So, here's the buzz!

I've put my knitting bag aside for a while and decided to try

something I've not done in many years, counted cross stitch.

We've been watching far too many TV series these

pandemic winter evenings and a couple were foreign with subtitles. 

No good when you're knitting though. . . . . . . eyes off the screen and

losing the plot becomes easy!

When I saw this cute bee on a honeycomb pin cushion in a magazine 

I wanted to give it a try.  I had plenty of embroidery floss, a small hoop,

needles etc. but did have to purchase some 11 count Aida cross stitch

fabric.

I enlarged the magazine photo to a size where I could see the 

stitches more clearly.

I admit that my eyesight is not what it was - distance no real problem

but close up work requires reading glasses. . . . . .and for this project,

 the purchase of a magnifier which really helps once one gets used

 to having it hanging around the neck.

Of course I can't work on this either if watching TV so doing a

 bit in the afternoons.

 

I'm following this photo, copied and enlarged, from a magazine.

Jasmin - October 25, 2020 - 24th Birthday

 Last year when at the fabric store with my granddaughter Jasmin, 

we found these beautiful machine embroidered panels.

She loved both the bee and the dragonfly so I returned next day alone, 

purchased them and arranged to have them made up into pillows for 

Jasmin's sofa. Was she ever surprised when a month later she opened

her birthday gifts!

I realize that this is a simplified version of the bee. . . . . . a starter

 for me, however after looking up 'cross stitched bees' online I've found

 so many beautiful stitchery patterns, and kits, much more advanced

 and detailed - such as the one below - which I may try later.

I've a long way to go yet but hopefully will share the finished bee later.

Do you cross stitch or embroider?

How about knit? 

I know some of you are fabulous with knitting needles and crochet hooks!