Easter already

Well since I last wrote a post I have completed two more things, the tea cosy but I don't know if I have mentioned it on here, thought I had.  Anyway here is a picture of it 

Fitted teapot loverly, has an order for a pot holder from the same material now.  Glad it fitted cos it is a larger teapot than ours.    It is nice and thick so should keep the tea warm

I like it because my Mother-in-law has small tiles in her kitchen, and her window dressing is little squares too.  All fits together well.

The other things I have made are:

This is original Cath Kidson material, fat quarters tied up with ribbon so I made labels out of the ribbon to show its authenticity.  I had eight different pattern, then the problem was how to use them to show them to their advantage.  I decided on a large patchwork type, mixing the backgrounds to co-ordinate the pillows.  We had two star pieces so I used them for the backs.

Gem was very pleased with them, she was going to put them on her bed. 

 I bought this material before Christmas but was so busy I never got round to making this cushion,  it has a round cushion made from calico inside filled with beans, so the outside cover can be taken off and washed if need be.  I am really pleased with it.  I hope Tommy will be.






I was going to add some photos of my grandson here as the older one thinks it is funny to copy his month old brother.  

I think it is cute but then I am their nanny!!!!!!!!!!  

     

Cushions

I forgot to mention Stevie's cushions for under his bed.  I was really pleased with the way they turned out and he loves them, he thinks they are very comfortable.

Not very clear from these pictures but they are only covered with calico to stop the foam from wearing as soon as he has chosen his curtains etc, we will do loose covers for him to match.    We have covered them with an old curtain just to keep the calico clean.  Rather smart they look if I do say so myself.

Poor me

PS  Called this Poor me then didn't say I was suffering from a nasty cold, runny nose and heavy chest etc.  Not sleeping very well because can't breathe, everything takes such an effort at the moment. Sure I will be ok soon.  There is no other reason for me feeling sorry for myself as I am sure you must have noticed by now.


Have had a busy few weeks, it only seems like yesterday our new grandson was born, his mum has had her ups and downs but all are doing fine now.    

Went to Kent to spend a few days with them and a few days with my daughter and her husband.  They bought me a ticket to see Billy Connolly in Brighton, it was a lovely treat.  Had pizza for dinner which I shouldn't eat because of the wheat but I enjoyed it - spoilt myself, it made a lovely change...... I love Pizza, had olives too which are gooooood.  The Man himself was amazing, all the rumours about him walking off stage were just that - rumours.   Spent the night crying with laughter.  I don't know how he manages to find himself back in his first joke to finish it after wandering off all over the place but he does.  Amazing as I said.  

I am so proud of my daughter, her dad promised her a sewing machine for birthday and Christmas, she has made all sorts of things, starting with cushions, a waistcoat for her husband, made a couple of tops and modified her dress  Well done my Darling, proving as clever as we knew you to be.

Mother's day was spent with my mother, son, daughter-in-law, grandsons, daughter and her husband so that was lovely day.  Only spoilt by the drive back and work the next day.   Work hasn't eased up, everyone is feeling the strain.  We are four people down but they still count so we can't have any extra staff to help.  Ah well, I work with fantastic people - they have to be to cope!!!!!!!!!

I have finished the tea cosy and will post pictures after Easter when I have given it to my mum-in-law.  My husband likes it so I am sure she will.  Looking forward to going to Pembroke for Easter, our son is coming too so it will be nice to have time to spend with him.  The question is - which of my many projects is easily transported can't lug sewing machine up. Have started on my Somerset daughter-in-law's surprise present; very happy with it so far. 

My youngest daughter has been working on her neice's project, she is pleased with the way that is coming along so will be able to post pictures of them too soon.    Not sure what I have done to deserve such talented children, they are all so clever.  I am so proud of them.  My eldest son has several odd jobs to add to his main occupation, which is fantastic and brings in extra money.  Please are happy to get him to do things because he is trustworthy and honest.  Such a good father to my grandsons too, coping brilliantly when his wife was in hospital, not many men would cope so well with a week old and a two and a half year old, as well as not knowing how his wife was after being carted away in an ambulance in the middle of the night.  My youngest son is doing so well at work, people are finding out what his many talents are and letting him get on with all sorts of work knowing it will be done perfectly and on time.  He also enjoys cooking as well as doing up their home.  If I say it myself he has very good taste, a good eye too.

All my pictures are posted long after the event.  I should make myself something then I can post it as I go along.  

It is a lovely day today so need to peg washing out.   It is beautiful after what seems a long winter.  Must make the most of the summer this year.  Camping here we come, as a family too. - we take up most of the camp site.  Expert sons and sons in law at BBQing, just the rest my husband and I deserve.  

Curtains at last

Have finished my granddaughter's curtains.   As I said it is lovely, cotton, very easy to work with, I am very pleased with the results

 This picture is a bit dark but will take some more when the curtains are up.  They have  pale pink gingham lining, which is much nicer than the usual cream stuff.   We had enough material to make three cushions as well, thought I had put the pictures on this laptop but can't find them so will have to put them on again, then add them here.

This is a picture of the square cushion with the corner 
turned back to show other side matches lining.  

Rather than use zips I used my daughter's idea (thanks Jazzy, worked 

well) it was just overlapping the back, and the same as she did on her cushions I did a fancy stitch rather just a plain one to keep the back flap in place. 

Very pleased with curtains.   Hope she is too, we have another surprise for her but as it is a bit more complicated it will take longer to complete.  Will post pictures when they are finished.   I have bought a present for her brother for now.  

The next project is going to be the covers for my granddaughter's brother's seat cushions.  He has a den under his bed with a seat and a shelf for his television.  He needs foam to sit on on the bench but need to cover it first.  Then I had better make my mother-in-law's tea cosy as I promised it at Christmas.  It is cut out and ready to go so won't take long.  Gem has also asked me to help her with a project but as it is a present for someone else, I will have to ask her permission to post pictures when she completes it.

As usual I am making something else, but as it is a Christmas present it just uses up the spare time I have between things.  Pictures will be posted but not until 2013 probably.  That doesn't seem possible.   Remember seeing the film 2001, and that seemed impossibly  far off back then.  (I saw it in 1969 or 68)  


Work is good at the moment, changed the system again but it is one I find easier to work with.  I have 22 people to see tomorrow.   Works out at about 17 minutes per person after taking out lunch and tea breaks.  I will have to see how it works out.  I talk too much so usually take longer than that.  I have two new claims they usually take me 40 minutes.  I always worry people going away not understanding the process.  17 minutes is good really, must try and stick to it though.  And get all the paperwork done at the same time.  The printer is the other end of the room so I have to keep getting up to get the printouts to give to people.  


Only have a week then have a week off, visiting Kent again, what a surprise.   Staying with daughter-in-law and new baby as well as my daughter.  Have to fit in time for my mum too.   Seeing Billy Connelly in Brighton with my daughter and her husband.  Good times.  Feeling a lot better lately, weather is a bit brighter so that is good, getting lighter longer.   Also walking into work which does make me feel better instead of getting bus in the dark. 


Going to Pembroke at Easter to see in-laws.  Nice to get away.  Must book up some camp sites too.  Feels a bit difficult because of the weather, would like to go with son, his partner and children but don't want to be couped up in a tent in the rain; mind you we had a good time with a few beers and a pack of cards when we were in Norfolk last year.  Already posted some pictures I think.   

My granddaughter was very pleased with the result, it is difficult to get the light right when photographing curtains with a bright light outside and dull inside, just need to find time to practise my photography,  really should make a couple of days a month when I do that because I never have time to do everything; especially housework.

17th February written on 14th February

Bit long since I put any news on here, am going to Kent for the weekend as we are due to get our new little bundle then.  Just could bear to stay here, so far away.  It is so exciting.   


Have completed another project but too early for pictures because it is a present - again, will post as soon as I can.  Going to do Rosie's curtains next, she has chosen the material, apparently it is very fashionable, so will be able to post pictures of those.    Curtains don't take long to make.  Next I am going to make my mother-in-law a new tea cosy, she needs a new one so I thought I would make  a nice thick one like the one my daughter made me.  Still have several other thoughts in my head at the moment.  


Need to get past this weekend first!!!!!!  Be able to think straight then.


Here I come Kent, will be down on Friday, going to the delicious Jazzy's on Saturday, provided we have no where else to go.  


3rd March - extension to this post as can post pictures now:

So here he is, the doll I made for my grandson so he has his own baby as well as a brother.    I did the hair the same as a rug using a crochet hook instead of a latch hook.  

I think it is quite effective.  Not sure if he has a name.  I know he is happy to share his hat!!!!!!!!!!!

NEWS

Just had some good news, so excited.    No comments now, you will just have to watch this space.


tee hee

13th

I enjoy the fact that other people always moan about Friday 13th, I really don’t mind it but have to say to the moaner that I think it is a fantastic day!!! I also live at house number 13 and all is fine here. I was at work today, a personal adviser for unemployed people, it surprises me how many people do not like the 13th. I was busy all day which suits me fine, can’t bear a day when I haven’t much to do, it is such a drag.





Have been knitting over the last couple of days. Started a doll with emerald and deep purple legs! Also done some hexagons for my blanket. I haven't done any knitting for a while, I found it didn't grow fast enough and I got bored but the hexagons are rather small and quick, the doll is taking longer but I love the colours. Must make a card this weekend because my friend is having an operation on her nose on Monday and want to post it to her so she gets it on Tuesday when she wakes up. I have also promised my grandson we can make a bookmark so he doesn't forget where he has got to in his reading book. He wants a picture of our dog (who died two years ago now, but is still very missed) and a picture of his cousin on the other side. Will have to check the photos I have on laptop.






Still no pictures to post but must get some soon otherwise reading gets boring. Stevie is reading a David Walliams book - didn't know he had written any but apparently I am told they are very good. I will borrow it and read it when he has finished it!






Well 1 hour and 10 minutes to go till the 14th, think I will go to bed and look forward to a busy weekend.

Post Christmas

Had some good news yesterday; I was on a fixed term contract with the DWP due to end on 31st March.  We have been told we are now to be given permanent contracts.  Absolutely brilliant news, but still not able to fully believe it until I have the letter in my hand.  I was surprised how relieved I felt about it, I hadn't realised I was so stressed about it.    Feel more positive, now wanting to organise my work.  Again I didn't realise I was muddling through because it was just stumbling from one date to another.  Now I am there till I drop - cannot work in a muddle any more.  As I don't have a car at the moment, I am stuck with bus timetables, I get to work about 8.10 and have to leave at 5.30 at the latest.  I know I shouldn't stay any later but with the workload I have to try to organise my paperwork in my own time.  Targets to meet, etc..  Should have car back by end of next week.

As far as home goes, I have started knitting hexagons to make into a blanket.  It is really sweet, but will probably take me about two years to knit, I need between 300 and 400 hexagons to make a decent sized quilt.  I have done 2 and a half.   It is good because it is small and I can do it anywhere, one hexagon takes about 30 - 45 mins.  - WOW  is my maths correct - 4,500 hours,  only 187.5 days, 26.78 weeks.  Well 26 weeks doesn't sound too long does it?  Only 6 months as long as I  get used to not sleeping very often.  Will probably have a few blogs about that.

I have got other ideas to start (and hopefully finish).  I will post photos of the projects I can, but if I make any birthday or Christmas ones, obviously, they can't be posted until December. 

Have said I am happy to take orders for Christmas bunting but after Christmas people will forget about them until next Christmas and I am not doing last minute orders.   I was pleased with the way all the bunting looked though. 

Must do the seat for Stevie, then Gin can have the rest of the foam to make some parcels as they didn't quite go as far as she hoped, I think only about 7 or 8 should be enough.  I have material and ribbon so it is just get the foam now.