A Few More Stitches

After taking a bit of a break from the canvas work spectacle case, it has progressed by a few more rounds. Somehow, it's surprising how just 10 minutes here and there eventually do add up. Once I had the spacing worked out for the Smyrna Cross Stitch,

had added in the green trellis effect, and a row of cushion stitch, I was looking forward to stitching the oblong rice stitch. That's the long dark green cross with a rusty red and a little pop of pale green to light up the centre.

I think it looks intricate and rather Christmassy, but it was straightforward to stitch.

Some changes I made to the original pattern meant I had to work sparingly with the limited amount of variegated thread that came with the kit.

I wasn't sure there would be enough for the last few cushion stitches.

In the end there was just sufficient for what I wanted to do, with none at all to spare. That little bit in the needle was all I had left.

I've filled in the last few stitches and now there's just one more round to do before the embroidery is complete.

On a completely different note, we are carefully following the progress of Cyclone Oma which is moving closer to the east coast of Australia. It is currently 900 kilometres offshore. At one stage it was predicted to be on a direct path for Brisbane. Today however it seems unlikely that it will cross the coastline. The wind has already picked up where we are, a few kilometres in from the coast, and we do need the rain, but not a direct hit from a cyclone. In the meantime we have checked the gutters, gathered all the loose items outside, filled the car with petrol and done another grocery shop. The gas bottle is full, we've got candles and also matches. All this just in case Oma gets much closer.

Satellite image, ABC news

Till next time, keep safe and happy stitching!