Just popping in

Hello bloggers. Sorry I've been missing for so long but the internet connection at this caravan site has been really hit and miss. So this evening its actually been 'hit' and I've taken the opportunity to share with you this pre moving house stash card which has been sent to a lovely crafting lady.

Fingers crossed we should be moving into our new home next Monday/Tuesday and then it will be another wait for our internet connection before I can pop in again.

So until then... x

Another wet day...

Good Afternoon Bloggers. After a reasonably nice but chilly weekend the heavens have now opened and the sky looks full to bursting.

I'm sharing with you this quick and simple card which I made as part of the stash before we moved into our caravan. I know the lovely lady has received it so it was safe to share on here.

DH is due home tomorrow evening and I can't wait. Someone to do the early morning dog walk, lol. He phoned me earlier to say they had been to Bethlehem today, not on donkeys I hasten to add.

Before that though myself and #2 Son are off to visit my lovely friend Neet tomorrow afternoon. No doubt we will be comparing hospital scars over a cuppa.

TTFN, x

Journalling Updates

Afternoon everyone. Sorry I've been away longer than anticipated but the days just seem to be so full of doing absolutely nothing. Thought I'd update you with some more random piccies of my 'China' journal. These will be the last until after our trip now. The above image I retrieved from a mag, don't know when and don't know which as it was a while ago but oh so fitting I thought.

A couple more random pics with overstamped oriental images.

As I write this update to you all DH is in Palestine on a walking holiday with a couple of mates. He seems to be having a brill time although his comment yesterday was that he thought he'd had a year's worth of sunshine in one day. My poor DH doesn't really do sunshine....
Meanwhile, myself and #2 Son are soaking up the rain in Bury.....

I'll leave you with this stunning sunset from last week when we were caravanning at Durham. Fab colours.
Finally, a Traffic Alert:-
Our Park Home is being transported next Monday from South Wales to Delamere in Cheshire so if you are on the road and you see 2 large lorries with 2 halves of a home, possible police escort too, I apologise in advance for any delay to your journey.

Til next time, x

Just a Card

Evening Bloggers. Thought I'd share this quick and easy card I made for a very special lady across the pond who celebrated her birthday this past weekend. A bit of stamping, some DP, brads and a letter.....

Finally got my car back today and it looks as though it was just the oil seal that had been damaged following the previous problem, so fingers crossed we're off on the road again tomorrow. This time we're hitching up in Durham, I love that City. We're visiting friends in the Borders on Thursday, they've just had a new baby. Then its our hawaiian themed wedding on Friday and on Saturday I'm off to visit my crafting Hartlepool pal, can't wait as it seems an age since I last saw her.

Had a GP review and physio review today...still no work for me :((( Need to get some more strength in this knee. If I had an office based job it wouldn't be a problem but seeing as I haven't ...

Oh well, I'll just have to fit some more knitting, crochet, journalling, cards etc, etc into my days inbetween my exercises.

BTW I have been reading your blogs but just not having enough time to comment at the moment. Please don't think I've been ignoring you.

I'll be back with you again asap, x

At last some crafting...

I thought I'd try and show you the journal I am prepping in readiness for our trip to China next month. One of my good crafting friends bought me this beautiful journal for my birthday last year. In fact I got another lovely journal from another good crafting friend but due to its composition its heavier, so that will be saved for another time.

I decided to randomly stamp the pages with oriental script and then on some I've also stuck some oriental script paper. I'll update you with the progress asap.

The journal then had to be put on hold while I crochet myself an hawaiian garland. This is for a wedding next Friday where the theme is strictly informal and hawaiian. Its ok for the men, a pair of shorts and a hawaiian shirt and they're done. I managed to get myself a yellow grass skirt which I shall wear either over leggings or an orange skirt. I then saw a flowery blouse reduced (not my usual sort of purchase) which has both yellow and orange flowers on. Finally, today I managed to get myself a hairband with a flower on....da da!

And finally I shall leave you with yesterday's setting sun. Aren't the colours just fab. This was perfect preparation for another lovely day today made even better by #1 son and partner visiting us in the caravan and having a lazy afternoon round the BBQ. Ah bliss!

Til next time, x

And so to bed...

This was the fabulous sunset that was appearing as I was on the phone to Neet of Hickydorums. We arrived at this lovely site yesterday. Set on the site of an old quarry near Staveley, Chesterfield this caravan park is next to Poolsbrook Country Park which boasts lovely walks, a large lake full of geese and ducks eagerly awaiting bread and a cafe. Its also on the national cycle network and within easy walk of the shops.

The only downside is that the car, finally repaired in Hertfordshire, had some further undetected, although suspected, damage and so that is now away again in the car hospital and we now have a hire car until Tuesday. 

Still at least we can get around, our house finally completed today, and the sun is still shining....Yay!

Next time I'll show you some crafting that I've been up to, x

Sunny Hertfordshire

Evening Peeps. I promised you more photos from our stay in Hertforshire and here they are. Apart from the weekend we arrived, when the campsite was almost full, this was our view every day. We were parked up in the opposite corner and apart from 2 other 'vans we had this whole expanse of greenery to ourselves.

Below is a piccie of the beautifully maintained garden infront of the office and facility block. Such a beautiful caravan club site in the equally beautiful village of Ashwell. We will definitely be going here again. The only thing to mar it was my poor car breaking down and spending 2 days in the local garage. Still we had the weather to soak up and the boys took a trip into London for a Paralympic event so all wasn't lost.

While the boys were away I took a hobbled stroll around the village and photographed the natural spring which is there. The water was absolutely crystal clear and the local children were enjoying a paddle and a play with their fishing nets.

According to the information board, in Anglo Saxon times a spring was referred to as a 'well' and as the water was surrounded by Ash trees so the village got its name 'Ashwell'.

Also while we were there we paid a visit to the local horticultural show held in the village school and this lady kindly obliged in letting me take her photo of her hard at work spinning.

There were various categories including most unusual vegetables. I am sure there are a few bloggers out there who will have some rude comments to make.....

But the best bit for me was the children's section. Firstly animals made from vegetables...

And then a floral display in a tea cup, again in the children's section.

We love to try and support local events when we are away and this one didn't disappoint.

Back in a minute with a further update, x

Moving On

I'm sorry I've been MIA for a few days, been just a tad busy. This was our house last Thursday as the removal firm loaded our belongings onto their van ready for a few weeks of storage.

And so to a totally empty house.

And then just as the lorry pulled away we learned that completion was not to happen the following day as planned!!! Typical. So now this is our home for the next few weeks. Our faithful old caravan with a conservatory (ok an awning) and a glimpse of my #2 son taking it easy. This was taken at a beautiful site in Hertfordshire where we couldn't have wished for better weather.

We've moved on now but I'll share more photos from this stay and further updates on our adventures another day. 

TTFN, x

Butter Wouldn't Melt...

Not sure who took this piccie of my beautiful labrador, Etta, but I found it on my camera amongst other piccies that I'd taken. Isn't she just beautiful, and such a lady with her front paws crossed.

As the photo would suggest, butter wouldn't melt. However.....

Toast would......

I couldn't resist taking this picture of her looking longingly at that piece of toast that was disappearing rapidly into my #1 son.

I'm fairly certain my son won't be too impressed when he sees this picture on my blog but hey ho!!!

Sorry, but no crafting to show you again. Still busy packing up for our move this week. I actually managed some crochet this evening but its the first for a few days. Mainly because #1 son, partner and daughter were over for a few days celebrating grandee's birthday.

On a positive note, I have almost assembled my crafting bits to take in the caravan which will keep me occupied over the next few weeks of 'confinement'. We have also taken on a secure 'lock up' for a few weeks so I will keep spare crafting bits in there which I will be able to dip into as and when.

In the meantime, I will try and pop back in before we move at the end of the week but until then enjoy whatever you have planned over the Bank Holiday weekend.

TTFN, x

In The Absence of Anything Else...

Good Evening Bloggers. I've been a bit neglectful of my crafting, so instead I thought I'd share with you this piccie of my beautiful Grand-daughter having a cuddle with my friend's new Grand-daughter back in June. The reason her hand is up is she was trying to prevent me from taking a photo with a flash in case I 'blinded' the baby. Bless her!

I say I've been neglectful but that isn't strictly true. I've been busying away in my craft room getting ahead with a few cards in preparation for our move next week. The only thing is I can't share them with you at the moment as I don't want to spoil any surprises.

The crocheting and knitting are still 'works in progress' but as soon as they are complete I will share them with you.

So apart from sharing with you piccies of our packed boxes it was either my beautiful Grandee or nothing at all. At least you know I'm still around.

Oh, and the knee is progressing nicely. Fingers crossed I am able to drive later this week.

Until next time, x

Coffee and C - - -

         Coffee and Cake Case.

Couldn't quite manage the cake but I did today, for the first time, manage to make and carry in a cup of coffee to the living room. More and more I am managing around the house without my crutches. Still need one for the stairs and using 2 when I'm out but indoors its getting to the point that I can't remember where I've left them...

Had another session at the hydrotherapy pool today, but was so shattered when I got home that I went to bed and finally woke up 2 hours later. Physio was really pleased today with my progress but has advised me to continue with both crutches when I am out of the house. More physio tomorrow.

But until then here are the final piccies of the case. You would have seen them yesterday but when I was taking the photos I realised I'd made a huge faux pas and had to redo the front.

So below we have the inside of the lid complete with little mirrors for Barbie to fix her makeup/hair. 

Here is the lid with plenty of embellishments...

A close up of the mini keyring. I may alter this nearer the time. It is only for Christmas after all.

A side view...

The final view of the other side.

I hope you've enjoyed the journey of the suitcase. Now all I need to do is make some clothes for Barbie to go inside. At the moment she has a woolly hat and a 'tube' dress.

TTFN, x

When does a hobby become a bag?

Good Morning Bloggers. We have some sunshine peeking through here in West Yorkshire. Not sure if its here to stay though.

Finally I am able to show you my finished hobby bag. I am so chuffed to bits with it as I am a newbie to crochet, thanks to the very talented Jo of JoZarty. It was actually quite easy to crochet, it was the assembling, lining etc that proved to be a little complicated to a novice. I did make one vital error but I don't think it shows.....The main body of the bag was crochet in one complete piece.

So here is the inside with the lining made from an old pair of linen curtains. The lining was stitched to the body of the bag, the end panels, and the outer pockets before assembly. The handle was supposed to be lined but I preferred it without.

This is to show you one side with the button fastening and pockets. The pocket on this side was made from 3 granny squares crochet together, stitched to the body and then stitched down to divide into 3. The other side (see photo 1) was made from 4 slightly smaller granny squares and then assembled in the same way.

This next photo shows you why it is called a hobby bag. It's so you can use it to store your crochet or knitting hobby in. Here you will be able to get a sneak peek as to what's on the hook and needles at the moment.
The chunky yarn poking out of the side pocket is what's left of my James Brett Marble Chunky which I used for this bag alongside a cheap chunky yarn in natural colours.

Here is a picture of one of the circular end panels. The other side is a slightly different colour due to the marbling self-patterning of the James Brett yarn. I quite like that.

Finally, another close up with the ongoing projects comfortably arranged inside the bag. Can you spot the little piece of cream crochet, which will hopefully become something really cute. Also the vibrant shocking pink, and then there's the natural chunky yarn from the bag itself.

The outer pockets are just right for holding my little 'pencil case' which contains my scissors, yarn needles, stitch markers, etc. Also my tape measure.

I hope you like this as much as I do. I can see it getting plenty of use.

Tomorrow will hopefully see the final update on the little suitcase and maybe even an update on my mobility.

TTFN, x

Something a little different

Hello Bloggers. Can't believe yet another beautiful day in West Yorkshire and these flowers look fabulously  vibrant in the sunshine.

I had a surprise visitor yesterday evening who brought these for me. Aren't they just stunning. You may remember I was feeling a little down on Wednesday and hubby had been trying to arrange a visit from our friend, so when he arrived yesterday evening I gave him a great big hug. We have all been friends for many years and he was responsible for my hubby and I originally meeting. I consider him to be my 'honorary big brother', love him to bits.

So subsequently there is no update for you today on the case but I promise to return after the weekend with the finished article.

Until then, I hope you all have a lovely weekend and enjoy some more sunshine, x

In Case you were wondering...

Good Evening and another beautiful day in West Yorkshire. I hope you all enjoyed some sunshine too.

Here are some more updates on the altered case I am doing. This is the inside completed and below are the sides and back panels.

I know its not a pony but it fell into the same category. No doubt I will be corrected by a 5 year old.

Finally, here is a snapshot of the lid waiting for further embellishment.

I hope you're enjoying the journey with my case and I'll update you some more hopefully tomorrow.

TTFN, x