Introspective

I'm in a quiet mood right now.  I have to face a fear on Wednesday and I am trying to calm myself and prepare mentally.  It involves a trip to the dentist.

I had a lone walk about today.  The air was fresh but it was quite mild.  I like how this unplanned photo turned out with the silhouette of Forty Hall and the lake and the old cedar tree to the left of the picture.  The late afternoon sun is reflected on the water.

Trees for London Winner

I was notified this week that I have been selected to receive two free trees from the Woodland Trust as part of the Trees for Londoners giveaway courtesy of the Mayor of London and the players of people's postcode lottery. 

It is thrilling to have been chosen but what are the trees and where do I plant them?  I have contacted the Woodland Trust and they have told me that the trees are a Rowan and a Wild Cherry - how nice is that?  I will have to read up on them before their arrival so that I pick out a suitable place to plant them. 

The photo above is of the lemon trees that I have been growing from their pips since August. They are in a south facing window and doing very well.  I just hope I will be able to nurture the new trees accordingly!

Another Baboushka

It really is quite addictive making these ornaments.  The best part is choosing the face and then the felt, thread and sequins accordingly.

This little lady looks a bit pensive.  She has a touch of the Frida Kahlo about her eyebrows and expression to me.

I like how the sequins catch the light.  I am getting to like sparkle more and more.............

Baboushka Decoration

I made a tree decoration using a lovely glass face cabochon.  I made her up as I went along but think that next time I make one I will put a lot more planning into the decoration.

There is so much enjoyment to be had from using a needle, thread and beads.

I am itching to get on and make another one as I have a stack of felt and faces to choose from. Deciding the colours is the hardest part!

A Life in Patterns

I was thrilled to find a folder full of vintage and a few newer knitting patterns in one of my local charity shops.  It was pleasing and nostalgic for me to see the old style fonts and retro images. 

The patterns were individually priced and as I couldn't make up my mind I bought the whole lot!  When I got home I went through the patterns one by one.  I got a sense of the previous owner just by looking at the patterns, the notes made on them, names of who she was making them for.......many school style cardigans and dolls clothes for bazaars.

I was saddened to see personal notes interspersed between the pages - important numbers and contact details. It was as though she had died and her personal things had been dropped off at the charity shop without anyone going through them.  Little snippets of a person deduced by their knitting correspondence.

I can sense that Ethel was a kind person.  She had requested the Teddies for Tragedies knitting pattern which is used to knit teddies 'for children in third world or war torn countries.'   Thank you Ethel for all the cardigans, jumpers and toys you have made over the years.  I bet you was much loved by your friends and family. x

Retro Birth Announcment

 After my Nan died a few years ago I inherited some of her personal belongings. 

It is hard for me to believe that I was born when Queen Elizabeth II looked so young!  Isn't that a pretty stamp too?  Look at the price of the stamp.  Born pre-decimalisation when ha'penny's, shillings, crowns and threepenny (thrupence) bits were the currency in use.

 Yes.  The announcement is of my birth way back in 1963. 

The card epitomises the 1960's of my childhood.  New shiny modern things, time of joy, taking minor risks, a world of colour and hope and hippy freedom.  I do look back with rose tinted glasses and know that my reality wasn't the same as many others born in the UK at that time.  A happy childhood has grounded me for life and having a solid foundation helps me navigate the murky waters of today's society.

Spoon Decorations

YouTube is a great resource for learning new things.  I made these mixed media decorations from watching some tutorials.

They were enjoyable to make but labour intensive having to wait overnight for various stages of glue to set.  They took about four days total!    I am having a go to see if they will sell on eBay but I doubt they will make me a fortune!

 They are really bling and will catch the Christmas tree lights giving extra sparkle.

 I don't usually do bling but make an exception for Christmas.

The spoons are plastic but have been repurposed.  They are still have some weight to them due to the glass cabochon and crystal stones.

Do you have a preference for Christmas tree decorations?  Do you go for bling or the more natural look?  I have some ideas for making some other types of decorations but would be interested to know what you are drawn to.  I know woodland animals are popular (I like them too) but when something becomes mainstream I tend to go off it for a while!  I look forward to reading your suggestions.