I don't know where the first few, 10, 14 days of April have disappeared to. I've had several attempts now at an update and am finally there now. Life has been hectic round here, lambs and cattle off to the works, new weaner calves arriving from sales, and ewes being drenched and dipped in preparation for the mating season. We are tired of working in the woolshed and sheepyards, that is for sure! My off-farm job has been busy too, with the end of the financial year meaning extra days at work lately too.
These are some of the steers ready to go to the paddock in the sky soon! It pays not to get too attached to animals around here. These boys are so quiet and friendly, but have been a bit naughty lately trying to get out of their paddocks, and lifting gates off hinges when they get the chance.
This is Miss 10 helping round up stock on her wee motorbike. She's been a great help lately on the farm, and is desperate to get a pony. The jury is still out on that one for now!
Anyway enough of all that, this is a stitchy kind of blog after all - not that there has been much of that happening either. What a response to my last post on stitching tips and hints. Thank you so much for adding lots of ideas and comments about the way you stitch too. I learnt a lot, and realised there were lots of things I didn't mention too. The main one is which method you use - the 'stab' method* or the 'running stitch' way of stitching. I usually use the 'stab' method, it may be slower, but I find it difficult to get the stitch sitting right using the running stitch way and it is physically hard to do with the small hoop I use.
* By 'stab' method, I mean the needle going through to the back in one motion, then reaching behind and pushing through to the front in another movement, as opposed to going from front to back, and returning to the front all in one motion.
Ultimately, everyone has their own way of doing things and if it works for you - go with it!
These are my April blocks from the Tis the Season Stitch-Along. Why not head on over and check out the gorgeous blocks at the SAL blog. Who could believe that one design could look so many different ways?!
Last night I traced off this months Little Birdie Stitches block and I'm planning a nice stitchy Friday evening tomorrow for FNSI. You can sign up here if you'd like to join the fun.
I'll try not to leave it so long next time, but till then, happy stitching .....................Nicky
19 comments:
You have a beautiful farm! i know what you mean about getting too attached....we have a steer or two off to the locker soon.
I also use the "stab method". Easier on my hands.
Might be slow but, I try not to be in any hurry.. : ). Your stitcheries are very nice!!
Those blocks are gorgeous! I love your colors.
Sounds like quite a hectic life you lead on the farm. Love looking at those wide open spaces. And those poor naughty steers! I guess you gotta learn to be tough.
nice stitching Nicky and boy you have been busy on the farm
those steers look pretty good to sell.........lots happening here too.........shearing next week......fun fun..........
your SAL blocks look great.........
Oh how I miss having a couple of steers in the paddock and a couple of full freezeers too, those were the days - pre quilt shop ownership!
Like you the weeks are flying by for me and with Xtra not doing its thing 100% it makes posting to blog a wee bit hard eh?
Good to hear from you
Miche'le
Hi Nicky, glad to hear you are back in blogland. I love that farming is busy, but I also love my stitching time-great balance, wouldn't have it any other way! Lovin those stitchery's!!
Happy stitching, Michelle.
Your sticheries look beautiful! I am excited to be doing the FNSI for the first time this week!
Hi Nicky, I just love seeing pics of your farm! All that blue sky and lush paddocks :) Your stitchery blocks are just so lovely and I'll look forward to seeing your next Birdie stitches block - I'll STILL yet to start mine, lol.
Have a good rest of the week, and weekend too!
Hello Nicky,
Thanks for the photo's of your green wonderland. Good luck with the Christmas designs. Miss 10 wants a pony,well I wonder if she will win Mum and Dad over.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
Please keep your farm in the blog, I love cows they are such beautiful animals and so friendly. I love your work, I have started gathering materials to make a quilt, with stitched panels
Your SAL blocks are looking lovely Nicky! Hope you find some time to stitch a little more soon :)
I am pleased my Miss 10 doesn't read your blog otherwise we might have some persistent nagging going on in our house! She would just love to race her brothers on the farm.
The stitchery's are looking great, I really like the fabrics you've chosen!
What a gorgeous place you are lucky enough to live in, Nicky! All that green and those stunning blue skies...
Your blocks look so cute--especially like the quizzical looking little reindeer :)
The steers look so fluffy and healthy. I haven't seen fields that green in a very long time. I also like the refresher course for backstitch, Very timely
We do not have animals for the reason I so easliy get attached.
Your stiching is so pretty. I keep telling myself I need to practice your style of stitching I just love it.
hugs
donna
I'd be a useless farmer, I don't think I could send them off to the big paddock in the sky. I think I'd have to be a petting farm farmer. lol
I do love that they have a naughty streak, they look and sound like they have a bit of character!
Your stitcheries are beautiful.
Your farm looks lovely. We breed hereford cattle, so mostly have the girls. Your boys look very well fed and happy. I love your SAL blocks...I too have joined, working on April's stitcheries at the moment....I agree, it's so interesting to see all the twists on the original in colour choices...
Always enjoy reading about the farm life.... we are getting ready to help with planting corn and soy beans on a friends farm..... bit late this year as the ground is soaked from all the winter snows and now the rain.
Your stitching is lovely! Thanks for sharing that part of your life also!
Lovely stitching!
Those steers are prime specimens :).
I've had an equine friend for most of my 48 years but sometimes it's been expensive and a lot of hard work!
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