Crafts

Thumper the Puppy

2012-01-25T12:45:00.000Z

Here some more photos of our Thumper the Bassett Hound X Cocker Spaniel

My New Baby

2011-12-27T17:36:00.000Z

Hello All I like to introduce you all to my new baby who we got today we called him Thumper he is a Bassettcock which is half Bassett hound & half Cocker Spaniel he colouring is called Blue Roam

NOEL

2011-12-07T15:26:00.000Z

Here is a Stained Glass Project I done it is a table runner but can be used at as a wall-hanging so as the word say Noel

Angel for December

2011-12-03T14:01:00.000Z

Here is wishing you all a wonderful Blessed Month

Angel Of December

Angel of December sky
Gathers snowflakes way on high
Graciously with wings in air
Gathers precious gems to share

To trickle down to earth below
To shine like diamonds in the snow
What great beauty it will be
As angel sends these gems for me

A calm and peaceful night with snow
December angel's special glow
See her gliding through the air
This beauty of God's love so fair

Knows just what the snow will do
As peacefully it falls on you
Catch the diamonds in your hand
Where they sparkle God does stand

December's angel wings of snow
Sends her beauty here below
Catch the diamonds from the sky
Magnificently these wings do fly.~

Local Quilt Show/Exhibition

2011-10-30T09:19:00.000Z

This week-end I went with a friend to two local quilting shows/exhibitions these are not like your big shows where there loads of trade stands but where some quilting groups have put on a show of their work
Normally nothing like this goes on here but this week-end there was these 2 plus further afield there was another one which we didn't go to is a link to the photos I took

Try this link you can then click slide show

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=searchfamilies&target=ALBUM&id=5669182959601810065&authkey=Gv1sRgCM3WnZi5guevxwE&invite=CNDV8-sC&feat=email

Our favourite is one that was name Teddies House which has lots of teddies on it I not only taken the quilt but got some closer shots as well
I done the link above to what I hope is a slide show for you all to view & enjoy the quilts & projects of some very talented people

Daughter's Wedding

2011-10-17T10:19:00.000+01:00

Here is some wedding photos that we took of DD wedding on 7th October 2011
There is also some of the hotel that DH stay in for the night


DD & DS1 Giving her away


SImon & Donna Man & Wife

Well we did it

Bride, Groom Best Man Bridesmaids & Urshers

Bride, Groom & Son who gave her away

Hotel room we stay in

Me in the Hotel room we stay in

DH in the Hotel room we stay in

Groom & Best Man

Angel for October

2011-10-05T09:56:00.000+01:00

I am a little late posting this sorry but here is your angel for October Have a Wonderful Blessed Month

Angel Of October

~Windswept in glory
Divine purple hues
This angel of heaven
A rapturous view

Wishing you happiness
Wants you to be
Wrapped in her glory
A heart that is free

Cool winds to guide her
Down to the land
Shows you the glory
Her heart in your hand

Warms you with sunshine
Bright with her love
This angel of wind
She echoes above

Capture her heart
As she comes in your view
Forever this angel
Will always love you

Breezes through earth
With special sweet song
October's sweet angel
Your heart will belong.~

Aran Jacket for DGD

2011-09-24T14:48:00.000+01:00

I have finished a Aran Jacket which is for youngest Granddaughter
The pattern acutally said for size 26 but fits a 30 so as I needed a 30 I went ahead & did it.
I done it longer than it stated as she likes them longer, & it has come out even after sewing up to a 30 inch she slim & while they say that the size for her age I think she may be a little bit less in the chest
The pattern is double moss stitch for the back, hood & sleeves with a 12 row pattern for the front

DGD's Aran Jacket

What a Month

2011-08-28T16:34:00.000+01:00

What a month it has been, first at the beginning of the month my uncle Charlie passed away he was a week short of his 84th birthday he had learning difficulties & had been in care most of his life

Me & Uncle Charlie

Uncle Charlie

Greg(DH) Me & Pam St Clement (an actress) with uncle charlie

Whether it was the war or just the times but he lost contact with the family in the late 1930s in to 1940s but i managed to find him in the early to mid 1990s so have been visiting him at the care home he was moved up to near where i use to live as the place he was in was closing down anyway.
Well he passed away so i had to arrange the funeral which was a creamation & am arranging for his ashes to be intern at the crematorium near to where i live now.
Then DH has been having tests done, plus a week ago he had arthroscopy on both knees he should have been a day case but they wanted him on oxygen for 12 hours so he stayed in over night.
He not doing too badly, much better than he was when he had this done years ago & then it was 1 knee at a time, this is good as he has to have a hand operation in the next couple of months or so so needs to be over this.
On top of this i am working on a quilt for DD who gets married early October so it seems i am kept busy.
I did have before this all happen my eldest 2 sons stay & i took the older one to see the latest Harry Potter film he went back & we went to see my uncle & DD & had her son to stay so had to take him to see the film as well lol, his time was cut short due to my uncle passing away.
But while this DGS was here he saw a pair of sock i had done in the gift drawer so he had them plus picked out some yarn for a pair of socks which i did, i have also done DH some below is a photo of a pair they are 2x2 rib down to the ankle & they done in a burgundy colour yarn
so it will be interesting to see what the next month brings

2x2 rib Socks

Angel Of August

2011-08-03T13:44:00.000+01:00

I hope that August will be a good month for you full of God's Blessings
As the months pass & we go from season to season we can see so much to be thankful for & the beauty that this world holds
Look & Think with your heart as well as your head & eyes & look for the good in everyone
Hope that your angel will keep you safe

Angel Of August

~She's regal in splendor
This angel of love
Cascading her flowers
From heaven above
To fall from the sky
To land with her peace
The angel of August
Her heart always seeks
To bring you a glow
That makes life complete
The flowers you gather
That fall from the sky
Her gift of the spirit
That soars way up high
A scent in the air
A petal that lands
In velvet she greets you
Wherever you stand
She touches your soul
With all of her love
Sprinkles her softness
With joy from above
Look up to the sky
To see heaven's light
It's the angel of August
That gives such delight~

Angel Of July

2011-07-01T10:51:00.000+01:00

As we start another new month I pray that this finds you well & that it will be a great month
For Some it a month which they have celebrations for others it when they go on holiday & for the children it when they break up from school for their summer holidays
What ever this months holds may it be full of love & wishing you God's Blessings

Angel Of July

~Sitting in splendor
In heaven's sweet place
Showing the beauty of wings
Made of lace
Surrounded by flowers
With swans in her midst
The beauty of nature
Her glorious gift
Playing a tune that
Comes from on high
Gentlest breezes
This angel July
Sends love with her heart
That whispers on land
As trees rustle gently
In harmony grand
An angel so peaceful
She's sent with great love
Angelic in nature
Reflected above
Let her just fill you with
Warmth and all care
An angel to bless you with
Dreams we can share
Look to her innocence
Her power and might
While gently she sends you
All love that is bright.~

Books I Got

2011-06-03T12:40:00.000+01:00

I had ordered some books & 2 have arrived, the first one is The Best of Fons & Porter Table Top Quilts
The 2nd one is Scrap-Basket Surprise
I have taken some photos of the & content I think you will agree with the FP one is great I especially like the round one that like a Dresden plate I don't have a round table or somewhere I could put this but it one that may be worth adpating what do you think, I also really like the Teapot & Cup one may do some of the applique in to pot holders think a teapot one would be nice

Angel Of June

2011-06-01T08:51:00.001+01:00

Here we are another new month today not only is the beginning of a new month but my DH's birthday so wishing him a very happy birthday, along wishing you all a wonderful month.

Angel Of June

~Angel of June
Precious in sky
Sending a promise of
Love from on high
Bringing to earth
Warmth from above
Showing how easy
To learn how to love
Sitting in silence
Watching in blue
Seeing all beauty
In summer's sweet hues
Breath from the sky
Sweet as the mist
With every dew drop
A heart never missed
Love in the air
Hearts in her care
Tenderly watching to
Guard all down here
Angel of June
Sends special tune
Winds in the mist
Harmonious bliss
Summer is scented

Gifts & a Book I ordered

2011-05-20T11:00:00.000+01:00

This past week has been a funny one now I am not in to believing in Friday the 13th but DH lost his keys which included the spare for the car so after a week of searching & him saying he don't take them out the house, reporting it to police & asking the bus station if anyone has handed them in plus searching the house & his clothes, we went & got them copied yesterday.
This Morning he went to get his zip up cardigan/jacket which he wears sometimes & what is in the pocket yes that right his keys lol
Well to compensate the postman has been very good to me a friend has sent me a lovely package I had been asking about calico as what the USA calls calico & what we do is different so she said she would send me some well she gone way above that
I received not only some Calico she sent 3 pieces of fabric which has some really lovely outdoor scenic prints a Hot Iron Transfer of Bird Houses 2 patterns plus 2 books one for Breast Cancer & the other Christmas the first 3 photos shows the goodies.
I also received the book I ordered I had got the DVD for this which is Reversible Quilts & was waiting on the book so now I have both
I did a Pot Holder/Hot Pad yesterday using the method as far as the block was concerned didn't do a reversible binding just wanted to try out doing the block.
So all in all this week is ending much better than last week when the keys was lost lol

A Wash Set

2011-05-18T10:41:00.000+01:00

I have knitted a wash set I did the hand towel using Basket Rib Pattern I also did a Back Scrubber plus a face mitt which I was given the pattern for which is done on DP I cast on 40 stitches over 4 needles did a rib for 10 rows & then on dps 1 & 4 i did moss stitch & DPs 2 & 3 was knit until required length & put 1 & 4 on to one needle & 2 &3 on to another & cast off, i used 4.5mm for the rib & 3.5 for the body.
If you want other patterns for various items then click Here for link below is the photo of my set which is done in Bernat Cotton Pale Yellow

Wash Set

Quilt Finished

2011-05-07T11:30:00.000+01:00

I finally finished the 1930s Pinwheel Quilt which is a wedding gift finished it with just over a week to spare so I guess that a good result lol
I used the Missouri Star method to do the pinwheels one I have mention in earlier post so here is the finish quilt not really got the room to show it off or take a great photo but you see it anyway

My Mum

2011-05-06T09:04:00.000+01:00

Today I am dedicating this post to my mum
as today would have been her 100th birthday she sadly passed away in October 2008 so below is some photos of her
Happy Birthday Mum

My Mum & Dad about 1956


Mum & Dad with my eldest 2 children Christmas 1976

Me & Mum in Scotland about mid 1990s

Mum in our garden

Mum taken in July 2004

Blocks & Socks

2011-05-02T16:09:00.000+01:00

I hope that you enjoyed our Royal Wedding which was on Friday us Brits do Pomp & Ceremony well I wish the couple a very Happy Life Together.
Well I am still working on the quilt which is for a wedding gift should be finished later this week.
I have done some blocks it for a swap on my Online Quilting Group the block is called Next Door Neighbour & this is what is going to the 2 names drawn this month.

I also done a pair of socks in Bamboo it Happy Yarn which is 75% bamboo 25% nylon (polyamide) the colour is Jupiter (2513)

I haven't had any further sock orders so not knitting any at present, which is okay with the quilt I need to finish
Also on my group we are doing a KYO-BOM which is Keep your own Block of the Month in this those who signed up for it pick a block for one of the months so May's one is
called Lover's Knot This one I rather like & if you look on page 2 & at what some have done there is a lovely quilt done using Black White & Floral it the one done by Julia I may do this for my DD wedding quilt but using red not a 100% as I am also liking one or 2 other ones so not made up my mind yet
On the KYO-BoM I have to choose June's one have a few ideas but not decided yet, I am hoping to make decisions on blocks & quilt once the quilt is done & may be even after the 2 weddings this month the 1st will be for the one I done the quilt for which I will show later in the week, then a week after that wedding we have another one to attend so a busy month for weddings
I just ordered a new dress hoping it arrives in time & that it will suit me I will look for something else for DD wedding in October

Angel Of May

2011-05-01T10:31:00.000+01:00

Today is May Day wishing you all a wonderful month full of love laughter & happiness with all the joys of Spring

Angel Of May

~The angel of all motherhood
She kisses child each night
Wraps a child in special wings
Holds all children tight

She is a perfect answer to
A Mother's special prayer
Forever she is constantly
Hovering somewhere

A treasured gift this angel is
She'll always do her part
Protect each gift that you receive
That lives inside your heart

A gift from God He sent her here
To hold your child so close
The precious gift a child to love
A most angelic host

So say a prayer to her each night
Forever she'll be near
A Guardian to every child
Each one her heart will wear~

Videos

2011-04-25T10:33:00.000+01:00

I hope everyone had a Happy Easter, this post will be about links for you to check out
First is from
Missouri Star Quilt Co
they are great for their videos one is
Summer in the Park
which is really nice, the other one is a
Log Cabin
if you click on the names you can go to YouTube or you can click on the company name & go from there they do use YouTube but not had any problems with this links

The next bit was me looking at ways around doing the quilting when you are doing large quilts I am really struggling & that only doing stitch in the ditch part of it is the space on the throat of the machine standard machines don't really give you much room well I found something that I thought may be of use a frame system I will give you the link if you go down the page & click on the video & watch it you see what it like it from the

Flynn Quilt Frame Company

Well I have been asking & the feedback I am is that it not worth it, due to space that is needed when doing larger quilts plus trying to move it people who either seen it or know people who have it have said that it not as easy as he makes it look
So I am still looking at ways around doing quilting I would like to get a machine that has a much deeper throat but they aren't cheap & can't afford it now so still thinking lol
Some have said about Quilt As You Go still can't really get my head around that one as not sure if you just do the top & the wadding/batting then when all done put backing on if so how do you secure it from being loose in the middle of the quilt, if you do all three how do you do it so no seams are showing have to look in to that one more.
Got no photos this time as the Pinwheel Quilt is not finished yet so until next time take care

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T10:54:00.000+01:00

A Very Happy Easter to you all, check out these couple of YouTube videos the first is a beautiful song On My Father's Side the 2nd one is The Power of Words will make you think.
I been working on the pinwheel quilt & have managed to get most of it done even the quilting even if it is only stitch in the ditch
I think I could do with having a nice win fall so I could get a new sewing mahcine which has a deep throat as I am finding that trying to do quilting on a standard machine is hard still I haven't so have to manage with what I have lol
I also done a pair of socks which I used my usual ONline yarn this one is Fancy Colour Range one I haven't used before it colour 1348

Fancy Colour Range

Fancy Colour Range 1348

Pinwheel Blocks & Table Runner Challenge & a Link to a Give-away

2011-04-08T11:38:00.001+01:00

I have done 36 blocks of Pinwheels using 1930s fabric & WoW this is going for a quilt I am doing the method I used was one that been shown on Missouri Star Quilt Co click on it to take you to the YouTube video I really like this method I may change some of the blocks around from this photo

There is a new needlecraft group open up in the village where I live I went to the meeting last night a very friendly bunch of ladies, there is a couple of them who done quilting, some knit or crochet & some do embroidery or cross stitch it a wide selection of crafts & they will be meeting twice a month
On my Online Quilting Group Q4A I have set them a Table Runner Challenge it is to do a runner which the patter calls Fresh Pears if you click here it will take you to a page where if you scroll down you see it.
They can change the fruit, size of it but they must use the rail fence part of the pattern below is what i designed on EQ not what i done lol the 2 are one for summer & other for autumn

Summer

Autumn

May be you like to take up the challenge my group has until end of July to get their ones done if you do the runner please do let me know so I can share it on here.

There is also give-away on at Raggedy Station

Now last but not least my friend Sissy has enter the world of blogging so I hope that you will all take a look at her blog & give her the support that I know you all can the blog is called Sewing From the Heart what a lovely name I am sure she will have loads of followers soon with your help of getting the word out

An Angel for April

2011-04-01T09:32:00.000+01:00

Today is April Fool's Day but no jokes here, I want to give you all an Angel for April.

Angel Of April

~Precious beauty April brings
With gentle touch of hand
The beauty of the earth we see
In heaven's guarded land

Where she tends the flowers
With gentlest of care
This angel of the April rains
Brings flowers always near

Smell the fragrance in the air
Let her touch your heart
Once she gives you precious gift
Her beauty never parts

Rays of light are breaking through
To show the gifts so rare
Where velvet is the precious gift
The flowers crown her hair

She waits to send these treasures
From earth they soon will spring
A flower of the treasures
That the April angel brings

With so much love and gentleness
Her hands will give repair
To soothe your soul in rapture sent
Her love is everywhere~

Pinwheel Method & Socks

2011-03-30T14:10:00.000+01:00

I have cut all the fabric for the 1930s pinwheel quilt i am doing which is for DH's Cousin Wedding in May I am going to use the Missouri Star pinwheel method click Here to see video only difference is that i am using layer cake size (10 inch squares)

I haven't managed to do any actual sewing as i have had a bout of Vertigo so no sewing for me, also i have packed up my machine so it can go for a service also to get the dog feed sorted as i can drop them using the slide lever but it won't come back up after using it

I been watching some of the DVDs i got which are the Quilt in a Day ones, well i need to think about what i will do my DD quilt in as she gets married in October so need to decide on that & the fabrics but not too worried yet as as need the cousin's one done & out the way

I just finished an 2 sock order which has been done in ONline Yarn their Forest Colour Range which is 75% Virgin Super Wash Wool & 25% Polyamide the colour is 1296 & 1297
I will show you the colours in the range & then you can see the socks themselves

Forest Colour 1296

Forest Colour 1297

The socks will be on their way to the USA soon

Socks & Quilting

2011-03-12T13:50:00.001Z

Here is socks I finished 2 pairs of socks which was for an order
I used ONline Yarn the 1st pair which is the blue ones I used Spot-Colour Range & these are for a ladies US 5/ UK 2.5
The 2nd pair which is the grey/black ones I used Canadian-Colour Range & these are for a Man US 10/ UK 9.5
I have spent the last of my Christmas money I had & have ordered some Quilt in a Day DVDs these are to go along with the books I already have they are Egg Money Quilts, Quilts Through the Seasons, & Underground Railroad Sampler, I also got the book Flying Geese to go with a DVD I already had so getting a nice collection of Books & DVDs to learn & work by

Spot-Colour 1230

Canadian-Colour 1290

Happy St David's Day & an Angel for March

2011-03-01T10:57:00.000Z

St David's Day this is the Patron Saint of Wales so if you have any connections to the Welsh wishing you a Happy St David's Day
Also here is your angel for March wishing you a good month they say if it comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb so we have to see what it will be like

Angel Of March

~In testament to richness
With elegance sublime
This angel of the month of March
Her heart be so inclined

To share her wealth with those of you
Who need a special hand
She casts her coins upon the land
This gift will always land

Within your heart you capture gold
The kind you always seek
These are the coins she spreads about
To make you rich with peace

To find a coin that falls from sky
To see it glisten bright
Just pick it up to make you rich
All bounty in your sight

For gold it cannot measure
All the beauty that she gives
It is her special way to say
In wealth you always live

Treasure things that fall from sky
Riches never part
The beauty of the gold she sends
Will gather in your heart.~

Table Runner

2011-02-24T14:22:00.000Z

I not been on the computer much or doing any sewing of late but managed to finish a table runner the photo is not so great but still that me.
I been doing a lot of knitting lately as i have had some sock orders to do so been busy with them
I have also got some nice yarns in for sock knitting
So here are some photos for you to see hope you like them


Spring Tulip Table Runner

Canadian-Colour 1285


Canadian-Colour 1288

Emotion-Colour 1274

Angel Of February

2011-02-01T09:48:00.000Z

Here is a Angel for February
Angels Are Always With Us

Angel Of February

~February's angel~
Filled with so much love
Bearing all the fruit of life
God's greatest gift above

She offers with extended hand
The joy of love in peace
Only when you seek her out
Her loyalty will reach

To show you how to care for all
To love from deep inside
Knowing all that she can give
She is your perfect guide

Teaches how to truly love
From deep within your soul
To know this beauty of her gift
A heart can always hold

To capture hearts with so much love
To hold them all steadfast
Forever to be grateful for
This love that always lasts

Learn from her this way of life
Your destiny be told
The love that she does give to you
Will capture hearts with gold.~

Socks using Sport- & Strumpfgarn Yarn

2011-01-31T10:52:00.000Z

I have finished a pair of socks these are using a different make of yarn from what I usually use which is Online Yarn
The socks below are done in a 4 ply yarn which is Sport- & Strumpfgarn Yarn it is 60% Superwash Virgin Wool, 25% Acrylic & 15% Polyamid this yarn while is self-patterning in that there is some patterning it more like random spots you don't have to match as there is no matching to it.
I been thinking of getting some sock blockers & if anyone has an opinion on them good or bad would appreciate hearing about them, there is a site here in the UK that is doing some click here for the link to see them & say what you think of them.

Previous Quilting Patterns Post

2011-01-26T15:34:00.000Z

If anyone would can't open the patterns in my previous post & would like a copy just e-mail me with their e-mail addy & I will send it you must be able to open a pdf file as much as I try to do it so you have access to it I am not sure you can all open both so just e-mail me

Quilt Patterns

2011-01-22T15:07:00.002Z

This past week I been trying to figure out several things first is my computer well it that I upgraded to Windows 7 last June when I had to get another computer & while my printer works when I scan it does images but where before I could save documents in to PDF or Word I can only do images so still trying to sort that out as it not so easy as trying to update drives.
Then I have had a go at attempting to draw a applique block on EQ7 & also learn how to write a pattern to a PDF
Well with help from a friend she said you need to get a program for writing it to PDF so I downloaded PDF4Free & that works.

So I thought I would share the two patterns I done, the first is Ice cone I know I forgot to put in size which is 14 x 36.5 inches, the second is Broken Dishes both are table runners, below is the image then followed by the pdf file


Ice Cone


Broken Dishes

Here are the two Patterns
Ice Cone

Broken Dishes

both are Table Runners & these are my attempts of writing a pattern I hope that you will look at them & give me your comments both Good & Bad

Emotion lll Socks

2011-01-18T11:16:00.000Z

It been a little while since posting I guess it a case of trying to get motivated after Christmas they say January & February are months that you tend not to do things so much.
I done a pair of socks using the Online Emotion lll Range this is the latest range I have which I think is their latest as well in this range.
The yarn is 50% Merino Wool, 25% Bamboo & 25% Polyamid it a lovely soft yarn which does knit up well.
If I am to be totally honest & give the fore & against on this yarn my only moan is that it don't follow a set colour pattern so trying to match both socks up perfectly you can't but you can see that the same colours ect are used & I do like them.
I use Online range a lot they have several different lines which of course Emotion which they have now at least 3 different lines under Emotion which are Emotion, Emotion ll & lll they also do Irish Colour, Canadian Colour, Wellness & Spot colour some knit up more like a fair-isle which I really like but the Emotion range is the softest range so do really like this range.
I hope to if possible get some orders for socks or at least sell some but since my last orders before Christmas I haven't been lucky enough to get any.
On the sewing front I am working on the table runner which I hope to finish & show you it soon so do check back

Emotion lll Socks

Darrell Waltrip Cloth

2011-01-07T11:13:00.000Z

I have finally started something okay it only a cotton cloth which I have done but it a start the cloth is Darrell Waltrip Cloth I am not sure if mine is quite right compared to ones shown on here would appreciate your opinions.
I done it as I believe it should be done but not fully sure

I have enjoyed doing it which I did last night while watching TV & at least I started something as I haven't touched any crafts for a while.
I am wanting to start on some quilting or at least start cutting for a Table Runner but I have had a bit of a problem with my neck I think it the way I had slept so for the last few days have been taking it easy & each day it has inproved to the point it more of an ache today than pain.
I enjoy my knitting in the evenings while watching TV even if I manage to work on some quilting during the day.
Part of the reason no quilting also apart from just not got around to it, the last few weeks had a radiator not working in the bedroom I do my sewing so it been very cold in there it now fixed so that I can now at least go there & sew or cut without freezing lol
I hope to do some projects over the coming months both quilting & knitting, I do want to do myself some more socks as I don't have a great deal of socks that I have knitted unlike my DH as I do seem to knit for him or knit for gifts & I seem to be last I bet you all are like that everyone comes first before you.

That Patchwork Place Quilt Calendar 2011

2011-01-05T09:00:00.001Z

Happy New Year to All, I hope that the year is beginning well for you all.
For me well I received a calendar from Sue at Quilt Times as I was lucky enough to win her give-way for this Calendar.
I love the way that the Calendar has a booklet in which gives you all the instructions & patterns for each of the projects for each month & you can pull it out from the calendar so you can keep it long after you finish using it
Below is the front of the calendar but if you click on this here you can see more images & details of the calendar from amazon.
Thank you Sue for the calendar it great.

I haven't as yet started any projects I woke yesterday to my neck hurting when I move my head left or right or even up or down so am having to take it ease for a bit I had this before I think I seem to do it when I am a sleep in that I twist it & it takes a bit of time to ease off I also have to be careful as it can kick off my vertigo so don't want that back
I will be starting a Table Runner once I sorted out the fabrics I will be doing it with some online friends from Quilt with Us the Newbie Group I suggested that we do the pattern which is Spring Tulips as they want to do some applique so this is a good start as it not too much & it will be interesting to see how we all do it with our different fabrics also some may change it a bit.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T10:55:00.000Z

Wishing You all a Very Happy Healthy & Peaceful 2011

Clock is winding down now
We see the past go by
Thoughts and life's reflections
With very saddened sigh

Past year filled with sorrow
Our hope that new will show
Peace and life with kindness
Within each heart will flow

Clock of life keeps moving
Minutes go by fast
Hope for bright tomorrow
We pray for peace at last

Love that has been written
In words we say sincere
Brought with understanding
Hope is always near

May each of us be smitten
With love that reaches far
Hear the bells are ringing
Peace be where you are

Love through understanding
With each of us a start
Joined in new beginning
With each and every heart.

Seasons Greetings

2010-12-22T14:05:00.001Z

Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas

A Happy Safe & Healthy New Year

Thank you all for taking a look at my blog

I Hope to see you all next Year

Time for sharing happiness
Dancing in the wind
Moving all across the ice
With music our hearts sing

Carefree days of beauty
With warmth we feel inside
Always there's a friendly face
As wistfully we glide

Feel the music in you
Winter has begun
Snow is falling gently
Sparkling in the sun

Joy within this moment
That fills our heart with glee
Hear the laughter radiate
Life's pleasant harmony.

Facial Wash Mitten

2010-12-10T12:41:00.001Z

We are well in to December with 2 weeks to Christmas so if you need a quick present how about a Facial Wash Mitten.
I done 2 out of one ball of cotton I cast on 64st over 4 Dps needles size 4.5mm needles then changed to 3.5mm needles & did 10 rounds of 1x1 rib then changed to 4.5mm needles again & on needles 2 & 3 I knitted those & on needles 1 & 4 I did a moss stitch but any stitch pattern to give a bit of a raised patterns will do & I knitted until the length of hand then knitted needle 1 but putting it on with stitches on needle 4 then did same with 2 & 3 so you have stitches from needles 1 & 4 on one needles & stitches from 2 &3 on another needle & then did a 3 needle cast off.
I managed to get 2 from 1 ball I am showing both sides of the mitten in the photo as I don't have loads of solid colours I tried it out in the variegated yarn but think it would look better in solid colours

Facial Wash Mitten

Angel Of December

2010-12-03T12:09:00.000Z

Wishing you all a wonderful month hoping that this will be a great month as we come to the end of the year

Angel Of December

Angel of December sky
Gathers snowflakes way on high
Graciously with wings in air
Gathers precious gems to share

To trickle down to earth below
To shine like diamonds in the snow
What great beauty it will be
As angel sends these gems for me

A calm and peaceful night with snow
December angel's special glow
See her gliding through the air
This beauty of God's love so fair

Knows just what the snow will do
As peacefully it falls on you
Catch the diamonds in your hand
Where they sparkle God does stand

December's angel wings of snow
Sends her beauty here below
Catch the diamonds from the sky
Magnificently these wings do fly.~

Cosy Scarf

2010-11-24T17:05:00.000Z

I not been as active of late but I just finished this scarf which is lovely & soft really a cosy scarf

Single Pinwheel Quilt

2010-11-16T09:52:00.000Z

I have finished the single quilt I been working on I am certainly no David Bailey as I don't take great photos well the camera while a good one is old must be about 10 years old but still going strong so no new one needed.
Anyway I taken 2 photos one so you can see it in full & the other a bit closer, the other problem I have for taking photos is where to put them to take it this is done on the floor in my sitting room
I have used mostly Civil War Repo fabric with a bit of Thimbleberries for the cream
I done stitch in the ditch or diagonal stitch on it

Pinwheel Quilt

2x2 Rib Socks

2010-11-14T10:43:00.001Z

Here is a pair of socks I done they are 2x2 rib down to the heel, it the first time I have tried this as I thought I would try something different.
The photo is not a great one seems that dark brown/chocolate colour is not great for taking a photo of but if you click on the photo it does come up larger & you may get a better view

2x2 Rib socks

A Go AccuQuilt Give-Away

2010-11-07T10:30:00.001Z

Here is another Give-away of the AccuQuilt
No I don't want you all rushing over there as I would love to win this but next to me winning I would love it to be one of my followers.

Now you be biting at the bit to find out how you can win one you go to Lavender Ridge to enter best hurry it ends on the 10th November Good Luck to All

Pot Holders/Hot Pads

2010-11-05T09:58:00.000Z

I have been trying out some pot holders, I am not very good with hand sewing so if I can find a different method that I am happy with for the binding that also don't involve hand sewing them down I will.

We all know the basic method where you do it then get your binding & sew it to the front then flip over to the back & hand sew.
Well mine for some reason I feel that the binding is too wide I have bought ready done binding from sellers on eBay so it was 2.5" folded in half making 1.25" but I am not happy as if I do try to stitch in the ditch so I don't have to hand sew it don't look right.
So here are 3 methods I tried & the results

1st Method is where I just stitch the 3 layers together then go over with a zig zag stitch

1st Method

2nd Method is a bag method where I sewn it then turned it to the right side which leaves a opening of course which again didn't want to hand sew so I then zig zag stitch around the edges.

2nd Method

3rd Method is where I cut some fabric 1.5" wide & folded it in half so it 3/4" & I sewn it from the back then stitched on the front.

3rd Method

I will be trying a 4th method which will be as the 3rd but sew it on the front & flip to back but then sew stitch in the ditch from the front, but I haven't as yet done it & will post that when done.

Table Runners

2010-11-02T10:41:00.000Z

I have managed to do some sewing which I am very pleased about the first table runner is from a project which I was doing at Quilt Set which is the Quilting group I go to once a month I am very pleased I have finished it
As you will see it a scrappy one but I still feel it a nice one

Scrappy Table Runner

The 2nd one is for a gift & I had asked the person what would she like for Christmas & she said a table runner for her coffee table to this is the result of it, I designed it on EQ7


Browns & Creams Coffee Table Runner

I do hope to get some more sewing/quilting done plus a single quilt I have pinned ready to quilt one of the reasons I not done that was after my fall I know that I would struggle I do a when I am not bruised so don't want to push my luck.
I have ordered a long bath mat with a headrest & should have it by the end of the week my DH also says we need to get a small stool for me so it help me step in to & out of the bath, & as whether I have a bath or a shower I have to step in to the bath as the shower while not attached to the bath is a over the bath type so we will be looking for something that can take my weight but also won't slip.
Thank you all for your concern over my fall I am not too bad now thank you

My Ist Postcard & Feeling Old

2010-10-29T11:12:00.000+01:00

I agreed to go in to a postcard swap so this is my 1st attempt at doing one to send, I did one when I was at Quilting Group as Janet made me she had fetched the stuff along but this was my 1st one on my own with nothing but me to work it out & design it, now it is in the mail on it way to the USA.

My 1st Postcard

Last night I got in the bath & don't ask how as I am not even sure but I got in & was standing ready to sit & I slipped & fell out, I managed to knock the plastic edging off the shower screen DH made & not sure if it was on that or what but I cut my elbow or just under it & have badly bruised it with it feeling like I have bruises elsewhere.
DH heard me & came rushing in so had to say don't or he would have whacked my head as we have a bathroom that you can't swing a cat in lol
Anyway he starts to get angry saying I have to wait for him to get in the bath ect he only got bad because he was worried & scared I done some real damage, he did ask if I had come over dizzy & said no it was slipping in the bath
Anyway I am well padded as my mum would say so no damage done nothing broken just sore & hurts like mad when I move my arm so having to take it easy, why is it that when I want to sew something else happens lol

Canadian Colour Socks

2010-10-25T09:33:00.000+01:00

I have used the Online yarn again & for the first time I been disappointed, as I had nearly finished the 1st sock which is the one on the bottom out of the 2.
I had a join in the yarn it was when i was on the green it had a little of the washed out pink bit then went back to green so cut out that bit & joined it so it be all green & finished the sock which wasn't that much more anyway.
Go to try to get to the start for the 2nd sock & it was out of order the yellow came after the green not before so had to undo the whole ball & re-wind it so it now in correct order.
But for those who have a keen eye will notice a slight difference with the yellow it has much more green in it so it not quite the same as the first so I am not a very happy bunny.
The socks were done in Online Yarn Canadian Colour 4 ply yarn
On a happier note I got some sewing done yesterday I managed to do a table runner top so now have 2 table runners & a single quilt to quilt which I hope to do this week.
I was looking for some labels I have well it took a good hour I thought I knew where they were so I looked & looked in all the places I have fabric & I finally found them yes you guessed it where I thought they were they were hiding under some FQs looking like FQs lol
As you may have guessed I am feeling better than I have been I still have to watch what I do no sudden head movements & if I have to look up or down I have to be careful but am better than I have been Thank You all for your kind thoughts, prayers & concern.

Canadian Colour 4 ply

AccuQuilt Give-Away

2010-10-23T06:08:00.000+01:00

Letting you all know that there is a give-away for the AccuQuilt at Irish Muses Blog now don't everyone rush over there as I have entered & would love to win this but if you do good luck
I am sure that once you visited the blog you will return even after the Give-Away is finished which is on 5th November which also happens to be Guy Fawkes Day here in the UK the day some guy tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament back in 1605 so may be I will have my own explosion with me winning the AccuQuilt lol
You can read more about the AccuQuilt at their website

Emotion Socks

2010-10-18T09:33:00.000+01:00

I have felt better this week in as much as the room not spinning but do still feel as I am on the edge of it starting as if I move my head too quick I don't feel great even turning in bed can make me feel a bit off.
I haven't done any sewing well seeing a needle going up & down won't help I know you don't actually look at but as you are watching your work it is in the eye line.
I been knitting so finished a pair of socks I used Online 4 ply yarn the Emotion Range these are for a gift so will be put aside to be given for Christmas.
I didn't go to my Quilting Group on Saturday & I have to finish the table runner that we started last month well no sewing since then.
I do hope to attempt some sewing this week as I really want to sew plus I have a fair bit I need to get done in time for Christmas which is getting closer
Well the socks I mention are below

Emotion Socks

More Socks

2010-10-11T12:20:00.000+01:00

Not done much in the way of crafts I still not been too good, I been to the doctors this morning who try to see if she can move the crystals back which this is what she saying is causing the problem with the dizziness.
I now can't bend my head low or look up high plus have to sleep nearly upright for a few days.
I done a pair of socks which is for my DH for Christmas they are done in Regia 4 ply yarn in a dark brown colour
I must say I do prefer to do knitting with the yarns that are self-patterning as while it mindless knitting when you are doing knit it changes as you go along so it not so boring plus being such a dark brown was harder to work with.
Here in the UK the clocks will be going back by an hour on the week-end 30/31st I always say it on the Saturday which is the 30th but officially it 2am on Sunday 31st I wonder will that make it that my son who's birthday is on the 31st get a extra hour for his birthday lol

Dark Brown Regia 4 Ply Socks

In Memory of my Mum

2010-10-05T05:46:00.000+01:00

It been two years today since my mum passed away so here are some photos of her
She was 97 when she passed

Mum taken July 2004

My mum & Dad taken abt 1956/57

Socks Finished

2010-10-03T10:31:00.000+01:00

It been a funny week what with me not being great with the vertigo, I have stopped taking the tablets for it now & will see how I do without them well need to know if it cleared up off medications & not just while I am on medication for it.
I have finished a pair of socks these are for a order in the UK I used the Online Make the Emotion Colour range this is from the 1st of the 3 different colour ranges in the emotion colour as there is emotion II, & III each having 8 different colours in their range it made from 50% merino wool, 25% bamboo & 25% Polyamide the same make up is in all of the Emotion colour ranges.
Well below is the socks I finished, I will taking a break to start a couple of books I want to read so won't be starting anything new for a few days or a week depends on how much reading time I can get in.

Emotion Colour Range a 4 Ply yarn

Hat & Me

2010-09-26T11:31:00.000+01:00

Well it been a week where I am not well I have in the past had bouts of Labyrinthitis which is a sort of vertigo well the room started to spin on Tuesday, & was in bed, & while it not as bad as I have had as I took some tablets I have I still felt rough so Thursday went to the doctors who says I have Imbalance Vertigo & gave me some different tablets she thinks they are better.
Well I am still rough I find when I am in bed & go to move or turn over it worst during the day it a case of not moving too quickly so am not doing much or going anywhere can't even do any sewing as I can't take the needle going up & down & of course watching where I am sewing
I have managed to do my knitting so finished the 2nd hat so that is the 2 hats for the order done & have them packed up & ready to go in to the Mail.
You see by the photo below it the same as the one on the previous post just a different colour.
The size looks different but it the colour that makes it look like that as I did the same amount of rows for the rib then for the body so it goes to show that colours can make things look different.

2nd Hat done in Online Spot Range yarn

Postcard & Hat

2010-09-22T10:28:00.000+01:00

Saturday was my Quilting Group that I go to Well Janet who runs it is also on my online quilting group & she been hosting a postcard swap, which I have said no way am I doing one plus don't know how to do it.
Well she had fetched the stuff & got me doing one myself I think it okay nothing to write home about (for give the pun lol) but there again as everyone says you never think your own work is as good as others.
I also have finished the 1st hat of a 2 hat order I will be doing the 2nd in the same yarn just different colour the yarn is Online Spot Colour range


My 1st Postcard


Hat Online 4 ply yarn in Spot Colour Range

Maple Leaf Blocks

2010-09-16T16:24:00.000+01:00

This week-end is my Online Quilting Group's Retreat well we are all around the World so we do it online & post & show what we are doing.
Myself on Saturday I will be at my Quilting Group so will be out for the day but still quilting.
The retreat starts from Friday until Sunday & we have a block lotto this time round it is the Maple Leaf Block below are 4 that I done.
I must say this is a block I do like I think it would make a great quilt or runner or just about anything don't you agree.

9.5 Inch Maple Leaf blocks

1st Hat

2010-09-13T14:11:00.000+01:00

Here is the 1st hat I have knitted I did it on Double Pointed Needles (DPs) I started off with the stitches being over 4 needles but found it a bit awkward so went down to having them on 3 needles.
The pattern is from Lion Brand & is called Lake District Hat If you click on hat it will take you there it does say do it as garter stitch which is every row knit but they using straight needles by using DPs or even circular you knit every round but it comes out as stocking stitch.
I had wanted to use circular needles but the set I have are 100cm (40 inches) which was way too long I have ordered a set which is 50 cm these will be bamboo like the other set of circular plus my needles & DPs since I started using bamboo needles I really like them.
Anyway below is my 1st attempt of doing a hat, the yarn is not one I would normally gone for it is a 4 ply but I hate knitting with it when I knitted socks once the socks are done & washed they fine just not as nice & soft as some of my sock yarns

My 1st knitted Hat

Emotion 4 Ply Socks & other Bits

2010-09-08T09:52:00.000+01:00

I hope all those who had a holiday week-end last week enjoy it, our one in the UK was at the end of August.
I been busy I been working on a quilt & have the top done & cut backing fabric which I have made the width the length by joining 2 pieces then the length has become the width I am hoping to get it pin on Friday when my friend comes over.
I have finished the socks I started on Sunday these are made from the Online make the Emotion range yarn which is a 4 ply yarn
These will be a gift for Christmas, well I have to start getting the Christmas gifts done or it will be here before you know it & we be rushing around trying to get things done where if I can make a start now I hope that I will avoid this I guess I just have to see if I succeed lol

Emotion 4 ply Yarn

Angel for September

2010-09-01T13:09:00.000+01:00

As we approach Autumn with it rich colours I hope that your life will reflex this
Wishing you a wonderful September & hope this angel will keep you safe throughout the month

On days when you're tired
Not sure you can go on
- Your Angel Knows -
And will wrap you in an Angel hug
To let you rest till your weariness is gone.
On days when you're down
Just feeling so blue
- Your Angel Knows -
And will tenderly take you in her arms
To cherish and help cheer you.

On days when you're hurting
Really feeling that pain
- Your Angel Knows -
And will wrap you in a blanket of love
To give you courage and help keep you sane.
On those nights when you're lonely
And there's no one to be found
- Your Angel Knows -
She'll gently enfold you in her wings
To give comfort and let you know
she'll always be around.

And on the days when you're happy
Things are going just right
- Your Angel Knows -
She'll smile and say a prayer of thanks
And give you an Angel hug so tight.
Day and night no matter what
Your Angel is always close by
To help guard you and protect you
Till someday you have your own wings to fly.

Last Pair of Order

2010-08-30T16:42:00.000+01:00

This is the last pair of the order I had to fulfill
I used Irish Colour again just a different one from the range, it a US 12 (UK11.5) so another large one

Irish Colour Men's US 12

New Yarn

2010-08-24T12:14:00.000+01:00

I just had the parcel man arrive & he has fetched me my new yarn I ordered it Online Yarn Canadian Colour Range & I think looking at the photos you have to agree that they are fantastic colours even better than I saw on the site & will make some beautiful socks.
The 1st photo is what I got from the website so you can see what it shows as knitted socks
The 2nd Photo is all of the yarn now I have it with 3rd & 4th showing closer views of lots of 4 balls at a time

Canadian Colour (From website)


Canadian Colour Arrived


Showing a closer view


Showing a closer view

An Order for Socks in Irish Colour Range

2010-08-23T09:35:00.000+01:00

I have finished one of 2 pairs of very large men's socks I have to do, I have to do a US13 & US12
For this pair which is the US13 size, I have used Online yarn called Irish Colour I think the colour is rather nice for a man with it autumn/earthy colours
The sock is part of an order I got my 1st paying order I needed to do 4 pairs I had mention I may be getting an order well I did for this & the other man's pair & 2 ladies pairs of socks
I must say not ever done socks this large it took longer than I thought which goes to show that it like knitting a extra sock with all the extra stitches & rows I done compared to other socks I have done lol
I have also had some luck this week with getting some bargains on more sock yarn, I got 2 pack of 10 x 100 grams balls of Regia 4 ply yarn I got one which is a dark green (olive) & also Denim blue both of these colours my DH will wear he fussy when it comes to colours he not in to the self-patterning yarns that said he did say he liked the ones below
I am also waiting on another lot I got which is Online Yarn again but this time 8 x 100 gram balls of a new colour range called Canadian Colour so will have 8 different ones there have to wait for them to arrive from Germany.
Well below is the sock that I have just finished.


An order of a Man's socks US13 in Irish Colour

More Cotton Socks

2010-08-15T11:43:00.000+01:00

Here is another pair of cotton socks I have finished these are for a gift which will be sent in the next few days.
I used Regia Cotton yarn again & these are a bit bigger than the other ones I have done as the person size is bigger than me.
I have some other news I may be getting a sale for some socks it could be the other Cotton socks & the Bamboo socks I have knitted & posted recently they may be going along with 2 other pairs of Men's socks which I will have to knit so a order for 4 pairs of socks.
Okay I won't be rich but I will make enough to cover the yarn plus some for me I have been asking what prices do people think knitted socks go for & I have had prices range from as low as $12 up to $100 well working in USA dollars $12 wouldn't cover the yarn but while I would love to get a $100 I don't think I would.
Here in the UK people wouldn't buy them may be someone who had or knows how nice hand-knitted socks are may buy some but very rare so any sales I get I think will be from the USA possible Canada
I am thinking of trying to sell on Etsy which is something I hope to try I would like to know what is the average sizes for your country, here in the UK 4-5 for a ladies & 8-9 for men are the most popular sizes I do knit my socks slightly smaller than the standard size as while I am that size for part I am shorter in the foot so at least hand-knitted socks will fit me lol


Regia Cotton Socks

Bamboo Socks

2010-08-12T12:57:00.000+01:00

I must say I am going great guns with the socks, I finished this pair Tuesday night & have already started a new pair of socks.
These are using the Regia Bamboo yarn it a 4 ply yarn & knits up well very similar to the cotton ones which I previously shown & I am working on another cotton pair.
I not done any sewing (smack hand lol) I do want to get the socks done as I want to do some reading so may have a little break from knitting or at least not doing it as much
These Bamboo ones will be in my gift stash as not knitted for anyone in particular so they either be a gift or I will use them.

Cotton Socks

2010-08-07T13:40:00.000+01:00

I just finished a pair of sock using Regia Cotton yarn it 34% cotton 41% wool & 25% polyamide I think they knitted up well.
I have put them in my gift stash along with the other socks I have done recently not sure if they will be a gift or I will keep them but as I don't need them now I can decide later, I am now going to start a pair using Regia Bamboo yarn so watch out for those

What Wadding/Batting do You Use

2010-08-04T16:44:00.000+01:00

I was wondering what wadding/batting do you use for quilts & do you use different weights types depending on what you do.

I did a single quilt using some polyester type I used 270 grm weight which is 9.5 ozs, I can get the same wadding in weights of 200 grms 7 ozs or 70 grms which is nearly 2.5 ozs

I have used Warm & Natural 100% cotton which is nice but find it is a bit flat & also not warm enough for me when I use it as a quilt

I know you can also get 80/20 which is 80% cotton & 20% polyester & other waddings

So which do you go for & why & how do you find it wears, the single quilt I did I have found even that was a struggle to get in to the washing machine so I don't think I will use that thick wadding again may be when I have to get a new washing machine I know I will be going for one that is a much bigger load plus a wider door, so will look forward to some feed back on the Wadding/Batting

Angel Of August

2010-08-01T10:44:00.000+01:00

Here is your angel for August I hope that you have a wonderful month

Angel Of August

~She's regal in splendor

This angel of love

Cascading her flowers

From heaven above

To fall from the sky

To land with her peace

The angel of August

Her heart always seeks

To bring you a glow

That makes life complete

The flowers you gather

That fall from the sky

Her gift of the spirit

That soars way up high

A scent in the air

A petal that lands

In velvet she greets you

Wherever you stand

She touches your soul

With all of her love

Sprinkles her softness

With joy from above

Look up to the sky

To see heaven's light

It's the angel of August

That gives such delight~

6 Ply Socks Finished

2010-07-30T12:01:00.000+01:00

I just finished a pair of socks using 6 ply Regia yarn this was sent to me in a swap I was involved in last year so it nice to use it.
Most socks I do use 4 ply but I do have some 6 ply & find that they knit up quite quickly
I am not sure if I will keep these or put them in to my Gift Stash that I need to start again well it won't be long to Christmas & if I don't start getting some gifts done they won't be done or it will be such a mad rush & I have to allow for things that happen to delay getting things done.
I have been reading which means no knitting so now I have started to just read for a little while in bed before I go to sleep if I feel up to it so I can then knit in the evenings while watching TV that how comes I have done the socks

6 Ply Socks

Fabric Arrived

2010-07-23T12:25:00.005+01:00

The fabric I ordered from Lynnette has arrived I will use the top two fabrics for pinwheel the 2nd one down has a pink print on it, the next two I will use as layer cake size blocks with the last one being the border which I feel ties it all in the backing will be done in a pink flannel this is going to be a king-size one so will be done in rows & columns as much as I love the look of on-point it is too hard when it gets to that size to be able to do it.

Lynnette fabrics is of very good quality & she very good will accomadate when ever possible & she does do international shipping do go & look at her site & please do mention if you order that you seen it on here so she knows where interest is coming from

What I have received in the Last Week

2010-07-22T12:44:00.000+01:00

I been very lucky this week, First item was on Monday it was a birthday present from my very good friend Lesley in Harlow you can see it a lovely teddy

Then I had on Tuesday a lovely surprise it was a quilting book which was from my son Karl, not sure if this wasn't in when he was there in May or he forgot it or what but I do also have to thank my sister Julia as she posted it the week before so thank you to both of you for the lovely book you see below

Then Wednesday I received a swap package which was from New Zealand this was from my swap partner Donna who is on a knitting group DRUs I belong to & you see she sent me a quilting magazine from New Zealand plus some yarn which will make some lovely winter socks this would be the same as our double knitting yarn, plus I received a lovely cloth funny thing was the one I sent was same colour lol plus some lovely coasters also which not shown a pin for the lapel & some fabric
So it been a great week for me, & to top it all someone has told me a bit more about the photo on my parents which I have on my Genealogy blog so Thank you to that person

My Week

2010-07-18T16:22:00.000+01:00

What I have been up to since my last posting, well I will start with the boring bits to get them out the way lol
I have had to go for my eye check-up at the hospital as I have glaucoma, anyway the the check-up 2 before this one on the field vision it had changed the last one more or less the same this one well they didn't do it so I asked if I am okay to drive, well I have to tell the DVLA (driving licence people) so I come home to find out the number by going to their website & there is info on there seems I should have told them I have glaucoma when I first was told well no one told me.
Anyway downloaded the forms & filled them in as the Dr at the hospital said my vision is okay but it not up to them so I now have to wait to see if I can continue to drive until they say I will carry on.
During the week I had my upgrade to EQ7 this is what my DH paid for for my birthday which was yesterday, I also got from my friend Pat a June Taylor Shape cut Pro it is 20 by 23 inches & has slots every 2.5 inches this is something i will use a lot.
Yesterday I went to my Quilting group which was great so had lots of fun there we did a small runner but I hadn't cut enough for the 2nd border so I couldn't carry on with that so I finished sewing the triangles I had bought pre-cut together, when I got home DH had made me a trifle for after dinner really nice.
If you had seen my earlier post about the Missouri Star Quilting company & their video on Youtube, well I decided that I would get a 2 FQs & cut them up to different square sizes & do the pinwheel their method to see how they came out.
I have squares all up to near the inch or half inch in all but one,
10 inch squares I squared up to 12.5 inch block
8 inch squares I squared up to a 10 inch block
6 inch squares I squared up to a 7 inch block
5 inch squares I just cut the ears off & it comes out to 5 3/4 inch block
4 inch squares I squared up to 4.5 inch block

The 7 inch squares I made a mistake in cutting & the 9 inch didn't have enough but it gives me a idea of what size squares to cut for what size block you can see the results below
So all in all not a bad end to a week where I done nothing craft wise

Am I Lucky or What

2010-07-08T14:15:00.000+01:00

I am still working on stupid computer so no sewing been done but on Tuesday I received a package from my friend Lynnette for a belated Christmas present plus my birthday & look what she sent some beautiful fabrics plus some thimbles so am I lucky or what you can see the lovely fabrics she sells if you click on her name above

Tutorial using YouTube

2010-07-06T10:06:00.001+01:00

I haven't as yet loaded my camera on to the computer so I thought I would share a tutorial with you it not mine if you click on the link TUTORIAL l it will take you to YouTube where you can see a quick table runner
If you look at the side (you may have to subscribe) it gives more tutorials, I found this after ROBIN sent me a link to a different tutorial on Pinwheels which I really want to try if you click on PINWHEEL you will see it I am very impressed so thank you Robin if you click on her name above you will go to her blog.

Angel Of July

2010-07-01T08:44:00.000+01:00

It the First of July already, here is an Angel to watch over you throughout July have a good month

Angel Of July

~Sitting in splendor

In heaven's sweet place

Showing the beauty of wings

Made of lace

Surrounded by flowers

With swans in her midst

The beauty of nature

Her glorious gift

Playing a tune that

Comes from on high

Gentlest breezes

This angel July

Sends love with her heart

That whispers on land

As trees rustle gently

In harmony grand

An angel so peaceful

She's sent with great love

Angelic in nature

Reflected above

Let her just fill you with

Warmth and all care

An angel to bless you with

Dreams we can share

Look to her innocence

Her power and might

While gently she sends you

All love that is bright.~

End of the Month

2010-06-30T10:33:00.000+01:00

Well it the last day of the month & we halfway through the year, I guess we should be thinking of getting projects done for Christmas so we don't get caught out when you think of it, it not like we don't know when it is or it is coming yet so many of us have that last minute rush.
I haven't done much I did a mini back scrubber more to use some yarn up I do find that the smaller balls of cotton are a little small but as I can't just pop out to get some I don't have more than 1 ball of a colour so it does make it harder but I always do the handles first that way I don't run out before I finish.
On the sewing side went to Quilting group on Saturday as I been in pain with my back plus with all the computer problems I just took the precut triangles I had bought & started to sew them together.
Janet at the group asked what I was going to do with them & I said Pinwheel & she suggested getting 2 of the sew triangles & put them together but oposite so if i was say using red & black I would have them face right sides together but oposite fabric then draw a line corner to corner (oposite the sewn corner to corner) then sew quarter inch either side of the line & then cut on line & I would have 2 blocks with 4 triangles in.
I will be getting some scraps of fabric & cutting some triangles of the size I have & doing them so I can check the size of the blocks when done also same with doing one pinwheel so I can check the size of that block then I can decide on what I will do with them.
There no photos to share as not taken any plus I not got the camera set on the computer yet.
I have to put on my EQ5 & then the upgrade 6 I going to do that as I am not sure when mu upgrade to EQ7 will be arriving & I am unable to play so need to do that
Well Happy Sewing/Knitting/Crafting & don't forget to start making your Christmas to do List

Computers Love Them or Hate Them

2010-06-25T08:26:00.000+01:00

I have had computer problems, I went to switch on the computer on Tuesday & while the light came on & what sounded like the fan nothing screen was okay as it came up with the message it does when the tower is not on.
Anyway so off I go looking for a new computer well the other one was being a bit slow anyway & been saying I may have to get a new one
I went to one place had a nice one which had a 24 inch screen but didn't get too much with it & with the warranty pushed it up so went next door & saw another one not quite as high spec but still good with a 20 inch screen they would let me get Office 2010 business one as I wanted Outlook for my e-mails at a good price plus they had Norton on half price & I asked for them to throw it in but got it for half again plus the waranty so came away with the computer.
Set it all up & switched the power on puff the tower blew so took it back & got a new one which I got them to try plus the mains lead well you never know.
Came home & set it up & put my disc I have to for the internet & it tells me that the operation sytem is not one it uses so phones my provider up thinking it be a week before I get a new version of the disc & the guy talked me through it you don't need a disc now so got online.
I have now had to try to figure out how to use the new computer & gone to Outlook & even that is different to the version I had on Office 2000 so still trying to figure all that out plus getting programs back on one won't as it was for windows 98 but it did work on XP but no way on Windows 7
With all this going on I haven't done much crafts so hope my next post will be more craft related

6 Ply Socks

2010-06-21T09:31:00.000+01:00

I have not been feeling great the past few days been feeling light headed/dizzy that sort of thing when the room starts to spin sometimes when you get up quickly from bending down.
Not sure but I have in the past had a bad bouts of this with the room spining & being sick I was in bed with it for a week I have had this a few times like that so I do have some sick tablets so I been taking them as I feel as I am on the edge it not kicked off but could so best to start to take them.
While feeling like this I not been knitting or even reading as I think eye movement don't help.
I had done a pair of socks these are done in 6ply yarn it the Online Welliness II range it has Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil & Vitamin E in the yarn it 75% Superwash Wool & 25% Polyamid
They knitted up quickly & was nice to knit I did them by casting on using 4mm needles & doing 1 row knit then I changed to 3.50mm ones & started to do the knit 1 purl 1 rib I do all my socks in this sort of method that I use a larger size needle to cast on & do the first row I use the Double Pointed needles so use 4 (3 with stitches on 1 to knit with) I also never measure now I tend to knit by rows I count the rows as I find that I do then get both socks the same size yet the first ones I did I measured & no matter how I tried I found that I could still be out slightly so this way I just click each row then when done each section I just reset to zero & click on the next section.
I am not sure if these will be a gift as DH may like my socks he certainly not in to multi colours he says he can't wear jazzy socks he likes the plain/solid colours & even then if they are too light he not happy he more fussy than a woman lol
I think these may be a gift for a family member who has a birthday in a few months
I am hoping that I will be doing some sewing later I want to do a Knitting Needle case plus need to do a sort of roll for DH back

Crafts & This & That

2010-06-14T13:41:00.000+01:00

I finished a pair of socks using from the last lot of yarn I got I posted a photo on 4th June about the yarn
I have also done a cloth & a back scrubber using Sugar N Creme cotton
I not been as busy on crafts of late as I have been spending more time on Genealogy (see my other blog) so have't got as much done as I would like I am hoping to start on another single quilt plus I am waiting on some pre-cut triangles I bought off Ebay I bought 4 packs each pack contains 80 that 2 of each fabric which is in a Civil War Repo with the 4 packs thought I would turn them in to Pinwheel blocks for a quilt
I know that some have received there EQ7 already but that those in the USA here they saying July well that okay don't pay until it ready to send.
Apart from having a shock with my Sky (Satellite Channels) account they sent a bill for way more than they should nearly £113 well I phoned them as I had been told I could have it on a special offer for 6 months well after sorting it out I have to pay this month £46.10 that because I have to also pay in advance but they had over charged last month as well but from next bill it only be £23.25 plus I have the offer now for 12 months so we have cricket for the Ashes end of the year in to next plus we have the movies not that I am too bothered if we never had them but as a few months ago I was paying £23 for just the entertainment ones no sports or movies & I took some of the channels off so I think I have a good deal lol

On-Point Quilt

2010-06-08T15:41:00.000+01:00

Here is my On-Point Quilt that I had been working, I used homespum fabrics plus some Thimbleberries.
This is a single quilt I am rather pleased with it the way it has come out.
The two photos are one with it laid on the floor the other is my friend holding it up

New Blog & Knitting Yarn

2010-06-04T11:23:00.000+01:00

First I like to tell you I have created a new blog I decided to have one for my Family History so if that is what you are interested in then you can click on the link on the side bar, I only just done a welcome post today but do check back after today to see what is new.

Well I got the sock yarn I had won on ebay this was from a seller I get my yarn from in Germany I really did get a bargain as it was just a auction lot & not a buy now lot.

I have 8 balls of of a 100 grms each the range is called Spot-Colour & is a 4 ply yarn 75% Virgin Wool Superwash & 25% polyamide, I have a lot of the Online yarn just in different ranges & colours

I do really like the colours of course some much more than others funny how I tend to lean towards the browns, greys, blues more than the Pinks

I have taken time out to do some reading mostly Mills & Boon books as they are what I call easy reading & have finished 7 books I got from the library last week & have now taken them back but not got anymore out as I need to sew the binding on my quilt plus I will get on to some knitting some cloths & socks well I have to start to use my sock stash up & I have now with this lot got at least 3 different ranges that I haven't knitted one range is a 6 ply so should be interesting to see how it does.

DH's Vee-Neck Top

2010-06-02T09:01:00.000+01:00

This is the Vee-Neck sweater I done for DH I used a sleeveless pattern for it & then when it said pick up stitches for rib around armholes I cast on that & then changed to stocking stitch & did the short sleeve

Well this wasn't such a great idea as the short sleeves came out way too big so what I did was sewn the excess then cut the sleeve so it was a cut & sew sleeve I use to use this method on necks when I machine Knitted but haven't done anything like that for at least 10 years

The sweater is just to keep DH shoulders warm not for going out in as he does have other sweaters but needed this for when he indoors or working about outside

All in all it hasn't turned out too bad I am pleased with the Vee part & with DH not being a small man I knew he needed room around the arms otherwise he do nothing but moan lol

I taken the photo by putting it on a dressmaker's dummy well best way of doing it lol it a nicer green than the photo really shows.

I am glad that I have finished it as now I can get back to smaller items of knitting, but before that I am taking a bit of time to do some reading as I am giving the hands a rest before I have to start sewing the binding on the quilt.

Angel for June

2010-06-01T09:29:00.000+01:00

Today not only is it the 1st of the month it also my DH's birthday so Happy Birthday to him.

Here is your Angel of the month

Angel Of June

~Angel of June

Precious in sky
Sending a promise of

Love from on high

Bringing to earth

Warmth from above

Showing how easy

To learn how to love

Sitting in silence

Watching in blue

Seeing all beauty

In summer's sweet hues

Breath from the sky

Sweet as the mist

With every dew drop

A heart never missed

Love in the air

Hearts in her care

Tenderly watching to

Guard all down here

Angel of June

Sends special tune

Winds in the mist

Harmonious bliss

Summer is scented

From angel's sweet kiss.~

Family History & Crafts

2010-05-26T18:32:00.001+01:00

I have pinned the quilt for the on-point homespun & I am still working on DH short sleeved top.

I have been also doing some research on my family history & I have my Gt Gt Grandparents buried in this beautiful church the church is Holy Innocents Church Great Barton Suffolk they are James & Harriet Barnes nee Turner their son Jesse Frederick Barns is also buried there below is a family history report My line is James & Hannah Barnes who are my Gt Grandparents & it their daughter Julia born 1890 who is my grandmother.

Above Holy Inncent Church Great Barton Suffolk

Below the Headstone of Gt Gt Grandparents Jame & Harriet Barnes & one of their sons Jesse Frederick Barnes

1. James Barnes. Born on 2 May 1836 in Market Weston, Suffolk. James was baptized in Market Weston Suffolk on 4 May 1836. James died in Great Barton Suffolk on 29 Jan 1902, he was 65. Buried in cent Church Great Barton Suffolk. Occupation: Shoemaker (1859) Gamekeeper 1861 onwards

On 23 May 1859 when James was 23, he married Harriet Turner, daughter of William Turner (abt 1807-4 Qrt 1860) & Maria Macro (9 Sep 1809-2 Qrt 1875), in St James Church Bury St Edmunds Sfk. Born on 6 Jul 1834 in Denham, Suffolk. Harriet was baptized in Denham, Suffolk on 7 Sep 1834. Harriet died in Great Barton Suffolk on 19 Oct 1922, she was 88. Buried in Holy Innocent Church Great Barton Suffolk.

JF Barnes Son, of Great Barton was the informant of Harriet's death he was present at death

Census: 1911: Brocklyn Cottages Great Barton Near Bury St Eds - 4 rooms

BARNES, Harriet Head Widow F 76 1835 Old Age Pensioner Denham Suffolk

was married 52 years - had 10 children - 8 living

They had the following children:

2 i. James (1859-1928)

3 ii. William (1861-)

iii. Ada Rebecca. Born in Jun Qrt 1866 in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Ada Rebecca died in Bury St Edmunds Suffolk on 17 Aug 1936, she was 70. Buried in 1936 in Holy Inocent Great Barton Suffolk.

Census: 1891 census, Cook at 39 Queen Anne St Cavendish Sq Marylebone Lnd

1901 census, wife at Meadow Lane Thurston Sfk

Spelling of middle name can be Rebeccah

On 24 Oct 1896 when Ada Rebecca was 30, she married Harry Game, son of Thomas Game (abt 1839-) & Lucy Rogers (Jun Qrt 1838-), in Parish Church Great Barton Suffolk. Born in Jun Qrt 1864 in Thurston Suffolk. Harry died in Suffolk on 28 Feb 1924, he was 59.4 Buried on 4 Mar 1924 in Holy Inocent Great Barton Suffolk.4

Census: 1901 census Groom on farm, lived at Meadow Lane Thurston Sfk

24 October 1896 by Banns Parish Church Gt Barton

Ada Rebecca BARNES age 30 Spinster Resident Gt Barton Father James BARNES Labourer

to

Harry GAME Age 34 Bachelor Labourer Residence Thurston Father Thomas GAME Labourer

Witnesses James PARNELL & A. GAME

4 iv. Charles (~1868-1959)

v. Henry John. Born abt 1870 in Horringer, Suffolk.

On the 1871 census it gives a year old child as Harry on later census it gives Henry

vi. Mary. Born abt 1873 in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. At the age of 2, Mary was baptized in Holy Inocent Great Barton Suffolk on 31 Oct 1875.

vii. Jesse Frederick. Jesse Frederick was baptized in Holy Inocent Great Barton Suffolk on 31 Oct 1875. Born in Dec qrt 1875 in Barton, Suffolk. Jesse Frederick died in Brooklyn Cottage Great Barton on 10 Jan 1961, he was 85. Buried in Holy Innocent Great Barton Suffolk. Occupation: Roadman.

Jesse was the informant on his mother's death in 1922 he down as living in Great Barton

DG Barnes widow was present & the Informant of death

Occupation Retired Roadman

He is buried with his parents at Holy Innocent Church

Census: 1881 at home with parents

1891 at home with parents

Medical: Cause of death 1a Congestive heart failure, Auricular Fibrillation, Arteriosclerosos
Senility
In Dec Qrt 1936 when Jesse Frederick was 61, he married Doris Gertrude Gillings, daughter of George Gillings (abt 1858-) & Fanny Matilda (abt 1862-), in Bury St Edmund. Born on 31 Aug 1896 in Sudbury Suffolk. Doris Gertrude died in Blyth Suffolk in Jun Qrt 1978, she was 81.

On death reg. gives birth as 31st August 1896 in district of Sudbury Suffolk 4A 773

Death Jun Qrt 1978 didtrict Blyth 10 2052

Marriage Dec Qrt 1936 district Bury ST Edmunds 4a 2535

viii. Amelia Ann. Born in Dec Qrt 1877 in Barton, Suffolk.

Census: 1901 Census Amelia was a laundry maid in the household of the Bishop of Lichfield Augustus Legge

On 16 Apr 1910 when Amelia Ann was 32, she married William John Henry Deacon, son of William Deacon (abt 1852-) & Catherine Gibson (abt 1852-), in Parish Church Great Barton Suffolk. Born in 3 Qrt 1877 in Winslow Buckingham.

On Marriage both give St Edmunds Hill as residence
Witnesses Robert Hunt & Sarah Turner
Second Generation

*********
2. James Barnes. Born on 16 Nov 1859 in Bradfield St George, Suffolk. James was baptized in Bradfield St George, Suffolk on 1 Apr 1860. James died in 46 Marsden Street St Pancras Lnd on 17 Apr 1928, he was 68. Occupation: Horsekeeper/Cab Driver/Cab Proprietor Horsekeeper.

Census: 1881: 6 Mayne Water Lane, Bury St Edmunds St Mary, Suffolk

On 10 Aug 1884 when James was 24, he married Hannah Pettit, daughter of John Pettit (1821-11 May 1889) & Julia Jane Stigwood (abt Oct 1825-4 Feb 1903), in Parish St George, Bloomsbury, Middlesex. Born on 2 May 1857 in Upend Cheveley, Cambridgeshire. At the age of 13, Hannah was baptized in Kirtling, Cambridge on 26 Jun 1870. Hannah died in 4 Kings Road Pancras London on 24 Feb 1928, she was 70.

Also used the surname of Poulter

Lived at 46 Marsden Street St Pancras

Census: on 1901 census with family but Emma is the name on census living at 28a South Crescent Mews St Pancras London

They had the following children:

i. Elizabeth (Step) (1879-)

ii. Annie (~1885-)

iii. Alice (~1888-1939)

iv. Ada (~1888-)

v. Julia (1890-1963)

vi. James (~1893-)

vii. John1 (1896-)

Both give their residence as 10 Kenton Street

Witnesses Harry Sale & Alice Sale

3. William Barnes. Born in 1 Qrt 1861 in Nowton Suffolk. Occupation: Traveller Leather Trade.

Nowton in Reg district Thingo Sfk

Traveller Leather Trade as given on 1881 census RG11 0242/ 4/ 1

1 & 2 Wellington Street Lnd Midd.

On 30 Dec 1884 when William was 23, he married Eliza Pollintine, daughter of Charles Pollintine (abt 1822-Sep Qrt 1903) & Sarah Mumford (abt 1824-), in Parish Church Great Barton Suffolk. Born on 17 Oct 1861 in Great Barton Suffolk.

They had the following children:

i. William (~1886-)

ii. Charles (~1888-)

William gives residence St Pancras London & Eliza Great Barton

Witnesses Walter Pollintine & Emma Pollintine

4. Charles Barnes. Born abt 1868 in Horringer, Suffolk. Charles died in Harrow Middlesex in 4 qrt 1959, he was 91. Occupation: Warehouse Man.

On 24 Dec 1897 when Charles was 29, he married Emma Crabb, daughter of Simon Crabb (1qrt 1845-) & Tryphena Cook/Cock (abt 1846-), in Parish Church Marylebone Lnd. Born in 2qrt 1867 in St Austell, Cornwall. Occupation: 1891 Servant.6

They had one child:

i. Mildred Harriet (1899-1993)

Charles was at 10 Balcombe St & Emma 102 Gloucester Pl
Witnesses were E Murkin & J Barnes

Above Charles Barnes son of James & Harriet Barnes nee Turner
Below is his daughter Mildred Barnes on her wedding day 1924

On-Point Homespun Top

2010-05-17T14:24:00.000+01:00

I got the on-point top partly done still needs borders but this is my first attempt at a On-Point layout, it funny don't matter how much you try to smooth it out it never looks right once the photo has been taken lol

Anyway i have to do borders not fully sure what i will use yet as i know i don't have lenths of homespun so may use some Thimbleberry will see what will go with it.

The blocks there is 12 blocks using 6 different fabrics in the Homespun but the same background in all then the large squares I used 6 different ones, most of the fabrics are from FQs the only yardage i used so far is the backgroun for the blocks & the triangles around the edging which is another homespun fabric.

This will be a single quilt when finished & I will be doing another one the same but using Civil War fabric for the blocks & squares with some Thimbleberry for the background of the blocks will figure the rest out when I get that far lol.

EQ7 Is Arriving

2010-05-11T11:07:00.000+01:00

EQ7 is due out & the company do have a offer on if you pre-order by 31st of May well being in the UK we have extra postage to pay but for those who would like to still get it I have pre-ordered a upgrade from RioDesigns you can either order a upgrade if you have EQ6 or if not a full version both at discount prices if you pre-order by 31st May & this is a UK based company

My DH has agreed to give me money for my birthday in July so I can put this towards the cost of it so I shouldn't have much if anything to pay not sure how much he will give me yet will have to wait & see lol

On a different note I have to see the ENT specialist about a sort of lump in my throat that is going to be early June I am still waiting on the results of the MRI scan well report not even been done so the specialist there hasn't seen it so don't know when I will get to see him

I have got some double Knitting Yarn & have started a top for DH this is going to be a little like a sleeveless top but will have short sleeves this is so it will keep his back & shoulders down his arm warm as he in a lot of pain with it so hope that this will help.

I have also started doing bits for blocks which will be for a single quilt, I have to do triangles & for the life of me I can't remember the best way to do them I have the squares cut & drawn the lines from corner to corner but that where I am not sure so what I have done is sewn either side of one of the lines then I will cut them & then cut again & put the triangles back to a square I know I am doing this the long winded way but at least I am doing it lol funny how your mind just can't see it or as they say you can't see the wood for the trees lol

For My Mum's Birthday

2010-05-06T08:10:00.000+01:00

Today would have been my mum's 99th birthday she passed away 18 months ago & I miss her much more than I thought I would, when my dad passed in 1988 I of course missed him but I think that as mum was still here now Mum has gone as well I guess that it hit home more
The first photo is of my mum when she was 93 the 2nd photo is when she was about 40 she was with my dad at the Char Ladies Ball the 3rd was Christmas 1976 she would have been 65 she with my dad & my eldest 2 children you can see on the sidebar another photo of my mum with me that was taken in Scotland & she was in her late 80s then
So all that is left for me to say is HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM

May's Angel

2010-05-01T13:42:00.000+01:00

Here is your angel for May I hope that she will put a spring in your step & may you be filled with Happiness as she guards over you through out the month on May

Angel Of May

~The angel of all motherhood

She kisses child each night

Wraps a child in special wings

Holds all children tight

She is a perfect answer to

A Mother's special prayer

Forever she is constantly

Hovering somewhere

A treasured gift this angel is

She'll always do her part

Protect each gift that you receive

That lives inside your heart

A gift from God He sent her here

To hold your child so close

The precious gift a child to love

A most angelic host

So say a prayer to her each night

Forever she'll be near

A Guardian to every child

Each one her heart will wear~

Sock & Other Things

2010-04-29T12:18:00.000+01:00

I have finished the 4 pairs of socks that are for my DBIL he asked me to do he paid for the yarn which is 4 ply Regia sock yarn he went for Green so all 4 pairs are green just different shades the darkest one is the only pair my DH said he be seen dead in certainly not his colour lol
I haven't been feeling great lately mostly pains in my leg I am still waiting on the results of the MRI scan I had on my leg which has a lump on it but funny enough it not that what is giving me trouble the pain in that leg is higher up near the knee & just over a bit where the lump is near to the ankle but on the shin.
But I am also getting a lot of sort of cramp pain it now not just at night it can be in the foot or the leg & it feels a bit like you tearing the muscle at times but even when I don't have the cramping part the leg still hurting a lot so difficult to walk & this is mostly on the other leg to the lump.
Then just as I don't like doing things by halves I went for my yearly check-up because of my heart they do weight, blood pressure ect well I am on tablets for my BP & guess what yesterday it was low 80/60 so the practice nurse has said to come back in a week to see the treatment nurse & get it done again but also to leave the water tablets I take out as that could be making the bp drop too low
I wasn't feeling right yesterday anyway so I guess it was the BP also I am not sleeping very well that said had a better night last night took a couple of pain-killers but I have to be careful as sometimes even over the counter ones can upset my stomach so that why I don't take them much.
I did last week go to the library & got some large print Mills & Boon books plus Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber & another book, I have read the Summer on Blossom Street which was good easy light reading also 2 of the M&B ones I did order a book it is Lark Rise to Candleford trilogy this is by Flora Thompson she is Laura Timmis this has been made in to a series by the BBC they done 3 so far the first series had Dawn French in I really enjoy it set in Victorian times & is about a hamlet which is Lark Rise where the poor folk live & Candleford where the better off live & Laura Timmis at the start of the series go to work & live at the post office in Candleford so it will be interesting to read how she wrote the book & not just how they made it in to the drama that on TV.
I have started to cut some fabric for the blocks of my next quilt but DH has been saying give it a rest so that is partly what I will be doing resting & carrying on reading.
I sent my Silver machine for a service, well I knew it would possible need a new bulb but somehow I made a hole in the actual bobbin case so that as well had to be replaced neather came under the warrant so had to pay out for that which wasn't cheap well machine came back & the cover which covers the bulb was broken it where you screw it to it anyway got on to them & had a replacement sent at their cost of course so that arrived this morning.
Yesterday I got some flannel arrive that I had ordered which worked out at a very good price they was selling either pink or blue you got 2 x 2.5mts of a 90 inch wide piece of flannel so I ordered some of each then my friend has has 1 piece blue & 1 piece pink well I ordered this before the cost of the machine lol & it worked out if I order 1 pack or more same postage so ordered a few so I now have enough flannel for backing to keep me going for a good while if I want flannel on the quilt which if it for me I will be doing.
I am still waiting on some packages from the USA 1 ordered at the beginning of April not sure if the Volcano & the distruption to flights has caused the delay just hope they arrive soon.
This week-end is a Holiday week-end here in the UK as Monday is a holiday it the May Day bank holiday which is the 1st Monday in May weatherman says not going to be very good weatherwise but what new well you all have a good week-end especially if it is a holiday week-end for you also.

Quilting Talk

2010-04-21T14:07:00.000+01:00

It been a while since my last post, not done too much had to redo the computer again but it does seem to be more or less okay fingers crossed there is one program that won't load hope to rectify that soon with a upgraded version of it when it arrives.
Been knitting am on the last of 4 pairs of socks that I am doing for DBIL he paid for the yarn & I am knitting them hope to share a photo when I finish this pair of all of them.
I been planning some quilts I been doing them on the EQ6 also I have heard that there will be a EQ7 coming out no news about it until next month hope then will know more about what it is & the differences not that I am planning to get it but it nice to know what is going on
That said I did get a set of 3 classic applique discs to go along with the EQ they are 1920s & 1930s blocks, Batimore album & Folk Art blocks
I am hoping to start a single quilt using mostly homespun fabric may also use some Thimbleberries or Moda with it but will see how I go when I pull all the fabric out for it.

I also have while playing on the EQ designed a Queen Size On Point quilt which I am hoping to do using 1930s fabric I design it as you will see from the image below I will have some plain squares these I planned using the 10 inch layer cake fabric I got so no cutting there then lol the blocks will be bear's paw the colouring may not be just like the image it was me messing around also you see one not coloured I left that so it would when getting yardage give me what they say for one block.
I am hoping to do 2 of each fabric for the blocks & using the same background fabric for all then it will tie in more.
Not sure when this one will be started yet, & my machine is off for a service on Friday so won't have it back until next week I can still use my other machine for blocks for the single quilt if I get the fabric cut so it be a case of watch this space

Computer & Finished the Quilt

2010-04-13T12:01:00.000+01:00

What a nightmare my computer has become I have had to reformat it yet again this time at least it seems to be smoother still having trouble my office 2000 won't load I only want Word for so I can have a spell check on my outlook express e-mails I have Works on the computer yet both being microsoft you think they would allow the spell checker to be either one but no so am not happy.

That said I finished the quilt, well I still need to do the label on the back it not quite big enough well I say generous enough for the twin single beds as they are fixed togetheri was restricted to the size as I used a really beautiful flannel on the back but it was only 45 inches wide so cut it in to two & joined it together.

But I really could have done with a extra half a yard or so on the whole thing so when doing it this could have been another 10 inches or there abouts but it okay I used a 100% cotton wadding DH can't take the weight of quilts & he didn't think I would be warm enough with this but it wasn't too bad last night had a rough night because was getting very bad cramp in my leg this is not the leg I had my MRI scan on yesterday (waiting for results now) but the other one & it was more the foot but it kept me from sleeping with the way it was.

Anyway here is the photos of the quilt I call it Sunbonnet Sue as every other one is a SS block I did buy these ready made so only had to put them on to the background fabric, then I picked 3 different blocks each different block was done in bright colours my DH said he never be able to sleep with this as it too bright it would keep him awake lol actually he said this morning as long as he don't have to wear such bright colours he has no problem with me using it in the home so may be more will be forthcoming lol

I haven't quilted it as much as I would have liked I found that the size has stopped me so I done stitch in the ditch that is the biggest problem I think with doing large quilts at home so am thinking of doing 2 singles next time this may land up on the back bedroom bed as that just a normal double size bed so this would fit nicely on there but will have to wait for the replacement quilts lol

What I been up To

2010-04-05T14:20:00.000+01:00

First I hope everyone had a Happy Blessed Easter.
Today had a nice surprise my eldest son & his two sons turned up for a visit which was nice the grandsons are nearly 9 & 2 the 2 year old was full of it a right little tear-away lol
Well I have managed to finish the top to my quilt I had hope to take a photo of it on the bed but it don't look right as I can't get it all in so will wait until I finish it so sorry no photos yet.
All my books I ordered have now arrived the last one being Egg Money Quilt while it wasn't cheap it still worth the money & look forward to doing some projects from there.
I managed to finish 1 pair of the 4 pairs of socks I am knitting for DBIL & should have the 2nd pair finished in the next day or so.
Weather has not been great here we had it rain every day it may start out dry & not too bad but by afternoon it comes over dull & then rains also the wind makes it feel really cold not spring like at all.
I hope that everyone is being creative & doing well with what ever projects they are working on.

A Angel for April

2010-04-01T17:55:00.000+01:00

Here is your Angel for April this month is a very special month with it Being Easter so I wish you all a very Blessed Easter & throughout the month of April May you know the true meaning of Love & Blessings

Angel Of April

~Precious beauty April brings

With gentle touch of hand

The beauty of the earth we see

In heaven's guarded land

Where she tends the flowers

With gentlest of care

This angel of the April rains

Brings flowers always near

Smell the fragrance in the air

Let her touch your heart

Once she gives you precious gift

Her beauty never parts

Rays of light are breaking through

To show the gifts so rare

Where velvet is the precious gift

The flowers crown her hair

She waits to send these treasures

From earth they soon will spring

A flower of the treasures

That the April angel brings

With so much love and gentleness

Her hands will give repair

To soothe your soul in rapture sent

Her love is everywhere~

Mini Runner

2010-03-27T11:45:00.000Z

Well it certainly been a week, I did the mini runner if you look at earlier post you see that I did the one strip which was done at quilting group but at home I have made this larger & the photo is of it finished.
I have received 2 of the 3 books I ordered plus some more 1930s style fabric also some new applique CD which is for the EQ program I haven't as yet loaded them on.
Reason I haven't loaded them is that I have major problems with computer & a virus so have had to work on it & am still loading programs back on I know that one program won't load but this is not my Quilting program but Office 2000 I have Works but office has word & I need that to be on for a spell checker on Outlook Express strange that both are microsoft yet OE needs word yet it don't come up with it they use works
Well I guess I better get back to loading programs on computer

What a Lovely Package

2010-03-24T15:19:00.000Z

I was in a table runner swap with one of the groups I am on, well I sent mine off last month & the lady had sent me mine well I am blown away as of course I was expecting a table runner but no I got 2 beautiful ones as you can see plus a beautiful log cabin cushion cover I love log cabin & I got not just the cushion cover in log cabin but a runner as well.
The other runner is beautiful as well & the quilting on all is beautiful puts what I sent to shame .