Diamond Jubilee Stitching . . .

Finished ... Diamond Jubilee cross stitch.

I've never really thought of myself as particularly being a royalist. Although being a teenager in the era of Lady Di certainly piqued my interest in the royals. And how could you not be drawn in by William and Kate's wedding last year?

But I must say I've been captivated by the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. I mean, how many people celebrate 60 years in one job? So while browsing the internet on Diamond Jubilee-related matters I came across this pattern by Nia . . .

I knew I wanted to stitch it, but I wasn't sure what to do with it once it was done. Well, since I've accumulated a few magazines about the royal family, why not make a bag to keep them in? ("Another bag???" asks my husband with an air of disbelief!!! At least this one has a purpose . . .)

I've used some wonderful felted wool fabric for the outer bag. And a cute little spot for the lining and handle (goes nicely with the spots in the letters, I think).

This pattern used some silk threads which, while I didn't love using them, look really rich when they are done - they have a lovely sheen. And a few metallic threads too. After all, what else would you use for a crown? And I really like the cute bunting . . . and the little Union Jack . . .

I'm really pleased that this piece is stitched up and will be useful - not just another unfinished project languishing in the cupboard. Happy Jubilee QEII . . .


Pattern: Diamond Jubilee
Designer: Nia Rhind
Publication: http://www.nia-crossstitch.com/

I Retreated.

I stitched.

And I loved it!

I was fortunate to spend a weekend recently at the Stitching at the Water's Edge stitching retreat hosted by Kim and her wonderful team from the Jukejema Quilting Barn (Carol was fantastic and Kim's mum, Marg stitched a special gift for EVERY stitcher's gift bag).

The guest tutors for the weekend were Anni Downs, Janelle Wind and Natalie Ross. All three of these really talented ladies had created special projects for the weekend. Their displays were very inspiring and, best of all, they were very generous teachers - sharing their skills, ideas and lots of fun and laughter. I didn't take too many photos over the weekend, so you can see more here, here, here, here, here and here.

Anni, Janelle, Kim and Natalie

Sylvia was my traveling companion for the weekend and with all the chatting that went on, the trip was over in a flash! (Thanks for the pics, Sylvia.) I also got to share the weekend with these wonderful ladies - Fiona, Karen, Asta, Shirley, Colleen and Shiree (Colleen and Shiree had travelled all the way from New Zealand to attend). Thank you all for being such great stitching buddies! 

L to R (back) Sylvia, Karen, Shirley, Sue, Fiona (front) Shiree, Anni and Colleen

It was great to meet some fellow bloggers in real life - Sandy, who did some amazing work (loved your scarf, Sandy) and Kate, who was a powerhouse of productivity on the weekend (and showed some wonderful quilts at show and tell - Jack's quilt was my pick on the night).
  

L to R: Sylvia, Sandy, Kate, Shiree, Fiona and Me

With so many lovely projects it was a tough decision of what I would work on. I decided to start with Anni's little felted wool bag. This has a naive style appliqué on the pocket. It was fun to make. And I got it finished!

I had some time left, so I decided to make one of Janelle's fabric flowers. The centre is a covered button with the little cross stitch I did back in April (while watching the royal wedding). I think this will become a journal wrap (future project in the making).

I so enjoyed spending time with like-minded ladies - it really lifted my spirits and gladdened my heart.  Thank you all so much for the fun, the company and the inspiration.