FInishing what I started and a FREE pattern for you!

 

As promised the other day, I have a bonus free pattern for you this month, one which I hope will encourage you to keep track of all your UFO projects, or WIPs as some call them (works in progress).

Back in December 2017 I designed and stitched this notebook cover for my Stitchery Club members, as a reminder to them throughout 2018 (mostly a reminder to me!) to take stock of all those projects we had begun but never quite finished. 

I made sure that I wouldn't lose track of this notebook's purpose, slotted in amongst all the other books which at that time stood side by side on my desk, by stitching along the spine, "finish what I started"...

It worked well most of that year, but then we bought our first home in the September of 2018 and other things took priority in my mind, naturally. A first home when you're almost 60 is quite an adventure! :-)

It's six years later and I'm revisiting my notebook, and wanted to offer the pattern here today as a gift for any of you who'd like to join in as I make a start on completing as many uncompleted projects as I can this month, and then on through the rest of 2024. 

I began by laying out quite an array of completed stitcheries (my own designs, some old and some new that have never been released) and writing up a plan for August...

Already I have completed the first two on my list. Both had their stitcheries completed, but I'd gone no further in a practical sense, other than a mental picture of how I'd finish them 'one day'. Very happy this week as 'one day' arrived.

The Faith Hope Love stitchery was included with my September 2020 issue of the Faith In Hand club...

On Wednesday afternoon I trimmed the block and needleturned it to the front of a teatowel (a matching towel to the one I cut from in the photo above). That evening I added a lovely crochet edging...

It's now hanging on my oven and looking just lovely! You'll find this stitchery pattern HERE in my shop if you do not already have it. 

The second project I completed this week was something new. I designed and stitched 'Pray' last year, but never got around to sewing it as a hanging heart until yesterday. 

It could easily be appliqued onto a quilt, small wall hanging or other display, but I chose a wee stuffed heart to hang near the Bless Our Home mini quilt. 

With the project complete, I was able to finally write the pattern for Pray, which you'll find HERE

Now, back to the free gift pattern I promised you. Use the link below to download it.

DOWNLOAD the pattern for 'Finish What I Started' notebook and embroidery

You may have noticed that I have also given the blog an update, with some lovely cheerful colours and floral displays. Planning an August that shines a focus on completing forgotten projects, and following through on old plans that were lain aside for more important things...well, it has brought a very refreshing, cheerful air in our home right now. 

For finishing things isn't just about sewing, though I will focus mostly on that this month - it's about making use of the bits and pieces which have been purchased over the years for making candles, lotions and salves...it's about starting the watercolour course I bought back in 2020...it's gathering the courage to paint some shelves and add a bit of decoupage on things...and its about getting serious with making my own clothes, cutting my own hair (eek!!)...making greeting cards...and so this list goes on. 

Already having everything I need for these projects, activities and lessons means no excuse not to slowly and methodically enjoy every one of them. And that's the best thing - ENJOYMENT. 

Now I had best head out to the garden and clip some more calendula flowers. One of my unfinished projects last year was the making of calendula oil and salve. I did grow and dry the flowers, but went no futher - however last years flowers have now been sitting in a jar of extra virgin olive oil for two weeks, and in another two weeks I can strain them and make the salve, saving some of the calendual oil for skincare. 

This year I am growing a lot more calendula, with a decided heart to make good things for my family too. Each day I pick about ten more flowers, and when dry they go in the jar. the more flowers you pick, the more grow...its marvellous. 

Have a lovely weekend dear ones, and I pray you can find time, with a hot cuppa or cool drink, to write down all the many unique ways you, in your own life, can complete projects or ideas this August. Even if it's one you've put aside for five years, or five weeks...enjoy it, and let the satisfaction of a task completed encourage you forward to work on another. 

God bless, and may His great and mighty hands hold you safe in His care, and give you many moments to laugh and smile and be grateful in the weeks ahead. 

Hugs

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