Three Weekends

Three weekends have passed since my last post, all of them crafty in one way or another. Two solo efforts and one very busy and beautiful two days with my good friend Jo.

The first was spent doing small things like this pyrographed heart for Donna at work.

The quote is just right for her - always positive and upbeat.

The middle weekend will get a full post of its own soon but I will point out a few bits and bobs here. It was my Ma's birthday this week so her gifts were finished off and a card created and rushed to the post office only just in time. Here is Jo modelling the yoga bag I made for her...

...it is reversible to allow for a change of scene if desired and is an adaptation of the Mayamade burlap bucket which I love and am so glad I bought the pattern. And here I am modelling the cowl I crocheted - though a little late for this year I'm sure it may still come in handy on those windy Northumberland beaches.

The card was almost dreamed up as I woke up on the Saturday morning knowing exactly how I wanted it to look. I think I will be making more of these.

And this weekend? Along with a new felt mouse for the cat - this time with cat nip which she can't decide what to do with, eat it or purr at it - I did a little crafting for the garden.

I bought Sam the chisels from a car boot as part of his Christmas present. Despite their age - WWI army issued, or so the man said - they are still sharp and worked beautifully on the green ash I used to make labels for our potatoes. We're not big gardeners, though I must admit I think we'd both like to be, but we can manage a few potatoes and maybe some lettuce for now.

Happy weekending to all.
S. x

Spring?

This is the sort of sight that greeted many of us throughout most of March. Spring indeed. And although April did banish the snow, from here at least (though I love that there are still drifts of hard, untouched, crunchy stuff along most of the hedgerows and dry stone walls around here) it was still unseasonably chilly.

Today though, I left the house without hat, coat or gloves and felt comfortable for the first time this year. Perhaps spring is here at last.

While I finish off a few projects in progress I will share with you a little crafting with friends (well, a friend) session that occupied the Easter weekend. My dear friend Carrie, whom I know from my time at university took me to the most amazing fabric and crafting shop in Stoke (they also deal online but I doubt you'll be able to get the amazingly cheap 60p bundles of fabric - needless to say, we bought lots!) And what better way to use the fabrics we bought than by turning them into something beautiful.

Carrie wanted bright and bold to jazz up a cushion or two so embarked on her first ever foray into patchwork - I LOVE the blue flowery print and the edging especially.

 And I followed suit, finally making use of the rest of my pre-cut squares - this is now a pocket on a bag for my niece, just because.

As for my purchases from my shopping spree - I have big plans and hope to finally make a proper quilt. Watch this space.

Happy Spring everyone.
S. x