Quilting and Solitude at Retreat

I'm back home after my most wonderful stitching holiday at Quilt group Retreat.

Oh my, what a great way to refresh your batteries.

The seclusion of this place was exhilarating, stimulating, bracing, energizing and restorative. 

I can't believe how much stitching got done as well. Absolutely amazing place.

Literally a stones throw from the beach.

Great early morning walks and paddles on the beach, and great company.

The path to the beach and sea.

I was on the beach for the sunrise most mornings.

And here are some of the stitching that I made while there.

A Fibonacci style small quilt top, that may turn into a table runner or a bag 

(not decided yet what it wants to be).

These two country style shabby-chic blocks will be cushion covers (pillows) when I add a border and backing to them.

And the following quilt top is completed, I just haven't got any photos of it's current state.

I am now auditioning fabric for border and backing.

That's it for the retreat photos.

One evening, soon after getting back home, I made these Boho beaded tassel dangles.

Fun fun fun.

You can tell that the urge to create and be creative is still with me. 

I have so many things I NEED to make now, lol.

So, from a refreshed and revitalised  Cyra

Happy Stitching

CQJP block 11 FINISHED

Here is my November 2012 CQJP block finished.

And here are some photos of the stitching details on this block.

Some of the stitches used are: feather stitch, chevron stitch, pistil stitch, French knot, back stitch, straight stitch, ribbon stitch, triple berry stitch, Palestrina stitch, satin stitch, buttonhole stitch, looped and wrapped buttonhole stitch, railroad stitch, woven running stitch, couching, beading and some 'invented' stitches.

Complete with a couple of Mandala's.

Happy Stitching

CQJP latest block

I'll update this post title later with whatever number (or month) block this is. 

At the moment I cannot remember which block this is as I have been away from stitching too long while I was visiting my UK family.

I've been back home in New Zealand now for three days, and I have finally finished the block.

And here are some close-up pics of the stitching and beading.

And now I must see if I can find the time to catch up on the couple more blocks needed for my CQJP challenge to be completed before 2013 arrives.

I have some very lovely things to add to my December block. 
Very special things from my mum. I'm really looking forward to doing that block in memory of mum who sadly passed away on Dec 1st 2012.

Happy Stitching

My Latest Beading Projects

These two beaded projects I made simply because I wanted to. 

What better excuse than that, lol.

A Rock Pool in a Fish Bowl

Warning - photo intensive post

..A Rock Pool in a Fish Bowl..

The Rock Pool Colony consists of heavily encrusted embroidery, hyperbolic crochet, and plenty of bead-work, on a very textured surface.

The actual stitched work is almost 12 inches across. The fish bowl is 17 inches wide.

It took over 270 hours to complete.

Here are some photos from many different angles.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Please leave a comment below as I would love to know what part, or parts, of my Rock Pool you enjoyed most.

Happy Stitching