Sunday 26 February 2012

Progress on Ann Medd Day 31 and Competition Results



Add Medd - Day 31 Progress


I can't believe that another week has flown by since I last posted my progress on Ann Medd. I adore this sampler from the colours to the motifs.



Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

I have just finished the fourth section and will start the fifth section tonight. I have been looking forward to using all those beautiful blues. As there is a huge amount of stitching to do in this area (a bit like the grass in ATS) I thought that I would alternate my evenings between that and the verses down both sides.




Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

This is where I had reached on my last post and I have now finished off the flowers. I wonder if they are Chinese Lanterns.


Add Medd - Day 31 Progress


The only changes I made to the design on the fourth section was the skin colour of the lady and gentleman and some fingers on the gentleman's outstretched hand to compliment the ones on the lady's hand. I also put my initials on the cartouche.



Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

I have just noticed my hair on the linen, it's not stitched in, it must have fallen when I was photographing.


Add Medd - Day 31 Progress

The pinks and blues are so pretty.


FUN COMPETITION

I have been overwhelmed with the number of photographs I have been sent. Many, many thanks to everyone who participated. 

We all love our pets so much and we sure do take a lot of photographs of them sleeping. 










My son Chris has decided on his winners. Congratulations to Ruth on her photograph of one of her little leprechauns.




Now Chris has had a problem choosing his favourite animal shot and in the end whittled it down to three but could not decide on just one so we have three winners. Karen, Laurie and Sandy or should I say Miss Piggy, Emma and Ami.


Miss Piggy - Karen's Kune Kune Pig


Emma - Laurie's Corgi




Ami - Sandy's boxer


I only have one copy of Santaberry Pudding so I drew a name out of the hat and this design will be going to Karen. I know Laurie loves reproduction samplers so I will be sending her one from my stash. Sandy if you will let me know what your favourite type of designs are I will send you the closest I have from stash.

Please could you email me your addresses.

I have some home made chicken soup simmering on the AGA and the smell has been making me hungry as I have been sat writing this post so I am now off to have a bowl (or two).

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Yiota's Xstitch Kits - A Review

For some time I have been hearing a buzz around blog land of Yiota's XStitch  and her beautiful cross stitch kits and online needlework store. Last week I was delighted to receive a request from Yiota to review one her cross stitch kits.



From an earlier visit to her online store I knew that Yiota is a very talented designer so I was very excited and honoured by the invitation.

Yiota's XStitch


Yiota and her husband run a small family business based in England and they design, manufacture and sell around the world unique cross stitch designs. Yiota takes her inspiration mostly from fine art masters and the Victorian era.

Yiota's XStitch


From an enjoyable hour spent browsing the online store I soon realised that it was going to be  hard to choose just one design from so many beautiful ones.

Yiota's XStitch


There is a huge choice of themes to cover all tastes.There really is something for everyone.

Yiota's XStitch


All sorts of animals to include family pets, birds, butterflies, farm animals, wildlife and the exotic. There are beautiful cross stitch kits of fairies, kings and queens and children. An amazing selection of  seascapes, landscapes, cottages, castle and churches. From samplers to the seasons, biscornus to cards.

Yiota's XStitch


There are countless more that can be found here. I particularly like the way that you can search for the kits by skill level or theme. The website to is very well laid out and is easy to navigate. You can also buy gift vouchers  which make lovely presents for pin pals. The designs are available as cross stitch kits or patterns.

Yiota's XStitch


Eventually after much oooing and aarring  I decided on a William Morris Design - A Lily. The size was 11.8 inc. x 11.8 inc. and I thought that it would make a beautiful insert to a cushion. I had a choice of 14ct aida or 28c evenweave which I chose.

Yiota's XStitch



The kit arrived very quickly, it was sent in a board backed envelope and was marked "Do Not Bend". I hate it when goods arrive damaged because they have been cheaply packed. 10 out of 10 to Yiota, her packaging and delivery were excellent. If you opt for just a pattern this can be sent either as a paper chart or via email, ideal for international stitchers.

Yiota's XStitch


The kit itself was well presented and put together in a resealable plastic cover. The BIGGEST plus for me is that all Yiota's kits come with the threads pre-wound and clearly numbered. We all want to start our stitching straight away and I have spent many frustrating hours sorting out hanks of threads and agonising over which thread is which then having to wind them onto bobbins.

Yiota's bobbins are pre-punched so all you have to do is slip them onto a ring and hey ho off to go. Multiple bobbins are given for high volume thread rather than over winding. I was surprised by how many different shades of thread there were.


The threads used are Maderia which I have never used before for cross stitching but I have used them for machine embroidery with very good results, they have a lovely sheen to them. DMC conversions are given if you want to kit up the pattern with other threads. Another 10 out of 10 for me on the threads.



The instructions are well written and clear. The chart was printed on good quality paper with a matt finish. I do not like using gloss patterns as the glare from them when working under a daylight lamp gives me a headache. The symbols used were clear and distinct from each other.




If I was being very  picky I would have preferred for the pattern to have been printed with the same size symbols  but split over more smaller pages as I do not like to fold my charts. I would give the chart 9.5 out of 10.

The fabric supplied was good quality and felt nice to handle. It was more than ample for the design. It is a bearbug for me when kits come with a tight allowance for finishing or framing. Trust me this happens with some very expensive kits. A needle was tucked into the fabric. Another 10 out of 10.

With the attention to detail and quality Yiota's cross stitch kits are good value for money. The kit I chose is a lovely conversion of this William Morris design and I am looking forward to stitching it.

Please visit Yiota's XStitch  to see more.


Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Sunday 19 February 2012

A Fun Competition and Progress on Ann Medd



Ann Medd - Day 24

Whilst I am not participating in the International Hermit Stitching Weekend (I hope I got that right) I did manage to spend yesterday afternoon and evening stitching Ann Medd. I was AMAZED how quickly the hours passed and I was shocked to see that it was midnight and the fire had gone out, I was so focused on Ann. Time certainly does fly when you are enjoying yourself.



Ann Medd
 I adore Ann's use of red and pinks. This flower is very Claude Mackintoish in design although he was not born then.

Ann Medd

My photos are not very clear today and on checking on my lens the culprit is doggie slobber - BLUE !!!!



Ann Medd
 This is where I finished last night.

It is too nice a day to be indoors so the morning has been spent on outside chores and a walk with Poppy and Blue to Church Cove.

It was so beautiful there today.



Church Cove photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk 



We were out for such a long time they were tired out when we got back and went straight for their favourite chair which is theirs and where they watch the world go by in the cove below. Poppy got there first so Blue had to squeeze his way in.


Poppy and Blue

That got me thinking about all the funny sleeping  positions we see our pets and family in. I thought that it would be good fun to have a competition for the funniest position. There will be a prize for the photo of the funniest animal and human position.

If you post them on your own blog then comment on this post with the link to your blog, next Sunday I will ask my son to pick a winner from both categories. Alternativeyly you could email me your photo.

The prizes will be unused charts for Holy Night by Shepherds Bush for the funniest human sleeping position



and for animals SB's Santaberry Pudding. I will also include some goodies too.



The winter sun is still shining so I am off to do some gardening.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Ann Medd Progress - Day 20


Ann Medd - Day 20


It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end and I am certainly enjoying this journey. Ann is a joy to stitch and my favourite sampler to date.

I have made some changes and replaced several animals in the second section with ones that appeal to and mean something to me and Trewoon. I have put in some robins and rabbits. I have also stitched a pair of pelicans as I was so touched with the meaning behind them when I stitched them on Dutch Beauty. I intend to put in two pairs of doves either side of "Paradise Lost" to symbolise hope, promise and romance for my son's forthcoming marriage.


Ann Medd - Day 20

Whilst stitching the verses I have noticed that here and there the letters have been sitched in three different ways. I have used the same font for consistency and not copied the variations.



Ann Medd - Day 20

The back stitched lettering is quite time consuming with starting and finishing the colour changes for each word but it is worth it as the colours together are beautiful although the photograph is not true to the actual colours.

I have recently been listening to The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and Believing The Lie by Elizabeth George which I enjoyed but last night I stayed up late listening to the end of my current book The Last Child by John Hart which was BRILLIANT.

Normally if  I listen to an audiobook in bed I fall asleep in no time but this was enthralling to the very last sentence. I would highly recommend it if you like crime/thrillers.

I now have to find another audiobook  - any recommendations will be appreciated.

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Secret Stitching Valentine

The valentine I received was from Jan, thank you  so much I adore it.


The Valentine from me was received by Mouse.



 Thank you again Jo, it has been great fun and a good way to get to know other bloggers.


Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Secret Stitching Sweetheart

I have received a valentine heart from a Secret Stitching Sweetheart


Secret Stitching Sweetheart

I wonder who it is from. !!

Jo from Serendipitous Stitching has organised this exchange. I now have to wait to see who received mine. What fun. Thank you Jo for arranging this.



Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Monday 13 February 2012

Patience and Perseverance

I have been having so many questions about photographing birds that I thought that I would do a post about it. Now I am not in any shape or form knowledgeable about photography this is just about what I do.


Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard


For many years Ray and I have been fascinated by the bird and wildlife we find in our garden. We are lucky enough to have two and a half acres of garden, some formal and other parts kept semi wild (in a controlled way, I like tidiness) to give the badgers, foxes, rabbits, stoats, weasels, squirrels, toads, frogs, fish, countless types of birds and insects etc., a home and feeding ground.


Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of  Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard


We can quietly sit and watch all this from our home and various sitting areas around the garden.

The birds and badgers in particular give us endless hours of enjoyment and we feed them every day, even if we are away we arrange for them to be fed so they have come to  rely on us as a source of food and a safe haven.


Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage The Chocolate Box at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard


I have bird feeders in the cottage gardens as well but the ones I shall concentrate on for this post are next to my TV room, sun room, kitchen, laundry room and boot room. All rooms that I spend a lot of my time in and are furnished in a way that means that when in the rooms I work or sit by the windows so the birds become very used to me being around.


Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

I am fortunate that providing I do not make a sudden or fast movement and I can walk around the feeders and the tree from which they hang without the birds flying away.


Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

When I fill the feeders the birds congregate in the branches waiting for them to be put back up.

This means that I have a big advantage in that I don't have to go looking for subjects they come to me. I can set up a shot and then I just need "Patience and Perseverance" to capture the right expression or stance.


Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

If you want to photograph your garden birds it is worth considering how you are going to create the shot. Set up a feeder where you can get a good view of it from a concealed spot such as a house window or garden shed.

Think about the time of day you will take the photographs and where the sun will be.

You can manipulate the background by using a board or cloth.

Attract as many birds as you can by putting out an assortment of food using hanging feeders, bird tables and on the ground when you are not photographing, then when you come to take the photographs remove most of the feeders which creates a queueing system so that the bird have to perch around waiting for their turn to jump onto the feeding perch.


Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

You can then photograph them on the perch which is a more natural setting than the feeder.

Birds can be attracted to water as well so have somewhere that they can drink. You could attract a robin onto a fork handle by smearing it with peanut butter.

You need to consider the equipment that you will need to capture the type of shots you are after.

I have been very lucky to have had expert advice from Lara who is a professional photographer and a skilled needlewoman. It is worth checking out her blog and photo albums.

Lara shared with me many articles that she has written for a photography magazines and when I was looking for a  new camera gave me lots of tips.

I have a Panasonic Lumix which is a point and shoot and is great for when I am walking Poppy and Blue as I can carry it in my pocket and snap away whilst holding the two dogs. You never know what you are going to see when out and about.

I also use a Canon 60D for the photographs in the garden. This is mounted on a tripod and I position and focus the camera on a spot that I know a bird will use as a perch to access a feeder and wait for the bird to appear in the shot rather than look for the bird. The tripod is essential as you yourself cannot hold the camera perfectly still whilst waiting.

I have three lenses a short one for very close up work, a medium lens and a telephoto 500 mm lens. The lens I use dictates the style of the picture and how close  I need to get to my subject.






 I am very fortunate that I can get so close.

I do hope that this will help you in capturing good shots of the birds in your garden and remember "Patience and Perseverance".

Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx

Wednesday 8 February 2012

Ann Medd - Day 13 Progress


Ann Medd - Day 13

Ann M is growing and I am throughly enjoying sewing every stitch. Ray who always takes a keen interest is particularly taken with her so I have decided that for now that I will continue with Ann M and leave Ann Dale for the moment.

Ann Medd - Day 13

I substituted the little deer with a crown which I felt balanced better with the other side.

Ann Medd - Day 13

I really like the individual colours and the way that Ann M combined her colours.

I have had a quick look on Ancestry.co.uk and I think that Ann came from Yorkshire, if anyone knows any information about Ann I would be very grateful if you would contact me.

I went to the craft section of the WI today and had a lovely fish and chip lunch with the other ladies after class.

I sat next to an elderly lady who had been a PA to someone very high up in Pinewood Studios during their heyday. I could have sat all day listening to her reminisce about the Sean Connery Bond movies and the Carry On films being made.

She was fascinating and although she never married her life was action packed. As a young lady she traveled  by herself to America and then by train to Toronto and worked her way around Canada which was very daring in those days.


Multiplication Sampler - Historical Sampler Company


Whilst I had my camera out today I thought that I would photograph another piece that I have worked.

I have been asked to show where I hung ATS so here she is in my hallway. You can see Dutch Beauty as well. You can get a sense of her size.




It is a cold but clear day and the birds have been busy at the feeders.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

We have a small pond by the feeders (Poppy and Blue like to drink from here too) and the birds use it.


Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

This male chaffinch is a cheeky little chap and wasn't bothered by me at all.


Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

This little one was perched on top of the tree for ages and seemed to be dozing off at one point.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

I just love the expression on his face.



Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

The blackbird was busy searching out food underneath the fallen leaves.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard
Competition was fierce for pole position at the feeders.

Photographed by seasidecottagescornwall.co.uk in the Cornish seaside garden of the luxury holiday cottage By The Seashore at Trewoon, Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Lizard

I have a million and one things to do and unless the fairies are coming to help I had better get started.


Warm Wishes from Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore Nicola xxx