New Year's resolution

I must lose weight!

My jumpsuits are beginning to rise up. Just look at the before and after Christmas photos!

This week I have been ...

all yoyoed out!

suffering from RSI after making 648 said yoyos

really not wanting to look at a crochet hook for a while

busy cleaning (yuck)

getting to grips with social networking
(you're impressed now!)

I have signed up to the Folksy bootcamp. It's a lot less threatening than the Etsy version.

On Monday I grappled with Stumbled Upon.

On Tuesday I tweeted at Twitter.

On Wednesday I pinned at Pinterest.

Today I'm reinforcing my learning by doing all three but not all at the same time because that's just plain dangerous. I've also added the little buttons on my sidebar. Have a go. See where they take you!


I don't really get Stumbled Upon. I quite like tweeting. It helps if you follow people like Alan Carr. I'm addicted to Pinterest.

I've also stuck to my promise to list an item a day. I did have a slight wobble on Saturday. I got home late and Dizzy had been left out in the dark. Bonfire Night and cats are not a happy coupling. She was terrified and I spent the night with her in my arms like the baby she is. I was forced to watch Strictly, X Factor, X Factor Extra and series 6 of my Sopranos boxed set.

These are just some of the items I've listed

I know I've gone for Christmas overload but this is the first Christmas that I've not worked and I'm getting really excited. It's made me realise that all those year in education ruined Christmas for me. But not this year!

The little crochet hoop at the bottom has been chosen as a potential entry into the spring lookbook for Etsy Europe. I'll have to get more photos done.

I'll be back tomorrow with my favourites of the week. Have a great 10th!

Take one a day

Day 23

23? Only 23?

I'm not doing Saturdays any more. I've been up since the crack of dawn because finally the mechanic came to fix the fridge freezer. He wanted to start early. Obviously to finish early. Three hours later he left with the parting words, 'Don't do a big shop in case something goes wrong.' Wrong!!! I've handed over my life savings to this man and he tells me something might go wrong!

I followed his instructions and waited for the 'appliance' to cool down and switch itself off. It was then safe, apparently, to assume it was working.

Another late start.

Did I mention I can't draw?

Today I tried to embroider allium seed heads. It didn't work out because the more I did the more it resembled a firework. I know I should have carried on filling in but I needed to eat and by then the 'appliance' had cooled down. I couldn't pick the embroidery up again. But I made a little something for my friend Soberts. She likes a bit of glitz and it is Saturday.

So here we have - finished and abandonded!



Today's listing is a gorgeous, organic cotton, baby blanket. It's so soft but because it's made from organic cotton. It  keeps baby cool in the summer. You'll find it on Folksy and Etsy.

Today's July Jewel is from Created by Kelly. Now Kelly can draw. It's what you'd expect from someone with a BA in Decorative Arts. Tuition please!!

Take one a day

Day 22

I'd like to explain how I find it difficult to draw. I cannot get the right angles, space, form or whatever you talented people from Etsian Artists call the ability to get it right. I hope by admitting this I'm not going to be thrown out of the team!

The team members have been so supportive during this self imposed challenge that when all this is over I'll devote a post to them.  Elizabeth, Steve and Kris leave almost daily comments. It's good to know that there are people out there willing me on.

Today I have tried to draw and then embroider.

I can not draw birds at all - or cats, dogs, faces .... It would have helped if I'd used linen or cotton but 14 count Aida is not easy to work curves in.  I think I'll add a few berries too. That's to remind me how the rowan berries in my garden used to looked.

July 6



                                                                                      July 22



The same bunch with just a solitary berry left! To make matters worse this is my neighbour's tree

Posie and Dizz or now officially sacked as blackbird scarers!

Listed today  red, white and blue crochet bunting on Folksy.

My Folksy July Jewel is this gorgeous swallow brooch from  Silk Purse, Sow's Ear. It's so finely marked for an item made from brass. I love its rich colour.

Now that the rain has stopped I can see the swallows are still in the sky. That means summer's not over yet. Hurray!!!



Take one a day

Day 21

I don't have a master plan and that's probably why today was nearly unproductive. I was so taken with the little tissue case I made yesterday that I thought I'd try something I bit more ambitious. I'd planned to make a clutch bag but stupid things held me up this morning. When I finally sat down to make something I realised I had no decent material left. My sewing machine took an instant dislike to the curtain material I'd chosen. I could have sworn it said, 'No top stitching today, thank you!'

I don't want to crochet because my hands are in a mess after doing battle with an ant nest a flower pot I wanted to empty. It is now filled with lavender and the rose bush Rolla gave me for my birthday.

Part of the project was to use up what I've got and not buy more wool or fabric. I've still got lots of red and white felt and heaps of embroidery thread. So this is what I eventually ended up doing.

 The owl looks a little cross. It's probably because his heart is wonky.

Oh well, it's something for me to work on!

My Folksy listing today in black crochet bunting. It's already listed on Etsy

I think black works as bunting. I know it's not for gardens and parties but I've got black flower garlands up in a bedroom with black and white toile. It works. In the right place it could make a really statement.

Today's Folksy July Jewels - yes there are two - are carrying on the bird theme. I love the expressions on the faces of the owls playing hide and seek by Ialbert

While the gorgeous lavendar sachets by Adien Craft  look too good to hang away in a wardrobe. I'd have to display them somewhere prominent.

Take one a day

Day 20

Way back at the beginning of the month I mentioned that two of my photos had been shortlisted for London Schmap. I've heard today that they've been chosen. Take a look! Spitalfields Market and Greenwich Market
That was worth getting out of bed for this morning.

It was, almost, a day in front of BBC News again today. The House of Commons was at its braying best as it heard excuse after excuse and heaped derision upon derision. They can now all go on their hols and have a jolly good time.

As this was going on coverage showed a jet leaving Luton airport believed, allegedly, to have the Murdochs on board. Questions being asked elsewhere no doubt.

This is better than watching a film. If ever it's turned into a blockbuster it will not be as fascinating or surreal as following events unfolding on a daily, no hourly, rate.

I sat and put the finishing touches to Bill's friend. I think I'll call her Harriet. She doesn't look like Ms Harman but for some reason the name has lodged in my brain today. It could be the hat.

 She doesn't count as today's project, She's just been groomed a bit.

Today's Folksy listing is single red, white and blue garland that has been on Etsy

For today's project I have to thank K from Blonde Design for her great tutorial on how to make a pocket tissue case. Her instructions are so good that I made one in no time.

Now I want to go out and buy more fabric. I can see a whole batch of them being made.

All of this gingham is making me think of Christmas. That and the weather. It's been so cold and wet it might as well be winter. It also didn't help that I bought Christmas candles in the IKEA sale but the Folksy July Jewel today will give us a taste of high summer.

This sumptuous bracelet comes from Bedecked Beads. It has all you need for a summer accessory.

Take one a day

Day 13

I love Flickr. There's a whole world out there full of wonderfully creative people who are willing to share their work, lives, thoughts with you. I just love clicking my way through Explore. It can get mesmeric. You never know what will turn up with the next refresh.

My contacts are people with the same interests or are friends, relatives and people who, quite frankly, have a weird take on life. My favourites are special to me. This is why I don't understand it when you get your favourites favourited en masse by somebody you don't know and has nothing to give you back.

'Block them!' I hear you shout and I just might.

This is a very roundabout way to tell you about today's project. It's back to crochet for me. The other day one of me contacts Knitter gal posted a photo of an African flower hotpad. I'd always wanted to try this particular motif. These are my attempts. In order, starting with the first.

 





Those of you who have read my blog before will know that I suffer from crochet motif addiction. This is one that I will indulge in after this month is over. If I keep going I might perfect it.

Note to self - organic cotton is great but for this try something with really vibrant colours.

Today I've listed a little blue gingham house on Folksy. It can be used as a door hanger or as a wall decoration. The little red heart has been left open at the top. I use mine to post messages in.

Today's Folsky July Jewel is Lampwork Beads by Jo

I love these yummy red beads. I can think of a few things in my wardrobe that they would look great with.

Take one a day

Yesterday Steve off of ArtySandp asked me if I was counting. The answer is, 'Yes!!!!' He's set himself a challenge too. Check it out here

I sat in the garden at lunchtime putting the embroidery on today's project - a red gingham hanger cover.

For some reason I felt really tense. I was worried about making a knot to start, concerned about my stitching and finishing off. Why?

The wind was whipping about the fabric and the thread so I decided to use an embroidery hoop, something I don't normally do. I felt more relaxed about the whole thing, enough to let my mind wonder. The last time I'd attempted to stitch on gingham had been in Primary school. It was in the days when girls had needlework and boys had, whatever manly thing they decided to do. Supposedly it was woodwork but they often had rugby training.

Our needlework teacher was harsh. Stitches had to be even. Under NO circumstance should you knot your thread. The back had to be as neat as the front. You had to rip out anything that was not up to her exacting standards. We made table mats, coasters, table runners, aprons and initialed hats for cookery.

Little wonder that I tensed up today but you know what? At least I now have a very critical eye. My work might not be perfect but I darn well know what's wrong with it!

I enjoyed it once I'd put the ghosts of the past to rest. I made another.

 Does that count as two days? Am I counting?

Today's listing on Folksy is a pink pincushion

It's similar to the one I did the other day that said 'Pin here.' I might do one that says 'Hurt me!'

Today's July Jewel is getting increasingly difficult. I'd like to show my favourite item first. It's by With Hugs and Kisses. It would be perfect in a child's room but hey, I can see it in my kitchen!

It makes me smile.

I'd also like to send real hugs and kisses to two from Folksy who are not having good times at the moment;
Lilac Elephant

and O'Blue Trashion

Lot of love!!!

Take one a day

Day 11

I've tried really hard today to get my little, knitted doll finished but I've had one of those days. Why we haven't got caller ID, I don't know. It started off with the now all too common, "I'm phoning you because you have a fault with your computer." My answer of "Tell me the name of your company," was shouted down by the person on the other end.

Next to follow, "Are you aware of the council's scheme for providing solar panels?"

The agency phoned asking about my availability this week. I thought that one was quite funny as they haven't found me any work in the last six weeks. I told them I was available every day. They won't phone again!

I answered a knock at the door and the double glazing salesman actually backed away. He must have heard me growling!

So my poor day project is almost finished but I had to take photos before it rained again and we lost the sun completely today. It's almost there. I have to sew on a few bows and give the little lamb a decent face and Bill can have another friend.

Excuse the ends and the murky, grainy photo. I promise that tomorrow I'll post a better one.

Today's listing is a mellow, yellow pincushion. It's a differnt colourway to the pink one I finished yesterday. You'll find it on Folksy

You may have noticed that my vintage tablecloth has been used today. It's been well loved in a previous home. I found it at my local charity shop. I was going to cut it into sections and use them for cushion covers but I can't bring myself to take a pair of scissors to it. For now I can put up with the small sections of wear and tear.

My Folksy July Jewel today is from Lynwood Crafts

This hand felted brooch is only 6 cm high but an incredible amount of work has gone into it. I love the tiny daisies, buttercups and yarrow. It lives up to its flower meadow name. Simply beautiful.

I going to finish sewing on arms now. I'll have to think of a name for her. Any suggestions? Be polite!

Take one a day

Day 10

I've just come back from a girlie day out so my mind is in pink and sparkly mode.  It's such a shame that I listed something on Folksy today that is beige. I shall post the picture at the end and keep it small. Not that it isn't lovely. It's a set of coasters that's already listed on
Etsy and they always make me smile.

A quick project today. Before I left this morning I found two pieces of material that I hadn't placed together before. The pretty floral and lace contrast with the signage. It's something we talked about today. Are we becoming such a nanny state that all our actions have to be directed? Do we have to be told what to do in any given situation?
If the answer is, 'Yes!', then this pin cushion is perfect for the needleworker who needs instructions.

I did warn you that it was going to be pink!

I've been shopping in Cardiff which is something I like doing - a lot - you might have realised. We ended up in the perfumery department of my favourite shop. There are certain perfumes that I love and others - OK it's Angel - that I cannot have anywhere near me for fear of an asthma attack.

I like;
Marc Jacob's Daisy
Eau de Cartier
Issey Miyake

I wanted to try the new Swarovski perfume but it was chained down. It wasn't bling enough for me to force it off the shelf. I felt a little let down. It had one crystal on the top but I'd like crystals all over if I'm paying good money for it

When I got home I quickly flicked through Folksy's July Jewels and found this by The Whimsical Wren

This wish upon a star Swarovski crystal necklace is what I want to see draped around a bottle of perfume of the same name. Take note!

Now for today's listing. It's a set of coasters made from organic cotton. They's super absorbent and, as I said, they always made me smile. For that reason alone I've decided to go large!

Have a great week!

Take one a day

Day 8
(that's over a week)

The sun came out this afternoon. Yeah!! We decided to pay a visit to the only decent wool shop in the area. I didn't actually buy any wool because the organic cotton was right next to three caged parrots. No, this is not a joke. They have three cages in the wool shop with a parrot in each one. I feel like breaking into a Monty Python sketch but I won't. These parrots were very much alive. Noisy and throwing sunflower seed cases around.

I did buy needles. I have tested them and they have earned the right to stay in my sewing box. They're sharp, they have big eyes and I love them.

We parked the car by the beach and walked across the promenade. We tried to walk but the wind was so strong. This is what the sea in Porthcawl liked like.

This is July and the best day we've had so far. Just after I took this shot I had to run up the beach to escape from the next huge wave.

Still in birthday mood we headed for Mumbles. There's a great place there called Verdi's. They sell the best ice cream.  I think I was heavily influenced by a thread on Etsy today between CTMercandile and Teabreaks of Gweddus Art . Yes, there actually is a place called Mumbles. Catherine Zeta Jones has a house there. It's got a yacht club and here's the proof

And this is my toffee crisp sundae and Beth's cookie crunch sundae,

 All of this meant that I hadn't actually made anything. I had listed before we left.

It's the scarf I finished yesterday. You'll find it on Folksy and Etsy

My quickly rushed project tonight is a fat fairy. Fitting, I think after all that ice cream.

OK. I know she's not finished. I know she's having a bad hair day. I know Beth's been laughing at her but she has feelings too!! She's a prototype and as such she leads the way for the more polished, glamorous fat fairies to follow.

Over at Folksy it's getting harder by the day to pick a favourite but this pendant from Blue Daisy Glass
is so unusual. It's incredible that you can do this with glass. I have a friend who loves statement pieces and this really does make a statement.