Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore

Progress on Ann Medd Day 31 and Competition Results

2012-02-26T12:49:00.000Z

Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

I can't believe that another week has flown by since I last posted my progress on Ann Medd. I adore this sampler from the colours to the motifs.

Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

I have just finished the fourth section and will start the fifth section tonight. I have been looking forward to using all those beautiful blues. As there is a huge amount of stitching to do in this area (a bit like the grass in ATS) I thought that I would alternate my evenings between that and the verses down both sides.

Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

This is where I had reached on my last post and I have now finished off the flowers. I wonder if they are Chinese Lanterns.

Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

The only changes I made to the design on the fourth section was the skin colour of the lady and gentleman and some fingers on the gentleman's outstretched hand to compliment the ones on the lady's hand. I also put my initials on the cartouche.

Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

I have just noticed my hair on the linen, it's not stitched in, it must have fallen when I was photographing.

Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

The pinks and blues are so pretty.

FUN COMPETITION

I have been overwhelmed with the number of photographs I have been sent. Many, many thanks to everyone who participated.

We all love our pets so much and we sure do take a lot of photographs of them sleeping.

My son Chris has decided on his winners. Congratulations to Ruth on her photograph of one of her little leprechauns.

Now Chris has had a problem choosing his favourite animal shot and in the end whittled it down to three but could not decide on just one so we have three winners. Karen, Laurie and Sandy or should I say Miss Piggy, Emma and Ami.

Miss Piggy - Karen's Kune Kune Pig

Emma - Laurie's Corgi

Ami - Sandy's boxer

I only have one copy of Santaberry Pudding so I drew a name out of the hat and this design will be going to Karen. I know Laurie loves reproduction samplers so I will be sending her one from my stash. Sandy if you will let me know what your favourite type of designs are I will send you the closest I have from stash.

Please could you email me your addresses.

I have some home made chicken soup simmering on the AGA and the smell has been making me hungry as I have been sat writing this post so I am now off to have a bowl (or two).

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Yiota's Xstitch Kits - A Review

2012-02-21T11:43:00.002Z

For some time I have been hearing a buzz around blog land of Yiota's XStitch and her beautiful cross stitch kits and online needlework store. Last week I was delighted to receive a request from Yiota to review one her cross stitch kits.

From an earlier visit to her online store I knew that Yiota is a very talented designer so I was very excited and honoured by the invitation.

Yiota's XStitch

Yiota and her husband run a small family business based in England and they design, manufacture and sell around the world unique cross stitch designs. Yiota takes her inspiration mostly from fine art masters and the Victorian era.

Yiota's XStitch

From an enjoyable hour spent browsing the online store I soon realised that it was going to be hard to choose just one design from so many beautiful ones.

Yiota's XStitch

There is a huge choice of themes to cover all tastes.There really is something for everyone.

Yiota's XStitch

All sorts of animals to include family pets, birds, butterflies, farm animals, wildlife and the exotic. There are beautiful cross stitch kits of fairies, kings and queens and children. An amazing selection of seascapes, landscapes, cottages, castle and churches. From samplers to the seasons, biscornus to cards.

Yiota's XStitch

There are countless more that can be found here. I particularly like the way that you can search for the kits by skill level or theme. The website to is very well laid out and is easy to navigate. You can also buy gift vouchers which make lovely presents for pin pals. The designs are available as cross stitch kits or patterns.

Yiota's XStitch

Eventually after much oooing and aarring I decided on a William Morris Design - A Lily. The size was 11.8 inc. x 11.8 inc. and I thought that it would make a beautiful insert to a cushion. I had a choice of 14ct aida or 28c evenweave which I chose.

Yiota's XStitch

The kit arrived very quickly, it was sent in a board backed envelope and was marked "Do Not Bend". I hate it when goods arrive damaged because they have been cheaply packed. 10 out of 10 to Yiota, her packaging and delivery were excellent. If you opt for just a pattern this can be sent either as a paper chart or via email, ideal for international stitchers.

Yiota's XStitch

The kit itself was well presented and put together in a resealable plastic cover. The BIGGEST plus for me is that all Yiota's kits come with the threads pre-wound and clearly numbered. We all want to start our stitching straight away and I have spent many frustrating hours sorting out hanks of threads and agonising over which thread is which then having to wind them onto bobbins.

Yiota's bobbins are pre-punched so all you have to do is slip them onto a ring and hey ho off to go. Multiple bobbins are given for high volume thread rather than over winding. I was surprised by how many different shades of thread there were.

The threads used are Maderia which I have never used before for cross stitching but I have used them for machine embroidery with very good results, they have a lovely sheen to them. DMC conversions are given if you want to kit up the pattern with other threads. Another 10 out of 10 for me on the threads.

The instructions are well written and clear. The chart was printed on good quality paper with a matt finish. I do not like using gloss patterns as the glare from them when working under a daylight lamp gives me a headache. The symbols used were clear and distinct from each other.

If I was being very picky I would have preferred for the pattern to have been printed with the same size symbols but split over more smaller pages as I do not like to fold my charts. I would give the chart 9.5 out of 10.

The fabric supplied was good quality and felt nice to handle. It was more than ample for the design. It is a bearbug for me when kits come with a tight allowance for finishing or framing. Trust me this happens with some very expensive kits. A needle was tucked into the fabric. Another 10 out of 10.

With the attention to detail and quality Yiota's cross stitch kits are good value for money. The kit I chose is a lovely conversion of this William Morris design and I am looking forward to stitching it.

Please visit Yiota's XStitch to see more.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

A Fun Competition and Progress on Ann Medd

2012-02-19T15:30:00.001Z

Ann Medd - Day 24

Whilst I am not participating in the International Hermit Stitching Weekend (I hope I got that right) I did manage to spend yesterday afternoon and evening stitching Ann Medd. I was AMAZED how quickly the hours passed and I was shocked to see that it was midnight and the fire had gone out, I was so focused on Ann. Time certainly does fly when you are enjoying yourself.

Ann Medd

I adore Ann's use of red and pinks. This flower is very Claude Mackintoish in design although he was not born then.

Ann Medd

My photos are not very clear today and on checking on my lens the culprit is doggie slobber - BLUE !!!!

Ann Medd

This is where I finished last night.

It is too nice a day to be indoors so the morning has been spent on outside chores and a walk with Poppy and Blue to Church Cove.

It was so beautiful there today.

Church Cove photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

We were out for such a long time they were tired out when we got back and went straight for their favourite chair which is theirs and where they watch the world go by in the cove below. Poppy got there first so Blue had to squeeze his way in.

Poppy and Blue

That got me thinking about all the funny sleeping positions we see our pets and family in. I thought that it would be good fun to have a competition for the funniest position. There will be a prize for the photo of the funniest animal and human position.

If you post them on your own blog then comment on this post with the link to your blog, next Sunday I will ask my son to pick a winner from both categories. Alternativeyly you could email me your photo.

The prizes will be unused charts for Holy Night by Shepherds Bush for the funniest human sleeping position

and for animals SB's Santaberry Pudding. I will also include some goodies too.

The winter sun is still shining so I am off to do some gardening.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Ann Medd Progress - Day 20

2012-02-15T13:06:00.002Z

Ann Medd - Day 20

It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end and I am certainly enjoying this journey. Ann is a joy to stitch and my favourite sampler to date.

I have made some changes and replaced several animals in the second section with ones that appeal to and mean something to me and Trewoon. I have put in some robins and rabbits. I have also stitched a pair of pelicans as I was so touched with the meaning behind them when I stitched them on Dutch Beauty. I intend to put in two pairs of doves either side of "Paradise Lost" to symbolise hope, promise and romance for my son's forthcoming marriage.

Ann Medd - Day 20

Whilst stitching the verses I have noticed that here and there the letters have been sitched in three different ways. I have used the same font for consistency and not copied the variations.

Ann Medd - Day 20

The back stitched lettering is quite time consuming with starting and finishing the colour changes for each word but it is worth it as the colours together are beautiful although the photograph is not true to the actual colours.

I have recently been listening to The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and Believing The Lie by Elizabeth George which I enjoyed but last night I stayed up late listening to the end of my current book The Last Child by John Hart which was BRILLIANT.

Normally if I listen to an audiobook in bed I fall asleep in no time but this was enthralling to the very last sentence. I would highly recommend it if you like crime/thrillers.

I now have to find another audiobook - any recommendations will be appreciated.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Secret Stitching Valentine

2012-02-14T12:46:00.000Z

The valentine I received was from Jan, thank you so much I adore it.

The Valentine from me was received by Mouse.

Thank you again Jo, it has been great fun and a good way to get to know other bloggers.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Secret Stitching Sweetheart

2012-02-14T08:58:00.001Z

I have received a valentine heart from a Secret Stitching Sweetheart

Secret Stitching Sweetheart

I wonder who it is from. !!

Jo from Serendipitous Stitching has organised this exchange. I now have to wait to see who received mine. What fun. Thank you Jo for arranging this.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Patience and Perseverance

2012-02-13T12:06:00.002Z

I have been having so many questions about photographing birds that I thought that I would do a post about it. Now I am not in any shape or form knowledgeable about photography this is just about what I do.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

For many years Ray and I have been fascinated by the bird and wildlife we find in our garden. We are lucky enough to have two and a half acres of garden, some formal and other parts kept semi wild (in a controlled way, I like tidiness) to give the badgers, foxes, rabbits, stoats, weasels, squirrels, toads, frogs, fish, countless types of birds and insects etc., a home and feeding ground.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

We can quietly sit and watch all this from our home and various sitting areas around the garden.

The birds and badgers in particular give us endless hours of enjoyment and we feed them every day, even if we are away we arrange for them to be fed so they have come to rely on us as a source of food and a safe haven.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage The Chocolate Box at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

I have bird feeders in the cottage gardens as well but the ones I shall concentrate on for this post are next to my TV room, sun room, kitchen, laundry room and boot room. All rooms that I spend a lot of my time in and are furnished in a way that means that when in the rooms I work or sit by the windows so the birds become very used to me being around.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

I am fortunate that providing I do not make a sudden or fast movement and I can walk around the feeders and the tree from which they hang without the birds flying away.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

When I fill the feeders the birds congregate in the branches waiting for them to be put back up.

This means that I have a big advantage in that I don't have to go looking for subjects they come to me. I can set up a shot and then I just need "Patience and Perseverance" to capture the right expression or stance.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

If you want to photograph your garden birds it is worth considering how you are going to create the shot. Set up a feeder where you can get a good view of it from a concealed spot such as a house window or garden shed.

Think about the time of day you will take the photographs and where the sun will be.

You can manipulate the background by using a board or cloth.

Attract as many birds as you can by putting out an assortment of food using hanging feeders, bird tables and on the ground when you are not photographing, then when you come to take the photographs remove most of the feeders which creates a queueing system so that the bird have to perch around waiting for their turn to jump onto the feeding perch.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

You can then photograph them on the perch which is a more natural setting than the feeder.

Birds can be attracted to water as well so have somewhere that they can drink. You could attract a robin onto a fork handle by smearing it with peanut butter.

You need to consider the equipment that you will need to capture the type of shots you are after.

I have been very lucky to have had expert advice from Lara who is a professional photographer and a skilled needlewoman. It is worth checking out her blog and photo albums.

Lara shared with me many articles that she has written for a photography magazines and when I was looking for a new camera gave me lots of tips.

I have a Panasonic Lumix which is a point and shoot and is great for when I am walking Poppy and Blue as I can carry it in my pocket and snap away whilst holding the two dogs. You never know what you are going to see when out and about.

I also use a Canon 60D for the photographs in the garden. This is mounted on a tripod and I position and focus the camera on a spot that I know a bird will use as a perch to access a feeder and wait for the bird to appear in the shot rather than look for the bird. The tripod is essential as you yourself cannot hold the camera perfectly still whilst waiting.

I have three lenses a short one for very close up work, a medium lens and a telephoto 500 mm lens. The lens I use dictates the style of the picture and how close I need to get to my subject.

I am very fortunate that I can get so close.

I do hope that this will help you in capturing good shots of the birds in your garden and remember "Patience and Perseverance".

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Ann Medd - Day 13 Progress

2012-02-08T16:20:00.000Z

Ann Medd - Day 13

Ann M is growing and I am throughly enjoying sewing every stitch. Ray who always takes a keen interest is particularly taken with her so I have decided that for now that I will continue with Ann M and leave Ann Dale for the moment.

Ann Medd - Day 13

I substituted the little deer with a crown which I felt balanced better with the other side.

Ann Medd - Day 13

I really like the individual colours and the way that Ann M combined her colours.

I have had a quick look on Ancestry.co.uk and I think that Ann came from Yorkshire, if anyone knows any information about Ann I would be very grateful if you would contact me.

I went to the craft section of the WI today and had a lovely fish and chip lunch with the other ladies after class.

I sat next to an elderly lady who had been a PA to someone very high up in Pinewood Studios during their heyday. I could have sat all day listening to her reminisce about the Sean Connery Bond movies and the Carry On films being made.

She was fascinating and although she never married her life was action packed. As a young lady she traveled by herself to America and then by train to Toronto and worked her way around Canada which was very daring in those days.

Multiplication Sampler - Historical Sampler Company

Whilst I had my camera out today I thought that I would photograph another piece that I have worked.

I have been asked to show where I hung ATS so here she is in my hallway. You can see Dutch Beauty as well. You can get a sense of her size.

It is a cold but clear day and the birds have been busy at the feeders.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

We have a small pond by the feeders (Poppy and Blue like to drink from here too) and the birds use it.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

This male chaffinch is a cheeky little chap and wasn't bothered by me at all.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

This little one was perched on top of the tree for ages and seemed to be dozing off at one point.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

I just love the expression on his face.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

The blackbird was busy searching out food underneath the fallen leaves.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

Competition was fierce for pole position at the feeders.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

I have a million and one things to do and unless the fairies are coming to help I had better get started.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

And The Winner of And They Sinned Chart is

2012-02-05T13:33:00.002Z

Kaye of Kitten Stitching. Congratulations I hope that you enjoy stitching ATS as much as I did. I will put some threads in as a start to kitting her up. Please can you email me your address.

I want to warmly welcome the flurry of new followers I have had, some of you don't appear to have blogs but if you do and I haven't become a follower please let me know as I wish to follow and share your posts.

Poppy - Can you see her ball that she is guarding ?

It has been a funny week, I don't seem to have achieved much at all, I have put this down to some strong antibiotics I have been taking and they have been knocking me out.

My nephew Alessandro who has lived with us for the last eighteen months moved into his own home this weekend. It will be strange not having him around although I won't miss doing his washing and ironing !! Young men between shirts for work, going to the gym, playing football (American !!) and socialising produce tons of laundry.

Our son Chris, who has his own home (a farm) runs his business from offices at Trewoon so we see him every working day. Later in the year his business will be moving to purpose built offices at his farm which are currently under construction. We will really be my ourselves then.

Chris gets married in April and we are having the reception in a marquee at the farm. I am very worried as the building work will not be complete in time. We have been held up by protected bats in the old farm buildings and what started as a refurbishment of existing buildings has ended up as a rebuild. (If your going to to something you might as well do it properly).

We have made the decision to concentrate the work force on finishing the outside work and after the wedding we will complete the interiors, it will still be a very close thing.

Hundreds of yards of trenches have been dug criss crossing along the farm and house driveways, courtyards and fields for various services and drainage and it is a mud bath at the moment. Maybe I should look around for some wellies to go with my wedding outfit ! I could always use my craft skills to customise some. LOL.

Poppy, Blue and my darling Millie in 2007 (camera phone)

I have been asked how I stitch so quickly. I don't think that I sew a stitch any quicker than anyone else. I use q-snaps held in my Lowery stand and use both hands to pass my needle back and forth. I rarely watch TV and spend most evenings from about 6 to 11 or twelve sewing listening to a play on the radio or an audiobook. I occasionally get a few hours sewing time in the afternoons. It all adds up throughout the week.

When the better weather comes Ray and I will resume playing golf and that will cut down my sewing time and I will spend more time in my garden.

I have noticed that since Ray has retired I have spent less time in my sewing room and no quilting has been done at all. I used to do this when he was in the office. Now he is at home it is a shame to be in different rooms.

Hey Ho and all my men

For those who have asked the Hey Ho is Ray's boat. Here is a photograph of me with all my men, Chris, Blue and Ray on the pontoon at Fowey. Daphne du Maurier had a holiday home at Fowey and it is one of our favourite places to go on the Hey Ho. It is about a two hour boat trip along the coast, we moor up the Hey Ho on a pontoon and take our small boat further up the river exploring as we go, stopping for lunch along the way.

I not sure where Poppy is I think that she was with Kate (my future DIL) who took the photo.

Poppy and Millie

The dogs are quite at home on the boat and enjoy watching the world go by. It always surprises us how many people with boats have their dogs with them.

Blue (asleep, the dogs always fall asleep when we cruise along in calm weather )and Nicola

When we go out to sea they wear their life jackets which are special doggie ones. I am not sure how well they would support them but it would give us something to grab hold of if they went overboard. When the dogs were small we had special netting put around the sides of the boat in case they slipped through the rails.

Blue

Everyone who comes aboard knows that if we have to abandon ship the dogs must be put into the life raft first !!

I am off to moisturise my hands(which are suffering in this cold weather) before I hopefully get some stitching in this afternoon.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

And They Sinned Framed and Hung

2012-02-03T13:08:00.000Z

And They Sinned

I am so pleased ATS has been framed and hung. If you want to stitch this yourself the pattern giveaway will be drawn on Sunday. (the distortion top left is actually the reflection from the staircase hand rail in the glass not the stretching)

It is a very cold day in Cornwall and we have had to take precautions to protect the less hardy plants. Our garden has lots of plastic snowmen scattered around.

We haven't been able to cover every plant and some have been damaged. You can see that the rhododendrons have discoloured :(:(

The daffodils are unaffected.

Daffodils in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage Rest-a-Shore, Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard Peninsula - seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size - Gertrude Wister.

I have had a walk around the garden checking for frost damage. I love the patterns the frost forms.

Photographed in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage Rest-a-Shore, Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard Peninsula - seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I am looking after my son's dogs today so the FIVE (!!) dogs enjoyed a run around with me.

Photographed in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage Rest-a-Shore, Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard Peninsula - seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The sun rise this morning was AMAZING and I think goes to prove the saying "red sky at night shepherd's delight, red sky in the morning shepherd's warning"

Photographed in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage Rest-a-Shore, Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard Peninsula - seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I will leave you with a thought for this bitterly cold day - one kind word can warm a winter's day

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

A Wonderful Find

2012-02-02T13:21:00.000Z

A very quick post about a needlework company I have found in the UK that supply Lakeside Linens and have a selection in stock !!

Checkout patchwork-rabbit. Carla has been very helpful and my Vintage Pear is being dispatched today.

I started Ann Dale yesterday and after about an hour decided that I really didn't like the linen I had chosen. It can be difficult in the UK to source speciality fabrics. I don't mind ordering from the States and often do so but in addition to the custom duty the Post Office put on a handling fee.

I can't have a post without a photo

On The Way to the Scilly Isles by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I took this whilst on the way to the Scilly Isles on board the Hey Ho.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

Ann Medd - Day 6 Progress Report

2012-02-01T14:11:00.002Z

Ann Medd - Day 6 progress

Just a very quick post to share my progress with my pin pals and so that I have a personal record of my journey with Ann M.

I am really loving stitching her and the variety of stitches.

Ann Medd

Laurie's suggestion of saving the over one stitching to daylight hours was a big help. Thank you again Laurie.

Ann Medd

Where Ann has stitched various groups of initials I have left blank for the moment and will put initials of my own family members.

Ann Medd

I found the eyelet stitch great fun to do.

Ann Medd

I adored the four sided stitch and changed this to the alphabet and kept the satin stitch for the numbers. I don't know if I like satin stitch for this row and may unpick it at a later date.

Ann Medd

I thought that the back stitched alphabet was very effective.

I am reluctantly putting Ann M down today and starting Ann Dale tonight. I don't know if working two projects concurrently is going to suit me but I am going to try.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step

2012-01-28T14:33:00.000Z

Ann Medd

"The grace to be a beginner is always the best prayer for an artist. The beginner's humility and openness leads to exploration. Exploration leads to accomplishment. All of it begins at the beginning, with the first small and scary step".

Well I took that first step on Ann Medd late on Thursday evening and I must admit it is a little scary with the over one on 35 count. It is so hard on my eyes but I will persevere.

Ann Medd

I took ATS to the framers yesterday and the young man's face fell when I unrolled it. Bless him, he always does a good job, hopefully it will be ready in a week or two.

Yesterday was another crazy Friday with changeovers on the cottages. I surprised myself with a repair I managed to carry out, a girl should always have a few screwdrivers to hand and a youtube tutorial for guidance.

When we bought Trewoon Ray, who is not at all practical, gave me a tool kit the first Christmas and it has been used many times since.

He is, however, wonderful in many other ways. He has always encouraged me with my needlework, takes a keen interest and never begrudges stash purchases.

I will never forget coming home from work one day to find that as a surprise he had arranged for a selection of my samplers to be framed and hung on the wall. (Thank you my darling, that was one of those special acts that will remain with me for ever).

It has been a glorious spring day and we have spent the morning out of doors. We visited Millie in her garden at Trewoon.

We like to spend time with her although she is always in our hearts no matter where we are.

The birds were out in force today and I spent quite a while watching and photographing them.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

British robin Photographed in the Cornish seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Photographed in the Cornish seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

My dishwasher has just started beeping and has developed a fault so I am off to take the dirty dishes out and wash them my hand - UGG.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

And They Sinned is FINISHED

2012-01-26T19:08:00.000Z

And They Sinned

Hurrah - it's finished. I am so pleased, I have enjoyed stitching the design although it is quite different from the samplers I normally stitch. Started December 1st 2011 finished today January 26th 2012.

Thank you Siobhan as it was through your blog that I discovered ATS and a thank you to all my pin pals for your words of encouragement along the way.

I will be having a giveaway for the pattern and some threads for my followers only. Just leave a comment on this post saying that you would like to be included and I will pull a name from the hat on Sunday, 5th February.

I am off to sort my threads for the two Anns.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Sew Little Time

2012-01-25T14:11:00.001Z

And They Sinned

Well I finished Stephen King's 11.22.63 before ATS. Although I am not normally a King fan I would highly recommend this novel.

I think that I have another three days work on this endless grass, I have had to order some more Green Apple today as I am going to run out tonight.

I have changed the bottom to a wording of my choice. I would have like to include in the year of our lord 2012 but there wasn't enough room.

Ann Dale

Ann Dale arrived Monday afternoon as promised and she is exquisite. I am a one BAP at a time girl but have decided that I will be stitching Ann Medd and Ann Dale together. If I find that I do not like working this way then I can always carry on with just one of them.

Mullion W I craft section photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

This morning was the weekly meeting of Mullion WI craft section.

Mullion W I craft section photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Work on the village heirloom wall hanging is continuing with new scenes from around the village beginning to take shape.

Mullion W I craft section photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I love the different ways of creating a scene

Mullion W I craft section photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The group is entering the WI competition at the Royal Cornwall Show and last week I was asked to contribute towards the entry. It is top secret so I cannot show you what I am working on until after the show. I spent two days last week working on my design and today the ladies approved my presentation so I am going to have to spend some of my time away from the two Anns.

Sew little time.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

Do well the little things now

2012-01-23T12:58:00.003Z

Do well the little things now - Moira Blackburn

I have been a busy bee doing lots of little things over the last few days and going by my sampler I am now hoping that great things will come to me !!

I can't believe that it is twelve years ago that I stitched this little sampler. Where do the years go?

Fate has been against me spending a good chunk of time over the weekend on finishing ATS but I hope that it should be completed within the next four days.

Fate and destiny are funny things. On Thursday morning when I rang Sew and So they were doing a special order from the States for me on Ann Dale, that afternoon they had a delivery from their American suppliers and low and behold Ann Dale was included as a new design !!

They kitted her up for me and she is arriving this afternoon.

Lara kindly found a link to some photographs of the original Ann Dale. It is well worth having a look at Madelena.com.

Daffodils by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - The Chocolate Box, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion

It is the most beautiful spring day here and I could not resist a quick stroll around the garden before settling to my chores.

Daffodils by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - The Chocolate Box, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion

There are lots of flowers blooming.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - The Chocolate Box, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - ByThe Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Blue was unable to resist a quick dive in the pond. It's a warm day but not that warm !! Brrrrrrrr

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The bird chorus today is music to the ears. The beautiful weather has brought the birds out in force.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - The Chocolate Box, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

This little one has been ringed.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

And this one.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Female chaffinches have such a gentle face.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

This Great ... (the word not to be mentioned) was busy watching me with the camera.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I love the Blue ...'s expression - he seems to be saying "these peanuts are all mine"

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

It is amazing how they hold onto the feeders.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

This is a popular feeding station.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

This male chaffinch is bold and doesn't seem fazed by me or Poppy and Blue.

Photographed in the seaside garden of the holiday cottage - By The Seashore, Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I am afraid that it is now back to housework :( wishing every one a good week ahead.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

And The Winner Is ...........

2012-01-22T11:09:00.001Z

La couleur de coeur - The colour of the heart

My DH has just made the draw and the winner is Deborah from Cranberry Samplings.

Congratulations Deborah I hope that you enjoy stitching Marie's beautiful design. Please could you email me your address and I will pop the chart and some goodies into the mail for you.

I wish everyone could have won. Hopefully it will be your turn to be lucky when I have a giveaway for the chart And They Sinned, probably, by the end of the week when I have finished this endless grass. Watch this space !

This is a very quick post as I am having a chaotic couple of days. Normal blogging should resume next week when I will catch up with all the posts in my reader.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

Ann Dale 1827 Big and Beautiful

2012-01-19T11:14:00.000Z

Ann Dale 1827 Big and Beautiful by Shakespeare's Peddler

I came across this design last night whilst surfing the net and immediately fell in love with it. I couldn't find a UK store that had it in stock but good old Sew and So are getting it in for me. I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has stitched the sampler and to see come close up photos.

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Cornish Guardian.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me.. Call 01272 ......6420 and ask for Annie, I'll be waiting.....

Over 150 men found themselves talking to the Truro RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Isn't Annie a cutie.

How could anyone abandon or mistreat her let alone any of God's creature is beyond me.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

In a fast-paced life walking slows us down

2012-01-18T16:17:00.004Z

Photograph taken from the headland at Polurrian Cove , Lizard Cornwall
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Ray and I took Poppy and Blue out for a long leisurely walk yesterday afternoon with lots of stops on the route to pause and admire the views. In a fast paced life walking slows us down.

Reed Beds at Poldhu Cove Lizard Cornwall
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

We started from Poldhu Cove, normally everyone photographs the views out to sea, here I have shown the reed beds facing away from the sea. This was once a fast flowing river that originally formed the cove. Now it is home to many species of wildlife and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest by English Heritage as has most of our little cove. This gives it great protection and will ensure that the natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Murmuration of Starlings at Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Every year between Autumn and February starlings flock to the reed bed to create huge and magnificent murmurations. This must be one of nature best sights, the starlings sweep ball like in their hundreds of thousands, twisting and turning in formation before flying down to the reed bed and roosting for the night. The sound of their chattering fills the cove.

Murmuration of Starlings at Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

We were walking to Mullion Cove and set off along the coast path on an overcast but dry day.

Photograph of the view from the Marconi Field at Poldhu Cove, Lizard looking towards Mullion Island
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The Island is now a bird sanctuary and no one is allowed onto the island. Do you remember Enid Blyton's books about the Famous Five. I grew up on these books and in my imagination I was with them on each of their adventures. Many were set in and around the fictitious Kirran Bay Cornwall and on Kirran Island.

The first time I saw Mullion Island I immediately thought Famous Five. I think that was one of the reasons I fell in love with this area.

This time of year you will more than likely get the coast path to yourself.

Coast path looking back towards Mount Bay Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Coast path Looking back towards Polurrian Cove Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

There has been coastal erosion here. If I lived in this house and there was a bad storm I would be worried that the house would end up at the bottom of the cliff.

Polurrian Cove Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

It is a steep walk down into Polurrain Cove and back up the other side.

The steps leading up from Polurrian Cove Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

When I took this photograph there was a fine mist blowing in from the sea so it is hazy.

Polurrian Hotel,Polurrian Cove Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The hotel is undergoing a multi million pound upgrade. We are looking forward to visiting the spa when finished. Can you see the tennis court, it is on the edge of the cliff, you can just see the ground sloping away.

There can't be many tennis courts with this view. You can just see the Poldhu in the distance.

View over Mount's Bay Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Onwards we walked to Mullion Cove. There is an old cannon guarding the entrance

Mullion Cove & Island Lizard Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

You could imagine an old pirate ship dropping anchor here.

Mullion Cove & Island Lizard Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Then we went inland passing these chickens on the way. They were very interested in us and came rushing over.

Chickens at Mullion Meadows Lizard Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Their eggs are served in the cafe at Mullion Meadows which is a great place to stop for a light lunch and good coffee.

We then did a large circle around the village and back onto the coast path and home

seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

We were glad to see this sign, only 1.25 miles to home.

There were lots of snores coming from two tired dogs and one husband last night as I sat stitching grass on ATS.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself

2012-01-17T12:18:00.004Z

And They Sinned

Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself - Oh I wish it did grow by itself. I think that it is going to take weeks to fill in the grass on the bottom section and Ann Medd is calling.

(Incidentally how do you pronounce Medd, would it be Meed or Med?)

I adore the lion and the expression on his face.

And They Sinned

I have now completed the stitching of the missing threads. I have omitted the flowers on the side of the wording as I am very tempted to move the M of them and the N of Eden to line up properly with the words. I am thinking of stitching some butterflies and other flowers to accommodate this change. I have decided to leave it until the end to decide.

I also jigged the layout to even up the words and made AND THEY SINNED slightly taller to make it more prominent.

And They Sinned

My men now have legs.

And They Sinned

I have strayed from the original design and have stitched the MNU and V in the correct order. Otherwise being dyslexic my family and friends would presume that I had got it muddled up.

And They Sinned

My avenging angel now has a body to go with her wings and the serpents are in the garden.

And They Sinned

I am pleased with the effect of the combination of Shutter Green and Apple Green for the grass. I have enjoyed stitching ATS and watching it grow but this grass is going to be a test. Just as well I have a new audio book that I am enjoying to pass the hours that I will be spending on this. I wonder which I shall finish first ?

The book is Stephen King's 11.22.63 you can check it out on Stephen King's website. So far it is a good thought provoking read. If you could travel back and change an event in history which one would you choose but beware when making your choice of the "Butterfly Effect" where a small change in one place can result in a large difference to a later state.

I had a great walk with Poppy and Blue yesterday, it was a beautiful day. Ray had to go to our son's farm to meet with the builders so it was just the three of us.

Photograph taken from the headland of Poldhu Cove looking out towards, Church Cove, Gunwalloe Cove, Porthleven and Mounts Bay in Cornwall - seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I watched the sunset over Poldhu Cove and Mounts Bay from the veranda wrapped up warm with a mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows waiting for Ray to return.

The sunset over Poldhu Cove and Mounts Bay Lizard Peninsula Cornwall. The photograph was taken from the seaside holiday cottages garden at Trewoon - seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Just a note about yesterday's post I didn't lose my entire photograph collection but I did lose about 200 or so pictures that I was in the process of transferring from the memory card to a folder.

Many thanks for all the comments that you are leaving on my posts, it is so nice to share even a little bit of ourselves with each other.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

Down by the seashore, where life is a little easier

2012-01-16T14:05:00.000Z

Home of a Needleworker - LNS

The weeks are flying by in 2012. Time seems to go faster and faster. I thought that I would share with you a project that I completed in 2011 - Home of a Needleworker by LNS.

Home of a Needleworker - LNS

I love Diane's designs and you can find them in most rooms of my home.

I have had a strange weekend with one thing and another. My page views continued to be excessively high throughout the weekend because of the bird names. I suppose that it didn't help that the post in question was titled "And They Sinned".

Then on Saturday afternoon Ray and I went out for a walk with Poppy and Blue and found that I had left the memory card for the camera in the computer. Typically we saw lots of things that would have made great shots.

On Sunday whilst editing photographs I took in the morning I wiped the whole card by accident, hundreds of photos gone :( I guess that it goes that way sometimes.

I had however, transferred a few to the albums on seasidecottagescornwall so I am able to share those with you.

Male Chaffinch in the seaside holiday cottage garden Poldhu Cove Mullion on the Lizard Peninsula Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Doesn't he have the cutest expression on his face.

Collared Dove in the seaside holiday cottage garden Poldhu Cove Mullion on the Lizard Peninsula Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

We several pairs of collared doves in the garden. I love the soft coos they make.

Cyanistes caeruleus in the seaside holiday cottage garden Poldhu Cove Mullion on the Lizard Peninsula Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Cyanistes caeruleus are everywhere in the garden busy darting here and there. They are such so small, I love their colours.

You never know what you are going to see when you go out for a walk. On Sunday we came across some vintage vehicles parked on the headland.

Vintage Vehicle parked on the headland at Poldhu Cove Mullion on the Lizard Peninsula Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I did manage to get some stitching time in last night and hope to have some more progress pictures soon. Hopefully I will be able to start Ann Medd soon.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

It is impossible to watch a sunset and not dream

2012-01-14T12:14:00.004Z

Sunset at Poldhu Cove Cornwall taken from the seashore holiday cottage on the Lizard Peninsula
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

As the working day comes to an end I enjoy sitting and watching the sun go down. The last few evenings have been truly glorious and the whole cove has been bathed with the golden rays from the setting sun.

Are you superstitious? I am and I always dread Friday the 13th, something always happens.

When I checked my blog last night I had to do a double take at the page views. Well over treble the usual number !! Upon further investigations it was noted that I was having hits from some weird referring sites.

Some sort of ...*$%*".... search engine had picked up on a phrase I had used in my post. I will not repeat it here other than to say that it was a type of bird. Can you guess which one? It was not the chaffinch.

I had so many lovely comments about the bird photos I have included another one today.

Chaffinch photographed in the Cornish seaside garden of the holiday cottage at Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Wouldn't he look good incorporated into a cross stitch?

We are off now for a walk with Poppy and Blue. It is a mittens and hats day, although dry and sunny the wind is very cold.

Wishing all my pin pals an enjoyable weekend with lots of stitching time.

It is impossible to watch a sunset and not dream.

Sunset at Poldhu Cove Cornwall taken from the seashore holiday cottage on the Lizard Peninsula
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

And They Sinned

2012-01-13T13:52:00.000Z

And They Sinned

I thought that I would share with you this week's progress on ATS. I haven't managed much stitching time with every thing else that has been going on but the time I have managed has been productive.

And They Sinned

I have completed Page 4 with the exception of the final wording across the bottom with dates which I always leave until the end of a project and filling in the green background. I have stitched three test areas for the background.

In the bottom right hand corner I have used Green Apple which is a beautiful colour and looks good in the small area but when balanced against the whole piece I think it looks too light. The bottom being the foreground should be a stronger green by comparison.

I then combined Shutter Green and Green Apple and stitched the area above the pond and two rows at the bottom of the green band at the top of the page. When I looked at the piece overall I think that this gives more texture and works better dimensionally.

Seagull in the seaside holiday cottage garden Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

It is a beautiful sunny day at on The Lizard Penisula with a brilliant blue sky as you can see from the photo of the seagull taken this morning.

The air is filled with the scents of spring and bird song.

Chaffinch feeding in the seaside holiday cottage garden Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Blue Tit in the seaside holiday cottage garden Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Chaffinch in the seaside holiday cottage garden Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Great Tit in the seaside holiday cottage garden Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I wish I was out walking with Poppy and Blue but the cottages are changing over today so work has to come first, maybe later this afternoon we might slip out.

Exploring rock pools Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Late yesterday afternoon we went down to the beach and they had great fun mostly digging in the wet sand and running around the rocks and rock pools at the side of the cove.

We had the beach pretty much to ourselves.

Exploring rock pools Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Yesterday evening we had a small family celebration for my future DIL who's birthday is on the weekend. Ray cooked a delicious curry from the cookery book he received this Christmas and I made the dessert - Betty's Never Fail Chocolate Pie and true to its name the recipe worked and it was scrumptious. Betty's blog Samplings from Spring Creek is well worth a visit. I so enjoy reading about her stitching and life with Applejack and Miss Callie Mae Calico.

I noticed from yesterday's posts that a lot of my American pin pals are experiencing or were expecting to experience bad weather. I hope that you are all safe and tucked up warm with plenty of supplies.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

A Place We Call Home

2012-01-12T13:54:00.000Z

A Place We Call Home - Country Cottage Needleworks

I just love the quote on this little piece, so much so that it is the first cross stitch visitors to my home see in the front porch.

The geraniums are doing well. I bought these about three to four years ago and they have not stopped flowering.

Geraniums - Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

They add a lovely touch of all year round colour to greet visitors to our home.

It is mild and sunny at Poldhu Cove.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

It is definitely an outdoor day with lots going on in the garden. Elizabeth - John will be pleased to see that the tree tops have been lopped off.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

It is amazing what is flowering at the moment.

Early Flowering Rhododendrons in the seaside gardens at Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

These rhododendrons should not be flowering until May.

Early Flowering Camellia in the seaside gardens at Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

We have two bushes flowering. Look at all these buds waiting to open.

Early Flowering Camellia in the seaside gardens at Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

We have roses out as well.

Early Flowering Roses in the seaside gardens at Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

This bush is flowering and still has a rose hip on from last year.

Rose hip in the seaside gardens at Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The plants in the garden are so confused.

Sparrow - Seaside gardens at Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The birds are busy building nests and the seed in the feeders are having to be restocked twice a day !!!

Great Tit - Seaside gardens at Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Very little stitching to report, so many other things have been going on this week. I will leave you with the sunset yesterday. These really are the colours that filled our sky (with no editing).

Sunset from Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea ShoreNicola xxx

Jam and Jerusalem

2012-01-11T14:38:00.003Z

Poldhu Cove - By The Ladies of Mullion WI

Today was a special day for me. For a long time I have been plucking up courage to go to the weekly meeting of the craft section of our local WI (Women's Institute) and I finally made it !!

I had a very warm welcome and was pleased to find that I knew two ladies there.

All the ladies are very gifted and it was a pleasure to see what they were working on. They are each embroidering a scene from the village to piece together into a large wall hanging.

Can you recognise where the above piece is depicting ? Yes our own dear little cove.

Here are a few more village scenes.

Scenes from Mullion - By The Ladies of Mullion WI

We awoke to a beautiful spring morning with a mist in the valley and the cove.

Looking from Trewoon over the reed beds
Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard Cornwall
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard Cornwall
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

No stitching today it is too nice to be indoors, this lovely mild weather calls for a walk with Poppy and Blue and some time on the garden.

Who can resist Poppy when she looks at you with those eyes.

Poppy

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

A Shopping Trip

2012-01-10T18:16:00.001Z

I have spent a lovely day with my husband which included a shopping trip to Truro and lunch in one of our favourite restaurants.

In Truro we have a shop called "House of Fabrics" which primarily sells the most gorgeous but very expensive curtain fabric.

I love going into the shop which is in an old Georgian building made up of little rooms. There are beautiful fabrics draped everywhere. I can't resist feeling, stroking and drooling, in fact I go most peculiar.

Tucked at the back of the shop they have a "remnant bar" where you can buy end of bolts but more importantly they have wicker baskets filled with fabric swatches taken out of their sample books. Some of the swatches are quite large.

These swatches can be used to make cushions which would cost a fortune if bought ready made. Today I was on the look out for material I could use to make pillow backs for some embroidery pieces and journal covers.

I struck lucky I had 21 swatches (smallest was 10" x 10") for the princely sum of £6 approx 9 US dollars. They consist of silks some embroidered, velvets and linen slub.

Poppy

We had a warm welcome from Poppy and Blue when we got home, lots of wagging tails and wet licks.

Blue

No sewing tonight I am going to give my husband my undivided attention as he has earned a stupendous amount of brownie points lately.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Fishing Nets to Gladiators

2012-01-09T13:06:00.001Z

The Laburnum Tree - Moira Blackburn (personalised)

Thank you for all the lovely comments yesterday about by DH - Ray. Secretly, I think that he was really chuffed and he told me to remember to tell you that he made me a cup of tea as well in the afternoon.

I love him so much. I stitched Moira's Laburnum Tree to celebrate our love for each other. I changed the saying to "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine", I use this saying alot in my stitching as it is one that I hold very dear.

The weather worsened throughout yesterday so we never made it out for our walk and I spent the afternoon working on a news letter that I send periodically to "Friends of Trewoon".

I thought that I would make this post a little different today my sharing it with you. (Elizabeth, as a very dear Friend of Trewoon I am sorry that you will be seeing this twice)

Fishing Nets to Gladiators

I was watching Amazing Grace last night on DVD and spotted Mullion Harbour. Our little harbour must be one of the most picturesque ‘storybook’ fishing harbours in Cornwall.

Fishermen at Mullion Harbour, Lizard, Cornwall
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Once a busy Pilchard fishing harbour it has been preserved by the National Trust, and is a magical place to visit with its lobster pots, quaint cobbled slipway, and old picturesque net store that provide a timeless and precious tranquillity that is difficult to find.

Boats at Mullion Harbour, Lizard, Cornwall seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Brightly coloured fishing boats still support a small fishing community with fresh lobster and crab being landed on the quay. There is nothing quite like our fresh crab sandwiches for lunch.

With its dramatic back drop of the high serpentine cliffs and tiny Mullion Island it is no surprise that Mullion Cove and Harbour have featured in many historic TV and Film dramas over the years.

Mullion Cove, Lizard, Cornwall by John Wright seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

When you visit Cadgwith Cove you may recognise some of the locals and buildings as many appeared in Ladies in Lavender with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. In 2004 for several weeks the cove was transformed into the 1940's.

Fishing Boats at Cadgwith Cove, Lizard, Cornwall by John Wright
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Rosamunde Pilcher was born in Cornwall and many of her novels were set in this area. Daphne Du Maurier lived for a short while at the head of Frenchman's Creek, the walk around the creek brings Du Maurier's famous novel alive.

The Shell Seekers, Nancherrow, Another View, Toby and Carousel all had scenes shot locally.

The 1949 Thief of Baghdad was set in Gunwalloe, the Island of Adventures was filmed in 1981 at Mullion Cove, The Return of Sherlock Homes in 1986 featured scenes filmed at Kynance, Church and Cadgwith Cove. Vinnie Jones appeared at Porthleven filming Guns, Money and Home Cooking.

Church Cove, Cove, Lizard, Cornwall by John Wright seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

With Jenny Agutter, Rodney Bewes, Caroline Quentin, Roger Taylor, Pete Townsed and Tim Rice having homes here and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie staying in Helston this year you never know who you are going to snap in your holiday photographs.

For Mark and Susan who like a bit of trivia:-

" the nets for Gladiator starring Russell Crowe were made by a fishing net maker in Porthleven. who had a surpise visit by the film star".

I hope my needlework friends enjoyed The Friends of Trewoon Newsletter, we are so blessed where we live.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

A Giveaway - The Colour Of The Heart

2012-01-08T11:55:00.001Z

I am having a giveaway of this beautiful Marie Suarez chart La Couleur Du Coeur - The Colour Of The Heart to thank all my followers for supporting and encouraging my blog. The chart is in English and the stitch count is 100/109, the heart ornament is 85/77. The stitches used are cross stitch, back stitch and straight stitch.

The giveaway is only open to my followers. The draw will be made on Sunday January 22nd at 11.00 GMT.

To enter the draw please:-

1. Leave a comment on any post between January 8th and 22nd. Each comment will be another ticket in the hat

or/and

2. Post details of the giveaway on your blog and leave a comment letting me know

or/and

3. Become a follower

Good luck, I am sure the winner will enjoy stitching the chart, Marie's designs are exquisite.

And They Sinned

I was pleased with my progress yesterday on ATS although I must admit that I am getting easily distracted with blogging in between stitching. By blogging at the same time as stitching it is like sitting down with you all and chatting as we stitch. It is such fun.

I tried to avoid stripes from the overdyed threads in the pond area. I haven't made up my mind yet if I like the effect I have created.

There is a bad sea mist at the moment so I am putting off walking for a few hours. There is a chicken roasting in the AGA and Ray has just brought me a cup of coffee so I am going to have a read of the Sunday papers on my ipad (one of the few downsides of living out of the village is no paper deliveries).

Do you remember my post about the "12 Acts of Kindness" that I want to try and do as often as possible ? Ray told me that the cup of coffee was his twelfth act of kindness for me today but he can't remember the other eleven. Oh I do love my husband so much, he is my soulmate and can still make me laugh after all these years together.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

All Things Bright and Beautiful

2012-01-07T15:56:00.004Z

All Things Bright and Beautiful

We have been out for a very long walk on what has been another grey overcast day, however, there were still many beautiful things to see. As I walked I found myself humming All Things Bright and Beautiful and I remembered the cross stitch that I made for my niece Claudia for her fifth birthday. Claudia has always adored animals and she loved all the little animals that appear.

Nicola and Claudia on Claudia's fifth birthday

Claudia is now a stunning 21 year old. I cannot remember who the chart was by as it is such a long time ago now.

We walked from Trewoon along the coast path to Polurrian Cove, along Meres Valley into the village of Mullion, then overland in a big circle back to the coast path and home.

Mushroom in Angrouse Field Mullion Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Meres Valley Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Hebe flowering out of season Meres Valley Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Coast Path Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Polurrian Cove Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

Lichen growing at Meres Valley Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Gorse flowering out of season Meres Valley Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Meres Valley Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

Meres Valley Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Heather growing Meres Valley Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;

Laflouder Thatched Cottage Meres Valley Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Berries growing from a wall Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Plant flowering out of season Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one;

My DH mountaineering Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Angrouse Thatched Cottage Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Fushias flowering out of season Angrouse Farm Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows for our play,
The rushes by the water,
To gather every day;

Three shades of green Angrouse Farm Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Angrouse Farm Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

A rider returning home early from the hunt
Angrouse Farm Mullion Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

Surfers Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Rosemary flowering out of season
Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Marigolds growing out of season
Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Sat here in my study writing this post some hounds have just loped past the window chasing a fox. You never know what you are going to see.

The huntsman and the field are in the car park in the cove. The horn is being blown to call the hounds back in, the light is fading early today and it is time for them to go home.

Blowing for home - Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I will be giving details of a giveaway tomorrow but for now it is time for some stitching.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

A hug is a great gift - one size fits all

2012-01-06T17:03:00.003Z

Hurray - they have arrived !! Can you believe it, both the first and second replacement order were delivered by the postman today. I have gone from not having these colours to having too many.

Cleejoow said she was going to pray to the saint of postmen for me yesterday. Cleejoow please can you pray to the saint of the lottery winners for me as well ?

A girl can never have too many threads especially when they are from GAT. I plan to offer the And They Sinned pattern as a giveaway when I have finished it and I will include some of the surplus threads as a start towards kitting it out.

The postman also delivered this beautiful Marie Suarez pattern.

Les boules de Noel - Christmas balls

Aren't they gorgeous. I intend to make some of these balls for my Christmas tree. It will be a great way to use up some threads and small waste linen pieces.

I must post some photos of Marie's samplers that I have stitched. Her designs are unique.

It has been a very busy day at Trewoon. We have had to "changeover" two cottages today and one of the ladies who helps me was ill and could not assist and another was on holiday. It has been all hands to the deck as besides the normal cleaning I had to pack away the Christmas decorations in each cottage.

Never mind we are all finished now, just in time for our new arrivals who are all regular visitors.

The single lady who came to recuperate turned out to be quite a well known international dancer and choreographer, she enjoyed her stay so much she didn't want to leave but unfortunately the cottage was already taken for this forthcoming week. She is now retuning next weekend to stay another fortnight.

She gave me this lovely orchid and a hug to thank me for her stay. I was very touched.

Garden of Holiday Cottage at Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Look who likes to eat my pansies. No wonder the rabbits in my garden all have fat tummies. Isn't it cute.

I am now off for a well earned cup of tea and some TLC from Ray my DH (Ray I know you will read this so please can I have a bar of chocolate with the cup of tea).

I couldn't find my rubber gloves today to do all that cleaning so I need lots of hand cream before I pick up any silks tonight.

Many heartfelt thank yous for all the kind comments yesterday, I have been overwhelmed by everyone's kindness.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

I cannot count my day complete 'til needle, thread and fabric meet.

2012-01-05T12:31:00.001Z

Ann Medd 1742 - The Scarlet House

Look what my lovely postman brought today. The colours are just gorgeous, my fingers are itching to start straight away.

It always amazes me how when you need something urgently it takes ages to come and when you are easy about delivery it arrives before expected. You've guessed it those elusive threads (from the second store) for ATS didn't turn up yesterday or today even though I paid extra for first class delivery. I was initially excited as I thought that the package was those threads.

I think that I am destined never to receive them.

And They Sinned

Here is where I am at the moment. I am currently working page 4. So that I could have a firm point to count from I took the border to the bottom of the chart page and am working up for just this section as a lot of the threads I am waiting on appeared at the top of this page.

I have been thinking about the best way to fill in the blanks when the threads arrive - shall I work back up or go to the beginning and work down ? I think that my brain will process working back down better so I will start over again.

I have had a request for some close ups.

And They Sinned

I am sorry about the lighting but it is such a dark day here, the sky is so very grey.

There is a lovely sentence in The Scented Garden by Rosemary Verey about light and colour:-

"Colours change: in the morning light, red shines out bright and clear and the blues merge into their surroundings, melting into the greens; but by the evening the reds loose their piquancy, embracing a quieter tone and shifting toward the blues in the rainbow. Yellow flowers remain bright, and white ones become luminous, shining like ghostly figures against a darkening green background."

Since Siobhan told me about Google Picasa I have been having a sort out of my photos and thought I would share one with you of Poppy and Blue from last summer.

Poppy and Blue at Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Poppy is obsessed with balls. Blue can never hold on to his for long.

:( :( I suppose I better go and do some work now, no stitching today until much later.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

TAST 2012 Week 1

2012-01-04T17:59:00.001Z

TAST 2012 Week 1 - Fly Stitch

Silly me I quite forgot that it was Week 1 of TAST 2012 yesterday, probably because I kept on thinking that it was Monday due to the bank holiday. I only realised my oversight this morning when I saw some pictures posted by other participants.

I couldn't wait for my chores to be done to start, unfortunately it was laundry day today :( :( and I had some administration work to do for my son.

I had my fabric ready, it is 19" x 55" and I have basted the outline of two columns with 26 sections per column. I intend to create a sampler of stitches which I will frame when finished. I will embroider a heading across the two columns at the end to incorporate Take A Stitch Tuesday 2012.

Week 1 was fly stitch which I always see as leaves or ferns

Open Fly Stitch

Closed Fly Stitch

Fly Stitch incorporated into a design

My inspiration came from the two colours I could see looking out from my study this morning. The purples of some primulas in a window box and the red of the geraniums on the verandah.

I also found a butterfly on my keyboard this morning (it is very unusual to see a butterfly in the winter) so I took that as a sign that I should incorporate it into my embroidery today.

It's only a quick post today as I have our evening meal to prepare and my DH is hungry.

Many, many thanks to everyone who is commenting on my posts, it means more than you know.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June

2012-01-03T14:04:00.003Z

And They Sinned

I was happy with my progress yesterday on ATS, the hours flew by and before I knew it the midnight hour had arrived. I could have carried on as I was so wrapped up in stitching this piece but I had to get up early this morning.

Now that the shops have re-opened today I have managed to source some of the threads on back order from another supplier and will hopefully have them tomorrow.

We had a terrible storm blowing through the night, my poor garden and roof !!

I had to go out for a hairdressing appointment this morning and a visit to the post office to send Siobhan's and Margaret's kits. It was not the day for driving but it is difficult to get an appointment with my hairdresser and when a girl's hair needs doing it's got to be done.

I had cobwebs on my car as it hadn't been used for a while.

The lanes were littered with branches, one whole tree and dustbins galore.

View of Poldhu Cove from Trewoon, Mullion, Lizard, Cornwall
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The sea is at it's magnificent best today. We had a very high tide and the big waves have been rolling in and crashing on the rocks. So mesmerising to watch. The waves look so small from up here but if you go down through the garden and onto the beach they really are HUGE.

It is still windy but the sun has now come out. I think that we will have to do quite a bit of tidying up in the garden this afternoon.

Maybe some sewing tonight.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

12 Acts Of Kindness

2012-01-02T12:38:00.000Z

The Hour of Prayer - Moira Blackburn

This time eight years ago we lost Tigger, my beautiful tabby cat to cancer. Tigger was a rescue cat so we weren't too sure how old he was but we had him for seventeen years.

I stitched the Hour of Prayer in memory of Tigger. He was a very affectionate cat who gave us all great pleasure.

The verse seemed fitting to mark Tigger's passing.

I was very touched last night when reading Lisa's blog ivoryblushroses by her post "2012 To Do List".

Lisa suggested that instead of making resolutions, try doing 12 ACTS OF KINDNESS throughout 2012 and that you can do them over and over again.

1. Send a card to a friend for absolutely no reason.

2. Bake goodies for a neighbour.

3. Buy coffee for an old friend,

4. Hold the door open for a stranger.

5. Compliment a server for their service.

6. Pick up litter that you see.

7. Write a note to someone special.

8. For one day, smile at everyone you pass by.

9. Let someone go ahead of you in line.

10. Pass on a memento to a loved one.

11. Invite a friend or neighbour over for a simple meal.

12. Call a family member and tell them how much they mean to you.

I have printed this list off and framed it. I am going to try to do as many of these things as often as possible.

Lisa's blog is well worth a visit, her stitching is beautiful and her posts are always very interesting.

It is a beautiful day here at Trewoon with a very active sea. I think that we have storm coming.

View of The Poldhu from Church Cove Lizard Cornwall
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Although my DH and I are retired my son runs his business from offices at Trewoon and we still help him out when needed. Eight people work from the offices and it is very busy. We have enjoyed the peace of the Christmas break but today is our last day of quietness as they all start back to work tomorrow.

Our nephew, Alessandro, who lives with us returns this afternoon from visiting friends and family around the country. I am expecting a big pile of laundry to come home with him!!

I think that I will spend the afternoon stitching and then have a good go at chores tomorrow.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

And The Winners Are .......

2011-12-31T23:08:00.000Z

First name drawn by my DH was Siobhan from bluehenhollow (comment left 20/12/11 for post titled Top Ten Reasons Why Eve Was Created) and the second name was Margaret from daysofasamplerlover (comment left 18/12/11 for post titled The Road To Trewoon).

Congratulations, please could you email me your addresses and I will post your kits on Tuesday when the post office re-opens after the bank holiday.

I wish everyone could have won. Many, many thanks to all for participating. I will have another giveway before the end of January.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy New Year, may it bring you gifts of joy, health and happiness and lots of stitching time for you.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other

2011-12-31T13:34:00.001Z

And They Sinned

Progress on ATS has been slower the last two days due to family commitments. I am still enjoying the project, the colours are so vibrant that I look forward to seeing each figure/motif evolving as I stitch. I just love the fence below the bottomless men (!)

Last night my son Chris and his fiance Kate came to supper. It was a very enjoyable night and as we ate in the breakfast room the room was filled not only with the heat from the AGA but from the warmth of our love. I am sure that I am gaining a daughter not losing a son. 2012 is going to be an important year for them as they get married in April.

Handmade Decorative Books - Sue Roddis Search Press

I wanted to share with you another thoughtful present my DH gave me at Christmas (he did VERY well this year). It is a book about making decorative books by Sue Roddis.

Handmade Decorative Books - Sue Roddis Search Press

The projects and the finishing methods could so easily be used with to make embroidered fabric books.

Handmade Decorative Books - Sue Roddis Search Press

I must find some time between my BAP's to do one or two.

We welcomed a couple yesterday to The Chocolate Box who had come to Cornwall to celebrate their engagement and plan their wedding. It is so nice to think that they are here in one of our holiday cottages planning their future.

The Chocolate Box, Poldhu Cove, Lizard, Cornwall
A Luxury Holiday Cottage with Sea Views

The Chocolate Box is such a romantic place to stay, just before Christmas Flavio proposed to Nicola in the cottage. We have one couple who regularly come to stay, they became engaged with us, honeymooned here and each year celebrate their anniversary in the cottage.

We welcome to Rest-a-Shore this afternoon a lady who has come to Cornwall to recuperate after an illness. The sea air will do her good.

Rest-a-Shore, Poldhu Cove, Lizard, Cornwall
A Luxury Holiday Cottage with Sea Views

This is the view from the bedroom window. It will be nice for her to rest in bed an enjoy looking down onto the cove.

Tonight I will be drawing two names from the "hat" for my giveaway so I am going to spend this afternoon printing off and folding the names ready for 11.00pm this evening.

Good luck to everyone I wish that you could all win.

I am so glad that I plucked up courage this year to start my own blog after following other blogs for nearly two years. It has given me a "boost" and added something special to my days. A big thank you to each and everyone of you who are following my posts and who take the time to comment.

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Angels Whisper

2011-12-30T13:13:00.000Z

Thank you Siobhan for telling me about Google Picasso, I have had great fun experimenting with the software and creating this collage today.

I have combined photographs of a top I knitted with those taken of a tree. The cabling and wool remind me of the textures and shapes of the bark.

It really is amazing how you can draw inspiration from the nature that you see around you. Raymond Inmon was spot on when he said

"If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk." -

There are so many beautiful things to see.

Poldhu Cove
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I had a shock this morning when I went to log into my Google account to find that access had been stopped and my blog removed !!!!

Upon investigation it appears that attempts had been made to access/hack my account. Full marks to Google's security that they picked this up before my password had been broken.

To access my account I needed a verification token that Google would text me. Unfortunately we don't get very good mobile phone reception in Cornwall and 7.15am found me hanging out of the bedroom window (in my bright red Christmas pjs) holding my phone up in the air trying to pick up reception. Thankfully it was still dark.

No token came through but I did pick up lots of other texts that had built up waiting for me to get a signal.

After reading Google's help section I filled out a security questionaire. It is important that you have an alternative email address as they email you a link when they are satisfied that you are the account holder.

There were lots of different questions - day, month and year you opened the account (the day and month were hard ones), the last five addresses you emailed (that was a hard one to, I knew who I had emailed but as I use my address book it wasn't easy to remember the exact addresses).

I must have got a few correct as quite quickly the link came through on my alternative email address. Phew !! great relief - I got back in to my account and my blog was back up.

Not the best way to start the day.

It did get better as the post man delivered another chart for my stash.

So many projects in the pipe line - I need more time.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December

2011-12-29T11:55:00.000Z

And They Sinned

I was very pleased with progress yesterday on ATS. I stitched throughout the afternoon and late into the evening as I listened to the BBC iplayer on my ipad (I still haven't found a good audio book, any recommendations will be appreciated). Without interruptions my needle flew. Ray cooked a curry from his new recipe book so I didn't even stop to cook.

To get around the threads that I am waiting on I substituted Cherry Bark with Claret (which I had in my stash) for the flowers on which the peacocks sit.

The peacocks are beautiful.

And They Sinned

This particular peacock reminded me of some gorgeous silk curtain fabric that my sister has in her home.

I have been so lucky this Christmas, my son and his fiance gave me the Marbek Nativity patterns.

Marbek Nativity

I am not sure how I will frame this yet but I will definitely use linen rather than aida. I understand that the frame that is sold for the pattern isn't glazed. I need to have a chat to my framers before I start to stitch it. I suppose the starting point will be where I want to display this.

It is so nice that it will be a shame to display it for just one month of the year. Maybe I will hang it on a wall for permanent view.

So many exciting projects I need more hours and hands to do them all!

The Kimono Revisited paperwork arrived today. Due to the difficulties in choosing threads via the internet and that mono canvas and congress cloth (other than in white or antique) doesn't seem to be readily available in the UK I have chosen to source by materials directly from John Waddell.

Unfortunately they won't be available for dispatch for a little time yet.

Kimono Revisited - John Waddell

Therefore, I have decided to wait until the materials are received before I start to delve into the file.

It's frustrating to see all the group emails coming in on this class and not being able to participate URRGH !!!

The weather is very grey and wintry today but I have consoled myself with the thought that God gave us memories so that we might have roses in December.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Husbands Do Have Ears

2011-12-28T12:16:00.000Z

I was thrilled to open my Christmas present from my husband. He does listen to my chatter about needlework after all.

I have been fancying this chest for ages but have previously only ever seen it sold filled with threads (I didn't want all those DMC threads) but luckily Sew and So sell the chest without the threads. This is the bestiest Christmas present ever. Thank you Ray xxxxxxxxx.

We have had a very hectic few days and have managed to fit in so much. Christmas morning and lunch with my son, his fiance and her parents. We had a wonderful time and a scrumptious traditional lunch.

Then we travelled to Wales to stay with my youngest sister in Monmouth. We were quite a house full. Mum, Dad, my two sisters and their husbands and children. It was so nice to all be together to celebrate Christmas. As we have gotten older and our families have grown it has not always been easy to be together especially when we live so far apart.

My youngest sister is very creative and had the most gorgeous Christmas decorations. My head is buzzing with idea for next Christmas.

I have never seen Christmas themed chair back covers before. They were adorable. They would be so easy to make, you could have Father and Mother Christmas, Santa's little helpers, snowmen, the possibilities are endless and could be personalised for the family member who sits in the chair.

I would like to make a wall hanging like this for next year. It would be a great way to use up scraps of material as well.

The Christmas stockings were amazing.

As were her cushions

Whilst staying in Wales we also visited my MIL and SIL and my SD and GCs. It was wonderful to see them. Talking on the telephone can never replace seeing and hugging them.

It has been strange not stitching for a few days. Before, I went away I took this photograph of ATS.

And They Sinned

I have run out of Cherry Bark. My back order of threads are somewhere in transit between the UK store and the States. I am worried that I may make a counting mistake with having so many gaps.

It will be good to stitch again today once I have caught up with my chores.

Christmas is now as far away as ever, we will remember 2011 as a special one filled with love, laughter and too much food and chocolates. .

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-24T17:27:00.000Z

Red Heart Sampler by HSC - done over one

I hope you all have a blessed and joyous Christmas, may it be filled with love, laughter, and a bit of festive cheer.

Christmas 2007
Cassie, Chris (my son), Blue, Poppy & Millie

Christmas is a time to celebrate but for me it is also a time that I like to remember Christmases past so I thought that I would post a photograph from Christmas 2007. My darling Millie is no longer with us but still very much in our hearts.

What a busy day Christmas Eve is for us at Trewoon. It is my husband's birthday, 64 today, and our wedding anniversary. We can never remember exactly how many years we have been married but it is 20 something. I know that it may seem bizarre but the number of years have never been important to us, life began when we met. We lived together for a few years first then had a very low key wedding in the Snowflake Inn in Stowe, Vermont on a skiing holiday.

Snowflake Inn, Stowe, Vermont

We have had lots of visitors today but we did manage to go for a long walk with Blue and Poppy.

Windy Ridge Farm, Predannack, Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

We drove to the small National Trust hamlet at Predannack and then had a very wet and muddy walk, first inland to the downs and then to the headland at Predannack and back via the coast path.

Dexter Cows Predannack Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The hardy, little Dexter cows were very interested in us when we walked past and they trotted over to see us.

Predannack Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Everywhere is very wet due to the rainfall that we have had.

Predannack Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The downs at Predannack is so beautiful and you hardly ever see someone else. The whole area is covered in Chamomile.

Chamomile at Predannanck Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The scent from the Chamomile as you walk on it is wonderful.

Unfortunately we were caught in a horrendous storm. The hailstones (boulder sized) came down horizontally in the wind. The stormed passed after ten minutes or so and we were drenched.

It was worth it though for scenery like this.

Cliffs at Predannack Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Waves Predannack Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Cliffs at Predannack Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Predannack Lizard
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

After a bit of "rock climbing" over the styles we were back in the car park and straight home to peel off our wet clothes and a hot shower to warm up.

We are now off to visit family and I will be away from my blog for a few days.

Everyone from Trewoon - Nicola, Ray, Poppy and Blue wish you all a very happy New Year, may it bring you gifts of joy, health and happiness and lots of stitching time.

Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

And They Sinned

2011-12-23T13:13:00.000Z

And They Sinned

ATS is progressing nicely and I am now on Page 2 of the chart. I am still waiting for three thread colours to arrive but that will not be until after Christmas. I had some of the Shutter Green in my stash but I have now exhausted that so the grassy mount is looking a bit bare.

I am enjoying the colours. The peacock blue that I used last night is gorgeous.

And They Sinned

When stitching a sampler I like to discover the meaning behind the figures. The symbolism of Peacocks is very interesting.

In general, the Peacock is representative of glory, immortality, royalty, and incorruptibility. It is a possessor of some of the most admired human characteristics, and is a symbol of integrity and the beauty that can be achieved when we endeavour to better ourselves and better our lives.

In history, myth, legend & lore, the peacock is considered an emblem of protection, nobility, watchfulness, guidance, and holiness.

In Christianity the peacock represents the “all-seeing” church and the holiness & sanctity associated with it. Additionally, the peacock represents resurrection, renewal and immortality within the spiritual teachings of Christianity.

The Chocolate Box Poldhu Cove Lizard Cornwall
A Luxury Holiday Cottage With Panoramic Sea Views

It has been a busy day at Poldhu today. We have visitors arriving at Rest-a-Shore and The Chocolate Box for the Christmas break but our preparation work is now finished and we are looking forward to welcoming our guests.

I would like to share with you some more photographs that I have received from John Wright, a very gifted amateur photographer who holidays in our cottages.

Waves breaking on the rocks at Poldhu Cove by John Wright
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

We have some fantastic sunrises and sunsets on the Lizard.

Sunrise at Lizard Point Cornwall by John Wright
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Sunrise at Kennack Sands Lizard by John Wright
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

The coves and beaches on the Lizard are magical places to explore. John has captured the spirit of Kennack Sands beautifully in this shot.

Kennack Sands Cornwall by John Wright
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

Ann Medd has been purchased although I will have to wait on delivery as the store has to order the kit from the States. It is such a beautiful sampler that I have decided to push the boat out and to use silk as opposed to cotton floss.

Thank you again Margaret and Laurie for recommending this sampler to me. I know that I will have many hours of pleasure stitching it and hopefully many years of enjoying looking at it on the walls of my home. It is definitely not one to give away.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Time To Stop And Stare

2011-12-22T12:08:00.000Z

Here is a little something I have stitched but have not yet found the right frame for.

I can't find the chart I used but I think that it was by LNS. Tell me if I am wrong so I can correct the post. What I do remember is the feel of the Belle Soie silk as it passed though my fingers. Just like butter. Belle Soie silk has to be in my top five favourites to use. What are yours ?

I had to force myself out yesterday on what was a dark, overcast day, yet when I got out there was so much of nature's beauty to see. As I walked and stopped to look around me I thought of the poem "Time To Stop And Stare".

What is this life if full of care

We have no time to stand and stare.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep, or cows.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

No time to see,in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

And watch her feet, how they dance.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

No time to wait until her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

A poor life this, if full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

If I had stayed in I would have missed so much.

I have had a morning of chores but am now having some me time. The top priority is to order Ann Medd from the Scarlet Letter. I have managed to track down a UK store that stock it Wye Needlecraft, they appear to be the only one.

It can often be cheaper to buy from the USA but I think that on this occasion taking into account the import duty and shipping it is better to order from the UK.

If anyone has the BOAF chart Dashing Through The Snow or Blackbird Designs - Blessings Be Thine there is a good home waiting. I have lots of charts that I can swop with you.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore

Nicola xxx

Santa has been busy

2011-12-21T13:56:00.000Z

Father Christmas has delivered some charts from Rosewood Manor. Both have been purchased with money given to me for Christmas by my MIL. My family know that I like nothing more than to have stitching related gifts. I am looking forward to stitching both but when is another thing. They will be dedicated to my MIL who was 92 this year.

I love really big samplers. Any suggestions of charts to add to my stash would be appreciated.

The post man has also brought with him the replacement legs for my stand. They fitted perfectly and all the problems with the new stand have been resolved.

I was most impressed with Elbesee and Sew and So's customer service. When I realised the fault with the stand I spoke to Yvette at Sew and So and within 15 minutes David, the MD at Elbesee rang me.

He was most apologetic and immediately said he would post replacement legs. He didn't need me to return the faulty ones or even require proof of the faults. You can't fault that !

I thought that with the Christmas post I wouldn't have them until after Christmas so their arrival today was a nice surprise.

The weather is overcast today but I must stir myself into walking Poppy and Blue. It is the shortest day in the UK. It's good to think that from here on in the days will start to get longer even though we have the winter weather of January and February to come.

On this grey winter's day I thought that I would include some bright and cheery photographs of my garden in summer bloom.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
www.seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I have next year's displays all worked out and the seeds and bedding plants have been ordered. It is such fun pouring over the seed catalogues on winter days.

At Trewoon we try and grow as many plants as we can from seeds or cuttings but we still have to order in quite a bit.

I think that cultivating a garden and developing planting schemes is akin in many ways to working a sampler. It is so rewarding to watch both grow and bloom in all their glory.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Thread Gathering

2011-12-20T15:03:00.000Z

Thread Gathering - LNS

I have had a frustrating day trying to pick threads for a project. I wish there was a store within easy travelling distance that stocked Threadworx, Caron, Crescent Colours, Thread Gatherer, Gloriana etc., The internet is fine when you know the colours that you want but not for deciding on the actual colours.

In Truro we have a very good fabric store but their needlework section is limited and they only stock Anchor and DMC.

I failed to pick the threads and I have given myself a headache.

On a more positive note I enjoyed stitching Thread Gathering from LNS in 2010. I loved the little cotton reels which I used satin stitch for and the silver needle.

Thread Gathering - LNS

I am posting a picture of Rumpy (short for you are going to be rump steak one day :( :( ) for Lizzie from "and this little pig" who is interested in cows. Rumpy is a short legged Dexter belonging to my son. Dexters are so cute they are only just a little bit bigger than a Shetland Pony.

I don't like getting to attached to my son's animals as you never know when you are going to be served them for lunch.

I daren't even look at his pigs as I know that some of them will be hog roasted for his wedding in April.

I wanted to share with you this photograph of Poppy and Blue fast asleep in front of the fire. They have the right idea of what do on a winter's afternoon.

As there isn't any room for me on the sofa I think that it is time for some more stitching on ATS.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore

Nicola xxx

Top Ten Reasons Why Eve Was Created

2011-12-19T14:19:00.000Z

And They Sinned

I have been pleased with progress on ATS. I am still waiting on three threads so there are some gaps that will need to be worked backed, mostly Deep Sea.

As I was stitching Eve this weekend I recalled an old joke.

"Top Ten Reasons Why Eve Was Created"

10. God was worried that Adam would frequently become lost in the garden because he would not ask for
directions.

9. God knew that one day Adam would require someone to locate and hand him the remote control.

8. God knew Adam would never go out and buy himself a new fig leaf when his wore out and would
therefore, need Eve to buy one for him.

7. God knew Adam would never be able to make a doctor's, dentist or haircut appointment for himself.

6. God knew Adam would never remember which night to put out the garbage for collection.

5. God knew if the world was to be populated, men would never be able to handle the pain and
discomfort of childbearing.

4. As the Keeper of the Garden, Adam would never remember where he left his tools.

3. Apparently , Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught him hiding in the
garden.

2. As the bible says, It is not for man to be alone.

1. When God finished the creation of Adam, he stepped back, scratched his head and said, "I can do better
that that!"

We went out for Sunday lunch yesterday and had a very tasty meal. I would be embarrassed to show a photograph of my meal as my plate was piled high. I always get stuck for choice when it is a carvery so I went for a little of everything.

I love textures and colours and will often choose a project because of the colours and textures used. I often change both and I love to add embellishments or fancy stitches. Crazy quilting answers all my urges.

This old tree in my garden which has been battered by the winds and salt from the ocean fascinates and inspires me.

Trewoon Poldhu Cove Mullion
seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk

I hope to take inspiration from the trees in my garden and use the shape of their trunks and branches and the different textures of their bark in TAST 2012.

I am so looking forward to 2012.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore

Nicola xxx