Welcome to May, everyone! I hope your April was lovely and brought you lots of Spring inspiration for your crafting goals. As for me, I’ve been doing as much as I can, project wise. Thankfully, I’m pleased to say that my Sydney cross stitch is FINALLY FINISHED! 🎊It’s been quite the literal journey with this particular piece and I’m so happy it’s completed. I love the colours used and I’m excited to get this up on the wall after so long.
On the same day I finished Sydney, I immediately began Caterpillar Cross Stitch‘s Picnic Party and, clearly, the stitching bug is back, as I finished this one by the following Saturday! Like the previous CCS pattern I did for Holly Jolly Kitchen, I switched some of the colours around and added some new ones in. I need to decide on what I want to do in terms of displaying it, hence a few creases and a lot of leeway around it all!
After finishing Picnic Party, I started another the next day (seriously, I’m not sure what’s happening, but I’m just going along with it!) to complete my set of my abstract ladies. I completed the left piece to tie in with the colours in our bathroom; the right image is the mock up of the original pattern by StitchGalleryPDF on Etsy. As you can see by the top image, I’ve changed it a little to fit in more with my revisions on the left piece. Plus I wanted to use a variegated thread for a larger piece and I’m pleased with how it’s shaping up!
I’m off on my holiday in a few days, so depending on my sprint stitching, I may have to have a think and take another pattern with me! I might not add that many stitches, but I know if I don’t take a project, I’ll wish I’d have brought one – watch this space!
As always, I’m excited to be back to share some audios that have, and are currently, helping me get through my WIPs and new projects. I hope you’ve been enjoying my selections from the year thus far! Before we get into May’s picks, just a quick reminder to check your content warnings as some of these suggestions may contain adult language, content and/or sensitive topics.
📖 Audiobook – True Love – Jennifer Lopez
Over ten years has passed since True Love was released and it was only on the off chance of selecting my picks did I realise there was an audiobook for it, too!
Being a fan of both Jennifer Lopez and a quick listen, I recently dove back into True Love, her first, and only, book to date.
Read by Jennifer herself, she talks openly and incredibly honestly about her challenges over a two-year period. Discussing her fears, love and loss, her journey of self-discovery throughout the book is not only inspiring, but incredibly raw as she uncovers what her truest love really is.
Although a joy to listen to, I encourage you to seek out the physical edition of this book, where possible. Filled with never-before-seen personal photographs, the book further illustrates that specific time in her life.
With the audiobook clocking in short and sweet, it’s perfect for a few stolen hours with your latest project.
🎙️ Podcast – Passenger List – PRX’s Radiotopia
I’m back with another audio drama and one that made me really fall in love with the genre, as this month’s podcast pick is Passenger List.
Disappearing mid-flight, Atlantic Flight 702 to London from New York has vanished – along with 256 passengers on board.
Kelly Marie Tran delivers an astounding performance as Kaitlin Le, a student whose twin brother is among one of the missing. Determined to find out the truth, Kaitlin’s discoveries lead her to some shocking revelations.
Broadway legend Patti LuPone stars alongside Colin Morgan and Rob Benedict in the two-season drama. Wonderfully produced with incredible audio design, Passenger List will have you on the edge of your seat as you work your way through your latest WIP.
💿 Album – MAYHEM – Lady Gaga
Put your paws up because Mother Monster is well and truly BACK!
Released at the beginning of March, Lady Gaga’s seventh studio album, MAYHEM, tips a hat to her inspirations and previous works, while offering enough space to flourish in this new era of her artistry.
With Chromatica lifting a lot of our spirits in the throes of lockdown (it certainly was for Customer Services Manager Adam and I!) five years prior, MAYHEM feels as if it’s arrived at the right time.
Standout tracks for me include, Killah, Perfect Celebrity and, of course, Abracadabra. Yet the Michael Jackson influences on Shadow Of A Man and the 80s-laden Zombieboy are my repeaters.
I’ve spoken previously about my love for seeking out production credits, so seeing James Fauntleroy’s name among others on Zombieboy did bring a smile to my face! The decorated singer-songwriter has worked with Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and countless others. Fauntleroy also features in credits for Die With A Smile, Gaga’s duet with Bruno Mars, which is also on the album. If her Coachella set’s anything to go by, tour-goers are certainly in for a treat for this year’s MAYHEM ball 🪩
That’s it from me for this month’s picks; I hope you find that these get you crafting away nicely! Care to share your progress? We’d love to see! Tag us in your posts by using #WWCrafters and we’ll share some of our favourites.
See you in June for the next round of audios! 🎧
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