WOW.... this is so lovely !

Look what has landed in my postbox;




I never expected to win this lovely giveaway when I posted about it in just the previous post! So thank you so much Jo,and thank you Jacquie Small at Aurum Publishing group too (and Mr Random - love the guy, he finally came good :-)

The book (straight from the publisher) arrived first and it is an absolute gem! On the one hand, it is a comprehensive reference book, whichever embroidery stitch or whichever technique you want to know about, you can look it up, and the ins and outs are explained and illustrated into detail. On the other hand, it is full to the brim with absolutely beautiful pictures, so it's a 'go to' book and inspirational book too. All this and finished to the highest quality.
It is an asset to my craft book shelf and I will have a lot of pleasure using it for decades to come!

Equally lovely is Jo's own pattern of Boris and his chicken. You might have seen Boris on Jo's blog (Bearpaw and Bearpaw) or on her shop site (Avery Homestores) where she sell the most delish fabric as well as beautiful wool and yarn and really everything you would need. I love Jo's style and the design choices she makes, and if you do too, you will find what you need in both her real life and online shop.

Jo sent me not only the pattern, but also the fabric and Anchor embroidery thread so I can get started right away! An ideal little project to take with you for odd times, like waiting in the car at the schoolgates, or taking travelling, or indeed, just at home stitching away of an evening. Boris is adorable and I can't wait to start stitching and see his cheeky little face appear! Watch out for him on the blog in future!