tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45987508444929904652024-03-13T11:40:06.771-07:00Farmhouse TraditionsSweet vintage home sewnAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-45585917448255859402017-05-01T13:44:00.000-07:002017-05-01T13:44:36.039-07:00Seaside bead bracelet.<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a tutorial for a simple bracelet designed for 8-11 year olds to follow and create their in their school Beading Club.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Seaside Bead Bracelet.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJCGg6HqBKRzyLGrONq_OVloirpziddsTvnASaX6G46pcVvMPIKdEmi-JCWwXIGSat8y-_PE-FptszzcLcuq1cMf2j8BAKHjBgv__dExwlqC8-Pa1R_4RMyyp3naJ39pAz2Z8wESpYVg/s1600/DSC06313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJCGg6HqBKRzyLGrONq_OVloirpziddsTvnASaX6G46pcVvMPIKdEmi-JCWwXIGSat8y-_PE-FptszzcLcuq1cMf2j8BAKHjBgv__dExwlqC8-Pa1R_4RMyyp3naJ39pAz2Z8wESpYVg/s320/DSC06313.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Use flat suede cord to make a bead bracelet, using simple knots- a relaxed surfer style that is perfect for the beach!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can use wooden beads, pony beads or any type of bead as long as the bead holes are large enough for the cord to be threaded through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bracelet uses a 'donut' bead on one end which acts as a fastener.<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/AVvXsEhsV15pLYCszig9GbnHq_wkPZ1M_agZk8AIwo-piJxMfdpjbAkGRS7ZKJt_RGpKPaMqMNhaVgtKkNxdD59HQYWI-rVEay05Iv3mMnnQsDo0h2ZDa7dZN51mOP1tVnFEsMKKTIFS-UUb9s8/s1600/DSC06270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV15pLYCszig9GbnHq_wkPZ1M_agZk8AIwo-piJxMfdpjbAkGRS7ZKJt_RGpKPaMqMNhaVgtKkNxdD59HQYWI-rVEay05Iv3mMnnQsDo0h2ZDa7dZN51mOP1tVnFEsMKKTIFS-UUb9s8/s320/DSC06270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Donut beads are sometimes known as 'Angel halos'.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Materials: </b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>One end bead-a donut, or other large, flattish bead.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> 60cm fat suede cord</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>7 coloured beads</b></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To make:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cut the required amount of cord. The cord length will be longer than your wrist as knots are made to separate beads.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plan your design. use your favourite colours, colours that complement each other, or colours that contrast.Think about the colours you can see and find at the seaside! Experiment with different combinations until you find a design you like. This one uses ocean blues, turquoise and sea lavender.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiPxZvmNiJPnDY8Q1koyTtF3nWQrE0jHTLJImGOkJg7MFyWvAbRBuhkzysOCq98_lCmgV9Mk0HrOYdPqTDEUI0_G6GWBn8ARPQhCNjfmONlxTsFnvWRadrzI_RdOe5LgGI1iBHZzpHkI/s1600/DSC06272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiPxZvmNiJPnDY8Q1koyTtF3nWQrE0jHTLJImGOkJg7MFyWvAbRBuhkzysOCq98_lCmgV9Mk0HrOYdPqTDEUI0_G6GWBn8ARPQhCNjfmONlxTsFnvWRadrzI_RdOe5LgGI1iBHZzpHkI/s320/DSC06272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take one end of cord and tie a knot to make a loop.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndqDNlGuB_zIicqjjB-9e4M_8ou4Im1zlGeWxyPeMs6Wbp87ZDCHIfUSO2BqVeU0v6FTCi3aWGQ96uEWn1SAUDFM18hUn22S1xPiH1hi2I_rq7Yan22jQMeuHXB1cYzU31tbqFYsC1lI/s1600/DSC06282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndqDNlGuB_zIicqjjB-9e4M_8ou4Im1zlGeWxyPeMs6Wbp87ZDCHIfUSO2BqVeU0v6FTCi3aWGQ96uEWn1SAUDFM18hUn22S1xPiH1hi2I_rq7Yan22jQMeuHXB1cYzU31tbqFYsC1lI/s200/DSC06282.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKKBeaOYtKlnmfH5MKJEjl3FDnEFG12HhvsQXtEUBo5DUDHSQposGVqgeyuqDB0eaGVJpvlDfqrcQRTuCU5MZCVYVIMXpFAMcfY-r9EZPitX_LSTKmoY3af_uBwA4UWIXgcUNjKdUKJE/s1600/DSC06279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKKBeaOYtKlnmfH5MKJEjl3FDnEFG12HhvsQXtEUBo5DUDHSQposGVqgeyuqDB0eaGVJpvlDfqrcQRTuCU5MZCVYVIMXpFAMcfY-r9EZPitX_LSTKmoY3af_uBwA4UWIXgcUNjKdUKJE/s200/DSC06279.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thread on your first bead. Now tie a knot. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">You can also push the end from where the loop was made into this bead.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCTU08wGcAepw0ZJVtVBHGQm9UawtWKhkqQdQNFvYCgoMfv0YrAmLFjLGwgn6Tk1HLAAGLxX-26Tkfq5KwHhMkOoB0ztRMHY2AZ4Atmn-b4RkR6_rwK2bE_OBxgfaNCjSEnLVrpswWbw/s1600/DSC06301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCTU08wGcAepw0ZJVtVBHGQm9UawtWKhkqQdQNFvYCgoMfv0YrAmLFjLGwgn6Tk1HLAAGLxX-26Tkfq5KwHhMkOoB0ztRMHY2AZ4Atmn-b4RkR6_rwK2bE_OBxgfaNCjSEnLVrpswWbw/s400/DSC06301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Thread each bead on in the same way, making a knot after each. Make knots loosely so that you can adjust them slightly to make the spacing even.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVWwv0RAo3RQ9EXpWAtGaeVGAJPf5-xUTWXCGKccSQn0iBdUjejKGOn8pRWsygadETCVLEiE3mijEpRc7xyFsEKO-LRrme5kyN85rxisfSM-tVbwzlp_v7Rhk9g3KHNd5VySWWvb_Fvk/s1600/DSC06305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVWwv0RAo3RQ9EXpWAtGaeVGAJPf5-xUTWXCGKccSQn0iBdUjejKGOn8pRWsygadETCVLEiE3mijEpRc7xyFsEKO-LRrme5kyN85rxisfSM-tVbwzlp_v7Rhk9g3KHNd5VySWWvb_Fvk/s320/DSC06305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Before adding the final, donut bead, Try your bracelet around your wrist for size. If it is too big you can try pushing the knots tighter, or leaving out one of your beads. If too small, add another bead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnUerzpWstga4afuoFPH3KbcaE6UfqpxRSxIAPj_605zfkui6gytlSmKV8Hz1FQnqlC6gPSBiO7xmjirx4XgbPQVpE5N-Jt8xn-2ubQ5lNWzAQ1qBmEz5XGug_o8KaeT9oW-_Tm2sCqU/s1600/DSC06309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnUerzpWstga4afuoFPH3KbcaE6UfqpxRSxIAPj_605zfkui6gytlSmKV8Hz1FQnqlC6gPSBiO7xmjirx4XgbPQVpE5N-Jt8xn-2ubQ5lNWzAQ1qBmEz5XGug_o8KaeT9oW-_Tm2sCqU/s320/DSC06309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iMYXYP9ecfioEtimHznjZfQXcPHGYRplPJCXT5GsjvPp1NpLtJheL6LWpFq2B98yydjCJ6csFc6wDPOm0r-g1F_ZBLa1N_jYDmPva0Q346D5WY0IJGzg5aMNG4fWTTXz2XFf9spbNI0/s1600/DSC06310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iMYXYP9ecfioEtimHznjZfQXcPHGYRplPJCXT5GsjvPp1NpLtJheL6LWpFq2B98yydjCJ6csFc6wDPOm0r-g1F_ZBLa1N_jYDmPva0Q346D5WY0IJGzg5aMNG4fWTTXz2XFf9spbNI0/s200/DSC06310.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6..Finally, add your donut bead. Make a final knot, then another knot over the top of the first. Trim any left over cord.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s8g8wvKy9HElVIZ8ciJk5AyoiXnNkYUsuVmhA7Q_ilnsjFlLPu5CvQ_Ten5QkRbp9QI0uWZElchPB7B31tRLB08PTh6xMObWLxqwxrnWxr5fNRBMrEODMcA2UJrorAzOpPbCO9fodrQ/s1600/DSC06311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s8g8wvKy9HElVIZ8ciJk5AyoiXnNkYUsuVmhA7Q_ilnsjFlLPu5CvQ_Ten5QkRbp9QI0uWZElchPB7B31tRLB08PTh6xMObWLxqwxrnWxr5fNRBMrEODMcA2UJrorAzOpPbCO9fodrQ/s200/DSC06311.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now your bracelet is ready to wear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perfect for when you are out in the sunshine!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRF4sGdtHlNZP9VOlI5a6OKc5GmJEVhg1qpnJiXK1nkyipnK_xbKzUfmA_I43N9pyy_nf486FciAm6fLJKdwYnsX0Tr-gfh9xt_QrVIUC_4ebQATGAwzE5WgJeH5OARHJkag8s287GT4/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRF4sGdtHlNZP9VOlI5a6OKc5GmJEVhg1qpnJiXK1nkyipnK_xbKzUfmA_I43N9pyy_nf486FciAm6fLJKdwYnsX0Tr-gfh9xt_QrVIUC_4ebQATGAwzE5WgJeH5OARHJkag8s287GT4/s400/Picture2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-55518707918172259182016-11-01T14:59:00.001-07:002016-11-01T14:59:17.440-07:00Cute Halloween crochet.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you had fun at Halloween! Last week I had fun making some cute amigurumi pumpkins, a little witch and spider for my little granddaughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First I thought some little pumpkins would fit nicely into her baby hand. There are lots of patterns for these available but the idea I thought was most effective was where the pumpkin has more lifelike 'ridges' like a real one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHF20-gp7iu0DitJnmnsD8MvzJgtFYtmcIWV08GoA__s5Gr6O3helfz-A2nSLuJ9reopyAHcgyGLUXgB6aVLX7hVa9EJ1HiZInuqjpEGRrYN2jpyCVZMYyx4dTSeAmDCgIHV3Xf7ustE/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHF20-gp7iu0DitJnmnsD8MvzJgtFYtmcIWV08GoA__s5Gr6O3helfz-A2nSLuJ9reopyAHcgyGLUXgB6aVLX7hVa9EJ1HiZInuqjpEGRrYN2jpyCVZMYyx4dTSeAmDCgIHV3Xf7ustE/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually I located a pattern called 'Autumn Bounty' which you can download for from free-crochet.com-click here: <a href="https://www.free-crochet.com/detail.html?code=FC01430&cat_id=315">Autumn Bounty</a> . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtov2hdGQZUU-oLxiZdGnsiAiVS5ZRpN_Q_H6zqqjn384CekhQPWXA5VWTnN5JjADoIdyKcqILS72kdPuvQrVNWCPNQrczCvjGn4d1J6jnTwBhcQv-MyXcZDiGNUtg4RRocjiOO-bGOg/s1600/60df36d2e68742a26c24617ebdd73641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtov2hdGQZUU-oLxiZdGnsiAiVS5ZRpN_Q_H6zqqjn384CekhQPWXA5VWTnN5JjADoIdyKcqILS72kdPuvQrVNWCPNQrczCvjGn4d1J6jnTwBhcQv-MyXcZDiGNUtg4RRocjiOO-bGOg/s1600/60df36d2e68742a26c24617ebdd73641.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has American crochet terms but basically it just uses sc which is simply dc in English terms. The ridges are created by working into the back loop of the dc (American sc). So effective! I used <a href="http://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/patons-wool-dk-orange-00125-50?gclid=CjwKEAjwtNbABRCsqO7J0_uJxWYSJAAiVo5L5F--6dMpOwGm69Iszpd2fNlWut6knM8gf8xgi3ZySxoCowDw_wcB">Patons all wool dk</a> for mine because I already had 6 balls of it in orange! It gave such a nice chunky texture to the pumpkins and is very hardwearing which made it perfect for being played with and squashed a lot!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyKJhOsdCok6NZV4lE-yhHToxe4lmDNkFC-EWqmdP9-UetKURaFG9zIVZJgO2IlN4VaEBhwFifckhP92nSzC7vqQVXtfKCXqInfW70lFL4hbR9f5SYXCPgNV7o_0y5D04-21sVWBdR5w/s1600/DSC03676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyKJhOsdCok6NZV4lE-yhHToxe4lmDNkFC-EWqmdP9-UetKURaFG9zIVZJgO2IlN4VaEBhwFifckhP92nSzC7vqQVXtfKCXqInfW70lFL4hbR9f5SYXCPgNV7o_0y5D04-21sVWBdR5w/s320/DSC03676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pumpkins were such a hit with my little granddaughter, aged 13 months. She loved the textures and played with them like little balls.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I made the two pumpkins pictured on the pattern above according to the instructions then a tiny one by simply reducing the initial chain. With the wool dk I used a 3.50mm hook, usually you would use a 4.00 but I do crochet loosely and I wanted to make sure there were no gaps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inspired then to make a little witch I Looked for something which would stand up and be just the right size for a small hand. My search brought me to a super pattern -find it here: <a href="http://sanitybystitches.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/little-witch-pattern.html">little witch pattern</a>. It worked out so well-many thanks to Sanity by Stitches. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For my witch I used my favourite <a href="http://www.loveknitting.com/patons-merino-extrafine-dk">Patons merino extra fine dk</a> which I use in my <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/mermaid-summer.html">mermaid dolls</a> -it is so soft and has a very clear stitch definition, plus it comes in gorgeous colours. Again I used a 3.50mm hook. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm9c71_DVS127MPNrGztVqYc76tjXM875barmo-6xGkVHEN9yQcGdOq5uvFhNBfmuyL4l_Xhw41DEq7V4J3JaGAclMzJEl89AZ79N0VDyY0Uy1pyFF2koiOaI28oQNSLFgoLuucaf4yI/s1600/DSC03696+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm9c71_DVS127MPNrGztVqYc76tjXM875barmo-6xGkVHEN9yQcGdOq5uvFhNBfmuyL4l_Xhw41DEq7V4J3JaGAclMzJEl89AZ79N0VDyY0Uy1pyFF2koiOaI28oQNSLFgoLuucaf4yI/s200/DSC03696+%25282%2529.JPG" width="129" /></a> What a success the little witch was-Isabelle did not let go of her all morning! The witch had a little cauldron but it needed a spider to go inside it......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many thanks to <a href="http://www.petalstopicots.com/2014/09/crochet-spider-pattern/">Petals to Picots</a> for this super little spider pattern. I did adapt the legs by crocheting them onto a band together, before attaching to body. I also added my own version of crocheted 'googly eyes' . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Using a tapestry needle and black yarn, work a big French knot, by wrapping yarn around needle three times for the eye centres. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then push remaining centre wool yarn end into the back of eye to give a bit of stuffing to the eye, making it more 'googly'!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOaodeuwUfXUDL4exO7B4hzqgBzZ3Gn581iPyo5kBngpn5OXZgItalJBTkMt8HU0akJ1UOz0WMEU6SCTjEJQbV0YadIvykgwbcZHUbgQSaiuszsSQw7VxM-y6IOPFQP8noiPxmGZ_DH0/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOaodeuwUfXUDL4exO7B4hzqgBzZ3Gn581iPyo5kBngpn5OXZgItalJBTkMt8HU0akJ1UOz0WMEU6SCTjEJQbV0YadIvykgwbcZHUbgQSaiuszsSQw7VxM-y6IOPFQP8noiPxmGZ_DH0/s400/15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What fun they were to make. I'm afraid I got a bit addicted to the spiders.....they are still being hooked up in different fun colours-all ready for next year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have a good week,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Best wishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alison</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-92202370430531359652016-08-20T05:43:00.000-07:002016-08-20T05:43:15.737-07:00Pirate patchwork cushion.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>It's a lovely summer again with lots of visits this year from family. I love to make a little keepsake gift for my adorable niece and nephew and this year decided to make them a patchwork cushion to take home.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Now for me, making anything for a boy is quite a challenge-I just have never had the practice and can't say my interest runs to football and the like! However, there is one theme that I do enjoy and it is so linked to Cornwall...pirates! Luckily my little nephew likes to be a pirate on occasions especially when he is down here in Cornwall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inspired by this cute little offcut I decided to make the ship the centre of the cushion and match some of Ollie's favourite colours around it in simple strips, keeping the central focus. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk153-I4tykqYg4UKdEQYvnfWpJc07OLRAeuOwcLEC5S981rwaL3F21iz7Qqvuu__UZDuu-AmMjm84UBBidgWOFnNBycOAqj1_-dV4lP-S17OWLJ0TD6vmm716k71gaeG8HL689UfHQ8/s1600/DSC02812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk153-I4tykqYg4UKdEQYvnfWpJc07OLRAeuOwcLEC5S981rwaL3F21iz7Qqvuu__UZDuu-AmMjm84UBBidgWOFnNBycOAqj1_-dV4lP-S17OWLJ0TD6vmm716k71gaeG8HL689UfHQ8/s320/DSC02812.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Love the clean lines, symmetry and bright colours of this fabric.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Headed for my quilting stash unfortunately being faced with the fact I really should stop the sewing and have a good tidy out. I blame this on being creative.</span><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/AVvXsEi_iE-_ivniN5AX95hgUZubjgho93LNHm11_sJtmhRuW-Q-OYfS-frA8KVpJht5Ak4ugWtzh4nu0eW9n77MQh5cD3zphAh8jUjzNCZq3iGLMCBmV7wwnLx-akW4JemdGqKL4uWAlNMMRk8/s1600/DSC02821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iE-_ivniN5AX95hgUZubjgho93LNHm11_sJtmhRuW-Q-OYfS-frA8KVpJht5Ak4ugWtzh4nu0eW9n77MQh5cD3zphAh8jUjzNCZq3iGLMCBmV7wwnLx-akW4JemdGqKL4uWAlNMMRk8/s320/DSC02821.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eek! or as we are on a pirate theme...aaaarrrrggghhhh!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Basically I don't have a clue what I do have in the way of fabric any more. I can only get away with blaming creative for so long-I may have to have a sort out before I disappear under an avalanche of Michael Miller and Amy Butler....</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />After much rifling through (and a few surprises-when did I get that exactly/oh I've just ordered some of that-didn't know I already had some etc) I put some sea themed pieces together.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiVcdm4Bs8ORUetBwWuVsorVsv8sGg76eIIaYs7ipNzps9LXWSgwRXlfDt9GF2XABSfAHarfT8liGK1zZCyO6I-jyabGsYO0N506mfEv7C0B1nxtPCyIer78GTH3QWm6_2BDYcgmu4R4/s1600/DSC02806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiVcdm4Bs8ORUetBwWuVsorVsv8sGg76eIIaYs7ipNzps9LXWSgwRXlfDt9GF2XABSfAHarfT8liGK1zZCyO6I-jyabGsYO0N506mfEv7C0B1nxtPCyIer78GTH3QWm6_2BDYcgmu4R4/s320/DSC02806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Great-Ollie's favourite colours being red, black and blue I could do something with that. Would love to work in that cheeky shark with the jaws. I also love 'worded' fabric-aren't these old pirate sayings fun?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsFBMuqMBPO3VGEKc6lGy6FlhgTL3WRjhr5j6YOSGgDvSGWLfFJNlAWLNagtisYT198tcAVsbxwRxWPjxR1n8UVRCu6j2I_SC3mwW4D7R5SH2hYkouhINN34mpefhMwtZm-MGkmIWDbw/s1600/DSC02808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsFBMuqMBPO3VGEKc6lGy6FlhgTL3WRjhr5j6YOSGgDvSGWLfFJNlAWLNagtisYT198tcAVsbxwRxWPjxR1n8UVRCu6j2I_SC3mwW4D7R5SH2hYkouhINN34mpefhMwtZm-MGkmIWDbw/s320/DSC02808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Well shiver me timbers...better get started! One of my favourite parts of doing anything patchy is mixing and matching colours, then noting how the colours interact with each other for best effect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I started with a black check around the ship as the ship was outlined ,then tried this deep textured blue which had a kind of wave effect: this gave focus to the waves and background.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRG9dtfd_bfJNsOxMC5TLB19TzBrNUdduG-Xnrob8-uwK4AwQjUfXnGmBeLSFeCGo8dhDJ12LFA1uqADz1DOsV0deGVnmN5gdwYtVOTFvkxzXpG_MDLl_hp9qKGTIHyTTm7fMk4mBhAD8/s1600/DSC02818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRG9dtfd_bfJNsOxMC5TLB19TzBrNUdduG-Xnrob8-uwK4AwQjUfXnGmBeLSFeCGo8dhDJ12LFA1uqADz1DOsV0deGVnmN5gdwYtVOTFvkxzXpG_MDLl_hp9qKGTIHyTTm7fMk4mBhAD8/s320/DSC02818.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> However, then trying out the red/white polka dots (Cath Kidston old favourite!) really brought the sails to life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjDB-cXvBmK7spjxjQ4koSUpWVSprvnGndqXcxjzJu-P8LiTGIShPAuNT56tpx5kfVXkvsAxjz-BL2nC0FxwK-USYQ-lCoi-rDJo-ZIKrDkncWMWsGskQJsRMFR5O1MzhomYKv1ZggRg/s1600/DSC02816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjDB-cXvBmK7spjxjQ4koSUpWVSprvnGndqXcxjzJu-P8LiTGIShPAuNT56tpx5kfVXkvsAxjz-BL2nC0FxwK-USYQ-lCoi-rDJo-ZIKrDkncWMWsGskQJsRMFR5O1MzhomYKv1ZggRg/s320/DSC02816.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> If we try both, there should be some great lift to the central colours:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP8mdnoiP0tntWLFftTcDJZiLyvt2ufkPTjrsQurxr3KHsR-SxxOKiSRi5-c2LC7Ng18eEWyNLLqSmwDO6H_HWU3DReCCeRsEsHinowBCkETszJsDsI0eTLDJVP3IVDZqW7CJR_uSc-k/s1600/DSC02820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP8mdnoiP0tntWLFftTcDJZiLyvt2ufkPTjrsQurxr3KHsR-SxxOKiSRi5-c2LC7Ng18eEWyNLLqSmwDO6H_HWU3DReCCeRsEsHinowBCkETszJsDsI0eTLDJVP3IVDZqW7CJR_uSc-k/s320/DSC02820.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Coming along nicely...would love to fit in that cheeky shark but in fact he did distract the eye from the ship. He probably wanted to be the central piece!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So to finish had to go for 'Shiver me timbers/sharkbait etc.' Sharkbait?? Sounds ghastly but I think Ollie will approve, as he was keen to relate the most gruesome facts of the Great Plague as a conversation starter at dinner last week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I then machine quilted the patchwork 'in the ditch' to a lightweight wadding and backed the cushion in the original black check 'frame' of the ship. I gave the cushion an envelope style opening, using the overlocker for speed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Finished! Quite pleased with the co-ordination but most pleased that I really enjoyed making it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The cushion measured just 12 inches as I have a stash of cushion inserts to fit that size!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">All ready for a little pirate and now oh what joy-a girlie one for my lovely niece who loves unicorns...now where did I see those gorgeous designs by Michael Miller??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Then it will need to be a good summer quilt fabric tidy up...no more 'creative' excuses? Well maybe...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdovelfFR7CwHo_5ikl2WzsmMQUMgAn9lHNcmtB53w2q3_sxomLc3LfDdwsN7m_sOAW2RriyjE1fhfBwLthY5Y-5jdQNTEm8JzxnpLW1B46FtVJtfO0S3A-3m3AgFN6kAijQ-PzFL-RQ/s1600/64887-creative-minds-are-rarely-tidy-quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdovelfFR7CwHo_5ikl2WzsmMQUMgAn9lHNcmtB53w2q3_sxomLc3LfDdwsN7m_sOAW2RriyjE1fhfBwLthY5Y-5jdQNTEm8JzxnpLW1B46FtVJtfO0S3A-3m3AgFN6kAijQ-PzFL-RQ/s320/64887-creative-minds-are-rarely-tidy-quotes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">How's your creative space? Sometimes it's good to find a surprise lurking amongst all that forgotten stash!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hope you're having a fantastic and creative summer xx</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-59569863700861623102016-07-27T11:46:00.001-07:002016-07-27T12:40:32.169-07:0021st Summer in Cornwall<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Twenty one years again today we began our Cornish adventure. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Moving from Worcester and me having never driven on a motorway, (still haven't!) I left the husband packing up the house three days before moving date and made a road trip with my one little girl aged 9 and our baby daughter only 14 months.</b> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZ2Y6KXmLtEyresBypZH_CaNZZ7cKxbX3LF46oF_aO58M7_-xE5TdwFiUtp4MJTfo8H3dEf1ekOQSRTsFLpbXFcIrhOGy3dIHfePX6Y_mSp5FtAR1hwuj0cMydZgOtnIreflr5pSE3nA/s1600/ctown+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZ2Y6KXmLtEyresBypZH_CaNZZ7cKxbX3LF46oF_aO58M7_-xE5TdwFiUtp4MJTfo8H3dEf1ekOQSRTsFLpbXFcIrhOGy3dIHfePX6Y_mSp5FtAR1hwuj0cMydZgOtnIreflr5pSE3nA/s400/ctown+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Planned a route which took us down through some favourite stopping off places, through Bath, Weston, then over Exmoor, North Devon and down to the furthest county! Stopping off at country B&Bs on the way, one a rather creepy old manor in deepest North Cornwall!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Uncannily, eldest daughter above and now 30, has moved to a new house with her own husband and baby today. This makes it a hat trick for her as it will be the third time she has moved house on 27th July! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Much time has passed since then but the only time I felt regret about the move was the first Winter, when it seemed to rain incessantly! It still rains a lot but when it passes it can be so beautiful here. The girls have grown up in a wonderful place and feel part of the county and culture-especially the younger one, who has known no other home, really.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWACT31u_WFTK4nGoUxljZgJib3kEbkYfcgkfmtpBr2PaDeo7szFxIEVG3-Dbxbk2WT70FbZYwbKzEJLvtlHutSRaBd7xEzMUU0zgbqwlIbY24uDX1xvIh-aUJup739kqwCr5kFa6sUJ4/s1600/Family-Quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWACT31u_WFTK4nGoUxljZgJib3kEbkYfcgkfmtpBr2PaDeo7szFxIEVG3-Dbxbk2WT70FbZYwbKzEJLvtlHutSRaBd7xEzMUU0zgbqwlIbY24uDX1xvIh-aUJup739kqwCr5kFa6sUJ4/s1600/Family-Quotes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the huge draws of moving to the county for me at the time, was the prospect of being amongst artists and makers in a county known for its arts and crafts heritage. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although I have made much of creative pursuits over those years, life has a way of choosing pathways which define how much of your time is spent. Children and family demand so much of our time and of course, making a living-having a career in education is a true privilege but I am still constantly wailing, 'I need more time for my crafts!' 'Me-time' can be such a precious commodity, but like most mothers (and now grandmothers!) I would not exchange any of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...and there we have the reason for my lack of reading blogs and posting since last summer. Mostly on account of one truly precious little baby girl who came into my life last September! So when I am not helping out with her,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I am usually making something for her! She has quite a selection of crochet hats, blankets and rabbits! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How wonderful it is to be Grandma to this beautiful little girl who is the image of my own daughter when she was tiny. Now she will grow up in this stunning county, warmed by the Gulf Stream, where wild flowers abound and cliffs reach down to beaches made for roaming. She will also be initiated into <a href="http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-07-25/poldarks-aidan-turner-wins-radio-times-drama-champion-title-for-second-year-running">Poldark</a> at the earliest opportunity. How glad I am that we took that leap of faith 21 years ago, and began our Cornish adventure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With summer holidays here again, I may have time for all those WIPs...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy summer days!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-14033832697821624442015-09-15T04:22:00.003-07:002015-09-15T04:22:22.847-07:00Mermaid summer<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Such a long time since I posted-it has been a glorious summer with much fun with holidays and family and friends. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVuo8qbPIqp0k2-sHI_bdvytCnwt7F4MAloRkmk-hY87qqT4gRzI1F3jnFqFPDfQHbdxdhd2KcqzJB4_pa6_gQW90QHc8DGZVmCe0sdqXauaaL7_MrCNrjCvrG1-mUtnT1dkM00QArC0/s1600/SAM_8908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVuo8qbPIqp0k2-sHI_bdvytCnwt7F4MAloRkmk-hY87qqT4gRzI1F3jnFqFPDfQHbdxdhd2KcqzJB4_pa6_gQW90QHc8DGZVmCe0sdqXauaaL7_MrCNrjCvrG1-mUtnT1dkM00QArC0/s320/SAM_8908.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My lovely great-niece Isla and her little brother Ollie kept me busy when they spent some weeks in Cornwall. We played all sorts of games, did crafts and told stories, particularly about Cornish ghosts, in which Ollie has the typical ghoulish fascination of an 8 year old. His imagination ran riot here at the old farmhouse! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isla adores mermaids -she is in and out of the sea like one herself so I set my mind to making her a mermaid princess in crochet. I have only just discovered amirugumi and the first ever attempt was earlier in the summer when in Wales I made a tiny rabbit for my baby grandaughter (now due in 4 weeks time). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKIxHs3PQQCJL0DYYYDOVUP14Tk_D9sFVETaV-iuC8LX08qQQR-iGCBA08nSBcaDtyuem3qUq37qZI7WF8oNUn1k8KVdeHSOSofbtZbwctFrWbvSwqTfvCet1yUUYfbTldFsyToZbRB4/s1600/SAM_9100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKIxHs3PQQCJL0DYYYDOVUP14Tk_D9sFVETaV-iuC8LX08qQQR-iGCBA08nSBcaDtyuem3qUq37qZI7WF8oNUn1k8KVdeHSOSofbtZbwctFrWbvSwqTfvCet1yUUYfbTldFsyToZbRB4/s320/SAM_9100.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used this pattern from <a href="http://zancrochet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/amigurumi-bunny-si-kelinci_19.html">Zan Crochet</a> - such cute bunnies! It worked out perfectly for the size I wanted by using Patons 4 ply cotton and a 2.75mm hook. She is just the right size for little hands to hold. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Feeling empowered by the creation of 'Lexie rabbit' I was determined to make a mermaid doll. I looked at so many different pictures and patterns but somehow could not seem to find anything that fulfilled my vision of 'Isla the mermaid princess'. In the end I decided to make the head as the rabbit head, and just see where it went from there!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8zcBeKi3iFMNOXDeKMygbZZSQcHosM0SZA2zG8Hhv_E5ZGzGTYtW8FbSVuH-AIk0nC-nCeGHT0MSlbWcsT1_QYeaiJnTsXnJCYYrJTU0vLynJH5CJKXPNZKO_Kig5Ca2pY0zgHITofw/s1600/SAM_8911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8zcBeKi3iFMNOXDeKMygbZZSQcHosM0SZA2zG8Hhv_E5ZGzGTYtW8FbSVuH-AIk0nC-nCeGHT0MSlbWcsT1_QYeaiJnTsXnJCYYrJTU0vLynJH5CJKXPNZKO_Kig5Ca2pY0zgHITofw/s320/SAM_8911.jpg" width="290" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>After much trial and error...Isla the mermaid princess took shape!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wanted her to have more of a top than the usual shells so just crocheted it in pale lilac and added a neckline using a vintage edging pattern. The tiara was from a vintage edging design as well then edged with Anchor metallic thread. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The hair had to be very long like the little girl herself and I did watch a couple of tutorials on the 'wig' method for amirugumi dolls for that. It must have taken longer to make than the whole doll itself but was worth it! I finished off the hair with a few threads of silver metallic chains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The little girl in question adored her own little replica Isla! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The yarn used-Baby Rooster- was left over from a blanket project for the coming baby:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkZcbFQDeHXZlTvQpzP4W702dXm1QgeA4uCf8RTcdH47z8aFpKTuMsxLHzljOed1pHAvw1Wb_rZvdL8fdaFRRagO2m9axvyUBhB70gpt8oWN4_Kw2xA8OEqoJH1brO4QEgMisHVnzmU4/s1600/SAM_9101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkZcbFQDeHXZlTvQpzP4W702dXm1QgeA4uCf8RTcdH47z8aFpKTuMsxLHzljOed1pHAvw1Wb_rZvdL8fdaFRRagO2m9axvyUBhB70gpt8oWN4_Kw2xA8OEqoJH1brO4QEgMisHVnzmU4/s320/SAM_9101.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh my goodness-discovered <a href="http://www.roosteryarns.com/rooster-baby-rooster.html">Rooster baby Rooster</a> when I found this delicious pattern in Nicki Trench's <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cute-Easy-Crochet-Nicki-Trench/dp/1907563067/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1442314541&sr=1-1&keywords=cute+and+easy+crochet">Cute and easy crochet</a>. Just couldn't resist the delicious colours, and the feel of the yarn is just pure pleasure to work with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having a little of the yarn left and purple being Isla's favourite colour, it was just crying put to be used for the mermaid. The shade <a href="http://www.loveknitting.com/rooster-baby-rooster">Cornish</a> seemed the perfect milky shade for her skin - must have been named especially for her! The shade is just like the delicious clotted cream ice cream the county is famous for-</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQS_NzMCF89JmxH56veK25QwNU34VGOpZKb5IV1a4v0bNWwujB9rFASQUUwDXu8DsKUxCwoMVQGXAR-7q3hu2zhQg3NjmdRvUwFM71NaGLIyJZnua0ybLlu3SfJfZGrbmvGcocl2ljKU/s1600/products_featured_image-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQS_NzMCF89JmxH56veK25QwNU34VGOpZKb5IV1a4v0bNWwujB9rFASQUUwDXu8DsKUxCwoMVQGXAR-7q3hu2zhQg3NjmdRvUwFM71NaGLIyJZnua0ybLlu3SfJfZGrbmvGcocl2ljKU/s320/products_featured_image-copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1644318107"></span><span id="goog_1644318108"></span> Well summer's almost over-hope you have enjoyed some lovely sunny days, warmth and fun. Will be catching up on those lovely blogs very soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Best wishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Alison xx </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-39757408036414248532015-06-10T06:01:00.000-07:002015-06-10T06:01:04.721-07:00One lovely Spring time<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a wonderful Spring time for me-such a busy few weeks though with family events and much to do. Just to take time to write here is truly a pleasure! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago my lovely friend <a href="http://patchworkallsorts.blogspot.co.uk/">Christine</a> of <a href="http://patchworkallsorts.blogspot.co.uk/">http://patchworkallsorts.blogspot.co.uk/</a> was kind enough to nominate me for the 'Lovely blog' award. Thanks so much Christine, I feel very honoured!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJURICcRU9-aynG03lE7MokBcA66bLDTyS0_RNrTJ3kfPqQRbnE92pbq-F_gQzAvpC97m-VvdRpQG9qRIDNSdTawJ5jfHT69ExpdXrpWf8oi1i5nE7Syr2KBuaxNlcyI5JBzMEgNXvvw/s1600/One+Lovely+Blog+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJURICcRU9-aynG03lE7MokBcA66bLDTyS0_RNrTJ3kfPqQRbnE92pbq-F_gQzAvpC97m-VvdRpQG9qRIDNSdTawJ5jfHT69ExpdXrpWf8oi1i5nE7Syr2KBuaxNlcyI5JBzMEgNXvvw/s1600/One+Lovely+Blog+Award.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is always uplifting to see Christine's cheerful posts and beautiful needlework. Christine and I have so many things in common, similar little dogs and speaking French to name but two!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To fulfil the award, bloggers nominate others that they think 'lovely'. You need to link back to the person who nominated you in your post, share 7 facts about yourself, then nominate 10 other bloggers for the award. I do find the last bit quite hard because there really are so many truly 'lovely' blogs out there!</span><br />
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<b>So here are my 7 facts:</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>May is my favourite month.</b> It has my birthday in it and is all about the celebration of Spring and new life. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzavCbgPFEitw1uKsz_Ufz03skVyzlu7WiGdcpE3pX4p21PfCF3sSuJo_FwcRfozFhvgGCozaRhhik0OjHRgqalhjcVUJ6dY33SLmNl78SVfaIogopHh3HVvnIzZrjd725UKY4jlKQio/s1600/tumblr_n4x1vnQ3Yn1rpjs24o6_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzavCbgPFEitw1uKsz_Ufz03skVyzlu7WiGdcpE3pX4p21PfCF3sSuJo_FwcRfozFhvgGCozaRhhik0OjHRgqalhjcVUJ6dY33SLmNl78SVfaIogopHh3HVvnIzZrjd725UKY4jlKQio/s320/tumblr_n4x1vnQ3Yn1rpjs24o6_1280.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My father was a Scot and my mum an 'English rose'. </b> Just found these pics taken just after they met in 1941. I love the way he's smiling in the second one -his true character. After Burma, he looked very different.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UNH2_usdufTNvxG_xNnqYMnMtV0mCc0Wrd-SgndlRFE-0jHpfiQQE3FiSsnQJsEuryxesjUC9GgI4N4ftRtmqAIXoKhlFuMr-XabcN4God-VbdxyrYwmTmN5xrGD6edlolTAroSoxGs/s1600/SAM_7689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UNH2_usdufTNvxG_xNnqYMnMtV0mCc0Wrd-SgndlRFE-0jHpfiQQE3FiSsnQJsEuryxesjUC9GgI4N4ftRtmqAIXoKhlFuMr-XabcN4God-VbdxyrYwmTmN5xrGD6edlolTAroSoxGs/s320/SAM_7689.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvdaWK2X5p7p10o-bibxB2FctT3dG4ojm4-_7oiiJhW20hE33UZmuULujafvEK0gZ39LzHaE4GaJqEuMy1SjlvkTscFqaaNwVuirLiPs5oBi1i7CUDuabwxNcn1Wb9akeUfUKgUSdHuM/s1600/SAM_7690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvdaWK2X5p7p10o-bibxB2FctT3dG4ojm4-_7oiiJhW20hE33UZmuULujafvEK0gZ39LzHaE4GaJqEuMy1SjlvkTscFqaaNwVuirLiPs5oBi1i7CUDuabwxNcn1Wb9akeUfUKgUSdHuM/s320/SAM_7690.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I adore the 1930s and 40s </b>especially Fred and Ginger! Here's a new pic to frame for my little wall collection.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBgGp20zdBjsl9tAs_rk5-JTUxrFfJSRG5z1gUN-R2SfZKGlg9EtrAsDfLgXlk0lfX3a-E440_l98-r-2IOUs_UBzAj-pR2ctGKwNaXLwI_cYn6V_Yo7y8A0y6vWEwpzn_-frjywx_Ig/s1600/SAM_7774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBgGp20zdBjsl9tAs_rk5-JTUxrFfJSRG5z1gUN-R2SfZKGlg9EtrAsDfLgXlk0lfX3a-E440_l98-r-2IOUs_UBzAj-pR2ctGKwNaXLwI_cYn6V_Yo7y8A0y6vWEwpzn_-frjywx_Ig/s320/SAM_7774.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I've had a teaching career and now am a part-time lecturer</b> in education to new secondary teachers - I hope I inspire them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well said, Oscar Wilde!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have a little French dog, Oscar</b>. He is a bichon frise but he gets called anything from a 'Little lamb' to a 'Teddy bear in woolly pyjamas' ! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxAOyqtWAC7-c-4ErFHjt2x7h0D9sqM1wYkku0_szYtxAS3MqorelYYy_zom2DnAfaelMdGR1GEaC8MvLp9g-qI6cyStmZ-sb5cfJtckCdNdl3XiFTEK8uQItzL50bfTalc-wgs33qUc/s1600/SAM_6521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxAOyqtWAC7-c-4ErFHjt2x7h0D9sqM1wYkku0_szYtxAS3MqorelYYy_zom2DnAfaelMdGR1GEaC8MvLp9g-qI6cyStmZ-sb5cfJtckCdNdl3XiFTEK8uQItzL50bfTalc-wgs33qUc/s320/SAM_6521.jpg" width="216" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6<b>. I adore period dramas</b> and a handsome, proper English gentleman with a cut glass accent - Dan Stevens (Downton) will do very nicely, thank you!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYJacj3FwZhOA0LQ7N5FvQOeCl5SXJVogEQajLIFmXGE6jB97wGa-frcP8ZMXPN6GCyipSDFEuZb4Xa5bNgfgf8p5-bTAOcqzl6WXTh1Amn-HgDB8KcgtV3XsPlOput58Ho0OBFwjyLI/s1600/matthew-crawley-portrayed-by-dan-stevens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYJacj3FwZhOA0LQ7N5FvQOeCl5SXJVogEQajLIFmXGE6jB97wGa-frcP8ZMXPN6GCyipSDFEuZb4Xa5bNgfgf8p5-bTAOcqzl6WXTh1Amn-HgDB8KcgtV3XsPlOput58Ho0OBFwjyLI/s320/matthew-crawley-portrayed-by-dan-stevens.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. <b>I'm going to be a Grandma!</b> My lovely daughter who <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/wedding-reflections.html">got married last year</a> is having a baby girl in October -I am over the moon with excitement!! All that lovely crochet and sewing! Have already been practising for two gorgeous baby girls of friends and family born recently-all that lovely pink...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDT7P4SRV3VVB4GxVxX2XXZ-JiYdLiEIakwekxHJ3oCgRmDJjUEBlYJd3IA1F6qADHedULpjfESD8OKg6BlAG1Ucp_vmS5JFoxriCK88CEMtB3-Iawy9XOm2p03YphxpxJXOqqqawE_s/s1600/SAM_7590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDT7P4SRV3VVB4GxVxX2XXZ-JiYdLiEIakwekxHJ3oCgRmDJjUEBlYJd3IA1F6qADHedULpjfESD8OKg6BlAG1Ucp_vmS5JFoxriCK88CEMtB3-Iawy9XOm2p03YphxpxJXOqqqawE_s/s320/SAM_7590.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shells blanket</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXa368B-et_F8wNzwHO4sfEWoVVBsG9-jZwMuim_hVxSQFjWfndwvpQBOQKm0ry0iEVK-ZqFyVkkP832_x2qkqTMwo1BR8UlLl22SedxSVgQMhJjjvUn8j_-ta3F8-zwpNJT4l1bQSddg/s1600/SAM_5906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXa368B-et_F8wNzwHO4sfEWoVVBsG9-jZwMuim_hVxSQFjWfndwvpQBOQKm0ry0iEVK-ZqFyVkkP832_x2qkqTMwo1BR8UlLl22SedxSVgQMhJjjvUn8j_-ta3F8-zwpNJT4l1bQSddg/s320/SAM_5906.jpg" width="306" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Candy pink floral edge cardigan</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finished with a cute vintage button</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujqV8sPRSpcON2okZyUz8dLnxHLs-ZyBToJVEx4CPoqvZwwL-yPULZlv70uwhgPj1UzvwEP_7eN0vlwA0a5W24VXVb6LsuoO1uCGZEL-uPtLARl5WfiD54PTlH8-DBykdyvr7oIZmbvs/s1600/8405420595_42b5e5c574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujqV8sPRSpcON2okZyUz8dLnxHLs-ZyBToJVEx4CPoqvZwwL-yPULZlv70uwhgPj1UzvwEP_7eN0vlwA0a5W24VXVb6LsuoO1uCGZEL-uPtLARl5WfiD54PTlH8-DBykdyvr7oIZmbvs/s320/8405420595_42b5e5c574.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I agree totally, Pooh!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many 'lovely blogs' that it is really difficult to pass on these awards...any of the ones on my sidebar are great and many, many others! I'll just suggest the following ones more recently discovered, if you have a moment do pop over and take a look-</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vicky at <a href="http://craftingclare.blogspot.co.uk/">http://craftingclare.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Chel at <a href="http://sweetbriardreams.blogspot.co.uk/">http://sweetbriardreams.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anne at <a href="http://crochetbetweentwoworlds.blogspot.co.uk/">http://crochetbetweentwoworlds.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Linda at <a href="http://www.theroadtooklahoma.com/">http://www.theroadtooklahoma.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monica at <a href="http://lunamondesign.blogspot.co.uk/">http://lunamondesign.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sayjai at <a href="http://kandjdolls.blogspot.co.uk/">http://kandjdolls.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspiration at <a href="http://countryviewcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/">http://countryviewcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspiration at <a href="http://artisticoutpost.blogspot.co.uk/">http://artisticoutpost.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crafting, gardening, and beach visits for me in June I hope- what are you doing in June's beautiful weather?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best wishes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison xx</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-32790901259652248812015-04-27T11:03:00.000-07:002015-04-27T11:03:02.557-07:00 (Hang) Spring cleaning.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>'Hang Spring cleaning!' (said the mole in the Wind in the Willows), after working very hard all morning cleaning his little home. This line always comes to me whenever I attempt a bit of Spring cleaning, because my cleaning efforts never last very long...just like mole I'm ready to throw down the duster and brush and bolt out into the sunshine, without even putting on my coat!</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cornwall's bright gorse calls me away to bright coastal walks...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Unfortunately, the first rays of sunshine do like to highlight the incredible amount of clutter and cobweb that the old farmhouse seems to attract like a magnet. So nothing for it but to attempt to clean bit by bit, starting small, I thought. A quick tidy of my little sewing room then I could intersperse the cleaning with some sewing as an incentive. Shock- I realised that if I was ever to sew anything again this year, it would require a major Spring clean! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA47BexM1qwLb6uFx7GjgvSBm2Z03LVMQhzICHAOcK5XAeyIOOOIImHD83-zgxEJWzUbV_xKl5SGcexCAXKXFF0lVGuVamuOa39V9s4A8u9_NMH4vAOhyWlxKu5PXX9FjWRiEOR8Vk-U/s1600/SAM_7342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA47BexM1qwLb6uFx7GjgvSBm2Z03LVMQhzICHAOcK5XAeyIOOOIImHD83-zgxEJWzUbV_xKl5SGcexCAXKXFF0lVGuVamuOa39V9s4A8u9_NMH4vAOhyWlxKu5PXX9FjWRiEOR8Vk-U/s1600/SAM_7342.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After several bursts of sorting-in we go!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_N1f_V9z00xFSIWDoNCSQLcUEvbrZgtB0vISrmwCqd-0GDwEtO2HopOHGm8uRmH4Rl6dMGbe-RB1jSgTXOYWpHKnnmPOEc6HMzvtdRbgKli4Jmr5_9ckVyg6RUlu8XOLl_VWMzuMxBqQ/s1600/SAM_7341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_N1f_V9z00xFSIWDoNCSQLcUEvbrZgtB0vISrmwCqd-0GDwEtO2HopOHGm8uRmH4Rl6dMGbe-RB1jSgTXOYWpHKnnmPOEc6HMzvtdRbgKli4Jmr5_9ckVyg6RUlu8XOLl_VWMzuMxBqQ/s1600/SAM_7341.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At last I could see the wood for the trees...or at least actually walk in! The chair is from my mother, from my grandmother's set of four with table, given at her marriage in 1900. It's a little creaky but at 115 years old it's not surprising! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZVcUiXUlH-2xMg68Fr1786pzBeyDWDHjzP1tJ0YsYLTzCQ5rkP4OS-W2gyrtfLOocnVpjX002X0BeyWuFxXhMI0S9hBBr1R0JSMuvT3Np-G2az2UHRhoHPNVUP1izbioV-O1TpMNy_Y/s1600/SAM_7355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZVcUiXUlH-2xMg68Fr1786pzBeyDWDHjzP1tJ0YsYLTzCQ5rkP4OS-W2gyrtfLOocnVpjX002X0BeyWuFxXhMI0S9hBBr1R0JSMuvT3Np-G2az2UHRhoHPNVUP1izbioV-O1TpMNy_Y/s1600/SAM_7355.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorted my little 'Quartier des bonnes affaires' ('Bargain corner' in French). I've placed one of my daughter's wedding centre pieces in the corner so I can remember the day whenever I'm in there. The 'Good needlework' picture is the front of a 1930s magazine that belonged to my mother. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little wall storage cupboards sorted-East of India gingham ribbon and vintage thread reels from my mother's collection.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Buttons finally sorted, bottled and shelved...</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2V5gQE2UiuLzheROCmwtRuJ-obNwuk2tXY43m5QYjJdqXpx_bRYo9L9XYf7GoIyHifwUE_IZyY0l1_45fn9H9mVyHn6X1DKrAEyJvbRuphGU2TeOn5TWhL3jgfUOQdkme-aFgro2yD2A/s1600/SAM_7364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2V5gQE2UiuLzheROCmwtRuJ-obNwuk2tXY43m5QYjJdqXpx_bRYo9L9XYf7GoIyHifwUE_IZyY0l1_45fn9H9mVyHn6X1DKrAEyJvbRuphGU2TeOn5TWhL3jgfUOQdkme-aFgro2yD2A/s1600/SAM_7364.jpg" height="320" width="279" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Love this pin cushion storage jar made for me by a crafty friend.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />At last-a clean sewing room, all ready to begin! Really should start by finishing those left projects but got waylaid by some cute Cath Kidston hexies:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrxRo6mbgSM1e3MTJ5rQGalb91BaEDUNovhBWlkjtDhzn_DCIcs5Fp23AM0PvovCENNYoP-x36t5I0M3qN82T0q0-Cy1ajOSoi3jOqYLOJ5xXlTmoUF1nPzAeXmFnTV3VlqktGqSz-fc/s1600/SAM_7492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrxRo6mbgSM1e3MTJ5rQGalb91BaEDUNovhBWlkjtDhzn_DCIcs5Fp23AM0PvovCENNYoP-x36t5I0M3qN82T0q0-Cy1ajOSoi3jOqYLOJ5xXlTmoUF1nPzAeXmFnTV3VlqktGqSz-fc/s1600/SAM_7492.jpg" height="320" width="297" /></a></div>
<br /> ...and soon found lots more!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jOcBWfGN0cR0XcJzQeacHY_S_oTnxBhzH-bC5UtFJxVKcxh5k_kiV2nHJ7TRQLhJhMFP6-xdKjS8MpV9GoIPWeTVDQwziKN-VqQTx6hE_dvRhlipOpptqEzRaoIVwRS6aUv0nzmYYTs/s1600/SAM_7494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jOcBWfGN0cR0XcJzQeacHY_S_oTnxBhzH-bC5UtFJxVKcxh5k_kiV2nHJ7TRQLhJhMFP6-xdKjS8MpV9GoIPWeTVDQwziKN-VqQTx6hE_dvRhlipOpptqEzRaoIVwRS6aUv0nzmYYTs/s1600/SAM_7494.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMCTIhMRtVjy6Z8yiHCtrg_r0vIVhHbMT0OxEYoKEw4X7uMxqt4qJYYZL2Gdf7d0S0yUYRxWR2NaGm_Ow9RVRdDk8ayjQI3OsIIwvrY41fSGcpeTioiIZ2GYq8ypvkEqSRAmSAeT3yPk/s1600/SAM_7489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMCTIhMRtVjy6Z8yiHCtrg_r0vIVhHbMT0OxEYoKEw4X7uMxqt4qJYYZL2Gdf7d0S0yUYRxWR2NaGm_Ow9RVRdDk8ayjQI3OsIIwvrY41fSGcpeTioiIZ2GYq8ypvkEqSRAmSAeT3yPk/s1600/SAM_7489.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hexies are so addictive-I love playing around with all the variations you can make with simple 'Grandmother's flower garden'</div>
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Summer cushions are coming to mind...what would you make?</h4>
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So finally a clean sewing room and lots of projects to begin. Lots more Spring cleaning still to be done, but for now, just like mole, it won't take much to tempt me away out into the sunshine!</div>
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<br />Have a lovely week,<br />Best wishes<br />Alison xx<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-27917466155185597722015-04-05T07:49:00.000-07:002015-04-05T08:01:35.745-07:00Winning crochet!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could not contain my excitement when I heard I was the winner of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kltm_tBL72M">Stitch Craft Create crochet motifs competition</a>. I feel so honoured to have been chosen as winner with my <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/spring-crochet-motifs.html">Spring hens motifs</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was wonderful to receive this fabulous bundle as my prize!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFIjNANo7Ar-6wK6BMFKe2JubW5ndC5iPHL3rFTb32hEmXuEE8hPAQ5_V4vbdAl8GQ3fbhkZE4jY1ynEjnIP0graTHm5IlfNBAC5uwEY29Hb815utuSMiSqCJ-zmgL5UTAASupft8EVI/s1600/SAM_7333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFIjNANo7Ar-6wK6BMFKe2JubW5ndC5iPHL3rFTb32hEmXuEE8hPAQ5_V4vbdAl8GQ3fbhkZE4jY1ynEjnIP0graTHm5IlfNBAC5uwEY29Hb815utuSMiSqCJ-zmgL5UTAASupft8EVI/s1600/SAM_7333.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The competition was organised by Stitch Craft Create to celebrate the publication of 'Hooked!' a fabulous new book all about crochet motifs. The designs are whimsical and original -can't wait to get going on them.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6mLeYih14W9qYnIchgiOUxT2iEz4HLv9Q0xMJUPLzZGvRbS4vowCwAauQ6e38nlvW5c6bbX9yvO4r3WFUQ-i_jiVnpjlZsWmb2KoZ9hb2eyZxd6ErTuc7tmLbmPgnKXSdxS3jXMUdyI/s1600/SAM_7332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6mLeYih14W9qYnIchgiOUxT2iEz4HLv9Q0xMJUPLzZGvRbS4vowCwAauQ6e38nlvW5c6bbX9yvO4r3WFUQ-i_jiVnpjlZsWmb2KoZ9hb2eyZxd6ErTuc7tmLbmPgnKXSdxS3jXMUdyI/s1600/SAM_7332.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think I'll start with this really cute hedgehog!<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br />It was so lovely to receive the yarn bundle as well as the book, such lovely colours all ready to be crocheted up. I can't thank the judges enough for choosing my little hens, especially as there were other lovely designs as well-if you have a moment do watch the video displaying the winning entries-see it here: </span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kltm_tBL72M" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Stitch Craft Create crochet motifs competition</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are crafty you may know <a href="http://www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKEAjwuoOpBRCSy6yQm66J1g8SJABrXW48ChPNXlhzs-oC9L970W53mXHrtUK_Lb5cNuf5h30wuBoCGPTw_wcB">Stitch Craft Create</a> ; I use it often especially for inspiration-many crafts are covered with fabulous ideas, a plethora of patterns, ideas and projects as well as free downloads! The site covers sewing, knitting, crochet and other crafts and has an extensive shop. </span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course I was delighted to win and it is rare for me to enter any kind of contest- I've never been much interested in competition...who wins is not important. We should empower each other to develop our individual skills, this does not have to be against each other. So proud then that since last summer when I set out to <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/get-backto-crochet.html">'Get back to crochet'</a> I have proved to myself once again that we can develop our skills by practice, getting a little 'further down the road' of what we are choosing to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The greatest reward is that it has really inspired me to enable others to share this wonderful craft. My plans therefore, for the yarn bundle are to save it for a new project I have in mind...teaching crochet classes. A couple of groups of lovely ladies have already asked if I will do this and although I've been a teacher for all my career I was waiting to build my confidence with crochet a little more before diving in! I would also like to introduce the wonderful primary children to whom I teach beading to the delights of crochet...we may be able to add crochet techniques to our beading repertoire!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4598750844492990465#editor/target=post;postID=8891627559625228047;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=18;src=postname">Beading Club</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So thanks again to my little hens-lots of projects planned to use them for but I think I may just frame them to remember the moment!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5uD2H_o_asr-AOJqm418jp61XehSJX5-cRRg4_ojlTaAYbv_EQsYe31wtXVkhSCm_yp_IpPRhxsBghvdPbUF3oN-K652vg8unezWjjkQu2F_x5tQ84lt4WY-eSwfrexigz8HPZhDc4g/s1600/SAM_6918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5uD2H_o_asr-AOJqm418jp61XehSJX5-cRRg4_ojlTaAYbv_EQsYe31wtXVkhSCm_yp_IpPRhxsBghvdPbUF3oN-K652vg8unezWjjkQu2F_x5tQ84lt4WY-eSwfrexigz8HPZhDc4g/s1600/SAM_6918.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you are having a lovely Easter. Here's a little card I made to send to a French friend of many years:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ekwkuSaAso7H2mwCMNCsbspevOcHygplAE5KSuj8yLlabqIG2if0w-ZvH-HXDwCDKJq9bxWRoK_yKGUCv44LKLYPhUe1Dl2MCrlem8TzcyryP57JQWuGrMCjUVwDPIJ5-BfVlCoZXHw/s1600/SAM_6927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ekwkuSaAso7H2mwCMNCsbspevOcHygplAE5KSuj8yLlabqIG2if0w-ZvH-HXDwCDKJq9bxWRoK_yKGUCv44LKLYPhUe1Dl2MCrlem8TzcyryP57JQWuGrMCjUVwDPIJ5-BfVlCoZXHw/s1600/SAM_6927.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Joyeuses Paques' is the French for Happy Easter-Paques comes from the Latin 'pace' meaning 'peace', a lovely thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best wishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison xx</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-41841454349001897212015-03-15T11:28:00.000-07:002015-03-15T11:28:32.319-07:00Mother's Day crochet flowers<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have been working on creating a crochet flower corsage over the last couple of weeks. There is an abundance of patterns for this purpose-the crochet flower is more than well documented! However, I wanted something that was exactly right as I wanted a special flower for today- Mother's Day. </b></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wjg5cfYilWVI7AhSIPLtbzcynX8mME7ClDTm2J4ltsXFIdfzoSHIK5zVX6nFChy3LaCuH-UKYAigCErV7vlpQjBqY2-3149M2leaePbbSU9TvxDU4SsB37Zal6Jvu5FTjDr9tGDbSHg/s1600/SAM_6941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wjg5cfYilWVI7AhSIPLtbzcynX8mME7ClDTm2J4ltsXFIdfzoSHIK5zVX6nFChy3LaCuH-UKYAigCErV7vlpQjBqY2-3149M2leaePbbSU9TvxDU4SsB37Zal6Jvu5FTjDr9tGDbSHg/s1600/SAM_6941.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I no longer have my Mum to give flowers to, as she passed away three years ago now. Mother's Day was always such a special time for her-I think this went back to when her own mother was a parlour maid in service in the late 1890s-servants would be given the day off to go 'a-mothering'. Whenever we would journey anywhere on Mother's Day and traffic was busy, Mum would declare, 'Oh they're all off a-mothering!'.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsXIiTgvL2eNV4Qn_DDjJ3tHoXiRfmDhBtjHumiwPNUcUYwpv6_4xDKSOuZ1QQGZCUKE0afdwYXowCX9cN9tAyLT_ix4on5NB3WsWVJgDZXNmCTnIk4Rlq6HMOZQYloYjMNI36Crylm0/s1600/mona+as+may+queen+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsXIiTgvL2eNV4Qn_DDjJ3tHoXiRfmDhBtjHumiwPNUcUYwpv6_4xDKSOuZ1QQGZCUKE0afdwYXowCX9cN9tAyLT_ix4on5NB3WsWVJgDZXNmCTnIk4Rlq6HMOZQYloYjMNI36Crylm0/s1600/mona+as+may+queen+(1).jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Above is one of my favourite vintage photographs-my mother as May Queen, in 1932 aged 14, the year she left school. She always said the roses were so heavy she remembered almost dropping them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote a few months ago about how my mother of the bride outfit for my daughter's wedding was a tribute to Mum's wartime bridal outfit with <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/wedding-reflections.html">three carnation corsage</a>. Mum</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> loved flowers- her father had been a keen gardener and she too was green-fingered. Once when I was at primary school I came home and could not find her anywhere in the house. Finally I went out into the garden and located her in the greenhouse potting and planting, having completely lost track of time, like an artist deep 'in flow'! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaXTTSURihAbftVK_7zTmxF30xXAvs0UzUROgldl6b_j5SmqGQ3pYRVFGBjJqqMVSb5N9i0A4m63TMLBF4nNO-mq3SLrOVCW9QvopRxDCXami2zkdGi1eInkONYqpvBtfY17X3hCU4Lo/s1600/SAM_6960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaXTTSURihAbftVK_7zTmxF30xXAvs0UzUROgldl6b_j5SmqGQ3pYRVFGBjJqqMVSb5N9i0A4m63TMLBF4nNO-mq3SLrOVCW9QvopRxDCXami2zkdGi1eInkONYqpvBtfY17X3hCU4Lo/s1600/SAM_6960.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roses were her favourite and she had the complexion of an English rose, so my Mother's Day tribute is a pretty rose corsage. The basic pattern I used can be found <a href="http://www.eweewe.com/blog/2011/9/19/pretty-corsage-free-crochet-pattern.html">here</a>. As I used 4 ply cotton and a 2.75mm hook with the measurements suggested the rose would come out a little small so I adjusted it starting with 75 chain-this gave me 36 delicate petals. When assembled the flower measures about 3in across, just right for a corsage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My daughter spotted them and asked for one each for her Mother-in law and Grandmother-in-law. She chose the candy pink and lilac ones and I made a little gift box for each:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8vnR9is9OxYn_I5eGbj1Hm_zqPgcqHgF1msPvWuSpF6bftAxoZkwSKbPSz2xV9kh_BK9vBq6r1gxvRow_Oolxp8kM1hmvQn_xkGBaRENCjUEBCHWgtzKV6YIdW8P3cs58lA9Djiecu8/s1600/SAM_7135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8vnR9is9OxYn_I5eGbj1Hm_zqPgcqHgF1msPvWuSpF6bftAxoZkwSKbPSz2xV9kh_BK9vBq6r1gxvRow_Oolxp8kM1hmvQn_xkGBaRENCjUEBCHWgtzKV6YIdW8P3cs58lA9Djiecu8/s1600/SAM_7135.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The gift boxes were made from the new <a href="http://www.countryviewcrafts.co.uk/659722-sizzix-bigz-xl-die---box-gift-card-by-lori-whitlock-35793-p.asp">Sizzix Bigz XL gift box die</a> -it makes a cute box perfect for jewellery items etc. I decorated each with the <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2015_01_01_archive.html">birthday cards</a> I made earlier in the year.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16gJZH0rfm5oFNiYAjTcAtarW2TtCPVeXh0InV_GMqSb4XPqgtk66ISTQqx7fNAhVc85j_0qxJeSCNHu03ja_X60z7oeGVFmmf3A_FOTCn33TbwK9zn2iqTmdBJx2QG8fxvIzZfIaJmA/s1600/SAM_7140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16gJZH0rfm5oFNiYAjTcAtarW2TtCPVeXh0InV_GMqSb4XPqgtk66ISTQqx7fNAhVc85j_0qxJeSCNHu03ja_X60z7oeGVFmmf3A_FOTCn33TbwK9zn2iqTmdBJx2QG8fxvIzZfIaJmA/s1600/SAM_7140.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finished off with a hand stamped tag and organza ribbon they were all ready to go:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope the two lovely ladies they are intended for enjoy them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always miss my own Mum but I am blessed in being a Mum myself and have had a lovely day being spoiled with flowers and books-my only dilemma is which to dive into first?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you have had a lovely day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best wishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison xx </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-4953828311653399922015-03-01T11:07:00.002-08:002015-03-01T11:07:55.180-08:00Spring crochet motifs<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you all so much for such kind comments about my crochet makings for the family. Their accessories have still been well worn but we have had some milder weather this week and definitely the beginnings of Spring! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Along with rabbits, chicks, flowers and eggs, in Spring we often think of hens strutting around in verdant pastures. It has been a while since hens pecked around our old farmhouse but my kitchen has plenty of reminders of times when they did:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4hsP_H9sChNwT203TlBvQtjpFXI-TruThydny3Uqk1JZ9pdAwbLRePUcdcmM1YDgtLY9Ljd-SEHaMoCJ5D1Do681mxepVnVJqiu7aodfyqnhNcoKSSXR_d3L21_9JUZn2hMw6u0pjKE/s1600/SAM_7032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4hsP_H9sChNwT203TlBvQtjpFXI-TruThydny3Uqk1JZ9pdAwbLRePUcdcmM1YDgtLY9Ljd-SEHaMoCJ5D1Do681mxepVnVJqiu7aodfyqnhNcoKSSXR_d3L21_9JUZn2hMw6u0pjKE/s1600/SAM_7032.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd love to put this board outside but sadly wouldn't have any to offer these days!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2BMKGrSWbSlm2IpHnthohUeYO53wrFCXccB-OubKAG5fPj9ek4-rwvfAlwy0MJFIIFYSOy0Ee9YeaJjs6UOe2h3uSQ1VpuUWb0I86LgzOxmYIHcOBQnAyZ07lvQTN3lrMl0SNzJLK1Y/s1600/SAM_7038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2BMKGrSWbSlm2IpHnthohUeYO53wrFCXccB-OubKAG5fPj9ek4-rwvfAlwy0MJFIIFYSOy0Ee9YeaJjs6UOe2h3uSQ1VpuUWb0I86LgzOxmYIHcOBQnAyZ07lvQTN3lrMl0SNzJLK1Y/s1600/SAM_7038.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A shabby old chicken who looks like she has been there since the 30s! With French pottery bowls.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ7nVaZRbjqcnjecPYY5cIAL1WBy1MykHZRo9_X-tvNOgJrKGRn9P6zwMKk3k-yh0XvFjVIxzVpS2oUTL4LMkLWbQeJ6xB138JM3lAtgDfJJBIH2yrg8_gCN7w6rlqaCc_znV_T4EvDA/s1600/SAM_7036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ7nVaZRbjqcnjecPYY5cIAL1WBy1MykHZRo9_X-tvNOgJrKGRn9P6zwMKk3k-yh0XvFjVIxzVpS2oUTL4LMkLWbQeJ6xB138JM3lAtgDfJJBIH2yrg8_gCN7w6rlqaCc_znV_T4EvDA/s1600/SAM_7036.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like this proud strutting rooster-he is a fabric print.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b><span style="text-align: center;">With thoughts of Spring in mind I had the urge to create some cute Easter crochet motifs. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-align: center;"> </b><span style="text-align: center;">So my first fun make was some cute hens:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrvwnUYyM6qJW3jOvcA5qnCeiSpmRrwQo3ydQE4vWQQwGrR_UvyK7zDiB4T-NHWTa3BAax15zfPinPyCemCO6Ky137nWy2dJRkPhXUNGmksrQzar85qpt9P_v9Kk9FEeUzhbB66akHGM/s1600/SAM_6914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrvwnUYyM6qJW3jOvcA5qnCeiSpmRrwQo3ydQE4vWQQwGrR_UvyK7zDiB4T-NHWTa3BAax15zfPinPyCemCO6Ky137nWy2dJRkPhXUNGmksrQzar85qpt9P_v9Kk9FEeUzhbB66akHGM/s1600/SAM_6914.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvLuVQoBcAcVkBYuIcNZzfdByHsFeCQ7IXR2TPP07AzceLCMxPlWbKkeeQj8MOJvUvgTCfNdaM_smB6OOFne-I-HCGc_EsbRmZyefao-qOSK3aIjptHJxc5Bm10qOCtKmqop9naxS7Bg/s1600/SAM_6918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvLuVQoBcAcVkBYuIcNZzfdByHsFeCQ7IXR2TPP07AzceLCMxPlWbKkeeQj8MOJvUvgTCfNdaM_smB6OOFne-I-HCGc_EsbRmZyefao-qOSK3aIjptHJxc5Bm10qOCtKmqop9naxS7Bg/s1600/SAM_6918.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Here they are, strutting among the tulips.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">To make them I used Patons 4 ply 100% cotton-I really like this for motifs. It has a lovely feel and lustrous sheen to it, I used a 2.75 mm hook as I crochet fairly loosely; the gauge doesn't really matter but for an applique the crochet fabric needs to be fairly firm. Her legs were a bit tricky but once I got the hang of them I couldn't stop making them! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgE4fiRENQhs_lVrY1Z2YBgMpdqSGf64ImzSd2cBwZfv-q-bobclpStySVPnqTQEssnIF7WQvEg6yo8wrw1ssC5UiywbEnhvM2v6pS9jdbcCxkAm7nVOPGBFWrM4yTxHFfyxy9UMXb9Q/s1600/SAM_6919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgE4fiRENQhs_lVrY1Z2YBgMpdqSGf64ImzSd2cBwZfv-q-bobclpStySVPnqTQEssnIF7WQvEg6yo8wrw1ssC5UiywbEnhvM2v6pS9jdbcCxkAm7nVOPGBFWrM4yTxHFfyxy9UMXb9Q/s1600/SAM_6919.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Her wing shape is embroidered on and her eye is a French knot.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well having begun with hens I had to follow with chicks... I wasn't happy with the shade of yellow in my favourite Patons though, I just had to have something brighter, more of a chick coloured yellow! My search led me to <a href="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Coquette_4_ply_Cotton.htm">Susan Crawford vintage cotton</a>. There I found 'Canary' the perfect shade-as yellow as an egg yolk! Oh Susan though you now have me hooked on the quality of this gorgeous yarn and I want to make all your vintage designs in those mesmerising colours!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tk2ydui4enaCWL9RnV6eGhExXmhMUJN9gWxAvMYl92V3hI00-y7SZSMV6Pak6SBHwL8pklu_nhxkmkAA08PPRU2UJWnOhZxuiOpdjlks590u3qUEJTT1ulw7a55cIbO-Q1bP6jLFOl0/s1600/SAM_7009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tk2ydui4enaCWL9RnV6eGhExXmhMUJN9gWxAvMYl92V3hI00-y7SZSMV6Pak6SBHwL8pklu_nhxkmkAA08PPRU2UJWnOhZxuiOpdjlks590u3qUEJTT1ulw7a55cIbO-Q1bP6jLFOl0/s1600/SAM_7009.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The chicks were easy to make but again, beaks and feet are a bit fiddly...a bit of practice to get them uniform but on the other hand each does seem to have its own character!</span></div>
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These designs were from the fabulous book' How to make <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Make-100-Crochet-Appliques/dp/1589237528/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424992342&sr=1-9&keywords=100+crochet">100 Crochet appliques</a>' by Deborah Burger. The book uses American crochet terminology but I have now learned this by heart as I could no longer miss out on the fantastic patterns that come from our American friends! Now I know it it actually makes perfect sense!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9EnF-O4V_EV_04zG_cqySrc8NPe6HKUexyQT7N8HzeGPkGOdvYcOelKU1gVm7ZdyDqCvutnCie6Awv3LzmGTrsVwpkqkqUZM04Hq66PAQkx9MM2zzf9ExsE16V0zJUzA2jlzaZYBJ0c/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9EnF-O4V_EV_04zG_cqySrc8NPe6HKUexyQT7N8HzeGPkGOdvYcOelKU1gVm7ZdyDqCvutnCie6Awv3LzmGTrsVwpkqkqUZM04Hq66PAQkx9MM2zzf9ExsE16V0zJUzA2jlzaZYBJ0c/s1600/download.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The author has designed a plethora of fun motifs in themed sections-something for every occasion; I really want to make them all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So how shall I use my hens and chicks? I had the intention of using them for Easter cards but my daughters suggested they would look cute on a tea towel or teapot cosy! Any suggestions? I'd love to hear them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So like my chicks, Spring is springing in Cornwall...some sweet primroses on my rockery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a lovely week,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best wishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison xx</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-80636939492495380722015-02-14T06:49:00.004-08:002015-02-14T06:49:40.798-08:00Valentine crochet<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been doing some lovely crochet making for the family this month. First I started making some little crochet hearts-such a simple thing but wow-what an abundance of patterns you can find for these, like most crochet motifs there are many ways of making them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I decided to take on board several ideas/patterns, tried them out and finally came up with one that worked for exactly what I wanted. Using Paton's gorgeous 4 ply crochet cotton which is so lovely to work with. I used a 2.75 mm hook and the heart comes out at approximately 5cm-delicate and slightly lacy but with a firm fabric: </span></div>
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Then I couldn't resist making more in different colours as they were so cute!</div>
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I used ten to make some mini-bunting:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqa4OIXZj0wTM9uWd8_xUkYgAOXsCt8-X2eL-bOf7XTF4UTg7z39uxYttZBPUzRBANVaG3opbbewrcp-46PZ6WHrQpq-4jgf_PDHjOigS6NmvP5R2SQSHr4KGmh6wqAmfCFZ2ugZvynNc/s1600/SAM_6843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqa4OIXZj0wTM9uWd8_xUkYgAOXsCt8-X2eL-bOf7XTF4UTg7z39uxYttZBPUzRBANVaG3opbbewrcp-46PZ6WHrQpq-4jgf_PDHjOigS6NmvP5R2SQSHr4KGmh6wqAmfCFZ2ugZvynNc/s1600/SAM_6843.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
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I tried it out in the craft room:</div>
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Then realised I need to tidy up my pin boards!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have had such a mix of weather over the last couple of weeks in Cornwall. There was what I can only describe as a 'trifling' of snow-literally for us a few flakes although the North coast did get a bit more. Then a few days of literally the 'summer in February' which inspired the film title-(by the way if you haven't seen this- do- especially if you miss Matthew Crawley from Downton!!) </span></div>
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See the trailer here:</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JulDCiXBx-s">Summer in February</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can definitely verify that the beach scene where the weather is described as 'Summer in February' is true-last week I was absolutely roasting down there, shedding layer after layer. Then this week my head almost froze as the waves lashed in throwing up all manner of flotsam and jetsam! Running for cover is not an option when you've strode out (what seems like) miles with the dogs, so being prepared for all eventualities is a must! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I decided I would make my lovely husband a hat and fingerless mitts for the walks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was a little afraid that he would not think crochet was 'masculine' enough, but when I found a pattern using the 'manly granite stitch' he was hooked! As for colour,he had already commented on his fascination when I was making a shawl recently, with yarn which changes colour as you go, almost disbelieving! So this King Cole Riot chunky was perfect:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stitch looks almost like a knit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It crocheted up really quickly and soon hat and mitts were done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Off to the beach in them he went and has been wearing them ever since! I was quite pleased with myself as I haven't crocheted anything for a male since 1974. There is somewhere a (very faded and vintage by now) photo of said scarf with 'Stoke City' stuck on in felt, being worn by the recipient of this labour of teenage love, but best leave that story for another time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sweet younger daughter had also been getting frozen on the dog walks so I sought out a more challenging than usual pattern for a slouchy beanie and mitts which used gorgeous Debbie Bliss <a href="http://www.loveknitting.com/debbie-bliss-donegal-luxury-tweed-aran">Luxury Donegal tweed aran</a> using 'Midnight' as she loves blue. The pattern was perfect for getting a tweedy look and the hat and mitts are so warm for her. The mitts are very long-arm warmers really which she says are ideal but with fingers free for getting out dog treats!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNxSOPxGaWEB5Le-zphwhI7zdt6xh5zsTao2IFDbAsRDxGjjdpR_FMW8igRRCsQsY4Wuqu5E1FzWe53eorchIoab0U5i6KMEZqAnf9_Y-PNpvr-UyDQt8tYief38Ze464mzQG363VWPY/s1600/SAM_6639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNxSOPxGaWEB5Le-zphwhI7zdt6xh5zsTao2IFDbAsRDxGjjdpR_FMW8igRRCsQsY4Wuqu5E1FzWe53eorchIoab0U5i6KMEZqAnf9_Y-PNpvr-UyDQt8tYief38Ze464mzQG363VWPY/s1600/SAM_6639.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah the joy of doing handmade for the family! I'm glad it's cold for a little longer so I can enjoy seeing them wear them! Have you made anything for family members lately?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well hope you have a lovely Valentine's day, full of love, laughter and family joys,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm off to catch up on some of your lovely blogs-see you soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best wishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison xx</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-19325160826071852322015-01-27T03:00:00.004-08:002015-01-27T03:03:46.240-08:00New Year birthdays <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hello and hope your New Year has started well. Already we are almost at the end of January. Usually I look forward to a quiet month of reflection and general clearing up after the seasonal rush. January this year has been busy but I am making as much time as possible for crafting! </b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year I gained so much pleasure (and therapy) from my making and especially with those items designated for friends and family. As I went through the design and making process of my Christmas makes- crochet scarves, hand warmers, brooches and headbands I was thinking of the recipient in every stitch. As I carefully chose fabrics for little cosmetic bags and 'tea wallets' I imagined how the recipient would use them and what a joy it is when someone speaks of their appreciation and enjoyment of the item, truly heartwarming.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each New Year I have a plethora of family birthdays and for the last couple of years have planned to hand make my cards. So far this had not actually happened-there never seemed time before the birthdays commenced (on 6 Jan) so as usual, I ended up rushing out to buy what I needed, then, just like the Christmas cards I planned to make and did not find time for, was never really happy with the commercially produced cards available. So for this year's birthdays I was determined...things shall be different! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So at the start of the month I set to like a dervish with a die cutter, 'The beast' (aka as the Big Shot Pro) has been lurking, awaiting the moment when it would produce wonderful shapes from various gorgeous papers I haven't been able to resist collecting over the last couple of years. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so guilty of hoarding craft tools and materials unused. Are you? One of these was a Sizzix flower die. Putting the flower shapes together was so much fun using delightful creams and pink shades. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choosing cute buttons to go in the centre was too! I also love butterfly shapes -these mini ones are made from a Sizzix die for jewellery designs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With lots of female birthdays coming up-what joy it was using gorgeous colours. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM0kPPOjR0p3sKhExLHA5UkB_4EFU2ChZ-tdWOl4aflT6Jb6oXzxC-CL1qC6lB3ex-4WMYs7BU6xOFZSLhrvc4975pg9AgkOe5mxEwFGM61rZVUh22QLRNlLv9rEp-H7Oz1quocxS6O8/s1600/SAM_6629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM0kPPOjR0p3sKhExLHA5UkB_4EFU2ChZ-tdWOl4aflT6Jb6oXzxC-CL1qC6lB3ex-4WMYs7BU6xOFZSLhrvc4975pg9AgkOe5mxEwFGM61rZVUh22QLRNlLv9rEp-H7Oz1quocxS6O8/s1600/SAM_6629.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aren't we ladies great to make for?. Easy-such a plethora of prettiness possibility! I decided to focus on themes of pinks with cream and green accents, adding the butterflies and flowers. Here's one I made for a sister-in-law:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next was a female friend. I used the same flower in different shades and a hand stamped sentiment: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA5lLb70WWCXwgYnInSQ9drb6KIAIMHkofBqQ5UpOBk-JVClxKxgzvByfs7Y0I4QTFFh1O5zy2lTzB9uYlGW5ZK5nyAY-0Z6Vowhq5HOnoL-hBVZkPgNdaxoiS7Iv9QgkODzNM7D3O-U/s1600/SAM_6588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA5lLb70WWCXwgYnInSQ9drb6KIAIMHkofBqQ5UpOBk-JVClxKxgzvByfs7Y0I4QTFFh1O5zy2lTzB9uYlGW5ZK5nyAY-0Z6Vowhq5HOnoL-hBVZkPgNdaxoiS7Iv9QgkODzNM7D3O-U/s1600/SAM_6588.jpg" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
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The background papers are by Graphic 45.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I found some clear stamps (stashed and unused so far!) and tried out some layouts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried some tags as well-why didn't I use these before?? The gorgeous vintage 'butterflies and moths' stamp is by <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stampers-Anonymous-Holtz-Rubber-Butterflies/dp/B004W8SG7K/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422354020&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=butterfliesand+moths+tim+holtz">Tim Holtz</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adding some cute mini flowers, leaves and buttons -isn't this a lovely sentiment? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1l1VygkvxCrUVJeh1xBKhOl3uhTqesKLKKW0HbnS7cMLqIEVvxW-DONNI2EBEjnvpIopAokEwJhrnIkEqo1tgDqgAt-mX1lYMRAek6EPREK9G-jXly-egMEILpT6xc2_OaeseOrpAYc/s1600/SAM_6590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1l1VygkvxCrUVJeh1xBKhOl3uhTqesKLKKW0HbnS7cMLqIEVvxW-DONNI2EBEjnvpIopAokEwJhrnIkEqo1tgDqgAt-mX1lYMRAek6EPREK9G-jXly-egMEILpT6xc2_OaeseOrpAYc/s1600/SAM_6590.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then...came the challenge. The dreaded 'man card!' Why is it that men are so difficult to choose presents and cards for??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The eldest brother-in-law was to be 65. Yes! I thought. I have numbers-<a href="http://vintage%20market%20tim%20holtz/">cutting die by Tim Holtz</a> I'll do a 65 and go a bit vintage...hoping he wouldn't be offended!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the brother-in-law has always enjoyed visits to Cornwall I thought nautical would be a good bet and popped a few ideas on my paperarty Pinterest board, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/maewest1941/oscars-loft/">Oscar's Loft</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's go for a hand stamped stormy sea, with a lighthouse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It came out a bit too stormy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah well I hope he liked it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So at last I'm using some of my crafty stash and have finally actually made some cards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best wishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison xx</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-54957604090588981302014-12-21T08:32:00.002-08:002014-12-21T08:32:40.147-08:00Liebster Award!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you are well and still enjoying the run-up to Christmas-it's almost here...are you ready?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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! </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago I was absolutely delighted to have been nominated for a Liebster Award by my lovely friend Anne of <a href="http://crochetbetweentwoworlds.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/top-5-crochet-techniques-and-tricks.html">Crochet between Worlds</a>. 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.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8ICuQW8QyMK6d0NKaatjDBqxRl7RaTmdzfjbPMJsWh56gutj4cLrOdROdK4aaQSCk3m6PY6ZFhzGbCAY-IuovG6xxbMDxizwTXlQkpzIJsCkfCX5BWZdwqEtMpvH19_rhg4Kttepa30/s1600/liebster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8ICuQW8QyMK6d0NKaatjDBqxRl7RaTmdzfjbPMJsWh56gutj4cLrOdROdK4aaQSCk3m6PY6ZFhzGbCAY-IuovG6xxbMDxizwTXlQkpzIJsCkfCX5BWZdwqEtMpvH19_rhg4Kttepa30/s1600/liebster.png" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'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!</span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. What is the name of your blog? And what does the name mean? </span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84kVnyVE78t4dAAT7MeFG6TW-ZRwoPXiURQs-FVxcS13BR3Cy83kuuwPqkmO7yUhToQS8z7Y4jswym-gyFiG0MPz5ViOfcgFV39RYq_WtLOmGxHzl366ZSeMKorukvtLfE_39h-Z71lM/s1600/2012-12-22+13.07.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84kVnyVE78t4dAAT7MeFG6TW-ZRwoPXiURQs-FVxcS13BR3Cy83kuuwPqkmO7yUhToQS8z7Y4jswym-gyFiG0MPz5ViOfcgFV39RYq_WtLOmGxHzl366ZSeMKorukvtLfE_39h-Z71lM/s1600/2012-12-22+13.07.26.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. How many blogs do you follow?</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">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 <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2014_07_01_archive.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>3. Do you have a creative soul?</b></span> </span></b><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_AITe8-ckbkP2DINLVUJ1Dv6lhv2Pg8l0tuWcy3KOnBGlNE1UnN2qkHl5G_YSiCmIFdIguw7PyJOboXrjckcCKxGdan7olcHT5-vp8U8rxi14yrUUL8_U9Jbb1BOU8t0Or0IibooylE/s1600/2012-11-03+11.28.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_AITe8-ckbkP2DINLVUJ1Dv6lhv2Pg8l0tuWcy3KOnBGlNE1UnN2qkHl5G_YSiCmIFdIguw7PyJOboXrjckcCKxGdan7olcHT5-vp8U8rxi14yrUUL8_U9Jbb1BOU8t0Or0IibooylE/s1600/2012-11-03+11.28.04.jpg" height="283" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">4. At what age did you learn to crochet or knit?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I wrote a post about how I came to crochet <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/get-backto-crochet.html">here</a>, 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!</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">5. What are your future projects?</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">6. Why do you blog?</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 <a href="http://crochetknittingsewing.blogspot.co.uk/">Dorothy's Room</a> encouraged me to go for it.</span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">7. What will your Christmas look like this year?</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">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!</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">8. What are your plans for 2015?</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">9. If you could travel anywhere, which 3 places would you visit and why? </span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">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? </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><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;"><img alt="My father Charlie was born here in 1915, overlooking Cullen Bay, in a tiny cottage just up to the right of the photo." height="239" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b0/09/14/b00914d5701177c6bbcd8b4dcf8099cb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My father Charlie was born here in Cullen on the Moray coast, in a little cottage at top right of photo.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">10.What made you smile today?</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>11. What do you do on a rainy Sunday?</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rainy Sundays are made for crafting, reading and soggy dog walks- -we get plenty in Cornwall-bring them on!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt;">If you read all that lot well done and many, many thanks!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ellie at <a href="http://feltabulous.blogspot.co.uk/">http://feltabulous.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christine at <a href="http://patchworkallsorts.blogspot.co.uk/">http://patchworkallsorts.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deborah at <a href="http://thebeautifulmatters.blogspot.co.uk/">http://thebeautifulmatters.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Helen at <a href="http://helenphilipps.blogspot.co.uk/">http://helenphilipps.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacqui at <a href="http://livingwithethel.blogspot.co.uk/">http://livingwithethel.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maria at <a href="http://dinkidots.blogspot.co.uk/">http://dinkidots.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rita at <a href="http://wvpanoply.blogspot.co.uk/">http://wvpanoply.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also <a href="http://forgetmenotsblue.blogspot.co.uk/">http://forgetmenotsblue.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your questions:</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. What is your favourite craft?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. What is your home area like?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. What's your favourite childhood memory?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Do you have a day job and if so what is it?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. What is your favourite animal and do you have any pets?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. How are your happiest days spent?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. What are your dreams for the future?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. What is your favourite quotation?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks again Anne and Michelle-looking forward to exploring your nominated blogs over the holiday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great week of Christmas preparations everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best wishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison xx</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-91993408139963806222014-11-17T14:04:00.000-08:002014-11-17T14:04:46.637-08:00Season of mists and Christmas craftiness...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The wedding is beginning to seem a while ago now but fond recollections of a marvellous day continue. Thank you all so very much for the wonderful comments left -it was truly heart warming to feel that the day was shared with new friends far and wide! </h3>
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<i> Autumn walks</i></h4>
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...and so to Autumn and apologies Keats for changing your memorable line in my title today!<br />
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'Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,<br />
Close bosomed friend of the maturing sun...'<br />
<i> '<a href="http://www.bartleby.com/101/627.html">Ode to Autumn' John Keats</a></i><br />
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We certainly have Autumn mists here in Cornwall, but the damp and huge amount of rain can be offset by some bright sunny November days when the light is so clear. On such days it's such a pleasure to walk with the dogs and enjoy the beauty of Autumn. Often I pass through our main town of <a href="http://www.cornwalls.co.uk/Truro/">Truro</a> - actually a city, known for its cathedral and a favourite walk is along the Truro river. There is a lovely spot to sit awhile with a coffee looking across to the cathedral.<br />
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As the river is tidal, there are many wading birds, ducks, gulls and swans to be seen. I love to see the bright little boats moored up alongside, resting and waiting. almost like the dogs, to be taken out!</div>
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Autumn is only just beginning to show its true colours, with trees losing their leaves a little later than in counties further north.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYCeMCPG-d2m-CRasTgWDbEVty8aUWF3V77HhHO-vj8UIi8vnYGdC2u9kzlRzqWLAUb1HvrU2gvltIIxE3bDa2gd5s3xrOl_znpEutP9aDv4uK12fCdKiNF9Efadw8ub3fhJm1C6J_6A/s1600/SAM_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYCeMCPG-d2m-CRasTgWDbEVty8aUWF3V77HhHO-vj8UIi8vnYGdC2u9kzlRzqWLAUb1HvrU2gvltIIxE3bDa2gd5s3xrOl_znpEutP9aDv4uK12fCdKiNF9Efadw8ub3fhJm1C6J_6A/s1600/SAM_6037.JPG" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's lovely to stop and enjoy the views but Bonnie and Oscar are always ready to get going again!</div>
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Season of Christmas craftiness...</h4>
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October, November and December-the 'golden quarter' of crafting! There is just so much scope for the handmade at this time -who doesn't love a uniquely crafted gift for Christmas? I also find this a frustrating time because I have so many ideas of all the items I am going to make but find that time is seems to fly and we're charging headlong into December before I'm even started!</div>
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It took me a while to pack away all the wedding materials and get my mind onto something new. First I treated myself to these sparkly metallic crochet cottons. Aren't they gorgeous? Can't wait to use them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRI4VDgCJpHdKYOfdnHxRpXUliWAFfKmbMRdYsZHX5cBkGc-5ly1etxNIsH-Y-Vk8HdCTyC7qGVaCkVWRE2OX5Pxnbp-FyUP3C_XBLtv1F9GsaELzJ2CPjVgsoP3-Z7E9GhZAK8Mft_U/s1600/SAM_5973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRI4VDgCJpHdKYOfdnHxRpXUliWAFfKmbMRdYsZHX5cBkGc-5ly1etxNIsH-Y-Vk8HdCTyC7qGVaCkVWRE2OX5Pxnbp-FyUP3C_XBLtv1F9GsaELzJ2CPjVgsoP3-Z7E9GhZAK8Mft_U/s1600/SAM_5973.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I fancied doing something with felt so collected lots of Christmassy bits and pieces together and die-cut some festive shapes.</div>
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The wedding 'favours' were tiny jars containing 'Bonbons de Paris'. Some guests left the jars behind after consuming the contents! They are the perfect size for storing buttons and trims. It was quite therapeutic sorting out my reds and greens!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sewed the shapes together simply on the machine.</td></tr>
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I love this cute snowman shape:<br />
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In fact I liked him so much I went and made a card of him as well! Possibly an idea for my daughter's primary class as I know she will be after me for Christmas project ideas soon! </div>
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Do you like his tartan scarf? I could play with paper cutting and sticking for hours! Hopefully I may have some finished 'felties' to show you soon, and some Christmas crochet!<br />
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Hope you are having a good week,</div>
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Best wishes</div>
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Alison xx</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-92197387393416151222014-10-31T04:52:00.002-07:002014-10-31T04:52:56.800-07:00Wedding reflections...<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Many thanks to all of you for your kind wishes for my daughter's wedding. I just can't tell you how wonderful a day it was. Everything from start to finish went just as we had hoped - it was such a memorable day full of love, joy and beauty.</h3>
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<i><br />Vintage inspiration.</i></h3>
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For my 'Mother of the Bride' outfit I wanted to celebrate my mother's wedding in November, 1944 as it is almost 70 years from that day. She wore a navy dress and bolero jacket with tilt hat, three carnation cream corsage and cream gloves:<br />
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I took inspiration from Pinterest and put together a board- <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/maewest1941/corsages-romantiques/">vintage corsages</a>. Eventually I decided to crochet three basic roses in the gorgeous Bergere de France 'Froment' which was the same as the butterflies I made for the table centrepieces, described in my last post <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/butterfly-crochet-and-almost-there.html">here</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roses crocheted in 'Froment' using a 3.00mm hook.</td></tr>
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I made up the roses and placed a mix of vintage buttons in creams and ivory, some little sparkly seed beads and some of my favourite Japanese toho beads in the centre. </div>
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The 'leaves' were made from Laura Ashley 'Lucille' a deep rich cream silk. They are a simple square folded over and gathered at the long edge. I applied the whole piece to a backing strip and attached to my jacket with stitches which kept it in place much better.</div>
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I was delighted to find, incredibly, a jacket almost the same as the one Mum wore. I remember her navy crepe dress and jacket so well as, decades ago, I found her outfit it in the bottom of her wardrobe. I was too tall for the dress but she let me wear the jacket to go out. I found an almost identical one by <a href="http://www.havren.co.uk/">Havren</a>. I am amazed by how styles seem to come back around!</div>
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<i>Glove challenge!</i></h3>
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I was on a roll with 'Froment' and challenged myself to make my own gloves in vintage 'fishnet' filet crochet. The actual crochet is basically simple trebles, but first the thumb shaping then the fingers sent me into a bit of a twist! Seeing the effect take shape though I was determined to see it through. At one point, about a week before the wedding I had just one glove completed-thought I'd end up looking like Michael Jackson. </div>
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I kept going with my favourite Aristotle quote : </div>
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Practice then, I thought. Sort those fingers!</div>
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Success!</div>
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Loved finally doing the edging-so pretty!</div>
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Now all they needed was a vintage button at the wrist...</div>
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<i>Through the generations.</i></h3>
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With a navy dress to match, the search for 'the hat' had been on for some time. Have you ever seen something you really like but then searched around trying everything else, before coming back to that original piece you saw first? It seemed nothing was as fitting as this cute pillbox in navy silk with an oversized bow-uncannily like Mum's. </div>
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Hat's off Mum! You always said you loved me in navy and cream, in a hat, and with my hair 'done up'. I so wished you could have been there, but I could feel your love running through the generations as I saw my lovely daughter married. Hope I made you proud!<br />
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<br />What a wonderful day-thank you for sharing it with me.</h4>
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<br />Best wishes<br />Alison xx</h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-23533334708504536662014-10-12T14:58:00.006-07:002014-10-12T15:21:05.283-07:00Butterfly crochet and almost there...<h3>
<i>I can't believe that the wedding is almost upon us! Less than two weeks away now ....these events when announced always seem so far in the distant future but the months and weeks have a way of slipping by so fast. I wanted to share with you a little more about my hand makes...</i></h3>
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The table decorations are built around shabby chic birdcages in ivory- I had seen a few inspiring pics added to my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/550846598145285455/">pinboard</a> and we managed to get ten gorgeous cages. They are quite tall and have silver candle holders, so I planned to add red velvet roses, trail ivy up the sides and light up the centrepiece with tiny warm ivory LED lights. I really wanted a little butterfly to 'alight' on each cage and visualised they would be in vintage-look crochet.<br />
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I browsed at lots of patterns for butterflies but none seemed quite delicate enough/vintage enough until I came across this pattern on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/transaction/227765465">Etsy</a>-the pattern is available as an instant download for just £1.25.<br />
Designed as a brooch, the butterfly looks like it has a double set of wings, giving it a 3D effect.<br />
It is first created from a circle motif:<br />
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First I tried it as suggested using DMC Petra crochet cotton in natural. When the circle is made it is simply folded over-it looked so complicated at first but then made perfect sense!</div>
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The butterfly measures about 4 in across-lovely but definitely too large for the effect I was looking for. Nevertheless, I popped on the centre as suggested in the brooch pattern:</div>
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So cute! For me, this would be a little large for a brooch, but I think it would look great maybe on a headband. How would you use them?</div>
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Next I tried using this gorgeous <a href="http://www.deramores.com/bergere-de-france-coton-a-tricoter-froment-22415">Bergere de France 'Froment'</a> crochet cotton. 'Froment' means 'wheat' but it is a very pale wheat, much more like the ivory of my daughter's wedding dress.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KRB54iWWtWRHpHe0ugrbQXVa9JWUeBaFNSbhEZ8tDLXy6kis677cHEvVbCsTo1SkotMsEPQTsDxIlSdj2sR6vTruBOHJPf_VfpelxF7IKu_RN51JQjLgE2VI-nW-1g9MyTW5jTZe0sM/s1600/SAM_5883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KRB54iWWtWRHpHe0ugrbQXVa9JWUeBaFNSbhEZ8tDLXy6kis677cHEvVbCsTo1SkotMsEPQTsDxIlSdj2sR6vTruBOHJPf_VfpelxF7IKu_RN51JQjLgE2VI-nW-1g9MyTW5jTZe0sM/s1600/SAM_5883.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This time I used a 2.50. hook.</div>
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The results were much more delicate and just the right size! I then worked out a more sparkly 'body' by using craft wire and some of my favourite <a href="http://www.beadsdirect.co.uk/toho-size-6-round-seed-beads-silver-lined-crystal-10g/6TR21/">Japanese toho beads</a>. I used silver lined crystal ones-I love these seed beads as they come in a larger size perfect for threading and more dramatic effects. </div>
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A few evenings were spent creating several more. I love the feeling when you have practised a pattern so much you can do it without constantly checking the directions!</div>
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All ready to be popped on the centrepieces. </div>
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Here's one I tried out:</div>
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Hope you like them!</div>
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Best wishes</div>
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Alison xx</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-12990285323189653702014-10-06T10:46:00.003-07:002014-10-06T10:46:57.502-07:00Getting to the heart of wedding craft!<h3 style="text-align: center;">
I really need to thank you all so very much for taking the time to leave such kind and thoughtful messages on my last post about the loss of our lovely dog Kate- your kindness is truly appreciated-thank you. </h3>
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<i>I have begun to crack on with the wedding crafts with a vengeance-less than three weeks to go now!</i></h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">As part of the decorations and gifts my daughter wanted me to incorporate some of the little hearts I usually make using Cath Kidston fabrics. Generally I work to a simple idea using two fabrics and decorating with a ribbon message:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-65Mc1Za3oX9YDhpUFZHvEufnNqaiZErpypEugVme9qXgff3ZmMwRPMRtV0FTm5jlGaJyjEG87K8M0oy1pEfgV5WM8vqX8rVgOgeOtR8Bct3O5hrvL9iv9YwIWZY9Fd4FLa9P02xAas/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-65Mc1Za3oX9YDhpUFZHvEufnNqaiZErpypEugVme9qXgff3ZmMwRPMRtV0FTm5jlGaJyjEG87K8M0oy1pEfgV5WM8vqX8rVgOgeOtR8Bct3O5hrvL9iv9YwIWZY9Fd4FLa9P02xAas/s1600/032.JPG" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This time I wanted something a little more fitting for the vintage Paris theme. It was the perfect excuse to browse Pinterest and put together a board of ideas: </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/maewest1941/heirloom-wedding/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">'Heirloom Wedding'</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. At last I could put to use some of that gorgeous vintage lace I have and seek out more Paris themed fabrics! </span></div>
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I love fabrics which incorporate vintage photographs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QNjTHB3R9nchoQZn_SmmBgEnVT_ZsVtx_OqylghYl5af227CffZ5RJCkH-JAzJ3cimtD1hhyRL3MUbb6bszAbzWPsQvKJdCre9CFGdYgyf61I7HxEoH70SFeQdHH0YfeymONsf21zPE/s1600/SAM_5749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QNjTHB3R9nchoQZn_SmmBgEnVT_ZsVtx_OqylghYl5af227CffZ5RJCkH-JAzJ3cimtD1hhyRL3MUbb6bszAbzWPsQvKJdCre9CFGdYgyf61I7HxEoH70SFeQdHH0YfeymONsf21zPE/s1600/SAM_5749.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I have some wonderful vintage laces, some left to me by my mother and wanted to include them as much as possible. I put them together with buttons, rosettes and a few fabric flower shapes made from scraps of Laura Ashley vintage fabrics.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbqhXwASORE8riQLXI3F8YnpJHFqxFKHMHLD-KGkjdal8IRbw9N9ghwlPFyoodQfLsqxCfVUHBVSafJP0QNr1rfM8tM9czMcNfjouEq7OBidS8GsoBATheVJemoYYiSMW5KZIX_AQluc/s1600/SAM_5746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbqhXwASORE8riQLXI3F8YnpJHFqxFKHMHLD-KGkjdal8IRbw9N9ghwlPFyoodQfLsqxCfVUHBVSafJP0QNr1rfM8tM9czMcNfjouEq7OBidS8GsoBATheVJemoYYiSMW5KZIX_AQluc/s1600/SAM_5746.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I liked the idea of hand stamping motifs onto linen as well. I used <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tsukineko-Versacraft-Ink-Real-Black/dp/B00161Q1MI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412505722&sr=8-1&keywords=versacraft+ink"> Versacraft ink</a> as it seems to have much more depth when hand stamping on fabric. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MiyvLiEwR_b2SVKk1vBgA0-cTe97Y0ESsdHEjNZAilzrT8Yt29DQqniZRwrdL642x3Q7sUoW4YOeowu2OLzPaPA1t6eopheUMS8Qi8CE0sTELky2WadQyMwkQ0HybwmbMVQpY3R3rp0/s1600/SAM_5740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MiyvLiEwR_b2SVKk1vBgA0-cTe97Y0ESsdHEjNZAilzrT8Yt29DQqniZRwrdL642x3Q7sUoW4YOeowu2OLzPaPA1t6eopheUMS8Qi8CE0sTELky2WadQyMwkQ0HybwmbMVQpY3R3rp0/s1600/SAM_5740.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I tried out some ideas-the personalised label was made using a custom stamp: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzbIbN2aQ0s2dr3FBTFux52zpUWPAA893YU-IWCtBQ7PzO0ciULq0qXdv8emhGtm4qqsI6qxt1sSJSJVq4eVKoqrfYWfZAbmCWpgX4FPXGoo7Orr2U_fl3PFshpZEWM04sCjiuF3WK4g/s1600/SAM_5750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzbIbN2aQ0s2dr3FBTFux52zpUWPAA893YU-IWCtBQ7PzO0ciULq0qXdv8emhGtm4qqsI6qxt1sSJSJVq4eVKoqrfYWfZAbmCWpgX4FPXGoo7Orr2U_fl3PFshpZEWM04sCjiuF3WK4g/s1600/SAM_5750.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I used a little blue French toile linen for this one. The tiny rosette is a scrap of Laura Ashley vintage 'Wild Clematis'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I planned to make these ones as special keepsakes for the main bridal party and thought it would be more special to make each one a little different. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was pure pleasure selecting vintage buttons and working with the gorgeous lace! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A little touch of vintage Paris and lace from a vintage wedding gown went into this one,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlpXYFVaEApOv_JTo-z0ByD8fvWbodWoa6_BL4eug35rIWnuMuttRPLqepyYqZ_4Tre55H8t2tXOzUhEJPkXRkOXOD56Ny0fNTuhdQN4GindkC24FaTwPaGhK5pMovOxdaj4PnseoKXk/s1600/SAM_5816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlpXYFVaEApOv_JTo-z0ByD8fvWbodWoa6_BL4eug35rIWnuMuttRPLqepyYqZ_4Tre55H8t2tXOzUhEJPkXRkOXOD56Ny0fNTuhdQN4GindkC24FaTwPaGhK5pMovOxdaj4PnseoKXk/s1600/SAM_5816.JPG" height="309" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I do hope the recipients will enjoy them and keep as a memento of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Do you like vintage lace? How do you use it? It always makes me think of those beautiful weddings of the 1920s and 30s before wartime shortages set in! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIQbyIX6QiyxAiChwNOYJV_4rJdCRD9r8WDSOnsilGnqPLG0-_8F-Fc_1u7guikhkqAVn2knnT5MyTElbcex91OfE4SpESGlD2QSQz8vxYUtYK4KE0ReUL4kCZbI5x7eIgd5jLGNTLlQ/s1600/FotoFlexer_Photo+postcard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIQbyIX6QiyxAiChwNOYJV_4rJdCRD9r8WDSOnsilGnqPLG0-_8F-Fc_1u7guikhkqAVn2knnT5MyTElbcex91OfE4SpESGlD2QSQz8vxYUtYK4KE0ReUL4kCZbI5x7eIgd5jLGNTLlQ/s1600/FotoFlexer_Photo+postcard+1.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ah... a vintage wedding in the city of light. Hopefully I will be able to create just a little flavour of this era for Laura and Adam on their special day! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Have a lovely week</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Best wishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Alison xx</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-28241438876889013382014-09-29T11:25:00.000-07:002014-09-29T11:25:03.984-07:00Farewell to a loyal companionI'm afraid that I have not posted for a few weeks, or managed to keep up with your lovely news. It has been a sad September for us as we lost our lovely oldest dog, the beautiful Kate, earlier in the month. She was 14 and had recently become rapidly unwell. An operation was planned for the second week in September, but things overtook and the vet had to do an emergency operation. Although he did everything he could to save her, unfortunately the outcome was not good and we had to let her go on the operating table.<br />
I know many of you will understand as you have beloved pets-the heartbreak it brings when you have to say goodbye. Yet we would do it all again for the joy and companionship Kate brought to us. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv_Sz8_tZ63KNdHUQ0reeGZW391U-0EFjOgKwzDgBrtI4sj8y4eyHPrvFROtJTgjugVvyh2UkGd0TmnZvx8Jhq9XbkiKqaP8OQI8ayGOGUrEq5fxku1xIOBI8M2sDqi_4-Bwzxn242dk/s1600/SAM_1126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv_Sz8_tZ63KNdHUQ0reeGZW391U-0EFjOgKwzDgBrtI4sj8y4eyHPrvFROtJTgjugVvyh2UkGd0TmnZvx8Jhq9XbkiKqaP8OQI8ayGOGUrEq5fxku1xIOBI8M2sDqi_4-Bwzxn242dk/s1600/SAM_1126.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
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Kate was our little 'Millennium' puppy-born in August 2000. Rescued at only five weeks from a squalid flat, the mother gone, I knew all the rules said I should not have taken her but after she climbed on my daughter's then 6 year old lap and looked into her eyes-of course we took her. She had not been treated well and was highly nervous and fearful of threat, thus we worked so hard over a long time to gain her trust. She became the most loyal and loving companion and fiercely protective. What fun she brought over many shared adventures; she read every emotion and always knew when to offer comfort. </div>
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When my husband first saw her all those years ago he remarked, 'What a pretty face!' and the final words said by a stranger were 'Isn't she just beautiful?' A fitting tribute to a wonderful friend, beautiful inside and out, who will remain on our hearts forever. </div>
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We are gradually getting used to her not being here. She loved the two younger dogs and they are lifting us up with their unique, funny characters and loving ways.</div>
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I have also returned to my little part-time job as a lecturer -I have some lovely new trainee teachers full of zest for education which is a joy. Also of course we have the wedding to look forward to which is now in less than four weeks time! </div>
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I have been crafting items for the day and will write about this soon-a list of 10 'to-dos' is still to be tackled-scary thought! The 'designing' is all done but it all needs making/finishing, which includes cutting, sticking, stamping, putting together, arranging, crocheting...eek! I'd better stop here and get going!!</div>
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I will be catching up with your lovely blogs and news over the next week and soon be writing about my crafty makes again.</div>
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Hope you are having a lovely week,</div>
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Alison xx</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-50074901532002402072014-09-06T03:15:00.001-07:002015-01-27T03:03:21.554-08:00The wedding planner...<h3>
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When my older daughter announced her engagement in February with an October wedding date I thought 'that's eons away'! There was long dark nights, foul weather, Easter eggs and Springtime all to get through first before the arrival of summer-and long holidays! After the initial excitement I convinced myself there was no need to really think seriously about the fact I was 'designing' the event until nearer the time. How could I overlook that saying about time flying! <br />
To say I am actually planning the wedding is actually a gross misinterpretation of the facts (I do have a tendency to over exaggerate on occasions)! Actually what I have done is more 'style' it. The happy couple asked me to come up with a theme for them which fitted with their interests and the venue. This is a wonderful art-deco hotel built in 1929, on a cliff top overlooking the sweep of the bay. It is gorgeous, already with a feel of 1920s glamour.<br />
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The thinking part didn't take too long...I knew they would like the celebration to reflect their shared love of the city of light and Laura's love of le <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> fran</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">ç</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">ais. </span> With the allure of La belle France and loving all things shabby chic we settled on a vintage Parisian theme with a touch of Gatsby glitz! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1fR3M_HX6ruSlbH1p4SlY7MjMWtAutMqj1mJShYHa3KcAEjlL6iwo9oGeAM8FSBFLzwf0NBMtVraBJUN8o0rtwAKn3SYR0soyZHJBuTh-Y2utoqKlIoH7t4bo7xTVFvhvS5cYANqNiU/s1600/paris+eiffel+vintage+Image+GraphicsFairy006c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1fR3M_HX6ruSlbH1p4SlY7MjMWtAutMqj1mJShYHa3KcAEjlL6iwo9oGeAM8FSBFLzwf0NBMtVraBJUN8o0rtwAKn3SYR0soyZHJBuTh-Y2utoqKlIoH7t4bo7xTVFvhvS5cYANqNiU/s1600/paris+eiffel+vintage+Image+GraphicsFairy006c.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
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I had seen photos of a wedding in Paris which really was the epitome of French glamour and couldn't resist- bride in gorgeous ivory lace with bridesmaids and grooms men in chic navy. A splash of red roses completed the look-fantastique cherie! We put together a Pinterest board: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/maewest1941/parisian-wedding/">Parisian wedding</a> -what a great place Pinterest is to store ideas!<br />
Since then most of the main organisation has been done, invitations are out, responses are being logged, the summer is over and I've finally made a start on all those crafty bits I'd seen in my mind's eye!<br />
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Tag time! </h3>
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I thought making tags and labels for the favours and bridal party gifts would be easy...I'd made some simple ones for other weddings using Cath Kidston/Laura Ashley: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECWgWKBBP5CzFwUd0cg7XIheScimGqJDuznP_BITlF48dN1JOedTFzJiMdi5wtnBZ9qq0i0I3iF_s3WmfObJDrBgWHaAo2CDnV4xZVRBsudm_b9NLHvipd8QRk8LjTCJcV30ZAQtQBnM/s1600/listed+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECWgWKBBP5CzFwUd0cg7XIheScimGqJDuznP_BITlF48dN1JOedTFzJiMdi5wtnBZ9qq0i0I3iF_s3WmfObJDrBgWHaAo2CDnV4xZVRBsudm_b9NLHvipd8QRk8LjTCJcV30ZAQtQBnM/s1600/listed+(4).JPG" height="301" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC5DUTt4iFrBLVhzTjNMH43gHLHXZ2j8Cc0fHzlz9t6xCVgQRQuTurqa9upC2vdhMjDlYaQrcuNSfFlhx6D-iY8At2a_iaob0FIupuqteMRrGvrJkw5P5lY9qSJi1mwwjrxNBNU0Oa20/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC5DUTt4iFrBLVhzTjNMH43gHLHXZ2j8Cc0fHzlz9t6xCVgQRQuTurqa9upC2vdhMjDlYaQrcuNSfFlhx6D-iY8At2a_iaob0FIupuqteMRrGvrJkw5P5lY9qSJi1mwwjrxNBNU0Oa20/s1600/001.JPG" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Mais non! These would not fit with all things vintage </span>Paris!<br />
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I love rubber stamping and often make simple tags just with one ink like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c54GZtiAoASpal8E6kOPeIA1GhBbTJHEZl7FUsunWeAXWYK_XnkjMQRg4Ak2TCnO7xMiA2ZZGE1zg-FqoTucF2n_pVWv1XBAXE2RE35g6eF96UMiyBnXMHqzHga4DHW6if2bprJaaog/s1600/TagsParis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c54GZtiAoASpal8E6kOPeIA1GhBbTJHEZl7FUsunWeAXWYK_XnkjMQRg4Ak2TCnO7xMiA2ZZGE1zg-FqoTucF2n_pVWv1XBAXE2RE35g6eF96UMiyBnXMHqzHga4DHW6if2bprJaaog/s1600/TagsParis.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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...mais non- Trop rustic methinks!</div>
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Trop simple! Time to inject a little more excitement and I have been getting very enthused by altered art and mixed media lately. I wanted to experiment with distress ink to get a bit more depth and interest. So before any more stress set in I decided to distress! Here's what I did. </div>
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Bridal party gift tags.</h3>
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I sallied forth with <a href="http://timholtz.com/distress-inks/">Tim Holtz distress inks</a> in 'Antique linen' and 'Tattered rose', sweeping over cream card with the brayer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAxSBDCFCAthSKNZybedcqWfwrdj8cZtO47CginyImhyoJRtA2XIli-YvZpjNAG9qcBQ9-UAsXadxw_mZdFrQojpmVfA2aKHCBKerm46vLPjmDtHgNQBjO3t74u73kkaPQRyekji3kd8/s1600/SAM_5587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAxSBDCFCAthSKNZybedcqWfwrdj8cZtO47CginyImhyoJRtA2XIli-YvZpjNAG9qcBQ9-UAsXadxw_mZdFrQojpmVfA2aKHCBKerm46vLPjmDtHgNQBjO3t74u73kkaPQRyekji3kd8/s1600/SAM_5587.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looked a bit of a mess at first I thought but carried on regardless!<br />
The Dogfather (my hubby) had bought me this gorgeous background stamp for my birthday in May. It's quite big though-I didn't need the whole design.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivd7iZnPhLiepGwCP1VWCIshg0XwvgfPDmJj_xFTLeBHm4k8c2kxJKGGNX7Iyxie1pEVAG-wfeQ7YYvtRHv91Gkkua-sJV_vtgMaZVWxwDQoZGMtHxZI20r425U_po4hYPajrRgj84X8/s1600/SAM_5590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivd7iZnPhLiepGwCP1VWCIshg0XwvgfPDmJj_xFTLeBHm4k8c2kxJKGGNX7Iyxie1pEVAG-wfeQ7YYvtRHv91Gkkua-sJV_vtgMaZVWxwDQoZGMtHxZI20r425U_po4hYPajrRgj84X8/s1600/SAM_5590.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9AJ-NC2Jip5psEZE8BGIgRy3NlRhVGaOP6vunhGm8Z27_m7sEt70HYQmKJnL5XHHErv23X0uIAxnUmch61pOglnssd41RwPvYi0yGxUiukVjDy1DPWz039scFEk7aI5oyCK66OGX3EY/s1600/SAM_5591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9AJ-NC2Jip5psEZE8BGIgRy3NlRhVGaOP6vunhGm8Z27_m7sEt70HYQmKJnL5XHHErv23X0uIAxnUmch61pOglnssd41RwPvYi0yGxUiukVjDy1DPWz039scFEk7aI5oyCK66OGX3EY/s1600/SAM_5591.JPG" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
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I experimented with Archival ink in Sepia and French ultramarine-the blue looked best or maybe I was swayed by the name! I decided to use only the section of the stamp with the tower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQthNpXfTOmqdSq3tNayV2p06pX74nwhz78CvMtEauXogmLYBOhVCGb3LYfE7Q3mjJdYladT_J6D2dOab107VWj0fUFnNJD0y9YPodSv-_OgT5-40foEsg8P6dPhQJodu8lyfMPWm35q8/s1600/SAM_5592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQthNpXfTOmqdSq3tNayV2p06pX74nwhz78CvMtEauXogmLYBOhVCGb3LYfE7Q3mjJdYladT_J6D2dOab107VWj0fUFnNJD0y9YPodSv-_OgT5-40foEsg8P6dPhQJodu8lyfMPWm35q8/s1600/SAM_5592.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wanted to highlight the word 'Paris' in red, so covered it up while I rollered the blue ink on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohpKbDFOEaAB8I4KxVRRJ59pwdt7-H0kTTSUDJqUoQ4byTeanXQZIM1vY1t3hDK1gkwCNIy6nbQMdl78LFQ8JWLwC-_s9i-UNdYBgM5ncB4Lxsx8QqnIMrkHHdVSIf39G4UEerHJaPTM/s1600/SAM_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohpKbDFOEaAB8I4KxVRRJ59pwdt7-H0kTTSUDJqUoQ4byTeanXQZIM1vY1t3hDK1gkwCNIy6nbQMdl78LFQ8JWLwC-_s9i-UNdYBgM5ncB4Lxsx8QqnIMrkHHdVSIf39G4UEerHJaPTM/s1600/SAM_5595.JPG" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
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I removed the card and dabbed red onto the word.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglQphksdqTocnNIkuZZRElS1iwQtBYLK2JMFktA7akUfgXQPLKT5q7Yi23Po5YSOOfuyhIHvtdBTY-6kTz-29IoqiE7dNUmbKkqY-XPYk0fkkf-9gepmbszjqEczTbqNzEfdIRpb8ohs/s1600/SAM_5596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglQphksdqTocnNIkuZZRElS1iwQtBYLK2JMFktA7akUfgXQPLKT5q7Yi23Po5YSOOfuyhIHvtdBTY-6kTz-29IoqiE7dNUmbKkqY-XPYk0fkkf-9gepmbszjqEczTbqNzEfdIRpb8ohs/s1600/SAM_5596.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Voil</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">à! I stamped them on to the base. </span></div>
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I chose a tag shape which would show most of the tower-this one is Sizzix. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Ooh
l</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">à</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> l</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">à</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> -there we are! </span></div>
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Just need to 'age' them a little more with 'Vintage photo' and sepia inks...</div>
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All done! Now for a few extra bits of shabby chicness...some vintage lace and tiny roses.</div>
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Finished with vintage navy taffeta ribbon and stamped with vintage typewriter font on reverse.</div>
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Job done-and the bride loves them!</div>
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Time is gathering apace towards the wedding and more crafty projects to follow!</div>
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Hope you have a lovely relaxing weekend</div>
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Alison xx</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-31218565651677391482014-08-31T09:20:00.002-07:002014-08-31T09:46:54.486-07:00Beautiful Wales, French visitors and into infinity! <br />
Hello again-back from a lovely break to glorious Pembrokeshire. We visited an area I had not been since childhood, staying on the western tip near <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strumble_Head">Strumble Head</a>, a rocky headland known for its lighthouse and as being one of the best sites in Britain to view seals and porpoises. I was struck by the similarities of the area to the Cornish coast-rocky headlands, little coves and glorious beaches, well the two lands are western and have Celtic origins!<br />
Whilst there I discovered a fascinating piece of history and a tapestry to rival, yes...<a href="http://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/la_tapisserie_de_bayeux_en.html">Bayeux</a>! I always understood that the last invasion of Britain was 1066-did you? I did not know that Britain was actually last invaded by the French in 1797! Well...the last <i>successful</i> invasion of Britain was still 1066. The final, unsuccessful one came from off Strumble Head, just over 200 years ago. This remarkable story is told in a <a href="http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofWales/The-Last-Invasion-of-Britain/">stunning tapestry</a> created by Fishguard's community for the bi-centennial in 1997 and is on display in the Town Hall. Based on the Bayeux Tapestry, it is 100 feet long and about 2 feet in depth.<br />
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Photo: http://nicolacornick.co.uk/blog/2010/11/the-last-invasion-of-britain/</div>
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The story tells of a small fleet of French ships which landed here-they had been heading for Ireland to pick up rebels who they hoped would join them in attacking the English but were blown off course. They landed and marched on Fishguard, hoping to get the same welcome from the Welsh...malheureusement (unfortunately) for them, the Welsh had been rubbing along quite nicely with the English at the time and didn't want to join them- merci beaucoup!<br />
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The French, after a bit of pillaging they were persuaded to give themselves up-<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: http://nicolacornick.co.uk/blog/2010/11/the-last-invasion-of-britain/ </td></tr>
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The most wondrous part of the tale is that a 47 year old Fishguard woman, Jemima Nicholas, rounded up 12 French soldiers herself, armed with a pitchfork-go Jemima!<br />
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Created by local women, the tapestry really is a work of art which those of you stitchers would really enjoy. An accompanying programme tells the whole story of how the tapestry was created, from its first inception in 1993 until the unveiling for the bi-centenary. The story is a wonderful one of community spirit as over 70 stitchers embroidered the panels drawn by local artist <a href="http://www.pembrokeshirevirtualmuseum.co.uk/content.asp?nav=3502,3525,3723&parent_directory_id=101">Elizabeth Cramp</a>. In one review I read before visiting, someone wrote after seeing the tapestry, 'Bayeux who' ? Well no disrespect to that amazing Medieval creation but I do see the point-this tapestry deserves celebration, and lots more visitors. If you are ever visiting the area do make time to see it!<br />
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Beachy craft</h4>
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The area has some fantastic beaches and many seem much more open to dogs than here in Cornwall. I do understand that in Cornwall the beaches become so busy that they are really not suitable for dogs-bad enough having a seagull fly off with your pasty, you wouldn't want a labrador charging about like a dinosaur jumping on your sandcastle, or a bichon frise licking your ice cream as you pop it into your mouth, no matter how cute!<br />
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<a href="http://www.newport-pembs.co.uk/">Newport near Fishguard</a> has an awesome beach which we discovered for the first time. It runs around an estuary and when the tide is out it's enormous and you can park your car on it, as in other Welsh beaches we've discovered. The dogs, the 'Dogfather' and younger daughter loved it and I was able to send them off on some great long walks whilst I relaxed and crocheted...<br />
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I wrote last time about my getting <a href="http://farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/get-backto-crochet.html">Back to crochet</a>. Thank you all so much for such kind, lovely and encouraging comments on this post-I am really getting back to it in a big way! Do you like the trend for 'infinity' scarves? I love these. I had bought one some years ago and wore it literally, out. They are so useful so many ways-for a start you don't have the ends of your scarf catching up on your lipstick when it's breezy. They don't fly off when there's a winter gale blowing, on a freezing Cornish beach. Best of all you can wrap them around your head when you've forgotten a hat, as it was sunny when you went out and, being Cornwall, it's now pouring with rain.<br />
I found a great new book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crochet-Infinity-Scarves-infinity-scarves/dp/1446305244/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409500930&sr=1-3&keywords=infinity+scarves">8 simple infinity scarves</a>. All eight designs are fabulous-you will want to make them all! I loved the 'Lovely in lace' design as it could be a useful trans-season accessory, and the yarn suggested is gorgeous - <a href="http://www.deramores.com/stylecraft-senses-lace">Stylecraft Senses Lace</a> - it works up as very light but cosy and there are some gorgeous colours. At only £2.59 it also works out as a real bargain as the scarf only takes one ball! I crocheted one up in Wales using the colour suggested, 'Clematis' a rich cerise:<br />
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The yarn is lovely to work with and I soon had my first infinity finished!</div>
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Then my daughters caught sight of it....I had already anticipated this so had bought 'Eucalyptus' as well to make younger daughter one-green is one of her favourite colours:</div>
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She is delighted and looking forward to wearing it back at uni.</div>
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Then older daughter caught sight of the book and has put in her order for two of the designs... with all of her wedding preparation I have still to do though she may have to wait awhile!</div>
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So I am very much back into crochet but having been pleased with myself for curtailing my fabric buying I've simply replaced it with yarn and have just made space for my lovely new stash...</div>
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Do you get asked to do lots of makes for friends and family? </div>
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Have a great week!</div>
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Alison xx</div>
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'Get back, get back, get back to where you once belonged...' </h4>
Do you remember that song? I remember it because it was the first time I really noticed the Beatles; the girl next door asked me if I'd heard it. I said no and she replied, 'Well don't you watch Top of the Pops?' 'Why would I do that-Thunderbirds is on the other side' I replied, shocked really. I mean why would anyone want to listen to a song when they could follow Lady Penelope?? Anyway, I digress but the song links my memory with where I once belonged... back in the 70s, teaching my Mum to crochet.<br />
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My Mum was an accomplished knitter -my elder sister and I grew up symmetrical in matching Fair Isle jumpers. How she did those intricate designs I'll never know as I have never managed to be much of a knitter. I think she tried to teach me to knit but I did not have a lot of patience with it, it simply did not grow quickly enough and seemed to require a great deal of concentration.<br />
However, Mum had never mastered crochet and criticised herself for this, since her own mother had been adept at it. Mary-Ann Evans, known as 'Polly' was born in 1876- she was a true Victorian. Mary Ann made beautiful pieces of delicate lacy crochet.<br />
I have some of Mary- Ann's crochet edging-the original tablecloths to which the edging was attached had deteriorated so some years ago my Mum embroidered a new piece and added the lace to it. For this Mary-Ann must have used the smallest of hooks-I can't believe how she worked such an intricate design. Aren't those roses exquisite?<br />
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Craft crazes-they're nothing new!</h4>
One day when I was at school in the '70s a new craft craze began- crochet! The recent 'loom band' craze amongst the young reminded me of this - one girl teaches another and it escalates into the biggest thing since, well... '70s crochet! I remember going off home and telling my mother I had learned how to crochet. She asked me to show her and although she had shied away from it before, she took to it like a duck to water. She unearthed Mary- Ann's old two-ended bone hook and we set to work.Scraps from her knitting bag came out, jumpers were unravelled as we made granny squares and made them up into garish blankets! In those days colours were not planned or combined, a blanket would just be made from what you had lying around. Having been a wartime girl Mum always believed in Make Do and Mend! It was rare that we had brand new pristine balls of wool-I remember most what we used for crochet being crinkly from having already had a life as something else. She did have a weakness though for new Arran wool, which came in hanks and I can still feel my aching arms from holding them out while she wound ball after ball!<br />
With renewed confidence in crochet Mum went from granny squares to making wonderful lacy shawls which I wore with my maxi dresses-I alternated between a black one and a red one-they were my staple cover ups for many years and I still have them.<br />
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<br />Shawl of memories.</h4>
Since then over the many years since, I've done various crochet projects from time to time. However, the last real project I did was a wrap shawl which this time I made for my mother. She had been very cold and wanted something to wrap around her shoulders. When she saw a design in a new crochet book I had she remarked how lovely it looked and reminded her of the Arran wool she used to love. We chatted about how we started crochet and the shawls she used to make.<br />
I crocheted the shawl up for her and she loved it, keeping it on her chair and using it every day. She showed it to all her carers and visitors and it never moved from her side. When she passed away at the end of 2011 the shawl was returned to me. It lay there in the wardrobe amongst her many treasures and vintage collections.<br />
The months following making the shawl my Mum's health had deteriorated and I had not picked up the hook since 2011. However, seeing so many lovely projects on crochet blogs recently got me excited about crochet again-it was time to get back!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I browsed for a new book and after ordering it looked on my craft shelf....oops I already have quite a few!</td></tr>
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Loved the look of this one <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hip-Crochet-Natalie-Clegg/dp/1780090552">'Hip Crochet'</a> though -have you seen it? </div>
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Lots of fun projects with so much colour injected. I settled on the lively 'Carnival bunting' which looked simple enough to get me back into the swing and I was entranced by the colours featured. I ordered the desired materials from <a href="http://www.loveknitting.com/">Love Knitting</a> -what a fabulous website this is-if you enjoy yarn and don't know it do take a look, I am so impressed by their fast shipping and gorgeous packaging:</div>
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Look at those yummy colours! It is Stylecraft Special DK-just acrylic but such a lovely soft yarn which works up beautifully. The colour names are wonderful- like 'Meadow green', 'Lipstick red' , 'Sunshine yellow' and 'Shrimp'! I love the way Natalie combines the colours for each pennant:</div>
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All made up...!</div>
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My Mum would probably have said 'Well I had a few left over bits you could have done that from' ! </div>
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Now all I need to do is put it together....but I'm already on my next crochet project!</div>
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I think Mum would be so pleased I've got back to crochet. Last Winter I took out the shawl I made for her, that last project that she loved. I put it around my shoulders and was enveloped by her unique scent, that which a mother always has. I wore it down to the beach in the biting wind and whenever I felt chilly snuggled up in it. I shall not be washing it -because whenever I want to feel that Mum is still there, all I have to do is breathe in that scent and there I am-back in the 70s, teaching my Mum to crochet. </div>
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Hope you're having a lovely week, still enjoying holidays and sunshine! We are heading off to beautiful Wales for a family holiday, with two of the dogs.No internet so I will have to give the blogging a little rest awhile. Plenty of crochet, crafting and books to take along though!</div>
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Best wishes</div>
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Alison xx</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-37903990262411343422014-08-03T07:02:00.000-07:002014-08-03T07:02:01.348-07:00Mystery solved...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Well we made it to 'Greenway'. Wonderful day! Agatha was right when she described Greenway as 'the loveliest place on earth' -it certainly is a gorgeous place. It is located in the most picturesque spot surrounded by extensive woodlands and a gorgeous garden overlooking the stunning River Dart. The house is a beautiful classic Georgian building but this year was completely scaffolded as it is being re-painted so did not look its best from the exterior. However, the inside was a treat-you really felt part of Agatha's life, exploring the numerous family collections and perusing many photographs. She was clearly very happy there from 1939 until her death in 1976, becoming part of the local community, simply known as 'Mrs Mallowan'. She and daughter Rosalind started regularly welcoming the local children to play in the grounds and learn about the garden-this tradition has been kept and children from the local primary have a large area in the walled garden which they tend and grow on a regular basis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A touch of vintage glamour...</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Staying at The Grand on the seafront was a real treat-Agatha had her honeymoon there with second husband Max Mallowan. Still can't believe how luscious the welcoming Devon cream tea was-have never tasted such yummy freshly baked scones-they certainly know how to do those in Devon! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lashings of clotted cream...diets out of the window! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Glorious views and a Grecian pool...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Leisurely dinner in the 1881 restaurant...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A touch of old school glamour-I wonder what Agatha and Max chose from the menu?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mr M likes to pack a lot in on these little breaks and as this was a treat for his birthday I had to let him choose what he wanted to do. His choice was to explore the Dart Valley on the 'Round Robin' trip. This all sounded a bit exhausting to me (and it was!) but the day turned out great fun as well. You start from <a href="http://www.totnesinformation.co.uk/attractions/13/river-railways-wildlife/137/dartmouth-steam-railway-river-boat-company">Steamer Quay in Totnes</a> and cruise by boat down the river towards Dartmouth- it takes just over an hour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leaving Totnes you embark on a lovely leisurely journey which takes in the beauty of the Dart and you are treated to a commentary on the way. Past Greenway again and close view of the boathouse featured in Agatha's 'Dead Man's Folly':</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Arriving in Dartmouth there is time for a look around and lunch at one of our favourite haunts 'The Sloping Deck'. This is a lovely lunch spot upstairs in one of the buildings in the Butterwalk. I love the 'Butterwalk' -ancient arcade so named because merchants would sell butter there in Medieval times. Darthmouth is full of history and had many notable residents and visitors in its rich past. Even Geoffrey Chaucer mentions a shipman from there as one of the pilgrims it in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canterbury_Tales">Canterbury Tales</a>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Then from Dartmouth it was onto the passenger ferry across to Kingswear, then straight onto a vintage steam train! By this time I was getting a little weary so I closed my eyes for a moment and as the engines chugged away towards Paignton I could imagine I was in Murder on the Orient Express! Have definitely been reading too many Agatha Christies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Paignton's always a fun summer resort so a little look around there and then onto the final leg of the journey, back to Totnes, this time on an open topped bus! There followed a hair-raising journey over hill and dale taking in the glorious countryside as we shot back to complete our 'Round Robin'. Phew! At last safely back to Steamer Quay and the car. A really lovely scout around the Dart and a highly recommended trip if you visit the area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">High tea...only by Michael Miller!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So a lovely few days in and around Torquay. No more delicious Devon teas for me for a while-the only tea I shall be having is this wonderful fabric by Michael Miller! My daughter asked me to make a tea cosy for her future Mum-in- Law's birthday this week and chose this fabric from my stash. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It's called 'High Tea' and is a wonderfully retro design with fabulous colours. I think you could bind it with lots of colour choices but I chose pastel green to co-ordinate with the birthday lady's kitchen. What colour binding would you use to match your kitchen?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The only other tiny project I've had time for since returning (why is there always so much holiday washing/ironing even after a short break? ) is a little bandana for Oscar. he seems to like it! This is a little summer one for when he goes on his holidays to Wales soon. What colour shall I make him next?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hope you're having a lovely weekend, sunshine and not too hot! Now I'm off to catch up with your lovely blogs...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Alison xx</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-8734925076478779112014-07-28T06:22:00.001-07:002014-07-28T06:22:49.661-07:00Gathering roses<h3>
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Thank you so much for your lovely comments on the cards and gifts I made for friends and colleagues. I truly enjoy reading your messages and love catching up with the wonderful blogs that I'm following. Starting to write a blog a few weeks ago has got me thinking about meeting new people and how the 'blogosphere' has opened up so many rich opportunities for meeting like-minded friends.<br />
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One of my favourite sayings is 'Every encounter is an opportunity'. Opportunities for friendship can arise whenever our paths cross with someone new- we meet many people but only some will become as 'kindred spirits'. This is usually when we meet someone who shares the same interests and values as ourselves. Did you like Anne of Green Gables? How I loved that book, the sequels and the TV series-it's high time I read it again! Anne must have coined the phrase 'kindred spirit' in referring to true friendships. Since starting my blog I am finding, just like Anne, that kindred spirits are not so scarce after all!<br />
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Some weeks ago my path crossed by chance with a wonderful new 'kindred spirit' - Dorothy of <a href="http://crochetknittingsewing.blogspot.co.uk/">Dorothy's Room</a>-who many of you already know. It was one of those encounters when you just know that you are going to get along so well with a person. Dorothy had contacted me when she very kindly bought some of my vintage patchwork, asking if she could feature this on her blog. I was absolutely delighted and very flattered -of course she could! I had thought about blogging myself for so long and like many other ideas, it was just on the back burner. Dorothy was so encouraging she really inspired me to start! I already knew that Dorothy, like myself was a sewing enthusiast interested in all things vintage, then I also discovered that she is a lecturer as well, like me! (She does work a lot harder than me though as I only work a few hours a week now) Dorothy makes the loveliest bags as gifts for friends and I was absolutely delighted this week when I received one that she had created just for me. Isn't it gorgeous?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dorothy's <span style="line-height: 115%;">appliqué is amazing-I just love the cute cottage and the washing line reminds me of my Mum's back in the 60s! The fabric on the cottage looks just like brick too-what thoughtful choices. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">On the other side is such a cute flowerpot in lovely retro shades with fun buttons and all set off on one of my very favourite Cath Kidston Rosali pink and red spot. Such a wonderful gift which really made my day! -The problem is it's just too lovely to use! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dorothy has introduced me to some wonderful like-minded people and exploring the community has brought me into contact with many more of you who enjoy the same interests. I am now looking forward every day to updates about the crafting going on and have found so much inspiration! </span></span></div>
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'Good friends are to be gathered like roses'</h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">You lovely new friends share so many of my interests- exquisite embroidery which reminds me of my mother's -every stitch worked with care and thought, gorgeous crochet projects which have made me take up the hook again, arty projects which make me want to experiment in mixed media and many, many other wonderful ideas. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need never buy a craft magazine again (but I will as I can't resist them ) and flowing through all the wonder of the handmade projects is that theme of friendship... as you share snippets about daily life and travels to beautiful places near and far. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The gorgeous yellow roses above were given to my daughter Laura by one of the children in her class at the end of term. I had yellow roses at my wedding-she knows I adore them so she kindly allowed me to display them. I've put them here with some of my mother's embroidered linens and cups from the collection she gave me. The cup and saucer is Royal Albert 'Autumn roses' -I love this because it is also a plate for your cake and biscuits! The little cup from Luxemburg was given to me in the 60s as a little girl from my cousin. All my cousins were quite a bit older than me and working. One of them had begun to travel abroad for work-I think it was quite something to start doing that back then! I can vaguely remember not being totally excited about a little cup and my mother saying 'It's something you can keep all your life'. So there it still is, among many other cherished treasures. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'...but friendship is the breathing rose<br /> with sweets in every fold'</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I adore yellow roses I think pink have to be my favourite. What about you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are just so bright and beautiful but as you look at the shades each one seems totally unique and different ...just like my 'kindred spirits'!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well we're off to Torquay for a few days this week starting with a visit to Agatha Christie's 'Greenway'. We have tried to visit several times before, but have never quite managed to get there yet. One time the boats were not running due to stormy weather, another time we went on the wrong day, then at the third attempt got there found you can only park when you have 'booked' a car parking space in advance - it meant a 2 mile walk from the village in the rain. It all makes the place seem very mysterious (no pun intended!) so let's hope we're successful this time or I'll begin to think we're in one of Agatha's stories! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...and just to finish-how true Agatha! I knew there was a reason I adore keepsakes so much. It must have been all about that tiny cup from Wiltz that my mother told me to treasure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you're having a lovely week</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison xx</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-91576258716816742932014-07-20T05:59:00.000-07:002014-07-20T05:59:55.381-07:00Merci and Vielen Dank<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little bit of bead crochet. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it was time this week for fond farewells to colleagues and friends who are moving on to various new ventures. I wanted to give them a little special 'Thank you' from me so I made a few of these lovely beaded crochet necklaces based on <a href="http://www.fiberfluxblog.com/2014/04/free-crochet-patterncoral-blossom.html">Fiber Flux's</a> Coral Blossom necklace. Fiber Flux is just such a wonderful blog-it has completely re-inspired my love of crochet-there are some fantastic tutorials on You Tube as well. I had never used beads in crochet before and couldn't wait to try the design out with some of the gorgeous Japanese Toho beads I've been loving lately. Toho are top quality seed beads which come in an amazing array of colours and styles and have a large hole which makes threading easy-they are a pleasure to work with!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7mLZKCV9yxiF_08fIbYpKgPs5TAn7M9hSA8kBJvTmX5aHlV38P2S-8vyOeZ2GZ-P_-S-7Oz1OUgDSWvH0NymjIer7S_effKyiHZBmxhkfXXIVda0pZAFqpcTO7gziIBFMqPNqWPbV0s/s1600/SAM_5239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7mLZKCV9yxiF_08fIbYpKgPs5TAn7M9hSA8kBJvTmX5aHlV38P2S-8vyOeZ2GZ-P_-S-7Oz1OUgDSWvH0NymjIer7S_effKyiHZBmxhkfXXIVda0pZAFqpcTO7gziIBFMqPNqWPbV0s/s1600/SAM_5239.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">With this one I had a colleague in mind who loves blues and turquoise.</span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tiny gift envelopes.</span></i></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made little gift envelopes from some pretty scrapbook papers using a Bigz L <a href="http://www.countryviewcrafts.co.uk/658479-sizzix-bigz-l-die---envelope-mini--heart-by-rachael-bright-23589-p.asp">Sizzix mini envelope die</a>. This die makes a cute little envelope ideal for small presents such as necklaces, earrings etc.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TzKa_3pV10fTlZ2ame_xZw2neLvmKlQ9JUbnkygh7MBhxKMQScOUGkW1V0G1cwnJQFlkFwHN7AQ3im7bB-CbUmlUpm0ZT92ZxAK4iJvBZ1TwT-OkwzGifz6S3469522AKs0SBxFluFE/s1600/SAM_5253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TzKa_3pV10fTlZ2ame_xZw2neLvmKlQ9JUbnkygh7MBhxKMQScOUGkW1V0G1cwnJQFlkFwHN7AQ3im7bB-CbUmlUpm0ZT92ZxAK4iJvBZ1TwT-OkwzGifz6S3469522AKs0SBxFluFE/s1600/SAM_5253.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ikM5QeBWKHbQ7RjE0rBHuCRmR7rOrYwc4LTX8_3yV_dIN7uE3dR0nHldPWPBCioV9nxL7BUzqLZ3HnF3eMgi1Ra09sn-DOJr5utKVUHcP8na824rizDFH3z1xqZ1FAHqRHLQfBWxfhQ/s1600/SAM_5236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ikM5QeBWKHbQ7RjE0rBHuCRmR7rOrYwc4LTX8_3yV_dIN7uE3dR0nHldPWPBCioV9nxL7BUzqLZ3HnF3eMgi1Ra09sn-DOJr5utKVUHcP8na824rizDFH3z1xqZ1FAHqRHLQfBWxfhQ/s1600/SAM_5236.JPG" height="269" width="320" /></i></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>I added a glue dot to close the envelope.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>A new art pen</i>!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have recently treated myself to a new <a href="http://www.cultpens.com/i/q/RT04140/rotring-artpen">Rotring art pen</a> . I used to write with these a lot -they are the unparalleled kings of German fountain pen engineering! Such a lovely smooth write; I have been using cheaper italic markers for so long but with false economy-for normal writing you need the fine tip and the nibs always 'go' on them far too soon. Can you see the little stuck on label below which reads 'Mum's art pen'? Now why would there be a need for that-well because my pens have always either disappear without trace or I find them been used to scratch something on the family calendar-does this sound familiar? Well I am not having my new Rotring used for that, Vielen Dank! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7qLKnAudGu5pK9VzGRJJxnFH3CZDRiD-58b_UyhgWvqqTckc4AztDcE4sgzjSu2qMWom9VUbzXn2j1Q9mefvZvYkOENJPVt3vh3I1RzWUTWexNGvlVQFo_52egcXTkuSyWI89tU0_U8/s1600/SAM_5241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7qLKnAudGu5pK9VzGRJJxnFH3CZDRiD-58b_UyhgWvqqTckc4AztDcE4sgzjSu2qMWom9VUbzXn2j1Q9mefvZvYkOENJPVt3vh3I1RzWUTWexNGvlVQFo_52egcXTkuSyWI89tU0_U8/s1600/SAM_5241.JPG" height="210" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGznp8BCBr1zRxhTrr0rACUy8BtQyLHgsFbjYgQZlXqKJH6RQ1u3nIo5pmiIly1JtuzNvMVYvYCohpiN2oim7LFEJcNQEhMWHkTqfoC-3HS_9nFbaIkWu8wEpepTJ4npftMOybq0osgA/s1600/SAM_5245_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGznp8BCBr1zRxhTrr0rACUy8BtQyLHgsFbjYgQZlXqKJH6RQ1u3nIo5pmiIly1JtuzNvMVYvYCohpiN2oim7LFEJcNQEhMWHkTqfoC-3HS_9nFbaIkWu8wEpepTJ4npftMOybq0osgA/s1600/SAM_5245_1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I practised my writing by making some little labels.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3J8mUoPaRRJqlICsRUiYapXa2AoChOJ60K70sGOCOL2J8jVnEo_nXtwcl2Lsp47vwP9tkG4c3ivT_qVyV5LwSBdad3j_wLP87Vj-VoeAWOT9hkAo8y7LgFfVqQCOPy-1gj7Mxw1Y7vdc/s1600/SAM_5256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3J8mUoPaRRJqlICsRUiYapXa2AoChOJ60K70sGOCOL2J8jVnEo_nXtwcl2Lsp47vwP9tkG4c3ivT_qVyV5LwSBdad3j_wLP87Vj-VoeAWOT9hkAo8y7LgFfVqQCOPy-1gj7Mxw1Y7vdc/s1600/SAM_5256.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I popped one on each necklace with some natural jute twine.</span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A la cards...</span></i></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For colleagues with whom I had taught languages I decided to make a Paris themed card. I gathered together some papers with French vintage themes, keeping to a palette of mostly deep red, black, vintage creams with silver accents.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHRh0JlHHVo_cjBunYd_H1qv121u5dMX550Mqhe2QH8abwx1vJUGfBPUTcF8kPOMwwxYirIY7g-L_nKvAbLo5iwEyzvjj6bYSOTlGakqDLN76uwZvosR5AiOk1G7ayO_EnIrOw2QRsKs/s1600/SAM_5250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHRh0JlHHVo_cjBunYd_H1qv121u5dMX550Mqhe2QH8abwx1vJUGfBPUTcF8kPOMwwxYirIY7g-L_nKvAbLo5iwEyzvjj6bYSOTlGakqDLN76uwZvosR5AiOk1G7ayO_EnIrOw2QRsKs/s1600/SAM_5250.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I played around with different layouts-I love these Eiffel Tower shapes-I cut them from deep silver grey card. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpksmefX5W2qS_M3TvQNRMzxqwxQte10yT_pJd-rQkcY0ipKfNfr3KcRBoBFx59U78T7Y0A6-2EoFu4PmD183sADzwiCXGQ2unIczJLkhhiQX7Qwd3lKvO_bocTtZ1iZSPdi4SbB5FCc/s1600/SAM_5249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpksmefX5W2qS_M3TvQNRMzxqwxQte10yT_pJd-rQkcY0ipKfNfr3KcRBoBFx59U78T7Y0A6-2EoFu4PmD183sADzwiCXGQ2unIczJLkhhiQX7Qwd3lKvO_bocTtZ1iZSPdi4SbB5FCc/s1600/SAM_5249.JPG" height="301" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a little bit in love with <a href="http://www.countryviewcrafts.co.uk/graphic-45---couture---paper-pad-12-x-12-27074-p.asp">Graphic 45's 'Couture' collection</a> at the moment! Gorgeous fashions from the Gatsby era in reds, black and vintage creams with plenty of <span style="line-height: 115%;">Français going on as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hand stamped some greetings and came up with a design which I mounted on a 5 x 5 in cream card...<span style="line-height: 115%;">voilà!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZuJgRcGXphcX1pTzlVkhjtyRPxUfpNiNQI_bG1ITagKGQjA0SZ1jQJfWMI3dFtMyhZF3dBXiwLaHaEuPofRRb0pdaMUDyNp0KlAgeBTNP3RZjEJocwxv8SVJsTtVpco1uUnMHRcMojA/s1600/SAM_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZuJgRcGXphcX1pTzlVkhjtyRPxUfpNiNQI_bG1ITagKGQjA0SZ1jQJfWMI3dFtMyhZF3dBXiwLaHaEuPofRRb0pdaMUDyNp0KlAgeBTNP3RZjEJocwxv8SVJsTtVpco1uUnMHRcMojA/s1600/SAM_5273.JPG" height="301" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love my art altered these days and am also enamoured of the gorgeous designs from <a href="http://www.sevengypsies.com/">7 Gypsies</a>. The backing paper to the left of card above and backing the one below is from the 'Lille' collection- </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0OSGdYDUB2u3_688GNF_zhr8zhym7o03FO9zTMWd6YZmOvSChtkYPf6OiiLci8fDEiLQQr5j80JvZ7UuBo-lFt5QBJhhGt5TgaC86UfsvhywrlN790rjKfyBTjvdl30AbJV8UnN9O-Y/s1600/SAM_5270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0OSGdYDUB2u3_688GNF_zhr8zhym7o03FO9zTMWd6YZmOvSChtkYPf6OiiLci8fDEiLQQr5j80JvZ7UuBo-lFt5QBJhhGt5TgaC86UfsvhywrlN790rjKfyBTjvdl30AbJV8UnN9O-Y/s1600/SAM_5270.JPG" height="304" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The lovely lady from 1922 is printed with a rubber stamp.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With this one I couldn't resist adding a bit of bling to the tower-after all it's always lit up at night! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>Au revoir...not Farewell.</b></i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, goodbyes and a little something for lovely friends to keep. Luckily I shall remain in touch with these wonderful friends and colleagues as most of them will be staying in the county. For those moving 'up country' as they say down here, there's always social media to keep in touch. I do like that of course, but how I miss the joys of letter-writing, when I could use my italic pen to my heart's content! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgA2WgC8ZpP4J1Yg43xvCUWY0mhdwBFptmNHqFARVUvuCnBFefEt-NAOYDmVgVi3JoM7EUIg6chFzGgPYcsxfRwutw2w9NsvRNEYm2k1DAotaH9h_A_GhD5iiAFT7J6BI8RjkNvMKzA8/s1600/046798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgA2WgC8ZpP4J1Yg43xvCUWY0mhdwBFptmNHqFARVUvuCnBFefEt-NAOYDmVgVi3JoM7EUIg6chFzGgPYcsxfRwutw2w9NsvRNEYm2k1DAotaH9h_A_GhD5iiAFT7J6BI8RjkNvMKzA8/s1600/046798.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer ends of terms are often a time for showing gratitude or saying goodbye to those moving on ...have you had to say goodbye or thank you to a friend lately? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you are having a lovely weekend...warm but with a nice breeze I hope!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison xx </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4598750844492990465.post-88916275596252280472014-07-13T11:10:00.004-07:002014-07-13T11:10:47.028-07:00Ahoy me hearties! <h3>
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<i><b>A-pirating we will go...</b></i></h3>
Ahoy me hearties! (Which actually means 'Hello my friends' in pirate-speak). Don't worry-I haven't actually become a pirate (though living in Cornwall there could be some danger of this, as pirating once ruled the waves around these parts). My greeting is due to this week's Beading Club project taking on a pirate twist. So who's the most well-known pirate? Well we can forget Blackbeard, it's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Sparrow">Captain Jack Sparrow</a> of course! Our pirate bag charms were to be based on Jack Sparrow's Kuchi beads. Captain Jack Sparrow , the character played by Johnny Depp in 'Pirates of the Caribbean' inspired the trend for pirate jewellery. Jack's hair is adorned with all manner of beads and trinkets gathered from all around the world, each one reminding him of a different adventure.<br />
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<i><b>The trend for all things skullish.</b></i> </h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> When you think of pirates you most likely think of golden earrings, eye patches, half legs and skulls. I must admit, I have never liked skulls-but of course pirates are famous for adopting the skull and crossbones as a symbol to strike fear into their enemies. I did discover however, that the skull as a symbol can have other meanings in different cultures. In Mexico for example, skulls symbolise the Day of the Dead, a big annual festival where the dead are celebrated in carnival-like festivities. Fabric designer Alexander Henry celebrates this so well in his<a href="http://www.ahfabrics.com/collections/category/16-folklorico"> Folklorico range</a> - skulls with floral tributes in amazing colours-take a look! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's also unavoidable that there is a current interest amongst the young in all things skullish and when I spotted these skull beads I knew the children would love them. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL7jcTkM4OH0dSy3rsMZiuIruU9z545x6VM5MR2LOSEf1o5Do-3MaNCERYlru-fpZQ52sudslZeU3X8Vunhne-cHUTc_LeiMrNavGFhP9kxfGwXzP8lmOLT1Eta9fTS35nrvqUfYWa4o/s1600/SAM_5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL7jcTkM4OH0dSy3rsMZiuIruU9z545x6VM5MR2LOSEf1o5Do-3MaNCERYlru-fpZQ52sudslZeU3X8Vunhne-cHUTc_LeiMrNavGFhP9kxfGwXzP8lmOLT1Eta9fTS35nrvqUfYWa4o/s1600/SAM_5152.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming in such gorgeous colours they are actually quite cute!</td></tr>
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<i><b>The project:</b></i></h3>
Our project was to make a pirate key ring or bag charm, using waxed cotton cord and simple knotting techniques.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdIZt6MtWlIID6596Y6k5hZVlxbUjvyq6lHcMyAz_xd3UTe6fTNWA_I1oaT7CFtg4t9yWtHGm-CkqC7X4bTCLEvEA1lGvKTkGUdkJqaNbJfBmwmnGwIK9gZLUZrzH2DAeZdLWS7pMcaE/s1600/SAM_5157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdIZt6MtWlIID6596Y6k5hZVlxbUjvyq6lHcMyAz_xd3UTe6fTNWA_I1oaT7CFtg4t9yWtHGm-CkqC7X4bTCLEvEA1lGvKTkGUdkJqaNbJfBmwmnGwIK9gZLUZrzH2DAeZdLWS7pMcaE/s1600/SAM_5157.JPG" height="309" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a selection of cord in yummy colours at the ready.</td></tr>
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We made a simple double strand by folding a length of cord and making a loop at the top. We then added the skull beads into designs which included a mix of wood, glass and silver beads. We had a range of cute sea themed charms-mermaids, anchors, fish, shells, ships' wheels and even a tiny pirate's dagger! The children dived into the beads and, heads down for an hour of concentration designed their creations. What surprised me most was the children's determination to get the design right first-they tried out multiple ways with colour and shape before starting to thread on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscQ5rffut8sjPC-aCVga6_p0XGXIDFrNaokIwXB5-dsnUep7cYmIaStqs53B3qx_MeD8uf6XnTVeeE0X98PlXfNDBw44fhYbKyORzgjZrIDRmT0cs-NOLqZBpO2FlFyxDAM26B9Cg40M/s1600/SAM_5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscQ5rffut8sjPC-aCVga6_p0XGXIDFrNaokIwXB5-dsnUep7cYmIaStqs53B3qx_MeD8uf6XnTVeeE0X98PlXfNDBw44fhYbKyORzgjZrIDRmT0cs-NOLqZBpO2FlFyxDAM26B9Cg40M/s1600/SAM_5159.JPG" height="320" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding more beads to the second strand.</td></tr>
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Many of the designs were symmetrical-links to Maths again! They also enjoyed using sea-themed cork boards to work on-I decorated these with <a href="http://www.countryviewcrafts.co.uk/graphic-45---by-the-sea---paper-pad-12-x-12-30855-p.asp">Graphic 45's 'By the sea' scrapbook papers.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ2sCFfPcg7CO-Oy6rWvTfiIMcFl3sebEP6Qj-wYTq_PF83jldD0chkV3_tU8pUbjEYi5BtgN561FwhRVlRRR-ZHO8ZAZuVlz3OSSzhq65yqil6m_p7Nv1UcT95gueUjcm2s6N68puLg/s1600/SAM_5149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ2sCFfPcg7CO-Oy6rWvTfiIMcFl3sebEP6Qj-wYTq_PF83jldD0chkV3_tU8pUbjEYi5BtgN561FwhRVlRRR-ZHO8ZAZuVlz3OSSzhq65yqil6m_p7Nv1UcT95gueUjcm2s6N68puLg/s1600/SAM_5149.JPG" height="298" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Some of them added an extra fun charm to the top by knotting on extra, shorter threads.</span></td></tr>
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They then popped on a ring and clip. Some of them wanted to make extras for friends and family members!<div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Well shiver me timbers- didn't they do a fabulous job!</span></i></b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7moNpEMQbyrLxW6oxm1WR2yGOHDAaJSzFQLDBYj6I80kEntlUmpdaPBKzJ9cgLv8TAwmuFoyHdgXeN5pEshjHT9jPGHiTnShYxdCl0YiThdySsBE1jtPAnwiTPesa0pv-8SzkmTnXiY/s1600/SAM_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7moNpEMQbyrLxW6oxm1WR2yGOHDAaJSzFQLDBYj6I80kEntlUmpdaPBKzJ9cgLv8TAwmuFoyHdgXeN5pEshjHT9jPGHiTnShYxdCl0YiThdySsBE1jtPAnwiTPesa0pv-8SzkmTnXiY/s1600/SAM_5165.JPG" height="320" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A profusion of sea colours seemed to rule this session's beading waves!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbkHl_W_goGVtobbGQTEo_1rzHuYK2hhOSBrnJfwMuyWafQnMN4kwRv6VuOwyR09cQaW0FjfLzOvnWaYDYWgnFsZyYm8Q71r4Wofj2roGL4KyAN9eOS2gjEHcs7hWmbsxa3vrDN-3xsw/s1600/SAM_5139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbkHl_W_goGVtobbGQTEo_1rzHuYK2hhOSBrnJfwMuyWafQnMN4kwRv6VuOwyR09cQaW0FjfLzOvnWaYDYWgnFsZyYm8Q71r4Wofj2roGL4KyAN9eOS2gjEHcs7hWmbsxa3vrDN-3xsw/s1600/SAM_5139.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AuwMMqcErliiLSdQWVwdyF-FsPxSy6tpfnFnO1_t2hs2Nj3LlFzgBDvA9RH2eioV3BbNlpgSl2EggicjxSI_LcOWIokFUsX32e4Z-tnXCPRdVTafTHfBSRknzgmdEEOcW1v-n9xnvgw/s1600/SAM_5148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AuwMMqcErliiLSdQWVwdyF-FsPxSy6tpfnFnO1_t2hs2Nj3LlFzgBDvA9RH2eioV3BbNlpgSl2EggicjxSI_LcOWIokFUsX32e4Z-tnXCPRdVTafTHfBSRknzgmdEEOcW1v-n9xnvgw/s1600/SAM_5148.JPG" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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The children continued the theme with an extra take-home project where they followed instructions to make a Kuchi bead hair braid like Jack's-here is their design brief:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sCztIc6iPeH7NXKW0C89qs4UqyoMM2e2RJ9Y64nmfe-nXko1y-AO8IZXfVb2I9Qrkh_-ysZXkzcWF1WiNM9iEyshAA_gfV7exFgYbzCEb9_5bwPjGPlbtkMVew5Huk8qbfxgutNVzJE/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sCztIc6iPeH7NXKW0C89qs4UqyoMM2e2RJ9Y64nmfe-nXko1y-AO8IZXfVb2I9Qrkh_-ysZXkzcWF1WiNM9iEyshAA_gfV7exFgYbzCEb9_5bwPjGPlbtkMVew5Huk8qbfxgutNVzJE/s1600/Picture2.jpg" height="640" width="416" /></a></div>
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They are planning to wear them at the end of term barbecue-let's hope it's a fine and sunny day! </div>
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What fun we had a-pirating...and without a bottle of rum in sight! </div>
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Hope you've had fun this weekend too!</div>
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Alison xx</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776307610869291302noreply@blogger.com10