Inspired by Poppy Treffry

I love all things craft.  People who know me know this.  I really do like to experiment with different crafts and techniques.  My sewing machine has been my best crafting buddy for a while.  I really haven't shared much of what I have made but I am trying to address that now by blogging often.

I like to browse Amazon for the latest books on crafts new and old to me. One of my latest finds was Poppy Treffry's title 'Free and Easy Stitch Style'. 

I have many craft books but I have to admit that I have been disappointed by the content in a few of them. This is not the case I am happy to admit with my newest acquisition. 

I don't own this book yet, and what I have found useful in creating my own craft library is to loan books from the public library before I purchasing.  This one has been added to my wishlist. 

It has easy to follow instructions, lots of pictures which I really appreciate and templates for projects.  It is published by David and Charles. My only complaint which is often the case with books like this, is that the templates need to be enlarged before being really useful. I suppose this is a small deviation before the crafting can begin.

So my adventures in free hand embroidery which is the topic of this book began a few days ago and my progress goes a little like this:

Yesterday

Today

I am having a really proud mother moment.
Marcus has asked me each evening this week to pick him up from school. He is eleven, we live not five minutes from school and he doesn't have to cross a road so he makes his own way there and back.  I no longer do the school run.   He also added that his teacher wanted to 'have a word'.  Based on past experience, this phrase  was not welcome. I have had to have words many times in school and they have not been for favourable reasons. He did insist that it was not bad; but when a child says this you cannot be sure, so I go to school and meet with his teacher who is seems excited.  I wasn't sure what was going on at first but I have been reliably informed that my son is gifted and talented.  Oh my days!  I am in shock.  He is doing exceptionally well in literacy and art and has been selected from his group to be added to the gifted and talented register.  I am thrilled as is he. 

Whoop whoop marcus well done.  :)

He has been working really hard and deserves the credit.  This is just the incentive he needs to maintain his efforts, he goes to high school in September and now rather than being really worried I am really excited for him.

I feel like a new person

After an extra week off from school, Marcus finally returned on Monday.  I have loved the extra time together, but isn't if funny how the change in routine uproots everything!  This week we are going back to our normal regime. 

I have started on a long over due diet and exercise programme which I hope will have me slimmer and fitter by the summer.

The year's anniversary of my giving up smoking has passed and I really feel like a new person so I need the body to match :lol:  The giving up smoking thing was really hard and I relied entirely upon God for help which has totally worked.  Forget stop smoking aids and just pray.

I need to embellish my boat but there are some chores I need to attend to first so once I am done the work will recommence and I hope to post piccies of a completed work later.

Why have I been sew scarce?

The primary reason is because I hate blogging without photos. I am forgetful to say the least. We went to John's parent's in August and I unpacked my camera a few weeks ago. That's because I had not a clue where it was. Like I said I am forgetful. I know my faults. What more do you want. :P

Ships ahoy



This boat is for Angelo. I am going to make another one for a friend who has recently had a son too.

So why I have I been scarce, life just got in the way. Hope to improve for 2010.

My inspiration for this creation was found here

Wot no bloggin?

Sadly not. I am far to busy (lies, lies and more lies). My blog is borrrrrrrrrrrrrrrinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng. I keep finding better places to be.

In the last month I have seen my eldest son turn 19. My middle son went off for two nights without family (school trip)into the scary world of adventure; gorge walking, abseiling, team building and outdoor pursuits at Ghyll Head in the lake district. My baby can now run and as a result gets into much mischief. Too cute. As for me, I am still happy with either needles, hooks or pins.
I like the sound of that.

I used to be found on UKS a lot but now I find craftster to be much more in tune. I am a happy home maker now and not so much athan a paper princess. I am interested in home decor and all things sewn and embellished seem to be my favourite things. I am too busy to blog often. I am not even sure anyone even reads this, but I'm doing it anyway. And having fun.

So here's to you doing what ever it is that you love to do, whether you do it good or do it bad, just do it and keep doing it and smile all the way. :)