Meadowstitch

2011-04-13T15:14:00.001+01:00

Our baby boy Ambrose arrived last night at 2.58am. Weighing 8lbs 5oz. So special!

What's a girl to do......

2011-04-01T16:13:00.006+01:00

.......when she's absolutely MASSIVE and ready to pop......well.........

1. Eat cake. Chocolate Fudge Cake to be exact. Preferably more than one slice a day. Calorie overload I know but I'm beyond caring. My dieting days are coming soon enough......

2. Buy wool and knit socks. You too can be led astray here (but I'm warning you this is seriously tempting stuff and pricey - but these are destined for a special pair of socks)

3. Look at "very expensive but lovely" baby changing bags. As we are planning that this baby will be the last edition to our family can I justify spending money on a bag that will contain mostly nappies and is bound to be puked on? Maybe.

I'm still here.....

2011-03-24T10:21:00.005Z

......playing the waiting game for baby to arrive.

The last few weeks have been a mixture of exhaustion, just coping to keep up with everything - housework, girls, school run (yada,yada.....) my sewing machine giving up, my birthday and our fifth wedding anniversary, a day in hospital for monitoring after the baby was a bit excited at my antenatal appointment and finally a few bits of knitting here and there.

I have managed to finish the 3-6 month moss stitch jacket from Debbie Bliss Eco Baby. Its very cute and I actually enjoyed the moss stitch. Quite a revelation.

I'm now knitting a few hearts to make into lavendar pouches as part of my mum's Mother's Day Gift and then I think I will embark on some socks. Of course I haven't seen my ankles in months but I'm hoping they are still there.......

You Tube Special: Old Men Lightsaber Duel (Return Of The Geriatric)

2011-03-08T14:45:00.002Z

Nothing to do with knitting or sewing but hilarious and I just had to share it. And we want to move to France? We must be mad......better pack a lightsaber (or two) in the car.

Added to my mental 'knitting to do list'.......

2011-03-05T08:09:00.007Z

........just this week are the lovely Grownup Hoodie from Magpie patterns. I want one now!

Also going on the to do list is this gorgeous free knitting pattern for a Herringbone Cowl. I know if I made it it would be an instance favourite but the herringbone looks tricky. Plus I have a fear of circular needles. These obstacles could be worth tackling for such a lovely scarf.

Finally, I visited the wool shop and was seduced by some Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK in Dew. Somehow three balls and the new Debbie Bliss Eco knitting book ended up in my basket. I've already started another quick baby jumper. Its a race against the clock.

35 weeks

2011-02-27T18:37:00.000Z

The photo says it all really. My poor back........(but not long now)

Chartreuse

2011-02-18T10:39:00.005Z

I can't get enough of this lovely spring colour at the moment. And totally by accident it seems to be in every project I have on the go.....

It features in nearly all of the baby bibs I've made this week.

My much loved tin bought from Habitat years ago that I use to keep my larger needles in.

A couple of lavender bags I made using some scraps.

And finally my new knitting project, a double breasted baby jacket in moss stitch, from Debbie Bliss Eco Baby.

Funny how you can be drawn to one colour so much and not realise until you are completely surrounded.

Half term is just around the corner. Lets just hope the weather cheers up so we can all be out in the garden. I've only got six weeks to go until the baby is due which I'm very excited about (in a tired, pregnant lady way....)

Knitting and gardening....

2011-02-11T10:35:00.004Z

......but not at the same time this week.

I've been knitting lots of love hearts with any odd scraps of red and pink wool I have and then stuffing them with lavender. They're brilliant at keeping clothes smelling fresh when thrown in a drawer. I plan on giving a whole load to my husband for Valentine's Day (romance is not dead, even when you are eight months pregnant - but only just) If you want to make some in time for Monday you can find them here as a free pattern at Magpie Patterns.

I've also been getting excited about the polytunnel and vegetable patch this week. After trawling through lots of seeds catalogues I've decided to order them all from Sarah Raven. Planning to plant lots of multicoloured courgettes and squash together with salad, fennel, tomatoes, herbs etc. Spring is in air for sure.

2011-01-27T11:20:00.005Z

Sorry for the lack of blogging of late. Things have been hectic around here as we celebrate Mr L turning 40 (much to his annoyance and I try not to rub it in too much that I am still in my 20's.) We have also been busy painting floors, decorating and organising the nursery (less than 10 weeks to D day) and just the general juggling of everyday life in grey January. Only a few days until February, we are nearly there people......

Anyway, normal blogging service should resume shortly but in the mean time I came across this lovely pattern for knitted dishcloths....

I suggest knitting a stash on one of those long winter evenings. Find the pattern here.

Friday morning baking...

2011-01-14T11:14:00.003Z

We set out to bake a banana/brandy bread (its a new invention and comes from the fact I have left over brandy butter - if it works I will post about it). Anyway the chickens have stopped laying in protest of being made to stay in their run (we spotted the fox on the meadow earlier in the week) and I only had one precious egg left in the cupboard. So as not to disappoint my daughter we decided to make scones.

I've forgotten how good these are. Simple and delicious. We are supposed to be saving them for coffee with my parents tomorrow but I'm not confident they will last that long. Recipe below.

Ingredients:

1/2 stick/50g butter
2 cups /225g all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 oz/ 30g fine/caster sugar
1/4 cup/ 50g sultanas or chopped dates
1/4 pint / 150 ml milk
1 egg beaten with a little milk

Preparation:

Heat the oven to 400F/205C/Gas 6
Grease and flour a baking sheet.
Sieve the flour into a roomy baking bowl then add the butter, baking powder and salt. Quickly rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and sultanas and stir.
Make a well in the center and using a dinner knife, stir in enough milk to make a soft, pliable dough.
Turn the mixture on to a floured board and knead very lightly until just smooth then lightly roll out to 2cm / 3/4" thick.
Cut rounds with a 7.5cm /2" cutter or cut into triangles with a sharp knife.
Place on the baking tray and brush with the beaten egg and milk mixture. Bake near the top of the hot oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and well risen.
Cool on a wire rack before eating.

Serve with butter, or lashings of jam and cream.

2011-01-13T20:28:00.003Z

Ok, so I have to admit buying yet more fabric from Saints & Pinners. This time, in their very tempting sale.

Here is another quilt in the making. My plan is to make this one a little bigger than the others.

2011-01-10T20:11:00.002Z

New handmade patchwork cushion added to my Etsy shop. Find it here.

new hand knits in the shop....

2011-01-05T19:10:00.006Z

Happy New Year! Hope you all had a great time. We had a wonderful couple of weeks and have only just emerged from all the turkey and of course the Quality Street tin.

I did get a chance to do some making over the festive period so lots of new hand knits in my Etsy shop. More soon....

I'm in love with this crazy wool.....

2010-12-20T07:46:00.003Z

from kittygrriz. I think its beautiful......swoon.

2010-12-16T10:28:00.002Z

Just been informed by email that the beautiful and inspirational online magazine Papier Mache is launching in print in February. As I'm on the other side of the world I will continue with the online version but great news for all you Aussies (even though I am a bit jealous....)

Packing things away..... for now

2010-12-05T22:22:00.004Z

I will be having a period of emptying my Etsy shop over the next few days. The shops become a bit tired looking and I think I need to spend some time pulling it all back together. I've got some fun ideas for a new collection of things to go in it in the new year so watch this space......

Acid greens and pinks

2010-12-03T10:32:00.003Z

Baby quilt no.3 is nearly finished. Loving the squares of Liberty print fabric mixed with the acid greens. Should be finished tonight and then I need to decide what the next project will be......I've fallen in love with Cabbages and Roses again and there's always at least two knitting projects to be finished......

Monster Pencil Case

2010-12-01T09:53:00.004Z

Bou is going to a birthday party on Saturday afternoon for a new school friend. He's a boy and he will be turning six. Now because I have two girls I struggle with any boy related gift and this party has given me a slight headache. I don't know the little boy or his parents so don't have much of an insight into what would be an appropriate gift plus I have the added stress of making a good impression - I do want to be friends with these mums and alienating myself as "the weird one who makes stuff" would not be the best start.

Anyway, yesterday afternoon I started to work on a monster pencil case and it actually turned out ok. The idea is that erasers and sharpeners can be kept safe in the monster pouch and pencils and pens in the case. Of course I will pad it out with some colouring pencils etc (probably Ben 10 to be on the safe side!)

Babiekins

2010-11-25T18:28:00.002Z

I have just come across this great online magazine focusing on children. Its very slick with some lovely fashion pages and a couple of quite funny articles that are well worth reading. Find it here.

2010-11-22T18:37:00.004Z

Thank you so very much Sarah from Homemadegorgeous blog who has given me a Beautiful Blogger Award. The last few days have been a combination of hectic and a stressful (cue boiler breaking down, kids with colds, two cars at the garage, boring blah blah) and so this was all the more appreciated.

So in the spirit of things I need to tell you 10 things about myself.......

1. I'm an only child (but I'm not spoilt)

2. I'm a complete chocoholic and keep secret stashes of chocolate all over the kitchen, which is weird because my husband really isn't a fan of the stuff (better to be safe than sorry though)

3. I have dual nationalities British/Canadian. Although I've never lived in Canada my mother lived and worked there for many years.

4. I can play the flute and piano - badly.

5. I studied at The London College of Fashion and did some work for House and Garden and Good Homes magazines whilst living in London.

6. My first ever job as a teenager was working in a tea room - I learnt a lot about cakes here. Both eating and making them.

7. I met my husband whilst on holiday in Marbella, Spain when I was 18. We have a 12 year age gap and have been together for nearly ten years.

8. I've always fancied giving pole dancing a go.

9. I love cooking for friends. We host a lot of dinner parties in our house as it lends itself to everyone having a few drinks and staying over. Hick!

10. I have a crush on the actor Rufus Sewell (well who could resist)

Are you still with me? I'd like to pass this award onto Clarabella who has a lovely blog and I really enjoy following.

From this....to this....

2010-11-20T09:05:00.004Z

The blue and orange moses basket quilt is now finished. Going from this (above) to this......

I really enjoyed making it and have already started another one in cabbage greens (with the odd piece of Liberty pink floral fabric to lift it) I have to admit they are quite addictive to make and I'm toying with the idea of making two much larger quilts for the girls beds. Although I am a bit daunted by how long it may take me to make these...

Anyway for now I need to concentrate on getting the final moses quilt finished and whizzing up some all important Christmas tree decorations, otherwise it will be going up naked.

2010-11-18T18:28:00.004Z

Thought you might like to see a photo of the bump (its definitely getting bigger!) Sorry its a bit of a dodgy picture but you get the idea - notice the concentration on my face when dealing with technology! Had my scan yesterday which went well. 20 weeks now - officially halfway! Whoop! Whoop!

Quilt

2010-11-11T12:54:00.005Z

I finished the baby quilt last night and I'm very pleased with it. It's definitely the most 'professional' looking one I've made AND I've also got to grips with making my own binding (happy days).

In between working on the quilt I have also been making lots of baby bibs from bits and pieces of odd fabric and backing them with flannel. They've turned out really well and much more eye catching than the shop bought, boring ones - even if they are only going to be puked on !

One of my little helpers was following me around this morning - apparently all the cool kids read books upside down.....

Yellow and Grey Quilt update....

2010-11-07T17:08:00.003Z

So I've been working hard on my little plan to make a stock of moses basket quilts. I thought you might like to see my progress......

I'm now onto the stage of pinning all of the pieces together and then making the binding. Previous attempts with binding have seen me sort of "fudge" this stage and make it up as I go along. This time its going to be different. I've done my research on YouTube (apparently its not just for music videos, who would have thought?) and I'm ready to go.

Of course I'm already thinking about the next quilt and have put together a stack of fabrics. What do you think?

In love with a Royal Beast......

2010-11-05T09:52:00.003Z

.....one created by Alice Gabb to be exact. He reminds me of a cat we used to have called Cuba - all fluffy cheeked and regal. Alice is a pretty cool cat too and her blog is lovely.

2010-11-02T15:55:00.004Z

Last week was half term and with the girls both off from school/nursery I have to admit I achieved very little - apart from all the preparations for their Halloween party. I tried to make a big effort with this because I know as the pregnancy progresses I will be able to do less and less in the way of things that require lots of energy i.e. childrens parties.

I did however make a purchase of some fabric for a couple of moses basket blankets I intend to make in the long winter evenings. I'm keeping the colour option in a neutral boy or girl palette of yellow with a hint of grey. As normal fabric from Saints and Pinners.

Spooky....

2010-10-30T08:27:00.006+01:00

Isn't this amazing? One seriously dedicated knitter ! The effect is fantastic and perfect for the Halloween weekend. It was created by Ben Cuevas and was exhibited at the Wassaic Project in New York State. Read about it here.

Show and tell.....more wool

2010-10-23T09:18:00.006+01:00

Stumbled across Spud and Chloe the other day who sell lots of tempting wool in plenty of gorgeous modern colours. I particularly love Grass in Sweater weight. Find them here

Lots of cool free patterns on their blog too which are well worth looking at. I love these mittens.
Anyway, before I make another wool purchase I really do need to finish the Tricot cardigan in grey - its nearly there, so photos to follow shortly.

I've been a very good girl this girl.......

2010-10-21T07:46:00.003+01:00

...so I feel justified in adding this to my Christmas list. You can buy one here (Father Christmas please take note)

2010-10-17T09:09:00.005+01:00

Not much time to blog this morning (kids running wild and outlaws coming for lunch) but I wanted to share this great little Etsy site full of lovely eco-friendly packaging, bags, tags and ribbon.

Lots of lovely things for Halloween too. Find it all here.

Off my needles....

2010-10-12T13:54:00.004+01:00

The red baby jacket I have been working on came off my needles last night. It's cute and I'm pleased with it but I have to say I didn't really enjoy the Debbie Bliss pattern (its half knitted in pieces - sleeves, front etc - and then you pick up everything half way. I found this to be a very unsatisfying knit as you feel like you're getting nowhere until it comes together in the last row) Its from the new Debbie Bliss book 'Design It, Knit It, Babies' which is worth buying. The colour combinations are inspirational, particularly the fairisle.

Next up I'm knitting another baby cardigan - this time a short sleeve one in grey.

I've also finished a couple of practise bibs with fabric I had in my stash. I've decided they should really be backed in flannel and a purchase has been made for making the next few.

some news....

2010-10-04T07:23:00.005+01:00

....and the news is we are expecting a baby in April. We are all very excited despite the fact I have been feeling shocking with "all-day" morning sickness and weird food cravings (anyone for a supermarket steak pie at 8am). Yuck. I'm hoping it will pass soon. We had the first scan last week and everything looked great - it was amazingly clear and we could see the baby sucking its thumb. So cute! As most of you know we have two girls, 4 and 2 years so the introduction of child 3 is going to mean a busy time ahead.

So with babies on the brain at the moment I've been taking inspiration for my knitting from Little Hooligan which is full of lots of gorgeous baby handknits and lusting after some flannel fabric from Saints and Pinners - I'm thinking about making lots of baby bibs this time around.

Hope you had a great weekend and Happy Monday everyone.

Update

2010-09-27T17:19:00.002+01:00

A quick post to show you the mini hats I have knitted for the Innocent smoothie Help the Aged campaign. I knitted these last night whilst watching X Factor and I'm really pleased with how they've turned out.

Get knitting for.....

2010-09-24T13:46:00.003+01:00

....Innocent who have teamed up with Age Concern to raise money to help keep older people warm this winter. If you haven't heard about it all you do is knit a mini hat (or lots) for a smoothie bottle and Innocent will donate money to the campaign. Great idea and everyone who knits has lots of odd pieces of wool laying around so I think this is a really good way of using it all up for a good cause. Hurry though as they need them by the 15th October. Details found here.

2010-09-23T10:20:00.005+01:00

Thought I would take a break from boring chores (mainly lots of cleaning for a house viewing tomorrow) and share with you this lovely site I came across the other day.

Its called Haven and it has its own online shop, full of beautiful quilts and pretty painted furniture, and a super blog too. I found the whole thing inspirational, the photography is really fresh and the colour combinations are spot on. Hope you like it too.

2010-09-15T13:51:00.005+01:00

One of my favourite online yarn shops is offering a special 10% off until the end of September. Details can be found here

I'm tempted by the Sublime Baby Cashmere DK.....

and Manos del Uruguay Solid Silk (who wouldn't be ?)

My husband better hide his credit card. Balls of wool are like Jimmy Choos to me.

Sorry to bring it up...

2010-09-14T10:36:00.003+01:00

....but I'm going to mention Christmas. I know, I know its far too early to even utter the word but as someone who likes to make a few presents if I don't start thinking about it now I simply won't have enough time. Just spotted this book Wee Wonderfuls on the Purl Bee website which looks like it could be useful for making a few dollies for friends children. Off to buy it on Amazon here

2010-09-08T15:20:00.004+01:00

Forgot to mention the new UK Handmade magazine is out now free of charge and downloadable here. There's even an article by little old me in there!

2010-09-06T12:42:00.004+01:00

Well I now have a daughter at school. I could hardly believe it when I dressed my eldest in her school clothes this morning - so grown up. She was very excited, particularly about her pink lunch box although we did have a few tears when it came me leaving her in the classroom. So now I've only got one child at home in the mornings which I hope will mean I am able to keep more on top of things around the house (which means more knitting in the evenings- yay!)
Of course little sister had to get in on the act too......

2010-08-31T18:02:00.004+01:00

This cute little bundle of knitted goodies is off in the post tomorrow for our friends who have just had a little girl. I've found that the baby hats are always a winner as a gift (knitted from Debbie Bliss Beginners Baby Knits) and I think the tank top will make it extra special.

I've been so exhausted from all the decorating of the past few months that I have hardly had time to pick up my knitting needles, but hopefully now we are on the market and finished this will change. A friend has already asked me to knit two roll neck jumpers for her twin girls, one in navy blue and one red, which I'm looking forward to making. Hopefully show and tell photos shortly.

2010-08-29T07:18:00.007+01:00

Well its the end of a very busy few months getting the house ready to go on the market (if you don't already know we are selling up and running away to France - I'm not joking) So this week we had a photographer come and take the brochure photos. I thought you might like to take a sneak peek.....

We've lived here for nearly eight years and done absolutely everything too it. My sister-in-law described it as derelict when we first moved in and I have to admit it did feel like we were camping for the first year or so. Its wonderful to see it finally finished.

There is a church opposite the house which is only used twice a year for services. We were married and later both the girls were christened here.

I'm very excited about moving to France. We have found an area in the South West that we adore and we feel its the right time to embark on an adventure.

These are cute.....

2010-08-14T19:38:00.003+01:00

Alphabetti badges from Showpony £1 each. Might buy some for the girls, they would love them.

Cheerful Quilted Playmat

2010-08-09T10:39:00.004+01:00

Just been sent a link to this great quilted playmat complete with tutorial. Very pretty and would make the perfect present as a new baby gift. Check it out here.

I want one.....

2010-08-07T07:16:00.003+01:00

Even though we cracked our kitchen sink last night trying to fit it into the new worktop (I can report the air went blue for more than a few minutes and we will now be spending our Saturday morning at the DIY store buying a replacement) I still want one of these Bunny Drainers from the Design Museum Shop £24

Vote for me....!

2010-08-04T19:12:00.003+01:00

If you like my blog (and I hope you do) then you can vote for me on the Dorset Cereals Little Blog Awards by clicking on the image on the right...... If you do get a minute to vote then thanks very much

Banish the Tuesday blues.....

2010-08-03T11:38:00.005+01:00

I don't know about you but for me its not the Monday Blues that strikes me down its definitely more of a Tuesday thing. To balance this I'm showing off these lovely things I've come across on the Anthropologie website. Today I may not be buying anything (already spent all my free cash on a cushion and some vintage enamel tins, see earlier post) but window shopping from my laptop is still very enjoyable.

Three Little Roses Headband £28
Finely Glazed Bag £118

Iona Napkins £6 each

Friday purchases......

2010-07-30T19:11:00.003+01:00

Just bought these gorgeous French enamel tins from the ok corral. I'm very pleased with them. I've been dithering about whether to buy them for a few days - this normally happens and then someone else snaps them up and I'm left gutted. This time I'm pleased I took the plunge.

oh.....also bought this rather fun cushion which I hope will be going in the sitting room. It's starting to look good in there......

2010-07-27T15:02:00.007+01:00

So we are back from France and I have lots of photos to share with you. We had a truly wonderful two weeks in the Charente Maritime. Even the 8 hour drive in car with the girls (age 2 and 4) wasn't that harrowing although the youngest did insist on singing "Jingle bells" all the way - clearly its never to early to start getting some practise in!

Anyway we all had a wonderful holiday....including.......

.......Pony rides on the Ile de Olereon.

.......visiting lots of fabulous markets. The shellfish was amazing I just wish I had had my own kitchen to cook in (the gite was ok but its just not the same as having all your own basic ingredients and cookbooks for help!) Anyway, seeing all the seafood has inspired us to go on a course sometime later in the year.

.....we visited Talmont on a beautifully hot sunny day. The church and cemetery with all its hollihocks looked so pretty.

Now we are back to reality. The house is as chaotic as ever - still no dining room or sitting room and for some reason I decided this morning it would be a good idea to repaint the kitchen while I wait for the latest delivery of F&B paint for other areas. Must be mad. Photos of all the hard work to follow.

Oh la la....

2010-07-07T20:29:00.005+01:00

Feel rather jammy as I am off on holiday again. This time two weeks in the Charente Maritime, France. After having a house full of workmen for weeks and now both the sitting room and the dining room out of action we are all really looking forward to a break from the whole house renovation thing.

In the meantime check out my brother-in-law Caspar's work as Eggcup Soldier at the Print Club. My favourite is the 'Cat, Sank, Cease' screen print poster.

2010-07-04T19:24:00.004+01:00

A few photos from my new polytunnel which is officially going bonkers after all the lovely weather. I can virtually watch my squash and courgette plants growing and the pak choi has been amazing.

As I mentioned in an earlier post with is my first experience with a polytunnel (although I have wanted one for years) and I'm totally loving it. Everything is looking wonderfully healthy and its only been four weeks since the thing went up - and all the plants have been grown from seed (although I did start these off back in early May)

For years my husband as referred to me as "black finger" when it comes to growing things.......he may just have to eat his words!

Guess who's got a lovely new apron.....

2010-06-30T10:31:00.004+01:00

A wonderful apron arrived in the post for me the other day from my lovely swap partner Sash at The Indigo Elephant. It came all the way from Australia and it was worth it because I think its the best apron ever. The fabric is so pretty and fits in perfectly in my kitchen. Thank you very much Sash as you may have gathered I love it!

2010-06-28T10:32:00.002+01:00

A photo from the UK Handmade stall at the We Make Summer Fair at Chelsea Town Hall (held at the weekend). You can see my little cards and button hair bands on the left hand side of the table. I'm hoping to get a stall at their Christmas fair so keeping my fingers crossed.

2010-06-26T14:18:00.003+01:00

Loving this print from Angie Lewin. I think the colours are so beautiful. I found it on the St Jude's website which is full of lots of tempting things. I stumbled across this gallery a few months ago when my husband and I were on a rare day trip without the kids. Its in a tiny village in Norfolk in the middle of nowhere, but the quality of work was fabulous and we were amazed. If its too far away for you to visit then a trip to the website is definitely worthwhile.

2010-06-21T07:29:00.002+01:00

A spot of Yarnbombombing for a Monday morning....I just love it! Check out their blog

P.S. Don't forget about my earlier Pay it Forward post. No one has entered yet......where is everyone?!

2010-06-20T09:42:00.002+01:00

Here is my Pay it Forward. Basically, if you haven't come across this before the idea is that the first three people to leave a comment get a lovely handmade gift from myself sometime before Christmas. All you have to do is to put a Pay it Forward on your blog and send a gift to three more recipients passing the good karma on. Simple and everyone likes a surprise parcel in post!

Scrummy things....

2010-06-17T10:34:00.015+01:00

I have just added lots of lovely new bits and pieces to my Etsy shop....

a pretty rosebud rabbit brooch (£4)

a summery pom pom flower brooch (£4.50)

a pair of lavender goldfish (£4)

some handy cowboy toddler bibs in lots of different colours (£6.50)

And finally these gorgeous liberty fabric hairbands are now in my Etsy shop (£2.40)

I'm definitely going to have to find time to make myself some of these.....I love them!

Photos from my stall....

2010-06-16T07:34:00.003+01:00

...at the Hoxne Artisan Craft Fair.

It went well although the numbers of people through the door where down on last month. Anyway sold some stuff and the rest will go on Etsy in the next few days, which is great because it looking a bit sparse over there.......

2010-06-04T10:05:00.007+01:00

Lots to share with you this week......

I made my first toddler cowboy bib as modelled by Miss T. Its pretty spotty fabric with a soft furry fabric on the reverse - in my experience there is no way a toddler will have anything against their skin that isn't super soft.

Also made some watercolour and ink cards for the Hoxne Craft Market next Saturday......

and I used up lots of random buttons making button hearts which have turned out looking very pretty.

I finally finished my apron for the Great Apron Swap. This was surprising easy to make considering I didn't have a pattern. It just sort of evolved as I went along. Hope Sash in Australia likes it. (Sorry for the pants photo I was in a rush to get it in the post)

It has been beautifully sunny all week here in Norfolk. The girls have had a great time messing about in the garden (as you can see) and its meant I've actually been able to get some jobs done, rather than just entertain them.

The new fruit cage and polytunnel are up now after a lot of hard work and tears - the polytunnel was particularly difficult.

Finally the new UK Handmade summer magazine is out. Go and check it out. I've also had my first article posted on their blog this Saturday. Exciting stuff!

2010-06-01T17:06:00.004+01:00

Check out and sign up to the "My blog is carbon neutral" programme and a tree will be planted in your honour. Great idea!

2010-05-26T11:27:00.009+01:00

It's CRAZY in our household at the moment - so to balance this out I thought I would show you one small area of calm - my lovely colourful books from the hallway. Before I did this they were completely chaotic. This way they are rocking a more 'styled' look rather than screaming 'jumble sale table'!

I am also now contributing to UK Handmade's blog and quarterly newsletter. I've been a big fan for a while now and they've decided to let me have some input in the role of Editorial Assistant (!) Basically a "news hound" sniffing out interesting crafty stories, people, events etc. So chuffed and excited to be part of their team.

The Hoxne Artisan Market which is also approaching fast. This week I have been making lavender fish....

lavender hearts and 'smelly dogs' with knitted ears....

Nothings finished (....panic!) I'm going to have to get my skates on. Anyway my studio is a complete mess thanks to two little girls who have also been busy doing their "jobs". I'm too busy to be too bothered about this disaster zone at the moment- it can join the queue.

2010-05-18T16:40:00.002+01:00

We had friends to stay this weekend and so we all went to the beach at Walberswick, Suffolk. As you can see from the photo its wasn't the best of days but we did have it pretty much to ourselves. We braved it for half an hour and then went to the pub for a pint and a hog roast roll.

2010-05-13T21:43:00.008+01:00

So we are back from our holiday in Puglia, Italy. It was lovely....... some beautiful hot sunny days (although interestingly even Southern Italy at this time of year can be grey and rainy as we discovered on a few days) We indulged in generous helpings of scrummy Parma ham, olives, gorgeous breads, pasta, prosecco, more olives......we LOVED the food!

It did however open our eyes to the reality of travelling with two children under 4. Gone are the days of strolling around markets just as a couple (the buggy was just to difficult to negotiate amongst the crowds and the children's patience wore thin pretty quickly) So we spent most of our time at the villa which was no hardship as you can see from the photo of the view of the pool.

Back at home I have plenty on the go. The Hoxne Artisan Craft Market is coming up in June and I'm busy making things. Developing a new knitted hairband idea and you can see my lovely work in progress here in amongst the lobellia. So pretty.

One last thing I want to share is the review I enjoyed on the UK Handmade blog of Erika Knight's new book Simple Knitting. Although I'm a massive fan of colour I also share her love of classic and neutral and I think this book could be worth looking out for.

I'm back......just

2010-05-12T07:04:00.002+01:00

Got back at 10pm last night and here I am at 6.30am catching up on all my favourite blogs while the kids are still asleep. I've missed all the crafty stuff sooooo much! Anyway just wanted to draw your attention to the Sixty One A Giveaway. Its well worth entering for the chance to win one of the lovely birdcages.

2010-04-28T13:56:00.002+01:00

We are off on holiday for a week in search of the Southern Italian sunshine. Hopefully lots of swimming, prosecco drinking and fabulous food in store for us. I'm concerned I won't be able to get my husband to come home as he has ideas of moving there......we will have to see. Anyway, I'm packed (mostly knitting!) and very excited. See you all soon.......

Yarn Bombing

2010-04-25T09:01:00.004+01:00

Super busy at the moment with painting the house and putting up fruit cages and poly tunnels in the garden (photos to follow - I'm very excited about this!) But just wanted to post about the yarn bombing that is happening at the Textile Museum of Canada. I love the whole yarn bombing idea and have donated a whole bundle of corsages which I made ages ago and then they just sat in my knitting pile looking a bit sorry for themselves. They will be so much happier adorning a bicycle rack in Canada.

oh dear.....

2010-04-16T11:40:00.008+01:00

...we've had a bit of a disaster in the sitting room! I should explain we live in a large old house which we have been renovating for the last seven years. The sitting room was finished last year but on Tuesday morning my husband noticed the plaster was 'blowing' in places. He then had a closer look and half the plaster on the wall fell off! Arghhhhh! Thankfully our plasterer only lives around the corner so is able to fix it reasonably quickly but it means I've been spending all my time knee deep in rubble and pva stuff and the whole room is out of action waiting to be replastered and painted. What a nuisance! This is what it looks like at the moment.....

The kids are also unimpressed as Cbeebies is off for a while and so today we went to the zoo. We had such a lovely time.

This evening after all the stuff that needs to be done I will be getting on with knitting my cardigan....

....so far so good with this pattern. I love this Kim Hargreaves book its got some really nice patterns in it. I was planning to knit the Jane Richmond jumper but after three failed attempts to get it started (I'm obviously not getting it) I've put it to one side. Anyway I'm knitting my cardigan in one of the Sublime wools. I will post a photo of it once its finished.

Also bought the new Amy Butler Midwest knitting book and some of her wool in a fabulous geranium colour. Not sure what this will turn into but I just couldn't leave it on the shelf - I had to have it!

Oops.....

2010-04-09T22:00:00.008+01:00

.....another purchase. This time I was looking for a laptop sleeve on Folksy and got sidetracked by these gorgeous buttons......

oh and these ones........

.......well the postage seemed SO reasonable at 30p per additional item it seemed silly not too (darn - they see me coming!) They came from Mollimoo who I haven't come across before. As I said I bought these from her Folksy shop. Apparently she has an Etsy shop but I'm too scared to look incase I'm tempted to spend more! It will have to wait......and it looks as if I will be making that laptop sleeve myself.

A new creation....

2010-04-01T15:07:00.009+01:00

The girls have started a new nursery today (the previous nursery was great but in the wrong direction for Miss B's new primary school so I thought I would make the change now so Miss T can settle in before having her big sister move again) I've spent the morning (in between boring housework) fiddling with a new creation.

It's a baby changing mat/car blanket made from Amy Butler and a lovely minky fabric, to make it super soft and snuggly. Overall I'm happy with it. I think the fabric works really well and the popper strap keeps it nice and neat. It could do with being a bit bigger and I'm toying with the idea of losing the fabric and replacing it with oilcloth. I love all the gorgeous Cath Kidston oilcloths with cowboys etc but as soon as I start even thinking about using this all the profitability goes out the window.......not that there was much of that anyway! I'm seeing my cousin at the weekend who has a six month old so I will give this one to her as long as she lets me road test the baby on it first and gives me her valuable opinion (she occassionally stops by the blog so I have to be nice!)

On another note I want to share with you this fabulous Cassoulet tin we brought back from France. I've been admiring it sitting on the Rayburn for months and last Saturday we finally opened it. It was truly delicious - just right for the wintery weather! Anyway, now we have opened it perhaps the spring weather will return. We can live in hope.

UK Handmade Magazine Spring 2010

2010-03-29T11:18:00.006+01:00

The new Spring Issue of UK Handmade magazine is out now. It's a great read for anyone interested in crafty stuff and has particularly good articles on how to go about setting up your own business. Check it out!

2010-03-26T15:26:00.007Z

I've just taken delivery of a lovely parcel of goodies from Meadow Yarn Quite a bit (eek!) of Manos del Uruguay clasica wool solid in earth. Its not quite the colour I was expecting but I'm not disappointed. I plan to be very selfish and knit a jumper for myself from Jane Richmond patterns.

I'm a follower of her great little blog and a big fan of her simple but gorgeous patterns. Can't wait to knit this...I will keep you posted on progress.

Also have to confess purchasing one skein of Manos del Uruguay silk blend. Its so lovely. I can think of ten things I'd like to make with this. Anyway enough swooning over wool, now off to plant herbs in the garden with the kids - hopefully in the sunshine.

And the winner is.....

2010-03-24T10:24:00.004Z

Pants and Paper! Congratulations! Your gloves will be in the post later today.

Mugs with Knitted Warmers

2010-03-18T14:35:00.003Z

I have just added a pair of handless mugs with knitted warmers to my Etsy shop. I think they look really pretty in the two tones of pink. Hope you like them...... Oh don't forget there is still time to enter the gloves giveaway - see my post from earlier in the week.

Giveaway time.......

2010-03-15T16:32:00.004Z

Sorry I haven't blogged for a while it was my birthday a few days ago and I've been busy being throughly spoilt! So I thought to make up for it I would do my first ever giveaway!
Down to business.......I'm giving away one pair of cashmerino green handknitted fingerless gloves (perfect for any green fingers who are digging in the garden) with very pretty star shell buttons. Dead simple to enter, all you have to do is leave a comment before Midnight (GMT), Monday 22nd March and please be sure that I can contact you via the comment. Exciting stuff! Got to go kids are destroying some of my favourite Bridgewater bowls....

Is it Thursday already.....?

2010-03-04T12:45:00.006Z

What a week! (and not in a good way) Miss T had the chickenpox and just as she was getting over it Miss B came down with it too. She's been understandably utterly miserable and I've been up to my eyes in camomile cream and very unproductive. Anyway today is a new day, the sun is shining and the girls are finally both back at nursery.

I thought I would show you a photo of my kitchen table/desk/work area. A bit of creative chaos! You can see the cushions I made from vintage flags in the window seat.

On the table is.....a nearly finished pair of pink gloves for a special order. A lovely big corsage made from one of the skeins I recently bought from The Natural Dye Studio. One green spiral legging completed for Miss B (I've yet to start No.2) Then a pair of green gloves nearly finished (Have you noticed I'm in love with anything green at the moment!)

One last idea I'm working on is new cup warmers. As I mentioned my mother is a potter and I've asked her to make me a collection of simple handleless cups that I will make warmers for. In the meantime she's given me some other ones to work some ideas on. Isn't the sunshine glorious. More required please.......

New hat for Miss B....

2010-02-24T14:50:00.007Z

Finished a hat for Miss B today. She seems to love it and has gone off to nursery this afternoon wearing it (I just hope it comes back and she doesn't trade it for a Peppa Pig clip !)

The wool is a Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in soft red. My mother is a potter and made the button which I think looks great. Its the first time I've tried this lacey pattern too and I'm loving it.

Also I must tell you about my new labels from Moo printing. I'm so pleased with them that I took a photo of my most recent order which is heading off to America. Great huh?

I'm a barbie girl........

2010-02-20T14:51:00.005Z

Loving this scrummy wool I've just purchased from The Natural Dye Studio Its called Barbie Dazzle BFL and I'm planning on making some springtime hats. Fabulous!

I couldn't resist this Rosemary Dazzle wool too. I'm thinking perfect for some more corsages. Right this website is fair too tempting I need to get off before I spend any more - eek!

Walnut Tart and New Gloves.....

2010-02-18T18:35:00.006Z

Ok here's the recipe for the delicious Walnut Bakewell Tart I mentioned. Ingredients: Shortcrust Pastry, 8oz Walnuts, 8oz soft butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 8oz caster sugar, 2oz flour, 3 eggs, Raspberry Jam.

Whizz the walnuts in a blender for 5 seconds. Mix soft butter and caster sugar together. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Line 10inch tin with pastry and then line the pastry with a thin layer of jam. Pour the walnut mix. Bake for approx. 50 mins for until the centre is not wobbly. Its quite homely looking but more importantly its extremely delicious!

Just added some new gloves and a corsage in my Etsy shop. Hope you like them!

New Button Gloves

2010-02-12T19:24:00.002Z

Thanks everyone who has headed over from The Linen Cat blog and left lovely comments. I will be adding freshly knitted new pairs of button gloves to my etsy shop on Friday 19th February. So if you are interested in purchasing a pair please check out my shop at www.etsy.com/shop/meadowstitch

Spring Green Gloves.....

2010-02-10T14:52:00.005Z

I have just finished a lovely green pair of gloves with fabric buttons. Fairly pleased with them and think I will develop this idea for all my gloves in the etsy shop. These pair are off to Beth at The Linen Cat. I recieved the lovely linen mouse that I won from her blog giveaway in the post yesterday so by way of a thankyou I have offered to send her some gloves. I hope she likes them. Hmmm, these new gloves have started off lots of new ideas. Food for thought! Oh by the way I'm planning to share a fabulous recipe first discovered by a friend for Walnut Bakewell Tart. Sounds abit dodgy but its so delicioius......

Thankyou The Linen Cat

2010-02-07T11:03:00.000Z

Just found out I have won in The Linen Cat Birthday Giveaway and have a Linen Mouse making its way to me. How exciting! Love Beth's blog and ofcourse her gorgeous cats, mice and birds. Check it out if you have time at www.thelinencat.wordpress.com

2010-01-18T14:24:00.000Z

Meadowstitch shop up and running!

2010-01-18T14:15:00.000Z

Da dah! The Meadowstitch etsy shop is up and running at www.etsy.com/shop/meadowstitch

I've been knitting like crazy the last couple of weeks (although I've ended up giving a couple to some very kind friends) More knitting required though as I'd like to have atleast 6 or 7 pairs of mittens in the shop before I embark on some lovely two tone socks.

I think my photos could do with being abit more stylish too. May have to enlist Mr L's help to take some photos of me in them.

A new day.....

2009-12-14T15:26:00.000Z

Well here is my first blog of the new Meadowstitch page. Ramblings of a crafty housewife who loves knitting, stitching and gorgeous handmade things. I've been inspired by some other great bloggers (treefall, angharad, saints and pinners) and thought I might have a go myself. Recently I've been making alot of gifts for friends and family for christmas and next year I'm hoping to launch an Etsy shop...... wish me luck! (and watch this space...... )