Calamity Jane

2012-02-28T03:42:00.000-08:00

Well it is ages since I last sat down to put anything on my blog - no excuses pure laziness!! Well january and February have flown by and we have been so busy at the shop which is fabulous. I thought I would put a photo of the Christmas cake we were given by Ericha's Mum for Christmas - Anne makes the most fabulous cakes they are superb. We have been enjoying this throughout the month - so shall have to drop loud hints ready for next year!!

I have been busy making Hungry caterpillar baby quilts ready for Caroline and my grandson to be - but I have not taken photos as yet they will follow.

I have been doing this wallhanging at home in the evenings whilst watching the television - it is currently up in the shop - but I shall put it in my sewing room soon. Though I desperately need to tidy my sewing room.!!

Well we had a fabulous day at Angelsey Abbey with friends - the snowdrops were beautiful - I have to say it is one of my favorite places to visit.

These little cyclamine were nestling in amongst the snowdrops and they were beautiful.

I absolutely love these silver birch trees - they looked lovely in the sun.

We have been having some workshops on the Four seasons wall hangings and this is my summer one. I am currently working on an autumn hanging and Angela has requested I do spring and winter so we can change the four that have been hanging in the entrance way to the shop. So that is my next job!!

Right well I have got the borders on the autumn one now so best go and get it finished!!!

2012-02-01T01:41:00.000-08:00

I just had to share these with you - Rob and I have been discussing our Wedding Invitations and I wanted them to be personal and homemade with something different. As I always make my Christmas Cards, I wanted to carry on in the same vein.

So I am making organza flowers and thank to Angela for helping me and Gina Ferrari for the inspiration - here are the flowers made so far.

I did make some bronze specimans as well but the red look so much richer and nicer on the cards. We have made a couple of mock up cards but you will all have to wait to see the finished items!

I now have to make alot lot more but I am enjoying them and you can see the improvement in my flowers - as Angela and Gina both say it is down to practice and it comes.

I have been watching Gina's DVD and that really inspired me to come out of my comfort zone and make these.

2012-01-27T02:07:00.000-08:00

Right well thought I must update my blog - firstly a very big thank you to Julie (http://www.mixedmedia.blogspot.com/) who came to visit us all at Art and Stitch yesterday, she bought some of her work that we had seen on blogger but oh it was lovely to see it all in the flesh. She was busy working on an embroidery panel and it is going to look gorgeous when finished.

Now what have we been up to - well we had a lovely Log Cabin class last week and Gemma who has joined us at Art and Stitch made her first ever quilt front - it has got two more blocks on since this photo - she had not used a machine before and by heck did she pick this up so quickly - I shall have to watch out!! Today she is layering it up having made the extra blocks and put borders on - will let y ou see the finished quilt. She is naturally really pleased with it. We are lucky Gemma is a willing learner and has made a great addition to our team.

Last weekend we were finishing the Mystery Quilt course that has run for three months and the ladies have all done excellently - here are two of the quilts - I shall try to get more photos in due course as they all get them together and the pieced borders on.

Whilst I was at work on Saturday my youngest son came in to see us and bought me these beautiful lilies he knows they are one of my favorite flowers and he thought I deserved them. Yes we all wondered what he was after! But he didn't want a thing so I am naturally really chuffed with them. Of course i am no where near being a doting Mother but he is lovely!!!!

Well I spent the other evening in the sewing room, getting a quilt top put together - must take a photo of that to show next time and Poppy was feeling lonely, she inspected the sewing room and felt that was not suitable for her to settle in so sat on the linen box on the landing. I think she was miffed that there was no quilt for her to snuggle on.

Right well off to see how Gemma is doing with her quilt and to get on with some bits and pieces. we have had a really busy week here and tomorrow we have two full courses to keep us out of mischieve!!
I am looking forward to seeing how their quilts come out some of the colours the ladies have chosen are lovely and they will look so different to the one I have made.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.

2012-01-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

Well I cannot believe I have been so remiss in updating my blog - I had resolved to be far more regular and am obviously failing miserably!!

Look who came to visit today and look at her proud Nanny! Ellie is gorgeous so adorable - all work at Art and Stitch grinds to a halt!!

Well I have been very busy that is my excuse - I had failed to realise that a very dear friend is 70 tomorow in fact and I had not thought she was that age at all - and when I found out ten days ago it was this year I went into a panic mode. Anyway I have made a quilt in double quick time it has been fun and I just hope that the colours are right for her - it looks great in the flesh - so to speak.

I used a Hoffman Bali Pop - I do love batiks the colours and patterns are so rich. I have enjoyed making it and getting to completion in double quick time - well worthwhile.

We are starting Christmas early at Art and Stitch and having a Christmas Club - the first of which is tomorrow so we are looking forward to that here. We are holding them monthly and tomorrow is a Star Garland which is lovely.

Well best go and see if I have anything that needs finishing - lots to do so must go.

2012-01-05T02:13:00.000-08:00

The first project of the year - only the bindings to do so I am really pleased with it. It is a gift for a lovely lass who is having her first baby end of january and has to be in Wales via my sister (who is giving the gift) by then. So no pressure at all - but I have enjoyed making this. Barbara made one last year and it looks great, Angela is just finishing her one and I am going to make a second one in blue for a baby for March. We will be teaching this in April and it does not have to be a baby quilt - photos of Barbara's and Angela's later.

Right must get some more projects done - I am determined to be proactive in 2012!!!!

2011-12-30T03:07:00.000-08:00

A lovely Christmas was had by one and all - even the cat was totally exhausted!!!!

We were lucky enough to have all the family around us on Christmas Day and we had a wonderful day - thank you to all of them

There were lots and lots of lovely presents - we all did very well indeed and I think everyone got what they wanted. I most certainly did!!

For some reason I was decidedly quiet on the camera side and took very few photos - here is the finished Christmas Cake which is very yummy.

I have to thank Gina for her mince pie recipe I made two batches and they were delicious - forgot to take a photo and there is not a single one left. Folks went home with little pots with mince pies in!! So they were a big success.

Well a happy new Year to everyone who reads my Blog - and next year I am going to finish some projects that were started and not finished. Although first project is a baby quilt to get made for mid january so had better go and get started!!

Christmas 2012

2011-12-22T01:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas to everyone that reads my blog and a big thanks to all that do - I understand more read than make a comment as it is apparently not easy to comment on. I am going to look into the comment side but as I am quite a PICNIC that will not be easy!!

Anyway I teased Polly one of our lovely customers that I would place her photo on my blog - well I failed miserably to do so but here at last! Polly has been doing her City & Guilds Part I with us at Art and Stitch and is doing fantastically. We have some great fun when she comes to our classes. So Happy Christmas Polly xx

Well I had to show this it could either be a tree skirt or a table cloth - so I have made it as a table cloth for my blue dining room

This is the table runner we have been making at Aston Quilters mine is finished and all the other ladies looked superb,.

I made this a few years ago and still love it - we are hoping Anne Stacey will teach this at Art and Stitch for Christmas 2012

I love this wall hanging but just no more walls at home

This wall hanging is well used - Anne Stacey is teaching this next year on 20th October ready for Christmas

Now - we had a laugh at work I was making a last minute Christmas present and Barbara got herself all cross with me as I had not made her a little bag too!! So I then had to make one for her, Angela and Dawn - here are two that were made - Barbara had to take hers home straight away!!

Well this will be my last post before Christmas so Happy Christmas everyone - will be back after the holiday. Everyone travelling take care and all enjoy yourselves.

2011-12-16T02:16:00.000-08:00

Well we have got our Christmas decorations up and the house is looking festive, and I realised that the children are quite right and if they stand still they may well get quilted!! When you look at most of our decorations they seem to have been quilted and these are just a few there are others at the shop and some that have not been put up - perhaps I need to slow down on the making of christmas trimmings!!

I made this one a couple of years ago and still love it. it was a panel that I embellished.

This was fun to make and made with left over fabrics.

This runner was the extra snowman panels with the wall hanging and it makes a good attic windows.

I did this table runner this year and have made table mats as well.

I made this last year with Anne Stacey and love it.

Okay you are not seeing double I have somehow or other been a total PICNIC and uploaded this picture twice, but if I try to delete will probably loose the whole lot. I made this star wreath about three years ago but still love.

Whoops these little bits are not quilted they are our Gluhwein mugs from the German markets. When you buy the Gluhwein you pay 2 euros for the mug and then keep taking it back to get refilled. You can get the deposit back but we thought they were a nice momento.

These were table mats I was making for Caroline but I liked them so much they stayed with me!!

Little Christmas stockings there is one either side of the guard they look lovely. We made them in the shop last year I think.

My tree skirt finished this year I love this - it has finished the tree off beautifully.

This tree was made at Orton Quilters a couple of years back and I still love it.

I made this wall hanging this year we had the panels at Art and Stitch and I just couldn't resist it.

I adore cathedral windows and this wall hanging was made last year.

A selection of table mats - I like the blue at Christmas.

Now I have remembered some other bits that I have made and not put up so will have to search them out find some spare wall space and get them hung up. Poor Rob is destined for another trip into the loft!!!

My advent calender is at work and two wall hangings and my Christmas tree wall hanging - good job we only have so many walls!!!

2011-12-14T04:18:00.000-08:00

A few more photos of the Christmas Markets - it was such a lovely break and has made up feel very much in the festive spirit.

This was one of the small chapels in the Cathedral at Cologne it is a magnificant place

Standing on the top deck whilst we cruised down the Rhine the scenery was lovely. it was chilly up there but worth the view.

This was in Koblenz and i thought it was lovely.

I started this wall hanging many years ago - I did a one day course and although it was all put together I had not completed the quilting or embellised. So with them all doing their course with Anne Stacey at Art and Stitch this year it made me get my act together and I have to say i so pleased I have!!

Our Christmas tree - our first year in our new home and we have a lovely bay window so it looks really nice and I am so pleased with the tree skirt - we had these on the bolt at Art and Stitch so I just had to have one!! It is lovely and looks so impressive even if I do say so myself.

Christmas on the Rhine

2011-12-10T04:05:00.000-08:00

Well we have just had a magical few days on the River Rhine cruising along from Dusseldorf to Cologne and then onto Koblenz. It was a wonderful expereince, the Gluhwein was out of this world, Bratwert Sausages, and some really unusual Potatoe Cakes, and Crepes - we had a fabulous time looking around the markets and the things to buy were so different and lovely.

Whilst in Cologne we had to go into the Cathedral which was magical so enormous and beautiful. I have a thing about floors so I took loads of photos of the tiled floors in the different chapels - a really great experience.

We have all started to feel Christmassy now as the markets put us well into the festive spirit. The Cruise was lovely and the scenery down the Rhine itself was so varied it ran from dead flat, to fairly rocky and very hilly - the vineyards on the side of the river were unbelievable how they manage to work them I do not know as they were virtually vertical in places.

I am having difficulty uploading photos so I have done this part of the blog and will save and then try to do some more. But if I fail will do some another day.! Whoops like there are now two pictures of the same wonderful floor - but hey ho if I try to delete one there is a very major chance I shall delete the whole blog!!

So now I am back and have to make a concerted effort to get ready for Christmas, I have some projects half made so I must finish them as soon as possible.

2011-11-25T02:34:00.000-08:00

Well it has been yet another busy week, we had a full class on Wednesday making superb Christmas Trees aren't they fun!

This is just some of the ones I was able to get photos of.

The one of our ladies who has been doing the sampler quilt with us came in to get her sashings and borders on - doesn't it start to look fabulous - she was very pleased with it.

Now I have finished the table runner I was making - I adore this block it is so simply but so effective -
I may give this to Caroline & Nic - if they want it of course!!! I have been asked to do this as a workshop so we have slotted it in for Saturday 3rd December - so come along if you fancy it!!!!

Today we are making table mats - will take photos later

2011-11-23T01:13:00.000-08:00

We are making a Christmas table runner at Aston Quilters - these are some of the first blocks. I have managed to get mine put together yesterday and have to say it looks really nice - just got to get wadded and quilted up.

This one is mine and I love the little robins with their letters in their beaks.

Maureen has fussy cut her snowmen- they look very jolly and as today is cold and frosty makes you wonder if we are in for snow.

They all look so different with the various fabrics and centres.

I cannot wait to see them all put together now - and everyone is enjoying making the block which is good.

Well I am busy making my christmas cards at home and thought I would give myself a break and play patience - but poppy had other ideas, she started chasing the card box and the spare cards then decided the whole thing looked much more interesting!! So I returned to my christmas cards and left her to finish the game.

2011-11-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

A busy couple of days, Saturday with the help of Delyth & Catherine and lots of other lovely ladies, we had a small exhibition of quilts at the Makeit Lace Day at St Ives, all the quilts were made by members of the Quilters Guild Region 9 - there was some lovely work and although the show was predominately lace makers, they were well received and admired by all the people that came to the show. We also ran a tombola to raise funds for Region 9 and we did so well. An enormous thank you to everyone that kindly donated items for the tombola we couldn't have done it without your support. An enormous thank to Delyth and Catherine for all their work it was great.

A selection of the quilts - they were all superb.

Look at these miniatures aren't they lovely.

Then I was lucky enough to get to Chilford and it was a lovely display there. I like Chilford it is so easy to get to from Peterborough. I was forced to spend a little bit of money and treat myself - rude not to have done so.

I had to take this photo for Angela as she adores poppies - it was called Flanders Field and is beautiful.

I loved this quilt - this was just a small section - all the beads - the time and effort that went into it.

So now I have to do some sewing finish some of the quilts that I have not completed yet - I have made one Christmas Present, but I have just started my Christmas Cards and they will keep me out of mischief for a while I think.

Yorkshire

2011-10-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

A lovely trip to Yorkshire, Rob and I have just been away for a few days break with a National Trust organised holiday. it was fabulous. We had a superb hotel with a view over the Liverpool & Leeds Canal - the weather was really really kind to us just one dampish day. We visited lots of lovely places and I had intended to upload more photos but for some reason this is my third attempt to upload them and I have put less on so as to at least enable me to update my blog.

This photo was taken at Harlow Carr RHS gardens it was fabulous and the colours in the trees was superb.

Some of the tiled flooring from Fountains Abbey - this was our damp day - but oh what an absolutely awe inspiring place - there was so much to see.

Before I went off on holiday we had Gina Ferrarri at Art and Stitch making Diva Dolls, here are the finished and part finished dolls - they were all absolutely fantastic - clever ladies and they all had such fun making them.

Now a couple of weeks ago I made a Christmas Table Runner and here are the placemats to go with it.
I have got all six made just need to finish them off.

2011-10-21T02:02:00.000-07:00

Well I have just realised it is ages since I last blogged, I do not know where the time goes to, the weeks just fly by. I have finished this lovely panel for one of my eldest son's friends who have just become parents - oh they were all little themselves once!!

We had a wonderful workshop this week and here are two of the ladies table runners, they all enjoyed the day.

Earlier in the month Rob and I went to London to see my sister Maggie, and we went ont he London Eye then had a fabulous meal to celebrate our engagement with maggie on the HMS Hispaniola on the Thames overlooking the Eye - it was a magical day and evening so lovely.

Well I am busy making place mats to go with my table runner so shall take some photos of them and put on the next blog. Also doing some Christmas wall hangings for the shop - so keeping myself out of mischief.

Tomorrow we have our ladies finishing their Diva Dolls which they started last week and Angela has put some photos on her blog about them - so when they finish them I shall put the final photos on. it was a superb workshop Gina Ferrari is so good.

Right my placemats call - oh and I have a tree skirt to do as well so no time to waste.

2011-10-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Well I have been trying to finish a couple of things - here is the baby quilt I promised to make for a friend - the baby is due this coming weekend so phew just completed in time.

I used the Acu Go Cutter and it is so accurate really fabulous.

I have been sitting doing this Christmas Wall hanging at homein the evenings - and it is now on display in the shop it does look very good even if I say so myself.

Now I am going to be running a tombola for the Quilters Guild again in November so my production line on pin cushions is in progress I have thirteen awaiting stuffing. Lots of our customers have made me other little items as well which is brilliant, so it will be a good tombola again.

Well I just have to shout that I have just had my four year check up and everything is fine - so four years all clear yeh!!! One more year then back to three year check ups!!!

2011-09-28T01:09:00.000-07:00

Well some creativity and a finished item yeh how fabulous is that!!! I went and did a workshop with a Linda Simpson at the Orton Quilters on Saturday and we made table runners - oh they are so lovely and effective. This is mine that I made on Saturday and then the other photo is of the other ladies - we had a great day and were so pleased with out results.

So on Monday I made another one! It is Rob's Mum's 83rd birthday this weekend and so I have made her a table runner. She asked me to do one for her and I have finally gotten around to it. So two finished runners how good is that I am feeling very pleased with them.

Sunday we went over to St Ives to the cromwell Quilters Exhibition - it was superb - the location is lovely and the quilts were fabulous - we spent a nice afternoon leisurely looking at the quilts and meeting so many lovely people as well. I took lots of photos but here are just a couple .

I couldn't resist this saying - there were lots and lots of them scattered around but this one appealled to me. I have sent it to the kids - Paul's response has been he is not sure about being 'Blessed' - how rude!!

Then I couldn't resist this poor little thing eating and sleeping is exhausting!! Obviously needs a better home!!!!

2011-09-17T04:02:00.000-07:00

The Quilters Guild region 9 have been lucky enough to have
Jacquie Harvey design a Block of the month for the Guild as a whole. There is just a small one off payment for Guild members £10.00 and for non-members £20.00. The blocks will be e mailed to us. Anyone interested in hearing further details contact me at Art and Stitch as I have the application forms. pam@rpm.org.co.uk

Well I had to show you our naughty little cat - she is such a minx and her new favorite spot is sitting on top of the aquarium - she knows she is naughty but hey ho spoilt little thing!!
She hangs her head over the side and looks at the fish and thinks meals on wheels I think!!

Well we had a fabric delivery this week and I could not resist them - I bought some on Tuesday and then today there was only a little left on the last bolt which I had not purchased so it has fallen into my bag - how yummy are they!!

I am not sure what I am going to make but I am certain there will be some inspiration in due course. Although I have given myself a good talking to this week and said I have to finish some of the unfinished projects - anyone seen that flock of pink pigs flying overhead!! I have my Radient Star and Wacky Stars that I put together at Debden to wad up, a baby quilt to finish, my blue batik quilt I put together ages and ages ago and a square in square to finish - oh then there is the half square triangle one - oh unfinished table mats - well should keep me busy for a while I think!!!!

As and when I finish the projects I shall put them on my blog - oh my gorgeous Twisted Turning Twenty and I so want to finish that - may do that first.

Watch this space - anyone know how I can find extra hours for the day!!!!!!

2011-09-13T01:45:00.000-07:00

Look at me I am all ready to go to work Mummy!!

So glad you have filled this with nice soft bits and pieces so I can have a sleep in it.

The little minx gets into the sewing room and this bag is on the very top shelf so she climbed up and sat in the bag - I hadn't realised she was there until when I was sewing and a head popped over the top of the bag - as much as to say how dare you disturb me!!!

Well I am busy making pin cushions for the tombola at St Ives - using up lots of bits and pieces of fabric and keeping me quiet in the evenings.

Now I just had to show you my Boys - aren't they all three bobby dazzlers!!

The youngest turned up yesterday for his tea, took home a tupperware box of chocolate chip cookies, half a quiche, oh and Mum whilst I raid your cupboards please can you repair my trousers!!!! What else are Mum's for!!!

2011-09-03T03:21:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a lovely week lots of things going on - today we have a full workshop with Anne in the shop - they are all working very hard - So hopefully lots of nice things to look at, at the end of the day

I decided to try my sketchbook again, as I was sort of half hearted before and I did not like my first attempt - so here is
a second attempt - I actually like this flower

I shall wait until Angela returns from Wales then she can direct me further on my rather poor attempts but at least it is taking me out of my comfort zone and made me think

about trying!!!

Well I had to show you these Rob loves woodwork and now we are settled in our new home we have been able to have a bespoke workshop put up and he has bought all his tools, the names of which elude me - but saws, mitre cutters, planer/thicknessers,routers, biscuit cutters and so on - but here is the magazine rack he is working on isn't it great. Coffee table for the lounge next. Oh he has made me a lightbox I am so pleased with that.

I had to put these on - we went to Wimpole Hall on Bank Holiday Monday with friends and their puppy - and I thought these poppies were absolutely gorgeous.

Crocheting

2011-08-27T01:17:00.000-07:00

Oh look at this - I have never done any crochet at all and
yesterday I had a go - Angela who has done some crochet before is teaching herself via You Tube - how good is that but of course cack-handed anna here couldn't be left out!!

Well i wasn't doing too well then a visitor to our shop, the lovely Eileen who had come with one of our tutors for the day came to my rescue - she was calm and so nice - she managed to get me to get my fingers in roughly the right place (I have to confess to a near wobbly and I am not doing this anymore moment!) - any way look at my little piece of crochet so now I have to learn some more.

Angela who has mastered this skill amazingly made me this lovely brooch last night so I am really pleased with it.

Now I have started another baby quilt using the Go Cutter in the brushed cottons oh it is so lovely and soft it will be gorgeous - Angela now wants a quilt made from brush cotton for herself!

2011-08-20T01:31:00.000-07:00

Well I have started a baby quilt - my friend has asked for a baby quilt for September and so I thought I would use the Go Cutter. I had this Die Cutter for my birthday and have not used it yet so here it is.

I love the colours and thought they would go together - I adore batiks and this new one into

Art and Stitch just called out for me to buy it!!

Oh it is so precise putting the blocks together - I cut this and got stitched all in an afternoon - so not bad at all!

Then I decided I had not made any cakes for absolutely ages - so I decided to do so last night - there is a fruit cake at home ready for Rob to take in for him and Kirk. I have to say it was nice to be proactive this week and getting lots of things done.

2011-08-17T01:06:00.000-07:00

Well we went to the Festival of Quilts on Sunday and it was a fabulous day - met lots of friends there and caught up - how good is that. We took Rob's Mum who is 82 and met my Sister Maggie there - so we were quite a group with Angela, Margaret, Helen, Rob & I. Angela Maggie and Helen did a workshop and the rest of us wandered the stalls.

Here are just a few quilts - there have been lots of photos on blogs - but these were a few that caught my eye for one reason or another!

I just loved this funky lady she was so fun.

The next two were Rob's favorites - he thoroughly enjoyed the show and bought lots of bits and pieces which he will be able to use in his woodworking - how bizzare is that!

This was Rob's real favorite he loved the colours and unfortunately this picture is not doing justice to it.

Well I decided to try my hand at sketchbooking with Gina Ferrarri - I was giving up as I bought the wrong type of sketchbook to start with but Angela was adamant that I was not giving up - on Gina's blog who is miles ahead and there are some lovely samples of work - but I guess I had to try - I do not draw!!!! You can see that - I have done some further pages since these photos but I am still not convinced that I am any good at it!!!!

2011-08-09T01:15:00.000-07:00

Well on my return from Debden last Thursday evening - Rob went all lovely and went down on his knees and proposed - oh wow!!! I managed to mumble a yes amongst the tears!! Well we went shopping for a ring yesterday and was lucky that the one I liked fitted perfectly so here it is.

We told the family last night and some of them had put two and two together and Ericha came armed with a congratultions card made for us - talk about being open books eh!!

We had a wonderful evening they were all so pleased for us and looking forward to helping to plan the wedding. We think that will be September 2012. So I am on cloud nine.

Oh Ericha suggested I should make a patchwork dress - not so sure about that though!!!

So I had to share this - promise not to be too boring about it - though I cannot actually promise to keep that one!!!

Debden

2011-08-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

Wow well I have just spent a fabulous four days at Debden Houses in Epping Forest with some lovely ladies and Anne Stacey as our mentor - it was superb - the food was good - the company was great and Anne was soo so patient and helpful - well here are some of the things I tried:

I will apologise for the slight out of focus photos as I used my phone and obviously need to master keeping it steady!!

Well I took some projects one that I thought would take me alot longer than it did - so with Anne's guidance I went into really random with wacky stars - oh it was such such fun I loved it and somewhat out of my comfort zone but here is the piece I got done so now I have to put borders on and I cannot wait.

Well the project I had in mind to do was a Radient Star I have never been brave enough to do it and so I went armed with my fabrics my book and here is the finished results. I loved it it was such great fun

The first sections going together

Then the finished article just needs backing and turning into a fully fledged wall hanging.

It is better in the flesh.

Then Anne showed me how to put drunken path together and again I turned random and bright

this time.

Debden was wonderful it is soo lovely to be able to sit and sew and not have to worry about cooking or anything. The foods as always was out of this world and now I need to diet!!

Right some random items below - I bought Rob a trip to Vinopolis in London for his birthday so I was lucky enough to be able to go to!! We had a great day a fabulous sunday roast then we went around tasting lots and lots of different wines - some were absolutely gorgeous - then we had a Bombay Shapphire Cocktail - for which I was in my element as I adore those

Now I am soo pleased with our water lily - we had to move the fish pond when we moved house in February and they all five fish and the lily went into a holding tank and are still there until we plan exactly where we want to put it - but the fish are thriving and here is the first flower there is a second bud coming so I am very happy. I adore lilies they are such pretty flowers.

Now I am chuffed about this - I had sat and hand quilted and beaded this wallhanging ages ago and it was hanging in the shop - well a very discerning lady came in and bought it so that is my first thing I have sold yeh!!! It was lovely and I actually hesitated whether to let her have it - I felt very protective of it!!!

So now I have to do another one which will be fun.

Right well I have to go and do some more to my wacky stars and then when it is finished I will let you all see it.

2011-07-28T01:43:00.000-07:00

Well I finished it yeh - all done and I am so pleased with it - I have entered this in the Festival of Quilts, so off it went by courier this week so I shall look forward to seeing it hung at the NEC.

I decided to be adventureous with my quilting and this is a snippet of it.

I had this out in the living room on monday when Caroline came in for her lunch - and she has decided that she just has to have it!!! She doesn't know where she is putting it but she is adament that it is now hers!!.

2011-07-21T01:17:00.000-07:00

Well here is the corner of my quilt that I am busy doing at the moment - this is a lovely colourful one and I am enjoying quilting it - will take some more pictures as it comes along.
So many ends to sew in though.

Well in case you all thought you had heard the last of the wedding - sorry you haven't!!
This is one of the cakes I made for them - they did not want one big wedding cake they wanted 'Mum's' Cakes made by Nic's Mum also a Pam and myself and they made cupcakes. It was a lovely selection and everyone enjoyed them.

Caroline and Nic wanted their day to be unsusual and different and fun and they had all this wedding memorabilia made and put on a table as everyone went into the venue - what fun!!

This is the bridal Suite at the Talbot Hotel in Oundle how lovely is that bed and the bath was an enormous roll top one.

I currently have the flowers that were on the mantle at the venue on my kitchen windowsill - they are soo lovely and colourful and keeping really well.

Okay so lastly proud Mum again these are my two baby boys dancing away together - don't they look lovely I am the luckiest Mum ever I think.

2011-07-20T04:28:00.000-07:00

The proudest moment ever - walking my darling daughter up the aisle for her wedding day. The rain had stopped the sun had come out - the venue was beautiful. We had spent hours on the friday evening tying the bows on the chairs and putting seat covers on. The florist had done a fabulous job with the flowers and the bouquets were beautiful.

They were both quite nervous but they had written their own vows and well I do not think there was a dry eye in the venue - my youngest son was very emotional.

The Talbot at Oundle was a perfect venue the setting for photographs could not have been better - they make a lovely couple although I have to admit to being biased!!!

Rob and I - so proud so lovely

The whole theme for the wedding was colourful and the bridesmaids were in teal and purple with bright bouquets

The whole event ran so smoothly the Registrar was a lovely lady and put everyone at ease so smoothly - what a wonderful job seeing folks so happy!

Now back down to earth with a bang - they are away on Honeymoon in Rome and Sorrento and I suspect having a wonderful time - I do hope so.

Well I had planned to post last week with photos of the cakes I had made for the wedding, but I could blame blogger put suspect that as I was on the laptop at home I probably did something wrong and it did not upload. Still the Mums Cakes were superb and worth the effort. The camera with pictures is at home - I am not very organised.

Well lunch calls and some quilting. Will be back soon.

2011-06-30T01:16:00.000-07:00

Well here I am at last - it always seems to be that when I get time to blog it is a good couple of weeks between each time.

Well time has flown and been busy - I had a birthday at the weekend and my wonderful family spoilt me rotten - they all came over to see me and then Rob took me out for a surprise meal in the evening so all in all it was a lovely day. I had some lovely gifts from Barbara, Angela & Dawn - Barbara made me a beautiful pin cushion and I shall take a photo and put on the blog in a day or so - forgot to take a photo - big whoops!! Also Dawn made me a beautiful doll and she is at home so must take a photo of her too!

It was Barbaras birthday a couple of days before mine and I made her these two bags - the criteria was that her purse had to fit the bag the one I use is too small for her !!

On the subject of bags we have a lovely display in the front of the shop of all different bags so thought I would take a photo of them all.

Yeh I have finished a quilt - this one was a class we had a few weeks ago and I have finally got it all quilted and bound - it looks lovely I love the colours even if I do say so myself!!

Now look at this little fellow how gorgeous is he - we have got these panels in at work so I sat and handquilted him in the evenings and it is lovely - just need the grandchild!! No pressure eh!!

Well time is running away with us and only two weeks to the wedding now - big day !!! I am wearing my very high heeled shoes to get them broken in - and the dress is in my sewing room, the lads all have new suits - my dress is in the wardrobe - so fingers crossed for a sunny day.

2011-06-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

Well it is ages since I last posted - I really do not know where the time goes. My lovely Rob bought me a helicopter experience for part of my Christmas pressie so last Sunday we went to Bicester in Oxfordshire and I had a fabulous time. Unfortunately it was a little wet - but still really really great.

We have got these fabulous flower makers in the shop and I have been putting these together. Some of them need finishing but I will get them done - great for embellishing bags etc. etc.

I made this lovely bag with a Bali Pop - and Rpb's Mum liked it so much I have finished it off for her to have. And with the little bits left over I made a small purse to go inside.

I love Hand quilting and have been doing this at home so yesterday I finished it off with a lovely piece of Batik fabric for the piping and the back. I am really really pleased with it. It is nice to get some bits finished.

We had a bag course at the shop and one lady came who had not done any quilting before and here is her little bag. They are so versitile and useful these little bags and a good starter day as the ladies can go away with a finished item.

2011-05-28T01:23:00.000-07:00

Well here is our new basting table at Art and Stitch - how wonderful is this - it is a higher table

and 8ft square so absolutely brilliant. I had to be the first person to use it - you know me!! So I got this quilt on the table straight away. But have to get it off by Tuesday as the first lady to book the room is using on Wednesday! I think it will be a very popular room! Only £10 per day for the use of the tab le.

Now below is Barbara's version of the same quilt as I have on the table -I used metallic fabrics and Barbara went for Batik's - don't they both look so different and so striking.
Barbara is planing to get hers stitched together this week.

Right well I showed you my Cut & Come Again - work in progress - so here it is finished!! I did the workshop two weeks ago and finished this yesterday so I am very pleased with it.

I used a metallic thread and a fancy stitch on my lovely new janome Horizon which incidentally I adore.

Then having watched the ladies last weekend at Gina's workshop I decided sequins were the order of the day in the border - and I am very pleased with the effect. The photo of the stitching is not very clear and not doing it justice - probably the fault of the photographer!!

Right Angela was insistent that I blogged about the aquarium as well - in fact they are both doing exceedingly well. The Marine is getting very settled and here is a picture of them being fed last night - they go into a frenzy when the food is put in - frozen shrimps last night!

Now the three cold water fish in the other aquarium are growing so much - but unfortunately we have a fault on the tank and Rob has had to go out and buy a new power unit for the pump today. So they are going to be disturbed. Actually looking at the photo they look like one big blob - but there are two larger fish - one with onlyone eye - and a smaller fish. Though they have all grown incredibly.

2011-05-27T01:29:00.000-07:00

Well I know I should have blogged earlier this week - but usual excuses - whinge whinge I hear you say!!!

Well last Saturday we had the most fabulous workshop with Gina Ferrarri www.ginaferrari.blogspot.com and luckily for those present it was a small group and they had a fabulous day and learnt lots and lots.
They made the most beautiful little bags out of organza and then went on to make the floral decorations in the afternoon - they are all soo good.

I am going to apologise as I cannot exactly remember who made which little bag - but one lady has used spiral confetti rather than sequins and that looks so effective

Now Gina also bought with her the most wonderful addition to the course and she sat there so quietly watching them all

Isn't she wonderful - so we at Art and Stitch are taking names for a workshop to make a doll in this vein - so if anyone would like to join us plse contact us to put your name down. E mail to

pam@rpm.org.uk

Now Gina bought with her the most delicious cookies ever and very kindly gave me the recipe so here is the first batch of chocolate chip cookies I have ever made. wow they were gorgeous.

I subsequently made a second batch of cherry cookies as Barbara at Art and Stitch does not like Chocolate chip - they were very good too. So thank you Gina.

Gina has also been making a ring cushion for my daughter's wedding and that is pictured on her blog but oh it is superb I cannot thank her enough.

Well I have a quilt to baste a wall hanging to finish and some customers to sort so off I must go.

2011-05-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

Last evening in the garden we had these beautiful gold finches on the seed heads of an unknown plant. When we moved in, we resolved not to take any plants out or anything this year we want to see what the garden holds and then we can plan any changes without moving some nice plants. But aren't they most beautiful little creatures - so those plants will be staying definitely if they are going to attract such lovely little visitors to our garden.

Last weekend we had Anne Stacey with us at Art and Stitch and she was showing us how to do Cut and Come Again - it was an absolutely fabulous course - Anne is such a good teacher - such patience!!

Anyway here is my wall hanging - yet to be finished but I am determined to get it finished. The technique is superb and I love my colours - it was great to see all the different versions that were being made on the day.

Now I treated myself to some fat quarters at Chilford and then added to them from Art and Stitch and here is the partly finished quilt

I am so pleased with it - the photo is not doing it justice and I have to get the borders stitched on then think about quilting!!

I do seem to have several unfinished projects at the moment so am looking for some extra hours in my day - but not very successfully I admit. Still I shall get there one day I guess!!!

Barbara loved the design and has started one in Batiks which is going to look fabulous cannot wait to see that put together.

Well best go and get some sewing done - always so much to do - but how lucky am I to be able to sew for my job - not bad eh.

2011-05-11T02:50:00.000-07:00

Well the new acquarium is progressing so well and we have now purchased our final fish. We went and purchased a Coral Beauty on Monday and it had been our original plan to purchase one more next week - but we have been advised our tank is not large enough to support two large fish plus the two larger fish are aggressive and may well have fought and killed each other and at the cost per fish we decided to stick with the one Coral Beauty.

He is fabulous and his colours are so irridescent - so now we can sit back and enjoy the aquarium and watch the antics of the inhabitants.

The photos were taken on my phone but are still quite clear.

I had to take a photo of my clematis - my sister gave this to us as a present in our old house but it has taken to its new location like a duck to water and is really doing well. I am so pleased with it.

2011-05-03T02:23:00.000-07:00

Our new marine aquarium is really taking shape we now have got some live corals and some beautiful fish and cleaner shrimps.

On Sunday we got two new damsel fish that change colour they go so dark when they hide under the rocks and then this bright blue when them come out into the tank.

We have got two clown fish - they are very territorial but are so lovely - and real characters they come to the glass to look at you.

The two cleaner shrimps have bright red bodies and they swim upside down it is fascinating.

Also we have got a goby scooter and he is fascinating he sort of glides does not swim and loves to climb the rocks. it takes so long to get this established and we cannot overload the filters by putting too many fish in at once so these purchases have been over several weeks. We now have just two fish to go one next week a Coral Beauty and then the Flame Angel will be our last one as it is very territorial and if had gone in first would have attacked all the others. It is the most fascinating thing to watch - the fish dart in and out of the rocks and the hermit crabs scuttle along the substrate and then the limpet snails climb up the glass to clean it.

2011-04-21T01:31:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally got around to publishing about my giveaway - there were four comments so I put the names on a piece of paper

Then they went into one of our little bowls

Anna Marie from Property management was co-erced into picking out one of the slips so that there was no favoritsm

Then the scrapy bit of paper was opened to reveal Sam's name.

So congratulations to Sam - obviously as you can all guess - Barbara was very put out that she did not win and claimed it was all a fix!!! Typical eh. Anyway the parcel has winged its way to Sam and I shall ignore Barbara if Ican.

Well we had a square in a square course on saturday and I found half a jelly roll at home and part of another one so put this together to show the ladies the way to do it - any excuse to make a quilt top eh.
I have to say I am pleased with it

And yesterday I got the borders on - so now it only remains to wad back and quilt!!!

It does look good and the colours are better in the flesh. The new shop is going so well and we have now got extra tables for the other workroom so it is all coming together nicely.

This weekend we are taking the shop to Moulton Mill to the Moulton & Holbeach Quilters Exhibition, and I am looking forward to seeing all the quilts there - it sounds like they have put alot of work into it so will take the camera with me.

Right I need to do some sewing - have a class on saturday for my handbag and as there is no pattern just in my head - I need to get the cobwebs out and quickly I think and put something together for them to see.

Well I hope everyone that reads this has a wonderful Easter Break - it sounds like the weather is going to be good. My sister is coming up on Sunday and it is Caroline's birthday on St George's day so we will be busy by the sound of it. So Happy Easter to one and all.

2011-04-14T01:55:00.000-07:00

Well it is ages since I last blogged, the only excuse is that we have been exceedingly busy!!!

Anyway this is my one hundreth post - so a little further into this blog you will see the giveaway - which will be drawn on Tuesday next week - so please make some comments.

Well here is the entrance to the new shop - this will eventually be a classroom - all rooms have flower names and this is the Gerber classroom - Stephs favorite flower.

Here is the shop which is called the Rose Room

Isn't it absolutely fabulous - so much fabric - so much space - so light and airy - it is wonderful.

Look at the workshop tables - today they are full of ladies on social stitching. Everyone coming through the door on Tuesday had goodie bags which Angela had put together and they all enjoyed themselves with chocolate cakes and copious amounts of tea and coffee being drunk.

Now to the Giveaway, I made a scarf ages ago - so whoever wins will just have to put it away until the autumn.

Now I have been very good at home and finally finished some projects - a turn around nine patch baby quilt for a baby due on 21st April - it is very very pretty.

Oh poppy could not resist sneaking into the sewing room and cuddling up for a snooze on a quilt!!

Three chickens made for easter pressies - they hold a creme egg underneath - I made them and put eggs in - but one evening working hard in the sewing room I just had to eat one and then low and behold a second one disappeared the same way. I felt awful poor children chickens and no eggs - so I have bought some more and Rob and Angela have told me I must not touch them.

Now look what is finally finished my Barn Raising Quilt - yeh I am so pleased with it - it looks lovely on the bed so now we have to decorate the bedroom!!

And being the very proud Mother I just wanted to put this photo of my gorgeous daughter and fiancee on the blog - I am so proud of them and so lucky to be her mother

Now that is the end of this epic blog - I look forward to lots of comments for the giveaway.

2011-04-02T05:18:00.000-07:00

Well we had a great workshop with a group of ladies, they came into use the Accu Go Cutter to make this block and they all did amazingly well - we had a fabulous two days - and they all went away with at least one block made. Some of them are going to make four blocks and join together to make a large quilt I cannot wait to see them all finished We are getting excited about the shop move only ten days then we will be in the new unit. The shop will open at 8 am and there are goodie bags for the first fifty customers. Barbara and I have been to the charity shop got six wigs each and six coats so we can keep going in and out!!! It is all happening along there - shelf units being assembled, cctv is installed, the electricians are doing the extra sockets for us. Well we seem to keep very busy so I once again have not managed to get much finished. My sewing room is now looking amazingly organised and I actually spent time in there sewing - a project I had started last year and had to put away is now on my design sheet and may get some more work done on it soon I hope.

2011-03-17T02:16:00.000-07:00

Well there is lots to blog about at the moment - but the most momentous piece of news is that
on April 12th Art and Stitch will be moving into much much larger premises! Angela and Neil have secured a lease on Unit33 Aston Business Park - so same place just a different unit - yeh it is absolutely fantastic. it is so spacious and we shall have so much space for materials and everything else and workshop room and a quilting frame - oh it is so exciting!!! We cannot contain ourselves so please put in your diaries to come and see us on April 12th.

Right well general blogging - I am making a baby quilt for Rob's nephew and wife the baby is due on 21st April so here is the show so far - I adore this variation on nine patch it is so lovely. I had been wondering what to turn this fabulous fabric into then Val came into the shop with one done very similarly so i just had to copy- different colour scheme though!!!

Well Sunday Steph Angela and I went to Chilford had a fabulous day - food was good as always.

The quilts in the exhibition were lovely just a couple below.

Now at home we are busy setting up the new Marine Aquarium - this is a somewhat complicated business with the production of RO water which has all the impurities taken out and is pure, then it had to heated to the right temperature than salt added to the right salination - now yesterday we have purchased Live Rock which is somewhat expensive but I am assured absolutely wonderful - this has now been added to the aquarium and in five days when this has

settled in we can start to add cleaner shrimps and some corals - then come the fish at a later stage - so I shall blog again as it comes on.

Now I said it was going to be a long blog - here is the Aston Quilters Mystery Quilt - the centre is put together and I am so pleased with it. The Borders are going to look great as well.

2011-03-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Well time flies by these days - so it is once again ages since I updated my blog. We had a lovely workshop last saturday - nearly a week ago and I am only just showing you the ladies work - terrible! We were doing log cabin and here are some of the blocks that they put together - they all look so different in the variety of colours chosen.

Then I just had to share with you this little mischievious cat - we got the cold water fish tank set up on Sunday and introduced some new babies into it - and Poppy felt left out and wanted to see what they were doing. She now takes up residence in her favourite place on top of the tank!

She also loves sitting on the back bedroom windowsill watching the birds! We have treated ourselves to a bird table and it is lovely to see all the different birds visiting it - and Poppy just has to be there too!!

Well I have been keeping myself out of mischief in the evenings - I got some Katia Ondas wool in Austria and the pattern - and have been making scarves - they are for all the girls, Caroline, Ericha, Liz , Me, Angela & Sam - the colours are soo lovely I actually do not want to give them away! So I am now going to get some more wool and make some more!!!

I have to have something to do in the evenings I cannot just sit and do nothing - I fidget! So these are ideal.

2011-02-23T01:40:00.000-08:00

Well the first Sunday roast in our new home went off exceedingly well even if I do say so myself. The oven performed miracles and everyone enjoyed themselves

Rob suggested I made profiteroles for sweet as they are always extremely popular and over the years have been like my signature dish - how posh was that comment! Whenever asked what they wanted the family always wanted them and if I offered to take food anywhere it was always the same request. Trust me they are not easy to transport in a car!!!

Anyway they rose beautifully and cooked well in the gas oven so I breathed a sigh of relief
and below the finished plateful.

After the meal there was not one scrap left!!!!

Well as we started to sit down for dinner who thought she was guest of honour! No prizes for guessing that it was the most mischievous cat ever! She was sent packing very quickly.

Caroline and Nic arrived with this beautiful vase as a New Home Pressie - it matches a smaller version that I had had as a Mothers Day gift last year. Then lo and behold my sister arrived bearing these beautiful flowers so they just happened to fit the vase beautifully.

It was a great day. Rob and I were privy to a sneak preview of Nic & Caroline's wedding rings and they are so pretty - well perhaps I should not describe Nic's as pretty!!

So all in all it was a fabulous day - thank you to all my wonderful family I am so lucky to have you all xxxx

2011-02-19T02:23:00.000-08:00

Oh I just had to share this - look at my new toy, it is soo lovely to use - I am really really lucky
to have this having just moved house. The throat on it is wonderful for quilting and there are lots and lots of lovely stitches and it is very smooth - I could just go on and on but wont!!!

I am busy quilting my very large Barn Raising Quilt on my new machine so it is earning its keep already.

Whilst we were on holiday I worried I would get bored on some of the coach journeys so I took some handsewing with me - and produced this lovely baby toy - the poor gentleman sitting across the aisle on the coach was wonderful he kept picking up all the bits I managed to drop on a regular basis. I only managed to make one as the scenery was so wonderful it kept distracting me.

Well tomorrow we have all four children and respective partners coming for the first sunday roast at our new home. Yeh I am so looking forward to it - the only slight worry is that my new oven is a gas oven and this is the first major cooking session in it. Oh well it will be fine I am sure. Rob has put together all our ikea purchases from last weekend so now we are getting really organised. My sewing room is slowly taking shape and I am hopeful of getting it all set up in the next week or so.

2011-02-16T01:13:00.000-08:00

Yeh I have actually finished a quilt - this was made out of a jelly roll for the centre 'Fandango' by Moda then I decided to cut up a layer cake for the border - it is lovely and bright and cheerful - not sure where it will go now it is done - but it was fun to make!!!

The remainder of the layer cake and part of a plain brown jelly roll has made a second quilt and in my normal fashion haven't taken a photo of that just yet - though it is believe it or not finished.

We are having a workshop at Art and Stitch on 16th April with this quilt so should be a fun day.

I have been quilting my very large King Size 'Barn Raising Quilt' and am only a fraction of the way through it but it is coming along nicely. I have borrowed Barbara's new Janome Horizon and oh it is so wonderful - so wonderful that in fact I have ordered one for me he he a new toy coming - what fun¬!!!!!

Well my hundreth post is looming and I shall have to try and put my head together for a good giveaway - so am going to go and try and get the grey matter into gear.

2011-02-15T01:40:00.000-08:00

Well Poppy has settled into her new home - she loves lying through the banister rails and then attacks anyone who walks past.!!!!

After a trip to Ikea Poppy was supervising the fitting together of the kitchen stools! She was totally convinced that Rob needed extra help and guidance.

Anyway she approved of the finished article and tested it out straight away!!!! There are two but she had lost interest by the time the second one was being put together.

We had a super day at Ikea - took Rob's 82 year old Mum for her first visit - she loved it especially the swedish apple cake and vanilla cream!!!

The one room in the house that I need to attack is my sewing room and I shall find some time soon I hope!!!

2011-02-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

Some more photos of our holiday in Austria and Switzerland - I took about 235 pictures and I am reluctant to dump any of them as they are all good in their own way!!

This was in a beautiful park in Innsbruck by the Palace - poor horse - they did not have many takers for the carriage ride I am afraid.

This cable car was above Innsbruck and where the Olympics had been held - of the ski jump looked absolutely terrifying - how on earth they can launch themselves from it I cannot comprehend!

More photos of the Oberalp Express - this was where we changed engines for the steep climb.

Unfortunately some of the pictures from inside the train as we were going along have reflections in - it was the most beautiful sunny day and the train was really really warm. But the views and scenery were totally awe inspiring.

2011-02-08T01:33:00.000-08:00

Well the house move went amazingly well - we had key release at 12-0-clock and the removals firm had gone by 3-0-clock, so we were able to go and get Poppy and start to get organised.
We are in love with the house and the space, the garden is lovely as Nic said roll on the Barbecue's.

Poppy is confused by the empty fish tank as they were all taken back to the Water Zoo to and we shall reset this one up with cold water fish and then the new Marine tank will be set up in due course.

Caroline & Nic have made all their wedding invitations and sent them out - they are lovely even though of course I am very biased! There is the most lovely verse inside from the file 'When Harry Met Sally'. They are so very happy and fizzing over, they have created their own website www.forourwedding.co.uk and Nic is starting a blog. Caroline has bought the most wonderful shoes - she will tower above me when we walk down the Aisle - and no before anyone says anything I am not wearing heels that high!!!!

So as we said yesterday, July will soon be upon us - as time flies so quickly. They are not having a bespoke wedding cake they are having "Mum's Cakes" . Nic's Mum also a Pam, and I are going to make fruit cake, maderia cake, chocolate cake, lemon cake & cup cakes and they have found a lovely cake display to hire to display them. Nic and Caroline will make one cake themselves for the top of the display which will have a bride and groom sitting on it. What a wonderfully different idea!! Oh it is soo exciting and I am so proud of them.

2011-02-02T01:03:00.000-08:00

A fabulous holiday - Rob and I spent last week in Austria and Switzerland on an Alpine Winter Holiday - it was wonderful - words cannot describe the views and the places.

Just a few pictures - I took well over two hundred photos and so it is difficult to condense down to a few just to share with you.

We went on the Alpine Glacier Express in Switzerland and this is just one view from the panoramic train carriage - it was wonderful

Trees just covered in snow as we travelled in a cable car

Oh look at this lovely cup of tea in the most friendly of little restaurants in Innsbrook - we also had goulash soup and apple strudel yum yum!!!

What a lovely view this was in Bregenz

Another cable car this time descending

We were lucky to have super people on the coach journey with us and it made for a lovely holiday. Oh wow the wool shops in Austria and Switzerland are out of this world, we found a couple of dressmaking fabric shops and it was like going into a little piece of heaven. There was a lovely patchwork shop but they did not have anything specifically Swiss they were all Kona Bay, Stoffe & Moda - home from home!!!!!

Then we found an Aquatic shop with some wonderful fish and Marine fish layouts and as that is Rob's next project we are having a Marine Tank with live rock and corals and wonderful fish so we got some good ideas from this centre.

Oh also the train layout in the shed looks like it might be being changed to an Alpine scene - from our bedroom window in Switzerland there was the most beautiful scene with of course a railway coming out of a tunnel before our very eyes - so our 1940's layout looks to be beached and an Alpine one on the way!!!!!

The wood carvings were fabulous and I should have put a picture of them on, but will just save that for later.

So now I am back - the house move is happening on Friday and we are all packed in boxes - have to keep moving or I might get put in one!!!! Poppy did not enjoy her stay at the cattery this time and has lost some weight but we can sort that out for her quite quickly I am sure!!!

Well Caroline's wedding invitations are out she has made them all and they look lovely - more about this on a later blog.

Must dash as I am trying to finish quilting a quilt and am nearly there - so once that is done I shall take some photos to share.

2011-01-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

Well I have been so remiss in blogging recently and do apologise to anyone who looks at my blog and there is nothing new being shown.

Well we have exchanged contracts on our house and actually move on 4th February - which is very exciting - we have started packing and Poppy is busy supervising to make sure we are doing it all as it should be - also she is very pleased to have the shelf unit all to herself to sleep in!!!!

I have been playing with little bags and sewing cases, it started with making a bag to put the controls for my sewing machine in - and I made one for everyone - but I have not taken a photo of them - silly me!

I have made this sewing case which is really useful for putting all sorts of bits and pieces in.

I made these three bags for Angela as part of her Birthday present - a scissor case, a rotary cutter holder and a miscellaneous bag for putting Angela's glasses in so she does not loose them

I also made Angela a sewing case as well - which she is finding very useful.

Art & Stitch has been incredibably busy and today we have a full workshop doing Anne Stacey's Sampler Quilt Course. We are updating the workshop programme and will be putting lots of extra workshops in.

2011-01-07T01:16:00.000-08:00

Well Happy New Year (okay somewhat belatedly) to everyone who reads my blog.

Gosh I cannot believe we are at the 7th of the month already - it seems to have flown by - soon be Christmas!!!!!

I do hope everyone had good holidays and New Year breaks - our family get togethers all went very well and it was lovely to have them all around.
Today is my eldest son's 30th Birthday - wow - he was most miffed as he has an important meeting at work today and when he jokingly said oh nice Birthday present - the Big Big Boss said oh that will be good you can bring the cakes!!!!! So he was up at 6 15 am to cycle to the station get his train to Kings Cross cycle to Kennington and purchase cakes on the way!!!

I meant to bring in an uptodate photo but forgot - here he is with his sister and baby brother many years ago he would have been six at the time but I love this photo of the three of them.

Well Art & Stitch has been mega busy since Christmas - so not much time for creativity at present. Though I wanted to share these - we have a group once a month and we are making a Mystery Quilt - they had to choose their colours and I have been feeding them the parts of the blocks (well Block one at present) and here are their first blocks all put together - they have to make thirteen of these and then we have to start Block Two and I shall drip feed them the parts of this as well. Then they have got a pieced border to make - yeh I am soo pleased with all their first Blocks and it is amazing how the colours have all come together. I managed to sigh with relief when they were all happy with the results!!

So as this project progresses I shall show you more of their efforts.

I have got several quilts to layer and finish - but hey ho they will get done at some stage.

Life seems hectic we are still awaiting a date for the house move though it is moving slowly slowly forwards.

Right well today I intend to make a scissor case for my new shears that I got for Christmas so must go and see if I can make head nor tail of the pattern I have.

2010-12-23T01:42:00.001-08:00

My Heart Wreath - I am so pleased with it - it looks lovely hanging on my cupboard

I love Christmas - and am looking forward to having all my family around sometime over the festive season.

So just a quick post to say Happy Christmas to anyone who reads my blog and Happy New Year see you all in 2011 (as I doubt I shall get time to post between now and then)

2010-12-21T01:54:00.000-08:00

I decided to play around with some left over strips and started making a bag so our fashion model is displaying the part finished article!!!!! Poor Barbara she always gets landed with these photos!

Walking to our garage this morning, I just felt the trees looked so beautiful so my phone had to come out and take a few pictures.

Not many sleeps to Christmas - have got most of the parcels packed the tree is up and the rest of the decorations in place and so far Poppy has left well alone yeh!!

2010-12-15T00:45:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas is creeping steadily closer and all of a sudden the last couple of days I have started to feel like I should get myself into the Christmas spirit.

So here is the first batch of mince pies, we had a Christmas Bauble workshop and I made them for that to go with Angela's mulled fruit juice - really nice.

Today I thought I would do something different so I have made Mary Berry's mincemeat buns, just to see what they are like!!!

The Christmas cakes are made and have been regularly fed with brandy and now they are dressed and ready - yum I hope they taste okay!!

My youngest son Mark has been going through a bit of a tough time, so he and I went to Milton Keynes to do his Christmas shopping - and I couldn't resist this photo of the cows! Mark thought I was madder than usual - as he is too young to know anything about their origins!

Caroline has bought this dress for her work's Christmas party and for Liz's wedding - but it needed some minor adjustment so Mum's sewing machine was required! I didn't get her feet in the photo but the height of the heels - she adores bright colours.

We are off wedding dress hunting this coming weekend and she is fizzing literally!!

Well I have a quilt to finish for a christmas pressie and some odds and ends to tidy up so must dash.

2010-12-07T01:53:00.000-08:00

Well it is absolutely ages since I sat down to blog - several excuses - waffle waffle waffle - but I am back at last!!

Suffice to say the shingles has all gone, the post herpetic neuralga is well and truly on the wane I do not have to take the dog tablets anymore - the tablets I had were the same as Angela's dog was on!!! You can imagine the mirth that has caused us all.

Anyway I am now back with a vengence and have just returned from a wonderful weekend at Debden House with Anne Stacey. We arrived on friday to a beautiful vista of the lovely old house in snowy surroundings. The workshop was waiting for us and we all started with a vengence!

The view of the side of the house

Ane the photo below is from Dawn and my Bedroom window

Here is Dawn modelling the overdoor hanging that she made!!!

I couldn't resist this photo as the snow melted on the block paved path - it is lovely

Anne had bought loads and loads of ideas for us all to make and here is my Christmas tree as work in progress and then as finished.

Now on Thursday before I went I decided I wanted to use the batiks we had and make a pattern in a magazine I had. Anyway this is how it is turning out - looking good - just got to sort borders now.

Right well I will endeavour to keep my blog up to date more regularly and as I am on 84 posts now have to think about a giveaway for the 100th which will be in the New Year now. Yeh Christmas is looming very soon - I love Christmas and love having all my family around.

2010-11-19T02:12:00.000-08:00

Right last night I started making my Christmas Cards - Angela still says I am mad - but I think they look pretty okay - just have to do inserts and write them now!!!

So now I have to do some christmas presents and get organised - well try to!!!

2010-11-17T01:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas fun - for some unknown reason I always make my own Christmas cards - they have been cross stitched, stamped and numerous other ways over the years I have been doing them and this year Ithought it would be a good way to use up some of those scraps of material that I have in my boxes - now I just have to make them into cards - also if I am to make all my cards as usual (which Angela feels I am absolutely loopy for so doing!) I need to pull my finger out and do some more and quickly!!

But I have enjoyed sitting playing with these and the suffolk puffs are lovely - actually I may just go to M & S and buy cards and keep all of these!!!

Aston Quilters are in month two of their Mystery Quilt and these are two of the components of the first block - there was quite alot of moaning at the size of the pieces but they are all secretly enjoying the challenge and I am sure that once the quilt is finished they will be well pleased with it.

I have actually put the first block together but I am not going to show that just yet - but it looks lovely!!!

Now I am about to start thinking about Christmas presents - it is getting far too close and I have not made any yet!!! oh well I guess a last minute rush is good for me!!!!!

2010-11-13T02:06:00.000-08:00

Well it has been ages since I last sat down and updated my blog - lots of things have been happening - Art & Stitch is now two years old - where has the time gone to.

We had lost the buyer on our house and now resold again so the move is back on at some stage once the Solicitors have done their bit.

We have now got the new Go fabric cutter in the shop and this week I have cut out the pieces on it to put a top together - but in my normal fashion no photo, will do so next week once together.
Angela has done the same quilt in different fabrics so be interesting to see how they look once finished.

We had a brilliant workshop yesterday at Art & Stitch - and Angela will kill me for taking her photo as she doesn't like to be caught on camera! Angela was not doing the workshop she is quilting her quilt top so I had to snap her in action!!!!

Here are all the other ladies and their blocks they all look so lovely and we had a super day - I couldn't have coped without Barbara's help she was great helping everyone for me.

Don't they all look lovely - it is a time consuming quilt but so well worth while made with two jelly rolls. I am looking forward to seeing them all put together and ready for quilting.

2010-10-26T03:21:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely family weekend - out with Rob's daughter Liz and her fiancee on Saturday and Mum for her 82nd birthday treat.

We went to Belton House nr Grantham which was lovely - Alistair has taken lots of photos but I have not got them yet. The weather was awful but the food was good there!!

Then Sunday we set off for London

Cannon Hill Common, Morden Surrey on 24th October 2010. It was my sister's 64th birthday so as a family we trooped down to have lunch with her - the sensible folks drove down the M25, I took us via the North Circular and guess what the police had closed the whole road, we were diverted into the depths of who knows where - so we were last to arrive!!

Anyway we all went for a walk in inappropriate footwear across the common - and it was a lovely sunny day so all good. I grew up here and spent many happy hours on the common and then subjected the kids to the same as they grew up.

Well this is my daughter and her fiancee Nic - they are so happy and now we have a lovely wedding to plan.

2010-10-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

Well another momentous week in our household - my daughter has become engaged and plans to marry next summer - it is wonderful she is soo over the moon and happy - we are going to see her and her fiancee tonight so shall take some photos - I am obviously a very proud Mum!!!

Well I have been struggling to get any sewing done - we have been so busy in the shop but at last I have got this scrappy quilt top put together - It is the leftovers from my quilt along quilt and so I put it together like this - now wadded and basted just need to find time to quilt it!!

Anyway Caroline (my lovely daughter) is having a Halloween party at her flat - then she will be moving in with Nic the new fiancee - yeh. Anyway today with Angela and Barbara's help I have made her some bunting. Barbara has kindly modelled for me!!!

I think Barbara has done a sterling job - think if she plans to wear them as a bikini I should have enlarged them!!!!!!

So I am pleased with these and think that Caroline will be as well.

I am the luckiest Mum in the world with the best family ever!!!

2010-10-16T02:09:00.000-07:00

Well it is ages since I last sat down to update my blog - no excuses - I do not seem to have had time to turn around. I love reading other blogs and everyone else seems to have much more time in their days and so much more creativity than I do.

Hey Ho as usual life has been hectic, we have offered on a house and been accepted and instructed Solicitors and started paying out for fees etc. etc. etc. - but oh we are soo happy it is a lovely house.

Art & Stitch has been lovely and busy and yesterday Rob and I went to the Cambridge Quilters with the shop - they were making heart shaped cushions for the breastcare unit at Addenbrookes and it was lovely to see all the ladies working away. Rob and I had a lovely day and it was nice he came with me for company.

I have been doing lots of little bits and pieces and have incidentally started my Christmas Card making - but I am not going to show them on the blog as they will not be a surprise to anyone who I send cards to! Although my family normally end up routing through the boxes trying to choose which card they want!!!

Anyway the picture above is a wall hanging I have started to make which will hopefully look lovely when done - it is so easy to do and I am sitting doing them whilst watching the tele - so all good.
Now today, one of our ladies has come in to do a course with us and bought in two cushion covers that she had started with me on the crazy Cushion Workshop - aren't they lovely - it so nice to see the finished articles from people.

So now I think I shall try and finish my wallhanging - I have three quilts to finish - some Christmas presents to make - oh well I guess it will all get done one day.

Monday my daughter and I are off for some retail therapy together which will be good fun and next weekend is my sister's 64th birthday so a family outing is planned. It is also Rob's daughters Birthday same day - so next weekend is hectic which will be lovely - must take some photos.

2010-10-05T01:26:00.000-07:00

Well not sure where to start as have had a really good few days! One of the best bits of news was I had my yearly check up yesterday and all clear - so now three years on and all clear - so although you tell yourself it is going to be good it is great to hear those words from the Consultant. Oh by the way he had warm hands!!!! Then Caroline and I went out to lunch and it is lovely to see my daughter so happy and relaxed - she has a very nice young man in her life and I am soo proud of her!!!

Then yesterday we had an offer on the house - so it looks like we are sold - we accepted and now tonight we are out viewing - how exciting is that. I shall be having a room purely for my sewing so that will be great.

I spent Sunday in the workroom as Rob was on nights and so sleeping at home and got my 'Chase the rectangle' quilt all wadded up and basted so it is ready for quilting now - I have put a really rich dark red on the back and it looks really warm and cosy.

On Friday I got the borders on my Quilt Along quilt and I am very pleased with them and now with the leftovers am starting another quilt so we shall wait and see what that comes out like

I have to pinch myself sometimes as I am such a lucky lady - I have a great job - great family - great friends - and good health - what more could I want!!!!

Now I had to show you this - a week or so back my friend - who has been raising money for Chesterton Church - was organising a display of crafts in the Church - so she prevailed on me for some bits and pieces - it all went very well and they raised some funds for the Church so she was very happy. Anyway at Line Dancing last night she gave me back my carrier bag of goodies (I got the bag free when my sister was buying a kettle at the le Crueset shop).
Well look who could not resist the temptation to see what was inside - she is a little madam - nothing in the house is Poppy proof!!

2010-10-01T01:31:00.000-07:00

Well I am finally getting some sewing done, I have been doing this advent calender at home watching the tele at night - I have to have something to do or I got to sleep and miss the most important part of whatever I am watching!

I also enjoy hand quilting and beading so it is quite theraputic really

Now for the Quilt Along that Angela and I started about four weeks ago - I am behind due to the hugely excessive amounts of holiday that I have taken - if you speak to Barbara she will tell you that I always on holiday!!!

Anyway here are all my blocks put together with a small border it is lovely and such an easy pattern to make just out of a jelly roll plus borders.

Now I have gone silly and decided to do fancy borders so have cut up a layer cake to make the borders

Here they are being chain stitched and hopefully by later today they might be ready to get put on the sides of the quilt - I think it is going to look lovely and I am pleased. So another quilt to back and quilt oh well what fun - I do love doing this!!

2010-09-29T01:54:00.000-07:00

We have just had a lovely two night stay in Blackpool. We stayed at the Hilton Hotel which was really lovely - good food etc. etc.

We were soo lucky as the weather was more than kind to us - Sunday when we arrived wasreally sunny and we went to the top of Blackpool Tower and the view was magnificant.

Then we went on the Pier - I adore Pier's I think they are just so English!

This picture was at Lytham which was a lovely little town with some super shops and we had the most gorgeous fish and chips!!

We had a tour of the lights on a tram on Monday night which was fabulous and we were in the Tram which was decorated as a Train it was lovely.

A view along the prom towards the Tower - I have to say I enjoyed Blackpool it is like a different world but was great fun and we enjoyed our trip soo much.

We went to Fleetwood and it was a strange town but oh the Wool shops they were everywhere and the market was superb - I got some lovely ribbons and really wish I had bought more.

2010-09-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

A fabulous week of going out for days.

I have been away from blogging for too long - one because Rob and I had a week's annual leave and went out and about for days - which was really nice.

Then this week returning to work has been manic and the computer has been being sooo gay and not uploading my photos - I am blaming the computer not myself!!!

We went out and out the sewing machine is at the
Black Country Living Museum which was so wonderful. I took soo many pictures but will not bore you with all of them - though some may appear on later blogs for various reasons.
We went down a coalmine and am I glad I did not live in those days. The houses were fabulous though once again i would not want to do my washing using these items!!

Grimsthorpe Castle just north of Bourne - look at these super seedheads.

The castle itself was magnificant and we had lovely scones in the restaurant

The exterior of Grimsthorpe - the rooms were wonderful

Blenheim Palace, which was lovely but too geared to the American market I thought - though the grounds were lovely

So not much quilting or creativity been going on but am endeavouring to get back into it.

We also went for retail therapy at Meadow Hall, two pairs of shoes some tops etc. etc. it was a super day!! No material shops though!!!

2010-09-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a very unproductive week - but very very busy in the shop so I guess that is why !!!
Angela and I for some silly reason have joined a Quilt Along on one of the blogs we follow and these are my fabrics, and the cut out strips and squares. The colours are lovely. The next step will be blogged about next week and we will start to make blocks - so watch this space.

Angela said I had to blog about my change of car - but not that exciting really! My daughter decided she wanted a grown up car as she had been driving a Kia ever since she left University she was on her second one! So off she went with Rob and came back with a beautiful Honda Civic 2.2 Deisel and I bought the Kia off her - now what does that say!!!! It is lovely to drive and I am pleased that I have got it. But apart from that life seems to be jogging along with nothing of particular interest and no finished items sewing wise!!! Oh I am now officially a pensioner and should start getting my oap in the near future - so I guess I can go and sort my bus pass as well - will have to make time for that!!!

2010-09-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased with this quilt I fell in love with the colours - they were so warm and autumny (is there such a word I wonder!) Anyway I have quilted it with wavy lines and then done a wavy edge border so I am sort of chuffed with it.

Yeh look at the linus quilt - it is coming along nicely now I have put the borders on - and decided to make smaller than the original pattern - so I now have had enough squares to make four this size and so am going to make into two quilts totally reversable - which should be quite nice. So all in all I am pleased that the original squares did not end up in the bin !! it is a good way of using up lots of oddments of fabrics - and fat quarters that you wonder why you bought!!!

I think I am tempted to quilt with wavy lines again!!

Now all I have to do is finish this and finish the other one - and then get the jelly roll quilt finished - I need more hours in my day!!!

2010-09-01T01:19:00.000-07:00

Well wow we are at the start of September, where has this year gone - am I imagining it or as I get older does the time go quicker! I also notice when I started this blog I have done 70 posts so shall have to start the grey matter churning for a giveaway at 100 - or I shall be in big trouble with Angela and Barbara!!!

Bank Holiday weekend was lovely - spent with family which was nice - we went to Sunday roast with Mark (my youngest) and Zoey his fiancee to meet her Mum and yeh the dinner was lovely with swede my favorite - no-one else seems to like but Joyce does and and rather alot of red wine - so all good. I had coffee and muffins with Caroline whilst doing the weekly shop and caught up on her news. Then my eldest came round for tea and cake and told all about their holiday so all good.

Then back to work and trying to finish projects

I started this quilt made with two jelly rolls at Debden in August, it is finally put together but needs backing and wadding.

Ages ago I decided to make some Linus quilts and cleared out my pile of fat quarters in the stash as I found a pattern using fat quarters called Pot Luck - didn't like the results looked horrid - so having found the dumped pile decided the time had come to do something - chucking was looking like a very good option!!! Anyway I am seperating the blocks with black sashing and now they look better - going to put a bright border on and then they may be saved!!!

Oh thought you might like to see our naughty cat - I was busy on the phone upstairs last night talking to my sister and Poppy decided she was just too exhausted to listen so she found a nice warm spot to rest her head - cheeky madam!!

We actually have two very tiny baby fish in the aquarium at present - but I suspect the big one's will find them very tasty - shame but that is the way these things go.

Well best go and get on and try and finish something - sometimes you just find that everything seems an effort and that appears to be me at present!!

2010-08-27T01:25:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we had an outing to the Festival of Quilts and yes I should have blogged about it earlier but everyday I managed to leave the camera and card reader at home!
Well today Angela text me to remind me but whoopy I had actually remembered it already.

It was a great day out seven of us and we had a good laugh - met lots of other people at the show so a good day was had all round. Roll on next year

I haven't put many pictures up - and in truth I had thought I uploaded more photos - but I obviously didnot press the right buttons!!!

I just loved these pegs - you really felt you could go and take one off the pile!!

2010-08-20T01:42:00.000-07:00

Rob and I had a lovely day out yesterday at Blickling Hall in Norfolk - we had not been before and as it is National Trust thought we would have a day together. I do love using our National Trust membership you feel you are getting value for your money!!!
The journey over was nice and we had coffee and home made scones when we arrived then spent a leisurely day looking around the house and grounds. Rob got into trouble as he asked what the significance of 'The Cow' was as they had them at the entrance way on ceilings and a lovely school marm type lady loudly told him that their were NO COWS at Blickling that the Coat of Arms heralded a BULL. He was heard to be muttering I just met one!!!!

The interior of the house was fantastic and the ceilings were majestic and I adored this one they let you take photos without a flash and this was done on the phone so perhaps not as clear as if I had used the better camera

I loved the celtic knot type panel.

The gardens and grounds were beautiful and I just loved all the trees - I took lots of pictures of the trees.

This is the front entrance - puts my front path to shame!!!

We had lunch in the restaurant which was delicious and we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It is nice to have days to do something different together

2010-08-17T02:24:00.000-07:00

Well what a lovely way to spend a Sunday - Barbara and Angela gave up their time to come and help me which was so kind of them - this is the biggest quilt I have ever put together. Now it has to be quilted - help!!!

Angela and Barbara are pleased that they have laid on the quilt before my Rob!!! We had to move all the workshop around and put tables together it was a mammoth task.

2010-08-11T02:55:00.000-07:00

Monday, Hilary and I had a lovely day out and went to a super garden centre at Polebrook nr Oundle which specialises in Mediterrean plants and it was really worth visiting. it has only been open eleven weeks.
We then carried on into the village and had a lovely pub lunch and then a walk around the village. It was a super day and we both enjoyed ourselves.

Saturday we had a course at Art & Stitch for Crazy Cushions and we had a lovely group of ladies who made some super cushion tops - they all enjoyed themselves

My Thomas the Tank engine ready for a christmas present.

Vicki is getting ready for Christmas.

Mags liked her butterflies

Trish had never done any quilting/sewing before
so was well pleased.

2010-08-06T02:51:00.000-07:00

Off to Debden House on Monday morning - Mummy can I come to please!!!!

I put the pile of fabrics on my last blog and this is how it is coming along - please ignore the yellow stickers!

Because I decided once it was going together I wanted a King Size quilt in Raising the Barn style log cabin - I had to stop at this point and come back to the shop to buy some more material so once it is finished I shall post again with the completed top - it is going to look magnificant even if I say so myself!!!

A couple of pictures of some of the other folks work - there are loads more everyone had a fabulous four days it was great fun - Anne Stacey as always made it such a good summer school.

This is Debden House set in Epping Forest it is a fabulous old property - once a working farm owned by a gentleman farmer - who had other interests in the area and the workroom where we were sewing was originally the Coachhouses. We were shown a book from 1997 giving the history and it was fascinating - then Mavis Mary & I went for a walk into the forest - totally and utterly inadequate footwear for all of us - and came back past some other period properties which were also mentioned in the history book - One called the Mount was were race horses were raised in many many years past and boy is it fabulous and the stabl block has all been beautifully converted as well.

The walk in the forest (although I hasten to add only a shortish walk) was lovely, it was so green and fresh as it was just after the most fabulous thunder storm.

We managed to get back to the workroom before the heavens opened!!

So roll on December when we go back for the Christmas weekend!!!!

2010-07-31T01:37:00.000-07:00

On Thursday it was the Orton Quilters Meeting and the lady their had bought with her the most gorgeous colour wheel made of fabrics & embellisments mounted in mount board, anyway we all started to put our efforts together, and here is mine - I am determined to find some more colours to match in and finish - I really enjoyed it. Everyone enjoyed the evening Biddy was so informative and helpful it was great fun.

Now I am supposed to be getting ready to go to Debden for Summer school, the bolts of fabric below are going to become a log cabin quilt. I have done log cabin blocks but never an entire quilt so when Anne suggested it I thought yes lets have a go!!!!

So hopefully when I return from Debden I shall be able to put a photo of the quilt top on here.

Poppy will be in charge at home looking after Rob!!!! Rob has got his rail track all in pieces whilst he redesigns the layout so that will keep him well and truly busy for a few hours. Poppy will sleep get up to mischief and eat Cheerios! Oh yes, last sunday shopping we had to buy Cheerios as they are her favorite - who is soft - Rob I hasten to add!!!!! This morning she had my piece of sewing that I am doing at night on the floor and the bowl with the cotton ends rolling around the rug - make note to self you will need to vacuum the rug!!!! bother!!!

2010-07-27T01:41:00.000-07:00

I was such a lucky lady on Saturday, Angela got Len to do her draw for her giveaway and my name came out the bowl! Barbara has given me grief over this and said it is a total fix - but I am soo chuffed look what I got - it was a super gift and all of it will be very useful.

The blackcurrant chocolate was gorgeous Rob and I sat and ate it whilst chilling in front of the television on Sunday evening.

We actually had a glorious decadent lazy weekend, coffee and hot cross buns in the garden sunday morning, tea in the garden after the Grand Prix had finished and then bombay shaphire & lime and chocolates in front of the goggle box!!!!!

Yesterday was equally lazy coffee in the garden, Caroline joined us for a leisurely lunch - then I went Line Dancing - need to do something to work off the hot cross buns!!!!

2010-07-22T01:12:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I must thank those of you that put comments for my Giveaway - I got Vanessa to take the names out of the hat on Saturday and Julie was the winner - so that will be winging its way to her very shortly.

Now I do not know where the time seems to go - one would hope that being here in Art & Stitch all day that I could get lots done, but no that has not been the case - still I have got this front of a quilt pieced using "Wrapped in Paisley" charm packs and the corresponding material, it is looking good - yet to be finished I have decided to curve the border - so that will keep me out of mischief for a while I think!

Then I have made this table runner, oh it was such fun to make and I got very brave and did the free machine quilting which I am pleased with myself - I can hear Gina and Anne saying Confidence just go for it and I did yeh!!!!! I loved the little pieces of applique and of course we have such a lovely selection of buttons it was difficult to choose which ones to use.

Both of these projects are going to be workshops at Art & Stitch so you can check them out on our website www.artandstitch.co.uk

2010-07-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

For my Birthday treat Rob took me on a day on the Orient Express - oh it was magical - we were greeted with coffee in the lounge at Victoria then this Steward was there to assist us all the way through the journey. The Orient Express was the inspiration of an American who scoured the country for the disused Pullman Carriages and restored them to their glory - there were ten carriages on our train yesterday all beautiful.

Dress code was quite strict - and doesn't Rob look lovely all dapper and smart! (Mark you he always looks lovely!!!!) The carriage we were in was called Vera and was built in the 1920's and apparently carried members of the Royal Family at that time including the young Princess Elizabeth & Princess Margaret - it was damaged during the blitz and then restored and then when the Pullman carriages were no longer needed sold to become a children's playhouse in a back garden!! Purchased by the guy with the inspiration behind the Orient Express and restored to its former glory - the marquetry on the walls was fabulous

We stopped at Whitstable for Oysters & Champagne & a band playing on the platform
As you can see the carriages are immaculate

There were four people on the train dressed in period costume and keeping us all informed of the history of the trains and where the Pullman Carriages were rescued from and they were soo good they played their parts to the full and obviously enjoyed their jobs!!

The 'Lavatory' Oh they were so sumptious - the floor was a mosaic which was gorgeous - they knew how to live in style in those days they really did.

The food was out of this world, we were greeted with champagne & nibbles, then into the fish course with horseradish & dill sauce, then asparagus & creme fraiche soup with the most gorgeous warm rolls - ribeye steak done perfectly just bloody and soo tender with vegetables & roast potatoes. Then cheeseboard with such a selection of cheeses. We then got off the train at

Whitstable and had champagne & Oysters then returned to the train for the sweet as pictured above with a delicious vanilla sauce, followed by coffee, brandy and chocolates. The wine they served was delicious too - all spread out over the entire journey so it was not heavy at all.

All our fellow travelling companions were super and the whole day was great did not want it to end.

2010-07-10T01:29:00.000-07:00

The fishpond is looking really great - built by Andy (Barbara's son in law) earlier this year - we have five fish and they are thriving and then the real reason for this is that, the Lilly has flowered today - I adore Lillies and Rob was adament that it may not flower this year - we are like proud parents!!!! - and below you will see our very first flower. We also have a second bud so very very soon we will have another flower how good is that.

I adore my lilly - it is really pretty.

Now to my new toys - Rob came home last week with a shelf unit for the second bedroom/sewing room - he had been to get some units for the shed and saw this one and felt it would help me out for storage. So a trip to Hobbycrafts and fourteen boxes later from hobbcraft the shelf unit is looking good. I have made labels for each box - they are not all full yet but getting there. Then once I have organised them I hope that I shall be able to find things and have space to keep the other items organised. Note I do not say tidy!!!!!

2010-07-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

Well thought I would let you know she has not improved at all she is still the naughiest cat in the world - the table mat is just soo comfortable!!

I made a lemon cake and muffins for my friends at line dancing - I also made profiteroles for work but didn't get the photo of them before they were eaten up!!!

I have been in bag mode - this little one is gorgeous - and did not take long to make - I can feel some more coming on!!

This satchel is such beautiful colours I love it

Now last but hopefully not least - My Giveaway - I missed one at the fiftieh blog mark so am doing this very later - that is so typical of me - anyway here is a pincushion - we all love them at work so hopefully it will go to a good home! So as this is all new to me I hope I am doing it right - I shall do the draw on Saturday 17th July.

Giveaway Puncushion!!!!! just in case you hadn't realised!!!!!

2010-06-27T02:17:00.000-07:00

Well I was well and truly spoilt yesterday for my big 60 birthday.
Flowers and cards arrived all day - we went out for lunch and then went to the Greyhound Stadium or 'to the dogs' for the evening which was really good fun with family and friends.
I lost - all my dogs seemed to give up the ghost at the first corner. Mark & Paul did well, Liz had to come and get a sub off Rob as she ran out of money!!

I had two beautiful home made cards, one from Karen and Vanessa and it was really nice all sewing orientated. Neil's mum had made the other card and it is so precise and beautiful - thank you to both of them.

Maggie is in Germany and sent me this arrangement of flowers

Mark bought me these on his way home from work - which was so good he did as Rob and I had fallen asleep in our armchairs - must be my age!!
Not sure what his excuse is.

Still my birthday will continue as Rob & I are going on a day trip on the Orient Express in July which will be magical and next weekend when Caroline is back from Glastonbury, Maggie back from Germany and Rob's Mum back from france we are having a family barbecue.

Oh I am in big big trouble with Angela as I have missed a giveaway point on the blog - well I didnt realise how many I have done and she says I have to do something for my birthday, so thinking cap is going on and I shall do something next week hopefully!!!!!

2010-06-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

I started this table runner when we were doing a cake swap workshop at Art & Stitch and have decided the time has come to finish some ufo's about time I hear myself cry.

I was really pleased the way this turned out - I took a picture on the table then elegantly drapped it on the clothes airer - not such a good idea.

Anyway my friend from Line Dancing is running the Chesterton Village Fete this coming weekend at Hill farm Chesterton - so I popped it over to her for a raffle prize .

So hope it goes to a good home.

When I popped over she was busy trying to do the jigsaws she had been given for the fete to make sure they had all the

pieces I knew she was mad but that is dedication over and above. Over a nice hot cuppa it was decided she would just count the pieces!!!!!

Last week we had a 'Bag Day' at Art & Stitch and silly I did not take photos of the bags the ladies made they did some really nice versions and here are mine below - I love bags

Right well today is Social Stitching so I need to get organised what ufo am I going to attack today there are plenty - two cushions, one wall hanging oh and that is just for starters.

Not going to do much stitching this coming weekend as I am having a very young birthday suffice to say I have to go and collect my bus pass soon and Angela has already sorted out the home for me to go in!!!!! Will post some photos at a later stage.

2010-06-22T01:52:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful sunny day it was yesterday and I walked into town to meet Caroline (my daughter) as we were going swimming together.

So I walked from town via the Cathedral through the cloister gardens and I realised how much I take this beautiful piece of history for granted.

It is there and we see it daily but on such a beautiful day as yesterday with the time to actually look around and enjoy the peace and quiet if was really quite lovely.

Unfortunately, when we got to the swimming pool it was closed until further notice, so we were forced to go home and have a nice lunch in the garden and chill and relax which was lovely.

2010-06-16T01:14:00.000-07:00

Aston Quilters who meet at Art & Stitch once a month have been doing a mystery quilt over the past few months and here are their efforts. They are all absolutely brilliant and the different colours make them all so different.

Barbara wanted a double quilt so made it twice as big and put flying geese on as a border!

Brenda's - this is her first quilt top and she is soo chuffed only the borders to go no.

Judith's top aren't the borders lovely - and how different the colours make them look

Fiona's top

Jill has wadded and backed hers and this is back and front how brilliant

Vanessa's again made as a double with flying geese for borders

This was the one I put together

2010-06-05T02:11:00.000-07:00

Well where does the time go - I haven't seemed to have time to put anything on the blog for ages. I read everyone else's and they are all so interesting and creative.

Anyway I thought I would share my clematis, isn't it lovely - my sister gave it to Rob & I as a housewarming pressie and as we are not particularly green fingered I am really really pleased it has survived and is going into its third season. Actually last year it was really spindly and me being me I hacked it off at soil level and my style of gardening seems to have worked!!

Well the top of this quilt was made ages ago for a workshop, but it has finally been finished, Barbara did the quilting, and it is being donated to one of the local schools St Botolphs for their school fete raffle prize.

These two pictures show a rail fence baby quilt in progress - it doesn't do it justice really it is very pretty. My friend is due to become a Grandmother so this is for her daughter - oh I remember Jenny as a butterfly in the ballet show when her and my daughter were much much smaller!! where do the years go.

And Sue, one of our customers thought it was good fun to take a photo of me whilst trying to baste it on top of the tables. Obviously I need to improve my table dancing skills or I shall not earn any money!!!!!

2010-05-27T01:51:00.000-07:00

I decided I wanted to make couple of cushions for my friends daughter and this is the result. I have loved doing them. Now we have decided to have a class at Art & Stitch doing them and it is on 23rd June - so it should be good fun.

Here are the three that I have finished so far, there is a fourth one at home being finished off at present.

Now we thought maybe I should do a grown up cushion and as Rob's Mum has said she would like new cushions I made this yesterday - isn't it fun.

2010-05-25T01:46:00.000-07:00

A great weekend in London, watching sand sculptures on Southbank. Lunch in the Oxo Tower.

Then The Jersey Boys which was a fabulous show

Then dinner in Covent Garden being entertained by a string quartet which were superb then we sauntered back through Leicester Square and onto South Bank over Waterloo bridge.

Then back home monday evening and Rob was going to iron his shirts ready for work, and whilst the iron was warming a certain cat felt that this looked an interesting place for her to sit - she was soon evicted!!!

2010-05-20T01:53:00.000-07:00

At the risk of you all becoming bored with the escapades of my cat I just had to show you this.

For some reason Poppy felt that she needed to be a nice new fluffy ornament in our units.

The good thing is that she is content to sit beside the egyptian cats and not try to knock them out.

2010-05-15T03:07:00.000-07:00

Oh wow what a wonderful day, Art & Stitch were invited to have a stand at Quilts in the Church at Uppingham, which was arranged by Wing Quilters. Allison has worked so hard getting it all organised and what a fantastic array of quilts. The Church is beautiful and the stainglass windows were magnificant. So it was a magical setting really.

The ladies were all so lovely and had worked so hard to be ready for the two day event.

So if anyone reads this and has time today it is on until 4.30 this afternoon and so well worth a trip.

The quilts were awe inspiring.

I met some of our customers who came to look around and had a lovely day there.