Winter Warmth

A spot of pure loving warmth on a cold, grey day earlier this week. Mmmmm! One of those gorgeously indulgent special coffees made in Jim's machine and presented to me in one of my favourite mugs, with a colourful ceramic spoon to scoop up the froth!

I spent much of the day in the sewing room, stitching away with wool, and felt, and lovely threads. Over two days I completed these four bangles. I bought some wool felt at Harrogate last month. It's gorgeous. I bought it with bangles and pin-cushions and angels in mind. I wonder how many of you can identify with my feelings of reluctance to cut them up and start using them? I used to feel like this about special fabrics I had bought - perhaps I'll save them for making something REALLY special... only sometimes that REALLY special project didn't present itself. Hence despite all the quilts I have made over the years, I still have a considerable fabric stash of 'specials', despite not having bought any for some time. So now I find myself having to say aloud "Just use it up, Lynne. You can always buy more should you need it."

Stitch and Bitch yesterday. Cards and presents exchanged, mince-pies consumed, much laughter and some stitching. Yvonne bought me her bangles to photograph, and Victoria was wearing hers. Warmth abounded.

And this commissioned angel was handed over to her new owner, along with three more pincushions. Feeling very warm indeed! I hope there has been some Winter Warmth in your life this week.

Beating the Glums

Oh isn't it annoying, when you just can't drag yourself out of the Glums? Especially when you know that really, if you are honest, you don't have much to be glum about. In the Great Scheme of Things sinus troubles do not rank terribly high, and at the moment I can't say there is even much pain, just a dull discomfort, because , yes, once again I am on a course of antibiotics; infection nailed - swelling goes, acute pain abates. However, four days or so after the course ends the symptoms return and so the whole cycle begins again. And I guess until I get my ENT appointment at the hospital that is how it will continue.  So, you know, no-one died, I'm not on the critical list, and I can cope with the symptoms. But actually you do become a bit weary, and just want to bury yourself at home, go nowhere, see no-one. I'm very fortunate that my good friend Yvonne did the ferrying about last Friday and Saturday, or I wouldn't have got to Harrogate or to Jane-Ann's.

So I have been hunkered down at home for ages - no Mollying, no box lesson, even no weekly musical soiree with Rob and Marj last night - pootling about doing a bit of cooking and housework, and spending quite a bit of time in my sewing room.

 Audio book on the machine, surrounded by colourful yarn, threads, and fabric, it is quite soothing and spirit - lifting. Here, then, are some peeps at what I've been up to. It's cheered me up, I hope it does the same for you if you' re having your own personal Glums!

Another pincushion completed - and spoken for - and a couple more in the pipe-line.

A few more bangles completed, trying various colour combinations.

I started this quilt some years ago. It had been put away and almost forgotten. I just felt the need to spend some time gently quilting, and this quilt, with its soft flannel fabrics, was just the ticket. I've added some appliquéd text to the border as well. All in all it has been a very comforting, cosy reunion.

So, even an attack of the Glums can have its productive side, and it has been quite satisfying gathering this little lot together to photograph. How do you deal with the Glums when they arrive at your door?

Stitching in Splendour

Just to sow you that I DID accomplish some stitchery while we were at the caravan last week! The wool cushion cover is almost finished - well, bar the sewing up - just a little more outlining and I'm done I think.

I made a few more hexagons and cut out more templates. Not a lot to show, I'm afraid!

I did however, finish the pincushion! I LOVED working on this, just the right size and quite quick to make. I can see a few more being stitched over the next couple of months.

Oh, another textile thing that happened over there, was that when we visited Brecon, we popped into a flea market and there was a lovely book/textile stall combined. Two of my favourite pastimes in one place! I bought a 1927 Girl Guiding adventure book for £6 - it was a first edition (not that I collect 1st editions, by the way!) and on the other side there were some lovely hearts and small stuffed rabbits and owls made with vintage Welsh blanket.  I bought a heart and got chatting - as you do - to Sue, the proprietor of Clem's Daughter. Here is her website link: www.clemsdaughter.co.uk

We had a lovely chat about textiles, and when I mentioned that I wanted to visit Jen Jones' Welsh Quilt collection, she told me all about the museum at Lampeter so we will be making a trip there next time we go, you may be sure!

I think I must get into the habit of sitting making hexagons while the tv is on in the evenings, or that darned quilt is never going to get itself made!

We are still enjoying the last dregs I think, of summer here in West Norfolk, we have had pretty consistent sunshine and just a few showers the last three days, despite dire warnings from the Weather Man. Am I the only person who has to chuckle every time Fiona Bruce says "And over to you, Thomas Chaffaknacker" (BBC news watchers only.) I know, I know, it is base and very childish of me. I have no excuse. But I bet you have a snigger too. And on that happy note I shall leave you until next time!