Fiddly little fractionals

First of all, before I even write anything - I apologise for the quality of the photo!  I had a few minutes to spare before work yesterday so took some things outside to snap some photographs, but I was really rubbish about it.  Firstly, the photos are rubbish, secondly I didn't take very many, forgetting to take photos of several items.

Today's post was going to be about my birthday presents but as I only have photos of a handful, I'm going to delay that one!  One present in particular needs good light so you can appreciate it (my first piece of real art!).

So, instead, I bring you one measly photo of something I've stitched.

This cross stitched iris is destined to be a bookmark from my nana-in-law, Iris.  It's stitched on 14 count Aida and although it looks pretty simple, the entire flower head has about 8 full stitches in it, the rest are fractionals.  Wow, was that fiddly!  I've also used metallic threads in the border which were over stitched over the normal thread, I found them tricky too.

This was from a free pattern but I can't find the link.  The web address is on the pattern so I'll publish the link when I show you the finished bookmark.

There is a back to the pattern, but I think I'm going to back it in felt and add a tassle.  I finished this up on Monday when we got home from my birthday weekend away, then last night I wanted to continue the Yoda amigurumi I'm making.  I started crocheting away, then realised I hadn't used a stitch marker and it was impossible to know where I'd got to with my tight little dcs (scs).  I frogged it and started again but the curly yarn made it impossible, so I cut that bit off and started again.  10 minutes in and guess what?  I'd forgotten to put the stitch marker in!  Duh!  I gave up at that point and sat staring blankly at the TV for half an hour before bed!  I might try again tonight, or I might get on with the next cross stitch I'm doing for Christmas presents.

I've got loads of posts lined up, it's just that the majority are missing a photo or too!  To whet your appetite (or make you decide not to come back for a few weeks), here's what I've got for you:

My birthday presents (mainly crafty / craft-related)
Some Christmas presents I'm halfway through making
Colin and Ellis
A gift bag tutorial
The low-down on the spinning class I went to a couple of weeks ago
Some birthday cards

I think that's it at the moment!  Watch this space...