I said I wanted to complete Just Nan "High Hopes" during January and yes ... hooray .... it's a finish.
I'm on the lookout for a nice frame for it.
Here are some close ups of the lovely details in it.
The chart is now winging its way through the postal system to Jo for her Just Nan collection.
STITCHING
I'm taking part in a valentine exchange next month, stitching complete, but still secret till opening day. A winter SAL design is stitched, just needs final finishing. These bring the total to 3 stitching finishes for the first month of the year.
KNITTING
DH's Dennis socks
DH's fingerless gloves
Two finishes and a new WIP being carried forward into February - a red cardigan is on the needles for my granddaughter.
READING - 3 books read
The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen
Casting Off by P I Paris
Casting Off was originally a stage play in 2015 that told the story of three elderly ladies, innocent Dorothy, prim Miss Ross and wordly wise Joan in a Scottish highland care home. The fees are to be put up so they set about trying to find a way to earn some money to help them fund their retirement. It was so successful that it was turned into a book. It made me 'laugh out loud' in parts and the things they got up to I can see why it was billed as a comedy play.
A Whisper of Peace by KimVogal Sawyer
Spotted this one on the charity table at the supermarket. My donation put into the box and I was the owner of a brand new never read book. It smelt new and the spine cracked when I opened it. I've seen Kim Vogal Sawyer on a few blogs from overseas ladies and am pleased i found this one. It was an enjoyable read about a brother and sister missionaries who build a school in Alaska on the edge of an indian village. They befriend a young girl who is not welcome in the village as she has an indian mother and white father. It's a tale of the pathway they tread, dealing with various issues and how life can be changed through their preachings.
Have you heard of the author Imogen Clark? Barb recommended her to me. I looked her up online, signed up to her newsletter. She was offering a chance to win copies of her two books in audio form. After a few clicks on the computer, a little note saying why i sometimes listen to audio books and i had entered. She emailed me back to say thanks for entering...... wasn't that nice. Last week an email pinged into my inbox and i was the winner of her stories. I'm looking forward to listening to them very much after they came highly recommended by Barb. Has anyone else read her books?
I had quite a productive month with many hours spent enjoying my hobbies, i hope you did too.
Warm thoughts for those in the snow laden areas both here in the UK and overseas. The best place to be is inside crafting or reading a book.
Love and blessings
Julie
Oh, your High Hopes finish is just delightful, Julie! I think I told you I stitched it for my sister about 10 years ago and I really love all the sweet details in it. The colors are so fun and spring-like, too. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully knit finishes and the newest red cardigan will be well received after it's finished, I'm sure :)
Hope your February will be filled with even more crafting and reading time! ♥
Your cross stitching is beautiful. The red cardigan looks pretty
ReplyDeleteJulie xxxxxx
Oh what a nice pattern to discover so many little things, the cute cat, the little birdhouse and all the little flowers everywhere - very nice.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Martina
Great post - love the embroidery. Going to look out for that Julie Klassen book.
ReplyDeleteYour finish is beautiful, I do wish I could find my cross stitching mojo. Love the socks and fingerless gloves. I love your knit using bright red yarn, I don't wear red, and with grandsons, it's a colour I never use.
ReplyDeleteHigh Hopes is gorgeous, it will look wonderful when you get it framed.
ReplyDeleteGreat knitting too, your fingerless mitts have inspired me to have a go. I'm halfway up the first one now. I'd have got further but every time I pick it up the cat jumps on my lap!
What a beautiful design and a fabulous finish, so detailed, it will look wonderful once it's framed. Casting Off is on my wish list, I've read another review of it which also sounded good. I've never heard of Imogen Clark, congratulations on your win, I hope you enjoy the books.
ReplyDeleteLovely cross stich sampler, you have been busy with stitching and knitting. I like the sound of Casting Off and how lovely for you to win the audio books:)
ReplyDeleteHigh Hopes is a lovely finish, Julie. You have been busy this month between your crafting and reading. I need to take a leaf out of your book and get more things done.
ReplyDeleteHigh Hopes is just a beautiful piece. Looks like a place I would love to sit and watch all those lovely critters play. Glad you had a productive month. Good luck with February!
ReplyDeleteAnother gorgeous stitch I never saw before!! I just love all the beautiful motifs and colors in the Just Nan, you did a love job stitching. Such lovely knitting too!! I bet those socks are keeping Dennis nice and warm!
ReplyDeleteHigh Hopes is lovely all finished up! The tiny daffodils are my favorites, though the cat is a close second. :) I think your month was productive indeed!
ReplyDeleteLove your stitching High Hopes, I have this one in my Wips box I must get it out this year.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Sunday and stay warm .
High Hopes is just wonderful Julie. I love it! I have never heard of Imogen Clark, but that was a very pleasant surprise to win the audio books. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful stitching Julie, you've been very productive.. and knitting too. I liked the sound of the book set in Alaska (I think) I shall ,look it up in my library.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Every Blessing
Lots of lovely finishes for January and congratulations on winning the audio books. I haven't heard of the author, I took me a while to get into audio books but i really do enjoy listening to them now, I tend to listen to books that I think i would not necessarily want to read, if that makes sense,lol
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good week x
Just Nan has such lovely designs, I hope you find the perfect frame.
ReplyDeleteLove all your knitting, such lovely things.
The books look interesting, thank-you for sharing with us.
Catherine
Beautiful stitching finish...well done. It's lovely, so many pretty details. I love your sweet cardigan, gorgeous colour too. I will have to keep my eyes open for Casting Off it sounds like my kind of book.
ReplyDeleteDebbie x
Congrats on winning the audio books and love your Just Nan finish, so complex! Also excellent knitting finishes and love the red cardigan. Thank you for the book recommendations as well. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, it looks so lovely and delicate! I love all the flowers and the cat is sweet too. I hope you find a frame for it soon.
ReplyDeleteYour knitting looks wonderful, the cardigan is going to be so pretty in red.
Love your Just Nan finishing !
ReplyDeleteI also love the knitting. I wrote down the title of that book of Jullie Klassen, if I'm correct I didn't read this one.
I'm now reading books from Sarah Ladd, she also has wonderful books !
Love your Just Nan Finish.
ReplyDeleteThe socks look cozy , so useful in this harsh winter.
I wish to take up reading some day.
Just a thank you for the comments on my blogs, I hope the change in your diet will improve your health, although' I would never had said you needed to lose weight! What a super surprise winning the audio book that will ber great while you're stitching
ReplyDeleteFondest regards and Every blessingx
congratulation for finishing a lot of wonderful works.
ReplyDeletehave a great day
Just Nan pieces are very pretty and this one looks lovely Julie. I enjoy seeing your book choices. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous stitch Julie. Love everything about it. Great socks which will keep someone very warm. And that pretty red sweater!!! RJ@stitchingfriendsforever
ReplyDeleteGorgeous High Hopes, so many colours and details.
ReplyDelete