PY’Jarma Making @BettyMakes

Yes ok It seems like I’ve spent my summer camping out at Betty Makes

August Bank Holiday Sunday I was there once again, this time to make Pyjama bottoms with owner Jean-Mary.

I can sew I guess. I have my own sewing machine. Ive just forever, even as a child always had issues with jinxing sewing machine tension! I know the principle etc but I have the tension Midas touch with every sewing machine I’ve ever used.

So another one of this years improvement goals has been sewing.

I purchased my gorgeous fabric from Sew Scrumptious online and due to the unusual colour I purchased some ochre thread.
But otherwise thread and such like is included in the course.

There was 2 of us in the class, Jean-Mary is keeping to smaller classes so she is able to give people the attention & teaching level they require.
I felt this was a nice number as we all chatted while we worked but you weren’t stuck waiting for Jean-Mary’s help.

I wanted special cream velvet ribbon trim & tie but I couldn’t get hold of enough before Sunday but never fear I can add at a later date when I can source some.

We each had a pattern and were taught how to read it by Jean-Mary as well as laying it correctly on the type of patterned material we had, before we set about making our pyjamas.

Along the way we learnt lots of little tips & tricks.

Time flew by and before we knew it we had our finished PJs.

Jean-Mary has more pictures and a write up on the BettyMakes Blog.

But here are my finished Pyjarma’s which I’m very proud of.

I’m now ready for my sleep over at BettyMakes ready for my next class! Haha!

S

Twitterwoo

What a mixed bag the weather has been today. A beautiful early morning for those up at 5am, followed by heavy rain, thunder and a power cut for us, then to finish the day back to a balmy blue sky fluffy cloud evening.

I took the opportunity during the rainy bit to finish my Homemaker Magazine Issue 8 owl door stop I started during a twitter #creativesunite session last Thursday.

I have to admit I ditched the magazine instructions and had a play, as surely that’s what it is about, giving you the basics to build on how you like.

So Here is My Little Fella Ollie in the making.

I decided to get out a charity store book find.

To refresh my embroidery skills on the body of Ollie.

Which I did before joining anything.

Then obviously right sides facing I stitched Ollie together.

Adding his wings and feet (padded with old pillow insides – saved for this very rainy day).
His wings and feet had to point inside so that when turned the right way they would be on the outside.

There was a strip like piece on the printed fabric which I think was for a handle at the top, but I fashioned it into a flat bottom so that Ollie can sit more up right as a door stop.
I left a gap at the bottom to turn Ollie the right way out when I had done stitching.

Once stitched & turned so Ollie wings, feet and right side were showing, I used more of the old pillow stuffing to fill & shape the ears and head.

Till about 1/3 maybe a little more full.

To make Ollie into a weighted door stop you could as suggested use sand, but having none at hand, I brought a 1kg bag of Rice in Aldi for 40p the other day for the purpose of filling Ollie up. I didn’t think that was to bad.

Then using invisible magic stitches or not in my case (a stitch that needs more practice) I sewed Ollie’s bottom up.

I finished off by adding more texture with blanket stitch to his feet before putting Ollie to work in the Kitchen as head door man.

Last Thursday Evening on Twitter was also Virtual Party Night for Jocelyn @Ihavecards.

Jocelyn sells some lovely cards & stationary I’ve mentioned before in a #postcircle post.

Some delicious virtual Lemon Drizzle Cake & Tea was had by me haha, while tweeting and joining in with the quiz.
Along side my sewing.

And the upshot of the night was I won a surprise gift from the evening. Which turned up in today’s post ~ YAY ~ YAY ~ Exciting.

I Love Them – Thank you very much Jocelyn.
Bunnies are my favourite! & Cake. Plus the little Mouse is so sweet. I am completely unashamedly a GIRLY GIRL.

Mousie book mark has been pinned to the craft room wall.

And The Little Rabbit & Cake Card is in a frame.

You can find Jocelyn’s business blog at I Have Cards, 90% of the cards are blank meaning they are so versatile and her personal blog at The Reading Residence is a mix of Good Advise from her Pre-Mummy career days & her now job as Mother and Homemaker.

Have A Fun #creativesunite Tonight Twitter people.
After a long week and doing my creating earlier today, I will be missing tonight as Mr S & I will be enjoying the evening together.

S

Learning New Crafts

Each week seems to come round so quickly. In fact how on earth did it get to the end of July already?

I have been lucky enough this year to be able to have the time to follow my crafty passions and develop my homemaking skills – this is how I sell sitting enjoying crafting lots.

As part of this I enrolled last year on a pottery course which Ive continued with.

and In June I took part in a crochet granny square class at The Sheep Shop in Cambridge.

One thing I’m not, is a specific crafter- Jack Jill in this case of all trades master of none.
I do it for the fun & social enjoyment as much as the final ‘tadah’ moment (not that there has been much of that round here lately in the way of crochet projects).

Part of this enjoyment is often crafting with others; L, E & Myself have crafty meets here and there, with E we mainly crochet, L & I have been known to try other crafty sessions (note to L we still haven’t made soap and I have your book).

Having enjoyed learning new crafts & developing skills in a class environment, I have found myself booking onto more and more.

If you look around your local area there seems to be lots of classes popping up in lots of crafty make’y do’y things and not just at your local night schools.

I’ve picked the 3 places I currently have booked classes with.
I choose my classes on my interests and what I would like to learn. But it turns out I’ve also meet really lovely people while doing so.

My First was The Sheep Shop in Cambridge.

The Sheep Shop hosts numerous knitting, crochet & felting classes catering for all abilities and interests.

For Example;
Beginners Knitting – Lace Knitting. Beginners Crochet – Cable Crochet.

I’ve thus far had my Granny Squares Crochet class here, with a Fabulous teacher Joanne of Not So Granny and a Beginners Knitting class with Sarah of The Sheep Shop.

I choose to make slightly longer hand warmers for my beginners knitting class which has left me needing just more than my one ball of yarn, so I need to pop back and get another ball when I’m next in town before I can finish them.

Having caught the ‘bug’ I have booked up on several more knitting/crochet courses until Christmas as I really want to hone up on my knitting especially hence going back to real basics.

A Few Extra Points:

* The parking in the evening is much easier than I first thought and worried about for the centre ish of Cambridge and silly permit parking. But after 6 you are fine there.

* Each class was a nice size of 6.

* The ladies teaching us are very good at showing and explaining in a way that you will understand.

* We got handy information print outs that we could make notes on, which I have actually made use of rather than just ‘filing’.

* You can buy the kits you need for the class on the night if your unsure.

My Second class find was Nicola at Halfpenny Home.
To summarise the first time of meeting Nicola; I went in to pay for my class & left an hour plus later after a great chat; which felt like she was an old friend, & over a glass of pimms.

Nicola has the Halfpenny Home Haberdashery shop in Needham Market, Suffolk.

Mr S, Myself & The Dog were AMAZED at the shop.
Needham Market is a quaint Suffolk village. Adding to its mystery follow the signs to Halfpenny Home located down a small path in a ‘barn’, It’s a delightful mixture of the much coveted vintage and the new.

Halfpenny Home Haberdashery offers a variety of crafty classes. From ‘Yarn’ie’ interests such as Knitting, Natural Fibre Dying & Fleece Preparation to Soap Making, Needle Felting & Rag Doll Making to name but a few and if it’s not on the list contact Nicola she might have a course lined up for future.

My first class was “Rocks with Frocks” ~ great title isn’t it!
Crocheting around items such as pebbles.

You may remember my own first attempt at this ended in a hat rather than frock for my pebble.

I had a wonderful relaxed Saturday afternoon with Nicola and 3 others crocheting our pebbles. The time just flew by.
Accompanied by plenty of homemade cake, tea & chatter.

Oh yes and doing what I went there for Tadah…

My next class at Halfpenny Home was Vintage Bag Making.

*AGES* ago I brought a rather pretty vintage looking bag for its frame with the intention of giving it a re-vamp and that was 2 years ago. A few weekends ago I found it once again and was spurred on to find out how – queue Vintage Bag Making.

Once again I had a lovely time, over came some of my sewing machine fears with an always calm Nicola, learnt lots of little sewing tips and have a fantastic bag which is lined and trimmed I will have you know!

Did I mention cake again…Orange Polenta cake with Rosemary Drizzle.

A Few Extra Points:

* Nicola in a previous life work with Fabrics in Upholstery and Furnishings (I hope I’ve got that right). She is an accomplished seamstress so excellent at passing on handy tips & knowledge.

* Halfpenny Home Classes are inclusive of materials. No hidden extras. But if you want to purchase more you can. In fact try and resist visiting Halfpenny Home Haberdashery and not making a purchase.

* There is plenty of Free parking around the shop.

* The Classes I attended came with again useful handouts.

* Classes are very relaxed & friendly making learning much easier.

My 3rd class choice has been Betty Makes . A new growing venture by the delightful Jean-Mary.

You can read all about the classes that have taken place on the Betty Makes Blog .

Jean-Mary’s studio has a light airy feel and has the advantage of being the closest of the 3 to us.

*Ive borrowed this Photo From BettyMakes Blog where you can see the studio in its full glory.

The first class I got to was Lino Printing on Cards One Sunny Sunday.

Arriving late I eventually caught up.
We all spent hours of therapeutic concentrating & chatting carving out our designs in the Lino. Before stopping for a pleasant catered lunch.
After lunch was the telling moment had our Lino Carvings been successful?

…

As you can see I choose a tea related design need you ask. You can see what the other ladies did over on Betty Makes Blog .

This class was a real enjoyable learning curve and I’ve caught the Lino Printing Bug too now. My prints were a bit rustic looking due to my paint application mainly but actually though unintentional I like it.

I’ve since framed my clearest card which is now proudly on display in the kitchen.

I can’t wait for my next class on Sunday at Betty Makes; Needle Felting with teacher Jenny Tidman (who teaches needle & wet felting at Betty Makes & Halfpenny Home Haberdashery)

I am taking my 14 year old cousin. Who thinks her needle felted critter will top my attempt – we will see – So watch this space for what we produce.

A Few Extra Points:

* There are not only weekday classes at Betty Makes but weekend classes too.

* Betty Makes has a wide selection of classes. For Example Crochet, Sewing & Lino Printing. Take a Look.

* Most Classes include your equipment. You also have the choice of buying certain class kits at a reasonable price to take away with you.

* Jean-Mary is CRB checked, she works with children & is an Integrative Counsellor. Oh & She’s a Mum.
What does this mean… Children’s Craft Party’s!

* Easy close parking.

I know this has been a long post but I wanted to show you all the classes at once. I can’t express how much fun craft classes are if your that way inclined and Great for making new friends.
All 3 also do knitting or craft nights as well so even if you don’t want to do a class you can pop in make new friends and take your latest project.

Do Look These Ladies Up or check out your own local classes.

Happy Crafting

S

Current Craftiness

Over the past week I’ve had some time to play with last months Crafty Creatives Box 12 (you can view CCBox12 full contents in a previous post) and thought I would show you my makes.

This months kit was cross stitch, I loved crossed stitch when I was younger so this was a welcome reminiscent craft.

There were 4 pattens to choose from and I chose the cupcake, but added my own touches. I added a 3rd colour; pink, a border, some beads & a heart topper. I really enjoyed doing it and it’s now joined the ‘tea corner’ in the kitchen.

My other Crafty Creatives Box 12 make was from the polymer clay cake slice charms.

I brought some clasps and connecting hoops and *heypresto*

Cake Slice Stitch Markers.

Last week was my last Pottery session of the term.
I finished my little house off at home before hand so It would be fired over the holidays.

In class I’ve wrapped up a few projects, glazing and embellishing which hopefully will be fired and ready to collect soon.

I’ve also been trying to improve my knitting skills and in doing so thought I would start again from basics.
A few weeks ago now Sarah at The Sheep Shop ran a beginners knitting class which I attended and though I could already knit found it very helpful to learn cast on methods and various other little bits.

We started handwarmers which I’ve been continuing with I’ve finished one but I’ve dropped a stitch on the other – and this is why I’m going back to learning!

Though fixing mistakes isn’t one of Sarah’s classes I’ve signed upto yet!

Also a Crochet WIP I have going at the moment is a baby blanket for my Sister-in-Law whose baby is due in November.

I have a soft spot for these little granny squares. We do not yet know whether she is having a little boy or girl but I’m intending on crocheting enough blue, green and eventually pink squares so that when we do know I can make a blanket out of what ever is colour appropriate.

My final crafty project this week has been a new notice board.
I purchased some of Miss Beatrix beautiful hand painted buttons a couple of weeks ago and wanted to find a good way to display them along with my Lupin Handmade Brooch.

So today I set to making a notice board to display a few select bits on in my craft room.

I covered an A4 flat artist canvas in spotty blue material and made some bunting. Before arranging & sewing on the buttons and attaching the primrose brooch.
Finally I attached a ‘washing line’ across the board to allow me to added other favourite bits.

Thus far I’ve added a #postcircle #goose sticker I received today on a lovely #postcircle letter, to my notice board ‘washing line’.

I can’t wait to add more! I will keep you updated.

S

All heard of a Bull in a China Shop…

But have you heard of … A Boxer in a Haberdashery…

Today Mr S, The Dog & I went to Needham Market a lovely little Suffolk Village, To visit Halfpenny Home’s shop & work shop.

*Photo taken from Halfpenny Home

Halfpenny Home was one of my Twitter finds; drawn firstly to her profile by the words TEA & CHICKENS two of my fancies, she got even better by being a crafty soul *click follow*

Having followed Halfpenny Home for a few weeks now and being intrigued by her shop and blogging. Today we took a trip to meet the face behind it all.

At her little shop; which is tucked away on the approach to the railway station in Needham Market, adding to its mystery and charm.
Nicola offers a whole array of sew’y yarn’y pleasures to meet your crafting needs as well as offering classes in multiple different crafts.

Her shop is a feast for the eyes; Mr S said “wow it was like Alice in Wonderland or Something”.
It’s that type of organised stylish chaos that looks amazing, has your eyes flickering from one thing to the next and your mind buzzing, and I couldn’t create if I tried.
I’m sure if you want it Nicola has it or can source you it.

Some of my particular favourites being the millions (I’m sure I’m not exaggerating) of Buttons she has, Ribbons – Ribbons & More Ribbons and her personalised wooden knitting needles (I will own some of these if even as decoration in the craft room).

Today visiting with Nicola was a lady called Kay who makes Gluten Free, Vegetarian & Dairy Free Goodies which I sampled – Very delicious, but unfortunately due to chatting then a hasty retreat we failed to purchase any – This Time, I am hoping there will be a next time.

Mentioning our hasty retreat, I feel I should explain further by saying Mr S & The Dog went to the pub for an hour or so while I was chatting & browsing, enjoying a pimms with the ladies; I picked a good day to visit.
But on their return to collect me The Dog took a fancy to some rather nice Alpca Mix Yarn in a very vibrant orange, Our Boy has good taste.

So at this point we thought it best to retreat before he caused any damage. Luckily he is only a bit sneaky and not destructive, he sees it as his giving you a gift also something he does with socks- a story for another day.

It was past closing I didn’t realise until we were in the car, so sorry about that. It just shows the good suffolk hospitality of Nicola.

As I was taking pictures just before we left my battery died so I couldn’t capture all I would have liked to show you, but I am not sure a camera could do it justice as my eyes didn’t know where to look first. – You will just have to visit yourself and make a day of Needham Market.

All in All the 3 of us had a lovely afternoon.
The boys at the pub, The Dog had a good afternoon playing with local children, Mr S with his treat of a Guniness & Sausage Sarnie and me with the Wonderful delights of Halfpenny Home.

Oooo before I go I nearly forgot to show you what I got…

I just love velveted ribbon & teal matches our bedroom.

And this ribbon I’m not sure why I need it but I do I know that.

I’ve wanted some of this bobble ribbon, I’m not sure what its real name is, to edge the bottom of a blind in the spare room.

And finally The Dogs choice of Yarn how could I refuse him.

I’m thinking perhaps I will make some hand warmers with this.

Tonight we have been all getting ready for the working week once more.
Mr S is starting a new job tomorrow another step at working harder for our little family, Lets Wish Him Good Luck – We know you will do Great Hunny. Xx

Hope you all had a good weekend what ever you got up too.

S

Mary Mary .. How Does Your Garden Grow

Mary, Mary, quite contrary
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockleshells
And pretty maids all in a row.

June and the sun are here!
All my good garden intentions were put on hold due to the cold then wet spring weather.
But in the mean time you will see in my previous post yet again the garden design has had a further change.

The garden is looking pretty unloved with its patchy grass due to the dogs toxic wee and the lack of planting since we dug the beds and mulched in the autumn.

The spring bulbs are over and all that remained for a long while were the ever resilient pansy’s.

Over the past couple of weeks though I’ve been patiently waiting for my alliums to come out.
The dog unfortunately had a mad happy hour of tearing round the garden which means less alliums than we did have.

But still a few survived and look!
The last week or so they have fully come out.

I love their round bulbous heads which balance on those thin steams its amazing how they managed it.

Our herbs are thriving but my clematis didn’t last. The Rose’s were doing really well till I went to photography them and realised in my one day of frivolity & absence yesterday one had wilted very badly. So I’m hoping with some TLC it can be revived.

Though the French Lavender is living you can see in the Rose picture it’s also not the happiest plant in our garden, this needs some research as to why Its looking ropey.

Over the next few weeks I intend to plant a few more herbs and build up the borders and hopefully slowly our garden will develop.
It’s a learning curve with the soil we have. Locally its sandy but due to where we live its also very poor so it’s going to take a good few autumns of mulching and attention to make it fully plant friendly.

So watch this space …

Yesterday after having my nails done, I met L for craft and coffee, well hot chocolate in my case.

And I finally managed to finish my sewn birdies.

I’ve ended up with a chain of 5; 3 cream floral and 2 pink floral.

I finished stuffing and sewing in the garden at L’s while she sewed her crochet top project together.
I haven’t been able to get a picture of L’s handy work but you can take a look and see her new crochet top developing on her Instagram account Lyndseyjane1. L always has lovely knitted & crochet projects on the go, she’s very talented.

Here is my finished article in situ.

Now I’m off to read my Mollie Makes & Homemaker magazine for inspiration for my next project.

S

Catching Up

There has been a lack of blogging around here recently. Things have been a bit sporadic and intermittent.

For one I’ve been busy but also the WordPress app keeps loosing things I write when I update- grrr (it’s just done it again even though I’ve previewed the updated post!)

The positive side is though I’ve been a bit quiet with blogging, I’ve been doing little bits and bobs at home. Getting on despite picking up yet another blinking bug last week.

So another brief recap blog and then hopefully I will get back into the swing of things.

Tuesday

Tuesday I recovered from going out on Monday.
Painted my toes to match my hands.

Sewed the lining back into the sewing basket mentioned in my other posts.

It also gave me a chance to check out a few new blogs and odds and ends I’ve been interested in.

Read my Homemaker & Mollie Makes magazines cover to cover in between small chores.

I brought the last couple but I’ve now subscribed to Homemaker magazine & Mollie Makes which I’ve wanted to do for a while but thought it an extravagance, it still is but Im trying to give myself a little oomph back at the moment.

If your a crafter of general origins these 2 magazines cover a wide range of makes rather than one particular craft, plus have useful reviews etc.
Check them out if you haven’t already, their websites have nice crafty blogs too.

Then something I’ve come across on some blogs recently: Crafty Creatives and I’ve taken the plunge and signed up.
The concept is each month you receive a box of crafty goodies with a theme. With these goodies you receive you can craft your own ideas, follow some of the online suggestions and follow others in the make and do’s.
The last box 11 was Glamour for May.

I think it’s a great idea to try new crafts something mini each month. Especially as I am a habitual multi crafter.

Wednesday

Mr S had an early start and we were all up early. I managed to sneak a couple more hours in bed before getting up and taking the Parrot Cat to the vets for a weight & post op check.

The Parrot Cat is fine and nicely gaining weight though still grounded for a while let those pesky hormones of his calm down.

The dog couldn’t quite work out how to get down the stairs in this picture as he didn’t want to tread on the cat so he resorted to giving me his paw to indicate he would like me to stop taking photos & help.

I had a quick cuppa and some internet time. Before heading off to drop The Dog at the in-laws and pop into town.

I was naughty in town when getting Mr S’s brother-in-laws jokey birthday pressie, a few other things slipped into my basket as well.

In Marks & Spencer’s picking up the essentials, this tin of biscuits proved ESSENTIAL. Disregarding non gf biscuits. But love the tin!

*Teapot Island
*The Pineapple House *Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch

Now if your imagination is like mine Do Not click the links below because curiosity really did kill the cat and the reality of some of these are not as good as the images in my head.

Tea Pot Island; I had a “Willy Wonker” meets “Alice in Wonderland” esk island whose owner was Hesten Blumenthal in my head.
Giant dunking biscuits and a stream of tea … With a White Rabbit running late and Mad Hatter tea parties.
All hosted by The Mad Hatter, the ultimate marmite chef; Hesten Blumenthal (I happen to Love both Heston & Marmite).

Pineapple House;
Queue song … ” who lives in a pineapple under the sea ”
Who could not think of Sponge Bob Square Pants.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch – I’ve been there!

I also brought a wooden box container for storing loose bottles in the kitchen. I think it was meant to be a plant pot holder but its perfect to tidy up the loose bottles behind the chair and was much cheaper than the bottle boxes I’ve had my eye; the blue goes nicely.

Another jar for more pebbles & shells.

This bright gorgeous plate which I intend for the craft room.

And I think that was it apart from Mr S’s brother-in-laws pressie.

The explanation is that S likes nails according to his daughters, who oh so sweetly giggling about it.
He is a maker doer and does have one of those sheds full of hundreds of oddments and nails and everything you could ever need etc, so as a jokey gift we have brought him more nails & screws.

I’ve put them in the traditional style jam jar to mimic those found in your Grandfathers shed and Mr S came up with the idea of trying to stripe them in layers like coloured sand. (His turning crafty)
We had issues with this though as they kept falling through and blending. But this is the finished product.

Wednesday night was my first night back at my pottery class, my items have been fired so are ready for glazing, though someone had glazed a piece for me before I was ready.
So my little soap dish should have had a different body of colour with its oxide glaze.

This piece was meant to be shades of blue on the main body but the the slip obviously wasn’t what the bottle said, it is extremely light blue. Next it needs its glass adding to give the watery effect in the main body, then a glaze to make it all shiny and finished. The glaze will also change the slip colour a bit.

This is my next piece …

Under this bag is a Lilly pad and Lilly Flower bowl to match the froggie one, I’m going to use them as a serving set there are a few more pieces I want to do to make a complete set.

Thursday/Friday

I plodded with washing and chores.
Read another Mollie Makes

I have an idea for these freebie buttons – but I need to finish up some other outstanding makes first!

Thursday Evening I got an email from a lady who runs the local Clandestine Cake Club.
I had previously contacted her about joining the meet but the next venue/group was full so I was put on a waiting list and completely forgot about it this month. Until Thursday evening I got a message saying there was now a space would I like it – YES!
So this left me planning what one should bake!
The theme was celebration/birthday cakes for the 1st Birthday.

Friday I baked & did my decoration for my cake.

Saturday

Was my first Clandestine Cake Club meet.

You can see how I got on and what I came up with in my next post.

Here is a sneak peak…

I had a great time, but the night before it looked like an icing sugar bomb had exploded in the kitchen and I was having technical issues with the oven.

Sunday

Was a lazy day. I did some paper work drunk lots of tea.

Then Mr S and I did some of the garden. This has left me a little worse for ware.

However the bunnies had a great time munching at the unmown lawn with dandelions galore. Our boy bun though is still a house bunny at heart and after a while he snuck in to cool off in his favourite spot on the kitchen floor.

Phew and that is the end of this catch up.

S

This * That * The Other

Its Monday once again people, I am hoping all had a wonderful weekend but for those who may not have, as life is like that, remember always look for the good in every day how ever hard it seems.

Over the weekend Mr S & I didn’t do a lot, I had a lot of ‘plans’ but nothing really got off the ground.

Friday I had been to the hospital for some blood tests and seen my Mother & Grandparents which was nice. The Dog loves a family outing.

Saturday was a duvet day. I unpacked some bits I had brought back with me Friday. One of which being a sewing basket given to me by my Grandmother.

This sewing basket has bits and bobs from my Grandmother, mostly my Great Great Aunt and my Great Great Great Grandmother.

It was interesting opening the little tins and discovering what was inside. Mostly buttons, but I like buttons, I have a teapot full of buttons.

Wooden sewing thread reals. Pre-Decimalisation monetary values marked on packs of binding, needles and such like, novel to me being a Post-Decimalisation child.

The basket it’s self is a little flimsy and the fabric needed a wash.
So carefully I unpicked it hand washed and ironed it it ready to be sewn back in and used for another generation to add to it.
I didn’t want to replace the fabric yet I like the blue gingham, plus I didn’t want to loose that part of its history.

Sunday Mr S had studying to do and I tidied and prepared for the week ahead ironing shirts and such like.

Afterwards we sat down and I finished my crochet granny squares practice piece.

Which I was quite chuffed about and has spurred me on to finishing my WIP blanket which I have shown you in past posts.

In a Random subject change:

Our Dog; The Dog is a rescue and on Sunday evening I made the mistake of looking at the website of the place we got him from Norfolk & Suffolk Boxer Rescue. .

I REALLY REALLY shouldn’t look!
I’m a sucker Mr S is a sucker we know this, it is how one Saturday we ended up taking the plunge and went from one day we will have a dog to looking at dogs and the next weekend owning one!

Currently on there is a 6month old little boy & 3 1/2 year old little girl.
Though the little boy caught my eye, I am sure he will find a good home quickly ppl like young puppies. But it’s the 3 1/2 year old little girl… I really have had to have a we can’t discussion with myself and Mr S. As age and personality wise she would be perfect, when we got The Dog we always had full intentions of getting a pair male & female.
There is just something niggling at me, there are lots of dogs that crop up but there is just something about her.
Any way NO!!

Monday came around again.

A caramel hot chocolate with cream and caramel drizzle was in order before I had a nail appointment, thankfully. My nails were in a bit of a state and due a pamper.
I’ve got fat hands with funny knuckles in my eyes and I hate having terrible nails as I feel they draw attention to them.

I am a red polish kinda gal normally but today I went for a pink with a purplish hue.
I brought some L’oreal (503 Addictive Plum) nail varnish which was the closet match to my nail varnish to paint my tootsies with tomorrow.

Afterwards I popped to stock up on pet food which seems to always be on our shopping list.
Then L meet me for coffee and we had a look around some shops.

I picked up bargains in Dunelm Mill a fux fur throw reduced from £40 to £10, the cats love faux fur.

It co-ordinates with The Parrot Cat very well.

Curtains reduced from £70 to £8.25 for a temporary fix in the lounge; it currently looks like we live in a squat with an old duvet cover over the broken blinds. Got to love our pets luckily they have now all grown out of the destruction phase.
A little job for papa when the parents next stay.

L & I couldn’t resist a quick look in Hobbycraft they have just got in a favourite of ours Smash Pad.
I brought some Smash Pad quotation notelets, discounted yellow ribbon and some multi coloured card. I intend to start my recipe cards I posted about a while back on the card. I’m just on the look out for a suitable receptacle for the recipe cards now.

I picked up a copy of Mollie Makes and last months Homemaker magazine to peruse while I’m painting my tootsies and having a tea break tomorrow.

Now Time for bed me thinks as its been a long day.

S

April Showers

If April Showers Bring Forth May Flowers, What does an April Monsoon Bring Forth? I am hoping our lawn back to life!

Wow it rained, then sleeted, then hailed, then rained some more.

In 5minutes our patio was a pool.

This picture is all I braved as it was drenching me trying to take photos.

And then it stopped.

The garden is showing more signs of life I did think the Tulips had given up but they are now starting to flower and the daffodils are still going strong.

Apart from the daily chores and washing, everything (La-La-La I can’t see you pile of shirts to iron) is up to date.

So this evening I’ve menu planned and finally finished sewing the last bird or what I thought would be last bird. I’m going to add another cream bird – odd numbers much better.

One smile this evening. The Princess was in an especially good mood and ran straight up to The Dog and gave him a full on face rub greeting and purrrrrrr. It shocked us, but shocked him more.

Not quite back to running on full steam but nearly there.

S

Life’s A Peach

I never thought I would say this but I’m really into the colour peach !
Pale peach not so much coral peach and I love the mixture of peach and pink.
Back in the 80’s I wore a peach bridesmaid dress and I think this will have to be the one and only time I will ever wear the colour peach as I have completely the wrong skin tone for it, peach nail varnish is out too and the verdict is still out on peach accessories, especially beautiful ‘peach’ gem stones; very much feeling these at the moment.
I can not find the original sources of these pictures I found them on Pinterest and they had no links, so I apologise to the owner but I hope you will understand me sharing.

BUT ANYTHING & EVERYTHING PEACH! – officially obsessed.

Take these pretty flowers; taken By Nest Pretty Things, so delicate in peach.

and the fruity side!
I’m craving them at the moment, their juicy thirst quenching summerness, unfortunately a long way out of season at the moment so not at there best and juiciest.
Until then this picture taken By s-p-r-i-n-g will have to tantalise my taste buds.

Or then I did find this recipe for peach cupcakes from a talented lady called Cathlin. I could use tin peaches for this I’m sure.

Apart from admiring all things ‘peach’ today.
Mr S & I have just enjoyed a sofa day together. Our plans were changed last minute, we were going to an outdoor jacuzzi & champagne event at a private garden but the event organiser cancelled until April due to the weather. So we were left with an nicely unexpected day to our selves.
So Sofa – TV and a bit of sewing for me.

I’ve also been getting excited about a work trip Mr S is going on next week and guess who gets to tag along !! Moi !! Oh yes me oh me – I’m so excited !!
Here is a hint to where we are going …

Anyway tonight we are going to watch a film “We Brought A Zoo”
Sounds like something Mr S & I would do.

Enjoy your Saturday Evening.

S