Bah Humbug!

Well that's it over for another year! Christmas, and I was back at work again yesterday. Bah Humbug!!

 Again I haven't been posting much, no excuses from me, I'll admit it. I'm lazy. I have been reading other peoples blogs though. That has been my greatest experience of 2010- getting into blogging. I love all the inspiration I get from seeing what other people get up to. I don't think I could ever make anything without the inspiration, it doesn't come naturally to me.

2010 has also been the year of the SEWING MACHINE! At school I failed my sewing machine test, the only person in the class. I didn't get it, it frustrated me, so I hated it. My mum had one at home and regularly made things but I loathed them, fast forward 20 years, I hit 31 and something inside me wanted to sew. Sewing is amazing, you can make anything from nothing, create so many fabulous things.
2011 is the year I get GOOD AT SEWING!

SNOW!!!!

I hate snow. Its no fun as an adult with no option for a stay at home snow day. Please come and melt the snow sunshine!

Back at long last!

Finally I am back, moved house, got broadband, and got a new camera. I lost the charger to mine, and dropped it in my tuna pasta bake, its never been the same since. I got a fancy new Christmas present today a Nikon DSLR! wohoo.

We have been moved a month now, and finally settled in. The house is so creaky and I am always getting freaked out by all the noises that I hear. My sister has lent me her dog for a few days, as I am a little concerned about vermin!!! Keano is a patterdale terrier and the best vermin killer there is, he has shown no interest in anything though, and I haven't been hearing any noise, so I am happy for now.

Of course we do have snow, loads of it. I don't know if it seems worst as we live on a lane and I have not gone any further than walking into the village since the snow. I am trapped in a world at the top of a hill.

Living in a bigger house has definitely meant one thing....more second hand buying!! I went to the auction with my mum last week and bought lots. I bought up all the boxes of pictures no one wanted so I could do projects with the frames. I was getting them for a £1. I got a green wicker ottoman- £1, which is ongoing refurbishment. Its been a complete bugger to do. I got a wardrobe, but I can not get it over from my mum's at the moment. I got this cupboard..

It was an awful dark oak, but I painted it in tapestry green. I have seen one in Laura Ashley looking very similar, for more than £6 for. Saying that the paint cost me £11!

I have been making some fabric hearts. There are lots of baby girls at the moment and I have made some initialled hearts for them. The red ones are for my friends Twins- Isobel and Madeline. They were born on the 18/10, a whole 11 weeks early and are still in hospital. They are doing well though I am pleased to say. The T is for Thalia, my first niece that was born the day after. She is gorgeous and so good. If they all behaved like that I'd be having another, but with the worlds worst behaved 21 month old, I am putting any creations on hold! The hearts have been made out of a cotton table cloth I got for £1 from a charity shop and the letters from scraps. They only take around 20 mins to make as well. I am not sure if they look more shabby than chic though!

Be careful in this awful weather, keep warm!

Family Sunday

I took a day off yesterday, instead of packing like I should we went on a trip to a petting farm. I had a good time, but I think it would have been better if H had actually slept before we got there. He was very grumpy. Even more so when a hen pecked his finger! I have never heard him scream so much. He went quiet for a second, then his bottom lip went..then the screaming began. He didn't even have a mark. He then proceeded to hit me, whilst shouting naughty with his injured finger on display. I did laugh.

Over and Out

Finally, finally I am moving! We have just given the notice on this place and are moving into a converted barn in 4 weeks. I am even going to get rid of my phone line and broadband for a while. I have done this before and my time was much more productive. We have a rubbish deal on with our providers so I am hoping that I will save some much needed money and get lots done whilst I am off line. Of course there are still dongles and mobile internet, so it's not so bad. I am excited to be going to a bigger house with a huge living room, with an open fire and a mantle piece. I am also for once in my life excited for Christmas! My house is going to look great and I am going to have room for people to visit and stay. Perfect!

I have painted my final chair- Blue. I just need my stapler back to put the material on the cushion pad. I have a lovely pastel blue stripe to use. I think I will put that in H's bedroom or in a room in the new house.

I made some HAPPY BIRTHDAY bunting. The picture isn't very good as I was struggling for where I could photograph it. I made it for my Mum's 55th Birthday, but it will be used for many a birthday. Better than cheap foil stuff.

This is a draw string bag that I have made from an old duvet. I needed lots of them to organise H's toys. We just seem to have a mass of bits. I did sort them all out- tea set, train, farm animals etc. But they are all a mess again! Typical.

 

Well, I probably wont be posting much, as I wont be crafting. I have loads of projects I need to make and requests for Birthday and Christmas presents for handmade goods! I am hoping once I am moved and settled I will reaquaint with my sewing machine and get crafting for christmas. If anyone can give me ideas of what to make for decorations that would be great! I am thinking felt garlands, merry christmas bunting. Any other ideas? Over and Out for now.

Creative Lull

I have had a week off this week, which I get every 10 days. Its just the way my shifts work. I usually get on and do something during that time. Though, this week I've not. I have attempted to make a name plaque for a friend's newborn, but its turned out very shabby and not in a chic way!

I've only stitched the E on, which took ages. I showed it to my sister who promptly pointed out that the edging is all wonky! I used a old table cloth which I cut into 6, this piece is a corner. The left hand corner is thick because of the edging on it and it was very hard to sew on to. It seems to have all moved. Pah! I should take it off and do it again really. If a job is worth doing you should do it right. This is my biggest down fall, I put something together and don't really strive for perfection. The material on the edge has come from Heather, as part of her give away at The Patch Work Heart.

I did make a card for baby Esme, as I have loads of card materials left.

I made the mini bunting. It was very easy and I like it for a card. We are going to see the baby today, I haven't finished the name plaque yet. I will give them that another day/year if I can ever get it looking good!

I got a lovely present from my mum this week. A Pin cushion. Very pretty and neat, not like my work!

I did have a nice trip out this week with my boy, he's finally walking at 18 months and is making the most of it. We went to Roker Beach at Sunderland. The sea was wild! I had best go as he's at the front door shouting, Bye! See you soon!

Patchwork Heart Give Away winner!

On saturday I was lucky enough to catch the postman to get my parcel from the lovely Heather at the Patchwork Heart.

I opened the fabulously wrapped packages to reveal 5 gorgeous presents.

Gorgeous patchwork hearts, fabric, seeds, & notecards. I love the fabric, which is all recycled I believe.

I am going to use the fabric to make my very own patchworks. The fabric is cut beautifully, was ironed and so neatly folded up. I was very pleased to win The Patchwork Heart giveaway. Make sure you get over to her BLOG as its great. Thanks very much Heather and I hope you enjoy going back to school.

Its back to work for me this weekend, hopefully come monday I will have some time and energy to make something and fit some crafting in. Enjoy your weekend. x