Snuggling and stitching

It has once again been a dull grey day here in Oakhill, but where the Newfies are concerned, rain is definitely something to be welcomed. They are missing the Devon beaches a little still I think, though we have found streams and waterfalls for them to enjoy – and even a large, deep pond.  The pond experiment however wasn’t entirely successful … Daisy launched herself in and started swimming strongly straight out to … but wait…. not straight out to sea!  In her excitement and impatience to be first in the water, she hadn’t noticed there was a bank on the other side – until she hit it at full speed and promptly sank!  It was so funny, and I am sure that Ben had a large grin on his black furry face! Only her dignity was injured I hasten to add!

On days like today it’s always nice to make a slow start with a proper breakfast ….

And there’s nothing like a nice boiled egg (or two) with some fresh bread ready to cut into soldiers.  Once again this year I’ve planted up my collection of old golden syrup tins with hyacinth bulbs and they’re doing really well in the conservatory where there’s plenty of daylight.

Then if it’s a quiet sort of Sunday with no visitors or visiting, which today has been, once we’ve been out for our daily walk it’s lovely to snuggle down with some stitching.  I’ve been very busy lately with projects for the December magazine, and so far have completed and written up the patterns for four new designs.  I have shown you my Fairytale Swan (snaffled by Rosie already!)

And now my food mixer cover is completed too …

It is tied at the sides with cotton tape so it will fit most models and will make a great gift for any hard working mixer!    I always try to have a mix of techniques and skill levels in each issue, and my little Snow Angel Bear is a simple (but effective) project ….

Whilst the hoop I finished this afternoon whilst comfortably ensconced on the sofa with the last of my chocolate orange biscuits to hand is definitely more advanced ….

I really enjoyed stitching this as  it’s a project I’ve had in mind for some time that seemed appropriate as we approach the end of yet another year.   For spring there are dog roses and blossoms, summer brings succulents and thoughts of the beach, autumn leaves and berries, whilst finally holly, yew and the silvery sparkles of frosty days herald winter and the close of the year.  The text is the famous verse from Ecclesiastes of course.

I hope you approve of them all, and there are still two more partly stitched awaiting completion in time for inclusion in the December Magazine.  So tonight I’ll be enjoying an evening with the log burner, a lovely mug of cocoa, the Strictly results show and my sewing – oh and two large black bodies snoring gently at my feet! What could be nicer?

PS: If you’d like to learn more about the Bustle & Sew Magazine, then please just click here.