Monday, 30 November 2009
Chocolate orange- yum!
Friday, 27 November 2009
Feeling festive
came over and we set to 'work' making decorations for the handmade tree which I'll be putting in to the Sandwich festival of trees. It was so nice to have their company, and the company of their little princesses, as we stitched away at felt trees and some yo-yos, we even got some assistance and artistic direction from the younger members of our gathering. I will need to do a lot more stitching before the 9th which
I was surprised but obviously thrilled that my lovely guests came bearing gifts, I had drooled over Nina's crochet hearts on her blog and now have a set for myself! I am thinking of stringing these into a pretty garland. Nina also gave me the dearest felt key ring, this will appear on the tree before it gets added to my keys as I think it is so pretty it deserves to be admired by all. Pomona also treated me to a very lovely bag holding two jars of her homemade jam. I am a total jam monster and my lunch is very often jam on toast so I am very grateful for something special to spread over the festive period
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Chim chim cherooo!
I have also asked Will to choose a number between one and nine for he 200th post draw and he said 9 so Karen will be getting the book- thanks to all of you who entered. Another review and giveaway will be coming soon!
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Dorset, how I miss you!
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Swirly and Simon are Geniuses

Crazy Patchwork by Jeannette Knake was a surprising book for me. I am a traditional knitter and hand embroiderer and will admit to being put off by the cover images and my heart sank when just a few pages in I saw that the technique required spray adhesive. Usually this would be a total no-no for me but I felt that I should swallow my purist pride and have a go. I needed to buy the water soluble stabiliser and I was really pleasantly surprised to find that it had a soft texture rather than a slippery feel and felt quite robust. I also needed to buy spray adhesive and this is where I felt I went wrong. The book called for a water soluble spray adhesive and in retrospect I think they meant the kind you might use for holding a quilt sandwich in place, I just bought a standard artists spray ad I think either I used too much or it wasn’t water soluble as my sample is still sticky!
My three year old loved helping me lay down pieces of fabric scraps, net, organza and wool. I made my sample very fine but I think you could have made quite a thick layer with more spray. We machined it and rinsed it to make our piece in about half an hour, I will use mine as a base for hand embroidery rather than clothing. I remain to be convinced about how practical a garment constructed from this made fabric would be, but I am a reluctant convert to the joys of glue in textiles. I think this book would be a really good technical guide for anyone wanting to try a new method of constructing fabric from scraps. I also think that apart from the ventilation concerns with spray adhesive it would be a good basis for a workshop with children, and at £6.99 felt like good value, especially as the additional equipment you might need if you already stitch is not expensive.
Listen with you eyes
Finally I found that Maria had made me a tea cosy. I currently use a knitted number for daily use and this rather special cosy shall be given a hook to hang upon until a special occasion arises and she can be bought into use for best.
All in all I can't quite believe the loveliness of my presents. Maria s so talented and these gorgeous rainbow delights are already brightening my home. A big thanks to
Don't forget the 200th post giveaway. I am still trying to get the review onto the blog and feel a step closer thanks to the expert advice of Swirly.
Monday, 9 November 2009
200 post giveaway

-
This space here is where I keep trying to paste the lovely informative review that I have written, but it won't bloomin let me! Please if you can explain why I can't copy and paste my word document into blogger I would be really grateful.
Friday, 6 November 2009
One bought, one won- too lovely!


Wednesday, 4 November 2009
The black venetian
A big thanks to Lululiz an
Monday, 2 November 2009
End of the rainbow (swap)
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Ruby ruby ruby ruby
I had a lovely time in Dorset and have lots more, much better pictures to share but for now here is photographic proof that a) it is possible to be married for forty years and still be friends b) my Dad does have the most excellent beard and c)that occasionally I do actually finish something!