Louie B Christmasbird

Forty-five minutes of sunshine this week. When I say the weather gods conspired against Sydney bloggers, you'll have to believe me. The wet weather though has been a welcome time for relaxing on the couch with needle and thread.

Counted cross-stitch is the first craft hobby that I remember doing on a regular basis. I remember going to Ben Franklin in our neighboring town to pick out floss and pattern books. I don't know if I was any good at it because somewhere along the way, I lost my stitchery.

It's for the best really. Back then, my young tastes matched our country blue and mauve home. I made rocking horse hand towels and mallard duck wall hangings. Looking back, it was daggy crafting at it's best.

I've played with needle and floss a couple of times since then and tried to tackle fresher modern themes. One day a few weeks ago, a pattern kit showed up in the mail. Lisa of The Red Thread made some Christmas stitch patterns for Spotlight. I wasn't expecting it, but it was a great little surprise that I was unable to put down. I'm happy to say that I've still got the knack for it.

The kit came with everything you need - aida cloth, floss and needle. It was my first time working hoop free, but the aida cloth has plenty of body which makes that easy. Much like my younger days, I got lazy when it came to filling in the white. I wasn't going to do his brim but decided I better since the floss was there and the instructions called for it. I've gotten about half of it done. Pretend you don't notice, ok?

We've named him Louie. He might be a Christmas ornament or part of a stocking. We haven't decided. I've been threatening to make stockings for four years now. It really might happen this time.

Do you remember the first crafts you did as a kid? Are you still at them?