Twelve Red Red Robins....

have been bob...bob... bobbing around in my UFO pile for so long it's gone way beyond embarrassing.

I am burning to the bone with shame!

You see I was lucky enough to actually win a copy of Twelve Red Robins when Natalie Lymer was giving away three as prizes on her blog.   You can see the pattern as the redwork it was designed to be here. 
I love this pattern and couldn't wait to start stitching as soon as it arrived.   Ahem..... that was in July 2008!! 

How could I have put it to one side for 3 years!   I'd swear it was only 6 months max since I last stitched on it.   Actually.... this is the second time of stitching it!    You might guess..... I got mega picky with my stitches and scrapped the first attempt.    In my defence it was the first time ever I'd tried a stitchery.

My second effort still leaves a lot to be desired....



Can you tell that french knots are not my forte.    I've got one boggle eyed bird and one with a squint!   I do love the thread I used for the tail feathers though.   It's a Steph Francis hand dyed silk.  I've collected a little stash of them for special projects.

I bought a frame....

It was a real find.   Got it in a sale at a knock down price and in my opinion... it's perfect (the frame that is).

How could I have ignored it for so long.... when I'm so close to finishing too!    Well... I'm determined to get it stitched... framed and hung on the wall ready for this Christmas.... I hope!

Now... have you seen this woman?

If you live in the UK there is no way you could not know Kirstie Allsopp.  If you don't live in the UK check out her latest TV show Kirsties Handmade Britain.   I love her approach to crafts... heck to life in general. If you have an hour to spare grab yourself a cup of coffee watch her trying to win prizes at Country Shows.

Last but not least here's a photo of Bagpuss.... the invalid!

Poor boy... he's looking a bit worse for wear at the moment.     He's been to visit the vet after I found bald patches on his legs and tummy.    He had some blood tests (he wasn't impressed) which showed he has an over active thyroid.  Who knew that could make your fur fall out!   He has little pink pills to take twice a day from here on in.  He loves that part because I wrap them up in little balls of cheese... his favourite. 

I'm collecting any bits of his fur that drop out from now on in.... just in case I need to needle felt him a toupee!

Hope you are having great time... whatever you are doing

See ya!

Josie X