This And That

I have had a busy few days having a sort out, giving the kitchen food cupboards a thorough cleaning and arranging everything back in date order.  It is amazing how untidy they get in such a short period of time.  I was thrilled that nothing has been wasted and I have been quite good since moving here about rotating and checking the dates on things.  The fridge has been given a good going over as well and I have been quite good with using leftovers.  My resolve to stop wasting food is still working well and has been good since our move.

I have not been as good with my crafting projects, I seem to be a little hit and miss not achieving very much at all.  I have made a start embellishing some napkins.  Stamping on a psalm and stitching on a wooden heart shaped button.  I want some small gifts ready in the gift cupboard which is looking a little forlorn as it is empty at the moment.

I have had some fun decorating a canvas bag with stamps and Harris Tweed.  Just need to stitch it all into place.

I thought it might make a great gift bag.  

I have also been working on not one but two crochet projects albeit slowly.  I found a granny square languishing at the bottom of the basket, which I intended to make a throw.  I am now going to make it into a cushion all ready for the craft room.

Storage is always an issue so I thought I would make some storage baskets.  I found a lovely pattern in an old issue of Homemaker issue 41, so a start has been made.

 As you can see lots of little projects but not one finish.  I am in no rush which is a good job really.  My eyes are drawn to the windows and the surrounding beauty.  I am always surprised by the differing views, the changing skies and lights that occur during the day making the skyline look so different.  I pray that I never tire of my little cottage and its views.  Today we have beautiful blue skies and it is only when you go outside you realise just how cold it is, although nothing like the freezing temperatures experienced by some of you.   I need to get on, a start needs to made on Hectors quilt whilst the light is good.  What are you working on?

See you soon.

Blowing Away The Cobwebs

I woke this morning to a glow in the sky, the glorious splendour of  a red sky.  Although as the saying goes..."a red sky in the morning a shepherd's warning"...it was without doubt a beautiful sight.

The warming glow over the horizon gave me the push that I needed to go on a little jaunt around the Island.  We needed some fruit, vegetables and a few DIY supplies anyway so armed with our cameras off we went.

Fasten your seat belts and we will take a slow drive along the main road heading south.

The coastline was a joy with the waves thrashing into the rocks sending a gigantic spray into the air.  We did stop a few times to admire the views.  A 40 minute drive to Stornoway took nearly 2 hours as we gasped at every turn.  The change of light as the clouds moved quickly through the skies and the dramatic skyline with the mountains as a backdrop made for some beautiful photos.

The Morven gallery was closed but is on the list for another day.

A little detour off the main road at Barvas and we were able to take in some of the wonderful history of this Island.  Once again taking in the beauty of the coastline.

 Finally, the last leg of the tour as we go into the main township Stornoway, the breathtaking views as you drive through Newmarket.

 Now as I am typing this and looking out of the window, the skies are darkening and there is once again a red tinge to the sky.

 We have certainly blown away the cobwebs and enjoyed a lovely day out.  We did fall off the wagon and had fish suppers but tomorrow is another day. 

A very warm welcome to new followers, I do hope you enjoy my little adventures through life.

See you soon.

Vintage Pattern Revival

The Christmas decor has all been packed away for another year.  Time needs to be spent sorting them all out now that we have downsized.  We decorated in such a rush this time as we were just back from our holiday so it is a job that has been deferred for awhile.  Cleaning is high on the agenda for today and putting everything back to its rightful place, this may take awhile.  Thank you notes still need to be done, so that is another job for today.  I had planned on making some thank you notelets but time seems to be running away from me.  We haven't got back into a routine since our return from holiday so a real effort is now needed.

I did take some small projects away with me but I was so busy that a not a lot got done.  I was away from the cottage for 6 weeks in the end and all I have to show is a doily.  It was made using a vintage pattern but coloured cotton to give it a contemporary feel.

The cotton was a little thicker than the pattern recommended so it has come up larger than the pattern states.  It now needs to be pinned out and sprayed to show off the beautiful lacy  pattern.  It may end up as a cushion cover, time will tell.

I have so many vintage patterns that have been a joy to collect, but this is the year that I intend to use some of them.  I am really enjoying the process of browsing through them all at the moment.  Another task that may take awhile, decisions...decisions.  It would be nice to attempt them all but I need to be realistic so the process of elimination continues.  This is the year of the vintage pattern.  What are your crafting plans?

See you soon.

Thrift Shop Finds

I have had a busy few hours finally sorting out the craft supplies that I bought whilst away.  We are still taking down the Christmas decorations and trying to get back to some normality.  All the Christmas linen and throws have been washed and are now hanging on an airer in the bathroom.  The china, cutlery and some ornaments are waiting to be boxed back up.  I find it so much easier to decorate than I do packing away but needs must so it will be completed today.  A good clean of the cottage is the order of the day for tomorrow.

From England I came back with all the wool that I needed for projects later on in the year, along with wadding for Hectors quilt and a wide selection of cotton threads.  The wool was one of the promotions in Aldi and seemed perfect for the projects I have in mind.

One of my biggest joys is having a mooch around Thrift stores whilst in America.  There are a couple in Mount Dora that never fail to delight.  I am always amazed at the bargain prices and bring back as much as I can.  I have several Christmas projects already organised, so these are a wonderful addition.

This was a Santa door panel for $2.

This a swinging Santa holder, enough to make 4 for $5.

Crochet cotton for 25 cents per ball.

A wonderful array of vintage crochet patterns 10 cents each.

Sewing patterns for 25 cents each.

Finally some felt ornaments to make, complete with all the necessary threads and such to make them, a real bargain at $1 each packet.  I thought they would make beautiful toppers for my gifts for this year.  I love it when I find a bargain and am delighted when I can add to my collection for such small amounts.  I spend many a happy hour browsing patterns and wondering who has used them and worked on them before me.  Imagining the finished products and how much pleasure they bring.  I have saved money and helped to recycle things that would otherwise have gone to landfill so I am pleased with myself.  Have you had any great finds recently?

See you soon.

Come Fly With Me

We didn't have the quiet New Year in together as planned.  Friends from Church phoned to invite us to their party, we decided to go and had a wonderful Hogmanay.  The first of many more celebrations on this beautiful Island.  It is another bank holiday here where everything is quiet and nothing open, a wonderful time of reflection and future planning. 

I love a list so I have made a start on the list of crafty creations I wish to complete this year.  One of them was a wonderful owl cushion that I found in an old issue of Simply Crochet, issue 11.

So come fly with me indeed, a start was made before Christmas...

...using some oddments of Aran yarn from previous projects.

It really did crochet up very quickly and was stitched together using a blanket stitch.

Sadly I didn't have a round cushion inner so I am using a square one at the moment.  Not really a good look, but will suffice for now.  A round inner is on the list for next time I go shopping.

So although started in 2017, it is the first finish for 2018.  A cushion all ready for the pew that is on the list for renovation once the outbuilding is done.

Many thanks for all your comments and well wishes for the New Year, they are all so much appreciated.

See you soon.