Peacocks...if you are interested!

Just in case you've missed it, there is another Peacock table runner on this blog.

Update on Assisi project.

This would have been better if I'd scanned it instead of photographing it, because the flash has washed out the colour. Never mind - you can see how far I've progressed from my previous posts of this item. I've been busy stitching quite a lot lately. Since Ken has been ill, apart from work and shopping for essentials, I didn't leave the house for a couple of weeks so I had lots of time to do some work on various projects. This one doesn't have to be finished until September, but it is so easy now that I only have the cross stitch to do, I tend to pick it up if I'm not in the mood to concentrate on something more complex.
When I have been in a better frame of mind, I've done some work on the 50th birthday picture (for December) and another surprise which I can't mention here in case Someone reads this blog and guesses it is for her! I've also nearly finished that old doiley with the black kitten. I was showing it to one of my new personal care clients the other day (she used to do a lot of embroidery so we hit it off immediately!), and when I said I'd nearly finished it (meaning the last lot of stem stitch around the couch), she said "No you haven't - all those French knots will take you a while!" Pointing to the dozens of daisies of which I'd stitched the petals but forgotten to do the centres! Who says old people aren't on the ball??!!!!

Vintage Pot Holder

I had to take three pictures of this cutie that arrived today from one of my favourite eBay sellers in N.S.W. The first one (on the kitchen floor!) shows the pot holder full length, while the other two are close ups. Isn't that sweet?

Vintage embroidered picture of Japanese origin.

Lee-ann gave me this beautiful piece last time we were visiting their home. I hadn't put it on the blog before because I wanted to find out more about it if I could. Dammit, I forgot to take it to the Guild on Tuesday! but I did show it to one of my Japanese friends, and she seems to think it is of Japanese origin because of the significance of the cranes and flowers on it.
It is very large - 5 feet/152 cm long, by 27 inches/68 cm wide. Unfortunately but not surprising, given its age, the stitching is badly worn in some places, and some of the dyes have run when it has been washed at some stage. But it is still a magnificent addition to the collection - thank you Lee-Ann!

Quilters Companion 2008 Calendar.

I discovered this on the 'help yourself' table at the Guild yesterday. Members bring in unwanted magazines, fabrics, etc. and put them in a particular spot where other members can take what they want. As I don't have a strong interest in quilting, I don't particular want this lovely calendar, but I brought it home in case one of my blogging pals would like it! First in, best dressed - leave a message here, or email me!

Child's sampler

This arrived from the USA today. I suppose you would call it a sampler, but it doesn't look very old. The eBay seller told me they bought it from an estate auction, and it is in good condition, so maybe it has been stored for a few years and not exposed to dirt or light. The words are in cross stitch and the little motifs around the edge are neatly embroidered. I suspect it was done for some small person but they never got around to framing it.
By the way, there are two new peacocks on my Peacock blog, and a new apron recently listed on the apron blog, for those readers who are interested in these things!