Cold Chinese New Year

We have experienced a very cold lunar new year.

The temperature has been always below 10 degrees for over 3 weeks.

To Hong Kong people,

we are really have to COMBAT such cold temperature;
why?

As we are almost under tropical climate,

we seldomly face cold environment in a rather long time like other foreign countries.

Since HK buildings are rare to be equipped with central heater,

HK people may have to think about ways to keep warm at home.

Many of them have prepared small heaters, blankets or taking on more clothes

for combatting the bitter winter.

Or, we may wear mittens outdoor to keep our hands warm.

Yes, a pair of mittens is useful.

However, mine is just a small one,

as small as only a little bit bigger than a coin.

Ha, ha, yes, I find one thing even warmer than mittens.

A neckwarmer!

So, a cross-stitched mitten on a neckwarmer,

it has become double warm this winter!

Stitcher's Bag

I am very happy to know that my secret partner in SBBC 2008
has received my birthday gifts before her birthday,
and she told me that she loved all the things I prepared for her.
As I have promised you here before,
I would like to show the stitched piece I made to her.
Actually, to be honest,
I am a beginner of sewing, and have not got a sewing machine,
I have to say I didn't know how to make a bag,
but I like something practical,
I have decided to make her a tote bag.
Then, buying a readily-made bag was the only solution to me.




The bag is good looking but really plain itself.
I have found from her blog that she really likes sampler,
then I thought that a sampler on a bag would be rather good!
I have searched many of her favourite designs,
and a little bit worried that I could not find a one to be good enough to suit this bag.
Later I found a design from Homespun Elegance Ltd-- The Stitcher,

however the suggested colour tone was not really suitable for placing onto the bag,
there are colours in green family which I thought not really matching the beige bag.
I then used my own preferable colour scheme to modify its original suggestion.
You know, that was a revolution to me!
And finally it turns out nice, even I have not regretted to make such a big change.



Although I did not quite catch what were her favourite colours,
it was of those colours which were mostly welcome by ladies.
And with the lace border,
I attached the stitched piece onto the bag and made it like a small pocket outside.
But, Natasha,
I am not sure if my hand-made pocket could hold heavy stuff,
so please just put light-weighted stuff inside,
otherwise I am afraid it would finally be broken. (LOL)

I love the bag as well,
and when I know that you love it as well,
it actually adds pleasure to me for DIY things for friends!
Thank you, Natasha, for being my new friend.
Enjoy stitching!

Stitchable: DMC Small Tote Bag (Linen)
Chart: The Stitcher from Homespun Elegance Ltd.
Fabric: 28ct Zweigart Vintage Country Mocha (Hand-dyed)
Floss: DMC #739, 818, 938, 948 and 3773