Shri Ganesha Cross-stitch

I did this for a friend.  It took quite some time to do and very tedious because of the many colours.  And sometimes maybe just 1 stitch is that particular colour.  So there was a lot of work involved, but overall satisfactory.  

The picture is not very clear as I took it with my mobile phone.

Due to my super-laziness, I prefer to do single colour cross-stitch now, preferably like silhouette kind of design.  

I have already postponed the 10 characters cross-stitch and not sure when I will continue again.  I am just too lazy!! 

Wealth - 財

This is the second out of 10 chinese characters cross-stitch that I made.  Same frame from Ikea.  Same DMC 666, red colour.  All the working method is same as per the previous one.

'財' is written in the Chinese Traditional character.  The simplified character is '财'.

To me, though material wealth is important for survival, what is more important is good health and spiritual ascent and happiness.

Blessing - 福

I have planned to hang the 10 auspicious chinese characters in my bedroom.  At first, I was thinking maybe I should paint it but I am really not good in painting.  So, why not make a cross-stitch design instead?  First, I downloaded a suitable chinese font.  Then enlarge it and using a free trial cross-stitch design software that I have downloaded online, I converted the chinese character into cross-stitch and start stitching with whatever leftover cross-stitch thread and cloth that I have in my stock.

I have decided to start with the chinese character 福 which means 'Blessings.'  The frame is bought from Ikea.  Cross-stitch is on 10-count cloth and the thread is DMC 666.  Again, I love to 'trial and error' and just decided to sew without thinking of the size and all.  Luckily it fit perfectly into the ready-made frame.

This chinese character is the most popular one.  Many chinese will hang this chinese character in their house to bring in good blessings.

Wish everyone a blessed time!

Little house in the prairie

Earlier I have made a small pouch for a friend.  My friend is the only female I know who refuses to take a handbag.  She likes to keep everything in her pocket.  According to her, it's easier and safer.  When I first got to know her, she will stuff everything into her pocket.  Coins, notes, tissues, etc.  Credit card and IC were kept in her purse which is kept in a work bag.  So, I thought it will be easier if I make her a small pouch that she can keep her notes and coins and tissues together.  It was so useful according to her, that she start keeping credit cards, IC and other cards in it.  I must say, it was really convenient.  She named it, "Little House in the Prairie".

My friend loves to give name to anything and anyone.  I asked her why this name.  She said it's because in the drama with the same title, the girls used small pouches like this, very dainty and ladylike.  LOL!!!

This new pouch as seen above was given to her for her birthday in May.  She loves butterfly.  Hope she will find it useful and hope it will last longer than the previous one.  

This pouch is 100% handmade as I don't have a sewing machine.  I have found some leftover tetra-cotton cloth and downloaded free butterfly cross-stitch design online and started my project.  It took me 3 days to complete (not 24 hours though as I have a full-time job).  I must say, the handiwork is not that great as I tend to 'trial and error' a lot.