Stitches, Steals & Strawberry Scones!

Hi Guys!
Sorry for going a bit quiet, our computer was at the shop for repairs so I've only just managed to upload all my pics... Apologies in advance for the impossible length of this post!

So, first things first. I had one more birthday gift to finish up which, I am ashamed to say, I started four years ago....

I made this bookmark for my Nan whose favourite flower is Lily of the Valley. 

Unfortunately, my Aunty had already stitched this for her but, hey, who wouldn't want two of such a lovely little design ;0) 

I just hope she doesn't compare them because my Aunt is a much neater stitcher than me!

It was almost complete when I unearthed it few weeks ago in an unpacked box (yes we have lived here for three years!) so just needed to add the tassel and outline detail and, hey presto! a bookmark!

I also made a skirt last week in a beautiful coral cotton but I've forgotten to take a pic to upload and it's dark now so I'll have to show you that another time. 

It wasn't perfect but it's not too bad for a first go, just need to work on my tension now. Oh, and before you see it, yes I did mean to use white thread on purpose. I don't do a lot of designing but that was a definite 'style' I wanted to achieve :-p

And now for something different:

I recently read about the 365 Grateful Photography Project and thought it was a really lovely way of helpng the good stuff in life eclipse the bad. 

So, I thought I'd get involve and try to take a photo each day of something I am grateful for. 

However, as my partner predicted, everyday is a big commitment and with the Mac in the shop I've got more than one pic to upload (sorry!)

So, without further ado, things that I've been grateful for since I last posted:

First cherries of the year!

Afternoon tea at Grandmas house!

A beautiful place to stay

A REALLY good book, in bed, naturally!

A peaceful place to be with my knitting (sigh)

I am also very grateful to my family for donating these beauties to my ever-expanding stash:

Knitting patterns from Nan

Dress-making patterns from Grandma

Oh, yes. Jane Austen-esque wedding dress here I come

Beautiful Fat Quarters from Little Friend Susan (like the swirlies bestest!)

And that's pretty much everything for now. I'm working on a beanie pour moi but desperately have to repair my top and really should crack on with my beautiful French-design cross-stitch pattern.

All of this is, of course, in addition to the maxi-dress tutorial I found online today and the four projects I'd like to knit from the pattern books above and all the other wonderful things I keep seeming to find.

Oh to be a lady of leisure ;0)

xxx