The C word...

… it’s fast approaching isn’t it. I know I should be shot at dawn (possibly overstating it slightly) for mentioning it, but along with the need to wear gloves outside today there is no use denying that nine weeks from today it is Christmas Eve… time to start shopping/making. Just to annoy all the last minuters out there, I’ve started mine already. In fact I got one today, for my little cousin Dylan for whom I have a very exciting present that I myself would have liked very much when I was that age! When it comes to the making, I have no ideas. I’m feeling a little stuck in the rut when it comes to making at the moment. I’d love to have some pottery ready, however I don’t think that is going to be possible (although you never know)

I’m having a lovely time writing this, I’m listening to Louis Armstrong singing La Vie en Rose and after that it’s going to be Moonlight in Vermont. I think I could listen to him forever.

I’ve been sorting out lots of photos to add to flickr and came across this one I took when on a visit to a stately home last year...so there you have it, an early taster for Christmas…. I’m so getting out a Christmas film to watch now……! Roll on Stir up Sunday!!!! Ma - we need to start on the cake!!!

I'm Trying, I really am!

I'm trying to be a better blogger and post more often, but it isn't working very well is it, anyway... sorry... I'll be back with something more interesting soon!

Autumn...mmmmm.....

I'm surprised by how chilly the days are getting, there is a nip in the air and the leaves are changing, heralding in one of my favourite seasons... Autumn of course. I feel a trip to Speke Hall coming on, to walk around the grounds (is it Orchard and Apple day soon?... must check!) watch the Aeroplanes take off and blow away the cobwebs. I can't wait to dig out my wooly scarves and hats and leather gloves, I adore leather gloves, I'm on the lookout for a green pair to add to the grey, red and brown ones... I might even have to get another handbag to match.....It'd be rude not to, wouldn't it...That'd be a brilliant mission for Steve the Roman who is off to the states again not so far into the future.... mmmm....!

I also think it is time to start another quilty project. Having just finished a quilted playmat for a colleague's Granddaughter (I didn't want to start anything before I'd finished that otherwise she'd have been 10 by the time I'd done it!) oh and here it is!

I'm going to start on one for me, in greens. I've been collecting for a while but I'm going to have fun looking for some more! I'm going to go for hexagons too, so please think of me whilst I'm cutting out all the papers!

I'm also looking forward to going to Glasgow next month for the country living fair with my lovely friend Jo who is going to have to put up with me for a weekend. I don't think her and her lovely husband Gareth know what they have let themselves in for! Any other bloggers going?

Well I'm off to get a cup of tea. See you soon!

October... already!

I’m not one for “conventional” shopping but by chance I briefly found myself in Liverpool ONE this weekend just gone, and I stumbled upon (or should that be into) Zara Home. I was taken aback by the lovely things why I had not seen or heard of this shop before before…? I’d been into Zara (clothes) a number of times previously with the lovely Steve who is a devotee of said brand. If anyone has one near them, I urge a visit! They have a website too.

Another exciting thing that I shall share is that apparently John Lewis has a new fabrics buyer, which means that we now get to see Amy Butler and Cath Kidston fabrics in their haberdashery departments. I’ve been in the Liverpool store and have bought a few metres already (big shock I know) For a long time I’ve been cross with the lack of variety of their fabric, it all seemed so… uninspired in its variations, I had to resort to El Kilo on London Road, which is great but inconsistent. Please go and visit and buy some, that way they’ll know there is a market for it, because as sure as eggs is eggs they won’t advertise the fact!

The pottery is getting better, I’ve now completed construction of my first “slab pot” and will finish decorating it next week. I might even take my camera to class and let you see it.
I said a while ago too that I was going to show you Beryl… My very kind Auntie Margaret sent Beryl back with Ma and Pa from their visit. I’ve put a vintage dress on her (to protect her dignity!) and I can’t wait to get started and make something on her! Thank you Auntie Margaret, I’ve wanted one of these for a long time!