Monday 28 October 2013

Sunday Stitchalong and a Conglomeration

 Welcome one and all and I trust that all is well with you!

I'm joining in again with  Chrissie for Sunday Stitchalong but it's already Monday morning here! I'm not making apologies for that because, well, we spent valuable time with our younger daughter, hubby and grandsons yesterday, enjoying catching up over cuppa and cake and taking in the lovely warm sunshine whilst wandering through the vineyard and veggie patch - well really, why wouldn't you! And then afterwards, just to add to the pleasure, we had lovely home-grown artichokes, freshly laid eggs, and a case of their wonderful award-winning wine to bring home with us. Once home the thought of sitting at the computer really didn't  turn me on - and besides - I hadn't yet started on my stitching for the week so couldn't have shown it to you anyway: that all makes good sense doesn't it!

But I did make a start and here it is: a Christmas theme, simple and quick and most relaxing - I am really enjoying this!


So far I've used back stitch, little wee French knots, satin stitch and a mish-mashy sort of feather stitch for the angel's wings, oh and long and short for the hair. Apart from the wings which used two strands, everything has been done with single strand floss. 

And where did the inspiration come for this little piece? Well now, I must tell you, the postie brought me the loveliest surprise one day last week: I was already watching and waiting for the arrival of a  package from Judy containing a Giveaway that I'd been fortunate enough to win (more on that shortly) so a second package arriving at the same time sent me into a bit of a spin for I couldn't remember having ordered anything recently from Amazon. When I got into the parcel here is what I found:


My daughter Tracy had organised for Amazon to send me this lovely book - just because! Just because what? Because she loves her Mum and wants to encourage and support me in my endeavours - now isn't that lovely and aren't I blessed with my beautiful family! Thanks again Trace, and you can see I haven't let the grass grow under my feet xxx !

The book is so well laid out with double-paged spreads - pictures on the right side and all the info regarding types of stitching and threads etc. on the left - so not only was I inspired, I actually traced off the little motifs, with a wee bit of re-arranging, and this time round used dressmakers carbon paper to copy them onto the fine linen fabric. I'm happy!

And now for Judy's lovely gift, making it a double dose of excitement and pleasure:


Her sweet pin-cushion which she had lovingly crocheted - all squeezy and cuddly - so nicely wrapped in matching colour tissue and ribbon plus a sweet little cross-stitch for me to do. As well, Judy sent me a lovely note on her special paper and a postcard showing where she's based in the States. Many thanks once again Judy - the first giveaway I've ever won xx.

Remarkably, shortly after being told of this win I then had word from Deb telling me that I had won her lovely giveaway - a knitting pattern for the beautiful 'Pau Hana' jumper. Many thanks again to you too, Deb xx. I bought a lottery ticket after that but it didn't come up for me, although that doesn't mean I won't win in the future, does it!

Last post I showed the cardi I had begun to knit, and that's all fine but very little progress made on it because - well - I got side-tracked by a magazine! Just over a week ago, whilst browsing the newsagents stand I happened upon this, which led to THAT! Who is THAT peeping out from behind my cushions?


Could you have resisted that picture up in the top left corner? No, I couldn't either, so the cardi went on the back-burner, as projects are wont to do, and I spent the week working on this little Mousie. Following the info in the magazine I see that this pattern is also available through Ravelry. Overall the pattern was very good, but there were a couple of little hiccups which were probably (hopefully) printer's errors but which would bother a newcomer to knitting, and I don't like, after 50+ years of knitting, finding abbreviations that are nowhere else to be found; that aside, once moving beyond my annoyance, I did enjoy most of the process. For the shoes I used a Patons baby bootee knitting pattern  rather than the one provided. I do love Miss Mousie, and am still working on a name for her - so far suggestions have been Millie, Molly, Gertrude (Gertie?) - you're welcome to have a shot at it, I'd love to hear from you! 



Now I'm giving my lovely Hubby (J) a bit of bragging space here: he BBQ'd some lovely fish  along with asparagus wrapped in prosciutto the other night, and oven-fried some chips too. It was all delicious and I enjoyed it very much even though he felt everything had had a little bit too much heat!


Now don't you think he did a great job - and I promise I did not interfere or offer one word of advice - oh right, maybe that's why it was such a success!!!


I must also show you a pic that J very cleverly took a few mornings ago: he heard a tap-tapping sound and when he looked across the road saw two kookaburra's perched on the tree in front of the neighbours property. Right, well, that's  not really unusual but - one of them just happened to be killing off a mouse (or was it a rat), by bashing the poor thing off the branch. Notice its mate sitting watching the action!


Just a couple of lovely blooms from the garden now: roses and lillypilly foliage ... ...



And some pretty shots from the garden in situ ... ...



And 'that's all for now folks' (who said that - 'twas a very clever and entertaining rabbit from many years ago??? Of course it was  the inimitable Bugs Bunny!)

I'm wishing you all lots of happies, and for those of you who celebrate hallowe'en, do enjoy the fun! Many thanks for all your lovely welcome messages.

Joy xo

45 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post full of soooo many of life's pleasures! I'm up extra early here - the big storm woke my little one very early, the winds whipping around the house are just too spooky for her - and reading your post through bleary eyes with a cup of tea at my side is just what I needed! You have such a loving family - your Sunday was a very special day! Your new books are super and your latest embroidery is utterly charming! I love the little mouse (I like Gertie) and well done for navigating the pattern...and tell hubby to fire up the BBQ, I want some of that yummy grub! Chrissie x ps thanks too for the nature pics, you know I'm fascinated by your flora and fauna...

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    1. Thanks so much for your very sweet and welcome message Chrissie and I hope that Little Flower soon settled down and that the storms have quietened down a bit by now - we saw some of it on telly and it sure was wild; not a pleasant experience. The BBQ is on whenever you're ready! Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  2. Lovely stitching, and what a thoughtful daughter you have.Enjoy your week Hugs x

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    1. Thank you Joy! Yes, I am blessed with wonderful daughters and am extremely thankful!
      Hugs, Joy x

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  3. What a happy post, love your stitchery-work, I'm reading this in the early morning gloom of a wet autumnal day with a fidgety cat on my lap - your garden photos have certainly brightened my day!

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    1. Hawthorn, lovely message thank you - I'm always happy to know you are brightened by my garden blooms thank you for saying so, and I do hope that little KittyKat has settled down again - was it the storm? Cats are super sensitive aren't they! Hugs, Joy x

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  4. Dear Joy
    What a busy week you've had, filled with some wonderful things. Congratulations on the giveaway successes and on the little mouse - how cute is she? Your sewing is lovely (as always). I love to see your garden as well - such beautiful plants and flowers. Enjoy the coming week.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Hello again Ellie, and many thanks for your lovely message - always a pleasure to hear from you! Wishing you the very best, Joy xo

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  5. You have had such an interesting week,Joy! I enjoyed viewing your post and learning about your stitching projects, the lovely gifts you received, the yummy looking dinner your husband prepared, and the wonders of nature around you! The charming Miss Mousie strikes me as being comfortable with "Gertie" as a moniker :) I hope you have a wonderful week this week, also!
    Gracie xx

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    1. Thank you so much Gracie - yes, I count myself as being very fortunate and blessed, as well as spoiled! 'Gertie' seems to be a popular name so far for Miss Mousie, thank you for your input, I appreciate it. I'm so thrilled to know that little Rose has been safely delivered into your loving family and pray blessings on all of you. Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  6. What a lovely post Joy filled with so many wonderful things. It sounds like you made the best of Sunday enjoying time with your family in what sounds like a wonderful place with good food and wine, what more can you want?! Your stitching is so sweet, I love those pretty little angels and they have such character. They look like they can get up to mischief, I must add :-). The book your daughter bought you looks wonderful so I am off to Amazon to have a little look. How special that she sent it just because, very special indeed! I can't believe you have been so lucky with giveaways, and not just one, that is what I call a good running. Thanks for sharing your beautiful garden with us, it is so lovely to see all those beautiful and vibrant blooms when everything is very grey and wet here, in fact it has been raining cats and dogs for the last 12 hours and it looks like it is never going to stop. Enjoy your week lovely Joy and thank you as always for your lovely comments over at mine!! xoxo

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  7. Oh yes, Miss mouse, she is gorgeous and I can completely see why the cardigan project went on the back burner. I love the names you have chosen and Gertie is very sweet, but I think she looks like a little dancer, so I want to call her Matilda. Much love xoxo

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    1. Hello lovely Hannapat, and thank you so much for your thoughtful and sweet message, I am always thrilled to read your words. I have to laugh for I also think those little angels may not be quite the angels they're supposed to be - we'll see!!! I'm happy that the garden shots bring cheer among the stormy conditions you're experiencing over there right now, and I do hope that things soon clear up and a little bit of sunshine can come through again. I also hope you are feeling a bit better in yourself again?
      I also like the name Matilda - it has a nice ring to it doesn't it - decisions will have to be made soon before she starts to feel lost!
      Much love to you too lovely, and take care, Joy xoxo

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  8. I think I like the miss mousie and it is! you do seem to have a lucky touch. it's all those good vibes you surround yourself with! oh and clever hubby, looks interesting! Heather x

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    1. Thank you Heather, such a lovely message, and I really appreciate hearing from you. Yes, Miss Mousie is a nice name too isn't it, oh dear, it's almost as difficult as choosing a name for a child - or a furry friend! Perhaps I become too involved with such things! Have a really good week, hugs, Joy x

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  9. Good Day JOY, The wee stitchery from the most lovely books your daughter Tracy bought you are very beautiful.. How very thoughtful and kind of Tracy to surprise you with those books.

    I think Your Miss Mouse is soooooooooooooooooo darn cut.. Great job of creating it..

    I think your D Hubby created a great meal... Lucky you to eat that yummie meal..

    LOVE the Kookaburra's.. I think they are such neat birds..

    I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo Happy your pressies arrived safely and that you have enjoyed the goodies.. Your Gardens are glorious.. Love looking at them. Hugs Judy

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    1. And Good Day to you too Judy! Many thanks for another lovely message, always lovely to hear from you - I'll be in touch soon!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  10. What a lovely, thoughtful surprise and your little mouse is oh so sweet, I think she looks a bit like a Flossie :) xx

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    1. Ah Cheryl, thank you, that's another name to add to the list, and I do like it - a lot! Joy xo

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  11. Oh my goodness Joy, such a special post today. So many things to mention, glad you had a great time with your family. You daughter is so speculate to have sent you that wonderful book, your stitching is fantastic and then I see Miss Mouse! She is adorable and looks like a Gertie to me. Miss Gertie Mouse, how sweet!
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. How lovely, 'Miss Gertie Mouse', it has a nice ring to it, thank you Meredith! I think it may be necessary to put the names in a hat and choose.
      Many thanks once again for your sweet message, you are a sweetheart Meredith!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  12. What a very 'en.joy.able' :) post! What a wonderful week you have had, so much fun receiving surprises in the post, especially these days when everything is electronic.! Well I sat and stared at your creation for ages and I think whoever suggested Milly was spot on, suits to a T! Is the blue flower in your garden collage a wisteria Joy, if so then...fabulous!!

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    1. Hello Grace! Ah yes, I still look out for the postie each day, but when the parcel post comes to my door then that is exciting! That was a great day when two packages arrived - like a child at Christmas, I am!
      No sadly the blue flower is not a wisteria, and I can't tell you the name of it either but do know it's from the potato family, which probably sounds a bit common!!! We won't hold that against it though, it's a sweet plant.
      Joy x

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  13. What a bountiful week you have had! Those Christmas embroideries are too sweet and just love that mouse! Who could resist? What a sweet daughter to bless you with that book : I am quite envious. Hope this week will be as fruitful...

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    1. Thank you Leeanne, I really am so blessed to have my thoughtful loving daughters! I wish you many blessings this week, also! Hugs, Joy xo

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  14. Sounds like you had a lovely time with your daughter don't blame you for not wanting to sit at the computer after such a lovely day. Always nice to have quality time with loved ones.
    Your stitching is looking wonderful as always! very cute little characters. Aw what a lovely give away to win! looks like a pretty pin cushion well done you.
    Not long now till my first ever won giveaway prize will be here cant wait eek!!
    I like the name molly for your very cute mouse! how sweet is that!! Expertly made too.
    I love the photo of the kookaburras what lovely birds.
    Your flowers are very pretty they look like they've made a lovely arrangement. Your gardens looking wonderful all that lovely colour.
    Speak soon FB xx

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    1. Hello FB, another lovely message, thank you. Yeah, if things are going in your favour you could almost have that package by Friday - whoopee! But I do hope it's not delayed like my American one!!!
      It looks to me like this sweet mouse is going to have a long string of names - I suppose I could produce a mouse for each of the lovely names - but I won't, I won't!!!
      Have a great week FB, and I wish you lots of reasons to be happy and thankful!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  15. Such a lovely post Joy, it's a pleasure to read. Lots of wonderful moments to treasure and a very special family. I am so in awe of your embroidery skills and beautiful garden. Miss Mousie is so sweet, and I love your pin cushion.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. Thank you Irene, I'm so glad you enjoyed the post and I very much appreciate your kind thoughtful words! Hugs to you, Joy x

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  16. I love this post so much! I'm glad you had a nice time with your daughter and family; that sounds like a terrific reason to put off a blog post. :) Your creations are beautiful; the embroidery looks so perfectly detailed and neat, and the mouse is adorable! I love knitted toys like her. Your flowers are all looking very lush and gorgeous and you husband must be a wonderful cook because I could almost smell that plate through my computer! The book and the giveaway wins are lovely as well. Looks like you're having a very good time, my friend. :)

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    1. Hello Jennifer - gosh, you do look good in your hat, every time I see your pic these days I think how well it suits you; you did a great job with it!
      Your message is beautiful and I really really appreciate having it, thank you! I have so much to be thankful for, and I am!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  17. Such a lovely post Joy, full of life's wonderful things. Your little Christmas stitchery is so sweet and I knew it will be truly beautiful when you are finished. I love love love your little knitted mouse...Miss Molly Mousie?! She is fabulous. Glad you had some lovely quality time with your family. Wishing you a very lovely week!
    Marianne xx

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    1. Sweet Marianne, thank you so much, you're too kind! Those little stitchies are such fun to do, I'm having a good time! Little Mouse needs me to make a decision .... all the names suggested are so very sweet .... not an easy decision .... watch this space, and thanks so much for your input lovely!
      Lovely week full of sweet surprises for you,
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  18. Hi Mum!
    You sure don't let the grass grow under your feet! I'm so delighted you love the little book (just a small gift, but your excitement makes ME feel like the lucky one!). The book looks even nicer than I'd hoped, and those angels look mischievously cheeky!
    As for the sweet knitted mouse, I like Miss Mousie (remember that song: a frog went walking on a summer's day, he said Miss Mousie 'will you marry me?')! But do be careful of those Kookaburras - they may confuse your Miss Mousie with a live one!
    Dad's prosciutto-wrapped asparagus have inspired me. Well, inspired me to ask Paul to make them, haha!
    Have a happy week stitching and knitting.
    And maybe you could try winning a new car for Dad?!! What lovely luck you've been having (and deserve!).
    Love you heaps
    Trace xxx

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    1. Hey Trace - what a gorgeous message - those angels do look like they could get up to 'stuff' don't they - I think they may have a story to tell sometime!
      I do remember something of that wee tune, now that you mention it - and by the way, 'Miss Mousie' is nearly 14" long and that kookaburra would be in big trouble, haha!!!
      I just laughed out loud - inspiration for Paul!
      I keep buying the lottery tickets Trace - one of these days ... ...
      Hope Melbourne was enjoyable, inspiring, and not too tiring.
      Love you heaps too, have a good one!
      Mum xxx

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  19. I love your new angel embroidery - so seasonal! Miss Mousie is so cute. I love her knitted jacket and shoes!

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    1. Thank you so much Sandra, I'm happy that you've enjoyed them - I find Miss Mousie's shoes quite amusing - she's all feet! I hope your week is going well, Joy x

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  20. Oh Joy what a magical post in many ways - lovely to see your daughter sending you such a special message to a gorgeous lady. Love the embroidery book and the design you have chosen and adore the mouse, how gorgeous to have her sitting by you giving you inspiration. Joy you are a joy to read, your Mum made a great choice in your name. Have a wonderful week, you have covered miles this week. Big hugs to you as always
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Dear Dorothy, thank you! I am blessed in so many ways, and very touched by your lovely message! Warm hugs to you too, and take good care of yourself. Joy xo

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  21. Oh Joy I don't know where to start your posts are always so enjoyable. Sounds like you had a wonderful time with your family and what a lovely gift from your daughter. I love your embroidery it's so sweet and Miss Mousie is so cute have you decided on a name yet I like Maisie, yes she looks like a Maisie to me. :)

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    1. Hello Linda and thanks so much for another sweet message. Miss Mousie is, so far, still Miss Mousie, but now I also like Maisie Mouse - our Grandies used to watch a programme on the telly about her! Confusion reigns, but a decision will be made! Happy days to you, hugs, Joy x

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  22. Ooh, I am loving the cute little mouse, how sweet :)

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    1. Thanks Annie! She's still awaiting her official name but she sure has settled in at our place! Joy x

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  23. Hey Sweet Girl! :) Joy, your posts are just crammed with all sorts of goodness! I just flipped over your adorable mousie. Gosh, she's just the cutest thing ever! My sister's name is Michele, but my name for her has always been Mouse or Mousie! :D Because of that silly nickname we love anything mouse related. .... Your Christmas stitching is looking adorable, and congratulations on you luck with giveaways! What a sweetie pie daughter you have. Aren't surprise goodies just the best! ... When I was a kid I learned a song about a kookaburra living in an old gum tree, but I never actually saw the bird till now. They are very pretty birds, but because I'm so fond of anything mousie, I have to say I won't be singing that song anymore! Poor little mouse (or rat!)
    Beautiful garden pics, Joy. Australia certainly looks like a gorgeous place!!! xoxo

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  24. Aha Sweet Paulette, lovely to hear from you again, and thank you! I am amused at your nickname for your lovely sister - very cute - and glad you like my little Mousie who still doesn't have a proper title yet; she is surely feeling quite displaced by now! Ah the kookaburra - they have a huge laugh and look rather nice but they eat my lovely blue wrens so I'm not too impressed. Nature can be so cruel can't it, but that's the way the cycle goes I suppose. Anyway, I think that 'mouse' was a horrible rat Paulette!!! Hope that makes you feel better?
    Have a wonderful week lovely. Warm hugs,Joy xoxo

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