Getting back to craft

It's the most basic of starts for the cross stitch stichalong, I found the middle of the fabric and created the boxes to the left, there will be 3 rows of 4 boxes. I have 2 other boxes for the right hand side to make. I have counted these rows and recounted them, I can be the queen of 1 stitch out and with my mind set at the mo, it's a huge possibility. 

I managed to sort the issues I had with the heel of this sock, it's not the design, I have knitted this one loads of times, but for some reason I could not get it right this time, now all I have left is simple rows and the toes, soon another Christmas gift finished. 

I finally picked this baby dress up again, I had got to the bodice, so I started on the design, I just need to do 16 rows before I divide the armholes and go onto straight needles.

BUT, and these days there always seems to be a but, I miss counted on the pattern, it looks off, so I have unpicked back to the garter stitch after the ribbon holes. Totally another stupid mistake by myself, so I am ready to start the bodice again, I have decided not to have the pattern on the back, this will simplify the neck opening, I don't think it will take away from the overall dress design.  

I was given this book and it's been on my shelf for months, I did not have many expectations on the plot, I've never read a book by this author before. It was always a case of he did not do it, but why and how? could the author hold me to the end, it was clever read, I enjoyed it very much. Book 62 read this year. 

I have purchased more yarn, this was on special at £1.49 per 100 grms, I now have good quality yarn for small ripple blankets to sell to raise funds for our local Downs Syndrome group, we have sold one already, so I need to get clicking. There are 18 balls of 75% superwash wool 25% nylon, it's 4ply as always, the pink/purple was purchased so I could make something for myself, I do love the colours, with extra for a blanket. The yarn feels very soft. 

Thank you for your comments on my last post, I do feel we are heading for another winter of discontent very different from the 80's, 2020 is not going to end well. I like to plan and make list, which is difficult in these times, we are well stocked and should be OK for a 3 month period, for food, crafting and general good well-being. I think the new year is going to be the crunch time. 

We had a lunchtime BBQ with daughter, Will and George on Wednesday, lovely time in the garden, the sunny weather is brilliant.

Thursday we did do work outside, which our mad cat woman next door, took a dislike to, so she shouted and screamed at us, racism, swearing and more accusations of drug use, so I called the police, sadly its the only way to get a quiet life and stop her. She called the local council, who visited and are taking no action, we are totally legal. We did finish our task, it's our garden and we will have it how we want it, photos next time.

Today we are meeting a couple of friends for lunch then back to ours for a sit outside in the sun. 

So and sew

I've pulled out all I need for the stitch along with Jo, I decided on a natural coloured evenweave 28 count, it's stiffer, just in case I decided to frame it. 

I pulled out colours from my stash, I have loads of silks (floss), these look well together, normally I love shiny Christmas colours, but I don't think they would work on this design. The last time I did cross stitching was in 2018, I have not finished my last project, it was one I choose to get me back into stitching, but sadly it did not work. 

It's a lovely design.

Back in May I made an updated list of crafts to do, I had ticked a few off the previous list, the only thing I have done in any amount is knit from my stash, but I have also added to my stash. My loom is sold, I could not use it without getting back ache and I am hoping the new owner is having a great time with it. My rabbit is in bits still and my 2019 book is not halfway through making. So I'm not going to redo my list, it's here for all to see. Summer months are always low on my crafting time, garden calls every sunny day and this year we have had loads of sunny days. 

I enjoyed this book, I have read James Patterson before, not really a festive book, but it's a tale of misleading and catch up. This being my 61st book read this year. 

I have been given these quilting templates by a friend, it is something I would not use, there are 4 sets of shapes with varying sizes, plus a few other items, which all fit into a A4 envelope, so if there is anyone here in UK who would like these then please leave a comment. If I have more than 1 comment names will go into a hat, sorry only UK because of the cost of posting. 

A closer look

Saturday we had a lay in, it was lovely not to have to get up and get going, after a slow start we walked to our village, did a few things and then had lunch in our Bistro, I always feel safe here, they have always had high cleaning standards, and these days they follow all guidelines, when you get your food, they give you a card for the table, which is left on the table until it is fully cleaned after you leave, including the chairs and the menu. Lazy afternoon in garden and inside reading, homemade pizza for tea, most of the ingredients were in the freezer, with a bottle of red wine. We had the last night of the proms on TV and we read together, a perfect lazy day for us and much needed. 

Sunday I spent the morning in the garden, hubby cut back the tomato plant, we have loads of green tomatoes in a paper bag to ripen. I moved a few pots around, and did some deadheading, I also planted my forget-me-not into bigger pots. Later we had birthday cake a younger daughters house, it was her birthday, followed by another lazy evening. I did have to water the garden and all my pots, but it's a job I enjoy doing, taking time to check every part of the garden.