Lori's page

New project

2012-01-28T09:11:00.001-08:00

My next project is a Valentine card, and I hope to be able to finish it in time.

I am so happy to report that my second cross stitch in the January trilogy is now framed. Third one I hope it will be done in Jan 2013.

And I'm leaving you with a lovely text I found on Dayspring.com

Your life is a beautiful tapestry that the Lord is weaving together for good.
Each day new threads are added ... a little here, a little there.
With each new experience He brings about His glory in you, and it shines as you grow beautiful with time.
You are a masterpiece of His creation!
"And we know that all things work together for good in them that love God ..."
Romans 8:28KJV

Past time

2012-01-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

I have just finished my January project, and here is the result:

And one little reminder that time passes, but love lasts!
"Love is a fabric which never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the water of adversity and grief." (source unknown)

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead and much peace and joy in you hearts,

Lori xxx

My New Years wish for you:

2012-01-02T00:18:00.000-08:00

" I wish you Health

So you may enjoy each day in comfort
I wish you the Love of friends and family
And Peace within your heart
I wish you the Beauty of nature
That you may enjoy the work of God
I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities
For those things that really matter in life
I wish you Generousity so you may share
All good things that come to you
I wish you Happiness and Joy
And Blessings for the New Year
I wish you the best of everything"

Feeling a bit low after the festivities, but I am starting the New Year with a new project, may my spirit be restored and all be to His glory

Always Blessings Around

2011-12-29T04:19:00.000-08:00

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

This comes to say a big thanks to Maria, my blogland friend, for her creative card, a unique moment captured on her camera that delighted my soul!

As well as her lovely newsletter, I might copy this idea and do something similar next year. Oops, you won't mind, will you Maria?

And to wish you all a wonderful New Year filled with blessings and contentment, and His mighty grace!

Happy New Year 2012!

Hugs, Lori xxx

To wish you all

2011-12-24T01:56:00.000-08:00

... a wonderful Christmas time. I am hoping to be spoilt with our grandchildren! No doubt photos will follow shortly.

A BIG THANKS TO SASKIA, my blogland friend I have also met in person, for her delicate and thoughtful gift sent for Christmas.

A BIG THANKS TO MARTA, my blogland friend, she has so kindly posted me a lovely Christmas gift.

A couple of projects and still continuing in the same way:

All the very best to you all,
God's blessing be upon you and your loved ones!

Hugs, Lori xxx

In preparation!

2011-12-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my Christmas cross stitch, to be given as presents.

I really hope those who receive them will like them.

Wishing you all a blessed Advent time!

Hugs, Lori xxx

Memories for the heart

2011-11-25T23:29:00.000-08:00

Grandad and Olivia playing: moments of pure joy!

Moments to be cherished for life!

Wishing you all a weekend filled with moments like these,

Hugs, Lori xxx

Autumn craft

2011-11-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

And weeks go by so quickly, and we were blessed with mild weather, with friends and family!

Here's some of my recent works.

Seeing tripple

Wrist warmers! Also useful when using the Iphone.

A bit of baking, yumms!

And some cross stitch, a Christmas wreath in the make

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

Hugs, Lori xxx

October sews

2011-11-01T01:04:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired by some Christmas design and this is my October "harvest"

Joy to the world:

A partridge in a pear tree:

Wreaths and ribbons:

We are already in November and getting so close to Christmas, I can't wait.

Oh, just to show you my little grandaughter Olivia on her 2nd birthday, we had a party!!

Wishing you all a lovely week,

Lori xxx

My latest craft

2011-10-22T04:24:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

here autumn is fully on, so recently warm evenings inside made me advance on a few projects.

Here goes, the finished cross stitch for Maxime's birth:

And a little Christmas decoration:

Some of my baking, red plums and puff pastry mini parcels:

And to finish, just to show off Maxime, an absolute beauty!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Hugs, Lori xxx

Our precious gift!

2011-10-08T01:54:00.000-07:00

We are the proud grandparents of little Maxime, our first grandson in the family,
born on 1 Oct 2011.

Mum is well after a caesarian operation, and they are both now safely home.

We are so blessed!

Hugs to you all, Lori xxx

Slowly but surely

2011-09-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Although I am visiting a few blogs around, I seem to have lost the energy to build my own comments and post. I feel extremely tired all the time, despite the lovely weather we are so blessed with. I would normally be extremely productive.

Anyhow, a few of my last works:

I seem to have more crochet in my life now, while before cross stitch was my first hobby.

I have learnt some granny squares that will soon turn into the re-make of a T-shirt, and a mini purse.

And I managed a birthday card in a cross stitch design, a celtic ring, I liked this design for its vibrant autumn colours:

And last but not least, a small birthday present to go with my card above, a small bracelet:

Wishing you all a wonderful end of September. I might be less on blog land, but hope and aim to be with you back soon more regularly.

Lori xxx

Back home

2011-09-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

Although we have been back a week now, I seem to be on a slow mood, and have not yet got my thoughts together. Please forgive my delay.

If you however fancy having a glimpse at my holiday pics, you can find them here. What can I say, it's been much fun, we were realy and truly blessed.

Before I go I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to my blog friend Marta for her kind birthday gift, I am sure I'll use all those cuties for card making:

Hugs to you all, have a good week ahead, hope to come back soon when I get my strength back.

Lori xxx

On holiday until mid September!

2011-08-26T04:24:00.000-07:00

I know I have not been awfully present on blogland recently, mainly due to being out and about with the summer time and all its related activities, but now we shall be in the south west of France, near Bordeaux, so apologies for my prolonged absence. I will be back showing you all our exploits and craft advances we made. Otherwise, if I get proper access to a WiFi, then I might let you have a peek while we're away. Fingers crossed.

Have a good twoo weeks time, filled with new things, with love and laughter, sunshine and precious moments!

Hugs, Lori xxx

Been busy, but I'm still around :-)

2011-08-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

Despite the chilly weather in July, and same still in August, I am keeping busy, with friends, with work and craft. Nice busy!

I enjoyed sewing "applique" style for a new baby blanket.

I put together this little baby cardigan

I am sewing another baby cross stitch frame, WIP

I have met friends for picnics and meals

I have enjoyed my little angel

Wishig you all a busy summer time filled with precious memories,

Love, Lori xxx

Some updates

2011-07-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

My latest knitting project has been the baby blanket for Maxim, due to be born some time end September - October.

I think my step-daughter will like this, as she will also fit in with her son!

And I also finished one cross stitch project, same destination, awaiting birth date to be added to desing and then will be framed for baby's room!

Back to some work, on to a second baby cross stitch design, will show you later.

Have a good week everyone,

Lori xx

Summer's here!

2011-06-25T23:30:00.001-07:00

And when summer comes, we are out and about!

I was sharing and loving yesterday with family and friends, the sun was out, and life was beautiful!

Little ladybird came to visit my plate:

No wonder, with such yummies in sight:

Harvest from the garden:

Thank you Lord for these precious moments.

Wishing you all the same, moments to be remembered with much love in the years to come!

Hugs,

Lori xxx

Last weekend in Normandy!

2011-06-11T01:21:00.001-07:00

Was bliss. So relaxed! So beautiful!

Here are a few photos to show you:

So isolated and so at peace. One thing I really wish I could have been able to do is to take a photo of the myriads of stars seen so brightly at night time, that was such a divine show! Something we do not see in the city.

And at night time, we finished our evenings with a cuppa in front of this:

Now, what more could I have asked for. It was indeed bliss!

Wishing you comfortable weekends, filled with blissful moments!

Love, Lori xxx

Mothering Sunday in France

2011-05-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

What is the most appropriate gift for Mums? Everyone will say, flowers, I know.

Well, I say: hearts!

To say "I love you" to all Mums in the world!!

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Oh, and my gift, of course!

Hugs, Lori xxx

Morning stroll in Paris!

2011-05-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

Anita has stirred us into action, her "simply irresistible" mood got me longing for a coffee bang in the centre of Paris!

So here I go, having a coffee and croissant in the middle of "La ville d'amour"

on Rivoli street,

crossing over for a stroll in the Tuilleries garden,

getting slowly to the Carrousel du Louvre

and finally reaching the Louvre museum.

Oh, and just to leave you with an archive photo of the Eiffel tower seen from the Tuilleries garden, overlooking place Concorde, lovely view!

Have a wonderful weekend lovelies,

Mother's Day in USA

2011-05-08T05:22:00.000-07:00

"I love how even women without children {I’m one} somehow feel the need to nurture, to grow, to pour themselves into the next generation like so much water that just never stops. Mothers of the heart if not the body." from (in)courage

To all mothers in this world, to all women who are "mothers" by proxy, wishing you blessings.

Lori xxx

Royal Wedding

2011-05-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Now, that was some weekend! I was delighted to be in London for the event, and what a wonderful time we had!

The atmosphere was sparkly!

We joined in with the decorations!

We ate yummy cakes!

All in all - lots of fun time!

Have a lovely week, ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

~❈~❈~❈~❈~

much love ❤ to you all

Lori xxx

Easter joy!

2011-04-25T10:27:00.001-07:00

I have been blessed with so many beautiful moments, hope you too!

Easter light:

Easter kiss:

Easter family:

Wishing you all the same!

~❈~❈~ L❋vℯ ~❈~❈~

Lori xxx

For me, for us

2011-04-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

²¹ “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered.

²² “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify him!”

²³ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”

²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

May I be lazy?

2011-04-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Lazy, as in very lazy!

I am proclaimed Queen of procrastination this weekend!

I have been watching the cat!

And have arranged some flowers in a "vase", or two.

I am all ready to start the week, but this weekend I just loved the sun, the warmth and just enjoyed ... myself.

Hope you too,

Lori xxx

Enjoying my week!

2011-04-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Another most beautiful week of sunshine and beauty, and lunches in the garden. I love spring!

Wishing you all the best springtime ever!

Love, Lori xxx

Good morning!

2011-04-02T01:23:00.000-07:00

A lovely morning today, birds chirping away, sun filtering nicely thorough the window, coffee in hand, I think I'm just ready for the weekend!

And just to show you my first attempt at Japanese crochet flowers. Inspired by Lucy at Attic24 and by Facebook friend Crochet-ing away , here is my result. The red one I did this morning, and the silver one during one evening in the week. Quite quick to make, I was able to get the pattern from another blogger Elizabeth Cat, but as she puts it: it was her own version, due to copyright we could not have the actual pattern from the book. Well, it helped me, anyway, thank you Elizabeth!

Otherwise I am not sure if I will still link the two colours, the threads are slightly different and the flowers differ in size and texture.

Have a delightful, creative and fulfilling weekend,

My latest

2011-03-26T01:00:00.001-07:00

It's been gorgeous weather all week, and I was blessed to have lunches in the garden! What a blessing indeed, so much to be content about. Birds singing, flowers blooming, feeling the warm breeze in the air, absolutely delightful!

And despite being a bit slow on my creations, well, I have finally got myself the orange scarf I wanted for years! OK, no longer the weather for it, but it is almost finished, and I will be proudly displaying the bright colour on cold wintry days next year.

And the cross stitch designed for my next grandchild is coming along nicely, I am almost at the stage of doing the outline, and then the long 6 months wait for the baby's birth, where I will be adding a name and a date!

Hope you also had a lovely time this week, and I'm sending everyone a wonderful spring breeze accompanied by the delightful fresh smell of spring flowers.

Until next time,

Signs of spring!

2011-03-12T01:43:00.000-08:00

Just to send you hugs to all of you, so sorry I am still not feeling that good yet, but enjoying some of this mild weather!

Have a good weekend, I apologise for my lack of participation lately, hope will soon be able to come back fully.

Take care,

Lori xxx

To rescue Alex

2011-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Meet Alex. Belonging to a colleague, it has the amazing age of 38! My colleague got it for her daughter, and now two delightful grandaughters would like to play with Alex.

Only poor Alex has been through a few washing loads, spins and lots of soap bubbles, and is wearing a bit thin. He's had a few "interventions", but this time really he needs a major one, a real change.

I was asked if I can get him a little coat, to help him pass a few more years yet. Well, here's the result.

Been under the weather lately and the only thing I could to while in bed was to knit.

Hope my colleague will like Alex in his new coat, a Monday surprise!

Have a restful weekend,

Valentine exchange part 2

2011-02-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

I was so blessed by Saskia on Saturday, she has put so much thought and care in her gift, I was overwhelmed! So practical, and so caring, I am using pens and post-it notes in work, my spring clean has started, my shopping list is on the ready, and when I need a rest a lovely cuppa awaits with a wonderful piece of chocolate and a lovely gardening magazine to browse. I am spoilt rotten!!

Thank you dear Saskia, your friendship Valentine went straight to my heart ♥

Wishing you all a good week, Lori xxx

Happy Valentine Day!

2011-02-14T13:49:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all love, love and again love, it has been a day filled with love for me and wish to share some! May you always be blessed with love, with joy, with peace and with grace!

Love, Lori xxx

Valentine exchanges part 1

2011-02-12T01:19:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love Valentine's Day? I do. I think I'm in love with it. I'm in love with the idea of exchanging sweet nothings, but which mean so so much for one's soul.

Here's from Marta, my dear faithful blogfriend, about to give birth as we speak, and she found time to think of me amidst all her flurry, first birth and all! Amazing!

And here's my return, hope she will look on blogland weeks after, as it was posted a tiny touch late.

And for my JOYFUL friend I'm meeting today, I got together a small packet of niceys, hope she'll like them.

Will keep you posted of more pretties of Valentine's Day!!

Love,

Baby projects

2011-02-05T07:56:00.001-08:00

My youngest step daughter has proudly announced she is pregnant, so we look so forward to becoming grandparents again, a second time. Olivia, our first grandaughter is from my first step daughter.

The family is nicely growing, and we are delighted. So, granny here has started with baby projects!

I am having much fun this weekend, are you, too? Wishing you so,

A bientot,

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Some finishes!

2011-01-29T05:22:00.000-08:00

My dear me, where does the time run? I hardly had time to stop by this week, however I do have a couple of finishes I would like to show you today!

Here goes, the first of the year project is nicely completed! I am so glad I did manage to finish it within the month, as planned, although at one point it wasn't advancing that fast.

And my Valentine project is also finished, and ready for the 14th!

Wishing you all a good rest this weekend, enjoy your family and friends, and see you all around as you will be showing your wonderful projects! I've already seen a couple of yummies, so so delightful! Thanks for your sharing, it brings me JOY and CALM !!

Love, hugs and kisses,

Lori xxx

Quiet time

2011-01-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

I just love Friday evenings, softly preparing for the weekend!

I have plans that I know for sure they might not come alive. But I'll enjoy a few laughs ...

And I have things I will be enjoying greatly!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Some progress!

2011-01-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

It has been a hectic week at work, so I advanced slowly with my cross stitch project, as the evenings were early in bed.

However, here goes:

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,

Love,

A new start!

2011-01-08T01:42:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time a blogland friend, Shari, was showing a "First of the Year" project, giving grace for the blessings of the past and the ones awaiting afresh!

Well, I thought that was a wonderful way to start the year, commending your first piece of work to God's grace. Here's mine this new year 2011, work still in progress:

I don't normally have New Year Resolutions, however this year I would like to concentrate on people that matter to me most!

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year, filled with love, good health and blessings in abundance, and many new projects you will be satisfied with.

My blogland friend Saskia had a wonderful saying: "Simply become who you are"

Saskia was right, give of yourselves generously in love to those who matter to you most, and this will allow you to become who you are! Thank you Saskia, and by the way, I love the idea of your "mood board", might develop in my home too! I know, I'm copying!

Have a good weekend,

Love,

Surprise!!

2011-01-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

As I arrived home back from work tonight, I saw that Mr Postman came by with a lovely surprise for me! Maria, my blogland friend, has so kindly and generously offered me this:

My dear Maria, how well you know me, I just love cupcakes! Well, I think it means I should cook some, lovely hint!

Thanks for your New Year wishes and wishing you the same in return, love, joy, peace and zillions of blessings!

Love, Lori xxx

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-02T09:40:00.001-08:00

Each day that God gives is priceless and new,

filled with His grace and His goodness to you.

His love bestows gifts that on earth can't be measured,

but inside the heart they are eternally treasured.

May the blessings God freely gives bring you a year

filled with joy, peace and happiness!

Love, L & C xxx

Holidays!

2010-12-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

My best Christmas present was to be with my dear ones. I am sure it was the same for you. Here I am with our grand daughter and my husband enjoying the Christmas festivities:

This week I am enjoying the lul in between Christmas and New Year, and here are some of my recent finishes.

Gone back to knitting for a little while, will show you soon.

See you soon, Lori xxx

A very merry Christmas time!

2010-12-24T07:48:00.001-08:00

To all my blog friends, I wanted to share the joy that Christmas brings and to send you my warmest wishes for a peaceful time filled with God's grace!

May we be a blessing to each other and may each and every one's creativity delight us all throughout the year to come.

All the very best,

Making memories

2010-12-19T03:25:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed the snow again today and made my little snowman :-)

And last night I lit some candles, enjoying the warmth of the my home while outside was snowing.

Been a busy week, we had our Christmas Carols, here are a couple of photos.

Wishing you all a quiet weekend,

Lori xxx

Some more

2010-12-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

... snow! Yes, we had a bit more ongoing, and here is how it looked last Wednesday!

... and some more cross stitching!

Wishing you all a restful weekend!

Lori xxx

Winter

2010-12-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

Like almost all over Europe, here we also had our share of snow! And I was out and about with my camera, enjoying our first snow of the year!

This tree in the neighbourhoud I would see as a perfect Christmas tree! :-))

A very dear blog friend had so kindly shared from her JOY with me and sent me smiles and heart warmth: a sprinkle of twinkle starts, mini cup cases to be filled with yummies, some Parisian hint of chocolate and wishes of Christmas JOY! Thank you so so much Saskia, you are a JOY!

Will be back shortly with more news, wishing you a lovely weekend,

Some progress

2010-11-27T10:07:00.001-08:00

I have managed to finish the mini Christmas banner:

And advanced on the hearts design:

With the cold weather I am very much into fleece material! Fleece jumper, fleece hat, fleece gloves, fleece scarf, fleece blanket, and my latest addition: fleece pillow cover! So much softer for the head to rest for the night sleep.

:-)

Paris decorations

2010-11-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

Some lovely window shopping last night, enjoy:

Last Sunday ...

2010-11-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

... we gathered at a friends' house and started preparations for Christmas.

We made mince pies!

We made some craft: candle decoration, gift tags, crab tree apples wreaths!

Got involved in the baking!

And even did some babysitting!

All in all it was a wonderful Sunday afternoon, finishing with a real feast!

Have a good weekend,

Ongoing projects

2010-11-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

I have done a bit of knitting lately, the cold weather must have inspired me.

The pink one will become a scarf neck warmer cowl.

As for the white one will become a small shawl, but I still need to knit some sort of ends to be able to tie it on.

It is really soft!

And a return to cross stitch, two projects in the making, one a Christmas decoration and the other one a whirly heart, more getting towards Valentine Day, well in advance.

Hope you are all well and keeping warm! Enjoy the weekend,

Been away ...

2010-11-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I was back in London, and I was glad of the warm welcome of friends, as weather was purely autum: cold, grey and wet.

Followed by a trip to Normandy, Cabourg, same over this side of the channel: cold, grey and wet.

Back home, Paris is exactly the same ...

Waiting for Christmas now!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

Autumn

2010-10-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

I love autumn, especially when I can be at home, indoors, busying myself around our home, enjoying the warmth and the hot cuppas. If I would have to describe my spare time at the moment, I would have to say: plenty supply of tea and coffee, accompanied by hot soup, fresh baked bread, nice apple pies, and my cat purring while I knit. Soft music in the background. I took to knitting and crochet lately, cross stitch is on hold for the moment.

Hope you are all having a nice cosy day.

The sky has been painted!

2010-10-23T02:36:00.000-07:00

It was such a beautiful picture, I had to stop and take a pic on Wednesday evening! Delightful, despite the chill. It is now cold and autumn is really settled in.

I have been a bit tired this week, so my productivity levels dropped, however here are a couple of my ongoing crochet projects.

The flower(s) will hopefully become a dress decoration ...

... and the pink Hello Kitty design, a little bag. Eventually!

Have a wonderful weekend,

In red

2010-10-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

I had to undo my entrelac project as I got it a bit wrong. If you notice in the photos, my work is no longer curving at the sides, as per previous post's images, as I forgot, or rather did not quite understood that I have to introduce in the tier a small triangle at each side. I think I was too busy weaving the basket like rectangles,that the sides were left a bit ... on the side! ;-)

Last night I went to a red themed birthday party, my nails match my work, LOL! :-))

This week I managed to do a little bib for a colleague's baby, a speedy project that came out quite nice! In any case, my colleague was very pleased. :-)

The sun is out, so I will be enjoying some autumny sun again, hope you too.

Wishing you a lovely weekend,

I got hooked

2010-10-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

... on entrelac! What a beautiful pattern. OK, so mine is not perfect and am still to learn, but here goes my first attempt.

My reason to wanting to learn this pattern is because I saw a nice scarf with this pattern in a Parisian shop and the price amazed me: 129 euros. A knitted scarf? Well, beat me, I'm learning the pattern and I will soon be sporting a scarf worth 129 euros, and in fact home made by mini-moi! ;-)

Tutorial to be found here:
http://knittyotter.typepad.com/otterknits/2007/03/entrelac_scarf_.html

I leave you with my autumn walk pictures on 10.10.10.

Love to you all, have a wonderful week,

Enjoying my week

2010-10-09T01:06:00.000-07:00

And of course the weekend! I have had a delightful time with my guests, and just wanted to share a couple of pics from one of our evenings outing in the centre of Paris.

I even managed to bake a little, chocolate mini-cupcakes, but I felt I left them a tad too long in the oven, they felt a bit dry. I am still learning.

I have finished one Christmas ornament, a mini Christmas tree in patchwork style.

And my latest WIP, a striped scarf for the autumn mornings when it is really chilly.

So I leave you with the picture of a lovely bouquet my DH has brought me, absolutely lovely.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Autumn

2010-10-02T00:33:00.000-07:00

A little crochet and autumn leaves today, as I have to do a major tidy of the house, next week I have some guests from Sweden, so I will have to leave all craft aside.

Last night on coming back from work I passed these beautiful sights and could not stop picking up a few!

And a little crochet while watching NCIS on telly.

Grey and wet over here, but I am inside and enjoying a nice cuppa. Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Cushions

2010-09-26T00:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend I finished a few cushions, some are to keep and some to give as present.

The lion and zebra ones are a gift for a dear friend in Guildford. My friend Mary had lived in Uganda a long while and I thought this would be a reminder of her African period. With these ones I was able to sew the contour of the lion and zebra designs, and the framed edges, it was a new technique that I am not quite sure how you call it, but I enjoyed doing it. Others like these will most likely follow, I have bought a few printed materials for Christmas, and hope to do it shortly. Can you call this patchwork? Or applique? Not sure. Even if you click on the image it does not quite show, but when you look at it, the lion and the zebra stand out a bit like a 3D image. Fun to do, in any case.

I have finally finished my matching knitted cushions for the living room.

And a small crochet one while I am learning the ripple!

May I also show you the end result for Baby's igloo, the mini blanket fits perfectly.

He seems to be comfortable in it and appreciate, so mission accomplished!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend,

Ooops, I did it again!

2010-09-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I just could not resist temptation and went straight to town for some more cupcake adventure!

This time the choice was different, so here I introduce to you: Storm (Hello Kitty image), Tropicalia (chocolate topping), Fields of Joy (in the middle - pistachio colour topping), Carrot Cake (little heart decoration) and Everything's coming up Rosie ( pink flower decoration). From the same Sugar Daze, formerly known as Little Miss Cupcake! Dazzling!

What can I say, it lasted only a few minutes for the photos, and then enjoyed greatly with a nice cuppa!

So, after some careful consideration, and knowing I am now well and truly hooked, I went and bought this delightful set for mini cupcakes, in the real hope I might even bake some myself.

And not to let the side down, I spotted a few very colourful mini mugs, just right for my coffee intake.

I must admit, the weekend is wonderful and wishing you the same!

Knitting for Baby

2010-09-18T00:54:00.001-07:00

OK, so I am teasing you a bit. By now you probably gathered my cat is called Baby. I have bought him a little winter home and he is eagerly inspecting it.

However the bottom part inside the little house is just a bit thin, that inside padded square cushion you can see there is just not thick enough, even if it will sit on the covered terrace. I have decided to quickly make a scarf like piece of knitting in denim colour Phildar wool, that will be nicely folded and fit in the igloo. Almost done with that little project.

My DH commented that I have not knitted him a a scarf in a while. I did make him one a while ago, but it must be about three years now. Oh dear!

As for my cable knitting, it gently follows on, and I am learning!

Have a good weekend, I hope to get out and about today and, who knows, I might get more cupcakes. My excuse, weekend treat!

All the best to you all,

Cupcake experience!

2010-09-12T01:45:00.001-07:00

Maria will most likely say: again! I know Maria, and I always admire your baking, as for me I take advantage of what I have close to hand, ie Little Miss Cupcake, as I've first known her, now known as Sugar Daze.

Here is what I treated myself to yesterday: Chocolate and Coffeee Cupcake, After Eight mint cupcake, and Red Velvet cupcake (raspberry, if I remember rightly). All three were absolutely delicious, wished for much more!

Well girls, enjoy the weekend, I definitely do!

Experimenting

2010-09-11T00:47:00.000-07:00

First of all I must note, it is a sad rememberance day today, I am keeping the families closely affected in my heart and prayers. May the horror of those moments be banished forever, and may we all, all over the world, be protected from harm.

I have been experimenting this week. Knitting to start with, I am learning to do cable knitting.

And for a while I wanted to learn to do crochet butterlies, here goes my first one called 3D butterfly apparently, found the pattern here: http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/butterflies.php

And my dearest Baby is inspecting my birthday roses!

Aren't they just adorable? Thanks to my dear one.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Beautiful blogger award

2010-09-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sundrana gave me this blog award. The challenge is to share 7 truths about oneself and pass the award on to 7 blogs. Thank you for the honour.

1 I had the great blessings of wonderful grandparents that brought me and my brothers up. Recently I went to say my good-byes to them. I miss them terribly.

2 I enjoy my work. To some might not be so exciting, but to me it puts everything in order. I am an accountant.

3 I am naturalised British, and I love its culture. I went through the British education system and I value it greatly.

4 I live in Paris and I enjoy this wonderful capital. I love to walk around the streets of Paris in autumn, mainly September, weather still mild, sunlight mellow.

5 I am a cupcakes fan, but to my shame I do not bake them. I am still to learn a few things in life.

6 I have always loved cats and I have one now, but I hope to have a small dog when I retire, so I could take it with me everywhere.

7 I love to sing and I belong to a choir, we've been singing for almost three years now.

Pay it forwards - here are the blogs I want to give this to.

Maria
Marta
Lucy
Rhondi
Justyne
Michelle
Shari
Hen

Now off to let everyone know of their award.

Have a good week, Lori xxx

Present for baby

2010-08-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

I have made a little heart for a colleague of mine, and she enjoyed the little marking of her daughter's birth.

How beautiful this little bundle of joy, holding her father's finger!

Life is full of wonders!

Love, Lori xxx

Been a while!

2010-08-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

We have returned from our travels, but unfortunately we're back to work and very busy. And needles to say, I have stitched less, too busy visiting people.

Made a few cards for some friends, as you can see.

I hope to start on some knitting soon, and hope to post again some more photos.

Apologies for my short note, I am so tired. :-(

Hope to return shortly, have a good weekend,

Lori xxx

On holiday!

2010-08-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

No more post for a couple of weeks, but will be back ASAP with some more of my cross stitch.

Have a lovely summer time everyone,

Lori xxx

Customise

2010-07-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have not done much cross stitching lately, but a bit of crochet and embroidery.

My brown dress needed a little touch to uplift and to make it reveal a bit less of the "decoltée". The V neck was lightly too low, so rather than not wear the dress, I customised.

And the last few pounds put on has made me unable to wear another certain dress that I love very much, a little let-in was necessary, here was my solution.

Quite warm over here, is it that hot at your place?

Enjoy summer, hope the heat will refresh soon.

Lori xxx

Fireworks Bastille Day!

2010-07-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today!

2010-07-04T13:49:00.001-07:00

From a little walk in Paris and enjoying summer!

PS. Not my car, seen in central Paris.

WIP and cherry picking

2010-06-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

My WIP is almost finished, just needs making into a card now.

And recently we were cherry picking, had a marvellous time!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

WIP and some baking

2010-06-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

I am back to my Christmas projects, and hope to prepare a few cards now so as not to be too rushed when the holiday time comes. I have found this image on a blog, cannot remember which though (sorry!) and loved the idea, struggling to sew it, but getting there. Perhaps not a perfect one, but I love it anyway.

And today I did a bit of baking, mini savoury madeleines with red pesto and parmigiano cheese, yummy!

Have a lovely weekend everyone,

One nice finish

2010-06-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

And a big smile, framed and all.

My WIP is in a too early stage to be shown, but maybe this weekend. I am leaving you with this sweet picture from London, too cute indeed.

Wishing you all the best,

Lost in post :-((

2010-06-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

My latest gift for an internet friend has been lost in post, such a shame, however Marta, I am still wishing you good luck with your exams! So sorry your surprise did not materialise.

Take good care and congrats for your good news!

Love,

Vintage

2010-06-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Found these at the market for a threpence, but oh so lovely!

My latest WIP, still to do the text for baby, but waiting for birth date! :-))

And just sharing with you lovely June blossom, lime tree.

Love,

My latest WIP

2010-06-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

A colleague of mine is expecting a little girl and I wanted to make a lasting gift, here goes:

It will be two sided, one side pink and the other peach, rather than have a fabric backing for the heart.

Not much else happening, wishing you all a very good week.

Just discovered ...

2010-05-28T02:48:00.000-07:00

... Kirigami! We all know Origamy, the Japanese art of folding paper and creating loads of delicate designs. Well, Kirigami is the Japanese art of cutting out profiles into paper to create shadow images almost.

My first attempt to making a couple of cards:

I leave you with a couple of pics from our Sunday afternoon walk in the sunshine, near our river Marne.

The three "musketeers", Athos, Porthos and Aramis:

And a nesting swan and her male companion, defending the teritory:

Have a lovely weekend all,

Crete sunshine

2010-05-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Title says it all, we are enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine.

And this also meant some time for myself, which results in this, a little thank you card for Marta, my cross stitch friend from Poland.

And now my WIP is to make another card, but must leave it as a secret until finished.

Wishing you all the best,

Lori xxx

Flower cross stitch exchange

2010-04-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

On my return from work today I have found in my postal box a nicely decorated parcel, my lovely daffodil from the cross stitch exchange I followed on Pretty Exchanges blog.

This is the work of Kirsi and it is extremely delicate, bringing spring into my house! I am hoping to put together a nice sewing bag for my everyday stitching, and so I will be reminded daily of Kirsi's gift. A big Thank You for your kind work for me.

My exchange was a sunflower for Minna, and I hope she also enjoyed my work.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend and a beautiful month of May!

Wow, blessed!

2010-04-24T03:21:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up to sunshine and the promise of a beautiful day. So I took my shopping bag and went to get some baking ingredients! Yes, I am also amazed at myself, I have been bitten by the making cakes bug!

However on my return a lovely parcel was waiting for me from Marta, dear friend, so so generous, just see for yourselves. I felt blessed and happy! THANK YOU MARTA! Marta is so creative, see this lovely card she made for me, and all the sweet and delightful things she included in the parcel. What can I say? Humbled by your generosity!

And I just wish I can send you some of my baking today, I am doing some apple and cherry muffins, here are a couple of pics. This is about to be put in the oven:

Hot from the oven!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend, I'm off to the garden to enjoy my lunch, followed by apple and cherry muffins.

Cupcake adventure

2010-04-18T04:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally found the courage to throw myself at the deep end! I don't cook that much, so this is new to me! Carrot cupcake and cheesecake icing! Must be French. Or American? British?

Whatever, the taste is delicious. It involves soft cheese and icing sugar and it gives a lovely sour-ish sweet taste. And the carrot cake recipe involves, apart from the obvious: grated carrots, wall nut and pineapple, it gives a scrumptious texture.

Well for a first timer, I would say it did not go that bad.

And my cushion cover is finished. Front and back pictures:

As for my sunflower project, I am still not able to show off just yet. Patience, May is just round the corner!

Until next time,

Love,

Easter weekend

2010-04-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

I'm away from home but brought my little laptop with me, as well as my camera and my works in progress, so that I could still keep updated on Facebook and blog world!

I have been quite busy: sewing, and the project is advancing nicely, and knitting! Yes, I managed to fit in some, I am trying to make a cushion cover. I have been looking for a while now for some nice cushion covers to go with my new sofa, remember my Christmas present? It is always hard to find the right colours and a design you really like, and in the end I've thought of knitting some while I'm still looking for some nice material to pop up. I might sew some cushion covers afterwards, if I find something I like. But meanwhile, here is my work, almost done the front.

This week we had a very nice treat at a famous Parisian tea-room (Salon de thé) called "Angelina", you can appreciate the beauty of our breakfast!

And I leave you with Easter wishes for a blessed weekend, may you be close to God and be filled with His love.

Take good care,

It's been a while

2010-03-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hello blog world,

I have been busy sewing my flower project, but unfortunately I am not allowed to show you until May, sorry.

However, here is another progress in my home, for the first time I bought a hyacinth bulb and saw it gradually transformed into a beautiful flower.

And some lovely flowers I got at work this week.

Life is busy, life is wonderful.

Speak again soon,

One thing finished, another started!

2010-03-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished stitching my "Time with God" on the 6th March, but I am still to frame it.

And I have started on my exchange, but this is all you will see until completion, I have a feeling I might be told off for showing you this picture! Smack, here goes, I got my punishment! :-))

Have a lovely weekend everyone,

Prize!

2010-03-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

A lovely internet friend Daniela has posted a delightful prize for me, I was honoured and I must admit I missed her blogging lately, her sharp and pointy comments, her wonderful work, her love for tradition, all of it makes me return often on her page. And this is the prize:

I would love to spread a bit of this spring joy and forward it to other internet friends for the kind moments I spent in their company on their blogs.

Marta
Lucy
Shari
Maria
Loreta
Corinne
Echevette
Cindy
Ania
Kirsi
Sundrana
Micetta

I hope you will all have a pleasant springtime and thanks to you all for your contribution to my well being.

Please pass on to other 12 candidates in your blog life, and make sure you warn them in a little comment they have been awarded. I am sure they will be pleased to see their link on your posting, so much easier to pay a little visit!

Wishing you all a lovely week,

Spring and blue birds

2010-02-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

This week I stitched a little card for my Mum's birthday. Although not quite finished, still to stitch the text, here it is:

And a single sign of spring from my garden!

Oh, and my lovely lunch today, Japanese meal, yumms!

Blessed, and wishing you the same.

Love,

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

Lovely day today, weather brightened up nicely, cold but sunny.

And my little Valentine's gift was:

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead,

Love, Lori xxx

Where is spring?

2010-02-13T01:04:00.000-08:00

OK, I know I should be more patient it is only February. It has snowed again this week, and temperatures are getting to minus 5°C/23F. A cold and sharp wind is blowing. I'm keeping in today, my dearest went shopping on Thursday and got the basics, so I am only getting my nose out of door to call the tom-cat in. Stubborn tom, loves to be out, even in this weather!

So, to cheer me up, my dearest bought me a pot of mini-daffodils, my favourite spring flowers. Here is some progress on the blooms.

I am joining a new cross stitch exchange from Pretty exchanges blog, this time the theme is flowers, so you could guess what will I be requesting, if poss! Of course, you guessed, a daffodil. Pictures will follow on completion of project only, which is due in May. Check out the blog and join in if you fancy, should be fun.

I have advanced half way with the "Time for God" project and here is a picture to prove it! ;-))

Well, wishing you a warm weekend, a wonderful Valentine Day, lots of sweet surprises, and take good care,

Too big for me

2010-02-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

"Mummy, just look at it, Grandma said it was for 6 months, and I'm not quite 4 months yet!"

;-))))

Grandma's knitting

2010-02-07T00:03:00.000-08:00

Well, a little, but I really enjoyed doing this for my grand-daughter Olivia, it is sized for 6 months, so there is plenty of time as she is just 4 months old. However, she is catching up soon, only last week I was told by her mum that she starts being tight in 3 months clothing!!

Quality control check up by my tom-cat, Baby! Ha ha, very curios of nature. ;-)

Time flies when we are enjoying ourselves!

L xxx

Weekend craft

2010-02-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

I wanted to do a few spring cards, we are approaching fast springtime and although the weather is not yet as clement, it is as if I'm wishing spring on! So here are my two attempts to calling Spring ahead!

And a little customisation for my little one, a plain little top had a few adagios, quick 5 mins stitch and it looks so much more girlie. I also bought a few pink baby cotton tops, to "accesorize".

Maybe I need to change the buttons in pink, too. Hmmm....

Until next time, have a great weekend, and a good week ahead,

Anniversary and new sofa!

2010-02-04T12:56:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we celebrated my godson's eight's birthday, and we had a great time.

And finally my Christmas present arrived today! Great!

Lucky me! ;-)) Too excited, must go back to try my present out again!

Delightful present

2010-01-30T04:37:00.000-08:00

Shari, my internet friend has so kindly and generously posted me a Lizzie Kate chart, and I have just started to stitch it. I love the design, one of our Bible study group members gave me the quote last year, and I was nicely surprised to see that Lizzie Kate put it in cross stitch. THANK YOU SO MUCH, SHARI!

I look forward to hanging this in my office, what a lovely reminder for life's ups and downs!

Just to show you another little finish for a small Christmas ornament, I know, I'm starting early this year, I am hoping to build up a stock of Christmas stitchings for personalised cards.

It has snowed lightly overnight, and the garden was once more covered in a thin blanket of snow, but we had sunshine, it is almost gone by now. However, I did take a couple of pictures earlier this morning.

Have a good weekend, wrap up warm,

love,

My firsts in 2010

2010-01-23T04:38:00.000-08:00

An idea I've picked up from Shari, planning her first cross stitch in the new year.

Well, here are my firsts!

My first purchase, for our tête-à-tête on a Sunday afternoon:

My first knitting project, a shawl/scarf:

My first cross stitch, his Valentine card:

I have so many other projects for this year, cannot wait, but it is nice to see we have started the year productively.

Love and all the best wishes to you all, a wonderful week ahead,

Sweetie pie

2010-01-18T13:02:00.000-08:00

At Christmas time, loving to be with everybody - or the centre of attention!

;-)

In the New Year

2010-01-16T04:59:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I am wishing you all a blessed New Year, a bit late, it has been a bit hectic, but here I am with my first creation of the year: mini madeleines, savoury with pesto sauce. Delicious to start a meal with a bit of salad, or on their own as appetizers.

Unfortunately I have not sewn anything yet, I am planning a project but still not sure which one yet.

Best wishes to you all,

Cross stitch retrospective 2009

2009-12-30T05:17:00.000-08:00

Countdown to midnight 31 Dec, and looking back onto a year filled with so many happenings!

Here's my year in cross stitch, I shall add here firstly different cross stitch cards or ornaments projects.

And then my 12 days of Christmas project, finally put together, having started it in Sept 2008.

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year filled with love, good health and of course, cross stitch!

Love,

Christmas break

2009-12-27T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I really hope you have had a wonderful Christmas time close to your dear ones! Our Christmas Eve party went very well, followed by Christmas day that was nice and quiet, so after having looked around in shops for an adequate Iphone cover, I resorted to doing my own!

Have a good break and wish you a Happy New Year.

Love,

Christmas decorations in town (2)

2009-12-18T23:48:00.000-08:00

Lafayette gallery in all her splendour!

I am leaving you with all my very best wishes for a blessed Christmas filled with joy and love, and for good health for yourselves and your families.

Merry Christmas!

Lori xxx

Christmas decorations in town

2009-12-18T23:42:00.000-08:00

I was walking around Paris this week and here are some of the pictures decorating nicely shop fronts. This is Printemps shop on Haussman boulevard.

L x

A lovely gift from Marta

2009-12-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

My stitching friend Marta has so kindly sent me a beautiful array of gifts for Christmas, I honestly feel embarrassed, because my gift to her was nothing in comparison.

Always generous, A BIG THANK YOU MARTA!

And I leave you all with lovely pictures from Paris under snow!!!

Love,

Delighted

2009-12-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

I managed to put everything together, finally. Am I pleased? I am DELIGHTED! I have been listening to Christmas carols all day to help me be in the mood. This is my second banner now ready and placed in the right spot awaiting patiently Christmas Day!

I have also done a bit of crocheting, made a couple of brooches.

Hope you are all in the mood for Christmas by now, I am definitely getting there!

Wishing you a lovely week,