Monday 22 April 2013

Come down to the sea and stitch with me :)

Hi every one :) firstly I must apologise for not being around much and popping into say hello to your blogs but I had  been working extra at work  then I got the dreaded acute gastroenteritis  ... was very very poorly and almost admitted to hospital with dehydration .... I shall just leave it at that ..lol ....
I am now almost back to being a normal mouse , just a wee bit tired more than normal .....
any hooo .... the kettle is on and I have lots of yummies for you to nibble on while you reading my waffle as to what I have been up to when was ok ..lol 
The title refers to the BBD design in the stitcher's journey handbook which is what we chose when some friends and I went to Whitby (UK) for a stitching retreat this last weekend from Friday till Sunday .... there were six of us , Kath, Chris, Wendy , Iris and Elizabeth and I and we shared a lovely shabby chic cottage near the 99 steps and just underneath were the land slide was from the church .... I have taken some photos of the men working on the hill just above the cottage ....
The weather was simply perfect the whole weekend and we were able to wander and do some shopping as you do , take lots of photos and then stitch the night away in company with the fire popping and the sounds of the needles going through the thread as we all made headway into the lovely design. and it was hermitting weekend sooo simply perfect timing ...lol ...I was sorry to leave our wee cottage and travel back home as we had had a wonderful time and can't wait to have another one , hopefully soon :)
Well Mr Postie has also been very busy delivering lots of wonderful goodies to the mouse house ..... firstly I received my PIF from Kaye , she stitched me the birdhouse alphabet sampler by LHN and made it into a wonderful cushion which is sat on my treadle machine in my lounge .... I will have to do another post on the PIF once I have found out the rules again ...lol ....
Then Lainey sent me a cute little button box filled with buttons and charms and was wrapped in some lovely stitchy fabric and tied with ribbon ... I have put the ribbon through the button lid holes and think it looks cute ..lol . 
I received my hop into spring exchange and can now show you what I received from Lisa V  and also what I sent to Lisa of the inspired stitcher fame :) Lisa V stitched me a wee pin keep and sent me some lovely goodies some which have been used already and others are awaiting inspiration ...lol ....
for Lisa I stitched her the tulip house stitching companion from the Stitchers Journey by BBD , she was rather impressed if you go to her blog and see the post about it ...lol I have enough fabbie and threads left to make myself a matching one as I loved it that much I didn't want to part with it  hehehehe.....
The biggest surprise postie visit came while I was away and it was from Lynda and it rendered me speechless ... which is hard to do I know heheheheh .... in a little package just for me was ...... The Needleworker by LHN as a cheer me up from being poorly ... well it certainly put a megga grin on this wee mouse's face I can tell you .... and I will have to sort out some fabric toot suite and get it started :)
I have refilled the kettle as I am sure you will need another brew by now  hehehehe
Stitching wise I have worked on the SAL with DJ and Babs and made a bit more progress than before ...lol . ... did some more on the SAL with Sally , almost finished Dandy Dreams (once this done will start on the Needleworker as my Thursday night project ) and made a birthday gift for Michelle .... this still has to be finished finished and sent on its way and that is my plan for this weekend coming all being well ....
Tusal came and went without me posting I did however manage to take a photo a few days late .... when I could just about hold the camera and as I hadn't stitched for over a week there wasn't any additional threads added ....
well I suppose you want to see some photos ????
Dandy Dreams by Silvercreek Samplers

April Tusal

view from the back of the cottage 

wendy having a breather 

this makes me giggle every time

glorious weather 

Old Kipper Cottage is the one with the flower boxes

our chosen retreat piece with my thread and fabbie

fire just perfect

Elizabeth stitching away 

wendy, Chris and Iris , Kath you can just see 


after the first night , kath did the crochet flower

advantage point

how big is that bird ????

simply perfect 

pirate ship coming into the harbour

lighthouse taken into the sun

moon rising over the rock face ... 

I started to learn to knit

after the second night of stitching 

had to buy these for the DD's 

my wonderful surprise from Lynda

a wee bit of stash

my lucky duck ... DD's is red 

from Lainey

the glass heart present from the MIL
and my new mouse miss Henrietta  Kipper

whoops some more stash ..lol

forgot to mention I have done some more on this

spring has arrived

oooo we off out ???

a closer look at my hermitting / retreat stitching
finished  Romantique sal  finally ..lol

goodies from Lisa V

closer look at the pin keep

progress report 

stitched for Calamity for the birthday giveaway

stitched for Danichic for the birthday giveaway

I think that is all ... if I have missed anything or anybody out just squeak ....
must wave a wee paw at my new followers ... hope you are enjoying the cuppa's and yummies ;)
hopefully will bob in to you all over the next few days ... take care one and all and happy stitching till next time :) love mouse xxxxxx

54 comments:

Parsley said...

I always love your updates. You have terrific stitchy friends. Glad you had a lovely time and got some goodies.

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Sounds like a lovely weekend away. The Mirabilia Minions were on a retreat too and I was at home hermitting on my own.
Love the Romantique SAL it looks amazing all finished.
Beautiful stash and gifts as well. Nice to hear you're feeling better too.

Laurie in Iowa said...

What a wonderful weekend retreat. I'm so sorry you've been so ill and hope you're well on your way to recovery now.
Lovely stitching photos as always.

Margaret said...

I hope you're feeling back up to par really soon. How awful that you were sick. The weekend sounds and looks great! Lots of lovely stitching too. And Bentley -- always love to see him!

Samplers, Silks and Linens said...

Romantique looks gorgeous - love all the pics, hope you are feeling back to normal soon - Amanda

CalamityJr said...

So glad you were well enough to enjoy your stitching weekend. It would have been horrible to miss that beautiful trip! All your finished and in progress pieces look wonderful. Thanks again for my beautiful cup of tea.

Linda said...

What a great post. Your new stash and gifts are lovely. Great progress on all your stitchy pieces. Glad to hear your feeling better.

Linda

Gillie said...

So glad you had a good time, the weather really cooperated! Lovely treats too!

Simply Victoria said...

What a lovely place to have a stitching retreat! All your gifts and stash are fabulous. Take care!

Vicky L said...

Lovely gifts and stitching. Glad you are feeling better. Sounds like you had a great holiday. Great pictures

Barb said...

I just love seeing your photos from your get-aways. It's like a little trip! Plus so much wonderful stitching!

Astrids dragon said...

So glad you're feeling better, I didn't realize you were in the hospital. I'd say your retreat is exactly what you needed, what wonderful pictures and stitchy stash.

Patty C. said...

Glad you are feeling better! Great photos - love Dandy Dreams .....

Deborah said...

Sounds like a wonderful retreat! love the piece you are all working on. Beautiful pictures.

Lesleyanne said...

Sounds like you had a great time. Gorgeous photos and stitching, thank you for sharing.

Christine said...

Wow, so much to look at. Your weekend sounds perfect, Whitby is a beautiful place.
Great stash and gifts and you've done some lovely stitching. The SAL Romantique is gorgeous

Cath said...

Hope you're soon feeling totally better.
Great pics. I am so jealous of you going to a retreat. Love the stitching , and great gifts too.
I love the Needleworker chart, just would like to stitch with other threads so not worth buying the kit .
Take care. xxx

Chris said...

Awesome update! It looks like you had a wonderful getaway! I like your group project too.
Stitching friends are the best, you received some wonderful things.
Great progress and congratulations on that finish!

Annette-California said...

Awe mouse I love your posts. Love everything you shared. All your gifts are beautiful and LOVE your "Stitching by the Sea" token of your retreat. Fantastic getaway!
love Annette

Jo said...

It looks so lovely makes me wish I was there stitching along with you all. Glad you're feeling a lot better x

Carol said...

Glad to hear you're feeling much better, Mouse--that sounds miserable--especially the hospital part! Lovely stitching, stash, and gifts--enjoy!

Lois said...

Glad you're feeling a bit better. Lovely pics, your stitching retreat sounded wonderful! Some lovely stitching going on and nice gifts received.

Vickie said...

Wowie zowie! You have really been spoiled! Good for you. I am so glad you are well now.
Romantique is just gorgeous.

Shirlee said...

So glad that you are feeling better! Wow! I think you win the prize for the most photos ever included in a blog post ... lol! I love them all! Fabulous stitching, fabulous gifts, fabulous fun!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I'm glad you are on the mend now. Nothing worse than that kind of illness. Yuck! I wish I could have been along with you on the retreat. The scenery is just amazing and looks like you had good weather too. I'm still in love with all the goodies you put in my parcel too! Have a good week. Hugs!

Maggie said...

Lovely stitches :-)

I remember seeing Arguments Yard when we went to Whitby last year, I wonder why they called it that?

Love the photo of the moon rising over the hill :-)

gracie said...

Happy to hear you are feeling better. Love all the pictures.

Dani - tkdchick said...

Mouse I'm sorry to hear you've been unwell!

It looks like you've had some wonderful stitchy adventures at home and away!

All of your stitching looks lovely and how spoilt you've been too!

Beth said...

My goodness but you have been busy (even whilst ill) stitching away. What a wonderful holiday with like-minded friends! It looks to have been a lovely place to stay and great weather too. You have some many stitches going on - how do you decide what to work on next?

Ali said...

Sorry you havent been well and are now on the mend ((hugs)) - however, I must complain Whitby - really!!! where was my invite - lol - could have met ya for fish & chips :-) great photos and all the stitching is gorgeous - spotted a few patterns that might need to go on a shopping list - cough!! Take care xxx

Myra said...

What a fabulous retreat you had. There is nothing better than spending time with friends. Lovely goodies the postie brought you.

Maggee said...

oooh, a retreat at a lovely beach! What could be more perfect?! And all that fabby for stash? Wowzers! I started Dandy Dreams this past Monday... It is much smaller than I thought, tho maybe it is my piece of mystery linen! I like it tho! You have received and given some wonderful stitched pieces and accessories/notions. You are blessed! Hugs!

Michelle said...

Oh Mouse what lovely new gifts and your stitching is really nice. Glad you were feeling better and able to enjoy the stitching weekend away. Thanks for sharing the photos xx

Denise SA said...

So glad you had a good time away. Weather looks wonderful. Some nice finishes and good progress on the others. I stitched Bluebird by BBD while I was in Geneva. Must finish it as something soon.

Sally said...

Lots of lovely photos Mouse and lots of lovely stitching.

GLad you are feeling better.

Rachel said...

Glad you are feeling better! Love all of the eye candy, even the amazing scenery!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

What a wonderful weekend! The pics of where you were staying are just grand! Lots of great stitchy, stash and gift pictures, too. I hope you are doing well and feeling a whole lot better.

butterfly said...

Poor mouse, hope you are feeling better.
Well what a wonderful post, love your stitching , photo's and wonderful gifts.
Looks like you had fun away with your friends, hugs.

Ziggyeor said...

Ohh what a fun time, I'd like to be able to do that with my friends. We at least get together Thurs and 3rd or 4th Saturdays. Drink some water with that tea so you don't dehydrate!

♥ Nia said...

I always love your posts full of pictures! It's a pleasure to read and follow the images :)
Dandy dreams is so lovely! Beautiful work!
Hope you're feeling 100% better by now! Hugs to you sweetie!

Kaisievic said...

Great weekend away - lots of fun and stitching. I love your retreat piece and the variegated blue is gorgeous - just like Wedgewood. I love the pattern but cannot see where to buy it - it is not on 123 Stitch. Any ideas?

Lots of lovely stitching by you and great pressies, too. So glad that you like the cushion I made for you - do you have a pic of it in your home - I would love to see one.

hugs, Kaye

Susan said...

Thanks for all the photos of your trip Looks like you all had a great time and the retreat piece is perfect.

Andrea said...

Looks like you had a good retreat. The weather certainly was lovely. I remember that pirates ship from the last time we went to Whitby a couple of years ago. Love all of your finishes, WIPS and gifts.

Anne said...

Amazing photos of your retreat!! Sounds like it was a much needed trip too Mrs. Busy Mouse!!! All the stitching is lovely, but I covet Dani's red BBD bird pillow...hmm may need to just get myself some of that red if you can tell which red you used. Master Bentleyyyyy!! How I've missed his pretty kissable face. My heart twinges everytime I see him or another spaniel. I so wish I could have a cocker or springer spaniel. Well, since I can't, make sure he gets a really good pet from me!!

HUGS!

Julie said...

Such a lovely stitchy adventure with your friends and in such a beautiful place, i love Whitby and it's quaintness.
The weather was kind for you, i love your little glass ducky and of course you had to have the seagull droppings, i took home a bag of those too lol
Lovely progress on your chosen design for the weekend. Happy memories to last till the next time!

Carin said...

What a wonderful pictures, love your new stash !!!
And the stitching is again beautiful done.

Kathy said...

I have enjoyed reading and looking at all your stuff!! I want to thank you for all your prayers during my Dad's sickness and death. It takes a true Blogger friend to keep up with someone several months of them being gone from the site. You don't know what that has meant to me to go on here just to get away a min. and to see you've written something. Thank you again:)

Catherine said...

Just now catching up on some blog reading ~ so sorry to hear that you had felt so poorly but glad you are feeling better! Fab post ~ your getaway sounds and looks like fun! Love all of your goodies too!

Dianne said...

Fabulous weekend - and loved your photos of the area. We're far from the sea and miss it. Your North Wind is looking great, I think it's my favourite here - though it has some serious competition LOL Looking forward to seeing more in the weeks to come :)

Brigitte said...

A stitching weekend with good stitching friends, just the kind of things I've been dreaming of for so long. But unfortunately most of my stitching friends live abroad. Your weekend sounds terrific, and the photos show why. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy all the wonderful exchnages and gifts from your stitching friends. And enjoy your WIPs and finishes. Great post!

Jan Gartlan said...

Such a fantastic little trip! I love your stitching and little gifts.

DJ said...

Hi Mouse! I just realized I visited, drooled over your retreat and stitching and never left a comment. Where is my head?? Don't answer that..LOL Lovely stitching, and retreats are so much fun, and from the sounds of things, one that you definitely needed! I hope you are back to your former self and feeling like the Mouse we know and love! Thanks for the stroll through the seaside village (looks like scenes out of Doc Martin!!). Can't wait to hear about your next adventure! *Hugs*

Joysze said...

Oh no! You poor dear!!! I'm glad you're feeling better. Don't go doing that again, ya hear?? Take care of yourself!! ;)

Arguments Yard cracked me up. I'm surprised to not see more people under there, hehehe.

Congrats on the Romantique finish. It's spectacular! :D

Meari said...

Looks like a fun retreat with some nice stash and stitching. :)