Initial Heart Swap

Yay, I'm back!  I am now in possession of a shiny new laptop (not that my previous one was old - it was only a year old).  Unfortunately I am now running Windows 8.  It is soooo different!  If I hadn't been shown how, I wouldn't even be able to turn the laptop off.  There is no START button!  Intuitive it is NOT!!  I will play around with it for a while, and if I can't make sense of it, I'll be installing Windows 7.  I guess I'm showing my age - eeek!

Now, as I posted before I have received my Initial Heart from Michell.  Finally here are the photos.

And here is what I sent to Clare

As you can see my binding skills need major improvement.  I'm so sorry Clare.  Of course I also sent a box of choccies.

Thanks so much to Cheryl for organising this great swap.  I have loved being part of it.

Lemonade and laptops

So, what do you get when you mix lemonade, a laptop and a child's feet?  A dead laptop, ha ha ha!!  Yep, my laptop is currently being assessed for insurance purposes, and who knows how long it will be before I'm up and running again.  For today, I'm using the library computer so that I can write a quick post and send an email to Michell to thank her for my Initial Heart gift.  Michell sent me a  sweet crazy patched (I think thats what it's called) heart made with gorgeous fabrics, and a bar of chocolate that has already been demolished.  I will have to post a photo at a later date when I have a computer again.  I will also post photos of the gifts I sent to Clare.  Clare phoned me on Saturday morning to tell me her parcel had arrived.  It was such a lovely surprise!  We must have chatted for close to an hour I'm sure.  Isn't this blogging/swapping community awesome!!

Well that is it for now.  I am looking forward to being able to catch up with everyones blogs soon.  I miss reading about what you are all getting up to.  I hope you are all well.

Take care
Helen

OPAM January Finishes

I have signed up with OPAM for the first time, in the hopes that it will motivate me to become more productive.  This month I have two finishes so far, with another project due to be finished tonight (talk about last minute!).  I will post again later if I can get it completed in time.   Here are the two that are done...


Meet Rosie

This is my first softie and I'm really pleased with the result. Rosie has been a huge hit.  Little Miss will not part with her, day or night.  Yay!!



And here is a dress I made for Little Miss

It is meant to be size 4, but is huge!  So it has been put away for next summer.

I had asked Little Miss if she would put the dress on for me, so I could take a better picture.  No way!!!!!!!!  But when it came to taking the photo she just couldn't resist being part of it....

What's that saying... Never work with kids or animals!  So true!!

Until next time
Helen

My first Tuesday's Treasures

I love this idea - celebrating the special things in our lives.  It can be things, people, feelings or places.      A bit like a gratitude journal really, something I have always wanted to try.  So I have signed up with Melody from House on the Side of the Hill for her monthly Tuesdays Treasures.  And here is my treasure this month.

Yes, I'm afraid my Christmas decorations are still out.  The tree has gone but everything else will be packed away in the next day or two.  This is the first year I've ever had a nativity set.  Ever.  I spotted this set in a shop in December 2011 and fell in love, but couldn't afford it.  The shop offered layby from February onwards though, so I put it away then, and slowly paid it off.  It took me over six months!  It was stupid money really, and Hubby has made the occasional comment about spending so much on a Christmas decoration, but I just HAD to have it!  I'm not even religious!  I know - what a weirdo!  Anyway, I love it, and this is my Tuesday's Treasure.  Thanks for reading!  And thanks to Melody for hosting.

See ya
Helen

A little late but here's the result of my FNWF

So not much got done on Friday.  Little Miss didn't go to sleep until 9.45pm - she's all out of kilter after a mystery illness - so by the time I managed to start on my project I was ready for bed myself!

I recut the legs using one piece of fabric for each, eliminating the seam down the front.  I'm much happier with the result now.  And I've started on the face.  This is such a cute pattern, and so simple to make.  It would be great to have a few of these made up for the present cupboard.  At the moment though I'd be grateful to just get this one finished!!

Many thanks to Cheryll for hosting Friday Night With Friends.  I'm off now to have a quick look at what everyone else got up to.

See ya
Helen

I'm Back!

Hi there!  Remember me?  I've been missing from blogland for a while now.  No excuse really, I just didn't manage to keep up with it.  I haven't been following other bloggers either, which has been a mistake as seeing others'  projects is what motivates me to be productive too.

I am trying to change my wicked ways though, and to get me started again I have signed up for tomorrow's  FNWF hosted by Cheryll at Gone Stitchin'. 

 I plan to complete this little sewing project that I started for Little Miss many months ago and then put aside.  I am going to redo the legs as I don't like the seam down the front.  I should have thought of it before making them but, oh well, better late than never!

Cheryll is also organising an "Initial Heart Swap".  I am really excited to be part of this - it's been so long since I have participated in a swap.  Pop on over to Cheryll's blog to have a look.  You've got until the 9th to sign up.





Finally, a new stitch-along that I will be part of is the Summertime Stitch-a-long organised by Melody of The House on the Side of the Hill.  The quilt design is by Erica Kaprow and the PDF pattern is available to purchase from Pattern Spot.  It is really striking and I am looking forward to getting started  once my SKOW quilt is completed. 

Lots to keep me busy for the next little while.  Watch this space!

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Helen

Toilet Talk

Nothing to do with crafting, but I just have to post this so I don't forget it.

Little Miss sitting on the toilet, trying to 'go'.

"Maybe the poo is having a poo coffee and will come out when it's finished"

Hmmm.  Maybe.