F is not for Pheasant

I am going to prefix this post by saying I am dyslexic.

I'm sorry that there has been radio silence for the past wee while. I managed to burn the tip of my right index finger, which usually would not be such a big deal, as I burn myself all the time and brush it off. But this was a sugar burn, it involved trying to eat the caramelly flapjack residue at the bottom of a le crueset pan, only just off the stove (yes its foolish I know). So I had an awkward burn blister, that I did not want to burst with a needle as I sewed.

Now on to the content of this post: I imagine that you are all a wee bit confused about the title of this one, and rightly so. I think I've rather strayed into never been skied in before territory here.

I didn't want to do feather, and so I was trying to come up with alternative fs, but every thing I could think of actually started with ph (hence the above disclaimer). I got so captured by the idea of doing a pheasant that I just went with it.

Pheasants are all over my garden and fields at the mo, so I felt that it was particularly appropriate  They are at that really stupid stage when they have just been realised by the game keeper, and have no survival instinct. They are beautiful, and as the game season is starting so I thought it was doubly suitable  There is just that little issue of it not starting with the right letter...Sorry

I used stem stitch for the body, back stitch for the legs, split stitch for the green bit of the head, and short and long for the red part. I am particularly with the effect of using two different thread colours together (on strand each), which captures the variegated nature of their feathers. Sorry you can't really see it, picture quality isn't great.

I really like him, and my complete inability to spell is a bit of a thing, with the potential recipient of this quilt. So I think I am getting away with it. Tell me if you disagree. Have I gone too far?

I think I'm also going to link this in with Chrissie's Stitching Sundays, as that always seems to be when I get it done. Oddly enough considering that I work for a church, and so Sunday is by far my busiest day of the week. 

Love Eggs xxx

E is for Eggs - Fifth Block

I deviated a wee bit again. basically I decided pretty early on that I wanted to do N is for Night, from the boys quilt, so nests were put to one side. Then I came to E, and the more I looked at the egg from the book, the more I didn't want to do it. 

These are what eggs look like to me (these are from our chickens). Not what is in the book. Easter eggs are just made from chocolate as far as I am concerned, so it just didn't fit any egg I knew, despite being very pretty.

But I really wanted to do Eggs, for the obvious reason that it is my name. Then I remembered N is for Nest.

And it fit perfectly. I used satin stitch for the eggs, and split stitch for the nest.

I'm rather happy with it. What do you think?

I also started another quilt this week. This arrived on Thursday.

The Papillion Honey Bun I ordered, and I just couldn't wait to open it up and start making something.

I've been making log cabins.

They've been coming out beautifully square, one of the advantages of using precuts. 

Love Eggs xxx

D is for Daisy- Fourth Block- ABC BOW

I decided to go with D is for Daisy, as it is a nice pretty flower. I almost used the kitten picture instead as my cat is called Daisy, but decided against it as I plan on giving this quilt away at the end.

I alternated stem stitch and back stitch on the petals, so provide a wee bit of variety in the texture. 

I also did about a hundred French knots in the centre, they aren't my neatest, but they will have to do.

I did get an idea while I was sewing this to do D  is for Deer instead, as I almost live in a deer park, and it is rutting season, so I may stitch that up if I have a moment and we shall see which I prefer.

What do you think? Every ones letters on the ABC BOW are really pretty, I am awfully excited for all the finished quilts.

Love Eggs xxx