Our September magazine and more!

I can hardly believe we are about to post our festive issue of Stitch That and that I am designing for Christmas as we speak. I think this year has gone past so quickly – they say as you get older time goes even faster!

My wonderful team at Iconnet have been beavering away in the background creating a beautiful E-catalogue which will be viewable on my web site very shortly. It even includes video! What ever next?

I thought you would like to see some of the projects in Issue 82 of Stitch That – this is the magazine that our CSG members receive five times a year. If you want to become part of this amazing stitching community, just go to Join Us and find out more.

Festive Initials

I know that many of you enjoy using decorated initials when creating your own gift cards so I have produced the complete alphabet as an initial chart. In the picture above, you can see that I have chosen some random letters to make three very different Christmas projects.

Blackwork Arch

My husband, Bill, and I had a visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada earlier this year and it was such an inspiration place – It was difficult to know where to start. I think I took over 100 photographs during our six hour stay. I have used some of our faux ivory buttons and an old mirror frame.

Will be in touch again shortly. I am now packing up ready for Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts at Westpoint, Exeter 23-26 September. I will hope to see some of you there next week. Happy stitching till then.

Here I am again!

Our new dragonfly

I am sorry I have been “missing” since the Festival of Quilts, but there has just been no time to stop and chat! I hope this week will be better organised and I will have chance to stay in touch. I thought you would like to see the dragonfly who visited on Thursday. He spend most of the morning drying his wings and let me get really close with the camera

My Hussif Group

We have just completed a lovely weekend class where my group of students created a very pretty beaded hussif. A hussif was the name given to the useful folder or bag used by the matron of the house, often used to house embroidery. The term “housewife” originates from the “Hussif” It was common for sailors at sea and some servicemen to keep their  mending kit in a hussif.

Beaded Scissor Hussif

You can see from the picture above the hussif was created using unbleached linen, hand painted silk and tiny glass beads. At a later date, this project will be availble as a complete kit.

Biggles who is not allowed on the furniture!

During the weekend class, I caught both dogs enjoying their home comforts safe in the knowledge that as we had guests they might get away with it!

Prize Draw Winners for August!

I have posted this months Draw Winners today.
The lucky ones are Doreen Wray, Leeds – Sandra Doolan, Maidenhead – Gemma Hughes, Rotherham – Roberta Mcnulty, Basingstoke – Jane Goddard, Australia – Desley Stafford, Australia and Charlotte Moga, USA
Well done all of you……

iStitch Video

At last, I am back to talk to you again. It has been frantic here at Pinks barn as we are getting ready to attend the Festival Of Quilts at the NEC in Birmingham which starts this Thursday so set up is tomorrow! If you are visiting FOQ in the next few days, do pop in to say hello.
In the meantime, I have managed to master a new program which allows me to capture the screen on my computer. This means that I can show you just how easy it is to use my iStitch Cross Stitch Program. This is just a little taste to show you how the program works as I am planning a more detailed class at a later date.

Talk to you again soon.

Christmas Stitching Day Saturday 11th December

A surprise present!

We have finally sorted out the remaining dates for stitching events this year. I am already working on our Together we Stitch events for 2011 and you will know as soon as I do. As I am sure you know we are having a stitching weekend at the Hilton Hotel Bradford 5th-7th November which will be a bit Christmassy! Go to Events and Classes for full details.

Our Christmas Stitching Day at Pinks Barn is a little later this because of other events but I hope you will give yourself a day off to come for a festive day here at Pinks Barn in Gloucestershire. We start with mince pies and mulled wine, sit and stitch some Christmassy bits and pieces and have a lovely long lunch with wine or soft drinks. I expect we will have Carols with Bill on the piano and a lovely day will be had by all! There will be small gift for everyone!

Cost include all refreshments, class materials and any entertainment provided.

Members £65.00 Non Members £75.00

We can supply a list of B&B venues if you would like to make a weekend of it!

Call our Freephone 0800 328 9750 with your Membership number if you have one. Will take the class fee when you book.