At last I have a stitching photo to show you. I know it's not a lot but it's a start! This piece is called 'Petites Lettres Rouges' by Blackbird Designs who are holding a contest (here) with a freebie pattern. I have until April 27 to complete my stitching and produce a picture and although I am not sure if I will be able to do this, I will certainly try. As befitting a pattern called 'Petites Lettres Rouges', I am using French 40ct Gander linen in a pale creamy beige together with a deep red Soie Surfine thread. Both fabric and thread were gifted to me by dear Valie and I think this is the perfect project to try them out.
I went to the library yesterday to stock up on reading material and found a copy of Jane Johnson's 'Crosses Bones'. I think this book is also published under the name 'The Tenth Gift' but why it was published under two titles I have no idea.* Part of the synopsis reads "Her fiery temper and determination to be more than a country wife are matched only by her skills with a needle." Crossed Bones is a story of two young women; of an adventure that began 400 years ago on the craggy Cornish coast and will end in the dusty bazaars of modern-day Morocco. It is a search for secrets - and it is a story about finding love where you'd least expect it ...". I will report more fully once I have read it. It's not my usual type of book as I prefer the ilk of John Grisham, James Grippando etc but I'm always open to trying something different!
The sun is shining today but there's a chilly breeze (one of the downsides of living near the ocean) so any thoughts of reading or stitching outside is out of the question. Maybe it will improve later.
Thanks for visiting
Take care
*Edited: I have now discovered that this book is called Crossed Bones in the UK and The Tenth Gift in the US (see here).
A small calf-skin bound book called 'The Needlewoman's Glorie' is given to Julia by her lover. The book had belonged to a Cornish girl, Cat Tregenna, some 400 years ago. Cat was kidnapped by Barbary pirates in the summer of 1625 and sold into slavery in Morocco. Julia sets out to uncover the story of Cat and of how the book makes it's way back to Cornwall.
Cat is a prolific needlewoman and there are many references in this book to her needlework. It's a great read which I thoroughly recommend - I sat up late last night to finish it! So, if you haven't read it, check it out, I am sure you will enjoy it! I so wish I could find 'The Needlewoman's Glorie in an attic!
Great start on Petites Lettres. I love the delicate look of your fabric and thread.