Contentment

Where to I start when I've so many different things to say? At the beginning would probably be the best place wouldn't it and then have the odd diversion here and there every now and then.

Well I'm thrilled that so many of you have shown an interest in the Four Happy Things Swap. There's still oodles of time to pop your name down if you fancy joining in, the more the merrier I say. It's been a wonderful chance for me to hear from some of you who visit who I didn't already know.  I'll say a hello here to those of you who don't have a link to follow and I'll definately be popping over to say hello to everyone else. Hello also to new followers. 

Now on to what's been happening around here. I did a quick stitch job the other evening and made a belated christmas present for Mr B. As I only had a really small amount of this elderly cowboy fabric patching with it seemed the best way to get the most out of it.

Cowboys doing cowboy things on the front. Inside I patched a wee mule (or donkey) as Mr adores these and has a grand desire for one one day alongside making cheese and daydreaming the days away in his own shepherd's hut.

For now the world of work beckons so a handy Boys Bits & Bobs Pouch for glasses, pennies and keys will have to do. I asked him if he showed anyone his cowboy pouch today. He said funnily enough in all the meetings he was at today it just would have sounded plain wrong. Ho Ho Ho.

Now before this work stuff came back for Mr B we made sure we had a grand end of the christmas hols for us all being together. On Wednesday we headed off to the coast rain or no (and boy did it rain). First stop to sit the rain out was the harbour pub on the estuary for fish and chips and a veggie version (halloumi in chilli and coriander batter - delicious).

Then we walked into the town for I had a mission to search for an antiques place I'd spied in the summer.

In an old shed tucked behind a wall was a pretty unexciting collection of stuff which was a disappointment to be sure. The setting promised so much.

However, I did find a lovely bit of fabric with 25% off and Little Bun found a ring with a small leather moustache on. Both of us were happy indeed.

Still refusing to let the rain call off play, we headed towards the pier for our last stop of new year hot choc and games. On the walk back to the car I was so cold it felt like knives were being thrown at my skin. Bliss then to come in and light the woodburner and the coal fire in our other sitting about room.

Today has been a day of Build-a-Bear Factory, uniform shopping and visiting friends. I also managed to squeeze in a C.Shop visit which added to my new years reading pile. A very mixed bag from intense and intelligent reads to informative and then just ploppy and fun depending on my mood.

At the bottom of the pile you can spy a crafty book. Even though I can knit it's full of some really helpful tips to improve my knitting more. The main reason I bought it is it's full of some great accessory patterns which in the main use only 50g of yarn. Ideal for an impatient knitter like me who prefers quick projects.

I love the diamond pattern on this scarf as much as it makes me feel like wearing red lipstick again.

The Bun's adore wearing fabric bows in their hair so I think a knitted hairband would go down a treat.

Then there's these very simple ribbed wristwarmer's for which I ended up picking up a ball of never before used yarn. I hear again and again how wonderful artesano yarn is so I thought that justified me getting some to try out on a small project.

I still have a glove waiting for a partner so I really should be getting on with making it's mate before I succumb to the temptations of this new yarn.

Well, after a few twists and turns, that's me done for today other than I must just mention I've put a 25% discount on all items in my shop until the end of the month. I fancy having a good old clearout and to start afresh for the new year ahead. 

Happy Home Days

This has been the most marvellous week of lovely home time and now wishing we could stretch it out just a wee while longer. There are so many things I had planned for me and my girls, but time always runs away from us doesn't it.

I've fitted in cupboard reshuffle's and clearouts. We can actually walk across the Bun's bedroom floors again. How long this will last I wonder.

I finished dressing Miss Rosey's wardrobe at long last. Some things I start, then life gets in the way and they have to patiently sit waiting to be properly finished. I gave her a choice of fabrics, hoping she would choose the softened and faded 1950's rose curtains to contrast with the Designers Guild check. She did luckily.

Midweek pancakes were requested. I took my place by the stove and flipped out one after another while hooking up a few new things.

In the middle of the pancake marathon Mr Postie knocked on the door with a delivery just for me. Once the Bun's tums were full I cleared up and took a moment at the kitchen table to have a flick through a book that a lot of people are talking about right now. This is one book that's well worth the pennies. If not just for the makes and ideas, but most definately to look at all the beautiful pictures inside.

My Mr was at home that morning too so he had a peek and declared it a very lovely book. I just love looking at pictures of other peoples fabric stash. Thankfully Rachelle and Tif know this and have included plenty of shots to drool over. I was also tempted by one other book this week as Amazon had such a good deal going. I'll show you that one another day.

That same evening we had a small family Halloween party planned. One of many firsts to get through without my dad joining us. He could always be relied on to do his best vampire in the style of grandpa in the Munsters.

We made jellies with sugary snails and worms in them and collected sweeties together for us and anyone who might knock.

The Bun's made dead finger biscuits while I made my first ever marshmallow frosting to turn into ghosties. Such a simple topping to make and utterly sweetly delicious. I'm no expert at making perfect cake decorations, but they do taste good all the same.

Party time came and with the clan all dressed in their finest spooky gear we got ready to eat and play the games the Bun's had planned. We had pin the wart on the witch, find the bat and who am I to start the ball rolling.

Alfie Blue got in on the act too. He adores grandma and thinks he's her grandson.

After all our cosy home days we were ready to get a good dose of fresh air by Friday. Meeting up with friends we had a wonderful wintery seaside day of eating, walking and playing.

Films, jumble sales and fireworks are planned for the weekend and then it's all too soon back to routine once more. How I wish we could start the week all over again.

North folks & South folks

I can't believe another week has whizzed by. An extra stolen whole week with the Bun's filled with so many lovely things. 

The feathery ladies are settling down into strict divides of eldery and youngster gang culture. On the second night they just wouldn't go to bed. In the end Betty clambered off her perch, got on the top of the henhouse and yelled at Olive, Maggie and Bluebell. I helped her out by grabbing them all with a shove up the bum through their door.

In the middle of the week we went to Walberswick with friends. We parked the other side of the river and then walked over and round to get there. We didn't even make it to the sea as we had such a lovely time just mucking about in the village. I even brought home a big shelf that I couldn't stop looking at and knew I'd really kick myself later on if it didn't come home. We gave the shelf a ferry ride across the water on the way back to save my weary shoulder, much more fun than walking.

In betweens swimming, rounders and playing at  camping with friends I finally made up those kitchen curtains that have been waiting to be made.

I'd guess the fabric is 1950's and is pretty well worn, but far too gorgeous not to save somehow. I cut off the ripped sides, patched up holes here and there and added a smidge of flowery blue to lengthen.

They're real quick cheats. I didn't bother to edge the frayed sides, just strung up some hooks, threaded them on a wire and off we go jolly kitchen curtains.

On Friday we had a Seaside Special treat with the end of the pier summer show. Apparently it's the only one left in England so it's a special one indeed.

We zig-zagged down to the Edwardian pier to collect our tickets before climbing all the way back up for a fish and chips pre-show tea.

The whole experience of being on the end of the pier in a tiny theatre was perfect. The show felt like being taken back to my 1970's childhood with all the variety shows on TV, just better. Singing, dancing, glitter, glam and tons of laughter. The Bun's loved it as much as us, maybe even more as they offered their pocket money on the way out so I could get tickets for the next show.

Walking out onto the wooden promenade, twinkling lights all around and the sound of the sea on pebbles ended the evening perfectly for me. Many moons ago in Brighton Mr Bun and I would go down to the beach at night for a walk. We'd sit and talk about what life would be like when our baby was born. Never could have imagined it would be this lovely and content. 

Half way through ...

On Friday I set up my pitch for the week in Southwold. Less on it than normal as trying to spread my wares over two more fairs in the next couple of weeks. The weekend heat seems a lifetime away.

BBBrrrrr - I now have a winter cardigan on and the heating has had a quick blast to take the chill off my shaky legs. On Sunday, like the rest of the you it seems, we were basking in this lovely sparkling blue sky day. Knowing it might be our one and only hot day for a while, we raced to the coast by nine to get there before everyone else.

We chose a fabulous beach at Walberswick, just over the estuary from Southwold (which is behind me in this shot). At the furthest end of the headland is Sizewell B. Hard to make out the big white dome today.



We paddled, collected stones and shells and then rushed back to lay in the dunes and eat our elevenses of apples, jam sandwiches and tons of cake. Amazingly when Mr Bun and I lay back to enjoy the heat of the sun, both buns lay back onto our tummies too. For well over half an hour they lay still chatting to us. No demands for rushing around or moving on. I can't remember the last time we just laid still on a beach. Perhaps seven and eight years ago.

By midday, we were ready for a walk into the village as I had spotted an antiques fair sign. This is the fantastic view with the dunes behind us. Just out of shot are all the little bridges where people collect to go crabbing.

There were lots of other fabulous sights to show you, but I was munching on an icecream and too caught up in the moment to remember. Sorry.

Inside the antiques fair it was mostly brown furniture and pictures, but I did find this beautiful tablecloth and fabulous embroidered cushion cover.

Well we are already half way through half term and my head is spinning trying to strike a balance between being with the buns, working and not being too shouty. The first real day was yesterday and as it rained and rained the big plan was cancelled. So four adults and ten kids hit the delights of Sea Life, followed by icecreams and hot doughnuts under umbrellas.

Today has been catch up day for me. Parcels of orders quickly wrapped and dropped off at our local post office on the way to the Car Boot. The buns bought some more Whimsy's so they were happy, but it was slim pickings for me today. Just a few glasses and a couple of dishes which are all being Miltoned at the moment. Then a race to meet a cafe owner in Norwich to discuss my crochet workshops with. I sold her my idea with the offer to order a cake each week for the group as an incentive. Luckily she thought it was a great idea and would fit the atmosphere very well. Phheeww. Bundled the buns back in the car with a feeling of excitement. As we drove round the next corner it hit me that I now needed to get people on board. Bit further down the road and I was wondering if anyone will come and if they do will they enjoy it. Oh the roller coaster of delight and self-doubt, what a ride.

I'm a qualified FE lecturer and have taught knitting for fun before, but I'm still nervous about this next challenge I've set myself. Anyway got back home and have sent off copy for three publications and already put some posters up. Just wait for that phone to ring now. Just hope it's not in the middle of Hanna Montana tommorow as eldest bun will not be happy with me.

Hope you're all having a great week whatever you're doing. Me - I'm now off to join some more of these squares together if peace prevails.

A Walk through the Weekend

Alfie and I thought we would walk you through our weekend.

Friday night, after swimming, the buns picked some flowers from the garden. I've enjoyed looking at them all weekend (the bits where I actually sat down).

Saturday morning Mr Bun had to work so I finished off the cupboard. I really like it and he really likes it. So thanks for all your help in making me decide. Paint breeds more paint as now I want to paint the pale yellow chairs the same hot pink.

I then got out my drill and actually put up some of the pictures that have been propped against walls since we moved here a couple of years ago. By this time the buns had given up on entertaining themselves so dragged me off for a body art session. Now there are three Painted ladies in this house.

I've wanted a tatoo for years now - a small peacocks feather is what I'd like - just not sure where I'd put it. I'd like discreet, but not so discreet that there's no point having it. I like the idea of one on my wrist near my watch. As designed by little bun - who has now gone tattoo crazy. Sunday morning and she added a few more on her own.

Next up was to make a Banoffee Pie as inspired by Nina at Tabiboo. This is the only picture as once it was made it was so yummy we ate it all up and then remembered the picture.

Sunday morning and the car boot beckoned. I'm so glad it called me as there were tons of goodies to be found this week. Pablo the Rocking Donkey underneath a superb vintage games book.

The illustrations inside are as good as the games they describe.

A balloon pump for 10p.

Ellie eggcup. Bit chipped, but she still hasn't lost any of her charm.

A lovely little Carltonware dish for a £1.

The icing on the cake was coming across the type of pitch you dream of finding, but never actually exists. Well today it was there. Laid out on cloths on the floor and tables full of baskets were fabrics, threads, patterns, buttons and all sorts of sewing and knitting notions. I gasped with inward delight. Funnily enough that's where I bumped into a couple of friends who were in similar heaven. We all ooohhed and aaaahhhed a bit before choosing our own bounty. I chose these beautiful buckles, threads, tape measures, buttons and tin and the lady only charged me £2. How I hope she returns so I can have another rummage.

Lunch, tons of ironing and homework all done and we felt the need to be beside the sea. On the way there we passed a procession of vintage cars so the journey was all the more enjoyable. We rolled up at 4 o'clock happy as Larry (who was he I wonder). We seem to be going to places more and more when others have left so we can have it all to ourselves. Parked at the bottom of Gun Hill, raced up past the beach huts to the Gun's themselves.

These are just two of the six (?). The Buns always sit on them and then we race around for a bit. Today was scootering.

And then back down the hill in the hope that the fish and chip shop on the estuary will still be open.

Hope you all had a great weekend too.