Do I sense a theme?...

You've got to be taught
To hate and fear,
You've got to be taught
From year to year,
It's got to be drummed
In your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught.
You've got to be taught to be afraid
Of people whose eyes are oddly made,
And people whose skin is a diff'rent shade,
You've got to be carefully taught.
You've got to be taught before it's too late,
Before you are six or seven or eight,
To hate all the people your relatives hate,
You've got to be carefully taught! 

The lyrics above are from the brilliant song 'You've Got to be Carefully Taught' from South Pacific and is sung by Lieutenant Cable as he laments his inability to love a native girl. It's a tragic song and really hits home when it's performed in the musical.

I've quoted it here because I watched it a week ago and since then the theme seems to following me.

Yesterday I watched The Debt and Amistad. Both films contains strong elements of prejudice and bigotry. Both also happen to be brilliant.

The Debt is the story of former Mossad agent Rachel Singer who, at one time, tracked down a Nazi war criminal and brought him to justice. She and her team overcame many problems in the course of their mission. The film also has a mystery at it's core.

Helen Mirren plays the older Rachel and Jessica Chastain the younger. The film also stars Sam Worthington (Avatar).

Brilliantly acted, thoughtfully and skilfully directed and utterly mesmerising.

There are some scenes of violence and there are some descriptive dialogue sequences that are a lot more upsetting than any visuals could be.

If you're interested in the subject of Nazi hunters then this is probably a good film for you.

Amistad is Stephen Spielberg's classic film about the case of 44 Africans stolen from their home and put on trial for killing their captors during an attempted escape. Starring Matthew MacConnaughay, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounso, Stellan Skarsgaard and many other recognisable characters actors.

Whenever the subject of slavery is central to a film's plot you just know there are going to be scenes so upsetting they're difficult to watch and Amistad is no different. Much like some horror films, there were moments where I found myself almost hiding behind a cushion - tears streaming down my face (only real men cry by the way!).

Barely got 20 minutes of cross stitch done - couldn't concentrate with such gripping films on. Hopefully will get some stitching done today.

The World's End - Blu-ray Review

I don't get to go to the cinema very often and, if I'm honest, I begrudge the cost of the entry. Thankfully over the years I've become a pretty good judge of what I like - so I'm able to blind-buy every film I watch.

So, although my reviews may be a little late it's still new to me.

When I'm doing my cross stitch I like to watch TV. My preference is to watch things I've seen before, because I spend most of the time looking down at my stitching. Yesterday I did 12 hours of stitching and watched 12 episodes of X-Men: The Animated Series and 1 episode from Season 5 of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

After that amount of stitching I just wanted to watch something. I'd bought The World's End a couple of weeks ago in CeX (CeX is a trade-in store to anyone from outside the UK).

I'm not a huge fan of British humour (so lynch me!) but there is something about the combination of Edgar Wright (Director/Screenwriter), Simon Pegg and Nick Frost that just hits a sweet spot in my funny bone.
Sean of the Dead is one of my all-time favourite films and I thought Paul was brilliant; but the mixed reviews for The World's End really gave me pause. So I waited for the price to drop.

And so, with the wait over, I sat down to watch this last night. After a worrying first few minutes, during which I was thinking I'm going to hate this! the film (and it's actors) seemed to find the rhythm and style.

Five mates go on a monumental pub crawl - a crawl they failed to complete in their teens. The plan for four of them is to reminisce but the fifth (Simon Peg) has deeper motives.
The five guys are every type of misfit you've ever met in your life - and as such are identifiable and easy to sympathise with. But, this is definitely Simon Pegg's film. His fearless portrayal of Gary King is faultless and mesmerising; one moment having you laughing and the next crying.
As the pub crawl progresses the guys start to realise there is something seriously wrong in their old hometown - and it's there that the film sideswipes you with a curve ball. A brilliant, utterly ridiculous, curveball that just elevates the film into excellence.

I'm not going to ruin that surprise - just in the hope that you don't know.

I loved this film. I shouldn't have to be honest. Upon reflection it's really NOT my style of humour, but I found myself laughing many times.

The extras on the blu-ray are pretty good too. I watched the Outtakes (which go on a bit) and the Making Of (which was very interesting). Apparently there is 90 minutes of extras exclusive to the blu-ray.
The picture and audio were stunning throughout.

Oh, by the way, don't expect my reviews to be full of technical jargon about depth, bitrates or other such stuff. It's boring to read and most people have now idea what it's all about so I can't be bothered to write about it! Also, there are loads of sites out there dedicated to delivering professional, in depth, reviews. My reviews are just my thoughts and for a bit of fun.

Siberian Gold Tigers - Day 38

Day 38

I have found over my 20 years of stitching that motivation can be a problem. I'm sure most stitchers have the same problem at some time - actually I know they do, because they say so on Facebook!

I have found that the best way to combat that is to share with others and to keep a visual record of your progress.

If you take a photograph of your work at the end of each stitching day you can then see how much you've done. I keep an album going on Facebook for each project I'm working on and, sometimes, it really does help to look back and see where I was a week ago or more.

I actually started doing this because I was curious how long it takes me to do a design, now I do it all the time.

Facebook (and hopefully this blog) are wonderful ways of showing your work and progress. Encouraging and complimentary comments are always nice to see and, at least for me, it spurs me on to do more.

I want to encourage anyone reading my blog to comment on my posts. If there's something you want to see, or for me to talk about, feel free to ask and, if I can, I'll accommodate your requests.

Now, I've got a review to write....

Another brilliant craft site....

The other day I let everyone know about the brilliant Heidi Made This! Cards site.

Today, it's the turn of the equally brilliant Paine Free Crafts see here.

Sarah Paine, creator and owner of Paine Free Crafts does an absolutely brilliant job of converting some truly stunning art work into cross stitch charts and kits.

All Paine Free Crafts products are licensed by the original artist, with whom Sarah works to achieve the best results possible.

Here's some examples:

This is 'Butterfly Meadow Green' and is available as both a chart and full kit. As you can see the detail is amazing.

Likewise on my personal favourite from Paine Free Crafts: 'Apocalypse Princesses'.

To date, I have only one of Sarah's charts in my stash. The brilliant 'Awwooo!'

However, I have no doubt I will add more of her designs to my stash.

Each chart gives full and very clear instructions on how to create your own piece of art.

Paine Free Crafts also offers a custom charting service, where you can have any copyright-free picture converted to a chart for a very reasonable charge.

Even more importantly is Sarah's wonderful customer service. Friendly and always helpful.

You really couldn't do any better!

Film & Music Review of the Day

Buy on Amazon.co.uk

Before watching August: Osage County ask yourself a question, and, if at all possible, be honest with yourself....

"Do I like films with an excess of talking?"

If you like films full of action or easily accessible humour then this film is definitely NOT for you. A:OC is a densely written, challenging film with some career-defining performances.

Even if you're not a fan of Streep or Roberts there is much here to praise. Both are amazing in their roles and truly deserved the award nominations they received.

So, what's it about? That's a tough one.
On the surface it's about a dysfunctional family coming together over the death of a family member. Old issues resurface and new problems arise. It's a family nightmare compacted into two hours.

But, dig a little deeper and this is primarily a story about cruelty and karma. The old adage "what goes around, comes around" really rings true with this story.

Many of the characters will probably be recognisable. I know Streep's character reminded me of my own mother at times and I could definitely see myself in Julia Roberts' character.

Is it any good? Another tough question.
On the one hand it's a simple YES. The performances are faultless and the writing is clever, witty, disturbing and mesmerising.
BUT, on the other hand, it's uncomfortable to watch sometimes and I'm not sure how much re-watch value there is. None of the characters are particularly likeable; so I'm not sure how much time I would like to spend in their company.

In a nutshell, I think I'd be re-watching to see the performances and NOT for the story.

Watch if you likes films like There Will Be Blood, or The Hurt Locker
Avoid if you like films such as Transformers, Underworld, The Fast and the Furious

The blu-ray has a brilliant picture - almost too good as it shows every wrinkle! The film doesn't really need an impressive soundscape; but the DTS HD Master tracks does a great job. All dialogue is clear and there are no dips or peaks.

 Buy on Amazon.co.uk

If, like me, you're a fan of musical theatre the film Rocky doesn't seem like the first choice to adapt into a musical. When I first heard it was going to happen I thought it was the most awful decision since Carrie: The Musical.

But, as with Carrie, Rocky Broadway (as they decided to all it) is a pleasant surprise.

The story centres on a struggling heavyweight boxer just waiting for his moment. That career defining moment. But, there are some things more important. Such as falling in love.

So, if you've seen the film with Sylvester Stallone you will already know the story. That story is reinvented for the stage and embellished to great effect by the songs. Surprised? I was.

Rocky Balboa singing does not immediately sound like it will work. I'm glad to say my misgivings were unfounded.

I rarely get to see a musical on stage, so, for me, the cast recording is my only experience of the show. Some recordings can completely fail to capture the show's atmosphere (Mamma Mia - MUCH better live), while others make you feel like you're in the theatre. I'm pleased to say that Rocky Broadway falls into the latter category.

This Broadway Cast recording stars Andy Karl as Rocky and Margo Seibert as Adrian. For me, it is the relationship and chemistry between these characters that make or break this show; and I'm very pleased to report that both of them are amazing.

Andy Karl brings a sensitivity to Rocky that was there in the film, but is now laid bare and exposed. Song does that anyway and never more so than in this show. The same can be said of Margo Seibert.

The show is written by long-time Broadway collaborators Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens - writers of such brilliant shows as Ragtime and Seussical The Musical.

What they've managed to do with this show is create an easily accessible score that still has enough complexity to appeal to more die-hard theatre fans. There are definitely songs in this show that you will be humming after a couple of listens.

There are moments in the score that reminded me of songs from Disney's Hercules (on Patriotic) and also Ghost the Musical  (on In the Ring)- neither of which is a bad thing in my opinion.

Thankfully, the decision to still concentrate on the love story between Rocky and Adrian works.

Adrian's ode to hopes and fears about Rocky, Raining, is a stand-out track but there are many, many songs to admire here, such as: My Nose Ain't Broken, Happiness and Adrian. Also of special note is Training Montage 2 because it incorporates the brilliant Eye of the Tiger to great effect.

While maybe not as rewarding as other shows I've recently listened to such as The Bridges of Madison County or Violet, Rocky Broadway is nonetheless a worthy addition to the Broadway catalogue and to my musicals collection.

Highly recommended! 8 out of 10.

Heidi Made This! Cards

I like to support other craft lovers wherever possible.

Today I'd like to focus on the amazing creations from Heidi Made This!

Website can be found here: Heidi Made This

If you're a fan of handmade cards then this is the place for you. You won't find any of those 'stick 'n' go' type cards here - after all there's nothing particularly creative or original about sticking bits of card together!

No, on Heidi Made This! EVERY SINGLE CARD is designed and created by Heidi herself. She creates each of her beautiful cards by hand. Then she hand colours and embellishes each one.

She will also do One of a Kind commissions, such as these: Heidi Made This - Commissions Gallery
The first one on there is actually one she did for me! So, I know what I'm talking about.

Check out each of the section to see just what Heidi Made This! can offer! Something different, something funny and something wonderful!

Her site says: "Welcome to the bright and twinkly world of Heidi Made This!"
I couldn't have said it better!

The above is one of her brilliant Halloween range. Used with permission and copyrighted to Heidi Made This!

Also, check back in the future for something truly special from Heidi Made This!...

The Tools of the Trade

As with any hobby there are some things that you just must have. Cross stitch is no different.

Some people prefer to stitch free-hand. Personally I find it results in untidy stitches and very dirty fabric (no matter how many times you wash your hands).

Others prefer to use an embroidery hoop:

These are great as a starter and, even when you become more adept at cross stitch, it's always good to have a hoop in your stitching stash.
I only ever use them for small designs. They do tend to badly crease the fabric and, once again, means a lot of contact with your hands; so they get dirty.

Then we have the frame. These come in many guises so I'll only mention my preferences.

Firstly we have the Symphony No-Sew frame.

These can be bought here: Willow Fabrics - Symphony frame

The Symphony frame has a hollow cross bar which the fabric is pushed into. It is then held in place by a long dowel. Like this:

They have excellent tension, but do suffer from the fact that, over time, the thread on the tightening nuts does degrade.

Finally, and relatively new to me, is the Able Stretcher frame from Viking Loom
There are various sizes and, this is what they look like:

The Able Stretcher is adjustable and the tension on it is amazing. The only downside is that when it's set smaller than it's actual size (see first photo) the arms extend beyond the design area; which means it could get in the way. But, if you're using it at the full size this is not an issue.
It's made of very hard plastic. It's heavier than a hoop but about the same as a frame and can be used with any floor stand.


Talking of floor stands...once again there are many on the market. My personal preference - and one I had to save my pennies for - is made by Lowery.

You can buy here: Sew and Sew - Lowery Workstand
Here's mine:

 The Lowery stand is metal and very sturdy and heavy. It's not cheap; but you get excellent quality. Accessories are extra. Personally, I couldn't live without it when stitching.

Then we have a brilliant accessory. Maybe not an essential; but, once again, I personally wouldn't be without it.
This is the Tanto Thread Organiser. Which can be bought here: Tanto Thread Organiser
One of the excellent things about this is that you can buy extra thread wheels separately; so you can have more than one project on the go and just swap them over as needed.

Finally, an absolutely must in my opinion....somewhere comfortable to sit:

I hope you enjoyed my essentials list.