Beaupippins Stitchin' Antics

Lost my stitching Bug

2012-01-20T11:23:00.000Z

You may have noticed that I havent been around much, far too busy with the dogs, trailing up & down the country showing them, with a lot of success I might add, but unfortunately its come at a price - my stitching bug has left me :( I got as far as part 7 on purple garden, and gave up! Willow is now wrapped up and packed away, and my sewing chair a general dumping ground! What happened??? I would love to get started again but just cant find the will to do it (and Facebook has a lot to answer too as well!)
Has anyone got any ideas on how to get my bug back again, hopefully I would like it back after Crufts, as I'm way too busy before then.

Purple Garden - Part 3

2011-05-15T07:16:00.000+01:00

Well in just a week I have managed to get the next part of Purple Garden stitched. I've not been too well, so its been a way to relax sitting with the sewing out again. Once part 4 is stitched I will nearly be up to date again with this piece :)

Purple Garden- Part 2

2011-05-08T06:59:00.000+01:00

Well its taken me ages to get this part completed, I just cant find 5 minutes to stitch at the moement with the pups around me. Will try and get part 3 stitched a bit quicker this time!

No time to stich

2011-04-19T17:17:00.000+01:00

Well as you will have noticed I havent updated this blog for ages. Since the puppies left home, and I kept one, I just havent had any time to sit and stitch. I've also been concentrating on the puppy bitch I have and managed to qualify her for Crufts 2012 at her very first show, well chuffed.
I'm hoping over the Easter Weekend to get on with purple garden, then maybe stitch some more of Willow??

Purple Garden - part 1

2011-02-04T18:53:00.000Z

Here's another little start for 2011. Its Purple Garden run by the Sticklounge Group. We started part 1 on 1st Feb, so here is my part for this month. Next part due out 1st March.

New Start - Willow

2011-02-01T14:21:00.000Z

After years of being 'badgered' by DH, I'm finally getting around to stitching a picture of Willow for him. I got our favourite photo charted by DMC and now I'm going to make a start on it. It will be hard work, but I must get it done for him! Lets see how long it takes......

Mary Wigham is Finished!

2011-02-01T11:40:00.001Z

1 year from starting, Mary is finished. Stitched using DMC 208, 209, 210, 211, 327, 3837 on 40ct linen. I have made a few alterations to it and added a few personal touches like my initials & date. I'm pleased with the way it has turned out and love my colours.

New Arrivals

2011-01-25T12:06:00.000Z

Orchid had her pups last night and the photos etc can be seen on my Kennel Blog.
http://beaupippinretrievers.blogspot.com/
All doing well and I spent a full day stitching Mary Wigham waiting for them to come! I might get it finished this year......

New Blog

2011-01-14T13:04:00.000Z

Just to let you know I have now set up a new blog for the kennel alone. I will keep this one for stitching & general information, but the new one will be all dog related. I've been having alot of problems with my website constantly going off line with my service provider, so decided that this would be the best option for the time being. The blog can be found at
http://www.beaupippinretrievers.blogspot.com/
Please visit and add me to your follows list. Thanks

New Year Update

2011-01-13T16:29:00.000Z

Happy New year to all!
Well, the New Year didn't arrive very smoothly. I managed to get the dreaded Flu, that put me in hospital with pneumonia for a couple of days along with a severe Asthma attack. Not what I really wanted to start the year with!
Clover is growing well and now 4 months old. She's fitted in really well with the 'Gang' and loves her big brother - Brook
Orchid is getting bigger by the day and only has 10 days left to her whelping date. She really doesn't know what is happening to her and is very clingy with me now. This weekend is count down start and I need to rearrange the house ready for her (& my) comfort for the next few weeks. I'm putting her whelping box beside my stitching chair so that she feels content and I can stitch away without her realising I'm keeping a watchful eye on her along with laptop & camera for the pics!
Crufts is looming fast and Willow & Brook's entries have been sent in. Cant believe I'm taking Willow down at 8½ years old, never thought she'd be back in the ring a few years ago after the problems having her puppies.
On the stitching front, well I have'nt got much time! I'm trying to get my Mary Wigham finished, and for Christmas I promised I would stitch a picture of Willow for my husband, so that is next in the stitching list - just need to order the fabric now- I have the chart back from DMC.
As soon as I have news on the pups I will post pics.

Orchid Update

2010-12-30T17:34:00.001Z

Well it looks like the new year will be a busy time for us. Our little Orchid has an expanding wasteline and feeding stations!! She is expecting a litter of pups to Sh Ch Erinderry Just the Ticket from Bluewaters JW. She is due to whelp on 22/23rd January.

Chatelaine Peacock Garden - Finished!!!

2010-12-12T21:52:00.000Z

Major celebration tonight with this years mystery piece finished. There must be around 400 hours work in this piece spread over the last 12 months, along with dog shows and a little puppy lately. Now for some relaxing time and puppy training over Christmas, and fingers crossed for Orchid as to whether there will be the tiny patter of little paws in late January - fingers crossed

Chatelaine Peacock Garden - part 11

2010-11-28T16:33:00.000Z

Here we are, just in time for part 12 coming out. Not much time for stitching at the moment with Clover running around, but a few quite hours and I've got it done. Roll on part 12 and a completed piece by the end of December :)

New member of our family....

2010-11-05T12:45:00.000Z

Introducing Clover....

A long awaited for addition, Clover is related to Orchid and Willow. Willow's mother is Clover's great grandmother, and her grandad is Orchid Dad, so she is definately one of the family. Her dad took Reserve CC at Crufts this year and is an international Show & field trial Champion abroad. We are waiting for confirmation of her registered name, but hopefully it is Amirene Trefle a la Creme. She has settled in very quickly with her new family and found the bottom of the coffee table a great place to chill out for 5 mins.
Looks like I'll not be doing much stitching for a while.......

Chatelaine Peacock Garden - Part 10

2010-10-24T16:04:00.001+01:00

Well its 10 parts done and only 2 left to go before this one is completed. The beads are added too, so its looking really sparkly already.

Driffield Champ Show - 01.10.10

2010-10-11T16:56:00.000+01:00

I forgot all about posting the results of this show up. We had a very wet day at Wetherby racecourse and the ground became very muddy!! Anyway the dogs managed to stay clean long enough to be show.
Orchid was placed 4th in the GR Yearling Bitch class and 5th in the Good Citizens Bitch class.
Brook was placed 4th in the Post Graduate dogs and 2nd in the Good Citizens Dog class. So all in all despite the rain and mud we had a successful day.
We have one more champ show left this year at Newark, then Orchid is to be mated and hopefully have a litter of pups. Brook will be working over the winter, beating/picking up for a local shoot, then his next show appearance will be Crufts 2011.

Wiehenburg Sampler Contest 2010 - HD

2010-10-10T19:47:00.000+01:00

Finally got the letters stitched onto this tonight to my liking, so I've just uploaded the photos. The colour is quite different where the flash was used against the no flash picture so I've put both up.

The design was stitched on 32ct Black Belfast linen using Kaalund yarns silk thread in Silky Oak & Guava colurs, 1 skein of each. I'm really very pleased with the way this has come out. The initials stand for Beaupippin Retrievers, the kennel name of my goldies that I show & breed.

Chatelaine Peacock Garden-part 9

2010-09-26T08:35:00.000+01:00

Another catch up job here. I completed the part before we went away on holiday but didn't have time to upload it to the computer, so here it is, done & beaded for this month.

Glendale Show - 30.08.09

2010-09-26T08:29:00.002+01:00

I'm a bit behind updating my blog, but here goes.
At Glendale show, I won Best Exhibit in the Baking section, and both my Chatelaine & Cross stitch won there classes. Brook also won Reserve Best in Show in the Companion Dog Show. Pics are in the slide show on the right.

Whittingham Show - 21.08.10

2010-08-21T21:35:00.000+01:00

Well the sun shone today for a change, and my baking was again successful. My Quiche not only won its class but took the Trophy for Best Exhibit in the Industrial Section, and I also won the Most points in this section.
In the Companion dog show, Brook was 2nd in the Open Class and Willow was 2nd in the Veterans. She also enjoyed a run around the Agility Display Course that was set up and the applause she got for it. Not bad for 2 weeks short of being 8 years old.
Pics of the exhibits in the side display.

Glanton Show -14.08.10

2010-08-15T14:56:00.000+01:00

Well its now the season for the country shows and Glanton was my first this year. A very successful day with a Best Exhibit in Handicrafts for my Chatelaine-The Kings Veg Garden, Most Points in the Baking section and Orchid won Best In Show in the Companion Dog Show. So 3 Trophies to bring home!
See the picture show at the side for pics of my exhibits.

National Gundog Champ Show-Malvern-7/8/2010

2010-08-08T15:20:00.000+01:00

What a fab day we had at this show. After a 2am alarm call to travel down to the show, Orchid was in the ribbons with a 2nd in the Golden Retriever Junior Bitch class and then went on to Win the Undergraduate GR Bitch to our amazement. Its such a special feeling when the little pup that you have bred and nursed through those early days goes on to win a class at a Championship show. We are so proud of her.
Brook not to be outdone went on to get a 2nd in the GR Good Citizen Dog class (they have to have their Bronze or higher Obedience award to enter this class) so we were thrilled with him too.
A long journey back home but it seemed to fly when I was on cloud 9!

Peacock Garden- Part7

2010-07-29T21:08:00.000+01:00

Here's where we are up to with the peacock garden. Just finished part 7, so still managing to keep up with it along with everything else I'm doing at the moment!

And here is what the whole pice looks like so far.

Leeds Championship Show - 25.07.10

2010-07-25T21:01:00.000+01:00

Another Fab day for the show team. Orchid was placed 5th in the Junior Golden Retriever Bitch class, a very strong class of 19 entrants, and 4th in Undergraduate GR bitch. Brook was shown by his breeder for the first time in Post Graduate GR Dog and came out with 3rd and his Crufts Qualifier. :))
Thats all 3 qualified for Crufts 2011! what an achievement, I'm so proud of them all :)

Cleveland County Show - 24.07.10

2010-07-24T20:04:00.000+01:00

Well the sun shone on us today. Orchid won the Golden Retriever Junior & Post Graduate class, and Brook took 2nd in the Open GR Classs. Orchid then went on to the Best of Breed, her 2nd this month!
She's certainly done well so far this month. Tomorrow we travel to Leeds for a Championship show with Orchid & Brook, so fingers crossed for both of them.

East of England Champ Show - 11.07.10

2010-07-14T12:40:00.000+01:00

Well my long journey down to Peterborough was well worth it this weekend. My little star - Orchid was placed 3rd in Junior Golden Retriever Bitch with another Crufts qualifier. We then went on to the Junior Bitch stakes, any variety of Gundog or Utility Breed. To my amazement we were placed 2nd! What a little star she is and she wasn't phazed by the high temps and strong winds down there bufferting the marquees either. Next week we are at Leeds, taking Brook as well, so fingers crossed.

Hawick Open Show-Kelso 04.07.2010

2010-07-04T19:51:00.000+01:00

Major smiles all around today as not only did Orchid win her Junior Golden Retriever class, but also took the Post Graduate class and then went on to get her first Best of Breed overall. Poor Brook beaten by his little sister, he took 2nd in the Open retriever class, but he says he takes all credit for teaching her properly!!! hum, nothing to do with the hours I've put in with both of them!

Peacock Garden - Part 6

2010-06-30T21:09:00.000+01:00

I've finally got around to updating my blog, so here is this months part of my Chatelaine.

The 'Thing' that has taken up all my spare time this month started with taking over my old neighbours derelict veg garden and transforming it into something tidy and usefull!

The garden is all set now with Veg and I eagerly await the produce now.....yummy!

Chatelaine Peacock Garden-part 5 completed.

2010-05-25T22:06:00.000+01:00

Finally I have found a few hours this week to get this months part completed. What with the sunny weather and going away for a break, Dog shows etc this piece has been rarther forgotton about. Anyway, here are the first two proud peacocks sitting in their garden. I have also added the beads too.

Orchid qualifies too

2010-05-23T08:01:00.000+01:00

Not to be outdone by her mother, Orchid managed to get the 3rd place in the GR Junior Bitch class at Scottish Kennel Club Champ show today which gived her Crufts 2011 qualification. It was a hard class and I never thought she would get placed with the judge we had and the fact she isn't in full coat yet, but placed she did. I'm one very happy bunny today!

A break from the norm...

2010-05-20T20:12:00.000+01:00

A change of scenery was just what the dogtor ordered... Brook & I have been away for a few days in the caravan up in the Cheviot Foot Hills and spent every day out walking. We had a fab time and thoroughly enjoyed our break away from it all.

Crufts Qualified.....but who?

2010-05-03T21:50:00.000+01:00

At the Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria, all three of my dogs were shown, the two girls both in qualifier classes, and a certain lady was placed 3rd qualifier, but it wasn't Orchid....it was her Mum!!!!
Willow hasn't been shown at Champ level since 2004, and this year I have shown her 3 times in the Veteran bitches, this time was her lucky 3rd attempt, and bless her she showed her socks off! I think she is sick of being outdone by her daughter recently. I wasn't planning on showing her any more till later in the year as her coat is starting to drop now. Never thought I'd get another qualifier with Willow so late on in her life, she's meant to be retired now, what a way to do it!!

Peacock Garden - part 4 finished

2010-05-03T21:41:00.001+01:00

Finally after a marathon month of stitching, I have finished part 4!

Now to start on part 5........

Peacock Garden - Part 4 progress

2010-04-15T18:37:00.000+01:00

Well its half way through the month and I've only got a quarter of this months part done!I don't think I can ever remember such a big chunk in one month, so if your wondering why I've been so quite you can see why now.

I'm going to try and get another quarter stitched this weekend as I've only got a show on on Sunday morning this week, whereas I've been away the last two weekends at Champ Shows. Unfortuantely Orchid has now lost her coat so wont be doing very well in the next shows unless the judges take it into consideration.

SEBA SAL - Finished Piece

2010-04-01T20:36:00.000+01:00

Here we are, the finished piece. Its been quite enjoyable stitching this as a change from all cross stitch. I managed to complete the piece with just 2 skiens of Dragon Floss used and fabric out of my stash, so no expense on this piece bar the framing...at some time this year...
Now I must get onto this months part of the peacock Chatelaine.....

Scottish Breed Championship Show - 27.03.10

2010-03-27T18:36:00.000Z

Today was Orchids first time in Golden Retriever Junior Bitch's at Championship level. She will be in this class now until she is 18 months old, she is actually only just 12 months this week. To my surprise she managed to get 5th place which is very respectable for what she is up against in respect of age and maturity of the older girlies.
We have another Championship show next weekend in Yorkshire and one the following weekend in Scotland, in which Orchid and her mother-Willow will be competing. Willow hasn't been shown at Champ level since 2004, so it will be interesting to see how she does. Brook is now out of coat (growing a nice new one in) so hopefully will be ready to show again mid summer.

SEBA Designs-SAL

2010-03-24T14:48:00.000Z

Part 10 came out on Monday, and for some reason I didn't like it, I just felt that it didn't fit with the rest of the design, so pencil in hand, I charted something that I thought would fit better - you may not agree, but I'm happy with it now. There's just the border to stitch in next week and I'll have a finish this month :)

TUSAL update

2010-03-22T18:55:00.000Z

My TUSAL update for this month - made up from Chatelaine Peaccock Garden & Mary Wigham orts this month.

Seba Designs SAL - part 9

2010-03-16T20:07:00.000Z

Just a quick update of the Seba designs SAL part 9 completed. 1 more part and the border still to do. Watch this space.......

Crufts update

2010-03-15T12:59:00.000Z

I'm pleased to say that Orchid was shortlisted in her class, but wasn't placed. Even to get this far is a great achievement especially when she will only be 1 year old tomorrow.

Unfotunately Brook didn't get anything but he still looked good and enjoyed himself.

Our next challenge is to get qualified for Crufts 2011..........

Crufts here we come!

2010-03-11T21:38:00.000Z

Well its only 3 more sleeps before we will be at Crufts. Tonight I've spent the evening trimming Brook & Orchid, tomorrow afternoon when I get in from work they will be bathed, blown dry and groomed thoroughly. Bags also need packed for them all, along with dinners, our stuff and the show gear. Willow is travelling with us as far as my cousins, who we will stop with on Saturday night, before an early start to get down to Birmingham for around 8am.
Orchid is in the Golden Retriever Puppy Bitch & Junior Bitch classes, the 2 & 3rd classses, and Brook is in the Gamekeepers Working Dog class for pickers up/beaters with Retrievers. I'm not expecting getting anything with either of them, but Frank Kane, who's doing some of the commentry on More 4 Crufts Tv programme this week actually gave Brook his qualifier, so he can't be that bad a dog!
Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for us all, and I'll post pics when we return, DH is under strict instructions to take loads of pics!!

SEBA SAL - part 8

2010-03-09T20:27:00.000Z

Hers part 8 stitched up, we only have 2 parts and the border left now, so I should have a finish in the next month :))

Peacock Garden - part 3

2010-03-06T20:08:00.001Z

Here we go, part 3 stitched already. I'm really loving this piece and love the large Jessica stitches we did this month. I've decided to stitch on some of the beads from the first 3 months as there are going to be sooooo many!

SEBA SAL - part 7

2010-03-02T22:04:00.000Z

Part 7 stitched and I nearly forgot to add this weeks picture. Not the best photo but I couldn't be bothered to unroll it off the scroll bars as I was in a hurry to start this months part of Peacock Garden!

Mary Wigham - part 2&3

2010-03-01T22:43:00.000Z

Since its the first of the month and the next part of the Chatelaine is out, I thought I would update you on the progress of Mary. I seem to be stiching from both parts 2 & 3 at the moment as I'm trying to complete the motifs along the top and down the sides as their seems to be a few mistakes on the charts? Anyway, here is my progress so far. I don't know why, but I am really enjopying this project.

Billingham Synthonia Dog Club Open Show 28.02.10

2010-02-28T17:02:00.000Z

Orchid has had a great day today at the show. She won the Golden Retriever Puppy & Junior classes, gaining 2 Junior Warrant points in the process, then went Best Puppy in Breed and also took 3rd place in the Gundog Puppy Group. So proud of her, lets hope she keeps going well for a fortnights time when she struts her stuff at Crufts, fingers etc etc etc will be crossed that day!

Mary Wigham - part 1

2010-02-22T20:36:00.000Z

Another piece that's been stitching away in the background. I tend to just stitch this piece on a weekend as its on 40 ct linen. Here the first chart completed anyway.

SEBA SAL - part 6

2010-02-22T20:32:00.000Z

Here is this weeks part of the SEBA SAL.

St Sophia is finally Finished!

2010-02-21T15:30:00.000Z

I started this piece in early 2007 as a Saturday project at Jaynes Attic shop, its been on weekend aways and travelled in my car for ages as something to do when spending the day away at shows etc. Unfortunately it just wasn't getting very far, so before Christmas it was brought into the house and put on the must stitch it frame! Anyway, here she is - FINISHED!! Hurrry, I'm dancing around the room. Yippee!!

Belated Family Christmas

2010-02-21T15:22:00.000Z

Yesterday we travelled down to my old home town in Nottinghamshire to my Aunt & Uncles House. We left 2 inches of snow behind us, but the car managed to keep it on the bonnet & roof, and 165 miles later we arrived still with Northumberland snow attached, much to everyones amusement! The whole family of 14 and 4 dogs had lunch and tea together along with a lovely walk for those who wanted to. A few games played and then the Secret Santa presents. Instead of a Christmas Cake, my cousin Jacq had made a wonderfully decorated New Year cake. A family group photo was taken again as we don't know when we will get the whole family together again as the children are away at colleges & universities now. I took one of my Aunts & Uncle together with their grandaughters, Orchid thinks she was included in that bracket! We all set of for home late evening, and we landed home just on midnight. A long day but so lovely!

SEBA SAL - part 5

2010-02-15T20:41:00.000Z

Here's this weeks part completed of this SAL.

TUSAL update

2010-02-15T20:37:00.000Z

Here is my first post of the TUSAL. My jar is a modern version of the old fashioned 'Kilner ' jars traditionally used for preserves. The Orts are made up from all my projects currently on the go - Chatelaines, St Sophia, Seba SAL, and Quakers.

Dog shows update

2010-02-14T13:46:00.000Z

Well its been a busy weekend here this weekend. Yesterday was the Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria Open Breed Show. Brook managed 2nd in Yearling Dog & 4th in Graduate Dog, Willow 4th in Veteran Bitch, and Orchid was 3rd in Puppy Bitch, 3rd Junior Bitch and 4th Novice Bitch.
Today we have been to Jarrow and Hebburn all breeds open show. Orchid was 1st in GR Junior and 4th in GR Graduate, also winning best Puppy in Breed, so another good day for her. The other two stayed and home and had a lie in....wish I coud have joined them. Now we are off out for a nice walk before settling down after Sunday Dinner to do some stitching. Bliss...

Brook celebrates his 2nd birthday

2010-02-08T21:53:00.000Z

Well as they say, ever dog has his day, and today is Brooks. What better way to celebrate than with his 2 best friends and a cake! (which didn't last long between the 3 of them)

After the party I managed to get this weeks part of the SEBA SAl stitched up too.

SEBA designs SAL

2010-02-04T20:38:00.000Z

Here's a little blackwork SAL I have joined in on. The link to the website is here:
http://www.sebadesigns.com/

Here are the first 3 parts stitched up. I am using Polstitches fabric - 'Chilblains' and threads - 'Blessings & Smokin Needles'. The parts are weekly and don't take long to stitch up so do please visit the site and may be join in too.

Chatelaine Peacock Garden - part 2

2010-02-03T21:08:00.001Z

Well here it is. It wasn't a big part of stitching to do, managed it in 4 evenings! I'm sure as it progresses we'll get a lot bigger parts to do!!!
I now have the beads and crystals for this, so I'm thinking of putting some of the little beads onto this as I go to save time later, and it will total several hundred at the end of the year.

Border Counties Gundog Open Show - 31.01.10

2010-02-01T17:10:00.000Z

Well after the snow we had on Saturday, quite out of the blue the depth we got, I never made it to the show I was entered at, but by Sunday the roads had been cleared and we were able to get across to Carlisle.
Orchid managed a very respectable 3rd in GR Puppy class and 2nd in both GR Junior Bitch and Novice classes. Brook unfortunately slipped and fell in the ring and on his run around seemed a bit lame so had to be withdrawn :( but by the time we came home he appeared sound again and only his pride was hurt.

Part 2 of the Peacock Garden Chatelaine was released last night, so that piece is back on the frame now. This will be my priority piece for the start of the month, then onto something else, maybe some more of Mary Wigham or St Sophia, decisions, decisions!!!

Mary Wigham Sampler

2010-01-28T21:30:00.001Z

I've finally decided on my colour choice for this sampler. Shades of Lilac on 40ct Edinburgh linen (maybe I'm being a bit ambitious with 40ct!!) This is the first motif stitched, and I'm going to try and do 1 a week to get this project finised this year. I think 1 a week will be all my eyes can cope with on this count!!!
Now I need to get back to St Sophia over the weekend as from Monday part 2 of my Chatelaine will be out ready for stitching...oohh the excitement of it all. :))

Chatelaine Peacock Garden Part 1 completed

2010-01-21T20:16:00.000Z

Well here's the first part of this years Chatelaine stitched. The gaps left are for the beads and bicones which will be added at a later date.
The bottom picture shows a close up of part of the design.
Now I'll just have to get back to St Sophia now as part 2 isn't avaialble till beginning of February.

Chatelaine Mystery 13- Peacock Garden

2010-01-17T22:21:00.000Z

Well those that know me, know I like stitching Chatelaines designed by Martina Webber. Well this year is no different. I've signed up to do this years mystery as the pull of the 'Peacocks' drew me to it.
I've decided this year that instead of sending for the thread kits from America with all the speciality threads in, I would do the bulk in the DMC threads that are cross referenced, use the caron Waterlillies, and Perle threads as per original kit and of course the metallic thread and beads. I'm hoping this saves me a small fortune too!

Anyway, I made a start on it yesterday afternoon, and again this afternoon/evening and here is my progress so far.

Sewing update

2010-01-14T08:08:00.000Z

Here where I'm up to with St Sophia. Unfortunately over Christmas & the New year I came down with Bronchitis, so I was forced to stay inside and keep warm with my sewing for company....what a pity. LOL.

I'm going to make a start this weekend on the Chatelaine Mystery 13 for this year which is 'peacock' based. I've got my fabric now, and instead of sending to America for the complete kit, I'm just going to use the DMC equivalent with the recommended Caron Waterlillies thread- which I love. I'm hoping it will still look ok, but I just can't justify the expense of the recommended threads/kit this year, so this will be know as my recession buster piece. As the charts are released a bit every month, I'm hoping to still be able to stitch St Sophia in between the releases, if I can keep up!!

New Years Day Snow.

2010-01-02T09:59:00.000Z

New Years day brought us around 5 inches of snow, which for us living on the coast is a rarity. The dogs thought it was great fun, who says snow is just for kids!!! Here is Brook and Orchid having a truly mad time in it, just wonder how long it will last for now?

Sewing update - Moonlit Orchid is finished!

2009-12-29T16:32:00.000Z

Finally got a bit of time to get on with this today, so here it is-finished!
I'm going to make it into a bell pull, but as yet I don't have the bits to do it so it will have to go away in the drawer until i get them.

Livingston Canine Society Open Show-Bathgate, Scotland

2009-12-28T21:11:00.000Z

A very cold frosty start for our journey up to this show. It was touch and go as to whether we went up or not, but we did. The roads were clear but icy until we reached Livingston, and saw how much snow there had been. Luckily the roads were ploughed and gritted, but the area was under over 6 inchs of snow. Anyway, we made it in to the show and Orchid did extremely well again, winning the Golden Retriever puppy, Junior and Novice classes to our amazement at still only 9½ months old. She also collected another couple of points towards her JW. I have to say that this was the coldest day I have ever shown dogs on, and with air temp of -7 we were perished. Still we had 2 hours to travel back in the car and a happy contented glow to warm us up.

Sunderland Open Show - 20.12.2009

2009-12-20T20:25:00.000Z

After going 'beating' with Brook yesterday and getting caught in the snow blizzard trying to get home, I didn't think we would get to this show today, let alone even get home last night. I've never been as frightened as I was yesterday afternoon, not being able to see where I was going or even keep the car going where I wanted to go! Anyway after 2 hours we made it home, safely with my car in one piece, just as well as I only got it back on Tuesday!
Today we carefully set off for Jarrow and the roads were much improved. Orchid won both the GR Puppy and Junior classes and Best puppy in breed. Unfortunately she wasn't placed in the group, but did go on to win the Any Variety Gundog puppy class. Brook managed to get a 3rd in the GR Graduates, but was slightly stiff and had a grazed inside hind leg from yesterday which I think was a bit tender for him. Orchid also won 3rd in the Any Variety Puppy bitch stakes and her mother, Willow, won the AV Veteran bitch stakes to my surprise. So all in all we have had a rather eventful weekend.

Stitching update 13.12.09

2009-12-13T22:21:00.000Z

Moonlit Orchid is now well under way (in fact I've probably reached the half way stage!) It's a real joy to stitch with an easy goal of just stitching a band a night, which is probably why its getting stitched up so quickly. Its going to be made into the bell pull variation once finished, but I need to get a hanger to suit it yet.

Midland Golden Retriever Chanp Show - Coventry - 6.12.09

2009-12-06T22:08:00.000Z

Another busy weekend with a trip down to Coventry for Orchid only, around 500 miles round trip! Orchid was in strong competition but did manage a very respectable 5th in Puppy Bitch class.The Bitch puppy that won the class also managed to gain her Junior title & stud book number, so that gives you an idea of what the competition was like.
On the down side though, my car was bumped outside my cousins house before we left, so it looks like I'm going to have to get a courtesy car arranged through the insurance, and hopefully get it fixed before my next shows. Why does it have to happen just before Christmas! At least the dogs & I were safe.

Major Happy Dance

2009-12-01T22:05:00.000Z

Finally finished adding all the beads & crystals to this piece, there must of been thousands....well it felt like it anyway. There are more pics and close ups of the beads in place in my webshots album http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/558658351LVcuF

Cleveland Open Dog Show - 29.11.09

2009-11-29T19:45:00.000Z

Well the weather was foul today making a nasty journey down to Cleveland, but Orchid came back triumphant. We managed to win both the Puppy and the Junior Golden Retriever classes with Best Puppy in Breed as well. Onto the group stages, we were in the Gundog Puppy group and managed a very respectable 2nd in group. This is Orchids first placing at group level, and we are so proud of her. Next week we travel down to Coventry for a Retriever Championship show, so its fingers crossed again.

Stitching update - 24.11.09

2009-11-24T12:58:00.000Z

Well, where has the time gone?
My Quaker Diamonds kit has finally arrived safely from America and is now put away in the stash chest.
I'm busy every night during 'I'm a celebrity, get me out of here' frantically stityching the beads onto my Chatelaine. The last ones should be on tonight, then I just need to add the Bicones, cubes and other bigger bedas and its done! I've sorted the materials out for my 'Moonlite Orchid' piece, just needed to order some fabric and a few beads in, so they should be here when I get home tonight. This is my next piece to stitch and the fingers are twitching to get on with it, but the Chatelaine must be finished first! hopefully my next update will be of the complted piece, watch this space....

Ashington & District Open Show

2009-11-21T17:50:00.000Z

Orchid has her very first class win in the Golden Retriever Puppy class and gets the Best Puppy in Breed award too. This also gets her her first point towards her Junior Warrant title. We need to get 25 in total, and 3 have to come from a Champ show, so its going to be hard work!
Brook was placed 2nd in the Yearlings, and 2nd in the Graduate class. I only showed him today as the judge has my old dog-Brackens half brother, so I thought she would like him too, which she obviously did. He's looking forward to working next Saturday now.

Gundog Breeds of Scotland Champ Show -14.11.09

2009-11-15T08:27:00.000Z

Another good day of results for the Beaupippins.
Orchid was placed 5th in GR Minor Puppy Bitch and in a large Stakes class of all Gundog breed Puppy Bitches came away with a remarkable 5th. She's not quite 8 month old yet and has had a remarkable first 2 months in the show ring.
Brook was placed 2nd in GR Yearling Dogs and gained another Crufts qualifier, and a 4th in GR Graduate dogs. A really good result for him. He is going to go working over the winter now, beating for a local shoot which he really enjoys and it will give him a rest from the show ring after such a busy year.

Chatelaine Mystery 9 - Le Potager du Roi - part 12

2009-11-02T21:07:00.001Z

A major milestone tonight! I have finally finished the stitching on this piece. Phew! Just need to start adding the few hundred beads to it now. I'm still on target to have it finished by Christmas too!(Just in time for next years mystery starting!)

Orchid Qualifies for Crufts 2010

2009-10-25T19:17:00.001Z

Today at Midland Counties Championship Show, Orchid was placed 2nd in the Minor Puppy Bitch class. A terrific result for her at only 7 months old and this gives her a qualifier for Crufts 2010 which we are thrilled about. She is the first dog we have bred ourselves to have qualified. The bubbly cork has now popped and we are celebrating...

North West Golden Retriever Breed Open Show-Stockport - 18.10.09

2009-10-18T20:30:00.000+01:00

After an overnight stay at Sheffield with my cousin & family we went onto Stockport today for a breed open show with success all round.
Brook - 1st Yearling Dog, 4th Graduate Show
Willow - 1st Veteran Bitch
Orchid - 2nd Minor Puppy Bitch, 4th Maiden Bitch
Willow was unfortunately beaten by the veteran dog for best veteran in show. Its so long ago since she was last out at a breed show her results came as a great shock to us all.
We are all in need of rest & sleep now, around 550 miles I've driven this weekend, so even the car is ready for a rest!!
I'm taking tomorrow as holiday so I intend to sit with my feet up and stitch all day!

Northern Golden Retriever Club Champ Show-Newark 17.10.09

2009-10-18T20:24:00.000+01:00

Another successful day for Brook with a 4th place in the Yearling Dogs class.He is consistently picking up Champ Show placings so hopefully he is getting noticed now and will go onto greater things as he matures.
Unfortunately both Willow - Veteran Bitch, and Orchid - Minor Puppy Bitch came home unplaced this week, but live to fight another day.

Stash Enhancement! - Quaker Diamonds

2009-10-14T21:02:00.001+01:00

Saw this today and decided I had to have it. I love the colours of it and the overall balance of the design. Not something I usually go for but this one has won me over. Just got to wait for postie bringing to me now

http://www.abcstitch.com/optioncart/image.php?id=703655&ret=http://www.abcstitch.com/subjects_php/subjects.php?page=1&all=yes&subject=Quaker?page=1&all=yes&subject=Quaker

Northern Counties Gundog Open Show

2009-10-11T14:35:00.001+01:00

Today was Orchids first time at a general open show. At these type of shows her class is usually Golden Retriever Puppy. This mean dogs & bitches complete together and puppys range from 6-12 months in age, so there can be quite a big difference between them. Orchid held her own today and came home with a 2nd place to a dog that was nearly 12 months old, so I'm very pleased with her. Brook unfortunately wasn't placed today him his graded class.
Time now for a cuppa, then its up the fields with them all for a good run and roll in the mud probably!!

Alwinton Border Shepherds Show 2009

2009-10-10T20:29:00.000+01:00

After two busy evenings baking, we arrived at the show this morning laden down with exhibits. This is the last of the shows this year held in the Cheviot foothill village of Alwinton. The show draws people from the borders of Scotland and north east England and is always well attended. There was even a visit of the North East Air Ambulance to whom the proceeds of the Dog show were being donated along with other collections throughout the show.

We had a very successful show, especially with my needlework. In the Dog Show, Brook won the 'dogs' class out of around 40 entries, Willow was unplaced in the 'bitches' class, and Orchid was 3rd in the Puppy class out of around 30 entries. Brook then went on to get the Best Dog overall award and a very large box of Bonio's!
Back home and its feet up for us all, though Brook seems to think he can have all the settee tonight!!

Photos of my exhibits with awards in screen show at the side.

Stitching Update.

2009-10-07T21:49:00.000+01:00

Well after a busy weekend I have managed to find a few hours to make a start on part 12 of my chatelaine. I'm really looking forward to getting this finished now as I want to make a start on my new piece I have found called Moonlite Orchid by Patricia Ann Designs - see link below. I just need to get around to getting the threads ordered that I don't have in my stash.
http://www.crossstitchstuff.com/Products.aspx?Product=583

This weekend I'm going to Alwinton Show, which is the last show of the season up in the Northumberland hills. I'll be very busy baking on Thursday & Friday night for it as I am competing in the baking classes. I'll also take the dogs along for the day and there's a little dog show they can go in in the afternoon for a bit of fun.

Golden Retriever Club of Scotland-Open Show

2009-10-03T18:39:00.000+01:00

After a rough blustery 2½ hour drive to Lanark beside Glasgow, the family performed well again.
Brook was 4th in GR Yearling Dog, 3rd Graduate Dog and
Orchid was 3rd Minor Puppy Bitch, 4th Maiden Bitch.
Willow just came for the ride! (all 5 hours of travelling!!)
Orchid is starting to settle in the ring now and hopefully in the next few months of more growing & showing will become a beautiful young lady...fingers crossed.

Driffield Championship Dog Show

2009-10-02T17:10:00.000+01:00

Another good day for the Beaupippins.

Orchid was placed 5th in the Golden Retriever Minor Puppy Bitch class, and Brook gained a 4th place in the Golden retriever Yearling Dogs class.

Orchid has had a really good start to her show career with 3 placings now in her first 3 Champ shows. Goldies always get good entries in their classes so I'm so pleased that we are consistently getting placed.

Tomorrow we travel to Scotland for the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland Breed Open show. This will be Orchids first open show.

Chatelaine Mystery 9 - Le Potager du Roi

2009-09-29T20:58:00.000+01:00

Finally got part 11 completed on this piece. 1 more part to go and then the centre piece to stitch and hundreds of beads to stitch on before it is finally completed

Finally started blogging

2009-09-29T17:34:00.000+01:00

Finally I have got around to starting my Blog. My posts probably won't be daily as I'm so busy, but hopefully at least once a week.
From Dog shows to Needlework it will be here, as they say...watch this space..