Happy Halloween!

Sweets bought - check, Iris's pumpkin outfit ironed - check, pumpkin candle placed in bay window - check...it must be HALLOWEEN!

Here's a photo of my Halloween display. Unfortunately there is still a Halloween finish in the 'to do' pile, but it involved a ruched ribbon edging so I just kept on putting it off and off and off!




Witch taken from 'When Witches Go Riding'
by Prairie Schooler
32ct Natural Linen

I did manage to finish a couple more ornaments for BeckySC's Pumpkin Challenge (no ruching required - phew!)


Jack-O-Lantern by Casey Buonaugurio
JCS 2010 Halloween issue
36ct Copper Lakeside Linen


Jack-O-Lantern Fob (Freebie) by Casey Buonaugurio
32ct Natural Linen

A couple of weeks ago I was thrilled to discover that I won Carol's giveaway! When the prize arrived my eyes almost popped out of my head! The bag alone would have been a fantastic prize (it already has my latest WIP in it), but look at the stash it was filled with - yippee!



Within a day of the stash arriving I'd stitched up this beauty from Sekas & Co called 'Watercolour Pumpkins'. I loved stitching it as it contained lots of new stitches for me...cashmere stitch, stem stitch & oblong cross stitch. I can't decide whether to do a circular or an oval finish.


'Watercolour Pumpkins' by Sekas & Co
32ct Natural Linen

Thanks so much Carol, this is such an amazing prize.

My luck didn't stop there...Sally was having a chart giveaway over on her fabulous blog. I've long admired the chart - LHN 'Holly and Berries' and would you believe - I won! I really should have bought a lottery ticket that week, I'm not usually so lucky! Thanks Sally, I can't wait to stitch this design for Christmas.

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LHN 'Holly & Berries'

I'm now making the transition between Halloween stitching and Christmas stitching. I had hoped to be well on my way with Christmas ornaments by now, but of course I'm already behind. This year, as presents for DH's side of the family, I'm making home-made biscuits to put in Emma Bridgewater tins I purchased in the sale last year. I'd also like to include a hand stitched ornament. At least I know if I don't get around to stitching everyone an ornament, I've got the biscuits to fall back on! Since I had Iris, I've learned one must always have a Plan B!!

Pregnancy news is that I've started to feel baby wriggle about which is so reassuring. I didn't feel Iris kick until 20 weeks but I started to feel stirrings with this little one at about 16 weeks. It doesn't kick, just kind of shifts around...a lot. I fell asleep on the sofa a few nights ago (as I often do at the mo) and DH said he felt baby squirming around lots so he/she doesn't even rest when I'm asleep!

I hope everyone has an enjoyable Halloween. I can't wait to see Iris's face when we open the door to lots of 'Trick or Treaters' this evening! I often wonder what she makes of the World at this age, she always seems to take it all in her stride!

Regards,

Christina