"Owl in the hoop, a complete surprise and a new cross stitch."

Hello,

Happy Tuesday.

When I do machine embroidery sometimes I dive straight in and do the project other times I test sew a piece to see if the colours and fabrics go together. Luckily for our Grandson Jacob I did just this, otherwise he would have been a bit scared of the owl I was making for him. Lets say that plainer colours work better together.

This design was stitched in the hoop with four separate hooping's. I then joined them together. Made a padded backing and joined it together with hand sewing on the base. I had to go back to school days when we were taught to hand sew things together before stitching on the machine, especially when it came to joining the nose section. Sometimes doing things the correct way really works!

Last Monday I was so surprised to get a parcel from Bobbie Lynn for Mother's Day.

 To say I was overwhelmed with this parcel is a understatement.

 In the parcel was this tea towel with a Cucumber embroidered on it. Bobbie Lynn and I have been talking about my lack of Cucumber growing until by some miracle we were able to grow them this past Summer. So now I have my very own Cucumber all year round. You see Bobbie Lynn is very efficient in growing Cucumbers I think her good vibes were sent all the way from the US to here so my Cucumbers had to grow.

 Also in the parcel was some of Bobbie Lynn's decorated eggs. These are just so delicate. I am actually on the look out for a fallen nest to put them in. Meanwhile they are in my sewing room for me to admire.

 I was also blessed with a set of handmade cards and envelopes. They look too nice to use don't they.

  

 Stamps. I had been talking to Bobbie Lynn about how some crafter's had been using stamps in hand embroidery and lo and behold one of her friends was no longer in need of these. Amazing generosity. I have some plans for these.

Thank you so much Bobbie Lynn.

I have started a new cross stitch, doing a little each night. Some nights even undoing what I have just done! I purchased this pattern last year from a on-line shop which operates out of Melbourne called Needlework Boutique.

Italy has a new citizen, congratulations to my nephew  Ryan  and Edy and big Sister Faye on the arrival of Emily May last Friday. Best wishes to you all.

Unfortunately there is one less amongst us, today our Son-in-law Julian says goodbye to his Nan in New Zealand. Love and prayers to Julian Ainsley Jacob Debbie Fiona Alisdair and family.

I have been reading Mrs Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini. I am not enjoying this as much as her other novels. I have just flicked to the back and saw that the lady that the story revolves around had written her own novel. Think I will try to read that one. This one seems to be a bit slow going. Has anyone else read this book. I would be interested to hear what you thought of it. The copy I am reading is in big print so it is quick to read in that respect.

Happy days.
Bev C