This is a sampler I have stitched for my son Justin and his wife AnnMarie for their second wedding anniversary in June. It is stitched on 40ct antique white Newcastle linen with HDF Jadeite 2467. The pattern is a freebie but I cannot remember where from - does anyone recognise it? It originally had the word 'Amitie' where the A and J are and I lowered the pattern to add in the date.

*Edited* - The pattern is called 'Petits coeurs de l'amitié' from Jura Point de croix and can be found *here*

Recently we had this little visitor to our garden. He doesn't seem to be very old and got quite scared when he found the high wall around our garden was quite difficult to climb. I managed to get this picture of him before he eventually clambered up the ivy and made his escape.

I now have my Summer issue of SANQ. I have been subscribing to this magazine for a very long time and my collection goes back to issue 1. I wish they had binders but they are all in an immaculate condition.

And I succumbed to more scissors to fill up the holes in my glass frogs! The pair with the 'A Stitch in Time Saves Nine' tag are new but the other pair were another bargain from ebay. If you look closely (click on the picture) you will see the letters ER and 1953 which refers to the Queen's Coronation - how exciting is this?

I have been busy 'tweaking' two new iStitch Designs and once this is completed and I have stitched the models, I will reveal them.

And now back to Douceur de vivre which my French tells me refers to the 'sweetness of life'. I will work the border first and then complete the remaining two little boxes.

Thanks for visiting

Take care

Another update of Douceur de vivre. I foolishly left the border as I was enjoying filling in the little boxes but I've now decided to do the border next and save the two little boxes as I am afraid if I do the boxes next, the border will get left and this will remain unfinished!

These two little flower/scissor frogs were an ebay win. They are a matching pair and originated from Reims in France. The little silver dishes need a polish but they are in a really condition. I have given one to Kirby and kept one for myself; I expect when I shuffle off this mortal coil the pair will be re-united. Now to find some more scissors to fill those little holes.

And a new start. This is for my son Justin and AnnMarie's 2nd wedding anniversary. The linen is 40ct antique white; the thread is HDF Jadeite 2467 which is actually a more teal shade that it looks in the picture.

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Take care

At last a new iStitch Design and this one is for all those scissor lovers out there! It is stitched on 40ct antique white Newcastle linen with HDF silk threads in Winterberry 1423, Winterberry 1429 and Nisse Grey 5327 (DMC equivalents are noted on the chart). The model is finished as a pinkeep with a scissor pocket on the back and, as you can see, there is a tiny beaded fob with a scissors charm attached on the model although there is a charted fob if you prefer to stitch this.

You can find the chart *here* or by clicking on the CHARTS button on the sidebar.

Thanks for visiting

Take care

Here is a further update of Douceur de vivre. I am so enjoying this one - the little houses are adorable! I will finish the border next and then relish filling in those remaining little boxes. For those who asked about this chart it can be purchased *here* and while you are there, take your time to have a look around as she has some very lovely charts which can be purchased as hard copies or pdf files for those of you who have to start it Now!

My conversion to HDF threads is:

DMC: HDF

Blanc: White

152: Quince 1405

223: Quince 1407

372: Brass Tacks 3451

646: Night Smoke 5307

648: Night Smoke 5303

844: Night Smoke 5311

926: Steelies 2451

3011: PennyWort 3447

3012: PennyWort 3445

3013: PennyWort 3343

3721: Quince 1411

3722: Quince 1409

3779: BitterBloom 4441

3781: Zebra Dove 5249

3790: Zebra Dove 5247

In my last post I said I had a great picture of Kirby to share with you and here it is! To think that many years ago people were put in the *stocks* as a form of punishment - maybe they should bring them back to deter petty criminals?

The sun is out; my chores are done; my book is to hand and the lounger in the garden awaits!

Thanks for visiting

Take care

First up is an update on Jane Rees. As you can see she is coming along slowly but surely - nearly four pages done and only 21 more to go!

I also made a start on Douceur de vivre by Jardin Privé.

As can be seen by the needles in both fabrics both of these pieces are stitched on high count linens. Jane is on blanc cassé 55ct Gander linen with Soie Surfine 109 whilst the other is on nacre 48ct Gander linen with an HDF conversion. I need to stitch with a magnifier under my Ottlite on both pieces - I hope I still have my eyesight when these are finished! Click on the pictures for closeup views.

Maggee of Stitching Devotee sent me a picture of her finished of iStitch Designs Easter freebie. Unfortunately she did not let me know what thread or fabric she used. Maybe you can let us know Maggee? Whatever you used it certainly is very pretty and thank you for allowing me to post this here.

This Easter freebie is still available *here* - you could get a head start for next year!

Kirby has now gone back to Uni after a month's Easter break. I will miss her a lot. I have a great picture of her to post but will leave it for another day.

Thanks for visiting

Take care