CROCHET GIVEAWAY............

You'll know by now, if you dip in and out of my blog, that I've thrown myself into new crafts in the last 18 months partly cos I know I'll be spending even more time on my own when youngest goes to uni and partly because I really love it! With the discovery of flickr and blogging, having a go at new things has become a big part of my life.............H thinks I spend far too long on the computer especially as I spend my working days on spreadsheets and the like, but there's so much to seek out.
My new love for 2011 will be patchwork and fabric, with maybe a dabble in embroidery. I'd also like to learn how to make felt and may do a mosaic course!.......so as a thank you, I'm offering a few of my finished items as a giveaway.
All you need to do is to become a follower and let me know what new craft you might have a go at this year. The winners will be picked next Friday. The cushion is made in cotton and the colours are lovely and  bright  although I actually prefer the back. The pot holders were great fun to make and are made in a variety of yarn.

I have a new love for 2011

Inspired by certain blogging pals in the UK and down under, I have taken up patchwork with gusto. Unfortunately my stash of fabric does not match my enthusiasm nor indeed does the bank balance, but its coming on a pace and I have invested a little online....will show you when they arrive. 

Meanwhile on a little trip to Cambridge to return H's Christmas jumper from us three girls(he hated it!), I spotted this absolute bargain in John Lewis. Orla Kiely bedding. 

Maybe not the most exiting bargain to some but I love her designs and it was an absolute must have for the price. Luckily H liked this purchase but cannot believe that I would post a picture of it on the bed nor that anyone would be interested!.......ha ha he just doesn't understand 

 This is  a new cushion that may be on its way to the Netherlands, it just needs a bit of blocking and making up(and the ends sewing in of course!). I have used merino wool so it is lovely and soft

Finally we have just put eldest on the train back to uni with all her bags......will miss her dreadfully......am just off to clear the mess she has left in her room .......

18 today....and a rare stroke of genius

...on the part of yours truly.


Youngest child's 18th has been fast approaching , no party was required, she was planning a full day out with friends, beach during the day, clubbing at night. All that was required of me was some drinks and nibbles in between.
Then last Thursday all her friends dropped out of the day trip, all good reasons, she was so disappointed but putting on a brave face.......I suggested a family lunch during the day but was hoping to find something better........then a little play on the net and ting the light went on....a day spa....and as luck would have it there is a lovely place 30 minutes away. Even better it was doing a pamper day two for 1, so she and eldest were driven there yesterday early. She was very surprised and looked a bit nervous but at 6pm when she came back she had had a brilliant time. It was a raving success! Meanwhile I had made a cake, food, decorated and mixed cocktails.
Her friends arrived laden with gifts, beautiful flowers and champagne to get ready. Fed and watered off they trotted in those belts they call skirts and 6 inch heels. Herbs face was a treat.

We then settled outside with the remains of the food and cocktails, pina colada for me, sex on the beach for him ha ha and ruminated on where the last 18 years had gone.....a very successful day(until about 3.45 this morning when they tumbled out of the cabs and up the stairs, that was me fully awake and no sleep since-still managed to finish another cushion front)

Eldest came back from uni last week.....with a years worth of clothes that needed to washed, I kid you not....it wasn't that they were all dirty but they smelt of the halls, and it was not pleasant. Before we left we visited the house she will share with 7 others in October. Granted her room is twice the size of halls and lighter but that's it really, not marvellous. Still they are all really thrilled and consider themselves lucky to have found such a great place. Who are we to argue.

However we have had to fork out £900 rent for the summer when of course the house will stand empty.....if anyone has some spare cash, with interest rates so low, you could do worse than buy a house to rent to students in a uni town. The landlord is getting about £30k a year for not a lot of effort. Not bad eh?

University blanket came back in one piece and just needed a good airing.....

redundancy announcements probably this week.....joy of joys x