Scottie Dogs Christmas Prep

Here we are again, I seem to be just managing a post a week at the moment. It's so lovely to see I have a new follower too, hello.

I've been trying to have a bit of a tidy up and declutter this week in preparation for the Christmas decorations going up next month. I found some things that are no longer used, needed or wanted, so put them on eBay. I'm not sure if they'll sell or not, they have a week and will be donated to a local charity shop if they don't go. I do try to be ruthless, but I'm an old sentimentalist at heart so I'm not very good at it. I decided it was time to say goodbye to one of my craft totes/bags, it's just a small one that I often have sitting next to me on the sofa with some ongoing project or another in it (as well as my other paraphernalia such as notebooks, pens, crochet hooks, tissues and my phone). I added it to the charity pile when Andy commented 'oh, are you getting rid of that', so that made me wonder if he thought I shouldn't, oh no, will I regret it once it's gone. I was very good and let it go... am I the only one who has trouble letting things go, forming attachments to 'things'?

I found this blanket in one of my cupboards. it had an awful lot of ends that needed sewing in. It seemed a shame to leave it languishing in there, taking up precious storage space. Out it came and I spent a hour or 2 sewing and weaving in all the ends.

I'm glad I spent the time doing it, I'm really pleased with it now and know a little girl who will enjoy wrapping herself up in it on chilly afternoons.

I've also been making some other preparations for Christmas. I need to make some pretty bunting with blue in it, also for a special little girl. I found some fabric in my stash with pretty blue flowers and little paisley patterns.

It's all cut out and waiting to be stitched up.

I've made this sweet little scottie dog for Christmas too. I cut 2 dogs out in felt and stitched them together with a blanket stitch. Gently stuffed them and also put in a small muslin bag that I stitched and filled with lavender. This little chappie smells quite divine and is just the thing to hang in a wardrobe or on a hook somewhere.

I think I shall make some more in different colours.

Thank you for popping by and please stop and say hello.

Take care
xxx

Just a chat

The days are dashing by and I don't feel I have anything much to show you this week. Yesterday afternoon I made a bolognese in the multi cooker so we could have it for tea with some pasta (we're having it again tonight with some wedges and there should still be enough left so I can put a portion in the freezer).

While I sat on my perching stool stirring and adding ingredients, I was also able to use a foot to keep rocking this little mister in his chair. I gave him a running commentary so I'm hoping he'll be able to help when his old enough!

A nice strong cup of tea for Andrew with a couple of Tunnocks to boost his afternoon energy levels. I drank my cup before I thought to take a photo.

Tea for us and milk for Zackary. I fed both my babies myself (Adam until he was 18 months and Imogen until she was 2 1/2), but I think I'm becoming an expert at making up and giving bottles.

Imogen's had an interesting week. Last week she went to see a local sixth form college and felt quite excited by the choices, this week she went to an open day at the college in town, not really expecting to want to go there, but just to see what they had to offer. What a turn around, Imogen is now hoping to go to this college, depending on her exam results in August. It's been mock exams this week (and next week too) so Imogen has been working hard... I really wouldn't want to be a teenager again!

I've decided that it's unlikely I'll finish Zachary's cross stitch stocking in time for christmas, so I've put it to the side for now so I can concentrate on Imogen's jumper and anything else that needs doing. I've been so tired recently that when we settle down in the evening, I don't really have the energy to start crafting.

I haven't been reading much either, I don't seem to get past more than a couple of pages before my head begins to nod. I have finished reading this book by Tess Gerritson (I've read and enjoyed a few of her books)

The little bit of spiel on Goodreads says:

'An experiment on micro-organisms conducted in space goes wrong. The cells begin to infect the crew with deadly results. Emma Watson struggles to contain the deadly microbe while her husband and NASA try to retrieve her from space, before it's too late.'

It was very good, quite a page turner at times and I definitely recommend it.

That's about my lot this week, daily jobs and keeping warm... and starting to get a few Christmas presents together.

Take care

xxx

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Half Term Catching Up

Where did October go? Time is definitely getting away from us at the moment and last weeks half term went by in a finger snap.

It was my mum's birthday on Sunday so we wanted to do something special, even more so after the horrendous year my parents have had. It was half term last week so it seemed a good opportunity for Imogen to go and spend a few days with her grandparents, perhaps help her granny out a bit as well as spending time with them (Imogen adores her granny and wishes so much that they lived closer to us). Adam and his family took Imogen down at the beginning of the holiday, we were supposed to go as well, but I was full of a nasty cold and as my dad is waiting for heart surgery he mustn't get ill. My mum was able to spend some good quality time with her great grandson as they stayed over and had a lovely time with Imogen too. Andrew and I went down at the end of the week to pick her up (I tried to keep my distance from dad so he wouldn't catch any germs from me) and had a lovely afternoon and good catch up.

I need to establish a routine that fits our new little charge in and still gives me some crafting time as well as everything else that needs doing. How easily one forgets how much time little ones gobble up, though worth every minute, just look how sweet Zack is in his little Gruffalo jumper.

I've managed to spend a bit more time on the cross stitching for Zack's stocking. Last timeI showed you

it's starting to take a bit more shape now. Still a long way to go, but you can see the snowman beginning to appear with the little penguin on his hat.

I've also been doing some crochet on a jumper for Imogen. Last time on here I showed you the rib with the marble yarn

I've done the front design now so it's on track for Christmas.

I haven't spent any time in my craft room for a couple of weeks, so I'm hoping I may have an evening there soon. I have so many ideas of things I want to make and do, just in need of more time. It hasn't helped having a nasty cold and wow, hasn't the temperature dropped all of a sudden!

Here's another photo of our beautiful grandson having fun with his nanny and grandpops.

Take care
xxx