Stress Over

I cant believe I havent blogged since December 7th (short sharp wrap over the knuckles). I was in such a panic back then, no presents bought (no money to buy them with), no decorations up, feeling very sorry for myself with my health, worrying about my Dad, kids, dog and everything else that poped into my mind on a minute by minute basis.

I look back now and feel slightly (well hugely) ridiculous - everything got sorted bit by bit, we did have a bit of a scare with my Dad but he seems back on his feet now.

I really must stop worrying incessantly - does anyone have any tips ????

When I'm in the midst of a worry phase my creativity hits a brick wall - a huge 10ft black brick wall.

Its making things that keeps me sane so I end up in a very vicious circle.

I read in a book recently that to change your energy and the energy that you attract you should thing of 10 things that you are grateful every day - so hear goes.

1. I have nearly finished my crochet scarf project.









2. Miss T and her friend are taking the dog for his walk in a minute. ( photo after his bath yesterday)



3. Master T seems much better after being ill for 2 weeks with the flu


4. I had a lovely lie in this morning

5. I love feeling snuggly and warm inside but hearing the wind gusting outside.

6. I have already tidied all the kitchen and emptied the dishwasher.

7. I have plans to start a present for my moms cousin

8. I won a lovely cross stitch book on ebay that i have just paid for

9. I have just sold three knitting patterns on ebay which paid for the cross stitch book

10. I only have 1 very tiny pile of ironing left



I know they arent ground breaking "I've just won the lottery !" but actually they all make me feel really warm and snuggled and I think I would probably be slightly stressed if I had just won the lottery though five and the bonus would be nice !! (if anyone up there is listening)

Normal Service Resumed - Giveaway Winner

I'm sorry I havent been around for a week - lots of excuses - most of them really boring ones !!!!

It was my annual weekend away with my friends - we go every year - normally to the West End to see a show but this year we went away for TWO nights !!!!!

We are slowly building up each year - we might even manage three nights next year .....

This year we did a Christmas Markets tour to Cardiff and Bath - I loved Bath so much - I'd never been before and wish I could have stayed much longer.

Cardiff is nice but to be honest it felt a lot like Birmingham, I think I prefer places that look more historical - I realise that we only did the shopping areas and Cardiff has much more to offer - the Castle looked amazing so it may be revisited next year.

I did bump into JLS in WH Smith but unless your under 14 I guess its not that exciting !!!

Right my Giveaway Winner ..............

I used random number generator...........................

I put in the numbers ..........................

It churned.............

Numer 26 .........................

I counted carefully down the comments ..........

Bobo Bun

Congratulations......

Sorry there couldnt be more winners but I will be having another giveaway very soon - I've had 9819 visitors to my blog and will be doing another giveaway when it hits the magical 10,000 (I'm sure lots of these visits were accidental but never mind :) "

Will be back tomorrow with some pictures - thats if I find the camera !!!!!!

Presents and a finished project (yes really !!!)

I was very lucky to win the giveaway at Amandas lovely blog - it arrived on Saturday and I was thrilled.

It is so beautiful, thank you so much Amanda - I will treasure it - I'm still trying to decide where it will be shown off to its fullest potential - I love the colours, how homely it looks and of course the beautiful message.


She was also very naughty and included some fabulous fabric, ribbon and buttons.










At last my crochet blanket is finished - I did a different edging to the pattern as I love the flower squares and I was worried that it would be "too frilly" - I think I like the red stripe, though I do keep looking at it and wondering if I should add something else.

Its quite a small blanket - almost cot size but Miss T and I have both used it over the weekend and as its so heavy it really does help keep the chill out.





We've lit the coal fire for the first time on Friday - I love how relaxed it makes me feel, I don't want to go out at all when the lounge looks so snuggly.

I probably wont be back now until Wednesday with my giveaway winner so if you haven't already entered there's still time

Dont forget to enter my giveaway

Hello - just another post to say dont forget to enter my giveaway - Can't wait to find out who wins it XX

See post below for details

100th Follower Giveaway

Here is my 100 followers giveaway celebration. A feast of red, white and blue sewing items all packed in a lovely vintage sewing box.

I think the Royal Wedding must be rubbing off on me with my patriotic colour scheme. I know I promised to be back on Sunday with my giveaway but I've felt so grotty with this bloomin lurgy that all I wanted to do was curl up on the sofa.

It gave me chance to think about what to giveaway and as I havent been out the house for over a week to the shops it involved a bit of creative thinking.

I didnt want you all to think I was just getting rid of some of my "junk" !

I decided on this vintage sewing box that I have had for a while - I do really like it but would love one of my bloggy friends to have it - I then decided to fill it with little treats.


Some are vintage bits and bobs from my collection including this toadstool darning mushroom, ric rac and embroidery stitches booklet.






Some wooden cotton reels, vintage pins, scissors and thimble.









Some lovely vintage buttons still on their cards.







I thought it would seem a bit impersonal without a little bit of "me" - I made these Union Jack sewing accessories a while back - pin cushion and needle case (with needles).


There are also a few little appliques - hearts, anchors and a few more.





I am in the process of setting up a little haberdashery business so have included some ribbons and buttons that I will be selling.



I hope you like everything that I've put together and I wish you all the best of luck.

You have until Tuesday 30th November to enter by leaving a commenton this post. I'm sorry but the sewing box is quite heavy so I will have to limit the main prize to UK only - however if you live overseas and would like to take part in the celebrations - leave me a post mentioning which country you are in and if you win I will send you lots of sewing items - ribbons buttons etc. I will still pick a UK winner for the sewing box kit.


Good Luck everyone and thanks for being a follower XX

Woop Woop

Just checked in and noticed I have 100 followers - I'm so excited - I can't believe my musings are of interest at all so to reward all of you martyrs who read it I am off to sort out a wicked giveaway. I shall be back to post details and piccys tomorrow so pop round at some point.

Thanks peeps

XX

French Christmas Crafting

We are all very grotty in this house (apart from hubby) - bad throats, heavy colds. Yesterday Miss T was on one sofa under blankets, Master T on the other sofa all snuggled up, didnt leave much room for me unfortunately.

Late afternoon the children went back up to their bedrooms so I managed to nab a place on the sofa and though I was feeling really sorry for myself I did manage to carry on with my crochet blanket.

I've finished all the squares now I just have to join them sll together - (I much prefer just making the squares)

As I havent got a "reveal" for you yet I thought I'd share another of my foreign crafting books.




This one is called "Noel Au Coin Du Feu" and is french. I do understand much more french than german so love buying french books.

The designs are a bit vintage in style and I love red and white colour schemes.




I know that this sack is designed for games but I think I would turn it into a Christmas Sack.









I love these little drawers - the structure is made up from cardboard and all the instructions are included - another project to add to the list.















This Noel sign is so simple but looks so beautiful - I was thinking to get it done quicker you could just do the letters and put them onto some coordinating fabric.

Well sorry its not a longer post but I dont want you to catch the dreaded lurgy . I'm hoping we will all feel much better tomorrow - I've got so much I want to get done.

There is some good news - I've won 2 giveaways this week and I really dont enter many at all !! Cant wait to share with you when they arrive. The dishwasher (touch wood) has started working again - the boiler that I told you was fixed on Saturdays post - started spurting water out just as I had finished telling you all that it was fixed, but the plumber came back out at 9am on Sunday and finally sorted it and the bedroom renovation project is still moving forward - my built in wardrobe is all constructed just ready for painting.

I'm still not sure it will be fully finished for Christmas but at least its getting there.