Still in the pink

It would appear that I need peace and quiet to blog and I'm afraid last week that was in short supply. Since the sun decided to make an extended appearance it seemed like the perfect opportunity to replace our front door and a window, a job that had been scheduled for some time but weather kept delaying. While our local joiners have many qualities and abilities, stealth isn't one of them.


I made a vain attempt to work outside but the pond residents were making such a racket I found it difficult to concentrate. Just in case you think I'm exaggerating you can have a look here to see what I mean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdVflYLM4DQ. I can actually hear them in the house, even with the windows and doors closed.

Our yearly pond residents, look closely

their parting gift

The majority of them have left now, their job for this year done. Peace and quiet reigns once more.

Unfortunately I haven't been quite as productive, a bit of a worry really, especially since I have my first craft fair of the year in  just over a month. However I have had another go at 'pink'. This is one of my favourite designs so I was far more comfortable making it. I have taken on board suggestions from the last pink post and have gone with a different embellishment, trading the woollen brooch for something smaller and more structured. In the meantime your feedback would be appreciated on this offering.

On another note, last week I was very fortunate to have received my first ever blog award from Hazel and Blue Thanks so much Becky, it's really appreciated

This award is for blogs with 300 followers or less, to showcase their blogs, and hopefully encourage some new readers. I now have to choose some people to pass it on to. No easy task since there are so many enjoyable, informative and entertaining blogs out there. I have decided to choose these peoples blogs, not only because they are all well worth a read, but also because I know they fit the criteria ( there are a so many more I would like to include but I don't know what their following is )

The Kitchen Bitch Ponders

Daily Musings

The Devil Makes work

Ormolu

A pretty varied lot, hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

New Season's Aims

Spring has most definitely sprung. Plants are beginning to show signs of struggling in to this years finery. Birds are in full voice, even if they could do with a little help from a choirmaster, and after a week of work the pond is quivering with frogspawn. 


So, true to my word of earlier this year it is time to set about accomplishing some new season's aims. To ease me out of hibernation the first thing I've done is volunteer at one of the local charity shops. It will be strange to be back working in a shop environment after so long but I'm really looking forward to it. 


Next step was to get making again. I've already spent more time in my workroom in the last week than I have in the previous 3 months. Yes, that may have something to do with the fact that I no longer risk breaking a leg or getting soaked to the bone on my way to it, but it's mainly because I'm eager to get started on some new projects (the 'pink' bag being one of them). I bought some fabulous new fabrics at Hobbycraft (S.E.C.C.) a few weeks ago and I'm keen to see what I can do with them.


Another aim was to set up my Folksy shop, ( actually that was one of last years aims that wasn't quite met, but better late than never eh?) It took a bit longer than I was expecting since I'm not what you would say 'a natural' at all things computer related. This is a sample of what I have listed at the moment. I'll be listing more when I have the time,... and patience! ( I'm assured I'll get quicker, because getting any slower would be against the laws of physics)

But my main aim this year is to do what I enjoy. When I decided, 2 years ago, to increase the number of craft fairs I was doing I had no idea that I would get to the point of finding 'making' a chore. Everything fell by the wayside in the need to produce something new for each fair I attended, and it wasn't always something that I enjoyed making. I stopped painting, since I wasn't likely to be taking art to the fairs, and I stopped designing because I didn't have the time to waste on R&D.


Looking out at the garden these last few days brought it home to me just how much I had also neglected it. Now, I like a little wilderness as much as the next person, but when that wilderness is tending towards jungle you know you have to call a halt. I made excuses about how tidy gardens were the cause of a decline in our natural wildlife and I was doing my bit provide shelter. Pah! More like I was too busy with my crafting 'chores' to find time for any others.


So with that in mind I've decided to limit the number of craft fairs I'll be participating in this year, probably the decision that prompted my Folksy shop opening. I also think it's one of the main reasons I'm now back in my workroom, and loving it.


Of course, just because I'm calling them new season's aims doesn't mean they won't go the same way as their January counterparts!

The colour of Spring

At last, my lurghi has left me ( many thanks for all of your get well wishes ). Just in time too. Never mind the occasional hail, sleet or snow storm, the frogs have arrived in the pond so it must be Spring. Hurrah!


I sat outside to have lunch yesterday, granted I was wearing a thermal vest, polo neck and a fleece, but I was still outside. Glorying in the sunny blue sky, listening to the frogs and being startled every now and again by battling crows in the trees. Filled with a new sense of purpose I felt it was time to tackle the bag I had been putting off most of the winter.


On a shopping trip with a very good friend I was 'persuaded' to buy a lovely Linton tweed. Now, I use Linton fabrics quite often so I don't want you thinking that's what required her strong arm tactics. No, it was the colour. It was pink. And I do mean PINK! 


Being Dutch my friend has a completely different attitude than mine to colour. I hate the idea of falling in to a stereotype here but I think it would be fair to say that as a Scot I'm not the most flamboyant when it comes to hues, tints and tones. I'm not sure if that is a national trait ( but to be honest you just have to look at most of the ancient or hunting tartans to get a good idea! ) or whether it's more to do with being the youngest of 4 girls. As clothes were likely to be passed down the more practical colours were chosen, in classic styles that wouldn't appear dated by the time they reached their final recipient. 


With that in mind it's no surprise that when fabric shopping I tend towards the blues, greys, browns and greens. The joy of making bags is that although the outside may be practical, bordering on puritan, I can always shake it up a bit with a funky lining. Sort of like a hidden, guilty pleasure. 


But my friend was having none of that. She wanted to shake me out of my comfort zone. To stop me being practical and allow myself to be frivolous for a change, and not in secret. So yesterday I had a go, I'm just not sure about the results.

A work in progress

I found it really difficult to design and make something that was so far removed from my normal colour palette. I wanted it to be structured but squishy at the same time, so I put darts in the rounded corners, a central pleat for volume and a rigid top panel.


It's not a huge bag, the more space I have the more likely I am to fill it with junk and my shoulders won't stand the strain anymore ( it's an age thing I'm sure ) Again, I'm not sure whether I've got the proportions right.  I've used a vintage leather belt as the shoulder strap, it's a sort of toffee shade that I've tied in with the wool brooch embellishment (that's still a work in progress, it may need a little something added to it).


I wouldn't normally post an unfinished item but in this case I think I'm looking for a little feedback and inspiration. Moving out of your comfort zone might be all well in theory, in practice as far as I can see it just results in a lot of hair pulling and self doubt!

Swapping

I've been battling a lurghi for the last couple of weeks. What started as a simple cold developed into sinusitis, that wonderful ailment that leaves you convinced your brain is being forced out through your eye sockets. 
This led to a persistent cough that's seen me banished to the spare room in an effort to ensure that at least one adult in the household gets a decent nights sleep.


From that you can assume I've not been at my most productive!


Quite frustrating really, especially since I participated in Very Berry's fabric swap last month, my first ever. I managed to get a parcel sent to my swap recipient Hooked Yarn and I received this wonderful bundle from Hazel and Blue last week. 

It made me think of spring when I opened it, all those fresh colours in soft tones. Some designs traditional, others quite funky.

I've been desperate to get started on something with these fabulous goodies, but it's difficult to cut in a straight line while coughing up a lung! So I'm just going to have to be patient and hope the syrup starts working (although now I'm not sure exactly what 'for coughs' means!)

The 14th of February

It's been a while since I thought of the 14th of February as Valentine's Day. A number of years ago it stopped being that for us and became the boys birthday (quite fortunate for their Dad really, it means he has a fighting chance of remembering the date)

After the boys were born our wonderful midwife, Jodie, suggested to my husband that surely I deserved some flowers on such a special day. I seem to recall pointing out that if that's what I had to do in order to get a bunch of flowers I could probably live without them!

He took me at my word.

The 14th is celebrated as our boys birthday, not a day of romantic declarations. This year it was paint balling for 20 as opposed to a quiet dinner for two, birthday cards in place of valentines, sponge cake instead of chocolates, coca-cola rather than champagne, and not a flower in sight.( I compensated slightly by making a flower pendant to wear on the day, and of course it had to be red.)   

A folded red silk flower pendant

So my expectations weren't high when he asked if I wanted an apple for Valentines day. Knowing his sense of humour I was picturing a Granny Smith or Cox's Orange Pippin tied in a cheeky red bow. You can't imagine my surprise when this arrived.........

My joint Valentine and Early Birthday present! Wheeee!

It would seem he's taken pity on me and can no longer bare to see my vain attempts to combat the temperature in the office. Either that or the freezing hands I keep shoving down his neck to illustrate how cold I am have finally taken their toll.  Now I can sit in front of my roaring fire surfing till my little fingers are numb from over use rather than lack of heat.

I think I prefer apples to flowers :o) 

My Muse, maladies and Maria

It's a fact well known by everyone in this house that most of the serious housework gets done when I'm feeling a bit under the weather. Yes, I know that sounds like a bit of a paradox but there you are.
When I'm feeling on top form I do the bare minimum, hoover, dust, mop, then bunk off to my workroom to do something far more interesting. Why clean when you can create?
But when suffering from a malady my muse deserts me, taking inspiration, imagination and ability with her (it's probably more a case of keeping her head down, let's just say I'm not a patient patient!)


January saw a host of minor ailments descend, not enough to keep me bed ridden, or even languishing artfully on a chaise longue( if I had one) but certainly sufficient for my muse, obviously getting a good rate on an out of season break, to abandon me for the month. Unable to 'make' I had to 'do'
Silver was polished, ovens were scoured, skirtings and doors were wiped down to within an inch of their life( don't you just hate inset panels and moulding?)All of this was accompanied by muttering, mumbling and a general air of disgruntlement.


It was when I started in on the ornaments and nik-naks that I had a bit of a 'Maria' moment. Picking each one up to decide whether it was wash, polish or dust I found myself smiling. Every object was precious to me , and brought back memories that made me feel so ridiculously warm and fuzzy inside I couldn't possibly stay grumpy anymore.


So, since I have no makes to show I thought I'd share a few( it was hard limiting them) of 'my favourite things' with you

This delicious apple was a Christmas gift from my husband the first year the boys were with us. I had spotted it in Broughton Gallery, sadly no longer around, on a rare day trip and he went back at a later date and bought it for me. Made by Jane Butler Cole (who I can't find any information on) it's matte smoothness is incredibly tactile.


Any one with children has probably had a copy of 'Guess How Much I Love You' at some point. I still have our board book, kept for posterity. I just loved that story, the boys and I often trying to think of new expressions for how big our love was. This sculpture was a gift from my mother-in-law for a 'significant' birthday. Again I spotted it in a gallery, this time Kirkcudbright, and fell in love on the spot.It reminded me so much of the book. She asked her son why I was so taken with the hare and when he explained she went out the next day and got it for me.

Moon gazing hare by Paul Jenkins

House and tree by Sarah Jane Brown

This tiny little sculpture was a Christmas present some years back. The artist Sarah Jane Brown has moved her range on since then but the simplicity of this piece still appeals. I'd love to know who lives in the house!

I have no idea what this is other than its antique, it's pewter and it doesn't need polishing. I much prefer pewter to silver, and not just because its easier to clean. It has a softer glow to it, almost as if it doesn't need to attract your attention, it's quite happy to be quietly beautiful.

                      

These are new additions and I just adore them. The paper flower? is by a wonderfully bizarre crafter Christine Stait-Gardner and was given to me by my sister-in-law. Isn't it great when your family, even the paper ones, know your tastes so well? And what can I say about the bird? The picture really doesn't do it justice. I have tried to find out who made it but unfortunately my mother-in-law is such a magpie when it comes to buying gifts that she has absolutely no idea where she got it from. If you have any ideas or can help I would appreciate it.

The Murano glass perfume bottle was a holiday gift from my dearest friend. She told me that she had spent so long choosing just the right stopper (seemingly there was a tray full of them that you could match up with any of the bottles ) that her husband had got tired of waiting and gone off to do his own thing. That devotion to detail from a friend, on holiday, is worthy of it's own credit card ad.
My bronze dog was a thank you gift from my eldest sister when my niece had been to stay. She bought it because it reminded her of Deefer, who was just a puppy at the time. I'm so very glad I have it now. 


But my favourite things of all, and guaranteed to raise a smile,  

Looking at them I definitely don't feel sad! (but I still need to dust!)

Experimental cooking

I have mixed feelings when it comes to cooking. At times I approach it with a Disneyesque joy (although for environmental health reasons I keep the animals involvement to a minimum) Occasionally its with a degree of apprehension. Most often than not it's with a sense of apathy.

I'm not the most co-ordinated of people, which is probably why as a child my presence in the kitchen was not necessarily viewed with a great deal of enthusiasm. My duties were limited to setting the table and drying the dishes (As anyone with siblings knows there is a hierarchy to doing dishes, the elder washes, the younger dries. Being the youngest of 4 girls it was inevitable I would always be stuck with the drying!)

So before going off to college I had to a acquire a certain degree of culinary know how. A 'crash' course, and yes I do mean that literally, at my mothers side armed me with recipes designed to make the smallest amount of food stretch the furthest. Not so much recipes, more vague instructions as to what to use and in which quantity to use them. Nothing was ever written down. My diet during those four years was 'interesting' shall we say. However since most students aren't too choosy when it comes to a free meal it also saw my introduction to the pleasures of entertaining round the dinner table. 

All of this was to change when I got married and had my boys, and I'll be honest, I did panic a bit. I had managed to survive on my meagre offerings but I didn't think my family could. Fortunately a very good friend's mother was my salvation. As an engagement present she gave me my first, and best, recipe book.  

The second lifesaver came when my health visitor recommended this book to me. She must have sensed my unease at the prospect of weaning twins. When I say unease I mean terror, the  'rabbit in the headlights' kind.

So I discovered the joys of planned cooking, of following a recipe in the knowledge that if it was a dish that met with approval I would be able to reproduce it at a later date. Dinner parties became less tentative even as the attendees became a bit more discerning. The bookshelf became fuller, the dishes more adventurous and I more confident in the kitchen.

It was all going well .... until drudgery set in.

Cooking something new every day, being limited by the family's likes and dislikes, planning the weekly shop to give me as many options as possible..... boring. Add to the mixture the fact that every now and again I have a Captain Kitchen moment when, like any super hero worth their salt, my super powers come in to play. As Captain Kitchen I have the ability to burn water, turn pasta or rice into a pot shaped building brick and supply the school hockey team with indestructible muffin shaped pucks.

In an attempt to alleviate the tedium I have gone back to my early days. Every now and again I try some experimental cookery. This is usually preceded by the discovery that I am missing some vital ingredient for the planned meal. Tonight's offering was a sort of Mediterranean chicken. Some chicken, onions, red peppers, skinned beef tomatoes, tomato puree, red wine vinegar, herbs de provence, muscovado sugar, baby plum tomatoes and chicken stock. Yes, 'some' is as technical as the measurements get. It went down rather well.

Give me a special occasion, a party, a bit of a do. The preparation and planning before hand, poring through recipe books to come up with a suitable menu, writing up lists of ingredients (or possible alternatives should they be unobtainable), trying out new dishes. That's the kind of cooking I get a kick out of. The day to day stuff? Well it has to be done, that's all.