Jan May

Looking pretty on kitchen wall Today I've finished this picture for my kitchen.  A combination of cross-stitch and random scraps as a border I'm rather pleased with how it's turned out.   I began it as the frame was redundant, a colour change in the lounge meant neither the dark wood frame or red-themed picture fitted.   After realising the box frame held potential I began to think what I could put inside. All ready to fit the frame I came across the little cross-stitch picture on Pinterest.   The cr0ss-stitch design is by  Amanda Gregory  and is a free chart for personal use.  There is added background detail in the design which I didn't add in as it was so tiny.   It turned out much smaller than I was expecting!  The outer square is the right size to fit in the box mount, so I had to find a way of filling the space. I used to do a lot of cross-stitch and have kept a basket full of supplies for years.   Since I las...

The weather has most definitely got chillier in the last few weeks.  Our Indian Summer has finally come to an end.  I found this lovely variegated yarn at the Stitch and Knit show at Alexandra Palace last month. It's 100% wool, and was a great bargain - only £3.50 per 100g ball.  This scarf used two balls. I didn't have a pattern, just knew I wanted an infinity scarf, in a pattern that would work up quickly.  I guessed I had cast on enough stitches.   Likewise, I hoped a 6mm hook would be suitable.  Luckily it's turned out fine.  Just right to wrap around twice, and deep enough to wear as a hood without leaving the back of my head freezing. The yarn I used was a chunky weight.  If you would like to make one for yourself, it was super quick to do.  Finished it in 3 evenings, with no concentration necessary..... easy to do whilst watching the television.   If anyone would like to crochet one themselves, it's very s...

A vision in Teal - front view Towards the end of February I saw a competition advertised on Twitter by Hillarys Blinds .  I can't remember the exact wording, but it was along the lines of "would you like to receive some material and enter our competition?" Of course I would! After sending an e-mail, I was delighted to hear I'd been chosen to take part.  I was able to pick from 3 fabrics.  I opted for the peacock print as I adore teal.  About a week later I received a packet from Hillarys containing a metre of my chosen material.  I wish I could get the colours to come out properly.  I don't think any of the photos I've taken do the fabric justice.  The background is a light cream, with the branches and blossom in subtle shades of brown and pale yellows.  Sitting on the branches across the fabric are a selection of beautiful peacocks.  In shades of teal, they are quite wonderful. A Vision in Teal - back view My ...

It's not long to February 14th now - so today I am sharing some vintage Valentine graphics.  As you know, as these are vintage artwork pieces, they may be freely used in whatever project takes your fancy.  If you feel inspired by any of these items, do pop over to the  Graphics Fairy  website.  Here you can find oodles more vintage loveliness.  Every day a new vintage piece is shared..... it really is a great blog to follow. Here's a few more of my Valentine favourites..... The three images above would be perfect printed onto stout card stock and threaded together to form a vintage banner.  How lovely to place in the window of a period property.  Or even better, printed onto fabric, and sewn onto a length of pretty lace.  Beautiful! Such a gorgeous little picture.  The original may be a lot larger, so it's worth checking with  Graphics Fairy  if you like this image.  There are so many items on th...

unknown source I did say I had a hunch about another couple of trends that may be forthcoming.  I have a feeling that it's about time mermaids came to the fore.  Folklore and legend combine in a dream of an artist's subject.  I'm not thinking Aerial type creatures, I'm thinking sultry, glamorous beauty. I've hand-picked a few favourites to showcase:- unknown source What a stunning photograph!  I wish I could find the source, but sadly I can't link back to find out. Isn't it lovely?  It looks to me as though the model has been body-painted - with what looks very much like a real fish tail added on.  It's a fabulous piece of art by a very talented photographer. unknown source Another fabulous photograph.  How wonderful is this?  The colours in the mermaid tale are so beautiful.  Oh to dive into lusciously warm water and swim!  It looks divine.  Yet again, I am unable to find the source.  Such a shame, as I ...

by Jo Hill textiles My goodness!  I can't believe how long it is since I wrote a blog post.  Where did the year go? Hopefully, I am back!  I've had months of trying to sort out my arthritis, and get pain management in place that works.  Plus my sewing room has had a big sort out.  So.... I haven't made anything for a long, long time.  I have however, been Pinning tremendously - and have tons of ideas brewing. What will 2014 bring I wonder?  What will the next craze be?  Owls are so passé..... I'm thinking the next big thing will be hares.  Probably due to the John Lewis advert, but I'm noticing a marked increase in the number of Hare items Pinned.  So, as a way of getting back into the blogosphere - let's have a little look at some of my favourites. I love this first picture by Jo Hill.  I think it is charming.  Do pop along and look at her website, as there are a whole host of wonderful makes - all for sale. ...