Hello, it's been a while!

Well it's been a while, last September to be precise. With a little time on my hands today thought I would look over my blog that a year ago I could lavish lots of time on. I was really happy to see that it all look liked so much fun! I then thought maybe I would dip my toes in and let you know what has been happening, I do keep a little eye out on all of your blogs.

So Oct I started a job nearly full time Mon to Fri as a physiotherapy technical instructor, sounds glam but really it's not. Although I am enjoying my new challenge, but so so little time for much else. It has also be the longest winter I have ever known and I have truly had to hibernate during weekends to keep my sanity!

I have missed the me time and the opportunity to share with like minded people that I'm thinking of returning to my blog. It will be not in the same way a previously, more of a life's journal. I hope you will stop by and join in too, so glad to see so many of you doing the most amazing things!!

A crafty day out

My once a year indulgence in Exeter is the stitch and craft show by hobby craft that comes to town each year. Each year I am always amazed the the quilting exhibitions, this year also had the women's institute exhibition on smocking, which was lovely and reminded me of a wonderful our fit my mum had made me when I was young. There was also Jane Austin pride and prejudice outfits (one of my all time favourite books) I was also very taken back by the mixed media creative stitching, embroidery groups, I may even find out about them in my local area as there work was beautiful and contemporary. I did of course forget my camera and take a series of bad photos on my phone which I will save you from!

And yes I did! Buy a pile of fabric!

So do I have time for loads of dressmaking at the moment? Do I have a stash pile that is out of control? Did that stop me?????

This totally wonderful knit! I am in love, I think my plan will be to make a Christmas garment out of this beauty!

This lovely super soft jersey is busy but the colours are so subtle, how could I resist?

These really think cottons are for Christmas present making, I'll share with you later in the year!

Amongst the stalls there are lots of what I feel are overly cute stuff (not really my style) BUT I was taken back by one or two little projects that may be fun. Cross Patch have Lynette Anderson quilt designs that may be nice in the winter months. I have always felt the creative process and oh I can do that myself is actually hindering me from getting on, so I may treat myself to a ready made package of cuteness soon!

Succsess!

Last year on my little blog I wrote a monthly update of all the goings on in my veg patch. Well this year I have been somewhat less enthusiastic! But will all the crazy weather I am pleased to say I think our little veg garden has done some great producing.

Look at these lovelies, never before have I managed such a bountiful crop, it is these little success that keep you going for another year despite the weather! As well as our veg plot in the garden we will also have plot at our village allotments, although there will be plenty of work I am really pleased. It has recaptured my enthusiasm and I hope to grow more staples with a plan to have to buy less.

So how has everyone else managed this year?

A little crafting.

A little teeny tiny crafting has been the order of the day!

I actually used a free gift from Molly Makes, do ever use gifts or do they just sit pretty?

Little Babushka is rather cute, and I was pleased to make her up in a afternoon, fun yet satisfying, a way of keeping your hand in with the crafty stuff!

Refuge blanket completed.

I have been working steadily for a few months and I have finally finished my blanket. As you will know I do not really consider myself a knitter, scarfs and squares are about my limit, although I do dream!

So here we are a finished item! I chose a nice bright but not trashy pink and a neutral cream. I am pleased with the combination.

Each blanket had to be a certain size as I was making it for the refuge, a campaign by the knitter magazine against domestic violence. Si you can download a great booklet for Fancy squares and leave a donation, or you can make blankets or little knotted teddies instead. Follow the link and see loads of updates and great examples of other peoples work  http://theknitter.themakingspot.com/category/tags/refuge

I really enjoyed this project and hope to get my blanket bagged up and in the post this week. There is something really satisfying making something for other be it home made presents or a charity event. Lets do it more often. x x x

Busy times

Well have to start off by saying I have done very little crafting, I think you will see why! Yes my friends some very busy times. And realisation that my boys are growing up FAST.  As you may know I have four lovely boys and their lives are changing.

 Arthur is now 3 and with me starting a job he will be attending a local pre school. This is a big change for us as I have been at home with him for all his life.

Callum is officially a teenager and moving onto higher Queen Elizabeth's which is our local secondary school, at the end of this year he will be choosing his GCSEs!

A big change for Liam, he has just got his GCSE results. We are so proud of him for passing (nearly) everything. He will be moving up to 6th form to start his A levels.

Finally the biggest change (or so it seems when it happens to your first child) Luke has turned 18. He is the youngest of his school year and feels he has finally caught up. I personally can not believe it! To make it more of an achievement he has passed his College course and will be going to Bristol University.

I am such a proud Mum, I love them all.

New season new sewing boundaries

So for the last two years I have tried to make my own wardrobe. I have enjoyed, been frustrated, learnt new skills and had great fun and opened my mind. Now I find I struggle with that obsession to keep producing, I have enough don't I? Or don't have the right things and the right amount of time to do Justice to clothing.

We have all made our clothing for many different reasons, all as valid as the next. I personally feel that I need a little tip toe away from the sewing machine! Don't get me wrong I'm not giving up, my life is changing at the moment and we all have to set our own boundaries. I am starting a new job in September and a access course so sewing time will be minimal. Also spare time may also need to be a touch more relaxing.

So what do I have planned? Well you may step back in horror but I have ordered myself a pile of everyday stuff to see my through the autumn and winter. I plan to make just one or two garments this season, something with this lovely knit

and then this that has long been on the to do list.

 

I will really look forward to smaller scale dressmaking, and I am also looking forward to the cosy nights on the sofa with a little hand sewing or knitting. I have a love for quilts that I think I am about to rekindle the love affair!

So what are you plans for the autumn?