2015 so far..

Hello everyone! Today I thought I would post an update on just what exactly I've been up to since 1st January rolled around. Some of these are just a statement, and others will be in more detail, and some may even get their own blog posts in the near future! So, lets see what I've been up to.

1. I enrolled at college. Again.

Technically not again, as I went to a sixth form (basically the UK's version of high school. where you stay until you're 18) when I left comprehensive school at sixteen, followed by university, so college is kind of a new experience for me!

2. I started a placement in order to support number 1.

Self explanatory really, other than the 5.30am starts, I cant really complain much, other than tiredness!

3. I have currently completed two books for the year, as well as put one down and I am in the middle of three!

I dont know how it happened, but all of a sudden I'm going from reading Starter for Ten, to reading Starter for Ten + Endgame, to those + Gone Girl! At least my vow to be more productive and loving towards my TBR pile is staying true!

4. I've used the days off from work that me and my boyfriend have off at the same time to do a bit of travelling nearby. From Washington (near Newcastle) to places such as Richmond and Keswick, I've enjoyed these proper date days so much, they really do help you to understand just how much you love that person and why they make you happy.

5. I've been to the UK's largest open cave! Side note - I'm not sure if that is what it is classed as, but that's what I was told!

hint.... I'll be blogging about that too!

6. Inbetween all of this, I've been working and doing coursework, so my crafting has had to take a side step...

7. Because of 6, I am going to post about my stitching in the next few weeks, as I have a few ideas planned and would like to share them all with you!


So, there you go! It seems pretty boring because there's no images, but my planned posts, as suggested above, will contain plenty to make up for the lack here!!

What have you been up to in 2015? Have you got any places you would recommend visiting in the North/North East UK? Please do let me know in the comments below and I'll get back to you!

Monthly Update - November 2014

Hello!

So, October is finally over, with the month ending in its usual fantastic way - Halloween! This year however, I opted for a night in with my boyfriend and parents, as opposed to going out and getting drunk silly, especially with a supposed 8.5 hour shift the following day! AND, I decided to blog for you wonderful people too! Is there really a better way to spend Halloween? I doubt it 😉

So, with the end of October comes November, and in true November style, I'm starting to feel a little Christmassy, and I don't know why. I kind of feel like Jack from The Nightmare Before Christmas. You go from pumpkins and scariness one night to Santa Claus, reindeer and sleigh bells the next. One of the issues with this however, is that I work in retail. And as soon as that Christmas music starts, I have a dread of Christmas!

Anyway, back to the task in hand...an update!

So this month I managed to finish a whole two books! I know! Someone stop me before I get out of hand! I have also been experimenting with designs in terms of Christmas cards and gift tags in the form of cross stitch, something a little handmade to make each gift extra special and personal for the person on the receiving end. I'd love to share them with you, but they aren't completely done yet and I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!

What else did I do in October??

I created a goodreads account! If any of you are avid readers or have a goodreads account, please leave it in a comment below so I can find you guys and add you on there, I love looking at people's reading interests and gaining inspiration as of what to read next!

So, that's pretty much it for the update, although I do have a review that needs writing for my Kat read, Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes, so I'll be posting again soon!

Stitchin' the Night Away!

Credit to Google for the image!

So, here it is - my first official stitching blog! Within this blog, I'll be answering a few questions with regards to cross stitch, such as what it is, how long I've been stitching and why. If anyone has any other unanswered questions then please, do feel free to leave them in the comments section. 

1) What is cross stitching?

Cross stitching is a wonderful wonderful hobby that I thoroughly enjoy. It involves a needle and thread, which are stitched into the shape of a cross on to a piece of fabric called Aida, which has little holes in it perfect for making the crosses!

2) Why do you cross stitch?

I cross stitch because I find it relaxing and therapeutic - well, for the most part anyway! I love to see the progression I'm making, and think the outcomes are just beautiful!

3) How long have you been cross stitching for?

I've been cross stitching since the age of seven (roughly). Ever since we were 'officially' taught it in primary school, although my Grandma helped speed up the process as I watched her from a younger age.

4) What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

I'd have to say, actually having the guts to buy my largest project to date, and my current work in progress. This one consists of nine pages, and a wonderful amount of backstitch!

5) Do you have anything you dislike about cross stitch?

Personally, I do dislike backstitch, but only when I leave it until the very end of a project instead of doing it gradually. However, it does make a piece come together nicely and finishes it off well.

6) How would you convince someone to start taking up cross stitch?

Bribery? I'm kidding of course! Firstly, you would have to actually be interested in the whole idea of cross stitching and dedicating your time and effort (and money!) into something that may not turn out perfect to begin with, but those skills will come with time. I'd also offer them as much of my help and support that I could, offering them as much help as they could possibly need. 

7) Do you use any aids with your stitching? If so, what are they and why?

Yes. I use a stitching hoop, and as I currently have two - a 6" and a 10", it means I can pick and choose between the two. I use stitching hoops in order to keep the area I'm stitching tight and therefore easier to stitch. The Aida rests over the bottom hoop, whilst the top acts like a protective outer layer that it fastened at the top to keep the aida in tightly. If you imagine a sandwich, the bread is the hoop whilst the centre is the aida - kind of. 

8) Are there any video tutorials out there to help a first timer?

Of course! If you pop over to Google (after you've read this of course ;) ) and type in cross stitch video tutorials you will find a number of options there for you!

9) Are there any free patterns available for people who don't want to rely on cross stitch kits from craft sellers?

Yes! A number of blogs are available and a number of websites are also there that are designated to just selling cross stitch patters, although some of them do provide kits as well.

Some of my favourites are:

Cloudsfactory - who have a website, Instagram and Facebook account, and can be found here. They also do custom requests if you can't find anything you like, but they do have a variety of patterns to suit anyones taste!

SatsumaStreet - Jody owns and runs this beautiful store on Etsy, which can be found here, and she also blogs, and said blog can be found right here. She does a number of designs and continually creates new cities to become part of her 'Pretty Little City' series, each of which are very cute, and one day I will have stitched them all!

10) Will you ever create and sell your own patterns?

I'm not too sure. For now, I am quite happy in my own little bubble, stitching cross stitch kits I have bought from Hobbycraft or stitching patterns I've bought online. Maybe I will one day, but that wont be for some time yet!

There you have it! My quick blog that has hopefully answered some of your questions. Remember, if there's anything else you wish to ask, please leave a comment in the box below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!