Whoever said that March comes in like a Lion, and goes out like a Lamb? 
There might be lambs in the fields, but the weather is definitely all lion! These last few days of March have seen snow, gale-force winds and driving rain. I have had to put off a visit to see my Mum (who has a rare cancer condition) twice because of the weather; I have lost a shed and a much-loved ancient greengage tree in my garden to the winds, and my poor DH has had to dash outside in his dressing-gown to hastily clear out dead leaves from the stream behind the house before it over-flowed and flooded the house! Even though British Summer Time began this weekend, there is little sign of any kind of 'summery' weather!
My hands have been a problem (bad weather always makes FMS pain much worse!), so I haven't managed to ply my needle quite as much as I'd have liked. Nevertheless, I made this little needlecase for my friend Val:-
It is from a design in Cross Stitcher magazine; using DMC variegated threads on 28ct linen. It made a nice change to work an entire design in pulled-work! Val is a lover of speciality stitches, too, so I knew this would be perfect for her.
I also finished part 3 of Papillon Creation's "How Does Your Garden Grow" mystery sampler.
I am really enjoying this piece; it seems to grow more beautiful with every stitch. Have a look at the photo-album on the Papillon Creations website if you get the chance; it is amazing that so many different colour-combinations all seem to work so beautifully.
I have discovered the delights of listening to audiobooks on my new iPod nano (birthday gift!) while I stitch. I love to read, but the one irritation has been that I cannot read AND stitch at the same time - until now! The little Nano is so clever, it remembers exactly where you last were in the book, even if you switch off the device or have to recharge it, or if you decide to listen to some music on it instead. I definitely recommend it! I joined Audible.co.uk so I have the fun of choosing a new book every month for much less than if I bought them from a store.
At long last, my new design software has come from the States; Easy Grapher Professional. I have already been having a play with it. Hopefully I will be able to share some more designs with Friendly Stitchers soon.
Happy Stitching, everyone!
Abi
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http://mosmilestones.blogspot.com/
05/06/08 @ 07:54