. Ever a Work in Progress

Knitting Update

2010-04-15T22:44:00.004+01:00

Since Christmas there's been a fair bit of knitting here, lots of finishing off and a few smaller bits and pieces for gifts. These are just 2 of my favourites.

The hat is an Ysolda Teague pattern, called Rose Red, I went with cream to wear with my scarlett winter coat.

The socks are Nutkins, made with my favourite Fyberspates wool. These were hard to photograph, since the colour blend is really subtle but I just love them.

Happy crafting!

Springtime Tag

2010-04-06T15:13:00.004+01:00

This is a tag I made for a forum challenge. The theme was Spring and using distress inks techniques. I'm still undecided about the seed beads, the may stay they may not.

It's been a while, but I enjoyed the process in any event.

Happy Easter one and all!

2010-04-03T23:20:00.002+01:00

I hope that whatever you are doing this Easter Sunday you are surrounded by those that you love and that you share a peaceful and happy time together. Time is precious. Happy Easter everyone!

A new week

2010-03-07T13:11:00.002Z

It's been too busy round here with work and school so crafty moments are few and far between for now. This was created in a wee half hour break in report writing yesterday, for no particular reason just because I wanted to. Here's to a calmer week!

Ravelympics - here we go again!

2010-02-12T22:08:00.003Z

After loving the team spirit of Ravelympics (Knitting Olympics) 2008 when over 5000 of us took part, I just had to get involved in the 2010 Winter Games. This time though, after chatting with some knitting friends, I am team captain over at the Never Not Knitting Podcast group. We are over 80 strong in the team, from all over the world and are now sitting, needles poised waiting for the flame to be lit and for the great cast on to begin.

One of the main goals of the games is to set yourself a personal challenge. I've never tried felting any of my work so I'm having a go at the French Press Felted Slippers. I defintely wanted to keep it simple this time since school is in and it's only 12 days!! Common sense - whatever next!

Updates to follow!

New Blue Day

2010-02-10T17:58:00.004Z

This was a wee piece that I made for a challenge among my friends. I would say forum but over the last year we have become so much more and are now friends that stand by each other and are there for each other, thanks lassies - you know who you are!

The theme was light blue and snow.

First of many

2010-01-05T17:11:00.006Z

I was going to say that this year I resolve to blog a bit more but let's be perfectly honest it would be hard to blog any less than I have over recent months. So moving on...

It's just been a beautiful winter wonderland round here for the last two weeks. I know it can be a real pain for folks getting out and about, but, I do like my seasons to be what they are supposed to be. We've had some gorgeous walks and have taken lots of pictures, all in a similar vein to the one above.

Any crafting over the holidays was functional really. Using last year's cards I made this year's thank you cards.

I made a few cabled neckwarmers for quick gifts.

I made this pretty shawlette just for me - Cedar Leaf Shawl by Alana Dakos. It's so handy to either throw round your shoulders, wrap several times at your neck or to wear as a scarf. Alana is also a lovely friend and writes very straightforward patterns, especially if you have little girls to knit for.

Back to work tomorrow for me, but, at least we've had a lovely relaxing yet productive break!

A very Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T23:52:00.001Z

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. May 2010 bring you all health, wealth and happiness, granting all your dreams and aspirations, crafting and otherwise.

Looking forward to blogging again soon.

Out to lunch

2009-10-23T20:53:00.002+01:00

I'm officially closing the door for the immediate future. There is so much going on here and at school so rather than constantly feeling frustrated that I'm not really doing much crafting and certainly not blogging I'm taking a break. I will still be looking at my favourite blogs as much as possible, just storing up the inspriation for quieter days.

Perfect Weekend

2009-09-23T21:00:00.002+01:00

This is where we spent the weekend and this was where Sunday morning was spent with lots of coffee and knitting - heaven isn't it.

Back to normal this week though *sigh*

Pressie for Mum

2009-07-28T22:16:00.003+01:00

My mother in law has been changing her bathroom and has decided to go with lilac. So I followed Susan Anderson's fabulous pattern (you should check out her website, I love her books!) and have made her some cotton washcloths to go as part of gift. I know knitted washcloths, cotton or otherwise, are not common over here but they are part of everyday life in the US so I think she will love them.

Home again

2009-07-22T19:15:00.004+01:00

We had the most amazing time in California at the start of the month, thanks in no small part to the time, effort and care that our family put in to our stay. We love and miss you guys, and really appreciate all that you did for us. I'll add some photos and details of our trip over the coming weeks.

While away I started a pair of Monkey socks, these are now finished and I love them. The pattern is great and easy to pick up. I did change the heel and toe construction to my favourites.

Since the rain was keeping us in today I made this canvas for my lovely sister-in-law by way of a thank you. I so wish we lived closer she is such great company.

Hope these showers die out soon or I'll be going back to school with webbed feet!

On a Break

2009-06-07T13:13:00.003+01:00

Things here have just been a bit busy and we have so many things that we want to do in the house and garden before we leave on our trip so I'm taking a break (you may have noticed lol) from crafting till we come back in the middle of July. I will still be dipping into blogs during this time but maybe not so often.

Enjoy the start of your summer xx

Beautiful Day!

2009-05-14T17:15:00.004+01:00

It's been wonderful here for a couple of days so I couldn't resist grabbing the camera and going for a quick walk up the hill to try to catch the goodness. We are so lucky to live somewhere so pretty!

In the meantime among all the teenage angst with upcoming exams there has been a bit of knitting here, slow and steady, but the back of the hooded jacket and one sleeve are done.

Hope things are good with you too!

A learning piece

2009-05-05T21:58:00.005+01:00

I'm really enjoying KC Willis Collage Camp, however I thought I would make one as a starting reference before I get too far into it. This was a learning piece in so many ways, making a sketch in photoshop, image transfer onto fabric, lots of collage and a spot of sewing. I'm pleased with how it turned out. It has a new home though and will be winging its way there soon :-)

Tag challenge

2009-05-04T20:33:00.003+01:00

Over on our wee forum Karin set us the challenge of making a tag using a stamp we hadn't used before. I had this background stamp, which looks like lots of twigs, that I hadn't got round to using. Had fun with this one so thanks Karin, it's on its way to you ;)

Forever Friends

2009-04-09T22:17:00.003+01:00

Having been inspired by the talented Joanne I gave in to the "cute" and bought a Forever Friends stamp. This is my entry for this week's challenge found here, where the theme is monochrome. The contrast between the teal papers and the blue of the card is not so stark in real life but I'm blowed if I can capture it in the photos.

Holiday Update

2009-04-09T13:34:00.004+01:00

It's been a busy but relaxing week, if that makes sense. Got lots of house chores done on Monday, had a great crafty day with Kaz and her daughter on Tuesday, lovely day and lunch out with my great son yesterday and today I'm just chilling!

Craftywise, you've seen the ATC (that turned into a card). I've also been busy working on knitting a lightweight hooded cardigan for the summer months

I've also managed to get some quick gifts made for the "present box" sets of 8 notecards, mix of blank and Thank yous. These are really quick and well received when nicely packaged.

TMTA - togetherness

2009-04-07T17:42:00.002+01:00

Been such a long time since I've taken part in any challenges but this one over at TMTA really appealed and as I have a card "block" I thought I would use an ATC as a starting point to make a card for a friend's birthday. Thanks for stopping by :o)

Old faithful

2009-03-28T17:55:00.003Z

You know what it's like - when all else fails - you go back to things you know and love. I was so happy when Karin set a forum challenge to make a tag inspired by Tim Holtz. Out came the distress inks and crackle paint, masks were employed and a tag was duly made. Hope you like it

Tote-tastic day!

2009-03-22T21:42:00.003Z

I picked up these great tea towels in the sales last summer and have done nothing with them. Having been firmly told by my family that Mothers Day was only to include things that I wanted to do I decided to blow the dust off the sewing maching and have a go at the totes I was first introduced to over on Joanne's blog. Apart from curtains and cushion covers I haven't done any sewing so I was pleased with these as first efforts. Really handy for quick gifts!

Something new

2009-03-22T12:51:00.005Z

I've had another busy week, but it was a happy one. Had a lovely afternoon/evening out on Thursday, meeting the lovely Audrey and Kaz for a bit of retail therapy and a great meal. Good friends, good times. I was led astray of course and inspired by the gorgeous jewellry that Audrey and Carrie have made to have a go. For a first try I went for the safe option of a set of beads, all picked out and coordinated for me. But I could definitely see me branching out in due course.

Happy Mothers Day! This was the card I made for my Mum, with her tastes and likes specifically in mind. I know she loves it and that's what counts.

Have a great day all!

Stash Busting

2009-03-07T21:57:00.003Z

This is a hanging I made with some bits and pieces that I thought I would never use. I challenged some close friends to do the same and will post the links to their sites as they blog.

Flickr

2009-03-01T14:14:00.004Z

Crafting has been quiet for me at the moment with the exception of a challenge piece that I can't show you yet - hurry up girls!! ;o) Maybe this week........

In the meantime, I'm having a lot of fun browsing and playing on Flickr at the moment, great source of inspiration so I though I would make a mosaic using the questions that Erita has on her blog. I'll post the instructions below the mosaic. This is what my answers gave me. I like it!

To make a mosaic to reflect you

Concept:
1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.http://www.flickr.com/search/
2. Using only the first page, pick an image.
3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker. http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php (choose four columns and three rows, also choose individual URL's)
Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your nickname.

Have fun with it and let me know if you give it a go. Enjoy the rest of your weekend x

Valentine

2009-02-17T21:13:00.006Z

Had a lovely weekend and Valentine's Day - OH surprised me with a bottle of pink champagne and then we had a family dinner planned for the evening, a great time was had by all. Here is the quick card that I made for Jim. Sorry the picture is a bit blurry but the light's not great anyway.

As promised girlies here's a sneaky peek at what is winging its way to you!

ROFL you don't really think I was gonna let you see what was on the inside did you !!!!??? ;o)

Snowy Monday

2009-02-09T11:19:00.003Z

Well it's been a while, but truth be told been not much to say here, lots of groundhog day type experiences.

Holiday weekend for us here so on Saturday Kaz and I had a great day at the shops, lots of crafty ooo-ing and ahh-ing, but as 2009 was declared a year of stash busting I was very good. Did get the new Craftstamper - looks fab this month and I spotted that the lovely and talented Lana George has a project article in so I can't wait to curl up with a cuppa later on today.

Yesterday Stuart and I went skiing to Glenshee - oh my the conditions were amazing, beautiful powdery snow on a hard packed base, dry and sunny day with no wind. No wonder the place was full but well worth the 5 hours driving!! Camera batteries died on us so no pics today - shame we will just have to go back again!

We came home in some lovely weather till we got to within 10 miles of home - then the snow was coming down hard. We reckon it was only about 2-3 inches of snow that fell but it's still pretty since we don't have to go anywhere today. This was from the garden this morning.

FORUM GIRLIES - BE SURE TO CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR A SNEAKY PEEK AT WHAT IS COMING OUT TO YOU FOR THIS MONTH'S CHALLENGE xx

Pick'n'Mix

2009-01-17T17:57:00.008Z

Ok so I can't settle to one thing. I have work to do and it's lying on the floor here like the proverbial elephant in the room. Nobody mentions it - we all just step over it. So instead I have cleaned the house from top to bottom, done lots of washing including the hand wash stuff and now updating this. But tonight I honestly MUST get this done tut.

So this week lots of things have just plodded along. Still making lots and lots and lots of these

Also made a card for my lovely mother-in-law, whose birthday it is on Monday. We are really looking forward to getting out to California and spending some time together this summer.

Harry Potter socks are coming along too - just managing to grab the odd ten minutes here and there but I love watching the pattern of the yarn as it takes shape.

Kaz has also tagged me to name 5 addictions so here goes

1) Coffee - not original I know but I can't get through a morning without it not would I want to lol

2) Crafting - but here I am fickle in this regard, I will happily drift from one craft to another but I will always have something on the go.

3) paper - I cannot help but buy beautiful paper. I don't even do so much scrapbooking at the moment, not that I have any burning desire to take scissors to most of it - I just like to take it out and look at it

4) Crime shows - especially CSI (all of them!), Criminal Minds, Law and Order (all of them) etc etc - the list goes on and on

5) Schedules - I hate lateness, some things are just supposed to happen at certain times. I'm sure this one is fuelled both by my parents being hung up on having a schedule and the fact that Jim and Stuart would both be late for absolutely everything!!

I'm always awful at picking people to tag - I don't want to put people under pressure nor do I want to leave anyone out who would want to play so if you feel inclined to play go for it!

Right enough stalling - to the books!

Last day of freedom...

2009-01-05T17:11:00.005Z

... well for a bit anyway. DS and I went for a long walk round a nearby loch and I thought I would share some of the pictures with you. It's very nearby - we are fortunate enough to have this on the outskirts of the village. It has been glorious too although bitterly cold. Nothing that many many MANY layers of clothes can't deal with. The loch was actually frozen - the ice was so thick! The geese were having an interesting time trying to land.

Ah well time to get ready for tomorrow :o(

Needles update

2009-01-04T11:29:00.004Z

It's a bit late you say? Actually I prefer to think that I am extremely organised for this Halloween ;o) What was I expecting starting her on 29th October hehe. I love the the Purl Bee website so many fabulous things to see and they are so generous with their ideas. Well worth a visit if you like any needlecrafts.

So now I know I should have just finished one of the many other projects on the go but my gorgeous son bought me a couple of the Harry Potter sock wool colourways and I couldn't wait to see how they would knit up - so we have socks on the needles again. No pattern this time (eek) just a 3 and 1 rib so that I could see the colour changes at their best.

Papercrafting has been put on hold temporarily till I get the wedding stationary finished for my friend - the room has been set up like an assembly line - all I need now is my ribbon to arrive and I'm good to go! I worry that I won't remember what to do when I eventually get the time for some normal crafting.

Hope everyone is having a good Sunday!

Resolution

2008-12-31T17:17:00.003Z

Only one - and only one word, the word by which I will make all my decisions and choices for the coming year hopefully.

CHERISH

It encompasses everything that matters I think,

family - always
friendships - which I WILL take more time to nurture this year, other issues got in the way this year and please realise that this is only a reason not an excuse
health
spirit

Thanks to all who have visited this year, your support means a lot. I wish all of you and your families a Happy Ne'er Day - lang may yer lum reek!

2008-12-28T17:47:00.004Z

Hope everyone has had a fabulous Christmas and that you are all enjoying the festive season. It is just so nice to catch up with friends and family and to kick back and take it easy now - lol it was a good idea to do all OUR entertaining in the Christmas week - I can now relax and enjoy what's to come.

Thanks to some inspiration from the talented Joanne, I made my Thank you cards from selected pieces of last year's cards. This is the second year of doing this and I love it as an idea, so much so that I made up a few packs of 10 for hostess gifts for over the holidays and those have gone down a treat. Here are some of this year's cards.

Enjoy what's left of the weekend!

Christmas meme

2008-12-22T17:45:00.004Z

I haven't done one of these for a long time but this one caught my eye with its mix of statements so what the heck here goes.

Items in bold I have done and those in italic I would like to!

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to disneyland/world
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped - no thanks
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning (and it was terrible!)
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise (people who know me know that will NEVER happen)
33. seen niagara falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an amish community
36. taught yourself a new language - already got 4 but would love to learn Greek
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen michelangelo's david in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant (I would if I felt I should)
44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkelling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theatre
55. been in a movie (I did get a part in a movie when I was 12 but the filming schedule didn’t work with family holidays)
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business (hand having worked in finance never will – don’t need that kind of pressure)
58. taken a martial arts class (judo once)
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies.
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a cheque
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the alamo in person.
96. swum in the great salt lake.
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee

It's an interesting one - feel free to copy it onto your own blog and have some fun with it! I'm off to a Carol concert now, feeling very festive!

Christmas cards

2008-12-18T19:21:00.003Z

So there's not been much time for crafting at the moment but I thought I would share what little there has been. Time being what it is all my cards so far this year have been made from my Anna Griffin kit. I love this anyway so I was quite happy working away. Sorry for the less than great pictures but these need written and posted sooner rather than later lol.

Proud Mama

2008-12-17T19:38:00.003Z

Stuart on his way out to his school prom. Where did my wee boy go???

A Date Day

2008-12-06T20:54:00.005Z

What a lovely day I've had. My wonderful husband suggested a day out today just the two of us (DS was working - it wasn't abandonnment lol). After a bit of light shopping in the morning (DIY store, craft shop, wool shop) we went to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and museum. We had seen one half on our visit last year and it had taken us this long to get organised to get back there. We had a great afternoon and then went for an amazing curry on the way home. It was a lot of fun, but now I'm off for a sit down and a read.

A Family Tradition

2008-12-04T19:32:00.004Z

Albeit a fairly new one. I made this a few years ago for my son. It was time consuming to sew all the beads and sequins on but as a Christmas fanatic I feel it was time well spent. In fact I have started another one - this time with individual stitched toys for each pocket. Well I figure that someday when he leaves to set up his own home we will still need something to hang up - almost sounds feasible doesn't it ;o)

Just checking in

2008-12-03T20:38:00.004Z

This was the magnificent view that met me as I turned the brow of the hill across the River Clyde Estuary this morning. Fabulous isn't it!

Happy Advent

2008-11-30T16:40:00.003Z

Cold and crispy here today and it's the first Sunday in Advent already! So excited that Christmas preparations can start in earnest now. I find myself surrounded by my Anna Griffin Christmas box, as usual I have left it late so now need to make a lot of cards in a short space of time. At least with this I don't need to skimp on quality.

Enjoy what's left of your weekend!

Another first

2008-11-24T22:04:00.007Z

Here is my first entry for Sunday Postcard Art where the challenge was joker.

I also had a go at the split negative technique for Saturday Workout, using distress inks and a favourite paisley background stamp from Stampers' Anonymous, which was unfortunately just a bit too small to accommodate the size, hence the matting and layering.

This was quite absorbing although it was quite quick to do too, just taxing enough for a Monday night lol.

Honeycomb heaven

2008-11-24T10:00:00.002Z

I cannot wait for this to be finished. I love the pattern and the Debbie Bliss yarn is so soft and comfy. In some ways I wish it was for a sweater rather than a vest but there you go. Back to the pins

Magical

2008-11-23T11:55:00.004Z

You know ever since I was little I have been fascinated by the moon - the different colours and the changing shapes so it seemed like an obvious choice for the theme of Magic over at Craftaway-a-Sunday. I also love working on stampbord too.

Cards for little people

2008-11-22T19:56:00.003Z

Two of the most adorable people will be a big 4 years old this week. Both are gorgeous, full of mischief and full of fun and we love them very much.

Happy Birthday Megan and Fraser!

Thank Crunchie...

2008-11-21T16:57:00.004Z

it's Friday! Although I guess you would need to be my age or older to remember that commercial lol!

You know there are many things only heard in a primary school - thank goodness and doesn't the nativity season just bring out the best in everyone. At least at this time you can legitimately hear someone shout "you are a DONKEY!!!!!" to the 5 year old who wants to be a monkey in the show. Baby Jesus will have a mild concussion this weekend - since he took a tumble down the stage steps. Ah the joys!

Have a great weekend - will definitely need to make something to restore the sanity this weekend.

What type of person are you?

2008-11-16T19:53:00.004Z

Why are these things so spookily accurate!
Give it a go and see what kind of person you are, go on I dare you!

Personality quiz

Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ISFP)

Your personality type is caring, peaceful, artistic, and calm.

Only about 7% of all people have your personality, including 8% of all women and 6% of all men
You are Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.

Not moo-ed for a while...

2008-11-15T21:47:00.006Z

...if you know what I mean. The challenge over at Make a Moo or Two this week was to try something new and as if fate were smiling on me I wandered over to Saturday workout where Sandy had set the challenge of the Thread technique which I hadn't used before. Here is my entry for both. I thought it ended up looking like a little hillside path so thought the little hiker was apt. The artificial light is shocking so I will change the picture when we get some daylight. Now changed - this looks better now. Hopefully that will let you see the shimmer of the silver bells glimmer mist too which hasn't shown up at all on these pictures.

Thanks for stopping by.

Edited to change the photo :o)

Let it Snow

2008-11-09T12:59:00.004Z

and weirdly enough the forecast for here today is for snow showers although I don't see it happening....... hopefully

The theme over at Craftaway-a-Sunday this week is Let it Snow and here is my entry.

5 things I'm loving right now

2008-11-01T21:37:00.005Z

1) Cool autumn air and crisp walks in the sunshine. After the deluges of last weekend and the start of the week, a couple of days like this were more than welcome!

2) Listening to podcasts on the journey to work. Just discovered these and love a mixture of craft ones, "Creative Mom", "Stash and Burn" and "Lime and Violet" especially and some of the short story ones, particularly "The Moth" and the E!Entertainment "Answer B***h!"

3) Curling up in front of the fire on a cold afternoon with a good book - reading Sam Bourne's The Final Reckoning. I love a thriller and have read a couple of Sam Bourne's books - this is by far my favourite so far.

4) Fabric - particulary in love with some of the Timeless Treasures patterned fabric and Amy Butler's Midwest Modern Collections

5) Just taking the time to stop and take stock. This one is usually reserved for December but since I have had such a mixed year healthwise and now feel so much better I am taking the time now to appreciate what I am blessed enough to have.

Enjoy your weekend!

Seona x

Sweet

2008-10-26T12:31:00.007Z

I had a great day out with Kaz yesterday at the Craft Show at the SECC. We always have such a laugh - same warped sense of humour I guess. I was going to say it is so nice to have a craft buddy nearby to get together with but over time we have become real friends who just happen to craft too, it's great!

Yesterday we were quite restrained and only really bought necessities (honest guv!). I got some gorgeous new Christmas stamps that I will start working with this week and also picked up the little dancer that I have used on my card for this week's Craftaway-a-Sunday's challenge. Sarah set us the theme of sweet and I have been looking for the right moment to use these sweet wrappers from some chocolate I brought home from Paris in the summer. They fitted in well with the concept. Hope you like it.

New books

2008-10-21T20:48:00.009+01:00

Last couple of weeks I have been trawling the web somewhat and have stumbled on and purchased the following 3 books, in the pursuit of domestic goddessness - lol!
All very fabulous and all very different.

Blankets and Throws to Knit - next big project for us in here is to completely makeover our bedroom and I would love to have a quilt or throw for over the foot of the bed that I have made. Originally I was going with the the quilting idea but that was far too scary so was delighted to purchase this book. All the balnkets are knitted in squares and then pieced together so it is really manageable as projects go. They are all very different - I particulary love the shape of this one - although I don't think it will be the one I go for.

The instructions are great so clear and a mixture of charts and patterns with lots of diagrams and photos. It's a really pretty book just to look through

In Stitches - I really want to make more use of fabric and my sewing machine and having seen some great home projects via some of the blogs listed at the side here I came across Amy Butler's book. Still a bit nervous about starting anything from this although it seems so well explained - I think the biggest issue for me will be making the right fabric choices.

I really liked the look of this organiser for the side of the bed or the side of a chair and think I could make really good use of a couple of these so will definitely try this in time.

Cupcakes - I love cooking and am actually a reasonable good and intuitive cook but I'm not a great baker, although my son is. I love cupcakes and follow a couple of good foody blogs - I will try to remember to post the links. In this amazing book you have everything from the simple to the completely decadent and I can't wait to give them a go.

All of these books are beautifully photographed and great to just read as well as seeming to have great instructions although this isn't tested yet. I love nice books! If anyone has any recommendations for additions to the library please let me know.

Happy Friday tomorrow when it gets here!

Old Shale

2008-10-21T19:49:00.005+01:00

Finally finished the Old Shale Scarf. It still needs a light blocking and the ends sewing in but I couldn't wait. I love this feather and fan type pattern. I used Indigo Moon Merino in crabapple - it's a gorgeous tomato red, the camera sadly drains a bit of the colour from it. One Christmas present down , far too many to go....

Craftaway a Sunday

2008-10-19T12:50:00.005+01:00

The theme on Craftaway a Sunday this week was butterflies and although I had lots of stamps to choose from I wanted to push myself away from the prettier look and go outside my comfort zone a wee bit. Finding this side of crafting really difficult at the moment, since rediscovering my love of fabric and wool. Hopefully a trip to the craft show will help re inspire me- first stop the mojo stand!

the close up shows the added dimension and also the gold leaf distressing that didn't show up well on the main image.

Family night out

2008-10-17T17:39:00.004+01:00

Flying through today - off for a family night out at the rugby to see these guys in the Heineken Cup, Glasgow Warriors vs Toulouse

Years since I've been to the rugby but looking forward to it. Go the Warriors! Now can I move with 3 jackets on, the downside to watching sports outside in Scotland at night in October...

A quiet one

2008-10-16T19:36:00.004+01:00

Today has just been a day of taking stock. Oh my word how did I end up with so many half finished projects, just the few I found before I started hyperventilating....

Knitting
1 mitten to finish for my Aunt - the other one is done
Lacy scarf - supposedly for a Christmas present mmmm we'll see
honeycomb vest/tank - for me for work
short sleeved Cherry top - again for me for the summer

Papercrafting
2 canvases started and not completed - backgrounds done
6 birthday cards for October/November
Christmas cards - ongoing
Wedding invitations - don't ask
3 Family recipe books - for gifts

Sewing
Christmas Advent decoration
and several half completed cross stitch kits - honestly I was too scared to open the bag to see!

Now I am not complaining - I love my job I truly do - but I could seriously not go out to work. Between all of these ongoing projects and the list of ones I want to start I could easily have very full days and still never be bored.

I know many many crafters share this feeling too, anyway back to the pins. Will add some pics tomorrow, need to update my Ravelry projects in any event.

Have a good evening,

I'm a lucky girl

2008-10-15T21:26:00.005+01:00

Look at all these wonderful goodies that came from Scrappelise, all thanks to the lovely Audrey B, who nominated me to receive this parcel.

Such beautiful papers and great bits and bobs - I'm going to have no excuses now for not getting on with the scrapbook!

A big thank you to both ladies, much appreciated. I'll be passing on these good wishes to others soon so watch this space.......

Autumn

2008-10-14T16:31:00.005+01:00

Well today has been a day of organising - why is it these things always seem like a good idea when we start. Any way job well done - Stuart had wanted to move things round in his room for a bit so the sleeves were rolled up and we both got stuck in. Thank goodness he is fairly tidy so it wasn't that big a job really!

Managed to make a wee something for Craftaway-a-Sunday's autumn challenge, been a while so dug out some favourite stamps to play with!

Looking forward to a day up in town tomorrow and a nice lunch out with our fine young son, feeling very blessed this week, good health, good family and a few good friends...

Ah the holidays!

2008-10-13T15:41:00.003+01:00

So how did I spend my first day in this week off?

It was bliss and started something like this

All whilst listening to the piano tuner make the piano sing in a way it never has in this house - well not yet anyway, come back in 20 years.

It's a beautiful day here now, love it when the trees are starting to turn so took a little walk with the camera in hand. The village looks so pretty with the afternoon sun on it don't you think

The hedgerows are bursting too, especially the hawthorns so lots of chirpy little fat robins bobbing about.

Off for a bit of crafting to round off this near perfect day......

Welcome to a new home

2008-10-11T22:04:00.000+01:00

Ok so I give in - it's too hard to find time to post once never mind maintain 2 blogs. And even then they were too specific. There were times when I would happily have blogged some event or other but it didn't fit with the other two. I am leaving them open - primarily for me so I don't lose photos or links. If you are looking for a link it may be there

Seona's stamping - mixed media and papercraft
Sho knits - knitting

I am doing this for me, my family and friends, so make no promises as to what or when I blog. All visitors are very very welcome (please say if you have the time). Ihope that you find something to catch your eye as we go forward.

Have a great weekend one and all!