The rabbit and the posey...

There is a definite upside to my recovery time - all this resting means I stitch a lot more than usual!

Over the weekend I drew up the rest of this years Gentle Domesticity BOM blocks and prepared them ready for stitching and applique. Here's a little peak at the August block...

I also completed the final two patterns for July's Stitchery Club, and I have to say "I love them!".

Creative juices were stretched when the idea of adding my own spin to prim style designs first dropped into this crazy brain, but the final result has put such a smile on my face.

So here's the Rabbit and the Posey...

If you'd like to sign up for The Stitchery Club the details are over here.

Also on the weekend Mr E and I played babysitters to Blossom's two dogs, Bob and Elmo.

This was our trial run for when she goes into labour as her DB will drop the boys over to us on their way to the hospital.

Little Bob-the-dog is almost 9 years old now and has been with Blossom (and us) since he was a wee puppy, but 8yo Elmo is a new family member. Bloss and her DB adopted him back in March and after a bit of a rocky start with separation anxiety issues he's settled wonderfully. Saturday at our place was his first time away from their home since they adopted him.

Elmo is pure Pomeranian and Bob is a Shitzu/Chihuahua cross...

Elmo and Bob are best friends and both dogs adore me, though Elmo has taken a real shine to Mr E so that means we can both keep a dog at our feet while we await that call from the hospital to say the baby has arrived. 

Not long now! Blossom is due in 20 days so please keep those prayers coming.

Have a lovely day, okay?

It doesn't have to be a perfect day, just a day that brings a smile and a heart of gratitude. 

Hugs

Prim With A Spin...

For the longest time I've loved 'primitive' style stitcheries and their one dimensional black thread on fabric display which emphasizes simplicity and calm. 

Having allowed ideas to drift in and out of my mind for over a year, recently I was able to spend time sitting with pencil and paper to doodle those ideas and when I was happy I pencilled them in to my diary for July's issue of The Stitchery Club.

The first two are now stitched so I couldn't wait to show you my "Spin on Prim"!

When I say a 'spin' on prim, I mean that my designs are not as raw as a strict primitive embroidery would be. Adding 'more' to a stitchery is something I love to offer in my patterns so while these new designs have the essence of Prim they're also filled with small pops of detail to fill them out.

Like my Prim Spin Sheep...

I have had a love affair with black faced Dorper sheep forever, but never dared to create a stitchery with one until now. He makes me think of being outside in an English country meadow with afternoon tea on a tartan rug, sewing in my lap, birds singing, bees buzzing, a flock of sheep in the distance and pretty flowers all around.

This cute sheepish little guy is destined to be displayed on a small cross-the-shoulder bag made from the leftover fabric I used to make Blossom's 21st birthday quilt...

The second "Spin on Prim" design was inspired by the enjoyment I get from nature, sewing, home and family. I chose to stitch the heart on a vintage linen napkin with a dark blue thread which matched the Tilda fabric I'll be using to turn this stitchery into a pillow. I've also added a self covered button using the same fabric...

The chain stitched needle-keep pops out from the heart adding dimension to the overall visual effect. I didn't notice this until I'd photographed the finished stitchery, but it's wonderful so I will intentionally explore that idea more in future designs...

What do you think of these "Spin on Prim" designs so far?

The patterns will be inside July's issue of The Stitchery Club, so if they tickle your fancy why not join up? You'll find all the details over here.

Thanks for all your prayers for my precious Blossom! She's definitely on the road to recovery and he cheeks are flushing pink again!

With less than six weeks till baby arrives she'll be taking things a bit slower to avoid a relapse, but she did take time out yesterday to pack her hospital bag. 

Have a wonderful week my friends!

Hugs