tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35267166445881405352024-03-13T21:05:06.848+00:00plum-cottageAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-78045521357542853312014-03-30T19:10:00.000+01:002014-03-30T19:10:56.144+01:00back again!I know it's been ages but what with changing computers I started to have all sorts of problems uploading photos and in the end I gave up. Well hopefully all my techno problems have gone away!<br />
I recently made this sewing roll for myself from linen and odds and ends of curtian fabric which makes the roll a little firmer than using cotton.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I attached peices of fabric using ribbon and tape to a peice of calico<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NF0Uy2dw3mc/UzhWy7L8qwI/AAAAAAAAA8w/-cv8kDKggCQ/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_97714="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NF0Uy2dw3mc/UzhWy7L8qwI/AAAAAAAAA8w/-cv8kDKggCQ/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" height="300" title="sections of fabric attached by ribbon sewn to calico lining" uta="true" width="400" /></a></div>
and bound it with stripy quilting cotton and that was the front of the roll finished. I then made the inside of the roll.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-faqYNzl1h5s/UzhZLNft9qI/AAAAAAAAA88/o6DqtD7hrT8/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_97714="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-faqYNzl1h5s/UzhZLNft9qI/AAAAAAAAA88/o6DqtD7hrT8/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" height="300" uta="true" width="400" /></a></div>
At the top I made a zipped pocket sewn on to a peice of red and white spotted lining, then attached a felt heart for holding needle or pins, 3 small pocket made out of tiny whites dots on red fabric and edged with cream cotton lace and finally a long pocket edeged withe ribbon. Both the exterior and the interior were sewn together. A ribbon was attached with a button. Et voila.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xr_SV9rVcmA/UzhVVGueG6I/AAAAAAAAA8o/RU8DkfKvByw/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_97714="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xr_SV9rVcmA/UzhVVGueG6I/AAAAAAAAA8o/RU8DkfKvByw/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" height="300" uta="true" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-80319933238070623722013-08-24T10:50:00.002+01:002013-08-26T23:35:08.910+01:00what exactly is the colour natural?That is the question I should have asked myself before I ordered fabric online to make roman blinds for the spare bedroom! Could have been disaster as I thought natural linen was a cream colour, silly me it turned out to be a sort of greyish colour. I was so excited when I opened the parcel, I was expecting a linen fabric with a light cream background with a gorgeous pattern in raspberry. Disappointment at first, it wasn't horrrible, it just wasn't what I was expecting. I checked the invoice and yes this was the fabric I ordered. Three metres at £38 per metre guess I had better like it! And I do, I love it. It is a <a href="http://cabbagesandroses.com/" target="_blank">cabbages and roses</a> fabric called natural meggernie raspberry, 100% linen and 2 roman blinds later....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lllhggc3H3c/UheTjZCaJtI/AAAAAAAAA60/1_rT_OIVy3A/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lllhggc3H3c/UheTjZCaJtI/AAAAAAAAA60/1_rT_OIVy3A/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgWRVTSeMx0/UheTupFgUQI/AAAAAAAAA68/MNTC-9CDQCw/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgWRVTSeMx0/UheTupFgUQI/AAAAAAAAA68/MNTC-9CDQCw/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Not wanting to throw anything away that can possibly be recycled, the existing blinds were deconstructed and I reused the blackout lining and the cord tapes which were already attached, saving me the time and trouble of having to measure and sew new ones on! I was able to use the cording system on the smaller blind, but the chain on the larger was broken and I couldn't buy a replacement chain, so had to buy a roman blind kit, that was a blow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWPoCTMLIdE/UheT32gVmwI/AAAAAAAAA7E/oOOJM2Ssv8M/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWPoCTMLIdE/UheT32gVmwI/AAAAAAAAA7E/oOOJM2Ssv8M/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This firescreen is one of my latest finds and it is perfect for our Victorian fireplace. I am guessing it is 1950's but I don't know. It seems to be hand and not machine embroidered and is framed in lead. I found it in a secondhand shop in Ipswich full of vintage and retro stuff that had mostly been renovated. It's in a lovely condition and I love the colours and isn't Mr Peacock majestic? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYE2hpEdIlI/UheUFIWH_5I/AAAAAAAAA7M/kQ-h83Ib7o0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYE2hpEdIlI/UheUFIWH_5I/AAAAAAAAA7M/kQ-h83Ib7o0/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And another one of my vintage finds, again I am not sure of it's age, but is in a very good condition, the chain on the back is a bit rough but you can't see that so I don't care! The mirror is bevelled and has a hardwood surround , probably mahogany or oak. It looks superb and totally at home in our front room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eC2O1mPffJM/UheURVzW5dI/AAAAAAAAA7U/S6R7y3g3hKs/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eC2O1mPffJM/UheURVzW5dI/AAAAAAAAA7U/S6R7y3g3hKs/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love rummaging through second hand, car boots and charity shops. You never know what you might alight on, something for the home perhaps or perhaps some fabric to add to an ever growing stash, which you just know, that sometime in the future it will be perfect for a make you have in mind, just like the patchwork throw I recently finished. I need, no, I want a new sofa but with too many animals who want to either rub themselves against it when they come in from a walk or need to sharpen their claws on it, I had to concede that it was not a good idea so this was second best. Made in 10 inch squares from curtain fabric bought in <a href="http://www.lauraashley.co.uk/" target="_blank">Laura Ashley</a> sale and remnants from my stash. I lined it with 4 large squares made up from a green and white checked duvet cover and some curtain fabric picked up in a charity shop. Et voila! Transformed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0GDFtAbl4Vk/UheUZjknUPI/AAAAAAAAA7c/eRRFFwkNTYQ/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0GDFtAbl4Vk/UheUZjknUPI/AAAAAAAAA7c/eRRFFwkNTYQ/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's all for now, I have a new craft in mind and I will let you know how I am getting on!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-18306627747864748442013-07-10T14:34:00.000+01:002013-07-10T14:34:17.008+01:00gorgeous....Refreshed from our Baltic cruise it is now back to reality! We had a lovely holiday, a leisurely Baltic cruise, I say leisurely but quite honestly in parts it was hectic! The absolute highlight of our cruise was St Petersberg. A two day stopover, which meant a full on, two day tour, on the hottest 2 days of their summer! This was following port stops on the 3 previous days, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki, which were all fabulous but done at our lazy pace rather than a frenetic tour! St Petersberg was so opulent no wonder the starving and downtrodden masses eventually revolted! The architecture was fabulous, and the decor was all so gorgeous it made my mouth water! To labour the point one of the rooms in Catherines Palace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck4CTbXgGaU/UdRKmJy5NXI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/-m8TV0VBRVI/s1600/20130626_124041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck4CTbXgGaU/UdRKmJy5NXI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/-m8TV0VBRVI/s320/20130626_124041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2-mXrjhJRI/UdRK_Zc1wiI/AAAAAAAAA5g/bnrZPB469NY/s1600/IMG_00000244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2-mXrjhJRI/UdRK_Zc1wiI/AAAAAAAAA5g/bnrZPB469NY/s320/IMG_00000244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and then there is the Amber room, unbelievably beautiful, the walls are covered in Amber, has to be seen to be believed, unfortunately we were not allowed to take any photos in this room. When the Germans besieged St Petersberg in WW2 they stole all but one single piece of Amber! The palace was all but destroyed, razed to the ground, however the Russians have done a remarkable job restoring it to it's former glory, (goodness knows how much that must have cost!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1t0bvMoBAg/UdRMPC9FVOI/AAAAAAAAA5w/Pbsn803tLs4/s1600/20130626_115247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1t0bvMoBAg/UdRMPC9FVOI/AAAAAAAAA5w/Pbsn803tLs4/s320/20130626_115247.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catherine's Palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before we went away I was desperately trying to finish some knitting and my blue quilt. I managed to finish the knitting but sewing the jumper up escaped me, so that's still to be done ( I hate the sewing up bit ), but I did finish the quilt and I really love this one, I just love the mix of blues and whites and the pretty pattens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l6NlX1dYJm0/Ud1fa-WEEkI/AAAAAAAAA6A/XvOvvqOxszo/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l6NlX1dYJm0/Ud1fa-WEEkI/AAAAAAAAA6A/XvOvvqOxszo/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUHP5wPc8DA/Ud1flDyWORI/AAAAAAAAA6I/uWDLaGIet7o/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUHP5wPc8DA/Ud1flDyWORI/AAAAAAAAA6I/uWDLaGIet7o/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6bHIB6Klnw/Ud1f1hFt8zI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/2pzQi3T0gKU/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6bHIB6Klnw/Ud1f1hFt8zI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/2pzQi3T0gKU/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8s4HPbgOYo/Ud1gJackWWI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/gygehot89ME/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8s4HPbgOYo/Ud1gJackWWI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/gygehot89ME/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and the back of it, white sheeting and blue embroidery thread<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzgVK5F26f0/Ud1gU-AWlsI/AAAAAAAAA6g/PqIxSARHG8I/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzgVK5F26f0/Ud1gU-AWlsI/AAAAAAAAA6g/PqIxSARHG8I/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One more for the collection!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-16455116384332804322013-06-10T01:11:00.000+01:002013-06-10T18:32:29.674+01:00I am back.....It has been ages and I don't really know why! But part of the reason is that instead of using my trusty but slow computer I have been using a 'tablet,' which I really like, but the photos taken on it (really nice quality) will not upload onto my blog which is a pain! So for blogging it is back to the computer.<br />
<br />
I have not been idle whilst I have been absent from blogging, I have been busily beavering away at this and that, a bit of decorating in the bedroom, some dressmaking, plenty of knitting and sewing and latterly working very hard in the garden and allotment!<br />
<br />
'Cos I am bit of a technophobe I still haven't worked out how to upload ( or is it download?) the pics taken of my makes on the tablet, but here are a couple of things I have made recently...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9GmxkY7ss/UbUT2NeV-5I/AAAAAAAAA4s/HDItHgvyu_E/s1600/2013-05-16+14.18.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9GmxkY7ss/UbUT2NeV-5I/AAAAAAAAA4s/HDItHgvyu_E/s320/2013-05-16+14.18.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We are going on holiday shortly and I made these cute shoe bags out of fabric I already had and just to make them more interesting I appliqued them with scraps of felt, on the pink bag is a dog rose and leaf!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_Q0NIV_9qc/UbUWROynUvI/AAAAAAAAA44/4baTiH9ukfY/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_Q0NIV_9qc/UbUWROynUvI/AAAAAAAAA44/4baTiH9ukfY/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fL436JWhGv0/UbUXLZQtd-I/AAAAAAAAA5E/6_fncrODQ78/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fL436JWhGv0/UbUXLZQtd-I/AAAAAAAAA5E/6_fncrODQ78/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a close up of the pattern on the collar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love this 50s style jumper and it looks so nice on, it is knitted in a yarn called Amalfi which is a mix of cotton, linen, silk and viscose. It knits up beautifully and feels luxuriously silky. Because the weather has been rubbish there hasn't been much opportunity to wear it but once the sun stays out for more than 5 minutes I will quickly put it on with some very nice blue tapered trousers I got from Monsoon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-79679854037464545782013-02-08T15:19:00.000+00:002013-02-08T15:19:37.498+00:00Wot a week...Yes, what a week it has been and it's all down to lamb bones! A kindly friend gave our Missy a couple of lamb bones, a real treat for her as being veggies she doesn't get much in the way of bones! (us being the veggies not the dog!) However, lamb bone shards are very sharp and unfortunately two bits of bone lodged in her colon. Disaster! So it was off to the vets and then off to the doggy hospital 16 miles away, one big op and £2500 later said shards were no more. It has been an anxious time for us and a very painful one for Missy but now she seems to be on the mend and at long last has started to eat something, mind you I have to use the cats to tempt her to eat...now that has come out the wrong way! no I don't mean the dog eating the cats, what I mean is... if I put food down for her and any of the cats come near she is terrified they are going to eat it and although she doesn't want it she is damned sure the cats aren't going to have it!<br />
With all the tooing and froing not a lot of knitting and sewing has been going on, but I have managed to finish the Mothers Day gift I was making for my mum, a lined knitted peg bag. I used Debbie Bliss organic DK in a pretty rose colour and lined it with some pretty rose cotton fabric I had left over from a dress I made in the summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekrHJlIEizY/URURVDPYdfI/AAAAAAAAA2A/0H3tAS0SKJw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekrHJlIEizY/URURVDPYdfI/AAAAAAAAA2A/0H3tAS0SKJw/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXadUj7W5uI/URURemX3kQI/AAAAAAAAA2I/mKmJgmVRRb0/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXadUj7W5uI/URURemX3kQI/AAAAAAAAA2I/mKmJgmVRRb0/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have also been working on the blue and white quilt and for the first time I have used a hoop<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ClV5Z3sgyc/URUR4lyPlLI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/6mGfKYe_kys/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ClV5Z3sgyc/URUR4lyPlLI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/6mGfKYe_kys/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7L1Mga1nkQ/URUSEivzJXI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ZTCMq1-AwlE/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7L1Mga1nkQ/URUSEivzJXI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ZTCMq1-AwlE/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1W1ZViY2WY/URUWd3GO31I/AAAAAAAAA3U/pn48IWyuCzE/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1W1ZViY2WY/URUWd3GO31I/AAAAAAAAA3U/pn48IWyuCzE/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Although I have had the hoop for a couple of years I hadn't used it until now (sounds silly but I think I was scared of the blooming thing!), but the nature of the pattern for the hand stitching leant itself to the hoop and on this quilt for sure it has made it easier to stitch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9ax_fG-ZNM/URUS8Gc2HlI/AAAAAAAAA2g/EZHOqogcS4o/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9ax_fG-ZNM/URUS8Gc2HlI/AAAAAAAAA2g/EZHOqogcS4o/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gnu5kJyTXKk/URUWL8kE_8I/AAAAAAAAA2s/S7uyZ10__ck/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gnu5kJyTXKk/URUWL8kE_8I/AAAAAAAAA2s/S7uyZ10__ck/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I used a template for the pattern, which is on every square, and the overall effect is really quite pretty. I have quilted with blue embroidery thread (coton a broder) about two thirds of the squares and once that is done it will be the borders next and I plan to quilt those diagonally.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-66658282341816970112013-01-20T20:22:00.000+00:002013-01-20T20:24:12.445+00:00Winter wonderlandWinter is definitely here and it looks lovely (so long as you don't have to go to work in it!). We wrapped ourselves up this morning and Chuck, myself and Missy took ourselves out for a long walk in the fields by our house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEvhRTBjLQo/UPxApeJdAuI/AAAAAAAAA0I/liI5ZSs3iS4/s1600/IMG00352-20130120-1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEvhRTBjLQo/UPxApeJdAuI/AAAAAAAAA0I/liI5ZSs3iS4/s320/IMG00352-20130120-1227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKVCEARpSeI/UPxAxOatrJI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/MCa6EaM5L2Y/s1600/IMG00353-20130120-1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKVCEARpSeI/UPxAxOatrJI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/MCa6EaM5L2Y/s320/IMG00353-20130120-1227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Missy loves the snow, she loves to roll over and over in it! It was a lovely walk but tiring to walk uphill in the snow. On the way back the wind was in our faces and the snow was stinging my eyes making them water like mad,but ll in all we must have burnt a few calories! Our lane always looks gorgeous in the snow with the snow settled in the trees, and again in the spring with the blossom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgoT4_ijrhc/UPxA3qnCeoI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/bQOdjY7bSOE/s1600/IMG00349-20130120-1155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgoT4_ijrhc/UPxA3qnCeoI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/bQOdjY7bSOE/s320/IMG00349-20130120-1155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can't see the snow on the trees in this pic as I have taken it looking up the lane rather than towards the fields, as I was about to take a pic in the opposite direction, a friend passed by in his car and as always one for a natter, we proceeded to discuss the vagaries of the weather and I completely forgot to take my award winning pic of the lane.<br />
During the week I managed to finish off a couple of pairs of mittens for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/plumcottagecraft" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xb8bDJ-B8ZM/UPxHN635vXI/AAAAAAAAA1E/W0q537WFvYw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xb8bDJ-B8ZM/UPxHN635vXI/AAAAAAAAA1E/W0q537WFvYw/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Dl8gmBx0E/UPxHm8kldxI/AAAAAAAAA1U/LXYRxpzBbik/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Dl8gmBx0E/UPxHm8kldxI/AAAAAAAAA1U/LXYRxpzBbik/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and with some pretty fabric I bought online from <a href="http://www.sewlala.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew La La</a> ( if you love vintage style fabrics you will love this shop!) I made this pretty bag to hold my knitting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mJTccUay0c/UPxHXHZm95I/AAAAAAAAA1M/lrsoty6DZe0/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mJTccUay0c/UPxHXHZm95I/AAAAAAAAA1M/lrsoty6DZe0/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am still working on my blue and white quilt which is coming along nicely but slowly as it is a bit more complex than usual, and I have just ordered 26 balls of cashmerino silk double knit for a lacy blanket I intend to knit as a long term project, 2 balls of lacy yarn for a shawl for me and 2 balls of double knit for a lovely cable peg bag which will be lined with a pretty fabric, as a Mother's day gift, phew!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-34696469131559500192013-01-04T09:08:00.000+00:002013-01-04T09:08:11.498+00:00Happy New YearA happy and prosperous new year to everyone! The tinsel has been taken down, the Christmas tree is in the loft and everywhere is looking a bit dull! It will take a few days for the house to look normal and in the meantime I will keep thinking what's missing! But as much as I love the Christmas festivities and the lead up to it, once we are past New year (and sometimes before) I want my house to be back to normal and look less like a party venue!<br />
<br />
Up to Christmas and indeed immediately after, I have been beavering away, knitting loads of little hand warmers and mittens. The mittens, four pairs of them, were a custom order sold on my Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/plumcottagecraft" target="_blank">plumcottagecraft</a> , which I have now finished, phew! They are quite quick to make but are fiddly and time consuming to make up as they are made up of several components and different coloured yarns, with crochet loops to make and buttons to sew on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEOuFhWsY_w/UOaWN1lBzCI/AAAAAAAAAzI/lAxHGj7EHlc/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEOuFhWsY_w/UOaWN1lBzCI/AAAAAAAAAzI/lAxHGj7EHlc/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eZ7yV0SuWU/UOaWZM_RHUI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/PBjbKsjfSp8/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eZ7yV0SuWU/UOaWZM_RHUI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/PBjbKsjfSp8/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Me20_n2PHt4/UOaWjENyA_I/AAAAAAAAAzY/M6HCndY0bas/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Me20_n2PHt4/UOaWjENyA_I/AAAAAAAAAzY/M6HCndY0bas/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I think thay are really cute and I hope the children love them!<br />
<br />
Now I am going to give knitting mittens a rest for a while as I desperately want to get on with some sewing!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-44434562483848183142012-12-30T15:00:00.002+00:002012-12-30T15:15:56.135+00:00I love Christmas...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The festivities are nearly over, but what a lovely Christmas we had. I love the build up to Christmas, the anticipation the expectation and all the sparklies and decorations, everywhere just looks so pretty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9L53USvXVgM/UOAjW1FPLuI/AAAAAAAAAsk/Rmf8yWndFy4/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9L53USvXVgM/UOAjW1FPLuI/AAAAAAAAAsk/Rmf8yWndFy4/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love that we all make the effort and catch up with friends and family and what a good time everybody has! Beforehand I was trying to finish my crafty presents....<br />
<br />
Handwarmers for the grandkids...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Um-HUFo857w/UOAknTE8KsI/AAAAAAAAAtM/ZpDaHUq-m7s/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Um-HUFo857w/UOAknTE8KsI/AAAAAAAAAtM/ZpDaHUq-m7s/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq82mIowL-w/UOAl8JXkGuI/AAAAAAAAAt0/Z-07xOSdCPs/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq82mIowL-w/UOAl8JXkGuI/AAAAAAAAAt0/Z-07xOSdCPs/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylMu7p3AwlE/UOAniFSJKYI/AAAAAAAAAuc/MXDo8plWsOY/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylMu7p3AwlE/UOAniFSJKYI/AAAAAAAAAuc/MXDo8plWsOY/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrNsgcOgSKo/UOAoGdaDQYI/AAAAAAAAAuk/FW_ktuhGNl0/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrNsgcOgSKo/UOAoGdaDQYI/AAAAAAAAAuk/FW_ktuhGNl0/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
a pair for myself!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyWbtTT4jjg/UOApJRda9hI/AAAAAAAAAvY/peOAR4083sI/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyWbtTT4jjg/UOApJRda9hI/AAAAAAAAAvY/peOAR4083sI/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and some Christmas bags.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-orU5TFcSt-g/UOAqDIKpdgI/AAAAAAAAAvk/pAW1X4cnH3o/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-orU5TFcSt-g/UOAqDIKpdgI/AAAAAAAAAvk/pAW1X4cnH3o/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and attaching labels to gifts already made...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq-UCLhEVIM/UOBYhY1GddI/AAAAAAAAAxw/ZBZciKbjLlo/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq-UCLhEVIM/UOBYhY1GddI/AAAAAAAAAxw/ZBZciKbjLlo/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum's throw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0ujnm1ZLTY/UOBZViy044I/AAAAAAAAAx8/S2XPpFXn5kw/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0ujnm1ZLTY/UOBZViy044I/AAAAAAAAAx8/S2XPpFXn5kw/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denny's cushion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My blue and white quilt is at a standstill at the moment but all the squares have been pieced together<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFmOrlVfCOk/UOAss_ekgfI/AAAAAAAAAxE/-Mp4brK_71Q/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFmOrlVfCOk/UOAss_ekgfI/AAAAAAAAAxE/-Mp4brK_71Q/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
ready for the 6" borders to be attached. The fabric for the borders have been used in the blocks.<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-47832225067217414102012-12-04T15:37:00.000+00:002012-12-04T15:37:22.131+00:00Cherry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxTIN90HBQY/UL4RbrX4LFI/AAAAAAAAAq4/InPhnE8T9MA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxTIN90HBQY/UL4RbrX4LFI/AAAAAAAAAq4/InPhnE8T9MA/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Yes that's right....Cherry Christmas by Moda is the cute fabric I used in this bunting I made for Sophie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbIE0lYQeu0/UL4R-rrZDvI/AAAAAAAAArA/QIGDTRm9zcA/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbIE0lYQeu0/UL4R-rrZDvI/AAAAAAAAArA/QIGDTRm9zcA/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I just love this fabric with it's little robins and cherries. it goes so well with the warm red and white spotty fabric, very seasonal indeed. I lined the bunting flags with some unbleached calico meaning that the more expensive fabrics go that much further, thrifty me hey what!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tiamk0W1bM/UL4TSKpfohI/AAAAAAAAArQ/L_Bm7WsJUdE/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tiamk0W1bM/UL4TSKpfohI/AAAAAAAAArQ/L_Bm7WsJUdE/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the meantime I finished the patchwork throw I made mum for Christmas. It should keep her knees scrumptiusly cosy as she watches TV and scoffs choccies especially as I have lined it with lovely warm fleece!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNTkin5lRFk/UL4V6h2y9wI/AAAAAAAAArg/Sdt3LxJKhqY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNTkin5lRFk/UL4V6h2y9wI/AAAAAAAAArg/Sdt3LxJKhqY/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lAyoGa922w/UL4VbLK1jOI/AAAAAAAAArY/uGHxU5V6YYE/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lAyoGa922w/UL4VbLK1jOI/AAAAAAAAArY/uGHxU5V6YYE/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyqlTMatv-I/UL4WbRYJktI/AAAAAAAAAro/6w1JHOUyh8Q/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyqlTMatv-I/UL4WbRYJktI/AAAAAAAAAro/6w1JHOUyh8Q/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I just need to sew a label onto it and et voila it will be ready to wrap up ready for Christmas!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-82747239215086786862012-11-30T17:53:00.001+00:002012-11-30T17:53:21.622+00:00wonky wilmajust look at my wonky wilma, she's pretty cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bC0J8Gom-y0/ULjrHL3sOVI/AAAAAAAAAqI/DqjFq60InB8/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bC0J8Gom-y0/ULjrHL3sOVI/AAAAAAAAAqI/DqjFq60InB8/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She's not only cute but she is doing her bit for Great Ormond Street hospital. She does her charitable bit by having been designed by Janet of <a href="http://www.kitchentablesewing.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">kitchen table sewing</a> , and for a mere £5 you can buy the pattern and make your very own Wonky Wilma for your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews or just for yourself! And all the proceeds go to the charity. Mine is made for a baby in nursery fabric but when you check out Janet's blog you will see lot's of lovely Wilma's in all sorts of fabrics. Janet is aiming to have raised £1000 by Christmas. Good luck and well done Janet!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-71860542345125793402012-11-28T07:14:00.003+00:002012-11-28T07:14:58.293+00:00blues and whiteHasn't the weather been so awful just lately, fortunately we haven't had the misery of flooding. My heart goes out to all those who have been affected, it must be heartbreaking! However what this wet weather does mean is that there is no temptation to go out and do any thing other than what has to be done! No pottering in the garden, no going for long walks with a willing dog (only the must do walks!), perfect weather for a bit of sewing! I have started a new quilting project and I am really excited as I am having a go at some new techniques. I am a self taught quilter and I have to rely on books and trial and error as I go along (lots of trial and error unfortunately). The colour scheme is blue and white, I bought some gorgeous fabric from <a href="http://www.quilters-haven.co.uk/" target="_blank">Quilters Haven</a> in Wickham Market, I didn't mean to I only went in for some bleached calico and they hadn't got any of that! The shop is a quilter's dream I could have spent a fortune, I feel quite fortunate that I came out having spent only £55!!<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTIn9x9ZOHo/ULWqrcxCl_I/AAAAAAAAAnY/45hk8Ih2CSE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTIn9x9ZOHo/ULWqrcxCl_I/AAAAAAAAAnY/45hk8Ih2CSE/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of the blues for the quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wr4S_5S2iGE/ULWrJGoJDII/AAAAAAAAAng/IIXxwRmDHfU/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wr4S_5S2iGE/ULWrJGoJDII/AAAAAAAAAng/IIXxwRmDHfU/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Having rifled through my stash of fabrics I soon found what I needed to complement my new fabrics and then armed with my self healing mat, ruler and rotary cutter I proceeded to cut 32 squares in blue 16cm x 16cm, 32 white squares 16cm x 16cm, 128 blue and 128 white squares 8cm x 8cm, whew!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-_uINtnaY0/ULWtWgHsd2I/AAAAAAAAAns/g6f2xeiwxbA/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-_uINtnaY0/ULWtWgHsd2I/AAAAAAAAAns/g6f2xeiwxbA/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The fun part was about to begin! Each small square is marked with a diagonal line and starting with a large blue square, the white squares are placed in the corners and stitched on the diagonal line (or if it was a large white square it would be small blue squares, so it is either white on blue or blue on white)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxSOjiM0e04/ULRvrVzFk-I/AAAAAAAAAmk/E1jW9OA8g1M/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxSOjiM0e04/ULRvrVzFk-I/AAAAAAAAAmk/E1jW9OA8g1M/s320/IMG_1650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 small white squares placed in the corners of a large blue square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7s3rQD55vts/ULWzdzu7KgI/AAAAAAAAAoE/vkRNOz9Lb60/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7s3rQD55vts/ULWzdzu7KgI/AAAAAAAAAoE/vkRNOz9Lb60/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSTQgTThJX4/ULW2aNGoJCI/AAAAAAAAAo0/ahc37kfQCJI/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSTQgTThJX4/ULW2aNGoJCI/AAAAAAAAAo0/ahc37kfQCJI/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Once I had stitched diagonally onto the larger square a cut is made 5mm from the stitching.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5Lasi4EZjA/ULW13tVHaAI/AAAAAAAAAoM/sge-GEM9nTo/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5Lasi4EZjA/ULW13tVHaAI/AAAAAAAAAoM/sge-GEM9nTo/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I continued like this with the remaining squares<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwT6eVGt33Y/ULR0vlpM03I/AAAAAAAAAnA/aOTRg716yk0/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwT6eVGt33Y/ULR0vlpM03I/AAAAAAAAAnA/aOTRg716yk0/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
When the square had been pressed out et voila! And so onwards and outwards with the remaining 300 or so remaining pieces!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wadu7gXZJPI/ULRxdpPzihI/AAAAAAAAAmw/skHCEWrHG-I/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wadu7gXZJPI/ULRxdpPzihI/AAAAAAAAAmw/skHCEWrHG-I/s320/IMG_1646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
By the end of cutting and sewing these squares together I should have 32 with blue in the middle and 32 with white and then I can start piecing them together. Watch this space!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-31930466544366505652012-11-04T18:38:00.000+00:002012-11-04T18:38:10.401+00:00SpikeyA very sad farewell to Spike, one of my three lovely cats, he died on Tuesday and he is desperately missed. It has been a very hard emotional week for me :(<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjU_J8s1XCY/UJa1qr5PjcI/AAAAAAAAAmA/h_Wl_uAVSIY/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjU_J8s1XCY/UJa1qr5PjcI/AAAAAAAAAmA/h_Wl_uAVSIY/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-60102950982521825362012-10-26T15:37:00.002+01:002012-10-26T15:37:53.121+01:00and a bit of knittingHasn't the weather been dreary this week, so dull and murky, I am not motivated to do anything when it's like that, I have to force myself into doing stuff. But this morning when I got up, after Andy, bless him, brought my tea up (mornings are not me, it takes me ages to get up and then ages to get it together and I always look as though I have been dragged through a hedge backwards...doesn't everybody?) I was definitely in a better frame of mind. So much so I became the veritable earth mother and made blackcurrant jam with blackcurrants grown on my allotment and frozen at the time of picking...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhSfM1ZJ5NY/UIqYTZVKxSI/AAAAAAAAAj4/QdG9uL29TjA/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhSfM1ZJ5NY/UIqYTZVKxSI/AAAAAAAAAj4/QdG9uL29TjA/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
some absolutely gorgeous flapjacks from a River Cottage recipe...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI7_EnAbqH4/UIqZ-wEZyTI/AAAAAAAAAkA/3A7YEKxC_SQ/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI7_EnAbqH4/UIqZ-wEZyTI/AAAAAAAAAkA/3A7YEKxC_SQ/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and in between a bit of knitting......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gz1eRk10ZUM/UIqczF28OoI/AAAAAAAAAkc/P2ETZ_wDTu8/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gz1eRk10ZUM/UIqczF28OoI/AAAAAAAAAkc/P2ETZ_wDTu8/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and finally a gingerbread cake that has been maturing for a week....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wO1DqXDVJeQ/UIqdZN_ZZKI/AAAAAAAAAkk/RJyYsLgCuzs/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wO1DqXDVJeQ/UIqdZN_ZZKI/AAAAAAAAAkk/RJyYsLgCuzs/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready for slicing and freezing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-30766323550962104912012-10-20T11:43:00.000+01:002012-10-22T07:12:06.300+01:00my vintage style makeI have been very industrious and made my first Christmas gift! I just love the gorgeous fabrics used to make this patchwork cushion, they are all vintage style prints and florals in cotton. I love the way the colours and prints work so well together. I have lined the front with fusible wadding to give it more stability and the backing is made with lovely vintage damask linen in an off white colour that in it's heyday was a large serviette! One of my finds from years ago in my fabric stash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYQ-vMGsP6Y/UH_29PywJDI/AAAAAAAAAh0/PQgp3gZBRaY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYQ-vMGsP6Y/UH_29PywJDI/AAAAAAAAAh0/PQgp3gZBRaY/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5gKmdhlhk8/UIABTXelD1I/AAAAAAAAAiY/_TXBkVjCd_Y/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5gKmdhlhk8/UIABTXelD1I/AAAAAAAAAiY/_TXBkVjCd_Y/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I made a similar one a little while ago and loved it and I knew someone else who would love it too!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ2xFHfmIkg/UIAANVRIf7I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/c_jSV0hKp-w/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ2xFHfmIkg/UIAANVRIf7I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/c_jSV0hKp-w/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One I made earlier!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Onto my next project, another Christmas gift, this time a throw for my mum. I wanted fabrics that were not pastel but still had a vintage feel and I found these lovely prints in a shop in Brighton.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fVmsALVNQg/UID_g2ji7rI/AAAAAAAAAi0/DmanvVqK-iY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fVmsALVNQg/UID_g2ji7rI/AAAAAAAAAi0/DmanvVqK-iY/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The fabrics are from different collections, Rounneries deux by french General for Moda, Athill range by Cabbage and Roses for Moda, a fabric called Spring patchwork, in the far left of the picture, but I don't know the collection. I added two other fabrics to brighten things up a bit, Tilda dots on red and <span style="background-color: white; color: #f895b5; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Doily and Rose Cotton</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #f895b5; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> </span>a pretty floral fabric from <a href="http://www.sewlala.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew La La</a> an online shop with loads of gorgeous fabrics.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnz9IzFDmLc/UIEErTF7sOI/AAAAAAAAAjc/qRiUtIoKNNc/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnz9IzFDmLc/UIEErTF7sOI/AAAAAAAAAjc/qRiUtIoKNNc/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">setting the squares out on the bed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I really wanted to have a pattern in this patchwork but I just couldn't decide on what to do with the fabrics I had bought with mum in mind, so in the end I decided on piecing the fabrics in diagonal stripes. This has worked well as the colours and patterns blend well together but also there is a nice contrast with the tilda and pink floral fabric against the dusty pinks and browns. (Unfortunately the photo makes the colours look a bit dull). I intend to line it with a nice fluffy fleece which I am going to get today and I expect that won't be the only thing I come out of the shop with!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-88332085664689958002012-10-10T15:38:00.000+01:002012-10-10T15:38:22.944+01:00my quilt of many colours!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
At last I have finished my latest quilt...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0SoLLby9xI/UHMG94SFXvI/AAAAAAAAAfo/siKyPk7zDXo/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0SoLLby9xI/UHMG94SFXvI/AAAAAAAAAfo/siKyPk7zDXo/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
it is made up of strips of my favourite fabrics, stitched together to form a very long strip, then cut into strips the same length and pieced together to form a block. Altogether there are nine blocks pieced together with white sashing and lilac corner blocks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wD_w7wuEQJI/UHMKbWYRZVI/AAAAAAAAAgE/qdvSGHsnt90/s1600/256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wD_w7wuEQJI/UHMKbWYRZVI/AAAAAAAAAgE/qdvSGHsnt90/s320/256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qUzIKztVSs/UHMVWqhxmSI/AAAAAAAAAgg/USP5Wqy_k18/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qUzIKztVSs/UHMVWqhxmSI/AAAAAAAAAgg/USP5Wqy_k18/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My quilts take ages because I quilt them by hand with embroidery thread, I find it very therapeutic (although time consuming) to sit on the sofa stitching the lines of quilting. As my rows are very close together there is an awful lot of stitching, but in future I think I will make them wider and save some time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhKhLyv8FgQ/UHMb18fqPwI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/dMGL35Y5rPI/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhKhLyv8FgQ/UHMb18fqPwI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/dMGL35Y5rPI/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRnWJ72vSO8/UHMYwXWpp9I/AAAAAAAAAg0/SwIgLP_UtH0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRnWJ72vSO8/UHMYwXWpp9I/AAAAAAAAAg0/SwIgLP_UtH0/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The backing is made from a duvet cover that I picked up from a charity shop, it's lovely and soft and the wadding is a medium weight polyester. To finish it off I made a border out of some pretty pink dotty fabric. The overall size is 120cm x 120cm.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wHc0TOUXtk/UHMXn2p5G1I/AAAAAAAAAgs/PNmd2HpK8Fk/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wHc0TOUXtk/UHMXn2p5G1I/AAAAAAAAAgs/PNmd2HpK8Fk/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
It's a lovely quilt, I haven't quite made up my mind what to do with it, whether to keep it or to sell it, it would look lovely on the top of a single bed or as a throw. At the moment it looks pretty gorgeous on the back of one of my armchairs, I've gotta make my mind up soon!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-12057943369074243232012-10-05T08:04:00.000+01:002012-10-05T08:07:46.050+01:00rocking chair chicremember the second hand rocking chair I bought recently, today I decided that instead of spending all day in the garden, weeding and digging like I did yesterday (and a damn good job I did too!) I am going to do some sewing and what I am going to make is a country style cushion to sit on the rocking chair. I had already decided on the fabric but I couldn't decide on the trimmings, whether to do some piping or frills. Frills won out in the end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nm6cck2Hy0E/UG2vm9UcGWI/AAAAAAAAAfI/KqAHqY3DCEQ/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nm6cck2Hy0E/UG2vm9UcGWI/AAAAAAAAAfI/KqAHqY3DCEQ/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The frills were easy to make although time consuming and fiddly but well worth the effort me thinks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hq5uLX0eq4Q/UG2xKPRzPyI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/7SRzW7KgO9s/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hq5uLX0eq4Q/UG2xKPRzPyI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/7SRzW7KgO9s/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Rocking chair chic I would say!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-79126369364673314612012-10-04T16:39:00.000+01:002012-10-04T16:39:27.702+01:00Way back in May I promised Joni and Poppy that I would knit them a doll each. I had just made one for Rosie based on this angel doll I made for Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8rLqBS6oXiE/UG2ktWDyz7I/AAAAAAAAAeA/pdabLeWq0Es/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8rLqBS6oXiE/UG2ktWDyz7I/AAAAAAAAAeA/pdabLeWq0Es/s320/IMG_0633.JPG" width="178" /></a></div>
It was really cute, knitted in DK from a King Cole pattern for an advent calender, this angel sat at the bottom of the calender. It is easy to knit and doesn't take too long, but having said that it took ages to finish these as I constantly got distracted by lovely new fabrics to try out or something else to knit. I finished knitting them ages ago but couldn't get motivated to sewing them up, the bit I like least of all! The hair is really fiddly to do, cutting loads of strands about 8ins long and although each one is measured against the next one, they were still uneven when it was ready to be attached to the head. Obviously I am not a precision cutter! And as for the faces, say no more!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKkpJjawBhw/UG2oMp8C0GI/AAAAAAAAAeY/eTUfv1p6UKE/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKkpJjawBhw/UG2oMp8C0GI/AAAAAAAAAeY/eTUfv1p6UKE/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I vary the colours to make them different. I also match the hair to who I am giving it to. Rosie has lovely brunette hair and Joni and Poppy have gorgeous strawberry blonde colour hair.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLtHHoUpcno/UG2qqI4dBtI/AAAAAAAAAew/o-xv0uSgvt4/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLtHHoUpcno/UG2qqI4dBtI/AAAAAAAAAew/o-xv0uSgvt4/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I may not be an artist but at least they are smiling!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-67426115718662018942012-09-20T09:27:00.000+01:002012-09-21T09:37:50.278+01:00humpty dumpty and other nursery rhymesMy niece Katie is expecting her first baby, which is actually due today! I had knitted a couple of things for the baby and I wanted to present them in a sweet way so I decided to make a nursery gift bag for the little jacket I had knitted. I had some lovely nursery fabric that I bought online and made this sweet little bag<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhleKPRCmto/UFrLenQoJnI/AAAAAAAAAcc/EcV0_RBB_NE/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhleKPRCmto/UFrLenQoJnI/AAAAAAAAAcc/EcV0_RBB_NE/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love the detail of nursery rhyme figures on the lower part of the bag<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPDrpa46PI4/UFrMPtn3lVI/AAAAAAAAAck/5r1cjGOfQ6Y/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPDrpa46PI4/UFrMPtn3lVI/AAAAAAAAAck/5r1cjGOfQ6Y/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
one little piggy went to market<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSkcK45vkKg/UFrM20sCgHI/AAAAAAAAAcs/OX8b0WxAby0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSkcK45vkKg/UFrM20sCgHI/AAAAAAAAAcs/OX8b0WxAby0/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Humpty Dumpty<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSu1E6M2e9I/UFrNMBgsenI/AAAAAAAAAc0/j2vkcLTENoE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSu1E6M2e9I/UFrNMBgsenI/AAAAAAAAAc0/j2vkcLTENoE/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
you can just see Hickory Dickery Dock on the left hand side<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tICViyhF-XQ/UFrNldSWPdI/AAAAAAAAAc8/tehAMQVPBjU/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tICViyhF-XQ/UFrNldSWPdI/AAAAAAAAAc8/tehAMQVPBjU/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The fabric for the upper part of the bag is a lovely bright red colour with letters of the alphabet and numbers and stars, a perfect nursery fabric. I finished it off with this pretty trim. I am really pleased with the result and hope to make more of these bags to sell in my Etsy shop.<br />
Let's hope Katy doesn't have to wait any longer for baby as I am pretty sure she is getting fed up with waiting!<br />
What one needs when nursing babies is a rocking chair! And here is one I made earlier ( well I didn't make it so much as bought it!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qetcTAcmaUY/UFrRai2axgI/AAAAAAAAAdU/VRBskNoY-9w/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qetcTAcmaUY/UFrRai2axgI/AAAAAAAAAdU/VRBskNoY-9w/s320/011.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
I have always wanted a rocking chair and when I saw this in a second hand shop in Needham Market I had to have it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEAHgm6Wgf8/UFrSApzds3I/AAAAAAAAAdc/4xvqmgmTHjk/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEAHgm6Wgf8/UFrSApzds3I/AAAAAAAAAdc/4xvqmgmTHjk/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I intend to make a comfy cushion out of this fabric, I think I picked it up in Felixstowe a while ago, it will suit the cottage style I want to maintain in my home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gB7N5HmyT58/UFrS5U4A1BI/AAAAAAAAAdk/lYwQQeRStgI/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gB7N5HmyT58/UFrS5U4A1BI/AAAAAAAAAdk/lYwQQeRStgI/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the meantime a quilted throw and a ticking cushion made by me does the trick!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-78833564241259051682012-09-01T13:20:00.000+01:002012-09-01T13:20:01.598+01:00home continued..As promised I managed to finish the lovely home patchwork cushion. I chose the fabric I wanted to make the borders with, it was a fabric that I had used in the patchwork mainly Petit Fleur by Lecien, I bought them as fat quarters from <a href="http://www.quilterscloth.co.uk/" target="_blank">Quilter's Cloth</a> (who have a fantastic range of quilting fabrics) and then added various other fabrics that I thought would work. In total I needed 13 different fabrics<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OmSbdV5aOc/UEH1Uy-7R0I/AAAAAAAAAbg/YA05F2fSQF0/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OmSbdV5aOc/UEH1Uy-7R0I/AAAAAAAAAbg/YA05F2fSQF0/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems a lot of the fabrics I have are from Lecien, the hearts in the middle are made from the Durham range<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9BcTdC-Xq8/UEH56qqr2yI/AAAAAAAAAcE/1T_NGXj_Ejc/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9BcTdC-Xq8/UEH56qqr2yI/AAAAAAAAAcE/1T_NGXj_Ejc/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are also designs from Moda and Makower, all 100% cotton. The next step after attaching the borders was to iron some fusible wadding onto both the front and back, for the back I used an unbleached muslin and although this fabric is quite flimsy, adding the wadding gave it stability. Then it was simply a case of stitching them together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSQbLoxS6fU/UEH4CxpzRSI/AAAAAAAAAb4/OO59zINEsCY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSQbLoxS6fU/UEH4CxpzRSI/AAAAAAAAAb4/OO59zINEsCY/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Being a keen recycler I stuffed the cushion with the insides of a previously used cushion pad long ago discarded and sewed up the bottom et voila! I just love the way the colours all work together I am very pleased with the end result, in fact I am definitely going to make another, but perhaps with a different mix of colours and fabrics, the truth is I have a huge selection of gorgeous fabrics to choose from!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-9405200903354621562012-08-30T17:52:00.000+01:002012-08-30T17:52:33.336+01:00I just couldn't help myself!I know I haven't finished the latest quilt I am working on but I was so inspired by a patchwork cushion design in one of the craft books I got for my birthday (Cottage Style Quilting by Lynette Anderson ), that I couldn't stop myself from starting a new project before I had finished the last one!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcXsTNxumVM/UD-Pzpsy63I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/yvzm-0MCpeA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcXsTNxumVM/UD-Pzpsy63I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/yvzm-0MCpeA/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Ah well what can I say! I had a really good time sorting through my fabrics, seeing what would go with what. I wanted to create a vintage shabby look and I used vintage style pink and blue floral prints. Now for the precision part of the process, with great solemnity (and may I say skill!!) I then cut out 128 x inch and a half squares and a four and a half inch square for the middle. The next step was to to make a 9 square block.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDt5lchtZ0A/UD-Sq7itXyI/AAAAAAAAAao/c616hL9yLOQ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDt5lchtZ0A/UD-Sq7itXyI/AAAAAAAAAao/c616hL9yLOQ/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Did you notice the deliberate error??? One square too many, I have to say that wasn't the last time I did that!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkfqsjT0Lgo/UD-T9z_aZBI/AAAAAAAAAaw/qnuemJNVnVw/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkfqsjT0Lgo/UD-T9z_aZBI/AAAAAAAAAaw/qnuemJNVnVw/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
sorry about all threads in the pic, I do actually snip the threads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9OPUGmlNgQ/UD-UiG9MDNI/AAAAAAAAAa4/AbGLHtx-vL8/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9OPUGmlNgQ/UD-UiG9MDNI/AAAAAAAAAa4/AbGLHtx-vL8/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
all the blocks nicely made up ready for me to design something for the middle<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo0TTxHLxgU/UD-VG7Px8KI/AAAAAAAAAbA/lDWgpoTW2D0/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo0TTxHLxgU/UD-VG7Px8KI/AAAAAAAAAbA/lDWgpoTW2D0/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fITxG7czOI/UD-XULPK_9I/AAAAAAAAAbI/9gX41vs-dLw/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fITxG7czOI/UD-XULPK_9I/AAAAAAAAAbI/9gX41vs-dLw/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I haven't done any embroidery for years but I do intend to do some more now I have a bit of a taste for something more elaborate. The little hearts were scraps of fabric from a design called Durham by Lecien which I had used from a previous quilt and it is a lovely faded romantic look. <br />
Tomorrow I will hopefully have time to finish it!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-87948660061468032952012-08-29T14:44:00.000+01:002012-08-29T14:44:34.142+01:00knitting with bamboo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My lovely niece Katie is expecting her first baby, a great excuse to knit some baby stuff. I wanted to make a shawl or blanket that wasn't too complicated and didn't have crochet edgings as I cannot crochet! I also did not want to have to buy a book of patterns either! You would think that would be quite simple. No way! It took me ages to find the right pattern, but I did still end up buying a book of patterns! But not only that, once I tried to buy the wool I realised the wool had been discontinued! And not for the first time this has happened to me, beware if the pattern book is cheap there is a good reason for it! Never mind I managed to get the wool and it knits up as DK,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2i0Scm_FoY/UDxwRW4eNeI/AAAAAAAAAYk/qpgc7AMaRN8/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2i0Scm_FoY/UDxwRW4eNeI/AAAAAAAAAYk/qpgc7AMaRN8/s320/IMG_1572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The wool is a bamboo mix, very very soft perfect for babies and the colour is not a bright white but described as Ice white. It was fairly simple and quick to make.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16sWRZsLWuM/UDxxW2npbNI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JI0FTTiLXUY/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16sWRZsLWuM/UDxxW2npbNI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JI0FTTiLXUY/s320/IMG_1573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-75388776555870030862012-08-23T19:57:00.000+01:002012-08-23T19:57:26.252+01:00yet another birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
yes I am still only 30 ( oh dear my nose has just grown longer!) well double it and that will be about right! I had some lovely birthday presents, I did very well indeed! Two of the presents were craft books that I had specifically asked for having checked them out on Amazon. The books were Fast Fabric Gifts by Sally Southern and Country Cottage Quilts by Lynette Anderson and I was so pleased with them,they were full of gorgeous things to make. I couldn't wait to get home and get crafting. So as soon as I could I sorted through my stack of lovely fabrics and decided to make pencil cases for Rosie, Joni and Poppy three of my grandchildren. And here they are after several mistakes like sewing the applique on upside down or attaching the bondaweb to the wrong side of the material to name just a couple! By the third one I just about got it right!<br />
This is the first one I made, a lot was learnt from this! The front of the case<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNDcGyg6TSY/UDZ4UmA1d0I/AAAAAAAAAXs/MsPASOHpdQU/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNDcGyg6TSY/UDZ4UmA1d0I/AAAAAAAAAXs/MsPASOHpdQU/s320/IMG_1548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and the back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFJdiwWfh84/UDZ5KyCRQKI/AAAAAAAAAX0/ooTNQTUStSA/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFJdiwWfh84/UDZ5KyCRQKI/AAAAAAAAAX0/ooTNQTUStSA/s320/IMG_1549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Number 2....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZHVdvVzeVw/UDZ59dGT__I/AAAAAAAAAX8/aH-0RGeIeEM/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZHVdvVzeVw/UDZ59dGT__I/AAAAAAAAAX8/aH-0RGeIeEM/s320/IMG_1551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and the back....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlH5qDp7WE4/UDZ6qwFlOyI/AAAAAAAAAYE/fIG2DlSAA-Q/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlH5qDp7WE4/UDZ6qwFlOyI/AAAAAAAAAYE/fIG2DlSAA-Q/s320/IMG_1552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and last but not least number 3...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wN0oUGLaZU/UDZ7O5zrfFI/AAAAAAAAAYM/iHE2yQktBwc/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wN0oUGLaZU/UDZ7O5zrfFI/AAAAAAAAAYM/iHE2yQktBwc/s320/IMG_1547.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
the back of this one is made in the same fabric as number 2. The lovely fabrics were from <a href="http://www.sewlala.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.sewlala.co.uk</a> . I stiffened the fabric to make the case more sturdy and each one has a zip fitted. I can't wait for the next project!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-41255016116344770112012-08-13T08:18:00.000+01:002012-08-13T08:18:51.638+01:00oops, one patchwork panel too manyWasn't the closing ceremony of the Olympics fantastic? We loved every minute of it but what now it is all over? Perhaps my latest quilt will get finished! I couldn't cope with all the excitement and hand stitching at the same time! Well I think have broken the back of it now. I just have to finish quilting about 3 of the panels by hand and the next thing will be to decide on the fabric I want to use for the binding, make the aforementioned binding and then attach it to the quilt. Easy hey!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HszDhLhqvr4/UCineRlLGhI/AAAAAAAAAVg/isjw1APeE6c/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HszDhLhqvr4/UCineRlLGhI/AAAAAAAAAVg/isjw1APeE6c/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZO-aLO8ZDo/UCinx2A6xII/AAAAAAAAAVo/L4BPGlVsc38/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZO-aLO8ZDo/UCinx2A6xII/AAAAAAAAAVo/L4BPGlVsc38/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHrLoML0JlE/UCioBI1kG-I/AAAAAAAAAVw/Z31hMfcvVqw/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHrLoML0JlE/UCioBI1kG-I/AAAAAAAAAVw/Z31hMfcvVqw/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I foolishly made one panel too many so I have turned it into a very pretty cushion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H02_oYtmDaE/UCios_gZnTI/AAAAAAAAAV4/Bm_Qvl6NZ7k/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H02_oYtmDaE/UCios_gZnTI/AAAAAAAAAV4/Bm_Qvl6NZ7k/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and the back I made out of pretty lilac gingham fabric finished off with 3 white buttons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-7w8I2uqAI/UCiplY7dLHI/AAAAAAAAAWA/8noCK0TJt_o/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-7w8I2uqAI/UCiplY7dLHI/AAAAAAAAAWA/8noCK0TJt_o/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-54004169274536999372012-08-12T14:24:00.004+01:002012-08-12T14:24:49.737+01:00it's been ages....I know it's been ages since my last blog but I have been so busy with one thing or another and in between had a fabulous holiday. We got so fed up with the unseasonal weather that on a whim we booked a mediterrean cruise and 4 weeks later we were off! Of course it meant that I had to go and do some dress shopping, oh dear, what a shame! Chuck and I enjoyed ourselves so much we can't wait to go on the next one! There was loads to do on the ship when it was at sea and of course there were the beautiful locations we stopped at and took tours, my favourite being Alhambra palace with its beautiful Moorish architecture and location.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JeJa8rBZTb4/UCenzbstyuI/AAAAAAAAAUo/O_ahqiPPXNI/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JeJa8rBZTb4/UCenzbstyuI/AAAAAAAAAUo/O_ahqiPPXNI/s320/IMG_1423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We toured Pompeii and wouldn't have missed that for the world, our guide was very good and knew her subject very well indeed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XouoRCWLNiI/UCeqbMkV4nI/AAAAAAAAAU4/0nLARYDrUXo/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XouoRCWLNiI/UCeqbMkV4nI/AAAAAAAAAU4/0nLARYDrUXo/s320/IMG_1473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We docked at Sardinia for a morning and we found the locals so friendly and had an enjoyable glass of wine and pizza in a local cafe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xSfA61ptH4/UCes1rW2tLI/AAAAAAAAAVM/W-_L5Zgfkpk/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xSfA61ptH4/UCes1rW2tLI/AAAAAAAAAVM/W-_L5Zgfkpk/s320/IMG_1439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
the docks at Calighari<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6XjtYxmsRc/UCeo0n1tvUI/AAAAAAAAAUw/lRzVUqwwzP0/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6XjtYxmsRc/UCeo0n1tvUI/AAAAAAAAAUw/lRzVUqwwzP0/s320/IMG_1055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
the Kasbah<br />
<br />
and we stopped off at Algiers but we were only allowed on shore as part of a tour with a police escort back and front and the locals were not allowed to mingle with us....I am not sure for whose benefit it was! But it was an interesting tour and worth doing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HILEvkFar_s/UCeriMTvG9I/AAAAAAAAAVA/7btAhYmSQIk/s1600/IMG_1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HILEvkFar_s/UCeriMTvG9I/AAAAAAAAAVA/7btAhYmSQIk/s320/IMG_1512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and some interesting sculptured fruit and veg carved by the chefs on the ship<br />
We had a go at Ballroom dancing in the form of 45 minute taster lessons and had such a laugh, and even though we have 5 left feet between us, we have joined classes locally!<br />
<br />
On a crafting note, I am still in the process of hand stitching my latest patchwork quilt which I am hoping to sell. And because it is hand stitched, it is painstakingly slow and as I am sewing it in front of the TV whilst I am watching the Olympics, it's taking even longer as I keep getting very very excited especially when the cycling was on and then of course the athletics, swimming..well all of it actually, it does make me feel very proud to be British!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526716644588140535.post-76307575099930055672012-06-29T13:46:00.001+01:002012-06-29T13:46:18.887+01:00a jacket for baby GeorgeI got a bit behind with knitting for the two recent babies but have managed to quickly finish the little knitted jacket for baby George, I don't know but I always seem to be making something to a deadline! I really love the multi colour of this and I think the pockets and hood are a good finishing touch. George is the son of one of Andy's work colleague and he was one big baby at 10lbs plus, let'e hope it fits!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvrv_7JreBw/T-2Y41auuUI/AAAAAAAAAUA/IkAkZnk6TBI/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvrv_7JreBw/T-2Y41auuUI/AAAAAAAAAUA/IkAkZnk6TBI/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I needed to gift wrap it and what better way than to make a nursery gift bag to put it in!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-me-BazegIH8/T-2dbJ_vo7I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/9XK3_Piw-bk/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-me-BazegIH8/T-2dbJ_vo7I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/9XK3_Piw-bk/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
In my last blog I mentioned I was going to make a big roomy beach bag and that is exactly what I have done this week. Having checked my fabric stash I had some dotty fabric left over from making cushion covers, perfect as it is a reasonably sturdy material. It was really quite easy to make and hey presto, a big roomy beach bag, big enough for at least 2 large beach towels and everything else.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf4iF49GdDw/T-2gQwx45YI/AAAAAAAAAUc/wJQZRepFIEk/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf4iF49GdDw/T-2gQwx45YI/AAAAAAAAAUc/wJQZRepFIEk/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635693861588293499noreply@blogger.com2