Cross Stitch Keepsakes

Simple Cross Stitch

I was given this lovely book called 'Cross Stitch Keepsakes' by Helen Phillips, which has over two hundred small designs "to celebrate the big occasions in life".  It is full of lovely ideas for making gifts relevant to all occasions. It came with some graph paper to make my own designs, some embroidery wools and some canvases.

Cross Stitch Keepsakes by Helen Phillips

The book is full of colourful ideas and beautiful designs and with a full explanation of how to make the items, which colours to use, and even how to mount the finished articles.

I loved this little sampler for a friend

These would look good on a wedding card

This would be a great moving  present

Isn't this cute?

A lovely house warming gift

I think I shall have such fun with this gift. Thank you G. xx     I think I may start with something small - maybe a pin-cushion? I have never done any cross stitching for years so do not want to be too adventurous.

"Quick to Stitch Cross Stitch Keepsakes" by Helen Phillipps is available through  Amazon.

More Blocks and Granny Squares

I am still working hard at my Amy Butler blocks and today managed quite a few more. I particularly like these colourways - pink and lime green always does it for me. (I am still stuck at home with the builders).

And this is my next knitted granny square. I just love the texture of this wool and the colour is really amazing. It is called Rowan SMC Select Rosas 1701 and costs £5.95 for 50 gram.

Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch Picture Gift

A friend of mine (a relation by marriage) spent many hippy years  (no - not a typo!)  living in Chile. She lived on a mountain plateau, which looked down a valley to the river ... and in the valley were always sheep and mountain goats and fruit growing freely. If she looked upwards she could see the high mountains topped with snow.  She earned a living by running her own little craft shop for which she made all the stock. Today, now living in London, she continues the tradition of making all her own gifts. She paints, knits, prints, sews, and crochets beautifully and has done many cross stitch pictures depicting this rural Chilean landscape. This is one lovely picture that she has made for me ...

Sadly it has not photographed well as the reflection of the garden rather spoils it.

The picture depicts the sky, the birds, the snow topped mountains, the plateau, the oranges, the sheep, and the river.  Isn't it just wonderful?

 Thank you G. xx