Annabelle Serendipity

Scrappy Flowers

2012-02-10T10:39:00.000Z

Quick Buttonhole Flowers Or Parcel Decorations ..

This first one is so easy and takes literally minutes to make.

Take a few scraps and cut them into lengths of between six and twelve inches long by approximately three inches wide. Sew them together along the long side to make a ribbon with right sides on the outside. (adjust the stitch length and tension to make the stitches as long and loose as possible). I finished up with a 'ribbon' of about forty inches long by one and half inches wide. Oversew the short edgse with a zig zag stitch. Now pull the thread at intervals along the rough edge to 'gather' the fabric loosely. Wind the 'ribbon' until a flower like bundle appears. Stitch through the rough ends (I cut them with pinking shears) and sew a felt shape over the ends. Add a pin.

This flower is sewn in a different way - by laying roughly cut shapes on top of each other (edges are either rough or roughly oversewn) - pin a button in the middle and then it is used to decorate a tote.

This flower is decorating a purse and is merely a gathered rosette with a felt centre. I shall probably put some beads or buttons on it.

This was a dry run using some of my own 'fuglies' - tomorrow I will try them with some prettier fabrics and more time. I think they look better when not too regulated and organised - and maybe with some beads in the centre?

How is my knitting going, you ask ...

Well it is growing by the day but Valentines Day is still too near!

Knitting Group

2012-02-08T14:12:00.003Z

Simple Knitting

As you will have all seen by now I am not much of a knitter so I was pleased to hear that John Lewis in Kingston upon Thames held a weekly knitting circle for all levels of expertise. I should really like to be more proficient so I went along armed with the simplest pattern and the most interesting wool. The pattern is for a mans hat, which I think would suit Mr Whizz Kid very well when cleaning the cars (and the ****** motorbike)! The Sirdar Crofter wool is mostly in shades of cream and buff with a little dark pink to enhance his feminine side!

The ladies there were charming and most helpful and along with a nice cup of tea and some interesting chat I managed to cast on and knit a few rows. Note the camera - I don't go anywhere without it!

A lovely lady from Sirdar Rowan came along with all the new season's wools and colours and the most eye catching pattern books. This book, in particular was enchanting ...

Stunning child and wonderful patterns

Wow!

Back to reality to my own knitting and the hat ... this was to be for Valentines Day but I already realise this might well be Valentines Day 2013!

A big 'Thank You' to Judith for introducing me to the group of around twenty - thirty ladies - all making a variety of items ...

This chunky knit really sparkled

This child's jumper from "odds and ends"

I should love to have taken more photos of some of the beautiful works but felt this was all a bit too nosey for my first visit. I must also add that many ladies were wearing their own knitted creations.

Yummy colours

Charles Dickens Bi-Centenary

2012-02-07T13:38:00.000Z

"There Is Nothing Better Than A Friend,

Unless It Is A Friend With Chocolate!"

Charles Dickens.

Charles Dickens 1812 - 1870

And there was I thinking that Charles Dickens was out of date and had no relevance to me!

Of course I have read all his books over the years but have found the size and length of them all a little overwhelming - too complicated when young, too heavy and clumsy to read in bed - too verbose for everyday reading with the noise of everyday family life all around. However, I, like so many others I am sure, have preferred the lazy way of enjoying the wealth of Dickens novels by enjoying their TV adaptations. So ... "Thank you Mr Dickens for introducing me, my children and grandchildren to the Dickensian world" ... and, a huge "Thank you to the BBC for doing such a fine job of keeping us all so interested".

Now to settle down with a book and a box of chocolates!

I enjoyed this so much I named my son after it

Yummy!

Happy Diamond Jubilee

2012-02-06T09:15:00.000Z

Congratulations!

Taken sixty years ago

Coronation day 1952

Taken last week 2012

I am definitely not a royalist, but
I think she has been totally amazing!

Lovely Gift

2012-02-06T07:22:00.000Z

Early Birthday Present

Via themeparty

I was so excited yesterday by the beginnings of my new room that I forgot to mention a lovely present sent to me by my wonderful friend Karen who is an excellent quilter. ... Thank You So Much xx It arrived unexpectedly on Saturday for my birthday - something of a surprise as my birthday is not until April! She is a talented crafter and had collected 'old granny style fabrics' and set them in a tumbling block design . Here are some pics - unfortunately not too good as yesterday I carelessly dropped my camera and the photos have been rather blurred and indistinct ever since. Oh well, must buy a new one for 'my birthday' ... maybe tomorrow? He he!

Amy Butler, Tanya Whelan, Joel Dewberry etc

A wealth of beautiful designer fabrics

The colours and design are simply stunning and it is just a perfect lap size for warming my 'granny' toes while I sit here and look out at the snow on this cold and frosty morning. We have had very little snow here in London but the rest of the country has had the usual problems. We have, however, had some very cold weather and it is lovely to be able to stay home in the warm and craft - so this is what I intend to do over the next few days.

Quick Tomato Breakfast Tart

My g/kids are vegetarian and often turn up unexpectedly for breakfast and this is the quickest solution I know to feeding the little fairy people in a hurry, The ingredients are simple and can always be found in the fridge - some Jusrol puff pastry, some pesto, an onion, some tomatoes and a lump of cheese. I often add eggs on the top just before the rest is cooked and when sprinkled with parsley this adds an extra dimension.

Simple ingredients

Line b/tray and prick the base

Five minutes in hot oven

Lightly cooked

Spread with pesto

Sprinkle with finely chopped onion

Add a layer of grated cheese

Cover with thinly sliced tomatoes

Add more grated cheese

Back in oven for ten minutes

Quick breakfast tart

Tastes good straight from the oven and goes really well with baked beans - yummy!

A Note

Sunflowers in Cahor by Ralph Stott

I forgot to credit the artist of this pastel in my blog yesterday. It was painted/drawn for me by the artist Ralph Stott and was done on location around Cahor during a wonderful sun-soaked holiday. I have been enjoying its bright cheerfulness ever since.

I also have another drawing by him entitled 'Whitstable', which can be seen below ...

It is a dark and dismal day and I told you that I had broken my camera. Sorry Ralph!

New Sewing Space

2012-02-04T18:13:00.000Z

Glimpse Of My New Sewing Space

Dancing with joy

Yes ... today I really am dancing with joy. We live in a small 100 year old cottage and until now my sewing space has been tiny, and crammed into a corner of a bedroom.

My old messy craft corner

Recently my husband has had a small dressing room, which he has gratiously given up to move to a larger room and ... yippee I now have room to spread out in my own sewing space.

The room is small but has a lovely view of evergreen trees and later in the year some gigantic oaks and is south facing and warm and sunny. It hs been painted in Farrow & Ball's "Smoked Trout" and carpeted in a lovely natural buff wool. And already is full of my crafty bits - luckily I still have a walk -in-cupboard for the overflow and it is still very much work in progress - but is now almost ready for some serious sewing.

Here are a few glimpses ... (unfortunately it is now dark so the pics are not too good) ...

As you can see I have two distinct sewing/crafting spaces, a TV, radio, phone, computer and lots of boxes of fabric stash (lower level of wall unit photo was too blurred to blog) ... so no need to ever come out of the room (sady we removed the bed as the room is already small!)

Yet Another Little House - Yawn!

A Third Little House

2012-02-02T07:14:00.000Z

Yet Another Little House

I am now getting bored with little houses and realize just where I am going wrong. I gave up on this one half way through as misshappen so hope the next (number four) will be the best (and the last). Watch this space ...

This wedding stuff - It's all too much!

I just have to show you this lovely window in a local bridal shop that I passed while on my way out to lunch today ... the tiaras are so beautiful ... I fell in love with the green one, what about you?

Oh to be a beautiful bride!

Waiting For The Post

2012-02-01T15:38:00.000Z

Waiting ...

I won a giveaway back on 20th December and waited and waited for my prize. I almost got to mugging the postman saying "where is it" or frisking the pockets of parcelforce saying "give it to me - I know it is in your pocket".

Today, after I had totally given up any hope of ever receiving it along came this lovely package from Tina at Sweetypie 50. The poor girl has been ill since before Christmas and had finally dragged herself to the post office. Thank you so much Tina, and do get really well soon.

A wonderful craft book - tonights bedtime read

An oh so pretty crazy journal

The exotic back view

A FQ Spooky Hollow by Kim Schaefer

A crazy postcard and cottons

A pincushion kit

Charm squares

An accordion album

Sequins and silks

Buttons, pins and a pretty felt heart

And all this so prettily wrapped and presented. I think now that I have all I need for my own journal cover - and it really must have sequins to please Tina! I am so looking forward to reading the magazine, and starting my own journal, and I really, really like the heart pin. I think this was well worth the wait, don't you?

PS. I must also add that I have NEVER won anything ever before. xx

Thank you so much Tina at Sweetypie 50. xxx

Another Little House

2012-01-30T06:59:00.000Z

My Second Little House

I've realised what fun it is to make tiny things as opposed to huge quilts ... easier to manage, quick to finish and hopefully each one better than the last (I am learning by mistakes - by the tenth I should be perfect!)

I'm still playing with the buttons!

My First Little House Swap

2012-01-27T18:52:00.000Z

My First Little House

I am taking part in the little house swap - and as my hands are still bad (nerves damaged by chemo) I have decided to make a whole street of little houses and choose the best (or least bad) for my lovely swap partner. Todays effort was rather wonky and difficult to do as my sewing room is still not complete - I cannot yet unpack my stuff and I have no chair or place for my sewing machine - still the floor is comfy and newly carpeted! I also had no pattern and have never embroidered before!

Luckily I have plenty of time to practise as Mr Whizz Kid is away for yet another weekend saving the world.. I promise to find a pattern tonight - (please don't worry swap partner. xx)

He He He

She Walks In Beauty

2012-01-27T10:02:00.000Z

Today I Feel Romantic!

She Walks in Beauty

By Lord Byron (George Gordon)

1788–1824

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that’s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o’er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

Some beautiful pics.

Via previous Vogue issues.

Buttons Galore

2012-01-25T06:06:00.006Z

The button craze

More And More Buttons

Drab buttons

Last week I bought a lovely star shaped hanger covered in pretty buttons. It was for a friend's birthday and it made me think about my own button collection. Mostly my buttons are too pretty to use on fairly trivial things but then I remembered a tin of old buttons given to me by a neighbour, which she had found in her garage. They had come from and old lady in a house clearance and were rather drab and dull. The lovely colourful buttons we buy now have only fairly recently become widely available and older buttons consisted of mostly mother of pearl in simple designs or dreary browns and blacks. Today I have been 'messing' with these buttons, old metal coat hangers, ribbons, beads and craft wire and this is some of what I made ... The only difficult part is shaping the wire and I found pliers indespensible.

This is a copy of my friends gift and it was very useful to have it to copy but sadly I had to give it away! I frequently copy things as I am not too artistic and have no imagination - I do hope nobody minds! (My copies are usually so inferior as to be unrecognisable anyway - he he!) The bracelets fasten with a bead and loop and the star hangs from a curtain ring.

Now for some button hearts for Valentines Day.

Yet Another Day Out

2012-01-24T07:24:00.000Z

I do stay home sometimes, honestly.

I'm just making up for losing a whole year of my life!

Richmond Park

Richmond Riverside

The Delights of Richmond Upon Thames

India Jane

I discovered a wonderful new shop this weekend while on a day out to Richmond upon Thames with a friend. It was full of beautiful furniture, accessories and nic nacs. The Indian throws, cushions and fabrics and home accessories were stunning and beautifully displayed in charming room settings. I sneekily took a few snaps (most London shops do not allow this) and here they are ...

We actually bought very little but really wanted it all, especially the lovely hand embroidered cushions. But, of course Richmond is a beautiful town and has much more to offer than just wonderful shops and restaurants. The parks, gardens, and riverside walks are beautiful and the newish (1980s) 'period style' architecture designed by Quinlan Terry along the riverside walks and the shopping development is simply stunning.

Via Rudi.net

The Beautiful Theatre

The lovely Richmond Theatre was built in 1899 and was designed by the famous theatre architect Frank Matcham. It sits alongside Richmond Green and the theatregoers take their drinks outside in the interlude and sit on the green on glorious summer evenings. At present a Russian Ballet Company are visiting and it usually has an eclectic programme to suit all ages and tastes.

We had a delicious lunch in a local French Bistro called 'Cote' , I think I have mentioned it before as it is a favourite of mine. We had their special lunch menu, which is very good value ...

And finished off with the most delicious creme caramel ... ever ...

Yummy

Craft Fair Goodies

2012-01-23T07:23:00.000Z

Photos Ad Nauseum

Pretty felt crafts

This really is the end of my craft pics from Sandown Stitch And Creative Craft Fair ... even I am fed up with them!

A cornocopia of crafts!

Beautiful filigree bowl

Soluble paper kit for bowl

Unknown crafter

Richard Box

For me the undoubted star of the show was the fabulous work of Richard Box. Do try and see it if you get a chance as it really is amazing and my pics do not do it justice. Sadly no website to drool over!

I really liked the Button Lady from Sutton Coldfield who sells the most interesting buttons. It is hard to resist them - only the price keeps me from extravagance.

They really are cute. They are to go on my new journal covers (as soon as I figure out just how to make them neatly!)

More lovely buttons came from Fantastic Ribbons.com. I think these just have to be for me!

This lovely little 'boy bag' is for a cherished little boy - it is lined in shiny blue satin ...

And this pink 'girlie bag' is for a cherished little girl and it is lined in shiny pink satin ...

Both came from Dottie Designs who had the most colourful stall. They are fleecy, fully lined and so very cute - especially when full of sweeties!

Unknown crafter

Now enough about craft fairs. I promise not to mention them ever again (until the next time)!

Unknown crafter

And now for something totally unrelated. I told you that I was rather too much interested in sewing machines at present! This one looks pretty but I guess is not too special as it comes very cheaply from Argos!

Wow!

Great Day Out - Part Two

2012-01-22T09:06:00.000Z

Part Two

Here are some more of my Sandown Pics. The pics are of patchwork, wools, sewing machines, yarns, button, beads, knitted garments and ribbons. I was so busy taking photographs that I bought very little. The majority of the show seemed to be devoted to cardmaking and stamping, (which I am not too interested in myself), and these stands were so crowded that it was almost impossible to take pics of them proving that it is obviously a craft of huge interest to many people

As you can see I am a little preoccupied with new sewing machines at present and fell in love with this large lovely (The Janome Horizon - £1750 reduced to £1350) Ahh!! I wish. Angie from Angie Quilts suggested that I needed a new Bernina Series 5 but the Woking Sewing Machine Company was scathing about them - it is so difficult to find objective advice. The majority of machines now seem to be built in the far east and this puts many sellers off - love some advice ... anyone?

As you can see the show was pretty large and very crowded so at this point we stopped for coffee. More later ...

Phew!

Great Day Out - Part One

2012-01-21T09:09:00.000Z

Snippets From A Day Out

I had a lovely day out at Sandown Stitch And Creative Craft Fair. There were so many interesting stalls that this post will have to run for several days. I took masses of pics (as promised) and these are just a few of them.

I particularly liked the work of Richard Box. This lovely man is a genius. He had done the most amazing collage work and the design and colours were terrific.

He was a wonderful cheerful soul and his work was simply stunning and very original. He can be contacted at richardbox@wyenet.co.uk Sadly there is no website at present but one is planned. He holds courses at The WI Denman College at Abingdon, In Oxfordshire, which have amusing titles - 'Painting For The Petrified', 'Drawing For The Terrified', and the inevitable 'Picture It In Collage And Stitch'. I am sorely tempted.

I found this photo very amusing as he had just told me that his work was between £100 and £500 and some even more expensive. Even a tiny postcard size one was £45 ... so ... I think this '£10' was a 'typo' or referred to something else!

Dottie Designs

Beads

Yummy chocolates and fudge

Lightweight clogs

Printing supplies

I had a Cath Kidston bag with me and was surprised to see almost exact copies for a fraction of the original price.

Fake bags

Part Two To Follow ...

My New Car?

2012-01-20T20:36:00.000Z

My New Car?

I just love this weirdness!

I just love the car too!

I am trying to teach myself new techniques ... so bear with me!

Textiles

2012-01-20T10:07:00.000Z

Some Eye Candy

Some wonderful textiles for you to enjoy while I (lucky girl) go to Sandown Park to The Stitch And Creative Crafts Show. I promise to bring you back lots of pics!

Via Kiffi

Via Jenny Kee Clothing

Via Hui Hui

Via Touch2btouched

Via Analparade

Via Mission Peru

Via Make It Digital

Via The Wool Studio

Via Losenge Deactivated

Via Hell Yes

Via Candy Berlin

Vietnamese Embroidery

Via Child Of The Moon

Via Elheiroglyph

Via Holly Berry

Crazy Quilt Panel

2012-01-19T08:40:00.003Z

Unfinished Crazy Quilted Panel

I came upon an unfinished piece of work from July 2010 (sadly I have lots of these) while tidying a cupboard and decided that as I was still without my sewing space then this was something I could complete by hand. This was the original article that I posted back then ...

Quilted Wall Hanging

I love this!

'Facing Circles' by Oh This Nose!

I came across this unusual black wall hanging on Etsy and really fell in love with it. The colours are so vibrant and the decoration of beads and embroidery really inspired me to try and come up with something similar as a gift for a friend. See the listing here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/10213586/facing-circles .

I decided to use it for inspiration and am now in the process of making one of my own in paler tones. I am not particularly artistic and find this a wonderful way of producing my own quilting by being inspired by others (ie. copying)

I should love to credit the artist but her profile on Etsy gives no clues to her name. She is based in Eugene, Oregon, USA, and produces some really lovely pieces. This one costs 200$

My homage to 'Facing Circles' is being made using the paler peach, green and turquoise tones of 'Chez Moi' fabric by Moda Fabrics. I love these fabrics but have difficulty tracking them down as they only sell directly to the trade. Luckily I had these as a gift from a very dear friend.

I am in the process of decorating each of the squares with embroidery and beads and buttons and have quilted each square individually directly onto the wadding. My aim is for a wall hanging of around one metre square. I haven't yet decided upon the edging and backing colours and would be happy for some suggestions from the more artistic among you as to how to finish it!

Unfortunately I didn't get any comments or suggestions and being without much imagination the panel got stuffed into a cupboard where I found it today. Perhaps this will keep me busy for a day or two ... my fingers are itching to do something craft related!

As you can see (as usual) it all needs a good iron!

I am particularly inspired by the work of Sweetypie50 who adds and adds and adds embellishments - and it looks fabolous, and so I have realized that there is so much more that I can do to this panel. Watch this space!

Lunch In A Jar

2012-01-18T06:07:00.000Z

Kilner Jar Lunches

I came upon a great idea of supplying packed lunches, which gets away from the usual method of soggy sandwiches. The fact that several days lunches can be prepared at any one time without detriment to the food appealed to my lazy self even more! As it is January and everyone is on a diet, (Mr Whizz Kid included), salads and healthy food is the order of the day. The lunches are layered in a Kilner Jar with a dressing and more soggy food toward the bottom and lighter greenery at the top. They keep fresh in the fridge for several days and then when ready to eat they just need a shake to dstribute the dressing ... and voila!

Four lunches

On their side to see the layers

These four jars contain a variety of foods:-

Potato salad
Pasta salad
Diced mushrooms
Diced tomato
Diced cucumber
Vegetable couscous
Pinenuts
Poached, diced chicken breast
Rocket
French dressing

But ... anything is possible!

The Kilner Jars are about 5" tall but they do both larger and smaller jars. The smaller ones could be used in the same way for a dessert - perhaps layers of jelly, marshmallows, yogurt, rocky road, etc.? And for those lucky enough to have a microwave at work hot food could be just as easily prepared - say spaghetti bolognese with parmesan, or a hot noodle salad?

Love Letters

2012-01-17T09:22:00.000Z

Love Comes In Many Forms

This is a story very dear to my heart after recently surviving six months of intensive chemotherapy. Mr Whizz Kid cannot draw (or write a decent letter), but supported me throughout each eight hour session by just being there. 'Thank You'.

The tale of Monica and Ronald Searle is so very romantic, precious, and so, so sweet ...

Cute

Very cute

Very, very cute

I love this

And this

And this too

Les Très Riches Heures de Mrs Mole

Ronald Searle

These are some of the 47 jewel-like drawings by Ronald Searle, which he made for his wife, Monica, each time she underwent chemotherapy. On New Year’s Eve 1969, Monica Searle was diagnosed with a rare and virulent form of breast cancer and given just six months to live. She sought a second opinion and then underwent five years of grueling chemotherapy. Each time she underwent treatment, Ronald produced a Mrs Mole drawing ‘to cheer every dreaded chemotherapy session and evoke the blissful future ahead’. Filled with light and illuminated in glowing colours, the drawings speak of love, optimism and hope. Like the mediaeval illuminated manuscripts such as the 15th-century Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, to which the title of this book refers, the 47 drawings are on an intimate scale and were never intended for publication.

How homely

Prior to the cancer shock the couple had bought a decrepid house in the south of France and despite her illness, Monica continued to devote her time making this house a home.

Devastated with his wife’s diagnosis Ronald did the only thing he knew how to do to cheer her up. .. draw.

How romantic

Before every chemotherapy session he gave his wife a painting. Monica was depicted as a mole, a very happy mole celebrating life in their new home. (The Mole idea came after their discovery of a large celler that they made into a cosy room).
‘Everything about them had to be romantic and perfect,’ says Ronald. ‘I drew them originally for no one’s eyes except Mo’s, so she would look at them propped up against her bedside lamp and think: “When I’m better, everything will be beautiful.”

This is my favourite

Monica Searl died last year 41 years after her diagnosis.
Ronald Searle died last week at the age of 91 years.

Pets

2012-01-16T09:45:00.000Z

My Pets

My family have had many pets (and children) over the years ...

'Gertie'

'Daisy

'Wellington'

The 'Cookie' Monster

'Muesli'

'Boot'

'King Dripslobber'

'Flossie'

'Shambles'

'Harley' Davidson

The Honourable 'Gillespie'

'Hershey' Bar

Sadly the only surviving pet (or child) here now is The 'Cookie Monster'.
We are thinking of having some more as she is very lonely.
Any suggestions?

How about ...

Photo by Michio Hoshino

Michio Hoshino was a Japanese photographer famous for wildlife photos.
He was mauled to death by a large brown bear in Russia in 1996.
This was the last photo he took!

Animals are very scary indeed!

Blankets Of Love

2012-01-13T08:23:00.000Z

Blankets Of Love

Child Bereavement Charity

Quilts.

In 1992 a charity was set up in Australia by two sisters, one a midwife and the other a quilter, the aim of which was to provide grieving parents with a special quilted memento of the child they lost. This lovely idea then spread all around the world and is now followed in almost all neo-natal wards.

The quilts requested are to be 'nappy' sized - approximately twenty-four inches square, extremely soft and extra special. The quilt is then tagged with a label provided by the charity.

If you would like to take part in this worthwhile project do contact The Child Bereavement Charity - Blankets Of Love via Julie Cullingworth on 01494 568917.

Via Etsy

Via Folksy

Via Etsy

Hope These Inspire You

Hummous And Pitta Crisps

2012-01-12T06:22:00.000Z

Hummous

I love quick and healthy snacks and as the grandchildren were here for tea we decided to make something in the kitchen instead of them wandering around the house getting covered in wet paint. We didn't have any tahini so found a recipe on the internet which did not need it.

Recipe

Juice of one lemon
1 can chickpeas - drained
1 can butterbeans - drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves
Good pinch cumin

Whizz all the ingredients together in a liquidizer. If too thick add more olive oil.

Yummy!

Pitta Crisps

Did you know pitta bread makes delicious and healthy crisps? Cut the pittas into chuncks - I cut into six and then peel them apart and get twelve from each pitta bread. Cut the whole pack up and put in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with sea salt and black pepper. Add a teaspoon of mixed dry herbs (or paprika, cayenne, or similar) and toss so that they are lightly coated. Tip onto a baking tray. Bake in a hot oven for around ten minutes. The pack makes a tin full of lovely dipping chips.

This tin is full

Now find a pretty plate. This one came all the way from New Zealand wrapped in my pyjamas!

And here is the snack for the little fairy people who are now professionally flying planes on the Wii.

Yummy!

This tin is now empty!

Pincushions

2012-01-11T06:22:00.000Z

Pretty Pincushion Day

Last year I took part in a pincushion swap and so enjoyed the experience. I am so hoping that someone will host another sometime soon. Meanwhile (being without means to do any crafty stuff at present) I thought I might give you all some pincushion inspiration.

This was the lovely pincushion I was lucky enough to receive from my swap partner Florrie ...

Recieved from Florrie

Thank you again Florrie.

This was my pincushion for Florrie.

Below are some of the pretty pincushions I found online this morning ... there are just so many talented people!

Via Raspberry

Via Skinnylaminx

Via Familycorner

Via Etsy

Via Beckykaydesigns

Via Fairyfacedesigns

Via Kleas

Via Hopeglorynz

Via Softiescentral

Via Filminthefridge

Via Endawanda

Via Boutiquenutmegdesigns

Now ... Have I inspired you?

Eye Candy

2012-01-10T16:15:00.006Z

Some Eye Candy

YOU TOO can actually make any/all of these things!

Reblogged via Ravenhill

Reblogged via Foxy Lots

Reblogged via Tattered Rags

Reblogged via Etsy

Reblogged via Pinterest

Reblogged via Culture Label

Reblogged via Purple Gallery

Reblogged via Lick The Spoon

Reblogged via The Village Bakery

Reblogged via The Village Pottery

Reblogged via Healthy Muesli

Reblogged via Melt and Pour Soap

Reblogged via Folksy

Reblogged via The Long Threads

Reblogged via Crafterbynight

Reblogged via Etsy

Yummy!!!

Venetian Glass

2012-01-09T06:16:00.000Z

Venetian Glass Beads

I am extremely lucky to live just five minutes walk from Hampton Court Palace , which is such a beautifull Palace and is surrounded by a really lively riverside village.

Hampton Court Palace

There are lots of cafe's and restaurants, gift shops and antique emporiums and the area is a real draw for all the tourists and visitors who come to see this wonderful Palace and the extensive public gardens. Bushey Park is also opposite the Palace and is one of Londons most beautiful public parks.
I love to browse the shops in this area as often as possible, eat in the cafe's and walk the parks and riverside.

This week I found a pretty Venetian Glass necklace as a birthday gift for a friend in an antique shop there. It dates to around 1920 and I found it quite enchanting. The 'wedding cake' beads are particularly special and the few Merano glass beads are fairly unusual and even the more modern beads are also so very pretty.

I have been fascinated by beautiful glass in all its forms since seeing an exhibition of glass at Kew Botanic Gardens in Surrey a few years ago. The artist was the amazing Dale Chihuly and I was mesmerised by the beautiful and stunning huge exhibits. He had transformed the gardens into an amazing showcase of his talents and I was astonished by just what could be done with glass.

About Dale Chihuly

Chihuly began blowing glass as a student in the early 1960s. Since then he has become more of a planner and visionary in the glass industry, as opposed to a craftsman. By focusing more on the big picture and less on the intricate details of physical glassblowing, Chihuly has created different themes in his artwork. His pieces have taken on forms found in everyday objects and nature.

I was really pleased to see that there is an exhibition of his works in London until 29th February at the Halcyon Gallery 144-146 New Bond Street, London, W1S 2PF. Do go and be dazzled!

See you there?

Taken in the botanic gardens

A glass chandelier

Taken in the botanic gardens

Smoked Trout

2012-01-08T13:31:00.000Z

Smoked Trout It Is!

What a chaotic week. I had forgotten just how messy decorators can be and what an upheaval it is to have new carpets fitted. I have totally lost contact with all my 'crafty' stuff (all packed away in a cupboard) and we are sleeping in a bedroom seemingly full of the whole contents of the rest of the house.

The good news is that Farrow and Ball's "Smoked Trout" is the perfect colour for our house and it looks wonderful with crisp white doors, windows and skirting. Unfortunately the mess will last for a further two weeks so no hope of sewing, however, I have managed to keep some felt and cottons and intend to try to make just one or two small items in the spare moments when not making tea for the decorators or carpet fitters.

Even better good news is that I discovered quite by chance that I was a lucky winner of one of Sweeypie's treasured journals.

Lucky me!

I shall post a pic when it arrives. Thank you so much Sweetypie xx.

The lovely Benta at SLIKstitches has sent me a lovely bag ... she has just returned from Australia and the fabric was obviously one of her lucky finds there. The bag is beautifully made (Thank you so much Benta xx) and the fabric is enchanting. I shall definitely need new shoes to go in such an unusual shoe bag!

New Year Diet

2012-01-04T05:55:00.000Z

Do I Need A New Year Diet?

Wow!

No ... Not For Me!

Painting Colours

2012-01-03T06:28:00.000Z

Farrow And Ball

It must be such fun working at Farrow and Ball paints on paint 'naming' days. I imagine them all sitting around a large table giggling with glee when the suggestions come in ...

"Oh that's the colour baby Sam makes when he squashes his banana in his hair - how about banana mush?"

"This one is just like the stain on my carpet - how about cats pee?"

"My son has ketchup on everything and it looks really odd on ice cream - how about ketchup slush?"

The real names are no less amazing ...

Mouse's Back

Dead Salmon

Charlotte's Locks

Cooking Apple Green

Straw

The reason I am so preoccupied with colour is that today I have decorators coming to paint some bedrooms and I still haven't chosen a colour. I love the soft matt chalkiness of these paints and in fact already have several in the house. The colour 'Straw' is in the sitting room and also in the dining/family room. The colour 'Farrows Cream' is in my kitchen, my breakfast room and also my utility room. 'Apple Green' is the colour of my front and back door and 'Fowler's Pink' covers the walls in the conservatory.

I should like all four bedrooms to be the same colour and have found Mr Whizz Kid and I cannot agree on a colour scheme. The house is a hundred year old cottage with quaint lattice windows and lots of character and so white looks far too garish and bright colours are really not suitable. I have a preference for 'Smoked Trout' while he prefers 'Dead Salmon' - what do you think?

Fowler Pink

Smoked Trout

Decisions, Decisions!

New Year

2012-01-02T09:14:00.000Z

New Year Inspirations

I have just heard in the news that the PM thinks that The Olympics and The Queen's Diamond Jubilee will be the foremost inspiration for the whole country in 2012. I can think of many other things to inspire me in the coming year ...

Cushion inspiration

Knitting inspiration
Via Womenxone

DIY Mobile
Via Pinterest

Bag inspirations

Purse inspiration
Via Craftjuice

Quilt inspirations

Embroidery inspiration

Tribal inspiration

Art inspiration
Via Patrick Hruby

Scrap inspiration

Pattern inspirations

Colour palette inspirations

Shape inspiration

Man quilt inspiration

Cross stitch inspiration

Colour mix inspiration

What is your inspiration for 2012?

Scroll to Top

New Year Swap

2012-01-01T15:48:00.000Z

New Year Swap

Photo courtesy of Retro-Mama

Stitched House Ornament Swap

I came upon this lovely swap idea on the fourhappyviolets website, where Kirsty is hosting a fabric ornament house swap, and I was enchanted by the pictures. Over at retromama Kim has posted an easy tutorial. Don't you just love the simplicity of these dear little ornaments? They are only about five inches square and it is a wonderful opportunity to use up all the scraps left over from Christmas gifts. It is an International swap so be prepared for International postage charges (to Australia) and also an earlier finishing/posting time - (due date March 1st 2012) - do go over and sign up - you may just get me as a swap partner - be afraid - be very afraid!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T17:57:00.000Z

To All My Lovely Friends, Family And Followers

Goodbye to the old!

Bring in the new!

Happy New Year!

Surrey Parakeets

2011-12-30T08:40:00.000Z

The Surrey Parakeets

Here in Surrey (and around other areas of London) we have a huge flock of rose ring-necked parakeets. They appear to be nesting along the River Thames and the nearby parks and can be seen and heard most days in my garden. There are thought to be around 50,000 birds nearby nesting mainly in the poplar trees at a local rugby club.

The origin of them is disputed but the most popular theory is that they escaped from Shepperton Studios nearby during the making of the film The African Queen in 1951. Apparently over twenty birds vanished from the set and it is thought that this is how the flock originated locally.

I love these birds and particularly their loud shrieking but many do not. There is now a movement by DEFRA to cull the birds by shooting or poison as they appear to be responsible for the gradual decline of native species because they are competing for the same food source..

Eating fir berries

On the bird feeder

In the winter trees

In the garden

"Here's looking at you, kid"

Hampton Court next?

Surveying Surrey

                                PARAKEET PIE

Recipe By     :  Mrs Beeton
Serving Size : 12
Category      : Poultry


Amount Measure       Ingredient
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
   12                    Parakeets *
    6                    Thin slices of lean beef
    4                    Rashers of bacon
    3                    Hard-boiled eggs
   1/2   ts            Finely chopped parsley
   1/4   ts            Dried parsley
                          Finely grated lemon peel
                          Salt ; pepper
                          Puff pastry
                          Flour


* Parakeets are a small, long-tailed tropical parrot.


Preparation
...............

Method: Prepare the birds, and truss them like a quail
   or any other small bird. Line a pie-dish with the
   beef, over it place 6 of the parakeets, intersperse
   slices of egg, parsley and lemon-rind, dredge lightly
   with flour, and season with salt and pepper. Cover
   with the bacon cut into strips, lay the rest of the
   birds on the top, intersperse slices of egg, season
   with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with parsley and
   lemon-rind as before; three-quarter fill the dish with
   cold water, cover with puff-pastry, and bake in a quick
   oven.

   Time: About 2-1/2 hours.
Sufficient: About 12 persons


   From Mrs. Beeton’s "All About Cookery", Ward, Lock and Co, Ltd;
   Date unknown.

Rose-Ringed Parakeet Information

Species:Rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri

Description: A large bright green parakeet, with a red bill, males have a pink and black ring round their neck

Native range: Sub-sahran Africa and the Indian Sub-continent

Diet:Generalist herbivores eating fruit, nuts, buds, leaves, blossom...

Habitat: Woodland, parks, gardens

Breeding: Male and female monogomous pairs, breeding maturity at age 3, clutch size of 3-4

Life expectancy: Reported to live up to 30 years in captivity

Nests: Cavities in trees, old woodpecker holes

Good Morning

2011-12-29T13:45:00.004Z

Good Morning

Morning has broken ...

Get up!

Come on !

Get up!

Now for breakfast ...

Yummy ...

Yummy!

Waiting for the fairies to load the dishwasher?

Packed lunches

Off to work ...

Goodbye ...

Goodbye Mr Whizz Kid ...

Me ? I'm off to the shops to buy more food ...

There is so much to do today ...

Ahh!!!

This is how each morning begins but from now on all will change in our household - The Devil Child has moved into his own flat (and taken the girlfriend and his entire entourage with him). This was the last of my four (***five - explain this one later) to move out and I am not sure now just what I will do with my time. Life will be so very different from now on.

The positives are many:

No more school fees.
No more uni fees.
Food still in the fridge.
Money still in my wallet.
Knowing just how many for breakfast/lunch/dinner.
No wet towels on the floor.
Less noise.
Less cooking,washing and ironing.
Family and friends to stay and knowing there is still a bed for them.
Family and friends to eat and knowing there is still food for them.
Being able to sleep uninterupted by late comers.

I have yet to work out the negatives!

As all my special family and friends live nearby I shall still see lots of them anyway so there will be no chance to miss anyone. Mr Whizz Kid and I just might get to have some money and more fun!

***Adopted a homeless street boy of sixteen (he is now a charming twenty-seven year old young man who now lives elsewhere with his partner). He is probably the success story of my life!

Thanks for being a Mum xx

Phew!

2011-12-28T14:17:00.013Z

Phew!

So that is another Christmas over! Now to get on with some real life!

I was lucky enough to receive some gorgeous presents from family and friends and just a few were to do with my crafting hobby: a lovely huge self sealing Fiskars board and some new Fiskars rotary cutters and a lovely stack of Japanese fat quarters. I shall really enjoy using these.

They are all so beautiful!

Even more exciting news is that now Christmas is over I am going to be getting a whole new sewing room all to myself as Mr Whizz Kid is moving his stuff out of his dressing room into a larger room just vacated by The Devil Child. My little corner (pic below) has now outgrown its space and is spreading to all corners of the room and so (joy of joys) I shall now be able to make as much mess as I like, leave it, and then just shut the door in my new room!

My present little craft corner

Trying to decide on my priorities is difficult - my friend today says an ironing board is the first essential (I hate ironing) and I guess she is right but it was not even on my list although it certainly should be. My list looks like this so far ...

Good lighting

Good view of the garden

Large flat area for cutting

New sewing machine !

Comfortable chair

Radio (for radio 4)

Wall TV

Phone

Computer

Lots of drawers

Lots of shelves

'Set' for photos

Wall board

Display wall

Book shelves

Day bed ??

All this in a rather small bedroom! Do tell me what you think is the most important and colour suggestions would also be most welcome.

Ideas?

Wow! That really was a long post.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T08:38:00.000Z

This has become ...

This

And this

Flowers have arrived

More flowers have arrived

The kitchen is full of poinsettas

And even more poinsettas

The parcels are all sent

Letters and cards all sent

The vegetables are all prepared

The cup cakes are ready

The turkey is prepared

The sweets are all made

The mince pies are all baked

The cake is ready

The salads are all prepared

The fruit is all ready

Presents are wrapped

More presents are wrapped

The drinks are all chilled

The stockings are all filled

Time to relax

To One And All

I want to wish you all a wonderful time with your friends and family.

This last year has been so traumatic for me and I want all my blogland friends to know just how much I have appreciated all the comments, emails, gifts and good wishes sent my way. I particularly want to thank Hadley at Flying Blind, Benta at Slikstitches, and Lindsey at Linen and Purple for their encouragement and support and sticking around during my long illness. Thank you also to the many 'lurkers' (especially in Hersham - do join my blog or comment - we live so close - Merry Christmas especially to you!)

Marmalade

2011-12-23T08:24:00.003Z

Quick And Easy Marmalade

I came upon a very quick and easy recipe for marmalade, which had excellent reviews and thought it would be perfect for some stocking fillers. I made eight jars from just six oranges, one lemon and one lime, plus a kilo bag of sugar and it really did take well under one hour.

Recipe

Take six or eight citrus fruits.

Cut into quarters and remove all pips.

Peel one orange and cut into thin strips.

Place the remaining fruit - peel and all - into a food processor and whizz until required thickness.

Put this mixture in a heavy bottomed pan along with the sugar and thinly cut peel and boil gently for about twenty minutes.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon - beware of very hot splatters!

Put into sterilised jars, seal and label.

Enjoy!

Yummy!

I also managed to marzipan and ice my Christmas cake (with far too much help from the little fairy people). This was my first attempt (and last) at cake decoration and although the simplest details were chosen it looked dreadful - hopefully the cake itself tastes good.

Now to finish off those gift cushions!

Today I Made

2011-12-22T08:46:00.010Z

A Happiness Wreath

Today did not go quite to plan as instead of a sewing day I had a grandchildren day! We made (or they made) a gingerbread house (and ate most of the sweet decorations), did masses of drawings and puzzles, cooked, played with a Wii, ate a lot, drank a lot, read comics, played computer games and made a happiness wreath. To make one of these simple wreathes you will need some fabric scraps, a wire coathanger and some pinking shears and a spare hour ...

Strips 1" x 6"

Approx 80 strips of fabric

Wire coathanger

A circle ???

Firmly tie strips

Complete the 'circle'

Hang in the window

I have made better, more colour co-ordinated ones in the past (see below) but this was done with colourful scraps with the 'help' of two small children. We tried to use predominantly red and green but other colours kept creeping in!

Previous wreath

How to pass a happy hour!

Now a special request from Benta at SLIKSTITCHES.com

for

Wiggly Bags

Wiggly Bags are used in hospitals for children who are suffering from cancer. The 'wiggly bag' hangs on a tape around the child's neck and holds the central line, which is used to inject blood or drugs into the body. These children often wear a line for a year or more and so the bag becomes very precious to them. They need to be washed frequently and therefore must be made of cotton for convenience, and the tape must be of a soft variety and not a ribbon, which could be itchy . Without the bag the child would be confined to bed (and a line) so they also provide much needed freedom at a difficult time in a child's life.

The Liberty Rose Trust is appealing for more of these bags suitable for all children. One in three hundred children develop cancer in childhood so fabrics suitable for both sexes and all ages are appreciated. Colourful fabrics, in particular, are much sought after.

I have discovered that a 'fat quarter' makes six of these bags. A piece of fabric 11" x 6" is all that is needed for a bag (although slightly larger is also suitable - but not too big). The finished bag size minimum should be around 5" square. They take around ten minutes to make and would be so appreciated. A tutorial can be found here:

http://www.madebyflorence.co.uk/pdf/wigglybagpattern.pdf

A Fat Quarter With Fairies

Finished Bags

I am now looking for some pink tape to finish them off. The finished bags should be posted to:

The Liberty Rose Trust, Percival House, School Lane, Hopwas, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3AD, United Kingdom.

Tantalising Glimpse Of Christmas Quilts

2011-12-21T08:42:00.000Z

Little Peek Before Christmas

Quilts For Family And Friends

After Christmas I shall post some pictures of all the quilts and gifts and tell you all about them, and tomorrow I will post some more pics of some smaller items and also the matching (as yet unfinished) cushions I am hoping to finish today.

Meanwhile ssshhhsss!!

Harrods

2011-12-20T10:22:00.003Z

Christmas Shopping Day Trip

Arrive London Waterloo

Taxi to Harrods

Huge departmental store

Inside so many goodies ....

Bags of bags

Gem studied chocolates

Elegant surroundings

Father Christmas

Hat department

Prezzie

Bears galore

Prezzie

French cafe

Prezzie

Lovely shoes

Prezzie

The deli

Yummy cakes

Lunch

Even more cakes

Afternoon tea

Flowers in cafe

Welcome cup of tea

Prezzie

Mushroom varieties

Harrods, Knighsbridge

Did you know that cocaine could be bought over the counter in Harrods until 1916?

Mid Life Crisis

2011-12-18T21:21:00.019Z

A Mid Life Crisis

Yuk!

The Bain Of My Life ...

Yuk!

Mr Whizz Kid has had a mid life crisis. Some men gamble. Some men go with other women. Some men drink. Mine watches porn on the Internet while I am busy sewing... this type of porn ...

Internet porn

Recently he came home with one! I was really MAD!!!!!!!

No discussions, nothing, just a bike. I put this all down to a mid-life crises (although truth be told it was MY crisis and serious illness and I should be the one spending £££££££s!!!). Anyway, after much shouting, not speaking, and even more shouting I am now wondering just what should I be spending £££££££s upon - all suggestions welcome!

Meanwhile I received one of these by way of an apology ...

Mulberry Alexa Midnight Blue Sparkle Bag

And these

These too!

It is not the perfect bag for shopping in Waitrose but tomorrow I am going to Harrods and it will definitely be on my shoulder ... I wonder just what goodies will be in my Christmas stocking after this episode??

Do You Believe In Fairies?

2011-12-15T07:31:00.000Z

Fairies At The Bottom Of The Garden

Lady Cottington's photo

I was trying to think of a gift for a friend who has everything and I fell upon one of my all time favourite books ... Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book by Terry Jones . Do you know it?

Enchanting art work

The book is a journal of a young ladies (Angelica Cottington) exploits with the fairies at the bottom of her garden. She supposedly 'traps' these enchanting creatures by snapping them shut, and squashing them, in her journal. The art work is sublime and is by Brian Froud who over the years has become famous as a fairy and fantasy artist.

This is so beautiful

I adore the way the whole book is printed and illustrated and presented.

This is hysterical

The book is fascinating to both adults and children and I have bought many copies for friends over the years.

Incredible?

Anyone who loves books will just love this one

Perfectly pressed!

Please buy me!

Well now ... Do You Believe In Fairies?

A Peaceful Day

2011-12-13T18:56:00.000Z

A Day At Home

A peaceful day

The weather today has been appalling so I decided to do a few finishing off projects and stay in the warm and dry. I also need to ice my Christmas cake.

These fingerless gloves have been on the go for a few weeks - again I have used the lovely 'fake fairisle' wool and large needles for a quick project. They turned out rather well and just in time for me to wear them when I put the recycling out!

Enough wool left for a hat?

Perfect for this cold day

I found these delightful felted slippers on Saturday and today found time to wrap them for a new baby in the family.

They are so cute!

Found at Parici, Twickenham

This lovely shop, Parici in Church Street, Twickenham, Middlesex, sells only hand made goods from the surrounding area ... do take a look if you are ever nearby. I particularly liked the jewellery and pottery.

Labels

I always make my own labels - this Christmas I am using silver card. This is the process ...

You need silver/gold card with a white backing, a hole punch and a guillotine.

Cut strips

Divide strips

Punch hole for ribbon

Finished tags

This method of making my own labels cost approximately £1.99 for over 100 tags (6 foolscap sheets). This was very difficult to photograph due to the glossy surface! It is also possibe to use old Christmas cards by fussy cutting them.

A peaceful day it was not! ... seven phone calls, two parcel deliveries, three visitors and a family member for lunch (after I had already eaten!)

I today also made a lovely meat loaf for an elderly neighbour, one for my son, and another for my husband. A very simple recipe ...

Meat Loaf

1 lb beef mince
1 lb pork mince
1 diced onion
1 diced red pepper
1 diced green pepper
4 oz grated cheese
1 egg
1 jar chutney (I use a mixture of all the 'ends of jars' - this time was mango chutney and apple sauce)
Handful diced fresh herbs
pack streaky bacon

Mix all ingredients well.
Line 2lb loaf tin with bacon
Put all ingredients in tin and cover with more bacon
Wrap well with silver foil
Bake in baine marie for 1 hour
Remove foil and bake for a further 15 minutes

To serve slice thinly and serve with salad and chutney.

A simple lunch

The Christmas cake

Unfortunately the cake still needs icing!

My Village

2011-12-11T11:05:00.007Z

Add caption

Pretty Island on Thames

Village scene

Local pub

My Home Village

Local pub

I live in a small village in England, which is two miles from a major town and just ten miles from central London. We have very few shops, lots of pubs, a village green, a school, a nursery, a library, a care home and a cottage hospital. We also have a Post Office, a greengrocer and several cafe's. We are on the banks of The River Thames in a very pretty spot and are also lucky to have a train station and many buses. The village is old and most housing is also very old (my home is 100 years old) and we are nestled, within minutes, of the edge of the Surrey countryside.

An American friend asked for a few pics ... here they are ...

The village green

View over The Thames

Lovely old church

Pretty village house

Typical village house

War memorial

Shop window

Yet another pub

French gifts and fabrics

An estate agent

Gift shop

Local pub

Indian restaurant and ironing shop

An estate agent

The library

Christmas lights

Sadly the village is old and dying - many useful shops have closed over the years and it is now impossible to buy all the daily needs here. We are lucky ro have several pubs, a village hall, a chinese restaurant, an indian restaurant and three cafe's. A thriving post office and pharmacy are also very useful and a florist and greengrocer are well used.

A photographers studio

A gift shop and bakery

Bakery and gift shop

A sport shop