WIP: Peak District Photo Conversion Update

It has been a while since my last update, mostly because I've been distracted by various other cross stitches, Including my other work in progress, the monochrome fairy portrait Shh Now and my mothers day card tutorial, and a bicycle card tutorial for my dad's birthday. Here is what it looked like on my last update, at the end of January.

And here is what it looks like now.

As you can see, I have nearly finished the first page. The going was slower on the green area as there is more colours, whereas a lot of the sky is block colour, or at most only 3 or 4 colours per square, so it is much quicker. I would have liked to hold on for an update of the finished page, but my sister who is getting married in November, has drafted in my stitching help to make some wedding favours, so I fear that it may be a while until I got a chance to sit and finish the page. It's only taken me about 5 months to do as much as I have. Somehow I doubt my goal of finishing it by Christmas will come true, and I'm less than 1/10th of the way finished. Hopefully I'll finish it one day, and when I do, it should look something like this.

Happy Stitching!

You might also like
Fairy Tale Cross Stitch Kits
Friday Finds: Union Jacks
3D Cross Stitch Garden
Christmas Earrings
Free Cross Stitch Chart: Happy Birthday Flowerpot

WIP: Peak District Photo Conversion

Over the past month since my last update I have been busily stitching away in my spare time, and I'm about halfway thorough the first page. (so only approx 14 1/2 left to go). I was most definitely not wrong about this being a big project! Anyway, to remind you, here is the photo I converted into a cross stitch chart It was taken along Langsett River in the Peak District on a walk last August.

And here is the photo showing my progress mid December.

Yesterday evening, this is what my cross stitch project looked like! Not bad hey?

The colours are definitely blending together more now, and I'm so pleased that I'm finally stitching with greens instead of just the blues of the sky. The downside is that the greens are taking much longer to finish a square (14stitch x 14stitches), as there are so many more colours per square (between approx 7-10 whereas the blue sky had a maximum of 5, and most only have 2 or 3 different colours). I guess it means my progress will slow, but I will keep stitching away until It's time for another update!

Happy Stitching


You might also like
Project Tutorial: Embroidered Mothers Day Card
WIP: Shh Now
Friday Finds: Oriental
Stitches Past
3D Cross Stitch

WIP: Peak District Photo Conversion

About 6 weeks ago I finally finished converting this lovely photo, taken at Langsett river in the Peak District, into a cross stitch.

After lots of editing (to trim down the number of different colours to a meagre 44 colours) I finally ordered the 27 count (27 stitches per inch)  even weave and a lot of threads.

As you can see, I've got quite a lot of stitching ahead of me. I wanted a big embroidery project, and I've definitely got it. In the 6 weeks since starting the cross stitch I've only manage a small corner of the sky, completing approx 1/4 of the first page of 15! I have been busy with a few other projects (for Christmas presents, so you'll have to wait to see them). I'm looking forward to reaching the bank so I can start using some greens. Anyway, here's my progress so far, what do you think?

With all that in mind, to have any hope of finishing this by next Christmas I'd best get stitching...

Happy Stitching

You might also like
WIP: Shh Now
3D Cross Stitch
Friday Finds: Monsters
Subversive Cross Stitch
Stitch Inspiration

WIP: Photo Conversion Cross Stitch!

You may remember my post a few weeks ago, where I asked you to choose your favourite of 4 photos I'd shortlisted to convert to a cross stitch picture. Photo 2 (below) was the clear winner!

Well, I've finally converted it, and it should be approx 30x40cm when stitched onto 27count evenweave (27 cross stitches per inch). So that's pretty big, and a heck of a lot of stitching. At the end of last week I ordered the 44 colours required along with the evenweave fabric, and they have arriveed! Hooray! I can't wait to get started, hopefully I'll get a chance tonight as I'm busy tomorrow and away at the weekend for my sisters birthday. I'll soon show you some progress though!

Happy Stitching!

You might also like
WIP: Shh Now
Friday Finds: Seaside
Project Tutorial: Embroidered Mothers Day Card
Spring, Cambridge and Punting
Friday Finds: Caves

Peak District and New Stitches...

For a long time now, I've wanted a new project. A big project for myself. While I love making cross stitch jewellery to sell on Etsy, the items are small and I can make several things in an evening, so I just can't get stuck into them in the same way that I can a big project.

I've thought about several things, I'd love to do a monotone cross stitch, and a fairytale cross stitch (I'm a bit of fan) and have thought about combining the two. The trouble is, I'm fussy. There are hundreds if not thousands of kits and charts that encompass these things, but I lack the time to search through so many for the perfect one. The more I stitch, the fussier I've become.

The other problem is that while I could buy a kit, I do have the Royal School of Needlework's cross stitch software DVD. I have used this to create all of my cross stitch jewellery and keyring/magnet designs, as well as a few cards and bookmarks, but I feel that it's time to challenge myself, time for something bigger. In short, I'd like to create my chart to stitch.




The problem with that is where to start. Do I design a whole kit myself from scratch? while part of me would love to, I am a just a little bit scared of the notion. I have little confidence in my skill to do such a thing, as there are smaller designs that I have struggled to design. Part of the trouble is that those designs have to be small, and in fact something larger may be easier, but to get the level of detail required I would need to be able to design from a very zoomed in level. I simply don't have the time to try and create my own chart from scratch, and I have absolutely no idea where to start.

Luckily (perhaps) I would also like to stitch something a bit more personal to me. I love landscapes, but often struggle to find ones that I like from the kits commonly available, yet I go walking regularly, especially in the Peak District, and have plenty of beautiful photos that I could convert. The trouble is, detail is lost in cross stitch, so a photograph of a beautiful view loses it's impact. I need a picture with a beautiful view, and something beautiful in the foreground. In short, I need to be looking for a scene to stitch when out walking.

This happened on Sunday. I was walking with Chris and some of our friends near Langsett Reservoir wen we stopped for lunch on the river bank. It was perfect. The rocky river bed and blue pool (thanks to the skies reflection, then water was actually brown, stained by the peat it of the moors). There was a few trees in the mid-ground, and hills in the background, all complimented by bracken and beautiful flowering heather. However, now I've just sat and looked through all of the photos I've narrowed it down to four, and here's where I need your help. Please comment below with your favourite and I'll use the overall favourite!



 

Photo 1



Photo 2







Photo 3




Photo 4




Thanks for looking!


You might also like
Friday Finds: Autumn Leaves
WIP: Shh Now
Friday Finds: Wales
Spring, Cambridge and Punting
Friday Finds: Seaside

Inside The Devils Arse

I spent Saturday in the Devils Arse. No I'm not lying, the Devils Arse is what Peak Cavern, near Castleton in the Peak District, is more fondly known as.

Unbeknown to me until recently The Devils Arse holds summer concerts and even candle lit ghost tours of the cavern (I want to go on one of these now!). Saturday night saw the cavern hosting the former, and it was definitely an experience, after all, how many people can say they've been to a gig in a cave? It was most certainly unusual, and very definitely highly recommended, not just for the novelty factor.

The gig was held in the large entrance cavern, where rope makers used to live and produce ropes. It's a large cavern with a gouge to one side where a stream has cut through the limestone over centuries. We arrived part way through the first band (having had a bite to eat at The Nags Head first) who I really enjoyed. It was a bit different to see a drummer who was also the lead singer. In addition to the normal drums and guitars they also employed a tambourine for additional beat. Their music was lovely, perfect for a sedate summers evening gig in a cave. It was a bit jiggy (which I like) and the group worked well together, engaging the crowd and generally giving a good all round performance. I would certainly see them again.

I was less impressed with the second band. They weren't bad it's just didn't do it for me. For starters, it was very much about the singer. The first song of the set was a solo so his three band members waited patiently on the side lines. then they came on stage to perform, very much in the background, before being relegated once more to the sidelines so the singer could show off his voice with a little backing from hos guitar. It's not that his voice was bad either. It was rather high pitched, but was generally ok. There were a few times were I would describe it as 'haunting' and it began to draw me in. I remember thinking several times 'here we go, this is it' either because of his voice, or because the guitars kicked in and what were all slow songs showed a promise of having a bit more of a beat, but, sadly disappointment always followed. They tried again a little later with the addition of Sheffield singer Jean Walters, but she just looked a bit pouty to Chris, and bored to me. I don't blame her though, she was essentially a guest backing singer; at no point did she sing on her own. I thought they were going to do a duet when the lead singer sang a line, but no, he sang a part, and then they sang a part together. Overall, I got the impression that he was fairly arrogant and full of himself, as the whole set was about him. That's not the point of being in a band.



After some cave exploration it was time for the third act, and the one we had come to see, The Hosts. Chris works with the drummer, Adam, who told us about the gig. The lure of it being in a cave and seeing his band for the first time drew us in immediately. Adam even got us on the guest list!
The hosts worked fantastically well as a band. They just looked natural, like a group of great mates playing some music. The front man and lead singer was really good, not only at shifting the crowds attention to each of the band members, but also in enhancing the crowds experience by drawing us in,  participating in yelling loudly together to listen for the echo. With a full sized drum set the beat throbbed through the stone and packed earth, and the acoustics were amazing. So amazing in fact, that they had to turn down the amps so it wasn't too much! They all looked very smart in suits, their attire defiantly made them stand out. The music was good and included some Roy Orbison covers. It was easy listening, cheerful and very enjoyable. I look forward to seeing them again!


Happy Listening!

You might also like
Sheftival Music Festival
Friday Finds: Movember
Project Tutorial: Bicycle Card
Friday Finds: Wales
Shake Rattle n' Roll Charity Night



Walking Inspirations

I love going walking. When I was little our holidays often consisted of walks, (probably because it was cheap), I remember following countless coastal paths, marvelling at the craggy cliffs, sparkling sea and beautiful beaches below. We hiked up mountains too, Delicious Fudge kept me and my sister going as we headed up Ben Nevis when I was 9 and she was 7. The views were fantastic, and when we reached the top the cloud was so close above us it seemed as if we could jump and touch it. I've climbed Ben Nevis twice since, once only to the lake about 2/3rds of the way up, as the top was under about 12ft of snow from other hikers reports. The third time we made it to the top, which was in the clouds from just above the lake, so the fantastic views of my first expedition were limited to approx 12ft, smothered by the clouds.

The second two times were both with friends from Sheffield University Walking Club (SUWC). I joined in my second year and before long was walking in the nearby Peak District nearly every weekend. After a year of going on walks I decided to become a leader, planning my own and co-leading with friends. I quickly became a first aider, and the Publicity Officer on the committee, at the same time as I met Chris, my boyfriend of just over 5 years.

My weekends were filled of walks, come rain or shine, but as we got older we started walking less with the club and more as a couple, or with friends. Time changes, work and housework get in the way, people move away, and suddenly you realise it's been not only weeks, but months since going wondering the Peak District. This was the case until Sunday.

One of our friends and my ex-housemate, Pete V was visiting from Edinburgh for the weekend, so we decided to brave the rain forecast (after all, we've all worked in plenty of bad weather) and headed out to the Peaks.

Our route began at Ladybower Reservoir, and along the bank of the reservoir to cross the damn before trekking up Win Hill the 'scenic route' (longer but less steep) only to take a shortcut off the path and directly to the top. Win Hill is one of those hills that starts off fine, but has a smaller, steeper mound on the top. It was worth the puffing and panting and sweat though, as there are spectacular hills from the top over Ladybower and towards Derwent edge and Kinder Scout, (the highest peak) and across Hope Valley.

After a bite to eat we headed downwards, along to Hope Cross and the dubiously termed 'Seat of Youth'. originally a village, it has mostly now fallen down, crumbled away and been reclaimed by the woods, but someone used several old stones to make a chair. We have often used it as a lunch stop, and this was no exception, before continuing our walk along Ladybower reservoir, and finally up to the double peaks of Crook Hill.

Crook Hill is not the most exciting of Peaks, it's not particularly high, it's essentially a field with two rocky tips poking out. But it was here that inspiration struck.

I was puffing along when to my right there was a beautiful view of Win Hill. The clouds were dark and grey and brooding, but from somewhere light struck the peak, brightening it to an almost luminous olive green. This created a stark contrast with the trees silhouetted below, and I thought 'that would make a lovely cross stitch'. Unfortunately, my lanky other half was making good use of his long legs, and had run off with the Camera so I couldn't take a photo. As we climber higher the view lost some of the effect, but still looked beautiful. Luckily Chris did take a photo, so you can still get the benefit of the view.

I did, however, complain to Pete M about Chris running off with the camera at such a beautiful view, that looked very cross-stitchable. This led to a conversation about creating more Peak District cross stitches, and I certainly have enough photo's to do so.

In fact, converting a photo to cross stitch is something I've thought about doing for ages, but I've always been a bit scared to tell the truth. What if the colours blend in too much so you can't see the 'layers' of hills, what if its too detailed and doesn't come out on a cross stitch very well, what if it's not detailed enough and doesn't look like anything much? There are countless reasons and excuses, but really, I've just been a bit scared of starting such a project. On Sunday, I decided that it was time to stop all that, and to give it a go. What's the worse that can happen anyway?

I'd best get busy choosing a photo!

This is Me!

Ok, so I have a little confession. I've been busy working on several projects (as well as having my day job) so I haven't quite completed anything to blog about! That got me thinking, what else could I write about that's relevant, maybe inspiration, maybe other blogs/ other crafters, although I'm planning that for a Valentines Blog next week (if you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below), but they're still all standard 'blogging' topics. I want to do something different.

OK then, so what makes a good blog? I am far from the expert on this, and good is just a matter of opinion anyway, right? Still, with a little help from my thinking cap I realised that my favourite blogs, the ones I keep going back too, are a bit more personal. So how about telling you a little about me? I'm always curious about other crafters, so this is me!

I grew up in the Midlands with mum dad and my big little sis (she's been that ever since she grew taller than me!). We were often out and about, clambering up trees, going on walks or bike rides, playing in the garden, doing all the things that kids do!

It was probably when I was about 10 that I was given my first cross stitch kit, which I proudly completed, (and has subsequently been lost along the way)

Throughout my teenage years I kept stitching on and off, off and on, through school, 6th form, a few years of being in the Daventry Dolphins swimming club, then a ju-jitsu club, before coming to Sheffield for university, as a big girl.

...Well, I was certainly bigger, and what student doesn't have a fancy dress house party at some point? In case you hadn't worked it out, I was the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. I always made my own costume, the best ones always were! (One of my friends dressed up as a spider with stuffed tights for the legs! she looked awesome!)

It wasn't all parties though, I did a lot of walking. Living in Sheffield with the Peak District only a bus ride away, and the fantastic University of Sheffield Walking Club, how could I not? I soon became a walk leader and publicity officer, and met my boyfriend Chris. I grew a lot in myself those years, thanks to fantastic housemates, and great friends made in the walking club!

Can you recognise where the castle is? It's Pervil castle, just by castleton in the Peak District.

Of course, as any avid walker will know, refreshment is essential, after a long hot walk a refreshing pint is just what's needed. Likewise if it's a rainy walk, cold, misty, snowy, any sort of walk really! A pub stop at the end soon became a large part of the walk, and my social life.

Now I've bought a house with Chris, I work 9-5 as a Cell Biologist, and try to sell my cross stitch jewellery! I still have dreams though, they're the same ones I had since I was little, and one day I will do them.

I will go travelling.

I will be a mum.

One day....