Liebster Award!

Hope you are well and still enjoying the run-up to Christmas-it's almost here...are you ready?
How time has flown these last weeks and due to general 'busyness' which I'm sure many of you will share at this time, I'm disappointed not to have been able to catch up on my blog and visiting others-will be catching up as soon as I can! 

A couple of weeks ago I was absolutely delighted to have been nominated for a Liebster Award by my lovely friend Anne of Crochet between Worlds. If you haven't seen this blog do pop over -it is run by both Anne and Michelle who live on other sides of the world-Anne in Germany and Michelle in Australia! They post the most gorgeous crochet work and information along with snippets of life from both countries.

'Liebster' means 'favourite in German, and being nominated gives you the chance to answer a few questions about yourself to help others get to know each other, then nominate your favourites to do the same. Here are my answers and I am looking forward to nominating and finding out a bit more about others!

1. What is the name of your blog? And what does the name mean? 

I am fortunate to live in a Cornish farmhouse built in 1750. The house is full of character and reminders of times gone by when people lived a simpler life. I like to think of all the traditions that went on here over the centuries, particularly seasonal traditions and crafts. 

2. How many blogs do you follow?
Probably about 40 but I tend to concentrate on far fewer than that so I can keep in touch with my favourites on a more regular basis. One of the aspects of blogging I really value is the shared friendships that have come my way this year which I wrote about in a previous post here.

3. Do you have a creative soul? 
Very. I just have to create-I am only fulfilled when I have made something and will try out and modify something many times before I am truly happy with it. I like to think I am creative in all aspects of life as well-there are always other, more exciting ways of seeing and doing things-everything evolves.

4. At what age did you learn to crochet or knit?

I wrote a post about how I came to crochet here, being inspired by the 70s craze when at school and a shared love of crafting with my mother. I can knit but for me crochet is easier and a lot more fun but I do admire those who knit so brilliantly and wish I could!

5. What are your future projects?

The list is just too enormous!-I absolutely love making and have a lot of projects on the go all the time. Having re-developed my crochet this year I am working on improving my skills and have lots of plans for accessories, I just love the feel of wearing something I have crocheted myself and am making for friends and family too.  I also love paper crafting, altered art and rubber stamping -I like designing tags so there are some of those on the go. Sewing has probably been my favourite craft of all and the one I do most so lots of plans there for clothes, gifts and accessories.

6. Why do you blog?

Something I had wanted to do for a very long time- to record my makes, share snippets about life in Cornwall and learn from like-minded people.   The catalyst was when a lovely lady Dorothy of Dorothy's Room encouraged me to go for it.

7. What will your Christmas look like this year?
Hand crafted as much as possible with evergreens gathered from the garden, hand sewn and crocheted items for my daughters and friends which I will share with you in the New Year.

I love period drama. My Christmas afternoon treat will be a back to back DVD 'Downton-fest'. I always disallow myself from watching this on TV as to wait for it it is a real treat -with chocolate!

8. What are your plans for 2015?
I always wish for safety, health and happiness for my family and others. The first two we can aim to protect and the third is for us to realise. I already craft until my hands almost drop off but more of that, more of my family's company, embracing as much beauty as possible and of course many more walks with my beloved dogs! The simple life, really.

9. If you could travel anywhere, which 3 places would you visit and why? 

Paris. I just love, love love the City of Light. History, culture, fashion, design, the French language, literature, vintage romance-what's not to love? 

America. I always dreamt of the 'Green grass of Wyoming' -anywhere that horses are a feature -I would love to stay on a horse ranch.

Scotland. It's my heritage and I have been many times-my father was from the North East coast and it's really in my blood. He was a Gordon Highlander. My mother thought that was why I ended up living in Cornwall-the Celtic influence.
Can I add another one as it's Christmas? Lapland- I want to dash through the snow in in a 'one horse open sleigh' and feed a reindeer.

My father Charlie was born here in Cullen on the Moray coast, in a little cottage at top right of photo.

10.What made you smile today?
My little dog Oscar. He is just the cutest little creature ever-I never knew little dogs could have so much character and be so much fun. I only have to look at his little face and can't help but smile. He devises ways to run off with my ball of wool or latest bit of crochet all the time.

11. What do you do on a rainy Sunday?

Rainy Sundays are made for crafting, reading and soggy dog walks- -we get plenty in Cornwall-bring them on!

If you read all that lot well done and many, many thanks!

I would like to nominate the following 8 super blogs -do pop over and visit! Bloggers please answer the 8 questions in a post and post the 'Liebster' logo to your blog, then nominate your favourites!

Ellie at http://feltabulous.blogspot.co.uk/
Christine at http://patchworkallsorts.blogspot.co.uk/
Deborah at http://thebeautifulmatters.blogspot.co.uk/
Helen at http://helenphilipps.blogspot.co.uk/
Jacqui at http://livingwithethel.blogspot.co.uk/
Maria at http://dinkidots.blogspot.co.uk/
Rita at http://wvpanoply.blogspot.co.uk/
Also http://forgetmenotsblue.blogspot.co.uk/

Your questions:

1. What is your favourite craft?

2. What is your home area like?

3. What's your favourite childhood memory?

4. Do you have a day job and if so what is it?

5. What is your favourite animal and do you have any pets?

6. How are your happiest days spent?

7. What are your dreams for the future?

8. What is your favourite quotation?

Thanks again Anne and Michelle-looking forward to exploring your nominated blogs over the holiday.

Have a great week of Christmas preparations everyone!

Best wishes

Alison xx