First WIP Pictures of Mother's Love plus my initial thoughts on SMALL stitch counts...

 

Yes! Here it is! The first EVER WiP picture of my design Mother's Love.

As promised I am going to be stitching this design.

There's two reasons.

1. I want to have it on my wall.

2. So everyone can see how one of my designs looks stitched (always a very helpful thing to do when you're trying to sell your designs to people! LOL!)

I designed Mother's Love to be stitched on 25 count fabric, but as I know many people will choose the fabric of their choice I have done the same. I do have a piece of 25 count fabric, but that's reserved for my Paine Free Crafts project.

So, in my stash, I had a recently purchased piece of 22 count, sand-coloured evenweave that's just the right size.

I also think it's a good colour for this design.

But, as anyone who's been reading my blog will know, I've NEVER stitched with a count higher than 18 before.

So I set to work gathering together all the materials (sorry folks, but I'm never going to learn to love doing that! :-) ).

With my new sewing box at hand, I was set and ready to go:

That's the cover page of Mother's Love so everyone can see what my designs print like. I'm really pleased with the look of the cover page - but then, I would be! ;-)

The eagle-eyed of you will notice that there are colours in there that don't match Mother's Love and you'd be completely correct. That's a recent order for another project mixed in too. I'm really pleased how that area fits my thread bobbins perfectly (those are the ones that come with a Leisurecraft Tewkesbury order).

So, Able Stretcher frame (see my Links) ready to go I set to work.

The top of this article is how much I managed to get done. I only stitched for an hour though as it was 9pm when I started and I was already tired - but determined to do SOME stitching!

I can't believe how TINY those stitches are. Even with my magnifying lamp they're small (manageable, but small). Also, for me at least, the delicate nature of evenweave (and linen) has me being very gentle with the stitches. Personally, I prefer the look of linen but the rigidity of aida.

As you can see in the top photo I put a dice in the picture for perspective. That's a standard size dice.

Here's another picture with my finger.

 

Now THAT'S small!!!!

I can't say I enjoyed those first few stitches. I think after the day I'd had squinting at tiny stitches after 9pm was probably not the wisest decision - but I had to do it for my own sanity! LOL!

Right, that's it for today.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog.

I also hope you will keep coming back to look at more of my WiP pictures.

Mother's Love is available from my website HERE.

Below is how she'll look when she's finished:

 

Finally, thank you to Caroline Lord for licensing her wonderful art to me.

You can find more of Caroline's art HERE.

I'm a Workaholic! Who knew!

Wow! I can't believe a week has gone by since I started my business.

Even saying the words my business feels surreal.

I'm no stranger to working in an environment that requires concentration and attention to detail - but running a cross-stitch design company is something else entirely.

For anyone who's interested this is how most of my days last week were spent:

• Answering emails
• Answering Facebook messages
• Replying to Facebook comments
• Networking via social media
• Sending out first contact emails to potential artists.
• Talking to artists about the service I offer - incorporating: giving them examples of my work.
• Communicating with my existing artists.
• Workings on designs that are currently waiting for release
• Dealing with identified problems with my designs (not much of that thankfully!)
• Trying to get my website up and running
• Doing photo conversions for customers
• Learning how to use some new software I've purchased to help with my business
• Dealing with any difficult situations that  may arise.

I'm sure I've missed some things off that list, but you get the idea.

Most days I start at 7am and finish between 11 and midnight.

I was so busy one day last week that I actually forgot to eat until 8pm. Except for a packet of fruit pastels at lunch! LOL!

But, I'm LOVING it!

All my working life I've been doing jobs that have moments of enjoyment. There have been times when days have sped by and it hasn't felt like 'work'.

Those days were rare and usually overshadowed by the days that were awful.

So, to find myself in a position where I love every minute is something to cherish.

There are some drawbacks of course.

I'm a new business and by our very nature, we humans tend not to trust things that are new.

People don't know me as a businessman. They don't know my ethics or how I will operate.

They only know me as a fellow stitcher who's friendly and helpful.

Well, I'm no different as a businessman people!

I'm here to help and I want you to be proud to own and complete one of my charts.

From a personal perspective the only drawback is I have a LOT LESS TIME TO STITCH! NOOOOOOOOO!

I'm hoping I'll get into a better routine this week and find a balance between work and downtime.

But, I do have to change my stitching plans!

I was going to be starting designs from Tilton Crafts and Paine Free Crafts shortly but, sadly, that will not happen for a while.

Instead, I will soon be starting one of my own designs:

This is Mother's Love

(Based on original art by Caroline Lord and used under licence) 

From a company perspective I need a stitched example of my charts. But, even more importantly, I LOVE Caroline's art and I'm a cat person - so to have this design on MY wall will make me very happy.

The side-effect will be good publicity for my company.

I'm a new company and my customers are the most important thing for a new company. I know that and I value that.

I hope that I will always be approachable and I will always find the time to answer any question you may have. 

First and foremost I'm a stitcher. Just like you!

HAPPY STITCHING!

NEW ARTIST - NEW DESIGN

I have just signed my third artist for the above design.

The artists name is Natasha Wescoat and her Facebook page can be found HERE

Her website can be found HERE

Natasha's style is beautiful to behold and translates incredibly well into cross stitch.

This first piece is called The Wishing Apple and will be the first design we collaborate on.

In addition to my new artist I also have news on the new releases based on Caroline Lord's amazing animal portraits.

Two new releases. Both released today.

Mother's Love

£11.00

 

Lone Wolf

£9 

If you are interested in purchasing any of my designs you can leave message on my blog, or order directly from my website when it goes live in a couple of days (hopefully!)

My website can be found: HERE

 

COMING SOON! New Designs for my Cross Stitch company...

I recently ran a user-competition in my new company cross stitch group on Facebook: Eclectic Bloke Designs

Caroline Lord (Facebook page) chose five of her favourite pieces of art from her portfolio and my members were allowed to choose which of the five would be the next chart.

This is the design that won.

This gorgeous depiction of a lioness and her cub is called Mother's Love and will be my next Caroline Lord cross stitch release.

Caroline has also given me more pieces that I can work on....so if you love her work, you're going to love these designs.

ALSO...

More HeidiMadeThis! designs are looming ever closer.

Patchwork Santa

I'm currently trying to optimise the detailing in this wonderful design; but hopefully he will be released shortly.

Also, we have one of my personal favourites 3 Wee Kings

Anyone who likes my designs and is watching will also be very pleased to read that I have approached more artists and I am just waiting to hear back from them about the possibility of working together!

So watch this space...

But, even more importantly....

HAPPY STITCHING!

Eclectic Bloke Designs signs another Artist!

Yes, it's true! After the coup of joining forces with HeidiMadeThis! I have the greatest pleasure in announcing that I have signed Caroline Lord to my company.

Caroline's art comprises some of the most beautifully detailed animal paintings I have seen and it has been an absolute joy to convert the first of these into a cross stitch chart.

This is how Caroline describes herself:
"Animal Portrait Artist, Obsessive cross stitcher & crazy cat lady. I specialise in pastels on velour paper, and am inspired by the beauty of the natural world"

Given the popularity of my current WIP, it seemed only fitting that my first collaboration with Caroline be a tiger. And here he is!

 

This is the utterly beautiful and regal "Panthera Tigris".

This stunning design is stitched on 25 count fabric.

Design size approximately 16 x 14.5 inches.

38 colours are used.

£11 for the pdf chart.

Sorry, but at this time I can't offer a physical printed version, although I do hope to in the near future.

If you are interested in purchasing this item please click HERE and I will reply to you with my email address so you can pay via Paypal.

I will have a website up shortly and will notify everyone via my blog when it's ready.

In you love 'Panthera Tigris' then I'm positive you will love the rest of Caroline's portfolio. If you would to see more you can find her Facebook Page by searching for Caroline Lord Art and Craftworks 

Also, if you pop over to my Eclectic Bloke Designs Facebook page HERE you can see a little competition I have going.

Caroline herself has chosen 5 of her favourite pieces from her portfolio and everyone in my group is allowed to vote on which picture they would like me to chart next.

The picture with the most votes by 10pm on Thursday 24th of July will be the winner.

Everyone who voted on the winner will then have their names put into a hat and I will randomly pick a winner to receive the chart for FREE once it's available to the public.

So, for your chance at a free chart from my new company head over to my Facebook page and GOOD LUCK!

OMG....I'm finally doing it! I'm a Businessman!

"Eclectic Bloke Designs" is a GO!

Since starting my blog I've really loved the interaction it's brought with other people - my fellow stitch-mad friends. I love the fact that you all interact and take part in my blog, I love the feedback and I love the enthusiasm. But, most of all, I love the support and encouragement that you have all shown in such a short space of time.

Who would have thought just over a month ago I would have gone from just another Facebook stitcher to having my own blog, my own cross stitch designs, my first ever Artist onboard, a registered domain name and very soon my own Website.

It's exciting and scary all rolled into one.

So far I've designed two principal charts for my new company. I like to call them The Torso Collection, but their names are Burning Up and Ice Pack. Just in case you've forgotten what they look like, here they are again:

But, with my mind set to all-systems-go with this new chapter in my life I quickly approached my dear friend Heidi of HeidiMadeThis!

I've always loved Heidi's card designs, and have often thought that many of them would convert to cross stitch very well, and appeal to my fellow stitchers.

Thankfully for me, she agreed (she has put a lot of trust and faith in me - for which I thank her from the bottom of my heart!).

So, with Halloween fast approaching we decided that the best thing to do would be to pick something from her portfolio that would appeal to lovers of that special occasion.

So we picked Cameo Skeleton and Haunted House as our first collaboration. One of the things we wanted to do was separate these cross stitch designs from their card counterparts, while still staying true to the original. We both feel we've achieved that.

And here they are:

Haunted House

  The original can be viewed HERE

Designed to be stitched on 25 count fabric.

Finished design measures approximately 11" x 10.5"

Only 17 colours are used to created this wonderful effect.

 

Haunted Cameo

Originally called Cameo Skeleton, the original can be viewed HERE 

This unusual and deceptively simple design is designed to be worked on 25 count fabric.

She measures approximately 8" x 8"

Only 25 colours are used.

 Currently both of my new designs are being sold via the HeidiMadeThis! Etsy page.

If you're interested in buying either of these designs you can do so by following this link: ETSY

I will hopefully have my website up and running shortly and all my current and future designs will be available through there.

I can tell you it will be called: EclecticBlokeDesigns.co.uk

I would like to thank everyone whose helped with this endeavour, but especially Sarah Paine of Paine Free Crafts, Esther Hung (Admin Extraordinaire and Fellow Stitch Nutter), Heidi Sandford for believing we could do this and, as always, to Nigel; my ever-supportive partner who has the patiences of a saint and is the most wonderful person in existence!

Thank you!

Where Stuff Is

 

Sometimes I get asked where things are on my blog. So, even though it may be teaching some to suck eggs (as the saying goes), I figured it wouldn't hurt to highlight the most important parts of my blog.

I'll also state where you can find them on my blog.

Ok, first up is the 'Pages' bar.

This bar has a group of all the really important pages I want people to see.

As you can see it's directly below the title of my blog.

Here you can find out about my Photo-Cross Stitching Service, the Gallery of previous conversions, My designs and finally information about Copyright.

Top left of my blog is the box with links to my favourite (or useful) sites. This helps those of you who are interested in things you see get to those things a lot quicker.

 

Now, My Recommendations (top right) is a direct link to Amazon.co.uk. If you're in the US or any other country this may be useless for you. However, in this widget you will find links to some bargains I've found on Amazon. I try to update this with new bargains on a regular basis, so it's worth looking through ever so often.

 

The Blog Archive (right side). This is where you can see links to every post I've made since starting my blog. It's a quick way of finding what you want without scrolling through loads of pages (there is also a search box further down on the right side of my blog).

 

Popular Posts is on the right side of my blog about halfway down.

This is actually one of my favourite features on my blog. I really love being able to see what has caught people's attention. It helps me to see who my main readers are and what they like to read.

 

Right hand side, near the bottom.

Put your email address in here and you'll never miss a single one of my posts.

On the right at the bottom you'll find another useful navigation option. Just click on one of these 'Labels' and you'll be shown all the posts I've made on that particular topic.

This is useful if you only read my blog for one subject.

 

Finally, we have something that appears on some of my individual pages or posts.

If you see any post with a 'click HERE', you literally need to click on the word HERE and you will either be taken to another page, or it will open up your email service to send me a message.

Ok, What's it. It's not sexy and for anyone who's familiar with blogs it's going to be REALLY boring!

So, Dear Reader, this post is dedicated to all you noobs who have never seen a blog (and who probably don't know what a noob is either!).

HAPPY READING!

(More stitching in my next post, I promise)

Siberian Gold Tigers - Day 53

I'm really pleased to report that despite being busy designing my second and third cross stitch designs I still found enough time to make a big dent in the final page of this design.

I now feel like it's a matter of days before I reach the end.

Thankfully, there's not a lot of back stitch on this one. What there is primarily amounts to whiskers and some twig enhancement.

Easy as pie.

I'm getting really excited now about my next projects.

Material is here.

Thread is on order (admittedly they've said it won't arrive for 2-3 weeks!!).

Now, I just need to finish these tigers.

I will be very sad to see them go, but I'm really pleased too!

HAPPY STITCHING!

 

My THIRD Cross Stitch Design - This is "Ice Pack"

"ICE PACK"
(Please note: frame is NOT included. It is purely for display purposes).

12" x 12.5" (approx)
25 Colours
25 count.

PDF chart delivered directly to your email for just £8.

If you would like a copy please drop me a message HERE for details on how to pay.

 

 My third design is here and I have to say I'm very pleased with how this and it's partner piece "Burning Up" came out.

Personally, I think both work really well as designs and would look great together.

HAPPY STITCHING!

Burning Up - My Second Design

Here it is, my second design.

I've called this "Burning Up"

Finished size approx. 12" x 9" if stitched on 25 ct.

40 colours.

If you are interested in buying this design please contact me by one of the following methods:

1. Via the link on my 'Exclusive Designs' page.

2. By leaving a message on this blog.

3. Via my Facebook page.

I have decided that all my designs will only be available for a short period.

So, "Burning Up" will be available until the end of October 2014.

Get him while you can!

HAPPY STITCHING!

Siberian Gold Tigers - Day 52

To be honest I don't have a lot to say today.

As you can see I made some progress on the final page on these tigers. I'm definitely being spurred on my the thoughts of starting my new projects...although I don't have the threads yet so shouldn't get too excited!

My new material arrived yesterday.

EEK! came to mind.

Remembering that I've never stitched on anything higher than 18 count, the sight of 25 was scary. Then I saw the 28 and practically passed out!

I stood there with That's impossible! No freaking way! screaming through my head.

But, as always, the calming voices of my fellow stitchers on Facebook crept into my mind saying Ssh! One stitch at a time, old boy. One stitch at a time!

 

To quote Drew Barrymore in Ever After....

"Just Breathe..."

So, I move forward today with renewed determination to finish these tigers as soon as possible (which I'm sure will please Caroline greatly...she's been waiting quite a while for this to be finished!).

HAPPY STITCHING!

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTION: The WIP Saga! Forget about StarWars....Forget About Twilight...THIS is the Saga to watch!

Yes, here we have it!

The Saga to end all Sagas!

Ok, nothing like building things up but, seriously, for me this is the biggest project I've embarked upon.

The three pictures above are all going to be done simultaneously.

But, for the first time ever I am venturing into the unknown.

This will be the first time I've ever stitched on a fabric count higher than 18.

So, Indiana Jones is going to be done on 18 count.

I've already made a start on him, but had to stop to finish the Siberian Tigers.

But, now I finally get to return to this wonderful picture.

Finished size: 18.5" x 12.5"

Then we have Awwoo! from the ever-brilliant Sarah Paine of Paine Free Crafts

This one will be stitched on 25 count.

My intention is to use my traditional method of tying on an off as required.

Finished size: 10" x 14"

Finally, from the excellent Tilton Crafts we have the beautiful and majestic So Lonely.

This one will be stitched on 28 count and I'm thinking of trying out the parking method of stitching on this one.
Finished size: 12.5" x 11"

The plan is this....

Each day I will stitch an as yet undecided minimum amount on one design.

The next day I will do a different design.

Then on day three, the final design.

I will continue in this fashion each day.

Every three days I will post a link to my blog for an update on all three WIPs.

Also...as an added bonus (think of it as bonus episode in your favourite TV show! :-) ) I will be posting pictures of Santa's Toys Christmas Stocking design. This is another WIP which I will intersperse if things get too hard on the other three. So, there may be a bonus WIP picture from this too!

 

So, WATCH THIS SPACE

COMING SOON!

Cloud Atlas Review

Have you ever watched a film and thought to yourself What the hell was that all about? If that feeling annoyed you then don't watch Cloud Atlas because, I assure you, there's a very large possibility that you will be saying that a LOT.   This is a film I've wanted to see ever since seeing the trailer. However, many years (and thousands of viewings) have taught me that trailers are not to be trusted. They lie. They even make bouquets of roses out of piles of poop.   Nonetheless, I vowed that if I could see Cloud Atlas I would take the opportunity. Well, at the moment Amazon have one of their 3 for £17 deals going and this was in it. So £5.66 a disc. Ok, for that I'm willing to give it a try.   Given I've got some chest pain at the moment (feeling much better by the way) I haven't been able to cross stitch, so yesterday was spent watching film. I started with The Great Escape (my all-time favourite war film), which I followed with The Diary of Anne Frank (the black & white Millie Perkins version).After that much war I decided that something ultra-modern was required so I popped Cloud Atlas into my blu-ray player.   In the first five minutes I was thinking I'd made a mistake. However, never one to give up on a film easily I put aside my first judgemental feelings.   I am so glad I did. This is not the first time that my patience (born from experience and a love of film) has paid off. There have been many, many times when a film has turned out to be better than it's first few minutes and this is a great example.
6 interwoven stories. Most actors playing 6 different roles. An amazing ensemble cast that are at the top of their game, giving some brilliant performances and one of the most challenging storylines I've yet to witness. Not only does the film jump around in time from the distant past to the very distant future, but it also shifts tonally and in theme.   One minute you can be watching a comedy, then a Sci-Fi, then a touching romance. At all times, though, the film is utterly mesmerising.   I found myself desperately wanting to know what happened to Sixsmith and Frobisher; what the hell was up the mountain that Halle Berry's Meronym desperately wanted to see. But, most touching of all: the fate of Somni 451.   Performances are sublime and the film is impeccably directed; with stunning visuals and acting. However, it's not perfect. There are moments when you feel they move away from one story too quickly or linger too long on another. Also, the devolved language of the distant future, while very good at creating atmosphere, is almost impossible to understand. I had to turn the subtitles on to know what they were talking about - but, I did find that for the final hour I actually understood what they were saying (my internal translator must have kicked in! :-) )   If you want to watch something a bit different. Something challenging but ultimate worth the effort, then I highly recommend giving this brave, unique film a chance! Just don't try to stitch through it! You'll never know what's going on!   The blu-ray sound and picture are reference quality. If you ever want to show a friend what blu-ray can look like then this is the film to show them (this and something old like Gone With the Wind or Ben-Hur) I didn't watch all the extras as it was a bit late, but the two short featurettes I watched were both interesting and informative. I did like the fact that you could watch them on a Play All function or individually.

The Secret Language of Stitchers

The Secret Language of Stitchers

Yes, you read that correctly.

There is, and has been for some time, a language hitherto undiscovered by modern man.

It's sometimes bewildering, occasionally confounding while also being innovative and insightful.

It is only recently that I have begun to grasp the intricacies of this forgotten language and so I have taken it upon myself to share what I have discovered with you, Dear Reader.

Firstly, however, I must recount details of a recent experience.

(Some details have been changed to protect the innocent)

The other day I was visiting a practitioner of dentistry. My partner (who shall remain nameless) and I were discussing our secret addiction to the art of cross stitch.

Having recently learnt some of the stitching world's secret language I took it upon myself to utilise it's masking effects. The conversation played out thusly:

Myself: "I've never been RAK'd"
My Partner: "How does that happen?"
Myself: "Someone just has to want to do it"
My Partner: "Maybe you'll be RAK'd soon"
Myself: "Maybe. I've got loads of WIPs so it's doesn't matter"

A portly lady sat nearby leaned over and asked - very politely - if we could keep our voices down as she felt our conversation was inappropriate in polite company, especially that of her child - a rather glum looking specimen of boyhood by all accounts.

I refrained from my instinct to laugh when I realised the disapproving woman was deathly serious. My my, what a predicament!

Quickly, and with no small amount of embarrassment, I explained that I was talking about sewing as my friend and I had recently had to learn it's skills to enhance our careers aboard ship. Her look of confusion - while probably familiar to her, was irksome to me. I further had to explain that a 'RAK' was a Random Act of Kindness, in which one person gave a gift of a cross stitch related item and that a 'WIP' was just another way of saying a 'Work in Progress'.

I'm not sure she saw the funny side (to be honest I'm not sure she ever saw the funny side of anything) - but my explanation was sufficient enough for her not to call a constable to arrest the suspected deviants.

A lucky escape, indeed.

So that you, Dear Reader, may avoid such terrible predicaments I am including below a compendium of terms that may better aid you in understanding those who sew:

BAP - Big Ass Project
FAD - Fun & Done!
FFO - Finally Finished Object
FS - Forgotten Stash
HAED - Heaven and Earth Designs
KK - Kustom Krafts (Canadian Chart Seller)
LNS - Local Needlework Shop
McBAP - Massively Complicated Big Ass Project
MSWD - Must Stitch with a Deadline
ONS - Online Needlework Shop
ORT - Old Raggedy Threads / Orphaned Random Threads (this is derived from a real middle English word meaning remnants)
PAD - Project All Done
PFC - Paine Free Crafts
PFO - Pulled from Oblivion (for those projects you haven't worked on in a long time)
PHD - Project Half Done
PIGS - Projects in Grocery Sacks. Used for when you put your own kit together from fabric threads and pattern. (with tote bags aka PIT.)
PINF - Projects I'll Never Finish
RR - Round Robin (the act of passing a project from person to person until completed).
SABLE - Stash acquired beyond life expectancy
SAL - Stitch Along (when a group of people all stitch the same design or something from the same designer)
SALLY LIDOFF -  Here's one I made up today: Stitch A-Long Like Your Life is Dependent on Finally Finishing
SEX - Stash Enchancement Experience
SINS - Stuff I'll Never Stitch
SIP - Stitching in Progress
STASH - Special Treasures All Secretly Hidden
STD - Stitching To be Done (aka Stitching to Do) (Special thanks to Sue Wilkie Thompson for this one!)
TOAD - Trashed Object Abandoned In Disgust
UFO - UnFinished Object
USO - Unstarted Objects
WHIMM - Work Hidden in My Mind
WISP - Work in Slow Progress
WTF - Waiting to Finish

Non-Acronym:
ABLE STRETCHER - a specific hard plastic type of cross stitch frame available from Viking Loom in the UK.
BLENDING - See TWEEDING below.
CONFETTI - stitching term for all those single stitches and fractionals!
COUCHING -  There are differing opinions on the proper definition for this one, but all things say one thing that's the same: it's the act of a piece of thread (yarn/piping/cotton etc) is laid over your existing stitching and fastened into place with tiny stitches, giving a 3D effect.
FROG - the sound made when unpicked stitches are ripped out (Rip it, Rip It)
STITCHY BUDDY - Any animal that "helps"(hinders) your WIP by sitting on, in, or near materials needed on a consistent basis.
NEEDLE MINDER - decorative magnet attached to your fabric to keep your needle safe.
PARKING - the act of stitching with multiple active needles, each threaded with a different color. Especially useful with Confetti.
QSNAP - type of frame comprised of plastic tubes with snap-on grips.
RAILROADING - The acto of passing your needle between your two threaded strands to create the effect of two threads laying next to each other, like a railroad this gives a flatter, neater look to the top stitch.
TANTO - the Tanto Thread Organiser is a specialist tool used to keep your thread sorted while working.
TWEEDING - the practice of using two strands of different colours to create a different effect. 

NOTE: While the story above is actually true (yes, that really did happen to me) I have obviously adapted and re-written it to be in keeping the with style of this article. I deliberately wanted to create a feeling of 'period'. Hopefully I achieved that.
I would also like to thank all the members of the "I Cross Stitch and I'm Not Ashamed of It" Group on Facebook who helped me to compile the above list. You're all stars in my book!

HAPPY STITCHING, DEAR READER!

Siberian Gold Tigers Day 51....But, for once, it's NOT just about me!

 I have to admit progress is slow. There are a number of reasons for this.

A. I'm terrible at finishing. I always seem to cling on with every fibre of my being.

B. The last few days I've had chest pains - so sitting in my chair has been uncomfortable.

C. I've been preparing/planning my next project so it's all ready to go when I finish.

Hopefully, I'll pull my finger out and crack on shortly.

Still, I did manage to spread about 4.5 hours worth over the weekend! Yay!

So, with no further ado I now move on to my partner, Nigel's handiwork.

I've mentioned elsewhere that he's a dab hand with the sewing machine, but not a fan of cross stitch. I'm very proud to say that he's stuck with his latest cross stitch project and is making good progress.

This is 'Ice Cream Truck' from a recent issue of Cross Stitcher.

It will eventually be made into a cushion.

 

Talking of cushions....

Nigel always has his eyes open for that next amazing piece of material and, as a result, we have swatches all over the house.

Yesterday, he decided it was about time he made some with two wonderful pieces he had in his stash.

Here's the result:

FRONT:

 AND BACK:

Although they can actually go either way.

He's adorned them with his favourite red checked ribbon and a 70's retro wooden button for each side.

I think it looks great and he's done an amazing job as always.

Siberian Gold Tigers - Day 50....plus some bargains

Day 50. Wow!

It feels a lot longer - but I guess that's what comes from only counting days where I stitch 3 or more hours. I've had the kit in my possession for longer too.

But, if I stitch for an hour I roll it over to the next day. So some of my 'Days' may actually be 3 or 4 days of only doing an hour (or less!).

So, my 50th day, which feels like it should be a milestone, actually arrives with a bit of a whimper.

I didn't get much done at all. A bit of brown a bit of black. But, hey, each stitch is one step closer to finishing - AND one step closer to the next project.

I hope people reading my blog notice for themselves - but just in case you don't - I've now put a link to my favourite cross-stitch related sites. It's on the top left of my blog.

I've already mentioned Tilton Crafts and Paine Free Crafts on my blog.

The other links are Easy Cross which is the program I use for my charting.

Leisurecrafts Tewkesbury and Cross Stitch Heaven are both excellent for their DMC pricing.

Just a reminder that my first ever cross stitch design - inspired by my love of Star Wars - is now available to buy and you can see it HERE.

Likewise, don't forget that I now offer a photograph charting service, details of which can be found HERE.

For previous charts I've done, see HERE.

Ok...now to the bargains.

For all newcomers...I try to locate bargain kits on Amazon.co.uk for fellow stitchers with each of my WiP updates, just click on the links below to be taken directly to the page for the item.

Hopefully you'll find something you like!

HAPPY STITCHING!

Dogfight - The Musical and The Film

 

Normally, with a film to musical adaptation, it's the film I discover first and then I buy the musical because I loved the film and thought it would make a great musical (Kinky Boots, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Les Miserables, The Addams Family to name a few).

But Dogfight is something of a rarity. I discovered the musical first.

I was browsing through Amazon's forthcoming releases and came across this. I liked the cover so I had a look.

This is the story...

Corporal Eddie Birdlace is about to ship out to Vietnam. But, before they go, he and his buddies want one last night of fun.

They decide to throw a 'Dogfight'.

A Dogfight is a bet. Each guy bets $50 dollars that they can find the ugliest date and bring her to a nightclub. The rest of the guys will vote and whoever's date is voted the ugliest wins the pot.

So, the guys go to hunt for their girls.

Eddie finds Rose.

Rose is a shy waitress with aspirations to write songs. She innocent and idealistic and never thought someone like Eddie would ever be interested in her.

If you want to find out what happens you'll have to watch the film or buy the musical!

 All I can say is that I thought it was a beautiful and touching story. The musical is stunning and the two leads are breathtaking. Everything about it is perfect. There are some incredibly powerful ballads but also a lot of very catchy chorus numbers.

It stayed in my CD player for about 4 weeks solid and I still listen to it at least once a week (as I type actually).

It was while reading the booklet that I discovered it was based on a 1991 films starring River Phoenix and Lily Taylor.

WHAT!!!??? A River Phoenix film I haven't seen? That can't be right!

I loved River Phoenix. I thought he was one of the best actors of his generation and it was such a tragedy when he died.

But, for some reason, the film of Dogfight had just passed me buy.

So...I went on a DVD hunt.

What did I discover? That it had never been released in the UK and that US (Region 1) copies were quite hard to find.

Lucky for me, about a week later, a UK charity was selling a copy on Amazon. I managed to get it for £12! It also turned out to be Region Free! Yay!

Phoenix and Taylor both turn in brilliant performances. But, I never expected anything less.

It was also really great to have some visuals to go with the story from the musical.

My only criticism of the film is that I felt the ending had slightly less of an emotional punch. It's a quite a gentle film. The pace is steady and a little slow at times. But, if you like character driven stories then this is definitely worth a watch. If you can track a copy down!

But, I still loved it and would definitely replace it to blu-ray if it ever became available (that means I think it's excellent! LOL!)