It's what it's all about

Good morning ladies

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments on the quilt. For those of you who have never tried quilting I would urge you to have a go. Start with something small like a baby quilt and check out all the fantastic advice available online. I would definitely recommend using a thimble though! Any advice on the best thimbles to buy?

Baby J's mummy sent me these photos of the said quilt in use by Baby J and I had to share them with you. This is what it is all about for me...making something and then seeing it being used by a gorgeous little one and knowing it will be treasured.

Enjoy your weekend! xx

Mad about the boy

It was a big day in our house yesterday. My gorgeous boy was eight years old!

This is him in rock star mode as captured by his uncle.

After breakfast we had the GRAND PRESENT OPENING. Lego and stuff on sharks, big cats, nature and fudge (or thudge, as he calls it). Boy heaven.

We had planned a surprise day out and despite Little S trying every tactic he could think of to get it out of us, we managed to keep it a secret until we arrived.

We went to Pickering station in North Yorkshire for a very special train ride.

Waiting patiently on the platform for Tornado, a magnificent steam engine.

After an hour on the train we got to Grosmont.

A beautiful little station.

I love this ladies' waiting room!

The splendid Tornado. It was lovingly built just a few years ago from an original Peppercorn train design - the last of which where scrapped in 1966.

And yes it was really loud!

Little S had a very happy birthday and we all had a fantastic day.

We are camping in Cornwall on Sunday for a week so I doubt if I will have time to blog again before then. Fingers crossed for good weather!

Enjoy your weekend xxx



We all love crochet but really......

Hello lovely crafty ladies

As Spring is in the air I thought I would show you something totally mad that I found online. Apologies if you know the actual owner of this bonkers wedding dress!

I hope this made you smile....enjoy your Sunday xx

PS Many thanks for all your lovely comments and welcome to new followers....You make me very happy!

In love

I am in love. Totally head over heels.

I may have mentioned earlier that one of my objectives for this year is to become better acquainted with my sewing machine. Well, I have come across so many stunning quilts in blogland that I decided to attempt one of my own. Of course, this meant having to sit for hours checking out gorgeous fabrics online...oh dear, what a chore!

Well, this is what I have decided on......

And I had to order that cute little Chinese pin cushion which I have lusted after for years but never before had an excuse to buy!

I looked at various patterns for inspiration and wanted something that didn't look too complicated, or too large, and I found this....

It is from the sew4home site and is a quilt for a baby. I don't have a baby and the only baby due is Bertie Bump so it may end up another blanket for him/her.

I love this Freebird fabric by Momo and using a charm pack seems a more simple foray into the whole quilting experience. But I need to finish some other stuff first, so I am putting it away for later.

**************

 

I also want to thank everyone for the lovely comments on Bertie Blanket. It is fantastic getting such compliments from so many talented and creative women.

And a big thank you to the lovely Maaike of Crejjtion for naming me in her gorgeous blog and saying such kind things about me. Thank you Maaike and these are for you...

 Enjoy your weekend xxx

All ready?

Hello friends! I have a little boy absolutely giddy beyond giddiness now. The advent calendar has only two more windows in it and we have been busy decorating the house. Only two more sleeps, as Little S has been pointing out all day! The house looks lovely, and despite the extreme cold (last night it was -10 degrees in my patch!), it is cosy and warm.

I have also been making things (aside from gifts).....

I felt a little bit yarned out to be honest and so made this streamer and stars by folding origami paper. The little boxes for the streamer were such fun to make as you had to blow them up to inflate them!

And I made some scented oranges by studding them with cloves. The smell is gorgeous!

I got a real bargain from my local supermarket....

These two ceramic plates for under £2 for both! So of course I had to justify this huge expense by using them.....hence the chocolate cakes!!

Wow! 2011! I can't believe how quickly this year has gone. I am fairly new to this blogging lark but it has brought me a lot of happiness and I am truly grateful for your visits, your comments and for making me feel welcome in this virtual community! It has been fantastic to see what you are all making and especially your Christmas gifts. There are going to be some very, happy people!

So I am now signing off until after Christmas. I just wanted to wish all of my visitors the most wonderful Christmas, however you celebrate. And I wish you an uber-creative 2011!  Whilst I am spending happy times with my family I will spare a thought for those who, for whatever reason, can't be with those they love at this time.

Joyeux Noel :: God Jul :: Feliz Navidad :: Glædelig Jul :: Zalig Kerstfeast :: Hyvaa Joulua :: Froehliche Weihnachten :: Boze Narodzenie :: Gesëende Kersfees :: Buone Feste Natalizie :: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah!!



Andrea xx

All I want for Christmas is......

Well, Christmas is nearly here...how did that happen? It is the same each year; weeks to go and then all of a sudden it is almost here. Must remember to post overseas cards next week...I have family in South Africa and post seems to take so long to get there. There was a time when I made all my own cards....before motherhood! I still have the book I used.....

It is out of print now but used copies are still available on Amazon. It is full of the most incredible 3D origami creations, all made by cutting and folding white card. When I was a student I had very little money to spend on presents so I used to make fabulous cards and spend a lot of time wrapping gifts and making them look gorgeous and special even if the contents were very humble.

My little S is already really giddy about Christmas and has written his list to Father Christmas.....Lego features heavily!And it got me thinking about a list for me. Those of you with children probably put all your focus and energy into Christmas for the little people; I know I do. I can't remember the last time I actually thought about a list of presents that I would like. So....here it is...money no object....my Christmas wish list....

1. Alice Starmore's book of Fair Isle Knitting

I have wanted this for some time and am almost at the point of buying it when I think that I could buy more yarn with the money!

2. Milk jug by ceramicist Virginia Graham

Either of these would make me very, very happy! They are a lovely combination of elegance, rustic and pastoral. I think they look terribly British!



3. An authentic duffel coat from Gloverall

The original and the best. Very expensive though...

4. A pair of Durbarry Galway boots

Goretex and leather and a lot more stylish than wellies!

5.  A book of textile designs by Henry Moore

My academic background is in art and design history...I am still passionate about both art and design although I no longer work in the arts sector. Despite my knowledge of art and artists, I had no idea that Henry Moore designed textiles. Most people know him as a sculptor.

6. Amber

I love amber. I love the warmth and depth of it. I'm not really a jewellery person, in fact I hardly ever wear it, but I do love a bit of amber.

7. A glass teapot

Ah....glass. Is there a more beautiful, ephemeral, magical material? Just look at this teapot by Wagenfeld. Magical.

8. Stationery

Who isn't crazy about stationery? Ah the sheer joy of opening a gorgeous new notebook with all its possibilities....these journals are from Ecojot.

9. A pair of sheepskin slippers

Because there is nothing like sheepskin for keeping hands and feet toasty. These are by Wassbring.

10. A 'season' ticket to KZN

I have close family in KZN, South Africa and I miss them. I also absolutely adore the place and right now could do with some sunshine and heat. A season ticket would mean I could go there whenever I wanted!

What is on your wish list?