A Wedding Anniversary

Today would have been the 80th Wedding Anniversary of my parents. Stanley Oliver and Ella Kate. The others in the wedding party are the younger brother and sister of the groom, Les and Elva, and the flower girl is Joy, a niece of the bride. I love the long train mum has which I think is coming from her veil, not the dress. Wish I knew the colour of the bridesmaids dress but if I ever knew I can't remember.
The wedding was held at the local Methodist church with the reception at the bride's parents house. There was no honeymoon, they moved straight into a nearby rented cottage.
Remembered with Love.
UPDATE: A family member had a newspaper report of the wedding.
The bridesmaids gown was apricot georgette with cape to match. She carried a bouquet of blue lupins and sweetpeas with tulle and streamers to match.

Surprise Gift and Bargains

Arrived in the mail yesterday, a pretty mug rug made by Gina over at 'Patra's Place of Stitching and Vintage Linens'. Gina mentioned on her blog that it was being made for someone who loves cats and London and I thought then that it has to be for me. Thank you so much Gina, I love the musical cats.
The mug on the rug is a Saturday bargain from the Salvos. A queen Victoria mug, perfect. The daffodils are from the supermarket and my first bunch of the season.

The other side of the mug rug shows views of London and also the other side of the Queen Victoria mug.
The rug is expertly made, thank you so much for thinking of me Gina, I won't know which side to use first.

Charlotte still hibernating.

While at the Salvos on Saturday morning I spotted these Damart shoes, brand new and just my size a bargain at $4

The first stitches are in my William and Kate wedding outfit. So far it's all shades of white and cream, looking forward to stitching William's red jacket.

Teresa Gil Queen Cross Stitch Finished and More

 I am so pleased with myself for having finished this beautiful Teresa Gil Queen design in only 7 months. It is a complex design but very forgiving of small mistakes and changes. Once I started I just wanted to keep going and watch the stunning Coronation dress grow under my fingers. Once started it is not difficult to stitch.

 For the neck line and sleeves I couldn't get the 5 strands of white twisted to my satisfaction so I used the 'whisper' thread instead.

The wattle representing Australia should have been French knots but I used wattle coloured beads as French knots for some reason are beyond my skill level. I loved all the beading involved though it doesn't show up well in the photos. I think I have proved this design works well on 14 ct Aida cloth.

 Before framing I nervously washed my masterpiece, just a swish around in tepid water and a bit of NapiSan then a quick spin rolled in a towel in the washing machine.

 Hanging in the sun room to dry before framing. Still not really happy with my framing as I think this sampler needs expert framing. I am saving up. I meant to show the back of my work, maybe next time as it is nothing to be ashamed of.

 I never take my cross stitch to my craft group, too hard to concentrate with all the laughter and cups of tea slopping around. J, one of our members  grew up in a country that concentrated on hard work and education and didn't learn to knit and sew when young. J is now very proud of her knitted bed socks which we all helped with. I did some casting off and sewing up. Hope your feet are now warm in bed J.

 A family get together for a family birthday. ( not mine) and the men of the family admire the view while daughter S and I slave in the kitchen. They won't turn around as they don't want to be on my blog.
From LtoR grandson T, son D, MrL, R the father of the 2 grandsons and grandson A.

Caught you grandson A, you couldn't resist turning around. A will be 17 in August.