tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-112805102011-07-28T17:23:56.729+08:00One of my childhood nicknames was Muppet because of the way I danced! (I used to think I was compared to Kermit - it's worse than that, turns out it was Animal (the drummer in Dr Teeth's Band!)) This is my diary.cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.comBlogger4711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-13592470869482859322007-02-04T07:59:00.000+09:002007-02-04T08:04:49.144+09:00

I'm starting a Wordpress Blog - you can see it here.Thus far there is two posts - one celebrating my successful completion of the Japanese Octagon box lid (we've all seen it now) and the second debating the name of the blog - if you have any suggestions - leave me a comment.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-27730627979442066662007-02-01T18:54:00.000+09:002007-02-01T19:06:19.928+09:00

We got part 12 of the Japanese Octagon box today - suggestions for a fob to go with the scissor case. I remember some time way back I said that it would be nice to make a fob from the medallions on the box sides? That is indeed what Martina has suggested to the group. I'm not sure that I'll get this done this month, I have some exchange stitching to do - a biscornu for the Robins Nest Board (

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-28834916931279407802007-02-01T06:53:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:54.883+09:00

Here are the results of last nights time spent with Winter ACEO - she's moving right along! Every time I work on this piece I get a little thrill! It's a very enjoyable stitch.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-82877842133065821872007-01-31T16:58:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:55.044+09:00

OK, I just couldn't put this down and I have finished up part 11 of Japanese Octagon Box. I did the last beads this afternoon (it's another one of my RDOs) while my sister was visiting. Now it's time for my weekly appointment with Winter ACEO.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-67880646530832017922007-01-29T20:28:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:55.204+09:00

As predicted, it was a stinking hot weekend so there is not a lot of progress to report on Japanese Octagon Box. This crooked little scan shows my progress to date - I have completed the pond plants and lamp back stitch and done all the specialty stitches. I have also managed to do one corner with the beading and gold backstitching. Unless some sort of miracle occurs I don't think I'm going to

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-52138861937401502022007-01-28T09:19:00.000+09:002007-01-28T09:41:53.881+09:00

What is it about a paper bag that charms me so? I just love them. This one arrived late last night, when Joel got home from playing poker with his brother in law, Todd. Inside the bag was gifts from my in-laws for Christmas! Joel's parents had bought 3 DVDs of Herge's Adventures of Tintin for Joel and this cute jewellery holder for me. Here it is all festooned with my "precious" gems.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-41662586434597518612007-01-26T07:11:00.000+09:002007-01-26T07:21:56.879+09:00

It's Australia Day and Joel and I are already sitting in front of the oscillating fan - it's going to be a hot one! Actually the Weather Bureau are predicting an incredibly hot weekend (these are the times I wish I lived in Tasmania where it is cooler). We're going to my sister's for brunch (and playtime with the Nephew). Lucy's got air conditioning so we might never leave (just kidding - Joel

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-43184435772574094272007-01-24T19:38:00.001+09:002007-01-24T19:38:19.609+09:00

Form a circle. Originally uploaded by Cathymk. Today was a good day. It was my RDO (rostered day off)! So I picked up Winter ACEO in the morning and stitched a little on her (not a whole lot of progress - I may get an hour in after I log off).Then I went over to my sister Lucy's place and played with Niall for an hour or so (best Aunty Cathy trick - dancing around the lounge with her

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-29852511818576189162007-01-21T17:47:00.000+09:002007-01-21T18:09:40.558+09:00

Well we had a quiet weekend at home this weekend so I have a little finish to share with you - Quaker Reindeer by The Workbasket. I'm pretty pleased with how he turned out - I copied the idea of colourising the Quaker medallion from a someone on the Legacy Embroiderer's Guild Bulletin Board. I used Gentle Arts Cranberry and Blue Spruce for the medallion and he is on 36ct Light Cappuccino R&R

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-71411757059291331672007-01-19T06:26:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:55.331+09:00

You have got to see this! WOW! I'm so glad I will be able to finish the stitching by the end of March to join the finishing class. I have to admit I'm kind of gobsmacked at the moment - Judy O'dell did such an amazing job (as always).In exchange news, I have signed up for two more, the Biscornu Exchange on the Robins Nest BB (have name, chosen chart, must get to work, post date is end of FEB)

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-55393646632880733602007-01-17T12:34:00.001+09:002007-01-17T12:38:24.541+09:00

Winter Quaker Exchange Received. Originally uploaded by Cathymk. Firstly, sorry about the lousy photo, I appear to have lost any skill I had in the photography arena. I received a wonderful surprise yesterday - I received my Winter Quaker package from Su. I just love it. Su also sent along some lovely goodies including the very thoughtful inclusion of some of the DMC from my wishlist -

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-60148943038243164562007-01-15T19:38:00.000+09:002007-01-15T20:26:52.801+09:00

Here she is in all her glory. We can see her neck and shoulder now and we can see more of her cloak starting to appear. I have really enjoyed focusing on her. I've no idea how many stitches went into her over the weekend - if I had been smart I guess I could have used a different highlighter. Time-wise I'd say I spent around 4-5 hours a day on her this weekend (including Monday which I had as

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-64575832592681509932007-01-15T06:25:00.000+09:002007-01-15T06:40:55.019+09:00

This weekend was the "Stitch Along Challenge Weekend" on the Heaven and Earth Designs EZBoard. So mostly I have been concentrating on Winter ACEO this weekend. The SAL finishes today (Monday) so I will try and get a few more stitches in before I post my progress picture - I think there is visible progress!!) When I wasn't working hard on Winter ACEO I pulled out L is for Librarian. I think I

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-74734641721489208642007-01-15T06:00:00.000+09:002007-01-15T06:23:50.723+09:00

My partner has received her little Quaker parcel from Australia. I was sending to Elizabeth in France. What made this exchange extra special for me was Elizabeth was the first person I ever sent an exchange gift to (the 2005 Halloween Exchange) and we have been in touch on and off ever since. So anyway, here is what I sent. I made a lined treat bag. The motif is from the Ackworth Book of

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-14234310868375034592007-01-11T19:21:00.000+09:002007-01-11T20:26:05.426+09:00

Here is last night's progress on L is for Librarian. I did the loop stitch flowers which have leviathan stitches for their centres and backstitched stems with cross stitch leaves.I'm not entirely happy with how the flowers look I wanted them all to look like the left hand flower but they got progressively bigger! I may have to pull out them out and try again but before I do that, I am going to

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-77149995065617311852007-01-10T18:20:00.001+09:002007-01-10T18:20:09.358+09:00

Winter ACEO Jan 10 Originally uploaded by Cathymk. Here she is! Now we can see her nose and the marks under her eye and some more of her hair. I had a wonderful time stitching her this morning. This afternoon I went out to the movies with my sister, Lucy. We saw The Holiday, which was just the ticket for two girls with an afternoon away from their responsibilities (my nephew was with

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-9801379227973123032007-01-09T21:01:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:55.647+09:00

And after 6 straight days at work - I am ready for a little break. Here is my most recent scan of Japanese Octagon box. Starting to see the box outline now.Tomorrow is QS Wednesday and I am going to stitch on Winter ACEO (or at least find the chart and floss!!). I am seeing Lucy in the afternoon so I'll be stitching in the morning which is my best time as I am more "fresh".

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-16476775531181367932007-01-06T20:56:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:56.110+09:00

First up, here is a scan of Persian Iris Garden - part 1 (where I left it last time) - I have stolen the PC from Joel and had a nice little scanner fest (usually I blog from my little iBook). I think this is a nicer representation of where I am at on this piece. Certainly a Work is SLOW progress!! I will get back to the beading some day (when hell freezes over she mutters into her chest).It's

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-13583786508072978712006-12-31T08:16:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:56.641+09:00

This year I'm going to try to make it more realistic - My goals are more about how I approach my stitching rather than what I am going to actually achieve.Non stitchingTake my long service leave - 3 months off work!! Have requested March through to May this year - waiting for news from my boss.StitchingBecome a WIP killer and finish off at least one of my current long term Works in Progress (the

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-14790236492838694762006-12-30T22:39:00.000+09:002006-12-31T07:46:26.497+09:00

This is a long post reviewing my goals and achievements for 2006, please keep in mind I intended to take my long service leave when I set my goals, so I think I may have achieved more if I had taken my holidays (ha ha ha!! ROTFL). When all's said and done, I didn't do too badly, I just didn't do any of the things I set out to do!My 2006 finishesHeartfelt Flower - Shepherds BushValentine's

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-36377057425725905062006-12-30T18:58:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:56.749+09:00

First up here is a photo of Persian Iris Garden, I am currently beading the centre and having some crowding issues, so instead of throwing it across the room (pointless but satisfying in a small way), I have decided to take a pic so you can see I have been working on this piece at long last. It's very pretty on the black and I haven't had too many problems adapting to using dark fabric. I

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-90387017481248693612006-12-29T14:45:00.001+09:002006-12-29T14:45:28.505+09:00

Stocking grab Originally uploaded by luny. I just have to show you all this photo that was taken by my brother in law. Here's Niall on Christmas day with the stocking I stitched for him. That's his grandma holding the stocking. He'll be 18 months old next month. What a cutie!

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-82983167362008981642006-12-28T13:06:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:57.389+09:00

We had a quiet Christmas this year, Joel and I stayed at home, rather than going down to Mt Barker (which has been our habit). Joel did our turkey, he made a brown rice, cashew and apricot stuffing that was delicious and served it with cheese potato bake and some veggies.Pressie wise, I didn't receive any cross stitch stash! I think Joel wants to see some progress on Egyptian Garden before

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-83092885455773097292006-12-23T20:49:00.002+09:002008-12-13T15:39:57.566+09:00

I've been a bit stitchy focused of late and managed to finish the two items pictured here. First up Shepherds Bush's Happy Day Needleroll or as my friend at work named it, "what a sweet bon-bon". I'm really pleased with how this turned out even if I'm not actually that wild about the design - this was an accidental addition to an order of needlerolls I did a while back, from the Silver Needle.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-45919978440576603072006-12-20T14:26:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:57.817+09:00

I've made a start on L is for Librarian. Here are the first two bands. I went down to my LNS, stitchers corner this morning and picked up the platinum linen for this piece (and various other sundries I just can't help myself!!).It is very pretty, if you click on the picture you will be able to see an indecently close, close-up.I used Joel's scanner and computer to do this post - I had a bit of

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-14804958583334053882006-12-18T17:37:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:58.114+09:00

When I arrived home from an exhausting day of beauty appointments*, I found an exciting envelope from Stitching Bits and Bobs and a no less exciting envelope from Country stitch. Here's a lovely blurry photo of my little stash attack. I bought: L is for librarian (with accessory pack), the last two mini kats by Calico Crossroads (I have been collecting these all year - I don't really like the

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-53472717041436795392006-12-17T07:22:00.001+09:002006-12-17T07:24:03.703+09:00

Part 10 completed! Originally uploaded by Cathymk. I managed to get going on this piece yesterday after a couple of nights of not stitching in the evening. With this finish, I'm caught up now - really caught up, no more stitching to do till January - It's a strange sensation. I guess it's time to pick up one of my other pieces that have been pushed aside of late. I went out for lunch and

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-68927127146425414442006-12-13T21:12:00.001+09:002006-12-13T21:12:27.343+09:00

Japanese Octagonal Box part 10 WIP Originally uploaded by Cathymk. Here is my part ten nearly done - just need to add the beads and add the metallic gold to the border. It looks pretty cool. I am happy with it. Is it really obvious the initials are not centred? (They are one stitch out) This morning I went out and bought an awful amount of chocolate santas because tomorrow I am

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-64924893153817536592006-12-10T20:22:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:58.291+09:00

I've finished part 9 over the weekend and made a start on part 10. I've had to work this weekend so I am afraid there is not too much progress on part 10 to share.I've already made an error and would you believe it - it is with the over one initials in the top medallion. I can live with it but I am feeling just a bit peeved with myself. I was watching Star wars: attack of the clones while I was

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-62510642176877955202006-12-07T19:29:00.000+09:002006-12-07T19:55:05.208+09:00

Here is the ornament I sent to Katrina in New Zealand. It was designed by Eileen Bennett of The Sampler House and was featured in the 1999 issue of Just Cross Stitch's Annual Christmas Ornament Issue. It was stitched on some 32ct Toitoi linen by Countrystitch with the called for fibres. I made the cording from Anchor lamé (the gold - very lush!) and some DMC light effects floss (shade unknown

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-50105409201724987002006-12-06T16:45:00.000+09:002006-12-06T17:24:43.549+09:00

After my walk with Max this morning, I returned home and started my breakfast and five minutes later the parcel van turned up (we now have a nodding relationship, the poor guy stops by our place at least once a week these days) and today's parcel was from Su (susimac) and it contained the Christmas Ornament Exchange piece Su had stitched for me. Many thanks Su, I absolutely love it!Su stitched a

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-41142483650859297862006-12-04T20:24:00.001+09:002006-12-06T17:06:23.079+09:00

Joyous Christmas by From Merry's HeartOriginally uploaded by Cathymk. Well! I posted a package to Nicki in NZ last Thursday lunchtime and I received an email today that it had already arrived!! In all the time I have been sending to Nicki never has a parcel made to her in such a short time.Here is the centerpiece of the package I sent - Merry Cox's Joyous Christmas Ornament from the 1997 issue

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-83400303917674887472006-12-03T17:40:00.000+09:002008-12-13T15:39:58.640+09:00

I had afternoon tea with my dear friends Donna, Sue and Ali this afternoon. We had a very pleasant time sipping hot chocolate, milkshakes and eating potato wedges. At one point during the afternoon, I asked Ali if she had started Chatelaine's Alhambra Garden (cause I know she has the kit) but she said she likes to have only one project on the go at one time... not like some others we know (ie

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-59427362710976032242006-12-02T07:52:00.000+08:002006-12-02T09:22:22.256+08:00

Chatelaine Bingo is underway! The major prize (well, to me anyway) is membership to the 2008 mystery, which is included in the first and second prizes. Martina has announced the theme for the 2008 mystery -The topic for this BIG Mystery is a "Celtic Garden" - think of a maze perhaps - a forest, trees and plants, ferns.Celtic Symbols hidden in the green.The Moon...the Stars-gold and silver

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-74009915819572202972006-11-27T20:10:00.000+08:002006-11-27T20:45:28.930+08:00

Here is Sapphire Star by Patricia Ann Designs (JCS ornies 2004) all gussied up and finished!! Please click to enlarge this photo it is actually pretty nice.This weekend I bit the bullet and figured out how to do a ruched ribbon edge. I've now done two of these ribbon finishes (In the second pic you can see my mystery finish and first attempt at ribbon ruching - doesn't it look grand!) and feel

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-91581287648554642072006-11-25T07:04:00.000+08:002006-11-25T07:39:10.064+08:00

First up, here is a pic of my San-Man Originals Stitch along piece. This piece is offered to all members of the San-Man Originals board and there are details about how to get the charts for members there. This is a nice quick stitch and so far, quite cute - I'm thinking of making mine into a wall hanging when it is done. This is a mystery stitch, I don't know what is coming next (one presumes

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-30768611261430605182006-11-20T17:34:00.000+08:002006-11-20T17:49:56.111+08:00

I know I have celebrated finishing this piece two times already - when I completed the embroidery and when it was finished into a stocking - now I am celebrating having finally finished it completely. I'm not going to do another thing to it (other than fill it - lol!).Lucy came by this afternoon and she saw it before I had made the loop and the tassel. She was pretty pleased when she saw it

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-58986801568309067642006-11-20T08:11:00.000+08:002006-11-20T08:51:26.600+08:00

Well I fell of the wagon somewhat this weekend. I ordered Sarah Hook, Prudence Wilcome and Sarah Handley from Wyndham Needleworks (these are all designed by Carriage House Samplings).While I am waiting for them to arrive I decided to start a cut down version of Houses of Hawk Run Hollow - another 3am brainwave! The plan is to do 6 of the 12 blocks (the ones with all the words in). I've

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-7081298829902703582006-11-17T19:13:00.000+08:002006-11-17T20:14:11.608+08:00

I went to a meeting at the State Library today to discuss different activities libraries might like to offer as part of the Perth International Arts Festival "One Book " promotion. The book we are encouraging the whole state of Western Australia to read is The Book Thief by Marcus Zuzak (which to my shame, I've not yet read, of course all our copies are on loan). There is a plot summery on the

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-70304327257165462592006-11-16T20:03:00.000+08:002006-11-16T20:55:35.324+08:00

Would you believe I've not stitched since Sunday! I'm a bit shocked.Not too much going on here. I'm back at work and as usual it isn't as bad as expected. It's been tiring though, I've not felt like picking up any of my projects.Yesterday I indulged myself a little and went out to my LNS, Stitcher's Corner. I picked up some Gumnut Yarns Silks (4 skeins) some Dinky Dyes Silks (2 skeins) some

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-13814269912805347482006-11-12T16:18:00.000+08:002006-11-12T19:12:31.306+08:00

Well the last day of my holidays has been pretty low key. Joel made pizza's for lunch and we will probably have leftover turkey roast (from last night) for tea.I've finished the stitching on a Christmas ornament for the ornie exchange on the SBEBB, I just need to do the finishing now - which shouldn't pose too much of a problem. I'm pretty pleased with it - it was a fun stitch.My cousin has

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-12658743237000286022006-11-08T20:24:00.000+08:002006-11-08T21:10:27.339+08:00

If you read yesterday's just before bedtime post, you will know that I had three goals I wished to achieve today. I wanted to bead Japanese Octagon Box, finish Niall's Stocking and stitch a bit on Winter ACEO. I managed to do two of those three and here are the results.I managed to get the beading done for J.O.B. I finished this in time for lunch. Beading is pretty time consuming and there

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-19678008890712411652006-11-07T19:56:00.000+08:002006-11-07T20:19:59.253+08:00

(A gratuitous picture of the cat (Felix) as there is no progress photo to share yet.)So anyway I finished part 8 of Japanese Octagon Box today. I just need to add the beads - Huzzah and Hallelujah! I consider myself caught up now. I have till the end of this month to do the stitching on part 9 (scissor sheath). I'll take a picture tomorrow once the beads are attached. I've set myself a big

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-85672661420967883442006-11-05T19:56:00.000+08:002006-11-05T20:39:29.672+08:00

Well, this is where I am at with Japanese Octagon Box. I am currently working on part eight (which was released in October). I'm so close to finishing this part and then I can start on part nine which is one side of the scissor sheath. Hey, It's just occured to me that I could make a matching fob using the medalion designs in the bottom panels of the box - a lamp on one side and my favourite

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-83756320098640944782006-11-02T20:52:00.000+08:002006-11-02T21:04:14.489+08:00

Here's Shepherd's Bush's Reed's Stocking - stitching all done! This is for my newest nephew Niall (who will be 18 months just after Christmas).This was such a fun stitch! I am looking forward to doing the finishing into a stocking. It will be my first attempt at a stocking (but not my last - I have Elizabeth's Stocking ready to be kitted up).

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-58180710438674302692006-11-02T05:24:00.000+08:002006-11-02T05:43:36.835+08:00

First thing this morning I had an email from the Victoria Sampler with the happy news that the next part of their alphabet sampler series is up and available for purchase - L is for Librarian. I have to admit it was with some trepidation that I clicked the link because I don't think there are any really great library/librarian samplers out there. There are a few pieces that I think are ok -

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-54856848143792089722006-10-31T16:35:00.001+08:002006-10-31T16:42:21.195+08:00

Grape Threadkeeper - completed!! Originally uploaded by Cathymk. Here it is!! La la la!!Ok, I still haven't decided about the tassel/cording. I actually like it without. I did order myself a cording mini drill in my recent shop-fest (not yet received) so this project will offer an opportunity for a practise with the new tool. I also have never beaded the top of a tassel so that would be

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-80146551146290397202006-10-30T19:37:00.000+08:002006-10-30T20:01:41.170+08:00

Oh bliss! I finally heard today that the piece that I stitched for the Crazy Cat Lady Exchange arrived safely in Canada. I mailed it on 18th September, so you can see why I was getting a bit antsy.I chose to stitch "In Stitches" by Calico Crossroads for Beth. I ended up finishing it as a flatfold. Which is one of my favourite ways of finishing things. That's a little mouse button in the

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-37497021283157821292006-10-30T07:06:00.000+08:002006-10-30T07:24:06.587+08:00

Here is Sunday's progress on the finishing of Grape Threadkeeper. As you can see I have completed the needle-book (except for adding the ribbon) and attached the spine. I've pinned it all together for stitching together (probably today). I'm so pleased with how this process is coming together. It really is a beautiful piece (even pinned together) I've just realised you can see my toes in the

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-73243168297138802852006-10-29T06:09:00.001+08:002006-10-29T06:33:29.548+08:00

Here's my progress at the end of day one of my finishing spree on Grape Thread Keeper (Martina Weber - Chatelaine Designs). Looks pretty good, eh! I'm feeling pretty confident that this will look great when I'm done with it.In this picture you can see the four elements that will make up the threadkeeper. I have made the scissor pocket (with my purple scissors to match) and the chart pocket

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-68807433396866712812006-10-26T15:12:00.000+08:002006-10-26T16:07:42.785+08:00

What have I been up to?Actually not a whole lot. I've been sorting out my stitching stash. All is now tidy and I finally know which DMC I need to buy to complete my set (can you believe I'm still 126 colours short of a full set - actually not that hard to believe when you realise it is on average $1.00 a skein over here). I also updated my lists of WDW, GAST and Cresent Colours - hopefully I

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-42296584228516030532006-10-21T18:40:00.000+08:002006-10-21T18:49:02.992+08:00

This is Selene's left eye. I'm rather pleased with it. I think this is around 350 stitches all up. I had a big nap today (which is my excuse for such a weeny start!) A nice way to start the holidays.Selene; Artwork by Selina Fenech, charted by Heaven and Earth Designs.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-59874156690281202302006-10-21T07:20:00.000+08:002006-10-21T07:41:21.622+08:00

Have you seen the two new Mirabilia designs? Here is Miss Valentine. I love her! Though I have to admit she looks a little like a stereotypical librarian to me - just add glasses and a book. I'd love to have the skirt she's wearing. I pretty much accepted long ago that I am a stereotypical librarian (I'm a big fan of twin sets and pearls too). I like to think of my style as "classic". I

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-91268180081714241552006-10-20T19:07:00.000+08:002006-10-20T19:33:27.636+08:00

Well, I've popped the "out of office" message on my email at work, processed the last files from a recent cataloguing binge and prepared 5 weeks of storytime ready for while I'm away and for when I get back. I'm now on holiday! La!So with out further ado, here is the piece I stitched for the Autumn Quaker Exchange on the Stitching Bloggers Exchange Board which was stitched for Cathy - who

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-54333621073712591932006-10-19T19:08:00.000+08:002006-10-19T19:37:41.018+08:00

Just noting my "obligations" so I don't get carried away or overwhelmed.Christmas Ornament Exchange (SBEBB) - awaiting partner information - should start a shortlist of ornies to stitch, most of us seem to like the same kinds of things. Winter Quaker Exchange (SBEBB) - motif is stitched, awaiting partner information for personalisation and finishing (I even know how I want to finish this piece

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-29089796276472767522006-10-17T18:27:00.000+08:002006-10-17T18:52:32.183+08:00

I got up at 5.45am to walk Max with my friend. When I got back, I was eating my brekky when there was a thump by the front door and when I opened the door, there was a huge parcel waiting on the mat. It was a Quaker Exchange from Cathy! She stitched this lovely design, mounted it on a box top. She hand painted the side of the box and lined it with fabric decorated with the breast cancer pink

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-20777287061455996912006-10-15T20:28:00.000+08:002006-10-15T21:15:48.649+08:00

I had to work this weekend - bleugh!Actually, I don't mind doing the weekend rosters at my Library - I get lots of work done (I did loads of cataloguing and my backlog is at a very manageable level now!!) This weekend was particularly hard because I had to miss a friend's daughter's christening and a gathering with some new friends. Anyway no more dwelling on that. It's done now and I enjoyed

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-71471191917858486062006-10-11T17:22:00.000+08:002006-10-11T18:13:26.744+08:00

Monday night when I collected the post - the new issue of Jill Oxton Cross Stitch and Beading had arrived - issue no 68 (Jill and her team haven't updated the website yet). This issue is a fantastic one - there are some beaded lizards featured on the cover that are so cool I am contemplating having a go at making one sometime soon, there is an Egypt Panel to join their other beautiful long

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-57952854130325839282006-10-09T07:22:00.000+08:002006-10-09T07:42:48.066+08:00

I loved this so much you can see I've already attached my work keys!This is an Esmeralda's Friends Kit from the Elegant Stitch designed by Milady's Needle (sorry about the flash spot). Such a cute little sampler and fun to stitch - there are two rows of staggered queen stitches but I think the thing that nearly defeated me was the border in "alternating backstitch", which looks the same on the

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-61403028250714742182006-10-07T15:53:00.000+08:002006-10-07T16:15:47.914+08:00

I just finished my 2nd project for the challenge! Of course I can't show you yet - it's an exchange piece again - the Autumn Quaker exchange for the SBEBB. I'm really pleased with how it turned out and have applied to join the Winter Quaker Exchange as well. I want to join in the Ornament exchange as well, so I am waiting Becky's word that I can do both (we are supposed to only commit to one

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-37792061276821735232006-10-05T19:16:00.000+08:002006-10-05T20:58:08.420+08:00

I've been tagged!! by Dana of Thutmosis's Thoughts. I have to admit I was very surprised when I read it (I don't know any other cathymk's, so I think it's me) Thanks Dana!Here's the rules:List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether or not they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now. Post these instructions in

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-89884947012643397382006-10-04T20:54:00.000+08:002006-10-04T20:59:20.549+08:00

Here is some rather pathetic progress on Winter ACEO. I only managed to spend 2 hours on her last night. I added some sparkle to her face and filled in some of the area near her ear. I finally managed to get a non-blurry photo of Japanese Octagon Box. The next part has been downloaded - now to finally catch up - I hope!! I've received my finishing kit from Judy Odell for Grape Threadkeeper -

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-49076956788348332802006-10-04T16:25:00.000+08:002006-10-04T16:54:22.171+08:00

My Silk FOTM from Vikki Clayton arrived this week! Yum!I also tried to get a photo of Japanese Octagon box but this piece is not co-operating with my camera at the moment.I had a bit of a hopeless moment yesterday, an oldish order from Stitching Bits and Bobs arrived and I had a bit of a panic attack about whether or not I had ordered the new ornament issue from JCS as it was not in the package

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-38759367006806787962006-10-02T20:31:00.001+08:002006-10-02T20:31:56.724+08:00

Here's a rather silly photo of Felix I took a few months ago in leiu of any stitching photos. I'm anxiously awaiting word that my Crazy Cat Lady Exchange piece has reached it's destination. I am starting to worry it has gone astray. I am just hopeless at waiting for word.We had a fantastic time visiting Joel's Mum and Dad this weekend for Joel's Mum's Birthday. Joel and I arrived in Mt Barker

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-76272857957857927142006-09-29T08:13:00.000+08:002006-09-29T08:19:46.943+08:00

Joel and I are departing for Mt Barker this afternoon, back sometime Monday. I've packed Japanese Octagon box and some Fabric I have earmarked for a couple of Heaven and Earth Designs, that I think I will try to grid whilst I am down there. There is a good chance I'll have an internet connection at Miriam and Don's so you may all hear from me while we're away.Hope you all have a good weekend!

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-80433039990627130922006-09-26T07:17:00.000+08:002006-09-26T07:32:06.746+08:00

First up, here is a teaser picture showing the materials I have chosen for my fall quaker piece. The theme is pink for breast cancer awareness. I am just about done with the stitching on this piece and it is coming out very nicely.Here is my progress on Cat Knot. The biggest progress I can report is that I am going to re-start this piece on evenweave probably 25 count. I added another 140 or

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-49060466772055735012006-09-24T08:11:00.000+08:002006-09-24T08:39:28.727+08:00

Still under the weather. I think it might be bronchitis again, judging by the gunk coming up, I'm off to the doc tomorrow. I have managed to pop a few stitches into Cat knot, I did a little count this morning and I have done 140 stitches (all confetti). I have been sleeping a lot during the day so not to much progress to show for it. I am seriously considering letting this go and starting again

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-61716206357200748462006-09-21T16:46:00.001+08:002006-09-21T16:46:38.155+08:00

You will be surprised at how few spices you will need for Burmese cooking. Burmese curries do not use curry powder. They are based on onion, garlic, ginger and chilli, and what you do need is large amounts of these as well as the ubiquitous ngapi (or blachan as it is most popularly called), a dried prawn paste. Without it, Burmese cooking is just not authentic and while it may take some

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-28333738866192197742006-09-21T06:24:00.000+08:002006-09-21T06:56:38.690+08:00

Holidays over, back to the grindstone! Yesterday I went to my first day at the Click 06 conference (the librarian's conference I have been looking forward to). Of course having had a few days off beforehand I have come down with a monster cold and feel miserable - everytime I have a break I tend to get a cold - do you think it's my body's way of telling me I belong at work?Stitching-wise, I'll

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-74371557511273830312006-09-17T19:12:00.000+08:002006-09-17T19:53:11.570+08:00

I've just packed up my Crazy Cat Lady Exchange ready for posting. Dad and I have a little shopping to do tomorrow morning so that's likely to be when it gets sent off to its secret destination. Felix has been very interested in this project and it has been really hard work to keep his fur off it - he is moulting as well which has made it a bit more difficult than usual. And here is a pic of

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-46209991236318262242006-09-15T18:00:00.000+08:002006-09-15T18:08:19.597+08:00

I've been beavering away at this piece these last few days. I've managed to complete part 4 (left most panel) and have nearly completed part 5 (just the flowers and the lantern to go). And as you can see I've stitched the frames for the next two parts which are already released. I'm cautiously hopeful that I may catch these up this month.And here is the whole piece.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-90082421851136384202006-09-13T21:27:00.000+08:002006-09-13T21:39:29.609+08:00

Well, it is a little late for this little blogger but I just had to share my latest stitching progress on Winter ACEO - she has lips! One of the silly thoughts I had whilst stitching on her tonight was "Wow, her lipstick matches her top exactly."Stitching ended abruptly at 9.00pm when Felix decided he didn't have enough room on the bed where my floss box was and knocked it to the floor. Yes, he

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-67767619797443714712006-09-11T18:52:00.000+08:002006-09-11T19:10:58.971+08:00

Till I'm on holiday!!! Happy, happy, joy, joy!It's a mini-break - I'm off from Wednesday till next Tuesday and then I'm off to the ALIA (Australian Library and Information Association) conference for 3 days of fun and adventure, library-style.Dad arrives this Saturday, so I have three days to tidy the house so he has no idea of how we really live. I'm looking forward to seeing him.Stitching-wise

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-21781876560920637022006-09-08T06:25:00.000+08:002006-09-08T06:47:04.611+08:00

I had a bit of fun last night - I pulled out some of my Heaven and Earth Designs Charts that I have been contemplating as future starts and laid them out on the ground to show how crazy it is to think of adding another to my rotation.This first one is Jasmine's Square (by Jessica Galbreth) - not a serious contender I'm not sure I like her facial expression.This next one is Selene (by Selena

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-4060010440499554812006-09-07T17:55:00.000+08:002006-09-07T18:26:08.597+08:00

Before I start raving on about the awful time I have had this week (fear not, nothing bad really). Does anyone have any suggestions about securing back stitch that is not near any cross stitches, other than a knot? I googled back stitch today and none of the results had much about securing those first stitches. I have used a pin head stitch in the past but this doesn't feel satisfactory to me.I

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-65654157344579976692006-09-03T10:10:00.000+08:002006-09-03T10:11:54.969+08:00

I've finished this month's installment of Grape Threadkeeper. I'm pretty proud as this is the first time that I have kept up with a Chatelaine to the end. Next month we will be doing the finishing with Judy O'Dell. Now that the stitching on this piece is done, I can concentrate on Japanese Octagon Box (allowing for exchange stitching, of course).Today is Father's Day in Australia. Joel and I

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-38833555008445776692006-08-31T07:18:00.000+08:002006-08-31T07:48:40.624+08:00

First up - I received a wonderful surprise last night when I checked the letterbox - a little parcel from Harsha! Harsha is my Adopt a Sticher Exchange Adopter. Harsha sent Mirabilia's Petal Fairy (love, love, love her!) and some wonderful Lizzie Kate charts - Let there be peace and Tiny Tidings IX. Thank you Harsha - I love them.Also, I found a package from Silkweavers, which I had pretty much

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-45630394186970887472006-08-30T11:33:00.000+08:002006-08-30T11:47:58.175+08:00

I moved my blog to beta blogger and I am very happy so far. The template editor is very easy to use and I no longer need my terribly basic html in order to edit the side bar (yay!!) The only drawback is that there is no html editor for the templates - I'd like to have used my little Felix banner at the top of the blog as before - but he is at the bottom of the blog for the moment and looking

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1156850404435536052006-08-29T19:20:00.000+08:002006-08-29T19:21:34.656+08:00

My FOTM from Vikki Clayton arrived in the mail today.  Little Happy Dance! Twenty skeins of silky goodness!  I'm kind of drawn to Grape Vine (3rd from the left bottom row - it's dark greeny/bluey/purpley blend), Golden Blush (pink with a little gold through it, top row 4th from the right) and Glacial (ice blue with a little purplyness - top row 3rd from left) but as usual I love them all!  I

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1156770104181021612006-08-28T20:47:00.000+08:002006-08-28T21:01:44.256+08:00

I've had a great weekend of self indulgence and stitching. First up - Grape Thread Keeper part 7 - completed. I believe we have one more part to go and then it's time to do the finishing. I've ordered my kit from Judy O'Dell. Part 8 is due out on Friday - it will be a fob/pincushion. It looks like a bit of over one - fun, fun, fun!!Next up is Little House Needlework's Apples (thread pack

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1156768987066954192006-08-28T20:39:00.000+08:002006-08-28T20:47:19.613+08:00

As you can see, I have a quite a few cat charts in my stash!!! The Catitudes charts were my Mothers, other's have been collected over the years. I've selected a chart and a finishing method for the Crazy Cat Lady Exchange. I now just have to get to work on it. It's going to be fun!

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1156553989958396992006-08-26T08:36:00.000+08:002006-08-26T08:59:50.060+08:00

Book week is over!! I survived another year.And to top it all off - I have a three day weekend!!My staff were asking me what I planned to do this weekend and I was answering "As little as possible" - meaning: "Stitch, stitch, stitch!!" Though sadly reality must enter in a bit and some housework will be attempted (I don't want to bore you with details but the kitchen is a fright zone).The

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1156338442209042282006-08-23T20:04:00.000+08:002006-08-23T21:07:22.500+08:00

You Are AnimalA complete lunatic, you're operating on 100% animal instincts.You thrive on uncontrolled energy, and you're downright scary.But you sure can beat a good drum."Kill! Kill!"The Muppet Personality TestWell no surprises there! Joel was Scooter - what a pairing eh? Scooter and Animal - a marriage made in heaven. Thanks to Rava for pointing this quiz out to me. It's Australian

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1155982137356556112006-08-19T18:03:00.000+08:002006-08-19T18:08:57.370+08:00

"Brilliant Ibis" Originally uploaded by Cathymk. Yesterday was Joel's birthday - I did my best to ensure he had a good day. What did he get? A DVD of Dr Who (David Tennant as the Dr) from me - I'd ordered Battlestar Gallactica Season two for him but it did not get here in time, so I had to pop down to Dymocks (Booksellers) in my lunchbreak on Thursday and grab the first thing that shouted

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1155696239219417202006-08-16T10:38:00.000+08:002006-08-16T10:43:59.480+08:00

Beading - Beaded shoe. Originally uploaded by Cathymk. Earlier this year I went to the craft and quilting fair held in Perth at the convention centre. While I was there I met Gwendoline Oxton who was watching the Jill Oxton Cross Stitch and Beading Stand. While we chatted I mentioned to her that I hadn't taken my beading much further because I couldn't figure out brick stitch.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1155472166107551182006-08-13T20:17:00.000+08:002006-08-13T20:29:26.110+08:00

I've been bored with the look of this blog for a little while. This is what I have come up with as a temporary fix. I think it is a bit busy at the moment (I hope you can see I was trying to de-clutter a bit). I wanted a three column layout because I always thought that my blog-roll made the old side bar too long. I had fun making the header in photoshop, I haven't played with it much before (

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1155458778201734532006-08-13T16:23:00.000+08:002006-08-13T18:00:38.103+08:00

Firstly here is an update on Japanese Octagon Box, not as much progress as I hoped but I'm still chugging along with it. My concience says I should be working on Grape Threadkeeper but right now I don't really feel like it.This post is titled Sleepy Sunday basically because I have been sleep deprived this weekend. Max has got it into his tiny brain that I have to get up at 5.30am and no amount

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1155128272610319102006-08-09T20:57:00.000+08:002006-08-09T20:57:52.860+08:00

Guess what - I have finished the page I am working on. La la la!!Join me in a rousing chorus of - for she's a jolly good stitcher. Pop on your tap shoes and dance with me. Ok, I'm overjoyed and that is all I can say really.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1154865301902887912006-08-06T19:55:00.000+08:002006-08-06T19:55:02.090+08:00

This weekend I have been mostly working on my Reed's stocking by Shepherds Bush. I've made a counting error in the headscarf but I'm going to leave it as it is. It is stitching up pretty quickly. I am pretty sure I am going to run out of one of the WDW perles (the colour of the sheep), so I am getting ready to send an order to Dragonfly dreams. The colours are pretty different from the chart

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1154525197616007382006-08-02T21:26:00.000+08:002006-08-02T21:26:38.380+08:00

I've been working on Japanese Octagon box in the last few days whenever time allowed and here is the result. I'm very close to two thirds done on part 4 la, la, la! Don't you think the lower crane in panel four looks a bit odd? It is exactly as charted and looks ok in real life but in the photo it comes out a bit strange looking. My favourite bit is still the tree on panels 2 and 3 because I

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1154320406378677092006-07-31T12:28:00.000+08:002006-07-31T12:33:26.513+08:00

Grape Threadkeeper parts 5 and 6. Originally uploaded by Cathymk. Finished last night. Looks pretty good if I do say so myself. I had a few counting mishaps with this and spent alot of time frogging this weekend, still all ready for part 7 tomorrow. As far as I can tell, we have left to do is the inside design (which has the date) and the matching fob.I started on part 4 of Japanese

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1154135809762673092006-07-29T09:07:00.000+08:002006-07-29T09:16:49.793+08:00

You Are: 40% Dog, 60% CatYou and cats have a lot in common. You're both smart and in charge - with a good amount of attitude.However, you do have a very playful side that occasionally comes out!Are You More Cat or Dog?Hey! I'm not full of attitude (at least I don't think so - am I?) I certainly like to play and I think that's why my dog side is so strong. Of course we don't take these things

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1153918562706142982006-07-26T20:27:00.000+08:002006-07-26T20:56:02.770+08:00

There was a card in the letterbox Monday saying there was an "ordinary parcel" awaiting pickup. Imagine my surprise when it actually turned out to be an extraordinary parcel from Canada - filled with stitchy goodness!It was my turn to be on the receiving end in the recipe exchange (organised by the Robin's Nest Bulletin Board). My partner was Christine and she stitched a darling strawberry

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1153916754968535272006-07-26T20:21:00.000+08:002006-07-26T20:25:55.020+08:00

Progress on Shepherd's Bush "Reed's Stocking" Originally uploaded by Cathymk. I started Reed's Stocking last Wednesday during the evening, basically because it was there, all kitted up and ready to go. Here is my progress to date, it seems to be stitching up pretty fast. I might actually finish this piece in time to pass it on to the nephew at Christmas. Sorry about the dark photo -

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1153746700779177812006-07-24T20:49:00.000+08:002006-07-24T21:11:40.910+08:00

First up, here is the Britty Kitty I stitched and finished up on the weekend. This is the freebie Stitching Bits and Bobs sent me in my most recent order (JCS ornament book for those who want to know). Isn't it cute, it's stitched over one on a scrap of evenweave - I think it was 28count. I forgot to clip the corners whilst doing the finishing and no matter what I do those corners will not

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1153609484294578232006-07-23T06:53:00.000+08:002006-07-23T07:04:44.346+08:00

Lucky me, I've received a little package from the Adopt a Stitcher exchange from Harsha (This actually arrived on Thursday - I've been a bit slack about taking a photo and finding the camera cable - sorry Harsha). Two lovely Lizzie Kate Charts and a bookmark kit. It's hard to say which design I want to stitch first - I really like Fleece Navidad from Tiny tidings III and Bone appetit from the

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1153278079808786562006-07-19T10:39:00.000+08:002006-07-19T11:01:20.070+08:00

I've just heard that Natty in England has recieved my stitching for the recipe exchange on the Robin's Nest BB! So here are some piccys. I was really pleased with how these pieces turned out. The oven glove motif is from a Quick and Easy Cross stitch mag from 1999. I'll look up the issue if anyone is really interested. The motif on the notebook is a french freebie. I can't remember where

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1153132406687834832006-07-17T18:07:00.000+08:002006-07-17T18:33:31.073+08:00

A photo of Max begging me to put the camera down and give him a snack, from about ten minutes ago.I had an RDO today and in a surprising move, instead of spending the day stitching/reading or generally mooching about I cleaned our house. I think Joel was quite stunned when he got home tonight. Firstly I cleaned the oven for the first time since I moved in three years ago (I know this is

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1153031666888150522006-07-16T14:30:00.000+08:002006-07-16T14:37:06.040+08:00

Millennium progress for July 2006 Originally uploaded by Cathymk. This weekend I have been working on Teresa Wenzler's Millennium again. I've filled in more sky, stitched Pluto and Mars and made a start on the comet. It's been fun working on this piece again. My last progress picture (from March, for shame, Cathy!!) can be found here.

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11280510.post-1152792361525739272006-07-13T19:19:00.000+08:002006-07-13T20:06:01.723+08:00

Ever since I saw the new Pirates of the Carribean film on the weekend I have been wanting to make a start on Skeleton crew by the Cross Eyed Cricket. I think this is the first time a film has inspired a new start for me. So far I have resisted its siren's call, but I want to see the film again (if only for the teaser at the end of the credits that I missed), plus it moved so fast in some places

cathymkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375882168334521467noreply@blogger.com4