Random ramblings

I started running a Natural Crafts course at work today and as usual had had no time to work up any examples so whilst grabbing a cup of coffee this morning I dashed off these. Using a leaf as a negative stencil I used watercolours on vintage book papers, then collaged and added natural items such a sycamore wings, twigs and pressed flowers. But I needn't have worried, after a stroll in the local park, collecting leaves, twigs, seeds etc the group had lots of ideas of their own and we had a very enjoyable time together.

Talking of work I was in a graveyard again the other week. We had a team day out, having a walk and then lunch together. On the walk I came across a lovely little graveyard so I just had to have a five minute detour and this is one of the charming graves I came across.

I got out some material yesterday, Laura Ashley, that I bought ages ago, so long ago that I can't remember what project I had in mind for it. I've been given an armchair that must have been made in the 1930's or 40's that needs recovering and I thought I'd just see how much fabric I had. I turned round for a moment and then discovered Archie nestling in it, he has a sixth sense when it comes to me getting fabric out. I can't be mad at him, he's just so cute :)

I'm a Winner

I've been drawn out of the proverbial hat as follower of the week over on Susie's blog Gathering Up Bits of the World. I'm thrilled to have won the above quiltie, I've never won any draws before. I've long admired Susie's work, she makes the most delightful journals and has a blog that is well worth a visit so do pop over and say hi.

Just thought you should know that Mickey and Bill take their Neighbourhood Watch duties very seriously, lol.

Christmas Pressie Making Commences....

Can you guess what it is yet?

No. not a scarf but a doorshop. I haven't got the right weight yarn so combining a couple of yarns. It's from a lovely new book by Debbie Bliss called The Knitting Year, which has some really lovely projects. Again I got it out of the library, thank goodness for libraries :)

Now if you feel in need of an Ahhh..... moment this damp autumnal morning, here's Bill, just showing you how he's growing up into a fine, handsome cat

Ahhhh.... Enjoy your Sundays, I'm off to work in the garden, tidying up for winter, then I must knit, knit and maybe some more knitting, why are weekends so short?!

Home Inspiration and Knitting Dreams

I came across this inspirational home interiors book in my local library, it has so many wonderful photos, evoking different moods and eclectic interiors that I just had to share it.


I love ethnic and folk art textiles, particularly indian block prints.

I thought the above colour scheme was amazing and the title Travellers and Magicians just conjured up lots of images in my mind that I could use in my artwork.

Collections of scraps and fragments, little treasures, is a passion of mine. I love displays of them together and remembering the stories behind them, or imaging stories around them.

I found this wonderful knitted cardigan in a book called Power Cables by Lily M Chin, again in my library. This pattern has entered my 'if I ever find the time to knit it' knitting list. Suspect we all have one of these lists. It's ages since I did any cabling and yet I do so love it.

PS Is anyone else going to, and getting excited about, the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace this weekend? I went for the first time last year and I can't recommend it highly enough, it is just so inspirational and you can buy all sorts of mixed media goodies (been saving my £2 coins so I can have a splash out without feeling guilty).

Vintage Wedding ATC Swap

These are the lovely ATCs that I got in the swap I participated in recently. Many thanks to Cath, Pat, Jen and Mel for some absolutely super cards.