CELEBRATION....and sadness

Well this has certainly not been the start to 2012 that I envisaged........

First a really big CONGRATULATIONS to our DD Heidi and her partner Steve (both in life and business) for picking up the Wedding Ideas Magazines award for the best 'Special Touches' on Friday night at their annual award ceremony. GiddyKipper was nominated last year and could not believe their luck when this time they won. I was able to watch on the live feed and it was brilliant.

Thank you to any of you that voted for them, I admit to blatantly promoting them at any opportunity, but I think the award shows that they have won on good customer service and brilliant products.


On a slightly less happy note, my posts may not be as regular as I had intended for the next few weeks as my beautiful older sister is very poorly in hospital. The awful 'C' word among other things and today she is having a big operation, so I have everything crossed for her and her husband Ted, who is an absolute brick and visits her every day, by bus, an hour and a half journey each way and has not complained at all. Sylvia has been in hospital a week now and will be there for some time, so my visits here may be a bit erratic. I will read any comments and thank you for them, but forgive me if I perhaps dont get to reply to you all.

Have a good week yourselves, I will try to keep popping by and reading your news. It does cheer me up.

TTFN

Jenny xx

A quick PS. Thank you for all the lovely comments, I am always amazed at the kindness of strangers here in blogland.
I am also very relieved to report that the operation has gone well, a first good step in a long journey.

I DID NOT FALL OFF THE EDGE OF THE PLANET.........

Well what a few weeks that has been!!
Nothing awful thankfully for us just lots of helping out with grandchildren, slipping in Christmas preparations in any spare few minutes culminating in a wonderful holiday filled with visits, beautiful gifts and all round Christmas spirit(even a little of the liquid kind).
I do hope you were all able to enjoy the season, although I know from reading a few blogs that some have been far less fortunate than us and I am thankful for our health and happiness and wish you all the same in this New Year!
So a bit of a round up of our activity since I last wrote a post.......

.......Our eldest grandson was in his first Nativity, O what a pleasure to be able to watch him. He was so thrilled with it all and the children did really well. They performed in our local Parish Church, the wonderful St Wulframs which is huge. Not a dry eye in the house!
We were fortunate to have both our wonderful boys to stay for a couple of nights too as our DD and partner slogged away at their business often until 4 in the morning to ensure their customers were not disappointed. They do not complain of course. In this time of great uncertainty they are more than grateful for their continued success, but with a business and a young family there are always compromises to make as I am sure so many of you know too well! We are the lucky ones who therefore get the chance to see more of them than so many grandparents......

I was involved in a couple of swaps, one run by Tiffany  The Curiosity Project  and I received some wonderful cookery bits and pieces and a book all about the larder (lots of super tips and recipes for storing food) from Karrie to whom I sent a cookie tin holding a few Autumn inspired bits including these

and the other the Christmas Ornament swap hosted by DolceVita . I was paired up with Dannyelle from www.lifeisaparty.ca  and received the sweetest mini bunting and vintage bauble.

I sent a mercury glass ornament and one of my gingerbread men.

I also managed to finish a sweater for my oldest grandson, (though still have to get one done for little one), make my own Christmas cake, mincemeat and Nigellas Chilli Jam...oooooooh..scrummy you must try it, but failed abysmally to keep up with you lovely friends, (and I didn't even have to make many slippers this year).
Still I hope that I will now be back rabbiting at you as usual, and if I get round to it am planning a blog shop. I am disillusioned with one of my on line shops since they decided to revamp and overhaul everything and although I do like change and technology there are times when I think things can be overdone and when you start to alienate your customers, which we shop owners are in this case, it could be you need to take a step back and review your actions. I am not the first to decide to pack up shop and I think there will be others following!
Anyway that's enough of that back to happier things.

We spent Christmas day at ours son and DILs, only the 2nd time in 44 years we have not been at home and it was super. We were well looked after and it was a really lovely change.
We visited our DD and family in their new home later in the week and were again royally entertained, not least by our grandsons with their new toys!
We had some fabulous gifts, all of them loved and appreciated,but one very special treat..tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show in May with first class travel as well......thank you Heidi Steve and the boys we are thrilled to bits!!

Well although I am a bit late I wish you all

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

filled with good health and happiness

and finally I just want to say how much I have loved this past year talking to so many different people from all around the globe, wondering at their kindness and generosity, learning new crafts, following  some excellent tutorials, having a good old moan and sharing a few jokes and crazy moments and finding in all of this that it really is the little things in life that bring so much happiness.

Thank you for being one of those precious 'little things'

TTFN

Jenny xx

ON A MISTY MOISTY MORNING.........

Well it certainly seems that our Indian summer is over.... Yesterday we went for a walk by the River Trent at Gunthorpe and though it was quite foggy it was almost magical...

Looks freezing doesn't it....but that was foam from the weir, not snow...though it was barely 4 degrees!!

We tried to stay clear of the fairy rings....didn't fancy being whisked away looking such a fright!...walking jacket, boots, fleece hat....and dripping hair!....

And just look at this tree...how on earth did that happen......

We really enjoyed our walk though and finished off the day with a visit to one of our favourite garden centres where Christmas has already arrived  (reindeer - stuffed, skating rink and decorations from the bizarre to the downright tacky!!) and then a warm meal and home...

But it has got me thinking about my 'Christmas Theme' this year.....DO YOU THEME??...

I am rather taken with all these antique style decorations that resemble old mirrors where the silvering is flaking off, glass and white and white painted twigs....a veritable winter wonderland.....Whats your favourite thing this year.......

TTFN

Jenny xx

TYING UP SOME LOOSE ENDS.........literally

Hello lovely people

I do find it most heartening to read on the blogs of very talented people, who I consider to be very organised and methodical that even they have projects discarded for something new lurking in the bottom of their knitting basket or sewing pile.
I personally have to admit to flitting from one current 'love' to another with no shame at all!!
That jumper I have been knitting to wear when I go walking is still in my knitting basket 11 months later....., I have found baby hats unfinished, sewing projects all cut out and pinned and crochet started in a moment of boredom which is growing at a snails pace having found other more interesting projects..

so.... well I thought I had better start to do something about it...of course that was after I had just run up this latest project inspired by one of my recent birthday presents...

Remember this......

this delightful little gadget pouch was bought to hold my kindle, however as I already have a leather case for it which can remain in place when I am reading, I was rather torn what to do. The kindle will not fit in here with the leather case on, and because I absolutely adore the pouch I am loathe to use it for the kindle as I would have to remove it when reading and would be devastated if I left it somewhere!

And then I had a brainwave..... I had been sorting out my knitting basket (hence the discovery of the skeletons in the bottom) and there were all manner of small items..crochet hooks, stitch holders, circular needles etc. tangled up in there and I suddenly thought of a new purpose for my pouch...and of course the fabric was just perfect....and then my mind went into overdrive. I needed more of this fabric and quick....
A search on the Internet soon revealed however that this was not going to be as easy as I thought and in the end it was the good old US of A that came to my rescue. I managed to purchase just enough of a fabric which was now discontinued to make this....

Et voila......The knitting needle roll as excellently described in this tutorial has enabled me to tidy up the rest of the knitting basket, and encouraged me to finish some of the projects lurking there....and to tie in their loose ends.....

 my poor neglected tea cosy now takes pride of place in my kitchen....

and my crochet blanket looks like it stands a chance of getting done this winter!......

Of course there are still those baby hats, that jumper.....but come on I have made some progress you have to admit!!!

Well before I wish you good night I am going to make a plea on behalf of my lovely daughter and her partner aka 'GiddyKipper'. If you have not met them before you can see what they get up to here....I will let them tell you more.....

Giddy Kipper

As a Notonthehighstreet.com partner and being part of the award-winning Weddings at notonthehighstreet.com, Giddy Kipper are thrilled to have been nominated in the 'Special Touches' category of the Wedding Ideas Awards 2012. Last year we made it to the final 5 and would be delighted to reach the final again with your help! You don't have to be a bride to vote - we'd be extremely grateful for the support of our wonderful customers! (for any categories you don't wish to vote in, scroll down to 'no answer') Thank you!
http://www.weddingideasmag.com/home/the-awards/vote-in-the-wedding-ideas-awards-2012.html

 Thank you in anticipation

TTFN

Jenny xx

 

 

MY FIRST TUTORIAL...

Afternoon all
I hope you are all well and that you mums are coping if your little 'angels' are still on holiday. We have been lucky to have our grandsons to stop last weekend, very hectic but fun too and our eldest is coming again to have some time on his own on Thursday and Friday so grandad and I had better recharge our batteries!

Well with you know what just around the corner I have been sewing some more of my felt decorations in the evenings and I thought some of you sewers might like to try some for yourselves. The bigger children could perhaps make some too under supervision. Perhaps small running stitches could be substituted for the blanket stitch to make it a little easier for them.

Gingerbread men Tree Decorations

Materials

Gingerbread man template (either draw freehand or search the web for gingerbread man picture and you will find loads of images to choose from, just print off and cut out )
Ginger coloured felt
polyester filling
2 small cream buttons
2 round black beads for eyes
Strong thread,( either contrast if using blanket stitch or matching if stitching together with overcast stitch or running stitch )
about 10" string or 1/8" wide ribbon if preferred
9" spotted ribbon for bow

First cut out 2 gingerbread man shapes using your template and pin together. Starting slightly to one side of the top of his head start to join the 2 sides together with your preferred stitch (I love the look of the blanket stitch, but you can do what is easiest for you)

Continue all around the shape until about 3/4" away from the start of your stitching. Do not cast off or remove needle. Using the blunt end of a skewer or crochet hook or similar carefully start to stuff the figure. Begin by using small amounts of stuffing and stuff the feet first. Don't try to put too much in at once or you will not get a smooth finish and your poor gingerbread man will look all lumpy!. Continue up the legs and then into the hands and arms and finally the head. It does pay to take your time with this step.

Once you have him firm but not too solid, take your string or ribbon and fold in half and knot the end. Push the knotted end into the opening and finish off the sewing making sure that a few stitches go through the string or ribbon to hold it secure.

Next you need to sew a smiley mouth. I used stem stitch and the same colour thread as my blanket stitch, but you may prefer to use red.

Finally sew on the 2 small black beads for eyes, attach his buttons and tie a smart bow round his neck. You may need to trim the ends of the ribbon on an angle to stop fraying and to get the perfect size for your pattern.


And VOILA

One fairly cute tree decoration. Of course you don't have to stop there as you can create other variations. How about a snowman! White felt and just an extra piece of orange felt cut into a tiny triangle, folded in half and stitched down the long sides to form his nose. Carefully stuff with a tiny bit of stuffing and stitch firmly in place.

  I made his scarf out of a piece of red felt, cut into fringes at the ends and substituted black buttons. I also sewed a running stitch mouth as this looked more like a snowman I thought!

I hope you have a go, they are quite relaxing to make and will look fab on the tree at Christmas....or then again you could make several, make a ribbon loop of only about 1/2 " and thread them onto string for a great garland to decorate the mantelpiece.

I would love to see what you do with them!

And of course if you don't sew, you can always purchase some from my Folksy or Etsy shops.....I would even make a garland if requested, just email me.

Well I am off now to finish cutting out some huge curtains, I may be some time........

TTFN

Jenny xx

PS I do apologise for the quality of the photos. It was my boy's birthday yesterday and I left my camera at his house. Have had to borrow DHs to do this and it's not quite as easy to use as my own!! Mr gingerbread man's bow is a beautiful pale green spot, but you wouldn't guess from these piccies!

AND SO WHAT HAVE YOU ALL BEEN DOING............

Well...................as for me it has really been a mixed bag....

First I did a bit of sewing.....old skirts getting a bit snug!!............

Burda pattern 8213, great now that they include seam allowances, used to hate it when you had to mark your own, 'cos it doesn't matter how experienced you are, they never seem (sorry) to end up exactly the same width!!  I only made this out of cheap cotton (£3.99 a metre) as I wanted one in a hurry, but had forgotten how much I like this style so am going to make a couple more in needle cord for the winter. (That's next week according to the weather forecast!)

Then I had a birthday, and was spoiled rotten as usual......................

Books, DVDs and quirky collectibles, what more could I ask for.......Thank you to my lovely family and friend, how well they know me......the cute Tea Cosy and the Kindle Cover were found by my DD on the Internet....she always manages to discover something really different. Don't get me wrong I love everything, some things were on my wish list and others were a lovely surprise.

And finally a visit to the Antique Festival at the Peterborough showground last Saturday...... I can honestly say I ran out of money before I ran out of things I would have liked to buy! Still I am very lucky to have been able to add all these gems to my collections...including more babycham pieces paid for by my DH, even though he had just spent plenty on me for my birthday......

Couldn't resist the Peter Rabbit picture, not only is Beatrix Potter one of my favourites, but to have him advertising slippers...well there was no choice, in my sewing room it will go....


So do I count my blessings....I certainly do, and not just the lovely gifts, but all the love with which they are chosen and given......in that respect I am truly a millionaire......

I know I did say finally, but there is a bit more....as you will know if you read this waffle regularly, we have just had some windows replaced at the back of our house...well, although it certainly wasn't planned yet, we have now started redecorating the kitchen, and since my cupboards are all free standing and hand painted, we have given ourselves quite a task......but we are half way there now!!....and it will be nice for Christmas......hopefully !

Off now to catch up with a few of your blogs, while I have a spare evening. I was supposed to be adding some new slippers to my shops, but who forgot to take the photographs in all this beautiful sunshine....You watch it will be really overcast tomorrow....

TTFN

Jenny xx

ANOTHER WEEK BEGINS!....

Why does the time go so slowly when you have to work (at things you don't really like), but rush past at the weekends and holidays?

The highlight of our weekend, after a fairly quiet Saturday was a visit to the Stamford Antique Fair on Sunday.
We've been before, but generally we've seen lots of things that we liked (out of our price range!) but not too many that we really fell for within budget. This time however it was more a case of being selective!!

As you've probably seen if you've visited here before, I do have a penchant for old toys, especially tin ones and it's rare to find any genuine examples now at reasonable prices...there are always of course the exceptions and this one is my most favourite to date......and it works

However I really don't expect to come across many like this now, but on Sunday I was in for a nice surprise. Not quite so mechanical but they do wind up......and move.....

And then these, not tin not mechanical but my how kitsch.....

and there little heads nod....if anyone knows anything about them I would love to know more...

a bit more Noddy.....

And finally a great find in brilliant condition and one that will be investigated by my grandson I have no doubt.......

He really will wonder what 1d and 1/3d is.......

We finished our lovely day with a walk by Rutland Water amazed at how suddenly Autumn seems to have arrived........ and gazing at the spectacular sky....

 before we headed off for tea in a beautiful country pub........

Well off to list a few things on Ebay now, need to make a bit more room as its the Antique and Collectors fair at Peterborough showground next week.....1700 stalls..........oh dear think I might have to find a few more things to list after all................................

TTFN

Have a good week

Jenny xx