Winter Project Link Party

Another busy few days trying to cram everything in.  As the date for visiting family and our holiday draws nearer each day so does the lack of time for completing tasks.  The lists are getting longer and longer, with not a lot getting ticked off.  The mammoth task of getting gifts wrapped starts tomorrow, I am hoping that they will all fit in the car, only time will tell.  The last of the Christmas puddings are in the slow cooker steaming away, a little early but too late to make them on our return. 

On looking through my lists of things to do I noticed that I had never completed or indeed ever started the crochet stocking that I wanted to make this year.  Whilst it is too late for the children for this year it would be nice to have a couple hanging off either the mantle or the bed for ourselves.  I really did enjoy sorting through the yarn and laying them next to each other and have come up with quite a nice combination of colours.  The trusty wool winder has been out and I have been winding some wonderful yarn cakes for ease.

Only a couple of squares done so far but at least a start has been made.  The project is easily transported so can be a something I take with me, if indeed it fits in the car.

My long term Winter project is to make a quilt for my Grandson Hector, all hand stitched and filled with love.  The fabrics have been chosen and the style picked out so a start will be made later today.

I am joining up with Jennifer thistlebearhome.com for the Winter Project Link Party in the hope that it will spur me on, they are both projects that have been on the list for awhile.  What are you working on at the moment?

See you soon.

Five on Friday

It has been a week of trial and tribulation, a lot achieved not least we have signed the contracts for selling the house but no date as yet for the exchange of contracts and moving.  Alas there has also been a lot of jobs delayed due to the weather.  Sadly we have woken to a damp and misty morning so I don't see any progress been achieved today.  I am talking outside buildings and the mammoth task of sorting them out.  We are mindful of the damp and the damage it can do to Gerard's health particularly when there is so much to sort through but eventually I think we are just going to have to grim and bear it.

 

This is the view from a front window grey and misty and yet it looks quite pretty, the walks along the dyke will certainly be missed.

 

Two

 

We have amassed an enormous collection of books over the years and have had a big sort out this week, with a view to donating them to the local charity shop.  Sadly when we arrived with all our donations they wouldn't accept the books.  Apparently they have been inundated with books since Christmas and were not taking anymore.  It was the same story at a couple of others we tried.  Sadly they will now have to go to the tip for landfill which is a little disappointing.

 

 

Three

 

I can proudly report that the craft room is all packed up ready to go, I have a crochet project that I am working on and Honeys quilt which I making a little progress on.  Slow but steady, hand stitching a couple of squares a day.

 

 

 

I am hoping to have this finished by next Friday as I am meeting Amie and Honey at Springfield's near Spalding for a little shopping excursion and lunch.  I need to replace some underwear before moving.

 

Four

 

I came across a whole host of certificates and school reports, a lifetime of education, sporting and musical achievements.  What a joy to look back and read them, we were certainly proud parents both then and now.  We intend to give the girls a box each so they have them to share with their own children.

 

 

Even programmes from each of the productions they were in, lots of wonderful memories to treasure.

 

Five

 

Finally I have been having long relaxing baths this week, soaking the aches and pains of the days toil away.  Luxuriating in bubbles and candlelight, such a wonderful way to end the day.

 

 

I am once again joining Amy over at Love Made My Home for the Friday link up.  How are you filling your days?

 

See you soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

A Mouse, A Sheep And A Rabbit

The weather has finally picked up and we are once again feeling as if it really is Spring.  Hopefully once the garden has dried out a little we can enjoy the great outdoors and get on with some gardening.  In the meantime I am enjoying my time in the craft room and have finished the blanket for Hector ready for his trip to Disneyland.

 

One thing is for sure, it will keep him warm on a cold wintery day.

 

I smiled as I looked out of my dining room window and saw our neighbour walking her dogs, they range in sizes and ages but are all very well behaved.

 

 

Yes, you were right it is a SHEEP!  I have shown you pictures of this before, but even though I see this on a regular basis it still makes me smile.

I have kept myself busy on Honey's quilt and am pleased with the progress thus far.  It seems to be coming together quite nicely, despite the random placing.

 

It is bigger than I anticipated so I might have to adjust things from the initial plan.

 

 

I love the eclectic mix of fabrics, a real mix of makes and memories behind each block.  The bunnies make me smile and add to the magic.

 

 

I am having fun with this and enjoying the process.  What are you working on at the moment?

 

See you soon.

 

 

A Weekend Indoors

You would not believe the dramatic weather conditions we have had here this weekend.  A drop in temperatures, frosty mornings, rain, hail, snow and bright sunshine.  A really weird and yet wonderful mix.  Gardening was of course out of the question.  Already I am regretting doing some of the seeds.  Hindsight is wonderful, but with hindsight I should have left them a few more weeks.  I did pot on the plants bought from the Garden Centre, they do seem to be faring well so are obviously quite hardy.  It was the hail that surprised me so much coming down with such force.

 

The umpteen seeds trays will remain on the window sills for a little while longer, before been transplanted into larger pots and transferred to the mini greenhouse.

 

 

The tomato plants are almost ready to be potted on,  they have grown so quickly taking us by surprise.  They are a cherry tomato variety which taste sweet and are perfect for salads, a little taste of summer and don't need a lot of attention.

 

We do grow marigolds to grow alongside the tomatoes to stop bug infestation, it does seem to work.  They are growing quite well thus far.

 

 

With this strange weather a car boot sale was out of the question so I made a start on the list of requests for the Grandchildren.  Bertie wanted bunting for his garden shed so that was duly completed, using fabrics left over from his Western/Cowboy quilt.

 

 

All stitched and complete, ready for hanging.  He wants some curtains making too, just waiting for the dimensions.

 

A start has been made on Honey's quilt, we decided to go for bunnies rather than hearts.  To be fair I was quite impressed with the overall look.

 

 

Cotton yarn and the trusted pom pom maker were used.  A good start was made...

 

 

I find English paper piecing quite therapeutic, the preparation taking almost as long as the stitching.  I love playing around with the different fabrics finding just the right place for it to go, random placing rather than a set pattern.  Made with love for the newest addition to the family, our beautiful Honey Bunny,  that is what her big brother calls her.  Made with love from Granny.

 

It has been a weekend indoors, with some lovely moments in the kitchen making bread and soup, the simple things in life.  We did have a traditional Sunday afternoon tea consisting of scones with homemade jam and cream, Victoria sponge and copious amounts of tea, not forgetting the tiny but very elegant sandwiches.  Not good for the figure but brilliant for the taste buds.  Is the weather as weird in your neck of the woods?

 

See you soon.

 

 

 

Winter Project

Work on my original winter project is slow, I have completed a few more granny squares to add to the pile but in general it is a neglected creation.  On a more positive note I have completed the quilt for our imminent new arrival which I am quite pleased with.

 

I have also crocheted a cushion for the nursing chair which compliments the quilt beautifully.  I added vintage buttons to give it a little style.

 

 

It is now bound with some natural twine and finished off with a painted and stamped bear as a tag.

 

 

I have also made a start on a couple of cowls for the Granddaughters in preparation for next Winter.  I have not had idle hands I am just not working on what I was supposed to.

 

 

Your time will come oh beautiful throw, you will not languish in the craft room forever.  I WILL make a concerted effort to finish you, but I need something small and transportable to take with me as I once again pop down to Norwich to be with my daughter whilst we wait for our new Grandson to arrive.  I leave tomorrow so will not be around for a little while.

 

I am linking to Jennifer over at Thistlebear for the Winter link up party, pop over and catch up with everyone's progress.

 

See you soon.