And another one

My youngest niece had her 11th birthday a couple of weeks ago. Her Mum had told me that E had been caught 'borrowing' make up in an attempt to look more grown up so I thought that she would appreciate a grown up make-up bag of her own:


Fish make up bag for E

The only stipulation from my SIL was that she likes blue. So I started with the fish fabric from Fabric Freedom but then ended up adding a solid purple & variegated pink to compliment the fish.

My modification of reducing the width of the lining by 3/4" is definitely the right thing to do:


lining of fish make-up bag

As previously the pattern is 'Cosmetic bag' from Quilting in No Time

Then I made a matching purse as girls can never have too many bags or purses:


Fish purse

It is a neat little pattern and I thought the pocket would be good for a bus ticket. I added a line of top stitching just under the zip the same as one the make-up bag as I like to 'hold' the front in place and also a vintage Mother of Pearl button on the popper.

Pattern: Zippy Wallet by noodlehead

The lining has a different construction to that of the make up bag and I prefer it:


lining in zippy wallet

Both were well received and Mum has asked for the same for her birthday....

Another year older

It was my birthday on Saturday and DH ensured that I was spoilt. It was a 'significant' birthday and we'd always planned to go abroad for it but due to a number of reasons including the fact that it was Easter Weekend we decided to stay at home. My main present was an upgrade to my sewing machine:

I've already been playing and LOVE it. In addition I've got a second hand Embroidery machine which I've no idea how to use but am looking forward to learning.

We went to York for the weekend and visited the 'Quilt Art' exhibition at the The Quilt Museum which I loved. The weather was like high summer so sun glasses were worn. We later went out for a meal with friends to my favourite vegetarian restaurant which was great fun.

I was also spoilt by my Secret Santa: :


Birthday gifts including

This thoughtful package included a little package that Oscar was extremely interested in and he was very helpful in removing the tissue paper.


Oscar enjoying handmade dog biscuits

I hope he'll still accept the supermarket dog biscuits that he normally gets as his bedtime treat or am I going to have to start baking dog biscuits myself?

A rare sight

Oscar relaxed after his morning walk. He's the highest energised dog I've ever known, chasing the ball tires him out but not for long.

Nearly finished for another year

It's still gloriously warm here and my tulips are nearly over. It's more like mid summer than spring and we could really do with some rain to fill up the water butts.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Looking handsome

Frankie pretending to be black & white

More repeated projects

It seems that I'm unable to make something just once. After I'd finished the make-up bag for my friend DD came sidling up & asked if I'd make her one as "hand knitted socks have never been my thing"....


Red skulls make-up bag

She loves it and I've now got another skull project lined up for her.

Then I made another one as a leaving present for a colleague:


Blue make-up bag

Unlike the first one I made I'm much happier with the lining on these two and I've made it 3/4" narrower than the pattern suggests:


inside of blue make-up bag revealing lining

Pattern: Cosmetic bag from Quilting in No Time

It was also well received.

Mmmmmm

DH made some blueberry muffins....

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

It's cold tonight

so we've lit the fire possibly for the last time before the autumn. Oscar approves.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

A few days later.....

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Spring at last

We've got a mini heatwave going on which is lovely after such a harsh winter.

Lots has been going on in our garden including a new greenhouse so I'm hoping for a good crop of tomatoes and want to make vast batches of pasata to bottle up for the winter. .

Both knitting and sewing has been taking place as well but photos are bottle-necked at the processing department so my phone will have to suffice.

I've also finally got some good news about my knee as I'm seeing another Physio and have started work in the gym. I can't wait to get rid of my limp!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8