Jim's Cookbook Addition

We decided that Jim's Cookbook needed a matching spine.  So I did that this week.  It went quickly, I think I only worked on it 2 days.

I'm still working on the other secret project and it is taking longer than I anticipated.  Of course.

Jim's Cookbook

One secret revealed!  My husband is taking cooking classes and has started a notebook.  He is on his way home today from a week long business trip and I have spent the week stitching a slip-in cover for his cooking notebook:

This is cross stitch (yeah I know) on perforated paper.  The paper is a rust color.  I used an overdyed floss for the lettering and all the rest is regular floss.  All of the elements came from various books and online sources.  The only thing I actually designed, besides the layout, was the chef's hat!

Yes, I'm stitching!

Good morning!  Yes, I am stitching but I can't show you yet. I'm working on two secret projects. Both are gifts and I don't want the recipients to see!
One is a small project and I hope to have it finished by the end of next week. Stay tuned!

Purrfect Spring

This is a painted canvas (OMG! ) called Purrfect Spring by Dee Ross.  I purchased the canvas several years ago from one of the destash sites.  It came with lots of threads too!

Last month I decided to use this canvas to participate in Stitcherie's 2015 Stitching Games.
For January, I did the green leaves at the top in #5 pearl cotton.  
For February, I stitched the brown kitty.  There wasn't any thread in the bag that came with that seemed right, so I used some Appleton tapestry wool from stash.  Awful stuff!  I would never use it for anything but animal fur - it is very coarse and inconsistent in thickness, and a bit hairy, but it did brush up nice which doesn't show in the photo.  That said, it is very old and newer Appleton may be better, I don't know.

Progress to date:

P.S.  Did you notice I finally got the new picture up for my header?!!  Now that I know how to do it, maybe I can change it with the seasons.