The Countdown Begins

The pressure is now on as we need to move into our new house in two weeks time.  Arrgghhhh!
As you can see from the picture above we're not quite ready.  This is the kitchen with me cutting lengths of wood to go into the ceiling to support the plaster boards.  Millimetre accuracy required!

Here is James fastening them in.  So, all we have to do now is finish off the electrics, the plumbing, insulation in the ceiling, plasterboard the ceiling and walls and put an extractor fan through the outside wall.  Phew!  All in 2 weeks.  There won't be time to fit the kitchen units and sink but I'm not worried about that - I have a plan - I'll show you tomorrow.

I also moved the laundry maid (clothes drier) out of the old house and gave it a new home under the wood shed - I rather like it here because there is a good through draught but it's also under cover.  I was thinking that this would be a temporary spot but I think it might stay there.

From Pallet to Gate

We needed a gate to go at the side of the new house to stop the dog from wandering off down the lane.  So, when I was tidying up outside and came across this pallet I just knew that it would become the perfect gate!

I had to cut off one of the vertical posts to make it the correct width.  Then I measured the required height and marked out the pointy bits (there may be a more technical term for these).  Using a jig saw I cut each of the points and hey presto! A very quick and easy, sturdy gate!

Edible Garden - well nearly!

I've got 7 tomato plants that my daughter grew from seed for me but I think I must have neglected them because I'm sure they should have at least some flowers on by now - if not tomatoes!  They're outdoors and have had plenty of sun, oh well,  I'll keep on waiting.

My next offering is also quite pathetic - small straggly lettuce.  To be honest this photo was taken after we had eaten the bigger leaves.  It's supposed to be the cut-and-come-again variety but it seems to be taking a while to grow back.  I'll keep on waiting.



Now, this is more like it - I didn't think that the size of this apple tree would produce this many apples let alone support them.  Last year we only got 3 apples from it, yes, the grand total of 3.

Whilst on the subject of edibles from the garden I came across this website on how to use nasturtiums

I knew that the petals could be eaten but I've never dared to try them- maybe I should, I've got plenty!

 

 

Custom Order

I had a brown and a green version of this little purse in my Etsy shop and a lady asked me if I could make it in the blue wax - so always willing to oblige, I produced this one for her.
She also asked if I ever made card cases - so I sewed up two examples, photographed them and she chose the plain one - I'll put the striped one in the shop now I think (although it's really cute and I may keep it!!).  So, now there's a little parcel on it's way to Ohio.

A Royal Visit

A few days ago we had a very exciting event in our village - the Queen came to visit us!  It was a scorching hot day and despite wearing hat, gloves and coat she looked very cool and relaxed.

Princess Anne was also with her - The Queen was in green and Anne was wearing yellow.

I couldn't resist this shot of her very coordinated out riders - precision biking!

Yesterday James was working in Keswick, which is about an hour drive from where we live, so my brother in law and I took the opportunity to go with him for a walk and picnic.  Another really hot day.  This is us at Castlerigg Stone Circle - there are the most amazing views from here - a panorama of mountains everywhere you look.  I should have taken some more photos but I was just marvelling at being there!

Waxed Canvas Wallets

 

I've just listed these two zipped cases in my Etsy shop.  They're a good useful size for keeping all sorts of bits and pieces together.  I think that I'll now go and make them in the other two colours of waxed canvas that I have.  I also need to make one for myself too - I can't resist!

The Cat sat on the Mat

I received a lovely unusual email the other day from a previous customer in North Carolina.
I had sold her this Tote bag a few months ago and she told me how her cat absolutely adored sleeping on it.  The cat would push the bag over (even with books in) and make her self comfortable.

It was made from a lovely canvas that has a nice 'natural' scent to it and so it was requested for me to make a Cat Mat from the same fabric.  Always willing to please a customer, I found just enough of the left over fabric and made her this mat for her cat Chloe.

So it's now on its way across the sea.  I'm looking forward to seeing a photo of it being snoozed on!