Getting ready for Halloween!

Where has the past week gone to?  A lovely weekend with my brother's family just outside of Peterborough, and the Fairy off for half-term has really disrupted the work schedule!!!

Anyway,  a few weeks ago I had a moment of madness.  I decided that it would be a good idea to have a Halloween Party for the Fairy and her friends... well... they are only young once!  I think that it important for children to get involved organizing, so earlier in the week, I had her drawing around spooky templates and cutting them out ready to be made into bunting.  Today's activity, whilst the little Tinker was sleeping, was making tablecloths.  I got out a spud and some paint, made her a stamp...

... and off she went.

She got out a paintbrush, decided where to print and made two table cloths.

If you ever do anything like this, I recommend that you use a very sharp knife (I used my craft knife), and I also mixed some PVA glue in with the paint so that if (!!!?!) a drink gets spilt we won't have orange splodges all over the table and the children!

Much more to do tomorrow.  Bunting to finish, and I think we will be putting on our pinnies and making spooky cakes and 'slime' jelly!!!

N.B The fairy has informed me that little witches are called witchlings, and little wizards are wizlings.  Excellent!!

Girly Ruffles

I have had a t-shirt in a beautiful pink lying around for quite some time.  It was one of those (pre-pregnancy) items of clothing I didn't really want to get rid of as I loved the colour, but felt it a little too short to wear!  

What better way to utilize a girly pink t-shirt, than to turn into girly ruffles...

... and stitch onto a pair of old trousers...

... to make a lovely doorstop?!!

Hoorah for recycling!

p.s. I actually made a few of these, which are available to buy in my Folksy shop.

If you go chasing rabbits

Last night we had a mass exodus to Blackpool.  Before we started we had a fantastic fish and chip supper (at St Anne's Fish Restaurant), all part of the 'going to Blackpool Illuminations' tradition, and highlight of the evening really.  The lights were very disappointing, after a long trek up the promenade (starting out from Central Pier not a good idea with little legs!!!) we made it to the north pier, where the good ones usually are.  Unfortunately there had been a power cut and quiet a few weren't lit.  We did however get to see some of my favourites from when I was a girl (how old do I sound!) including the Alice in Wonderland ones.  I took the photos with my phone, but I think they have come out pretty well.

This then reminded me of last weekend when we visited Witton Park in Blackburn where they have recently created a fantastic play area for children.  One of my favourite parts was Alice themed again...

...a carved table holding Alice's tea party, fantastic.  There goes the Little Tinker! 

So then because I had Alice mania I had to find White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane (click on the link to listen to it), as I hadn't heard it for a long long time.  Love it and love the imagery that Alice and Wonderland creates.  Fab!

My Rainbow Quilt has been featured again!

It's so lovely when you are told that some one likes your work (although it does make me a little bashful!!).  Just open an email to be informed that my lovely rainbow quilt has been featured again (twice in one week!!!).  It has been included in the Etsy treasury for SayItSoSweetly.  I have a couple of hours before school is out so must get some work done!

New Baby Playmat

This is my latest quilt.  I have used the lovely tufted cotton fabric again as I love the texture it creates.  I love making these.  I always thought hand stitching too slow, but I have begun to enjoy it and its therapeutic effects, and I love the effect the circular stitching has on quilts.  You just could not do it with my machine, it would be a constant battle and I would end up with an unsightly splodge effect. 

I listed this quilt on my Etsy shop yesterday evening and have received a message to inform me that on the same day it was listed, it was chosen for PolyAndClayed's treasury which you can see here.

My youngest niece also loved it.  I had made it for the arrival of the new baby, and took it over last weekend when we went to visit.  It went down a storm with her and she claimed it as her dancing mat!  Not sure that this is a good idea considering it is for baby to lie on.  I guess he is going to have to become accustomed to being trampled on.  It's a good job she's a little diddly dot!!!

Fabric to brighten up your day

You may remember this fabric from a previous post.  It is stunning, and here is how it looks...

... as one of my beautiful pinnies (actually there are two of these).  I finally managed to get the labels sewn on and some pics of it over the weekend and you can now buy one in my Folksy shop or in my Etsy shop (which has been a little neglected of late, but that will soon be looking healthier!).

I am particularly loving the way the bow looks...

... it has taken a bit of time to perfect bow tying, but I love the way I can tie one that looks good on my first attempt now.  It is sad how little things can satisfy.  No lets rephrase that... isn't it fabulous how you can get satisfaction from little things?!!!  

Luxury Cheese on Toast!

I am currently in the process of trying to complete too many projects (for a change!!).  I really do need to try and organize my thoughts and work a little more, as I frequently find myself getting into a bit of a tizz!  The past day or so I have been packaging cards that have been sitting on my desk waiting patiently for me to stop avoiding the inevitable (this is the part of the process I cannot stand).  I am also (amongst other things.... the list too long to start thinking about for fear of becoming dizzy) finishing hand stitching the binding on to another baby quilt/playmat... a process I actually find quite therapeutic and to be honest, a little obsessive!

Anyway, I wanted to share my supper experience.  Tonight is swimming night and tea is therefore a bit of a rushed affair in our house.  I did however have the pleasure of creating my own feast once the children were in bed. 

 This has to be one of my favourite suppers....  'posh people's cheese on toast' .....hmmmm....

toasted (or griddled for a much better flavour) ciabatta

chopped tomato, feta and olives mixed together with olive oil and then simply piled on top. 

I then decided I would stick a load of spinach leaves on top, also fab with rocket, a little drizzle of olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar...

... and a (small!) glass of wine!!!

Please do try this out if you haven't experienced it before, you will be shocked at its fabulousness!!

Oh, and don't forget to put your pinny on.  I foolishly left mine of, I guess because I wasn't cooking a meal, and have ended up with oil on my top.  To be honest though, it may be they way I was greedily devouring it!!

NB If you don't have a lovely pinny hanging on the back of your door you can have a look here or here for some very pretty ones (with more to come very soon).

Find more delicious recipes here.

New Packaging for felt flowers

Getting my computer back with absolutely nothing on it has made me look at my packaging.  Previously I just had a little label attached to my felt brooches, and although it hasn't stopped them form selling, I do think that they look more professional like this.

So, they have gone from looking like this...

... to looking like this.

They are now available to buy at my Folksy shop.  I think they look especially cute on bags!

New Baby!

I am very excited.  My little sister gave birth to a little boy last night.  Waiting yesterday was a nightmare and the news just before I went to bed brought many tears.  I can't wait to meet him and give him his welcome to the world gift.  How fantastic and emotional having babies is!!!  What are the chances of this though?  Both my brother and sister, and myself have all had a girl and then a boy.  We are now a perfectly balanced family (ha ha ha)!!!!