New Things to Walk on

Today I thought that I would show you two completely different things that I have created recently but that also have a common link - they are both something that can be walked on.

This first picture was taken last week just before it had it's first ever haircut with the lawnmower.  I had planted the seed in the springtime and it seemed to take ages before it looked anything like a lawn, but now after lots of rain and warmth it is lush and green.  I just love to touch it!

This second picture is of my daughter and partner's sitting room floor in their new house.  When they got the keys a couple of weeks ago there was an old worn out pink carpet that just had to go.  So whilst Darren was away we pulled it up to reveal some old pine floorboards that were covered in years of grime.  It took a lot of hard work but we eventually had it all sanded down and varnished.  A lovely surprise for Darren as he didn't know that we were going to do this - it looks fabulous!  We also painted the walls a lovely shade of cream, put up a new light fitting, painted the bedroom as well and made some curtains.  It reminded me of the TV programme  'Changing Rooms'.

Luckiest Girl in the World

After receiving my Liberty fabric and purse the other day from a friend, I considered myself very fortunate.  Then would you believe it but I was given two very large boxes of fabric by a couple that my friend knows.  I am now officially the luckiest girl in the world!

Here are just a few of the pieces.

I spent 2 hours yesterday evening in a state of amazement just taking the fabrics out of the boxes and folding them. I tried to categorise them into some sort of order; velvets, silks, linens, cottons, wools.
I have now subdivided these piles into large bag size pieces, purse size pieces, potential linings etc.
I have to say I am completely overwhelmed!  These piles of fabric are still covering every available surface in my room as I love looking at them and don't want to put them away - anyway they may need a touch more organising, in fact I think they do!
Bye for now.

Fabric Connections

I considered myself very lucky today as I was given two gifts by a very kind lady whom I am just getting to know.  One of them was a large amount of this Ianthe design Liberty fabric. 
I was lost for words because I instantly realised a connection with another sewing friend of mine.  Let me explain because I absolutely love coincidences, I'm sure they have a deep meaning.
About 16 years ago when my children were at primary school I used to stand waiting in the playground alone as I didn't know anyone.  There was another mother there who also stood alone most of the time.  We used to smile at each other and I always thought that she seemed nice but we never said anything more than 'hello'.  Until one day when my twins were wearing their newly made duffle coats lined with a Laura Ashley fabric and Helen was wearing a dress that she had made from identical fabric.  This was our starting point and despite the fact that I moved away 11 years ago we are still the best of friends and meet up for fabric shopping and coffee whenever we can.  If it wasn't for the fabric connection that day we may never have got to know each other!
Now, the coincidence here is that Helen's sitting room curtains are made from this same Liberty fabric which gives me a really satisfying feeling - it all makes sense if you know what I mean.  Our love of similar fabrics is bringing me close to another good friend.

And this is the other gift from my new friend - a useful little purse in a very pretty fabric.

I just thought that I would now show you my old church pew that has stood outside for the past 3 years and I have just recently cleaned, sanded and oiled. It is perfect for the outdoor photography of my new bags and purses, but eventually it will go inside the kitchen of our new house.

Three New Garments

Here are three of my latest makes.

I started knitting this cardigan a while ago, my first attempt with circular needles!  I was so pleased with it that I went straight out and bought more wool in a lovely green.  However, I think it will probably have to wait until autumn, after all how many cardigans does a girl need in the middle of the summer?  Actually, quite a few in the weather we're having at the moment.

Which brings me on to my next photo.  I made this dress from a piece of lovely soft denim that I bought in the spring.  I haven't had a chance to wear it yet as I was thinking it was a sun dress but it will probably look fine with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath!

And this piece of cotton has just been made into a pair of climbing trousers for one of my daughters.  I absolutely love the design and the subtle mix of colours, it reminds me of a book cover from my childhood but I can't quite recall which one.

Long Time No See!

Well, I've just been so unbelievably busy since our holiday in the Scottish Highlands that I haven't had time to blog.  Lots of things to report and lots of photos to show, so I'd better make a start now!

This is a perfect little derelict cottage on the West coast of the highlands - it needs some tender loving care which I'm sure I can provide but unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) it's not for sale.  I really want it! 

Here is my dog Skye on a very windy beach just down the road from my ideal derelict cottage.  This was taken on another of my 'taxi' days when I dropped the family off to walk up a mountain and Skye and I had a day to please ourselves.  Exploring and wandering around aimlessly, reading on beaches, eating cake and drinking coffee - all in all a most excellent day.

My route back to the meeting place - beautiful.

A well deserved foot soak for the weary walkers

The next day we took the canoe out on the loch, I say 'we'  but I was just the photographer and picnic lady.  I'm a bit scared of the water even though I was told it was a very stable boat and there were good life jackets.  I'm quite happy to just enjoy watching my girls!

Tomorrow I hope to show you some of my recent sewing, so bye for now.