Budgie cross stitching story

Every now and then a link will catch my eye when I am checking my web site stats. This morning I had to go look and see why a budgie forum had linked to me. After all I run a sewing site not one about budgies!

Imagine my surprise when I read the message as below…

Spike the Budgie wins Young Cross Stitcher of the Year.

Spike, a three year old budgie was named Young Cross Stitcher of the Year in 2005 by British Cross Stitcher magazine.

Spike, owned by Sandra, was nursed back to health after suffering from a food allergy. He would sit on her shoulder for hours while she cross stitched. One day when Sandra put her needle down for a while the bird seemed to get frustrated with the lack of progress and flew down onto the fabric, picked up the needle and pushed it through the fabric! Soon he was stitching away, with no regard for the pattern or colour but obviously enjoying it thoroughly.

Well I never! I have designed cross stitch patterns of budgies but never expected a bird to be able to stitch itself.

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Girl’s day out

Last month I taught Crazy Quilting at a local shop to a group of 4 students. We all had great fun and some lovely work was produced. I took my camera but unfortunately left the XD in my card reader at home so was unable to take any pictures on the day.

One of the students, Maggie, e-mailed me afterwards to ask where I had bought some of the embellisments we used on our blocks. We agreed to meet for a Girl’s Day Out to go shopping for bits and pieces.

Today was the day! Maggie arrived at 10.30am and was kissed and cuddled by the dogs while we waited for my son to get ready for work. (I am chief chauffeur around here!)

While we waited, Maggie produced her (almost) finished block, so I grabbed the opportunity to take a shot of it to share with you. 

Maggie's 1st Crazy Quilt Block

Then we headed off to the local craft and garden centre. We browsed the complete craft section, often falling in love with the same colors and products. Maggie is a keen card maker as well as a needlewoman and she found plenty to stock up with.

In the photo below she is showing me some cute little bees that would look great on her block.

 

After filling our basket we stopped for some light refreshments in the cafe and then headed for the fabric shop in town. Having cleared them out of calico (muslin) to use for her next blocks, we eventually headed home.

I don’t think this will be the only day we spend together! In fact I know that I will see Maggie again on the 29th November when she is attending my Hardanger class at the same shop. See you soon Maggie…

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