In the last couple of days I’ve finished the October design for the Anthea SAL by Faby Reilly. I would have finished it a few days before only I mislaid the dark maroon I needed for back-stitching the flowers, I searched high and low, whilst being aware that this was a well travelled stitching – it’s been to Northumberland and to work, so the potential for it not being in the house was there. In the end I bought another one…and then of course it turned up – it had been through the wash and the tumble dryer!!!

Anyway, it’s finished and it’s gorgeous! Each month before the pattern is released I try and guess what flower it will be, I don’t think I’ve ever got it right! This month it’s cyclamen, the plant stalls on Otley market are full of them at the moment, both the big blousey indoor ones and the delicate looking outdoor ones. I used to have a few near the back door, I tried to move them but I don’t think I’ve seen them since, though I’m not exactly sure where I moved them to – I’ll have to have a mosey round the garden

Here’s the half way point when all the cross-stitching is complete…

The colours of the cyclamen flowers are beautiful, so rich against the dark green mottled leaves. Even at this stage it’s lovely, but then you add the Faby magic with back-stitching, sequins and french knots and you end up with this…

Isn’t that just gorgeous! Nearer the end of the month I’ll start stitching the wordplay to go opposite it in my textile book, I’ll enjoy stitching with these colours.

We’ll have to wait until next month to see what the flower is for November, I’ve no guesses for this one!