surprise purchases

I went along to my local craft, knitting, quilting and needlework shop yesterday. I am very fortunate because I can walk only 15 minutes from my home and be there. I realise that this will make many of you jealous!

I was wanting to look at fabrics to use for my samplers.

I knew that some time in the beginning of May they usually have their birthday sale with 20% off, but I usually miss these things. They don’t advertise it beforehand, so imagine my surprise when I found that it was yesterday!

So of course, I had to take a look around to see what they had! I bought a gorgeous ball of bamboo yarn. Its meant for knitting, but because of its beautiful sheen, I reckon it will be lovely to embroider with. The yarn looks like it will be divisible too, so I can probably use it as the full thickness, or as a fewer number of strands.

I also found a hoop to go on my very favourite embroidery stand. I already have the stand and a smaller hoop, but there have been quite a number of occasions when I would have preferred a larger hoop. This one is larger, and will be excellent. Some family members can give this to me for my upcoming birthday – they’ve already asked for suggestions…

Very happy with my latest purchases.

I did ask why the ladies who own the shop don’t have my latest book in yet (I know them well, so I’m comfortable being a bit cheeky with them!). Sheepishly they said they’d only just seen it, and they’re waiting for it to come in. 🙂 However, the girl standing just nearby said “I have it! My mum bought it for me.”

Just tacking another book review of “The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion” on the end of this post. I have been in contact with the lovely girls at Embellish magazine. I had sent them a copy so they could review it, and in the course of our subsequent email correspondence, Michelle, one of the co-editors, said the following regarding it:

Congratulations on your outstanding book. Finally an embroidery book that is colourful, easy to understand and will soon be available in both left and right handed options. I have read many embroidery books over the years and yours would have to be the most inspiring. My hand is itching to grab the thread and start yet another project. Well done. Michelle Moriarty, Embellish magazine