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Wednesday 8 July 2020

Week one of Jolly July

I haven't joined a SAL for quite a while, mainly because I'm not very good at keeping up and I prefer to do my own thing when I feel like it.  But this year I've decided to join in with Jolly July / Christmas in July.  It's not strictly a SAL because the only thing required is for you to stitch something Christmas related.  I don't have a problem with that as it's my favourite season to stitch. 

So, in no particular order, these are my Jolly July starts for the first week.

LHN Frosty Flakes
I'm stitching with the recommended colours on a mystery piece of 32 count fabric.
32 count is not my favourite, I think the stitches look a little bulky using two stands of floss but I'm taking it slowly and I think it looks ok so far.


Next is The Button Tree by The Drawn Thread

Again I'm using the called for threads on some pale grey 28 count evenweave. 
I only started this one yesterday and am already almost half way.  I don't have enough pretty buttons to finish it so will have to search Amazon or ebay for those.


This is Country Cottage Needleworks Gingerbread House #3

Another chart I've had for ages and never stitched before.  
I'm stitching this on 28 count fabric in pale blue with the recommended threads.
  I really love how this one looks 💗💗


And finally, Jacobs Christmas stocking.  
This is Brett's stocking by Shepherds Bush

 I'm still waiting for some of the threads to come for this one, hence the small amount of stitching, hopefully they will be here within the next week.  I could carry on stitching further down the chart but I'm scared of miss-counting and having to rip it out again, I'd sooner wait and get it right.


Next week I plan on having another three or four starts and then I'll work on them all in turn until the end of the month, obviously Jacobs stocking is going to take me longer than a few weeks to stitch but as long as I get the stitching done on it by around the end of September that will give me plenty of time to make it up.

I got the call from work last Friday afternoon, it was what I had expected from the off.  Redundancy.
I won't go into the all the ways that I feel hurt and betrayed by the company I've worked at for the last fifteen years, but lets just say I've shed a few tears because of it and that the Directors are not the people I thought they were.

At the moment I don't feel in the right frame of mind to go looking for another job, I've never been in this situation before and I need time to get my head round it and feel better about myself.

In the meantime I'm enjoying a slower pace to the days and as you can see, getting lots of stitching time.  I know there are going to be lots of people who loose their jobs before we are through with this pandemic and I do feel for you If you are one of those people too.  I count myself very lucky in that we didn't rely on my money but I know i'm going to miss the routine of work and the office banter.

I hope you are all staying safe and well
See you soon

-X-

16 comments:

Poppypatchwork said...

It's never easy to be made redundant, for whatever reasons, and after so many years working at the same place. I love your stitching, I made the Christmas tree and used seed beads rather than buttons, it's much shinier than the design.

Heritage Hall said...

Maggie - So sorry about the redundancy, but there may be something waiting for you in the wings that may refresh your perspective and bring you work satisfaction...hope so. Love all the projects you are
doing..you certainly have redeemed your time.

butterfly said...

So sorry you have lost your job after many years of work for your company
I think there will be many people lose their jobs .
It is so sad .
It will be a long time for the country to get right .
I do feel for you.
Maybe you could think about starting your own business in time then you would be your own boss .
Lovely new starts on your stitching .

Vickie said...

Oh Maggie, I am so sorry about your job loss. I hope and pray a new work position comes for you that is just perfect.
I am glad that you have enjoyable Christmas stitching for comfort in the meantime.

Robin said...

Your starts look great. So sorry about the layoff from work. I like when they say it’s nothing personal because it sure is personal to who it is happening to. When in doubt, do nothing. You are where you are for a reason. Keep your chin up!

Debi said...

I am so sorry about your job situation. It sucks. I went through the same thing many years ago and was devastated to loose a job I liked with people I liked. But in the end it all worked out as I found another job that I loved for 22 years. I hope that happens for you. I love your stitching. I used to love to cross stitch but my eyes and arthritic fingers make it difficult now.

Barb said...

Sorry to hear about your job. What a shame! It does give you time to do Jolly July and your starts are looking good.

linda said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your redundancy, I know exactly how you feel as I've been there myself in the past it doesn't matter how much we give to the company we work for in the end we are just a number. Hopefully a job opportunity will arise in the future and it'll be just what you are looking for. Your sewing is lovely I have always wanted to sew something with a beautiful Christmas scene but I haven't found what I'm looking for yet. xx

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

Th christmas stocking is just gorgeous, and such a good idea to have a few WIP, to fend off boredom. I should be knitting a jumper at the moment but haven't picked it up in ages. I'm getting lazy in lockdown methinks. Sad to hear about the redundancy, but maybe a fab new job might come along if you keep your eyes peeled.

Rhona said...

Sorry to hear about your redundancy, it's so hurtful.
Love your Xmas stitching, such pretty designs. You've made me think about starting some Xmas designs now too.

Lowcarb team member said...

Oh dear … I am sorry to read you have been made redundant.
These are not easy times and I fear there will be many more people who will lose theirs too.

When one door closes another door opens … so please keep positive, I'm sure something good will come from this, I do hope so for you.

In the meantime you have lots to keep you occupied, your stitching projects look very good.

Have a good weekend, I can't believe another one has come around already!

My good wishes.

All the best Jan

Mary - Lecoeurceltique said...

So sorry to read your news about your job. When you feel ready to start job searching, I hope you find something you enjoy even more.

Clare-Aimetu said...

Hugs Maggie, that's not nice, I know you've worked hard for them. Time out is probably best. Good luck with your July/Christmas stitching, you've made a great start.

Jackie said...

So sorry about the job situation. I was hoping this would not happen.

Love the stitching. Good luck.

God bless.

Jo said...

I hope all your stitching is helping to take your mind off things at the moment. It's such a stressful time for you so do take care of yourself. Thank you so much for all the kind comments you have left on recent posts and all the support you've given me over the last few weeks, it's meant such a lot to have such wonderful blog friends at this sad time.

Tucker Conrad said...
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