.

Jane Atkinson - Scarlet Letter

Now here is my other BIG finish - By The Seashore a five star holiday cottage at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove.

By The Seashore - seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk 5 star holiday cottage

The sofa and armchairs are my veranda furniture and the leather sofa and chairs will be here tomorrow.

By The Seashore - seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk 5 star holiday cottage

Ray set off at 5.00am, this morning on his around the UK sea voyage and I am missing him already. It seemed quite odd when he said "see you in a few months" when we are always together.

It is beautiful hot summer's day and the sea is as flat as a mill pond, perfect cruising conditions. I hope that every day of the 8 - 9 weeks will be as good for him.

Until next time .......

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx