Lavender Sachet

Hi all, thanks for the lovely comments on my rocky road - I'm sorry to report it's long gone now.  (And it was goooood!)

This week I spotted something that I just had to make.  It jumped the queue of crafty projects floating around my head and scribbled into notepads.  It's small, it's simple, but it called to me.

Just a little lavender sachet, made of linen and decorated with felt.

I've seen so many lovely projects using neutral linens teamed with colourful fabrics and patterns.  I love the contrast.  Ages ago I tried to get my hands on some linen, but my local shop didn't have any.  (Why?!)  I was wary of buying online in case the colour looked different off the computer screen.

So, time ticked on until the other week when the Lumberjack was going through boxes of old clothes in preparation for our holiday.  (Our unpacking into this house has been a slow process!)  What materialised but an old pair of linen trousers!  He put them on, we had a good laugh, then they made their way into my craft room - yay!

On Thursday (I think) I spotted this on Pinterest.  The linen trousers got shoved in the wash, and yesterday I got to work!

The tricky part was picking colours from my felt stash!  I had a delve in my felt-scraps basket too - it's a great project for scraps.

Look at me, sneaking in a craft room peak.  Oh, how I toy with you!  Eventually I'll have the room in order, and will be able to show you more.  (Some of the contents of that shelf may now be scattered on the floor... maybe...)

I ended up keeping fairly close to the colours used in the tutorial - if it ain't broke, don't fix it!  Thanks to Checkout Girl for a great idea!

I am really pleased with it - in a completely disproportional manner.  Seriously, I love it.  I carry it around with me, stroking and gazing adoringly at it.

(The red and teal middles are different colours - one is pale green, the other beige - but they look almost the same in these photos.)

One last thing... you may have noticed I've changed my header!  I thought it was time for a new look.  What do you think?  I hope you like it!  There are also links in the sidebar to my Pinterest profile - come follow me - and my Facebook page.  I haven't done much in Facebook for a long time, so it may not be worth visiting - but I may change that, we'll see...  (How persuasive!)

Rocky Road

I felt like a naughty chocolatey treat and making some rocky road seemed like the perfect solution.

I had to work fast, as the sun was beating down on that chocolate!  (If I'd taken more time I would have probably cleaned up the chocolate smears on the plate - but I didn't notice them at the time - I'll never make a professional photographer!)

The recipe was from a book my dear friend Anna gave me as a house-warming present...

Peggy Porschen's Boutique Baking, recipe "Chocolate Crunch Cake with Marshmallows and Pistachios".  "Rocky Road" was a snappier post name, though!  Also, I skipped the pistachios and the hazelnuts that the recipe called for.  I popped to the local shop to get the bits I needed, and I'd have had to remortgage the house to afford the nuts at those prices!!  I'm not that keen on nuts, so I'm happy anyway.

I made it last night, and the Lumberjack and I had a piece each in bed this morning with a cup of tea - how decadent!!  That's my kind of breakfast!

I hope you're all enjoying the beautiful weather!

Holidaying

Hello!  The Lumberjack and I are currently enjoying two weeks off work.  We spent a lovely week in Turkey - the Oludeniz area - and are now pottering around at home.

We didn't do any shopping during our week away, so just picked up some Turkish Delight at the airport before we went home - you can't go to Turkey and not bring back some Turkish Delight!  It's difficult to tell the scale of this photo, but those squares are tiny - maybe 1cm cubes.  Very tasty.

We had an amazing day trip canoeing through Patara National Park - so very beautiful.  Here we are, safely sun-hatted up!

I won't bore you with any more of our holiday photos... other than to show you this amazing riot of colour...

We think it's bougainvillea, although haven't seen it in yellow before.  I love the colours!  I'm thinking I must use this as inspiration for blanket colours (Lumberjack: "Ha!  So we're having another blanket are we?!")  The blanket making desire is never fully sated it seems.  Better finish the stripy one first, though...

And back home it was exciting to see that some flowers had sprung up in the meadow bed we created this year.  ("We" = the Lumberjack)  A particular favourite is this gorgeous vibrant little flower - some internet searching revealed that it's a Scarlet Flax.  The petals are so rich in colour, I tried to capture the depth but it was tricky.

We've been pottering about trying to get things tidied and organised.  This has included some happy time filling and labelling jars in the kitchen - I know how to have fun!

My nana has been collecting up Douwe Egbert coffee jars for me - they are so useful.  I used pretty washi tape to label them up.

Ridiculous how much I enjoyed doing that.  I keep opening the kitchen cupboard to look at them sitting there all tidy and organised!

Thanks for the lovely comments on my crochet bracelet in my last post, they are much appreciated.  I think I'll have a little sit in the garden in the sunshine now.  Oh, these happy days (please don't make me go back to work on Monday!!!!!!).

Crochet Bracelet

Good day!  Thanks for the lovely comments on the crochet baby blankets in my last post!

I needed a quick crafting fix this weekend, something I actually stood a chance of finishing... so I had a go at a pretty idea I'd pinned ages ago (40 weeks ago according to Pinterest).

I found the idea and pattern here - thanks to Claire at Haken en Meer!  I think I just about followed the instructions, using Google Translate - it seems to have worked.  I created a loop with the button on, instead of sewing it straight to the band.  Nothing to do with the fact I made the band too short... of course not... ahem...

I love it, and it's so comfortable to wear!  Sometimes normal bracelets get on my nerves, clinking and clunking against everything - especially on the desk at work.  This is all soft and you don't notice you're wearing it.  The colours are so cheerful and spring-like too!

I used King Cole Bamboo Cotton for the pink and mint colours.  The yellow is some left over King Cole Smooth from my Mum.

I'm very pleased I actually got round to making something I'd pinned, a rare occurrence!

I've been trying to get everything organised in the craft room, but it's slow going.  I'm not trying very hard to be honest, I'm a lazy so-and-so.  I look at all the mess and think "why have I got all this?!"  I have decided that I will not buy any more crafting supplies unless they are for a specific project that I am just about to embark on (not one I might do one day).  No more, "oooh that fabric is pretty, I must have it!"; no more "well, it's such a bargain, I'm sure it will come in use one day!"  My first port of call will be my current supplies - if I can use what I've got, then I will.  The exceptions will probably be when I finally embark on my clothes sewing activities, when I expect I'll have to go out and buy most of the bits I'll need for an item.  If I haven't got the right fabric already, I don't want to make do, as I'll end up not wearing what I make.  I want to ensure I make clothes that will actually be worn!

Before I go, I will show you the only bit of the craft room I've sorted... a ribbon and washi tape drawer!

I'm quite excited by it.  I called the Lumberjack enthusiastically, "Come here!  Come and see what I've done!!"  His response from the doorway: "What?  Put some stuff in a drawer?"

Well!

Crochet Baby Blankets

Hello!  Well, life is passing in a bit of a blur lately, and I'm not achieving much.  Everything feels very disorganised and chaotic - hopefully I'll get back on top of things soon!

But... I have managed to do the mindless (and very boring) task of sewing some ends in so that I can finally show you this blanket...

I first showed you the colourful granny squares here.  I finished this last September, apart from those pesky ends!  It's taken me all this time to get round to sewing them in, but at least I feel like I've got something done at last.

I gave all the squares a double border of white and joined as I went.  To do the final border around the lot, I used Bunny Mummy's tutorial to give a flat border for granny squares.  (Thanks Jacquie!)

And I finished off with another one of her tutorials for the double-v edging.  It was just what I wanted - simple but enough to finish it off nicely.

I always struggle to get a decent picture when I try to smooth a blanket out on the floor, but this shows it as a whole.  It's not a big blanket - good for a cot probably.  It hasn't got a use as yet, but maybe one day if I am lucky enough to spawn some young, then they can be snuggled in it!

This is the third baby/mini blanket I've made.  The first one was in my early crochet days.  I wanted to try a blanket, and a small one seemed more manageable!  (I actually didn't finish it until after my second blanket - but it was started first).  Post here.

The second blanket had a proper purpose - it was made for my gorgeous nephew, while my sister-in-law was pregnant with him.  That one had a lot of love go into it, and is my favourite!  It is the biggest - I made it a good size to last him a long time.

You can see the post here.  I used this pattern.

That's all from me today... I hope you're all having a lovely bank holiday weekend!  Over and out.

Blogtacular!

It's time to let you know about my Blogtacular weekend!  Alex of Hydrangea Girl contacted me back in March to tell me about the first Blogtacular event, due to be held in London on 9th and 10th May.  We had been following and commenting on each other's blogs for years, but had never actually met.  Well, in a crazed moment of what-the-hell,let's-do-it-ness, we booked our tickets and agreed to share a fancy London hotel room together!

My friends at work were somewhat shocked by this, and spent the days leading up to the event coming up with the various methods in which I was likely to be murdered over the course of the weekend.  "She's not a murderer, she's a blogger!" did not hold much sway!

We got on as well as I thought we would, and Alex managed to refrain from killing me - always a bonus!  (And luckily for her, I turned out not to be a murderer either, so we both lived to tell the tale!)  She is so lovely and such a good laugh - I'm really glad that we decided to have our Blogtacular adventure together, she helped to make it such a great weekend!

Here we are in a toilet-selfie which I have stolen from Alex!

And here is the lovely hotel room we shared...

We got a complementary upgrade, which is something that never happens to me!  It was all very fancypants!

Blogtacular had a photographer called Will Ireland from Mollie Makes taking pictures of the event... and here's one he took of us queuing up.  We were fourth and fifth in line!  I'm the blonde in the pink top and brown boots...

I look like I'm posing (well, we had spotted the camera man and I was trying not to be caught with a gormless look on my face...!)

When the suspense had mounted, and we were let in... we were greeted with goodie bags!!

(That's another picture by Will, thanks to Mollie Makes.)  I picked the tree print, in homage to my Lumberjack!

This is most of what was inside, a picture I took when back home:

There was ribbon, washi tape, planner pages, really funky looking handcream, and other bits and bobs.  It was an excellent goodie bag!!

But, back to Blogtacular itself!  There were two amazing key note speakers - Joy Cho to kick off the event and Natalie Lue to close it.  They were both very inspiring!  I especially took a lot from what Natalie said about not comparing yourself to others and doing what is right for you.  I had a bit of a habit during the event, whenever anyone asked what my blog was, of 1) being embarrassed to say its name (I've been thinking of changing it for a while) and 2) saying how crap it was, and hardly worth visiting!!  I guess it's easy to compare to other amazing blogs, but it's unfair to ourselves to do that.

We heard from Anne Ditmeyer who talked about valuing the work you do, and not doing creative work for free.

Isa Seminega spoke on blog design - guess what I took from that one?  Show your face!  Hence the photo of me which has appeared on my blog!

Alex and I attended Ellie Tennant's 'Hands On Styling' session and worked together to style a set-up from a huge array of props, that we photographed from above.  Here's my shot...

I also attended Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire's session on Branding, which was very interesting.

All the sessions were great... but one of the highlights of the weekend for me was meeting Tilly Walnes of Tilly and the Buttons!  I love The Great British Sewing Bee, and she was one of the contestants from the first year.  Her book 'Love at First Stitch' has just come out and she did a fantastic talk (along with Vicky Orchard from her publishing company) on going from blog to book, and was also a lovely person.  She was one of the first people Alex and I spoke to when we went into the Venue on the Friday evening, and I was a little nervous at that point (and star-struck!)  Hopefully I became a little more normal in time... apart from the moment when we bumped into Tilly in the toilet and I called enthusiastically after her that I was going to buy her book and could she sign it, as the poor woman was heading towards a cubicle, just wanting a moment of peace and privacy!

They had the book for sale there, and I did indeed buy it, and Tilly did kindly sign it... here we are, me clutching the book!

I look somewhat demonic in this shot - I'd blame the light, but Tilly looks normal - no wonder she called for security.  (She didn't really! ...

.....that I know of.)

I just can't wait to get started on making something from the book.  Some of you may remember in my goals for this year that I want to make an item of clothing that I'll actually wear in public.  After my previous dalliances with sewing clothes, this will hopefully be just the thing to get me back on the path towards achieving my goal!  You know that I will keep you updated!

Then on the Sunday morning, Alex had arranged for us to meet up with Laura from Bugs and Fishes.  We went for an explore around Covent Garden and had a good old chat about crafting and the blogging world!  Then we headed home thoroughly exhausted!

And what did I find sneaked away in my bag when I got home...?

A sweet gift of a candle from Alex!  It had a note on it, stuck on with washi tape from our Blogtacular gift bags, no less!  I was so surprised and touched.  See, what did I say?  Such a nice girl!  (My photos of it are terrible - did I learn nothing this weekend???!!!  Give me a break, I've been ill since I got back!  I dragged myself to work on Monday but have been off since then, suffering and moaning.  I will try to do better with my pictures in future!)

I think that's it - I'm going to have to stop at some point.  Apologies if this has been the incoherent ramblings of a sick mind!

Next time I hope to have pictures of the craft room progress... oooohh!

PS - Check out Alex's post on Blogtacular here.  She's gives more detail on some of the talks.

A Giveaway Win!

Well, what a lot has been going on!  I've just had a long weekend up in London for a blogging event - very exciting stuff!  (Quite surreal that it happened actually!)

I'm now actually feeling pretty rough with a sore throat and emerging cough - it must have been all too much excitement for my poor body to cope with!  With that in mind, I will wait until I'm feeling a bit better and can process my thoughts to tell you all about it...

However, I wanted to make sure that I gave a proper thanks to Susan from Mary Jane's Tearoom.  She is such a lovely lady, with a beautiful blog (check it out!) and I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of her giveaway.

Look at the lovely wrapping with tissue paper and ribbon!  I'm afraid the light wasn't the best when I took these photos, sorry... (I recommend you check out this post to see these beauties in their full glory - my photos really do not do them justice)

There was some Cath Kidston wrapping paper and tags, fabric covered buttons, notebook, and little card.  And some Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino yarn.

I have already made use of the notebook, as I took it to the blogging event!

I can't wait to put those beautiful buttons to use!  And I'm trying to think of a project worthy of that lovely soft yarn!

Thanks again Susan for your generosity - I'm so grateful to have won!

As soon as I'm feeling more with it, I will be sure to tell you all about my adventure at the weekend... watch this space!

Washi Tape Bottle Vase

Thanks for all the great comments recently - I always enjoy reading them!

Here is a very quick and easy bit of crafting...

I wrapped stripes of washi tape around an empty (washed) Mrs Ball's chutney bottle.

To make a little vase...

Nothing more to say on it really... simple and speedy!

In other news, we have been decorating the craft room... so I hope to be able to show some photos of that soon!

Mandala Madness!

Finally... I have finished my mandala!

It took me a lot longer than it should have - it's a very quick easy project.  I just stopped and didn't get back into it for ages.


I'd seen mandalas all over the blogs for so long.  I'd thought they were pretty, but didn't know what I'd do with one.  Then I saw my friend Anna's beautiful large mandala/Christmas doily here.  I fell in love!  Check it out, it's amazing!

I decided it was time to attempt a mandala, but I needed a helping hand, so I started with this pattern: the Little Spring Mandala from 'Made in K-Town'.  It's a great pattern, easy to follow.

I followed the pattern up to and including round 7 (but for round 6, I just did 6a not 6b).  At this point in the Little Spring Mandala pattern, you would do the final two rounds (8 and 9) which make the border/edging.  I added four more rounds before going onto those two edging rounds - just to make it a bit larger.

I'm still not quite sure what to do with it!  But I do like it...

I expect I will keep moving it around...

Setting up random arrangements to photograph...

"I sense a blog post coming on" said the Lumberjack as I fannied about doing that!

One more for luck...

I used a random collection of leftover yarn:

• Bamboo Ewe - 5410 Mercury (leftover from my Sidewalk Shawl)
• Stylecraft Special DK - Aspen
• Random white DK (that I've had since I decided I was going to knit a jumper when I was 13 and didn't finish it, despite assuring my mum that I definitely would if she bought the yarn - bad daughter!)
• Stylecraft Special DK - Pomegranate

I will link up to Chrissie Craft's Mand-a-Long - if I'm not too late.  Better go and find the post and check that out...

Pretty Things

Thanks for the comments on my clothes sewing - you are all so kind!  I'm still researching and thinking about what to make.  I do a lot of thinking and not a lot of doing!!  I should just get on with it - if it looks rubbish and I don't wear it, it's not the end of the world - at least it'll be some sewing experience.

In the meantime, I've been attempting to snap some pretty pictures...

The table laid (well, partly - where is the cutlery?!) on Sunday for some tea and homemade scones with clotted cream and rhubarb and ginger jam.

Delicious!

Flowers in the garden...

I love tulips!

Aren't bulbs amazing?  They just spring up, year after year, without any effort or care.  (My kind of plant!)  These were all sewn by the old couple who used to own our house.  There are so many grape hyacinths - huge patches of purple all over the garden!  Beautiful.

These tulips are shown off nicely by the backdrop of a lovely new fence the Lumberjack put up with our neighbour on Saturday morning.

There used to be a lot of tall bushes between our gardens at this side (the house end) of the garden.  They were on our neighbour's side, and they got rid of them all to create more space their side - which left things completely open.  Before you knew it the men had got together, bought some timber and put the fence up!  Above are pictures of just the frame, then the finished fence - I was very impressed.  (I didn't get a photo before the frame went up, but I don't think it takes much of a stretch of imagination to picture it!)

And as if fence building wasn't enough (and as if my scones weren't enough!) the Lumberjack decided to make a bread and butter pudding on Sunday evening...

Hard to get a decent picture, as it was dark by then - but I thought his pudding deserved some glory!

I am planning to get my backside in gear and continue with this...

It hasn't progressed much since the sneak peak I gave you here.  I've got no excuse - it's not exactly a big slow make!

But I am currently using it in it's unfinished state, for a little posy of spring flowers I picked from the garden...

I still can't get over the fact I've got a garden and I can just stroll out and pick some flowers from it.  Seems to good to be true!

Here ends this post of randomness... until next time...!