Faded Reverie

Happy Christening Day, Eves Violet

2012-02-02T04:11:00.000-08:00

Miss Peach Pudding received the blessings of her real names today.

All the people she loves and who love her were there to celebrate.

With Mummy, Daddy, Godparents and candle at St George's Church

Miss PP (second left) entertaining her little friends with her purple hoop

Cousin Jasmine (The Girl Genius) and Nanny C playing. (This is my best angle). The GG is wearing Monsoon whereas I am in my £7 sale H&M frock.

Framed decoration and cake pops at the "do" afterwards

More decorations and cake pops

Eyeball the height of that cake!

Cake pops - YUMS!

Hadn't heard of cake pops before, but apparently they're the new cupcake/macaroon/whoopie. I couldn't find a really good website to give, but I'm sure a bit of bimbling about the tinterweb will bring up something of interest. Be careful - they are prone to plopping off the stick onto the floor if you attack them too greedily!

Love to Miss PP for a wonderful future x

You Can't Beat A Vintage Fair...

2012-01-29T01:50:00.000-08:00

... for a great day out!

Armed with my trusty knitting, a copy of "Homes and Antiques" and a purseful of pennies I took the train to Sheffield for The Vintage Fair sale.

Squeeeeeee!

Tea Time

My Tea - nom, nom, nom...

It was so busy I couldn't take a decent picture without the crowds

Lovely things

The sales were pretty good. I struggled back home with this lot at a very reduced rate.

Sun dress, era unknown but could encompass many

American day dress. This is the one I think I'll wear for my vintage stall next time.

Another sun dress, soft floaty fabric and an even floatier matching scarf accessory

Boned strapless sundress, fab for the hols

How 80's can you get!

50's day dress in that watered taffeta type fabric that shimmers different colours.

Possibly 80's trousies, which fit me well and look good (if it was actually the 80's anyway)

Good old C & A! A Yessica dress that still looks okay today.

And finally, one for the boys - a Lambretta shirt, perfect for the Jubilee!

Which one do you like best?

Yo Ho Ho and the Latest Trend for 1935

2012-01-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

Pirate Bunting!

And a little bit of love

My mum was having a clean out of an old cupboard and found this book lurking at the back. It's an A6-sized catalogue for shops to pick their display papers ... in 1935.

Have a look at a few of the pages below to see what was trending with the Schiaparelli generation.

There are also lots of shiny papers and even some which feel like suede and wood. Mum thought I might like to cut it up for cards or just throw it out - sacrilege!

My Pretend Name Is ...

2012-01-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

THE GIRL GENIUS: "Let's have pretend names. What are your pretend names?"

ME: "Er... Mary Jane."

DAUGHTER (TGG'S AUNTIE): "Josephine ..." (desperately looks around for inspiration, sees old Christmas card), "Josephine Penguin"

MR C: "Bernard the Squirrel"

ME: "And what's your pretend name?"

THE GIRL GENIUS (adopts thinking pose): "... Bottom"

In which pastels become brights ...

2012-01-15T03:10:00.000-08:00

As you know, my dears, I do love a bit of vintage pasteliness. In preparation for the Diamond Jubilee I'm making bunting ...

... and also making a mess. How do other people have neat and tidy workspaces???

However, these lovely yarns were in the sale and I couldn't resist the glowing jewel-like colours.

Then the real bright, bright brightness set in! Very unlike me but I bought these vivid spotty fat quarters and created fleece-lined fruit bags to keep your lunch 5-a-day safe and unbruised. They work too, having dropped one with an apple in (oops!)

Have a happy week, lovelies xxx

Crown That!

2012-01-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

I couldn't leave them alone - two new cushions from Dunelm. A simple plaid, I thought, to give a bit of a colour change to the lounge, but no. I had to embellish!

I printed off two crowns onto fabric and blanket stitched them onto the cushions, giving a sort of Balmoral-y feel. After all it IS the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year. Bunting is underway, yet to be photographed...

Cro(t)chety Old Ladies?

2012-01-08T02:30:00.000-08:00

Not at all! We are not old (not in our heads and some of us not even in age). We are not crotchety, but we are crochet-y.

Welcome to Crochet Club. This takes place on the first Saturday morning of every month at my favourite shop, A Good Yarn, the fabbest knitting shop in the world. I vaguely supervise the proceedings, helping where I can and learning new stuff in the process.

One of our ladies brought her lovely 15 yr old granddaughter to learn the art, opening her up to a world of creating her own unique fashion accessories. In the foreground you can see Dawn's pile of crocheted squares for her blanket. They are taken from this book, which is a must for all crocheters of cushions and throws.

Amazon link

Coffee, cake and chat - the three wonderful "C's"

Samples and a happy sheep or two. How I wish I'd made that glorious throw!

I did make this fun cardi for The Girl Genius, though, using up all my leftover bits of yarn. It's certainly one of a kind.

Good to be Crafting Again

2012-01-05T05:11:00.000-08:00

I definitely feel the crafting mojo returning. As I lay in bed waiting to go to sleep my mind is running through ideas and projects. I do love my sleep but I'm quite excited to get the night over and start making. Annoyingly, proper paid work keeps getting in the way! Here are a few of my latest thingies:

This was a plain £5 jacket from a charity shop. I've upcycled it with applique from an old torn skirt.

Back view using the panel from the skirt

This is a removable decoration which can be a brooch or bag ornament, but I rather like it on the pocket.

Little lacy hearts made from doilies, ready for Valentines.

A tin heart which was originally plain and a garish pink. I've painted it with "Bone" from Farrow and Ball and embellished it with a fabric bow and vintage belt buckle.

A rare, manly gift - a chunky key holder. This is a lump of paint-washed wood, adorned with paper, fabric and a large, rusty and rather lovely old key.

Good luck with all your own new crafting ideas! xxx

New Year, New Title

2012-01-01T04:36:00.000-08:00

I'm really ringing in the changes with the New Year. I've made over the look of my blog and now, with thanks to ShabbilybytheSea, have updated the name, which implies a pleasant, daydreamy state of nostalgia, and that's where I'm happiest.

So ...

Faded Reverie

This is my current project, a crocheted cardi using up all of last year's yarn ends.

This is my new project, a crocheted ballet top for my tiny dancer.

And this is my "make it up as I go" UFO, which hopefully will become a sleeveless top for me, but don't hold your breath...

Ring out the Old...

2011-12-31T14:54:00.000-08:00

...Ring in the New!

phillyringers.com

In one hour and twenty minutes it will be 2012.

daisyfairbanks.typepad.com

My wish for all you Blogland Lovelies is that your hearts are happy and your souls content throughout the year. Keep stitching/knitting/crocheting/crafting and I'm sure it will all come true.

Into the Wild Wood

2011-12-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

One cold, clear winter's day, when the sun was shining through the trees, Mr Toad, Ratty and Mole ventured into the Wild Wood.

Well, it was actually Mr C, Yours Truly and The Girl Genius, and the wood wasn't wild, but it made it exciting for my small person.

It was so lovely to get out and blow away the festive cobwebs.

The sun was low, even though it was morning, and it pretended to be twilight.

Even the trees played their part in looking wild and mysteriously rooty.

Does this path lead to the Gates of Dawn?

The robin puffed up his red waistcoast and sang his song of winter for us.

Happy Days

A New Start

2011-12-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

As you see, I have made a few changes to the blog design and have deleted the blogshop. I have other irons in the fire and thought a fresh start would be a good idea.

I've enjoyed reading all your festive posts, my lovelies, and will start again myself very soon.

In the meantime, have a very Happy and Peaceful New Year! xxx

vintagecatnip.blogspot.com

The Solstice Girl Speaks

2011-12-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

My birthday falls on 21 December, the Winter Solstice.

(Okay, it sort of sneaked into 22 December this year but I'm not taking any notice)

Somehow that makes me feel quite special. Most of my cards mentioned that I was special - Mr C said it meant "special needs" but I don't believe him!

Among the lovely pressies I received, my work colleagues bought me this fabulous bag from Past Times. It's big so I should be able to get all my rubbish in there.

When The Girl Genius was a baby I made her a little pink Santa hat. Three years on she still has it but it looks like a pimple on the top of her head now, so she asked me for another. Yes, it also had to be pink. I made her an elf hat so she can be a bit like Jovie from the end of "Elf".

The rest of this post is just a curious little montage of festive things I snapped around the house in a bored moment. The pics aren't very good but, hey, it's not a great camera so it's not all my fault!

Just in case I don't get chance to post again before the Big Day, do have a lovely Christmas. Remember, my blog friends, as Greg Lake sang "The Christmas you get, you deserve", and you all deserve the best! xxx

Just Can't Get My Act Together

2011-12-18T11:50:00.000-08:00

It's not that I'm not ready for Christmas. I've sent the cards, wrapped all the gifts, decked the halls and bought the food. I've finished the craft fairs and the fund-raising day and all I have is two and a half days to work then off for the hols.

It's just that I don't feel settled. It might be just a jumbled mind that needs clearing but things don't seem quite "hunky-dory" if you get my meaning. I haven't been able to settle down and write a blog that anyone would want to read, comment on or even think mildly interesting, yet I've read so many fabulous posts by other people. My followers have even dropped under 50! I guess I have to rethink it a bit next year. I'm also worrying about Jasmine, the Girl Genius, who has not been herself, health-wise, since starting nursery school. She's just not the lovely little person she was, always now feeling unwell and wittery. I'm sure my children were the same when they started school, but I do fret about her.

I have managed to crochet a scarf and handwarmers in what I thought were lovely bright, complementary colours, and now I don't like them. See how I'm wavering?

I am sure about the following though.

I love...

My daughter's friend's new shoes!

I hate ...

My Crap Secret Santa gift!

My fellow art workers and I always get together for a Christmas meal and we have "Crap Secret Santa". The strict rules are:

1. It must cost less than a pound

2. It must come from a charity shop

3. It must be crap

Over the years we have had so much laughter with these gifts. The worst (best) this year was an elderly, very battered handmade papier mache budgie the size of a parrot. The all-time best (worst) gift was a huge plastic black rhino. It takes very little to amuse me and my friends!

If you have any ideas for mind-clearing and thought-straightening tips, please let me know - otherwise I'm going straight back to the mulled wine again!

PS: Well done, Harry!

The Nose isn't Happy, but the Heart is

2011-12-11T02:16:00.000-08:00

I am full of cold, with a thumping headache, but apart from that it's nearly Christmas, the pressies are bought and wrapped, the cards written and sent and the tree is up. There are meals out with friends to look forward to, silly hats and carol singing in the office and best of all, my family all around me.

Yesterday was the last Christmas Fair for us. The lovely Bibbitybob and I share a little venture which we might talk about next year if it takes off, but anyway we have had several stands at fairs together so far. This one was the Fabulous Christmas Fair which took place in Grimsby Minster, a beautiful church with, thankfully, underfloor heating.

Here are a few shots of our table.

This is a poor photo as she turned away just as I clicked, but the lady dressed as the Wicked Queen is Sue Holderness (Marlene from The Green, Green Grass) who is appearing in the local pantomime this year. She bought a bag from the table next to me.

I have also found a little bit of time in the Christmas rush to finish a UFO. Miss Peach Pudding's mum is also into vintage, so she was thrilled with this outfit, knitted up from a 1970's Golden Hands magazine.

Magazine

Pattern

Item

So now, full of sniffles, snuffles and snorts, I'm going to curl up near the fire and knit and not think about anything more strenuous than who's going to win Strictly. Harry? Chelsee? Jason? Holly? Alex? Ooo, that's enough thinking for now...

Two Websites for your Pleasure and Delight!

2011-12-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

Hmmm, after having a giveaway on achieving 50 followers, one has dropped off!

Anyway, back to the point. Surfing on the computer last night I came across these two related websites -

You like knitting?

You like crochet?

You like vintage?

Well....

You'll like these!

http://www.freevintageknitting.com

http://www.freevintagecrochet.com

And many, many more - all free!

Thanks so much to http://www.purplekittyyarns.com for the wonderful treasure trove of yarn-based loveliness.

Oh, How I Love the Knitty-Stitchy Show!

2011-11-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

As dawn broke on Sunday morning (well, it was 8 am, but it felt like dawn) our little mini-bus drove out of town and off to Harrogate for the Knitting and Stitching Show. Excited ladies began knitting and crocheting the moment we turned the corner, unable to wait any longer. I managed to crochet half a baby's knicker by the time we arrived and joined 59 million ladies and 5 blokes in the International Conference Centre.

Here is my little montage of the day:

Big pins! I bought one of the peg looms on the right, a nine-holer. Can't wait to get weaving!

This board stood in the doorway of the Traid and Upcycling section. Horrendous factoids...

Yay, peg looming!

A pile of old clothes, deconstructed and being upcycled on a round loom.

An example of an old T-shirt given a new lease of life with embellishments

Crazy knitting, including fab red dress.

Ladies who Lunch (where they can!) I was in my own little space behind a door.

Knitting Dudes! Great to see.

Afternoon tea was taken at 4 pm at Betty's Tea Rooms. How very civilised!

Mine, all mine - mwah-hah-hah!

Our little party, still neat and polite before we launched into the provender with gusto.

Christmas is coming ... and we'll all be getting fat on this kind of fayre.

So very British

A Good Yarn goes from strength to strength, I'm pleased to say. Kate is having difficulty finding enough room for all the glorious things in the shop. Just drool over these lovely wools:

The knitting group all made a little something for the Christmas Crib scene. My contribution was the Green King (typical that I chose the one that sounds like a brewery!)

Next thing will be lots of hearts for St Valentine's, I guess.

The Countdown is On

2011-11-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

It will soon be December and the "C" word can be spoken. The windows in my diary are filling up with craft fairs and evenings out, just when I'm feeling more like staying in and hibernating. Still, it will be fun.

The countdown has already started with a seasonal fair a couple of weeks ago, but I always feel the festive season begins with the Knitting and Stitching Show at Harrogate. I'm going on Sunday with colleagues from my knitty group and am super-excited.

www.twistedthread.com

I have been making a few things which are "c" word based for the coming craft fairs, all from left-over scraps and recycled bits and bobs:

Polystyrene balls covered in scraps of festive fabric, awaiting further decoration, for tree ornaments

Bleached cotton and lace stars with a vintage-style Santa decoration.

Double bag packs, which can be used together or separately for popping pretty little gifts in.

Scandinavian-style red and white felt hearts.

Felt gift bags with printed cotton Santa pics.

Today is Bridget's birthday. She's thirteen and slowing up a bit. Well, it is 91 in dog years. She's still our beautiful little puppy but there's a bit more grunting and wheezing when she jumps up onto the settee, and she does like a bit of a lie-in in the morning. Hang on, I think I'm describing myself!

Mr C's special little girl

Gratuitous Small People Pictures ... and a few other bits

2011-11-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

I'm in the middle of making items for the forthcoming Christmas Fairs and so have many UFO's but hardly any finished items to show you. Therefore I'm padding out this post with gratuitous photos of The Girl Genius and Miss Peach Pudding. Please feel free to go "Awwwwww" ...

And now back to more mundane things. The lovely Bibbitybob and I have done a couple of vintage/craft fairs recently and sold quite a few items, which is why we're both trying to get the stock up. Here's another handpainted box from the dismantled and tatty sewing box mentioned in a previous post.

A zingy £2 charity shop vintage pinny

I have finally finished knitting my first pair of socks! Hurrah for me! Cosy but itchy as they're made of wool but they'll last forever (unless some ickle moths decide to live in them)

Must get on now as I've just washed my hair and let it dry naturally. Help! Need...straighteners...NOW!

Just a Couple of Makes

2011-11-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

I'm baking a chocolate and coffee loaf for my first Crochet Club workshop, which I will be delivering tomorrow at A Good Yarn, so I've only got a little bit of time to blog unless I want to take a small lump of charcoal out of the oven. So ...

After a very long time I have finally added a new girl to the Fashionista Sisters. She's a bit of a fifties sweetie.

Baby Williams - they're only 9 cm high.

Before - half of the top of a broken sewing box

After - groovy retro box with a vintage button.

Now to save the cake. Have a great weekend, everyone!

And the winner is...

2011-11-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Cyril the tiny pumpkin begins the random draw for the giveaway ...

... by being gently bowled at the slips of paper.

And he lands!

Oh, the anticipation!

Well done, Loo! Jumbles and Pompoms wins the Teatime Giveaway!

Please check my email on my profile, JandP, and send me your address so I can send you your treats. x

On the knitty front, here is the completed Christmas jumper for Miss PP, made from lovely cashmere-rich Sublime yarn.

Here is my very first sock! Okay, it doesn't look like a sock yet but it's a start. Can't believe I've been knitting for so many years and haven't yet tackled footsie-wear.

Today's makeover. Three very manky, rusty tin bracelets covered in complementing ribbon and braid.

Love 'em!

Finally, to prove I'm not the only craftsperson in the house, Mr C completes his matchstick boat (though not without much mumbling, grunting and cussing!)

He's sitting on The GG's little chair, for all the world like Goldilocks at the three bears' house. Luckily baby bear's chair didn't break ...

Once more, congrats to JandP and thanks to all who entered. xxx

I loved your biccy/cake choices!

NOM, NOM, NOM!

Last Chance Saloon for the Teatime Giveaway!

2011-10-29T03:23:00.000-07:00

Warning!

The countdown is on this weekend for my Giveaway. The draw will be made on All Hallow's Eve (Monday to you!)

It should be out of a cauldron, but will probably have to be out of a hat.

If you would like a chance for some nice freebies, please go to teatime-giveaway and post a comment by 31 October.

Good luck, lovelies!

Walk This Way ... to the Beach

2011-10-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

I thought you might like to see the walk from my house to the beach, along my favourite street. The seafront is all of two minutes away, so ... we go out of my front door, up my own street and turn left.

The Paint Box, run by Julie, is a favourite of The Girl Genius who loves to paint. There's a huge range of blank, white ceramics to decorate in your favourite style and colours, plus a warm welcome and a cuppa.

The Brasserie is a new French cafe and is half of an old public house called "The Queen's" We never did know what bit of the Queen it celebrated! Haven't been in here yet but looking forward to it.

This is Sea View Street, shame about the cars in the way. It's in the oldest part of town and has seen many changes but has always kept a charm of its own.

Guru is a fab clothing and shoe shop with some amazing fashions, albeit out my price range. This is the other half of The Queen's.

Mercers's, my favourite local coffee haunt. They're great with children so it's a pleasure to take The GG here.

La Vie en Rose, run by the lovely Kathy, has some of the most wonderful clothes in the world here. Many are Magnolia Pearl and Ewa i Walla - soooo beautiful but even more expensive than Guru, sadly. I sell my dolls here at Christmas time.

Abode houses some wonderful Shabby Chic, French-styled furniture and accessories. I buy a few gifts for special friends here.

I have never been in Papillon, this lovely children's clothes shop, but have picked up some great ideas from the window display.

The Girl Genius passed by Hermes Antiques once when she was even tinier and asked "Bargain Hunt?". I think she thought she saw Tim Wonnacott in there!

Super-duper cookshop, La Cocina stocks Jamie Oliver, Maxwell Williams and Cath Kidston among other great brands.

Cote Est is a newcomer to the street. The young man who runs it with his parents has a wonderful sense of style that's a bit different to the usual shabby/vintage option. He also sells statement flowers - those huge, glorious blooms that you buy just one or two of, put in a vast vase and point your visitors at.

P & L Interiors - my source for Farrow and Ball, Little Greene and scraps of gorgeous fabrics from the remnant baskets. I'm frequently to be found sitting on the floor rummaging through the baskets for textile treasure.

Tillett's stock Joules and other excellent brands. Note the pink wellies!

You want Emma Bridgewater, Pilgrim, ceramic cupcakes, bunting, Hello Kitty, union flag accessories - J.K's stocks it.

Marples is another very good cafe though we don't go in here nearly as much as we used to, ever since they twice failed to bring Mr C his teacake!

Think Bubbles stocks Oillily, Lapagayo and other trendy children's togs as well as accessories and lovely ladies' items.

J.K's other shop, containing shoes, boots and unusual furniture. These last two shops are situated at the base of a set of pricey apartments called "The Point" which overlook the water.

We're now at the end of the street. Look right ...

... look left

... and look back down the street.

Here you are at the beach, looking down towards the Leisure Centre and Boating Lake.

This way towards the folly called Ross Castle, and the Pier.

Hope you enjoyed your little walk in the sunshine.

Have a lovely weekend and do have a go at the Giveaway!

Have we said Goodbye to Summer?

2011-10-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

It would seem so today, but we had a beautiful weekend. Warm enough, in fact, to have what may be the final appearance of the mighty Beefmaster barbecue and the marquee. The whole family came over to celebrate the "retiredundancy" of Mr C and the forthcoming birthday of the Junior C's. Did I ever tell you my children are quads? I think I did, but there - I've told you again!

Well, we made a bit of an effort with the balloons!

Mr C is something of a pyromaniac and this represents the time he accidentally set the garden on fire and melted the watering can completely flat.

Mr C receives an electricity meter award from the Girl Genius for his many years of hard work in the industry.

Dog and Daughter-in-Law attempt to sit on the same bit of the sofa.

The GG and Miss Peach Pudding. Can you see the rash round the GG's mouth? Poor Jasmine has such a horrid skin condition which seems to be eczema but the specialists aren't sure. Sometimes it all goes and other times she has rashes all over and cries and cries. I wish we could magic her better.

I have so many UFO's to do and so many objects not even started. Therefore I naturally picked up yet another at a second-hand shop - a footstool to shabby up.

The fabric is quite nice but very dirty and badly attached. I'll wash it and use it for something else.

Just to finish off, a picture of teeny tiny pumpkins to remind you of the season.

And don't forget the Giveaway! (see side panel)

In which things come to bits ...

2011-10-13T03:17:00.000-07:00

I have an original ceiling to floor cupboard in my living room which dates from the mid-1800's. It's been stripped down years ago after having horrible plywood boards over it in the 1960's. I'd like to paint it but Mr C (like the computer) says "no".

However, now he's retired he's having a big de-clutter and I agree with him - just look at the tat in here!

But ... OOOOOOOPS! I took down a big book which was apparently holding up the ceiling, as I vanished under a show of plaster dust. Scary naked wiring!! Another little job for the man himself, I fear.

After I dusted myself down (well, washed my hair, face and specs) and cleaned the floor I decided it was a things coming to bits day. I grabbed a coffee and launched into unscrewing this old and battered sewing thingy.

I feel that in there somewhere is a planter, pretty keepsake boxes and at least a couple of mobiles. Watch this space.

I've been a bit disappointed ...

...in the lack of replies to my Giveaway - don't you want anything for free, ladies?

Have a peek at my last post and get in there!

It's here at last! My Teatime Giveaway!

2011-10-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought it was never going to happen, my lovelies!

I have finally sorted out some scrummy things for my giveaway, and since there has been quite a flurry of tea towel based posts in Blogland recently I have based it around "Teatime"

You can win...

the necessary basics - tea, coffee and choccy ...

... a rosy mug to put your drink in, two coasters made from the seams of jeans and a tray cloth to stand everything on ...

... two books to read while you're chilling with your drink and choc ...

... to get lots of new ideas ...

... a Mollie Makes Kit to get you sewing afterwards ...

... two tea-dyed cotton pieces, about fat quarter size ...

... tea and coffee coloured lace and ribbon ...

... and two tea towels ...

... to wash up with after your relaxing break.

All you have to do is:

1. Be a follower

2. Post me with your favourite cake or biscuit. Mine are custard creams and custard slices (hmm, I see a pattern forming here!)

3. Share my giveaway on your blog for an extra go. I'm not sure yet how to pass on a link, so just post this pic with my blog link, please.

Good luck! I'll draw the lucky winner on Hallowe'en.

Dosie Rosie's Giveaway!

2011-10-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

Not quite my giveaway yet, but it's nearly there!

Meanwhile, why not visit Dosie Rosie and try to win her lovely book or needlework kit ...

Ramblings and a Forgotten Query

2011-10-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

When will they make a three-day weekend?

Just need that extra bit of time to fit things in and this recent glorious weather makes working all that much more of an effort (lazy cow!)

"Lazy Cow" by Kate Chidley

The Girl Genius has been a busy girl too. Not only has she been to school (well, nursery) for the first time but she's trying out careers ...

1. Needlewoman

She doesn't seem to have noticed that the needle has fallen out of her hand, but she did do all those big stitches by herself!

2. Beautician

I am only grateful that I didn't let her near my face!

Miss Peach Pudding has perfected the nonchalance of the diva for the camera and the mean stare of the determined woman at Sophie La Giraffe.

I finally completed the blankie for Miss PP and here it is in all its bumpy splendour:

I also tarted up the candle holder (as per pic of previous post). I'll use the glass holders for another purpose when I think of one.

Before

After

Aha! I've remembered the Query! I've made a lavender bag from an old family postcard and rather liked it, so fancy making some more for family presents. As it was just a try out I scanned the card backwards onto double sided iron-on webby stuff, ironed it onto the fabric and just peeled off the paper.

Excuse dark picture, I forgot to twiddle with the contrast, etc.

Now for the query. I've tried a variety of ways to transfer paper images to fabric, including Image Maker, but never had great success. I don't know if my printer is any good for the special paper which I think needs an inkjet (or not, whichever!). I'd be so grateful if you clever peeps out there could give me some advice... many, many thankyous xxx

What a Lovely Day, Mrs!

2011-09-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Phew, it's hot...

... even though it's late September ...

... and the leaves are wearing their autumn wardrobe...

... and the onions are picked and strung ...

... and the cooking apples are ready to fall (possibly in 3D by the look of this photo!) ...

... and the berries are bright on the bough.

I've been having just the best day! The lovely Bibbitybob bobbed by this morning and we had a wonderful time making arrangements for a vintage do we are preparing and refreshing ourselves with tea, coffee and Mr C's homemade Spanish Almond Cakes.

We then browsed the nearby specialist shops and filled our heads with ideas of lovely things to make and customise (since the prices were mostly out of our reach). We also made some rather nice purchases from the charity shop there. Miss BB went for Boden and silk and I bought the following:

Candle holder to shabby up, or maybe it's down,

shabby ted, so cute that I had to fork out three whole pounds for him,

three lovely doily thingies

and two pillowcases for lining bags, all the above for £6

I also picked up free, gratis and for nothing these two fabric sample books from the soft furnishings shop. Miss BB suggested lots of good ideas to use them including fabric brooches.

Hurray!

After all this hard work we had a buffet lunch in the back garden with Mr C before he left for his train journey to Leeds. He's attending a last union dinner at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, staying over and having another meal the following day. His first few days of redundancy have passed in a blur of cupboard cleaning and throwing out. We didn't realise how much stuff he had collected over 31 years of working for the company!

Well, back now to a bit more crafting to complete a great day! xxx

A Qualified Hurrah!

2011-09-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Mr C has just been made redundant!

This, however, is a Good Thing (as "1066 and All That" would say). Mr C has absolutely hated his job for years and the company, no names mentioned (and it isn't BAE, by the way), have failed to manage anything well and have treated their workforce as poo. His work colleagues are also happily redundant and his pay off is really rather nice.

That said, it's still a bit of a strange time for him and I think he'll be a bit lost for a while.

Meanwhile, Grandbabies 1 and 2 will be seeing more of Grandad, which is nice. Grandbaby C No. 1 was a bit poorly on Friday and very happy to see daddy again. Immediately fell asleep on his lap.

Aw!

Just before I go, this is the only WiP completed for some time - another Primark skirt repurposed into a fab big bag. Hopefully there will be more time to make things soon.

Miss Peach Pudding

2011-09-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

Grandbaby C No. 2 is now three months old and a delight to all. Her real name is Eves Violet but mummy calls her Miss Peach Pudding. She was a cute little peachy baby but she's grown into a pudding now, putting on lots of healthy weight in all the right places. Mummy is a visual merchandiser with a fashion degree so as you can imagine she is a very stylish little person already.

This spotty smock top is a real vintage item. It belonged to mummy's older sister and is, in true 1970's style, brown and cream. It's quite a spooky picture because she is the absolute image of her daddy, Son of C No. 1 at that age (although he only wore a dress once, but that's another story...)

Funky Retro!

How posh am I in my sunsuit?

Naturally Miss PP had to have a vintage toy. Sophie la Giraffe is 50 years old this year and has not changed since her "birth" in 1961. She's an excellent teething toy as the old pearlies are just starting through and there is quite an amount of undignified dribbling from this little diva.

http://www.sophielagirafe.co.uk

Have a happy Sunday, lovelies xxx

So Good to be Back Ho-o-ome Again...

2011-09-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

... as The Tourists sang.

It means I can scour charity shops and sit in my workroom making things.

Today's purchases are

Another lovely plate to add to my tiny rosebud collection

Funky Jam Pot

Must be strawberry, of course!

Man's shirt to reinvent. You can't really see here but the lining is a fabulous grey stripe. Watch for further adventures of this shirt.

Now the makes. These are actually WiPs so I was really pleased to get them done.

The yarn is a lovely soft cotton so even the most delicate frocks and blouses will be safe on these.

Close up of the shell pattern I created.

This is Humpty Teddy from the Summer Rowan pattern book. Yarn is Rowan Handknit Cotton.

It was also lovely to see Big Grandbaby C and Dog C. Real names Jasmine and Bridget, in that order.

I have also made a big decision - stuff trying to get to 50 followers! I've been stuck on 45 for so long that I'm going to do a giveaway anyhow. News soon ...

Bouncing Back with an Apology

2011-09-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hello, lovelies, I'm back from my hols!

It was very hot!

Scorchio!

First of all, please accept my apologies for not posting comments on all your lovely blogs for ages. I have been trying to catch up and they are all so interesting but I just haven't had the time to both read and comment. Anyway, a little catch up on a week in Majorca with Mr C.

We stayed in Santa Ponsa, neither smart nor sophisticated but definitely not Magaluf either! Much of our time was spent relaxing and chilling as we'd both had very stressful working problems recently.

Mr C chillaxing on the balcony

Otherwise we walked, swam (I donned my vintage swimsuit!), visited Palma (no photos as we'd taken so many last time), drank Pina Coladas and basically caught up with each other.

Balcony view

Lovely bay

Lovely boy

Mr C bravely leaping into the sea

The sea bravely leaping into me!

Of course, I had to take photos of textile things to get new ideas and inspiration.

Just loved the zingy colours of these bowls!

And naturally I took my knitting...

... and found a charity shop!

There was a fantastic medieval market taking place as part of the celebrations of the Festival of El Rey Jaime.

The sights, sounds and smells were fabulous

After many more lovely moments, the sun finally set on our hols and we came home.

Now back to real life!

Crunchy Topped Plum Cake Recipe

2011-09-08T00:31:00.000-07:00

As requested by Little Blue Mouse, here is the recipe for plummy yumminess...

CRUNCHY TOPPED PLUM CAKE

Unfortunately I can't credit the recipe as it was an old page ripped out of a book which mum has had for ages. As you see on my pic I forgot the plum pieces on top, but it still tasted good, especially with a big blob of cream on top!

Won't be blogging for a little while as I'm popping off for a much-need holiday to Majorca. Hopefully I'll have nice things and lovely photos to post when I get back.

Much love to all x

Little Things Mean a Lot

2011-09-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Once more my days have been filled with lots of little things, many of which add up to a very pleasing big whole. It was brought home to us this week that enjoying the small here and nows of life are incredibly important. Mr C came home from work with the shocking news that one of his colleagues had died. A young, fit man of 28 with two small children, he had been having headaches then suddenly a brain tumour took him. So very sad.

So here are some little things that made me happy this week:

1. Baking and making jam with our own produce.

There's plum jam, plum and cherry jam and crunchy topped plum cake.

2. Eating our own produce!

Well, the cherries were our own, and I did make the syrup. The strawberries and thick cream sneaked in from the shop somehow.

3. Creating new craft items to sell.

Cheapo wooden coathangers, painted, shabbied and stencilled. (the top button is a nice purple in real life, not a garish blue!)

Two great big tote bags in a new style for me. I know it's a bit similar to other bags, but I created the pattern shape from scratch so it's sort of new.

Baby Williams. They're just half the size of a grown up William, about 7 cm

4. Finishing UFO's

Big Granddaughter C's hippy top. All crocheted in Rowan Cotton Handknit.

I can't remember what wool this is, but I bought a ball as I was fascinated to see how it knitted up. It was just enough for a little neckscarf and I made a brooch to complement it and fasten it across. So cosy.

5. Buying gifts for lovely friends.

Beautiful chunky Gisela Graham coasters

Wooden heart photo frame. This friend has three children...

... and this one has four! The little gift is a wooden bunting reading Keep Calm and Carry On.

6. Playing with grandbabies.

(No pictures of Little Granddaughter C this week but the cuddles were lovely)

Down!

Bouncing on the bed is great fun, if a bit naughty!

Have a splendid Sunday, lovelies x

Lazy Sew and Sew!

2011-08-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

Not one to be lying around doing nothing, I was surprised to find myself lolling around like a spare part on the bed this afternoon. I'd just had a bath and hair wash and was snuggled up in Big Dressing Gown (I have three in various sizes depending on weather and comfort) and just couldn't be arsed to do anything for, ooooh, at least five minutes. That's why I'm blogging now, even though I have nothing to say, really. Had to shift and do something!

Anyway, remember the manky stool I bought for £1.50?

A lick of Farrow and Ball's Shaded White and some pretty fabric and voila!

Worth at least £2 now!

Have a lovely rest of the Bank Holiday xxx

New Buys and a Cake Plop

2011-08-25T00:12:00.000-07:00

Strolled around the Wednesday car boot yesterday in the damp yet strangely warm morning. The weather improved to sunny and hot but today is heavy rain - yeugh! Just a few purchases but I also paid the charity shops a visit. Here is my booty:

Two oh-so-cute salt and pepper pots, 50p

Two heart-shaped baking trays for 40p

Little dummy and shiny bird. I buy the dummies and shabby-chic them up.

Two swatches of pretty fabric

Maxwell Williams plate for 25p

Battered old stool and metal container, £2.50 the pair

I sort of guessed that the heart trays were in the car boot because they stuck good and proper.

I was right!

However I got eight lovely cake tops which, when filled with cream and homemade plum and cherry jam and stuck together, went down a treat.

The remainder of the cake is going to be a trifle base when it grows up.

The stool is now dismantled, sanded, sugar-soaped and awaiting primer, paint and a new seat covering. The container is primed and awaiting paint. Why do I add so many WIPs and UFOs to my life when I have enough things already on the go? I must like a challenge!

Where Did That Weekend Go!

2011-08-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

Hello peeps! I've been reading about everyone's lovely weekends and am glad to say I had one too.

On Saturday Mr C, Daughter C, Son-in-Law C and I went to a traditional village horticultural show as we had put entries in. Daughter C's work colleague lives there and is on the event committee so we did our bit to help her. The sun was hot and shiny, the birds were singing and we won some awards - what could be better?

Yummy homemade produce in Village Hall

Mr C and Daughter C by the onions

Mr C's Third Place Tomatoes

Up one place, Mr C's Brown Bread

And in First Place, Mr C's Other Tomatoes (excuse funny bit of photo at top - a long story)

Daughter C took third place in Decorated Cupcakes. They thought she'd bought the bugs, but she'd made them from M&M's! Would have won otherwise.

On Sunday I had a craft stall at a Fun Day and mini Music Festival. Again the weather triumphed but sadly people came just for the music really and I, like the other crafters, barely made back the fee I paid for the stall. On the plus side I had loads of really nice comments including a "Wow!" from a little girl with great taste. Still on the plus side I had a whole day of being able to sit, knit and listen to a great variety of music including folk, reggae, jazz, synth and samba.

My stall

Still my stall

Some of the brilliant acrobatics from two of the Earthbound Misfits. One of this clever group of people actually did all the urban free running stunts for the TV series Misfits.

Worst thing of the day? I broke one of my best beautiful Knit Pro knitting needles getting back into the car!

Wool Week - A Whole Week of Wool!

2011-08-20T00:56:00.000-07:00

I have become so entangled in knitty stuff and crochet recently, with lots of projects on the go. I was, therefore, excited when leafing through my Mollie Makes ...

This one, page 19

... to see the Campaign for Wool's promotion of Love Wool - Wool Week, 5th to 11th September! Now what can I do to celebrate this? Hmm, must think. I've taken to crocheting on the bus to and from work - maybe I should crochet a sheep out of real wool that week.

This Wednesday was our 37th Wedding Anniversary (OMG!) Apparently the modern gift for 37 years is alabaster. Odd.

www.traditionalegypt.co.uk

We decided it was our Go Out for a Meal Anniversary, as per all the others, so had a delicious evening at Figs , a lovely seafront restaurant just a few streets away from our house.

Once we got home, Mr C attempted a romantic gesture by sending off a Chinese Lantern to mark the event. We're not huge fans of these as they can cause damage and injury, but had one in from Christmas so thought it was a good opportunity to use it. Did I just say "they can cause damage"? Mr C and fire don't go together well. He loves it but has had many interesting incidents with it. True to form, the lantern's course, which was eventually high in the air and beautiful, got slightly diverted onto our patio umbrella. We can't fail to remember our anniversary now until we buy a new parasol next summer ... oh, and a new jumper and sock for Mr C, which also managed to get in the way!

Oops!

Yay!

2011-08-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to tell those who sent me good luck messages that they worked ... I got the job!

(punches air and does silly dance)

Cracking Yarn, Gromit!

2011-08-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

The lovely Flyhoof sent me a bundle of her own yarns, made up from stash leftovers, for my knitting group at A Good Yarn. Oh Joy! This lady is so clever with her carding, spinning, felting and beautiful knitted scarves.

Just look at this!

I had to do a lot of stroking and petting before I took them along and plopped them in pride of place near the cakes. The other ladies didn't know which was the tastiest!

I knitted up a little sample and can't wait to see what the other knitters create by next Saturday.

mmmmm.... wool ...

... and pizza!

The Good, The Bad and The Very Ugly

2011-08-10T03:17:00.000-07:00

Grandbaby 2 has managed her first smile! I think that's very GOOD.

Also GOOD is crocheting, which I am far too heavily into for my own GOOD and the GOOD of my house, which never gets a tidy these days. I used my £1 bundle of Gaucho pure new wool to make Bridget a little blankie, as she's getting very old now.

Third GOOD thing - completed my birdies and have plenty of other ideas rattling around my tiny brain.

BAD things - the weather, which stopped me going to a car boot sale this morning, the short time I have to make enough stuff for my craft stall on the Sunday after next and the wait I have before I know if my interview went well enough to scoop me up the job. Mind you, all these are very small beer compared to the

UGLY...

I don't want to go on about this but I'm sooooooooooo angry I just had to mention it!

Let's end on a happier note. I've been stuck on 43 followers for ages, so I'm not going to wait for 50 and I'll be doing a giveaway very shortly. Watch this space...

Can't Keep Up!

2011-08-07T03:51:00.000-07:00

If there was such a thing as a job for a full-time blog reader, I'd be applying. You all write such lovely, fascinating stuff and I just don't have the time to read and comment on every post. I wish I did.

I'm quite busy now, sewing and knitting and crocheting (oh, and trying to fit in a bit of housework, and two jobs!) so I'll just do show and tell for now:

Jasmine has a new pushchair for her babies. This had to be dragged down to the beach and over the sand (yes, by nanny!)

This is the living room during babysitting. At least she is well-stimulated and very busy having fun.

The garden is taking us over, but the produce is delish...

...tomatoes ripening...

... green beans lengthening ...

... onions climbing up to the light ...

...beetroots, hmm - beetrooting ...

... apples turning red ...

... and flowers just being pretty.

Couldn't resist buying this as it's a saying I live by

I also bought two bundles of wool for a £1 per bundle. I'm making a doggy blanket with the pure wool, as it's quite itchy and thick

and I've yet to think of a use for this lovely stash of nubbly yarns

Well, my lovelies, I have an interview for my own job this week, so fingers crossed that all goes well.

Have a wonderful week! x

Skirt plus Half an Hour equals Bag

2011-08-04T03:32:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist such pretty material so I bought a Primark skirt which was too big from a charity shop. I was going to use it for scraps but a bag just jumped out at me.

Half an hour later I'd cut off the bottom to create straps, stitched up fabric and lining and added buttons, nothing more. Et voila!

This is a disastrous photo I tried to take to show what it looked like in situ. Doh!

Grandbaby C No. 2's cardi is now complete. It's a much prettier green really.

... and finally...

Can you believe Aldi has retro style? I couldn't resist this lovely vintage-y set of kitchen accessories!

Selling Stuff - What Fun!

2011-08-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

On Sunday my front room became a Pop-up Shop!

I had so much stuff lurking in every orifice of my house which needed a bit of moving on, so I had a sale. Making £137 was great but the loveliest part was the visitors, including some people I hadn't seen in ages!

Including...

Bibbitybob, who came along with Mummy BB and Friend BB, and we enjoyed a walk round the grounds (well, the back garden) and tea in china cups in the courtyard (well, the paved bit at the top of the garden).

Daughter-in-law of C and Grandbaby C also came, complete with Cath Kidston babygro.

Three lovely friends took part in a little corsage workshop I put on and were all very proud of their first attempts. It was really nice to see how much they seemed to enjoy themselves.

Plus a pic of one little charity shop purchase this weekend. A £1 loo brush container makes a great knitting wool holder!

Threads, Cushions and Yumminess

2011-07-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

I bought some things that weren't in a charity shop! They were cheap from Boyes, however. They were just right for my living room and a bit Orla Keily

Cushions!

I did pop into a chazzer or three on the way home and bought a mixed bag of threads, which turned out to be rather lovely

I think some of these are quite old. The tiny green twist at the bottom of the picture is small but gorgeous - a shimmering pure silk.

The morello cherry tree has started popping out its little red fruits now. I collected lots and used a few in the cherry streusel cake below

Yummy. Really, really yummy. Even yummier warm with clotted cream icecream!

Now I don't usually like to show my face on my blog. There are nicer things to look at. However, I couldn't resist ending with this pic as I'm so proud of my little grandbabies, so please forgive me!

Star Date 30/07/11 - Additional:

I have been asked for the cake recipe so here goes. It's actually adapted from the Apple Streusel Cake from Hummingbird Bakery's "Cake Days" I've tried to make it as short as possible as I'm sure you know how to cream a sponge and "breadcrumb" flour and butter:

For the Sponge:
60g(2oz) butter
140g(5oz) plain flour
100g(3.5oz) demerara sugar
1 egg
Half tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp baking powder, pinch salt
80ml(3floz) milk
700g(1.5lb) cherries, before stoning

For the Streusel Topping
70g(2.5oz) plain flour
Half tsp ground cinnamon
40g(1.5oz) butter
70g(2.5oz) demerara sugar

Preheat oven 170 C (325 F, Gas 3). Grease and line 20cm(8") diameter springform cake tin.

1. "Breadcrumb" the streusel topping and leave to one side.
2. Cream butter and sugar, add other sponge ingredients as you would an ordinary cake. Pour batter into cake tin.
3. Cover with cherries (Remember to stone them!!)
4. Sprinkle streusel mix over sponge and cherries, smoothing to an even layer.
5. Cook for 35-40 mins. I did mine longer, about 50, because I wasn't sure if it was cooked in the middle - the cherries make some of the sponge quite moist.

Enjoy warm with cream, custard or icecream. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

A Productive(ish) Sunday

2011-07-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

I was going to treat myself to a whole day of crafting this Sunday. I had spent Saturday showing 115 children how to make Plastic People keyrings at a sports festival and the evening at a charity pub quiz on behalf of the local hockey club. I believed, therefore, that Sunday would be "Me Time".

Not quite.

Sunday morning was coffee with Daughter and Son-in-Law of C then a desperate visit to every shop open in town to try to purchase a suitable leaving present for "Man-in-forties-with-interest-in-cars". I'm not a car person and there were no car shops. Anyhoo, I bought a big variety of home office items as said man is going to be working for himself in the future. Then it was lunchtime.

Then...

... I sat down and crafted ALL AFTERNOON!

I used one of the plastic keyrings myself. The children had crayoned footballers and other sports people for theirs. I made a vintage lady (two sided)

I have really got into the faded, natural-dyed vintage look. These are the Williams I made

and these are little booklets.

I have lots of other things on the go, so will post when they are complete.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

PS: I got another interview - and also turned this one down! Feeling so much more positive, partly due to you lovely people xxx

A Candle for Norway

2011-07-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

My thoughts are with the Norwegian people today. What a tragedy they have suffered. I don't understand how some people can be so evil. As yet I haven't heard the gunman's "cause" but surely nothing can warrant such actions. Certainly made my little worries even less significant.

Thank You

2011-07-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

What a lovely lot you are! Such nice, helpful comments when I was feeling down. I think I've got my head together again and am quite a bit more positive. Thank you again.

My Thursday work didn't take as long as I thought it would so I called by the Care Shop on the way home. My mum calls it "Aladdin's Cave" as there's such a variety of charity items. This was my little haul:

Two more Kathie Winkle plates for my little Retro Collection

Two more rosebud plates for my Vintage Collection

A little selection of pretty crockery, which I made ...

,,, into another cakestand

A bundle of clothes (all three for £1) to cut up for fabric (and no, the little dress wasn't worth keeping whole for grandbabies)

And finally a little metal tray

Isn't it wonderful how a charity shop can make you feel so much better for such a small outlay!

Sorry, Blogfriends, I have been Rubbish Recently!

2011-07-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

There, I've said it!

I'm sorry I haven't been posting and commenting for a bit - just been stupid-busy and slightly pathetic about things in general. For example ...

1. Just can't get my head round doing proper crafting. I'm having half an idea then finding it doesn't really work out and, before doing it properly, wandering off onto something else. I then wonder why I've got half-finished, tatty-looking items.

copyright www.building.co.uk

2. I have been taking on too much work and not leaving myself any real free time. Since I am quite a self-centred person under this nice exterior I feel really grumpy about this. Horrible Me!

3. My job is tricky at the moment. I've mentioned this before so I won't go on about it, but on a Monday Morning Whim I applied for another job and got an interview! I didn't even know if I really wanted to leave or, indeed, that particular position. After a couple of days of soul-searching I cancelled the interview and will try to make the best of what I have right now. I feel like a really flaky person now, having done that.

Anyway, the only way to get out of this situation is to be positive and DO STUFF! So here goes with a few bits that have at least been started.

Big Granddaughter's mum asked me to make a pinny which will go over her pink bridesmaid's dress at her uncle's wedding, so she doesn't have a gravy frock.

I made one out of the lovely rosy fabric from Odd Socks and Pretty Frocks' fab swap, using a pinafore dress pattern with just the back yoke and edging in pale pink lace.

The next three photos show some of the bits I've been half-heartedly trying to make for the August fair. I've been trying for a vintage, faded and distressed feel with natural dyed cotton plus doilies and tea-dyed fabric.

I'll do close-ups of the birds, dolls and Williams later when I have a bit more faith in them.

This is the linen bag I bought for 50p, with doily, appliqued flower and button embellishments.

A pair of cushions made from old chair protectors and pink fabric.

And finally ...

...all the stuff I'm hoping to sell off cheaply to friends and neighbours at a home pop-up sale in a couple of weeks. I have so much clutter and old makes that I just want to be rid of them!

Wish me luck!

Littlelegs and the Sunny Day

2011-07-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the most beautiful hot and sunny day for ages, so Mr C and I took Big Granddaughter C down to the beach for a morning with her aunty and uncle. As she only has little legs it's fortunate that we live only two minutes away from the seafront.

Pink bucket was poorly (well, actually it had fallen to bits) so Aunty bought a new pirate-based one.

The little crab-shaped sandpie mould proved very popular with Aunty too! Note cornflower-blue sky - it really was this colour.

The beach was busy and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves in a simple, traditional way, far from computers and tv's.

Littlelegs posing and enjoying running around Ross Castle.

Littlelegs, Pelican and Waterfall. A strange selection of words to put together!

And finally a cropped and recoloured pic which I think is really quite vintagey. What do you think?

A Post about Nothing

2011-07-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

I thought I would have loads of time to blog about great things this week as I'm on holiday from work. Not so! The week has flown by and I seem to have done very little, even though I've been busier than ever. The new ideas for my fair stall are progressing at an achingly slow rate, very unusual for me as I'm normally full of enthusiasm about such things. I'm either tired or the ideas are not as good as they should be. Oh dear ...

One of the highlights of the week was meeting up with an old friend, Nick. He's a very talented writer and was delivering a workshop on crime writing at the local library, so met him for coffee and catch up in a nearby seafront cafe. His writing style revolves around the seamier side of life in London and the North, especially in the 1960's, 70's, 80's, with references to the social culture of those times - music, fashion, etc. It's very atmospheric and evocative. Nick has also co-written two books about the Grimsby fishing heritage:

Nick has also told me that "Frank is Coming"! (More on this later in the year). In the meantime there are some brilliant short stories on his blog Electric Lullaby.

Even my charity shop ventures were mostly failures this week. I only bought

An Ironstone Broadhurst handpainted plate, designed by Kathie Winkle

and a cute mug, just right for my fancy teas.

I even did an extra day's admin work at Artlandish, my other job, instead of lazing around or crafting, and today is Granddaughter Day, so I'll be busy again. I'll just leave you with a few photos of a garden in full bloom with growing produce.

Down a Bit of a Different Road

2011-07-12T01:51:00.000-07:00

I've signed up for a stall at a fair in August and have been thinking about what to put out for sale.

At the last fair, in which I didn't take part, there were a lot of shabby chic stalls with a plethora of beautifully-made items - bunting, hearts, soft toys, pinnies, peg bags, etc. This made me think that I would be just another similar seller so I've decided to take a gamble and concentrate this time on more vintage-y items. I hope people will go for old style with a twist. Who knows? Still, "Speculate to accumulate" they say.

I rootled out all my doilies and lace, plus cottons, hand-dyes and floral stuff...

... what a mess!

I had to tidy up the whole workroom after this rootle.

I even hunted out some very old embroidery transfers and have started stitching old-fashioned lavender bags. I'll keep you up to date with proceedings anyway.

Son of C, No. 2, brought his joinery skills to bear on a little request I'd made. I have a tatty old loom which makes lovely strings of tied cloth strips - see previous post on Corsages and asked if he could made a couple more, a little less tatty. These turned up yesterday:

Six expertly-make loomy things, plus a big one for thicker fabrics!

What a clever boy! I'm getting him on to peg looms next...

By the way, there are two lovely giveaways going on in Blogland at the moment, so pop over to Gillyflower and @home for a chance to win a fab prize.

- also -

I have 41 followers and would love to get to 50. If I do I will have a lovely giveaway, so please get your blogfriends over to make it a reality. Thanks loads xxx

Today I Am Mostly Buying ...

2011-07-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Two lovely embroidered antimacassars (I think)

A floral Nienhaus blouse

Three lovely white doilies

A vintage-look summer skirt (only Primark but beautifully lined)

Two T-shirts

A Scandinavian- looking tea towel

A Per Una cardi top

Floral bowl, saucer and glass to make a posh sweet or soap stand

and a heavy linen bag (pen there to show size)

All from one charity shop for less than £15. Yay!

And now three makes ...

Here is the completed soap/sweet dish

I made a few variations to the pincushion kit sent in a swap by the lovely Odd Socks and Pretty Frocks. It has the names of new Grandbaby C and her mummy can use it as she wishes.

Art Jars for collecting money for next year's holilday, ready for sale.

Have a good weekend xxx

No Longer a Swap Virgin!

2011-07-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

I have received my first swap, courtesy of Kandipandi's swaparooni!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Odd Socks and Pretty Frocks, for the following ...

An exciting parcel of pretty tissue and shiny packages

and a mysterious envelope! The parcels contained ...

lovely co-ordinating lace and ribbons,

Cute stitch kits,

a fabulous array of gorgeous fabric

and a cheeky little hand-crafted pom-pom thingy! The lovely card told me it's either a neck decoration or scarflet, made by OSandPF herself. It's great to get such unique handmade items.

Mr C found a new way to model it, however!

I hope yours arrived safely, swap partner!

Much love xxx

Winding Up The Weekend

2011-07-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's been so lovely and sunny here all weekend. For once I haven't had to go anywhere or do anything particular so most of the time I've been in the garden, picking fruit, tidying up the flower and veg beds and making stuff at the patio table. Such a treat - hopefully it will set me up for the coming week, which may not be so good. Our work team has now moved in with another, same building but different office, and the atmosphere is a little ... well, sometimes okay, sometimes a bit iffy. There are problems I don't want to bore you with but hey-ho! We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Anyway, here are the updates:

I have started to make use of my new natural dyeing book, Dyes from Kitchen Produce.

So far I've experimented with

Little Hard Windfall Apples

The resultant colour is a very pale yellow cream when rinsed and dried

Begonias

This beautiful shade fades to a pale pink when rinsed, but still pretty

I have also finished the manky footstool I bought for a few pounds, painting it grey and distressing the legs then spraying areas in silver. I also recovered it in striking black and white sample fabrics.

Before

After

Next thing I made was a quick skirt from a huge swatch of fabric I bought for a £1 from a chazzer.

It was one of those easy two-hour patterns. I might make a top to go with it.

Final make was a little knitted dog from the hank of natural wool I bought from the Woolfest. He doesn't look exactly like the pattern, which was in beautiful white cotton yarn, but I love him. Any ideas for a name?

I have also been visiting my gorgeous new grandbaby and there may be more pictures soon - you have been warned!

Have a lovely week xxx

Just Stuff!

2011-07-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining and the back door is open

Wimbledon is on tv

Fresh raspberry crumble is in the oven

and I'm in short sleeves, so it really must be Summer!

This lovely lily broke off a day or two ago. Mr C gave it the kiss of life and it's repaid him with lovely pink blooms.

I finished knitting up the wool I bought in a charity shop in Kendal - two deep blue balls of old Paton's "Husky". I had no pattern or real thought of what to make, just really wanted to see what it looked like. I sewed up the sides, gave it a gentle felting and added some of the rough felt bits bought from Woolfest last week. Hey Presto! A teapot cosy or hat depending on the need at the time. It's currently being modelled by my cafetiere, however, as the teapot is hiding in the cupboard.

Everyone seems to be making crochet squares at the moment and I'm no exception. I had a tiny ball of wool left over from Jasmine's cardi and tried a new design for the squares, then added some contrasting yarn. There was only enough for one side of a cushion but I rather like it.

This is my latest chazzer shop purchase - a set of six English bone china cups and saucers in a very summery pattern. £2's worth of delicate prettiness.

I am pleased to say new Grandbaby Carrad, little Eves, is doing splendidly. Rather better than her mummy who has had complications "down there" and is a bit poorly at the moment, bless her. Here is my mum, Eves' great-grandma (or Nanny G as she's known, the G is for Greta). This is her first cuddle and she was smitten to bits!

Mum is looking a cool hippy chick in her Biba top.

The Rest of Fest

2011-06-29T00:22:00.000-07:00

I was surprisingly frugal at the Woolfest (see previous post) even though I had taken quite a bit of cash. I did nearly buy a wonderful recycled sweater made from several other sweaters, but had one of those "I could make this myself" moments and now I will have to try to make this thought good.

I bought ...

A hank of natural undyed wool from a bargain basket. Contemplating knitting this into a little dog.

A bag of angora fluff from Toblerone, the chocolate-eared bunny. It's so soft, like wisps of smoke.

Two bags of natural dyed rough fleece. May be brooches, may not.

Dyes from Kitchen Produce

A fabulous book on simple, natural dyeing from stuff you already have in the kitchen or garden. I'm "dyeing" to get started but so many other things need doing first.

I loved these items made by such talented crafters. I should have noted who they were to acknowledge the images but forgot, so I hope they don't mind a bit of anonymous publicity...

Beautiful crocheted hats

Beautiful felted hats and vases

Beautiful knitted and felted scarves

And to finish ...

One week on from "Knit in Public" Day, I managed to do so on the train coming home. I didn't stab anyone with the needles although I did accidentally prod a sleeping Japanese gentleman sitting next to me. He didn't wake up, luckily!

Woolfest and its Fluffy Inhabitants

2011-06-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Woolfest - a Festival of Wool!

The Cast

Carrad, your blogger

Lovely Friend of Carrad, more years than we care to remember!

Flyhoof, Daughter of LFofC and excellent blogger

Mr Flyhoof, he of the woolly hat

This was the first time I've visited this fantastic celebration of all things woolly and it won't be the last. I visited LFofC for a few days as she lives in Kendal and on Friday we zoomed off to Cockermouth, meeting up with Flyhoof and Mr Flyhoof. This lady knows no bounds when it comes to spinning and weaving and was last seen tottering back to the car with half a herd of fleeces in her arms. I can't wait to see what she does with them - it will be fabulous, for sure!

The building in which the event was held was huge - and it had to be, to hold all the fantastic stalls, demonstrations and general loveliness.

This is just a little corner of the building from our picnic bank, but it shows the beautiful setting

I have other things to chat about on a further blog so will concentrate on the gorgeous livestock for now:

Had to take a photo of this Angora bunny as she has the same name as Grandbaby C No 1

Alpacas have such beautiful faces, sort of sheepy but squished up.

See what I mean? And look at those gorgeous eyes!

Not easy to see but there was a little parade of amazing sheep by the Rare Breeds Society

I am just rubbish at remembering which sheep are which so I'll just leave you with some photos of pretty jumpers on legs.

It's a Pink One!

2011-06-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hello again! My internet connection has been down and I haven't been able to tell you my lovely news! Anyway, it's back now, so I can...

Little Pink Grandbaby Number 2 has arrived!

Eves Violet arrived on Saturday at 10.16 am, weighing in at 6 lbs 1 oz. Mummy and Daddy didn't know which sex so it was a lovely surprise. All is well and we think she is very beautiful. Other people will think she looks like a little crumpled blob.

Me with my Mummy

Me with my Nanny C

Me all by myself

Me in my first artistic shot

Grandbaby Number 1, Jasmine, says they are going to be best friends, but they haven't met yet as she is "on 'oliday in a caravan, Nanny!"

Sunny Scarborough

I have also been to the Cockermouth Woolfest, which was very exciting, but will have to wait for the next blog - keep watching!

Too Busy to Drink my Tea!

2011-06-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

image from "Escaping the Inkwell"

How many cups of tea and coffee have I left unfinished this past week? Lots! I seem to be trying to do too many new things and forgetting to finish the previous one. I find a half-drunk cup by the computer, another in the workroom, another on the cupboard in the front room ...

In an attempt to finish something I am adding this old make. I found these pics lurking on the pc which I was going to show ages ago. The item was an old jumper of Mr C's which had been put out for the bin due to a dribble on the front.

I cut the sleeves shorter and created a bolero-style open front.

I neatened the edges with a zig-zag machine stitch, pulling the fabric tightly to create a frilly hem and added two buttons and some lovely matching ribbon.

I also completed making redcurrant jelly with our garden produce. Yum. Must make a larger quantity next time. I used labels photocopied from my new "The French-Inspired Home". There's another thing that I haven't had time for - finishing reading this fab book.

And to complete today's post, yet another item to finish. Well, to start really. I bought this horrible (soon to be lovely) little stool from a charity shop and am itching to paint and recover. Watch this space ...

The Blogshop is Open!

2011-06-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

Hi all, just to let you know that I have opened a blogshop!

It's very rough and ready at the moment and the photos taken are pretty poor but I wanted to get it started. I'd ummmmm'd and ahhhhhh'd for far too long. I've added a few Fashionista Sister dolls and a few little decorative "houses" to start with. There's also a link down the side of this blog somewhere.

Hope you'll stop by sometime.

Have a lovely weekend and

Happy Father's Day to all those "Mr ..." blog-partners out there!

Wish mine was still here to enjoy it (love you, Dad)

Getting Things Finished

2011-06-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Three completed projects!

Broken plate plant pot. It's meant to be quite rustic, hence the imperfect edges (she persuaded herself). I painted the rim and a little way inside with midnight blue enamel paint. Now for a suitable plant ...

Granddaughter cardi. It only just fits - I didn't realise how much she'd grown. As usual, I've taken a photo of her looking quite solemn as her smile is lovely when it natural but, posed for a pic, looks like she's about to bite someone!

Glass suncatcher. Pity about the weather in the background, but hopefully the sun will shine through it one day. I cut, ground, copper-foiled, soldered and patina'd this all by myself so I'm quite pleased with my first effort.

Now for a couple of purchases ...

Just had to treat myself - these little tea-leaf pyramids are from TK Maxx and have lots of different and exotic flavours such as Berry Patch, White Lavender, Tropical Sorbet and Mint Julep. Mmmmmm ....

This is a tea-bag, lolling seductively in my old teacup. Of course, I can't wait to find an interesting use for the cardboard pyramids when the tea is drunk. Any ideas?

Charity Shop Frock. I have a posh dinner coming up soon and think I might wear this floaty number.

One more Upcycle ...

Three old spaghetti jars. With tops painted and decorated with photocopied CK prints, they make great storage jars for my buttons, lace and ribbons.

Hope the rain makes your plants grow... x

A Quick Georgia O'Keefe

2011-06-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

A flying visit to blogland today, but I thought you might like my photo suite impressions of a few of our garden flowers. I'm clearly wearing my Georgia O'Keefe head today!

La Chambre a Coucher et Le... Cardigan

2011-06-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

I don't know what cardi is in French, however I had to go a little continental as I have moved further along the path of completing my mini-chateau style spare bedroom. Those who have followed the tale so far will know that I have been waiting for curtains - well, they finally arrived, even though the Paypal address sprang up as Antrim instead of North East Lincs!

Please excuse the quality of photo. Camera said "No", for some reason. I'm really pleased with them as they are just the silver-grey of the covering I made for the little stool.

My home-made letters are hanging on the curtain rail by a lovely blue ribbon and indicate to anyone who hadn't cottoned on, what the theme of the room is.

If you love romantic French chic, take a look at the stylish website, The French Bedroom Company, which isn't cheap but is full of inspiration. And who doesn't love an armoire?

I have finally finished the little cardi I've been making for Jasmine. Here it is in its infancy ...

... and here it is complete (except for button).

Hopefully the little miss will like it and let me take a picture of her wearing it for you.

Now just let me onto the next woolly project!

Making Up for the Slight

2011-06-12T05:20:00.000-07:00

Having "demeaned" my lovely Bibs friend in my last post (she knows I'm joking!) I have made her this garden bag, topped with the upcycled handle. It's big enough to put all sorts of bits and bobs in, including Cassie-cat if she's naughty!

Remember the plates from the Antique and Home Show? ...

... here they are again. Lots more work on this pot to do, but it's coming on.

While in the garden I took a couple more pics, including this pretty wall display ...

... and these mojitos in kit form. Well, mint anyway. It's really blooming this year.

A bowl of yummy raspberries and redcurrants from the bushes ...

... are now hiding under crumble, to be cooked for our tea. Mmmmmmmm!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and have a great week xxx

Drought? What Drought?

2011-06-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

... she said as the rain cascaded down.

Jasmine and I were in the park when the first raindrops fell but arrived home reasonably dry. Five minutes later we were watching the back garden sail away in the flood. On Wednesday, Bibbitybob and I were caught in a hailstorm of biblical proportions.

I guess none of this is enough for the poor old farmers, though and it's such a shame that crops may be ruined by a real water shortage. I wish much rain centred over their fields and lovely sunny rays over me!

Here's the previously-mentioned cushion, washed and restuffed, on my workroom chair. Haven't tried it out yet for comfort: far too busy to sit down...

Speaking of the lovely Bibs, I was appalled when she threw away an old handle from her wonderful enamel tub purchase at the Antique and Home Show! It went from the ground to my holdall and thence to my workroom. I stripped the broken cane wrapping, painted and distressed the worn handle and bound the sides with pretty fabric. Now I need to think of something to attach it to. Still can't believe you let something useful go, my dear, but thank you! :)

Arthur Swallow Antique and Home Show

2011-06-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

What a fab day! My lovely friend, Bibbitybob, and I pottered off to the Arthur Swallow Antique and Home Show at the Lincolnshire Showground this morning. As we walked through the gates we nearly wet ourselves with excitement at the ENORMOUS array of stalls, tents and generally treasure-strewn grass! Every other sound we made was "Ooooooooooo!"

This lovely table and chairs had no chance of getting in B's little car and anyway I couldn't afford it!

There were tons of fantastic old suitcases which would have housed my stashes beautifully if I could have bought them all. It was too hard to choose just one - so I didn't buy any.

The furniture below would create the most wonderful shabby chic freestanding kitchen.

Couldn't resist this pic of a weary stall resident! I also would have loved that little tiny chair for Jasmine. She would be a real princess, sitting on its French Blue velvet seat.

And now to my actual purchases. This lovely cushion is entirely embroidered in tapestry wool and will look great on my workroom chair after a gentle wash.

Two very cheap plates, one broken before purchase. Doesn't matter because I got them to make a rather fabulous mosaic. The only thing is I haven't yet decided what to "mosaic" on ...

A lovely bundle of lace and ribbon for £1

I couldn't resist this printer's cabinet which was £15 and which I bargained down to a tenner. Every drawer has a complete (but jumbled up) set of different size and style letters.

It's going to be a labour of love to sort them all out!

I love things with French words written on. This fairly modern, but attractively vintage-styled box of photo albums is a treat.

Don't know whether to put family photos in, as per box title, or small papery craft bits and pieces. What would you use it for?

Do go over to B's blog to look at her purchases and lots more lovely photos

Craft Porn!

2011-06-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

I would like to share with you a few of my recent naughty books and magazines...

Prints Charming

This is such a gorgeous, bright printy book, rather retro and Marimekko but with the authors' very personal style. There is also a cheeky pocket at the back with full size patterns in!

The French-Inspired Home

I admitted a blog or so ago that I just had to purchase this book and behold! - yesterday it was on my doorstep like an abandoned baby, waiting for me to love it. (I do!)

Selvedge

My two-monthly treat. Not a cheap magazine but such lovely quality and fascinating photographs and articles. This example is a piece about Orla Keily

Rowan Summer Knitting and Crochet Patterns

So into knitting at the moment. Temptation overcame me and I bought this lovely pattern book at my last Knit and Knatter session at A Good Yarn. Can't wait to start something new, even though I haven't finished my other piece yet!

I just don't know where to start with all this luscious porn, but I'm going to have to wait as, fingers crossed, I have an exciting day tomorrow ... !

Blog Award and My Lovely Day

2011-06-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Butterfly, I am nominating you for my

Award!

Do please take a look at

Fashion, Vintage, Jewellery and Cupcakes

A lovely mix of all the above and who could resist someone with a partner called "Mr Fabulous"?

Butterfly, I believe the rules are that you now have to pass on the Award to someone new to blogging or with less than 100 followers, who has a blog you really enjoy. You also have to list seven facts about yourself. I look forward to reading them.

Now my lovely day. It was so blueskysunny yesterday that Jasmine and I went down to the beach for a steam train ride. She would have looked prettier on this pic if she had swallowed the piece of banana instead of showing it to the camera!

This is the little train's engine. It's a beautiful piece of engineering and makes a very loud HOOT when you're in the next carriage. There are two covered carriages and an array of open ones for people who like to get very windswept ears!

Jasmine poised ready for leaving the station and studying the gravel for no particular reason.

I would love one of these lamps in my garden!

Just a tree but I liked the pic. Think I'll play around with the photo and see what I can create.

This is an expanse of the beach further down from the most popular resort area. It's quite bleak but much more interesting and natural.

In the afternoon, after we had corn on the cob, cheese and apples for lunch we visited the local park, just a couple of streets away. How come children don't see danger where it is and nannies see danger everywhere it isn't?

... and down safely!

I also unearthed my favourite summer dress from the loft. I have had this dress for over twenty years and still it comes out bright and blooming as ever. Face hidden, however, as the sun shows the wrinkles up too much!

Happy sunny day!

Sites of Frenchified Loveliness

2011-06-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

My last post made me think of my lovely hol to Chateau Dumas, so I thought I would pass on a couple of websites regarding things I discovered at the textile course there.

Sewing notions don't come any prettier than Sajou. Everything they sell is a tiny masterpiece of French vintage art and style. Scroll down the home page a little and have a squint through the catalogue on the right. Even the little thread cards and needle cases are amazing, and these are just examples of many sets.

The second website is French General. You wise old birds out there will probably already know this one but it's soooo pretty. An American site, but with all the Gallic flair and charm full of sewing stuff, jewellery, oddments and great inspiration.

I think the lovely book, The French-Inspired Home by Kaari Meng, the owner of the company, is the bible of stylish Frenchness. I kept meaning to buy it and, having just looked it up on Amazon for a good photo, somehow accidentally on purpose ordered it ... oops! :)

Have a lovely day, everyone! x

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

2011-05-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much, Gillyflower, for my Liebster Blog Award! This is my first (hopefully not only) award in the Land of Blog and it made me so happy. I will be passing it on at the earliest opportunity but first I believe I have to tell you seven things about myself. Here goes ...

1. In 1978 I had quads! That's right, four teeny-tiny little babies all at the same time! Two girls and two boys. A bit of a shock I can tell you as I had been having fertility treatment but believed there to be three babies. One was hiding behind the others. As you can imagine it was a hard life bringing them up, especially as we had very little money, but I wouldn't have been without them and they have totally enriched our lives.

2. I lived in Plymouth for a few years. We had to move back home to our families when we had the children as we needed help and for about five years I longed every day to be able to return. It never happened and it was, in the long term, best that things turned out this way. The children grew up here just two minutes from the beach, parks and excellent schools. They made good friends who have remained so throughout their lives. However I promised myself I would never visit Plymouth again so there is still a little itch there somewhere and I don't want to scratch it.

3. Don't let anyone tell you that Bulimia can't be cured. I had it for several years, fought it and won. I've remained at a happy, healthy weight for many years now and can comfortably eat what I like without the need to "pig out" and bring it back for another look!

4. I have twice won visits to chateaux in France. The first was to the Courvoisier cognac chateau in Jarnac and the second just last year to Chateau Dumas near Toulouse. Fingers crossed for lucky number 3 ...

Chateau Courvoisier

Chateau Dumas

5. I can drive and have a full licence but have never driven a car alone. It's silly but I just hate driving and am a little afraid of it. I love being driven places though so if you fancy taking me somewhere, I'm a great companion!

6. My favourite holiday destination is Santa Eulalia in Ibiza. I love the way it's fun but a little more sophisticated than other resorts like San Antonio. I love the laid-back lifestyle and my ambition is to run a little craft shop at the harbour there. (Well, a girl can dream!)

7. My little granddaughter, Jasmine, is the light of my life these days, bless her, but in three weeks or so she will have a little cousin. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well and I will have some lovely news for you.

Trying to Catch Up with Myself

2011-05-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

I suddenly seem to have so many things to do which are only half-done. There's some knitting, some sewing, some books semi-read. There are recipes I want to cook, tv programmes waiting on Catch Up TV to be caught up with. People to see, places to go. And always, always work to do. Anyway, I have sneaked in a couple or three pics while I'm on here and I'll promise myself to sit down and have a proper chat with you at a later date.

My friend gave me the end of her roll of Harlequin "What a Hoot" wallpaper which now graces her kitchen. My place mats were worn out but I salvaged three and decorated them with snippets of paper. They'll soon wear out but they look great fun for now.

Jasmine has a little pinny and chef's hat at home, so I thought she needed one when she's here, cooking with Nanny. Ran these up from an old pillow case!

Son and daughter-in-law brought us a little gift on Sunday. Can't wait to hang it up in the porch. It's absolutely true, of course!

It's Raining Babies

2011-05-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening was lovely. It was my daughter-in-law's surprise baby shower and her mum and sister arranged a meal at a local hotel, the Dovedale. I took loads of pictures but was mightily disappointed with my photographic skills as they were nearly all blurred. This morning Mr C informed me that I had the camera on the wrong setting - doh! We had lots of champagne and now I have a headache, but never mind. Self-imposed poorliness doesn't deserve sympathy...

I made a baby book for her by buying an ordinary hardback A4 notebook and decorating the covers. The expectant couple's theme is black and white as they don't know the gender.

I also made favours for the table - little brooches from organza, crochet lace and vintage buttons.

One of the other guests made a baby "cake" of nappies, mitts and bootees.

The lovely cupcakes were made by a fab local company, Katie's Cupcakes.

Place setting

Future mum opening gifts. Just look at that fab Boden baby changing bag! There were many, many "Aaaaawwwwwws!" as you can imagine. I wish the beautiful clothes available nowadays for small people were around when my squad was tiny.

image pursepage.com

Well, we'll all have to be patient for another few weeks...

This Little Bird ...

2011-05-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

I really should be going to work but decided to have a fresh coffee and a quick blog fix beforehand.

I've been making some cute little birdies with some scrap fabric which has been calling to me for ages. Here are a couple of samples. I'm also going to try them out in scraps of embellished sari fabric I cut off a torn cushion.

We had some ripped plastic union flag bunting left over from our Eurovision party last week. I salvaged a couple of the A4-sized flags, ironed them onto white cotton under greaseproof paper and peeled the plastic off, leaving a pale imprint. I then sewed up this shabby little bag. The birdies are currently nesting in it.

I am no longer a whoopie virgin! I tried my first baking session with these vanilla ones but didn't fancy the marshmallow filling so I used up some choccy butter icing I had in the freezer. I also didn't have plain yogurt so experimented with Amore greek yogurt with walnuts! Worked out fine (whew!)

Now for work ...

Stream of Consciousness Blogging

2011-05-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

Sitting here with a glass of red wine and wondering what to write.

Actually the title says it all. I have no special stories or photos to keep you amused so I'm just adding the latest pictures I've downloaded, with a vague comment on them.

I couldn't let the Royal Wedding slip by without an homage to the Duchess of Cambridge.

Jasmine thought she was drinking Buck's Fizz with the rest of us at Mr C's Eurovision Party. (It was orange juice!)

Why can't the men in my life pose for a sensible photo?

The table having a quiet moment before the onslaught of burgers, sausages, pork steaks, goulash, dumplings and noodles. Eurovision was held in Germany, hence the food theme. Lots of German beer too. And Black Forest Gateau. And Redcurrant Bavarian Cream. (Nom, Nom, Nom...)

Here's a gratuitous picture of Blue. Considering the biased voting they did very well!

image www.popplastic blogspot

And here is a picture of Jedward!

image www.paintingabout.com