Friday 19 July 2013

A Red Pixie!

Hello friends - I just wanted to do a quick post to let you see what I've been up to these past few days!

I know that many of you are familiar with Chrissie's blog, but for those of you who aren't - I would urge you to have a look here. Chrissie did a fantastic review recently on Caroline Zoob's beautiful book 'The Hand-Stitched Home', which really got me excited - so much so that I went out searching for the book, with success - only difference being mine is the paper-back copy - it has the same content but a different cover!

So, jump a couple of posts forward and Chrissie then showed some lovely work she'd been doing from the Doodle Stitching books by Aimee Ray! This time I thought I'd better hold the reins a bit tighter on my 'pocket money' but, lo and behold, just happened to be in a book shop - in the creativity end - and found the latest in the series, entitled 'Doodle Stitching Embroidery & Beyond! Well you know what comes next don't you! I couldn't resist, and it was so reasonably priced too!!!

So I've been quite busy trying out, what is for me, a new style of 'stitchery' and just loving it. It's so free and easy and relaxing - which is such a good thing I think! You want to see?


This is called Redwork Embroidery, simple and easy and been used decoratively for generations! I did so enjoy working on this one which is a sampler panel from the Doodles book. See the unworked panel below? I think Pixie and hedgehog friend are so cute sheltering from the rain! Maybe they're in Australia at the moment - we are having plenty of the wet stuff hammering down on us!


The blue teapot and friends are from Caroline Zoob's book, and this was the first that I 'tackled'. Very casual straight stitching!

And the leaves - certainly not perfect, with at least one of the French Knots having jumped around a bit - I swear I didn't put it there! But it was a good practice run before I get a bit more serious!
Looking more closely I can see that the thread has loosened up a bit on that knot - need a bit more practice then? Yes, I think so too!

On a completely different note - my spring onions have gone to seed, and obviously this little bee is loving it!

So there we have it for this time my lovely friends!
I hope that your week has been a good one and that you have some nice plans for the next couple of days or so!

Thank you so much for dropping by and for your lovely encouraging messages - I just love getting them! And special thanks to lovely Chrissie xo!

Joy xo

64 comments:

  1. Hello Joy, I think we were blogging a post almost at the same time! lol

    I also read chrissies blog and just love those stitches, I've done some redwork myself, and it came out really well. I love what youve stitched, although french knots are beyond me! I mnust go check out that book by country living, its looks lovely! I'll post in my redwork sometime soon!

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    1. Hello again ET - lovely to hear from you again, and thank you! I'll watch out for your redwork coming up!
      Yes, so bitterly cold here again too - the new curtains will be helpful - anything is worth a try to keep out that cold!
      Joy x

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  2. ps have a lovely weekend! still v v cold here I even bought curtains from spotlight yesterday and put them up in the bedrooms to keep the warmth in!

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  3. Hi Joy, such delightful embroideries, simple stitches yet so effective. With French knots you have to be quite firm. Working in a frame helps. I'm residing in a heat wave here, sorry to hear you have got rain; hope you don't get too much.
    S xx

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    1. Hello again S, and thank you for popping in again. Yes, the French knots can be a bit tricky and I couldn't quite manage them years ago when I did do a bit of embroidery, but I will remember your advice, thank you!
      I shouldn't really complain about rain for it is winter and we really need to catch it so we're covered for the hot summer, but it can make life a wee bit miserable at times especially when it's so very cold at the same time!
      Joy xo

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  4. So good to pop in to visit with you, Joy! Your cold and rainy weather is in great contrast to our warm summer days here in Oregon, but like you I can appreciate the cold rainy weather when we have it, knowing that we need it. Your red work is charming and reminds me of a little cloth book my Nana made for me when I was a baby. It is so exciting to view the creative work of others and it inspires my want to do list to grow and grow :) It has been several months since I tried to make a French knot, but my attempt confirmed I need more practice! I am off to check out your friend's blog. Thanks for the intro!
    xx,
    Gracie

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  5. Hi Gracie - and welcome again! Oh how lovely, do you still have the little book? Those childhood memories can be so wonderful! I also enjoy seeing others' creative work and it keeps me going (and growing I hope!) and wanting to try out different crafts. I haven't done any embroidery really in quite a number of years so it's nice to have another go at it, and I think the redwork is a lovely easy way to get back into it! It's a lovely style isn't it!
    Have a lovely weekend!
    Joy xo

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  6. Good morning dear Joy! I love having my morning cuppa and reading your blog, such a lovely way to start my day, and I must say this morning I have a big smile and little tear in my eye as I read your kind comments about my blog! Never did I imagine my little thoughts and makes would inspire someone a world away! I can't believe you found a Doodle book too! Hmmm, at this rate I'm going to start suggesting lottery numbers to you! ;-) Your pixie is utterly delightful - now I'm going to take that book off my shelf and start a new project...and the teapot is so charming - doesn't it all just make you feel so *happy*? I giggled at your French knots comment, they are the moodiest little stitch, behaving as and when they feel like it, no matter how you try to perfect the technique! Enjoy your day, I'll send you some of our summer sun, Chrissie xxxxx

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    1. Dear Chrissie - thank you so much for your beautiful message! And yes, let's have the lottery numbers please! It's so nice for me to think of you enjoying your morning cuppa along with my blog - and it is so wonderful for me to sit here and be so inspired by your lovely creative ideas and then have a go myself! I am really grateful, thank you!
      I'm happy you like little pixie - I couldn't not do him - I need a faerie friend for him now! And yes, all of this does make me really happy - the subjects in those two books are endless, and so much fun - even the naughty little french knots!!!
      So again, many thanks Chrissie!
      Joy xo

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  7. A pixie .... a pixie ... my heart skips with joy at your little cheery red fellow ~ Sarah x

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    1. Ah Sarah - I'm so excited to hear from you - I was thinking of you whilst working on this little fellow and could hardly wait for your reaction! Thank you so much, I'm happy you're happy!
      Joy xo

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  8. I enjoy Chrissie's blog too. My-my you have been busy Joy. I love the stitching especially the red pixie so lovely and neat as always! No need for more practice I think you've definitely cracked it! Fabby work. Hope your well and wonderful xx

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    1. Thank you dear FB - lovely message! Do you fancy giving this a go FB? It's such fun and so relaxing, especially when you're working in only one colour! The possibilities are endless really - just an outline of something you like and away you go!
      I am well thank you - and sometimes I can be wonderful - sometimes not, haha!
      Take care and have a great weekend!
      Joy xo

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    2. Do you know I made some cards a while ago using that method, I must put some photos up...there no where near as good as yours though *sigh* xx

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    3. Oh do post them FB - I'd love to see them! And you know - we may follow the same track but we each do our own thing and I'm sure your cards are gorgeous! I look forward to seeing them!
      Joy xo

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  9. Just in love with the pixie and the quality of your work as ever. You have really even stitches but it still looks so free. Looking forward to some more soon. Jo x

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    1. Thank you so much Jo - you say such lovely things to me and I do appreciate every kind word!
      I'm in love with the pixie too but might have to bring forth a faerie friend for him now?!!
      Enjoy your weekend!
      Joy x

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  10. Your embroidery is just beautiful Joy! I adore the little pixie, it is just the sweetest thing. I love Chrissie's blog too. I think one of e best things about blogging is that we often inspire each other to try new things! Wishing you a very happy weekend.
    Marianne x

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    1. Thank you so much Marianne, such a sweet message! Little pixie has been well received - and I just couldn't resist him!
      Yes, blogging is so very rewarding - it's turned my life around Marianne - I so love keeping in touch with everyone and their creativity and have been inspired to try so many new things as well as regain momentum with the old!
      You have a happy weekend also!
      Joy x

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  11. Your little pixie is so sweet! I love Chrissie's blog too and after reading her post about Caroline Zoob's book, I added it to my wish list and it's en route, so I can't wait for it to arrive - hopefully with the Postie today :-)
    Have a lovely weekend, Joy and I look forward to seeing many more of your lovely makes.
    Xx

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  12. Hello Gilly - I'm so happy you like little pixie, thank you, he's quite a character isn't he!
    Oh yes, I saw that you had the book on your wish list so am glad it's now on it's way to you - you won't be able to put it down - forget about all the household chores and whatever else - just get sewing and have whooping fun!
    Lovely weekend to you too Gilly - you can sew whilst sitting out in the sun - getting your vitamin D!!!
    Joy xo

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  13. The little pixie is so sweet! You've done some really nice work :) I'm on my way to visit Chrissie's blog now. Have a lovely weekend xox

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    1. Thank you Elisabeth, you're so sweet! I am really loving this free and easy stitching - it's a really fun thing to do!
      Oh you'll have a good time at Chrissie's place I'm sure, and then you'll keep going back for more, just like me!
      Happy days to you!
      Joy xo

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  14. Hi Joy! :) You're little embroideries are just so sweet! I'll pop over to visit Chrissie's blog. ...The little green mouse you have peeking out of the yarns in your banner is so adorable! Have a fun weekend, Joy! xo Paulette

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    1. Hi Paulette - lovely to see you here again and thank you for your lovely message!
      I have made a few of those little mice in various colours and they are so cute. The amigurumis seem to take on personalities of their own!
      You'll love Chrissie's place, Paulette, enjoy your visit!
      Happy weekend to you too!
      Joy xo

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  15. Joy you are an inspiration and so talented. I love every stitch.Hugs to you my friend,
    Meredith

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    1. Lovely Meredith, thank you so much - you are so sweet! I just enjoy my 'makings' so much and this new venture is such fun - just like drawing an outline picture with needle and colour and watching it slowly take shape!
      I hope your weekend is relaxing and fun!
      Joy xo

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  16. Look at all this sweet cuteness! It's is calling my name for sure, especially the little hedgehog sitting in the rain....I must have that! Going to check out Chrissie's blog just as soon as I take one more peek at your lovely stitching....you did a great job since this is your first!
    Hugs, Shari!

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    1. Hiya Shari, lovely to hear from you again and I'm so glad you've fallen for hedgehog for I was starting to feel a bit sorry for him with red pixie getting all the attention! Do check out Chrissie's place - you'll have a good time there, she's been a great inspiration to me and many others.
      I'm happy you approve of my stitching, especially considering the great experience you have. Thank you Shari!
      I hope your weekend is all you want it to be - enjoy!
      Joy xo

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  17. You are truely talented, me and my daughter love the little hedgehog so cute.Shame your getting wet weather, were getting burnt alive with the warm weather in England x

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    1. Hello Joy - thanks for popping in, it's lovely to see you again. I'm happy that you and your daughter love little hedgehog, he is rather sweet isn't he!
      We complain when we get a lot of wet weather Joy but really we must have it at this time of year for summer time gets to be so dry over here when we can go for weeks, some places a lot longer, without a drop of the precious wet stuff! As you can imagine, things can become a bit parched then, in this hot climate. It would be nice to have a 'happy medium' though! And for you in the UK also, for you're not really set up to handle prolonged hot periods! Never mind, before you know it it'll be snowing again!!!
      Have a great weekend!
      Joy x

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  18. I adore the pixie and hedgehog... right up my street! You did a beautiful job. Thank you for your encouraging words regarding the patchwork x

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    1. How lovely to see you here - thank you so much for your sweet message, I really appreciate it!
      Nature and faery types have always been very special for me so it seems a natural progression to be 'stitching' them now - it makes me happy and light-hearted somehow! I'm so glad that you've fallen for hedgehog and red pixie!
      I always enjoy visiting your lovely blog, you do such wonderful work, thank you for sharing it!
      I hope your weekend is special!
      Joy x

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  19. Wonderful stitching Joy, brilliant job they all look gorgeous!

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    1. Hello Sam, and thank you so much for saying so - I am really enjoying this little venture - I think we're all kids at heart, what do you think?
      I trust that all is well with you - have a lovely weekend!
      Joy x

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  20. Wow, Joy! Your stitching is perfect and so beautiful! You really did a great job with it.

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  21. Thank you so much Jennifer - lovely message! I'm really enjoying this little adventure - stretching myself!
    Enjoy your weekend!
    Joy x

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  22. you've made some beautiful embroideries Joy, I love Caroline Zoob's new book...it's on my wish list! I met her once with her lovely stall at a country living fair...and perlease will you send us a little of your rain, we are getting a little dry now in the current heat wave, nice tho it is! Emmax

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  23. That's lovely of you Emma, thank you so much!
    It really is a magic book - just looking at the pictures even, is so inspirational! How nice that you met the author - she seems to be such a nice person!
    Even though the sunshine is so gratefully received it does have its downside when the countryside starts to brown off - that's the sad part! I'll send you some lovely rain in exchange for some lovely sunshine! A deal?
    I hope you're enjoying your weekend Emma!
    Joy x

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  24. Oh Joy you have been busy doing some very beautiful embroidery, wow! I am so impressed by what you have achieved and you have truly inspired me to get started! I have read through all of Caroline Zoob's book this week and it is just beautiful with so many wonderful projects to do. I love your teapot and I think this will look so lovely in the kitchen. As for your redwork stitching, it is so very sweet and so well done, I feel completely inspired by this. I purchased the basic doodle stitching book only a couple of weeks ago and now I wished I had seen this one first. Thanks for sharing these wonderful books with us and also for inspiring me to get started. Really love what you have done Joy. Wishing you a wonderfully creative and relaxing weekend. xoxo

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  25. Dear Hannapat - I really value all of your sweet comments - thank you for your loveliness, I am feeling quite overwhelmed!
    Overall I can see how blogland inspires all of us to inspire each other and I learn so much from you and all my other lovely blogger friends - words escape me - I am so thrilled to be part of this fantastic community!
    Again, thank you so much for your encouragement and sharing Hannapat! I'm so looking forward to seeing your up-and-coming projects from these beautiful books!
    Joy xo

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  26. I love seeing others' stitching - I've been experimenting with Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart transfers and enjoying the new embroidery style. It's so much more casual and relaxed than it was when I learnt at school.
    Lovely even back stitches Joy. x

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    1. Hello Rachel - thank you - I must take a look at that!
      Joy x

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  27. beautiful work...looks lovely!

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  28. So very sweet Mum! Another talent you've been hiding from us. Although I remember when I was small you embroidered some incredible table runners with satin stitch (I think it's called?).

    Have you heard of "'Sublime Stitching" - have a look while you're recovering. Bit more alternative!
    http://www.sublimestitching.com

    Sweet thoughts & love
    Trace
    x

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    1. Hiya Trace - oh that wonderful memory of yours, it serves you (and us!) well! So lovely that you remember that, thank you for reminding me!!!
      Now isn't that incredible - I was just looking at that particular site after having it mentioned to me by Rachel - another lovely blogger! I so want those beautiful yarns so I can do more of this style - Dad won't mind no meat this week will he! Ha ha! Oh yes, that's what I'll do with the surprise money from heaven! That would please Papa! Did you read that post?
      You found your avatar then? Maybe we need to change that arrangement so they all show!
      Have a great week Trace,
      Love you,
      Mum xx

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  30. Beautiful stitching Joy. I love the teapot!

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  31. Thank you Annie - lovely to hear from you again! I hope all is well with you!
    Joy

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  32. Beautiful stitching!

    Jen

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    1. Thank you Jen - I'm glad you like it! It's so relaxing and easy!
      Joy

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  33. Just found your blog and it was so timely as the beautiful red stitching is perfect inspiration for a gift for a friends 40 th thank you x

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  34. Oh I'm so happy that you feel inspired by the redwork Grace - all the best with your gift making!
    I'm also happy you have become a follower and I'll look forward to seeing more of you!
    Joy x

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  35. Looks great! I esp like the teapot one...looks like something even I can manage.

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    1. Hello Trishie, and welcome to my little space! Thank you for your message and I would encourage you to have a go, you'll enjoy the process, I'm sure!
      Joy

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  36. Hi Joy, thank you for your lovely message over on my blog! I was also very inspired by Chrissie's stitching. it looks tempting, I haven't done anything like that for a while. The book sounds interesting, I like your tea-pot! the pixie is wonderful, so many things you could decorate! Heather x

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    1. Hello Heather, lovely to see you here again, and thank you for your sweet message!
      It's so nice to have a change of pace heather and I'm really finding this type of stitching most enjoyable - if your interest is aroused then I would say give it a go again!
      Joy x

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  37. I just love your beautiful embroidery! It looks really nice all in one colour! I haven't done any embroidery for ages, I used to do a lot of cross-stitch, but this puts me in the mood again!
    Thank you for your visit to my place!

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    1. Thank you so much Sandra, I really appreciate your lovely message - and I hope you 'follow your mood' then show us what you're doing! I haven't stitched in this style before and am loving it!
      I very much enjoy my visits to your place, thank you, and your photography is amazing!!
      Joy x

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  38. Your new embroidery style is so sweet, how lovely - and thank you for coming over and saying such lovely things on my blog - you are too kind xx

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  39. Hello again Hawthorn - I'm happy you like the embroidery, thank you!
    I really enjoy visiting your blog - you always have something interesting to entertain me with, thank you!
    Joy xo

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  40. I just loved your redwork, so cute!!
    Found your blog throug Liz in Denmark, I visited her shop i September last year. :-)
    I'm a new follower....
    Have a great week.
    regards

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    1. Hello InGa - welcome aboard and thank you for your lovely message! Isn't it a small world!
      Do drop by again soon - you're always welcome!
      Joy

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