Dolly Features

My weekend...

2011-08-15T21:05:00.006+01:00

Involved a few too many of these...

In Monaco! Lucky girl eh? We have friends visiting and Monte Carlo was on their 'must visit' list. We've been before but any excuse for a visit and a Mojito at La Rascasse!

P.S - The photo is from my last trip to Monte Carlo, on the day of the royal wedding. It was amazing, but this time I stupidly left my camera at home. Doesn't Casino Square look gorgeous?!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

Xxx

France Mini Series: Sunday Shopping

2011-08-11T15:15:00.000+01:00

During my time in France, I've had to learn quickly the best places to shop, when to go, and what to look for (you don't want to be spending unnecessary Euros, right?). As a bargain-hunter at home in the UK, I wasn't going to radically change my shopping habits any time soon. I'll be posting a couple of guides on shopping in the area and throughout France, so I hope you find them useful!

Photo: Flickr

- SUNDAYS -

Sunday is the quietest day of the week for the French; very few shops are open at all on this day, and those that are, close at lunchtime. Emphasis is put upon spending quality time with your loved ones. So not much scope in there for shopping, you'd think?

This doesn't mean that there aren't bargains to be had...they just might not be in shops!

I LOVE markets back home; from jumble sales, flea markets, school fairs, I'll go to anything where the prices might be under a pound for something exciting! Whilst in Cannes, I planned to seek out more of the same. Here I'll list a few resources to seek them out, and the best ones I've found along the Cote D'Azur.

- KEY HUNTING GROUNDS -

Vide Greniers: Your basic Car Boot Sale, translates as "Empty Attic". Here you'll find your usual car boot fair, with people selling unwanted household items along with their shoes from the 1980s.

Marche Aux Puces: Flea Markets! Again pretty similar to Vide Greniers, though you might find some professional "antiquing" types with stalls also.

Brocantes: More along the lines of an Antiques market, but worth a look as sometimes there'll be bric-a-brac within the stalls.

- WHERE TO FIND THEM -

- Check out AngloInfo. I've linked to the Riviera version, but there are numerous networks on here. Take a glance at the What's On guides.

- Vide-Greniers.org. In French, but don't let that put you off - it's pretty self explanatory. You can search by regions & department; the results are in date order and grade the markets by type (bric-a-brac or antiques).

- HOW TO FIND THEM -

With difficulty! If possible, take a sat-nav. Or at very least research thoroughly where the market's meant to be - very rarely will they actually be "next to the church".

- MY FAVOURITES -

A few of the best ones I've found in the Cannes area:

Valbonne Village Vide Grenier (Champ du Pré des Arts, 06220 Valbonne)

Mandelieu Marche Aux Puces (Les Tourrades Retail Park, Mandelieu)

La Brague Vide Grenier (Atibesland, opposite Marineland, RN7, Antibes)

So that's how I spend my Sundays in France! Happy Shopping!

Xxx

Instagram Loveliness

2011-08-10T16:01:00.000+01:00

Loveliness that I had to document today:

- Clear blue skies (and 33 degrees celcius) -

- Kiwis growing in my boss' garden -

Hope you're having a lovely week!

Xxx

Take on a trend: DIY jewellery

2011-08-09T16:45:00.006+01:00

My Pinterest seems to be overflowing with DIY inspiration!

I don't know when I'll find the time to make everything I've pinned, but I thought I'd share a few of my favourite jewellery DIYs:

(All photos from my Pinterest boards, here and here)

What to you think? Is DIY jewellery a trend you'll be trying any time soon?

* p.s - spare a thought for poor Londoners caught up in the riots over the last few days. I've just phoned my grandparents, who live in south London, and they're staying at my parents in Kent until it all calms down. I hope the looting gits get what they deserve (the looters obviously, not my grandparents...they're lovely)!*

Xxx

If I live here, do I become stylish by association?

2011-08-08T19:37:00.007+01:00

It seems everyone is head over heels (yes, that is a pun) for French style. Maybe it's the upcoming Autumn, inspiring us to reach into our wardrobes (and most probably our purses), to invest in a shiny new look for the new season? Search for style guides and you'll be bombarded with tips on how to look timeless and elegant. Key guidelines for dressing on the Riviera seem to be "Don't wear shorts!" and "No flip-flops please!". Hmmm... From what I saw I've seen in Cannes, it seems some people along the Croisette aren't abiding to the guidelines. But I'm here for 4 months, not a week. I don't want to stick out as a 'tourist' for four long months!

I searched for inspiration:

Photos: Tumblr via Liz, Alexandra, Everythingfab.com via Shannon

And so whilst living in France, I'd better try and blend in with the locals. The thing is, I've left my skinnies and trench coat at home in the UK; I didn't think I'd need them for a summer on the Riviera to be honest! But I have do have some tailored items, classic accessories and stripes to hand. I'll have to give it a shot with what I'd packed back in May:

The most French looking outfit I can muster with my limited wardrobe (and my first outfit photos...hmmm)

What do you think? To be honest, I don't think I can pull it off 'comme les Francais', but I quite like it! It does feel a little too much like dressing up for me, but while I went out today like this (and saw a lot of French girls in similar outfits), I didn't feel quite so much like a bumbling English girl wearing someone else's clothes, and felt like I got some approving nods. Maybe I'll feel more comfortable with it when I get back to England in the Autumn, with my full wardrobe, or at least when I pass through Paris in September?

So maybe this is one look I'll pass up on for now... Although if a pair of Isabel Marant boots were to appear in my wardrobe, I wouldn't chuck them out...

What to do think? Have you been inspired by French style? Whilst looking up inspiration on French style, I stumbled upon this amazing book club series hosted by Fabulous Florida Mommy, in which she covers topics within Inès de la Fressange's book, Parisian Chic: A Style Guide. Definitely worth a look if you're honing your own French style!

As ever,

Xxx

Flea Market Finds - 7th August Edition

2011-08-07T15:49:00.005+01:00

I love flea market shopping in France... here's a few pieces that I picked up this week:

And next week I might share a little guide to shopping in France...excited?

If it means I get to shop more for "research", I am!

Xxx

In which I give my blog some much needed TLC...

2011-08-07T01:30:00.012+01:00

Photo

I can't believe I've neglected my blog for over 6 months! Very bad of me.

So much has happened, and while I'd love to just get on with some new posts, I'd best update you all (or you'll all be confused when I refer back to previous events, and no one wants that)!

Continuing from our plan of living in the French Alps for a winter season, my boyfriend Ben decided he STILL didn't want to go home to his office job in May...so he found us somewhere else exciting to live, with more adventures, and this time, paid jobs! So in May we moved out of our apartment (avec direct view of Mont Blanc from our living room), drove the 12 hours or so back home to Kent, unpacked our winter gear, said hi to some friends, packed up our summer gear and drove another 12 hours or so...

(photo)

to Cannes!

So right now I'm typing this from my second French apartment, looking out onto the hills behind Cannes, feeling pretty smug! Though I have made Ben promise that when we come home from this adventure, it's home for good...for a while at least! We didn't bring Mia with us this time, simply as it's so hot over here, and with us both working we felt she'd have more fun on the farm.

Hmmm other things to update you on? Oh yep, while we were home unpacking said winter gear, the cottage next-door was bought, and renovations started on their outbuildings. All was going pretty well, until they started hacking down trees, and building bonfires...bonfires a little *too* close to our stables.

Wanna see what happened?

***Disclaimer - I promise no people or animals got hurt. Even though Ben and his dad tried like maniacs to stop this spreading. Even getting on tractors to try and drive them out of the fire at one point!***

That's 12 of our stables, burnt to the ground. Including 3 tractors, 4 lawnmowers, sheds full of farming gear (Ben's mum has a smallholding of sheep and cows), a shed with all our bikes (the new ones we'd just bought to take to Cannes)...and all our winter gear (news skis and snowboards) that we'd just put away in one of the stables.

Our little house, itself 3 converted stables on the edge of the stable yard, caught fire too, but luckily just the kitchen roof...it's fixable.

So 6 fire engines later, we sat around the kitchen table and made list after list of contents, prices, and action plans. Our neighbour took full responsibility (with recommendation from the fire chief to do so) and there and then paid out the thousands to put it right. He has just bought the £1.4 million "cottage" next door, so he's gotta have some cash, right?

That was 9 weeks ago. By mid July, Ben's dad sent us photos of the new stables:

And things are getting back to normal.

Well enough doom and gloom, I'm living on the Cote D'Azur! The blog's been on mind for a little while now, and given the change of scene, I thought it was time I went a slightly different direction with Dollyfeatures. As you know I'm a crafty girl at heart, but with a background in fashion (and hopefully going back to that in the Autumn in London), the blog is going to make a shift towards that. Obviously I'm not going to go designer on you any time soon, but I hope to start showing more of my take on DIY fashion, recent finds, and stylish links.

Hope you like it!

As ever,

Xxx

Alpine Update

2011-01-25T23:50:00.002Z

So I'm living at the foot of Mont Blanc, and I've got a new camera app for my iphone...

I'm a pretty happy bunny!

Love,

A Xxx

New goods & good news!

2010-10-03T18:38:00.003+01:00

A few new goods in my etsy shop:

Aaaaand an explanation of why it's been so quiet on the blog front...I have some good news!

I haven't been able to share it with you previously in case co-workers read my blog, but Ben & I are moving to France! Okay, so only for winter season for skiing, but that's pretty exciting! We're taking Mia the Husky with us (complete with her ickle dog passport!), and we leave at the end of November to move into our apartment in Chamonix, France. It's something we've both wanted to do for some time, but getting degrees, jobs & cars always came first. Now we've been saving for a house deposit for some time, but it struck us that we could do something more exciting with some of the money...once we get a mortgage we won't necessarily get the opportunity again.

So on Friday I handed in my notice at work; due to the nature of my job (I'm the only person in the office who does it!), I've given 2 months notice and have been assured that there's a place for me there when I get back in May. Watch this space for more exciting news, mainly skiing related; I've been knitting up beanies for Ben for months, so hopefully I'll manage to whip one off him head (he's like an excited child, wearing them round the house until we go) and will show you a few...

Let me know if you have any skiing, packing or travelling tips! I'm going to need them!

Have a great week,

A Xxx

Inspiration

2010-09-18T16:01:00.002+01:00

Just a few images that are inspiring my current makes:

Black lace (image via weheartit)

Camel coats...well, camel anything really! (image via weheartit)

Cabled knits (image via weheartit)

Creamy linen...(image from sunnypeaches)

Especially when paired with peachy cameos! (image via weheartit)

Can you tell I'm getting geared up for winter fashion?!

A Xxx

Open for business!

2010-09-07T21:13:00.003+01:00

Sorry I've been AWOL recently; there's been a lot of activity going on behind the scenes while I've designed new banners, business cards and graphics:

Just to let you know my little Etsy shop is now open - thanks to all who gave advice, hopefully I'll be back to blogging soon and will give you all a proper update!

Hope you're having a fabulous week!

A Xxx

Making it on my own

2010-08-16T22:48:00.011+01:00

One good thing about saving money is that you end up finding better ways to spend your time, that don't involve much money at all; I'm always making myself such time-consuming to-do lists, and in an effort to keep myself away from the shops last week, I did actually tick off all the lovely "chores" I'd set myself:

Lucy's Toasty mitts are finished, slightly felted and drying on the Aga.

I have a stash of button hair clips & earrings ready to sell

The oyster shells are scrubbed and awaiting their new lives as candle holders (the wicks haven't arrived, but the seller promises me that they're on their way!):

Little red bows of felt are lined up on the side to be stitched onto everything:

The craftiness did take a little longer than expected, but all in all I spent no money, had less "bored" time, and now have pretty things cluttering up my house ready to be sold, once I work out whether I'm going down the Etsy, Folksy or Misi route. I must say that even as a *huge* Etsy fan, I am veering more towards Misi, simply because it's UK based and has a smaller pool of sellers on there at the moment, but do let me know if you'd recommend anywhere else!

This week the boyfriend is away on business (well I call it business, he's entertaining customers on a corporate yachting week, so no chore there!), and so I'm on my lonesome as far as feeding and amusing myself is concerned. So this week I'm going to:

Have a go at cooking baked onions. We have a glut of onions in the vegetable garden, and Sophie Dahl's recipe looks delish.
Ditto cook myself some potato gratin. But more because it's comfort food, and it'll be perfect to nibble on whilst watching all my programmes while he's away...an entire evening of Project Runway, ANTM then BNTM anyone??
Peruse Shazronnie's lovely blog Making Stuff. And then make some Belgian Buns from her recipe for my round of Cake Club for work on Friday... this isn't turning into a "to-cook" list, promise!
Make a start on some crochet garlands, using my huge stash of vintage crochet cottons left to me by my great-aunt...perfect wedding decorations!
Cast on a Slip Stitch Stash Hat (try saying that a few times!) for my middle sister Isabelle, in her favourite colours.

Have a great week everyone!

A Xxx

This week I'm going to: 8th August

2010-08-08T20:58:00.014+01:00

(image via Flickr)

Make a start on my very own paper bag waist skirt, using Suzannah's tute here.
Receive the candle wicks I ordered this morning, and make candles from the gorgeous oyster shells I collected on the beach last week.
Stitch a load of felt bows for hairclips, to eventually sell on Misi/Etsy/Folksy (tbc!).
Cast on a pair of Toasty mitts for my little sister Lucy, using the gorgeous yarn I picked up from Kingcraig - Lambswool & Silk and only £2 a ball? Yes please!
Get down to the local plant nursery and buy a couple of Samphire plants. Jenya has one in her office and it's inspired me to start a little houseplant collection of my own! At least I think it's Samphire - my MIL seems to think so and google agrees - any other takers? I want one!

Have a great week!

A Xxx

A belated birthday message

2010-08-07T11:27:00.006+01:00

Sorry this greeting is late...I didn't think you'd mind, as you don't observe dates...

Happy 2nd birthday to Olive,

the cat who likes eating Turkey Dinosaurs, walks with the dogs & scritches...

A Xxx

Love is in the air!

2010-08-02T18:10:00.012+01:00

Hullo, hullo, hullo!

Hope everyone's enjoying the fab weather and having a wonderful summer so far...it's certainly been a lovely one in this household!

The last few weeks have been manic; a frenzy of making & doing, plus a sad farewell... my best friend has just moved from England to Ohio, and gets married tomorrow!!

So just for her (and for you my dear readers!), as I can't keep anything secret and it would be out of fashion for me to do so, I've got to share with you all the crafty things made for Georgie's upcoming nuptials!

The Hen Do:

Georgie was given a lovely send-off at the gorgeous London Beach Hotel, where 6 of us enjoyed spa treatments, dinner & itty-bitty silk lined party bags, filled with tiaras and bubbles:

The Wedding Gift:

A little something for the happy couple to mark the special date - please bear with me, this is my first attempt at embroidery, I hope she likes it!

The Housewarming Gift:

Two Union Jack cushion covers (to be finished obviously!): lacy for the bride, ribbony for the groom, to adorn their new home and remind my friend to call home once in a while:

Good Luck tomorrow Georgie & Curtis!

A Xxx

Still here!

2010-06-19T13:40:00.002+01:00

Sorry for another long break, but it's been a busy couple of weeks at our place - a couple of balls, plenty of BBQs and LOADs of hayfever. It's getting so bad that I'm sitting here with a cold flannel over my eyes to stop the itching...

So until my hayfever subsides (I can't spend too long on the computer or I'll scratch my eyes out...argh!) I'm having a little break. I'll be back in July with loads of exciting news & pictures.

Hope you're having a great June!!

A Xxx

Ingredients for a successful Sunday

2010-05-30T13:44:00.007+01:00

Beautiful weather:

The chirpiest tea towels I've ever seen:

Gifts from my Grandad:

(bronze to sell at car boot fairs, but I'm keeping the biggest owl - it's a tea light holder!)

A huge pile of eBay sales to post:

And a boyfriend who's finally putting up the shelves in our bathroom, 2 years after we moved in...I'm a happy bunny now!!

Have a great weekend!

A Xxx

A long spell away...

2010-05-24T19:48:00.015+01:00

Oh gawd, what another long spate away from my blog life!!

As you know, our puppy Mia had an icky face infection, and so my life has pretty much been taken up with giving her medication 8 hours apart (plus a couple of 2am sedative doses to stop her itching) and sleeping/getting on with work! Apologies to everyone who's had to wait days for replies, and a big thanks to Cass & Jinny for taking some husky roving for spinning! She's now getting much better, mainly thanks to an expensive visit to a specialist dermatologist and huge doses of steroids!

So in my 2 weeks away, I've managed to finish a couple of projects, start a few more, buy some furniture AND start my Christmas knitting...that's early isn't it?! I've fallen in love with Boutique Knits, and having finished one Sideways Grande Cloche, I've been commissioned to make several more:

I've also started on the Pseudo Shibori Scarf (a Christmas present), which is coming along great...the yarn is ancient Phildar I found in the charity shop, and the halo is gorgeous:

I've also taken to getting my sewing inspiration from the shops; instead of trawling the web for hours, last week I popped to the shops to add projects to my sewing list. So far I've made a top similar to this Topshop vest:

I just love the zip detail on the back...I'm making more :D

Have a great week!

A Xxx

Anyone fancy some free roving?

2010-05-12T12:21:00.009+01:00

So the title of this post is pretty self-explanatory, but there's a catch...

This isn't just any fleece I'm giving away, it's the winter under-coat of my 11 month old Husky - I was a bit hesitant but it's soooo soft and apparently our breeder spins with it with great success. You see, we left our pup on Friday evening looking like this:

And by this morning, following her 3rd trip to the vets in as many days, she looks like this:

Grotty I know! Apparently Huskies are very susceptible to getting sore faces, but being such an impatient little puppy, she won't let it heal - after constant scratching, we've eventually had to sedate her this afternoon.

Therefore, she cannot groom herself, it's getting warm and she's uncomfortable. So I gave her a little brush. One full washing basket later of undercoat brushed out:

And she's a bit happier!

But what to do with it? I gave up on spinning a while ago, and I can't leave that much out for the birds to nest in.

If you'd like it, please leave a comment below, and I'll email you back to get your address. I'll happily split it between a couple of people if there's a rush, but it will be first come, first served!

Hope you're having a great week!

A Xxx

Oh Happy Day!

2010-05-05T21:33:00.004+01:00

There are a few blogs I read regularly, and every time a post pops up on my Reader, I race to open it. One such blog is LyddieGal's Chic on the Cheap, and being the star that she is, she's passed on the Sunshine Award!

Thanks so much! So I've decided in the spirit of karma, to keep it going!

Rules

- Put the award on your blog

- Pass the award to 12 positive and creative bloggers

- Link the chosen ones within your posts

- Inform the chosen ones by commenting on their blog

- Share the love and the link to the person who gave it to you

I'm sending the love to:

Smiles Go With Everything

Rattling On...

Contented

Do you mind if I knit

Alexandra Mason

My Happy Sewing Place

Go and see them - I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

A Xxx

Lots of lovely links

2010-05-02T13:00:00.000+01:00

Okay so some of these aren't new, but I've just found them and I love them...enjoy!

Tailor's Dream bobbin earrings - aren't these the perfect gift for a seamstress?!

Madeline's Anthro inspired Tank tutorial. I'm off to buy a plain tee to make one of these today...thanks Suze for introducing me to Madeline's blog!

ChickyC's Aubergine wrap cardi pattern - it's on Burda too, I love it!

Sarah London's Wool Eater blanket - I've got blankets on the brain and this one is gorgeous...

Rachel's birdie brooches - so simple but so beautiful, in every colour you could want!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

A Xxx

Let the crafting (re)begin!!

2010-04-30T22:21:00.009+01:00

Hullo! It's been a long bloggy break, but the wrist is healing (badly sprained, apparently I already had wonky bones anyway, and can't drive for 2 weeks yet) and crafting can recommence!

We've finished our squares for Cheryl's blanket and have around 25 squares now (thanks again to Georgie & Dawn who kindly mucked in too, very much appreciated) and have a vague diagonal pattern set up:

I'm finishing the sewing-up over the Bank Holiday weekend...finished pics to follow. By the way, the granny squares there were crocheted by my 55yr old male boss...awesome.

Before my little mishap, I had started on a swathe of new projects; after the success of the OPB sew along, I began another skirt from the March issue of Burda. Obviously it had to be put to one side last week on account of not being able to sew with a cast on my arm, but yesterday once it was off I had a little go on my machine, and managed to finish the skirt completely. Using some of the tricks learnt in the sew along, I've added a contrasting hem & waistband, and have sewn my first pockets! The one problem I had with the pattern was that it excluded seam allowances; while I'm getting better at tracing patterns, this was still a little messy. But practice makes perfect, and although I'm probably not doing my healing wrist any good, the skirt is pretty...

(My OPB Marie skirt...and the pocket detail on yesterday's finished piece)

I think from start to finish this skirt maybe took 5 hours, so if I keep it up I may have enough clothes to participate in a me-made-month; I loved seeing what Zoe came up with during her me-made-March, and it's really inspired me to make a wardrobe full of clothes that fit & suit me perfectly. I've made a little cover for Bertha (my dressform) to practice darts and get my measurements just right, so now I've got my eye on a few tops... anyone got any suggestions for a good first top pattern?

Have a great weekend!

A Xxx

Oh Noes!

2010-04-19T22:03:00.006+01:00

Thanks for everyone's kind words & suggestions for my friend...she starts Chemo this week and so far we have around 20 squares for the blanket. It's been great seeing everyone at work pull together and knit!! My boss shocked us all by revealing that he can crochet!! Apparently he learnt when he & his wife were young and poor after buying their first house...I don't think I can imagine my boyfriend stepping up and doing that! We've just got to sew the squares up now - I'll be sure to post some pics of the completed masterpiece!

Just a quick update however... I know this hasn't been a particularly short post, but I have typed it all with one hand - I've fractured my wrist! So no knitting, sewing or crafting for at least 2 WEEKS!! Please bear with me with regards to posting etc, as I'm not sure how well I'll keep up until it's healed.

Over and out - have a great couple of weeks if I don't see you!

A Xxx

Home again, but not all safe and sound

2010-04-13T22:00:00.000+01:00

Hi All, hope everyone had a lovely Easter and some well-deserved time off!

Las Vegas was great - full of bizarre people, free drinks & incredible sights - I've posted a few holiday snaps on my Flickr, but I won't bore you with them here...except for this one, because everything about it makes me happy:

***yes, it is made of jelly beans!***

While the days are getting longer and I'm spending more time outdoors, I've really fallen behind on my knitting and started doing, well, outdoorsy things! Walking the dog, hanging up washing on the line, cleaning my car - all things I dread/wouldn't dream of doing in the cold!

However today my to-do list was put into perspective...today a close friend at work was diagnosed with stage 4 Melanoma, which has completely bowled us all over. Our office is a pretty chatty one, with lots of cakes, magazines and laughter, but today we fell silent. She's 35, newly-wed and just the cheeriest person I know...

So in an effort to bring everyone together with some focus, out came the knitting! We've agreed to each knit an 8x8 square (there's around 7 of us who can knit) and see how we go from there, probably doing another 2 or 3 each. Our initial thought was a hat for her 18 weeks of Chemotherapy starting from May, but as Chemo patients can get quite cold during treatment, we're working together to make a blanket first.

So if any of you have any nice square patterns you'd like to suggest, they'd be greatly appreciated! We vary in proficiency from basic garter stitch to intermediate - I've had a trawl on Ravelry, but if anyone has any favourites I'd love some help!

Thanks in advance...

A Xxx

See you in a week!

2010-04-03T14:00:00.000+01:00

Photo source: Las Vegas Gateway (we're staying here, at the Bellagio!)

I'm off to the airport this afternoon, as we're heading to Las Vegas!!!

We've got loads planned, including a sky-dive, a dinner show and meal here. I'm sure I'll have loads of pictures to show when I get back!

Wishing everyone a great Easter week...

A Xxx

I'm sure I was meant to be DE-stashing...

2010-03-31T17:00:00.001+01:00

I just thought I'd show you what I've been working on in my lunch hours - Vanessa's Little Squares - aren't they gorgeous? The pastels are to be used in the original pattern for a scarf, and the rainbow brights will be made into a garland for my living room, to hang across my boring brown blinds!

I did start this project as a destashing exercise, but seeing how pretty the scarf looks, I feel I may need some extra pastel coloured DK to finish it!!

A Xxx

A return to normality

2010-03-29T22:58:00.021+01:00

Thanks everyone for the kind messages last week - I felt a bit silly seeing as it was such a minor injury, but I'd hate for you to think I had just gone AWOL! Obviously there are so many bloggers who have had worse luck than me - I should be grateful I only banged my head!

So to resume posting, I thought I'd show you what I got up to on my birthday last week. Usually I only get flowers from my boyfriend, but this year my parents treated me too, so the house is filled with blooms:

I got some lovely presents on my actual birthday (I've spent the weekends either side celebrating); a gorgeous felt-making kit and book from the girlies at work, and very pretty, very SPARKLY, Skis from my boyfriend! Plus matching poles - I can't wait to use them...even if it isn't for another 7 months until the next ski season!

I have to say the highlight of my birthday did actually precede the 22nd of March, however, as the boyfriend took me to London for the weekend. We took the train up to London, checked in at our gorgeous hotel, then did a spot of shopping at Walthamstow market. Now I'd heard recommendations on Craftster and Ravelry that this was THE place to buy fabric & swing notions, but I had no idea of the scale. I came away with bags and bags and bags of fabric, zips & thread, all for the grand sum of £20! I don't think the stallholders were that impressed with my squealing, but I assured them that it was in delight!

Just take a look at my spoils:

30 zips for £1.50 ( a whole rainbow of 10" zips plus muted 8" zips)

This gorgeous fabric, £3 a metre - I think I bought 3 metres, I'm going to make it into a dress for my uncle's wedding, possibly with this pattern!

I did grab more fabric than I could ever photograph/upload onto Flickr - highlights included a thick jersey (like rugby top material) for 50 PENCE a metre, and floral poly-cottons for £1 a metre.

No excuse to buy clothes for a while I'm afraid!

I've loads more to show you - apparently my crafting urges were heightened by the blow to the head, even if my eyesight was shot to pieces! I'm just waiting to take some pictures of my finished OPB Sew Along skirt, then that'll be posted to show it off!

A Xxx

Ouch!!!

2010-03-25T17:46:00.002Z

Apologies for the lack of posts, I'm not really meant to be on the computer.

On Sunday night I hit my ead quite badly on our granite kitchen worktops whilst playing with our puppy, and I still have mild concussion 4 days later, so I'm going to take a couple of days break from blogging/commenting. The doctor says recovery could be being hindered by excessive computer use (!), so I'm giving my eyes/head a rest...see you next week!

A Xxx

A quick update

2010-03-19T17:27:00.009Z

Hullo, hullo, hullo! Apologies for the lack of posts, I've been extra-craftily busy this week!

I've finally finished my red, white & blue granny square blanket, but have no one to give it to! It's going in the present drawer until I find the perfect recipient...

I've also started a new project for the gorgeous Toast jumper I picked up on my last charity-shop trawl. If all goes to plan it should end up similar to this... I hope it turns out OK!

(OPB week 3 - pleats & waistbands)

And most excitingly, I've caught up on the OPB Sew Along! Last week was pleats & waistbands, and this week, we put in our zip! Seeing as I'm more of a hands on student, I did need to mock up a few bits to work out the pleats would sit, and how the zip would go in, but I'm so pleased that it's nearly done...I'm itching to wear it!

(OPB week 4 - side seam & zip!)

Now I'm off to pack for a weekend away - it's my birthday on Monday so my boyfriend is taking me up to London for the weekend, where we'll mostly be here, here and HERE!!!! Squeeeee!

Have a great weekend everyone!

A Xxx

Happy Mother's Day...in the UK, Ireland and...Nigeria!

2010-03-14T17:32:00.006Z

Hmmm, I didn't know that Nigeria shared the same Mother's Day as UK & Eire, thanks interwebs!

I spent yesterday preparing bits for my Mum this weekend...would you like to see?

Delicious coffee & walnut cupcakes (yes, I have eaten one to test edible-ness!)

And putting the finishing touches to the bag I made her in my sewing classes.

Now I'm off to help my boyfriend make dinner for his Mum, he's been slaving away all afternoon bless him!

Happy Mother's Day!

A Xxx

In which I receive my first swap gift...

2010-03-10T18:37:00.008Z

At the start of the year, I promised myself more fun, more crafty things & more friends.

So I started a blog, gave myself a huuuuge list of projects to do, and joined a swap group on Ravelry. It's safe to say the blog has exceeded my expectations; I've gained a few followers and get great responses to my posts.My crafting productivity has gone through the roof; I've finished a whole bag of UFOs and added squillions of handknits to my gift drawer.

But I wasn't sure what to expect from the swap - I've seen the marvellous parcels people receive, but I was still worried I'd get the one duff one, that didn't have any thought put into it. So I put extra thought into mine, checking out my partner's favourites on Ravelry (she has a thing for dishcloths, so cotton was a no-brainer), and sewing little notion pouches late into the night. I posted mine and then waited for my own parcel to arrive.

Yesterday a parcel arrived on my desk at work, and all my fears were put to rest - Leonie, my swap partner, had done a very good job!!!

What I received:

One skein of Mirasol Qina, in Sage 912

A little bag of sparkly green beads

The most gorgeous handmade felted needle book

Green ribbon with a red edge

A beautiful little card to celebrate the swap

(Can you tell the theme was "glorious greens"?)

This has definitely persuaded me to sign up for more swaps...there's another one starting in a couple of weeks so I better get sorted!

When were you last pleasantly surprised by new adventures?

A Xxx

So I've been a little distracted lately...

2010-03-06T17:25:00.002Z

Could it be anything to do with these delicious morsels?? I think so!

Enjoy your Saturday!

Hullo Spring!

2010-03-02T19:00:00.000Z

It's the second day of of my favourite month of year, and I'm loving it so far! March always brings later sunsets, warmer weather & my birthday (yay!), and it hasn't disappointed thus far. I've decided to hold off writing a list for March, as I usually get tied up with events preceding my birthday on the 22nd, so I don't want to set myself up to fail already!

I've started 2 great projects that should occupy me through the month:

Dawn & Emily's String-a-long 2010, and Ali's Sew-along - both are off to a great start!

I've cast on for the Elisa nest tote, and I'm loving the way it's turning out already:

For week 2 of the Sew-along, Ali showed us how to cut out our fabric, plus arrange our darts & interfacing. She also sung the praises of the humble rotary cutter, so much so that I've bought one! And a self-healing mat to match! Photos to follow once Mr Postman delivers it...

So given that I'm not writing a to-do list for March, those are my ongoing projects.

What are your already WIP projects for March?!

Little list update...

2010-02-26T22:35:00.012Z

Back at the start of the month I made a little list of crafty things I'd be doing in February. Needless to say, I got distracted by newer shinier things every day, but I'm pleased to report that so far this month (hey, there's 2 days left!) I've completed 5 of the 6 things on my list! And the sixth one is due to start tomorrow! Yay!

I've had quite a laid-back week at work, which has made for some fabulous free time in the evenings; when I'm stressed at work, it usually follows me home & ruins any attempts at making stuff!

I started the week with Alli's sew-along, which has been great so far...knowing you're sewing your first piece of clothing with nearly 40 other people really takes the pressure off! I'll be sure to post an update next week on how it's going - this week was preparing the pattern, but next week involves CUTTING! Yeah!

On Tuesday I spent the evening tying up loose ends with a bag full of UFOs - somehow I'd managed to finish 3 cowls over the winter, but not sew them up or add pretty embellishments, so they were finished & added to my present drawer. I also added a chain to my crochet bib necklace (inspired by Stefanie's tute, I started this back in October, eek!) and decided on an arrangement for my granny square blanket. It'll be more of a lap-blanket, but pretty nonetheless! I also made a LOT of mess making peppermint creams on Tuesday, but they've been keeping me happy all week with their heart-shaped mint-iness! The big "B" was for Ben, my boyfriend, but horror-of-horrors, he apparently "doesn't like" peppermint creams! So I've had to eat his ones too :D

Do you prefer having a to do list for crafty projects, or do you go with what inspires you at the time?

What a haul!

2010-02-20T13:08:00.023Z

Okay so I love bargain, but maybe today I went a leeetle over the top??

My purchases today:

A 1970s black silk dress, to be re-fashioned, £1.50.

3 garish yet beautiful silk scarves, 25p each.

A white & peachy/coral striped flat sheet to be used for lining projects, £2.50.

At least 2 yards each of purple twill, blue cord & purple polkadot fabric, £2 each.

2 huge pieces of oilcloth (it has zoo animals on it!!), 50p.

The cutest measuring tape known to man, 50p.

2 balls of some scrummy peach yarn for String-a-long 2010, £3.

6 teensy emerald glasses, for jellies (or maybe candles), £1.

A gorgeus silver Toast jumper, for an upcoming project, £1.75

I finished my bag from sewing class today too..

And again, I had someone checking up on me throughout the photoshoot...

What is it with my animals? I think they've agreed that I can't be trusted to craft alone; there's always one of them at my side!!!

Oh oh oh! I have to apologise - I forgot to mention the best part of my day! It was roughly 20 minutes after waking, and involved this:

The bacon from our most recent pig came back from curing yesterday, and it was bloody marvellous!

What was the best part of your Saturday?

Where did the week go?

2010-02-19T22:06:00.004Z

Anyone? Any ideas?!

Apologies for the neglect to the blog this week; I did intend to post every day this week, but instead of blogging, I've been...hunting. No, not fox and hound style hunting, but searching high and low for my parent's cat. Despite only re-homing said cat for a family emigrating to Australia on Saturday, the cat was allowed out into the garden on Tuesday. And promptly disappeared out the open (OPEN I tell you!) cat flap on Tuesday evening. I despair. Surely everyone keeps a new cat indoors for say, a fortnight, before letting it roam the streets, or in this case, run away?!

And so due to my parents "due diligence", I have spent this week trawling the streets of a picturesque village in Kent, calling out for said cat in my spare time. I printed the obligatory "Please check your sheds & garages" leaflets to pop through neighbour's doors, scattered his litter at the end of the road (apparently it helps cat pick up the scent of where home is supposed to be), and stayed over my parent's house in my childhood bedroom on Wednesday night, to ensure I was there in the morning to renew the search for Tabby.

On Thursday night, we gave up the search. My Mum took my younger sisters shopping to console them, and I went home for the first time in 3 days, remembering my own cat had been left to depend on my boyfriend's irregular pet-feeding routine for sustenance.

And then this morning, I had a phone call at work. Tabby had just strolled into my parent's kitchen, unaware of the commotion he had caused for 4 days. Apparently he won't come to his name, Tabby, and so due to his incredible mane, we've renamed him Léon. My sister thought it appropriate to send me a picture of Léon enjoying his safe return by posing in front of the webcam:

Again, I despair.

***normal crafting activity will resume tomorrow - tonight, I'm taking up my bedroom curtains...rock and roll***

Oh, Interwebs, how I love you so...

2010-02-17T19:53:00.002Z

Don't you just love the amount of amazing projects that crop up on the Internet EVERY day?!

I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourites from this week, in no particular order:

1. One Pearl Button's Sew Along (I lurve this pattern... so excited!)

2. Gertie's covered button tute...so cute!

3. Vanessa's Little Squares scarf - what a great stash-buster!

4. Oh nom! Maracon Pops! And on a similar vein, crochet Macarons!

5. Wouldn't just looking at this make Monday mornings so much better??

6. These would look in amazing in a jar mixed with dream stars...

(via craftgossip)

7. I've spent all week perfecting different scarf tying techniques as suggested

by the girls at academichic, but I'm desperate to try this one tomorrow!

8. Becky's tute on Blind Hemming may just have started a sewing machine foot buying spree on my eBay...

Enjoy!

A Xxx

Weekend Recap

2010-02-16T21:10:00.000Z

Hope everyone had a fabulous Valentine's Day! I didn't have much time to craft this weekend, so I thought I'd give you a lowdown on my Valentine's Day instead. Normal service will resume later in the week with some more FOs to show off!

We had friends stay over on Saturday after a night out, so our Valentine's Day didn't really start until they left at midday on Sunday. In the time-honoured fashion, I was presented with a card, chocolates and flowers:

The flowers were a little wilted (he tried, bless him, but left them in his car from Friday evening without water - that rose at the front was one of the best), so I was taken to John Lewis for concilatory presents of thread, bobbins & Burda magazine; obviously the most romantic presents a girl can get! I think my boy is coming round to the idea of crafty presents!

We spent the rest of the afternoon muching on choccies and watching Mulan on TV. Can you believe I'd never watched that film until Sunday?! I knew Disney upbringing lacked something... now I know it was a tiny dragon with the voice of Eddie Murphy! The man of the house then cooked the dinner (steak for me, mussels for him) and plied me with Rosé wine, both of which were delicious. Later in the evening we went to the cinema to watch Youth in Revolt, which was as good as the reviews have made out. It was nice to see Michael Cera playing a slightly different character from his usual roles, albeit only as an alter ego in this film. I'd recommend seeing it, if only for the alter ego's little "European" tache and bad-ass attitude!

Today I'm taking it easy catching up on some flickr uploads (apologies for the size of these pics, I'm at my parent's for the evening and their laptop just isn't kitted out for blogging!), and perusing Ravelry. I've just got my swap partner for the Cheap as Chips British Swap, I'm soooo excited! The parcel has to be sent out by 5th March, so I'll keep you updated.

How did your weekend pan out? Full of lovin' and fun I hope!

A Xxx

How many bibbitys and bobbitys can one girl make???

2010-02-11T23:32:00.003Z

Three, in this instance...

I've ticked one crafty project off my to-do list; I made THREE variations of this hat for my skiing holiday last week, and they went down pretty well!

Dave, a family friend (wearing maroon v1 sans bobble or i-cord ties), Nigel, my SO's dad (wearing red v2 sans bobble, but with ties), and your truly (wearing the full blue shebang).

I didn't manage to get any actiony action shots; the only photo of the three of us was taken at a 3300m viewpoint on the last day - we're all at varying levels of ski-dom, so weren't together all week. I did some get some shots of Bertha wearing v3...I think she likes it!

Apart from recovering from my holiday of eating, drinking, and...oh yep, skiing (!), I've mainly been working late to catch up on last week. I have a pretty specialist job in my office, so even the cover doesn't "cover" much, which is annoying yet comforting, as it's not as though I'll be replaced any time soon. It pays off, however, as I get sent on exciting day-trips; today I visited Spring Fair 2010 at the NEC in Birmingham (a huuuuuge retail exhibtion), to check out a) the competition, and b) all the pretty stuff that'll be hitting the shops this year! I managed to bag a couple of goodies at trade price, but some are presents, so no pics I'm afraid, lest certain people are reading!

I'm hoping to get underway with the other projects on my February list this weekend; I started Estella last night, which is going well, and I would get to my sewing machine, but someone has taken up residence on my crafting table...

What are your plans for the weekend? Anyone else got any rogue animals to shoo away from their crafting??

How's the sewing going?

2010-02-07T20:03:00.000Z

I've just got back from holiday and I'm itching to get to my crafting again, so I thought I'd update you on my sewing... the sewing table isn't going unused, and I think my boyfriend's getting worried as to the quality of table he'll have to rustle up now!!!

So I've now had 3 weeks of sewing lessons and it's going pretty well! So far I've learnt how to put in a zip, with my gorgeous mini cushion cover:

Ive got to grips with lining and pockets on my WIP, a metallic tote bag...

And have even been sent away with some homework - I guess I can be trusted to sew a little on my own!!!

I'm hoping once the tote bag is done, Angela, my sewing teacher, will be happy with me to go onto some clothing. My Dad bought me the gorgeous Twinkle Sews for Christmas and I'm hankering to make myself some wearables!

What were your first sewing projects? I ogle over Burda magazine every month but I guess it's better to improve on homewares & bags before embarking on huge swathes of fabric!

I've got a little list...

2010-01-30T03:53:00.003Z

My bookmarks folder is huge, so I'm going to start giving myself a crafty to-do list, starting in February! I write lists for everything else, but my "crafts" folder on my laptop just seems to grow without any Finished Objects to show for it!

1.Finish my 3rd Bibbity Bobbity (pics to follow once we've been out skiing in a bibbity bobbity trio!)

2. Start on this lunchbag to incentivise packed lunches and saving money.

3.Knit up the gorgeous Estella, from the pattern bought from Ysolda - proceeds donated to Médecins Sans Frontières working in Haiti.

4.Cook up something delicious for my "man of the house" on Valentine's Day...he's a veggie so it's all about the non-meaty foods in our house!

5. Finally get round to knitting a Stripey Tweedy hat...this has been saved in my favorites for 18 months!

6. Take some tips from India Knight on saving money...and start reading all the other lovely books I was given for Christmas!

I think 6 is good list to start with...it's achievable at least!

Aaaand I'm back...

2010-01-30T03:46:00.003Z

It's been a crazy-busy week; between business meetings 200 miles down the road, visting relatives & my sewing classes, I've hardly spent a minute at home. Tonight I'm having a night in, mainly packing for my skiing holiday on Sunday:

Deciding which of my many knitted hats/headbands/neckwarmers to take...

And loving my new leopard print ski socks!!

Coming up: my to-do list for February!

Xxx

On the needles...

2010-01-22T18:45:00.002Z

Sewing on a grander scale...

2010-01-16T02:58:00.021Z

Last week I started my 6 week course of sewing lessons, arranged by my Dad as a Christmas present. On Thursday evening I trundled down the hill (everywhere is "down the hill" from us, we live approx 1/2 mile from the highest point in Kent) to The Sewing Club, to start improving my sewing under the watchful eye of Angela, the course director.

Now I'm not a complete beginner, but due to a lack of funds throughout University and beyond, my machine thus far has been a 1960s Harris:

Very sweet though this may look, it has one stitch (straight) and one speed (fast!). Therefore my lessons were always going to be on a modern machine that would take some time getting used to. Angela has named all her machines, mainly for the use of keeping track of servicing, and I was set to work on "Keith", a Brother LS 2125, practising zigzag stitches and threading up the machine.

I was hooked - this machine could not only sew more than one stitch, it didn't make the crackling-and-blue-lights display on the back of motor (I'm not sure my Harris is the safest thing in the world!)... And being someone who takes her "crafty education" very seriously, I spent Friday morning researching where I could buy my very own "Keith". And with a bit of price comparison and searching, I found my very own...

I usually do all my crafting at our dining table, but as I intend to use my new machine a lot, I hauled in an old table from one of our stables and set up an mini crafting/sewing area. My boyfriend has agreed that if I use my machine on this old table every night for 2 weeks, he'll build me a proper crafting desk with storage...wish me luck!

Using the Force for a second time...

2010-01-14T00:10:00.013Z

Yesterday I finished my second baby cardigan for the Saunders-Young clan.

The first cardigan went to Archie, now nearly 2, and this one will go to their newest addition, Olive Honey, born in December 2009.

Using the same pattern, a similar yarn (different colour this time!) and another short deadline, I've been hurriedly knitting through my lunch breaks this week. I've checked the pattern once, then twice, then downloaded it from Ravelry a third time to check again, worried that the 5 week old recipient will notice that I didn't exactly follow the pattern for the collar...

The proud parents were really pleased with their first-born's handmade sweater; apparently very few people knit for babies any more, and my cardigan for Archie was their first (and only) knitted gift:

Archie wearing his blue version

The pattern is Cari Luna's "Baby Yoda" found here on Ravelry. I really enjoyed knitting it up; as quite a distracted knitter, the pieces knit up quickly and before you know it, it's finished! The wrap design is perfect for wriggly littluns, as a quick pull on the I-cord ties removes the sweater easily. I did make some modifications: erring slightly from the ways of the force, both versions were made in machine washable yarn for ease, and on version 2, I left out the last 3 rows of garter stitch for a neater edge. You'll also notice that in Archie's version I omitted the outer I-cord ties and used a small button - this was due to a yarn shortage more than anything. Olive's version does include I-cord ties, though at the time of photographing (while pressing it on the Aga!), the ties were yet to be sewn on...

Graham & Katie have promised action shots of Olive in her new clothes, so I'll keep you posted!

Looking out at my front gate...

2010-01-12T18:22:00.005Z

The snow has just about stopped in Kent, and now we're forecast some more tonight...

No.1

2010-01-10T22:32:00.000Z

What to write, type or think?!

If you haven't already guessed, this is my first post.

Please bear with me while I get my camera up and running to bring a bit of colour to my blog...

I've got loads to share, but as I type this, my boyfriend has gone to bed, and I doubt he'll be pleased if I go into the bedroom now, tearing the place up in search of some pretty pictures!

Sleep well,

A Xxx