Friday 29 January 2010

O's BSJ in Action

Finally, a Baby Surprise Jacket ( toddlerised ) that fits O and will for awhile.


I am still in love with knitting this amazing pattern, even after knitting three, with wool for more but then I have more wool for most things !
And how much do I LOVE a pattern that requires so very little sewing up, 2 shoulder seams and thats it .. yes really thats it.


O is pretty happy with it too and loves the buttons.


These gorgeous buttons, made by my very talented friend Gill, fit with the jacket so well.


Pattern for the BSJ here - http://www.schoolhousepress.com/

Lots of help and advice with pattern to be found on Ravelry - http://www.ravelry.com

Toddlerising help here - http://zigzagstitch.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/the-toddlerized-bsj/

Can anyone point me in the direction for the Elizabeth Zimmermann childs hooded jacket ( the tomten ) .. am itching to give that a go.

Thursday 28 January 2010

Beauty

Slipping through my fingers all the time

Do I really see what's in her mind

Each time I think I'm close to knowing

She keeps on growing

Slipping through my fingers all the time

Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture

And save it from the funny tricks of time

Slipping through my fingers .......


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Thanks to my friend Bev, for the stunning picture and words.
Thanks to K, for being a wonderful daughter.

Wednesday 27 January 2010

At the table, for Lunch.

Home-made Homous, crackers, eggs and plenty of veggies.

Good Eating.
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Thanks for all your lovely comments.
Wooden tray was a car boot find, made by Whittard.

Monday 25 January 2010

Book Sharing Monday - Luna Moon Hare by Wendy Andrew

Our family Yule gift, a book to treasure.

" A magical journey with the Goddess "

Stunning illustrations and beautiful story, a gentle guide through the seasons and festivals, weaving a wonderful tale full of animals, fairies and folk lore.
A book to bring magic to your life.



Wendy Andrew is a true Goddess.
http://www.paintingdreams.co.uk/luna_moon_hare.php

More bloggers taking part in Book Sharing Monday
List part way down on the left.
A mention for the lovely Jacqui over at Corridor Living, wonderful blog and great book sharing.

Saturday 23 January 2010

A New Suit


Behind us are the days of saving pocket money for Doctor Who trading cards, instead this young man has been saving up for a suit, his first.
This has been such a wonderful rite of passage for us all, with Grandad taking L into town to be measured up, giving advice and insisting on putting " something towards it " Grandad's smile was huge when L, who is a big Beatles fan, chose a suit very similar to the ones Grandad wore in his younger days, how the wheel turns.
We all delighted, when L tried it on, to show us at home and tears were quickly wiped away as I realised again, how much he has grown, in so many different ways.
Last night the suit had it's first outing, a Burn's Night Supper with disco at L's school.
He looked so very handsome, so very grown up.
I proudly drove him to school and watched as he walked away, so very confident, so very mature.
And then I spotted the girls arriving, in little black dresses and heels, giggling, happy, looking forward to their evening.
Time for this Mama to go.

Friday 22 January 2010

Apple Caramel Cake



http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/251615/caramel-apple-loaf-cake

Really hit the spot on a cold, wet and windy evening.
Happy Family.

Thursday 21 January 2010

Busy Hands in Hand Knit

He looks so blooming gorgeous in this handknit, I could eat him all up.



Wednesday 20 January 2010

An Inspector Calls

At the beginning of December we had our Home Ed review, our third in 8 years.
Only the first was a complete disappointment with the lady having no idea at all about Home Education ( she was a curriculum advisor for schools ) and didn't seem very open to learn.

It was wonderfully satisfying for K to spread her bounty across the table, we spent time looking together and enjoying seeing her progression, revisiting trips out, projects made and fun had.

Ken, our inspector, his second visit to us, was great, interested in all that K wanted to share, taking all his cues from her and looking with interest at the array of work from clay mushrooms to projects on water to paintings to workbooks to needle felting and more.
We received his report over the Christmas break, all good, in fact the word exemplary makes an appearance.
Guess we'll keep at it then.

Monday 18 January 2010

Book Sharing Monday - Snow by Uri Shulevitz

An enchanting book with beautiful illustrations and a simple text ... the people of the town are shocked when first one snow flake falls, then 2, then 3 but no-one believes it will settle except "boy with dog "

O and I made "no flake " as O calls them, he coloured ( with new Yule gift ) and I cut.

He is so proud of the results that anyone and everyone has to be taken to admire them even if they've already seen them many, many times.His excitement over them is infectious though and his clapping, jumping and " look, look, look " makes you smile and clap all over again too.


To make some very naughty but oh so nice snowflakes
Design a snowflake on-line
Take a look at Snowflake Bentley's amazing snowflake photos
All our snow has gone now but with more due Wednesday, still time for alittle more snow fun.

Friday 15 January 2010

Lifting the Spirits

With afternoon tea, using the prettiest china, lighting our candle and Christmas cake.



Thursday 14 January 2010

Snow White Beauty

Another scattering of snow in the night, turned the slushy mess that was my garden yesterday, back into a winter wonderland this morning.

Our dear, little Christmas tree that has served us well for the last few years back in its spot in the garden, relaxing and breathing in the crisp, clean air.





Everything dusted with magic.






Wednesday 13 January 2010

New Cook in the Kitchen

And he's good, as long as you like a piece of sausage in your cup of tea !

Tuesday 12 January 2010

Boxes of Goodness

The weather ( snow, sleet and ice ) illnesses ( colds, flu, sickness ) and general holiday busyness meant that these goodie boxes have only just been handed to their owners.

Things to warm ( scarf, candles, cinnamon, bath melts, bath bags ) nourish ( oranges, chutney ) surprise ( Children in Need 2009 song dvd - such a big hit in our house that we wanted to share it out, bulbs, beeswax ornaments )
All of which, I hope, made my friends feel very special and much loved.

Monday 11 January 2010

Looking to Spring


Snow, ice and sleet still happening outside.
Constant wellies, mittens and hats drying by the Rayburn.
Shoots of bulbs peeping through the earth.
Soups, stews and curries to warm and restore.
Warm bubbly baths and beds piled high with covers.
Cosy cuddly afternoons.
Books, knitting and music.
Red wine and Baileys to end the evenings.
Warm fires after toe freezing walks and a little nod to Spring on our table.

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Seasonal Joys

Snow and more to come.

Socks made for my Dad, promised for last Christmas and finally off the needles just before this one.


Huge pots of steaming stews to warm the bellies of my loves.





Monday 4 January 2010

Goodness, where did the time go ???

So what with Christmas fun and then New Year, the time has flown and I haven't posted in ages .... sorry ( I did also have to fit in reading the Twilight books and watching the film ... oh my !!!! and discovering the delights of Baileys with coffee )

Post with pictures tomorrow.

Happy New Year
x