One very necessary finish this week... I'm having trouble sleeping so I thought an eye mask might help. It was also a chance to do a bit more embroidery!

I got to try out a couple of stitches I'd not done before - button hole stitch (blanket stitch) and up and down buttonhole stitch (for the bottom lashes)


I used some of the Oakshott cotton I was given in my Fat Quarterly retreat goodie bag, as well as a couple of layers of plain black cotton inside and the back is the softest cotton fabric I could find. It is really comfy, the only change I made to the pattern was adding some elastic at the back to hold the ribbons together and make it easy to take off and on.



The pattern is based on one from the book 'The Stitch Bible' by Kate Haxell - I say that because I didn't bother enlarging the pattern (that requires finding somewhere with a photocopier and I don't have time for such nonsense!) and I drew the eyes on free hand - hence the large alien looking ones... well my kids think it's very funny!


This is a great book, I'm sure I'll use it a lot for reference and ideas! There are other gorgeous projects too:




It covers all the basics and has really clear instructions and diagrams for how to do the different stitches - there are some beautiful filler patterns I want to try. It also has chapters on Blackwork, Crewelwork, Hardanger and more. I also want to try some of the lovely Drawn Thread techniques.

To be honest I was originally looking at another book - I wanted something to teach me more stitches and that I could use to help me follow patterns - this one was cheaper though and in the end it has everything I need. I definitely recommend it!

On to the winner of the Japanese scrap bag...

Mr random.org has chosen:


who is tubilinha tiacarminha, a lovely follower:


Congratulations! I have sent you an email.

If you didn't win, don't be sad; come back tomorrow, you might be glad (see what the lack of sleep is doing to me?!).

I'm joining in the Quilter's Gallery Blog Hop Party and I have a great giveaway!!