Progression

It’s amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it. I decided I wanted to crack on with a few things that haven’t been finished. I’m quite good at finishing things eventually, particularly if I can have a hefty dose of procrastination in the middle. I don’t like not to have something hanging around really even if I do like putting it off. So in an attempt at self improvement which is not only limited to getting things done in my work life (where I’m also liberally flashing clichés about – eat the frog, get stuff done and flying through my to do list), I thought that tidying up corners of my wardrobe where I stash the crafty bits and with my favourite time of the year about to begin what better time to challenge myself on finishing those unfinished things.

I’d promised the ABO a scarf last winter. Thankfully winter 15-16 was quite warm! I’d bought some aran weight Debbie Bliss wool/yarn (depending on who you speak to) in a charcoal colour not quite black but not grey and started knitting in mistake rib (sounds a good plan to me because I made mistakes in knit 2 purl 2!!) vaguely paying attention to this pattern from purl Soho.

Anyway, finally, it’s finished. It needs a bit of blocking I think but I’m quite pleased with it. Do you see the intentional design? About 1/3 way in I made a mistake and quite by chance made the same error 1/3 from the end, so it looks intentional to the design. I’m amazed by my genius/luck!

My New York embroideries are complete but not yet hung. here they are nestling nicely between some Nigella and Nigel. These were kits I bought on holiday and I’m looking around for fabrics to co-ordinate in hoops in the living room. They’re fairly simple designs and quite easy for me do.  I’ll let you see them in situ when they’re up (this could be some time!!)

Now I’ve got 2 knitting projects in my plans to finish. I was making some knitted dolls for the girls. These first featured on my blog here and here. I’ve only managed the body, head and legs for one so my aim is to get that finished, stuffed and sewn (perhaps not including clothes) for the end of September and to make a good start on the next one. It’s pretty quick if I get my act together!!

The other task will take longer but hopefully by the end of October I’ll have my Whitlam cowl complete. So I can enjoy my scarf for the cooler months (and not be waiting until winter 17-18 for it!) I’m still having to unpick a row every now and then as I lose count of where I am in the pattern when I start talking or get distracted by something including (but not limited to) a child needing a wee/ a goal on the football/ reaching for a biscuit. This is closely followed by me sighing, muttering ‘now where was I?’ and then unpicking the row!!

Finally my plan in this procrastination free zone is take down my sewing machine from the top of LittleR’s wardrobe (which I've just done whilst the children play in the garden) and  make sure it’s ship shape (and Bristol fashion) for some future projects (first up anew cupboard curtain for LittleR's room - she's chosen owls). I’ve bought some new needles and just need to give it a once over before I cut into any fabric.

Let’s see how long this Autumnal get up and go lasts!!

Ten things :: the summer edition

I love this time of year. I’ve written about it before (and still not made a start of the shawl in this post – I’m feeling brave maybe I’ll make a start). I always think of that line from You’ve Got Mail where Tom Hanks’ character (Joe) says “Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils”. That is exactly how I feel about this time of year. Although the last time I was in New York in the Autumn was 20 years ago!! I'm still excited for the start of a new term. The new academic year is nearly upon me...I've spent all summer prepping my new modules and getting ready for the next intake of students...

So this might be a good time to round up on summer happenings. I returned to work today. BigR goes back to school tomorrow (a cunningly placed INSET day today catching people off guard) and so it continues. It’s also her birthday on Thursday, which to me signifies the true end of the summer.

:: We made our annual (can you say annual on the second year?) trip to the pick your own farm for strawberries. It was much easier this year as LittleR is older and can follow instructions (apart from don't eat too many). I didn’t overdo it either (well not too much) and we got 6 jars of jam plus plenty for desserts and general snacking.

:: The garden has flourished…perhaps with a few more weeds than last summer (but I’ll take that over having time off with a poorly child) but all in all there’s been colour since the springtime. The cosmos grew and grew but no flowers apart from one. Well, I shouldn't have been so impatient...they're full of flowers now!!

:: Although our fruit crops were meagre this year. We did enjoy a few home grown strawberries, raspberries and (just ripening now) blueberries. We only managed 2 plums – biggest child was put off by finding a worm inside and that was that!

:: The roses were beautiful too and still flowering on their 2^nd or 3^rd flush. All the deadheading was worth it.

:: In the kitchen I made pesto which was stirred into pasta and put in a crust on top of cod, bread and various cakes. The biggest girl has requested a chocolate cake for later this week.

:: We had some fabulous days out. Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Castle Howard (where Brideshead Revisited was filmed) and of course our regular pre-paid with membership haunts Fountains Abbey and Harlow Carr.

:: I took the girls to McDonald’s one lunchtime and they thought all their birthdays and Christmases had come at once. Ketchup, balloons, plastic toy, ice cream. Their joy was unreserved!! Who knew McFlurries were so tasty though?

:: BigR has learnt to knit. She needs help on occasion wrapping the yarn round but overall does a good job. I'm there to pick up lost stitches and undo any mistakes (for example the row she forgot to slip the stitch off and ended up with 40 stitches not 20). She’s made a blanket for Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea (no I didn’t know she had a sister until it arrived as a present for her birthday last year but she does) as her patience in getting rows done didn’t last to make one for Barbie! Of course, her side of the story is that Barbie already has a blanket for her bed (this is true, my children have too many toys!!)

:: I was given a beautiful kit to knit a cowl by my very talented knitter friend. It’s coming along although I have had to unpick rows where I’ve missed part of the pattern whilst talking!

:: I’ve managed to complete two embroideries as well…the ones I bought in New York picturing NY scenes. The plan is to intersperse them with hoops of fabric along the wall behind our sofa. Now I’ve just got to hang them. I can't believe I don't have 'finished' photo....

A brief interlude

I didn't plan not to blog. A combination of being busy (work, home and children) laptop issues and then getting out of the habit put paid to posting. I've seen lots of posts recently where others aren't sure where their blogs are going. This isn't the case for me. I've no great plans for my blog. I know my blog is primarily for me and for making connections with others who like similar stuff to me. And so on we go...

:: I've been loving the garden. It perhaps is not getting as much attention as last year (when LittleR was so poorly and I was barely working during the day) but it's still very enjoyable. I love the alliums...the last of which I had in my kitchen after a football 'accident'.

:: Somewhere along the line, I can't pinpoint exactly, LittleR doesn't need 100% of my attention all the time. It's a subtle thing, I can deadhead some roses whilst she powers up and down on her scooter. I can complete a row or two of a scarf whilst she creates a playmobil meets Peppa Pig playworld!  I'm still yet to make a trip to the loo without either of the girls wondering where I am...

:: We decorated the dining room. Grey and yellow. It's a very sunny room now. I liked it before, I like it even more now!

::We took a last minute trip over half term. The ABO got holiday released (this is unusual for his job over any holiday period!!) and we went to New York. I can confirm most people asked if we took the children and then thought we were mad when we did. Actually, it was an amazing place to go with kids. Easy food. Easy getting about (If you count carrying a 3 year old around easy! I guess being carried is preferable to other people's bums). No language issues (particularly if we had any health issues -thankfully we didn't). There's just so much to do. We barely scratched the surface in 6 days.

:: What do you do where every corner you turn is part of a TV or film set? Well you get over excited seeing the Copacobana (the hottest spot north of Havana) and move directly to MOMA to look at your favourite painting. Yes I loved seeing Starry Night and the beautiful Monet paintings but this one does it for me every time. (Paul Klee - Cat and Bird)

:: I had a brief visit to Purl. I'd perused the website in advance knowing that my browsing time would be short. It was fab just to see all of the things. I bought 3 embroidery kits...2 with scenes of NYC and one sampler.

:: It must be good as I've already completed one.

:: Work continues in an up and down fashion. As with everything recently, who knows where higher education is going after the leave vote. I'm plodding along with my work. Looking forward for the end of the school term. BigR is ready too. She's already planning her birthday party (it's the first week of the new term so she needs the invites at the ready!). Already I'm making new plans for the start of the next academic year. Excited (yes already) for the start of a new term and a new module I'm teaching.

:: I've celebrated another birthday. I was completely spoiled. My new jug takes pride of place in the new dining room.

:: There's been much baking. Scones, cakes, cinnamon buns and for my birthday the ABO made a Junior's inspired baked cheesecake. It was delicious!

These days...

So I hadn’t intended to take such a long time to blog again. Life happened as it usually does but this time it was mainly good things. And spring has definitely arrived!

:: We had a superb few days in Whitby and surrounds over half term. Highlights included fish and chips and ice cream. LittleR decided to take a fully clothed (including her coat), impromptu dip in the sea. Oh how we laughed. Not. But we did eventually once she was dry again and I’d gotten over dragging a screaming 3 year old up about one billion steps!

:: Actually she did look hilarious. Bone dry on the back and soaking wet on the front. When we took off her clothes she was covered in gritty sand on the front but nothing on the back!! After a quick hose down in the bath (her) and an ice cream (all of us) all was well with the world. 

:: We’ve worked on the garden. The daffs are out and the grass has had its’ first cut. I fall back in love with being outside again in spring. We’ve had the front  garden ‘remodelled’. Basically some men show up and cleared the bed, dug up a load of bamboo, a huge euphorbia and anoth massive shrub, took the rubbish away and dumped tonnes of top soil down. On closer inspection they’d left the difficult bit (the 2 shrub stumps) so the ABO and I took 5 hours (mostly him) digging and sawing  them out. Then yesterday we lugged them into the car and off to the tip. Now comes the fun bit…replanting. I’ve fallen prey to child pressure (similar to peer pressure but with added whining occasionally in stereo) and added a plum tree to the new forsythia (nearly out), the magnolia (buds!!) and the hydrangea (currently just some sticks but I live in hope).  

:: This has actually meant I’ve legitimately been able to break out a new note book for the front garden exploits. I do love a good notebook. And a good garden diary.

:: I’ve enlisted my dad’s help on providing he summer bedding. He has 2 greenhouses (!) and has sown seeds a plenty for both our gardens….mostly petunias and geraniums I think.

:: The patio has been cleaned. The ABO did it himself last year but we had a professional do it this year and the difference is noticeable. The table is back out and the barbecue in place. Just waiting for a day with no rain and we’ll be back cooking (at least) outside again.

:: We’ve actually had lots of time together recently as the ABO has been on a month off for March. Not so good for the school holidays and having a family break but good for us. We enlisted the help of babysitters and went to see Rudimental (who were amazing!!) and Paddy McGuiness. We’ve done ‘jobs’ that are easier without bored children complaining. We’ve stayed up too late watching rubbish on TV. It’s been a good month.

:: We've also had a wonderful child free night away that we’d had to reschedule from last year when LittleR was so poorly. Good food and good company in beautiful surroundings near Helmsley. The girls stayed with their grandparents having too many treats and staying up too late on a school night!

:: I finally made the embroidery/applique for my friend’s little girl who was a year old at the end of February.  Ever critical, it’s a little wonky but was made with love. Plus it’s up in her room so they must like it.

:: This time of year makes me want to get things sorted (I have another push in September too – my life runs on the academic calendar).  We have a small expedit unit that hides many (not all – my children have far too many toys) of the girls’ toys and books downstairs. My plan, under the cloak of darkness, is to clear through this and gain back some semblance of order.  We’re having the living room decorated in mid April (should’ve been done for now but the decorator was unwell) and some more will be going then! I’m sure they’ll get over it...I’ve also been through their clothes and made a note of things that need replacing through wear or growth. I’ve been through my clothes but not much needed to go there! The major reordering plan for me is to move my craft stuff into one place (it’s currently in 3 small places).  This needs a bit of thinking about…

:: Over Easter we were outside a lot in spite of the random rain. Good Friday was gorgeous and we had a fabulous trip to Fountains Abbey. Fuelled by sausage sandwiches we walked the circular walk down from the visitor centre, around the Abbey and the ornamental lakes and back again. In all it was just shy of 5 km which is a lot for little 3 year old legs. She slept soundly that night. We managed a shorter walk at the park on Sunday and a good walk again at Harlow Carr on Monday, where the girls spent some Easter money on books (Matilda - BigR and Stick Man - LittleR). I was restrained and spent nothing on books, mugs or pants in the shop. I felt very virtuous.

:: I rose to Penny’s challenge in February for new dishes and managed two new to me recipes. Both were from Mary Berry’s Cookery course. I made fish pie and used a lamb shank. I altered the fish pie to use only unsmoked fish  as I’m the only fan of smoked fish here and left out the hard boiled eggs. For the lamb I followed the recipe slavishly and it was delicious. I’ll do both of those again! Next up will be some things that freeze easily as the ABO is on lates and needs easily portable and reheatable dishes. March was a rerun of the same things really. Must try harder in April.

:: I’m also planning some new craft things which if I get round to them will share here. I’ve got a list (of course) and I’m ready to crack on. Skirts first I think.  As for the scarf for the ABO – it’s yet to be finished but there’s always next winter!

:: I'm back at work for a day today and then the rest of the week is normal life. The ABO resumes work on Friday just as the school holidays start here in Leeds (ours are fixed for the first 2 weeks in April) so next week BigR is off school, having a 'Daddy and me day' and going to York on the train. I've a surprise planned for the girls later in the week too...more soon...

:: Also the ducks are back on the pond at work. Expect more updates.

Creative busyness

Sometimes you just have to make a bit of time. It's busy at the mo. I've been busy with students, busy with children and busy getting ready for a much needed break. It's half term next week and we all really need it. The ABO has a couple of extra days off tagged on to his normal off days. We're heading to the North Yorkshire coast for a few days. A change of scene will do us all good I am sure. I'm preparing for poor weather but you never know...

In addition, I'm sorting things, trying to finish stuff off. I've had this in my mind's eye for over a year. My good friend had her second baby at the end of February last year. I'd planned this idea, but then, LittleR became unwell and it slipped away. I bought a gift (for ease) but as I'd made a present for her son the idea didn't go away. So in the next 2 weeks I'm going to applique and stitch her name in a hoop. And then, to go with it,  I'll buy some more plastic tat to clutter up my friend's house! 

I'm also three balls into the ABO's scarf. We haven't really had a harsh winter (so far - don't want to tempt fate for next week!) so he hasn't needed it, which is lucky. It'll definitely be done for winter 16/17!

I'm joining in with Jennifer (at the final moment...) and her winter project link.

Catching up - a list

Although it’s only early August there’s been more than a sniff of, dare I say it, Autumn in the air. I love this time of year. It always makes me want to start new things and get more creative. It’s also the ideal opportunity for a good list. I do love a good list (or even a bad list). Sarah wrote eloquently about her use of lists to help her manage things and here of her list of Autumn Loves.

Some time ago I wrote a list of things I would do creatively…

Shall we see how I’ve been progressing?

There’s been some flexibility in the list. I have actually completed some things, completely forgotten about others and added in some new ones.

The things I’ve completed….

:: I did embroider (and frame, twice after a small accident! Maybe I should rename myself Little Miss Whoops?) a panel of 3 owls for LittleRs room. They complement the Matryoshka dolls I did for BigR. Every time I change her nappy she shouts “owls”. It’s very satisfying.

:: I went on a Betty’s cookery course. I did this in November and loved it once again. I’ve made the recipes from that day a few times again since. We particularly enjoy the lamb meatballs and the sausage cassoulet. I’ve actually got another voucher (more birthday delights) to use so am busily looking at the website to see what I fancy doing!

:: Plan the 2014 garden. Well I planted some spring bulbs and even did some seeds. I’ve still got some bedding plants that could do with going in…rather than being left in pots but they’ve not magicked themselves out of said pots yet. The garden is a work in progress as some of our trellis fell down in high winds some months ago. It was used as a separator to divide areas in the garden. We quite like the way it’s opened up the garden but it means that some of the plants need better support in their bed. I bought a couple of stepping stones so the girls don’t trample on the flowers (too much) and the ABO dug them in the other day. So I’ll say I’ve done this but it’ll be on the list for next year too…

:: This wasn’t on the original list but added to it after a trip to the knitting and stitching show in November. I knitted and completed the dog of doom…actually, on reflection, it wasn’t that bad but next time I’ll sew it up as I go to give me encouragement. Little R actually loves it so even though it’s not perfect (I ‘forgot’ to add the tail. It was a bit stubby and short and once stuffed looked a bit rude) it was a job well done. Big R was going to get a similar dog but changed her mind for a ballet cardigan which my friend, S, knitted up for me so she might actually get to wear it before it was too small!!

In progress

:: BigRs applique blanket. I have all the necessary materials including the elusive (in Leeds anyway) bondaweb and a very inexpensive fleece blanket from Ikea in purple (the current colour of choice, unless it suddenly becomes blue to go with the Elsa from Frozen adoration). Now I just need a clear evening and some good TV for the hand sewing!

:: Take BigR to paint pottery. Well we did this on our holidays and we’ll being doing it again (at a local pottery studio that’s opened) at the start of September when BigR has her first birthday party (for those other than family!). I’m a little nervous actually as I’m hoping the invitees will come! BigR is taking it in her stride!

Still to start

:: Embroidered tea towels – once again I have the tea towels and the thread so it’s a case of some inspiration for designs and some motivation to make a start. Sometimes with projects they just need to be considered for a little bit before starting…

:: Photobooks – the photos are there but there’s been no start to these yet. Maybe we’ll do it in time for Christmas presents for Grandparents?

:: Knitting the tea cosy kit S gave to me…this hasn’t even come out of the packet yet…oops…

Added to the list

:: Socks. I learnt to knit in the round earlier this year. Then promptly forgot how to join the circle. Then practiced and remembered. Thanks to YouTube. I’ve taken Christina’s most simple pattern and will be attempting this very soon.

:: Embroidery nameplates for the girls’ bedroom doors. We thought it might be nice for the girls to have their names on their doors. I can’t find any ones I think suit both girls well and aren’t ridiculously expensive anywhere so I’m going for the DIY option. I’m trying to decide on fonts but might just go with my handwriting and some decoration pertinent to them.

:: Skirts for both of the girls. I’ve seen this pattern via Jennifer’s blog. I’ve got new bobbins for my machine. I’ve new needles for my machine. I’ve material, cotton and elastic. I’ve even measured the girls for sizing. Now all I need is to stop procrastinating. Maybe a job for when the ABO is on the late shift.

:: Knitting the hat S bought for me for Christmas! It’s lovely blue and green Aran wool. It’s a very simple pattern and should be fairly quick to do once I get started!! I might even get it finished in time to wear his winter. Maybe I've spoken too soon?

:: Learning to crochet. This was a birthday present. I’d hinted that I’d like to learn but wasn’t sure if I’d be lucky enough to get this as a present or if the day would be free. Anyway my friend S and I are off to learn how to at Baa Ram Ewe at the weekend. I’m excited to learn (another) new skill (I hope I can do it!!) and have a day out with my lovely friend. Then I’ll just have to keep the yarn buying in check and find some time to practice!

Sooooo…plenty to keep me busy there! Wonder if I’ll have anything finished anytime soon? Of course I’m going to have so much extra time when BigR starts school and LittleR naps eh? I know it will be at this point that LittleR decides to stop napping!

Hello 2014

Well 2014 has been a bit of a shock to the system…I’m back at work. Hopefully this might bring some more spare moments for thinking and blogging. It’s a little bit strange being here, especially as the ABO is still off, but in some ways extremely familiar. There’s plenty of change afoot at home…our bedroom is in the process of being decorated….tantalisingly close but not there yet. And we’re about to undertake installation of a new kitchen. I’m not looking forward to the upheaval but I am looking forward to new adventures in cooking and baking!! My mantra during the process will be “it will all be OK”!

I’m hoping I’ll be able to strike a good balance between family and work…and being a bit more creative and mindful.

So what am I thinking of doing this year??

I still have things on my list from October…I’m going to revisit those…

:: making the tea cosy and giving it to S

:: an appliqued blanket for BigR

:: embroider some tea towels

:: take BigR to ‘pots to go’ for some ceramic painting fun

But what else will be new for 2014?

I was really lucky to receive some lovely wool and a pattern book from my knitter friend S and I am booked onto a ‘knitting in the round’ course at a local knitting shop (thank you to the ABO!)

So with that in mind…

:: Knit a hat

:: Knit a hat in the round (or maybe socks?)

:: Sort out the new garden beds…we had trellis separating a part of our garden that fell down in the strong winds recently (taking with it two climbing roses) so I’m seeing this as a new opportunity to re-establish the garden

:: When the kitchen is complete…attempt to cook a new dish once a month for all the family (once a week might be a step too far with everything else that goes on in life). I’m really lucky that both girls really love their food and always try new things (I’m holding onto this with BigR who the other day turned down chicken casserole but ate Rapunzel’s favourite chicken dinner!!) I really should try to menu plan better as well. We’re a lot less wasteful than we were a few years ago… but, I do rely on the old favourites for ease as well as lack of imagination.

So that’s where I am at right now. It’s a change this January when last year I was about to meet a new little person. Which gets me thinking about cakes for a first birthday…

Creative endeavours

Since the clocks have changed I seem to have been able to be a bit more proactive and rather than pondering on what to start or spend time looking at all the things I could be doing and being inspired I've actually been doing. 

Plans are coming together for the garden. I've bought some bulbs, a simple mix of daffodils and tulips, but they're not yet planted. That was to be today's job but, it was raining during nap times and I'm feeling a bit of a fair weather gardener at the mo as it is noticeably chillier this week. It will be done as we're forecast a sunny spell later in the week. I've also been browsing the seed catalogues. Its cheering me to think about how our garden will look next spring. The last couple of years the garden has taken a back seat and certainly this year with a newborn. Last year was very reliant on perennials and my Dad bringing me some cheery geraniums, petunias and begonias. I'm in awe of the people who manage nighttime feeds and a stunning garden! BigR has asked for sunflowers so I'm sure we can oblige her request. She'll have to watch where she kicks her ball for them to stay standing! She has a killer volley!

I've managed to do a little embroidery; the owls for LittleR. I used this as my inspiration. It was a pattern I bought about 18 months ago when my friend had her little boy. I stitched this for him, adding his name and date of birth too. Although the owl stitching is complete (I think - I always have a little wobble maybe I should add a little bit here or there), it is not quite finished yet. It needs pressing and mounting, and I should be able to do this this week as I have bought the frame (thank you Ikea). 

I've also sought knitting inspiration. I wanted to try out an idea for some Christmas presents. I'm not making all the presents this year but i know some people would appreciate a homemade gift. I saw this  and then this and then got over excited and had a go. It didn't turn out the same....I think I 'ribbed' rather than 'moss stitched'...it's not bad for a first attempt. I started a second straight away, in the correct stitch this time, and it's looking how it should now!

I've also been making some eating treats too. I love lemon desserts, cakes, tarts - anything lemon. So I used my trusty Nigella lemon cake recipe. The ABO does not share my love of lemon so he received some date and ginger slices the recipe taken Peyton and Byrne British Baking. The first time I made these I cooked them for the stated time, but they were a bit crumbly. So, this time I left them to cook for a further 10 minutes and they were much better.

Although it's bonfire night tonight, I always think, better late than never, I did carve a pumpkin for BigR last week. Well I started and The ABO wasn't that impressed with my knife skills so helped me out. She was very impressed with the two tealights I put inside it.  I used to do this for my brother when we were children (there was 6 years between us so it isn't as weird as it sounds!) It's reaching the end of it's life now so I should really remove it to the bin. Does that count as a creative activity?
 

There wasn't any bonfire activity this year. The ABO is working and it's a bit cold for LittleR. The local display appears to still be going on....way past bedtime BigR's bedtime. It's good to warm and cosy at home catching up with things.