Monday, January 01, 2007
Monday, December 04, 2006
Bad Blogger
I've been feeling rather stressed out over the last few weeks and blogging and reading all those happy cheerful beautifully stitched blogs has just been too depressing, so I've been a bag blogger! I hate all those stitchers who turn out an exquisitely finished piece every week, when I'm struggling to find the odd half hour to put in a couple of stitches!
Saying that, though, I have finished a number of things over the last month, myself!
Here's my biscornu from the SAL at the Jayne's Attic Forum -
The buttons weren't in the original design, they were just my way of customising it!
I also finished Carol Tinson's Filigree -
Saying that, though, I have finished a number of things over the last month, myself!
Here's my biscornu from the SAL at the Jayne's Attic Forum -
The buttons weren't in the original design, they were just my way of customising it!
I also finished Carol Tinson's Filigree -
I have framed this one, but don't have the photos to hand.
I also did this for my son's 6th birthday -
November is a popular time in my family for birthday with my Dad and son having theirs on the same day. It was also my gran's birthday in November, my future brother-in-law's and my ex-sister-in-law's!
We had a lovely party at home on Saturday for my Dad as it was his 70th. I also stitched something for him, but was a bit late in finishing, so didn't get round to taking a photo before I gave it to him!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Ta-da!
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Labels:
biscornu,
Heirloom Embroideries
Here's my completed Peachy, and I'm really proud of him too!
.....
The slideshow comes courtesy of Photobucket.
Edited 30 mins later -
You should be able to see the slideshow here.
If anyone from Photobucket's looking, here's what happens with the slideshow. Straight copy & paste of the TAG info -
I had a bit of fun taking the photos, how do you like my 'studio'? Although I don't think tissues wrapped round spotlights is entirely safe, somehow!
.....
The slideshow comes courtesy of Photobucket.
Edited 30 mins later -
OK - I give up! I have a lovely little slideshow on Photobucket that just won't work when I paste the TAG code here!!!!!*$$$?**! Boo!! Here's a photo instead.
You should be able to see the slideshow here.
If anyone from Photobucket's looking, here's what happens with the slideshow. Straight copy & paste of the TAG info -
I had a bit of fun taking the photos, how do you like my 'studio'? Although I don't think tissues wrapped round spotlights is entirely safe, somehow!
Friday, October 13, 2006
I hate reading!
Oh, I really hate reading - it disrupts my life faaaaaar too much. Problem is, when I get started I just get obsessed and find it completely impossible to even think about anything else.
I started reading Jennifer Chiaverini's The Quilter's Apprentice yesterday and here I am now at work and I can't think about anything except quilting! And it's not even as if I've actually done any quilting, it's just something I'd love to try.
But it's like this with almost every book I read, with a new Harry Potter, you won't see me at all for as long as it takes to read the entire book, and when I finish, I'm devastated that it's over!
I wonder if it's rather childish of me to invest so much of myself in a piece of fiction, or perhaps it's a reflection of how unsatisfying and un-fulfilling a major part of my life is (ie. work). But dabbling in one craft/subject/interest for a few years before moving on to the next one isn't exactly a constructive way of building a career with a reasonable income. So I don't see how I can continue doing anything other than I've being doing since I entered paid employment......
I started reading Jennifer Chiaverini's The Quilter's Apprentice yesterday and here I am now at work and I can't think about anything except quilting! And it's not even as if I've actually done any quilting, it's just something I'd love to try.
But it's like this with almost every book I read, with a new Harry Potter, you won't see me at all for as long as it takes to read the entire book, and when I finish, I'm devastated that it's over!
I wonder if it's rather childish of me to invest so much of myself in a piece of fiction, or perhaps it's a reflection of how unsatisfying and un-fulfilling a major part of my life is (ie. work). But dabbling in one craft/subject/interest for a few years before moving on to the next one isn't exactly a constructive way of building a career with a reasonable income. So I don't see how I can continue doing anything other than I've being doing since I entered paid employment......
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Slow news week
Not much going on here so I had a play around and changed my template here - I do like this one now! It's a mixture of a Pannasmontata layout and a web template from Enchanting Designz, with artwork by Stephanie Law.
On the stitching front, I'm having a lot of ups and downs. I've more or less given up on stitching anything big as I've just not been enjoying my 4 wishes. I also started Red Velvet from Blue Ribbon Designs thinking that the change might be what I needed, but I haven't particularly enjoyed it either.
On the plus side, I'm thoroughly enjoying stitching my Peachy biscornu! I've finished all the beading and I think I'll start putting it together at the end of the week. I'm also starting another biscornu SAL with the Stitch and Stash board.
The only down side of the biscornus is that my son has taken a fancy to Peachy and wants to use it as a cushion for his lego men! So I may have to make one for him specially!
I've now also worked out a couple of my own small designs which I need to get stitching so as to refine the initial design and work on some embellishment.
The weather has been very dull this week, and given that it's now starting to get dark when I get home from work, I haven't been able to upload any new photos recently. I really want to build myself a light box as shown here, which will mean I won't have to wait for sunshine to get a decent photo!
On the stitching front, I'm having a lot of ups and downs. I've more or less given up on stitching anything big as I've just not been enjoying my 4 wishes. I also started Red Velvet from Blue Ribbon Designs thinking that the change might be what I needed, but I haven't particularly enjoyed it either.
On the plus side, I'm thoroughly enjoying stitching my Peachy biscornu! I've finished all the beading and I think I'll start putting it together at the end of the week. I'm also starting another biscornu SAL with the Stitch and Stash board.
The only down side of the biscornus is that my son has taken a fancy to Peachy and wants to use it as a cushion for his lego men! So I may have to make one for him specially!
I've now also worked out a couple of my own small designs which I need to get stitching so as to refine the initial design and work on some embellishment.
The weather has been very dull this week, and given that it's now starting to get dark when I get home from work, I haven't been able to upload any new photos recently. I really want to build myself a light box as shown here, which will mean I won't have to wait for sunshine to get a decent photo!
| Your Dominant Intelligence is Musical Intelligence |
 Every part of your life has a beat, and you're often tapping your fingers or toes. You enjoy sounds of all types, but you also find sound can distract you at the wrong time. You are probably a gifted musician of some sort - even if you haven't realized it. Also a music lover, you tend to appreciate artists of all kinds. You would make a great musician, disc jockey, singer, or composer. |
Monday, October 09, 2006
Eulogy for my Grandmother
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family history
This Eulogy was written by my father and read by him at Gran's funeral in March 2003. I've added a few comments in brackets.
Margaret Kirkwood Lambert was born on 18th November 1903. The youngest of five children of Rev John Chisholm Lambert and his wife Kate. Due to illness her Father had been forced to give up the ministry and by the time she was born the family had moved to Fenwick to live near her Mother’s brother, Jack, who was minister there.
As the youngest, she may have been spoilt by the others. As a child when I was unwell, my Mother would tell me of the games her two elder brothers, George and Willie, would play with her to keep her entertained when she was ill. She was very fond of her brothers so that it was a very painful time for her when they were killed in the 1st World War. Her Father also died at that time reducing the family to her Mother and two sisters, Katie and Elsie. They were a strong Christian family, heavily involved in church affairs, getting and giving support through the war years. I think my grandfather must have been a very remarkable man and a considerable influence on my Mother and the rest of the family for the way they survived such a difficult period. Mother’s greatest tribute to him was to have me named after him. Initially this was a nuisance to me – as a child I had great difficulty in spelling Chisholm correctly. Now I consider it an honour.
Once Mother had finished schooling she went to the College of Domestic Science in Glasgow. In those days ladies were trained to be housewives and mothers. Mother was an excellent cook and baker, though whether she learned the skill in College or at home where there were other excellent cooks I do not know.
Between the wars, Mother also went off on holiday to the South of France acting as companion to her aunt (I think this would be Aunt Peggy - Margaret Fairlie). So when I eventually took my family abroad it was only to find out that she had been there and done that long before me!
In 1929, after the death of her uncle Jack (Rev. John Kirkwood Fairlie), a young brash Glaswegian, George Allan, came to Fenwick and, despite rejecting him three times, Mother and he were eventually married in 1932. They moved to Port Glasgow and started bringing up their family of four. It was now another difficult time with the start of the 2nd World War and raising a family before the days of antibiotics gave much concern. During air raids, I have been told I would sit on the cellar steps going “Boom, Boom”, every time a bomb fell. The children were soon evacuated back to Fenwick to stay with their cousins but Mother and Father stayed and were involved in various supportive ways in the community.
In 1946, the family moved to Lanark. Father always considered himself extremely fortunate to be called to Cairns Church. In those days there was considerable competition for a vacant charge – changed days indeed! There was a lovely manse with a large garden and surrounding countryside which they greatly enjoyed.
How did Mother cope?
A family of four – three of them boys!
A large house which was always kept tidy, apart from Father’s study and darkroom.
A garden which she enjoyed and would have liked to spend more time in.
Heavily involved in church affairs and charitable works.
One of {my sister's) memories is of Mother in Lanark preparing for Guild meetings and hearing her pacing up and down, reading out loud a prayer or text, which she would use at the evening meeting. This was a duty she did not enjoy, but did admirably. Through Mother, (my wife) remembers being involved in Meals on Wheels and charity collections.
When ever we smelt cooking in the kitchen, we would ask Mother what visitors were expected. Lots of Committee meetings took place in the manse as well as all the other callers we had. When a church coffee morning was held a special request came to Mother – “Would she bake scones?” – they were renowned. No coffee morning was without them. The manse was a very welcoming place to all visitors. This applied to the family’s friends too. At one time George’s and my friends gathered every Sunday afternoon for cards in the lounge!
Father’s hobby was photography. Rather a messy hobby. Photographic prints frequently lying in the bath! Mother took this in her stride and took great pride in his achievements, proud of the lectures and pleasure the photographs gave people.
Having been brought up in the countryside, Mother enjoyed the outdoor life – she and Father started caravanning before the war and continued after the war. This enjoyment she has passed on to her family.
When Father retired in 1966, they moved to North Berwick and enjoyed 20 years of retirement making many friends. Theirs was a long and very happy marriage. Now they were being visited by the grandchildren. All holidays for the grandchildren involved some time at North Berwick. I know they all have very fond memories of their grandparents there. My family always remember Grandpa appearing at the caravan at Yellowcraig with a poke of fish and chips for them!
After Father’s death, Mother moved to Ponteland, first to Dunsgreen and then to Abbeyfield House. Again her very strong faith helped to carry her through sad events and cope with another upheaval in her life. Here she was close to (her daughter) and her family. Watching them growing up and being involved in some of their activities gave her a lot of pleasure.
Mother had a gift for getting on with people. She had many friends where ever she had stayed. When she arrived in Ponteland in 1986, she was over 80 and she made the effort to get to know people around her. She made and enjoyed strong friendships. She became part of the Church here but also joined the Methodist Guild where again she had a circle of friends. Many members of the congregation here have written expressing admiration for Mother, and I know that at church in Lanark on Sunday there will be many similar comments.
Abbeyfied House became her home. She had good friends there and we cannot thank the staff enough for their help and assistance to her. She also enjoyed pottering in the garden there, whether the Committee approved or not! She and Rita could always hide in the bushes if the Committee arrived unexpectedly.
For many Mothers age, it is said that they have outlived their contemporaries and friends. Mother had outlived her contemoraries but she was still making friends and was still looking forward. The last time I visited her at Abbeyfield, she was saying that it was time to reduce the photographs of grandchildren from her room and replace them with photos of great grandchildren. Photographs were important to her in her last years. She enjoyed looking through her albums, reliving her memories of her life and her family and updating with photographs of the next generation.
Throughout her long life, she had a very strong Christian faith and was a devout member of the church. She was an example to us all and a very very hard act to follow.
Today is really a celebration of a long happy fruitful journey. She did not quite make the 100th birthday – that would have been a celebration! But that does not matter, as a family we are very proud of her – we loved her dearly - she was a gracious and remarkable lady.
Margaret Kirkwood Lambert was born on 18th November 1903. The youngest of five children of Rev John Chisholm Lambert and his wife Kate. Due to illness her Father had been forced to give up the ministry and by the time she was born the family had moved to Fenwick to live near her Mother’s brother, Jack, who was minister there.
As the youngest, she may have been spoilt by the others. As a child when I was unwell, my Mother would tell me of the games her two elder brothers, George and Willie, would play with her to keep her entertained when she was ill. She was very fond of her brothers so that it was a very painful time for her when they were killed in the 1st World War. Her Father also died at that time reducing the family to her Mother and two sisters, Katie and Elsie. They were a strong Christian family, heavily involved in church affairs, getting and giving support through the war years. I think my grandfather must have been a very remarkable man and a considerable influence on my Mother and the rest of the family for the way they survived such a difficult period. Mother’s greatest tribute to him was to have me named after him. Initially this was a nuisance to me – as a child I had great difficulty in spelling Chisholm correctly. Now I consider it an honour.
Once Mother had finished schooling she went to the College of Domestic Science in Glasgow. In those days ladies were trained to be housewives and mothers. Mother was an excellent cook and baker, though whether she learned the skill in College or at home where there were other excellent cooks I do not know.
Between the wars, Mother also went off on holiday to the South of France acting as companion to her aunt (I think this would be Aunt Peggy - Margaret Fairlie). So when I eventually took my family abroad it was only to find out that she had been there and done that long before me!
In 1929, after the death of her uncle Jack (Rev. John Kirkwood Fairlie), a young brash Glaswegian, George Allan, came to Fenwick and, despite rejecting him three times, Mother and he were eventually married in 1932. They moved to Port Glasgow and started bringing up their family of four. It was now another difficult time with the start of the 2nd World War and raising a family before the days of antibiotics gave much concern. During air raids, I have been told I would sit on the cellar steps going “Boom, Boom”, every time a bomb fell. The children were soon evacuated back to Fenwick to stay with their cousins but Mother and Father stayed and were involved in various supportive ways in the community.
In 1946, the family moved to Lanark. Father always considered himself extremely fortunate to be called to Cairns Church. In those days there was considerable competition for a vacant charge – changed days indeed! There was a lovely manse with a large garden and surrounding countryside which they greatly enjoyed.
How did Mother cope?
A family of four – three of them boys!
A large house which was always kept tidy, apart from Father’s study and darkroom.
A garden which she enjoyed and would have liked to spend more time in.
Heavily involved in church affairs and charitable works.
One of {my sister's) memories is of Mother in Lanark preparing for Guild meetings and hearing her pacing up and down, reading out loud a prayer or text, which she would use at the evening meeting. This was a duty she did not enjoy, but did admirably. Through Mother, (my wife) remembers being involved in Meals on Wheels and charity collections.
When ever we smelt cooking in the kitchen, we would ask Mother what visitors were expected. Lots of Committee meetings took place in the manse as well as all the other callers we had. When a church coffee morning was held a special request came to Mother – “Would she bake scones?” – they were renowned. No coffee morning was without them. The manse was a very welcoming place to all visitors. This applied to the family’s friends too. At one time George’s and my friends gathered every Sunday afternoon for cards in the lounge!
Father’s hobby was photography. Rather a messy hobby. Photographic prints frequently lying in the bath! Mother took this in her stride and took great pride in his achievements, proud of the lectures and pleasure the photographs gave people.
Having been brought up in the countryside, Mother enjoyed the outdoor life – she and Father started caravanning before the war and continued after the war. This enjoyment she has passed on to her family.
When Father retired in 1966, they moved to North Berwick and enjoyed 20 years of retirement making many friends. Theirs was a long and very happy marriage. Now they were being visited by the grandchildren. All holidays for the grandchildren involved some time at North Berwick. I know they all have very fond memories of their grandparents there. My family always remember Grandpa appearing at the caravan at Yellowcraig with a poke of fish and chips for them!
After Father’s death, Mother moved to Ponteland, first to Dunsgreen and then to Abbeyfield House. Again her very strong faith helped to carry her through sad events and cope with another upheaval in her life. Here she was close to (her daughter) and her family. Watching them growing up and being involved in some of their activities gave her a lot of pleasure.
Mother had a gift for getting on with people. She had many friends where ever she had stayed. When she arrived in Ponteland in 1986, she was over 80 and she made the effort to get to know people around her. She made and enjoyed strong friendships. She became part of the Church here but also joined the Methodist Guild where again she had a circle of friends. Many members of the congregation here have written expressing admiration for Mother, and I know that at church in Lanark on Sunday there will be many similar comments.
Abbeyfied House became her home. She had good friends there and we cannot thank the staff enough for their help and assistance to her. She also enjoyed pottering in the garden there, whether the Committee approved or not! She and Rita could always hide in the bushes if the Committee arrived unexpectedly.
For many Mothers age, it is said that they have outlived their contemporaries and friends. Mother had outlived her contemoraries but she was still making friends and was still looking forward. The last time I visited her at Abbeyfield, she was saying that it was time to reduce the photographs of grandchildren from her room and replace them with photos of great grandchildren. Photographs were important to her in her last years. She enjoyed looking through her albums, reliving her memories of her life and her family and updating with photographs of the next generation.
Throughout her long life, she had a very strong Christian faith and was a devout member of the church. She was an example to us all and a very very hard act to follow.
Today is really a celebration of a long happy fruitful journey. She did not quite make the 100th birthday – that would have been a celebration! But that does not matter, as a family we are very proud of her – we loved her dearly - she was a gracious and remarkable lady.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Wish I had time to do quilting........
...... but I have little enough time to do and to organise my stitching as it it. For now, just take a look at Sharon b's Crazy Quilt project or 8 inch crazy quilt blocks, or I dropped the button box crazy quilt. Aren't they beautiful? I'm trying not to drool too much!
Maybe I'll start doing a bit of reading on quilting and try a few small items. It has always been the other needlework areas that has attracted me most, but looks more complicated to get started on than cross stitch. I don't know that I could go much further than something small, as it would probably mean getting out the sewing machine which I don't think my husband or son would appreciate while they're trying to watch TV or sleep!
Next time we move house (at some vague undetermined point in the future) I would really love to have my own study or craft room where I could just spread out all my books, CDs, family history stuff and my stitching stash!
In the mean time, I'm going to try a little bit of embroidery design myself, so we'll see what happens.
Maybe I'll start doing a bit of reading on quilting and try a few small items. It has always been the other needlework areas that has attracted me most, but looks more complicated to get started on than cross stitch. I don't know that I could go much further than something small, as it would probably mean getting out the sewing machine which I don't think my husband or son would appreciate while they're trying to watch TV or sleep!
Next time we move house (at some vague undetermined point in the future) I would really love to have my own study or craft room where I could just spread out all my books, CDs, family history stuff and my stitching stash!
In the mean time, I'm going to try a little bit of embroidery design myself, so we'll see what happens.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Peachy weekend
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Labels:
biscornu,
Heirloom Embroideries
Back at work now after a fantastic weekend's stitching! I'd been so down on stitching last week, it was such a relief to get the bug back on Friday evening and I spent lots of time working on my Peachy biscornu. I could have done more, but as it's a SAL, I thought I'd wait for Friday's instructions and give myself something to look forward to next weekend. Here's a piccie of the front -
We also had a great family afternoon on Saturday at the golf range. My son had a sulk because he couldn't hit the ball as far as me or his dad! But we've all signed up now for some lessons at the end of the month which I'm really looking forward to. I played a lot of gold as a junior, but not a lot over the last 20 years, which is a shame because I really enjoy it.
My son and I also shared our first cycling expedition on Sunday morning. My husband doesn't have a bike so he wasn't allowed to come. We went to a local park which is just out of walking range and which we would normally visit by car. Once at the park we cycled around and played at the play area and visited a small nature reserve before cycling home again. Parks like this aren't generally my favourite place to visit but I really enjoyed being able to do this with my son and is exactly the reason why I own a bike!
We also had a great family afternoon on Saturday at the golf range. My son had a sulk because he couldn't hit the ball as far as me or his dad! But we've all signed up now for some lessons at the end of the month which I'm really looking forward to. I played a lot of gold as a junior, but not a lot over the last 20 years, which is a shame because I really enjoy it.
My son and I also shared our first cycling expedition on Sunday morning. My husband doesn't have a bike so he wasn't allowed to come. We went to a local park which is just out of walking range and which we would normally visit by car. Once at the park we cycled around and played at the play area and visited a small nature reserve before cycling home again. Parks like this aren't generally my favourite place to visit but I really enjoyed being able to do this with my son and is exactly the reason why I own a bike!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Weekly round-up
Haven't been much in the mood for blogging this week as I've been feeling a bit down and as a result have had rather a frustrating time.
Stitching is going slowly as I haven't been enjoying it so much, but I've now finished the main part of the dinosaurs. Here was me feeling really pleased with myself over finishing, but my son was distinctly unimpressed and informed me that I haven't done the border yet, and that I've still to put his name on it! Hey-ho - that's 5 year olds for you!
Here's a piccie - I'm rather pleased with it, even if no one else is!
Stitching is going slowly as I haven't been enjoying it so much, but I've now finished the main part of the dinosaurs. Here was me feeling really pleased with myself over finishing, but my son was distinctly unimpressed and informed me that I haven't done the border yet, and that I've still to put his name on it! Hey-ho - that's 5 year olds for you!
Here's a piccie - I'm rather pleased with it, even if no one else is!
I also had a frustrating time starting my Peachy Biscornu - couldn't count my stitches and couldn't get all my crosses lying in the same direction. I also started railroading as I was getting rather fed up with the way my thread kept twisting.
And I've now succumbed to the temptation to start kitting something new and am finishing off kitting up Genny Morrow's Nova. When I get started, I just hope I enjoy it!
On Wednesday, I posted my contribution to the Stitch and Stash forum's Personality Thread exchange where you send your exchange partner a skein of thread along with a 'life history' for that skein. It was fun writing the life history - I hope my partner likes it!
I also signed up for the Stitch and Stash Christmas gift exchange which will be fun!
Now for some blogthings -
| You Are a Seeker Soul |
 You are on a quest for knowledge and life challenges. You love to be curious and ask a ton of questions. Since you know so much, you make for an interesting conversationalist. Mentally alert, you can outwit almost anyone (and have fun doing it!). Very introspective, you can be silently critical of others. And your quiet nature makes it difficult for people to get to know you. You see yourself as a philosopher, and you take everything philosophically. Your main talent is expressing and communicating ideas. Souls you are most compatible with: Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul |
| You Are Rain |
 You can be warm and sexy. Or cold and unwelcoming. Either way, you slowly bring out the beauty around you. You are best known for: your touch Your dominant state: changing |
Not fair - I wanted to be lightening 
Friday, September 22, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
A little family history - Alexander Colin Stewart
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family history
My maternal grandfather was Alexander Colin Stewart, born in Lanark in the south of Scotland on 12 Apr 1908. He was the second son of John Stewart and Margaret Isabella Henry who were married in Turriff, Aberdeenshire, in August 1903.
Between 1913 and 1926, Colin attended Lanark Grammar School before studying at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow (now part of Strathclyde University). In 1931 he graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Civil Engineering. For the next 2 years he completed his apprenticeship under Mr J.T. Babtie. He then went to work for the Road Research Laboratory as an Assistant Engineer where his work mainly involved the use of concrete for roads. In 1934, he also became an Assocate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
In Lanark on 10 July 1935 Colin married Gladys Farquhar. At the time, he was living at 12 Marion Road, Southsea, Hampshire and was working for the Admitralty. Gladys lived with her mother in Lanark and commuted to work in Glasgow.
In 1938, Colin was sent to work overseas and he and his wife went to live in Singapore where their son was born, returning to England in 1939. While in Singapore, Colin's work involved building bridges. After their return to the UK, the family lived for a time in Petersfield, Hampshire, but by mid 1942, Colin had been sent to work in Scotland and the family moved to 104 East King Street, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire.
In August 1942 Colin and Gladys's daughter was born in Glasgow. However, not long after moving to Helensburgh, Colin was again posted overseas. On 28 November 1942, he boarded the MV Henry Stanley in Liverpool, en route for Freetown, South Africa, possibly on his way to the Singapore area.
By 1942, the Germans and Italians had virtually closed the Mediterranean to Allied shipping and all merchant ships went round the Cape of Good Hope. Any journey to Singapore would therefore have been via South Africa, round the Cape of Good Hope, then to Mombasa, Kenya, across the Indian Ocean to Colombo or Trincomalee in Sri Lanka and then through the Malacca Strait to the North of Sumatra. Refuelling and re-provisioning stops may have taken place in South Africa and Sri Lanka.
There is a slight paradox here as the Japanese captured Singapore in February 1942. It is unlikely that Colin would therefore have been heading Singapore itself after then, certainly not in December.
However, on 5th December, the Henry Stanley was torpedoed by a u-boat (U103) and sank fairly quickly. The crew and passengers took to the lifeboats, heading for the Azores. The u-boat later surfaced and took the Henry Stanley's captain prisoner. During the night, a gale blew up, accompanied by heavy snow squalls. The U-boat commander decided to pursue the lifeboats to see if they needed assistance. However, the submarine shipped a heavy sea which flooded her engine-room and the chase was abandoned. Nothing further was heard of the four lifeboats and their crews, and it was presumed that they lost their lives in the storm.
Between 1913 and 1926, Colin attended Lanark Grammar School before studying at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow (now part of Strathclyde University). In 1931 he graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Civil Engineering. For the next 2 years he completed his apprenticeship under Mr J.T. Babtie. He then went to work for the Road Research Laboratory as an Assistant Engineer where his work mainly involved the use of concrete for roads. In 1934, he also became an Assocate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
In Lanark on 10 July 1935 Colin married Gladys Farquhar. At the time, he was living at 12 Marion Road, Southsea, Hampshire and was working for the Admitralty. Gladys lived with her mother in Lanark and commuted to work in Glasgow.
In 1938, Colin was sent to work overseas and he and his wife went to live in Singapore where their son was born, returning to England in 1939. While in Singapore, Colin's work involved building bridges. After their return to the UK, the family lived for a time in Petersfield, Hampshire, but by mid 1942, Colin had been sent to work in Scotland and the family moved to 104 East King Street, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire.
In August 1942 Colin and Gladys's daughter was born in Glasgow. However, not long after moving to Helensburgh, Colin was again posted overseas. On 28 November 1942, he boarded the MV Henry Stanley in Liverpool, en route for Freetown, South Africa, possibly on his way to the Singapore area.
By 1942, the Germans and Italians had virtually closed the Mediterranean to Allied shipping and all merchant ships went round the Cape of Good Hope. Any journey to Singapore would therefore have been via South Africa, round the Cape of Good Hope, then to Mombasa, Kenya, across the Indian Ocean to Colombo or Trincomalee in Sri Lanka and then through the Malacca Strait to the North of Sumatra. Refuelling and re-provisioning stops may have taken place in South Africa and Sri Lanka.
There is a slight paradox here as the Japanese captured Singapore in February 1942. It is unlikely that Colin would therefore have been heading Singapore itself after then, certainly not in December.
However, on 5th December, the Henry Stanley was torpedoed by a u-boat (U103) and sank fairly quickly. The crew and passengers took to the lifeboats, heading for the Azores. The u-boat later surfaced and took the Henry Stanley's captain prisoner. During the night, a gale blew up, accompanied by heavy snow squalls. The U-boat commander decided to pursue the lifeboats to see if they needed assistance. However, the submarine shipped a heavy sea which flooded her engine-room and the chase was abandoned. Nothing further was heard of the four lifeboats and their crews, and it was presumed that they lost their lives in the storm.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Blogthings
| You Are Grape |
 You are bold and a true individual. You are very different and very okay with that. People know you as a straight shooter. You're very honest, even when the truth hurts. You are also very grounded and practical. No one is going to sneak anything by you. People enjoy your fresh approach to life. And it's this honesty that makes you a very innovative person. |
| You Should Be A Pisces |
 What's good about you: carefree and compassionate, you are truly light hearted What's bad about you: when things get bad, you tend to retreat and not let others in In love: you're a true romantic - it's flowers, bubble baths, and candles all the way In friendship, you're: eager to lend a sympathetic ear and likely to develop a deep connection Your ideal job: bartender, magician, or secret agent Your sense of fashion: simple clothes that don't distract from your personality You like to pig out on: seafood - from fish sticks to salmon |
Well, I am only a week out of being a Pisces ......
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Yet more lovely stash......
It seems like I'm not content with all my new stash from the end of last week - I had a good post day yesterday with two lovely parcels of goodies arriving with the postie!
Firstly, my ebay stash, including "Flowers on the Square" by Elizabeth's Designs which I've been after for a while. You can see it stitched up as a beautiful biscornu here.
Firstly, my ebay stash, including "Flowers on the Square" by Elizabeth's Designs which I've been after for a while. You can see it stitched up as a beautiful biscornu here.
Secondly, I got a parcel of goodies from Carol Tinson. Her Peachy biscornu is really beautiful and the SAL for it starts at the end of the week. I'm quite excited about this and looking forward to getting started. Also, her charts are beautifully presented and printed on really good quality paper with laminated covers - I'm very impressed by that alone - she really does offer value for money! Thanks Carol!
I really do need to take a break from all this stashing and do some serious stitching!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Updated WIPs
There are now a couple of updated WIP photos in my photo album -
4 Wishes (Just Nan) -
Tiny Rose Mandala (Chatelaine) -
4 Wishes (Just Nan) -
Tiny Rose Mandala (Chatelaine) -
I also made reasonably good progress on Bright Skies last week and am enjoying stitching on it. However, the dinosaurs suffered last week from a complete lack of enthusiasm!
I'm now also having doubts about my stitched Christmas presents - do my friends and neighbours really want that sort of gift? Is it the sort of thing they'll like? Will they really appreciate them? The answers to these questions are probably all yes and no!
A Grand Day Out (a la Wallace and Gromit)
Had a great day at the Knitting and Stitching Show at the NEC last Friday. I’ve never been to anything like that before so I was really looking forward to it. I went prepared for the worst, ie. not being able to move for the crowds, but fortunately for me, it was not busy and I was able to wander round having a really good look at everything I wanted to see. I realise that this isn’t necessarily good for the people with stands as they may not be able to recoup their costs, but from my point of view, it was ideal!
One of the highlights of the show for me was the West End Embroidery stand. I’ve admired many of the canvaswork designs on their website for some time and to see many of them in real life was amazing! The lighting on this stand was just fantastic. You get absolutely no idea from the website of the texture, colour and three dimensional nature of the different pieces. For me, the pieces by Orna Willis and Kick Back and Stitch (Terry Gifford) particularly stood out. There were also several copies of Susan Portra’s Spirit of the Southwest showing several of the different colour combinations, a copy of which chart I had promised myself.
The stand next to West End had lots of Mirabillia and Lavender & Lace designs - many of them stitched and on display. I'm not sure what it was, bit I found this stand very disappointing - none of the stitched pieces made me want to stitch them. Perhaps this stand just suffered from being next to the West End stand. But the woman who was looking after it just didn't seem interested either, and wasn't interested in chatting to punters like me!
I also did a couple of practical projects with the Cross Stitch Guild and thoroughly enjoyed both. They aren’t exactly big, spectacular pieces, but I just enjoyed doing them and finished them at home over the weekend (photo below). It was lovely to wander around the show looking at everything and then to sit down and do some stitching at chat to people before going off for another wander.
I also made one or two discoveries of pieces and designers I liked such as Sue Hawkins and the Calico Cat (can’t get into that website right now).
I bought my son a small beginners cross stitch kit as he is always interested in my stitching and wants to help - when I gave it to him he insisted on starting immediately!
Of course, I also bought quite a few things which I’m really looking forward to getting started on, but I’d better finish off at least one of the pieces I’m currently working on before I do. I rather suspect that my mother is going to get an all stitched Christmas present.
One of the highlights of the show for me was the West End Embroidery stand. I’ve admired many of the canvaswork designs on their website for some time and to see many of them in real life was amazing! The lighting on this stand was just fantastic. You get absolutely no idea from the website of the texture, colour and three dimensional nature of the different pieces. For me, the pieces by Orna Willis and Kick Back and Stitch (Terry Gifford) particularly stood out. There were also several copies of Susan Portra’s Spirit of the Southwest showing several of the different colour combinations, a copy of which chart I had promised myself.
The stand next to West End had lots of Mirabillia and Lavender & Lace designs - many of them stitched and on display. I'm not sure what it was, bit I found this stand very disappointing - none of the stitched pieces made me want to stitch them. Perhaps this stand just suffered from being next to the West End stand. But the woman who was looking after it just didn't seem interested either, and wasn't interested in chatting to punters like me!
I also did a couple of practical projects with the Cross Stitch Guild and thoroughly enjoyed both. They aren’t exactly big, spectacular pieces, but I just enjoyed doing them and finished them at home over the weekend (photo below). It was lovely to wander around the show looking at everything and then to sit down and do some stitching at chat to people before going off for another wander.
I also made one or two discoveries of pieces and designers I liked such as Sue Hawkins and the Calico Cat (can’t get into that website right now).
I bought my son a small beginners cross stitch kit as he is always interested in my stitching and wants to help - when I gave it to him he insisted on starting immediately!
Of course, I also bought quite a few things which I’m really looking forward to getting started on, but I’d better finish off at least one of the pieces I’m currently working on before I do. I rather suspect that my mother is going to get an all stitched Christmas present.
Stash from West End Embroidery, Sue Hawkins, the Calico Cat.
When I got home, I couldn't believe just how good and relaxed I felt - it was so good just to have the day to myself. I'll have to do that sort of thing more often!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Progress review
Well, it's Monday lunchtime and here I am back at work recovering from the weekend. I've decided that come weekends I'm pressurising myself far too much to get stuff done. My plan yesterday morning was to do some washing, all the ironing, and finish painting the porch. Well, I got all that done as well as changing (and vacuuming) beds, shortening two pairs of trousers and cleaning the living room. Then I wonder why I'm so stressed out I can hardly speak to my husband or son! So I'm telling myself - slow down!!
To be honest, work doesn't help - I find it very depressing. I have so little to do, no problems to solve, no challenges to overcome and basically nothing to motivate me in any way. It really isn't any surprise I spend so much time on the 'net out of sheer boredom.
On the stitching front, I did quite well with my September goals last week. A couple of weeks ago, I started stitching 'in hand' with the dinosaurs and am finding it so much faster than using a hoop or frame. I made good progress on my last dinosaur (although I haven't done anything on it today). The stitching in hand also proved useful with Bright Skies so I did well with my day's stitching on that.
However, if you're going to try stitching in hand on a symmetrical piece, take care to mark the top first! I made rather a mess of my Tiny Rose Mandala with stitches going everyway imaginable before I realised!
4 wishes is also making good progress as I've finished band 2. I'll need to get a new photo of that.
On the family front I had a phone call from one of my sisters on Saturday (I think) to let me know that she and her boyfriend got engaged on their recent holiday to Switzerland - so congratulations to them and look forward to seeing them at the start of October.
And to make this post slightly less boring, here are a couple of photos my dad took recently of one of my favourite places.
And after a little rain -
To be honest, work doesn't help - I find it very depressing. I have so little to do, no problems to solve, no challenges to overcome and basically nothing to motivate me in any way. It really isn't any surprise I spend so much time on the 'net out of sheer boredom.
On the stitching front, I did quite well with my September goals last week. A couple of weeks ago, I started stitching 'in hand' with the dinosaurs and am finding it so much faster than using a hoop or frame. I made good progress on my last dinosaur (although I haven't done anything on it today). The stitching in hand also proved useful with Bright Skies so I did well with my day's stitching on that.
However, if you're going to try stitching in hand on a symmetrical piece, take care to mark the top first! I made rather a mess of my Tiny Rose Mandala with stitches going everyway imaginable before I realised!
4 wishes is also making good progress as I've finished band 2. I'll need to get a new photo of that.
On the family front I had a phone call from one of my sisters on Saturday (I think) to let me know that she and her boyfriend got engaged on their recent holiday to Switzerland - so congratulations to them and look forward to seeing them at the start of October.
And to make this post slightly less boring, here are a couple of photos my dad took recently of one of my favourite places.
And after a little rain -
This is Corra Linn, part of the Falls of Clyde, near New Lanark. I might just get the top one printed and framed as I'd love to hang a picture of Corra Linn at home.
Friday, September 08, 2006
September goals
Not very good at this blogging thing yet! I'm always intending to come here and post something, but I always get distracted and wander off somewhere else on the web......
Anyway here are some goals for September -
Anyway here are some goals for September -
- To post here at least once a week (you can only hope)
- To finish those d@mned dinosaurs (so near, yet so far!)
- To stitch on Bright Skies at least once a week (so far, so good)
- To stitch 4 wishes during the week (OKish, not too sure about the linen)
- To stitch Tiny Rose Mandala at weekends (fine)
We'll see where that gets me at the end of the month!
I've also uploaded a whole load of photos to Photobucket, see here.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
End of the summer?
The radio today is full of things to do with the end of summer and going back to work after summer holidays, we've just had our end of August bank holiday and now the schools are all going back too. Me - I haven't had a holiday yet, except a couple of days in Scotland 2 - 3 weeks ago. In theory, I'm too busy at work to take the time off. In practice, I have very little I specifically need to do at work, but I really should be around to support others. Yes, there are major changes being implemented at present, but my involvement is peripheral. Can't wait for our new head of dept to start then I can discuss my job issues with her.
Feeling very proud of my son right now, he's ditched the stabilisers and is cycling on two wheels!! Yay!! He's taken to it like a duck to water and, as usual, is absolutely fantastic!
I took photos at the weekens of various stitching wips, but am feeling too apathetic at present to upload them and sort out all my stitching photos as I also have a lot of photos of older pieces I've completed.
For now, here is a list of the things I'm working on -
1. Dinosaurs - 3 down and 1 to go, can't wait to finish!
Aiming to finish asap, end of September at latest.
2. 4 Wishes by Just Nan - photo here - my first piece on linen, started about a week ago.
Aiming to finish by end of October
3. Tiny Rose Mandala by Chatelaine (Martina Webber) - photo here
- my first piece to use silk thread! Started on Sunday.
No planned finish date yet.
4. Bright Skies from HAED - photo here - I want to do this as a really big piece along with Dark Waters, as in the original Selina Fenech artwork. However, I have a horrible feeling it's going to turn into a long term ufo.
Tiny Rose Mandala may or may not turn into a Christmas present, we'll see! I also have a long list of pieces waiting to be started -
1. You're my sunshine by Waxing Moon - I want to do this for my son's birthday at the end of November.
2. Red Velvet by Blue Ribbon Designs - I'm going to do this on 36ct linen using a DMC varigated thread.
3. Christmas presents - perhaps Christmas Joy from Elizabeth's Designs or A Rose for Every Season by Patricia Ann Designs or A Good Vintage by Carol Tinson which I think would be ideal for my neighbours. I want to do 3 of this size of piece as Christmas presents.
4. Biscornus - I'm also signed up for 2 SALs (my first SALs!) starting in September.
It's just hit me too that I should try and stitch a little something special for my Dad's 70th birthday at the end of November - now, what will that be, I wonder?
And now that I've written myself out my my apathetic mood, I'm off to try and find something constructive to do! After all, I am supposed to be working!
Feeling very proud of my son right now, he's ditched the stabilisers and is cycling on two wheels!! Yay!! He's taken to it like a duck to water and, as usual, is absolutely fantastic!
I took photos at the weekens of various stitching wips, but am feeling too apathetic at present to upload them and sort out all my stitching photos as I also have a lot of photos of older pieces I've completed.
For now, here is a list of the things I'm working on -
1. Dinosaurs - 3 down and 1 to go, can't wait to finish!
Aiming to finish asap, end of September at latest.
2. 4 Wishes by Just Nan - photo here - my first piece on linen, started about a week ago.
Aiming to finish by end of October
3. Tiny Rose Mandala by Chatelaine (Martina Webber) - photo here
- my first piece to use silk thread! Started on Sunday.
No planned finish date yet.
4. Bright Skies from HAED - photo here - I want to do this as a really big piece along with Dark Waters, as in the original Selina Fenech artwork. However, I have a horrible feeling it's going to turn into a long term ufo.
Tiny Rose Mandala may or may not turn into a Christmas present, we'll see! I also have a long list of pieces waiting to be started -
1. You're my sunshine by Waxing Moon - I want to do this for my son's birthday at the end of November.
2. Red Velvet by Blue Ribbon Designs - I'm going to do this on 36ct linen using a DMC varigated thread.
3. Christmas presents - perhaps Christmas Joy from Elizabeth's Designs or A Rose for Every Season by Patricia Ann Designs or A Good Vintage by Carol Tinson which I think would be ideal for my neighbours. I want to do 3 of this size of piece as Christmas presents.
4. Biscornus - I'm also signed up for 2 SALs (my first SALs!) starting in September.
It's just hit me too that I should try and stitch a little something special for my Dad's 70th birthday at the end of November - now, what will that be, I wonder?
And now that I've written myself out my my apathetic mood, I'm off to try and find something constructive to do! After all, I am supposed to be working!
Friday, August 25, 2006
Going green .......
...... with envy!
Is this just gorgeous or what?
I've been coming across colour conversions for Mirabilia and Lavender & Lace charts today and they're even more gorgeous than the originals!!!!
How about these version of Mirabilia's Petal Fairy and the Stargazer both stitched by Lady Shiny Scissors.
Then there are conversions for the L&L Celtic ladies, and Mirabilia's mermaids. It starts to look like I may have to stitch some of these when I hadn't really planned to do anything like that so soon after Nan ........ and I've been stashing like mad over the last few weeks and L&L and Mirabilia haven't had a look in! Aaarghhhh!
I just wish I had more stitching time - so much I want to stitch and so little time to do it - a bit frustrating!!!!!!!!
Is this just gorgeous or what?
I've been coming across colour conversions for Mirabilia and Lavender & Lace charts today and they're even more gorgeous than the originals!!!!
How about these version of Mirabilia's Petal Fairy and the Stargazer both stitched by Lady Shiny Scissors.
Then there are conversions for the L&L Celtic ladies, and Mirabilia's mermaids. It starts to look like I may have to stitch some of these when I hadn't really planned to do anything like that so soon after Nan ........ and I've been stashing like mad over the last few weeks and L&L and Mirabilia haven't had a look in! Aaarghhhh!
I just wish I had more stitching time - so much I want to stitch and so little time to do it - a bit frustrating!!!!!!!!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
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