I just read Mean Queens tutorial on making a fabric bowl, very ingenious, I will be giving that a whirl later.

I hope that lots of you have popped over to the Simple Living blog ( you can get to it from my blog list) to see whether you fancy joining the Christmas gift swap, or even a Card.
 If anyone would like a card from me email your snail mail and I will get one in the post. I keep all my foreign stamps for the local primary school, I am not sure how useful they are but they have never been refused. I will put the decorative stamps on any cards that I send.

I promised you a "proper" giveaway and here it is.

 

A glorious book of crochet animals, all made in top grade Alpaca wool. I aim to make at least 1 for myself in this yarn, any that I make for the children (of all ages) that I know will be in a hard wearing acrylic/wool blend, probably from Wool Warehouse.

 



 

Just to give you an idea of what is in there.

 

 

This is Seamus, an Alpaca who fancies himself as a "Luvvie" a paid up member of the local Am Dram. All the creatures in the book have a potted history, a joy to read.

 

 

I bought one for myself and in the interest of craftyness decided to get another to give away. There are really easy to follow instructions in the book and to make a different size you just use thicker or thinner yarn and the appropriate size hook. How easy is that, not brackets with different numbers to confuse you into making half of your project a size too big.

There is no need to wonder about that, I found it easy enough to do. I ended up buying more yarn and making 2 teddies in 2 different sizes.

 

Any of my followers who would like to be in with a chance can just leave a comment telling me that you want the book. Next Wednesday I will pull a name out of a bowl and let the winner know. I will send anywhere in the world so don't be shy, get your name in there.

 

I have been ,allegedly, getting more ripples on my seaside blanket. I did 2 rows and then found myself trying to decide if my crochet basket needed a bird in the flowers, or maybe 2.

 



 

This little Bower Bird was lurking in the balls of yarn so I popped it on to see. What do you think, is it too much or not enough and needs a partner?

Now that I have had a close look I think that it needs a new liner, something else to sew. I have got some fabric pressed ready to make a knitting pin roll later.

 

 

I have not done much crafting today, I took Maggie to the vet in Ammanford, 2 of her cats needed their claws clipping. The place was heaving and her 9:30 time became 10:20, not to worry, we had time to chat and animal watch. There were some cute terriers that I would have adopted in moment, but of course they were with their loving owners.

 

By the time we had taken a quick foxtrot round Lidl to get a few essentials, got back and had a coffee it was almost 12:00.

 

Then Ben needed a walk and a good rub down with a towel when we got back.

 

Now it is time for me to get in the kitchen and get busy.

 

 

                     TTFN                                                           Pam

Swap Alert

Just popped in to say that Simple Living has posted an idea for a Christmas gift swap. I have signed up, I like a Secret Santa however it is labelled. Go for a visit and see what you think, there is also a comment from America regarding Christmas card exchange, I am up for that as well.   

    Enjoy your evening.    Pam

Sewing and Pressing in the Rain

Well not out in the rain, just watching it hammer against the window. I did manage to get Ben out while it was not too bad.

I have had fun playing with fabric and thread though, I made something for me and something for Fran.

 

 

I have been meaning to run one of these up for ages, mine was one that came with the set of hooks and was very cheap looking. I like this and it uses some more scraps up.

 

I should have put the ribbon tie a bit lower, I will move it later, maybe. I do have a pattern or three for these rolls but just made it up as I went.



 

Fran likes big sun glasses, it is her birthday soon and I like to give her summery things, so I made this for her. 

 

The inside is a very pale yellow and sets off the turquoise trim nicely. As soon as I dug the fat quarter outer print from my stash I thought of the saying "2 swallows do not a summer make" there are many more than 2 here.

 

These are my specs so there will be lots of room for chunky sunnies. I will have to think of something else to make, possibly a new phone case, the ones I made her ages ago are quite scruffy now.

 

Now for the craft caddy.

 

I put all the names of the comments into a bag and fished around to pull one out. Saver of Suburbia, the bag is yours, just email me your snail mail and I will send it off to you.

 

I have a real give away coming up, a very desirable craft book. I will post photos tomorrow and give you all a week to comment. This will be for followers only and will be world wide, I know postage is steep but it almost Christmas after all.

 

Reasons to be grateful.

 

1.  A day playing in the sewing room.

 

2.  More scraps used up.

 

3.  Smoked cod for dinner. Mmmmmm

 

4.  I woke really early this morning so the house is spotless.

 

5.  My sweet pepper plant is still producing, there are 5 young

     peppers growing nicely.

 

I woke up and hit the ground running so all the house has had a blitz and looks good. I even moved the sewing room around so every inch was vacuumed. The bathroom and kitchen get done daily so they do not take long. I just want to wipe the big fridge out later and make a note of what I have to use up before it goes bad. I like to do this a couple of times a week, I hate waste of any kind. Mind you it does lead to some interesting food combinations at times.

 

I plan on making the most of my cleaningfest by having a day crafting tomorrow. I am taking Maggie to Ammanford first thing, 2 of her cats are having check ups and jabs. We will be back by 10:00, a quick coffee and I can cut, sew and press to my hearts content. Add in a little hooky and a smidgeon of knitting, lots of tea and the odd Fig roll for the perfect day. I hope that has not put the Kybosh on my plans, I ought to know better than to tempt fate.

 

The kitchen needs me, my fish will not cook its self.

 

     TTFN                                                           Pam

 

 



Pattern Reading and other tales.

I have been knitting and sewing for more years than I care to count, as a quite small child I could make dolls clothes without a pattern, even raglan sleeves for a dolly jumper were just a matter of counting stitches and rows for the decreasing.

Over the weekend we had lots more rain, Sunday, which was forecast as being dry, gave the heaviest downpours of the week, complete with thunder clashing around the valley

I set myself up in the sewing room, the first task was to select a book.

 

Debbie, it was.

 

 

 

A little craft tote to keep small projects in, just the job for taking down to Maggie's for a couple of hours.

 

 

Not very impressive is it? As I cut it out I knew that it would not work but these were small bits from one of the scrap boxes so I carried on.

The pattern was not clear as to which way the pieces were aligned, so I tried both as the sides were 5" X 6" and the pockets were 6 1/2" X 4". The base was 5" square. All these pieces were lined and were stuck together with fabric glue.

These patterns are meant to be for the complete beginner, who in the main part would not have the glue and would be lost by now.

Any way I carried on and it was a job to push the layers through my machine, the corners are French seams, so 8 layers when sewing the base square in. The suggestion is to then neaten the raw edges with a zig zag stitch, my machine, my fingers and my patience all said NO WAY JOSE.

 

 

It does hold a fair bit of kit but will live as a desk tidy and not a caddy as the pockets are too small.

 

The raw edges in the base annoy me and I may make a false bottom to drop in and hide them from view. I was so put out that I just sewed ribbon handles on without neatening the ends, I will probably tidy that up as well.

 

I pottered about, doing all the necessary stuff, washing up, bathroom, work tops, dusting and so on. All the while my mind was chewing over my failure. I read the pattern again and again until I was almost word perfect. Then threw the towel in and made a pattern myself, I had to adapt it slightly as I only wanted to use off cuts of fabric so the pockets are a bit taller than I planned, there was not enough fabric to double them over just a double hem on the top.

 

 

It is not lop sided, I was rushing to take the photographs by now as it was almost dinner time.

 

 

Nice and neat inside, I hate raw edges.

 

There are 12 fat quarters, an 8 1/2" square ruler, 5 templates and a load of small things in there. Enough for a days sewing group.

 

The pockets are deep enough for all the hardware that I would need, scissors, snips, pins, needles, marker pens and about 8 reels of thread. The only thing missing is a small cutting board, I would take my turntable board which has it's own bag along with a 6 X 18 ruler.

 

 

These are my templates, I drew round the bottom of a sweet tin, now used for threads, and added 1/4" for the seam. I then made a half circle adding 1/4" for the edge seam and the central seam. It is easier to turn through a central seam and then sew it up. I like easy. the strip for the sides was 25 3/4" for both outer and liner. I used 1/4 seams throughout and made handles from 10 X 3 strips.

It was an easy make and will give lots of use, the only problem is that I do not need it. I have a craft bag that I made ages ago and am happy with.

 

So, if any one would like this bag leave a message, if there are several I will pick one at random and send it off.

 

I am remiss again, I like to welcome new followers at the start of the post, put it down the to early hour. I am really happy to welcome Chris, fleaChic.com, A Heron's View and The Saver of Suburbia to the gang. I have popped in to see those who have blogs and will be back for a longer visit later.

In my home county we say Hanser for Heron, I have no idea why.

 

Reasons to be grateful.

 

1.  Another completed project.

 

2.  My tumble dryer was a boon this weekend.

 

3.  The new combi oven cooked a lovely dinner yesterday.

 

4.  The new kettle is both fast and quiet.

 

5.  Knitting group tonight.

 

I missed the knitting group last Monday, I got soaked every time that I took Ben out and I could not face driving through the rain and wind and then running to the hall. It is just far enough from the car park to get wet through. I have to take Ben to the vet at 5.00  for a check up and will drop him back at home and set straight off.

 

My purchases have all lived up to the Which Best Buy criteria and I am so pleased with them all. My kettle will boil enough water for a cup of coffee faster than I can get the cup and coffee together. There is a measure in the top of the kettle with a little lever that drops it into the kettle to be boiled.

 

I am undecided as to my next sewing project, I still have more knitting bags to make but need something different in between. I have plenty of books for inspiration and the fabric stash is still looming over me.

 

I have the wool for my Cardigan and Hat and enough for another crochet blanket.

I still have more to do on the Ripple Blanket but it is too big to carry around now so I will take the hat with me tonight.

 

It is now time for another cup of tea and then I will wake Ben up ready for his first walk, he is a bed bug sometimes and I have to call him a few times. It is just like having a teenager in the house, he huffs and puffs and sighs and groans, then he thumps down the stairs and into the kitchen.

 

             TTFN                                                           Pam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More sewing with Debbie and an apology.

First let me get the grovel out of the way. I have some new followers, I bid you welcome and will mention you all by name once I remember to make a note. I have also not replied to the comments on my last 2 posts, I will do that a bit later today. My only excuse is that I have been sewing and that means that twice in the last 5 days I have had to fold and place stacks of fabric back into the cupboards. I do like to pull lots of colours and patterns out to make my selection and I never put them away directly. I may be a slattern at heart.

Before I share my sewing I have a comment on a news item that I saw 2 days ago. The presenters were talking about heat or eat, there is concern that many more people now make this choice on a daily basis.
They then went to a home where a mum was serving dinner to her 3 children, she said that it was a worry for her as she could not keep the heating on through the night! how many can and why would you want to? I had to laugh at the fact that she was wearing a thin short sleeved blouse. I have to tell you that I was wearing thermal tights (Lidl, £2.50 and toasty) a Damart long sleeved tee shirt ( old but still warm), thin jumper and a thick cardigan ( layers so that I can cool off when needed) Oh and yes I was wearing a skirt and a petticoat (made by me, not very thick but warm).
The presenters then went on to say that "recommended" guidelines state that the minimum temperature for your home is 18c, I would be wearing shorts and a vest top at that level, I am comfortable at 13-15c, just depending on what I am doing. If I am cleaning (boo, hiss) I turn the heating off, otherwise I would spontaneously combust. If I am sewing I turn it down to around 11c as I have the iron on, my sewing machine with its lights and a daylight lamp all putting heat out.
O.M.W. that is wordy, but I am sure that you get my drift, if there is somebody at home frail, ill or very young or old then requirements will be different. I can only comment from my own needs and point of view. If I feel a chill I put a scarf round my neck or pop my shawl round my shoulders, ( do you remember the blue one I made for Wales?). I am out at regular intervals to walk Ben and find it nigh on impossible to sit still for long periods.
I am done with this, it has rather run away with itself, and me.

I have a few photos to share, there should be some more but my camera batteries need recharging.

 

 

Some more of the knitting bags made to the book size, I want to make another 8 of these. I told you that I have joined a knitting and crochet group, I am not sure whether they exchange Christmas gifts so decided to make some of these just in case. once the fabric is cut they only take 20 minutes to make. The longest part is choosing the colours and patterns ( and clearing the fabric away 2 days later). I will wrap them in pretty paper and give them out regardless, I have told them all that I am still trying to sew my way through as much fabric as I can.

 



 

This is the same pattern but made 1 1/2 times the size, it is now my knitting bag for small projects. I have been using this Bonnie & Camille fabric for what seems like eons now, I bought it really cheap from America before the postal costs went sky high, although I love it I will be glad to use the last piece.

 



 

My last photo is the new cover for my big Janome, much nicer than the oddment of fabric that was thrown over it. It is a bit baggy as I wanted it loose, I leave my pins, stitch ripper, tape measure and snips in the harp space and did not want to send them flying whenever I lifted the cover off. Now all I have to do is make a cover for the overlocker and all will be neat and tidy.

 

I managed to walk Ben in the dry yesterday until the last one when the heavens opened just as we were getting ready, it was still hammering down for the first walk this morning but has just about stopped now. His 12.00 walk will be early.

 

It annoyed me to have to throw food away yesterday, I have not baked for a while in the interest of my waistline. I went through the cupboards and found a tub of SR Flour, the lid was off on one corner and the flour smelled iffy so out it went. Around half a bag so cost 23p, not much but still a waste. This morning I have emptied another box from the move and unearthed my lock and lock containers from Lakeland. They are washed, dried and filled with my flours, sugars and other baking sundries. The cheaper versions will now hold other odds and ends, 1 has swallowed all the various stock cubes nicely, 1 has now become an under sink tidy, the rest will be put to good use.

 

 

Reasons to be grateful.

 

1.  My sewing room is tidy.

 

2.  I have 4 more projects cut and stacked ready to sew.

 

3.  My wool for my Aran Cardigan is here.

 

4.  Pulled Pork from Lidl for dinner, half price and not half tasty.

 

5.  Debbie Shore has a new book coming out soon.

 

I have to tell a tale on Ben. I take Maggie shopping every week and yesterday she bought a bag of treats for Ben. He had 1 after his walk last night once I had towelled him dry. This morning I heard rustling in the sitting room so put my head round the door to have a look. Ben had taken the treat bag off the coffee table and was sitting on his bed looking at it, trying to pluck up the courage to try and open it, it is a resealable bag. This is the first time that he has ever done anything like this, those treats must be tasty.

When he saw me, he brought the bag to me and placed it at my feet then sat and waited and yes of course I gave him one, maybe two.

 

That's all for now, the sun is gleaming through and I do not want to miss it.

 

                TTFN                                               Pam 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Nearly There

I have been playing with the laptop and am almost there, I still have to check that the printer will respond, but the rest can wait a while.

I have mentioned that I was planning on something new, here is a little taster, the plans have been put off for a while.

 

 

 

These bobbly strands were the devil to wind into balls, they had been twisted into very tight skeins.

 

The balls are looking sparkly, that is just the light bouncing about. The yarn is Sari Silk, what is left at the end of a run is cut into long strips that then roll up from the sides to form a yarn like texture. It is not at all even and I am intrigued as to how it will crochet and knit up.

I saw it on a TV channel when visiting Maggie, I did a search online but could not find a better price so ordered 2 skeins of each colour. This is destined to become a scarf, I will knit and crochet a small amount to see which I prefer.

 

 

 

My bargain CS door curtain is now up and doing a grand job.

 

 

The small Ripple has become a cushion cover and Ben has claimed it as his own, although at the moment he is stretched out over half the sofa and 3 cushions.

 

 

The quality of this photo is dreadful but I had several attempts and each got progressively worse. I treated myself to this, I am a fan of Debbie Shore and it was well worth buying.

 

As part of my aim of sewing through my stash I am hoping to work my way through the book, this little bag caught my eye.

 

 

I have made several now but only captured these 2 so far. The pink bag is to the size from the book and was a gift for Maggie to store her crochet in. The large one is twice the pattern size and holds a sweater or cardigans worth of yarn, the pattern, knitting pins and all the bits required with ease. It will also hold a well rolled double bed quilt so there is one in Christmas (there, I said it at last) fabric on it's way for Fran. The quilt blocks are done and waiting to be sewn together.

The weather forecast is rain till Sunday, I really do not mind. Ben and I both have coats and are not scared of getting a little wet. I have more bags cut out ready to sew, a few quilt tops to layer and Fran's Christmas Quilt to finish. Then there is the sweater to finish, the big Ripple blanket, enough yarn for another and some Aran Yarn on the way for a Cardie for me.

 

You may have noticed that I have not mentioned the unpleasant stuff, laundry, dusting, polishing et al. It will all happen I just do not like to dwell upon it.

 

I had a spendy day on Tuesday, I checked with Which and bought a tumble dryer, the running cost for a year is £65, based on an average of 3 loads of cotton per week. That is not likely so it will be easily affordable, if I had the luxury of an open fire I would not have considered it.

 I have found in the last few weeks that it is too warm to have the heating on and too cool/damp to dry the laundry so bit the bullet and coughed up the money.

 

I also replaced my microwave, also with a Which best buy, and my kettle decided to leak so a new one of those, again a Which best buy. Both of these were from Tesco and were almost covered by my club card, mainly from petrol, thanks to boost. The microwave is a combi and works wonderfully, 2 large jacket potatoes in 12 minutes with crispy skins......Yum.

 

I have just looked out at the rain and Ben and I will have to don our waterproofs for the 1.00 walk, not to worry.

 

Reasons to be grateful.

 

1.  A well stocked craft room to keep my hands busy.

 

2.  My new book for inspiration.

 

3.  Rain to stop me feeling guilty about crafting.

 

4.  My new appliances to make life easier.

 

5.  All the lovely blogs on my list to keep me entertained, and in touch with the outside world.

 

On that note I think that a cup of tea and a half hours light reading is called for, I hope that you will all enjoy your day as much as I will.

 

     TTFN                                                                             Pam



Back from the edge

Woo Hoo, I have my lap top back. Now all I have to do is find my way around, It has had a full service and de bug, I have new security on it, Norton allowed several viruses to get on board.
Once I have figured it all out I will write a longer post with some pictures of what I have been doing.

One good thing to come out of this is that I have started knitting again, and not just baby and dolls clothes, I had the back of a jumper almost finished when I broke my first wrist and abandoned it. The back and front are both completed and I have started the sleeves. I have unearthed an Aran pattern book and will be looking for suitable yarn for a cardigan for myself.

The garden has been put to bed for the winter, the trouble is that some of the plants are a bit slow to catch on and are growing like mad, there is fresh blossom on the wild strawberries and blackberries.

I have had a parcel full of lovely thick fleecy fabric from Jane in Devises. This is for dog beds for Many Tears, I have some flannel to back it with and some warm and natural wadding, this will make some really snuggly beds.

I treated myself to Debbie Shores new book, Half Yard Home, and the first thing that I made was a knitting bag. It turned out a bit too small for my needs but was very pretty so I gave it to my friend Maggie for her crochet. I have since made 5 more of varying sizes, 2 that I am using and 3 that are for gifts.

Ben is well, he has a check up on Monday, and is either at top speed or flat out. At the moment it is the latter but that will change the minute that I move as it is almost walk time.

Francesca has started her last course before qualifying next February. James, Cerys and the children are all well. Both the grands are now at school, Kaitlyn is part time, and loving it.

That is all for now, I am going to catch up for 30 minutes before walking Ben and then getting to grips with the new layout.

                       TTFN                                                                      Pam