This,That and the Other

FO Friday

2012-01-27T16:43:00.006Z

Can't believe I've managed to finish 3 items for 52 in 52, only 49 items to start and finish before 31st December :-)

1st is my Circumnavigate

Made using 2 skeins of Malabrigo silky merino in 'cloudy sky'
Couldn't wait to finish this, it was boring towards the end!

2nd is another Cosset for my little man

Used Union Center Knits Whatnot Sport
Love this hat and can see me making more

and 3rd is a super quick crochet flower brooch... Rose Brooch

The kids are having a crafty evening except Alfie, he will be watching 'Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides' and once Little Man is in bed I shall be starting Honey Cowl

Right off to look at everyone elses FO over on Tamis blog

TTFN
xoxo

I Must Be Mad!!!

2012-01-24T11:18:00.002Z

Little Miss has been asking since way before Christmas for another handmade blanket and I've agreed!!

Knit or crochet....decisions,decisions.

In the end I settled on another crochet hexxy blanket, so I ordered some Stylecraft Special DK in meadow,plum,silver,clematis and white and I started....

Crappy picture sorry

So far so good,20 hexxys made and added as I go,only another 120 to go!!

Since I started Little Miss has been asking everyday when it will be finished, she does't understand 'all good things come to those that wait' LOL

xoxo

- Posted using me iPad :-)

Busy, Busy, Busy

2012-01-22T23:16:00.005Z

getting things ready for a certain little persons birthday party this Tuesday

My sweet (who am I kidding? haha) baby girl turned 6 yesterday, this was her in the toy shop choosing her presents, thought we'd do that this year because every time we asked her what she wanted she said she didn't know. She had fun choosing and hasn't stopped playing with them since.

So tonight this is what i've been doing..

Packing and decorating tags for 20 party bags!

Don't think I could cope with 20 kids going crazy in the house so its a good job shes got it somewhere else!
We've paid for someone to entertain the kids for 2 hours which includes a disco, party games and use of a room which has a massive bouncy castle in.

TTFN
xoxo

@ 2 Months

2012-01-11T00:05:00.002Z

* You get kissed a million times a day, whenever any of the other kids walk by you, they automatically stop,lean over and give you a peck on the head unless its Isla, who likes to kiss your nose.

* You sleep through the night but have a habit of kicking the blankets off you, thank goodness for sleeping bags.

* You love the projector thingy on your musical cot toy but don't like the music on it, preferring the lullabies on your snuggly bear.

* You will let me know when you've had enough of your milk by pushing the bottle out of your mouth and refusing to open it again when I try.

* You prefer the big bath to the little bath.

* You are slowly growing out of your 0-3 months clothes.

* You are one chilled out baby but do have your moments of screaming in temper.

* You smile, chuckle and 'talk' loads.

TTFN
xoxo

- Posted using me iPhone :-)

Welcome * 2012 *

2012-01-03T17:08:00.005Z

So as its a new year, its time for new goals...

* Keep up with my 365 journal - writing one sentence about each day every day.

* Do more crafty things... needle felting is high on my 'to try' list this year.

* Finish getting this house decorated, still a few things to finish off.

* Take more photos!!

* Keep up with '52in52 in 2012' over on Ravelry, already made a start on my first project....

Crocus by Elizabeth Smith

Fingers crossed I can achieve all of the above, shouldn't be too hard should it????

TTFN
xoxo

Phew....

2011-12-29T20:49:00.006Z

Can I say I'm glad Christmas is out the way??

Couldn't see the front room floor again, but it was worth it to see the look on the kids faces when they opened their presents.

I had to quickly write the kids a letter ready for them to find on Christmas morning because we fell asleep on the sofas and didn't get to take their goodie bags upstairs and put on their beds (thats what happens when you haven't had a drink for a good few months and a new baby) and didn't wake up until the early hours.

Wrote in my best left hand writing LOL, the kids know what my writing looks like.

I had some lovely presents including chocs, cash, smellies and these two...

New home for my Mac

Ahhh new needles, just in time for 52 in 52 weeks over on Ravelry.

Right I'm off but before I do, just gotta write this down before I forget

On Boxing Day Lana and I were talking about the presents she had...

Lana - Santas elves are lazy, they don't make everything he delivers
Me - do they not
Lana - not the knickers, the crop tops and the new bag I got
Me - what makes you say that love
Lana - they still had the Primark labels on

LOL Whoops!!

xoxo

Gift Tags

2011-12-23T14:03:00.004Z

I managed to dig into my (feeling unloved) scrappy stash this morning and make a few name tags for the kids Christmas bags, you know, the ones that Santa leaves on the bed once he's put the other prezzies under the tree ;-).
We've never used stockings *shock, gasp* for the kids, instead I try and think of other things to use to fill up with goodies and leave on their beds. Over the years I've used decorated lunch tins, felt bags etc, this year I'm using coloured gift bags so I needed a couple of name tags, nothing too difficult...plain and simple...just the way i like it :-)

Next year I've decided I'm knitting sacks, should have them finished if I start in January!!

The kiddos are getting excited now about the man in red visiting especially this one..

This one however hasn't got a clue whats happening but is still smiling, cooing and getting into the Christmas spirit regardless..

( No reindeer were hurt while taking these pics!!)

Right just one more thing to say and thats.........

Merry Christmas from me to you, hope you all have a great few days and I'll see you on the other side xxx

Eeeek!!!

2011-12-18T23:19:00.001Z

Luckily everything has been brought, just need to finish wrapping it all now and then just the food shop on Friday (I'm spending the next few days plucking up the courage to go to Sainsburys)

xoxo

- Posted using me iPhone :-)

WIPs

2011-11-30T10:03:00.004Z

As the 'Little Fella' is getting into abit more of a routine I'm finding it easier to pick up my needles or hooks and having a bit of time playing with lovely yarn (the rest of the housework can wait, it ain't going nowhere!)

I've got 2 WIPs on the go.....

my gorgeous chevron blanket which I'm absolutely loving doing...

....about two thirds finished now.

In return for making me a couple of felt Christmas tree decorations I'm making my BSIL a cowl, started yesterday and hoping to have it finished later today..

Just rows of knit and purl, easier to pick up at the moment without worrying about losing where I am in the pattern if it was cable or lace.

Right off to see everyone elses WIPs over on Tami's blog

xoxo

@ one month

2011-11-28T09:48:00.002Z

Its hard to believe that the 'Little Fella' is one month today, if only the pregnancy went that fast!!

* We've nicknamed you 'Windy Miller'. You can't half burp & fart, we thought Lana was bad but if burping & farting became an olympic sport you would bring gold home every time.

* You're staying awake a lot more between feeds.

* You hate the moses basket, preferring to be in your bouncy chair (only cos you're nosey and wanna see whats going on).

* You've discovered yourself in the mirror on your playmat.

* You're in bed by 9pm.

* You wake once during the night for a feed.

* You love bath time.

* You weigh just under 11lbs.

* The amount of washing you make is unbelieveable!!

* You are fascinated with the other 3 kiddos.

As hes sleeping at the moment, I'm off to do a bit of knitting, got a couple of FOs and WIPs to show you this week including Aarons ripple in the picture above.

TTFN
xoxo

2 Weeks

2011-11-11T18:37:00.003Z

He's 2 weeks old today, the time is flying!!

If he keeps on making faces like the one above he's gonna get on just fine living in this crazy household!!!!

xoxo

Welcome to the World...

2011-10-30T15:23:00.004Z

....Aaron Matthew

Arrived on the 28th October at 13.33
Weighing 8lbs 9oz

Had to have a c section after finding out on Wednesday that he was lying transverse (sideways)

The pain and anxiousness of having to have a section were worth it as hes absolutely perfect and completes our family *heart*

xoxo

Today

2011-10-24T14:33:00.007+01:00

She turned 10!!!

How did that happen?

Wheres the time gone??

Her face was a picture this morning when she opened her main present... a laptop.

She wanted McMuffins for breakfast from the golden arches and dinner at The Harvester so we obliged, only cos it meant I could have a Rocky Horror ice cream *bloody gorgeous*

Just finished making her cake =)
I can finally use this...

Can't wait to have a slice of that shortly =)

In other news...

due date is fast approaching, it can't come quick enough, getting really uncomfortable now, 7 days and counting!!

My crochet blanket for bump is coming along a treat as is the knitted chevron blanket for the sofa

Its grown alot since this pic was taken =)

xoxo

Ripples & Chevrons

2011-10-13T18:26:00.006+01:00

I'm lovin' making these 2 blankets at the moment.

The yarn arrived on Tuesday for my chevron blanket

so spent an hour with my ball winder and swift turning them into yarn cakes and so far it looks like this...

Using Cascades 220 yarn in 12 colours on a 4.5mm needle

Now the next lot of yarn to arrive was supposed to be for my sunburst granny blanket but I changed my mind and decided to make the little fella a crochet ripple instead...

Rowan pure wool DK on a 3.5mm hook in 5 colours -

shale, anthracite, cypress, avocado & enamel

Crocheting into to the back loops of each new colour strip.

Its grown slightly since this pic was taken this morning, hoping I can get it finished and washed before the fella arrives.... just over 2 weeks to go!!!

Right off to hook and knit some more :-)

xoxo

Sunburst Grannies

2011-10-10T19:43:00.004+01:00

Just having a play while waiting for my new yarn to arrive, managed to complete 16 of these squares over the weekend and today, enough to make a cushion cover, well the front anyway, just got to have a think about how I want the back to look.....

DECISIONS, DECISIONS!!!

xoxo

With 3 Weeks to go....

2011-10-08T22:48:00.006+01:00

should I be nesting???

Certainly haven't had the urge to empty and clean cupboards!!

Instead I've been having a little shopping spree, buying new yarn for my next projects

Missoni Inspired Chevron

and

Sunburst Granny

Hopefully it will all arrive early in the week so I can at least make a start before this little fella makes an appearance ;-)

TTFN
xoxo

WIP

2011-09-28T10:22:00.005+01:00

Its been ages since I took part in WIP over at Tamis blog, pregnancy brain makes me forget haha.

I've quickly snapped a pic of my Golden Wheat Cardigan

Made a few changes to pattern...

stocking stitch on the front instead of reverse
no decreases at the sides
made with smaller needles
increases for sleeves are KFB instead of M1s

Given myself until the weekend to get it finished *fingers crossed*

A more important WIP is still taking place

35+ weeks now and I'm more than ready to meet the little fella!!
Roll on Halloween (his due date)

TTFN
xoxo

Finished Items

2011-09-22T09:22:00.005+01:00

Finally got round to taking pics of my sleep sack made for 'bump'

Pattern - Owl Sleepsack
Yarn - Malabrigo worsted (love this yarn)

and I did scrap last night, only managed one layout but hey its a start :-)

Using a mixture of 3 Studio Calico kits

Not a very good pic...must find my scanner!!!

xoxo

Hold on to Your Hats

2011-09-21T18:53:00.002+01:00

I've finally got my scrappin' stuff out of storage and I'm gonna scrap tonight!!!!!

Plus i have 3 yes 3 unused Studio Calico kits sitting here waiting to be cut into, including the very nice GLEE kit

Wish me luck, hopefully I can still do it LOL

TTFN

xoxo

Having a Lazy Weekend

2011-09-17T21:00:00.001+01:00

and that includes the dog as well LOL

- Posted using me iPad :-)

In Between

2011-09-09T18:03:00.004+01:00

taking the kids to school
stripping beds and hanging washing on the line,
casting on a new knit......another Tiny Tea Leaves for Isla,
painting one of the walls in the kitchen (must finish the rest of it this weekend)
and going out for a very very lovely carvery

me and Keith managed to nip into town and do the last bit of baby shopping (oh how he hates shopping, unless its tools,motorbikes or cars!!!) to buy 'bumps' mode of transport

I love it, Keith hates it LOL

Talking of 'bump', we've finally picked a name we both like and agree on ;-) , its only taken a 32 weeks LOL!!

Right I'm off to do a bit more to Islas cardi

TTFN
XOXO

Getting Ready

2011-09-06T15:33:00.006+01:00

for tomorrow.....

PE bags have been packed.
Lunch box food has been brought.
New shoes brought (£116!!! WTF!!)
Uniforms put out ready.
A trip to the hairdressers was taken this morning....

Having an easy tea tonight....chips from the chippy,
then they'll be having a bath and an early night.

Don't know about them but I'm ready for them to go back tomorrow :-)

Waiting for Mr Postie to bring my new yarn so I can make a start on a new cardi for myself

Golden Wheat Cardi

but while I'm waiting for it to arrive I might make a start on this

Cocoon Me Cowl

thats amongst the 2 other items for 'bump' thats on my needles at the mo

Owl Sleep Sack & Little Coffee Bean

XOXO

Early Morning Knitting

2011-09-05T10:28:00.003+01:00

Been getting up quite early these last few days, just to enjoy an hour of peace and quiet before the kids come running down the stairs wanting food and drink.

So nice just me, my cuppa and knitting :-)

XOXO

Knitted Ripple

2011-08-26T17:53:00.007+01:00

While on holiday i went into a wool shop (as you do) and brought 7 balls of squishy soft Sirdar Snuggly to make a blanket for 'bump' in boy colours, waited until I got home and had a mooch through my '200 Ripple Patterns'.

It took me a week to do and now just needs washing and blocking :)

Think it will go lovely in his crib..

We've had to buy everything from scratch as there wasn't meant to be the pitter patter of tiny feet in the house anymore, not such a hardship when I get to go and buy this very very nice changing bag :-)

Right off to sew on some buttons to a cardi I've just finished for bump

Have a great weekend...
I'll be decorating

xoxo

Finally

2011-08-21T22:45:00.002+01:00

Back on line!!

Well so much has happened since I last posted...

we spent 2 lovely weeks in a converted barn in Devon,
I officially became unemployed,
brought myself a shiny new car,
I knitted a lovely blanket for 'bump' (pictures to follow)
became an aunty to my brothers gorgeous baby girl Willow Grace

but the biggest change of all is...

we moved house and have finally got back on line :-)
so we've been very busy decorating getting it ship shape before 'bump' arrives - 10 weeks and counting!!

Right will be back very soon

TTFN
xoxo

Well......

2011-06-16T10:47:00.001+01:00

.....been to my scan, everythings ok with 'bump' and the kids got what they wanted because.....

TTFN
xoxo

- Posted using me iPad :-)

20/40

2011-06-13T09:50:00.006+01:00

I'm officially at the halfway mark now!!!!

Well I'm actually 20+1 so just past it LOL, let the countdown begin, hoping the second half goes just as quick as the first half :-)

Lana did say this morning when she took the photo 'oh mum you definitely look pregnant now!'

Feeling lots of non-stop movement which is ok until you want to go to sleep and the kicks & punches are stopping you!!

Going for the big scan on Thursday morning where we find out if everything is ok with 'bump'. Keith and the kids wanna know what flavour it is but I don't think I'm that bothered, we'll see what happens Thursday, I probably won't be able to resist once I'm there ;-)

Alfie hopes bump is a boy so he'll 'have his very own brother' BLESS <3<3
Isla wants a brother so she can call him MIKE!!
Lana wants bump to be a boy so she won't have to share her room!!

I've started a ripple blanket too :-)...

..because every baby deserves to snuggle under a handmade knit or crochet blanket :-)

Hopefully the *ta-dah* moment will be next week, on the last colour repeat section at the mo so not too much longer.

Going to do some scrappin' later, going to try and use some of last months SC kit up, its been sat in the cupboard untouched since it arrived last month, then I'm going to use this colour combo I found on Pinterest

and make a layout or a little mini, but before I do that I need to go and get some shopping in, the food shop will include the ingredients to make these..

Peanut butter cup brownies, also found on pinterest :-)

TTFN
xoxo

Where To Begin

2011-05-19T09:30:00.006+01:00

Can't believe another month has passed since my last post, told myself that I wouldn't leave it so long but life gets in the way!

So since my last post Alfie turned seven and since he had mastered riding a bike without stabilizers (took a while as he had absolutely no interest at all)all he wanted was a new bike so thats what he had as well as a few other bits..

also had a BBQ and loads of ice cream :-)

We took a trip to Barry Island... what a disappointment that was, nothing like I remember as a kid, the fair was run down, looked like a load of fair rides had been dumped there to rust :-(.
I remember standing in the queue as a kid to go on the log flume wearing a rain mac, cos it always rained waiting excitedly for my turn, but now the ride was bone dry and looking very ramshackled indeed.
The kids enjoyed the beach front and the beach and we did have some bloody gorgeous fish and chips in Gavin and Staceys favourite chippy apparently, did I tell you its all Gavin and Stacey, everywhere you turned there was bags, tea towels and anything else they could slap 'whats occurin'' on, you could even take a tour of Barry riding in Daves coach LOL, we gave that a miss!!

Lanas sulking here because she had to wear Alfies hoody because she refused to take a jacket and it was very windy!

When the kids finally went back to school, felt like they were home for weeks and weeks I started on my quilt for 'bump'

Just waiting on the wadding now and the fabric for the back and binding :-)
Had to buy a new machine, so brought one that was quite expensive and fingers crossed should last a long time.

I've also picked up my knitting needles again, apart from taking part in the 'scarf journey' over on Ravelry I hadn't done any knitting what so ever, I'm making up for it now though by casting on for a baby blanket which I've nearly finished and I started this the other day..

Snug

For plain old garter stitch, its a bit fiddly but I'm on the home stretch,just the hood to do now :-)

I've also got this months kit from Studio Calico to make a start on, its sat on the side feeling all unloved at the moment but I have a feeling I shall be making a start on it tonight as I'm in the mood to scrap :-)

Right I have washing to stick on the line, hopefully be back over the weekend :-)

TTFN
xoxo

Hello :-)

2011-04-15T14:55:00.004+01:00

Wheres the lovely weather gone?
This time last week we were enjoying a mini heat wave and Saturday we had the BBQ going, yep the BBQ!!
Hope the sun returns soon, especially Easter weekend as its Alfies birthday on the Saturday and he's requested hotdogs and burgers,cooked on the barbie of course :-)

Just enjoying the holidays, at least it hasn't rained and the kids can go out and play (its good for my sanity LOL) We went to the park on Monday and took a picnic with us,it was ok but not that warm :-(.

I've brought a couple of charm packs of fabric to make 'bump' a quilt...

'Happier' by Deena Rutter

Lovin' all the colours but maybe a bit girly??
Oh well, if bump ends up being a boy its a good excuse to buy some more fabric!

Done a couple of layouts

My 1st scan picture,just noticed I haven't put the date of scan on layout only the date I did layout DUH!!

I'm lovin' my Studio Calico kits,its the only stash I buy and use now :-)
Must really go through my stash and get rid of stuff I don't like/use anymore.

Right I'm off to carry on playing with cardboard,paper and glue,I'm trying to make myself a couple of journals from scratch, the first one didn't work out so its back to the drawing board!!

TTFN
xoxo

A Layout

2011-04-02T11:34:00.003+01:00

**Thanks for all the lovely comments in my last post**

The sickness has started to pass and I'm not soooo tired,don't feel the need to have a doze on the sofa in the afternoons anymore but still in bed by 10pm, hope that soon passes as I like being a night owl.

Right back to my post -

A LAYOUT

The first of many baby ones I hope :-)
I wasn't really into scrappin' when the other rugrats arrived but I can see this little bean being scrapped lots before he/she arrives :-)

Even thinking of starting a journal thingy using one of those Maya Road albums with the lovely kraft envelopes in (knew it would come in handy one day)

I have a confession to make about the test in the picture above.....

I brought it after I had my scan, just so I could see the words 'pregnant' and have a decent test to scrap hahaha!!

As the housework is done, the kids are playing out the front and Keith is working til 11 tonight, I'm gonna print out a couple of pics, pop my ipod in the dock and scrap :-)

Toodle Pip
xoxo

'Happy Accident'

2011-03-25T21:52:00.002Z

Its been quiet on this blog for a while hasn't it??
I have a good reason.......

Our 'Happy Accident' :-)
Its taken us a couple of weeks to get our heads around to the above news but now its finally sunk in that we're facing sleepless nights and dirty nappies AGAIN we're looking forward to bubba #5, due the end of October but with my track record you can add an extra 2 weeks on to that.

The tiredness and feeling sick (constantly) has hit me like a ton of bricks :-( and if you were to look at me you would think that I was already 5 months!!!

Had my first scan yesterday and so far so good, got to go back next month so will get a better picture of the sprout then :-)

- Posted using me iPad :-)

Pinterest!!

2011-02-24T10:15:00.005Z

I finally received my invite for this very fab site on Monday and man I'm in love!!
I'm sure you could lose a day on there while browsing, making boards and pinning images!!
If you're looking for inspiration or just like looking at cool things then this is the place for you :-)

Oh how I wish my kitchen could look like this!
source

Lovin' the crochet ripples on this cover!
source

If I had needles made from tree branches I'd make these for sure!
source

Right I'm taking the kids to the park, think we've chose the best day to go,the suns shining.

Be back later with a couple of layouts I did last night (Little Missy helped!)

xoxo

WIP Wednesday

2011-02-23T13:59:00.007Z

Not alot going on with my needles this week apart from getting my starter section of my cable scarf knitted up ready for posting later on today. Its headed for Germany.
Taking part in the cable scarf journey over on Ravelry, so should be receiving someone elses in the next day or two

Now my crochet hook has been busy since Monday night :-)
Hooking up another 'soft waves' ripple blanket

And hubby did make me a swift and it works like a dream

Just need to find somewhere for it to go when its not being used!!!

Right off to have a look at what everyone else as been upto this week with their hooks and needles over on Tamis blog

xoxo

GUTTED!!

2011-02-21T23:57:00.004Z

While trying to juggle what felt like a hundred different things at the same time tonight...

cook the tea
empty the dishwasher
stick washing machine on
umm & ahh over the kids artwork

I noticed my beloved iPhone was looking a little smeary on the screen so decided to clean it, wish I hadn't bothered now cos it slipped right out of my hand and landed face down on my tiled floor =( =(
I'm sure the neighbours heard me scream NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO when it happened

I phoned the local Apple store and they don't do replacement screens WTF!!
They told me to go to an independent retailer, whats that all about??

So as my spuds were bubbling dry I had a quick look on Ebay for a faulty/non working one with a decent screen, have you seen how much they are going for?? SHOCKING!!!

In the end I googled 'replacement screens' and managed to find a gadget shop that sells them in a kit which contains everything you need to do the job for just under £20, we brought 2 :-)

Judging by how grubby that case is looking, I'll be on the look out for a new one, preferably one with a flip cover ;-)
Hopefully it will be as good as new again in a few days, everything else still works fine on it, just gotta be careful when swiping your finger across the screen to unlock it!!

TTFN
xoxo

So Close

2011-02-16T11:27:00.004Z

to finishing the Neighborly, only a few more rows to go, then wash and block it.

Was going to work on it this morning but Mr Postie brought my new ball winder, so I've been busy playing with that :-)

Is it sad to want to wind every skein of yarn I've got into lovely cakes??

Did tell Keith that I need a swift to go with new winder, he had a look and said 'I can make you one of them' hes looking for wood as I type LOL!

Right away to have a look at what everyone else has been upto over on Tamis blog

xoxo

PS 'Tangled' was fantastic!!!!

On My Needles

2011-02-14T22:26:00.003Z

at the moment is Neighborly a popular pattern over on Ravelry.
I've had to start it again because the first attempt was coming out too small, so with a few adjustments its coming along ok.

A bit further on with it than the pic shows.
I've also picked up my hook again and making a granny blanket, nothing special, just a basic one :-)

Just waiting for the wool to arrive now for the bag in the below post as the book arrived Friday along with my Studio Calico kit, in the box was a couple of the Mr Huey mists and I shall be playing with those tomorrow when we come back from seeing 'Tangled'. I wanted to see 'Gnomeo & Juliet' but it was 3 against 1, oh well theres always next time!

Right back to my needles :-)

xoxo

Creative Goal #3

2011-02-08T20:22:00.007Z

LEARN HOW TO DO FAIR ISLE

Yes I've mastered it *insert big grin*
Still need to work out the tension for the floats (yarn strands that carry over at the back)

Just playing around last night with some graph paper and a pencil. It doesn't look like much at the moment but once its finished and lined it shall (hopefully) become a pencil case for Big Miss :-)

I had to have a go at doing it because I've fell in love with this bag...

Just waiting for the book the patterns in now to arrive from Amazon

TTFN
xoxo

Do You Wanna Get SMASHED????

2011-02-02T22:16:00.004Z

I'm lovin' these journals and want them all....roll on April.

Her Words

2011-01-30T23:32:00.005Z

The other day I asked Lana to describe herself in five words, she didn't even have to have a really good think about what words to use, just came out with them in ten seconds flat.
I love the words she chose and yes the first word is true!!!
She can be a right bossy little madam

Not a very good scan, something to do with using one of those little pockets from KI Memories I think.

Anyone seen anything that has caught their eye from the new releases of scrappy stash that is previewing at CHA??

Not alot has caught mine except a couple of things..

Crate Paper

Lovin' the wood veneer look, reminds me of our tv we had when I was growing up :-)

xoxo

Bugger it...

2011-01-26T23:49:00.003Z

my sewing machine is broke, well not broke, more like theres a piece thats vanished from it and now the thread won't glide smoothly IYKWIM :-(
Haven't used it for months and when I do want to use it I can't, the thread keeps snagging and breaking!!
Will have to see if good old Keithy will have a look tomorrow, hes usually ok at adapting stuff LOL.

So as I couldn't sew on this layout I've left it as it is

Didn't turn out how it looked in my head, oh well =)

I've started another, will probably finish it over the weekend.
I asked Lana to describe herself in 5 words, you will have to wait for said layout to be finished to see the words she used.

Right away to clean up stash!!

Toodle pip

xoxo

Stepping Back in Time

2011-01-25T22:11:00.006Z

Over on Ravelry there is thread called 'nostalgic,nostalgic', where people are remembering what toys they used to play with and posting pictures of them. Theres quite a few I remember and quite a few I played with :-)

So as my SC kit arrived this morning (isn't it nice when you pop out,come back and find a parcel waiting for you?) I decided to google a few of the toys and do a layout.

Here goes, can you remember any of them??

But one of my bestest Christmas's ever (I was 7!!) was opening a present to find one of these....

Imagine my surprise when I googled 'Cabbage Patch Kids' and the exact one I had came up on the screen.

Look,it even came with a birth certificate, I named mine Amy Lousie, I loved her I did, my mum made a few spare outfits for her and guess what...

my girls have played with her too...yep shes still going strong 20+ years later!!!

Think 'Amy Louise' is worthy of her own layout don't you.

Oh,the layout is a WIP =0)

xoxo

Yep, I Scrapped!!!!

2011-01-25T00:06:00.003Z

I can't remember the last time I did scrap but tonight I did....go me!!!!

Nearly didn't mind, found the photos I wanted to print out, connected my printer to my laptop, pressed 'PRINT' and waited and waited....and nothing.
I check out the print status and its saying error, no matter what I did still nothing. The only thing that did work was me deleting the printer, going onto the HP website and reinstalling all the drivers!!

Fingers crossed thats fixed the problem, if not I will be chucking printer and laptop out the window LOL!

Anyway with out further ado here they are :-)

The last one is my favourite :-)

And I must say I rather enjoyed myself, just waiting for my SC kit to arrive now, come on kit where are ya????

Happy Birthday Scruffbag

2011-01-21T19:31:00.010Z

Hard to believe that Little Miss is 5 today!!!

Seems like only yesterday I was bringing her home from the hospital.

She.....

* is independent and will try and do everything herself.
* still likes her cup of teas and has to have at least 3 a day.
* still sleeps with the 2 'feely' bears shes had since she was born.
* likes to wind the other 2 up big time.
* can trash her bedroom in 5 seconds flat!!
* will ask for sausage,chips and beans for tea everyday.
* loves anything crafty especially glitter.
* loves PJ days.
* can speak a little better now shes had her tongue untied.
* loves school, especially the hot dinners.
* is a complete loon!!

Love ya baby girl xoxo

WIP Wednesday

2011-01-19T18:02:00.004Z

I haven't joined in with this for a few weeks as everything I was knitting I had finished before the usual Wednesday post.

So I started the Cowboy Cowl using some Lambs Pride in a mulberry colour,brought from a fellow raveler.
Can't make me mind up if I like the colour or not, will see what I think once its finished, if I don't I'll stick it in the lidded 'presents to give throughout the year' box.

The colour is darker IRL....

...its more maroon.

If you're a knitter,pop over to Tami's and take part.

Right off to do abit more to me cowl while the kids are having a crazy half hour upstairs before Emmerdale starts (they love Emmerdale!!)

Toodle pip
xoxo

On My Needles...

2011-01-17T22:18:00.001Z

....is this

Cowboy Cowl - Pam Powers

Started it once I had done the housework this morning :=)
So far so good.

I've been and brought a new ink cartridge so I can print out a few pics ready for when my Studio Calico kit arrives, come on Mr Postie!!!

I'm gonna have a big old sort out of my stash cupboard this week, see what I want to get rid of and stuff I want to keep, things from....

stamps, stickers, embellies and papers

will be going.
Keep your eyes peeled, who knows you might see something you like/want/need :-)

Right I'm off to make the kids their lunch boxes ready for school tomorrow (bloody hate this job!)

Shame they couldn't take one of these each cos they have taken a real liking to them

How embarrassed was I the other day when they were each walking round Sainsburys clutching their 'TEA', looking as pleased as punch!!!!

TTFN
oxoxo

- Posted using me iPad.

I've Bit The Bullet,

2011-01-14T21:12:00.004Z

after ummmming and ahhhhing for the last few months I've succumbed and started subbing to Studio Calico!!

Hopefully it'll get my mojo back on track, I mean look at those papers.....right up my street =)

Just got to remember to get me camera out now.

xoxo

Can I do This???

2011-01-08T00:10:00.006Z

Gonna give it a good go =)

Number 4 is something I've been wanting to do for a good few years now,and this year I've decided to kick myself up the arse and do it!!!

Website is being constructed/tinkered with, yarns to stock have been noted, 1st order goes in next week....only trouble is I want everything!!!!

Just hope everything goes to plan and it works out *fingers crossed.*

Been having a browse at the sale over on Cath Kidston tonight and am most disappointed that what I want/need is not in the sale

Lovely home for me iPad

Lovely home for me knitty WIPs

Going to Chelthenham shopping next week with mum,only going there because it has a Cath Kidston shop =)
Which of the above will I come home with???

Also need to go shopping in John Lewis cos I neeeeeed this

It would look lovely sitting in my kitchen =)

Right me beds calling

xoxo

Decluttering!!!

2011-01-06T14:30:00.002Z

Its a new year which means giving this blog a good 'ole clean up.
Get rid of the old, bring in the new :-)

What do ya think??

xoxo

Goodbye 2010

2011-01-05T10:24:00.009Z

and HELLO 2011!!

Did you all have a lovely Christmas??
We did, you couldn't see the front room floor (always a good sign)
The kids were pleased as punch with their presents, especially Lana who was actually speechless when she discovered an iTouch under the tree with her name on :-)

No photos taken as the battery was flat in me camera

I had some lovely presents including perfume,a new bag,chocs and not forgetting the most important one......me IPAD!!!!!

I'm in love with it...seriously
So much you can do with it :-)

We went away to see in the New Year.
For the last few years I've wanted to walk on a beach on New Years Day all wrapped up warm with my family, so we went to Devon to see in the New Year with the in laws and on New Years Day we wrapped up warm and I finally got to walk on the beach on the first day of the year........it was bloody freezing!!!

Stupid idea,won't be doing that again unless I'm somewhere hot like Barbados for instance.

No photos taken cos I couldn't be bothered!!!

Still knitting,managed to get all the handknitted gifts finished in time for Christmas and finished making this for a friends birthday which is tomorrow

Another Springtime Bandit

Gonna start this,once my new yarn arrives (hopefully today)

Poet Society tam

and then better start looking at the baby knits.....NOT FOR ME!!!!

My brothers girlfriend has just announced shes preggars, don't know if I should bother making her something,probably just get chucked in the back of the cupboard. If I was to give her a giftcard for Armani,Baby Gap or even Next she'd be happier.
I have got me eyes on making one of these though..

Newborn Baby Blanket

Rocky

Right gotta dash,been meaning to go and get some shopping since taking the kids to school this morning but then it started raining so I thought I'd wait for Keith to come back and take the car but hes just phoned to say he won't be home until much later,hes broken down in Lancashire and waiting to be recovered...don't laugh haha!!

TTFN
xoxo

1hr & 3 minutes......

2010-12-20T14:17:00.004Z

it took me in this snow to travel 3 bloody miles to go and see me mate!!!!

Bloody idiots on the road who keep in 1st gear and like driving at no less than 15mph even though the roads are ok to drive on

It was nice coming home (via the motorway,should of gone that way in the first place!) to find this little package of lovely yarn waiting for little 'ole me :-)

2 hanks of malabrigo worsted in pearl and 1 hank of cascade in teal, already for the last of the handknit Christmas prezzies,I can see some very late nights before the big day itself :-)

Right away to wind them hanks into balls.

Oh nearly forgot Little Missy wants to show you her new glasses........

Elton John eat your heart out LOL

xoxo

Just Testing ....

2010-12-14T14:22:00.001Z

.... to see if this little beauty is working

xoxo

- Posted using me iPad :-)

Nearly Finished

2010-12-13T21:37:00.004Z

making me a little knitted cozy/sleeve for this little fella

My Christmas present from the hubby and kids....insert A VERY BIG SMILE HERE!!!
Fingers crossed it will be delivered tomorrow,when I'm here wrapping the kids presents and not Wednesday when I'm at Alfies Christmas school play.

TTFN xx

WIP Wednesday

2010-12-08T22:20:00.005Z

So I've decided to jump on the WIP Wednesday wagon :-)

Been working on Sammie the Sock Monster since yesterday and finished him this morning,just need to get some felt for his mouth and he's gonna be a sock less monster...

And literally just finished taking the other one of this off my needles

Girly Mitts

and now I need to go and start a pair of Fetchings for mum :-)

xoxo

Very Fetching

2010-12-06T13:42:00.006Z

This pattern has been in my 'queue' over at Ravelry for ages and ages.

It requires using DPNs, now I can start a project on a circular needle and transfer said project to DPNs when it gets a little tight but do you think I can start a project using flippin' DPNs??? The answer is NO, for the life of me I can't.
The yarn gets twisted, I lose track of what needle I need to use next and basically I find it frustrating and wanna chuck the bloody things out the window!!!

So this weekend I went on good old You Tube and discovered this...

Knitting in the round with 2 circulars

and at last I made me a pair of Fetchings!!!!!!

Yarn Used- Cascade 220
Increased the cable rounds to 5 instead of 3
Got to master knitting a proper thumb gusset!!!

And now Big Missy wants her own pair of fingerless gloves which I shall make and stick under the Christmas tree :-)

Gonna make Little Missy this for under the tree

Penelope

And for Alfie, well I'm stumped, anyone got any ideas??

Primrose (link in last post) is nearly finished

Right 2 circulars have got my name on, gonna squeeze in a bit of knitting before I venture outside in the snow to collect the kiddos from school

Toodle pip
xoxo

Enjoying

2010-11-28T14:48:00.004Z

a chilled out weekend :-)

Just had a gorgeous roast dinner, not as nice as last week Jak ;-);-), nearly on par but not quite, think it could of been the gravy LOL.

Now I've parked me arse in front of the tv and gonna enjoy a few hours knitting.

Just brought this pattern from Ravelry and just about to cast on, its an Xmas present for a certain little person.

Primrose

Seriously lovely patterns, think I'm gonna have to buy the others in the collection.

'Just in time' Bandit!!

2010-11-27T00:37:00.003Z

Haven't blogged because I've been busy beavering away trying to get my BANDIT finished.

Link in last post.

'Just in time' for this freezing cold weather we're having at the mo, kids are gutted we haven't had snow yet, it's predicted for early next week, hopefully not as much as what they've had up north.

Photo taken using the 'camera bag' app

All I can say is thank god for lifelines (row where you thread a scrap piece of yarn through the stitches) cos I've had to rip it back 3 times!!!

Deffo not a 'watch the tv while knitting project', not for me anyway LOL!!

Been having a browse at the apps for me iPhone and found this one....

The kids have been having fun leaving Santa messages with their present requests.
Best of all it doesn't cost a penny to use it :-)

Will post a proper pic of Bandit once we get some decent light.

TTFN
xoxo

- Posted using me iPhone :-)

Howdy

2010-11-17T09:45:00.003Z

Since me last post Big Missy has turned 9!!!

Can ya see the lippy, can ya?
Thats all shes interested in and wants lots of for Christmas oh and not forgetting an itouch (which is hiding in our bedroom...shhhhhhh ;-))

Been busy knitting since my last post.....

3 hats ---> FINISHED
Avalon Cardi ---> ARMS TO KNIT
Just Enough Ruffles scarf x2 ---> FINISHED
Springtime Bandit ---> HALFWAY THROUGH

Making using Malabrigo Worsted in lettuce (a prezzie from hubby for me birthday)
Absolutely bloody gorgeous yarn!!!
OOOH I can't wait to finish and have it wrapped round me neck.

Thats all folks
TTFN
xoxo

Doing (kids) Homework

2010-10-19T11:45:00.007+01:00

Been busy this morning doing Alfies homework, as usual we left it to the last minute.
I thought it had to be in Thursday but he said this morning it has to be in tomorrow...yikes!!

He had to make a puppet theatre and as hes at school right now and hes got a friend coming round for tea tonight I thought I'd better make it this morning, he gave me strict instructions that his puppets had to be from Super Mario.....

Quite good, even if I do say so myself :-)

What else have I been up to??
I've made this card for one of me mates, shes just had an operation.

I've brought wool to make this for Lana....

Avalon Cabled Cardigan

Had a little splurge at A Million Little Things Haven't brought anything from there for a while and as Jill had lots of Studio Calico stuff it had to be done :-)

And finally I had my tattoo

Knew I should have had it done on my left arm, cos it was nigh on impossible to take a photo of it

TTFN xoxo

Giveaway Goes to...

2010-10-05T10:45:00.003+01:00

Comment number 7....

Susan Pryce
'I read it and love all your ramblings and your lovely creations'

Email your address to sjp1977@aol.com hunny and I'll pop a little something in the post to you :-)

Thanks again for all your lovely comments

xoxo

I Feel Like I've Lost Me Right Arm!!!

2010-10-01T11:17:00.005+01:00

Not literally you understand.

Little Missy has now started school full time :-( and I don't know what to do with meself!!

I'm sure I'll think of something once the days go by and I get used to being here on me own ;-)

While I was getting quite tearful yesterday morning all she was interested in was this..

Her 'wunch' bag and the contents in it LOL

To while away the day I went to my mums and we had a mooch around the town, even venturing into the 'posh shop' somewhere you don't take the kids for fear of them breaking something!
Brought lots of fatty crap from the bakers, mum did say this is what you do when you don't have the kids for 6 hours...I think I could get used to it...a lady of leisure for 4 days a week, oh yeah I think I could :-)
I even booked to get a new tattoo for next Friday.

This morning as well as doing a little bit of housework and I mean a little bit I finished off a hat for Lana

Speedy Cable Beret

Made using Sirdar 'Big Softie' in Flossie
Thinking of making one for me, in another colour cos I don't do pink!!
Super quick pattern and its free, which is always a bonus!!!!

Just want to say a BIG thanks for the lovely comments in the last post, will pick someone later and let you know ASAP

Right me and him are off food shopping, might even go out for dinner, think I'm gonna enjoy this childfree malarky LOL.

You Wike Me????

2010-09-24T00:14:00.003+01:00

That question is something Little Missy asks all the time, it sounds soooo cute....

not so cute when she asks it 20 times in 5 minutes though!!!!

Remember camping Jak?? do ya, do ya LOL!!

And now shes had her tongue untied, she'll soon be pronouncing her words properly, once shes had abit of speech therapy.

So of course I just had to do a layout listing some of the words she says...

My 3 favourite words she says, the rest are written on the back.

And YES I'm gonna miss this :-(

TTFN

xoxo

PS Does anyone actually read this blog anymore?????

If so,I'd love to know, leave me a comment and I'll pop names in a hat for a little something/giveaway ;-);-)

My Weekend

2010-09-21T12:23:00.003+01:00

On Saturday, me and K celebrated our wedding anniversary

11 years married, how did that happen?!?

Sunday was me birthday, which saw me hit the big 33, inside I still feel 18 :-)

Had some lovely pressies including...

Even though I was working 12 hours I still enjoyed myself :)
After work we went to the pub for a few drinks and the quiz, we didn't win but had a laugh while trying to answer the questions.

Back to normal Monday :( :(

Be back later with a layout I finished last week

TTFN
xoxo

It's Me Birthday....

2010-09-19T06:27:00.000+01:00

and I've got to work a 12 hour shift :-( :-(

- Posted using me iPhone :-)

Couple of Layouts

2010-09-10T09:21:00.003+01:00

Yes, you read the title right.
Yes, I scrapped last night once the kids were in bed.

The camera prints on this layout are actually a font.
Do you want the font name and link perhaps? Oh go on then......

Kamera Dings

Got another one on the go which I'm hoping to finish later, once all the mundane things are done.

Gonna have a good old sort out next week, try and get rid of some of me stash :-)

TTFN
xoxo

While the House is Quiet

2010-09-09T11:08:00.002+01:00

...I thought I'd see if I can get into this blogging malarky again.

Its been that long since I did a normal post but here goes :-)

As the title says the house is quiet, the kids have finally gone back to school YAY!!! Man they were starting to get bored the last couple of weeks and with the crappy weather we've had, they couldn't wait to go back :-)

So what have I been up to since my last 'proper' post way back in July, well here goes....

I took the kids to see Toy Story 3, what a great film,the kids and me loved it, I even got a lump in my throat in one part of the film.

Me and a couple of mates jumped in the car and went to Brighton for the weekend, I could move there quite easily, I loved it!!
There were a couple of things I wanted to see and this painting was one of them

Kissing Coppers by Banksy

Found this by accident the first night, we were going back to the hotel at just gone 1 in the morning (as you do) To get to our hotel you had to walk through the train station, only trouble was the train station shuts at midnight or there about so we had to find another way round and as we were walking down a road what do I see only the 'Prince Albert' pub which the painting is on!!
Couldn't wait to go back there first thing in the morning with me camera.
Great weekend but tiring,can't wait to go back....maybe next year :-)

We went camping,it was like the film 'Carry on Camping' a brand new tent and 2 of the poles broke while we were fighting with the gusts of wind trying to put the thing up,we managed finally with some help from some fellow campers who were from none other than Worcester LOL
Quick trip to the caravan and camping shop down the road for replacement poles, then another quick trip to the caravan and camping shop for a replacement side pole because Keith managed to some how bend that pole while replacing the already broken poles. The week was a washout except for the weekend when BSIL came down, she must of took the good weather with her cos after she left the heavens opened and rained none stop.We were originally staying til Wednesday but Tuesday afternoon Alfie started being sick so we packed everything up and headed down to get MIL from Devon, she was coming to stay with us for 10 days.

The kids loved having Granny to stay.We managed to get out and about taking her to different places in between it pouring down :-(
We went to the Black Country Living Museum. I love this place, stepping back in time to see how people lived.We did go down the mine, I'm sure its got darker down there since last time I went, we took the kids into the school house so they could see what it was like, they were only interested in drawing all over the slates

The Thursday before MIL went home they went off to the Severn Valley Railway, I didn't go, I felt like a bag of shit and as the day went on I felt worse and worse, in the end I was lay on the sofa with me PJs on :-(

At the beginning of the holidays I decorated Alfies room, he wanted it in Ben10 colours, so he now as white walls, black furniture and green curtains, I'm thinking maybe the white walls were a big mistake but so far so good.

As for scrapping, I can't remember the last time I did any, I stepped down from Sarahs Cards DT because I couldn't commit enough time, it feels good knowing that if I want to scrap I can and if I don't then so be it,nobody is expecting/waiting for stuff from me at the end of each month.

Last week I did get me printer dock out of hibernation and printed out a few pics so who knows, watch this space :-)

As for knitting, yep I'm still loving it. Been knitting up a storm these last few weeks

Thats the chunky cable cardi I finished before we went camping, to take camping and forgot to take camping LOL, it still needs the ends sewn in

The Tooley Owl
I have finished the other wing, just need to dig it out of my bag sew it on and attach the face. Can see me making more of these, think next time I'm gonna use real chunky wool :-)

Lastly a little something I've been working on for the last couple of weeks

Nearly finished now and then I'll show you it all
Might even add the pattern here ;-)

Right I'm off, gonna leave you with a pic of our new GALS

RONNIE & REGGIE

PS won't leave it soooooo long next time

Normal Service

2010-08-20T08:49:00.001+01:00

will resume next week.
Just a quick post to say yes I'm still alive and kicking :-)

Some of the things done so far since me last post....

Had a great time in Brighton
Watched Toy Story 3
Been camping
Visited the water park
Went to the Black Country Museum
Trip to Devon to collect MIL

and not forgetting cleaning up puke!!!!!

TTFN
xoxo

- Posted using me iPhone :-)

Me Case is Packed

2010-07-01T10:59:00.002+01:00

all ready for the off to sunny (hopefully) Brighton first thing tomorrow morning.

Be back next week

xoxo

- Posted using me iPhone :-)

One Week Today

2010-06-25T13:16:00.003+01:00

and I'll be here

Going with a couple of friends and I can't wait, been out shopping today and brought myself a couple of tops, a pair of wedge sandals and get this a couple of dresses!!!
Finally tracked down a maxi dress to fit short arse me..thank you Dorothy Perkins :-)

All new clothes and shoes will be going in my funky new case

No boring black case for me, oh no.

Ahhh sun,sea and lots and lots of sambuka :-)
Must remember to phone the kids before I start drinking because last time I spoke to them after one to many on the phone I had to ask which one I was speaking to....unfit mother LOL

It was the kids sports day yesterday, that school couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery I'm sure of it *rolleyes* It was all over the place and when you've got 3 kids there like I have it makes it impossible to watch them.

Little Missy in her first race, she didn't win, she wasn't running in a straight line bless her LOL

Thats all Lana seemed to do, think I saw here race once, the teachers were getting confused about who was meant to be racing next, so god only knows what the kids were thinking. Couldn't even take a picture of Alfie as he was right down the bottom of the field :-(

The school were holding their fete after the races but we didn't stay for that, oh no we went to the park on the edge of town, its being revamped and the park bit should be finished in time for the school holidays, they took away the little pool earlier this year and have just finished putting a water park in its place :-)
We spent all afternoon there,the kids only coming out of the water for a picnic lunch and ice cream.

Can see us spending all the holidays there :-)

xoxo

Being Patriotic

2010-06-18T09:49:00.005+01:00

Did you get in the mood for Englands first match last weekend??

The rugrats did :-]
I drank ice cold lager, does that count??

I painted their faces before the match started but not photo worthy cos they had smudged it all within half an hour of me doing it!!

They'll be wanting to do it all over again tonight, then sitting in front of the tv armed with their air horn cans (yes you read that right...air horns,thanks Keith!!) ready to use them when we score....

COME ON ENGLAND!!!

On Sunday I was back to work and Keith piled the kids in the car and took them to a 'Help the Heroes' thingy at the local airfield.
All the emergency services were there including some of the 'famous' faces you see on the police programmes (Keith loves 'em,they bore me to death LOL)

But the real 'FAMOUS' person there was this fella.....

We know its not the real Stig but Alfie doesn't ;-]

I'm still rippling away

Progress has been a little slow this week, I'm waiting for another ball of the golden yellow to turn up and we've been busy re-laying the wood floor in the front room and building flat pack furniture...hurray all my new units in the front room have now been built and looking good if I do say so myself :-]

Have a good weekend
xoxo

A Ta-Dah & Crochet Post

2010-06-11T09:44:00.006+01:00

Well here she is in all her Rowan Pure Wool DK glory :-)

Can I introduce you to Lanas Tiny Tea Leaves Cardi...

Dead chuffed with my sleeveless version (Lanas request) of it I am and see those buttons, they're recycled from an old dress that Isla had outgrown.

Just need to sew in the ends of my chunky cable cardi now but that can wait until next week.

Since I haven't got anything to knit at the moment,I picked up my crochet hook the other night to see if I can still crochet as its been that long and NO I haven't forgot....

as the photo shows,which is just as well cos Mr Posty has just knocked on the door to hand a lovely stash of wool to me :-)

18 squiggy balls of Rico Baby DK!!!
Crochet ripples here I come!!!

The countdown begins for hubby to come home,he's due back tomorrow,he did phone me this morning for a chat and to say hes brought me something, wait for it...............

SOCKS!!!

Who said romance was dead PMSL
Saying that though, we did go out for a lovley meal last Saturday,just me and him,something we haven't done for ages,the kids said it was 'date night' LOL

I've promised the kids a popcorn and movie night tonight. While the popcorns popping in the microwave I shall be loading this DVD in the player

The kids have already seen it and said it was good :-)

Right I'm off to enjoy the last hour of silence (Isla finishes nursery at 11.30)

xoxo

Beavering Away...

2010-06-09T14:02:00.001+01:00

finishing off some knitting WIPs

Ta-dah post coming once I've sewn in ends and sewn on buttons (hopefully later)

Isla getting in on the photo action as usual LOL

xoxo

{*Posted using me iPhone*}

The Crazy Things You See...

2010-06-02T21:59:00.007+01:00

from the kitchen window, well mine anyway

Bungee jumping in the pub car park behind me.

Its been a good day today,the kids actually behaved themselves and as the sun was shining (please Lord, let it continue) I made a picnic and we headed for the park

where they enjoyed a couple of hours of running wild and making funny faces with their food as the above pic shows.
By 2pm it was getting too hot so we came home and they slipped into their swimming stuff, I slapped on sun cream and they jumped in the pool while I had de-ja-vue of last Tuesday (sitting on the garden furniture knitting and drinking mochas :-))

And as I was too lazy and too hot to cook tea they had McDonalds

It must of been a good day because when I was putting them to bed Alfie told me it was the best day ever Bless him

xoxo

Lord, Give me Strength to get Through This Week!!!

2010-06-01T11:38:00.004+01:00

Can you tell from the title the kids are on half term LOL
So far I've had them sliding down the stairs using their quilts (can't say too much about that cos I used to do it when I was their age), bickering, fighting, taking the big cushions off the sofa and basically doing my head!!!

Keith did tell them to be good this week as hes away, they promised but I'm sure they had their fingers crossed behind their backs.

Can't even play outside as its pouring with rain :-(

I've hidden meself in the kitchen finishing a couple of layouts I started last week, looking at this picture....

and listening to me ipod at full volume LOL

Can't decide if the one of Little Missy is finished or not.

Cathy, the knitting from my last post is a stripy blanket made from dk scraps to take camping with us, it hasn't grown too much since picture was taken as I'm trying to finish my chunky cable top also to take camping, it'll be perfect for the chilly nights :-), only the ribbing to do now :-)

Right off to get something for their lunch, wonder if they'll notice if I slip a couple of sedatives in their chicken wraps??

xoxo

Have You Seen the Sun??

2010-05-26T17:24:00.005+01:00

Wheres it gone??
Yesterday I enjoyed spending time in the garden,sitting on me new garden furniture which was delivered at 7.30am...thank you Mr Delivery Man, knitting and drinking vanilla mochas :]

while Isla licked an ice lolly on her garden furniture :]

and today the suns been replaced with rain :[

Because the weather is crap today I cheered myself up by buying some new wool, 4 balls of Rowan Pure Wool in Cypress for Lanas Tiny Tea Leaves cardi and a few balls of Rowan Pure Wool Aran for another Shalom for myself.

Do you remember the post from a couple of weeks back when I had to go to the doctors to see if Isla was tongue tied? I forgot to say that yes she is and today we went to the ENT unit up the hospital.They were going to try and sort it today but Isla was having none of it so we have to wait for another appointment at another hospital so she can be put to sleep.
As we were coming out of the unit back into the main entrance some pyscho lady only jumped from the balcony and landed in a crumpled heap on the floor!!! You could hear people saying she was screaming she was gonna kill herself before she jumped.Hospital staff quickly cleared us all outside while they worked on her, hopefully she'll be alright.

Right away to park me arse on the sofa for a little knitting session, will leave you with the layouts I did from Sarahscards May kit

Laters

Its Hot, Hot, Hot...

2010-05-21T12:41:00.005+01:00

and what with whats meant to be the hottest weekend of the year so far coming up it seemed only right to get this out of the loft :-)

Only trouble is it takes hours and I mean hours to fill the bloody thing or else I would be in it now!!!

Unfortunately I'm at work alllllllll weekend so can't enjoy the pool until next week :-(, lets hope this weather is here to stay.

I have scrapped this week....hooray, only trouble is I haven't finished any of them , I've got 3 on the go, most unusual for me as I like to finish one before starting another, oh well, theres always next week.

I've started another knitted project, photos to follow when I take some :-)

Thats all Folks

xoxo

My Mantra

2010-05-19T09:40:00.005+01:00

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

I chant these words LOTS of times during the day, especially when the kids are altogether....1 on their own is great, 2 I can cope with but once they're all together thats when the whinging, moaning, fighting and whatever else they do to wind each other up starts!!!!

Some of the things I hear most days are.....

BUT MUM....
MUM, ISLAS PINCHING ME
LANAS NOT SHARING
I WANT THE DS
I DON'T WANT TO PLAY
I WANT TO WATCH MY PROGRAMMES
THATS MINE
STOP TAKING MY STUFF
GO AWAY
I'M PLAYING WITH THAT
I HATE YOU
I'M TELLING MUM
GET LOST

We do have a new one to add to the endless list of whinges and thats....

MUM, LANA JUST FARTED IN MY FACE!!!

Sometimes I feel like phoning up channel 4 to get Supernanny in, failing that a cage in the garden LOL

Can't fault them when its bedtime though :-]

So in honour of my mantra I made a layout last night

Keiths working away for a fortnight at the beginning of next month,its half term as well so I guarantee I will be chanting these words alot more!!!

Used some of the BG Basics and flicked paint over it using an old toothbrush.

Gonna try and scrap a layout every night this week, itching to do some but can't seem to find any pics I want to scrap, will have to keep looking :-]

I made a new album for my 2010 layouts over in the sidebar ---->
Before I did that I had a browse through the albums and don't think my style has changed much since I started this blog in 2007, there might be a bit more white space but thats about it, I'm happy with that :-]

Laters

xoxo

Just the Basics

2010-05-18T15:45:00.003+01:00

Finally got my hands on a pack this morning thanks to Mr Posty.

Already printed a few pics out ready for when the kiddos have gone to bed.

Can see me using these lots, I might even make a few minis :-)

Check back later for layouts

xoxo

Why Oh Why

2010-05-13T09:30:00.004+01:00

did I have to look on the Cath Kidston website last night!!!!

My wishlist is as long as my arm :-(

Top of it are these, I say these because I can't decide which one I want/need most...

and then theres the bags!!!!

ROLL ON PAYDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right off to peg washing on the line and do a bit of knitting while I'm childfree :-)

xoxo

Full View

2010-05-11T18:36:00.006+01:00

of the cardi I made for Little Missy last week, got round to sewing on the buttons at lunchtime today so it was ready for her to wear to the birthday party she went to earlier on.

Love,love,love it!!!

My beloved iPhone also got a new jacket (not knitted LOL)

Love,love,love it too!!

Courtesy of Paperchase on Amazon, unfortunately for me but not for my bank balance we don't have one of these local to here :-(

Right off to check my boy, hes not very well, being sick for Britain...hoping once hes in bed I'll be able to start the front of my cabled jacket

Knitting it in grey and so far looks great.

xoxo

New Knit on the Block

2010-05-06T19:15:00.004+01:00

(well the ironing board but hey it works great with little things :-])

Proper pic coming soon.

I couldn't resist using me iPhone for this photo, its not that green IRL

Tiny Tea Leaves cardi made for Little Missy, Big Missy wants one now but without the sleeves,so I shall be starting that shortly.

xoxo

Look Ma...

2010-04-29T14:28:00.003+01:00

I'm cabling!!!!

Not as hard as I thought it would be :-)

Trying to get it to fit me using 8mm circular needles, the pattern calls for 10mm and I've only got straights of those size and I don't like using them...do I wait for my new chunky circular needles to arrive or do I carry on as it is??

Random

2010-04-28T14:14:00.003+01:00

photos taken on me iPhone using the very cool Hipstamatic app

Well worth £1.19

Shall be printing these out later cos lookin' at them makes me wanna scrap!!

xoxo

* Stash Shopping *

2010-04-27T19:49:00.004+01:00

Bless my Posty, for today he brought me new stash!!!

13 balls of wool and that pattern which I shall be starting once the kids are in bed in about 5 minutes (my time, yippee!)

And not forgetting scrappy stash

Brought from Sarahscards

Jak, if you're reading this I know exactly what you're saying at your computer screen...you spoilt bitch PMSL

Came home from work last night to find my DT work from Sarahscards had been delivered, so once I had got out of my uniform, showered and pjs on, I got crackin' on with it and went to bed at 2.30 this morning, very unusual for me but once I opened it I had to use it straight away. If any readers sub to her kit you're gonna love Mays kit ;-)

Right bedtime for the kids

xoxo

Day Out

2010-04-24T23:29:00.007+01:00

So today we spent the day in Warrington at Gullivers (great day for small kids)
Left here to get there for opening time and didn't leave until closing time :-)

Kids must of been knackered out cos they went to bed and haven't made a sound since, fingers crossed they sleep in, in the morning (very doubtful)

Took a ton of pictures so I have finally got some to scrap :-, might even whip a few up tomorrow!

Of course Alfie wanted to go on all the rides,most he loved but there were a few that scared him half to death like The Joker (goes up in the air and then drops a few times)

His face was like this the entire time he was on that ride and my face also looked like this the entire time I was on it with him PMSL
Notice the cardi?thats the Tea Leaves I finished last week :-)

Next was the Pirate Ship, Lana refused to go on it with us, she was far too busy eating a chocolate and marshmallow pancake.
This was before the ride started, waving at his dad...

Believe me it didn't stay that way!!
And again all I could do was laugh....what a crap mother PMSL!!!

But looking at this photo, the smile says he had a great day..

don't ya think?

xoxo

In Full Swing

2010-04-23T21:53:00.003+01:00

My class kick started the cypercrop over on UKscrappers....

Upload deadline 4pm tomorrow afternoon.

Head on over there you might be inspired to give a class a go :-)

xoxo

And Shes Back...

2010-04-23T09:45:00.003+01:00

...blogging the usual crap!!

Has it really been nearly a month since I last blogged?!?

What have I been up to during that time....not alot!

Today its this (little) mans birthday

6 today, I can't believe it, of course he didn't want to go to school 'cos it is my special day' (his words) but he's gone which means I can get everything sorted out for his birthday tea,the jellys in the fridge as I type :-)
In between getting that ready Islas got a doctors appointment. The speech therapist came into nursery on Wednesday and I was told quite abruptly that her speech is poor/difficult to understand and that she might be tongue tied, so off to get that checked out.
Tomorrow I'm off back up to Warrington,we're going to Gullivers Kingdom for Alfies birthday treat....must remember to take me camera,running out of pictures to scrap.
Talking off scrapping,will you be joining in the fun over at UKscrappers? The cypercrop starts tonight until Sunday and I've done a class which I think will be posted tonight ready for you to have a go :-)

Right thats it,hopefully I'll have some time to squeeze in a bit of knitting over the weekend,got this on my needles at the mo as well as a smaller SHALOM for Isla on another set :-)

xoxo

Shalom

2010-03-25T09:22:00.008Z

Now in Hebrew the word Shalom means hello,goodbye,peace and so many other things but to me as well as meaning the above Shalom also means warm and very cozy :-D

Photo courtesy of Lana at 7.30 this morning :-]
Finished,blocked and wearing it as I type,think I shall be making another one shortly maybe a black one cos black goes with anything!

Did buy this pattern last night...

Bird of Passage

Gawd I've got a list as long as me arm of all the things I wanna knit.
Gonna learn cables next me thinks :-]

Been working on a layout but can't show you just yet ;-]
So instead will leave you with my layouts I did with with Sarahcards March kit

'Shalom'

xoxo

Who Needs the Gym

2010-03-18T18:31:00.005Z

when you've got this at home!!!

I hate to think what my joints are gonna be like in the morning LOL.

Haven't blogged cos I've been busy knitting :-]
All was going well with this jumper...

Plain & Simple Pullover
until one of my needles broke....pissed off is an understatement,the air was blue with my foul language (good job the kids were in bed) So for now I've had to slide it onto a different size needle while I wait for my new ones to be delivered.

So what does this lady do in the mean time??...well she goes onto Ravelry and finds something else to knit :-) and she finds this

Tea Leaves Cardigan
falls in love,buys it and decides shes gonna use the 'Patons Diploma Gold DK' in a lovely shade of green that she brought in a sale for just over a £1 a ball :-]

But first she must complete the famous Shalom

that she started last week!!

Shock Horror!!!

2010-03-10T23:05:00.007Z

Well 2 shock horrors actually......

1 - For the first time in 4 years I've had to wash pots,pans,crockery and cutlery
because poor old Mr Dishwasher has decided to stop working :-( :-(
Fingers crossed that Keith can fix it cos if not I'll be sending him over the
road to get a new one at the weekend ;-)

AND

2 - I've scrapped!!!
In the mood to do another one and maybe another one after that.

This one is the only one I managed to do over the weekend at the retreat

Love those Jenni Bowlin buttons *heart heart*

This one is inspired from this advert I saw in the online version of Scrapbook Trends

My take on it

I know it looks nothing like it LOL, but when I saw it this morning I was like 'that would like great turned into a layout' so I quickly sketched it and voila in 30 minutes it was finished :-)

This one used nearly a whole pack of Hambly rub ons *gasp*

Journaling is on the back,the first photo I took of some of the girls who I went to Butlins with...great weekend,loved every minute of it,shall be booking next years trip before long ;-)

Heres a couple of photos from that weekend

You need sunglasses for this one as there is FAR too much neon going on...

A little OTT with the rouge me thinks and yes they are proper leg bags (borrowed from work ;-])

xoxo

Its all Over :-[

2010-03-09T12:29:00.008Z

and back to normal here.

Had a great looooong weekend up in Warrington for Sarahscards 1st ever retreat. It was great meeting up with everyone again and can't wait until the next one (Sarah,take the hint will ya love LOL)

I think everyone enjoyed my 2 speedy classes

and I loved seeing everyones interperation of them and I think I may have converted a few of them over to the darkside of 8.5 x 11!!!!

So when I wasn't teaching I scrapped and managed 1 layout LOL (haven't even scanned it into laptop yet) and I knitted a few rows of me new project but too be honest I was far too busy chatting and having a laugh.
Got a few pics but haven't took them off me card yet....CRAP ain't I LOL!

This mummy here was feeling real guilty about being away from the kids for 2 weekends on the trot so left before the retreat actually finished and drove the 2 hour journey home to be confronted with hugs and kisses from the kids,it didn't go down too well when Isla found out I was working on the Monday I can tell ya!!!

Right away to peel the veg for tea.......Its shit being back to normal!!!!

TTFN

xoxo

A Little Delicate

2010-03-02T16:46:00.004Z

Thats how I've been feeling since coming back from Butlins.
I'm sure I've been suffering from alcohol withdrawal,my arms and legs have just stopped shaking and too top it all off I've lost my voice LOL.

OMG what fun we had,non stop laughing.

And now I've got to repack my bags as I'm off up to Warrington on Thursday for Sarahscards retreat.

Anyway will leave you with a pic I've just napped from me mate on Facebook....who said grannies can't have fun....

Dead Chuffed!!!

2010-02-24T10:04:00.004Z

I've finished 'February Lady Sweater' in February!!!
Hurray I will be able to wear it away this weekend and next :-]
Thought I would have to call it March,April or May Lady Sweater.....

The pictures are pants cos of it being so dark, but you get the gist.

Just needs blocking which I will do later.

Making myself a semi slouch at the mo because my ears are freezing cos of this flippin' weather,seriously fed up with the snow now!!!

The countdowns begun for Butlins... 2 days to go and we'll be heading down the motorway all 12 of us, getting in the mood by playing 80s music.
For some unknown reason we've decided to dress up on the Friday as grannys (that'll be fun and perfect camera opportunity) so we've all been bombarding the charity shops searching for just the right outfit,mine is devine ummm ummm.
Saturday its 80s outfits and OMG I've just tried mine on and Keiths been advising me on what colour eyeshadow to wear PMSL....like he has a clue!!
Part of my outfit is purple tights and yellow legwarmers....simply gorgeous!!!

Right got lots to get sorted,like booze shopping (high priorty),packing bags,cleaning car out and everything else that goes with going away and leaving kids home with their dad ie sorting their clothes out,matching tops with bottoms,making sure theres food in fridge and cupboard or else they will be living on KFC,McDonalds,pizza and Chinese!!!

Back next week with embarrassing pictures ;-]

TTFN
xoxo

More Than Halfway!

2010-02-18T01:34:00.001Z

Hopefully not too much longer and I'll be finished with this cardi.

Back later with a proper post.

- Posted using me iPhone :-)

£3.06

2010-02-10T11:07:00.006Z

Thats how much it cost to make this tunic top for Little Missy

Used 2 balls of Patons Smoothie DK,brought on offer at £1.53 a ball from Hobbycraft,can't usually say that about Hobbycraft can ya LOL!!

Because I've finished that I had to start something else, so I've chosen this...

and so far mine looks like this...

Have changed the garter yoke for stockinette even though I think knitting purl is boring but I do like the look of it :-] Knitting it in the large size because I'm using different wool and smaller needles.Hoping I can get this finished so I can wear it to SarahsCards retreat,which is only a few weeks away now!!

Anyone else doing project 365 using their iPhone?
So far keeping up with it,must be because the phone is always on me :-]
Heres what my January looked like....

Right away to get the monster from nursery

TTFN xoxo

Frogged.....

2010-01-29T22:40:00.006Z

that top in the last post because I wasn't too sure about the colour and I tried it on Little Miss for size...fit well,but the stitches started coming off the needle and as I'm only a beginner, couldn't for the life of me work out which needle to stick them back on to LOL.

So yesterday I started it again and this time I'm lovin' the colour combo.....green & purple,haven't tried it on Little Miss...think I'll wait 'til I'm finished this time!!!

NOT A GREAT PHOTO...

Bloody crap lighting in this house :-[

Anyone know if I'll be able to use 60mm circular needles for the sleeves or will I have to invest in some smaller ones??

Got to laugh at this photo,I was in the kitchen cooking tea earlier (what a good mummy I am) and when I walked into the front room this is what I saw....

Our very own 'KNIT 'N' NATTER' CLUB LOL

Anyone else seen any new scrapbooking releases?
I've seen a few things but these are a must for me....

Got to have those papers in kraft too!!

In Progress..

2010-01-27T16:51:00.002Z

This is what is on my (circular) needles at the mo

A knitted top in a lovely duck egg blue.
Making it for Isla (poor kid has to wear my creations LOL)
Did have to make some adjustments on the pattern as it only goes up to 2 years

Right off to knit some more,I've caught the knitting bug :-]

xoxo

Thank You,Thank You...

2010-01-22T23:17:00.004Z

Google and YouTube, for today with your help I have finally worked out how to do this.....

Think the needles, NO I know the needles I used were too big but hey I can shout it from the rooftops....

I CAN FINALLY KNIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

The wool is a dark reddy burgundy colour but its a crap picture :-[
Can ya see the paw print can ya, can ya????
Its being blocked in the photo,why I don't know - what am I going to use it for, heck I don't know, I'm just pleased I can knit.......Ravelrys gonna be my best friend now I can tell ya, well once I work out how to increase,decrease and all the other stitches!!

Anyone got any recommendations for needles?
I was thinking of bamboo,I've heard they're lovely to work with,any advice is much appreciated :-]

Keith did say before he went to work 'is that the end of the crochet now?' I'm shocked he could even ask such a stupid question LOL.

Right I'm off to stroke my square and ponder what my new knitted project will be *insert a very very big smiley face*

TTFN
xoxo

ETA - Cathy & Rachael, no that cake in the last post wasn't Islas birthday cake,she had to make do with a good old fashioned hedgehog one courtesy of nanny LOL.

Bugger Me...

2010-01-22T00:43:00.004Z

I scrapped tonight!!!!

Only cos I'm still waiting for my new batch of wool to arrive.

Isla had a lovely birthday,the look of surprise when she walked through the door this afternoon to see her lovely shiny big girls bike said it all...wish I'd of had my camera to hand, oh well.

Lana came rushing out of school and couldn't wait to show me her knitting

Think shes done really well and at this rate she will be showing me how to knit!!
Failing that I will have to call on me BSIL to show me....she owes me after the crochet lessons....bloody bobble stitch PMSL!

TTFN xoxo

Laptop Says 00:19

2010-01-21T00:04:00.003Z

Which means I can offically say....

to my sweet baby girl...

4 today, I can't believe it!!
4 going on 14 most days let me tell ya!!

I stuck the banners and balloons up earlier and what happened?? She only went to the loo and then decided to stand at the top of the stairs (they're in the front room) and saw them so decided to wake Lana up,Lana wasn't that interested, so mummy had to run up the stairs and tell her 'if she doesn't go back to sleep the birthday fairy won't come' its worked and shes sparko again LOL

BSIL came over earlier armed with her crochet hook and wool and I showed her the basic stitches, she was soon whizzing through them and has gone home pondering what she can make and what wool she can buy with her birthday money...BLESS

I on the other hand have found my next project,just got to decide whether to start it before my ripple...

Photo courtesy of Novamade
Free pattern available from Ravelry

I did go the the dogs last Friday,I even managed to win some money :-) ended the night by having a few drinks down the town and then stumbling in at 1.30am,I had to be up at 6 for work, those girls I go out with from work are a bad influence let me tell ya!!!
I'm counting down the weeks until 12 of us go to Butlins for the 80s weekend,started getting my outfit together,all I need now are the bangles,beads and pixie (do you remember them) boots haha.I've even managed to get my hands on a hair crimper!!

Right me bed is calling,got a busy day,school runs then an afternoon at the indoor play thingy finishing off with a McDonalds.

TTFN xoxo

PS Lana starts knitting club tomorrow,that should be very interesting

38!!!

2010-01-15T00:24:00.005Z

Thats how many layouts I scrapped last year...HOW PANTS IS THAT!!!!

This took 1st place in the crafty department...

and my love of crochet is still going strong :-)

Just chose the colours for my new ripple from this Rowan shade card...

it took some umming and arring but I've decided on 13 colours which I shall order at the beginning of next week :-)

Can't believe my little girl is going to be 4 next week,but if you ask her she will tell you shes going to be 9 LOL
Shes been asking for a bike so thats what I'm off to get tomorrow.

Anyway will leave you with a few of my favourite layouts from 2009

Heres hoping I do more than that this year!!!

TTFN xx

This,That and the Other

** FO Friday **

I Must Be Mad!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

@ 2 Months

Welcome * 2012 *

Phew....

Gift Tags

Eeeek!!!

WIPs

** @ one month **

2 Weeks

Welcome to the World...

** Today **

Ripples & Chevrons

Sunburst Grannies

With 3 Weeks to go....

** WIP **

Finished Items

Hold on to Your Hats

Having a Lazy Weekend

In Between

Getting Ready

Early Morning Knitting

Knitted Ripple

Finally

Well......

20/40

Where To Begin

Hello :-)

A Layout

'Happy Accident'

Pinterest!!

WIP Wednesday

GUTTED!!

So Close

On My Needles

Creative Goal #3

Do You Wanna Get SMASHED????

Her Words

Bugger it...

Stepping Back in Time

Yep, I Scrapped!!!!

Happy Birthday Scruffbag

WIP Wednesday

On My Needles...

I've Bit The Bullet,

Can I do This???

Decluttering!!!

Goodbye 2010

1hr & 3 minutes......

Just Testing ....

Nearly Finished

WIP Wednesday

Very Fetching

Enjoying

'Just in time' Bandit!!

Howdy

Doing (kids) Homework

Giveaway Goes to...

I Feel Like I've Lost Me Right Arm!!!

You Wike Me????

My Weekend

It's Me Birthday....

Couple of Layouts

While the House is Quiet

Normal Service

Me Case is Packed

One Week Today

Being Patriotic

A Ta-Dah & Crochet Post

Beavering Away...

The Crazy Things You See...

Lord, Give me Strength to get Through This Week!!!

Have You Seen the Sun??

Its Hot, Hot, Hot...

My Mantra

Just the Basics

Why Oh Why

Full View

FO Friday

@ one month

Today

WIP