tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65427342650729886452024-03-19T04:36:03.638+00:00*Little Cottage Comforts* Making growing knitting stitchingPomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-58106734393649802882014-05-03T15:15:00.000+01:002014-05-03T15:15:09.293+01:00May on a May morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I peer through the undergrowth at a vision of bluebells and feel as if all has woken from a long sleep.<br />
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The may* was out this May morning - but it was too cold to cast a clout.**<br />
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There are things of interest in these hedgerows but some figures remain shadowy.<br />
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And I find myself treading a familiar path, edged with Queen Anne's Lace.***<br />
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*<i>Crataegus monogyna</i>: may blossom, or hawthorn flowers. <br />
**Ne'er cast a clout before the may is out, or, don't abandon those woolly jumpers too early in spring.<br />
***<i>Anthriscus sylvestris</i>, or less poetically, cow parsley.Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-88967144532928319182013-03-10T20:46:00.003+00:002013-03-10T20:46:44.967+00:00Happy dayA picture of my smiling friend ...<br />
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and a long walk in the sleet with her and my big boy from afar.<br />
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A basket of flowers from my littlest princess ...<br />
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and a card enclosed in a card, which made me look back with a wry smile, and remember, and think, yes, it has all turned out all right (apart from the split infinitive).<br />
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(And the end of a big undertaking, all done and dusted for now.)<br />
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I hope that you had a happy day too, and can start the week with a feasibly small tick list.<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-79580968564857174382013-03-06T22:00:00.000+00:002013-03-06T22:00:01.025+00:00Nearly wordless Wednesday: keeping watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-yx80YsFVwwrOqOJFgrUH3OXsta3EY-I3SYAmXdjtwt3aaGK7Emqu_5WE5jzMrdJ1La8UdgmtaShsykDz8qUaWwVtHOxWk3d9-JEtpjk6DZa-LIBLgqsWpYXD1hRaiNaFC5rLRpfJueF/s1600/keeping+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-yx80YsFVwwrOqOJFgrUH3OXsta3EY-I3SYAmXdjtwt3aaGK7Emqu_5WE5jzMrdJ1La8UdgmtaShsykDz8qUaWwVtHOxWk3d9-JEtpjk6DZa-LIBLgqsWpYXD1hRaiNaFC5rLRpfJueF/s1600/keeping+watch.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intruders beware</td></tr>
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Why do Scottie dogs always have a scarlet collar and an air of importance quite out of proportion to their size?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is really doing the taking? </td></tr>
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(It was just too much being completely wordless for the second Wednesday running, she said, her head over-running with words all spilling out on to the desk. Three books on the go and an index to fit into under three pages were having an interesting effect on her brain. Did somebody mention barking?)<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-26766014482292029252013-03-05T21:33:00.002+00:002013-03-06T09:18:10.093+00:00The waiting is overToday has been a very special day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two little balls of fluff</td></tr>
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We have been brooding and waiting for three long weeks ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ7csYO6u-TNdF-iJc_n1hj_LkZtEjo28qd_GyAAsWNtF0s1LUOrSz-ZUpvmcjGthETP_ToLbp8r9z5xEwczM9p_AfyPL2fhS997qKm5ZNWA5j-d_7nCJJN41hXyofNfWvpK3NgFKWRPt/s1600/brooding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ7csYO6u-TNdF-iJc_n1hj_LkZtEjo28qd_GyAAsWNtF0s1LUOrSz-ZUpvmcjGthETP_ToLbp8r9z5xEwczM9p_AfyPL2fhS997qKm5ZNWA5j-d_7nCJJN41hXyofNfWvpK3NgFKWRPt/s1600/brooding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooding</td></tr>
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I was on tenterhooks yesterday, constantly nipping out to check on the mother-to be.<br />
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And this morning I knew when I heard the squeals of joy from Princess Bunchy that the waiting was over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRsgp7M0j8wMMHh-DiwGwQ9RkoIufLD_cZU6VqeLamgUpuotLq389oXM4qpAZyCExPhsIkiwRdXZ9EbPwKjkxhq-nvttA75RcTYnAUSAz7Rv5ePSBcvmGTtC6xO5oTxL1Fimm7GnExVw8/s1600/hatching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRsgp7M0j8wMMHh-DiwGwQ9RkoIufLD_cZU6VqeLamgUpuotLq389oXM4qpAZyCExPhsIkiwRdXZ9EbPwKjkxhq-nvttA75RcTYnAUSAz7Rv5ePSBcvmGTtC6xO5oTxL1Fimm7GnExVw8/s1600/hatching.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatching</td></tr>
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Our small miracle had happened - those little blue eggs had cracked open, out had come two tiny balls of fluff, and a third was just emerging. (If you look very carefully at the picture you can see it happening.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI4f29lCziZos8VzGH39iMWbepErqwzwyy3RoypCKv9DDoYrCXv2pcAOdxOAhlfyj8VK0UYODH8m805cwRI5zKZp3DC18XO4XIE7374UnhPr53fi5tuo4fYb0f5Fd3O57JujvWtVUnBCS/s1600/hello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI4f29lCziZos8VzGH39iMWbepErqwzwyy3RoypCKv9DDoYrCXv2pcAOdxOAhlfyj8VK0UYODH8m805cwRI5zKZp3DC18XO4XIE7374UnhPr53fi5tuo4fYb0f5Fd3O57JujvWtVUnBCS/s1600/hello.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indignant</td></tr>
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And someone else's beak is completely out of joint - she has been turned out of her home lock, stock and barrel until the little ones are big enough to be introduced to her.<br />
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Spring has sprung indeed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvMC3k7DUBHehJrXlB43Ejw8QnC1hkDe9JB82PZqniN9Jkin_VVNSsFgPGIjAPCjW2tnConBLKQqhxD4uv2gBAgDcBia85w-Tnu_R5U1MUcmAMSDy-2-EuSWbiwQXSP5xDwDt5MzwF4uz/s1600/pretty+baa+lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvMC3k7DUBHehJrXlB43Ejw8QnC1hkDe9JB82PZqniN9Jkin_VVNSsFgPGIjAPCjW2tnConBLKQqhxD4uv2gBAgDcBia85w-Tnu_R5U1MUcmAMSDy-2-EuSWbiwQXSP5xDwDt5MzwF4uz/s1600/pretty+baa+lamb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the pretty baa lamb</td></tr>
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Technical information: the fluffy white hen is a Silkie, a breed reputed to be the very best mothers. The indignant looking one is a Brown Speckled Sussex. They and the fertilized blue eggs came from <a href="http://blue-egg-hens.co.uk/" target="_blank">Blue Egg Hens</a>.<br />
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Technical development: Pomona is now on Instagram - if you would like a picture postcard from me more often than I get round to blogging then you can find me <a href="http://instagram.com/pomonaspics" target="_blank">@pomonaspics</a>.<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-31717403423033055552013-02-27T19:19:00.001+00:002013-02-27T19:19:08.287+00:00Wordless Wednesday: let sleeping dogs lie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-38350981542615316142013-02-25T19:16:00.000+00:002013-02-25T19:16:04.264+00:00More scrapping; or, using up those teeny-tiny bits of fabric you have been hanging on to just in caseI'd like to tell you that I have made a huge hole in my scrap basket with my next project for using up scraps ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDGspfRUvnMIDnCQkI6t8T6PPgw37XK8uLmmcSk_yry9gKjLOqDYD4QTt33fCtPkf7UvBsrXKtFr4k5a2RUZsa4Mv-rmE3jtHqco3XhjjALloM7X7_TJTGlOTTAHOcce7k9UVDv46IIIG/s1600/scraps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDGspfRUvnMIDnCQkI6t8T6PPgw37XK8uLmmcSk_yry9gKjLOqDYD4QTt33fCtPkf7UvBsrXKtFr4k5a2RUZsa4Mv-rmE3jtHqco3XhjjALloM7X7_TJTGlOTTAHOcce7k9UVDv46IIIG/s400/scraps.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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but actually it's more like a small dent.<br />
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Still, it was a very satisfying little make, with handy little pockets just the right size for cards and lip balm. I used <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/tutorial-patchwork-wristlet.html" target="_blank">Ayumi's Pink Penguin Patchwork Wristlet pattern</a> which is exceedingly easy to follow (and also exceedingly alliterative).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfqTKu_IiwCzsTJhXj7idej2vQfFuK1u9SfLdgA24UpjNks1L6Q_lrXVPOoIvBztosZS61dG6E6_jZDDH2OCuCULs1jiOteEC6mk9TswtM3ieQWq0YSmLQ93RmolfaejWnl9d2wTzkqTw/s1600/IMG_1532a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfqTKu_IiwCzsTJhXj7idej2vQfFuK1u9SfLdgA24UpjNks1L6Q_lrXVPOoIvBztosZS61dG6E6_jZDDH2OCuCULs1jiOteEC6mk9TswtM3ieQWq0YSmLQ93RmolfaejWnl9d2wTzkqTw/s400/IMG_1532a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Although I suppose it doesn't really count as a wristlet this time, as it just has tabs, which are definitely too small for wrists, but somehow have an air of usefulness even so.<br />
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I think the secret to its air of jollity is using scraps from a wide range of fabrics and colours and not being too cautious about what colours you put together (you will find my first version <a href="http://littlecottagecomforts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/snipping-and-patching.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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And you can make these zippy bags even more thrifty by making the tabs out of the tiny scraps of ribbon from clothing swing tags (you may recognize a certain brand here [not one I wear myself, but I am a great scavenger of bins ... ]). (I also cut out the narrow pieces of ribbon you find inside dresses and tops as extra shoulder hangers - they are very handy for embellishing zipper pulls.)<br />
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Zips can also be saved from old make-up bags, skirts and dresses - you can always cut them down to size if necessary, or if you need to buy them, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit#" target="_blank">Zipit on Etsy</a> is one of the best value suppliers I know.<br />
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So there's no excuse for you now - get scrapping!<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-252788844331975502013-02-22T17:27:00.001+00:002013-02-22T17:27:49.180+00:00Scrap happy; or, what to do with all those leftoversIt is a truth universally acknowledge that the more sewing one does, the more the scrap pile grows, and so does the need for ever-increasingly large scrap baskets.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfXU3OOsjkQPobITwzi6YRc8L1THL8gJXUB3ENErPAlncU8qvo_4_JNSnjyVCrQ6ZtHLOJRBYnkfv9h2jkAkeumjc5hiY3pJ3KA8xyYynwyuQqpra5jOKXlQunE2QXM2O33N4ylLjpt5i/s1600/potholder1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfXU3OOsjkQPobITwzi6YRc8L1THL8gJXUB3ENErPAlncU8qvo_4_JNSnjyVCrQ6ZtHLOJRBYnkfv9h2jkAkeumjc5hiY3pJ3KA8xyYynwyuQqpra5jOKXlQunE2QXM2O33N4ylLjpt5i/s400/potholder1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrapping</td></tr>
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Personally, I view scraps as a higher form of stash - a very virtuous form of stash, because they do not speak of grand schemes left undone or projects never got round to - they are evidence of industrious activity, of stash cut into, of potential realised, and thus don't engender that guilt by association which can assail the heartiest souls when gazing into the abyss of stash beyond any human need, stash enough to take the keenest needlewoman into old age and beyond.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vZ7Cr6SdIZVTT_d_EfhNLnnYTBsEzOUaUqchYBg86v_sKmhtLM9VYMAzFcsDQLbdG8kyo8iJXjLFfnIgxpoS51tqwLD6dI6RmqU4CUfzIFCwQpDzlI5hJYpj33l5ZW8NEU6lpVfkuPFW/s1600/scrapping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vZ7Cr6SdIZVTT_d_EfhNLnnYTBsEzOUaUqchYBg86v_sKmhtLM9VYMAzFcsDQLbdG8kyo8iJXjLFfnIgxpoS51tqwLD6dI6RmqU4CUfzIFCwQpDzlI5hJYpj33l5ZW8NEU6lpVfkuPFW/s400/scrapping.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A modest proposal</td></tr>
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My smallest scraps are rapidly outgrowing the modest basket on the window sill, and those of more robust dimensions jump off the shelf whenever I open the stash cupboard to indulge in a little therapeutic folding (usually when I have some sort of imminent work or study deadline which calls forth the most ingenious forms of displacement activity).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehwEW41lhji7-wbJFlOVXseDEY6hfdcuzrcC1ENZKo6oOcz0xZpGhMU9uId8qD9hcYw2VMSfdhvT7VrNQ0LDHNDnLJysaKu9YAJhyYGQYyDq4aESJtPTSwU_omjw0hWzgjl0Qnvpb85kZ/s1600/scrapbasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehwEW41lhji7-wbJFlOVXseDEY6hfdcuzrcC1ENZKo6oOcz0xZpGhMU9uId8qD9hcYw2VMSfdhvT7VrNQ0LDHNDnLJysaKu9YAJhyYGQYyDq4aESJtPTSwU_omjw0hWzgjl0Qnvpb85kZ/s400/scrapbasket.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrap happy</td></tr>
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So I was most enchanted to find a book for the scrap happy when I was spending my Christmas book token.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-dexHuJmYyr8_puviNEe9YL1VpYhGBPCw7sqrZlH3i_d2vmmXpMZZa3AAUbVKURS2TPAQy6Zt3D-sKnp61GCBf0b-HRlfjABnfRfu0fE8iPt3KfQLh7tv_sPN8PCnI9G-eT4PYu-JPS6/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-dexHuJmYyr8_puviNEe9YL1VpYhGBPCw7sqrZlH3i_d2vmmXpMZZa3AAUbVKURS2TPAQy6Zt3D-sKnp61GCBf0b-HRlfjABnfRfu0fE8iPt3KfQLh7tv_sPN8PCnI9G-eT4PYu-JPS6/s400/book.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The title is <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1607054272/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1607054272&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">Sunday Morning Quilts</a></i> which is evocative enough, but the sub title is <i>Sort, Store, and Use Every Last Bit of Your Treasured Fabrics</i> (note the Oxford comma, for which I have a soft spot). It is by two very talented quilters and bloggers, <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Amanda Jean Nyberg (Crazy Mom Quilts)</a> and <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cheryl Arkison</a>.<br />
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Not only does it have the most enticing patterns for quilts made from scraps ...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KwM_wr3rHxu0AczVK-QC_Ag6dhdmjDQsjR2avdmfDhkLdLmBb5Z7CyCOY2o7mGIVobFBWoq3A5RnzbYlZlA-GcdpWB7MBRj_iDD-wi-Tx-B4d-YLgz7z8HpO_RlVWYZi4N4Nu3ct8vai/s1600/slab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KwM_wr3rHxu0AczVK-QC_Ag6dhdmjDQsjR2avdmfDhkLdLmBb5Z7CyCOY2o7mGIVobFBWoq3A5RnzbYlZlA-GcdpWB7MBRj_iDD-wi-Tx-B4d-YLgz7z8HpO_RlVWYZi4N4Nu3ct8vai/s400/slab.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... almost as good as a slab of cake</td></tr>
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... there are sections on how to manage your scraps and even how to increase your stock (just hack into all those hopeful fat quarters, perhaps?) ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkKgKOcrXnxZB3W7E-gn7ZRCzeVt1Zvvy9-qXNwvWLzEZpJuvInnXEH0Clhwmwj5VYToima4h-CMwKHYOuZUe3_SieueMpYc5cCzz43j0ZXAHcsfjmQsOwJq1RPEBK4uR2YlmuU1_c53B/s1600/scrapcategories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkKgKOcrXnxZB3W7E-gn7ZRCzeVt1Zvvy9-qXNwvWLzEZpJuvInnXEH0Clhwmwj5VYToima4h-CMwKHYOuZUe3_SieueMpYc5cCzz43j0ZXAHcsfjmQsOwJq1RPEBK4uR2YlmuU1_c53B/s400/scrapcategories.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and more fun than filing paperwork</td></tr>
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... not to mention a pattern for colour coded patchwork scrap baskets. I want shelves just like that (well, maybe not the orange, but definitely the red and the blues).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW8r6YiZ3XLW6VXmBJX4EHTgowRGgPt4eF6SsRrLrwNVwIP1F0uAC5x1QFbuRCVaZPw4dQckgePiDjW7UxEiMFrB_lrpBcRoou2aeaV_N8wenBbm4QLEG2g8R41KRJAeUjhjuQgC03Xc_/s1600/boxes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW8r6YiZ3XLW6VXmBJX4EHTgowRGgPt4eF6SsRrLrwNVwIP1F0uAC5x1QFbuRCVaZPw4dQckgePiDjW7UxEiMFrB_lrpBcRoou2aeaV_N8wenBbm4QLEG2g8R41KRJAeUjhjuQgC03Xc_/s320/boxes2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The slab method of making scrap blocks inspired me to make this scrappy potholder - I decided that I wouldn't mind if the Head Chef made it greasy and scorched, because it was so quick to make, and just used up tiny leftovers (and more quilt batting leftovers too, yippee!).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmqLhoBwEo4aTGacARJjqWy_xrDRyrk2YCP7VE7v0iiG3KgbVYH9h7vUPNaZ_34DYgt8YBnNZ_ElYhVCb8HYfg0MiZ2bGiF_8wnAhJefKSvuQSpn6nEeyh809Um3J8oZtHxIos_E2eVdA/s1600/potholder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmqLhoBwEo4aTGacARJjqWy_xrDRyrk2YCP7VE7v0iiG3KgbVYH9h7vUPNaZ_34DYgt8YBnNZ_ElYhVCb8HYfg0MiZ2bGiF_8wnAhJefKSvuQSpn6nEeyh809Um3J8oZtHxIos_E2eVdA/s400/potholder2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrappy or what?</td></tr>
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I just made an 8.5in square slab and layered it with similar size squares of quilt wadding, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008BIX3JI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B008BIX3JI&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21%22%3EInsul-Bright%20-%20Insulated%20Wadding%2022" target="_blank">Insul Bright</a> (for reasons of Elfin Safety), and plain backing - although you could make that scrappy, too. I used some leftover premade wide bias binding - and for speed and utility's sake I just zigzagged round the edge to fix the front rather than hand stitch it. Too much of that sort of effort and I would have to forbid the Head Chef from using it, and this is not for display, just for everyday.<br />
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So Cheryl and Amanda Jean have quite opened my mind to the whole scrap universe, and made me realize that as long as one dimension is more than 2 x 1/4in for seam allowances, then really very few scraps are too small to keep. This concept has also freed me to throw away the really tinies, which can then be composted and thus recycled another way.<br />
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Oh what a good girl am I - recycling, reusing, ever the thrifty housewife. Forgive me if I go away and polish my halo.<br />
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And if such virtue is, quite understandably, just all too much for you then do go and visit <a href="http://canadianabroad-susan.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/is-cookie-dough-food-group.html" target="_blank">Susan</a> and indulge yourself with her wonderful, decidedly unLenten, recipe. Then after that drop by and say congratulations to <a href="http://knitsofacto.blogspot.com/2013/02/what-you-too-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Annie</a>, who is handing out blogoversary presents and cups of tea, and if you are feeling lucky then lickety-split your way over <a href="http://www.fundsforgretel.blogspot.co.uk/p/prizes.html" target="_blank">here</a> to join in with the biggest and best raffle that Blogland has ever known with lots of the most covetable prizes.</div>
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Phew! The weekend starts here, I think ...</div>
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-7033873561104094512013-02-18T21:42:00.000+00:002013-02-18T21:42:23.028+00:00A helping handThere has been much talk of random acts of kindness recently - what would have been called a good deed for the day when I was a mere scrap.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EWvVJwuLMW1cO9dsGgF077lAHSceMVeAGVLs4xmSJ7TZVifVkFPx90AH02OH8KZdFpp5AMS5puuuNmty66dsCnKQaT_8czAVtHujbS_qaZrgb2qBUB51Knk2trP57LiQe_fscLMjYFlq/s1600/stream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EWvVJwuLMW1cO9dsGgF077lAHSceMVeAGVLs4xmSJ7TZVifVkFPx90AH02OH8KZdFpp5AMS5puuuNmty66dsCnKQaT_8czAVtHujbS_qaZrgb2qBUB51Knk2trP57LiQe_fscLMjYFlq/s1600/stream.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature of the spring will dream ...</td></tr>
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On Saturday I heard a kind soul (her name was Bernadette, that is all I remember) discussing on Radio 4 Saturday Live how she had resolved to do a random act of kindness every day for a year, and had found it so rewarding that she was continuing her project even after the year of good deeds had ended.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLykox3E2xT6GMbu2AhWI0G5A_M0cojpH6msA2Bg2p_4HmjmnEbmrQ4N2Txa_oxsDHcboO9Wz_j3_2tSRF7aDr_gan9HjuQYn5TuETO4z4qjX0_QG-FaWdqjJ6S8yYGK0I-MV7MyATzPUi/s1600/solitary+lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLykox3E2xT6GMbu2AhWI0G5A_M0cojpH6msA2Bg2p_4HmjmnEbmrQ4N2Txa_oxsDHcboO9Wz_j3_2tSRF7aDr_gan9HjuQYn5TuETO4z4qjX0_QG-FaWdqjJ6S8yYGK0I-MV7MyATzPUi/s1600/solitary+lamb.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alone</td></tr>
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And then yesterday I read about a fellow blogger and crafter, <a href="http://allaroundus.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gretel Parker</a>, and how her life has taken a most tragic turn recently.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgfWP4h6Sz673q_KZ8N8jJ6rRmmFhSHAjWdQpJ2B99MABAFtYGWjINng5nbbC1pisjFmVY5vMtINkWVN61Nbur7RzlZvdfZu0oseJGbcTHBtiRDdOonzjJChwAqr4cVTXPxABXpd1SaAL/s1600/helping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgfWP4h6Sz673q_KZ8N8jJ6rRmmFhSHAjWdQpJ2B99MABAFtYGWjINng5nbbC1pisjFmVY5vMtINkWVN61Nbur7RzlZvdfZu0oseJGbcTHBtiRDdOonzjJChwAqr4cVTXPxABXpd1SaAL/s1600/helping.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And I have also read about the way in which the good fairies of Blogland have rallied round and are trying to help Gretel. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAMDd4a60ciSBYTZcQvpSj4MC5Wyh1bo7_kw30RzPsjIEHaqUBjg_YhfeHju5HRvEpiipxatQ_W-0O-zC4DRDMgf65X7TecePvNlNng4ofHpQXjXKbcXO2lNgn0ovlGgcOpUwZdt9T-WO/s1600/two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAMDd4a60ciSBYTZcQvpSj4MC5Wyh1bo7_kw30RzPsjIEHaqUBjg_YhfeHju5HRvEpiipxatQ_W-0O-zC4DRDMgf65X7TecePvNlNng4ofHpQXjXKbcXO2lNgn0ovlGgcOpUwZdt9T-WO/s1600/two.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Companionship</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you too would like to commit a random act of kindness today and help Gretel, then you can do so <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/gretel-parker-project" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfD8QQ13fecBBM-YwWnoVyyRq0mqaByC_tSMywUMHS2nggYUA0lYMgaJmlU9Zkr_RF9QSyoblgCX7oJkBTEwSET9cteGlRMIKgfzx9S4MTrN1owDEd_5UhaOim2cUK_NBQqirpg_foz28/s1600/marshes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfD8QQ13fecBBM-YwWnoVyyRq0mqaByC_tSMywUMHS2nggYUA0lYMgaJmlU9Zkr_RF9QSyoblgCX7oJkBTEwSET9cteGlRMIKgfzx9S4MTrN1owDEd_5UhaOim2cUK_NBQqirpg_foz28/s1600/marshes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... the stillness where our spirits walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Or if you would like to buy a ticket in a raffle with the most amazing
array of prizes donated by bloggers, then you can find out more <a href="http://fundsforgretel.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcrZCLxFC4CF7owAsH14A298E9ibzjx8X6k8_y-nneG5vV0lJL8PUTWnAc6GOsTs-VcnQkFR1AwXZbtzOiYXjgwRD619MvKE5lplbnWnBfEk2U2r9ytY2UX7dMsZqgSG287TPyp5qIWzu/s1600/The+road+not+taken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcrZCLxFC4CF7owAsH14A298E9ibzjx8X6k8_y-nneG5vV0lJL8PUTWnAc6GOsTs-VcnQkFR1AwXZbtzOiYXjgwRD619MvKE5lplbnWnBfEk2U2r9ytY2UX7dMsZqgSG287TPyp5qIWzu/s1600/The+road+not+taken.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two roads diverged</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And whatever the nature of the blessings you are able to give out today, I hope that you receive them back a hundredfold.<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-60373008076351841922013-02-15T19:25:00.000+00:002013-02-15T19:25:05.769+00:00Accessories after the factThe good thing about working for yourself is that not only do you get to set the agenda (well, most of the time), but that also you can choose your own footwear and wear a voluminous cardi to work (several cardis in my case, and when I am working at home probably a coat, scarf and mittens).<br />
<br />
Accountancy was always out for me because of the whole suit thing (although I do rather like dealing with figures) and anything so executive that it involves power heels, painted nails and well-groomed hair. (I would fall off the heels, and am sadly slack on the whole grooming front [dogs and all are rather unkempt round here].)<br />
<br />
And I do remember commuting to London for a week and being totally depressed by the ocean wave of black coats, black bags and black briefcases spilling off the train and into the Big Smoke.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCzzb_ZuGp4BttCLKvdlJ9un6rqiGyQGFPyLq7C8_gkiRytAEfTIcwjC9QYzv19gYGkqEIoujqCPg1U-wP0qmrPMeLqi5LEr1C_LWgawJYNvotyVNYgy2Ezi8BtawW93dbjCbLKnSAOGU/s1600/accessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCzzb_ZuGp4BttCLKvdlJ9un6rqiGyQGFPyLq7C8_gkiRytAEfTIcwjC9QYzv19gYGkqEIoujqCPg1U-wP0qmrPMeLqi5LEr1C_LWgawJYNvotyVNYgy2Ezi8BtawW93dbjCbLKnSAOGU/s1600/accessories.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very businesslike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So when it comes to executive accessories I am afraid that I sadly undermine my executive credibility by carting them around all wrapped safely in flowery cosies - the padding is essential for the inevitable outbreaks of butter fingers and associated muscle spasms which see me dropping breakables on the floor at regular intervals, or even just missing the table when I put things down, the cause of many a mug fatality in our house. (Not to mention my endearing habit of missing my mouth with the glass of water, the source of much amusement to the Head Chef [which is why it is good to wear more than one cardi at a time as you can just remove the damp one without further ado or kerfuffle].)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o61BwAVpvj8F8d3RF-Vs2z05bu6Amp4XLa3hlUJLj3AXpF_5a3SmH71hYRsl6A18nlTyY_mToRA9M3EaCbr2sE0oUhcuC-9aCrDPV5_tyIawLmc3aWD3s0-aGO1tOX57aPqjgPPcCU6A/s1600/ipad+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o61BwAVpvj8F8d3RF-Vs2z05bu6Amp4XLa3hlUJLj3AXpF_5a3SmH71hYRsl6A18nlTyY_mToRA9M3EaCbr2sE0oUhcuC-9aCrDPV5_tyIawLmc3aWD3s0-aGO1tOX57aPqjgPPcCU6A/s1600/ipad+case.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosy cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So I have had a bit of fun this week making a very comfy cosy cover for an iPad, using the <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=76235&c=ib&aff=168651" target="_blank">Tablet Sleeve</a> pattern from <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=76235&c=ib&aff=168651" target="_blank">Michelle Patterns</a>. This also provided the opportunity to use up some of the leftover quilt wadding mountain which is building up at one end of my office - it is growing apace, but the problem is that the leftover pieces are never big enough to use for another quilt, not even a baby one. The answer is definitely to step up production of comfy cosy covers for iPads, iPhones and assorted executive accessories.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mD0neast6-CFMTneaS5CEDWr-fiCO7yXe06BGiy1n5aO1wWlrVEjruy3OB8fLh95DfFW8iUx22KwVwIMgzi0QSpu3Wsr1kaPEZMABKu5aU3nqArBBPpz8dWAifrF3Pkb-JDeMxLUkZX8/s1600/ipad+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mD0neast6-CFMTneaS5CEDWr-fiCO7yXe06BGiy1n5aO1wWlrVEjruy3OB8fLh95DfFW8iUx22KwVwIMgzi0QSpu3Wsr1kaPEZMABKu5aU3nqArBBPpz8dWAifrF3Pkb-JDeMxLUkZX8/s1600/ipad+closeup.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Executive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The pattern comes in two sizes, so you can make your iPad case big enough to accommodate those lids and covers with the little triangular prop-up bit if you want (I rather like <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&field-keywords=Lente%20designs&linkCode=ur2&tag=littlec-21&url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">these ones from Lente Designs</a>, particularly as they come in all sorts of colours other than black, and are less than half the price of the very smart covers that come from a certain fruity store). So it is quite safe to make pretty cases for friends with boring black Smart Covers - they will not have to eschew their Smart Cover in order to make their Tablets cosy (I am afraid that the word 'Tablet' still evokes a vision of large white elephant pills in my mind, and is not one which is at the tip of my tongue when discussing technology. Alas, I am surely A Digital Immigrant, as I hear so often on the wireless ...)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aOCcyfbaRHZHBohiP22uBPD0gZjk-aCv4k0e1WGgrbsJu6SJ5fHwP-GNP4IIiWsl7Jzqi3nmro76hmfzwJ7vH1Xt0bRMG3yN-1U-SKPZ3Z6nppssqMRrEZg-jyWbqNh1RcHEXPCpxYkO/s1600/tabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aOCcyfbaRHZHBohiP22uBPD0gZjk-aCv4k0e1WGgrbsJu6SJ5fHwP-GNP4IIiWsl7Jzqi3nmro76hmfzwJ7vH1Xt0bRMG3yN-1U-SKPZ3Z6nppssqMRrEZg-jyWbqNh1RcHEXPCpxYkO/s1600/tabs.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tabby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You might notice that I have a bit of a ribbon tab fetish at the moment - I seem to be putting them on everything I make. Why on earth would you want to attach anything to a phone case? (I am pondering on the significance of these tabs, and seem to be returning to <a href="http://littlecottagecomforts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/anxiously-and-impulsively-covering-up.html" target="_blank">Baudrillard and redundancy</a>.)<br />
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<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5wRP2k-slTHa_lg-XnkmDKn0OMW5TQwgM68uZxBNqQ2jqtLuAK1mxaZc-KoG7_gx5nZPoVQlKaWxgWp_6zjmWsIWx1583exVS2w7WSsaRHFjZAe3Zs98oTP1sg4Q0EmJ0Isl-a31tgTH/s1600/pincushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5wRP2k-slTHa_lg-XnkmDKn0OMW5TQwgM68uZxBNqQ2jqtLuAK1mxaZc-KoG7_gx5nZPoVQlKaWxgWp_6zjmWsIWx1583exVS2w7WSsaRHFjZAe3Zs98oTP1sg4Q0EmJ0Isl-a31tgTH/s1600/pincushion.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Apple pincushion from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DuringQuietTime" target="_blank">Amy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The phone case was a pattern of my own making - it took me three goes to get it to fit the phone in question, in the course of which I found that I had made Princess Bunchy an iPod cover and a Blackberry-a-like case, neither of which she uses, because gadgets belonging to teenagers don't stay out of their hands long enough to be put in a comfy cosy case. Next time I will use <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=76235&c=ib&aff=168651" target="_blank">Michelle's phone case pattern</a> - I think it is worth paying $2 to save the useless prototypes and cursing and swearing as I try to wedge a phone into a case a millimetre too small all the way round.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3sL3DlwjR0GPbVuVwU0kMwRToipl-pTMMr9r0VryHIxLcZHyj22QzZwcavGJ6_ryJ7MEJdV-VtOe4Pq-hG5iX2BqvdtINtMXwZgfQlickuwsZimD700Cte-JuY4eGVbzlJwGQuDBUOR2/s1600/executive+accessories.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3sL3DlwjR0GPbVuVwU0kMwRToipl-pTMMr9r0VryHIxLcZHyj22QzZwcavGJ6_ryJ7MEJdV-VtOe4Pq-hG5iX2BqvdtINtMXwZgfQlickuwsZimD700Cte-JuY4eGVbzlJwGQuDBUOR2/s1600/executive+accessories.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrifty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And to impress you with my domestic economy, all my very executive accessories were made with leftovers - the iPad case is leftover quilt backing (an American Jane fabric, I think), and the notebooks and phone cover were various orts and scraps - oh, so very thrifty indeed.<br />
<br />
I am now thinking of making my own comfy cosy case to snuggle in when I sit at my computer in my office - the question is, where should I put the velcro?<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-43927511230738934112013-02-10T18:04:00.000+00:002013-02-10T18:04:41.883+00:00Sunday musingsIt has been a quiet week in Lake Woebegon, Garrison Keillor used to say, in a rather comforting way, at the beginning of each tale about the eccentricities of life in a small town far, far away.<br />
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I wish that I could say the same for my little corner of the universe. I seem to be becoming far too well acquainted with the Minor Injuries Clinic, not to mention Major Injuries affecting printers. And spending too much time failing to nurse said printer back to life.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW63I0ZGxwXBhQn6V9414wWKyxmqVCReT819PeXFoufx4CExAaRqwusmJ4x3-sziOcNaHLAiWGVHyH2ieFwrkmUuD3lcLzP6cB_N7MtS0oD63BtnNJhnZeHu1TNwqJXDjp_tjFDt21VUCQ/s1600/With+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW63I0ZGxwXBhQn6V9414wWKyxmqVCReT819PeXFoufx4CExAaRqwusmJ4x3-sziOcNaHLAiWGVHyH2ieFwrkmUuD3lcLzP6cB_N7MtS0oD63BtnNJhnZeHu1TNwqJXDjp_tjFDt21VUCQ/s400/With+love.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... from me to you</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We are now possessed of inky hands, a Head Injury leaflet and a Chest Injury leaflet, both of which latter have a rather disturbing advertisement for what are commonly known as ambulance-chasing lawyers on the back page.<br />
<br />
Sadly, our injuries were self-inflicted so I can only laugh bitterly (and then grimace with pain) at the thought of profiting from our jolly japes.<br />
<br />
But perhaps you can profit from the warning to beware of garden tools, in fact, please don't venture outside at all, for the outdoors is a dangerous place.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy2BnqM3u5hR_xfO6EsVix6FovlxYB-6L74c374Czfiuv-Ss54oL2P33razHQOW3dzOrR24Lyz3iELia-gsFmkP2kRMSnOS7YUatxTcFFZ9gzOJzgIDSZ9VGhVEKO-mVgI5kogiD8R-Bx/s1600/frontandback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy2BnqM3u5hR_xfO6EsVix6FovlxYB-6L74c374Czfiuv-Ss54oL2P33razHQOW3dzOrR24Lyz3iELia-gsFmkP2kRMSnOS7YUatxTcFFZ9gzOJzgIDSZ9VGhVEKO-mVgI5kogiD8R-Bx/s400/frontandback.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And if your printer is out of its guarantee, then don't waste a morning haunting the forums of the tech-savvy - don't mess about, just kick the printer hard (or perhaps not, you may find yourself the grimacing possessor of a Leg Injury leaflet) and spend an hour or two locating a new printer which uses the same ink cartridges that you have just spent £50 on in a vain effort to heal the old one.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45pUu4aVpKIevVcDsK6jOedl4vj73dGJn8bVzMVakG0yZJcihkXuGDwTUh2sWP_jRWTMSUvAb0SfvJPBej2fBw4ZCpNBXyH558505y5_IlQLXt0y2UZHrMb3m5RtopaTAwiP7Koi-_XB1/s1600/front1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45pUu4aVpKIevVcDsK6jOedl4vj73dGJn8bVzMVakG0yZJcihkXuGDwTUh2sWP_jRWTMSUvAb0SfvJPBej2fBw4ZCpNBXyH558505y5_IlQLXt0y2UZHrMb3m5RtopaTAwiP7Koi-_XB1/s400/front1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, I digress. Having shown you some photos of a <a href="http://littlecottagecomforts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/how-to-photograph-quilt-and-make-it.html" target="_blank">storm-thrashed quilt</a> I now present the interior shots to comfort myself with the fact that some weeks are better than others. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-jNQj8qF0DqEgrbhL527u4tOg_pV3PJ5kikguyyEEUWgX6WYx6e7CKcSW5fJsBMgcChV3D2XwsrwXeOw1vJFQ7L9UgnSysV4-wkzRiHBeafx76CZ82mOu7mw9MJ4R1P5K_XvDSFKeGvn/s1600/piecedback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-jNQj8qF0DqEgrbhL527u4tOg_pV3PJ5kikguyyEEUWgX6WYx6e7CKcSW5fJsBMgcChV3D2XwsrwXeOw1vJFQ7L9UgnSysV4-wkzRiHBeafx76CZ82mOu7mw9MJ4R1P5K_XvDSFKeGvn/s400/piecedback.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pieced</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In answer to some of your questions, the front was pieced from a Cabbages and Roses Athill range jelly roll and charm pack using a downloadable pattern from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82166556/quilt-pattern-easy-one-jelly-roll-market?" target="_blank">Sweet Jane called Market Square</a> - a great pattern, easy to follow. The fabric has a wonderful, soft, antique air, and produced a vintage-effect quilt. The backing was also from the Athill range, with a pieced strip using the leftover charm squares, all bought from <a href="http://www.jbquiltingfabrics.co.uk/shop/" target="_blank">JB Quilting</a> (I can highly recommend them - their service is so efficient, with next-day delivery if you order before lunchtime, and a huge range of fabrics). I hand quilted around the small centre squares and the pieced squares in a light greyish-blue. I don't think I have ever finished a quilt so quickly - I am quite astonished, but a looming deadline is obviously what I need to improve my work rate.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivm1nFBYKh2V8eJOMwM-PXKCK7cvmbQPpFNwD7891mfLO-0tw15s0Sy-V2Jy8pxwXrXDeqlT7Yr0h8mAUiHwJaCuZcbtgkiRUTLW-NVi3c9E-SB4KKsLC_hyJEdXVZ1a7bqFbakTfDSu8P/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivm1nFBYKh2V8eJOMwM-PXKCK7cvmbQPpFNwD7891mfLO-0tw15s0Sy-V2Jy8pxwXrXDeqlT7Yr0h8mAUiHwJaCuZcbtgkiRUTLW-NVi3c9E-SB4KKsLC_hyJEdXVZ1a7bqFbakTfDSu8P/s400/front.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dappled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And thank you for all of your lovely comments - I know that I have been dreadfully remiss about responding, but I am breathing very deeply to avoid pneumonia, the Head Chef has a rearranged hairline, and I have a century-full of Admirals and a battleship steaming up behind me, so please do forgive me for my silence.<br />
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And I very much hope that you have a quiet week in your neck of the woods ...<br />
<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-81812114194833548922013-01-31T11:14:00.001+00:002013-01-31T11:15:25.593+00:00How to photograph a quilt and make it look prettyOr not, as the case may be. I know that I will never be more than an amateur at this game.<br />
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Up against the wire, a quilt for a very special person is finished just in time. It sits squashed in a bag in rather rumpled folds for a day or so. I roll it up and tie on a bow.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKq3BNnft07fKspFnNmBBSZ-tnoBzILOKGf4jdK1P48tcGqSnFYj-thNg6YGRg5wkcBFVjUn2Uja6tFbC40A2t2rjapdD4Qu6bMz-PP5xjZXz3mEOpkEfucwTj-_t2eGZlbHJswA_q3th/s1600/IMG_0514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKq3BNnft07fKspFnNmBBSZ-tnoBzILOKGf4jdK1P48tcGqSnFYj-thNg6YGRg5wkcBFVjUn2Uja6tFbC40A2t2rjapdD4Qu6bMz-PP5xjZXz3mEOpkEfucwTj-_t2eGZlbHJswA_q3th/s400/IMG_0514.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Oops - I remember just in time that I must take a photo. The camera batteries are flat, clouds are threatening, gales blowing (why does the wind always get up when I go outside to take a photo?).<br />
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The Head Chef is also an amateur at this game.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyxm74r_fSbOl10fA3MPXqJ4jR_7BUSKz7gLH7G3WLfPYXtFYfTHKJguQARrBvse3VqHBQzM_sYSHDq_QvNzERU4KUYen75FImyi-L6QMPj6Whj76UPjLYO9oBqMlwQLpVsv-ncULVbBY/s1600/IMG_0493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyxm74r_fSbOl10fA3MPXqJ4jR_7BUSKz7gLH7G3WLfPYXtFYfTHKJguQARrBvse3VqHBQzM_sYSHDq_QvNzERU4KUYen75FImyi-L6QMPj6Whj76UPjLYO9oBqMlwQLpVsv-ncULVbBY/s400/IMG_0493.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beware of the quilt monster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Try and hold it straight, I say, as he steps back into the flowerbed.<br />
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Your slippers are going to get muddy, he said. And worse, I think, as I realize that I am standing just where the henhouse was until a couple of days ago. I don't have a coat on, and my hands are cold.<br />
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I promise you that it is a very pretty quilt. It has a quaintly antique air, and is not really as crinkled as it looks. And I will come back after the official presentation with some better pictures and some profound musings, or not, as the case may be.<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-60102202163608227682013-01-20T16:37:00.000+00:002013-01-20T16:37:41.684+00:00Sunday afternoonThe Ploughboy has driven off into the snow with his car packed with possessions, a removal in the offing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccCZNfc6mpLaZ9phxzcL44lb_nwNiCj2pqZ0gDfs-SAEChCuaT5PJKXFXdtngzduHb7EySSNr1JjbAF6WjQ7VW2P_1l9rSnTB019F6vOi3YO4Vt1N3Edt24jx0GfL_rCRJrbsixwhdYin/s1600/wip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccCZNfc6mpLaZ9phxzcL44lb_nwNiCj2pqZ0gDfs-SAEChCuaT5PJKXFXdtngzduHb7EySSNr1JjbAF6WjQ7VW2P_1l9rSnTB019F6vOi3YO4Vt1N3Edt24jx0GfL_rCRJrbsixwhdYin/s400/wip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I distract myself with orts and scraps of fabric to the haunting tones of Princess Bunchy's flute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4FFCaWWfgQD3JON4geF17iriNsPf9GiUWFArI54zbgBoj_V42YcwKy9zbztY19YpY6AnoJppEYnVg4jMdy6E22fN58HcyWqmDHrXVKp9upHjWXaW7HgZHBfp8LzjWQerLu7OeVzuzyyG/s1600/somesquares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4FFCaWWfgQD3JON4geF17iriNsPf9GiUWFArI54zbgBoj_V42YcwKy9zbztY19YpY6AnoJppEYnVg4jMdy6E22fN58HcyWqmDHrXVKp9upHjWXaW7HgZHBfp8LzjWQerLu7OeVzuzyyG/s400/somesquares.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
And for my special friend in the north who complains about my lack of posts, here are some pretty pictures especially for you, my dear.<br />
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Well, as pretty as I can make them in this grey-white light ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsj5gdVlUoaiDRb5Oo5kkVulGW6fIZoYpBTlDh2t4ruCLYGJIh_BSyiM-hmpsrNEbW2VeZTeGMZG3gNsaaP7ZI9HKv-4z0YS6NIoMHHTlfCGoUzaMI8-altvuS5who4dRTHoxyyNskI_f/s1600/Squares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsj5gdVlUoaiDRb5Oo5kkVulGW6fIZoYpBTlDh2t4ruCLYGJIh_BSyiM-hmpsrNEbW2VeZTeGMZG3gNsaaP7ZI9HKv-4z0YS6NIoMHHTlfCGoUzaMI8-altvuS5who4dRTHoxyyNskI_f/s400/Squares.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And there's another quilt to bind,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtums8AmuCXqLWtMrwilZmxXLcj4gOr5srAxjg4Fc9enFA6eCojrj1HplUBKlBB_RX9XoOwEywwP4z0GU2JmLAV2RcYvYnjAUB5wiMespMt_TSOYulCcCWGeOFOu8m-XLZEwCR_FCclgk/s1600/quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtums8AmuCXqLWtMrwilZmxXLcj4gOr5srAxjg4Fc9enFA6eCojrj1HplUBKlBB_RX9XoOwEywwP4z0GU2JmLAV2RcYvYnjAUB5wiMespMt_TSOYulCcCWGeOFOu8m-XLZEwCR_FCclgk/s400/quilt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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a sock to knit,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqo4byFYYwftYwcQ7cbUorRmNdGnYBpQ_DgX1g_5GL-PF7RdG7UsgH8HWOX1FS8zu-vT90_3Vwlbz2cgPtX6-ZZgcFKxynXb671dNhSJSz4TJbhSl6lCQNSj9-GqEHID1lcSJu8DCtPng/s1600/sock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqo4byFYYwftYwcQ7cbUorRmNdGnYBpQ_DgX1g_5GL-PF7RdG7UsgH8HWOX1FS8zu-vT90_3Vwlbz2cgPtX6-ZZgcFKxynXb671dNhSJSz4TJbhSl6lCQNSj9-GqEHID1lcSJu8DCtPng/s400/sock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=76235&c=ib&aff=168651" target="_blank">a rather nifty pattern for an Idea Pouch</a> to play with. Ideas always come in useful, especially when one is feeling rather Sunday afternoonish. <br />
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In such a time of change, I am glad that I have so many things to stitch, and boats bobbing alongside, and books about soil to study, and deadlines to meet.<br />
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Hoping that your Sunday is full of Ideas, too.<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-25035498158971909412012-10-15T18:00:00.000+01:002012-10-15T18:00:02.222+01:00Living on the edge - a thrifty hintWarning: the following post contains items of extreme thrift which delicate souls might find disturbing.<br />
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I felt that I should preface this post with a public health notice because I know that there are different types of frugal mindset, and while some go for the buy one, get one free, others are quite willing to explore the farthest reaches of soap recycling.<br />
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Which is where we are going today, so if a shiver of horror went down your spine at the words 'soap recycling', then please look away now. If, on the other hand, it was a shiver of excitement at the thought of a bit of cheeseparing (or, rather, soap paring, as you will see), then do stay with me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRD6wtDIATIMEuBBtXlSgN-7nk4mT6pnWLcl_xqnRt3KvvFlMxMso-z11QTJdV9DjFx-japzo5DLp4wOZbsmMmSY9l_EfWFkZSvad1C25QYCHddeDGx69GrSF_5lMcCUdQu5yiugQOU2T/s1600/soap+dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRD6wtDIATIMEuBBtXlSgN-7nk4mT6pnWLcl_xqnRt3KvvFlMxMso-z11QTJdV9DjFx-japzo5DLp4wOZbsmMmSY9l_EfWFkZSvad1C25QYCHddeDGx69GrSF_5lMcCUdQu5yiugQOU2T/s1600/soap+dish.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These cakes are not for eating</td></tr>
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How much you will save by recycling your soap depends, as with most thrifty hints, on how extravagant you have been in the first place. It is one of life's little ironies that the super-frugal have to be satisfied with saving pennies as their tight budget has already been slimmed down to the minimum, but the lucky old spendthrift can save lots more with much less effort.<br />
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My own first forays into soap recycling saved me lots of money - it started when I was given a set of Penhaligon's violet soap for Christmas many years ago. The bars came in a little set of drawers, and were really almost too nice to use, but I decided to prolong the experience of violet-scented soap by saving the soap ends and stretching them a little further. (The idea first came from reading <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Penny-Pinchers-Revisited-John-Mustoe/9780285637979?a_aid=LCC21" target="_blank">The Penny Pincher's Book by John and Irma Mustoe</a>, I think.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr3gNeZ5PDx_-nJr-ryx7sggdyPHiipugn7LdZe6wIvQViPxGm2z2Qiumt4UdjxMxjjMzJgD_d2XYTzAC5jkEOatdArqjcuabMlv_D9ROOP4Kk2jr75ZXhUkwowcDMeP3vgSLF2gNBOUb/s1600/grating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr3gNeZ5PDx_-nJr-ryx7sggdyPHiipugn7LdZe6wIvQViPxGm2z2Qiumt4UdjxMxjjMzJgD_d2XYTzAC5jkEOatdArqjcuabMlv_D9ROOP4Kk2jr75ZXhUkwowcDMeP3vgSLF2gNBOUb/s1600/grating.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grate</td></tr>
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So first catch your soap - every time a bar of soap gets down to the teeny-tiny bit which is too small to use, I let that little piece dry and pop it into a small jam jar. When the jar is full, I know it is time to get grating. Grate all those little pieces - thick or thin doesn't really matter.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RkT5cdAVmwkM0lLvq2lMyiAFGSBb5X02PVYNqm9xT0kFT44QtaEfdDRC_Z7_aNlPMMYqEnM2TnBzMAWQe0CusekzIkZTwfHMpjpZaQows4JTYAX3Iyi7LRD0VR97S6rypAWy8aTtbUV-/s1600/lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RkT5cdAVmwkM0lLvq2lMyiAFGSBb5X02PVYNqm9xT0kFT44QtaEfdDRC_Z7_aNlPMMYqEnM2TnBzMAWQe0CusekzIkZTwfHMpjpZaQows4JTYAX3Iyi7LRD0VR97S6rypAWy8aTtbUV-/s1600/lining.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line</td></tr>
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Line a couple of ramekins (or any small container which you have to hand) with clingfilm (reused, of course).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudCUwSyu-_eXg3-8LbpC4wM7-j5mZzPSd9J0HC4pRAmClovzzHmc2330eFJ1KrDPZzrzzlD9bvrmu6BzKKcZIisYP5g4sE8oq3LA2UE3FODHJChLgDio4pd1LbOb73j0quEXVt9JccTh9/s1600/filling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudCUwSyu-_eXg3-8LbpC4wM7-j5mZzPSd9J0HC4pRAmClovzzHmc2330eFJ1KrDPZzrzzlD9bvrmu6BzKKcZIisYP5g4sE8oq3LA2UE3FODHJChLgDio4pd1LbOb73j0quEXVt9JccTh9/s1600/filling.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fill</td></tr>
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Then fill the ramekins with the grated soap.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnRDGebTbF0Tt-M91uERlhasJH0P5sTMUKTraBem68oOkx244WKPIZH58sOu51G15WZk0DVx-D16YEuBNNOj0Qq5SizukXz2zhht4NnH4fS7JUsUWIf7rAMmFC-P__lAqijKH6i8SYvmS/s1600/smoothing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnRDGebTbF0Tt-M91uERlhasJH0P5sTMUKTraBem68oOkx244WKPIZH58sOu51G15WZk0DVx-D16YEuBNNOj0Qq5SizukXz2zhht4NnH4fS7JUsUWIf7rAMmFC-P__lAqijKH6i8SYvmS/s1600/smoothing.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Press down and smooth</td></tr>
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Add a few drops of warm water and pack down - this is where you need to go gently. You don't want a ramekin of water with soap gratings floating in it - aim for a ramekin of grated soap moistened enough to stick together. I do it gradually - add a few drops of water, press the soap down, add a little more grated soap, press down and smooth with the teaspoon. It needs to feel reasonably firm and not at all sloppy - just moist enough for it all to stick together and not crumble.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsICBlKuN5VpTQWXEsbx20cD6fvUlNH0G0qfW3nbDgl6nxteQJwxuVwyB7Xqrnp4Nhz3YOhwNkWcp4UROlaDEuhtatCTjLJwfUz1sK8i5Mz1FOlw-1PHxSEcjfN-tyjp8wjyc-AD4ESP7/s1600/full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsICBlKuN5VpTQWXEsbx20cD6fvUlNH0G0qfW3nbDgl6nxteQJwxuVwyB7Xqrnp4Nhz3YOhwNkWcp4UROlaDEuhtatCTjLJwfUz1sK8i5Mz1FOlw-1PHxSEcjfN-tyjp8wjyc-AD4ESP7/s1600/full.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aim for about an inch, or a couple of centimetres, deep of dampened and packed down grated soap (these are quite shallow ramekins so I fill them half full). Finish off by pressing down firmly and smoothing the top and then put the containers in a warm place - I keep mine on the shelf above the Aga, but an airing cupboard would do.<br />
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Check after a day that it is all sticking together - you can add more soap if it is too wet, or a drop or two of water if it is too dry, but when you have made it once you will get a feel for the consistency.<br />
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After a couple of days you can peel off the clingfilm, and turn the bars up the other way to dry further. I leave it for a couple of weeks at least before using, checking and turning occasionally so that the soap completely dries out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLOhzAhaHSRtnYFRgbnFLp77XflIFFxOmHxGcOYyhi_ou13Z8i2seqmpc7IjJF_WOgMypY5sMn5j5HkDtlHwpeZKjip0E4ll2MI8Yzyz5LuiY7R-onbWYXK3I1xz13GWFM2EXSg8ymNUh/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLOhzAhaHSRtnYFRgbnFLp77XflIFFxOmHxGcOYyhi_ou13Z8i2seqmpc7IjJF_WOgMypY5sMn5j5HkDtlHwpeZKjip0E4ll2MI8Yzyz5LuiY7R-onbWYXK3I1xz13GWFM2EXSg8ymNUh/s1600/finished.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rustic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And hey presto! you have made two new bars of soap out of little pieces that would otherwise have been thrown away. Perhaps not quite up to the standard of Penhaligon's triple-milled, but that warm glow of frugality makes all the difference. And the more you spend on soap to start with, the more you will save - isn't that a fun thought?<br />
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£*£*£*£*£</div>
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This post is dedicated to those two Queens of Thrift, before whom I feel quite humble: <a href="http://angalmond.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Angela at Tracing Rainbows</a> and <a href="http://www.thriftyhousehold.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mrs Thrifty Household</a>. Do visit them for a continuous stream of Thrifty Hints and Tips and ways to elasticize your budget.</div>
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£*£*£*£*£</div>
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And tell me, which are <i>your</i> favourite thrifty books? I am always on the lookout for books that will save you the cover price - I find it an infallible justification for the purchase.</div>
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-48380056689258550602012-10-13T17:00:00.000+01:002012-10-13T17:00:04.521+01:00Little apples, little peopleAs I manhandled (or maybe that should be womanhandled) my oh so very large and so absolutely Charming Flowers (I must think of a different name as I find that one quite painful) about the ironing board last night, I began to understand why so many quilters stick to wallhangings and baby quilts.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhXhon3yFvApQdQouJVSJt3kWOVywDiPltOolGrXiNsRoNmAwi1pwBOUO6WvCAruXBmRACPjfMhIElT1oOvJGqhDVnWi1TyKdZoieoyzPOhd6IovlxS1kXLNsTYAu-9ghWNBy61PPTElo/s1600/handsewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhXhon3yFvApQdQouJVSJt3kWOVywDiPltOolGrXiNsRoNmAwi1pwBOUO6WvCAruXBmRACPjfMhIElT1oOvJGqhDVnWi1TyKdZoieoyzPOhd6IovlxS1kXLNsTYAu-9ghWNBy61PPTElo/s1600/handsewing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the pesky squirrel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am also quite geometrically challenged and with an almost square quilt I have moments of confusion about which way is up and which across, which resulted in my sewing my pieced strip along, rather than perpendicular to, the selvedge. (Unlike my friend from <a href="http://tedandbunny.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ted and Bunny</a>, I do not find unpicking at all therapeutic, especially when it is 7 foot long and it is 10 o'clock at night and I know that I won't sleep easy if I don't unpick every last stitch and press out the holes before I retire).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6FHAx-li2Ua2Mu-dLqhaLk2iE_-aL2OPdt5Ld5qEg2Xeh24CoTIjDaqn2EYviP07uZ1ltmFK4SuzNcgEq5-FcgQ6c9qyDvJLAa-_N7-9GH1EpVwcGjyoXs3mmXhBFSQVNI_c5Y2eXF8I/s1600/little+apples+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6FHAx-li2Ua2Mu-dLqhaLk2iE_-aL2OPdt5Ld5qEg2Xeh24CoTIjDaqn2EYviP07uZ1ltmFK4SuzNcgEq5-FcgQ6c9qyDvJLAa-_N7-9GH1EpVwcGjyoXs3mmXhBFSQVNI_c5Y2eXF8I/s1600/little+apples+quilt.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Apples</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So as a little light relief for the weekend I thought I would show you a nice little baby quilt I made earlier in the year (every time I say here's one I made earlier I think of the Blue Peter advent crown and a childhood where you could buy sticky-backed plastic off the roll in the back corner of Woolworths [this is a peculiarly British reminiscence and will no doubt be utterly mystifying to my international readers, but if I attempt to explain the significance it will involve a meandering disquisition on matters sociocultural and historical here in Old Blighty, and would involve so many parentheses and much venturing up byways, that I would be sure to get Lost and Distracted {which I fear that I may be already}]).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDOqAV2OomSVTBTH0Pe6Q8tDyPLGyg0X9qli2NM25Dy_I2FL82HMBfdxu2FFK0jJR2UMhM8ZsqsEll0Kr1xuORmEqGJ45JAne0Y8Y8KRLbyEAd1sTq-zrmRHelyl2eJuxGyeS5xRVBhfg/s1600/little+apples+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDOqAV2OomSVTBTH0Pe6Q8tDyPLGyg0X9qli2NM25Dy_I2FL82HMBfdxu2FFK0jJR2UMhM8ZsqsEll0Kr1xuORmEqGJ45JAne0Y8Y8KRLbyEAd1sTq-zrmRHelyl2eJuxGyeS5xRVBhfg/s1600/little+apples+closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's one I made earlier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So where was I, I think to myself as I extricate myself from a Parenthetical Thicket. Ah yes, a Rather Charming baby quilt which I made for a very sweet little chap earlier in the year (you will be glad to hear that I am dismissing all thoughts of Blue Peter from my head Quite Firmly, but I am finding that such a Firm Tone requires copious use of the Upper Case).<br />
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The fabric I used was Little Apples by Aneela Hoey (she says in a Firmly Informative Tone), which I really like because of a family association with Apples and Squirrels (I must admit that the Squirrel Association is not an entirely happy one but the passage of time has enabled me to Smile at that Peculiar Irony).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkMnIUbk4GtN0IFF1CM-FiOcpZf9iX7qOJkQ9Ep0mCU_5ni1eXJ4apfTWqlgLaFx-Hw7r-YV-EbkX5mtrwn1hyYat8Xp825v5Xie5XTdKkseTYiBiUs4Nh58qmCqrS0oj5t0sKmJZdjcY/s1600/closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkMnIUbk4GtN0IFF1CM-FiOcpZf9iX7qOJkQ9Ep0mCU_5ni1eXJ4apfTWqlgLaFx-Hw7r-YV-EbkX5mtrwn1hyYat8Xp825v5Xie5XTdKkseTYiBiUs4Nh58qmCqrS0oj5t0sKmJZdjcY/s1600/closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charming stitching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The pattern for this quilt is a Charmingly Easy one from the Cloud Nine blog - it is a free pattern and you will find it <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/tutorial-flannel-crib-quilt.html" target="_blank">here</a>. It is also a very good pattern for the Terminally Disorganized and Unexpected Arrivals, as it is genuinely very quick to make. The quilt is tied with embroidery thread in the centres of the panels, and the same thread is also used for some simple running stitch quilting along the edges and seam lines. (The Little Apples fabric is still available from <a href="http://www.jbquiltingfabrics.co.uk/shop/fat-quarters-little-apples-c-194_346.html" target="_blank">JB Quilting</a> and Ebay, she says helpfully, in case you wanted to make one later.)<br />
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So if you want a quilt that you can make in a weekend, one which will fit on your table for basting, can be pressed with not a hint of manhandling and which can be hand-quilted without tears in an evening, then this little cot quilt is for you.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wrfp61MThGpDIJPGlqO67hZF_NQpH7YkVXpyQb13hPgKBNfWwuc0gBohLuCW85ZJ8r4P5KGzCcjhL8u7Y1pJl5girFhIBLnzMM0c3F_4jX75oxm9DZ39Mr2sMPUgfx_s0KUhQu3RcNvc/s1600/closeup3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wrfp61MThGpDIJPGlqO67hZF_NQpH7YkVXpyQb13hPgKBNfWwuc0gBohLuCW85ZJ8r4P5KGzCcjhL8u7Y1pJl5girFhIBLnzMM0c3F_4jX75oxm9DZ39Mr2sMPUgfx_s0KUhQu3RcNvc/s1600/closeup3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charmingly small</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unfortunately it looks rather meagre on a double bed, so it's back to wrestling those very Charming Flowers to the ground for me ...<br />
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In the meantime, hello to <a href="http://stayathomemumonabudget.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lindsey</a> and Mama Smith at <a href="http://projectlittlesmith.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Project Little Smith</a> who is, rather intriguingly, an architect turned homemaker and takes very lovely pictures.<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-51033466116922441092012-10-11T16:30:00.000+01:002012-10-11T16:30:02.907+01:00Walking uphill; or, the beauty of a barn door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1bTvz4G5b989TNmF8VRG_G5YUlhwAZcdQq4QkKPrkbJh22WRwKw8HEZ0uuk4cWEwYW80wl6LD4PDUoK2d_P2hoETEENr1uVP4IJmDA_Tkv9t1DuZrapWNddxoZg30juQZletx25Vathu/s1600/personal+trainer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br /> I have great dreams of powering off to the gym every morning, and honing those muscles in preparation for the physically demanding tasks of basting a quilt top or casting on a legwarmer. But, alas and alack, they remain dreams - as the days get shorter, the nights longer and the mornings darker, it takes an even greater effort of will to heave myself from the warm and cosy nest that is my bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8IooSuvf9wFWOWPmzV5BbLN2LXCd1UxJWtJVmxQ6XmOZ8QzqRTU3O7Una5Cyr2JE-YzrtQCZNojPIOcuAek6V97XAYmiIg9TkGfBsdUnn2gras9zzTZ-y8JQ7cvGHL9pZ_R_MsD18pRG/s1600/barn+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8IooSuvf9wFWOWPmzV5BbLN2LXCd1UxJWtJVmxQ6XmOZ8QzqRTU3O7Una5Cyr2JE-YzrtQCZNojPIOcuAek6V97XAYmiIg9TkGfBsdUnn2gras9zzTZ-y8JQ7cvGHL9pZ_R_MsD18pRG/s1600/barn+wall.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No quilt in sight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If I were left to myself I would spend the winter months huddled up
indoors, never straying too far from the fire or sofa. But luckily I
have the services of a personal trainer to keep me up to the mark.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5d64PAW7S26KNrxUfeMIuMeRy_utaqxAj0KiD2bQN4-HsjiUhXhEJOtiNQopQLZOMF10zuJtwyluGC_av7sftEm9CtGPdorXQAFEFBG7zV4HXik1Y7A21z096aY41HG5kisQK5tv1kue/s1600/stream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5d64PAW7S26KNrxUfeMIuMeRy_utaqxAj0KiD2bQN4-HsjiUhXhEJOtiNQopQLZOMF10zuJtwyluGC_av7sftEm9CtGPdorXQAFEFBG7zV4HXik1Y7A21z096aY41HG5kisQK5tv1kue/s1600/stream.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An October morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Several
mornings this week I have tried to begin the day by sitting at my
computer, thinking that I couldn't possibly go out in the cold and damp
because I have so much to do, but no, there is no slacking - there is my
trainer by my side, arms around me, whispering in my ear, come along
do, you know it is time for our yomp, you know it will do us both good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1bTvz4G5b989TNmF8VRG_G5YUlhwAZcdQq4QkKPrkbJh22WRwKw8HEZ0uuk4cWEwYW80wl6LD4PDUoK2d_P2hoETEENr1uVP4IJmDA_Tkv9t1DuZrapWNddxoZg30juQZletx25Vathu/s1600/personal+trainer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1bTvz4G5b989TNmF8VRG_G5YUlhwAZcdQq4QkKPrkbJh22WRwKw8HEZ0uuk4cWEwYW80wl6LD4PDUoK2d_P2hoETEENr1uVP4IJmDA_Tkv9t1DuZrapWNddxoZg30juQZletx25Vathu/s1600/personal+trainer.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Personal trainer extraordinaire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />She will brook no refusals, and shivering and resigned I find myself in the lane, wrapped up to the nines, wellied and ready.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVohp3HajinjuVxwYvSJlkqfa807sCNNzwD4V7i6Puat0C1uz7Mh6wAaFvh93XS9ux3N7zjP7s29FXqKUwk44wZtxhyphenhyphenXdsUbk-VroywVljho3UHxtX8ft9u_njxnKiMAnsSPPw1ZI111C/s1600/lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVohp3HajinjuVxwYvSJlkqfa807sCNNzwD4V7i6Puat0C1uz7Mh6wAaFvh93XS9ux3N7zjP7s29FXqKUwk44wZtxhyphenhyphenXdsUbk-VroywVljho3UHxtX8ft9u_njxnKiMAnsSPPw1ZI111C/s1600/lane.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road less travelled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And she is right, you know.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMM3hxznS_No2qAyVvcalfnL0mhmfD35eMJL90JykyVMohRHd-Yj0IWgGd2rBNmr63xwba4l8JDkrfTnEQkG_cB2Q-mwRjPU5r6odfTIE25LQ_obXlhfLGsJZma9Fkuu2S-uGIP_IZqOs/s1600/willow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMM3hxznS_No2qAyVvcalfnL0mhmfD35eMJL90JykyVMohRHd-Yj0IWgGd2rBNmr63xwba4l8JDkrfTnEQkG_cB2Q-mwRjPU5r6odfTIE25LQ_obXlhfLGsJZma9Fkuu2S-uGIP_IZqOs/s1600/willow.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green and growing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is the best thing in the world on a dreary grey morning to go out into the wide world to seek out the tiniest weakest gleam of watery sunshine peering from behind a cloud, to find the widest most open spaces you can, stand on the highest point you can reach in the landscape, get a little breathless, look far and near, and observe the seasons and the weather and the green growing things defying the turning of the year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANCCjBI42zfil_Z5gPad_1uoMgTqeUO_3bdkaTToa9a9ukJUcY5oXq0n6qiySzB4jhKmBVS4gcURPoPSdW7uqSAerCYSr7QMTpm6ReAglK-8trdb38FcYav2gdTje0pnXDJ8vTlgPocEd/s1600/poppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANCCjBI42zfil_Z5gPad_1uoMgTqeUO_3bdkaTToa9a9ukJUcY5oXq0n6qiySzB4jhKmBVS4gcURPoPSdW7uqSAerCYSr7QMTpm6ReAglK-8trdb38FcYav2gdTje0pnXDJ8vTlgPocEd/s1600/poppies.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppies on the grattan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Nothing can match the bliss of walking out one mid-autumn morning and listening to the curlew crying and hearing the wind in the trees, the sound of far, far away traffic a distant hum, and the sound of boots slap, slap on the muddy lane the most insistent noise around.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yFDz71Ownw7q8HPyp3WFRKfAjd4Ld61-mkey9mknW6Zq87Q7lGgI6DKifIdL_QA6VjiZMf4CndLnDvzN5d4q19nrkqBgaAweIDG4rm9h0OtfP4zj6q-5HfVWfgeLOYMEyAOa1n8a0OSx/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yFDz71Ownw7q8HPyp3WFRKfAjd4Ld61-mkey9mknW6Zq87Q7lGgI6DKifIdL_QA6VjiZMf4CndLnDvzN5d4q19nrkqBgaAweIDG4rm9h0OtfP4zj6q-5HfVWfgeLOYMEyAOa1n8a0OSx/s1600/flowers.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More flowers in October</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There is nothing better than this and I would wish myself nowhere else, with the soft ground underfoot and my faithful friend by my side.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q56DlbN6SOao9c_LVxkYy5cjcS_RYRGV1Zt4YQO0H0phjHUmcjODM6kU9_HNUhTNleclSx7kEwzPb1Jy2UWMVIiUZWXRZWxTqabfmFCS8J1VSTqqvHuCkhvfBQVXA4wIfgnNiEarcSUC/s1600/waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q56DlbN6SOao9c_LVxkYy5cjcS_RYRGV1Zt4YQO0H0phjHUmcjODM6kU9_HNUhTNleclSx7kEwzPb1Jy2UWMVIiUZWXRZWxTqabfmFCS8J1VSTqqvHuCkhvfBQVXA4wIfgnNiEarcSUC/s1600/waiting.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on, keep up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There is some Welsh in her ancestry and I imagine her forebears as drovers' dogs, padding across the land, watching and listening, herding and keeping safe.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSKuniI3SSkvv1PR0g-ySj392USbSm8urKM9OgwqSnBghTDfRPR6nt_TfGmBYRShrSia-mAQPBf5atvtYkk4RgPU9JiLTFPbvhE_RF4MkLzEmfu28JukC9zg-DcjvhifmV1Y5KHKyStGm/s1600/barn+doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSKuniI3SSkvv1PR0g-ySj392USbSm8urKM9OgwqSnBghTDfRPR6nt_TfGmBYRShrSia-mAQPBf5atvtYkk4RgPU9JiLTFPbvhE_RF4MkLzEmfu28JukC9zg-DcjvhifmV1Y5KHKyStGm/s1600/barn+doors.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And I saw barn walls perfect for hanging quilts on, sitting waiting in the morning light, and now I am hoping that one fine day I will turn the corner and see there amongst the trees and the clouds a quilt hanging, blowing gently in the breeze, a vision just for me.<br />
<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-22337801643469431012012-10-09T16:40:00.000+01:002012-10-09T16:40:39.717+01:00Sewing with Lola NovaI am sure that the blog <a href="http://lolanovablog.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lola Nova - Whatever Lola Wants</a> needs no introduction, but if you have yet to visit, you are in for a treat. And so was I in for a treat today, when the truly beautiful book, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Creative-Makers-Simple-Sewing-with-Lola-Nova-Alexandra-Smith/9781845336981?a_aid=LCC21" target="_blank">Simple Sewing with Lola Nova</a> appeared on my doorstep (it is not out officially in the US until the spring, but wherever you are you can get it already from <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/?a_aid=LCC21" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a>, who will ship worldwide).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dZVqU8HbXpCz0hQNAXPSK71M4fTzi1rjZqL-m3DkOLQ7BYh0L0nWg-wyDsSXHb_N8d5cWv9U5Klj0Q3UR31czxpXHLLruUYJVUBdPbKO0Nc9phqfLqVshCbFqkjXANT4ADPtaBOgWmBq/s1600/Lola+Nova+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dZVqU8HbXpCz0hQNAXPSK71M4fTzi1rjZqL-m3DkOLQ7BYh0L0nWg-wyDsSXHb_N8d5cWv9U5Klj0Q3UR31czxpXHLLruUYJVUBdPbKO0Nc9phqfLqVshCbFqkjXANT4ADPtaBOgWmBq/s400/Lola+Nova+book.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A surprise in the post</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was lucky enough to win this in the giveaway held by Lola Nova (aka the very talented Alexandra Smith) - it's not often that you win a book that is already on your wishlist, and exceedingly wonderful not to have to wait for Christmas to get a peek inside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS3cL7cj267kUNlxZGdXHTtSeMPf3Y_Jq2-qNcTKFqkPbMiQZb3hWXU9MzVulBHjpQ8aOR7A8nQlctKFcWVbFv_rDoKZ8d33utxUVo2WhoIySbXvIEZJbiTnf4Od9z7pE0lUMu3Xl3oXu/s1600/Simple+sewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS3cL7cj267kUNlxZGdXHTtSeMPf3Y_Jq2-qNcTKFqkPbMiQZb3hWXU9MzVulBHjpQ8aOR7A8nQlctKFcWVbFv_rDoKZ8d33utxUVo2WhoIySbXvIEZJbiTnf4Od9z7pE0lUMu3Xl3oXu/s320/Simple+sewing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And I have to say that it is a really lovely book - quite different from your average sewing manual. The projects are different and individual, and the Lola Nova style shines through. So often when you read craft books you feel that you have seen it all before, but this book is full of projects with a difference, and there are lots that I want to try.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CzlBA8_j7fpAWvm4wqb3mtmgjvnrrcTlAkmGro72Wtst6tx80huxnEWDqBtxGSrvxr36o0ZlSW345o8ye7o1GAshYnnQzhpXbDWvz6iQw55BSYYW059fTdp_eZ3Z6r8HO3g32A2bEvwT/s1600/Sewing+introduction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CzlBA8_j7fpAWvm4wqb3mtmgjvnrrcTlAkmGro72Wtst6tx80huxnEWDqBtxGSrvxr36o0ZlSW345o8ye7o1GAshYnnQzhpXbDWvz6iQw55BSYYW059fTdp_eZ3Z6r8HO3g32A2bEvwT/s400/Sewing+introduction.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things to make and do</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The photography by Yuki Sugiura is really atmospheric, and the design as a whole really conveys the Lola look. I love the way that the sections are called Boho, Natural, Vintage, Eclectic and Whimsy, which really give you an indication of her individual take on crafting - this really is crafting with a difference, and with a very definite and unique sense of style.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GmjwK95CB39ET4g7Ax_1v7I8DJRpBKtlVknihzMTAfx0qd9Ukiab3uV-WgsX9woke3J3ukIe_-625L21E5y6FFMspid-11kpmiHXKMrnuWGxQyBgE0Y_29oKzDEciiiyVW7jq4GnWIFA/s1600/child's+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GmjwK95CB39ET4g7Ax_1v7I8DJRpBKtlVknihzMTAfx0qd9Ukiab3uV-WgsX9woke3J3ukIe_-625L21E5y6FFMspid-11kpmiHXKMrnuWGxQyBgE0Y_29oKzDEciiiyVW7jq4GnWIFA/s400/child's+dress.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The range of projects runs from things for children to wear to adornments for your house and office and even some beautiful stitched and embellished notecards - things for you to make for yourself and for you to give as presents. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqZQtzCh_4JVTnTfwSU5Rm6rep_6it5GVYsl1JNk7AOboLqY-aOpKKByjaw4ugFAsDy0DAL9cuOvpx2IC23h5oIbdgcOC9zrzNndFQrumPABcvFEeFqRFVxu886D8a_wwCydzoJEmwNtA/s1600/instructions1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqZQtzCh_4JVTnTfwSU5Rm6rep_6it5GVYsl1JNk7AOboLqY-aOpKKByjaw4ugFAsDy0DAL9cuOvpx2IC23h5oIbdgcOC9zrzNndFQrumPABcvFEeFqRFVxu886D8a_wwCydzoJEmwNtA/s400/instructions1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty skirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
There are very clear step-by-step photographs and instructions to get
you through any tricky bits, together with templates for all the
patterns, and each project is labelled with the skill level required.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBhLdVhruhj2A6NtNu5pS775p_lqFNIFIO1vg57RqBQ6lmOXJUfQCYUyBQV-_IIB54yzDjbz3_azDBpO63mo9gFUj9tLbXnN2HaDqPuGTB01NZIFC9MCutIABslsvGLcBJD3PXGH_M84u/s1600/hook+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBhLdVhruhj2A6NtNu5pS775p_lqFNIFIO1vg57RqBQ6lmOXJUfQCYUyBQV-_IIB54yzDjbz3_azDBpO63mo9gFUj9tLbXnN2HaDqPuGTB01NZIFC9MCutIABslsvGLcBJD3PXGH_M84u/s400/hook+book.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multipurpose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am rather pleased to see instructions for a Lola-style multipurpose Hook Book, and also a rather snazzy bag, both of which I have admired on the blog and in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lolanova" target="_blank">Lola Nova Etsy shop</a> before now, and am also planning to make some Everything Baskets. The Artist's Pouches would be good to mass-produce for Christmas
presents (Princess Bunchy already having placed an order for presents
for friends).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAGFe80htJft96nhdW55efVIHSnWA9NcyHMZDBEOz2NTq6MpAVqjbs8A3WAcGWEP3nYZabpeFiXwozcYGONSxid7hHDwWcF87zdWGQ6fsoBdNytpwDyhQfv6UFZSO8gAkScUcUlAT3uF0/s1600/bag+to+make.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAGFe80htJft96nhdW55efVIHSnWA9NcyHMZDBEOz2NTq6MpAVqjbs8A3WAcGWEP3nYZabpeFiXwozcYGONSxid7hHDwWcF87zdWGQ6fsoBdNytpwDyhQfv6UFZSO8gAkScUcUlAT3uF0/s400/bag+to+make.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snazzy bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So all in all, I can genuinely highly recommend <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Creative-Makers-Simple-Sewing-with-Lola-Nova-Alexandra-Smith/9781845336981?a_aid=LCC21" target="_blank"><i>Simple Sewing with Lola Nova</i> by Alexandra Smith</a> - thank you Lola Nova and well done!<br />
<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-78226997900218802922012-10-08T16:00:00.000+01:002012-10-08T16:00:12.100+01:00Nesting and barn walls: more essentials for quiltingIt is a deeply grey day, and now the rain is teeming down, washing all the colours of the world away. But early this morning I managed to get a photograph of my latest quilt top before the rain began to descend, braving the proleptic leaden skies and chill dampness in my eagerness to record another show and tell.<br />
<br />
And this is the entirely unedited result.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhXcF-QoJ44BxdvsYC_rAWC0he6Gbka_AUJnAFooBkvDqvQESOF7Zb3-23Vs2cGRTRJzsGfUoxNiEDmY_aciEg2JIEvS1taIrZCI67NCgltQsPrt-yXkpljSV9V_dhUqu1YNzkLYugZg3/s1600/daygloquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhXcF-QoJ44BxdvsYC_rAWC0he6Gbka_AUJnAFooBkvDqvQESOF7Zb3-23Vs2cGRTRJzsGfUoxNiEDmY_aciEg2JIEvS1taIrZCI67NCgltQsPrt-yXkpljSV9V_dhUqu1YNzkLYugZg3/s400/daygloquilt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trick of the light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That damp grey autumn light filtered through the camera's beady eye has done the weirdest thing to the colours of this quilt, making them appear eerily dayglo and intense against the sinister grey-green backdrop.<br />
<br />
The fabric is Rose Parade from Moda, and the pattern is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104870412/pdf-quilt-patternjelly-roll-and-fat" target="_blank">PS I Love You from Sweet Jane </a>, (photographed upside down so you won't notice the deliberate mistake, entirely the fault of Radio 4, which distracted me so much when cutting out blocks that I cut out a 10in and 11in, rather than two 10.5in. Hmm, you may say, and so did I, but very cleverly I sewed the selvedge edge trimming back on, and most of it will disappear into the binding, honest).<br />
<br />
So this brings me rather to another essential for a quilter - a suitably photogenic place in which to photograph your quilts. I hanker after <a href="http://duringquiettime.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/stolen-dreams-quilt.html" target="_blank">a barn wall like Amy's</a> or even two tall sons at home to stand behind holding it up for me in the sunshine ... All in short supply here at the moment.<br />
<br />
But before I am accused of being too morose, I should like to engender some positive associations in connection with the use of the seam ripper. No longer need you experience thoughts of anger, despair or destruction when you catch sight of the little stiletto in your sewing box.<br />
<br />
I saw the light when I did a sewing course at the <a href="http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/shortcourses/" target="_blank">London College of Fashion</a> some years ago - it was supposed to teach the amateur to sew in a
professional manner, and I am sure that I am not one of the success
stories, especially as we weren't allowed to use pins, and I still
harbour a lingering attachment to pinkind. But the trick I remember is
the use of the seam ripper, not for ripping seams, because of course
real pros don't do that, but to guide the fabric through the machine,
like so.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWC26ZSsYEPStEwV4v-ebnUD0pp4FhfD9UxjCi82I4GTPdLloagzJajMCcnss1kcDaygyn8cibv2KJHaE1J3rbnDvyfoJZA_IN2m3UnooCBIVkh9IGvtb73hONi_Wt3A6YGlepvgsEJJtk/s1600/seam+ripper+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWC26ZSsYEPStEwV4v-ebnUD0pp4FhfD9UxjCi82I4GTPdLloagzJajMCcnss1kcDaygyn8cibv2KJHaE1J3rbnDvyfoJZA_IN2m3UnooCBIVkh9IGvtb73hONi_Wt3A6YGlepvgsEJJtk/s400/seam+ripper+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some gentle guidance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The clear piecing foot with the handy little guide at the right is a godsend - and allows me to whip out the pin at the last minute (again using the seam ripper as a grab), so the needle does not hit the pin.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf2T_etpZyY5rBVfERbXoibdR2RxP0dzWX4Y_Hh90vlV87C5d-m0tUVOgFIXDC4_v8wCU6ij57nPSn-qkxnr0jltlikSy0OZdLGF6vo5jgVqLW54Gli6_g3k4Ea9sODyKpiSSeOtrj8qY/s1600/seam+ripper+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf2T_etpZyY5rBVfERbXoibdR2RxP0dzWX4Y_Hh90vlV87C5d-m0tUVOgFIXDC4_v8wCU6ij57nPSn-qkxnr0jltlikSy0OZdLGF6vo5jgVqLW54Gli6_g3k4Ea9sODyKpiSSeOtrj8qY/s400/seam+ripper+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she needs to clean the fluff from her machine ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The seam ripper really comes into its own with those lovely little nested seams - I love
the concept of nesting seams: the terminology, the cosiness and
togetherness of the concept, and with (sshh!) two pins and a seam
ripper, no squiffy nesting, no underside seams jumping back the wrong
way.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvPDyOwl66aMVQ4p-Xwr5LY41HUYxD-8m4uxoJv08yT2-9LNTF1nA3uBSRjOHSHY2y3VVr2F3ApzznRZM-i6b9Sn7YQ6rdgKnwPyjAMc3q8-Gz6ziBOOMqHFtpQqI2vze8t-xdoYGMkh7/s1600/Nesting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvPDyOwl66aMVQ4p-Xwr5LY41HUYxD-8m4uxoJv08yT2-9LNTF1nA3uBSRjOHSHY2y3VVr2F3ApzznRZM-i6b9Sn7YQ6rdgKnwPyjAMc3q8-Gz6ziBOOMqHFtpQqI2vze8t-xdoYGMkh7/s400/Nesting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nesting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I must go now - the Head Chef has come up with the most divinely delectable variation on <a href="http://littlecottagecomforts.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/fabulous-flapjacks.html" target="_blank">the best flapjack recipe ever</a>, and having eaten some for morning coffee, I plan to consume quantities for lunch. Let me know if you would like the recipe, and I will be sure to photograph some before I eat them all up ...<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-25194242042579712392012-10-07T20:07:00.000+01:002012-10-08T07:31:26.239+01:00Essential tools for quilters (I)<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikY2z6Ycrw6Dkqy1BJt7Fa845s8Cr_oXUjAOh1FHgLNrdn_n49cTipfazU_7G_om95j6H3QghpC0Fr5PIG0u3HWv4_6qoiGnJCBX7uvEG1y4Lf1_IGZnrTGH0E9JWZqG7w0orQRuE30GoQ/s1600/toolsforquilters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikY2z6Ycrw6Dkqy1BJt7Fa845s8Cr_oXUjAOh1FHgLNrdn_n49cTipfazU_7G_om95j6H3QghpC0Fr5PIG0u3HWv4_6qoiGnJCBX7uvEG1y4Lf1_IGZnrTGH0E9JWZqG7w0orQRuE30GoQ/s400/toolsforquilters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weekend industry</td></tr>
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Normally on a Sunday evening I go to the gym - I know that sounds rather extreme but when a princess is powering up and down the swimming pool, I feel that a yomp in the gym with London Calling ringing in my ears is more constructive than sitting on an uncomfortable sofa in a deserted cafe, leafing through the dregs of the Sunday papers.<br />
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But today was different. I was so very close to finishing a quilt top for the sofa, just another quarter of an hour ... when the phone rang. And by the time I had dealt with that, it was time to depart into the darkness in pursuit of health and fitness. The choice was painful, but I volunteered the Head Chef for swimming club duty (a chance for him to sit down for an hour and read the papers, I said, considerately).<br />
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Dear readers, you will be glad to hear that I have finished my quilt top, and done my favourite bit, attacked it with a steam iron and beaten those seams into an orderly submission. Having started out with dressmaking, and having been taught to apply copious amounts of hot steam at every opportunity, the technique of gentle pressing without steam, as recommended in all the patchwork and quilting books I read, requires a most astonishing act of will on my part.<br />
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Unfortunately, it is now too dark to photograph the quilt top, but earlier today I was having some very deep thoughts about the tools which I find most useful for quilting, the ones without which it would all end in tears.<br />
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And so I thought I would share these thoughts with you, in the hope that perhaps one quilter, sitting miserably amongst a heap of disorderly pieces of fabric might find my handy hints of help.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCpCnbBIqc3ho68xb4SWi0fbN7AnyICqT_MD8IDiRvL1HMqO7G83NMrMzJ32SElUASfADdI-v9KS5HomLpzdvhZFd-BvvYhkGyfxA-VhTCAUIl7ML6MQ7kZuWlaiwqW5ecp9Kscirmx-h/s1600/essential+tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCpCnbBIqc3ho68xb4SWi0fbN7AnyICqT_MD8IDiRvL1HMqO7G83NMrMzJ32SElUASfADdI-v9KS5HomLpzdvhZFd-BvvYhkGyfxA-VhTCAUIl7ML6MQ7kZuWlaiwqW5ecp9Kscirmx-h/s400/essential+tools.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulldogs should be colourful</td></tr>
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So for me, essential quilting tool no 1 is a basket of bulldog clips and miniature sticky notes (the teeny tiny ones can stay in the fabric until it is safe for them to leave and they don't get in the way of the gentle pressing, but their presence will preclude you from committing aggressive acts of steam). I set out my quilt pieces on a sheet on the B&B sitting-room floor in the gaps between guests, and so they have to be gathered up again immediately (and even if we don't have guests, we have canine marauders with muddy feet and a penchant for scuffling up any textiles found underfoot).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVfiIfzzGgJ3OjS64bCsL7bofhAtnYnuE3gCRjrjrP27bN0f5HoNnkhS5WprZwucPca6koV8iwGp7FgFKfeyxVBLPAy1Hl68ybUQkc6Q3KBbjp856o4H0-sgdqYOd5kAjuFDk8Tqw0QLr/s1600/postit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVfiIfzzGgJ3OjS64bCsL7bofhAtnYnuE3gCRjrjrP27bN0f5HoNnkhS5WprZwucPca6koV8iwGp7FgFKfeyxVBLPAy1Hl68ybUQkc6Q3KBbjp856o4H0-sgdqYOd5kAjuFDk8Tqw0QLr/s400/postit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin your post-its</td></tr>
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So to avoid much wailing and gnashing of teeth, I pin numbered sticky notes (at the very least at the beginning and end of a row, to indicate position and orientation), then pick the pieces or blocks up in the correct order, and fasten the stack with a bulldog clip. (Please don't rely on the adhesive qualities of your sticky notes - go for belt and braces with a pin. [I know this from bitter experience.])<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoMPZ2m6SCL3_rqqhZLejBdji0frUWuOF4ICJOB-y_E8trVORiPydbI7kz0ETrBB_heyK8wKN2d_5MEjH1Jb14WWo1883SuLVtPM97xM6JTRnM-2ErZp2sN2VODAR2JqYKieGA-pZcDw-/s1600/bulldogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoMPZ2m6SCL3_rqqhZLejBdji0frUWuOF4ICJOB-y_E8trVORiPydbI7kz0ETrBB_heyK8wKN2d_5MEjH1Jb14WWo1883SuLVtPM97xM6JTRnM-2ErZp2sN2VODAR2JqYKieGA-pZcDw-/s400/bulldogs.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future proof</td></tr>
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These stacks are then windproof, dog-proof, and generally forgetting what you are about in the middle of a row proof.<br />
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I feel that it is important to have brightly coloured bulldog clips as it lends an air of jollity to the proceedings, but have less strong feelings about the colour of the sticky notes, probably because the numbers and letters give them a serious, businesslike air, which does not take heed of such frivolity.<br />
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And one last little thrifty hint - write on those little tickets in pencil. It allows for mistakes, and you can reuse them for the next quilt. Presuming that there will be a next quilt, but of course there will be because these handy little tools for your quilting will increase your productivity no end, and you won't be stomping around with a seam ripper trying to find someone to blame for sewing the pieces together in the wrong order, and not noticing until you have nearly finished the quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf4A3iLUpIo6kXZgomjTZFw76D7T7mLEC60Tj4qZ8YagfzhhI0bldKDfESkXf2uFASz5YqFid2qYmi2gWXY7uAJbrZ6S64popK2jISXouuuS86JEeo9_Jw8uGXobm4SHMkzW0WV1Wnd3t/s1600/pincushion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf4A3iLUpIo6kXZgomjTZFw76D7T7mLEC60Tj4qZ8YagfzhhI0bldKDfESkXf2uFASz5YqFid2qYmi2gWXY7uAJbrZ6S64popK2jISXouuuS86JEeo9_Jw8uGXobm4SHMkzW0WV1Wnd3t/s400/pincushion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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{Your eye may have been drawn to the most excellent velvet pincushion. This pincushion was one of the very first things I made with my very first sewing machine (before you go ah, how sweet, bear in mind that I was about 30), and I gave it to my grandmamma for Christmas. Along with the rest of my family, she was most surprised as I hadn't shown any signs of creativity beforehand. Things had changed by the time her house was being cleared and the pincushion (long-forgotten by me) was given to me as the stitchy one in the family. So now when I sew I have by my side a lovely remembrance of my dear departed grandmamma.}<br />
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And before I go, I must say hello to some new followers who have come on board: <a href="http://naturallycarol.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Naturally Carol</a> who has just done a lovely post about gratitude, Poppy at <a href="http://poppysfrugallife.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Poppy's Frugal Life</a> (being frugal), Rosie at <a href="http://oldmagnoliatree.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Old Magnolia Tree</a> (who needs some advice about fashion and knitting), Chey at <a href="http://ukclinicaladventures.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Other Side of the Pond</a> (just starting life in the UK), Sharon Souter at <a href="http://sharonssunlitmemories.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sharon's Sunlit Memories</a> (who designs the most wonderful paper dolls), and Tammy Chrzan at <a href="http://tammychrzan.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">My Journey</a>. Please go and say hello and welcome too!<br />
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I would love you to tell me about your essential tools for quilting (or sewing or knitting) - especially the ones which prevent family discord. Next time I will give you a hint about the non-violent use of seam rippers, so watch this space.<br />
<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-5815957698197537882012-10-02T18:15:00.002+01:002012-10-03T11:36:27.992+01:00Anxiously and impulsively covering upI fear that this post may be in the nature of a confession, a baring of the soul which reveals a deeper truth about my nature. Or then again it may not, but that is for the reader to decide.<br />
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So I take a deep breath and reveal that I have a penchant, perhaps it may even be termed an addiction, certainly a compulsion, for filling my life with notebooks. And please note the plural - this is not one modest little notebook deep in the recesses of my bag; this is notebooks lined up on my desk, a notebook by my bedside, a large notebook in my filing tray, and spare notebooks waiting, in case of emergency, on my shelves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AALWQpf0JudBz4Glj9vszhipBqYgzD5smkHGq-478PrH6GkGbwa7g7419uFK_lacEteQ_1bTeW7hYCO0nxtRaQHfIE40nNguE_z6bGHzrJWPISXVZ-K9VcJ_-oq8Kuuvif06XBH2Z_U3/s1600/redandgreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AALWQpf0JudBz4Glj9vszhipBqYgzD5smkHGq-478PrH6GkGbwa7g7419uFK_lacEteQ_1bTeW7hYCO0nxtRaQHfIE40nNguE_z6bGHzrJWPISXVZ-K9VcJ_-oq8Kuuvif06XBH2Z_U3/s400/redandgreen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the past I have been quite free and easy in my choice of notebook, and was particularly attracted by pretty covers, but then in a fit of sophistication I moved onto a flirtation with <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/8883701127/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=8883701127&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">black Moleskines</a> in the hope that I would benefit from the Chatwin/Hemingway association. However, I began to find the weight of tradition, not to mention the weight of the notebook in my bag, a little oppressive.<br />
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Then I discovered the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&keywords=moleskine%20cahier&linkCode=ur2&qid=1349195551&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amoleskine%20cahier&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">Moleskine cahier</a>, and such is my enchantment with the wonder of the Moleskine cahier I am sure that I am not exaggerating if I term it an obsession.<br />
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Their infinite variety is most beguiling: they come in three different sizes (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0012BMNMY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0012BMNMY&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">small</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/8883705068/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=8883705068&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">large</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/8883705041/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=8883705041&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">extra large</a>) which I find a useful correlative to purpose. And with <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/8883704924/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=8883704924&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">lines</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/8883704932/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=8883704932&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">squares</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/8883705009/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=8883705009&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">plain pages</a>, depending on whether one feels literary, mathematical, or artistic - needless to say that I have dallied with all three. Cahiers also come in packs of three, which is strangely comforting (rather like having those mega packs of loo roll in the cupboard, it means that the chilling prospect of running out in an emergency is averted).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27xYAd2a1utoNi0tPMIrE4yOWJO3_L7ysjId7ZTQCYcr9AREv0lw_EPtNIC3ibLiftR-MGpbJOCoiWQciNbtI1UXVU_9S-fzdUOErmdmCHEoihUeNk_9MC3b-ZmhQztbXoJYNQVofoG2K/s1600/cahiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27xYAd2a1utoNi0tPMIrE4yOWJO3_L7ysjId7ZTQCYcr9AREv0lw_EPtNIC3ibLiftR-MGpbJOCoiWQciNbtI1UXVU_9S-fzdUOErmdmCHEoihUeNk_9MC3b-ZmhQztbXoJYNQVofoG2K/s400/cahiers.jpg" width="381" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice little pocket at the back</td></tr>
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But I must admit these notebooks have one drawback - the buff cover has a sort of minimalist, even scholarly, appeal, but they do not look quite a pretty as I would like when lined up on my desk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5tKo4vduJeKbnFrYE4VXTw3K-0FscO4cy86qhA9pDjLMrWU7qTOAApFE49ytaz1Q7j0OkVfI8q5-dGGW9WNrrQ1Mz8Zyo5juHPp2hxwiURQx6P8Ex-FYnUAOTZjcgTvW3EaD0K_ZZcdQ/s1600/coveredstack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5tKo4vduJeKbnFrYE4VXTw3K-0FscO4cy86qhA9pDjLMrWU7qTOAApFE49ytaz1Q7j0OkVfI8q5-dGGW9WNrrQ1Mz8Zyo5juHPp2hxwiURQx6P8Ex-FYnUAOTZjcgTvW3EaD0K_ZZcdQ/s400/coveredstack.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Luckily Michelle and her patterns have come to my rescue - Michelle does a <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=76235&c=ib&aff=168651" target="_blank">pattern here (called a Swatch Book Cover)</a> which is for a really easy to sew cover for the small and large sized Moleskine cahiers, and I have been running up pretty covers for all and sundry (it is an excellent pattern for last-minute presents it is so quick to make up).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa7_udMsmG4OnfhuHtvWzvIZYiVOTUhJwG8C-LnqRwPTCDFjcFCRqlIXhqRULEOhCJ0kq3NsTZTvXOAb39b0dAPiKCAeSxF0I05fF6BRwrwGWIMuxJ9nE_kZE38p8HLGVBBuzz5blrqjj/s1600/open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa7_udMsmG4OnfhuHtvWzvIZYiVOTUhJwG8C-LnqRwPTCDFjcFCRqlIXhqRULEOhCJ0kq3NsTZTvXOAb39b0dAPiKCAeSxF0I05fF6BRwrwGWIMuxJ9nE_kZE38p8HLGVBBuzz5blrqjj/s400/open.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You don't need a lot of fabric, so it is a great way to use up fat quarters, or left-over pieces from other projects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV89Th5nDHuMVuygw7qNbWWxKsk95ZA2oaGQcnP_QpNy2qxYzuyaS-0BlpaAsNeT2yLG_6EihZXd14zTxYSNkgBb-H8uSU5XJBU11b6j53Z9DkdQYaKJyCn_LOw-D_4DHDsIOG-QTqtKvH/s1600/velcro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV89Th5nDHuMVuygw7qNbWWxKsk95ZA2oaGQcnP_QpNy2qxYzuyaS-0BlpaAsNeT2yLG_6EihZXd14zTxYSNkgBb-H8uSU5XJBU11b6j53Z9DkdQYaKJyCn_LOw-D_4DHDsIOG-QTqtKvH/s400/velcro.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And Michelle has also put me out of misery at my uncovered extra large cahier - she has just released <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=76235&c=ib&aff=168651" target="_blank">a pattern called an Idea Pouch</a> which fits the extra large cahiers (as well as iPads, but sadly I don't have an iPad) and joy of joys, it has pen slots and buttons on the front. You will not be surprised to hear that I have bought this pattern and am in the process of making the all-important fabric decisions. But first my Book of Recipes for a Frugal Housewife needs a cover - I feel that this combination looks suitably culinary. What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKD1LJiEtevskdzwQzifl7hgGqoXY5p99D1GQtrcL9BcnSb70yOsyofzxdGMGVclEaYr3JRJCSFREe_Faf0l1P5qnsPt6NoSh99Yh2Fl59dDRdWsQ7O82TzGltq75iaFLk2hdcHmPnZhrx/s1600/recipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKD1LJiEtevskdzwQzifl7hgGqoXY5p99D1GQtrcL9BcnSb70yOsyofzxdGMGVclEaYr3JRJCSFREe_Faf0l1P5qnsPt6NoSh99Yh2Fl59dDRdWsQ7O82TzGltq75iaFLk2hdcHmPnZhrx/s400/recipes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And before I go I will just leave you with a very deep thought. A renowned French philosopher and cultural theorist by the name of Jean Baudrillard took it upon himself to write about the significance of covers in the domestic interior. He uses the word redundancy, and sees such 'overworking of signs of possession' as indicating not only the 'intention to possess, but to show how well one possesses' in 'an anxious compulsion to sequestration'.* As I anxiously go to count my doilies and refold my tablecloths, I wonder at what point domestic coverings become redundant. Are patchwork quilts allowed, or is it irredeemably bourgeois to sleep under anything but a solitary, scratchy grey army blanket? I feel sorry for Mrs Baudrillard - I bet she wasn't allowed flowery notebook covers on her desk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN3YEmExHDjHKthXa-RNxbBYyLr7ZzcVVoYAYZmExRLmfvp3SJaj2tDXWTzKOv8e-p43YR7fh5qu65bIFmcD-OQ-VMyMHfpFOrA6gKzNKPBRP8JMj5q7xEtdP5Y08n7KNEgevvbMw3IME/s1600/two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN3YEmExHDjHKthXa-RNxbBYyLr7ZzcVVoYAYZmExRLmfvp3SJaj2tDXWTzKOv8e-p43YR7fh5qu65bIFmcD-OQ-VMyMHfpFOrA6gKzNKPBRP8JMj5q7xEtdP5Y08n7KNEgevvbMw3IME/s400/two.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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*Jean Baudrillard, <i>For a Critique of the Political Economy of the Sign</i> (1981)<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-8540775935554694462012-10-01T21:45:00.000+01:002012-10-01T21:45:41.189+01:00Washed up on the shores of the future<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjVySqZJl0d_2KLuNDWiz6klj6_tDoX8O1jhKcN4_eV0XHuRlArGbIr3yg6BPBuIXbfZ8S2Ttu3b9ZKYJVGNgNVvDgWzts_41sibsNAd7U_LPOISL9NxXzjGaltyJOB6j5Q5ByhzknicW/s1600/wellies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjVySqZJl0d_2KLuNDWiz6klj6_tDoX8O1jhKcN4_eV0XHuRlArGbIr3yg6BPBuIXbfZ8S2Ttu3b9ZKYJVGNgNVvDgWzts_41sibsNAd7U_LPOISL9NxXzjGaltyJOB6j5Q5ByhzknicW/s400/wellies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stepping out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The year has wheeled and turned, summer is most definitely over and
gone, and today the rain has had a relentless quality, insisting on the
advent of autumn and the darkening of the days. The all-too-brief Indian summer has disappeared with the morning mist.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L62hwBoQplbYzmQ3u-Lvz5g-kkxhbr-QWPDsYu5OiO5HIW5b2EQKKRbgT9eNEMfWmXLgOaH9KPq0Y-1fgxMj0r4O_10EF-Rlrwydl9ieqWOxNcrgxGqSJiHAHFG7Q60ghD4RONfDbGeZ/s1600/combine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L62hwBoQplbYzmQ3u-Lvz5g-kkxhbr-QWPDsYu5OiO5HIW5b2EQKKRbgT9eNEMfWmXLgOaH9KPq0Y-1fgxMj0r4O_10EF-Rlrwydl9ieqWOxNcrgxGqSJiHAHFG7Q60ghD4RONfDbGeZ/s400/combine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking into the distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The silence seems all-enveloping as I sit in the quiet and listen for the ticking of the clock and ponder on the contrast with the noisy and joyful weekend when my boys flew in for a day, two days, and flew out again, off and away.<br />
<br />
It strikes me that I miss most dreadfully the seemingly endless squabbling and jostling of years past, the trail of socks on the floor, the sideboards heaped with homework, and the multiple trip hazards ascending the stairs.<br />
<br />
Our meals are no longer large, disputatious events, but sedate little finishings-up of scraps from the fridge. Even the fridge looks bare, with no need to buy 20 litres of milk every week and gigantic catering-size blocks of cheese, or to make two loaves of bread a day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN34r5MdWh8XiT4zGypilkLsZ1dW3EUUc5EDQ3CRQSEo0zqdUXufjo682YxG_WJhfaqAOnPYzaxU94InW4a4-8RK3CqILJG9TVjpd31btGShS__cj1oztVWbU3jolEHgeL2K0M0WFOTkV/s1600/piggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN34r5MdWh8XiT4zGypilkLsZ1dW3EUUc5EDQ3CRQSEo0zqdUXufjo682YxG_WJhfaqAOnPYzaxU94InW4a4-8RK3CqILJG9TVjpd31btGShS__cj1oztVWbU3jolEHgeL2K0M0WFOTkV/s400/piggy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas is coming ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We are quite shrunk and denuded, two Aged Ps with one not-so-little Princess, who is more often out singing and sporting and studying than she is at home sitting quietly and amiably at her desk. I have spent many years saying over and again that it takes two to make an argument, and I am now most definitely proved right. The peace and stillness bring that home to me today.<br />
<br />
You wouldn't really want us to stay at home forever, they say, and such certainties seem, well, somehow more contingent.<br />
<br />
I think back to those Sunday nights when I was the one setting off for the excitements of the world, and departing into the dusk; catching trains and heaving my bags on and off interminably delayed replacement buses, or driving three hours to the back of beyond in the dark and cold without a second thought, always looking forward and never back.<br />
<br />
And now I am the one left behind, silently slipping into a new role where I will count down the days to the next visit and eagerly await the considerate phone call dutifully made. I am grateful that I still have one fledgling wanting me to discuss French verbs and common denominators, and after years of firefighting and taking each day as it comes, I begin to think about the importance of setting myself goals, and casting around hopefully for unfulfilled ambitions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz5GiZqQwW_8DZzwFUeHhQ_FmQ7B5iszXCrRWrBUD6jtAiqalQ6UwcQi_gyz-cURbHb4-4ozWyriH-edTnrPs5WlCANO_NPnk6o0wAlEdESunAgRdnVU6LSsFaDYtLkUyFdJe-0-9p24Q/s1600/dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz5GiZqQwW_8DZzwFUeHhQ_FmQ7B5iszXCrRWrBUD6jtAiqalQ6UwcQi_gyz-cURbHb4-4ozWyriH-edTnrPs5WlCANO_NPnk6o0wAlEdESunAgRdnVU6LSsFaDYtLkUyFdJe-0-9p24Q/s400/dog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My faithful friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If only I had the time, I said to myself for so many years, if only I had the time, just think what I could do. Now I can walk the dog for an hour at sunrise, and sew quilt squares together in the wrong order, and knit orphan legwarmers for stumpy legs; my afternoons don't end at three, and my day begins unconscionably early.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWaMM81siQ3m2PSN6VVGqEp47Vakh0dCjIm26uSC8fp0FYlC6uDeEiwFu5TePTsaJHuDY9vBk6Now-Sv0HorPAyjicxfeOpPlNKnpYEuM9_dHQ_-eRVaqHDbwJKwox3E4n0ofo3HgPTb4/s1600/blackberries.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWaMM81siQ3m2PSN6VVGqEp47Vakh0dCjIm26uSC8fp0FYlC6uDeEiwFu5TePTsaJHuDY9vBk6Now-Sv0HorPAyjicxfeOpPlNKnpYEuM9_dHQ_-eRVaqHDbwJKwox3E4n0ofo3HgPTb4/s400/blackberries.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And now indeed there will be time, time for me to consider Bergsonian notions of <i>le temps</i> and <i>la durée</i> (as I noted so carefully in my copy of '<a href="http://www.bartleby.com/198/1.html" target="_blank">The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock</a>' in those years when time was at a premium; I have been rather fond of old Prufrock for many a long year now, and also note with unease a certain personal identification with his plight); perhaps I could learn Latin or sign language (both of which seem rather tempting at this point), or even take those stumpy legs Nordic walking, which would be sure to make them svelte and my socks fall down. Maybe even take photos with the horizon straight.<br />
<br />
I'll let you know how I get on.<br />
<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-34760277812410515272012-09-25T18:19:00.000+01:002012-09-25T18:25:57.026+01:00Sweet dreams are made of this: adventures in quiltingAs the temperatures fall, and now that I have two socks and an almost legwarmer on hand to keep those stocky legs cosy, I have been wondering how to counteract the chilly nights. The Head Chef and I have been married so long that our duvet contains only a memory of goosedown, and thus needs some supplementary layers to ensure that I at least wake rosy with the dawn rather than blue and shivering under the eaves.<br />
<br />
Thus some years ago, before I knew a layer cake from a jelly roll, I bought one of each in the misguided notion that I would have to do barely more than untie the ribbon and hey presto! a king size patchwork quilt would appear before my very eyes (at least that is what the woman in the shop led me to believe - and she showed me one that she had whipped up herself in an hour or two).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-pjMW91suvmoS03PyBDxkeu1ewvVBwuawMDPzfw9oE8Yv-5HmTP7532josKDPDQwUu1IwESfowBKHtpv-ZrjMNnVIYQEy1U-DiCum0UOwMfXWOUdvsdTurXAxhbZlCgo5BceGKDNT40_/s1600/top1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-pjMW91suvmoS03PyBDxkeu1ewvVBwuawMDPzfw9oE8Yv-5HmTP7532josKDPDQwUu1IwESfowBKHtpv-ZrjMNnVIYQEy1U-DiCum0UOwMfXWOUdvsdTurXAxhbZlCgo5BceGKDNT40_/s400/top1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The fabric (Sanctuary by Three Sisters for Moda) also caught my eye,
jumping out as it did amongst the bolts of midnight blue printed with
gold pharaohs and tabby cats sitting amongst daffodils, and so when I
signed up for the Learn to Patchwork Day I also took possession of a
selection of matching fat quarters, without any clear idea of how it
would all come together in a quilt. Then six months later in the sales I
pounced upon some half-price end of rolls in yes, you have guessed it,
Sanctuary (there is a theme emerging here, you may say to yourself
[remember also that I was quite innocent back then regarding the
temptation inherent in the concept of the online fabric store]).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVjtdBfo7qEtaQRWQt9HS4ZHlOFYW5IDM95C30pSSFpmUa8NZEtRhZOlC9gOJhoI0KUaQ-Zu8lA86FCYU1b3ZSGuBgQ7sSOWV-4d8JIEbx0atoTf3UUGboBmXJN1OxJX-6ftcxa9E_zKF/s1600/top2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVjtdBfo7qEtaQRWQt9HS4ZHlOFYW5IDM95C30pSSFpmUa8NZEtRhZOlC9gOJhoI0KUaQ-Zu8lA86FCYU1b3ZSGuBgQ7sSOWV-4d8JIEbx0atoTf3UUGboBmXJN1OxJX-6ftcxa9E_zKF/s400/top2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And there things rested, getting dusty under the bed rather than keeping me warm on top, until I had read <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1843405334/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1843405334&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">the prettiest quilting book</a> and practised on some baby quilts <a href="http://littlecottagecomforts.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/on-quilting-and-appearing-in-press-with.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://littlecottagecomforts.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/comfort-and-joy.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and graduated to Princess size <a href="http://littlecottagecomforts.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/quilt-top-and-wave-of-aestheticism.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and spent some time as a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0896898288/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0896898288&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">Farmer's Wife</a> (yes, it's still a WIP, but I am getting there very slowly).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvzOdzyRft-WHxETkMi3s7fXitg_GwQMQIogy2xBq8ebhSg9fmeuYTMlRRf3fYD7YwYy5owrjxUKmT_9P189N8SpZMyks-lKG7UGzasgv0cFDIFlbc5oPHCm7XjUsREXCmZDfdHC9xziy/s1600/top3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvzOdzyRft-WHxETkMi3s7fXitg_GwQMQIogy2xBq8ebhSg9fmeuYTMlRRf3fYD7YwYy5owrjxUKmT_9P189N8SpZMyks-lKG7UGzasgv0cFDIFlbc5oPHCm7XjUsREXCmZDfdHC9xziy/s400/top3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
And hey presto! here is a very large (by my standards) quilt top made from the jelly roll and some of the yardage. The pattern is Blue Lagoon (which as you might have guessed is a blue and white quilt, so perhaps I should call mine Pink Pond), from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0715328638/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0715328638&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">this excellent book</a> by the talented Lintott mother and daughter team. I just added a double border to increase the warmth factor.<br />
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I am now on such a roll that on Sunday afternoon I cut up the Sanctuary layer cake and have laid out the pieces for a companion quilt in order to be extra cosy. (I did make the mistake of using the largest dog-free floor space in the house, which is in the B&B sitting room, and no, I don't mind potential guests ringing up at 4pm on a Sunday and saying are you vacant, could we be with you in an hour, we'll ring you right back. It is no trouble at all to pick up 196 squares and transport them upstairs and tidy the floor and plump up the cushions and move it all upstairs and then find the squares can't fit on our bed and bring it all down again when you realize that they are not going to ring back, no trouble whatsoever, says she smiling sweetly.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2McYhsam5lou3Qj95cA5-RpH1YHIonS32nUJP5Xda_mfB6j9EkmUaaCKqjSs9WD_sNCqlX0cMNpDfD4qKl2WVB7lyH3BnV1t08hrDbPwV5PEDXq3_82MtI8N2L3ylZRT4Nrtzu-XDjCsC/s1600/2top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2McYhsam5lou3Qj95cA5-RpH1YHIonS32nUJP5Xda_mfB6j9EkmUaaCKqjSs9WD_sNCqlX0cMNpDfD4qKl2WVB7lyH3BnV1t08hrDbPwV5PEDXq3_82MtI8N2L3ylZRT4Nrtzu-XDjCsC/s400/2top.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog-free zone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And did I say dog-free? Well, except for a Little Black Dog who shall remain Nameless who sneaked in while no one was about and scuffed up one corner, and I know it was you Little Stranger because of the nature of the discombobulation and the little bits of black dust and grit scattered so artfully on the white sheet.<br />
<br />
This quilt is also based on a Lintott pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0715332082/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0715332082&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">here</a> - a very simple one called Charming Flowers, but I am afraid I had to line up the asymmetrical stars. (Such is my need for order in my life that I can't cope with too much asymmetry and had to arrange them evenly.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQx7zMcOkPEaE-E4uYzto__s8TzpyJDTo7RWfL-lmbcIOIjeI2p9ykchykXEFmJgN6nKlJdPiPsCPVeAq7tir2RFaxg4QsRu4RTFuTiPF2NC1nm2zHtxjWpqNDM01BPsouNXx4tqK4tJO/s1600/2topstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQx7zMcOkPEaE-E4uYzto__s8TzpyJDTo7RWfL-lmbcIOIjeI2p9ykchykXEFmJgN6nKlJdPiPsCPVeAq7tir2RFaxg4QsRu4RTFuTiPF2NC1nm2zHtxjWpqNDM01BPsouNXx4tqK4tJO/s400/2topstars.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Symmetrical</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There is just the sticky question of backing and quilting a big double quilt - a bit too big to hand quilt, I think, and I am feeling slightly nervous about the whole thing. I have a walking foot, unused, and occasionally eye it with trepidation.<br />
<br />
Maybe a bigger sewing table and more space in which to manhandle the quilt and pin it out would jolt me out of my impasse ...<br />
<br />
Hence my latest project for the Head Chef: turning our luxury shed into a bijou super-deluxe office (which can of course be used as a sewing studio when no one is feeling officious).<br />
<br />
But knowing the Head Chef's capacity for procrastination (which puts
my efforts on that front into the shade) I have a feeling that I will be
shivering quiltless in my bed for some time ...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v4HnjmqdnHrq_CbOtO3AuKbIo8MScDw7DK_fXrgRyhyphenhyphenw7F6VKonQI5mcNhVOAbaD7UMm5MfhQgsMyynmb515zKylmVIUfdSMm_MBim-SmJAV0ncZ5ntZNDgFdpI6Ti2dSUyVTmlM_Zr4/s1600/luxury+shed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v4HnjmqdnHrq_CbOtO3AuKbIo8MScDw7DK_fXrgRyhyphenhyphenw7F6VKonQI5mcNhVOAbaD7UMm5MfhQgsMyynmb515zKylmVIUfdSMm_MBim-SmJAV0ncZ5ntZNDgFdpI6Ti2dSUyVTmlM_Zr4/s400/luxury+shed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He promised to take me for a walk last Wednesday ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are some newbies on the block to welcome to the jolly band - hello to Gilly at <a href="http://gillymakes.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gilly Makes</a> (she has just done some very pretty quilting), Bee at <a href="http://thelinencloud.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Linen Cloud</a> (very nice granny blanket on the go), Su at <a href="http://su-livingontheedge.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Living on the Edge</a> (I love her beachy textile creation), and <a href="http://sweetposydreams.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sweet Posy Dreams</a> (who is busy decorating) - Blogland is such a hive of industry that I think we can all pat ourselves on the back.<br />
<br />
Now what shall I make next ...?<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-20611625822765492782012-09-22T17:13:00.000+01:002012-09-22T17:14:55.447+01:00Sock issuesCaptain Lurgy has been in residence at the cottage and his requirements for bed and board have been quite tiresome, but I decided that I must drag my frail frame from its indolent habitation on the sofa in order to prove that I still exist and that some days I manage to achieve something.<br />
<br />
What with the gammy hand and the dicky neck and the tender ministrations of Captain Lurgy, my output has not matched my aspirations, but I am distinctly conscious that there is a nip hovering in the air, and the season to be cosy approaches nearly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNNtL436pohV7wVKDgAQ8oHerDjWvkbw7vfrS0retVWaP21SUH9VwM2brgmNFGLBz4SnQHsFfFrf1QGnviY_3H33jZiQZwE_fRdsBecLkwpcDRB1y-u2y-H1AxQ7LRPLDArenTIUAIj8s/s1600/nicesocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNNtL436pohV7wVKDgAQ8oHerDjWvkbw7vfrS0retVWaP21SUH9VwM2brgmNFGLBz4SnQHsFfFrf1QGnviY_3H33jZiQZwE_fRdsBecLkwpcDRB1y-u2y-H1AxQ7LRPLDArenTIUAIj8s/s400/nicesocks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice socks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So my creative efforts have been concentrated on things warm and comforting. Hence the stripy socks. Hand-knitted socks, as I am sure that I have said before, are like cashmere cardigans - one encounter and you are ruined forever (I am still in hopes that Brora will suddenly email me, begging to sponsor my blog and offering copious amounts of things cashmere to review).<br />
<br />
Thus I try to knit one or two pairs of cosy socks a year, and you may look at and admire my Jubilee Socks. (Yes, I was a Bay City Roller fan when I was a mere scrap of a girl - why did you ask?)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu3L1QY-i6rngxFpKrw904arytBEaPnySpuLXECV_tlEMZlGNyMCs3Rn1ipLqIbzm4rSwVapTEnzznADN1nSwyYFM1wyPVcIj-11lCAGr8q03uU-kGQJYp7ItkF1mwzwVwgklwCWwchXQ/s1600/heavyduty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu3L1QY-i6rngxFpKrw904arytBEaPnySpuLXECV_tlEMZlGNyMCs3Rn1ipLqIbzm4rSwVapTEnzznADN1nSwyYFM1wyPVcIj-11lCAGr8q03uU-kGQJYp7ItkF1mwzwVwgklwCWwchXQ/s400/heavyduty.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy duty winter warmers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I cast on these jolly numbers on the Jubilee weekend in June - we had fled the country in honour of the celebration and as I sat in sunny Brittany I was quite bemused to see that the French were quite over-excited about the whole event (little union flag logos on the TV screen and hysterical TV presenters in the rain on the riverbank interviewing equally bemused Brits in their waterproofs), so we didn't have to miss anything.<br />
<br />
I knitted my very patriotic socks, quietly satisfied that for once the weather in the country in which we had chosen to holiday was sunny and dry, and that it looked pretty grey, wet and cold at home. The converse is usually true and it has become something of a holiday essential for me to be out searching the shops for heavy-duty Goretex.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHOTKTGR4tUd_l7de9YMjq1rzgL_wJSzV-lihsVRK3kcczcN0q7whGQc-oGc8TgsewPmU7XzST5SFadyL5i8tJHDp6Sc826A30UubuCZYr_hAyk4EhhWlcERRAN22FV2wxtR5Qe0-sfGp/s1600/titanic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHOTKTGR4tUd_l7de9YMjq1rzgL_wJSzV-lihsVRK3kcczcN0q7whGQc-oGc8TgsewPmU7XzST5SFadyL5i8tJHDp6Sc826A30UubuCZYr_hAyk4EhhWlcERRAN22FV2wxtR5Qe0-sfGp/s400/titanic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Titanic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unfortunately I have still not solved the problem of how to photograph myself in my new socks without my ankles thickening before my very eyes, or my thighs appearing to be of titanic proportions (I hear my sister sniggering as she reads this, and muttering 'stumpy' ...)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVXW40bbhEC9ukgO3NWokYUQg4gBbV_UkwL2yBIPYxKAJKw-qco7KI8mvh_LxPmTL7PBx8w6rFo4gJjRtUpGC4A7uPdchEwJCbWvBPI6dUusWvQxjGLQ3wpiL7R4n67C6P8wSF0pQ2enx/s1600/fatankles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVXW40bbhEC9ukgO3NWokYUQg4gBbV_UkwL2yBIPYxKAJKw-qco7KI8mvh_LxPmTL7PBx8w6rFo4gJjRtUpGC4A7uPdchEwJCbWvBPI6dUusWvQxjGLQ3wpiL7R4n67C6P8wSF0pQ2enx/s400/fatankles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stumpy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In my defence, I would like to say that these have been made as top-layer winter socks, extra-roomy to accommodate an underneath pair, for those months when my circulation comes to a halt mid-calf. The pattern is my usual favourite from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1596680296/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1596680296&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">Ann Budd's book</a>, and the yarn is Regia 4-ply sock yarn - I now find out that it is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/regia-flusi-das-socken-monster" target="_blank">Flusi Das Socken Monster</a> yarn (colour 1807) especially for small children with small legs. I was not warned about this in the shop. Perhaps that is why my ankles are so rotund in appearance?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLHrHcDVF076h9ai-l-fkbVzjaa5vs3HQopk9vDDxtEs4f9LV7qFGooSc2Sc09CHqUpcGKXVh8oRyl8AXuC07nPJyv3OSRr6OAo9nqHjdvL43jQmKCW2RBX2HDTvBrkVonhASXvnBcycr/s1600/stumpy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLHrHcDVF076h9ai-l-fkbVzjaa5vs3HQopk9vDDxtEs4f9LV7qFGooSc2Sc09CHqUpcGKXVh8oRyl8AXuC07nPJyv3OSRr6OAo9nqHjdvL43jQmKCW2RBX2HDTvBrkVonhASXvnBcycr/s400/stumpy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm, they are a bit on the thick side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And I have also just cast on some super-cosy legwarmers (free pattern <a href="http://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/some-cloudy-day/" target="_blank">here</a>) to ensure that my legs look equally thick the whole way along.<br />
<br />
It is also of some comfort to me that the Little Stranger likes my socks - I know this because she jumped on my stomach and licked my face and my camera. The lens will probably never be the same again.<br />
<br />
Thank you for all of your lovely comments on the previous post. I will come and say hello to you in return as soon as I can get round you all. Perhaps you could also say hello to the lovely new followers who are Kay at <a href="http://countrylivingblog.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Deep in the Cornish Countryside</a>, Sarajan at <a href="http://fleachic.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fleachic</a>, Pattypan at <a href="http://tarragonnthyme.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tarragon & Thyme</a>, Debby at <a href="http://cozyblanket.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cozy Blanket</a>, Geraldine at <a href="http://sophiebelledesigns.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sophie Belle Designs</a>, Cheryl at <a href="http://mylittlepieceofengland.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">My Little Piece of England</a>, Maggie Moore at <a href="http://prettyflowersinthewindow.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pretty Flowers in the Window</a>, and <a href="http://www.dusyl.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kaylagking</a>.<br />
<br />
From a health and safety point of view you will be pleased to hear that no socks or black dogs were harmed in the manufacture of this post, but unfortunately a party of ants hitched a ride and are only now emerging from their hiding places about my person. With skin crawling I salute you and depart ...<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-83843652029815117962012-09-06T18:02:00.000+01:002012-09-06T18:03:39.925+01:00Vitamin therapyThe summer seems to have slipped by in the twinkling of an eye, the admirals have sailed off with the tide, and I remain, beached, almost wondering what to do with myself, so much have they filled my days over the past few weeks.<br />
<br />
Dear readers, I would love to tell you that I can manage to edit a book, run a B&B, be a good mother, and keep my house and garden tidy at the same time.<br />
<br />
But sadly if I did I would be lying.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k_0WyuKCPiSodmTGDp9E1naYW5mqhDY3mjsIzwBvMtAevbmtCPv4FLcWjpIsF_FwkHyd-tGOiSpo65wFTPDMjYZ8oQiEbZxK-xNCEjx7DLmOsTGGcGPEUewlRsFss8d8QPDNfuRn4vlV/s1600/kep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k_0WyuKCPiSodmTGDp9E1naYW5mqhDY3mjsIzwBvMtAevbmtCPv4FLcWjpIsF_FwkHyd-tGOiSpo65wFTPDMjYZ8oQiEbZxK-xNCEjx7DLmOsTGGcGPEUewlRsFss8d8QPDNfuRn4vlV/s400/kep.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching up with the laundry mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I would love to be the sort of blogger who leads a life to which other bloggers aspire, in a house filled with sunlight whatever the season, where the dogs sleep on clean blankets of patchwork and crochet, with a garden where one can take a photograph anywhere and be confronted with a vision of loveliness and distinguished plantings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrjTKAUL4pGUmVNodHP1-RUQsC74DFC3cHputg3H3OzjGYDxtz8qCfonTU_H6P7YsRqICqHhyS1dT9iP5Z7iR-yvISo9YtBibgP69xYH11YGxS3W4EQPAguVYYIzXKg2ofKUeQLUue_WT/s1600/oldlady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrjTKAUL4pGUmVNodHP1-RUQsC74DFC3cHputg3H3OzjGYDxtz8qCfonTU_H6P7YsRqICqHhyS1dT9iP5Z7iR-yvISo9YtBibgP69xYH11YGxS3W4EQPAguVYYIzXKg2ofKUeQLUue_WT/s400/oldlady.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did someone mention a crochet blanket?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And yesterday I could have started on that route to the pink and pineapple of perfection by addressing the dog-hair, ankle-deep in the sitting room, or polishing the windows to improve the light-levels indoors. Maybe I could even have done a little light weeding in the aim of getting to grips with the bindweed, creeping buttercup and ground elder which threaten to overwhelm my flowerbeds.<br />
<br />
I pegged up my sadly deficient dog blankets that seemed to have taken on the appearance of ragged old bathtowels, splotched with sinister-looking stains which are highly resistant to the boil wash, and sighed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBjVokF50TfgZk89NCKUMG6u_z9HC1b4UISykAtZHj_L1OTljp6FWGaewoFmf2-6uCynNB116frAI3oVh5kAJseaxsFwP76251LJC7skdCNsOx4AdDNTL7aLdmNmbU-z8i7CSmEG6uEOr/s1600/tartan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBjVokF50TfgZk89NCKUMG6u_z9HC1b4UISykAtZHj_L1OTljp6FWGaewoFmf2-6uCynNB116frAI3oVh5kAJseaxsFwP76251LJC7skdCNsOx4AdDNTL7aLdmNmbU-z8i7CSmEG6uEOr/s400/tartan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreaming of a tartan blanket to sleep on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I looked at the bedrooms of my absent boys: the Ploughboy's is merely grubby and unkempt, whereas that of the General one could categorize as a health hazard and threatening to the fabric of the house. There is very little floor space available for standing in, even if I wanted to attempt some sort of fumigation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsulZuZgYADGES-iz4E0NLOhhyZRGDWZcp83P4FJfBFnnXLI25e25uj93KwgpU2wvmZzkeeOXZq8mr5qPouRb8-5L_fPyYxQo5Km0_j2ikPOZo6iPaPYwWi65-MzFeECKY1mHMevYUtbS/s1600/dogs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsulZuZgYADGES-iz4E0NLOhhyZRGDWZcp83P4FJfBFnnXLI25e25uj93KwgpU2wvmZzkeeOXZq8mr5qPouRb8-5L_fPyYxQo5Km0_j2ikPOZo6iPaPYwWi65-MzFeECKY1mHMevYUtbS/s400/dogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A strong aroma of mouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But when they do come home, I want to be a welcoming, glad to see you, sort of mother, and not one who berates them with the amount by which their disorderly nests reduce the value of the house (£8,000 per mucky children's room apparently).<br />
<br />
Then I heard the caressing tones of Dr Mark Porter on Radio 4 (trust him implicitly, he is a doctor) recommending the benefits of vitamin D as an anti-inflammatory (this is why TB patients were made to sunbathe in winter).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG3bfQQFhChjt56bO4wfWBFU3H7JNSZ7kUDywX4QNhWvErUWR2upYO0Cojd8jy7Y8j9tYzEs2E7cyk5H70Npvy1bF8rOoHI1OJnwN9M1emZeSm7i4eQ6hqd8g5okjxDlndkHeTTaGWi2F/s1600/knitting1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG3bfQQFhChjt56bO4wfWBFU3H7JNSZ7kUDywX4QNhWvErUWR2upYO0Cojd8jy7Y8j9tYzEs2E7cyk5H70Npvy1bF8rOoHI1OJnwN9M1emZeSm7i4eQ6hqd8g5okjxDlndkHeTTaGWi2F/s400/knitting1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I need such treatment, I thought. So I took up my knitting, heaved a chair onto the grass,<br />
and I sat and basked in the sunshine, in order maximize my intake of anti-inflammatory vitamin D.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGXXOy_Qg95lKc9GJd4iSL-KotL2rer4WhtlkzZTsYa2hN7gFbLbZAZKi7xgglSGQ9ysPnqGumBB_3Oyq24Jw6AP5RW7JIwboDdzLpyjyT_3XD1_uWPjc4OdtmwrnplMSHYEHsr63SA1c/s1600/knitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGXXOy_Qg95lKc9GJd4iSL-KotL2rer4WhtlkzZTsYa2hN7gFbLbZAZKi7xgglSGQ9ysPnqGumBB_3Oyq24Jw6AP5RW7JIwboDdzLpyjyT_3XD1_uWPjc4OdtmwrnplMSHYEHsr63SA1c/s400/knitting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very soothing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And I thought that you might like to know that the result of my experiment was to feel very much better, so I can highly recommend its efficacy, and anti-inflammatory nature - the experience of such therapy was distinctly healing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCnql6xZlu0_eqU04W4nsKzf8ahW-dUv4XdOsHoB8KA6I_ktbZGj_NYBWk_WulFmOpbCDRQC-RtOcKhG52AmxLfcP5NClSsKy6jp5ErOlL7Ic6iDoBtiZDklw5Y8aB2PNLJNDZeuPrUbI/s1600/mid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCnql6xZlu0_eqU04W4nsKzf8ahW-dUv4XdOsHoB8KA6I_ktbZGj_NYBWk_WulFmOpbCDRQC-RtOcKhG52AmxLfcP5NClSsKy6jp5ErOlL7Ic6iDoBtiZDklw5Y8aB2PNLJNDZeuPrUbI/s400/mid.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunning oneself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, it does not seem to work for dogs. As two out of the three were sick on the grass, I cannot affirm its effectiveness in canines.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ql7_XO0uc8ZlP2rv4fkx_jK0lWdBqf6d-hQ8746cWBb0THoEC76IyjX8uj6RFjlulvmEHbbf1kRiKz2CH2Ug42KAc2odCbyWQJ_24XqJJtl_VTolGhT3yGOmLGUojOmX_g-Awl2C3AO4/s1600/keparch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ql7_XO0uc8ZlP2rv4fkx_jK0lWdBqf6d-hQ8746cWBb0THoEC76IyjX8uj6RFjlulvmEHbbf1kRiKz2CH2Ug42KAc2odCbyWQJ_24XqJJtl_VTolGhT3yGOmLGUojOmX_g-Awl2C3AO4/s400/keparch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I am going to be sick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So the moral of the story is that if you are feeling a little inflamed, then go and expose your body to sunlight (trust me, I am a doctor).<br />
<br />
But don't forget your knitting ...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uLIqvRw8oHefMbJCW4EnbDECODtQVrlchn1s1wvVUnBGCbUyXfmfLvgW16g4IcpVQalql70jt65YAfgrgDcMwBOPxx8fuCTTP297V_h0A5FTR9Iv_9ClusZkPcSctFBfVHggqhgGsVho/s1600/knitwit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uLIqvRw8oHefMbJCW4EnbDECODtQVrlchn1s1wvVUnBGCbUyXfmfLvgW16g4IcpVQalql70jt65YAfgrgDcMwBOPxx8fuCTTP297V_h0A5FTR9Iv_9ClusZkPcSctFBfVHggqhgGsVho/s400/knitwit.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And if you would like to see some pretty pictures of far better regulated households, then do go and visit some of the new faces at the cottage, who are:<br />
<br />
Ada at <a href="http://vintagesheetaddict.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vintage Sheet Addict</a>, Lush at <a href="http://diegoagogo.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Diegoagogo</a>, Nancy McCarroll at <a href="http://nancymccarroll.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Art, Crafts and Favourites</a>, Jane Sorgetz at <a href="http://atelierdeartesjanesorgetz.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Atelier de Artes,</a> Gillian at <a href="http://www.talesfromahappyhouse.com/" target="_blank">Tales From A Happy House</a>, <a href="http://gigibird.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gigibird</a>, and Ellimay (I couldn't find your blog, so do let me know if you have one).<br />
<br />
A genteel good afternoon to some lovely new friends and charmed to meet you, I am sure.<br />
<br />
<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-4662215308417803292012-09-03T18:00:00.000+01:002012-09-03T18:00:00.971+01:00Scarlet and blackAs a granny fashionista, I feel that it is my duty to dispense the occasional handy hint regarding matters sartorial, and this weekend I felt that I learned a lesson worth sharing.<br />
<br />
And my advice is, please don't listen to those grande dames of decluttering, and ladies of high fashion who insist that if an item of clothing has not been worn for a couple of years, then the only thing to do is to toss it smartly into a bin bag and consign it to history.<br />
<br />
No, the granny fashionista knows better - and in fact, I have come to the conclusion with matters of fashion and style, then the older the better, and even better if it is so old that you have forgotten that it belongs to you.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many moons ago</td></tr>
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<br />
Last Friday I found myself in the unusual situation of deciding what
to wear to a party more than one hour in advance (mainly because those
dastardly admirals were keeping me waiting, and I had time on my hands)
and I stood in front of the mirror gazing sadly as this year's party
frock purchase, and finding it sadly wanting.<br />
<br />
I made the mistake of buying a new dress in the spring, thinking that
three rather exciting parties in the offing justified such impulsive
extravagance and would of course reduce the CPW to a mere nothing
(fashionista-speak for cost per wear, a concept about as useful as that
of investment dressing which somehow implies that spending large amounts
on clothes is akin to putting the money into the bank or a pension.
Take it from me, the more you spend on fashion, the more you spend and
the less you have in the bank, whatever the CPW).<br />
<br />
And
as for my little piece of investment dressing, it has not stepped up to
the mark for any party as yet. 'It is a very pretty dress,' said
Princess Bunchy kindly. 'I think I might be cold,' I replied as I tried
leggings and a variety of cardis, and every single pair of shoes to my
name, and felt the sinking feeling that this fatal frock was not really
up to a Hollywood theme in a rather lovely venue in the Great Wen, or
anywhere else for that matter. In fact, this dress came under the
category of Big Mistake, and contrary to the effusive affirmations of
the shop assistants, it was not a dress for me but a dress for somebody
else. I am not sure quite whom, but definitely not for me.<br />
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So Princess Bunchy went exploring in the back of the wardrobe and emerged with three party frocks from many moons ago, including the one I wore to my twenty-first birthday dance. 'It's rather revealing,' she said in a shocked voice, and I tried to explain about the 1980s and strapless ballgowns with boned bodices, not that my frock was strapless or boned, or revealing as I explained as I shifted the waistband up six inches to the 1980s, and pulled the laces tight, so this was only marginally relevant. 'Whalebone,' she said knowledgeably, and then I had to explain that actually I am not that old and plastic had been invented by the time I first donned a ballgown.<br />
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As you might gather, we were not getting very far: shocking pink and purple chiffon in layers, no, too strappy for granny arms. Pale grey and cream silk with pearl buttons from Singapore - dropped waist and boxy shape far too girlish. The princess dug down into another layer - only twenty years this time - heavy black velvet with a wonderful drape on the skirt. Beautiful - a dress of dreams and probably only worn once, and I still don't regret the purchase because I would wear it again if someone would invite me to a winter party (but I don't get out much, especially in winter). But a touch warm for London in August, even one as chilly as this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW-5Rrv1Z6zGF8ZbY2FsMEPUlNTpNuWly7HoXHjeZv8k3XVORttjDAeIB3i0OEPkfceYwiQ-DFRrbtyGaL3F6gHz43FQq75_ZameOkF6e1WXVCPesDNYywWca2DyXjCPMSu3OATik0c-S/s1600/IMG_1339.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW-5Rrv1Z6zGF8ZbY2FsMEPUlNTpNuWly7HoXHjeZv8k3XVORttjDAeIB3i0OEPkfceYwiQ-DFRrbtyGaL3F6gHz43FQq75_ZameOkF6e1WXVCPesDNYywWca2DyXjCPMSu3OATik0c-S/s400/IMG_1339.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time was</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And then, hiding behind everything, covered by dry cleaner's plastic, the princess pulled out a dress only a year older than she is. Scarlet and black, chiffon and burnt velvet, a whole raft of memories came spilling out with it. A mere fourteen years old, from a time when the Commander-in-Chief occupied a position which required his daughter to have one or two rather smart party frocks. And a sad time for other reasons, and I remembered the other velvet frock in ash grey and dark blue, rather roomy in its cut, which I had discarded because of the sad memories attached to it.<br />
<br />
And this one in scarlet and black - bought after the grey one, for a summer party which I can't quite remember, but I remember feeling not quite at ease in the dress, and trying to forget things and be cheerful and graceful in a dress that was a little too tight and a little too bright for my feelings.<br />
<br />
Scarlet and black, hidden away for all these years, and from memory, and now not too tight and bold at all, quite perfect for wearing on a red carpet and having its picture taken.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SqamDicU7YlwHUwDe8CWQOzalfdKmHUKyqna4AOm02Lw5VBF9fPNcs_RXoQPjumA5LU_PIJpRiQYNBXetmVD4EOFdDn4UAB7y7uLMUwU-v2zRdNtM5yn30CeP3aBd-tn97BOHmUuGFd6/s1600/IMG_0300.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SqamDicU7YlwHUwDe8CWQOzalfdKmHUKyqna4AOm02Lw5VBF9fPNcs_RXoQPjumA5LU_PIJpRiQYNBXetmVD4EOFdDn4UAB7y7uLMUwU-v2zRdNtM5yn30CeP3aBd-tn97BOHmUuGFd6/s400/IMG_0300.jpg" width="62" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So this frock did go to the ball after all, and the story had a happy ending.<br />
<br />
And the moral is, never throw away a party frock, because they come festooned with memories of all kinds, and far better to wear a really old one, where the cost is historic (and that is a genuine economic concept) and thus more thrifty than buying a new one.<br />
<br />
Or you can buy a really old one, older than you are, which has been emptied out of someone else's bin bag, and thus become a genuine granny fashionista. Just like I did last week.<br />
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<br />
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<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542734265072988645.post-24653163183745284432012-09-02T17:52:00.001+01:002012-09-02T21:42:39.442+01:00So many shades of greyAnd no, I haven't read <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0099579936/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0099579936&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21" target="_blank">the book</a> (and goodness knows what Amazon is going to recommend for me now that I have looked at the link), but the unremitting greyness of the past couple of days is oppressing me as I sit in my north-facing office - even with the lights on.<br />
<br />
But the jolly redness of the tomatoes seem to defy the leaden skies, and the taste hints at Mediterranean summers and terrace living - if you shut your eyes quite tight and sit close enough to the Aga to feel the warmth.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqHW-y-LiMR_Vt5QGHgLuSchD2XWImUAQ7UWxv0_cuxRfVd52Lkn9wZha3wUZhqKscvkmXRu_Lbm_dA4eWQ5CJG4vya9hWKVHIOS4kuJFVCpZkKXhDhnOa59Eei_6hZKaJjYAGWm4em3R/s1600/toms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqHW-y-LiMR_Vt5QGHgLuSchD2XWImUAQ7UWxv0_cuxRfVd52Lkn9wZha3wUZhqKscvkmXRu_Lbm_dA4eWQ5CJG4vya9hWKVHIOS4kuJFVCpZkKXhDhnOa59Eei_6hZKaJjYAGWm4em3R/s400/toms.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frilly tomatoes</td></tr>
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<br />
The polytunnel has protected these tomatoes from the blight, and kept them warm enough to ripen up - the pretty frilly ones are Costoluto Fiorentino, a variety which has been consistently successful for us, in spite of our distinctly non-Mediterranean climate.<br />
<br />
The Head Chef has been slaving over a hot stove preserving them for winter - we make an all-purpose tomato sauce/soup which is quite easy to do. Just cut the tomatoes in half and spread one layer thick on a baking tray (no need to peel or deseed). Scatter liberally with basil leaves and thinly sliced onions and garlic; drizzle with copious amounts of olive oil and season well, before roasting in the oven for half an hour or so (medium heat/middle of the Aga). Leave them to cool when they come out, then blitz in a food processor or blender. Freeze in portion sizes suited to your family.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx14Fg1ogR3hJDkOuWY6xW9EJSiRVdcnjOFIE2tbeqLHZ8g2rhYtOzncgOY5udxyc6xB_kwx-bPmeP92Zu0nKPzV9BQ8PlqRV2ysaaqxI4PYF2U54bICsnNXxBSdHTp5OzmdVWjYzF1MXc/s1600/green+beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx14Fg1ogR3hJDkOuWY6xW9EJSiRVdcnjOFIE2tbeqLHZ8g2rhYtOzncgOY5udxyc6xB_kwx-bPmeP92Zu0nKPzV9BQ8PlqRV2ysaaqxI4PYF2U54bICsnNXxBSdHTp5OzmdVWjYzF1MXc/s400/green+beans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice green beans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This tomato blend will then do duty all winter in lasagne or vegetable bakes, as pizza topping, pasta sauce, thinned down as tomato soup - the list is endless, and with food prices predicted to rise quite dramatically (and pig feed already escalating) we are eagerly squirrelling away as much as possible.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIQhXU92lhP7zBwPYekPEDhM2-zIhh7R4eqrB1DuG7XDuxRsLWiAmj9T6CemvFpyoBvYVUQaOt27oHZqwQuCi9oYrn46ToLpQ71WFYnKVWwmSVBQkVDaJuDYsMDPcEQQ09dM3U-istpuv/s1600/cues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIQhXU92lhP7zBwPYekPEDhM2-zIhh7R4eqrB1DuG7XDuxRsLWiAmj9T6CemvFpyoBvYVUQaOt27oHZqwQuCi9oYrn46ToLpQ71WFYnKVWwmSVBQkVDaJuDYsMDPcEQQ09dM3U-istpuv/s400/cues.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty but few and far between</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It has been a mixed year - the cucumbers are succumbing to mildew after a very modest crop (Marketmore, which is usually quite prolific), and unlike most years we have certainly not been overrun with courgettes - although that could be this pale green variety (I forget the name) which has such an anaemic air that we will be going back to the mix of yellow and dark green stripes which was so much more aesthetically pleasing.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZTAhu8SL4d4FkhWQshF8pgrzB0skT2NwguqyeCqW58lJS6X4V8mQDsHCT2ZFlEA_PNCnPebbwQ0PDivYV-vgMLB_4gq9fnYPBu_lJx1rwKeVnj5wZQzTMbVCvIf3-D1WsW0UA0qUTe86/s1600/courgettes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZTAhu8SL4d4FkhWQshF8pgrzB0skT2NwguqyeCqW58lJS6X4V8mQDsHCT2ZFlEA_PNCnPebbwQ0PDivYV-vgMLB_4gq9fnYPBu_lJx1rwKeVnj5wZQzTMbVCvIf3-D1WsW0UA0qUTe86/s400/courgettes2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pale and uninteresting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The good old runners are still running away, and if you look carefully you can still see that everything is coated in thistledown. I fear that next year our little cottage is going to disappear in a prickly green forest and we will be machete-ing our way out.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkctVPJ5jmoQMkNxLSGVoeknmmi9ub54rAfFHfkRlCQL7s5pkxgilasnjkXXukWn5vpJvKCDZ63fNyJQ3Rbb2-8Ff08Lf33zEqybxcAuAQEh-NXXsvIeMLzMfJ2M0OL9yJJHw2yRsPaPi/s1600/runners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkctVPJ5jmoQMkNxLSGVoeknmmi9ub54rAfFHfkRlCQL7s5pkxgilasnjkXXukWn5vpJvKCDZ63fNyJQ3Rbb2-8Ff08Lf33zEqybxcAuAQEh-NXXsvIeMLzMfJ2M0OL9yJJHw2yRsPaPi/s400/runners.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Machete at the ready</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I hope that you have had a sunnier weekend than we have, and if you don't feel up to the famous one, this <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0340963050/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0340963050&linkCode=as2&tag=littlec-21%22%3EShades%20of%20Grey%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=littlec-21&l=as2&o=2&a=0340963050" target="_blank">Shades of Grey</a> was very entertaining, and as far as I can remember, quite decent . . .<br />
<br />Pomonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399181139470676975noreply@blogger.com37