My Handmade Haven

Had to share my exciting news

2012-01-22T20:17:00.000Z

I'm very excited as I've just had my membership to the Guild of Craft Soap & Toiletry Makers confirmed. For me it just seems to make my soap making and selling seem a little more professional. Just wanted to share with you all :o)

Another Adventure?

2012-01-21T16:16:00.001Z

(These tulips are just beautiful...a little treat to myself)

Another adventure? I certainly hope so anyway. Those of you who've followed me for a while will be aware of my failed attempt at getting a knitter knatter group going. Well...I've just bitten the bullet and booked the village hall once a month for a small craft group. The ladies at the home ed group really enjoy attempting crafty things, although not all of them like crocheting or knitting, so we thought we'd have a monthly meeting and just have a go (minus the children!). It'll be very informal, and I'll definitely not be advertising unless the group initially works with just the ladies I know. Hopefully, by starting small, and less often, it'll actually take off this time ;o).

Promised Pictures and My Latest Adventure

2012-01-15T08:58:00.001Z

I realised while I was playing with the new layout (do you like it?) that I'd not shown you my new kitchen cupboards or the flowers on the money tree plant, so here they are! You'll have to excuse the bare walls...we're still decorating the kitchen. Can you see the blue and red hearts on the counter top? They were our christmas gift from our middle son :o). He made them out of lego! The flowers are a little past their best now, but you can still see how gorgeous they are. They must like that window sill (or my neglect of them) as I asked my Nan about hers but she's never had one that flowered.

These two bowls were made by a lovely friend. They are just gorgeous. She has only just discovered felting and is enjoying it so much, as you can tell.

Now then, I thought I would share my lastest little adventure - I have stepped into the world of lego. Yes..I have succumbed to the lego obsession in our house. Although it has to be said, what better way to combine my love of Harry Potter and the boys love of lego than with Harry Potter Lego!! So we have the Knight Bus and The Burrow. I shall get back to the sewing now them ;o).

Another Week

2012-01-11T09:48:00.001Z

(Orange Scrub Soap)

(Mandarin, Cinnamon and Clove Soap)

Not necessarily adventures in the normal sense but we've definitely been busy! We had our annual home education inspection, which went really well. I've been busy making lots of soap for my first craft fair adventure (you can see more about that over on my other blog)....now I can concentrate on the sewing side of things. We've also had JJ in hospital for a little op...he was very brave and is home today so he can recover a little. I know he would rather have been at school as he loves it so much!

The First Adventure

2012-01-04T09:08:00.000Z

A year for adventures. Here's the first one! JJ decided months ago that he wanted to go to school. Today is the first day. I was excited. Now I'm nervous. He was very excited. I know I've got loads to do today to keep me busy. I'll probably get none of it done. Roll on three o'clock!

2012-01-02T10:50:00.001Z

So there went Christmas (with 20 boxes of Lego between us), then New Year, with card games that are still ongoing, onto 2012. What will it bring? I'm hoping for lots of love, lots of laughter, and lots of adventures - big and small. What about you?

Two Days....

2011-12-22T16:02:00.000Z

Two days, both holding two different meanings for me. Firstly, my first born turned 14. We opened presents, we gathered the larger family together to have food and celebrate,....

...we ate cake, we laughed, we listened to music...

....we gave him his own door key (thank you Claire for the idea), with a keyring made by the fabulous Pippa. Go take a peek at her shop ...she can do bespoke items too :o). As I was in the kitchen for most of the day I also made the Christmas puds.

Second day...the six year anniversary marking the day my Mum died. I still dwell on the details of the day, even though I know I shouldn't. I know I would get loads more christmassy things done if I weren't counting down the days until this day, but.... on the actual day (the 21st) I'm actually ok. I light a candle, my mood lifts, I think of her, I made two lots of soap in preparation for my first craft fairs, I made the cards for the boys and the Hubby...

...I finished the chocolate frog earrings (a pair for a lovely friend and a pair for me)...

...I made some hanging snowmen for two other lovely friends from the home ed group. By the end of the night I was very excited about Christmas again. I dreamt about her overnight...she came to see me...she's still there, in my heart :o).

Ready?

2011-12-19T09:39:00.000Z

Well, the tree is up, some of the pressies are wrapped, the food is ordered or in the freezer, the invites are out, but...I don't know, I'm just not really feeling it yet! Is it really this weekend? Am I the only one feeling like this? Maybe its the blooming cold that has been lingering in the background for over a week, that finally decided yesterday that it would rear it's head properly. Out came the honey, lemon and echinacea again. Probably a bit late, but when it was just sort of lingering in the background I stopped making it...serves me right really ;o).

(mmmmmm, dumplings...)

So today, I'm waiting for the shopping to arrive, I'm waiting for the courier to pick up a box of milk bottle tops (recycling for charity), I'm preparing for tomorrows birthday (eek a 14 year old), I'm sneezing alot, I'm hoping the glass doors will be back on the painted and filled cupboards so I can show you them, cos I LOVE them, and I'll be trying to find my Christmas zing again.

Beautiful Things

2011-12-12T09:01:00.001Z

I finally got the doilies in my window (and no, I didn't get round to washing the windows first ;o) ). They look beautiful and work really well. Ooh, I meant to take a picture of my money tree plants because they are flowering! I've had them for years and didn't even know they did that...they have the most beautiful delicate white flowers...has anyone else's flowered? I'll try and get a piccie later.

I forgot to show you my beautiful needle felted Yule log last week. Isn't it wonderful? I got it from the very talented Dawn over at Dawns Woolly World.

Lastly, for now, is the most beautiful white hyacinth flowers that adorn my kitchen table (along with a ton of rubbish!). Wish I didn't have this snotty nose so I could actually smell them!

Wreaths and cupboards (unimaginative title but brain too tired to think ;o) )

2011-12-09T13:22:00.001Z

So the cake is finally made (the soaking fruit sat on the side for three days!), and these gorgeous, fabulous kitchen cupboards (upside down and without the glass in the picture) are now on the wall waiting to be painted. I just love, love, love the 1950s cupboards - my Nan has some on her wall, and now we do too :o).

I also made this the other night. It used to be a necklace which was given to me for my birthday. I didn't really like it as a necklace but didn't want to be ungrateful and get rid, so I changed it into this mini wreath.

Christmas is coming...

2011-12-05T19:35:00.001Z

...so I thought I better make a start on the cake! Here's the fruit soaking in brandy and sherry. I've also made the mincemeat...it looks quite disgusting in this picture but, trust me, it's delicious. I use Delia Smiths recipes for the puddings, the cake and the mincemeat as I find them very easy to do and I've always had good results from them. Anyway, back to the mincemeat...it is now packed tightly into jars waiting for me to start on the mince pies in a few weeks.

I'm also drying some apples and oranges. It's the first time I've dried apples...I forgot to brush them with lemon juice so they've gone a little brown. There are more oranges still drying as they are taking ages. Lets hope I don't burn them like I did last year!

Don't forget the give-away over on this enchanted Pixie

Give-away :o)

2011-12-05T17:10:00.001Z

I'm having a little give-away over at the lovely 'this enchanted Pixie' blog. Pop over for details on entering, so you'll be in with a chance to win three bars of my lovely soap :o)

Joys

2011-12-02T12:26:00.001Z

See that lovely dragon up there? My lovely, lovely friend made this beautiful gift just for me....to congratulate me for passing my driving test. Isn't it just wonderful....how special for someone to take time out to make something just for me.

While at home ed group we made clementine and clove pomanders and cinnamon bundles ready for christmas and then today we are making lego figure wax crayons. I think there will be an army by tea time ;o)

The trouble with driving...

2011-11-30T09:25:00.001Z

...is the amount of time spent out of the house, meaning that hardly anything gets done!! I honestly don't know what I've been doing these past few weeks. Christmas seems to be creeping up far too fast for my liking. I have done a fair bit of gift buying (the joys of having children who are still easily pleased by Lego!) but I really must get on with the cake, puddings and mincemeat side of things. I did actually manage some baking yesterday. This has got to be the first time in months...shame on me.

I did manage to get my doilies starched a couple of days ago, now I just need to wash the windows before I hang them up. Right, must go get ready as I've got someone coming to pick up an order in an hour and it's not very professional to hand it out whilst still in my dressing gown ;o).

Bargains

2011-11-16T15:08:00.001Z

Well hello... it's been a busy week again. I've been making a new batch of soap everyday for the last few days. I've also been out driving, which I'm loving! I've had a lovely day out with my sister and our two youngest kids. And this morning the youngest and I went trawling the local charity shops. I had a good little haul - the above mini doilies were 10p each and I'm going to spray them with starch and hang them from the windows as snow flakes. This book was 60p.......60p!!!! How mad is that?!It's full of information - fab for my soap making.

I also got this blue valance (much nicer blue in the flesh) for £1. I'll use this for material.

I've also been making a new Christmas Decoration which is on the other blog (as the photo is on the other computer). I'll hopefully get some more of those done, and I've got an idea for a new card too. I should probably be doing some housework too, but what the heck...sewing and soap making are much more fun :o)

What have I been doing?

2011-11-08T17:05:00.001Z

What have I been doing? Do you know what..I couldn't even tell you? The days are just whizzing by aren't they. I'm sure everyone must be feeling it! I can tell you what we did today though ;o). We went to visit my lovely Nan, who cooked us lunch, then we went to see the Seals at Donna Nook which is just up the road from hers. It was a wonderful sight seeing them all and listening to the noises they make. The pup in the first picture isn't very old as you can still see the umbilical cord.

Oh..we were invited to a lovely bonfire party on Sunday evening. We all had a fabulous time with wonderful food, wonderful friends and a bonfire and fireworks. I drove there too (and home in the dark) which was great. I'm trying to get out as much as I can - today was the furthest I have driven, with big ditches and narrow roads!

I've hardly done any crafting though...the crochet scarf which was going to be for the MILs birthday will now be a Christmas present! I did manage to make a big batch of butternut squash soup yesterday (see above) but it has been noted by several members of the household that the cake tins have been empty for far too long. Looks like I need to pull my socks up ;o).

OMG!

2011-10-27T15:58:00.002Z

I'm not usually one for text speak but OMG..I passed my driving test!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thought I'd failed as a bloody rag 'n' bone cart pulled in front of me (it could only happen to me on my test), then I ended up stalling...but, anyway, I passed!!!!!!!!

Flipping heck, that means I'm allowed out on my own...eek!

Well...

2011-10-26T19:32:00.001Z

...I'm surprisingly calm, although if my last couple of lessons are anything to go by, I'm sure I won't stay calm for long! Why is it when I get close to something as huge as a driving test I end up making silly mistakes while driving! Anyway, tomorrow is the big day. My hubby is the only family member who knows the exact date and time, as I didn't want people constantly asking about it. It would be really great if you could all keep your fingers crossed for me...hopefully I'll have my little green P to show you. xx

Heck

2011-10-23T08:08:00.000Z

13 days since I last posted! Loads has been happening - my youngest turned 5, I've had an appointment with a business adviser about making Handmade Haven official, visits to our local Fishing Heritage Centre and the National Space Centre, and more driving lessons in preparation for my test next week. Trying to remain calm about that last one but the closer I get the worse I feel (rescue remedy helping a little).

I made grape jelly yesterday with the mountain of grapes my Dad brought me from his vines. Still got to use another pile too! Not much else to say really...hope everyone else is keeping busy.

Catch-up

2011-10-10T07:52:00.000Z

Where has the week gone again! We've had a whole week sat at the table and it's fabulous. I've had more driving lessons...and booked my test for the end of the month, eeeekkkk. I've done lots of sewing, website changing, and waiting for deliveries so I can get on with the new soap varieties over at Handmade Haven.

It's hubby's birthday today so I made his card yesterday while he was at work. Today I shall be making tea for the stream of people that will be in and out, I'll be trying to ignore the lounge that still looks like a storeroom because of the kitchen, and I'll be making homemade pizza for tea. Doesn't sound too bad (especially if I manage to make some soap too).

At last

2011-10-02T21:19:00.000Z

(Picture by JJ)

After living here for 4 years, 4 months and 1 week, we finally had our first meal sat at a table...and how fabulous it was. When we moved in the kitchen was tiny, with an even tinier breakfast bar!! Not suitable at all for 5 people (even though one of them had a high chair!). So after adding a bedroom, moving a bathroom and a bedroom, then knocking a couple of other internal walls down, having 2 Christmas lunches on our knee!!!!, we had the space to put up a table. We still need to paint and sort out the flooring, but heck...we really, really needed that table.

Cowl/Snood Pattern (hopefully)

2011-09-27T08:24:00.000Z

(picture 1)

Firstly, I used 2 balls of Twilleys Freedom wool (100m), with a 10mm hook. Make a foundation chain so it's big enough to fit over your head and is divisable by 4 (I did 72). Join, making sure you don't twist the chain, then turn (picture 1).

(picture 2)

(picture 3)

Round 1. *Chain 4 (picture 2), then join this to the foundation chain 4 links along (picture 3)*.

(picture 4)

* Repeat to the end then join the last ch4 to the first chain in the very first ch4 you started the round with. Slip stitch into the loop created (picture 5).

(picture 5)

(picture 6)

Round 3 to end. *chain 4, slip stitch into loop* *repeat to the desired length of your cowl.

(picture 7 - you can see the pattern beginning to form)

(picture 8)

To finish, slip stitch through loop then pull thread all the way through (picture 8). Weave in ends.

(picture 9)

If this pattern makes any sense at all your cowl pattern should look like picture 9 ;o). I've never written a pattern down before so let me know how you get on...please.

Something quick

2011-09-26T11:17:00.000Z

At knitter knatter last night I wanted something that was quick, something that would give instant gratification, something that's been on my list for a while. So here it is...modelled beautifully by JJ, then I thought I best show it on a grown-up (no comments please ;o) ). So, so simple to make (I did try writing out the pattern but hunger and squawking child don't make for a calm mummy!)

Gifts

2011-09-24T07:51:00.001Z

I entered on a gorgeous blog for this lovely cushion and won! How fab is it...and the way Shaz used a shirt too is great. Go take a look :o).

In the evening a lovely friend from our home ed group called in with all this bounty from her allotment...there's alsorts including some fennel which is hidden under all that rhubarb. I went and helped her with some foraging in payment, although I didn't get any for myself as my hob is still out of action :o(.

Just had to share

2011-09-22T07:08:00.001Z

I'm so pleased with these pencil cases...they are actually for a customer but I had to share them here too as it's the first time I've made anything like this! After the first one which took quite a while the second one was whizzed up super fast. Thank you C for pushing me beyond my comfort zone again xxx

Picking up speed

2011-09-19T07:57:00.002Z

Steadily picking up speed so that everything gets done! Do I really think that will work? Of course not..but with everything that's going on I've got to do something to try and get everything done. I passed my theory test, so that's a good thing. More lessons this week, and at this rate I shall be taking my practical test quite soon...eek. I've gone passed the point of wanting to give up and I'm now enjoying...dare I say, even getting excited, waiting for the lessons...I am going to be a driver!!

We've also had the plasterer in the kitchen. This room has been a nightmare really...odd shape, small, dark. We knocked a wall down and removed the porch so now it's a very good size but it all needed tidying up and plastering. Notice how we have the computer but I don't have a hob! I'm trying to cook meals in the oven only...although yesterday I did have to relent and get the camping gas stove out of the loft (must have proper gravy with my roast). Right, must go do something useful. Blessings to all.

Proud mummy moment

2011-09-13T10:12:00.000Z

This wonderful artwork was done by JJ, aged 4 years. He really enjoyed it too, so hopefully I'll get one of the boys engaged in some fabric/yarn craft.

It's my brother-in-laws birthday today so this is his card. A black felt silhouette of a chopper! Bit fiddly so not perfectly cut out, but hopefully he'll like it.

Got another driving lesson today so I'm trying to keep busy. I've also got the theory test this week...eek! I just keep thinking of all the craft fairs I'll be able to do once I've got my licence :o)

And...breathe....

2011-09-07T08:33:00.000Z

I thought I would show you on this blog what all the fuss was about :o) 40 tins have arrived safely and are being filled with crayons as we speak, ready for their outing on Saturday.

I wanted to thank you for all your lovely comments on my last post too. It's been a very odd few weeks but this last week seems to have been much better, unless you count the stomach churning driving lessons! I really need to try and calm myself down before I go on these as I feel awful. I think I over think things before hand and get into a right state.

On Monday though (just before one of my aforementioned lessons), there was a knock at the door...not that unusual I hear you say...but there was a florist with a huge bouquet of flowers...very unusual in this house. Hubby had got me some flowers!! (there will be a piccie once the camera has charged). Then, after he'd made the lunch and I had put the flowers in 4 vases, the hubby took me to see Harry Potter (again), just him and me, then we went out for an evening meal....just him and me!!!!! It was a lovely, lovely day, and a complete surprise.

My news

2011-08-31T18:17:00.003Z

Would you like to see my news over on my other blog? Go on....go take a look :o)

The week

2011-08-28T07:32:00.005Z

The van went to it's new owner.

My eldest asked me to.......

...cut his hair.

We had to have our eldest cat (the black and white one) put to sleep. That now leaves two. We also lost a chicken the next morning.

I bought more hand spun wool.

I prepped strawberries for jam.

I also had my first driving lesson, but ssshhhh, it's a secret.

Not sure all these ups and downs are good!

Thank You

2011-08-24T08:26:00.003Z

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post, they mean an awful lot to me. I probably shouldn't have said about our financial sitution on the www but, heck, I'm sure many of us are going through similiar things. Anyway, this week has been about the same except for the minor stress of wondering whether I was going to get a biggish order for an event held in London...I got the job which is absolutely amazing.

I've still been attending the Wednesday Knitter Knatter where I shall just make scarves (above picture) and bits for the christmas shoeboxes, while nattering, of course :o). At the Sunday Knitter Knatter we actually had a new member too, and a lady who was having a meal in the restaurant stopped and chatted too, so hopefully she'll be brave enough to come next week.

This is a little bag I finished yesterday. It's made with the hand-spun wool I got from the farmers market a couple of months ago. As the wool is quite stiff I thought a bowl or bag would be great.

Right, lots to do so I best get off here. Thank you again lovely people of cyber space.

Downhill

2011-08-17T20:32:00.004Z

Blimey, how can so much change in the space of a week! The bank rang...they're not renewing the overdraft so can we please bring the account back in credit!! Today, the car f***ed up after we have sold the van (it goes Monday but is not insured now)!! Money from van already going to pay off bills/cc!! I'm fed up of having no cash, of not being able to afford things, or scrimping to buy food...I just want a holiday. I know I shouldn't winge as there are people far worse off than me but it's just never ending. On a brighter note....

...I still have a dilly child :o).

PS..don't forget to take a peak at my other blog. Oh, Pippa...you can put handmade things in the shoeboxes but NOTHING with stuffing in as it's a fire hazard!

Fabulous few days

2011-08-12T07:35:00.003Z

While doing my sorting out/tidying of the house I nipped some shoeboxes (for the shoebox appeal that have been stuck in the bottom of my wardrobe for years!!) to the lady in the village who runs the local shoebox group. While there we got chatting about knitting and she mentioned the knitter knatter group she goes to where they knit things for the shoeboxes...well, to cut a long story short, I went to the knitter knatter group (yes, there was more than 2) where I did some crocheting, plenty of chatting, had lunch bought for me, then went home 4 hours later....it was bliss. In fact so blissful that I couldn't be bothered to do much after that ;o).

So that was Wednesday. Yesterday we went to the library and charity shops where I found some books and the above glass bottle (2 in fact) which are now residing on my bathroom windowsill, and those gorgeous sheets. The plain yellow is actually a deeper colour than the photo shows. They are both brand new, although the flower one is the same as the vintage pink sheet I have...loads of fabric for £4.

And back to yesterday's post. JJ came home, happy as Larry with tales of the games him and his friend had played. Fantastic for a boy who has never really been away from us. :o)

Eek!

2011-08-11T15:59:00.003Z

My baby (well not really a baby as he's 4, but you get the idea) has gone out... to someone else's house to play....without his dad or myself...for the first time EVER! And he went with a female!! He really doesn't get females at all...usually doesn't speak to them even! I'm trying to keep busy as I didn't even know he was going as he went with his Grandad to my see my hubby at his lock-up for half an hour.

That was a couple of hours ago..........eek!

On a roll

2011-08-08T08:06:00.003Z

So back to yesterday.....this was a top in a charity shop which didn't fit properly so I tried to alter it. Well, I still didn't like it so I turned it into a shoe bag instead :o).

Remember the jean off-cuts that I was turning into a throw? Well I finished that yesterday too :o). Here's the front.....

....and here's the back. Its a fabric panel that my Nathan (middle DS) picked in Ikea but he never decided what he wanted it making into. Well I decided for him ;o).

And here's the coasters too. Great things to make with oddments of wool. Hope everyone else is having a productive few days :o).

Mojo

2011-08-07T12:59:00.004Z

I seem to have found my housework mojo!!! which is a bit of a shocker as I don't like doing housework ;o). I've sorted out JJs bedroom and our bedroom (the elder two do their own rooms), which had turned into a storeroom for rubbish again. I even put some of the vast amount of ribbons on the empty ribbon holders I got in Boyes months and months ago.

I also seem to have my crafty mojo too. I've been sat finishing a commission piece for someone this morning, then JJ scraped his leg on the wall so we needed a distraction. He spotted one of Hubby's t-shirts on my material pile which he didn't like and I was going to turn it into a cushion or something. Well, JJ and I decided on some new pyjama bottoms instead so we did the Soulemama t-shirt-into-bottoms-thing which was sooooo easy and took less than an hour!

I also finished Hubby's bedside mat the night before last and I've done a few coasters too as they don't take long at all. Off to see what else I can do :o)

Book Recommendation

2011-08-05T20:01:00.002Z

This book was recommended by the lovely Ruth - I've just finished reading it today and it's amazing. It's about a group of women who used to write to each other via a secret magazine which started after a plea for help from a Mum in Nursery World magazine in 1935. Through the magazine they gave each other support, love and friendship for over 60 years - it brought me to tears on a few occasions, and the woman I read about inspired me completely. I heartily recommend it to any woman :o)

Free Food

2011-08-04T07:35:00.006Z

Some of the wheat that was growing at the edge of a rape field that I brought back for the chickens.

Our own wheat that is growing in the grass as the lawnmower is still broke!

Tatties growing that I missed digging up last year - I know your not supposed to do that but what the heck, eh!

Food for the honey bees, then....

.....food for us (only free as my Nan gave me the raspberry canes).

A sunflower that has grown from fallen bird seed :o)

Nettles (see aforementioned lawnmower problem ;o) )

Poppies growing from seed we harvested last year then scattered a while ago. I'll harvest the seeds to spread on salad and put in my bread.

Chamomile :o)

Brambles growing in the chicken run.

Lavender from a neighbour who cut down most of their lavender bushes!!!

And some of the radishes left to run to seed - free food for next year :o).

Isn't it amazing what you can find in your garden when you have a little stroll :o)

-X-

A fabulous day

2011-07-30T16:22:00.001Z

I was booked in for a tattoo at 12 so off I went, on my own, book in bag! I would have a whole 3 hours to myself because of trains, etc. Tattoo took 10mins, so then off I went to grab a sarnie and some piece and quite to read. I sat by the river Humber, which is not the most gorgeous it has to be said, but the Humber Bridge was right in front of me, and the grass hoppers were singing merrily behind me while I read my book and ate my lunch....bliss. Then when I got home there was a parcel waiting for me, and my copy of Mollie Makes. Wanna see what was in the parcel....

...a new keyring, all hand-tooled. It is just fabulous, and made by the oh-so-talented Pippa.

The sun is shining too :o)

My Wonderful Hubby

2011-07-27T08:44:00.002Z

When I had to give back the sewing maching that I was borrowing from my sister I was a little disappointed as it was a fab machine. The Janome New Home was very robust, didn't feel as if you could break it like my modern Brother that I use now, so he put a search on ebay. In the whole time he'd had this search only one has been on...the above one :o). He told me it had come on so I watched it as well...gutted as we've no spare cash this month. Unbeknown to me he was sorting out all his scrap metal in the garage so he could get it for me. He went to pick it up yesterday. What a wonderful man my hubby is :o).

Aaw

2011-07-24T18:40:00.002Z

Just look at this egg! I was cooking boiled eggs to go with salad and one of them cracked in the pan, losing half it's white. When I cut it in half to put on the plate there were two hearts looking back at me...amazing :o)

Doing a little bit of market research for Handmade Haven so I have a quick question for you. When I say Christmas, what's the first image that pops into your head?

Hope your all having a lovely weekend :o).

Quickie

2011-07-21T06:52:00.004Z

Just a quickie as I should be getting ready for home ed group but I wanted to give you a quick peak of my WIP. I've always saved the denim from all our tatty jeans that were beyond the charity shop bag - I thought I would use them to patch up the jeans but that rarely happened. So then I thought I would make a beach/picnic throw, inspired by this lovely blog. So far it's about 5ft x4ft, and I've got the rest of the patches all cut out ready for me to make into strips. Then I'll back it with something, just not decided what yet! :o)

Look what I made :o)

2011-07-17T09:35:00.005Z

I had the book, I ordered some pattern paper and I had the fabric. I set about making my pattern, cutting out all the pieces of fabric (not rushing, as I'm prone to impatience ;o) ), then stitching it all together. I was very impressed with myself following all the instructions to the letter, doing french seams!!, and not bodging it all like I usually do.

Here's the finished skirt :o). I'm quite pleased with how it turned out considering that this is not the skirt from the book!! This is supposed to be a wrap-around skirt, but as my idea of small/medium from the pattern is clearly not the same as their idea of small/medium. So, unless I wanted my bum showing out the back of the skirt I had to change it to a proper skirt. I just stitched up the two edges, leaving the wrap ties as the fastening. Not ideal, but at least my hips aren't huge :o). I also cut 8inches off the bottom as I didn't like the length. So, my first foray into proper clothes making...not perfect but it'll do.

PS - If you can spare a minute, and have purchased soap from me, could you please leave some feedback on this small survey...thank you.

Quick survey

2011-07-14T19:22:00.004Z

For those of you who have used my soap I have a quick survey. I would be most grateful if you could spare a minute to answer 5 questions. Thank you very much.

See what happens...

2011-07-13T07:30:00.003Z

...when you leave the tear in your jeans...it gets to be sooo big your bum hangs out!! I finally got round to repairing both pairs of jeans yesterday afternoon by using some of the double sheet I got from the charity shop. I figured the holes are so big now I might as well make a feature of them ;o). Both pairs of jeans are so tatty now, but at least they'll last a couple more months.

Oooh :o)

2011-07-11T12:01:00.003Z

Just look what I found on the way to knitter knatters last night! How many times have I walked past this hedgerow and never ever seen them before!? I didn't get them last night though (I don't always carry a basket round with me ;o) ), but JJ and I did go and fetch them this morning, along with a fair few scratches.

We also brought home a gorgeous teasel...again with more scratches as I had to try and snap it with my fingers!! We resorted to a fabulous stone in the end that had a good sharp edge. Using the earth around us :o).

I also pulled this borage up from the side of the road..roots and all. Hopefully it will take in the pot.

I've also been working on these for the shop.....

...sorting through all my craft stuff and finishing this heart....

....making myself a very simple necklace with beads threaded on some waxed cord then with a simple button and loop fastening on the end (should have taken a picture of that).....

....making myself this gorgeous necklace with a piece of seaglass and some jewellery wire. I think the wire I got was actually too thick but I don't care...I love it!

Right, off to finish a commision piece for a customer while watching Despicable Me for the hundreth time!!

No moping here

2011-07-05T07:41:00.003Z

Hubby was away in Belgium over the weekend so I stayed busy to save on the moping about. Home ed group on Thursday, my sisters for tea on Friday, then Waddington Air show on Saturday. After the three hour queue to get in plus the 20 mins queue for the bus from the car park we finally got to see some planes up close :o). The red arrows were much to fast for my little phone ;o).

Sunday was spent doing a bit of housework, some crafting for the shop (see other blog for details ;o) ) then Knitter Knatter. The owls above are a sneaky peak at some more new cards for the shop. I started with the red one but wasn't quite happy with it...hence the blue and green ones which I love.

Hubby was back yesterday afternoon having had such fun, so now (after only a little bit of moping by moi) its back to normal.

Exciting

2011-06-30T17:02:00.002Z

Go take a look at my other blog for some exciting news....please :o)

I'm melting....

2011-06-27T07:57:00.003Z

I'm british and I'm going to complain about the weather ;o)....blimey it's hot!! See that there thermostat...23 degrees and it's only just past 8am. I will be mostly melting today :o).

I forgot to show you the Fathers Day card I made for my Dad...just a slight variation on the birthday card tweet tweet as he likes birds. No idea if he actually liked it (or even opened it) as he's still grieving so doesn't really 'do' occasions.

We nipped to the beach on Saturday and saw some planes for the Armed Forces Day, but most importantly we found masses of these.......

....sea glass pieces. I love sea glass and we're usually lucky if we find 5 or 6 pieces, so to find this much (and it doesn't include JJ's haul) is just amazing. My sea glass jar is nearly full :o).

We did go to the country fair too....it was soooo hot though with hardly any shade anywhere so we were all quite grumpy when we got home.

Hope everyone else had a good weekend with some sunshine :o).

More Birthdays!!

2011-06-24T15:09:00.003Z

Finally finished the bag for my SIL the day before her birthday - it's a good job I'm organised not!! Her card was like the one below but it was purple felt/writing...this one is for my nephew who's birthday is today.

And here's something a little different. I'd had a ball of really chunky wool sat next to me for months (yes, organised again) as I couldn't decide what to do with it. Then I had an idea so I started, then added some other wools too and this is what I came up with...

...a bedside mat. It's really thick as I used a 9mm hook and really soft too. I've got another on the hook now ;o).

Hope everyone actually has some sunshine where you are, and that you have some lovely plans for the weekend. We're off to the local agricultural show in the next village and a mini heat wave has been forcast so it should be good.

Quickie

2011-06-19T11:39:00.004Z

We've had a birthday in the house...12!! Blimey that's nearly 2 teenagers..eek. He put his own candles on, lit them and blew them out one by one - who needs wishes :o).

I'm going to be spending the afternoon making a couple of birthday cards for my SIL and nephew, and finishing her bag (it's a good job I started it months ago!!), before having my Sunday lunch then going out to Knitter natter. I've also been designing a few more cards so I'll be doing some of those later too.

Can I just have a little winge about leaving comments on other blogs. I know that a few others have been having the same problems with logging in/leaving comments but blogger says it's been fixed! Well it hasn't blogger...I've been unable to leave comments on loads of blogs that I would usually respond to. It feels horrible not been able to say something when someone has gone to loads of trouble to prepare a post, especially if that post is from someone who may need a little lift/boost/virtual hug. Lets hope it gets sorted out properly.

We have a winner!

2011-06-11T13:21:00.005Z

All the names went into the hat and Helen_D came out :o). Let me have your address Helen (email me at mail@handmadehaven.co.uk) and I'll get your bunting into the post on Monday. Thanks to everyone who entered, and huge thanks to all of those who take the time out of your busy days to read my waffling :o).

Sharing....

2011-06-09T21:20:00.003Z

.....these prayers and blessings with everyone :o). This lovely lady brought some back for me so they are now fluttering in the wind in the back garden. They look stunning. Thank you again Ruth.

It's my brother and sister's birthday today so here's the cards....

.....and a star hanger thingy for my sister. She also received the crochet scarf that I made at the beginning of the year. She thought it was a table runner but hey ho! :o).

Oh, and I just have to show you these. They are my first ever lasagnes! I've never eaten lasagne as I've never liked it, which meant that no-one else got to eat them either. Well today I was going out for dinner with my sister for her birthday so I thought I'd have a go at making one for the boys. I made that much that I have one for the freezer too...and even better...I tried a bit and I loved it!!!!! Think I shall be adding that to our menu then (and buying myself a proper lasagne dish).

Loving

2011-06-07T18:23:00.003Z

Meat and tattie pie made from leftover brisket from Sundays dinner. Even better is the 2nd pie (below right) I managed to get out of the leftovers, so there's one gone in the freezer. I had enough pastry leftover to make a small apple pie - uncooked here....

....and out of the oven here, mmmmmmm.

I'm also loving this magazine. I know it has been mentioned on a few blogs already but I can't praise it enough. It may not be taxing enough for some crafters but for me it is fabulous, and it's full of pieces - whether they be vintage items of craft items (or vintage craft items ;o) ) - that just make me smile so much. It feels like the perfect magazine, and it also makes me realise I'm not an that much of an oddity either ;o). It's also made me realise that the Knitter Natter group is not exactly what I wanted either....I want something that is based around all fabric/yarn crafts, something where we can sit for the afternoon and craft away with a cuppa, where we can have a demo on something one month, where we can swap supplies/stories/laughs, where we can learn from each other....I think I better stop yearning and see how I can make this happen.

Hope you've all got something your loving right now.

Don't forget ;o)

2011-06-07T09:21:00.002Z

My shop blog where you can see my new items :o)

And don't forget to enter the give-away either.

Garden treats and surprises

2011-06-04T11:36:00.005Z

Peas.

Freebie crate from our local recycling centre which is now filled with chive seeds as the chickens decided they loved my others!!

A wonderful surprise hidden at the back of the garden....redcurrants growing through from a neighbours plant.

Chamomile growing in the grass (yes it is a bit long but I bent the lawnmower blade and I'm waiting for hubby to straighten it again).

Fabulous, rich compost - £1 a bag at our local recycling/council centre.

I forgot to show you these in March, but they are actually sweet violets growing in the garden - another wonderful surprise.

I LOVE roses, and this one is a stunner. It's huge and blousy and smells absolutely divine.

A couple of snails full of the joys of spring ;o).

And the same for the chickens ;o).

And my poor strawberries that the chickens destroyed. I managed to save 10 of plants, although there was hardly any plant left, and look at them now. There's not much plant but they are all heaving with strawberries.

Don't forget my little give-away to celebrate over 500 blog posts. Just leave a comment, and you can spread the word if you like.

Give-away time

2011-06-04T07:31:00.003Z

To celebrate my 500th blog post here's a little give-away. All you need to do to be in with a chance to win this garland is leave a comment. I'll draw a name out of the hat on 11th June so that gives you all a week. Good luck :o), and I'll post anywhere so go share.

Drooling over bargains

2011-06-01T10:00:00.002Z

The wool in the bag was gifted..a gorgeous cotton/acrylic mix. Then the others are wool mixes from the charity shop yesterday.

And the best bit is this fabulous cotton double sheet for £2...just need to find a pattern so I can make myself a skirt :o)

Where does the time go!!

2011-05-30T14:44:00.003Z

It's been such a busy week that I've not managed to get my little give-away done - since the weather is pants I'll try and get it done in the next couple of days. Back to the busy week...we've had a trip to Manchester to go to the Legoland Discovery Centre (what a complete waste of money that was!!) and I also took the opportunity to meet a lovely lady I've been chatting with online for a few years now.

I've been on a little freebie jewellery making course where we got to make a pair of earrings and got a free pack to bring home too. The ones on the left are the ones I made there, the ones on the right are the free set and the ones in the middle I made with some beads and wires (sorry findings) I had hanging about.

There's the usual home ed group and then there's the monthly farmers market where I'd managed to save some of my pennies to spend on the spinners stall...yay. I think the lady said this is hebridean but I can't remember ;o). It's a gorgeous grey colour, not particularly soft but not scratchy, so I just need to think what I'm going to use it for now.

And I've also been putting together a separate blog for the shop things. I'm hoping it will keep it a bit more professional looking, and I can keep the whinging ;o) to this blog. Hopefully it will keep me motivated where the shop is concerned too, although if it can manage to add a few hours to the day, that would be great too. If you pop over there now you'll see a couple of new cards I've managed to get done.

500!

2011-05-24T18:35:00.003Z

Wow, 500 posts on my blog! I never really thought about longevity (two and a half years so far) when I started doing this, but here I am still. It's gone from something that was originally to share my crafts with, to something which has helped with my grief, something to rant with, to advertise my business with, to meet some lovely people with, to learn so much with...what a wonderful thing this online world is. Thank you for all your love, support, comments, friendship...it means an awful lot to me. I shall be organising a give-away prize in the next few days so watch this space.

Now then, back to the real reason for the post :o). I've been doing some serious thinking about my little business these last few weeks. Cash is tight (as it is for most people) so I was considering trying to find a job, but then I thought I should just put a bit more effort into Handmade Haven...so with that in mind I made myself a banner :o).

:o)

2011-05-20T12:54:00.002Z

Something a little different

2011-05-18T12:48:00.002Z

I love the Harry Potter books and films and wanted to make something to put on the wall with the words "Severus...please..." (if you've read the books or watched the films you will know the significance of those two words) so I searched for a couple of images I could use to make a small needlework piece. Not something I would usually do but I really enjoyed it. I traced the image onto some thin tissue paper then pinned it onto my fabric. Then I stitched along the lines then tore the paper off, very carefully. I really need to learn how to do some proper embroidery stitches so the doe can be more than an outline, but this will do for now. Just got to trim the fabric and finish of the back then I'll hang it up in this hoop.

WIPs complete

2011-05-16T08:20:00.002Z

Two corsages/brooches.

My mittens! :o) I know the picture isn't good but the light today is rubbish...but I love these. They were quite easy and so quick too. I've not added any stitching details as I don't think they need them...I like my things plain and simple. I may have to add these to the list for handmade gifts now.

Crafty Joy :o)

2011-05-09T09:52:00.004Z

Yes I know summer is upon us but I've had an urge for a while to try some chunky mittens, so last night after the Knitter Natter group I thought I'd make a start. I found the pattern on Ravelry, it calls for a chunkish wool and 6mm dpn.

I've also been doing some new brooches - these will have big felt leaves added to them to make a good sized brooch. And see my little treat there....just £8 on ebay for some gorgeous hooks.

The ongoing flower scarf - I have to admit that this is a pain in the butt...all the counting and remembering to join, and it's so fiddly....I think that's why I've got a few other things on the go too.

And this is the bag I'm making for my sister-in-law's birthday. It's all stitch up on the sides, I've made the loops for the buttons, a long piece which I may add to the handle (not decided how I'm doing that yet) and the fabric arrived so I can line it. She loves purple and cats so this fabric should be perfect ;o).

---oO0---

I wasn't sure whether I was going to add this bit but it was so freaky, in a good way, so I'll tell you. While I was at Knitter Natters last night the conversation got onto Mum's. The lady I was there with (yes there's still only 2 of us) didn't know I'd lost my Mum so she asked me what happened. As I got to the final day at the hospital the song we played at her funeral came on the jukebox!!! I was speechless and the other lady was near to tears too. So odd, freaky and comforting all at the same time. When hubby got home from work I was telling him and he grabbed my arm in comfort, but I told him there was no need, it didn't upset me, it was just amazing really. So there, she's still with me, helping me, watching me, guiding me, loving me xxx

Random assortment of joys :o)

2011-05-09T07:53:00.006Z

Not something I usually do but here's a few random piccies of the last few weeks. A fresh rabbit hole discovered on a walk.

My boys climbing in a jeep at the fabulous Eden Camp - well worth a day out if your up this way.

A free exhibition by a fabulous talent (his first exhibition too) at the local library. Wonderful stories to go with the pictures.

One of the exhibits at a fabulous art gallery which is super child friendly. You could use the pedals to make the grasshopper pedal the bike - just wonderful.

The joys of hubby's work allowing the armed forces to use one of their fields for practise manoevres - we've been 100 yards away on previous occassions.

Free food growing from a purchased bag of salad. As soon as I saw the roots on this snippet of watercress I stuck it in a tub of water. It's now growing happily on my windowsill.

Oops, wild garlic ;o).

Wouldn't say this was a joy exactly but the help I got from The Green Spirit Forum to try and ease the conifer rash was.

And lastly, the joys of presents left on the living room floor by one of the cats. Hope your days are filled with joyful things. xxx

Busy

2011-05-01T09:01:00.004Z

Getting the tattoo finished :o)

Altering a top I got in the charity shop so that it actually fits ;o)

Getting the last lot of wild garlic and then making lunch and tea with some of it.....

...wild garlic and cheese on toast....

...and prawn, pea and wild garlic risotto.

That'll be the last of it....I promise ;o).

Prawn and Cashew Nut Curry

2011-05-01T08:22:00.004Z

1 400g tin of tomatoes
1 200g tin of coconut milk
200ml hot stock
oil for frying
1 thumb size piece of ginger, peeled
5/6 garlic gloves
1 large onion
1 heaped tsp curry powder
3 cardamon pods
1 chilli, chopped small
1tsp cumin
1 tsp nigella seeds
Prawns
1 or 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
handful of cashew nuts
Spinach or wild greens
1 tsp garam masala

I make mine in a slow cooker as follows:-

To your slow cooker pot add the tomatoes and coconut milk (only the white creamy bit). Chop or blitz your ginger, garlic and onion then soften in a pan in your oil. Once softened add the curry powder, fry for a couple of minutes then put it all in the slow cooker. Add your stock to the frying pan to remove all those lovely flavours then put into the slow cooker. Now add all the other ingrediens, reserving the garam masala and wild greens/spinach for latter. Cook for 5ish hours, then add your wild greens/spinach and your garam masala. You can leave the lid slightly off to allow the sauce to thicken slightly for the last hour too. Serve with rice and flatbreads (remove the cardamon pods).

If you were cooking in a pan then fry your onion and bits first, then just add everything else after that. Cook on low for a couple of hours (making sure it doesn't stick on the bottom), adding the garam masala and greens 1/2 hour before the end.

I also make this curry with left-over chicken, or with just the tatties and greens. You could put whatever you liked in.

Special Offer

2011-04-27T15:09:00.003Z

Special offer on the soap - 2 bars for £6 or 3 bars for £8, postage included. Go see :o)

A bit of alsorts

2011-04-27T13:16:00.003Z

I can't believe it's been 10 days again since I last updated the blog! We had our first trip to the bootsales last weekend and a trip to the charity shops yesterday so I've had quite a few bargains. There's been some old cotton reels and some wool (I'm not even going to try apologising for those ;o) ), some clothes, some plant pot holders, the old candle holder (20p!!!) - all bargains really. I do love a bargain.

There was also the monthly trip to the farmers market which culminated in me nearly peeing my pants as I spotted a new stall containing hand-spun wool, handmade items made from said wool, sheepskins and a lady plying wool right there. The downside was I didn't have any time to stop and talk (other than to ask whether they would be there next month) or any spare cash to actually purchase anything. I'm counting down the days ;o).

Here's what I have on the go at the minute - this will be made into a bag for my sister-in-law for her birthday in June. And then this will be a scarf for my mother-in-law in November. The scarf is very tedious after doing the blanket where I didn't really have to think of what I was doing. I think that's why I needed to start on the bag. This will be lined with cotton, with a handle added.

There have been no more new people at the Knitter Natter group. I'm feeling very disheartened by it all to be perfectly honest (yes I know I'm being impatient) but it/I feel like it's just not enough. I'll give it a few more weeks then re-think things. I have heard of one in a town quite local to me that has just started. It's being run by the owner of a new wool shop so I may have to give that a go.

Hope everyone else is having a good time and the sun is shining wherever you are.

Wild garlic galore

2011-04-27T13:09:00.003Z

Added to vegetable soup,

prawn and cashew nut curry,

and to the pizza. Yum, yum :o)

Ta dah

2011-04-17T07:39:00.003Z

I've finished the blanket (or bed scarf if you look through certain catalogues ;o) ). It's not really as big a blanket as I originally wanted but I didn't want to buy any more wool so it's now a snuggly thing for the sofa. Perfect, light-weight, long-enough-for-two.

It's approx. 80cm wide and over 2 metres in length. I've used 6 balls from the stash (don't know what they were as I was gifted them) and I've bought 2 balls of 100g wool. Both were stylecraft, one was a wool mix (dk) and the other was acrylic (4ply). Worked on a 6mm hook, just trebles. So it's cost me £3.45 altogether - a bargain :o).

Finally...

2011-04-12T14:34:00.003Z

...got this in my shop! Talk about a long wait. Anyway, it's in now :o)

Just thought I'd show you these bargains too. Gaint buttons in the charity shop - 2 packs. And lots of ribbon from Boyes - only 40p a bundle.

For Mother's Day I got a new mug which came in this tin. While I was clearing out the area at the side of the couch I remember that bowl I made which I didn't like...

...you'd think I made it specifically for that wouldn't you? ;o). Looks so much better now.

Oh, and another use for the wild garlic. I added it to mayo and put it in my fish finger sandwiches at lunch time...mmmmmmmmmm.

Yay

2011-04-11T06:40:00.001Z

I wasn't sat there on my own...someone else came to Knitter Natters, woohooooo :o)

Recipe: Easy Peasy Flatbreads

2011-04-09T21:59:00.005Z

This recipe is so easy it's ridiculous :o)

2 cups plain flour

1 cup natural yogurt

good pinch of salt

extra flour for kneading/rolling

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl, really get your hands in. Once it's all in a lump take it out and knead it. You may find you will need to add more flour otherwise it will be too sticky. Once your satisfied that it feels all soft, make a longish sausage so you can cut it into 8 pieces. Roll out as thin as you dare then place on a hot (medium), dry frying pan or griddle. Cook for a few minutes on one side then turn it over and cook the other. While cooking the others I place the cooked ones in a clean cloth that I have folded over to keep them warm. You can add herbs or spices of your choosing depending on what you are serving them with. Yum, yum.

I've had these with curry (with nigella seeds added), with fajitas, with fish fingers stuck in them!, with houmous, with tuna/mayo.......anything you like.

Recipe: Wild Garlic Soup

2011-04-09T21:41:00.003Z

I don't really do exact measurements when making something like this but here goes ;o)

good tablespoon oil/butter (whatever you use) for frying

1 large onion, chopped small

2 potatoes, peeled and diced

Approx 1 pint of good chicken/veg stock

large amount of wild garlic, washed

salt and pepper to taste

Soften the onion in the oil on a low heat. Next add your potatoes and stock then add your wild garlic (no need to chop as it will be blended). Bring to the boil then simmer until the potatoes are cooked. Add your seasoning then blitz with a blender (careful, it's hot ;o) ). Enjoy.

This recipe would work well with any wild greens - just make sure you have a good amount. You can also use cooked rice instead of the potato as this is just for thickening.

Ohhh and oops!

2011-04-09T15:30:00.005Z

Oohhhh, or maybe mmmmm, or both?! We've been to the woods again. This time we came back with wild garlic, nettles and jack-by-the-hedge. So this afternoon I made some.....

...wild green's soup,

some nettle and jack-by-the-green flatbreads,

some wild garlic butter (which I then wrapped in 25g pieces in greaseproof paper and put in a box in the freezer),

and some fish cake mix ready for tea :o). I have still got enough wild garlic left to make some more soup and some flavoured oil.

Here's my blanket so far. I know this doesn't really give you any idea of size etc but I couldn't be bothered to unroll it! I'm loving the simple repetitiveness of this...just rows and rows of treble crochet. Now, do you wanna see the oops?

I wasn't supposed to be buying any more wool (other than a couple of balls to go with the blanket) but just look at all that...for a fiver!!!!!! All wool mixes too. Charity shops are great.

And the morning after....

2011-04-04T07:54:00.003Z

...I am making more notes on how to get people to the Knitter Natter group! Yes, I was sat there on my own, with my ginger ale and my notebook and pencil, writing ideas down, writing more places I could advertise, and drawing ideas for a logo. Ho hum!

This is a brooch I made for the MIL for Mothers Day - it's the same as the cat cards but I added an extra layer of felt for added stiffness. I have got quite a bit more done on the blanket but I think I shall go to town this morning to buy a bit more wool (so much for the stash busting).

Hope you have some lovely sunshine where you are :o)

Sun, food and hookyness

2011-04-02T20:40:00.003Z

Just look at this gorgeous sunset. This was a few nights ago, and it was beautiful, and a much deeper red than this photo shows. I just love how the sun always sets behind this huge tree and makes it black.

It's wild garlic season - yipee. I don't usually get to the woods this early to get some (ie before the flowers come out) but today has been so lovely that we went this afternoon. I came back with a huge haul, most of which went into this soup. I still have some left in the fridge though, so I may add it to some butter and freeze it so I have some for future use. Mind you, I'll definitely be going back to the woods for some more ;o).

And this is what I'll be taking to the first Knitter Natter group tomorrow. It's going to be a lightweight blanket but I'm stash busting and I want it to be fairly big so I may have to buy a few balls of 4ply. I'm using a 6mm hook so it's growing fairly quickly. I'm quite nervous about the group as I hadn't checked the calendar when I made the posters so I hadn't realised it was Mothers Day! Anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I won't be sat there on my own ;o).

Catch-up :o)

2011-03-29T07:56:00.005Z

Blimey it's been a while so there's lots of pictures to show you :o). My brother has wanted to be a tattoo artist for years, so now he's got his equipment I volunteered to be a guinea pig. This is what we managed saturday night. He's having trouble getting the transfer to stay which is why my fairy only has a face and a wing! ;o).

Haven't made a swiss roll for years so I whipped this up quick the other day for tea. Only took 25 mins start to finish. I wasn't particulary impressed though..to rubbery for me :o(.

The wonderful Attic24 had a very simple heart pattern the other day so I did a few. Very easy and very effective I think.

A bowl I'm not particularly happy with.

The scarf all finished with the beads. I'm really pleased with this as it's for my sister's birthday in June.

Some snakes. I'm going to fill these with wheat so they move about rather than laying stiffly.

,And finally, the crochet star bunting. I actually finished these last week but I've been so rubbish with the online blog/shop stuff I really must make more of an effort. Not going to sell anything if I don't put it in the shops I am?!

More blocking and gifts

2011-03-20T09:10:00.003Z

Here's my wonderful spring season swap gift - just gorgeous. Thank you Claire xx

And here's the crochet scarf that I started way back in February. I've been picking it up every now and then, intermingling with other things I've made to ease the boredom, then finished it a couple of nights ago. I blocked it yesterday, along with another choker I made months ago!, so now I just need to buy some beads to decorate the ends.

Ouch!

2011-03-18T15:11:00.003Z

Just spent an hour pinning all these stars on a towel for blocking so my fingers are very sore. Note to self: must get more pins with balls on the top. Sprayed with water then I just leave them to dry. I should have done this months ago as they've been sat there far too long but at least I'm doing it now, eh?!

I found this stick months and months ago and saved it so I could do some weaving with the kids that I'd seen on Sarah's blog. I got it out on wednesday but the kids weren't interested so I sat and did it myself. I've not done any weaving since I was at school and I quite enjoyed it...very therapeutic.

Don't forget to take a peek at the new forum.....we're a friendly bunch over there. Hope the sun is shining for you all.

What to do with 5!! mangos and very little time?!

2011-03-15T08:35:00.006Z

FIL brought a large bag of fruit that he'd bought from a sunday market which included 5 very ripe mangos, so I had to think of something that would use them quickly! I had suggestions from the lovely ladies on The Green Spirit Forum, but in the end I went for mango and coconut ice cream as I'd been delivering my posters, then had to make pizza for tea. I made the recipe up and it's not a 'proper' ice cream, but oh my goodness it was delicious :-

3 mangos (that's about the quantity I ended up with out of the 5 due to bruising and stuff)

1 small can coconut milk (just the white creamy bit, not the clear liquid)

2 desert spoons icing sugar (sweeten to taste)

I blended the mangos with a stick blender, then stirred in the coconut milk carefully, then the sugar. I have an ice-maker, but you can put it tin the freezer, stirring every couple of hours to even out the crystals.

I think I can safely show you my season swap items (fingers crossed but I don't think the recipient reads my blog). One basket with 3 eggs (the lady has 3 children) and one duckling. I made them all up as usual :o).

So excited

2011-03-13T10:01:00.004Z

I'm trying to get a stitch 'n bitch group together (although I choose a different name so as not to offend ;o) ) so I contacted our local hotel/bar about the idea as it's a lovely place. They loved the idea so I've sat making a simple poster this morning. Fingers crossed I won't be sat there on my own :o).

I've also joined a new forum - The Green Spirit, a green-living, in-the-real-world forum. Go take a look.

On the Wind

2011-03-10T09:31:00.004Z

I've been wanting some prayer flags for a while, then while drooling my way through Etsy I came across these. Arn't they just gorgeous?! I wanted some that were the traditional prayer flag colours but with a modern twist. So, after saving my pennies I purchased some (Miranda Gray), then waited eagerly for them to arrive from all the way across the atlantic :o). I just love the prayer that they were wrapped in too.

This morning I swept and tidied my utility room where most people come in, cleaned the window on the door (shocking that I am cleaning windows) then hung them up so they can flutter away when the door opens and closes, sending prayers across the threshold, to everyone and everything outside and inside :o).

Hello

2011-03-10T08:33:00.002Z

Just wanted to say a big hello to all the new followers that suddenly popped up yesterday. Not sure what happened there but I had over 1500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! visitors, mostly from facebook! If anyone would care to enlighten me I would be most grateful.

:o)

Busy with the crafting

2011-03-06T08:44:00.005Z

A painting by the lovely Joxy arrived on Friday morning - just wonderful, thank you. She also included this ball of Noro wool which I have never used before, so I set to work on it that evening.....

.....and finished it yesterday evening. It's lovely and stiff so this bowl sits proudly, even without the turned down top.

I also finished the bags that I've been making. My sewing machine was finally fixed...all that time sat in the loft as I thought it would be expensive and it only cost £10!!! A screw had moved so the shuttle wasn't sitting still!!! Anyway, all done now and being used :o).

(Black one is sold already)

(This one was made ages ago, I'd just never put the lining in!!)

Off to put them in the shop now. Hope everyone is having a good weekend and the sun is shining for you (it's still not here).

Edited to add: the bags have been added to the MISI shop as I couldn't upload via my own site!

Happy, happy, happy

2011-03-04T08:29:00.005Z

My first ever batch of marmalade.

A lovely parcel of fabric, hoops and patterns from the very lovely Jacqui. Thank you so much xxx

And my GP book swap gift from the lovely Dawn...thank you for listening xxx

Shop WIPs

2011-03-01T15:59:00.002Z

First though, some library books to flick through. Still loving the crochet - its so forgiving if you do something wrong, and its quick.

I haven't made any new bags in far too long so I went with the urge last week. I've got three on the go at the minute - the pink and black are finished on the outside and the red is nearly finished, then they'll all need lining. Really enjoying these too (probably because I haven't done any in a while).

And these moustaches are ready for the shop...just got to put them in.

And I just wanted to thank you for the lovely comments on my last post. I am feeling very positive about the whole thing - it's amazing what accepting things does for you xxxxx

Self

2011-02-25T08:44:00.003Z

Since my Mum died I have struggled, not only with her death but with who I became. I wanted to be the person who I was before she died, I struggled for years with that want, always looking back, not just at the loss of my Mum, but at the loss of myself. Coming to the end of last year, and coming to terms with her loss, accepting that loss and looking forwards, I now have to find myself again. The last few days I have been thinking about who I am then yesterday while sorting out my bookshelves I picked up this little book, randomly opened it up and this is what I read.

Call, it odd, or strange, or even slightly freaky, but what a page to open itself on (this is a very thick book!). This morning I had to search for the page because I couldn't find it! Anyway, it seems I have another goal for the year, as well as embracing everything, that is to find myself again. Or maybe it's to accept who I am now? There's lots of things running round this head of mine, including a new found spirituality. I know I'm not religious in a Christian/God sense but a few things speak to me..mainly buddhism and paganism. A lovely lady (you know who you are xx) suggested I just be, just live, listen to my thoughts, that the answers will come from within, so this is what I'm trying to do now.

For those that asked

2011-02-23T21:45:00.002Z

I turned my blog into a book with blog2print :o). I've used them twice now - this last time the book actually got lost in the post but they sent another straight out (they are in America).

Hope that helps.

Short and sweet today

2011-02-22T12:59:00.003Z

Year Two of my blog in print :o).

Hubby and I went to his works dinner and dance on Saturday evening (first time out without the children in years!) and I didn't have an evening bag so I crocheted one on saturday afternoon. Really pleased with it.

This is the crochet flower myself and one of the other mum's did at home ed group last week. She's not crocheted for about 20 years but she picked it up really quickly.

Short and sweet today as we have a poorly boy in the house again so the general mood is not good. Hope everyone else is fairing better.

Quickie

2011-02-17T08:28:00.002Z

Ylang ylang and orange sea salt scrub for a wedding anniversary gift and re-melted candles (including some wax from those round cheeses) for my sister.

Some of the chocolate cakes with chocolate icing that JJ and I made yesterday. Meant to take a piccie of the crochet mesh scarf so far (60cm) but I forgot so hopefully show you later. Off to home ed group now - have a lovely day everyone :o).

Crochet Crazy

2011-02-15T09:03:00.003Z

I think I can safely say my craft of the year so far is crochet :o). Lots of stars, lots of headbands, a few chokers, and lots of free form to practise how it looks. I thought I'd have a go at a hexagon as I'd already done the star. This is the second attempt as the other wouldn't lay flat as there were too many on the round. Really pleased with this...just need to learn how to write a pattern now!

This is another free form piece. Love this too.

And look at these! These are from patterns - the heart from ravelry and the other from this lovely book. I saw this on Soulemama's website, so went to investigate it. It's a fab little book with lovely gift ideas in it.

Once I'd done the practice mesh piece I thought I might as well start on a proper scarf and very addictive it was too. Hopefully I'll be able to add this to the gift pile for this year. What crafts are you crazy about so far this year?

Thought I'd better say hello :o)

2011-02-13T13:53:00.003Z

Hope everyone is ok and enjoying the brief spells of sunshine. Hubby and I were at a wedding on Monday, hence the card above. It was lovely to be out doing something different, but not much else exciting happening this week. We all have colds and the associated rubbish that comes with that so I have spent the last 3 days sorting through all the books in the living room and putting some aside for the home ed group book swap we shall be having for world book day at the beginning of march. You wouldn't think that took so much energy but it has done! Never mind, one more lot of sorting stuff done now :o). I did manage to make this necklace Wednesday evening. Wish I'd had some more larger beads so it was alternated all the way along, but I love it anyway.

I'm so excited as I'm going to my first festival (other than VWs) later in the year. I'll have to take the kids and all the camping stuff on the train as hubby is working but I'm so, so looking forward to it. Anyone else fancy Barefoot?

Off to collapse on the sofa now with a cuppa, the littliest poorly boy and the film Up.

Stars....

2011-02-06T08:51:00.002Z

....lots and lots of stars. Using up loads of bits of wool for these, then I'm going to make them into bunting/garland type thing. As the wool for each is different, it makes the stars different sizes, and they are really quick to make so the piles are growing quite quickly. They are worked just like a granny square except you start with a chain of 5 instead of 4, then work 5 trebles for the first round (instead of the four as you would on the granny square), then continue on as many rounds as you like, then I just do 2 rounds of single crochet to finish them off. These definitely need blocking to make the points more pronouced. Apologies for the appalling explanation :o), but if you can do a granny square, you can do one of these. Have fun x

Woohoooo....sewing

2011-02-03T16:25:00.003Z

Yay for the sewing bug which hit yesterday :o). A couple more campervan cards and the valentines cards finished that I started aaaagggeesssss ago (they shall be in the shop once I've finished here). I've also done the curtains for the kitchen, repaired the sheet with a patch and darned some more socks (not all yesterday I hasten to add). The odd bit of sewing I've done over the last few days must have re-ignited the flame...that or the new moon.

Off to put them in the shop then the sofa and the felt for me :o).

Nearly February!!!!

2011-01-31T08:31:00.002Z

Can you believe it!? February tomorrow! Let's hope it's not an end to my spring cleaning momentum as I'm actually enjoying it. Did I say that? I don't generally enjoy this cleaning lark but at the moment I am, so I am embracing it while it lasts. My bathroom is all but finished to how I would like it (I'm just hankering after a free standing towel rail now), and my bedroom.... my bedroom is amazing. I can see all the floor. There isn't a single thing at the side of my bed, and hubby has sorted out his bedside cabinet too. I can get into the wardrobe without having to move anything out of the way, my chest of drawers only has the things on it that are meant to be on it. And, the biggest revelation....windows are shiny when cleaned!!!!!!!! ;o).

Anyway, enough of this cleaning talk. At home ed group last week I'd organised the lady with whom I'd previously done a felting workshop to come and do a session with the kids. Well, us big kids had a play too, and made a felt ball that we then cut in half. We were all very impressed with them. We'll finish them off this week with some ribbons and beads.

Can you feel spring yet? I certainly can here, it's making me tingle. The birds are starting to sing more, the snowdrops (although later this year) are getting ready to burst into life, and there's just that feeling in the air. I've still not done any crafting. I think I need to force myself to at least finish the valentines cards that I've got half ready for the shop. Ho hum...back to the cleaning/sorting while it lasts ;o).

:o)

2011-01-26T09:12:00.003Z

Well hello. Before I get onto other stuff I just want to thank you all for your comments on my last post. That moon seems to have played havoc with many people, but it is past now...we are heading to the new moon so all is well. Above is the item I was going to show weeks ago, but as I'm still in tidy/sorting-the-house-mode, not much crafting has been going on. My word for the year in rainbow colours. I have sewn a ribbon on it so I can hang it up properly but I don't like it so it is pegged on our art string in the living room. When I get my crafting mojo back again they'll be rainbow words in the shop too :0).

I did have to do a little more crafting for an order - 3 crocheted headbands. Apologies for the piccie but I had to get them photographed before I parcelled them up but the light was appalling.

Hope everyone else is managing to do something they want to do, whether that be crafting, cooking, or housework. xx

Come back please

2011-01-21T14:11:00.003Z

This full moon has been particularly hard, messing with my emotions, letting insecurities creep in and mess with my head, making me feel flat, then up and down. I look at the above picture and wonder where that woman is?.... she looks so carefree, giggly, happy....! Hopefully she will be back soon as I don't like feeling this way...the way I used to feel when I was younger and less confident, questioning my hubby's feelings for me, questioning, head whirring into places it shouldn't go! Right, off to do some positive crafty things to try and shoo these insecurities away.

Hello

2011-01-16T21:20:00.004Z

Well hello :o). How are you all? I sure hope you are all well and not suffering too much with the January blues. We've had a few days away at centreparcs so I'm feeling a little more refreshed but have definitely had some flat feelings. It seems that everyone is urging spring on, and the snowdrops in the garden have definitely got a spurt on.

I've not done much crafting lately - been more in the sorting and clearing out mood but I just wanted to show you my christmas present from my lovely hubby. The only thing I would have liked was my laundry/cloak room finished to that's what hubby did for me. Nothing exciting to most, but for me it meant that there was a place for things that were scattered about the house, a place to fold clothes that wasn't my bed, and a place for all my soaps. So here's a little tour (above picture is the wall with the coats, with shoe racks underneath) ......

the drier with worktop for folding clothes and the bargain belfast sink we got off ebay,

the other end of the wall with the washing machine, worktop space and re-purposed nappy bucket which holds the bulk washpowder,

above the worktop are the shelves which hold my soap equipment and soaps, then other household odds and sods.

Now, to go with my new laundry room I needed to make some new bits and pieces...above is the new carrier bag holder as my other one was falling to pieces. We also needed something else to put our hats, scarves and gloves in so I made us each a bag to hang on our peg - note how manly they are (hubby certainly thinks so ;o) ).

And lastly, the old poopy bag holder we had was too small really and needed a handle so we could hang it on the peg with the lead, so I made this too. It has a pillow case type opening on the back so you can get a full pack of bags in without messing them up, and then you can pull them out the front as you need them.

I might attempt a small blind for the door window, and I'll definitely make a bag for the rags too. I do love my new room :o).

It shouldn't be so long between next posts, and I do have a little bit of non-practical sewing to show you once it's finished. Sunshine blessings to you all.