Summer fun

Thanks for all your comments on my last post, and your Christmas wishes. I hope everyone had a lovely day on the 25th.

Here is a PXT that my sister sent me of Phoebe and the ornament I stitched her hung on their tree. I think Phoebe looks pretty pleased with it.



Summer is in full swing here in New Zealand. We have had about a week of blue sky days and high temperatures. It has been great. It reminds me of the Christmas/summer holidays we used to get when I was a kid.

Rain is forecast though, so we have been out and about making the most of it. On Christmas Eve DH and I went to a local garden tucked away in a pretty valley near where I live and took a leisurely stroll. Not far down the garden path you come to a little bridge with this gorgeous view of the river.



On Boxing Day we did a very Kiwi thing and went to the beach for a picnic and a swim. There is also an old rope swing on some nearby trees so we all relived our childhoods and had a swinging good time!



My rabbit Tiggy got an early Christmas present this year - she got a friend! His name is Cola. He is friendly and so soft to the touch. I've had Tiggy since 2008 and have always hummed and hahhed about getting her a friend. But lately even my DH commented that Tiggy seemed bored and lonely (something I had noticed too). Well, that was enough to help me make up my mind 100%. If it doesn't work out (the first two meetings haven't gone well, but Tiggy enjoys having a neighbour) we'll try and find her a more suitable friend.



I've made quite a bit of progress on Fancey Blackett, and hope to have a finish to share with you in my next post.

Happy holidays!

Phoebe's Christmas ornament

Phoebe's annual Christmas ornament is all finished and ready to hang on her tree. In the end I stitched her Up on the Rooftop by The Floss Box.



I am very, very happy with how the ornament turned out (although not so happy with photos I've tried to take of it, this is the best of a bad bunch! :-))

Anyway, another quick drive by post. DH is shutting up our shop at midday (I'm already on holiday - my last day in the office was yesterday) and then my parents are taking us out for lunch, so I must tootle!

Stitched with Love Christmas exchange

Here's a quick drive by post...

I can now reveal a recent Christmas exchange I participated in.

Here is a lovely ornament and goodies I received from Lisa in Australia. Thanks so much Lisa!





I sent to Pirjo in Finland, here is what I sent her.





Carol asked for a Phoebe-fix, and I am only too happy to oblige (as I am often in need a Phoebe fix too!). This photo is hot off the press, taken just yesterday. Phoebe is now 2 years and 8 months old... my how time flies.



I gave up on Phoebe's Christmas ornament (I'm going to do that design next year), and have almost finished one that is just as cute and that has been a real pleasure to stitch. I will hopefully be back in a day or two to show you. If I don't make it, have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy the holidays!

A stitchy post (at last!)

First up, I have to show you this lovely gift that Suzanne sent to me. It is Summer Stars by Blackbird Designs. Hasn't she stitched and finished it beautifully? Stitchers truly are some of the kindest people. Thank you again Suzanne!



Yikes, how did Christmas get to be a little over two weeks away? Here is my niece's Christmas ornament in progress. I am not sure why, but I am not loving it at all. I'm not sure if it's the colours or the fabric, but whatever it is I keep finding other things to do to avoid stitching on it. However, I will have to crack on so she can have it on her Christmas tree in advance of the 25th!



While avoiding stitching on Santa, Tanya posted her Believe freebie. So I stitched that up in no time at all. I will make that into a tiny little ornament for my Christmas tree. (Thank you Tanya!)



Lastly, there has been some progress on Fancey Blackett. I might get it finished up over the Christmas holidays, as I am having a couple of weeks off work (can't wait).



I hope you are enjoying the run up to Christmas!

Out of office message

Currently enjoying summer (and festivities), be back soon.



(This post is for those who have emailed me saying to share more pics of New Zealand. The next post will be a stitchy one!)

Have a wonderful weekend!