Rubyred

Blooms and Graduation!

2011-07-26T16:25:00.000+01:00

At the weekend we went on a little jaunt to Brighton for our daughter's Graduation on Monday morning!We all had a lovely time and we are so very proud of her!
Her outfit matched the cloak beautifully, a coincidence as she was going to wear a different dress!
We took lots of photos in the Pavilion gardens too!

There were smiles all around all day!

The Hat toss!

That's the back of me in the spotty top and Carianne looking very Harry Potteresque!

We went for a lovely long lunch at a Mexican restaurant and we had cocktails to celebrate too!

Back home now and I have been pottering in the garden, the first photo at the top of this post is a Rose that I've been waiting to bloom for ages, such a pretty red!

I'm so pleased that my toms are finally growing too!

I bought these pretty perennials at the boot a few weeks ago, does anyone know what these are called please? I haven't got a clue!

Thank you so much for the bunting love in the last post, you make my day you really do!

Have a great week, lets hope the sun keeps shining!

Rachel x

Vintage Fabric Runner

2011-07-22T11:54:00.000+01:00

Hello Gals, hope the sun is shining on you like it is here today!
Up until this week it seems like an age since I've stitched anything for my own home.
I've had this gorgeous vintage floral linen for a long time, I presume I bought it at the car boot but I can't honestly remember!
It's not really my usual style as such but there is something about it that I adore.It's the same fabric I used in the bunting I showed you in the last post, ( thank you for all the kind comments by the way)It's a linen, as you can tell by the creases!

I have made it for the coffee table in the living room. Our table is huge, we bought after we had moved into the house 13 years ago. It was handmade by a local chap who lives in a village a few miles away.
It needs a rub down as it has taken a bit of a battering over the years!Another job to go on my to do list!My Rosy coasters were a bargain too, just a £1 from the CS
Have a fabulous weekend, lets hope the sun stays out!
Rachel x

Making Makes Me Happy!

2011-07-21T13:30:00.001+01:00

Simple and oh so true.

Rachel x

Been meaning to do this for a long time

2011-07-18T11:08:00.001+01:00

Hello and how are you all, it's been a little while.

I have been busy in the garden, well in between rain showers and we have had my parents visiting for 4 days which was lovely.
I have received 2 awards recently(well fairly recently) from two very kind people and I haven't gotten around to doing them!
The first is the Kreativ Blogger Award from the lovely Karen at 4 Lil Girls Thank you so much Karen, I really appreciate it! Sorry it has taken me so long!I have to give 10 facts about myself so here goes

I am a procrastinator, I think this may be obvious because of the length of time it took me to get around to doing this! In fact if I am given a project and 3 weeks to do it, I will think about it for 2 weeks and make it it in the 3rd week. I think perhaps I work better under pressure!
I don't know how to sew in a zip, in fact I have never tried, it all looks a bit scary! It is on my to do list though!
My party piece is that you can play me the beginning of almost any song from the 1980's, just the first 2 seconds and I will be able to "name that tune". My friend Darryl is also brilliant at this game , we are always trying to outdo each other!
When I left school I started to go clubbing (purely for the dancing) with my boyfriend (now husband)We were both underage (no ID cards then)We went to most of the nightclubs in Birmingham city centre. On my 18th birthday I got refused for looking too young! I was dying to say "what are you talking about I've been coming here for the last 2 years!"
I think I am instruction dyslexic as I find it very difficult to follow technical instructions.I got very excited when I managed to assemble an IKEA filing cabinet! It's mad, as I can follow a recipe and a knitting pattern!
The Hubster and I went to a Lee Evans gig recently, it was flippin brilliant, especially when he did the whole Bohemian Rhapsody thing at the end!
In a few weeks, I will have been married for 25 years! 25 happy years How did that happen, the time has flown by so quickly!I was only 19 at the time.
I haven't got any Hostas in my garden because they attract snails! If I accidentally step on a snail, my legs go to jelly, I hate the fact I have just killed it and his shattered his little home! So sad!
I was rubbish at sewing when I was at school, I don't think I ever finished a project. I became interested in sewing to due to necessity and lack of cash when I was 21 and had my daughter, I made her a smashing pair of dungarees, with lining and poppers and pockets !They were pink polka dot and so cute!
I love breakfast in the garden on a sunny day! It feels like I'm on holiday and yes sometimes I am in my nightie!

Now this is the bit I'm not keen on doing, picking out blogs to pass it onto but here goes, I will pass the award onto these gorgeous blogs,
Amanda makes
Poppy
found and sewn
Mary Jane's TEAROOM

It has taken me an hour to get this far, what is going on with blogger? Will have to do the other kind award next time!

Rachel x

Red is Best

2011-06-29T12:50:00.000+01:00

I think I am loving Pinterest too much!

How about you?

Rachel x

Celebrations!

2011-06-27T10:01:00.016+01:00

This past week has been full of things to celebrate!

My daughter came back from Brighton for a few days and while she was home her Degree results came through. I am so proud as she received a 1st class with Honours!!She has worked so hard on her course, setting up an art magazine that she has sold all over the world she really does deserve it!
It was the Hubsters birthday too, a double celebration so we went out for a family meal.This was my choice.Chicken and Smoky Bacon Cheesy Avocado bake, it was delicious!

My daughter also made a Chocolate Brownie cake which my son decorated with fresh raspberries and cream!A team effort!

One of my gifts to the Hubster was a day out in London. We went to the Titantic exhibition at The O2.An amazing experience, although very sad and moving too!We also visited here which was fascinating! Not for the faint hearted though!

We nipped to Covent Garden for an icecream and a wander. Lots of people were buying the Paella, it smelt delicious!

We had already eaten here the Mousakka was gorgeous! It really was a lovely day out!

Yesterday I went to an Open Gardens at a local village with my friend Karen!Here are some piccies from the event!

I found out that I loved Philedelphus athlough I have not got a picture of it!

Must get me one of those!

Thank you for all the Pergola advice, you were all very helpful, I knew I could rely on you!
It has taken me ages to write this post, the text is all over the place, I have fiddled and faffed for ages but can't get it right!

TTFN

Rachel x

In the garden...

2011-06-20T09:22:00.002+01:00

My brother has been kindly building a Pergola for us, in between the summerhouse and the patio.

I am sooo pleased with it.
He built it in a weekend(I did help though, sanding and chiseling)
But I am still painting it. It.Is.Taking. For. Ever!!

My bro advised me to keep it wood coloured , but I couldn't, mainly because the idea in my head is a country cream pergola covered with sweet scented roses. But also because the trellis is the colour of David Dickinsons tan!Not the look I was aiming for really. It is taking me ages to finish due to all the rainshowers but I'm hoping to get it done this week!

I've bought a pretty bench in a sale at greenfingers.com too!
I think we will use sleepers and gravel for paving underneath or we will never get it finished in time to enjoy it!

I have been potting up plants too!Love the Lavetera as it grows so quickly.

I know lots of you ladies are brilliant gardeners and I'm wondering if you could recommend any fast climbers or scented roses!
Hey, hey, Suns out, so painting here I come!
Have a great week!

Rachel x

Todays loot from the boot!

2011-05-29T12:25:00.000+01:00

Todays loot from the boot

It took me ages to clean up the heavily tarnished candy dish! I'm so glad I did though!I love the tiny glass decanter and I may keep it for my bedroom!

This Royal Albert sugar bowl is so pretty!

Another little find I forgot to show you last week.Such a sweet little vintage brooch, made with the teensiest tiny stitches! I have popped it here.
Actually, I'm surprised the boot was on, as it looked as though it was going to rain any second!
I went mainly for plants, Sweetpeas and geraniums for a little colour in the garden!
Although I'm waiting for the sun to come out to plant them
Apparantly it is going to rain all day tomorrow! Hey, ho, I shall crochet all day then!
Hope you are having a lovely weekend!
Rachel x

Floral garlands

2011-05-25T12:05:00.000+01:00

Thank you for your sweet comments on the last posts, they are much appreciated!

Now this week I have been making fabric flower garlands as my tiny little craft room is overflowing with vintage fabrics!
I have also made FQ for my stall and I will get around to popping some on Etsy too!

Anyway I have really enjoyed making these. Once I have cut the circles, it's very much a sit down and handstitch kind of a project which I love!

I shall make some of these for my summerhouse too I think!
In fact, now the wind has died down a little bit, I may take my little project outdoors!
Have popped a few here too!
Have a lovely afternoon!
Rachel x

A Little Makeover

2011-05-22T15:26:00.000+01:00

Last year, in October, I noticed a dressing table on Freecycle. It was described as having 3 drawers.I thought this sounded ideal for my daughters bedroom (she's got the smaller room now she's at Uni)
Luckily the lady who owned it only lived a few roads away and we promptly went to collect it!
However,It was not a little dressing table, it was HUGE with 4 drawers either side!
Never mind I thought, I will still find a place for it.Hubby and I wrestled it down the lady's stairs without damaging her wallpaper and carpet (it weighed a ton and I could see the Hubster was doubtful! We thanked the lady and wrestled it into the back of my car (which is a tiny KA) it was half in half ou!. I drove home VERY carefully!It lived in our dining room for a good few months.

BEFORE

Then I finally got around to painting it Old White by Annie Sloan
I decided to paint it as the top was quite scratched!
That is also Wilson's bum in the picture!
Anyhoo, it now lives in the lounge, topped with goodies I have found from local car boots, mostly costing about a £1 each, except for the lamp which we already had!

AFTER

Even the Hubster has grown to like it!

AFTER

I have lots of other makeovers I need to get on with but it's so breezy outdoors today, not ideal painting weather!

Rachel x

Doing a Happy Dance!

2011-05-20T08:21:00.001+01:00

Oh how I wanted to squeal and do a Happy Dance when I spotted this little beauty in the C/S today. Yes she's a bit grubby and bashed at the sides but lets look past that, the fabric print is a lovely design and she's beautiful on the inside and that's what counts!

Wanna take a peek?

Such vintage lovelies inside! Look at the sweet wooden spool and the tiny knitting needles and the threads and the suspenders!This tray lifts out too and there's more room underneath!I'll be taking her to Oxford with me tomorrow and she'll hopefully find a new home!

I'd love to keep her but I only have a tiny craft room with waaay too much stuff!

Thank you for all the sweet comments about Wilson, he has now decided blue is not for him and he's back to his old colour!

A warm welcome to new followers and commenters I am so thrilled you pop by and take a peek at my little blog!

Edited- I wrote this post on Wednesday but it wouldn't publish, so the dates are out now but Hey ho I have sorted Blogger now!

Have a lovely weekend gals!

Rachel x

Wilsons New Look

2011-05-13T20:11:00.001+01:00

Wilsons New Look, a photo by RubyRed06 on Flickr.

Wilson was fed up of being pale and interesting and decided to go for a new look, a little more 'out there'
He calls it summerhouse blue.
This look can be achieved in seconds, just stroll past the freshly painted summerhouse and back again! Hey presto!

A New Find

2011-05-11T17:47:00.001+01:00

A New Find, a photo by RubyRed06 on Flickr.

Found this lovely tea set yesterday!The Carlton by Swan, from the 1950's I think!
I bought it for my stall but I won't be going to Oxford tomorrow.Usually Hubby works from home on Thursdays and looks after Wilson but he can't tomorrow. I have taken Wilson with me before but its a bit of a pain as there's another dog there who barks when he sees dogs and I don't want to upset other traders.Wilson is fine with other dogs, but he used to do this too! He's a big boy now!
I could leave Wilson at home but it's quite a long day and all our furniture from the lounge is teeerting in piles in the dining room as Hubby cleaned the carpet at the weekend and it hasn't fully dried yet! Well it has but leaving a nasty smell in one area that he overwet with the cleaner!
I did advise him not to do it as it was a rainy day and I knew it would dry too slowly. Did he listen? No.
Anyhoo I can't leave Wilson in case something topples on him!
If you are still awake and not fallen asleep with the humdrum boringness of this story, I hope you have a lovely day tomorrow!
Rachel x

My New Bracelet

2011-05-10T17:44:00.001+01:00

My new Bracelet, a photo by RubyRed06 on Flickr.

Freshly made today! Once I start yoyoing I can't stop.I bought the fabric off Ebay a while ago, a ditsy little floral.
I bought my freshwater pearls in Spain, only 1 euro each bracelet, such a bargain!
Hope you had a lovely day, we had lots of sunshine here!
Rachel x

A bit of Painting and Decoupage and Pinterest

2011-05-09T08:54:00.001+01:00

A bit of Painting and Decoupage, a photo by RubyRed06 on Flickr.

Really enjoying painting and decopage at the mo! Loving Pinterest too! It's so addictive and I spent waaay to long on it yesterday!

So much inspiration, prettiness and many gorgeous ideas!
Now the complicated bit for me, was that I had to join Facebook to connect to Pinterest.

I may have mentioned before that I am not good at technical things but my son assured me it is easy to join Facebook! It wasn't, well not if I wanted to do it as RubyRed. First I had to register in my own name, then I could open a page as RubyRed.

Apparantly I can only be known by my username when I have 25 followers, but how will I find 25 followers if they don't know where I am on Facebook!

I am totally confuzzled!I don't get 'following' or a 'fan' either!! Grr!! I think it will take me some time to get to grips with FB, but I will probably be onhttp://pinterest.com/rubyred/ much more than I should be!

Now I must be away, I have orders to post and a mountain of Heart Garlands to make!

Have a Sweet week everyone, and thank you for the lovely comments and emails on my patchwork garland, I really appreciate them!

Still can't post from Blogger, just don't know whats wrong with it!

Rachel x

Flower Patchwork Garland

2011-05-03T15:50:00.001+01:00

Flower Patchwork Garland, a photo by RubyRed06 on Flickr.

Wrote a long post on Blogger today but it just won't upload, even from draft! Thought I'd just try from Flickr instead! Made this Patchwork Flower Garland yesterday using all my tiny fabric pieces !Bit fiddly and time consuming, but I do love a bit of handstitching! Hopefully I will catch up with you all soon!
Rachel x

This is a keeper

2011-04-19T12:28:00.006+01:00

This is a keeper, a photo by RubyRed06 on Flickr.

Freshly found today, in fact I'm still on a bit of a high about this sweet little print of a Blue Tit on Cherryblossom, but I didn't just find 1, no no no, there were a few, so I thought of my bloggy chums and bought them all! I have popped a few over here if you'd like to take a peek!

Wonderful thrifted fabrics too! My lovely friend Karen found them for me!

Have a sweet day!

Rachel x

New Note Tags

2011-04-18T22:55:00.003+01:00

New Note Tags, a photo by RubyRed06 on Flickr.

Made these today, as I ran out of notecards for my Etsy orders! Just a simple card tag and a rose motif cut from a paper napkin. And of course, you can't beat a bit of bakers twine!

Rachel x

The hedgerow

2011-04-17T18:12:00.002+01:00

The hedgerow, a photo by RubyRed06 on Flickr.

I really want to improve my photography this year. I took our camera on a country walk today, this was the hedgerow

Hope you are having a lovely Sunday!

Rachel x

Vintage curtains to bags

2011-04-15T15:37:00.010+01:00

Every now and again I buy curtains from the charity shop or car boot if I like the print. I've had these 2 sets of curtains hanging around and generally taking up too much space! So on Wednesday I decided to have a bit of a bag making session!

I haven't lined them as the fabric is quite thick, but I have finished the seams with zigzag stitch.

I was going to add corsages to finish but then I remembered the cute bobble trim.

I followed this tutorial which was quick and easy!

I have made 2 for myself and a few for my stall.

My son is making Brownies and they are nearly done, must away to pop the kettle on!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Rachel x

just a few things ....

2011-04-12T11:12:00.017+01:00

I wanted to share with you!

A pretty brooch found on one of my little jaunts,

The fat quarters I took to Oxford sold really well last week, so I have been cutting lots more! This pretty vintage candystripe sheet goes on forever!

I love this 1950's fabric too, in fact anything with roses on I seem to be attracted to!

I have popped a few of these Here too!

I love this pretty Colclough china I found at the CS, but I am torn as whether to keep it for myself or pop it on my stall

The cute Westie dog is a little gift for my niece!

These little Scottie brooches have sold well at Oxford too, I love to stitch them, so relaxing.

I hope you are all having a lovely Easter holidays and are making the most of the sunshine, tis gorgeous here!

TTFN

Rachel x

2011-04-04T13:35:00.006+01:00

Well I have to say after a lovely start to the day ( previous post) the day continued to be pretty special! There was a knock at the door about 10.30am, a delivery of a Cream Tea! From my gorgeous girl in Brighton.She sent a Sainsburys delivery of scones, Bonne Maman jam, clotted cream, strawberries, Twinings afternoon tea and The Observer!It always brings a little tear to my eye when special things like that happen! It was a wonderful treat and I thoroughly enjoyed all my special attention! Thanks kids, love ya loads!

My son was very attentive all day with lots of cups of tea bless him! He set out the cream tea on a cake plate too!

We did get soaking wet in the afternoon, shower and hail whilst we walked Wilson and we got caught out but hey ho I just put my PJ's on at 4pm and read a book! Haven't done that for a while!

Just wanted to say Hello! to all the new followers and commenters on my blog too! Welcome to my little bit if the world!

I REALLY do appreciate ALL of your comments and the fact that you popped by!

Have a wonderful week

Rachel x

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-04-03T09:35:00.004+01:00

To all mothers, wishing you a Happy Mothers Day.

My son has made me egg on toast for breakfast, I REALLY appreciate this gesture as he doesn't usually appear until 11.30 am!(he's nearly 17)

Rachel x

Nobody Puts Baby In A corner!

2011-03-29T11:47:00.005+01:00

sorry, just couldn't resist!

Or how about...

All the single ladies! Tee Hee!!

Little things make me laugh!

Have a sweet day!

Rachel x

I've been....

2011-03-28T17:02:00.013+01:00

painting,This is for my stall on Thursday. I also painted 2 pine bar stools( will show on later date) and another vintage mirror. In fact, I got lots of painting projects done as the weather was so lovely!

I have been making

bunting from my granny squares in the last post.I'm definitely becoming addicted to granny squares!

Last week I bought some gorgeous fabrics from a stall on Oxford Antiques and Craft Market.

The lady selling them was lovely, much oohing and aahhing was taking place as it was mainly vintage!

I particularly loved this pretty print and I've made some lavender hearts with it. Some for my stall, some for The Old Pill factory in Witney and a few for Etsy.

needless to say, I didn't have time for any baking so I'm going to do a sponge pudding this evening!

What have you been up to?

Happiness is.....

2011-03-25T11:41:00.006Z

crochet granny squares, pretty flowers and a bit of sunshine, magical!

Wishing you a happy weekend wherever you are!

Rachel x

2011-03-21T07:08:00.029Z

Good Morning, and it's such a gloriously sunny one! I practically hopped out of bed at 6.30am today!

I love that about Spring, don't you?

Time seems to be rushing by as usual, we have had family visits, my daughter has been home from uni and we have been on lots of sunny walks with Wilson! I did lots of home baking for everyone, a lovely Victoria Sponge with lemon curd and whipped cream, very naughty!I also made cheese flan which went down very well!

But now things have settled back into a daily routine and I have been making lots of goodies for my stall and Etsy shop.Please feel free to take a peek.

I have had a few emails asking if my rose brooches are for sale, so just to let you know I have popped a few onto Etsy!

Since we have had Wilson, a few more doggy makes seem to have crept into my work!

Now I must get ready for a trip to the post office, beat the rush!

Have a lovely day, hope it's sunny wherever you are!

Rachel x

Oh my word!

2011-03-07T10:29:00.019Z

I can't believe my last post was back in January!! Life got very busy, I left it VERY late to do my tax return(only 3 days to spare) hope I never do that again! Then I swapped markets again. as you know I have a stall on Thursdays in Witney, but since November takings have been down quite a bit, so we (being me and my friend Karen) decided to go back to the Antiques and Craft market in Oxford.I have been there for the past 3 weeks. I do miss Witney and my regular customers there as they are so lovely , but hopefully I will have a stall on some Saturdays in the Spring months.

So what have I been up to? Crochet , crochet and more crochet, I love it sooo much!!

I got a bit addicted to making these rose brooches and then my lovely friend Karen bought me a big bag of beautiful vintage mohair from a tabletop sale and I made lots more!

The colours are so pretty!

Made these roses in yarn from my existing stash.

I love making these ruffle scarves too! I have popped some in my Christmas gift drawer.You see that's me, so behind in some things and ahead of myself in others!

I also gave our bedroom a HUGE tidy up and finally got around to putting up my vintage prints which I love, hubby not so much, but he still put them up bless him!

Thank you so much to you all for leaving comments on previous posts, sorry I am so sporadic and a HUGE cuddly welcome to all my new followers too! So pleased that you pop by for a peek into my little world

Have a fantabulous week!

Rachel x

Bunting Ta-dah

2011-01-14T11:58:00.025Z

It's finished!! Well actually , there are 2 I have finished!

The first one, I made with yarn I have had for years, some of it at least 10 years.

I shall call it Happy bunting as it makes me smile when I look at it!

This photo was taken in my daughter's bedroom, we finished decorating it just before Christmas. She and my son have swapped room as she is at Uni. This room is not very big at all but it does have lots of storage for all her stuff!The bunting won't stay in here, it's a bit too bright but perfect for my little craft room!

See the little lilac cushion on the day bed, I made that with a tray cloth I bought from the boot for 50p I think! I just folded in half and stitched around the edge leaving a gap to stuff it!

Anyway I've drifted off topic now.

The 2nd length of bunting was also made wirh yarn from my stash, a little bit country I think!

Now I'm working on a pretty cotton pastel bunting, I'll show you after the weekend!

Have a good one!

Rachel x

Happy Things!

2011-01-12T11:18:00.005Z

Coffee, cookies and crochet= 1 hour of total happiness!!

See how easily pleased I am!

Thank you all so much for your crochet encouragement and kind words!

I promise I will talk about something else soon.

Have a lovely day!

Rachel x

Show and tell

2011-01-10T10:12:00.037Z

Last week I bought these lovelies from the CS and I forgot to show you.

Pretty mohair scarves. I didn't buy them to wear, I would like to make something with them, but I'm not sure what yet!

The colours are much prettier in real life!

These 2 are pure wool and may become little Scottie dogs I think!

The grey scarf on the left is beautifully soft Alpaca, gorgeous!

They are just sitting in a pile at the mo.

I had a wonderful weekend filled with crisp sunny walks, yes sunny and blue skies, DVD watching, lovely crochet and gorgeous food cooked by Hubby (he made a lovely roast dinner)

Oh and Singstar, now I'm not one for karaoke, no no no, I'm too shy( my friends would snigger at this point and say You, Shy?) But I am I exclaim! But in the comfort of my own home we have great fun battling it out on Singstar and we just ordered a new one which made us laugh- a lot!Now I say us, I mean me and Hubby, as my 16 yr old son disappeared upstairs cringing as we attempted Bohemian Rhapsody! Honestly, !!

Now I have a bit more crochet to show you, made with yarn from my stash, in the loft. That would be the loft that is SOOOO full of my craft stuff, Hubby swears it will collapse into our bedroom anytime soon!

Brights,

I followed the tutorial from Bunnymummy and it is brilliant, very clear and easy to follow!

PastelsThank you so much Jacquie! You're a star!

Still working on my little squares scarf!

Rachel x

Sweet Treat Bags

2011-01-08T14:17:00.009Z

Just popped in quickly to tell you about these sweet little treat bags!

They are free downloads from The Farmchicks

Serena is so kind and generous! The floral one is my favourite! So quick and easy too, ideal for little treats and gifts!

More flowers too !Made from yarn in my stash!

Hope you are having a lovely day!

Rachel x

Come on , concentrate...

2011-01-07T14:29:00.013Z

That's what I kept telling myself as I sat in front of the computer following this brilliant tutorial

the first attempt was a little mis-shapen but then I actually got it!

I've made Teeny Tiny Flowers!

Thank you so much Lucy you really have made my Friday!

Mind you, Hubby thinks I've gone bonkers dancing around the room squealing 'Oh my god, I can do a flower'

I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

Wishing you all a Happy Weekend!

Rachel x

A funny old start to the year..

2011-01-06T12:57:00.022Z

and not in a good way.
The washing machine wouldn't drain but Hubby fixed it, then the Internet went on the blink, then we lost the Internet totally.then finally the central heating boiler went up the spout! It was f- f- flippin freezing, so there have been a few headaches while we got it all sorted and now we are finally back on track.
I huddled under a blanket and continued with my crochet scarf, which is coming along nicely!

I am really enjoying hooking these little squares in my spare moments!Even while I'm loading these photos!

Some of these yarns I've had for 20 years!Some are vintage yarns from the boot too!

When I wrote my first post about crochet I would've liked it to be longer but because of the Internet problem I had to write it really quickly and didn't include everything I wanted too.

There are lots of beautiful blogs full of crochet inspiration so here are a few more that I would've liked to include

Bunny mummy, I met the lovely Jacquie on Flickr last year. She has a wonderful blog filled with crochet inspiration and free tutorials too! I hope to have a go at her bunting soon!

Tabiboo I love to read Nina's gorgeous blog!Wonderful photos filled with crochet inspiration.I love her granny scarf!

Of course there are lots of gorgeous blogs out there and I'm finding more each day.It was torture before, coming across these blogs when I just couldn't do it. Ooohing and ahhing over bright colourful crochet and now I feel such a part of it!

Thank you so much for all your encouraging and kind comments, I really do appreciate every single one of them! And to the ladies who have said they can't do it, just keep at it, it honestly will just click into place one day!

TTFN

Rachel x

I'M DOING IT, I'M PROPERLY DOING IT!!

2011-01-02T08:46:00.025Z

I'm so excited to tell you about this! But first HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all! Hope you had a Smashing Christmas!Ours was lovely, and I am loving the new year because I have Finally learnt to CROCHET!! I have wanted to do this for sooo long, years in fact, I have made many attempts before but couldn't even get to grips with how to hold the hook!

But this year I was determined, after seeing so much hooky loveliness here and here...

and most definitely here , I knew I just had to persevere until I had done it, and I have, AT LAST!!

I can't believe I made these tiny squares!

It's all because of this lovely lady and her amazing blog.
It was so easy to follow her step by step instructions, they were so clear, I could check if I was doing it right with the gorgeous clear photos too!

Thank you so much Vanessa!!

I'm now working on the scarf and really enjoying it!

I'm off to do some more, gotta go into the loft to raid my stash of oddment yarns!
Rachel xx

2010-12-24T16:16:00.002Z

Wishing you and your families
a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Rachel xxx

My Little Snow Baby

2010-12-19T08:25:00.007Z

He's so funny in the snow!

He's finding it very difficult to find a place to 'go'

When he comes back indoors it takes ages to dry him off as he's covered in tiny balls of Snow which have stuck to his fur!!

The snow is about 12'' deep here so we shall be indoors today!

Keep cosy and warm!

Rachel x

And the winner is....

2010-12-16T16:30:00.010Z

TABIBOO! Well done to you!

I shall pop your giveaway parcel in the post as soon as I have your address.

Just to let you know, the giveaway is the only nice bit of my day today! I have been working outdoors on my little stall and I was rained on sleeted on and as the snow blew right into my stall some of my stock got wet too! Normally I am a cheerful sort of a gal but today I was not a happy bunny!

However I did treat myself to this cheery tea cosy in Robert Dyas for only £2.99.

I bought a matching cake tin too for my Christmas baking !I packed up early and I'm warming up at home with a mug of coffee with a dash of Baileys in it!

Lovely!

Surely tomorrow has got to be better!

Love this banner by Jan Constantine!

Rachel x

More Homemade Gifts

2010-12-15T13:32:00.010Z

Still busy beavering away, although I'm running out of time!

I have a niece who loves all things Cath kidston and vintage style so I made her a felt rose brooch, in fact I made a stack of felt brooches!!

I already had these felts and the brooch backs so I didn't have to buy anything! I love it when a little project comes together quickly and easily! Especially at this time of year!I'm just making some little gift boxes to pop them in.

Nibbling on a banana muffin too, very naughty!

Have a sweet day!

Before I go, don't forget to join in the giveaway in the last post!

Rachel x

A Little Christmas Giveaway

2010-12-14T11:45:00.014Z

I meant to do this a little sooner, but as usual, time ran away with me!

I thought I'd have a little giveaway to celebrate finishing my 'Challenge' and because it's Christmas.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post to say you'd like to join in.

The names will be drawn from a hat on Thursday evening

Followers will receive 2 chances to win as I'll pop your name in twice!

All are welcome to join in, UK and across the pond, I like to include everone!

The gifts in the giveaway parcel will be,

a little Christmas stocking decoration to pop on your tree. Handmade by me from vintage blanket...

a Union Jack purse (not made by me but so cute)..

and a pink fluffy pom-pom garland! I had great fun making these yesterday!

Have a sweet day, I'm off to make banana muffins with Andy Williams crooning in my ear!

Gotta love Andy at Christmas!

Rachel x

Tutorial For Pom-pom Garland

2010-12-13T14:08:00.044Z

Hello everyone,

just getting into the swing of Christmas and I've been making a few homemade pressies and I thought I'd share this one with you! Ages ago I bought this yarn from a car boot and was at a little bit of a loss of what to make with it!

But today I have made 3 garlands, so easy peasy and quick to make.

Thought I'd do a quick tutorial for you.

1.Select your yarn. Mine looks a bit like candyfloss.

2.Wrap the yarn around your fingers, I wrapped mine 40 times around 3 fingers3.Carefully slip the yarn off your fingers and tie a piece of yarn around the middle of your bundle.

4.Snip though the ends of one side of the pom pom , and then the other.

5. Fluff out the pom pom with your fingers. At this point it may look a little bit miss-shapen but don't worry. You just need to trim around the ball of yarn with your scissors!

That's it! It's as simple as that!I made 10 pom-poms for my garland.

6.I then threaded my pom-poms onto crochet cotton leaving a 15cm gap between each pom-pom bauble.I also allowed 20cm at each end for tying.

Just the kind of quick project you need at this time of year.I'm going to make some tiny ones for my tree next!

Rachel x

P.S I shall be back tomorrow with a little giveaway!

Brrrrrrrrr!!Snow , Wilson and a Vintage Tea Cosy

2010-11-30T08:56:00.032Z

Oh yes we have a little smattering of snow here in Oxfordshire! I am feeling sorry for the folk up north though as it's quite bad!Wilson is loving it and keeps haring around outside!

He likes to snuffle it! Look at the snow all stuck to his fur!I don't think I'd be able to see him if it was deeper!

I prefer to stay warm and cosy indoors!

This is a box I painted recently, it was stained in a dark wood before. I shall keep some choccies in it at Christmas I think.

I have been knitting whilst watching TV in the evenings, I'm working on a vintage pattern tea cosy from a lovely book I've had since I was a little girl! In real life the blue is a pretty pale shade but brighter than it looks in this picture!

Whoops what happened there! Ha! Proof of ownership!

This is the picture of the cosy.I might knit another one in red and cream! I always wanted to knit this little chap too!Another one to add to my endless'would love to make' lists!

Hope you all keep cosy and warm!

Rachel x

I've completed' The Challenge'

2010-11-23T18:49:00.042Z

I'm so pleased I took part in 'The Challenge of The Utmost Kind@ which Dottie angel started.

I started my challenge on 22nd November 2009 and I'm really glad I joined in.

Was it difficult? It was sometimes,especially as the seasons changed and I couldn't buy a new top or anything!Also I love magazines and that was a bit hard, especially at Christmas, when I usually like to treat myself to a Christmas issue or two! Thank goodness the lovely Floss organized a magazine swap!I made more use of the local library too!

I recycled and revamped lots of things, went to more boots too and found lots of bargains

I also used Freecycle and gained a gorgeous pine dressing table( in the dining room at the mo waiting for a revamp!) and a bag of printer ink cartridges!That is Wilson's bum in the photo too!

What did I buy secondhand? Some clothes, especially skirts in the Summer. I also bought fabric and wool from Charity shops and the boot! In fact I got 3 balls of Rowan Tweed for 60p from the charity shop!

What did I make?Loads of stuff! In fact I found I became much more creative and used things I'd forgotten I had.Less time shopping= more time creating

Made from a linen dress found at the boot

Made from a skirt and a dress!

Did I Cheat? Errmm.. I did treat myself to a pair of sporty trousers in October for a holiday that we booked at short notice, well I couldn't run around a theme park in a skirt!They were only £5 too!

What did I miss? Perfume, I do love lovely scent, it really cheers me up!I had to stop using my Kenzo Flowers because I knew it would run out, had to use my body creams instead for scent. In fact I am down to my last drop of Kenzo!

I've nearly run out of eyeliner too!

What did I gain? Creativity and self reliance!I became more resourceful and I adapted things! I really wanted floral oilcloth for my hall table but then I made my own patchwork which I was really pleased with!

I will continue with buying second hand and handmade but not in such a strict way!

Thanks Tif, for the brilliant idea of 'The Challenge'

I shall be back soon with new makes and a giveaway to celebrate the end of my challenge

TTFN

Rachel x

Cutie Patootie!

2010-11-12T10:17:00.006Z

Yes he really is a cutie patootie!

He was a bit miffed with me because I was painting and he wanted some attention!

I found him 10 minutes later and he wouldnt look at me!

Not now he'd found My Jelly Baby to snuggle with!

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

Rachel x

Remembering...

2010-11-11T11:09:00.003Z

Patchwork Bag 2

2010-11-10T10:24:00.001Z

Patchwork Bag 2
Originally uploaded by RubyRed06

More of my hexagon patchwork made into little Girly bags!

Oh Dear,

2010-11-08T16:33:00.021Z

I think my little blog is developing abandonment issues! I can't believe my last post was at the end of September!

Life has been very busy! We had a wonderful holiday in Spain in half term, spent lots of time at a very exciting theme park, time at the beach and in amazing Barcelona!

We've also been trying to finish the hall and stairs!Five door frames to rub down and paint!

Also had orders from new shops for handmade pretties! I shall tell you more about that soon! Really I just popped in to say hi and catch up with you all!

Wow 162 followers! I really appreciate it and all your lovely comments!

Thank you so much!!

In fact I shall be having a little giveaway soon to celebrate the end of my' challenge!'

Toodle Pip!

Rachel x

Hexie Patchwork

2010-09-28T08:29:00.015+01:00

First of all thank you for sharing your fave colours with me , I can see a lot of you are likeminded and think that Red is Best and some of you like Aqua Teal and Turquoise . I have to agree I do love Aqua accenting Red myself.And of course for some of you the favourite is Pink!

Yesterday I decided to make up some of my Hexie patches that I started on ages ago, you know one of those projects you put to one side for a little while and then totally forget about! I 've got lots of those!

I think this patchwork piece is destined to become a small cushion. In fact I am making it to fit the IKEA Irma cushion pad as its only 35cm x 35cm!

Have a sweet day

Rachel x

Simply Red

2010-09-27T08:15:00.039+01:00

I have always loved the colour Red, since I was a little girl, always choosing the red sweetie,

wanting a pair of red shoes

Lots of my makes are in red, both sewing,

and knitting!

Okay, sometimes with a touch of pink too!

Love to accessorise my home in red too!

Red really is best!

What's your favourite colour?

Rachel x

Finished!

2010-09-25T12:50:00.029+01:00

Finally finished the patchwork cover for my hall table and added the bobble trim!I'm quite pleased with it now!Also took a little wicker hamper from my craft room for extra storage.

I also finally finished painting this mirror, a car boot find that I've had hanging around for a year! I'm a bit of a hoarder!

It took 3 coats of metal paint, but I'm really pleased with the results! Athough when I pulled the masking tape off it pulled a tiny bit of the paint off too so I need to retouch that!

I've put his basket at the bottom of the stairs too to carry bits and pieces up and down and ATTEMPT to keep it tidy! Guess where I got it from?

Twas a bargain at only £2 I just had to get it!

I've got a nasty cold this weeked so I will be keeping cozy indoors, I have completed a few knitting projects though. Do you remember the pink candyfloss wool?

I have knitted it into Shabby Chic Christmas Decorations and trimmed them with rosebuds from my stash.I shall pop some in my Etsy shop I think.
Have a lovely weekend gals!
Rachel x

On my list today...

2010-09-21T12:11:00.010+01:00

Do the washing

Empty the dishwasher

Take Wilson for a walk

Make son's lunch for 6th form trip

Go to charity warehouse to source more fabric

Go shopping

Pack shopping away(I hate that bit)

Finish making cover for hall table

I'm pleased to say I've managed to do the all by lunch time except No.8, that is still a WIP, do you want to see?

The dress I was going to use was stitched in panels so I had to rethink. Idecided to make a patchwork cover and mixed it in with other fabrics. The beige rose fabric is the dress. I also used an offcut of my daughters curtains, a pillowcase and leftover cushion faric I've had for a few years!And do you know what, I'm really pleased with it so far! I need to add 1 more panel, back it and then add the pompom trim!

I'm off to make myself some lunch while Wilson has his little nap(tired from his walk)

Rachel x

We spent the weekend...

2010-09-20T10:42:00.028+01:00

decorating our hall, stairs and landing. I say hall, but really it is just a titchy little square to step into to take off your coat and kick off your shoes! There is a door off to the dining room or you can go straight up the stairs!

This is the before, the colour was Turkish Gold which was looking a bit dated.

A close up of the gold!

We have now painted it Natural Calico by Dulux, althogh it looks a bit gray in this photo!The Hubster made the pretty hearts key holder for me about 10 years ago and I love it !

There is just enough room for a little hall table. I bought this at the boot last year for a couple of pounds!I need to repaint it white and as there is a split in the top I would love to cover it in a pretty oilcloth

but while I'm doing the challenge there is no chance of that. I doubt I will find any at the boot or in a charity shop. In the meantime I'm going to use a piece of floral linen dress, I shall cut a piece and trim it with pom poms I think!

I also bought the lovely wine box at the boot, for a £1 I think. This now contains my envelopes, stamps and the like!I still need to paint all the woodwork and finish painting the mirror(only the 3rd coat grrrr!) I shall show you more piccies later in the week! Oh and thank you for all the kind comments about my hand knitted bag in the last post! You are all so sweet!

Have a lovely week ladies, the sun is shining here at the mo!

Rachel x

Autumn Knitting

2010-09-14T12:34:00.018+01:00

Now ladies, you must remember I am a bit limited with my yarn choices at the mo, due to' the challenge'. That said, I've had a few lovely finds from the boot.I found this a few weeks ago

I've got about 10 balls for £2.50, bargain!!I decided to knit a bag, really hard to get a good photo of it though! I finished it with a knitted flower and then I stitched a metal rose into the centre. This was from a bracelet that I took apart (bought from the boot of course!)

I knitted in moss stitch and the yarn was knitted in double so it has a lovely texture.

I also got this quite a while ago

It's a bit like candyfloss, don't ya think?'Not sure what to knit with it yet, I'll have to ponder on this a bit longer!I do have quite a bit of yarn in the loft too, it all needs a good sort out, I shall save that job for a rainy day I think!

Rachel x

The last week has seemed very busy...

2010-09-13T12:09:00.029+01:00

But filled with lovely things too, a friends housewarming, friends birthday parties and a trip to Brighton to take my daughter to her uni house!

She treated me to lunch at Bills in Lewes,(a belated Birthday treat) we both had Moroccan Chicken and it was delicious! Such a brilliant place with a great atmosphere! It was lovely to have a girly catch up too and then we had a mooch around the Antique centres oohing and aahing over jewellery and furniture!

Whilst in Brighton I only bought a few treasures from the charity shops as I'm still sticking to my challenge!

This was one of them, a linen skirt for just a £1! This will be put to good use in sewing projects. I also bought a pale blue linen baby sling for just 50p!

I've also been sewing up a storm for my stall and my Etsy Shop

These are some coasters I have made using vintage fabrics.

Yesterday we went blackberry picking. We didn't pick enough for jam but we did pick enough for these

Blackberry muffins, very tasty with a cup of coffee!

This week I've got lots more sewing to do and I've started on my autumn knitting too!Ill tell you more about the knitting and my bargain wool later in the week!

Have a great week ladies!

Rachel x

Wilson 'Helping'

2010-09-05T14:22:00.015+01:00

Wilson thought he was 'helping'.

What do you mean you don't want soil all over the kitchen floor!I tipped out the plant pot for you, you know, the one you just filled outside!!

What do you mean stay out there while you clean it up!

Tell you what, I'll look after this branch shall I?

I don't know about you, but this gardening lark is very tiring! I'll just have a bit of a rest!

Thank you ladies for your sweet comments on my last post, they are really appreciated!

Sunshine on our stalls!

2010-07-30T08:50:00.043+01:00

Oh the delights of having an outdoor stall in the summer!

I have taken these photos over the summer so far. Luckily we have had lots of dry weather!

I love the pretty rose plate!

I have sold lots of these hearts!

Colourful bunting, always popular!

vintage china

The handmade bunnies are popular and I love to stitch them too!

On my friend Karen's stall

Gorgeous collectibles!

Stunning Spode

Pretty enamel teapots

Sparkley vintage jewellery

more vintage pieces

We have a lovely time, catching up, chatting to our customers, we have quite a few regulars.Yep we love it in the summer!

Of course it's a totally different story in the winter!

Have a lovely day ladies!

Suns out to play here!

Rachel x

More treasures

2010-07-28T08:27:00.010+01:00

Found these gorgeous floral cushions at the boot sale ! Just for a change I am going to keep them for myself! Even though the Hubster has been heard to say ' not more flippin cushins'

Not sure which room they will live in , at the mo they are on the sofa. they would also look lovely in the bedroom or summerhouse!

Also found these baby dresses for just 50p each!

Baby dresses are ideal for little sewing projects as they come in such pretty fabric. Once you have snipped off the skirt and pressed it theres usually a decent amount of fabric!

I'm off to make pancakes for my son, it's such a beautiful day today!

Hope you have a good one!

Rachel x

Car boot treasures

2010-07-27T11:54:00.012+01:00

Found lots of lovely treasures at the boot on Sunday, some of which I was very surprised to see!

First I found the CK basket for just 25p! 25p ladies, can you believe it!Later on I found all the CK stuff thats in the basket for just £2.50! I can't believe that CK goodies are turning up at the boot!Can you?

All these lovelies were just a £1 each, there were 6 or 7 balls if crochet cotton for just £2!

I shall show you more treasures tomorrow as Wilson is tugging at my skirt!

Have a lovely day ladies, thank you for not forgetting me and thank you for the Wilson love too!!

Rachel x

It's been waaaay too long!!

2010-07-24T15:09:00.077+01:00

so long in fact, you've probably forgotton me! So what's kept me away? Believe me I have meant to write a post so many times, but there don't seem to be enough hours in the day!! Especially now I have this little chap in my life!!

This is Wilson, isn't he a cutie!

We've had him for four weeks and he's 12 weeks old.He's a Bichon Frise and I love him to bits, in fact we all do, which is a bit of a surprise as the Hubster did not want a dog! In fact it took me a year to persuade him that we REALLY needed one!But guess who loves him to bits now we've got him? In fact Wilson gets a hug before I do!

Here he is with my baby my 21 year old baby, that's another thing that happened while I was away, I still can't believe my firstborn is 21!Doesn't seem that long ago that she looked like this

This is a piccie of my daughter and me at my sister's wedding in the early 1990's!Where did the time go!

It was a bit of a testing time making sure my son revised enough for his GCSE's. And then there was his Prom!
Looking very smart and oh so grown up in his Tux!
Arriving at the Prom with friends in a Vintage Triumph Stag.

We've also had lots of other family birthdays and gatherings in the last few months and the inlaws have just been over for a visit fron Spain too!

Anyway I must tell you about 2 gorgeous swaps that I took part in as this is loooong overdue! Although I've thanked both my swap partners by email I havent blogged about it and I feel really bad about it, so big apologies to bekimarie and Clare, you must be so fed up of waiting for me!!

Let me tell you about the swap with Bekimarie first.We took part in the swap organized by the lovely Emma The Good enough to eat swap, such a good idea for a swap!

I loved all of my swap gifts! aren't they gorgeous!

Such a cute little apple hook which will be going on the wall in my craft room.

The handmade goodies are adorable too, I do love hand made things.

Such a sweet strawberry pincushion

Look at the cupcake too! I love it!

Can't wait to try the cake recipe, it looks delicious!

Thank you again Beki Marie for your very thoughtful swap!

The second swap was the Strawberry swap organized by the lovely Pixiedust and my partner was Clare

I oohhed and aahhed for ages with this one!

Beautiful things!I shall hang the felt strawberry in my craft room.Such a cute pill box!

And a pretty necklace!I love the handmade address book, made so carefully too!

Thank you again to Clare, I really do love all my strawberry themed gifts!

Now I must go and do a little dog training with Wilson, he knows sit and fetch, having a little trouble with play biting though so any doggy tips will be gratefully received!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Love Rachel x

I'm still around!

2010-06-02T17:54:00.007+01:00

Just to let you know I am still around! We have swapped to Windows 7 and I can't get to grips with uploading photos from the camera! Grrr!!

The Hubster is away at the mo and he's the man to sort it out for me

I have loads of news to share and I've been to choose my little dog! We shall be collecting him at the end of the month! Can't wait!

I have some thank you's for swaps to say, but I can't show you the piccies so I'll do that next time!

Hope you are all enjoying the lovely weather! I've been doing some planting today in the warm sunshine!

Sunshine on my Dresser

2010-05-10T11:00:00.009+01:00

At last some morning sunshine!

As I've tidied my dresser I thought I'd share some pictures

And now we do have the sunshine, I've got furniture painting to do!Outdoors!

Rachel x

2010-05-09T14:39:00.017+01:00

Got up at 5.45 today to go to the boot and just as I drove to pick up my friend it started to rain! Unbelievable! However I still managed to find a few pretties!

I bought this necklace for myself and such a bargain at only 50p!

It's a Monsoon one too!

I found lots of pretty mugs, this one,

And this one,

and this one is so cute!

I love this vintage string tin, destined for my stall!

More strawberry makes too this afternoon, this is a double strawberry brooch!

Hey the sun's just popped out and I have some Dahlias to plant!

TTFN

Rachel x

2010-05-08T16:03:00.013+01:00

Thank you for the Strawberry love ladies!

Bellaboo was very close! She thought I was going to make buting and it is, sort of!

I have made a Strawberry Garland and some strawberry keyrings so far

It was a swap that I'm taking part in that inpired me!

I did want to plant up some pots today but it's soggy and wet outdoors!
Hopefully it will be nicer tomorrow!

will you be gardening this weekend?

Rachel x

Today I am

2010-05-07T14:14:00.009+01:00

Watching election results

Making fabric strawberries.I have a head full of ideas of what I am going to do with them.I shall show you soon!

Enjoying sniffing the lilac!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Rachel x

A Bunting Making Day

2010-05-04T13:35:00.015+01:00

Yes today has seen me making lots of bunting whilst waiting for an important phone call, which hasn't materialised yet! Isn't that frustrating!

I even had the phone in my pocket outside taking photos of my bunting!

The Lilac smells gorgeous . This actually grew under the fence from our next door neighbours. What a wonderful freebie!

I have taken some pictures indoors too, so that you can see the colours more clearly.

A bit closer

I shall be popping some into my RubyRed Tiny Shop too!

If you'd like to snap some up it is 2.5 m long with 13 flags and costs just £9.

Hope you have been enjoying the sunshine!

Rachel x

Todays thrifty Finds

2010-05-03T18:40:00.032+01:00

Last week was not a good one, hence lack of posts.Never mind though because things got better at the weekend!In fact ladies, your sweet encouraging comments on 'The Challenge'made me feel much better!A BIG THANKYOU to you all!

On Saturday I had my stall in Witney and sold lots of Vintage and handmade items, but I was sad not to be able to visit the V&H Fair as it's so amazing!If you missed it too they have got brilliant photos on Flickr

The pretty plate in the above photo was found at the boot today and I love it! I mean REALLY love it .I am going to put it on the wall behind the bench in my summerhouse

I might keep this pretty little plate too , if it doesn't sell on my stall!

I also bought lots of Crown Devon too! This will going on my stall.

One of my favourite finds today was this pretty vintage evening bag

I love the pretty clasp!

Want a closer look?

Hope you all enjoyed your bank holiday, I shall enjoy catching up on your blogs!

Rachel x

Challenge of the utmost kind!

2010-04-19T21:13:00.036+01:00

I started my challenge at the end of November, I thought about it for quite a while first .

I thought it would be REALLY hard and at times it has been!

At Christmastime it got a bit difficult as I couldn't buy anything new to wear for the Christmas season.

Then as we have changed season again I'm lacking in clothes for Spring!I don't seem to have anything colourful or Springlike to wear!

You see, before I even started this challenge, I wasn't a serious shopper, I don't actually buy clothes that often, but then when you know you can't , you seem to suddenly need things!

My knee length boots leaked and I didn't have any others so Hubby bought me a pair as a gift for Valentines day, but that is the only thing I've had in the last 5 months!Oh and a fabric pen for Easter instead of a chocolate egg!

Now the car boot sales have started up, life is much easier as there are many treasures waiting to be found!

Up until now I haven't really bought clothes from the boot, I haven't got the patience to search though through rails of tightly packed clothes, I haven't wanted to get involved in the scrum either!

However I have recently found a few gems!

A pretty cardigan from Next with tags still on and 3 pretty summer skirts.I shall have to show you pictures another day as it's too dark.

As I've shown you on other posts I have found lots of pretty fabric!

Pretty china too!

Things I have done because of the challenge,

Become more creative, I have definitely spent more time creating,

Baked more, less time shopping, more time baking.This has saved me money too as I've planned menus!

Started to use the library again, I have found some gorgeous books in the last few months

I've read more blogs too, instead of buying home magazines, oh yes ladies you have inspired me!

It's been a bit liberating so far, stepping off the conveyor belt of just buying 'stuff 'everyone else has got!

I have only recently realized I am allowed to BUY handmade things, I thought the handmade thing was things I had made for myself! Duh

Etsy here I come!!

Rachel x

Sunday

2010-04-18T17:16:00.036+01:00

First of all, thank you for your sweet comments on my yo-yoing ways, yo are all so lovely!
This morning I was up at 5.45 to go to the boot, in fact 2 boots and a village of garage sales!

Here are some of my favourite finds.The spools of machine yarn in the above photo were only 50p each!

Can't wait to use this pretty fabric!

I love this little tin, but it will go on my stall.

Whoops, the tray is upside down!

A girl can never have enough vintage buttons!

In the afternoon we made a picnic and went to the lovely Old Minster, a village a couple of miles away, we ate our lunch by the river

We spent a few hours reading, lazing, and chatting.It was lovely to be in the sunshine!

This gorgeous house was opposite us on the river. It's a beautiful house with a HUGE garden, I love the thatched roof!

Now we are back home and the Hubster is cooking Steak in peppercorn sauce and chips for tea, followed by homemade chocolate mousse! Naughty but very nice!

I shall have to do my gardening tomorrow as I ran out of time!

I shall be back tomorrow with tales of my Challenge of the Utmost Kind!

Rachel x

Yo-yo Bracelets and pincushions

2010-04-16T12:17:00.013+01:00

Ahh yes, I have been yo-yoing again, and yes it does seem to be a little addiction of mine!

I don't seem to be able to stop making them!

I haven't added the buttons to this one yet but i'm just trying it on for size.

I have made lots of these for mself for the Spring and Summer and I've popped some in the RubyRed Tiny Shop too!

I've also been making pincushions with fabric from my stash

See! Even these have yo-yo's on!

Have a wonderwul weekend!

I intend to get out into the garden

Rachel x

Brown paper packages...

2010-04-13T13:49:00.026+01:00

tied up with string

These are a few of my favourite things! For definite!!

This gorgeous parcel arrived this afternoon!

Look at these cuties! Aren't they adorable!So beautifully handknitted!I love their little faces!

OOhh the cute green brooch and pink polka dot cupcases, so sweet!

And look at the lovely knitted egg and a cute pink button!

I love this darling little teacup button and the sweet cake cases! they will both be put to good use!

I shall take it upon myself to make sure these gorgeous choocies get eaten, it's a tough job, but someones gotta do it!!

Thank you so very much Ali at cupcakes-and-biscuits.blogspot.com/you are so generous, and such sweet gifts! I 'm so lucky to have won your wonderful giveaway! I think I shall keep the little bunnies on my dresser all year round!Much oohhing and aahhing took place whilst opening this gorgeous parcel and a little tear may have welled in my eye!

Rachel x

Booting Treasure!

2010-04-12T11:00:00.025+01:00

Sorry I didn't post about the blogs yet, but I wasn't expecting all that glorious sunshine! I have been outdoors gardening and doing makeovers on small pieces of furniture.

I have also been to the boot, it was fantastic and turned up some real treasures.The mugs in the first photo came from the boot, I love them, ideal for a large mug of tea or coffee!

Love this pretty cushion, it has been freshly laundered and will be going on my stall!

Cute little 'tea for one' set, this is brand new.

I adore this pretty little vintage tin and as much as I love finding pretties for my customers, this one may be staying at my house!

These vintage knitting needles made me laugh! I had a lovely green pair too, but they slipped onto my wooden floor and the end snapped off one!So annoying!

These are double pointed needles, bouht these from the same lady, and these too

I especially love the green ones!

Right I'd better get back to my painting while the sun is out!

I shall be back tomorrow to tell you about the lovely blogs, no, really I will!

I have more treasures to show you too!

Have a lovely day!

Rachel x

Easter tree and other happenings!

2010-04-07T15:57:00.038+01:00

Hello lovely ladies!

This post is a bit late for 2 reasons

1 I'm not happy with the photos, this little 'tree' looks much prettier in real life!

2 We had expected and unexpected guests over Easter, which was lovely, but I was so busy cooking up a storm I never got the chance to take anymore photos, but never mind.

We had a lovely Easter filled with family visits to us.I didn't actually eat any chocolate over Easter. I didn't have an egg as I needed a fabric pen so the Hubster bought me a pen for my Easter gift and I'm so glad he did as I've been making these

I needed the pen for their little faces!

I couldn't buy a pen because of 'The Challenge' so I had a pen instead of an egg. See how I suffer for my work! Giggle, not really, my sister bought me an egg, bless her and I'm chuffing it as I write this post!
I have popped one of the Teddy Garlands in my Etsy shop

We also started working on the garden and mowed the grass for the first time! Just love that smell don't you? So fresh and you can smell Spring in the air, just love it!

Tomorrow I shall be on my little stall in Witney selling my goodies, I think it's meant to be a nice day, fingers crossed!

I have some new stock of vintage linens, a pretty tablecloth and some tray cloths for my stall.

I have really enjoyed looking at your blogs over Easter, although I could only hop on the computer when I had the odd spare minute, usually, early in the morning or late at night!

There have been some gorgeous Easter trees and Easter tables in blogland.

I don't mind not being able to buy home magazines when I have so many gorgeous blogs to read!

I'll tell you more about those tomorrow!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Rachel x

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T08:53:00.012+01:00

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter!

May you all have a wonderful time with friends and family.May you eat lots of chocolate, and hot cross buns and be happy!

Even if the weather is wet!

I'll show you my Easter tree tomorrow as I can't take a photo at the mo!

I'm off to bake more cupcakes!

Rachel x

2010-04-01T07:38:00.036+01:00

I've been tagged by the lovely Sophie and I've been given this Award

That's so sweet of you Sophie, thank you so much!

Anyway I have to tell you 7 things about myself so here goes!

I hate the adverts for Maltesers! The one where the lady is horrible to her husband.I know' it's only an advert but it irritates me!A lot!

I am very untidy(I say creative) In fact hubby teases me that I only take macro shots for my blog and that my blogging chums will never see a wide angle view!

I used to live in a caravan until I was 4. My dad had blown the deposit for the house on a van! I loved it as it was in the country, it was a large mobile home. My mum wasn't so keen and couldn't wait to buy a house!

I can make myself burp! What an amazing skill I hear you say, that must be so useful! But I can't curl my tongue!

I shall be getting a dog this month! I really really want a dog.I never thought I would but I've really wanted one for a WHOLE year but it took me ages to persuade Hubby!I thought I was more of a cat person.We had our lovely cat Peanut for 20 years but he sadly died just over a year ago!

I'm taking part in Dottie Angel's Challenge of The Utmost kind and I've just gotten past the first 4 months.It's not been too bad so far. But now we have a change in season I'm going to find it much more difficult!I need Spring clothes. I can see I may have to resort to making skirts from old sheets soon!The Challenge has definitely made me become more creative though!
I like to 'make' something everyday, stitched, knitted or even baked a cake. Makes me think I've achieved something!

So there are my 7 things now I would to pass this award to the following beautiful bloggers . They make me smile!

A Thrifty Mrs

Tabiboo

bellascountry

Sarah-Jane Down The Lane

The Hen House

Stitchery Pokery

Bunny Mummy

Have a lovely day!

Rachel x

You make my day!

2010-03-31T14:27:00.022+01:00

Yes you do ladies, I've got a nasty cold at the moment but you make my day with your lovely comments! Thank you for taking the time, it's really cheered me up!I haven't got much energy today so I've just been dabbling and making brooches ,with my Cath Kidston/ Ikea quilt cover!

I made one for myself to pop on my Angora cardigan!

I shall pop some in my Etsy shop later today too! http://www.etsy.com/shop/RubyRedcrafts

Now let me tell you about my best friend Karen.We've known each other to have a quick chat and say hello to for about 8 years and her son was in my class at pre-school.Then I started to have a stall at Karen and her husband's events in Burford.We have become really good friends over the the last 3 and a half years. Our families get on well together and we've been on 2 amazing fun filled holidays to the Caribbean too!

We also have stalls together on Thursdays in Witney, we chat and giggle all day!

I've been nagging Karen for ages to open an Etsy shop as she sells beautiful vintage items, jewellery and homewares

I don't want you ladies to miss out as her pretty things are very reasonably priced.She only opened her shop a week ago and she's already sold 6 items!

If you'd like to take a peek it's here http://www.etsy.com/shop/BAYTREEGIFTS

She's also opening a blog shop too, you can find it here http://baytreegifts.blogspot.com/

I'm sure she'd love you to pop by and say hello!

In other news I've been tagged by the lovely Sophie http://chezsophie-sophie.blogspot.com/ Thank you Sophie, I shall have a little think and then post about it

See you soon

Rachel x

Sweet things

2010-03-30T09:36:00.017+01:00

The Union Jack was a gorgeous gift from my children, the Russian doll my husband brought back from Russia a few year ago, when he worked out there. The toadstool was from the car boot a year ago!

Little birds waiting to be hung on my Easter tree!

Piles of fabric in my tiny craft room

Sweet teacups waiting for me to find their matching saucers... I know there here somewhere!!

Have a lovely day

Rachel x

Finally up!

2010-03-28T13:05:00.019+01:00

I painted my little shelf unit a few weeks ago but haven't put it up until today.

Here's a before picture

I bought it at the boot last year for £2! The Hubster was going to put it up last week ,but had to go and work in Norfolk. He was only supposed to be gone for 3 days, but was actually gone for 8!!

Anyway now I'm so pleased he's home . He doesn't mind that there are a few jobs to do! He's in a good mood because he's got the Grand Prix to watch!

I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I sanded and primed it. The I painted it with 2 coats of emulsion and then I waxed it.

I'm off to paint my mirror now. It's cream with a touch of gold and I'm going to paint it white.

Have a lovely day!

Rachel x

Snippety snipping

2010-03-23T14:18:00.015Z

Been snippety snipping at the Ikea quilt cover

I've made 3 of these!

I've made lots of hearts too! These will be made into a heart garland.

I'm off to bake cakes for when Sonny Jim gets home from school. He's got his appetite back.BIG TIME!!

Rachel x

p.s I cried my eyes out last night watching Married, single, other!

How about you?

Just wonderin....

2010-03-22T23:46:00.023Z

How I could have reached the age of 42 and NEVER heard this song before.A hauntingly beautiful song.Wild is the Wind http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQWOPT3TAAY this is the David Bowie version, so beautiful!

I came across it when I was listening to Billy Mackenzie on Spotify.I loved Billy in the 80's in the Associates. Me and my friend Nora McGrath used to listen to their 12"over and over again.We thought he was GORGEOUS. I was about 14 at the time!

Anyway Spotify led me to YouTube and there I heard him sing it, so haunting and beautiful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAtCMpC0_f0
Sadly Billy committed suicide in 1997 aged 39
such a shame....

It was a strange weekend...

2010-03-22T14:07:00.018Z

Mr Lurgy payed us a visit.That is he payed my son and myself a visit!Hubby was working away.Mr Lurgy arrived on Thursday evening, before that he had visited dottieangel.blogspot.com/ but he obviously felt like a change and crossed the pond!

Now I'm not often ill and neither is my son but I can't face any food other than toast at the mo! Yep we've both totally lost our appetites!It's not a bad thing in my case, as I could do with losing a few pounds. In fact a stone would be nice!! But my son is the opposite. As my grandad used to say, "I've seen more fat on a sparrows kneecap" He'll need feeding up a bit now.
Anyway hope we get back to normal soon. I haven't got time to be ill

Although I was feeling peaky it didn't stop me going to my first boot of the year.
I found these

A pretty IKEA quilt and pillowcases which I have been making into these

bunting flags
Do you like my little Cherub? He was from the boot last year, just 20p!

I found some other lovely things too which I'll show you tomorrow!

Hope Mr Lurgy doesn't come knocking at your door!

See you soon

Rachel x

And the winner is...

2010-03-16T07:53:00.025Z

Andrea from http://andreacreates.blogspot.com/

Well Done Andrea!!

I did the draw with my son this morning just before school!

Whoops I forgot to do it last night! Too busy watching Married Single Other!

Anyway a peachy little bunny and 2 handmade cards will be on their way to your house as soon as I have your address!

Just before I go, look at this gorgeous packaging!

I love the colour and the design! Not sure whether they were seductive ! Might have to try them again and see!

Have a lovely day ladies!

I'm off to make lavender sachets for my stall!

Rachel x

I've only gone and done it!!

2010-03-14T17:53:00.005Z

Yep, something I've been meaning to do for ages! I've opened an Etsy shop!! I've only listed a few items today because frankly I've worn out my few brain cells by sorting it all out!
I shall be listing more tomorrow. Fingers crossed that someone somewhere in the world may be tempted! I shall be hiding uner my duvet in embaressment otherwise! Only joking, but really doing these like this make me very nervous at first!
Hope you've had a lovely Mothers Day, whether you are a mum or visiting your mum!
I've really enjoyed mine! Hubby and son are cooking a roast for tea, my tummy is rumbling already!
Rachel x

2010-03-13T15:17:00.027Z

Yesterday I went to Cirencester with lovely friends and on the way back we popped to Lechlade antiques centre. I wanted to see Lucy Blooms unit.I also had been pondering about having a unit myself but after a lot of thought I've decided to stick with my stall and my online shops for now!However Lucys unit is lovely.It's laid out beautifully with lots to look at Lucy has made very good use of her space and has a good range of items to peruse!

Beautiful goodies!

Look what she's done with the little spice jars! So sweet!

I did buy a little parcel of Laura Ashley remnants to make items for my stall!(Thrifting is allowed in my challenge)

Aren't they pretty!I shall really enjoy using these!

Also this week I have been working on these.

These will be padded hearts made from teeny tiny scraps of fabric that iIcan't bare to throw away. I've just got to zigzag between the patches next!

I shall do my draw for the giveaway on Monday so feel free to leave a comment on this post or the last and I will pop you in the draw!

Wishing you a Happy Mothers Day for tomorrow too!

I'm just hoping for a relaxing day and a cuppa in bed! We'll see what happens!

Enjoy your wekend whatever you may be doing!

Rachel x

Sweet things!

2010-03-05T11:22:00.009Z

I made my cupcakes!

Pink butterfly cakes with REAL butter butter cream

Very naughty as one is never enough, in fact I'd better not mention EXACTLY how many I have eaten!!

Do you like my little jug? I love it! It was one of my Christmas presents from my sis! So pretty!

The last two evenings have been spent making Peachy bunnies. I bought a vintage Witney blanket at the boot last summer. I was going to dye it, as I couldn't think what to make.Bunnies popped into my head on Wednesday and so I've been busy stitching since then!

As this is my 100th post!! (I thought I'd never get there to be honest) I thought I'd have a little giveaway.The giveaway gift will be a Peachy Bunny and some handmade cards (which I've yet to make)

If you would like to enter the giveaway, you just need to leave a comment on this post! Yes, it really is as simple as that!Overseas ladies are very welcome to enter too! I wouldn't want to miss anyone out!

Have a fabulous weekend, hope the sun shines on you!

Rachel x

What I've been up to...

2010-03-03T13:02:00.010Z

little Russian doll keyrings. I like to make these while I'm watching TV in the evenings

In fact I can't watch TV without a bit of crafting, it makes me feel lazy!

I've made 12 of these little ladies, some for my stall and I shall pop some in my tinyshop later this evening.

What do you do whilst watching TV?

I'm off to make cupcakes for my boys now!

Hope mine look as good as these!

Rachel x

It's been a while!

2010-03-02T14:50:00.062Z

I didn't mean to be away for long! Hubby has been swapping the hard drive on the computer and it has taken ages!

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post, you are all very kind.There were lots of questions on how I covered the note books, there is a brilliant tutorial I have found for you here!

http://www.pompomemporium.com/content/how-cover-a-notebook-with-fabric

This very talented lady shows a step by step guide in photos.The only thing I would add, is that when you poke the tiny bit of fabric between the spine and the pages, use a bamboo skewer or a cocktail stick. it's much easier than trying to use your fingers!

A few weeks ago I took part in the No Frills magazine swap organized by the lovely Floss trocbroc.blogspot.com/Floss did an amazing job, matching everone up! Thank you for that Floss!

My partner was a very nice lady in France called Carole. Her blog is feejardin-logis.blogspot.com/ Carole has a wonderful garden and a lovely blog!

She is also VERY kind as she sent TWO gorgeous magazines!

I have really enjoyed looking at them

They both contain some beautiful images!I'd love to have a little snooze here, on a hot lazy afternoon, with a gass of cooling Pimms on the table! Perfect!

What a gorgeous cupboard!

Love this dining room!Very grand, but also cozy and homely at the same time!

The magazines are now in my magazine rack, next to the sofa and I keep having a litle peep for inspiration!Thank you so much Carole!

The last few weeks have been spent making goodies for my little stall.I've been using my yo-yo's!

Also been making hearts as these sell well on my stall!

If it's not raining this week I shall try and take some photos to show you!

Have a great week!

Enjoy the first days of spring! I am

I may even venture outside to hang some washing on the line!

TTFN

Rachel x

Feeling creative

2010-02-08T14:45:00.028Z

Despite the crappity cold weather today, I am having a happy time indoors making these!

Fabric covered notebooks! I have put off making these for a long time. I thought it would be complicated but it's not too bad!

I have covered this one in quilting cotton.

This one is a red linen mix made from a pair of trousers!I think I shall add some lace or something to this one as it looks a bit plain at the mo!

This one is my favourite. I bought this fabric last summer at the car boot. It had been made into a stool cover, badly! But I loved the fabric, it's by Jane Churchill and it's called Roses and Ribbons.Very handy for covering notebooks!

Have a great week ladies!

Rachel x

Surprise gift, Brighton and pincushions!

2010-02-05T11:33:00.029Z

I was having a bit of a feeling down kind of a day, when a parcel arrived tthrough my letterbox. I assumed it was for Hubby, as he had ordered some stuff online.But I was wrong, as I turned it over I realised it had been sent all the way from Italy! Well I was so excited, inside was the most thoughtful and special gft from the lovely Michela at Little Secrets From My Garden

Isn't it gorgeous! A sweet little purse in red leather! I love it Michela I really do!

What a sweet lady you are!

Michela sent a lovely little note saying that the purse was a thank you for the brooches I had sent when she won a giveaway of mine!

Really,there was no need to send me a gift Michela, but it was a very kind thought and I REALLY appreciate it!

It takes pride of place in the bag I had from Hubby from my birthday!

In other news, we had a lovely weekend in Brighton, visiting my daughter at uni .We had a little trip out to Devils Dyke in the South Downs.We Watched the handgliders and people doing this sport, although I don't know what it's called.It was a beautiful clear day butVERY cold.We had a very cozy pub lunch there too!

My daughter and I had a fit of the giggles watching one poor chap trying to take off.He kept trying to run off the edge of the hill but got knocked down by the wind The poor chap must've been knackered by the time he took off! Luckily he was out of earshot so he didn't hear our giggles!

This week I have been working on some new patchwork pincushions . Quite big ones too!

They are made from Hexy patchwork on both sides and I shall be popping them into my Tiny Shop later today!

I just love Hexy patchwork, so relaxing! I love picking the colours and fabrics too!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Rachel x

Pretty Knits, Nigella cookies and a tag!

2010-01-14T11:27:00.063Z

Hello lovely ladies,

hope you enjoyed the bit of Glamour yesterday!

As promised, I bring you Pretty Knits.Well this is just full of GORGEOUSNESS!!

A book full of 30 specially commissioned patterns by international designers.The author is Susan Cropper of Loop! Well that's why the book is so delicious then!

The book contains a beautiful collection of 'stylish fashion pieces, glamorous accessories and chic home furnishings'.

I just love this pretty dainty top.

This cushion would look lovely on my bed

I absolutely love the throw.I'd love to make this, even if it did take me ages to knit it!My bedroom is lilac too! it would fit in beautifully!I just love the flowery detail!

I'd definitely recommend buying this book!

Oh yes I have spent too many hours drooling over this book and eating too many of these!

I baked these yesterday , from Nigella's Christmas cookbook.Cranberry and White Chocolate cookies They are very tasty, I bought the ingredients at Christmas but never got around to making them!

I try not to buy biscuits as I REALLY like them, in fact we all do, a biscuit tin would be fatal in our hands!

And finally ,the lovely Penny from The Henhouse tagged me to show my favourite photo!It was so hard to choose! This is one of them!

My children at sunset, on a beach in Barbados in 2008 .This was our last family holiday with us all together...My son had just come out of the sea and my daughter had been doing artwork on the beach.

We all loved that holiday so much as we'd gone with lovely family friends too!Each day was full of fun and happiness

We did return to Barbados the following year but our daughter was at uni then, sighs....time seems to speed up when you get to the teenage years!

Managed to go and do a big food shop today so feeling much better about the snow.I was gettin a bit fed up of trekking into town in the snow, it was the dentist on Monday, giving blood Tuesday, my muscles are so achey from trying to stay upright on the ice whist carrying heavy shopping bags home!I was pleased we went in the car today although I'm glad hubby drove!

TTFN

Rachel x

In need of a bit of Glamour?

2010-01-13T14:04:00.040Z

a bit of luxury?

I am , after days of donning wellies, waterproof jacket, thermals, unflattering hats( hats just don't suit me)I could do with a bit of glamour in my life!

I took myself off to the library,(after the dentist) in the snow!(Remember I'm not buying magazines or books for a whole year due to 'the challenge', so the library is my new best friend) Look at what I came across!

Glamour at Home by Erika Knight

Just what I needed

Want a little peek inside?

Aren't they just gorgeous!

This tea cozy is knitted from strips of Tulle!VERY GLAMOUROUS ! Not sure how practical it would be though!

Throughout this snowy spell I have been working on a bit of glamour of my own!

Hand knitted brooches in luxury yarns.The light pink ones are knitted with Sublime angora merino.With a mother of pearl button in the centre.

So beautifully soft, you just want to brush it against your cheek, or is that just me?

The deeper pink one is knitted with Sublime kid mohair, also beautifully soft!Anyway I have knitted some to go into my Tinyshop

Feel free to pop over and take a peek!

Now they may be luxury yarns but not luxury prices! Priced at only £5.50 each with free p+p, they won't break the bank!

I also borrowed Pretty Knits from the library, I'll show you that one tomorrow, we can't have the Glamour all in one day can we!

Rachel x

Room 7 Bett - Room Seven Bed

2010-01-12T08:48:00.002Z

Room 7 Bett - Room Seven Bed
Originally uploaded by *Püppilottchen*

Such a gorgeous little bed, found this on Flickr.I have a few cushion inners and tons of fabric, I'm inspired! I haven't got a little girl to make for, now my little girl is 20! I shall make one for myself!
Rachel x

'Challenge of the Utmost Kind! '

2010-01-08T13:52:00.028Z

I'm sure lots of you already know about this lovely lady's amazing blog Here!

Well Tif started her 'challenge of the utmost kind' in September 2009 and I joined on 22nd November! Please click my sidebar for details.

I will not be buying anything for myself or my home that is new for the next year.I will only buy thrifted or handmade!

We are allowed to have a few exceptions and these are mine!

A dog, I have been waiting for a little dog for a long time, this has been my little dream since last year and I will be acquiring a new furry friend in the next few months!

Underwear, obviously I will not be wearing someone else's undies, so if I need to, I will have to buy new.I wouldn't want to be caught in holey greying underwear if I was hit by a bus!

That is it everything else will be thrifted and handmade!.Thanks Tif for creating such an amazing challenge, I'm sure it will be difficult at times but quite exciting too!

I have been sorting my massive wool stash and have been working on these for the last few snowy evenings!

I mixed a slubby blue fine yarn with a green 3 ply.

This green one is knitted with 2 strands of vintage 3 ply, probably from the late 1960's judging by the packaging!I love choosing buttons from my stash for the centre.

I will not be buying any 'new wool' this year.Only what I can thrift.I do have quite a large stash to be going on with though.Some of it from unfinished projects in the 1980's.

Have a wonderful weekend!Keep safe cozy and warm!Do not slip over on the ice and land on your eye like my son did yesterday!Yes he has another shiner, the second in 6 weeks!

Rachel x

Just spreading the word!

2010-01-07T17:20:00.015Z

The lovely sweetmyrtle.typepad.com/blog/

has set up a FLICKR group here http://www.flickr.com/groups/sew_fabulous_fabric/

It's a place to post and share your creations inspired by their first wonderful book 'Sew Fabulous fabric'.

Why not pop over to have a look and if you have made something from their gorgeous book perhaps you'd like to post it there and we can all have a little look!

Sorry if I am sounding a bit bossy but sometimes people are are bit shy to tell us what they're up to, so I thought I'd just try and spread the word a little bit!

Rachel x

Enjoying the Snow!!

2010-01-06T18:01:00.027Z

Today we awoke to a Winter Wonderland! It started yesterday afternoon and became much deeper today!

The schools were closed and Hubby had to work from home!

My son went out with his friends, after me keep reminding him to wear his long johns,warm socks, gloves, waterproof trousers,wellies!

Hubby and I ventured out later for a 10 minute walk to the garage for milk and bread.

I made him promise NOT to snowball me, but I knew he would! I got him back though! I couldn't stop laughing as I CAUGHT HIM IN THE FACE WITH A BIG SOFT SNOWBALL!It looked like he had a snowy patch over one eye!

Everything in the garden was wearing a little snowy hat!

Even my little summerhouse!

Then we made a snowman

I made some soup to keep us warm!

This evening we watched a film and I made hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows! Very naughty!! But very nice!!

Ours didn't have quite so many marshmallows as this picture!
Hope you're enjoying the snow too!
keep cozy and warm!
Rachel x

A little light distraction

2010-01-05T11:03:00.001Z

Today I am clearing out my kitchen drawers whilst listening to The Killers.

Isn't Brandon Flowers gorgeous

Just sayin...

Please allow me a little distraction whilst completing such a boring job!

Nearly done!

Rachel x

Pocketful of Dreams...

2010-01-04T10:43:00.026Z

and ideas! Yes I'm marching into the New Year with lots of plans and new ideas!I shall just share a few with you today, I'm so excited I may pop!!

First a little recap on last year

Last year was a strange one, we had health worries(Hubby) he had lots of tests as suddenly he lost a little section of eyesight in one eye. The hospital were concerned he may be about to have a Stroke or heart attack, it was all a VERY worrying few months.Lots of tests were done, his heart brain and blood and luckily he's a perfectly healthy specimen! The eye thing is 'just one of those things' apparently.Later in the year there were worries about Hubbys company closing! After the health worries I refused to get bogged down by this and just carried on and rearranged our budgeting in case!Health is definitely the most important thing, something we take for granted until it goes wrong!

I decided to take pleasure in making little savings, not see it as a problem We switched where we shopped and I took the time to make more 'homemade meals'.I also decided to buy most of our meat from the butchers instead of the supermarket as you get more for your money!

Anyway I'm rambling a bit now!

I've decided to make changes in my life this year.For me, January will be all about organisation.Every year since I've started my little business, I start to panic at this point as I haven't completed my tax return! So I shall be sorting out my paperwork and organising my craft space to become more efficient!I shall also be reorganising my kitchen, bedroom, dining room, in fact I will be organising the whole house!

Later in the week I shall be back to chat about the lovely Dottie Angel 'Challenge of the Utmost Kind' which I joined back in November!

I waste such a lot of time hunting for things I have misplaced!For instance, just found business receipts in the French style tin in my bedroom, I had totally forgotten about these!I also found Christmas gifts that I'd hidden in these boxes on top of my wardrobe!In the top photo I've found my favourite necklace under my wardrobe! How did that get there?Also came across a bottle of Elizabeth Arden Splendour!

I have accumulated too much 'stuff ', so I will be addressing this.

This is my chest of drawers after decluttering!

Usually I would be dreading all this sorting and organising, but this year I am feeling different about it all in my head!

I know I'll feel much happier when I've done it!

I've just finished an early lunch so I'm off to do a bit more now!

Have a wonderful week!

Rachel x

PS. Reading back over this post it all sounds very scatty and all over the place, I'm feeling a bit like that at the mo.Hence the focus on organisation.I hope I make more sense later in the week!

A girl can dream anyway!

Rachel xx

The In Between time

2009-12-29T15:09:00.011Z

I always find this time a little bit strange, in between Christmas and New Year.I absolutely love Christmas, not so fussed about New Year! We have had a wonderful relaxing time, lots of lounging, eating, playing on Singstar!I watched Hamlet with David Tennant, he was brilliant, I mean I watched David on TV, he wasn't with me on the sofa! That was the fisrt Shakespeare play I have ever watched all the way through and I quite enjoyed it! Cabin fever started to set in yesterday though I hadn't been out since Christmas Eve! My sister and her 4 children had come for an overnight stay, a lovely time was had by all but my sister and her 3 girls and myself went on a brisk walk to blow the cobwebs away! It was very cold and refreshing. All the visitors have gone now and its just us, keeping cozy indoors on this cold soggy day!

Bad news, our dishwasher has died, well actually my son accidentally killed it! Somehow he jammed a plate between the rubber seal on the door and water leaked into the electrics and it blew! This was before my sis arrived so we had to keep washing up for 9 people, God I loved my dishwasher!

My daughter has taken her friend to London for some open air ice skating for her friend's Birthday treat.Not sure which rink she has gone to, but they all look wonderful. she'll be going back to Brighton on New Years Eve for a party at her uni house. Just when I get used to having her at home she's off again!

Hope you are enjoying your In Between Time! I look forward to chatting with you all in The New Year!

Rachel x

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T13:18:00.026Z

Just wanted to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas, may your Dreams come true and you and your families be Happy and Healthy!

Everything is done now, family visited in Birmingham, seeing old friends, delivered festive gifts.I have made decorations.

I'm having a Baileys coffee with Hubby and listening to Christmas songs, while my children have tootled off to town for last minute gifts!

I shall do a spot of baking later from this marvellous book!

Enjoy your festivities, wherever you are!

Thank you so much for all your comments during the past year, I have loved reading each and every one of them!I have really enjoyed reading your blogs too! See you in 2010!

Much Christmassy Love

Rachel xxx

And the winner is....

2009-12-09T17:06:00.009Z

Vanessa from (Do you mind if I knit)

Well Done Vanessa!

Thank you so much ladies, for sharing all your Christmas traditions, I really enjoyed reading them all! I love the thought of outdoor ice skating, how lovely! So many traditions are passed down by families and then we add to them don't we! I hope you and your families have a Really Wonderful time and that all your wishes come true!

We shall be putting up our decorations on Saturday and then I can start on the wrapping, I love it!

Right, I'd better contact Vanessa for her address to send her parcel to!

TTFN!

Rachel x

Christmas Giveaway!

2009-12-04T15:46:00.019Z

Although we are in December, I still quite can't believe it! It maybe due to the fact that Hubby was away working in Egypt for the WHOLE of November and I was left on my own with my boy! Now recently my boy has gotten himself a good social life so I was alone. A lot.In fact even when he is in, he's a boy of few words!(he's 15)

For example" How did work experience go today? " Good"

What happened then?" "Stuff"

The upside was that I had lots of time on my hands to make 'stuff 'and make 'stuff 'I did! Lots of handmade Christmas presents and working on new design ideas.Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy time on my own, but a whole month is just toooo long especially when it's only meant to be for 2 weeks!So, to get me in the full festive spirit of December thought I'd have a little giveaway!

It will be a little parcel of goodies including, one of my Christmas fairies,

A little bunny made from vintage Witney blanket,

And a gingham heart,there will also be a few surprise gifts! They will be held in one of my heart calico bags!

All you have to do is tell me about one of your Christmas traditions in your home and I'll enter you into the draw!

One of my traditions is wrapping presents next to the lit Christmas tree, with a Baileys coffee and a mince pie, listening to my CD of all the old crooners!Especially Bing Crosby singing Drummer Boy, you know the per u pa pum pum song! Love it, hubby isn't keen on that CD though ,he prefers the Mariah Carey Christmas CD!

Can't wait to hear about yours! I'm off to have a slice of homemade flapjack , still abit warm and crumbly and a cuppa, hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Oh, the draw will close on Wednesday, to give me enough time to post it off! Overseas ladies are very welcome to join in too!

Rachel x