A grey day, and some colourful stitching!

I am very glad indeed that I took notice of yesterday’s weather forecast that there would be wind and rain coming in from the west.  So this morning when I awoke to a clear blue sky I didn’t linger for a second cup of coffee and the papers in bed.  Oh no, I was up in a jiffy and out with the Newfies before nine – which was just as well as by the time we finished our walk the skies were grey and the first big fat raindrops were beginning to plop heavily on the path ahead.  So for the rest of the day I’ve been doing some sewing (I have a TOP SECRET project on the go at present.  I wish I could share but I know the recipients read my blog) as well as putting the final touches to the March issue of the Magazine……

All ready to send out on Thursday.  As well as the magazine, this month  at Bustle & Sew has been all about kits – and I’m pleased to be able to announce that we now have stocks of all our current designs, although in limited numbers.  You can view the current selection here.

We’ve never really sold kits up until now, but following the success of our softie kits we’re feeling very enthusiastic and have plans for some lovely embroidery kits for beginners.  Hand stitching has become so popular lately, but when you’re a beginner it’s hard to know where to start with questions like – “What sort of fabric is good for stitching on?  What exactly is a hoop, do I need one, and where do I get it?”  Rosie has put together six kits that are perfect for the newbie stitcher, containing everything they need to get started and we’ll be launching them  later this week.  Until then here’s a sneak peek at a couple of her designs ….

Rosie’s are at the top while the two floral hoops below feature in the March issue of the magazine which is published on Thursday.  I’ve also been working on a new free pattern for St Patrick’s Day that I plan to release at the end of the month.  It’s all stitched up now and the hoop has been sitting on my desk waiting for me to write up the pattern …..

It’s the old Irish blessing of course decorated with a floral garland and a few shamrocks scattered around the design.  I’m sorry the photo’s a little dark, but it really has been absolutely dreadful weather here today with the rain drifting across the hills and over the tops of the woods like clouds of smoke – and I’ll finish as I started – I’m SO glad I took the dogs out early this morning while the skies were still blue.  But it will be muddy in the woods tomorrow – perhaps we’ll go to the beach instead.