My junk journal

I made this junk journal for a friend.

It is full of the usual tags, tucks and pockets you would expect to find in a junk journal. 

There are lots of vintage bits and pieces in the journal.  Sometimes we wonder why we hold on to things - making junk journals is a great way to use them up.

I hoped the journal would bring back lots of memories.

I think she liked it!!

Love, Liz

Fancy Needlework Illustrated

I love the illustrations in this Fancy Needlework Illustrated Magazine, Novelties Number.  It was published by the Northern School of Art-Needlework, Manchester.

The magazine dates from probably the early 1920s.

The advertisements for needlework supplies are so pretty.

Look at this little "Clarice baby bonnet", cute or what.  Such a lot of work!

There are also tips for decorating hats for girls or ladies.

Hope you have enjoyed these visions of an earlier age.

Love, Liz

Cross stitch snowman - in July?

I was determined to stitch something for Christmas in July and so I looked out this beautiful pattern - Jingle Jolly Joy by Misty Pursel (Luminous Fiber Arts) and stitched this cute little snowman.  Misty has some beautiful cross stitch patterns - check out her site by clicking the link highlighted above.

All those white stitches!  I don't know about you, but my white stitches don't seem to lie properly, but I think these are ok.  I didn't stitch the word Joy, but added another snowflake in its place.

I like this blue fabric myself and I'm pleased that the white stitches show up well on it.  What did you stitch for Christmas in July?  Let me know in the comments section below.

Love, Liz

All the mermaids!

I've made a bit of progress on my latest stitch - Comfort Lighthouse by Carriage House Samplings.

I've got a few more nautical patterns I really want to stitch.  Seaworthy by Teresa Kogut is the most gorgeous pattern and I just love the mermaids.  Think I will stitch the mermaid on her own next and then try the whole pattern next summer.

Summer Quaker by Lila's Studio is another beautiful nautical pattern and guess what - there's a mermaid in that too!  I think I'm just going to stitch the centre part of the pattern, but I've seen it stitched up and it looks beautiful, so perhaps I'll be brave and stitch the whole thing!

Hope you are enjoying whatever crafty ventures you enjoy.

Love, Liz

Soft, summery squares

Summer crochet granny squares - 22 of them and each one different!

Got a little project in mind for these.  Just using four soft colours with a creamy white as the main colour.

Need a lot more, so better get on with it!

Have a wonderful crafty weekend.

Love, Liz

Don't forget to check out Scottish Stitcher on Facebook and Instagram.

Nautical Cross Stitch

I have wanted to start this lovely cross stitch pattern - Comfort Lighthouse - for ages but wanted to finished off my house trios first.

Got a tiny start today - just a couple of stitches, but at least I can settle down this evening and get on with it.  The pattern is by Carriage House Samplings.

I found this little pottery shard on a local beach a few years ago.  It brings back lots of lovely memories of a wonderful day out.  You can read about it here.

Hope you are having a good week and are looking forward to the weekend.

Love, Liz

Don't forget to check out my local history blog - The Greenockian.

Purple crochet granny squares

Don't you just love looking at the colours of all your crochet yarn?!

I love seeing how all the different colours go together to make one lovely cosy 
crochet blanket.

Ok, so it might not be the time of year for crochet blankets, but with the weather we've been having here in Greenock recently, it won't go wrong!

How's the weather in your part of the world?

Love, Liz

Easter houses and bunnies

A bit out of season, but I've just finished stitching this lovely cross stitch pattern - Easter Houses by Waxing Moon Designs.

I love the bright colours and especially that bunny on top of the house - so cute.

I stitched all the houses together in a row rather than individually.  I've done this before with Spring Houses by Waxing Moon Designs.  I've also stitched Christmas Houses separately - you can see them here.

Again, totally out of season, but I'm currently stitching Halloween Houses.  Hope to be able to show you that soon.

Love, Liz