It’s been a little busy and stressful at home recently, our house is one the market so we need to keep it as clean and tidy as possible (not easy for someone like me!) we do have someone interested so fingers crossed! Baby Hugo, my grandson is still on the neonatal unit, feeding better but is going to need three or four operations before he’s 6 months old, so as well as giving emotional support I’m trying to help them practically too, yesterday I made shepherds pies, cheesy bacon pasta and pasta bolagnaise, all frozen into tubs for 1 or 2 that they can reheat in the hospital microwave. I also made apple crumble (my son’s favourite!) and a chocolate cake for a bit of a treat. Add to that a new job and hospital visiting and there hasn’t been much time for stitching, never mind writing or reading blog posts!

As always I have a little stitching in my handbag, something easy for opportune moments. I recently shared with you a cross-stitch by Country Cottage Needleworks called Ladybugs and Bumblebees. I fell for the pattern on a facebook destash site but it is still available to buy.

I was over half way when I last showed it to you…

My original plan was to stitch it in two halves so it could go on opposite pages of the bee book I’m planning to make. I changed the pattern slightly in the middle before deciding that wasn’t going to work. I mulled over a few ideas such as a concertina book whilst I was working on it.

I have finally decided it’s too pretty to potentially ruin by folding it in a book, yesterday I took it to the framers in Otley, Art Works, they always do a lovely job and I’ll just have to find some wall space to hang it when we move house! I think maybe I also need to be a little ruthless on pictures I did many years ago, I’ve got quite a few from when I was a child or in my teens. I’ve just had a quick wander round the house and I have 44 pieces of work framed and hung!!

Anyway, here is the finished piece just before I handed it over for framing…

I’ll be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday, please follow the link to see what everyone else has been stitching.