This is scarily..... very me!

You Are Bold and Fearless

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are incredibly sexy and sensual. You have a naughty vibe that no one can ignore. You have an unquenchable desire. And you are unrestrained in your passions. You have a tendency to be unfaithful. Whether you fight it or give in to it is up to you. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Golden Hands..... happy heart!

I have found my stash of Golden Hands Monthly, I was a year old when this was published.
I picked these up when I was working at the Scrapstore, someone brought them in and I loved some of the makes and the step by step tutorials for embroidery, macrame, crochet, and toy making are wonderful. In one of the magazines it teaches you how to iron a shirt! and in another it teaches you to pack a suitcase....could this be why the world is on the state it is ?
We need to go back to basics!

Luckily for Mr P I can't knit, otherwise I would make this for him..... lol

I do however love this lion, I am going to have a go at making a variation of this lion, Toys in the 70's were huge!

Crochet place mats, maybe not for me but I reckon the pattern could be used for something else!

And this is the quick tutorial that has helped me to accomplish a granny square....

TaDa!

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of wool in the same colours, all my wool has been donated by friends and neighbours, I probably have enough to do a small cot or pram blanket.
A friend of mine at the village cafe has just had a baby boy, so if it turns out okay I will give it to her as a new baby gift!

I am off to make tea and have some fun with my stash of buttons that I have just found, and have a rummage in the fabric stashes that have been brought out of storage!

My lounge is a complete mess!
I had better clear it up before Mr P gets home! HeeeHeeee!

Take care
Alex
x

Retail therapy at the seaside!

We made it t to Weymouth after a shaky start, I came to the decision that getting stressed over my day out wasn't worth the effort. With two children, Mr P that doesn't make decisions at the weekend as he has to do that all week at work! and a dog that needs a long walk so that he won't mind being left behind! ...
It was a beautiful day, the wind was bitterly cold but its was lovely and warm in the sunshine.

We started at Weymouth Quay, and walked along to look at all the boats,

We headed for the Marlboro fish and chip shop next to the bridge and while we were munching on chips the bridge was raised to let one boat out and two back in!
No matter how many times I see it, the engineering amazes me that all that weight can be raised so smoothly and effortlessly....

For the retail therapy side, we visited a couple of toy shops. Danny man loves his jigsaw puzzles so I bought a huge floor puzzle from early learning, and Danny had loads of fun playing with the pretend lawn mower!
I popped into a little jewellery shop, I am going to try and make Jamie a charm bracelet for her birthday in February...!

We called into a large toyshop near the statue, I think it was a Toymaster shop, and Daniel chose two toy buses, and Jamie had a Bindeez starter set and some extra beads.
On our way back to the car I popped into a little shop selling gifty things and I picked up a mug for Mr P's sisters birthday and and 3 rolls of lovely ribbon, a couple of tags and Jamie wanted a glass starfish drinks stirrer....

On the way back I popped into Dorchester Tesco for a few essentials, and I had to buy a Cath Kidston shopping bag to put my bits in, would have been rude not to!

We had a lovely day, we have not been out as a family in a long while and it was really nice to go somewhere different!
I had better cook a really nice dinner for Mr P as I have just realised that we didn't buy him any treats......

I would also like to say thank you to Fi at Marmalade Rose for risking life and limb to fetch a piece of artwork from the fat sheep shop...I am so excited at the prospect of owning one of her pieces, and the cheque is in the post !

Bye for now
take care
Alex

Ragdoll revival!

About 6 years ago I made Jamie a rag doll and a couple of outfits for her, we had a spare bedroom back then and I still had my mums sewing machine on very long term loan !
(I gave it back to her eventually!.... when prompted....)

Well I have been wondering whether to make a few more rag dolls?
I think I may have a few better skills under my belt now and I may even try embroidering her face and make her look a little less snooty! lol

I have lots of ideas for outfits too!

The pattern was from a very old crafting magazine, I picked up loads of them when I worked at the scrapstore, I think someone must have been clearing out a relatives attic or something!
Once Mr P has dug them out of he shed I will show you them, you should see the smocks and flare patterns!

Well bye for now, I will pop back soon I have just finished crocheting Danny a hot water bottle cover, but I need some ribbon for it before I take a piccy!

We are all off to Weymouth, and possibly Dorchester tomorrow for some seaside air to blow out all the cobwebs, and a touch of retail therapy in Dorchester!

Have a good weekend everyone
Cheers Alex
x

An award for all the blogs I follow........

I have received a Fabulous award from Buffy's Charms. She is very similar to myself I think in that she will have a go at almost anything creative..... the only problem I suffer from is I want to do so much I sometimes don't get started at all!

I am going to pass this blog to all the blogs I follow, and I apologise but this could be the longest blog I have ever written! it has taken me 2 days...... ! I realise some of you already have this one but please read on anyway!

1. 23 beechHill
Laurie's blog is fresh and always different, could be crafty could be everyday life and always a joy to read, her textile art is to die for!
2. abitofpinkheaven
Ele is a new addition to the blogs I visit, and I love the change of perspective, seeing things from a completely different part of the globe, her items are eclectic, pretty and pink! and her craft ideas and creations are beautiful and insightful...
3. Attic24
I have never know someone to crochet such wonderful colourful blankets.... she shares her tips and secrets and makes you feel like you to could create something as beautiful as this! ....if only!
4. Cake makes the world a better place
You never know what to expect from April, it could be craft, family life or just plain old fun! she has a heart of gold and completely out of the blue sent me a beautiful cross stitch Christmas decoration.... I know you have already received this award but I couldn't leave you out !
5. Curlew Country
Steph's blog is so reminiscent of my childhood memories of proper country life, her decor makes you feel cosy and welcome.
6. Cut it and pin it
Taz is my kind of gal, down to earth straight from the hip. I love her blog because it is like chatting with an good friend!
7. From Kelly's kitchen
I am a fairly new visitor to Kelly's Kitchen but the food she makes is to Die For! I think she has already received this award from buffy but you have to visit her !
8. If Mama Ain't Happy......
Now I know that you have already received this award and in fact that you have awarded it to me ...... again! and I love ya for this kindness! but I do love your blog you make me smile with your warmth and kind words, I would so love to pop over for a slice of your latest cake! it would be a bit of a trip though so maybe another time! lol
9. Jellybelly*jellybrain
Emma is one very talented lady but often writes the most hilarious posts, I think you have already received this award but I couldn't miss you out!
10. Karens play time
Now Karen hasn't blogged in a while, but I know she's about as she has left the odd comment, and I must apologise to you for not finishing your painting yet! I am so bad....... sorrrrryyyyyy! I seem to have lost my painting mojo! and with all the illness over the holidays it kinda got overlooked, I will complete it as soon as I can! promise!
11. Life and craft of Dilly Dally Dingle
This lady makes the most amazing cards, her eye for detail is amazing! If you haven't visited her yet you must pop over and take a look!
12. Little Patch of Heaven
I love Joanne to bits, she is my best friend and we have a fair amount of" girls hitting the town big time" history! but I will divulge no further! I know you told me not to send this to you as you already have been awarded it but.........ta da!
13. MarmaladeKiss
JuliaB is one very creative lady, and I love to read her comings and goings.... her creative tips and see what she has been up too.... she always surprises me, just when I think I have her sussed she pulls out a part of her that I had never imagined existed...
14. MarmaladeRose
This ladies work is fascinating, probably because felting is something I have never done.... If she were to run a felting course I would book a holiday and attend! I love her felted art work, her bags, embroidery,crochet etc etc....... in one word "Stunning"
15. Mollycupcakes
This is a lady with a big day to be planned, I love her blog as its always a mix of craftiness with a little family life mixed in!
16. Notes from my days
Lesley I have sussed it, I now understand why I love your house! I am also 37 and a leo ! Spookily enough Mr P's name is Leslie! oooohhhhooooohhhhhh!
Go for it girl! let your creativity run wild it is all in there, just give it some room to breath!
17. Patchwork Pottery
Her work is so different, and exciting and I just love it... she inspires me to try new things and not to give up... she recently blogged about an item that did not work out but showed her persistence in making it work! fantastic!
18. Petticoat Lane
It is fascinating to see someones life, loves and experiences.... most of which I will never know, I can't see us going to Disney, owning a villa in Cyprus (or anywhere else for that matter) and its a real thrill to share her excitement and fun times! Thank you!
19. pink-petal-designs
I love her work, its as simple as that! I am asking family members to buy gifts for my birthday from my blog land friends, and this lady is on my Birthday wish list! Don't worry its not till August, so hopefully your shop will be stocked up by then! lol
20. Serendipity loves new york
I love this blog as it is a view of a different life to my own, I would love to be this stylish and organised, but it will never happen I am a collector of "stuff" and I will just have to visit this lady and marvel at her lifestyle!
21. Sykesssillysite
This lady is a moresbag maniac, I had never heard of them till I met her and now I watch with awe as she creates more and more! Her blog is a mixture of everyday life with all the ups and downs of everything, I love it as it is real and makes me feel reassured, knowing I am not alone and that I can offer support to another who has days much like my own sometimes, and laugh with her when the sun is shining!
22. Tag Along Teddies
I love her chatty, friendly blog and I love her and Abyquilt for starting the snowball rolling with my year long challenge to finish a project a month! It has been an absolute god send and the motivation it has given me is so addictive! I love patchwork, but alas I am not very good at it, so I will visit those that are and swoon!
23. Abyquilt
Well you and Tag are a double act, what can I say! I am swooning!

I realise a lot of you have already received this award from other sources but I wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate your blogs and how they inspire me to push myself to better myself in the areas I know I am lacking!

Thank you everyone and I look forward to 2009 with my diverse and extraordinary friends!

Take care everyone
Alex

Lie ins?......... I think I remember those!

I am pretty sure a lie in is where you stay in bed till you actually want to get up...... is that right?
It has been a while and fashions change perhaps these are a thing of the past and everyone gets up before the sunshine!

Danny man awoke announcing a " a bad thing in his mouth" which I found later meant he had a sore throat! one strawberry milkshake later ( I find strawberry milkshake cures most ills) he asked if I would play cars with him.
We'll I am not really a morning person especially pre coffee, but I managed a whopping 10 minutes before I could do no more and one coffee later I zipped back to life and decided that the cars needed a garage!
After digging out a sheet of cardboard and glue, scissors and tape we set to work..... as usual Danny the "Man" was chief designer and wielder of the glue!
that was exciting! the tape dispenser got into a bit of a mess but we managed to salvage that eventually.
As with any construction and the involvement of a creative mum that is usually stifled by the mundane chores of family life I went a little "creative crazy" and this is the end result!


I had so much fun! and the day is only just starting!

The sun is out and Mr P has wandered into the lounge with a look of disbelief, but Danny man loves it and I get to share it with all my blogland friends!

Have a good weekend I am off to clear up the breakfast things!
I wish I had a dishwasher!

*Alex*

January's Project

Hello, I hope you are well..... I have just returned from the village cafe. I have had a lovely morning chatting to my mum and a whole gang of friends.... Danny had a good time running around with a cardboard tube shooting everyone! I don't think I will buy him any toys for his birthday I am just gonna get a selection of boxes and tubes from the supermarket....! lol

Well it looks like Mr P will be jetting off to America in the middle of February, He'll be here for Daniels birthday but I think he will have gone before Jamie's.... So I will need to think of a cheap yet amazing day out for her this year! He should be back mid March so I will be crafting like a mad thing to keep myself busy while he's away....

I have completed Daniel's birthday bunting, now be nice.........
I know its not the best but it's the first time I have used my machine for anything other that straight stitch....

He loves mechanical things, I should have done a car but circles are tricky!
I saved a length of spotty ribbon off a Christmas gift and it came in very handy.

I had a spare triangle so I added a heart and some wadding and made a little loop with some ribbon.

Oh don't look too closely it is really rough, every time I step away from my machine I return to find every knob has been twiddled and altered and stitch style changed, as it has a foot peddle my little man thinks that he can drive it like daddy's car!


and yes I know I need to buy some thread in some different colours, but I didn't realise I was going to do any arty sewing.... honest!

I like to cut all my shapes out of lino sample tiles, they last really well and if you want shapes for the children to draw around they don't get damaged and they are flexible too!

I have to admit this sewing stuff is quite addictive, I think its the way the picture can grow and it does it really quickly..... its very exciting!

I may have to read my sewing machine hand book and see what else this machine can do!

Seeya later, thanks for popping by...
x Alex

Thank you to Buffy from Buffys Charms for sending me the

Marie Antoinette Award
a real person, a real award

Here are the Rules for the Award:

1. Please put the logo on your blog
2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs
4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

My Choices for the award are as follows,

1. Joannes Little Patch of Heaven
Because she is always there for me when I need to whinge about being a SAHM, she loves her family and creates beautiful things and fantastic cakes! mmmmm yummy!
2. Pink-Petal-Designs
Her knitting is amazing and her new blog design is beautiful...
3. mollycupcakes
Because she is planning her wedding and keeping it real, she makes fantastic crafty stuff and loves her family and is a real joy to look in on....
4. Life and Craft of Dilly Dally Dingle
Because even when life throws her a real curve ball she still battles on and makes the most fantastic cards I have ever had the pleasure to behold...!
5. Ratbag Creations
Because she nutty, normal and has the most fantastic taste in shoes......and her blog makes me smile!
6. Notes from my days
Because she has a beautiful home, wonderful interior decoration taste and is embarking into the world of fabric stashes and ribbons, oh and of course has a garden to die for!
7. If Mama Ain't Happy.......
Because she's my newest follower and after visiting her blog I feel like I know her already... !
8. Karens playtime
Because she makes the most fantastic pirate cake, and is a fab mum!
9. Patchwork Pottery
Because she lives in a place I dream off visiting one day, and her patchwork, felt hats and craft work are amazing.....

apologies if you already have this award and if you aren't really into doing these then don't worry, I won't be offended....

Thank you to everyone who visits me I really appreciate the comments you leave it makes me feel happy and upbeat to hear from all my virtual friends out there....

*Alex*

A Challenge to keep me going all year

I recently visited my friend Joanne and noticed she has joined a challenge from abyquilt.

I have to try to complete at least ONE craft project by the end of each month. This can be something I've had partly done for a while or a pattern or a kit you bought ages ago that you finally get around to making.

You can join at ANY TIME - there is no cut off or deadline, you just have more chances of winning some fun prizes the sooner you join

You have to put up this badge on your blog (with a link back to abyquilt) and make a list of the monthly projects you have finished.

Now I am not a quilter, I do love to sew and have a wonderful machine (which I have never used to its full potential) I love fabric and colour, after all I did train to design the stuff ( I am a fully fledged Surface Pattern Designer ya Know!) but with all this in mind I may not qualify to join but go over and check out abyquilts blog she is one very talented lady!

I have already started a fabric project this month, it all started with Daniel not being very happy when the Christmas decorations came down, so I decided that I would make him some birthday bunting. I have found some ribbon that I saved from a gift box and dug out some fabric that will lend itself nicely to this months project. I could do with some bits of pattern so I will try to find a fabric shop in town to purchase a few fat quarters, I have very little selection when it comes to fabric.

I will take some photo's during the production process, I will omit the unpicking and redoing sections as that wouldn't give you the impression of perfection that is Alex!!!! Yeah right!

I have already had to unpick one triangle as I didn't put it face to face when I sewed it up! Doh!

I had better get on, I still have no car so I will have to take Danny on the bus into town, he's really excited.... I am not so keen as its a grey rainy day and I have a cough that makes my head want to explode! plus I still have invoicing to do for Mr P.... Happy days!

Take care
thanks for dropping by, Alex x

Chilly Tilly.......

Chilly Tilly indeed.....

The lamp in my garden is garlanded with cobwebs that have been bejewelled by Jack and his frost fairies.....
The seed heads look like snowflakes and the branches and twigs seem to have sprouted ice flowers and buds.
I so love the cold dry days as apposed to the cold wet days but if the forecast is anything to go by we will have rain later this week.
As we only have the open fire in the lounge and an oil filled radiator at the top of the stairs I am quite proud that I have managed to keep the house at a tepid 13 degrees c so far today..... Yeovilton air base registered the temperature as -8 this morning so I am more than happy with 13.

Well Christmas is over and Jamie has returned to school, due to the flood they have brought in 2 temporary classrooms and they are hoping to get years 1 and 2 back to school on Monday (12th) as I understand it everything is in a bit of a muddle and a little of a tight squeeze but I am sure it is an adventure for the children.
As they have no hall to do PE in and very little playground that isn't covered with skips and workman's vehicles they are venturing out on a lot of welly walks, needless to say Jamie is very tired when she gets home from school.


Christmas seems like a dim memory as everything slips back to reality, I received so many lovely gifts this year that I felt wonderfully loved, Mr P spoilt me rotten and showered me in gifts which all fitted me and were things that I have seen but never felt deserving off. Jamie and Daniel had a lovely Christmas and Daniel being 3 wondered out loud on Boxing day morning why Santa hadn't left more gifts under the tree!

I didn't have to cook a Christmas dinner this year as we visited my Mum and Dad's, unfortunately I awoke Christmas morning with the threat of a chesty cold, I survived till the end of father in laws birthday on the 27th whereupon I succumbed to the inevitable, curled up on the settee and died!
Everything I seemed to eat made me dissolve into coughing fits and with the sneezing and shivering I must have been a sight to behold.... I am still coughing and feel a little spaced out but hey ho! 'tis the season to cough and splutter!



As its a chilly day I think its got to be porridge for us, breadcrumbs, grated cheese and stale cake for the birds, carrot, fresh water, dried food and cabbage for the guinea pig and some biscuits for the dog and the household is fed.



I am looking forward to a cup of tea and a slice of my Christmas cake,
I followed a recipe in the Christmas Good Food magazine for a light Christmas cake and it is really nice and nutty. I have never made a Christmas cake or even iced a cake before and I loved doing it, what a fantastic excuse to be creative with icing and marzipan. I may well start making birthday cakes instead of buying them.

Its Daniels birthday at the end of the month and it is on a Saturday so we are all off for the day to Haines Motor Museum (he is a typical boy and loves anything with an engine), I can't remember the last time we went out for the day as a family but I have decided that I am making all efforts to reclaim the traditional family weekend.
Instead of trying to cram the shopping, DIY and all the other mundane stuff into the only 2 days we are all at home I am going to try my best to do at least one fun thing as a family.
Perhaps fly a kite, or go to the beach or visit a stately home, it doesn't have to cost money but we need to make good use of our time this year as Mr P may be working in the states every other month. Jamie's birthday is in February so I will have to search out something fun to do on her birthday ....
I am planning our first family holiday too!
I am going to try and book a beach hut holiday, I have found some lovely beach huts at http://www.beach-huts.com/
and some of them have sleeping accommodation, I think it would be a fantastic adventure to sleep practically on the beach, Jamie is very excited at the prospect...

I hope you all had fantastic Christmas's and I wish you health, wealth and happiness for the New Year.

*A*