Celebrations.

In these difficult days it's good to have something to celebrate. Today I am celebrating my 700th blog post and on the 10th April it's my 8th Blogaversary. To celebrate I would have let off fireworks but that could have attracted a crowd in this time of social distancing so instead I made a large mug of tea and found a copyright free firework picture on Google. As with all celebrations there should be presents so I am hosting a give away but more about that later.

Yesterday I set about finishing the cushion cover. First I needed to attach the applique. I'd saved 4 red charm squares for the applique. First the front was basted to the wadding and then applique was attached with machine buttonhole stitch.

I then pieced some of the remaining charm squares for the back.

Finally the front was stitched to the back and the pillow pad inserted. I always find it difficult inserting a new pillow pad for the first time. 

I have a second Charm pack and so could make a second cushion cover but I'm not sure I want to at the moment but by tomorrow I may have changed my mind. I do need to attach the button to the middle of the hearts to completely finish it.

I finished the stitching on Mildred today. This is my monthly goal for April. I'm not sure I've ever finished my monthly goal so quickly. I sat in the garden in the sun and finished the final stitching. The sun had quite a lot of warmth in it. Mildred needs a good press but I'll do that when I finish all the girls.

I pulled Millicent out ready to start stitching on her. I have done some work on her already but for some reason I put all the threads I was using back in my thread box. I need to sort out what I need so I can make a start tomorrow. I love the kitty in her pocket. At some point this stitchery has had something spilt on it so tomorrow I will give it a gentle wash

Once all the ladies are finished I won't be making them into a quilt. Instead John and I decided we will frame them and hang them together on the wall gong upstairs. A lot of the old stately homes in the UK have paintings of family members on the stairs, so quilting bag ladies will be our version. I will probably add their names when we reach that point. 

Also today I worked on the bag I'm making using the hexies. I need to arrange the pieces and then stitch them together. I'll take some photos tomorrow.

So I mentioned a give away. I have a charm pack by French General. This is a pretty Christmas charm pack and it's never to early to be thinking about Christmas. I will post anywhere in the world. 

This is open to everyone. To enter leave me a comment and tell me how you are keeping calm in the midst of the current mayhem.If you are a follower you may have a second chance by leaving me a comment telling me how you follow. The give away will remain open until April 18th.

Tomorrow I need to get some shopping for an elderly friend of ours and then I have the whole day free to work on whichever sewing project interests me. I'm hoping the weather will be good and I can sit in the garden again. 

Take care and stay safe.

Lyndsey