Games Bag

We have had quite a restful weekend, taking things easy and just enjoying each others company.  A couple of good films and  reading took up most of our time along with some good food that we enjoyed cooking together.  I gave in and went to the doctors about my shoulder, I was sent for ex rays and an ultra sound scan.  They found several problems so I have been referred to a orthopaedic consultant.  In the meantime progress is slow on my craft projects, taking things easy so not to do any further damage.  I didn't go to my aerobics class this morning, I must admit I did miss not going.

I have made another bag, this time a games bag.  It is so much fun snakes and ladders on one side and noughts and crosses on the other.  I have also made a dice and counters.

The board was drawn out in pencil and then sewn in using the machine, adding the numbers using fabric paint.

Felt snakes and ladders were glued on and then my favourite embellishment buttons were added.

The boards was then stitched onto the canvas bag.

On the other side, a noughts and crosses board was designed and stitched on using the same technique and felt noughts and crosses cut out.

To further enhance the bag a dice and counters were made so that the game could indeed be played.

I haven't been on the computer much this weekend so I am a little behind with visiting you all but hopefully will catch up soon.  Gerard has a hospital appointment tomorrow and we have the exciting job of collecting the chickens.  They will hopefully be on tomorrows ferry from Skye.  The coop has been painted and an area fenced off for them, with further land available behind the barn.  It will be interesting to see what Mickey will be like with them.

Hopefully I will be introducing our new residents in my next post.  As always I thank you for your comments and messages of support.

See you soon.

Another Fun Filled Day

Thank you so much for all your comments regarding the bag, it was a kit that came with die cut shapes that I ironed onto some fabric and then stitched to a canvas bag.   I found  the kit whilst on a trip to Florida USA,  an exciting find that cost 50 cents.   It also included a craft sheet so that I can cut out the pattern again.  A real bargain.

I have added some needle cases to the gift cupboard, they are a perfect pop into a card type gift.  A little something to let someone know they are in your thoughts.  I am a great fan of Harris Tweed so this was the fabric of choice and the inner I used felt.

I have also had a little fun with making a soap each for the Grand children.  They really enjoyed using the ones that I made some time ago which included a mini dinosaur.  This time I chose their favourite animal and encased it between two layers with a rather nice Christmas  tree scent.

A quick squirt of alcohol rub soon got rid of the air bubbles and a little push soon immersed the figure completely into the soap.

Soon ready for wrapping and labelling.  This time a wooden button used to enhance the name tag and give them a clue as to the scent.

I can always fill my day and enjoy the process of making and crafting.  I may have to slow down for awhile as I am having an issue with my shoulder but I have plenty of books that I want to read.  Each day is a blessing and I take each day as it comes.  We have no real plans for the weekend.  Have you anything exciting planned on your calendar?

See you soon.

A Windy Day Indoors

Yesterday the winds were whipping around our little cottage making it a joy to be inside and enjoy the comfort of the stove roaring and the heat coming from it.  Both the freight ferry and the passenger ferry were cancelled once again making us thankful for the extra provisions we have stored.  The rain started with a pitter patter against the window and is now thrashing against it.  I am so thankful that there is no urgency for us to go out today.  We have plenty to keep us busy indoors and some warming soup to sustain us.  Cheese scones may be added later during the course of the morning.  We have the option of roasted butternut squash and mixed pepper soup or parsnip with ginger, both warming flavours.  You are welcome to join us...

I can always find something to fill my days and yesterday was no exception.  I made a gift bag ready for Christmas. 

Of course it included buttons.  I stitched some on the hearts and stars as well as using some on the angels.  I enjoyed sorting through my collection for the perfect ones.

I stitched a pocket  on the bag and added an enormous button that I stitched on using  red twine.

Progress on the crochet blanket is going well, I am adding a few rows daily and enjoying the process.  The first one I started I couldn't seem to retain the pattern so I needed an eye on it all the time.  Making it hard work and no enjoyment at all so I pulled it back.  I like a challenge for a smaller project but not for a single bed sized blanket.  What are you working on at the moment?

As always I thank you for your encouraging and welcome comments.  A warm welcome to a new follower, I do hope you enjoy my little adventures through life.

See you soon.

Soap Making

I am feeling so much better today, I have got up feeling so much more refreshed and rejuvenated after taking time out to rest.  Unfortunately I or should I say "we" have had a tummy bug which laid us both low.  Thankfully it didn't last long and some normality can resume.

I was asked about the herbs that I dry.  I haven't any special equipment for this I just cut the herb such as mint into bunches, tie with string and hang in the kitchen to dry.  This usually takes about 4 - 6 weeks.  I then using forefinger and thumb rub the dried leaf until it crumbles, taking out the stems.  I also use a ice cube tray for freezing fresh herbs adding a little water to pre-cut herbs.  All ready to add to stews and casseroles.  Hope that helps.

Prior to having the tummy upset I did have some fun in the kitchen making soap.  Actually, I used melt and pour so I didn't technically make it.    I did have so much fun, adding colour and scent.  Dried cranberries, oats and lavender buds added to the fun too.

It was a slow process building up the layers, using an alcohol rub to ensure they stuck together.  It was fun adding colour and making swirls down the middle.

I even used some of the dried mint in one.

My kitchen was a feast for the senses for several hours.  It was left overnight to dry and the I had more fun wrapping the soaps in cellophane.

Raffia, a tag and finished with a button.  I really enjoyed going through the buttons choosing each one to match the colour scheme.

Five different varieties, thirty soaps in all.  All ready for stockings and gifts for Christmas.

Thank you for all your comments and emails.  Gerard managed to drive to town and back on his own but it stressed me out a little and he was tired when he returned.  We are going back to the old routine for little while longer and I will do the food shop while he is in rehab and then I can drive back.

See you soon.

PS Can you spot the deliberate spelling mistake?  I have just noticed I have spelt lavender wrong...

This and That...

The week has just flown by, here we are Thursday already.  Gerard has just gone into Stornoway for his rehabilitation course and to see the cardiac nurse for the first time on his own since the heart attack in March.  We are trying to get things back on an even keel.    Whilst there are still some issues that need ironing out this last set of medication seem to be working, thankfully.  So I am home alone and quite enjoying the peace and quiet.  I didn't need to go into town as we had already been on Monday for the dentist.   I have already made the bed, tidied around and cleaned the bathroom so now I can enjoy some time to myself.

I dried a lot of herbs and finally got round to breaking them up and putting them into glass storage jars.  They are perfect for adding to stews/casseroles during the Winter months.

This is some of the mint I dried, I am quite impressed how much it has retained its colour.  We grew several varieties and they have all dried well.  I do like to add mint to potatoes and make mint sauce regularly.

I have made a start on a blanket for Bertie, I know I have made a start once before, but as it grew I like it less and less.  Consequently I have pulled it all back and started a fresh.

It is to fit a single bed, so awhile to go yet but I am enjoying the process.  The same pattern will be used to crochet a blanket for Honey using pink and lilac yarn.  I am using aran wool so it will be lovely and warm for them and of course it does crochet up quickly.

Mickey is looking a little bedraggled, so it is time to get the grooming table out and give him a good brush.  We can then decide if need to be given a cut or not.  He is certainly in need of a bath, in fairness he does quite enjoy splashing about in the water.  In the summer we fill an old children's paddling pool for him.

I am thinking I might get some soap made to go with the wash cloths that I have been crocheting.  I have also crocheted some soap savers, I was inspired by some that I saw on pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.co.uk/ Kristina is an inspiration to all those who strive for self sufficiency.  I will share mine on another post once I have made the soap.

As always I do thank you for your visit and your comments.  A warm welcome to a new follower  I do hope you enjoy my little adventures through life.  Today I will leave you with a a sheep whose little face I fell in love with, the photo taken up by the lighthouse.

See you soon.

PS  The hen house has arrived, so Gerard has made a start in making a area for them.  He has made a start making some fencing and a gate.