tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61309527534820425102024-02-19T13:56:31.742+00:00Stitch 'n' TingA simple blog about crafting, food, tattoos, pregnancy and everything in between.Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-77964670328799275682021-08-31T12:46:00.002+01:002021-08-31T12:46:31.999+01:00Wozers, an update is long overdue!<p> Since it's been YEARS since my last update I thought I had better check in and say that I'm still alive! Still making and tinkering but wowee, life has grown.</p><p>I now have two kids, now ages 9 and 6. You probably remember me blogging about IQ just after she was born. Well, in 2015 we welcomed OB to the family and life has not stopped since!</p><p>I don't really stitch or ting any more. I have found a new passion in 3d printing. Mrs Stitch N Ting bought me a 3d printer two years ago and It has been continuously running ever since. I added another printer to the collection at the beginning of the year and I have been putting my design skills to the test and making 3d printed jewellery. You can check out my makes here: <a href="http://www.earthsymbols.co.uk">www.earthsymbols.co.uk</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XbARfw-g6hBEkYLRMzFZa8AUU4qOGE0N8lQAMhzd0R5ddfC8tpAF5Ud-SQtrAztEA6Ri9sQLJcVb2DfwMeL6y3EXrWFt3rBveGFO2UudS8hiPB78Hy7Pc-PIKC0mb7HmdvaBJbfksnM/s2048/mandala+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XbARfw-g6hBEkYLRMzFZa8AUU4qOGE0N8lQAMhzd0R5ddfC8tpAF5Ud-SQtrAztEA6Ri9sQLJcVb2DfwMeL6y3EXrWFt3rBveGFO2UudS8hiPB78Hy7Pc-PIKC0mb7HmdvaBJbfksnM/s320/mandala+earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I think Mr Stitch N Ting has regretted buying the printer as I spend a lot of my time designing, printing and finishing my pieces.<div><br /></div><div>It's been an amazing learning experience for me and has re-ignited my love for CAD design and coding.</div><div><br /></div><div>These items are printed using wood fibre PLA on my 3d printer and I adore the finished pieces.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think stitch N ting will need to be updated to suit my current obsession. hehe!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-WRbq_7D2SZNCp8k-Nf-dvHKNJIcodlGLMjX-lfaEHvJ-urMvt2vVqcQHDmnDAJv30jq01-TX2ii8ytTobxm09431eCs8FVZFPSh6x81nqwhAPE2HHOxh6pq5U7phgq5_C0gT0u0JJ8/s2048/mandala+pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-WRbq_7D2SZNCp8k-Nf-dvHKNJIcodlGLMjX-lfaEHvJ-urMvt2vVqcQHDmnDAJv30jq01-TX2ii8ytTobxm09431eCs8FVZFPSh6x81nqwhAPE2HHOxh6pq5U7phgq5_C0gT0u0JJ8/s320/mandala+pendant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGjxjEBLs9K7RQLa5oo-ZQyXxbeTN0mFi9s6qVw-ZTWdwWsiVbkopId1M-a2sGTM84wz1t_GfEHbkA72oZfkOSnXHaYCNEJFujfn_IAyKQGEIhVdOZ27woxxSUl3BbcIzbtIGSsJx64s/s2048/rectangle+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGjxjEBLs9K7RQLa5oo-ZQyXxbeTN0mFi9s6qVw-ZTWdwWsiVbkopId1M-a2sGTM84wz1t_GfEHbkA72oZfkOSnXHaYCNEJFujfn_IAyKQGEIhVdOZ27woxxSUl3BbcIzbtIGSsJx64s/s320/rectangle+earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcI7tzZZqL_JUtiqzECp8TV9ywbBE9u2Y4Ql8Rjm04KmPCPpRqq6j7Lln3oqbfvs68xTDbc0V8pkA0p_3x46O3inu68dcA_q7tDzokegkB0FijiwOS8ChbDR-vcDkdhZYJOhyphenhyphen2CgD3Qs/s1080/Red+Wood+Pendants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcI7tzZZqL_JUtiqzECp8TV9ywbBE9u2Y4Ql8Rjm04KmPCPpRqq6j7Lln3oqbfvs68xTDbc0V8pkA0p_3x46O3inu68dcA_q7tDzokegkB0FijiwOS8ChbDR-vcDkdhZYJOhyphenhyphen2CgD3Qs/s320/Red+Wood+Pendants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-czLx5F_PXoxDdubpzjI3X8rWvXbzq3Oa4Bz30qLI2e0UEgNPa9lM_oULG5Fank67AzQDpqDD3hI4LZLn5C1nEDFIBpyDoipaS3EyEbDoq0I_rZH6QxGJv2HSCHVS547Gxnmfm-FG41w/s2048/stag+pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-czLx5F_PXoxDdubpzjI3X8rWvXbzq3Oa4Bz30qLI2e0UEgNPa9lM_oULG5Fank67AzQDpqDD3hI4LZLn5C1nEDFIBpyDoipaS3EyEbDoq0I_rZH6QxGJv2HSCHVS547Gxnmfm-FG41w/s320/stag+pendant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxODar7rYeaXRm8ylEeemF5mguSIOf9nTGuWt9EwztoLlt9vJuJHbyLlWNe3gaTyCzlAI3S0poEgP_PNJoEZ-vDh7FkKTy584IAdUW4aD-H7UeCtbRRkxyo52Rr92DjgBW-3pXt5qL44/s2048/teardrop+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxODar7rYeaXRm8ylEeemF5mguSIOf9nTGuWt9EwztoLlt9vJuJHbyLlWNe3gaTyCzlAI3S0poEgP_PNJoEZ-vDh7FkKTy584IAdUW4aD-H7UeCtbRRkxyo52Rr92DjgBW-3pXt5qL44/s320/teardrop+earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-92087207395349654142017-10-15T13:47:00.001+01:002017-10-15T13:48:39.901+01:00I've found my CrojoAfter not doing much crocthet for a long time, I am glad to say I've found my crojo again. Every evening for the last 2 weeks I've been hooking away at a lovely unicorn pattern by Marina Chuchkalova.<div><br></div><div>It's for IQ for Christmas and I've loved every minute of it. The pattern is not difficult but can be a little trick at times but it has worked up quickly and beautifully! I've been using a cotton yarn and its density and feel is perfect for this project.</div><div><br></div><div>It's not quite finished but I am so pleased with it so far!</div><div><img id="id_9410_f699_f2c2_1584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsZXXGrDl1XeQ8e1SeKRXydQNMDCjdPN9FswkcY_5eHP343qRfFTVLnfSwvErTBQPIeJF4eT03SBz57C_lnyTlqVXb6RGcIAtNGThGXdl4uW_eQquIV3HVKwj3x5jP-CMfCqv6KDd598/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div><br></div><div>Now I have to make another that looks like Ubercorn from Go Jetters for the boy as he's obsessed with it!</div><div><br></div><div>What have you been making? Are you already making Christmas gifts?</div>Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-48213485659067614512016-10-13T13:28:00.003+01:002017-03-23T12:48:36.249+00:00Peeling and storing sweet chestnuts"There's no mistake, I smell that smell. It's that time of year again."<br>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G3uuSf17_cRq3HMg3zijfyhV0KMnShKWyskBfqs7L_uACdAGtWWqfPdguiM-Rqr-rt7K_sPxHfZMz_tHoLld_QqMS4ZYSAXY0VnxccKT3x1w-rjOcmILnJ_jjIiFbhX9QC4kvvPsbG0/s1600/IMG_6975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G3uuSf17_cRq3HMg3zijfyhV0KMnShKWyskBfqs7L_uACdAGtWWqfPdguiM-Rqr-rt7K_sPxHfZMz_tHoLld_QqMS4ZYSAXY0VnxccKT3x1w-rjOcmILnJ_jjIiFbhX9QC4kvvPsbG0/s320/IMG_6975.JPG" width="320"></a>That's right. Autumn is definitely upon us once the sweet chestnuts start falling. It's my favourite thing about this season. I love going out and having a tummage beneath the chestnut tree finding some absolute beauties. Although they don't come close in size to their continental cousins, UK grown chestnuts are just as delicious. Once you've donned your thick rubber gloves and get opening them shells you can easilly gather 2kgs in an hour on your own, or faster with the kids involved. The largest nuts tend to fall out of the tree before the casin does or bounce thrugh the grass once the casing has hit the ground so make sure you look through the grass for them!<br>
<br>
Over the years I've perfected my way of storing chestnuts and I've had great success with keeping chestnuts in the fridge from October to the following July with very little spoilage. Here's how:<br>
<br>
Get there early! Pick the fresh nuts as soon as the fall from the tree and plan what you're going to do with them as soon as you get home. Don't leave them hanging about too long or they'll start to either dry out or go mouldy through moisture.<br>
<br>
Peel chestnuts you plan to freeze. The way I peel these beauties is by taking a sharp knife and slicing down through the skin, but not all the way through, at the "eye" end of the nut. Then peel back the skin from where you've cut. This way also gives you chance to check the nuts before storage. Discard any that feel sticky, soft, are overly darkened, have holes or mould, or have a boozy alcoholic smell to them. Don't worry, you'll easily detect the ones that are a bit off. Now place them in freezer bags, I usually measure about 250g per bag, and throw in the freezer.<br>
These ones are great for popping in a stew or casserole. No need to pre-cook them.<br>
<br>
Box em up! Once washed with cold water (don't submerge as this can make them go soft) place the nuts still in their shell in a small plastic box with a lid, lined with kitchen towel and place at the bottom and back of yur fridge. I've had nuts stay this way for around 8/9 months with very little spoilage. Check periodicaly for any mould or softness and replace the kitchen towel if it gets soggy.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G3uuSf17_cRq3HMg3zijfyhV0KMnShKWyskBfqs7L_uACdAGtWWqfPdguiM-Rqr-rt7K_sPxHfZMz_tHoLld_QqMS4ZYSAXY0VnxccKT3x1w-rjOcmILnJ_jjIiFbhX9QC4kvvPsbG0/s1600/IMG_6975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div>
<br>Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-79843583978735203012014-06-27T12:30:00.000+01:002014-06-27T12:30:23.072+01:00I'm back! Day out - Tredegar Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A4vaqBG9ai6ZbQyLNbx1rR8JSnEwKWy5lLraY1oXrkSTTwjtCNgVM8VJlMqCMnYPXv44AVhet3L-JZjv7MEswQfuPeUrn-zMWT78GBJwImfDVfw6p8E5a89mjYB-UcC9aE-6Sbx3kes/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A4vaqBG9ai6ZbQyLNbx1rR8JSnEwKWy5lLraY1oXrkSTTwjtCNgVM8VJlMqCMnYPXv44AVhet3L-JZjv7MEswQfuPeUrn-zMWT78GBJwImfDVfw6p8E5a89mjYB-UcC9aE-6Sbx3kes/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>It's been 6 months since my last (solemn) update and 8 months since my last proper post. Apologies for that. Life has been busy and with a nearly two year old tantrumming toddler life has been a little tough - but I'm hooping to get back into craft and family blogging. Fingers crossed I can get myself motivated!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpg9OV2rF2zaPAl0pCgleF0qsTmEsxZk22G0py9eqYU-OQc8QB4LRIiKkV5qJsrN9jo5bkz_1SePzM5Ka9DaQYatq2COLBpNKxy243FIOflak9H3zwt5TWHADWqq6n-ytduJ0hhxgmaY/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpg9OV2rF2zaPAl0pCgleF0qsTmEsxZk22G0py9eqYU-OQc8QB4LRIiKkV5qJsrN9jo5bkz_1SePzM5Ka9DaQYatq2COLBpNKxy243FIOflak9H3zwt5TWHADWqq6n-ytduJ0hhxgmaY/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>The weather has been glorious this week and we've tried to make the most of every little bit of sunshine. On Thursday, I took Squish to Tredegar House in Newport. It's a 17th Century mansion house built by the Morgan family of Captain Henry Morgan (rum) fame. It was later used by Lord Tredegar and his family. This is where me and hubby got married nearly 5 years ago but sadly you can't get married in there any more.<br />
<br />
It was always a special place for me when I was small and one of the main reasons we got married there. It was somewhere I flew kites, learned to ride a bike and fed the ducks - usually during a Sunday outing with my dad.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLC1pQdxLk73AtF5dE7f_-hmJsFBIyW-z5YIZUaWso3ntNBRJLN16sC-IfiTfMt_-PB-oSif4duZf3N1qD5zRp7LcQCrnBkX3-94wKiogd3YjNyeAD-mHRJ7VgxkAiMSh9nVBXua1Haw/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLC1pQdxLk73AtF5dE7f_-hmJsFBIyW-z5YIZUaWso3ntNBRJLN16sC-IfiTfMt_-PB-oSif4duZf3N1qD5zRp7LcQCrnBkX3-94wKiogd3YjNyeAD-mHRJ7VgxkAiMSh9nVBXua1Haw/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>The beautiful house and grounds is now owned by the National Trust so the house itself is paid admission but you can make full use of the grounds for free. The lake is wonderful and is surrounded by wide open spaces with ancient trees brimming with wildlife. We saw lots of squirrels and birds in the trees and heard many more. It was the first time I'd taken Squish there and she loved it. It has a lovely pond with ducks, herons, swans and moorhens. There's also lots of baby animals around and we spent ages feeding them. Squish also helped herself to some stale bread.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ16hU7RvZ0JJ8xr2sWUTGpPBhl55RmZ-k-g60V7KwBOgLzJ3pTaPHGzKarloaVOPeYJoxvXCGQTI2DCTiF3QS5tSICFgxezqUP0_RZCEMcKwhzP5oQZQEEuCYhLRkDGRK_D28Xb9J9J0/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ16hU7RvZ0JJ8xr2sWUTGpPBhl55RmZ-k-g60V7KwBOgLzJ3pTaPHGzKarloaVOPeYJoxvXCGQTI2DCTiF3QS5tSICFgxezqUP0_RZCEMcKwhzP5oQZQEEuCYhLRkDGRK_D28Xb9J9J0/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>The playground is lovely with lots of things for kids of all ages. Typically squish wanted to scale the biggest and highest of them all. My dad recalled there being a springy chicken (that you could ride on) in the park many years ago and was sad to hear that it wasn't there any more. See, this place conjures up many memories for all of my family. Squish made lots of friends in the park, like she always does and we spent a good long while there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWZBd33sJEK5AtkVS-4zNc5i7fjjweJGNbv2jpBVbdYOkGHfsiuMJ4RupxkHH4DSMye5GYFkNenK742EjO7kNNh-FJQ9SgvrAjIK1I9IF844FwI8yDoOFpSoyJLAIjcol_n17oh0B2PI/s1600/IMG_0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWZBd33sJEK5AtkVS-4zNc5i7fjjweJGNbv2jpBVbdYOkGHfsiuMJ4RupxkHH4DSMye5GYFkNenK742EjO7kNNh-FJQ9SgvrAjIK1I9IF844FwI8yDoOFpSoyJLAIjcol_n17oh0B2PI/s1600/IMG_0108.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>After playing in the park we took a walk around the wooded areas and stalked a few squirrels, fed some birds, sneaked through trees and down winding footpaths. It was so lovely to have a mummy/daughter day that didn't have any crying or tantrums. My girl is definitely an outdoors kid and really relishes in the fresh air and open spaces, which is why I knew she'd love it there. I was so so proud of her that day because I always feel a sense of achievement when she's happy all day and I don't have to raise my voice or tell her off. She's not a bad kid in any sense but the terrible twos have arrived with stroppy-ness, tantrums, winging and crying. Oh and the outright annoying ignorance and defiance!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zhWUgUWCrMNlxcealafGmjhvrEZi24fRgK6qhavAlA6oSFHoAXaFu3aY4tKk5jiONxKY83K0tlvekMbTQY7pAapnx7cM8qSHH9baDQwigyQLeGznPPrELt1anS7uTaXX3Clwd2JCFn0/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zhWUgUWCrMNlxcealafGmjhvrEZi24fRgK6qhavAlA6oSFHoAXaFu3aY4tKk5jiONxKY83K0tlvekMbTQY7pAapnx7cM8qSHH9baDQwigyQLeGznPPrELt1anS7uTaXX3Clwd2JCFn0/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Because she was so wonderful, we stopped off at the lovely cafe in the grounds and had a pot of lovely local made Sidoli's ice-cream. She especially loved that there was a little spoon hidden in the lid - oh, and that there was chocolate on top!<br />
<br />
If you're ever visiting Newport or even just driving through, Tredegar house is just off the M4 motorway and well worth the visit. We will be going back again and again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFTAps8bgTDDtQak1i3I6q8lbDUGM7A_tBJjQ4YSASIaRhjX8XoFm9diDSTvxzUz1BZfs4pRKKpldyz23aGFNg8qaFulhQWDm0HdFKss9AZBmEVEULXdxcHQifZVFjKbIxHR3qwRrs-k/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFTAps8bgTDDtQak1i3I6q8lbDUGM7A_tBJjQ4YSASIaRhjX8XoFm9diDSTvxzUz1BZfs4pRKKpldyz23aGFNg8qaFulhQWDm0HdFKss9AZBmEVEULXdxcHQifZVFjKbIxHR3qwRrs-k/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfXBboHah0sw5nSS9_DD5HuNginQqXLBI09lxYdYK6MydLaTYj3_iwTa5hO3_aen9bXjq83WKJxfcVnq6tbQFMLRVpg29g2qGlaRyPmZYPViwbddDh6xVuGLBoQDAPgoin9xp26wyLts/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfXBboHah0sw5nSS9_DD5HuNginQqXLBI09lxYdYK6MydLaTYj3_iwTa5hO3_aen9bXjq83WKJxfcVnq6tbQFMLRVpg29g2qGlaRyPmZYPViwbddDh6xVuGLBoQDAPgoin9xp26wyLts/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-22433075332659415202014-01-23T16:56:00.002+00:002014-01-23T16:56:32.450+00:00Why I haven't been around...I feel like I owe an apology to anyone who used to read my blog. I haven't been around for a while and before then my posts were sporadic and short.<br />
<br />
Life has been pretty tough for me since the birth of IQ in July 2012.<br />
<br />
I was diagnosed with PND around 12 weeks after her birth. This was something I hid from my friends and family and a secret that me and hubby kept close. I regret this terribly. I needed people but I couldn't tell them. I didn't have the strength to reach out and ask for help. As a result, I was sad and terribly lonely most of the time.<br />
<br />
I felt, and sometimes still feel, like I am living someone elses' life. Days would go by where I had no pleasure from anything and feel wracked with guilt when I did't enjoy my baby girl.<br />
<br />
Each day she grows bigger, smarter, faster and more and more amazing. I do love her so so much but I find her hard. I find being a mum hard. Sometimes I find just being, really hard.<br />
<br />
When I was writing my posts in 2012 I was kidding myself and my family that I was OK. Every day I cried. Every day I didn't want to get out of bed. But when speaking to everyone else, I was fine. It was easier that way.<br />
<br />
But...<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />The days are getting easier. I am finding more strength every day and bad days have stopped being every day. They're now once a week, or even once a fortnight if I'm lucky.<br />
<br />
I don't really know why I'm writing this but I feel like I need to say that I'm still here. I'm still reading your blogs and I will be back. Just when I feel a little more like me... ya know?<br />
<br />Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-48477568563499193532013-10-06T12:11:00.000+01:002013-10-06T12:11:17.394+01:00A Sunday morning canal walk<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/61A80008-F099-412A-89B0-2195A60186E6-5409-00000777951A78D7_zps1cc771a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/61A80008-F099-412A-89B0-2195A60186E6-5409-00000777951A78D7_zps1cc771a5.jpg" width="200" /></a>I think that miss IQ is having a bit of a sleep regression as this morning and yesterday she point blank refused her nap. It ended up with screaming and sobbing when I attempted it this morning so I got dressed, wrapped her up warm and took her for a walk.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/5AC0796D-D34E-4ED9-B7DD-2F773DFC8932-5409-00000777C105D10F_zpsd0bdcf2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/5AC0796D-D34E-4ED9-B7DD-2F773DFC8932-5409-00000777C105D10F_zpsd0bdcf2c.jpg" width="200" /></a>I'm very lucky to have the beautiful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monmouthshire_and_Brecon_Canal" target="_blank">Brecon and Monmothshire canal</a> on my doorstep. We had to walk up a moderately hefty hill to get to it but it really is beautiful. The canal is a 35 mile stretch of canal passages through the South Wales valleys, running from the Brecon Beacons right down to Newport. I'm lucky enough to live on the 'Crumlin Arm' of the canal which connected Crumlin and Newport. It was built in 1794 and was used right up until the 1940 to transport goods, mainly coal, through the valleys. Sadly, the canal has been broken up in to small sections over the years as houses and road have been built around it but you can still walk nearly the entire length of it.<br />
<br />
While we walked, I thought about the last time I'd walked on that stretch of canal. It must have been well over 10 years ago since I last visited and it is still beautiful. I smiled to myself when I realised I was a child on my last visit but now returned as a woman, a wife and a mother. That made me feel very proud.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/98B944D8-1B8D-4A0D-AF54-4CF34CE6C3ED-5409-00000777C9772D6F_zps49865f0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/98B944D8-1B8D-4A0D-AF54-4CF34CE6C3ED-5409-00000777C9772D6F_zps49865f0f.jpg" width="200" /></a>Along our walk we crossed paths with lots of dog walkers, couples on their Sunday walk and cyclists on their way up to the Cwmcarn Scenic drive, though I'm sure some of the older riders weren't going to be attempting the downhill track. What warmed my heart the most is that every single person said good morning, to myself and to IQ. Everyone was just so friendly. This is a part of the valleys I really did miss. The act of greeting a stranger with a smile and hello is a lovely feeling, even if you're a bit shy like me and only manage a quiet 'mornin' you still get a smile in return. Lovely.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/3C39D730-DF00-422F-9719-F734DBFEBCDB-5409-00000777CF102F4C_zps45d48cb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/3C39D730-DF00-422F-9719-F734DBFEBCDB-5409-00000777CF102F4C_zps45d48cb2.jpg" width="200" /></a>There was so much wildlife out on the canal and that's something you don't really pay attention to as a teenager. I was as excited as IQ when we saw a large group of ducks on their morning commute from one bank to the next. IQ loves shouting kaaak (quack) at the ducks. We also saw a heron which was a first for IQ and she didn't look too sure about it. It was having a fish on the opposite bank and was moving very slowly through the water - I think that's what confused IQ.<br />
<br />
We also saw a cheeky little squirrel precariously dangling on the thin branches overhanging the canal. There must have been some pretty good berries/nuts at the end of it! IQ saw the squirrel and shouted CAAAT. I suppose I can see her confusion but she can be forgiven as this was also a first-time viewing of a squirrel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/A90B03F3-4A50-40E6-8BAC-48DC470EFBA8-5409-00000777C55D51D7_zpsc99d5775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/A90B03F3-4A50-40E6-8BAC-48DC470EFBA8-5409-00000777C55D51D7_zpsc99d5775.jpg" width="200" /></a>I also saw a gorgeous kingfisher. I didn't manage to get a photograph though as they're so very fast. But so so beautiful.<br />
<br />
Across the canal are some beautiful stone bridges. I have fond memories of my Grandfather pretending to be a troll under the bridge and challenging my brother and I to sneak past and not get caught. I can't wait for IQ to do that!<br />
<br />
Thankfully she fell asleep on our way back home and that's where she is now. At least she can have an hour nap and recharge before we meet my parents for lunch. Have a nice Sunday everyone!<br />
<br />
On a side note -<br />
I spotted some metal gates and fence posts along the canal that I really want to yarn bomb! So if there are any other Risca/Crosskeys knitters/crocheters out there please get in touch as I'd love to collaborate on it! (too much work for one person I think!)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-70060508781087352132013-10-02T12:44:00.001+01:002013-10-02T12:44:24.490+01:00The finished cardigan!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKbw16P7OG2ZP3VlNbCw_Ry408bRdT1P8_1bPHtqVfRlsht0rV8YWlT-c_q0pNRBhCKdIiyQfIpKyQkAt9rMMlfVZ_611QGMUftDa8q92I7py9_xTVI72ZWfYvDaGUnwzyF0_WnS74d4/s640/blogger-image--1187239487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKbw16P7OG2ZP3VlNbCw_Ry408bRdT1P8_1bPHtqVfRlsht0rV8YWlT-c_q0pNRBhCKdIiyQfIpKyQkAt9rMMlfVZ_611QGMUftDa8q92I7py9_xTVI72ZWfYvDaGUnwzyF0_WnS74d4/s640/blogger-image--1187239487.jpg"></a></div>In my last post I wrote how I'd just started a gorgeous cardigan from Linda Permann's book, Little Crochet. I'm so pleased to say that I have finished it!<div><br></div><div>It's a great pattern and it has some lovely stitches and finishing that I've just fallen in love with. I used Rico 100% cotton yarn and even though the stitches are moderately loose the cardigan is super snuggly (and surprisingly heavy!). It took me around a fortnight, working an hour or so a night so maybe 20 hours in total? </div><div><br></div><div>I'm so pleased with it. The size came out a little bigger than expected but that means more growing room!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9uW9VYcwDC07yFJAunnHUFJiDtnukeNKvRfMLY7GN3caZ6heEIkz3iIIr6dqaiUz3yssn_s1SgjO3K-Intalswq2S-goYTtP8KiB9OAqfbxLYQVcz8j93H6cxOB8Gc5vyeIfStrUNsw/s640/blogger-image-626424291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9uW9VYcwDC07yFJAunnHUFJiDtnukeNKvRfMLY7GN3caZ6heEIkz3iIIr6dqaiUz3yssn_s1SgjO3K-Intalswq2S-goYTtP8KiB9OAqfbxLYQVcz8j93H6cxOB8Gc5vyeIfStrUNsw/s640/blogger-image-626424291.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I finished the cardigan off with two purple polka dot buttons and it looks great!</div><div><br></div><div>Can you tell I'm pleased?!? </div>Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-66745533436464471972013-09-07T10:59:00.002+01:002013-09-07T11:00:33.566+01:00Hooking in the new house<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF5a_8vBO8Q_UFGA9S9bbRk7Pl4MtdRMQUG1057Z62vrAXl1QhKnFlixPqWZROiqCXmGnvGWtNKlHDHxeFk09OWBaEb4wTVnOdK1MVWWdQIooUnX0MrperzrAhdwxo5kmdoRRwO_vQZk/s1600/little_crochet_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF5a_8vBO8Q_UFGA9S9bbRk7Pl4MtdRMQUG1057Z62vrAXl1QhKnFlixPqWZROiqCXmGnvGWtNKlHDHxeFk09OWBaEb4wTVnOdK1MVWWdQIooUnX0MrperzrAhdwxo5kmdoRRwO_vQZk/s200/little_crochet_book.jpg" width="150" /></a>I'm very pleased to say that I'm back hooking again, after a substantial break. I don't know wether I lost my crochet-mojo or that life got in the way with the move and everything else going on in the background!<br />
<br />
I've not been crocheting for myself either, which is a big change! A lot of the WIPs on the go at the moment are for IQ. I was bought the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/little-crochet-modern-designs-for-babies-and-toddlers" target="_blank">Little Crochet book by Linda Permann</a> for my birthday last year but didn't want to make anything from it because I knew IQ would grow out of it, probably before I'd even finished the piece. Ha! All of the items in the book are the sweetest things, from blankets and bears, to ponchos and jumpers and with so much to choose from I felt a bit stumped as to what to start first.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/27EE03F6-BEF0-485C-954D-DB09ADCD633A-8119-00000C116EE0A7F6_zpsad78128c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/27EE03F6-BEF0-485C-954D-DB09ADCD633A-8119-00000C116EE0A7F6_zpsad78128c.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funky legwarmer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My first project started from the book are the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-crawlers-leg-warmers" target="_blank">Cozy Crawlers</a> leg warmers. I've been carrying IQ a lot recently (in my new fancy-schmancy Ergo Sport!) and as the weather is about to turn much colder, I thought these would be perfect for keeping her pokey out legs warm on our daily walks. I've decided to make them out of Patons' Smoothie DK cotton yarn. It's an absolute dream to work with and the variegated colour-way means the leg warmers are looking pretty funky! I've finished 1 leg warmer and am having a bit of a break before I start the other one, as 60 odd rounds of extended single crochet makes my hands hurt after a while.<br />
<br />
The next pattern I've started from the book is the gorgeous <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ribbed-cardigan-7" target="_blank">ribbed cardigan</a>. I just adore the pointy elf like sleeves and motif yoke. I've gone a bit 'out there' the the yarn I'm using and have chosen Rico Baby Essentials cotton in a sky blue. I've made a few of the motifs and am halfway through the back. The shaping is so clever, using a mixture of HDC, DC and TDC the bottom has so much body and shape. It's looking so gorgeous, I can't wait to finish it up already. But, it's taking me quite a while as I've only got a limited 2 hours or so each night to work on things. I really hope I can finish the cardigan before the weather turns really cold.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/C3A75948-244A-4A96-AA5C-3B1A4CD7C154-8119-00000C1169F394FA_zps115f3b9b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/C3A75948-244A-4A96-AA5C-3B1A4CD7C154-8119-00000C1169F394FA_zps115f3b9b.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the cardigan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've also been working on a few other projects for some special little people who are making their first appearances to this world over the next few months. I can't share on here though, as I know one of you (Samboy) will see!<br />
<br />
See, told you I've been busy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-40067891606860576192013-09-04T11:00:00.005+01:002013-09-04T11:00:47.347+01:00Settling InIt's been just over a week since we made our big move and I'm please to say that we are settling in to our new home and hometown very well. It's fantastic to be so close to family and friends again. We've had visitors every day and we've even had a baby sitter to let us go out and have a few drinks. It's been great.<br />
<br />
The move itself went so perfectly, we couldn't have wished for more. The company we used were very diligent and professional, the emptied our old house in 4 hours and re-filled our new house in just under 3. They even hung our clothes up in our wardrobes! My mum had IQ for the few days over the move, as well as the cats, so we could get everything done without worrying about stepping on the cat/baby! It took IQ a few days to settle in, she was getting awful upset when we left her to sleep but thankfully that only lasted a few days.<br />
<br />
We did have one minor problem when we moved in to our new house... when going to cook our first meal I found that the oven didn't work! Only the grill part was warming up... bums! So we had to go out and buy a new oven. And when that one arrived, the engineer said he couldn't fit it because the cupboard space wasn't right for an integrated oven. But there was one in there already?! We had no idea... so hubby went to B&Q, bought a few bits of wood and some legs and made the cupboard good, so I'm glad to say the new oven works perfectly!<br />
<br />
We've unpacked the majority of our stuff but as there's more space in this house, we're needing to buy a few more storage units and shelves to put things away. IQ loves having her own playroom, as do I, as it means I can close the door on the toys and forget about the mess!<br />
<br />
The house already feels like our forever home and we've only been here 10 days!Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-88753902755674252082013-08-13T19:21:00.000+01:002013-08-13T19:21:11.518+01:00I've been quiet because we're on the move!I'm so sorry that I've neglected my blog for so long. I can't believe it's been nearly two months since I've posted anything!<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbmitZ2MvHhP85f5ltqOKJtBuhuAyHzeJ4dmvNJnKhIiDoULtLu_lRHiNHFZs_AzQ7OHarEakarge5pEhWTZEkBTtQAlRmTpzugXlX2-ZSqNS-k7SxBCI6tnXL5jIPWU0dSzed78XSAk/s1600/sold_photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbmitZ2MvHhP85f5ltqOKJtBuhuAyHzeJ4dmvNJnKhIiDoULtLu_lRHiNHFZs_AzQ7OHarEakarge5pEhWTZEkBTtQAlRmTpzugXlX2-ZSqNS-k7SxBCI6tnXL5jIPWU0dSzed78XSAk/s320/sold_photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our actual SOLD sign!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
We've been oh so busy as we're on the move! We've managed to sell our house (after waiting 6 months for it to shift!) and we've had a completion date set to move into our new house on August 23rd. It's been pretty manic in the Stitch household as you can imagine.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hubby has still been off work but has done a few odd bits of arty stuff and it's all been amazing. I'll try and get a few blog posts about them written up and scheduled for the coming weeks. Having him at home has been fabulous and I know I'm going to miss him dearly when he goes back to work. Bedtimes have been shared between us and it's been great to have an extra pair of hands about the house too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've been busy packing up non-essential house things and are down to the bare minimum of our stuff, so the serious packing and taking furniture down will be done over the next two weeks. My mum has very kindly offered to come and stay a few days before the move to watch IQ while we do the last minute bits.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So yeah, a lot has happened over the last two months! Here's a quick list of things I'll write more about when we're settled (and I have free time - hah!):</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>We sold our house!</li>
<li>IQ turned 1 in July</li>
<li>IQ's first words have been cat, beep beep and book</li>
<li>I've been busy with my <a href="http://www.airria.co.uk/" target="_blank">dreadlock beads website</a> and have had a record number of orders over the last month!</li>
<li>Hubby has done some AMAZING artwork</li>
<li>IQ can nearly walk!</li>
<li>Remember <a href="http://stitchnting.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/the-not-so-good-news-about-my-pfaff-300e.html" target="_blank">the issue with my Pfaff embroidery machine</a>? I found the disc while packing away the craft room - yippee!</li>
</ul>
<div>
That list is just all the things I can think of right now as my head is literally exploding with all the things I want to write about... oh, and our central heating boiler has just started to leak water!</div>
</div>
Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-63887233294311699152013-06-19T21:36:00.001+01:002013-06-20T09:59:37.581+01:00Quick and easy chunky flower brooch - FREE PATTERN!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/097D79F8-D682-4A7E-9CCA-B003A61781E7-638-000001360E253DCF_zpsf5f21545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/097D79F8-D682-4A7E-9CCA-B003A61781E7-638-000001360E253DCF_zpsf5f21545.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Completed Flower Brooch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brooches are pretty "in" this summer and there are literally hundreds of patterns on Ravelry for all manner of flower brooches. Most of them are made with thinner yarn as I wanted to use up the last bits of my Wendy Fusion chunky.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">I whipped up this flower pretty quickly (5 mins!) and I thought I'd share this quick and easy flower brooch tutorial with you. </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/24199DBE-D806-40EE-959A-70945E7B560B-638-0000013609451E60_zpsbef84271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/24199DBE-D806-40EE-959A-70945E7B560B-638-0000013609451E60_zpsbef84271.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central & Middle pieces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/7CC76571-92B6-4B35-8890-82BEED6DB51A-638-0000013603B03204_zps0acfca72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/7CC76571-92B6-4B35-8890-82BEED6DB51A-638-0000013603B03204_zps0acfca72.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outer Flower Piece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yarn: Wendy Fusion or other chunky yarn</div>
<div>
Hook: 6mm</div>
<div>
Gauge: not important!</div>
<div>
You'll also need: Brooch blank / brooch pin</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Instructions:</u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Central circle:</u></div>
<div>
Using a lighter colour, use a magic ring and make 10 single crochet in ring. Pull tight and fasten off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Middle Flower:</u></div>
<div>
Ch 4. Join with SS to first SC to form a ring.</div>
<div>
Ch 1, 12 DC in ring. Join with SS to 1CH.</div>
<div>
*SC, HDC, DC all in next SC. DC, HDC, SC all in next stitch** repeat from * to ** all around for 6 petals. Join with SS to 1CH.</div>
<div>
Fasten off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Outer Flower:</u></div>
<div>
CH4, join with SS to first SC to make ring.</div>
<div>
*CH 14, SC in ring** repeat * to ** for another 9 times (10 petals in total).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Finishing up:</u></div>
</div>
<div>
Place the 3 flowers on top of each other and sew together. Sew or glue a brooch blank to the rear and you're done!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can always add a button to the centre or even beads to it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm actually going to make another and attach it to a hair elastic to spruce up my dreads a bit!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-26115424018487665712013-06-14T20:00:00.000+01:002013-06-14T20:00:07.051+01:00Things are starting to move on the moving front! (long post!)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/2D7D48F8-E61E-412C-9636-16EED0E0122F-1070-0000011EFC2F5799_zps74c1584b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/2D7D48F8-E61E-412C-9636-16EED0E0122F-1070-0000011EFC2F5799_zps74c1584b.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squish enjoying Nannie's Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The weekend just passed was the busiest we've had for a long time. We left Devon on Thursday and headed back up to Wales. We always leave early so that IQ naps while we drive and wakes up fresh faced when we arrive. The weather was gorgeous and the drive was wonderful.<br />
<br />
We had a house viewing planned for Thursday afternoon. It was a house we'd seen over and over again on Rightmove and loved it but it got overlooked as it was a little out of our price range. After having a chat at the beginning of the week, we decided that we could probably 'just' afford it so booked in for a look. We waited a little while past our viewing time as the estate agent was running late. This gave us enough time to have a look at the back of the property as well as walk around the neighbouring streets. The outside view didn't really give much away though!<br />
<br />
When the agent arrived he welcomed us and showed us into the house. As soon as the front door opened and we stepped inside, Andi & I looked at each other and gave the 'wow, impressive' side glance. We had a really good look round and loved what we saw. Two living rooms with open fires, a huge kitchen diner with enough space for our 6 seater dining table (and plenty of walking around room) and great sized bedrooms. The only slight disappointment was the garden. We've both been very used to quite large gardens and ideally were looking for a bit of grass and a bit of earth for veggie growing. Sadly, this house had a courtyard style garden but it was a reasonable size with no reason why you couldn't turf it.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/290BFED3-FB50-4D4A-BE00-4072B912C1D9-1070-0000011E9AD6F7CE_zps357065f0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/290BFED3-FB50-4D4A-BE00-4072B912C1D9-1070-0000011E9AD6F7CE_zps357065f0.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">voucher / pendants / buttons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We asked the usual housebuyers questions about the boiler, double glazing, loft etc etc and all of our questions were answered by the agent. He knew we liked it. Because we did, we loved it.<br />
<br />
We walked the shortish 15 mins back down to my mum's house and all the way kept saying it was 'our house'.<br />
<br />
It was perfect.<br />
<br />
The agent said he'd call us Friday to see what we thought but we were going to a wedding, so it would have to wait until Saturday.<br />
<br />
The wedding was such good fun. It was a long term friend of my parents who I'd known since I was small. It was a gorgeous day and the wedding venue was spectacular. Right on top of some mountains with the most glorious view. All of my family were staying the night but as we had IQ we didn't feel comfortable leaving her in a room by herself, or it wouldn't have been fair that one of us had to sit with her until the other fell into bed. We booked a taxi around 11:30pm and all fell into bed pretty sharpish!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/7BF1ED92-4044-4F8E-8FC5-17365CA34604-1070-0000011EA2A5E951_zps8e816517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/7BF1ED92-4044-4F8E-8FC5-17365CA34604-1070-0000011EA2A5E951_zps8e816517.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Fabric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Saturday morning was spent lazing around, a cooked breakfast freshened us both up and the parents came back around 11am (just in time for the rugby!). We sat and chatted about the house with my parents and they could tell we loved it. We talked money matters and how we'd afford it and promised that after all the moving we've done over the last 5 years, this would be our 'forever home'.<br />
<br />
I excitedly rang the estate agents with our offer. They told us they'd convey it to the vendor and see whether they'd accept or not. Of course, we went in with a pretty low offer bit it was on the borderline of what we knew we could afford. We just had to wait and see...<br />
<br />
Sunday was my birthday and I was well and truly spoilt. My gorgeous hubby bought me some amazing pendants for casting things in resin, beautiful wooden buttons and a gift voucher for My Fabric House. Eeeep! I used it to buy some gorgeous fabric bundles and fat quarters - very exciting! We had a BBQ at mum's house as the weather was still so beautiful. My little bro acted as head chef and there was so much food! We were all stuffed! My grandparents also spent the day with us along with a couple of mum's friends. We also had a visit from the lovely Samboy and G! I was well and truly spoilt rotten.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/E348906C-A2A3-4210-8143-E00DA8A90316-1070-0000012E5A29FA64_zps07e8233f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/E348906C-A2A3-4210-8143-E00DA8A90316-1070-0000012E5A29FA64_zps07e8233f.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More fabric!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Monday came and we still hadn't heard from the agents, they were having trouble getting in contact with the vendor to let them know about our offer and we'd got a little disheartened by this. Maybe they were holding out on another offer? The whole of Monday was spent worrying that we weren't going to get the house, especially after we'd fallen in love with it!<br />
<br />
Tuesday was time to go home and we packed everything up and were about to leave when I had a call from the agents. I jumped to my phone. The call wasn't what we wanted to hear, the sellers had declined our offer stating that they wanted about £10grand more than we offered and we just could not afford that, no way! We were gutted. We drove home on the verge of tears - both of us.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/55C4A718-0A2A-4362-A387-72B2B1E3B878-1070-0000011EACD8E5FD_zpsd1617ea6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/55C4A718-0A2A-4362-A387-72B2B1E3B878-1070-0000011EACD8E5FD_zpsd1617ea6.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourites!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the three hour journey we unpacked and chatted more about the house. We really, really wanted it. It was a tough call as we couldn't afford much more at all, especially as the price was already over the stamp duty threshold meaning that we'd have to pay out more cash than we could afford. We bravely (and maybe a bit stupidly) upped our offer, but not by much. We explained that we're ready to move, have the cash & mortgage in place and can get the sale through as quick as they liked. We anxiously waited for the call back. Maybe they couldn't get hold of the seller again? Maybe they thought we were taking the mickey?<br />
<br />
Then the phone rang.<br />
<br />
I jumped to it once again and halfheartedly answered, expecting the same response as the morning. To our delight the vendor had accepted our slightly higher offer! The house is ours! So, after that incredibly long winded post I'm happy to say that we've bought our forever home! The move is imminent and once the ball starts rolling we could be looking at moving the beginning of July! I am so so so so excited. I can't wait!!<br />
<br />
<br />Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-38528451450540283832013-06-05T10:56:00.000+01:002013-06-05T10:56:33.337+01:00The not so good news about my Pfaff 300e<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/1721D79B-B0BD-4789-9E12-D1C2073C2656-4297-0000046CB1D9CEF9_zpsc8adfc74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/1721D79B-B0BD-4789-9E12-D1C2073C2656-4297-0000046CB1D9CEF9_zpsc8adfc74.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cat is not amused.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my last post, I shared the joy that I'd repaired my Pfaff Smart 300e and I couldn't wait to begin stitching. Well, it's not all good news.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blinded by the sheer delight that the machine was actually working I forgot one small thing. I needed to hook it up to my computer to transfer my lovely self made design. This is where the problems have started. I can't for the life of me find the original disc that came with the machine. We've moved 5 times since I bought the machine so it could be anywhere. I didn't think not having the disc would be too much of a problem as the internet has a world of information about device drivers and I'd surely be able to find the one I was looking for...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I should be so lucky!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can't find the disc or the drivers ANYWHERE. I have searched and trawled the internet for the past 3 nights without any success. I've found numerous blog posts over the years by people with the same problem and it seems to be un-fixable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/A9F0157A-A468-47CC-9149-7CD69876CB73-4297-0000046CBA1E96DE_zps400dd3b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/A9F0157A-A468-47CC-9149-7CD69876CB73-4297-0000046CBA1E96DE_zps400dd3b5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lovely threads, waiting to be used...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I phoned Pfaff UK this morning and the chap I spoke to was nice enough but bluntly told me that without the disc, my machine is virtually useless! Thanks Pfaff - massive help! (that conversation sent me into a mini sulk so I went as cleaned the bathroom... as you do) Yeah, OK, the machine comes with a few pre-set designs in its minimal memory but that's not what I want it for. I can't even purchase a replacement disc as the machine is long discontinued. My only hope is to find another owner of a Smart 300e and kindly get them to copy the disc for me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And that's where I am now. Registering and posting on numerous embroidery, sewing and craft forums and websites in the hope that I find someone else on this planet who hopefully uses those sites and who can help me in my struggle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I have a couple of hundred pounds worth of machine that it looks like I won't be able to use.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Humph!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-7557093129187231232013-05-29T18:01:00.000+01:002013-05-29T18:01:06.339+01:00It's aliiiiive! The embroidery machine is back from the dead.About 5 years ago I bought myself a Pfaff 300e embroidery machine. It was an ex-display model and the lady at the shop kindly gave me a demonstration to see it working before taking it home. You can imagine my frustration when I brought it home and it worked once. And that was it. Once. And to add salt to the wound, the shop closed around a year later meaning I couldn't go in and ask for help.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://01fd3341714c957a10e86748bb66b86b.diplotop.fr/cover-manual/PFAFF/SMART%20300E_E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://01fd3341714c957a10e86748bb66b86b.diplotop.fr/cover-manual/PFAFF/SMART%20300E_E.jpg" width="320" /></a>I tried everything. I mean, everything in my limited knowledge of sewing machines at the time to fix it. I had lots of tantrums. Hundreds of snapped needles. To my frustration I kept getting an E14 error message - 'thread break'. I would re-thread and re-needle and nothing worked. Sadly to say, I gave up trying.<br />
<br />
Fast forward 5 years. We're due to move house (hopefully) soon and I've been having a good clear-out. When I brought the dreaded machine downstairs, my husband saw it and said "oh, you're trying that again are you?". He obviously remembers the tantrums and tears well. I stated that if I couldn't get it to work this one last time I would sell it on - as it's effectively useless to me.<br />
<br />
I set it up and attempted to sew a preset design. The same thing happened, the machine would do a few stitches, jam up, give me the error message and refuse to restart. When I re-threaded it would do the same and then snap the needle. I thought, it MUST be the tension... so I tried again, and again, and again, and again.<br />
<br />
But thankfully I stayed calm this time.<br />
<br />
I then noticed that the top thread wasn't picking up the bobbin thread. So I removed the baseplate and had a rummage around the bobbin area. I was using the correct bobbins and everything looked fine. So I slowly lowered the top needle and watched the mechanism move around in the bobbin and then spotted the issue. The hook in the bobbin mechanism wasn't quite in line so my needle was coming all the way down and back up without it catching the thread!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6Ry1bExDk4evYQzFZuvHoK-v_FYwCZUOsKBanWgsRAiE6Wvk84DWW8W6XkCKr5jDNu8he95lSBeOsd2-B9R0HDBIrNme4FokRYkYqDQf_oDqQOcu5arSTXbIGHeXrWUIK1LjkNcitWmf/s840/sewing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6Ry1bExDk4evYQzFZuvHoK-v_FYwCZUOsKBanWgsRAiE6Wvk84DWW8W6XkCKr5jDNu8he95lSBeOsd2-B9R0HDBIrNme4FokRYkYqDQf_oDqQOcu5arSTXbIGHeXrWUIK1LjkNcitWmf/s840/sewing.gif" /></a>So I slowly adjusted the mechanism while lowering and raising the needle. I managed to get the mechanism right in the spot where the needle is at its lowest and it finally caught the thread. I quickly screwed it all back together and apprehensively tried again.<br />
<br />
It only blinkin worked!<br />
<br />
I am so so pleased that I've managed to fix it. I was loathe to sell something I paid a couple of hundred pounds for without even using it.<br />
<br />
But that's not the end of my problems... oh no...<br />
<br />
I want to create custom embroideries and stupidly, the only decent and reasonably priced programs are for Windows computers only. I'm a Mac user and there's not a single Windows machine in this house. So I'm stumped for the time being. Typical. The machine works now I can't use it to do what I wanted it to do in the first place!<br />
<br />
I'm currently researching a program called Parallels that allows you to run Windows alongside your Mac OS so you effectively have a half/half machine. So far... it's looking quite expensive.<br />
<br />
Bummer!Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-43492587917906814792013-05-20T19:18:00.000+01:002013-05-20T19:18:13.615+01:00We're STILL up for sale...It's been a while since my last blog post and I'm sad to say we're still waiting for our house to sell. Our agents have been great and doing a really good job at getting people through the door to view our house. We've also come so close to getting an offer but were always pipped to the post by another house. It's very frustrating being stuck in this limbo.<br />
<br />
Getting a viewing, cleaning the house, presenting it well, showing people around, hearing they love the house, then the but... they saw another house that they offered on instead. Humph.<br />
<br />
The fact that we're getting so close means that the price is right, the time is right, the house is in good shape... we just need the people who want our house!<br />
<br />
We've been slowly packing things away - such as non-essential kitchen stuff, clothes, baby toys etc etc. We've now got to the point where nearly everything that is left is essentials and if we packed it away too soon, we'll end up rummaging through boxes to find it again in a few days time. It's annoying.<br />
<br />
We did go and view a few houses last week in the village we'll be moving back to. They were all very different types of property and we totally fell in love with a fixer-upper type place. The house was HUGE but needed complete renovation. We're not scared of the challenge of a complete renovation but we're not in a position to make an offer until we've sold our house. I'd be so sad to miss out on that house because it was perfect (apart from the birds nesting in the attic and lack of kitchen & bathroom...).<br />
<br />
Hubby isn't working at the moment and we're also getting a little short on money, not dangerously getting into debt kinda short, just running down our reserve cash. He really needs to get back to work soon and we can't do that until we've moved. There's so many things that have to come together soon.<br />
<br />
I'm feeling a little stuck.<br />
<br />
I'm a take the bull by the horns kinda girl and like to know where I'm headed and how. I like to feel in control even if that's not always the case but right now I feel totally out of control. I can't make the house sell and I can't make us move until this has happened. I've just got to sit on my hands, be patient and hope that everything works out in the next few weeks!Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-77141145158621025932013-05-02T10:49:00.000+01:002013-05-02T10:49:04.896+01:00We're up for sale!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fox-and-sons.co.uk/images/branch/branchprofile_photos/132_additional.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.fox-and-sons.co.uk/images/branch/branchprofile_photos/132_additional.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(this isn't our board by the way!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am so pleased that we've got the ball rolling and our house is officially up for sale. It technically went up for sale last Wednesday but the for sale board went up yesterday. Wahoo yaah!<br />
<br />
We've had a couple of viewings so far and a few more planned for next week. The first viewing was incredibly positive, the people loved the house and there was no negative feedback but sadly they offered on another house :-(. But, that's a really positive start for only a week on the market.<br />
<br />
The next big step in our move is having a clear out. The husband is currently on his was back from the local tip after emptying the workshop, aka manshed, aka manfred-manshed. He filled the car to the brim with bits of wood, backs of sawdust and empty pain cans. Most of the wood came from old reptile tanks and other DIY jobs. It was amazing to see how much we'd accumulated over the past year!<br />
<br />
I also emptied the mugs & glasses cupboard of all the one-of-a-kind (but once in a set) mugs that seem to gather dust. There was a whole bag full that went out and now we have some shelf space back!<br />
<br />
We've also been busy giving the kitchen a new lick of paint, as well as painting the garden walls. They're now gleaming white and have a real Mediterranean glow about them since the sun has come out.<br />
<br />
The next steps now is to work our way through each room, packing unnecessary clutter and chucking out junk. We have A LOT of junk... Although this is the most time consuming part of moving I find it the most therapeutic - throwing out old junk and getting ready for a new life somewhere. It's exciting.<br />
<br />
Things seem to slowly be falling in to place. There's a house ready and waiting for us in Wales, we just need to move in. So there's no house hunting to be done just yet. It's not very big and we'll need to find somewhere more permanent and larger further down the line but as a stop-gap it's perfect.Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-60476668320234057622013-04-25T19:46:00.001+01:002013-04-25T19:46:33.600+01:00My longing for home is going to come true!A few weeks ago I posted a soppy-ass post about wanting to go back to my hometown. I've been home and family sick since IQ came along. We moved to a city that we found out we rather dislike, which was a major bummer. Strangely, things took an unexpected turn and now it seems like my dreams are all coming true at once.<br />
<br />
I'll explain...<br />
<br />
The reason we moved was for my husband's work, he was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we couldn't turn it down. If we hadn't taken that chance I'm sure we would have come to regret it. As far as jobs go it was great to start but became less than satisfactory for him. Amazingly, he did the very brave thing and left last week. It wasn't a hasty decision and a few things happened in the week before that cemented his desire to leave. Of course we talked through the decision, had the money talk and he decided that it was the right thing to do.<br />
<br />
This job was the only reason we were staying where we are, so, with a hip-hip-hooray, we've decided to put our house up for sale. I really couldn't be happier. Our house went up for sale yesterday and we had our first viewing today. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn't take long to sell!<br />
<br />
There's so much more to write about house-selling and what not but that'll be another post entirely.<br />
<br />
So, as you can imagine with sorting the house sale out and going to my best friend's wedding, we've had a busy few weeks!<br />
<br />
Here's a few photographs from the wedding, we had a blast! (I'm not going to include any pictures of the bride because I'm sure she'll be doing a big dress reveal when she's back off honeymoon.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPf-GSLh5FXEaEMMMh_r99jN69tH6_GPlYrSYfejDCQ95cd0UQghT8wpOZ_AbEoerxdNK-HQywIxwo1vQG6qWo_MVMv_uLeFSnJyg8jZ9Sz6gt8_0ggVPVI0lCQWp4WeX7nc8Jn6RvBc/s1600/sam's_wedding_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPf-GSLh5FXEaEMMMh_r99jN69tH6_GPlYrSYfejDCQ95cd0UQghT8wpOZ_AbEoerxdNK-HQywIxwo1vQG6qWo_MVMv_uLeFSnJyg8jZ9Sz6gt8_0ggVPVI0lCQWp4WeX7nc8Jn6RvBc/s400/sam's_wedding_01.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GLZ6OxtlKoyYwMBshbWaejVx8DvX7X6R7UoiFgTOktVWspdNe02Q4wr-9Id2a5rB74kDtCyxquiHSc1qL3TQefIzj7AFHlmB5y-LANqgQSNmdGAUX_zCoOq3eiFIiEuPcnskNOFo8Bk/s1600/sams_wedding_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GLZ6OxtlKoyYwMBshbWaejVx8DvX7X6R7UoiFgTOktVWspdNe02Q4wr-9Id2a5rB74kDtCyxquiHSc1qL3TQefIzj7AFHlmB5y-LANqgQSNmdGAUX_zCoOq3eiFIiEuPcnskNOFo8Bk/s400/sams_wedding_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMvuxouJjdv_x1QiMljLYStk3dBobq8nSJn4lDJdxcx_1A6zHYzp0ZFJgsjeJGlKZD-RxGdmpYL2wuIIGgw_IQIvkOHQ9XvujActF3XzGWl1yJ52_Gvo99lFny2k8nU_wwdPj33Bnz7E/s1600/sams_wedding_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMvuxouJjdv_x1QiMljLYStk3dBobq8nSJn4lDJdxcx_1A6zHYzp0ZFJgsjeJGlKZD-RxGdmpYL2wuIIGgw_IQIvkOHQ9XvujActF3XzGWl1yJ52_Gvo99lFny2k8nU_wwdPj33Bnz7E/s400/sams_wedding_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-63478054018913136382013-04-12T09:20:00.000+01:002013-04-12T09:20:00.269+01:00Just two weeks to go...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgop1G8Tbt_7PZstQ6sliVs9UeUb0m1AqNJNO-l5nQdM4hUWvVrOZZepPtqfMKZToEudjOQHw6leC4L-0H8VOsf2PNGi_qo-AiNwl3tDZXWrUhxr3kQ2Lp9LGFvm6Jl2oEr8m9QgYkK_ISaTi5uI0rviMLqb_qH3yO0_gfpVJpJeZIycnTRDoKeSWgkGt-_08cSwYQEz4jhatLLQskQ_YnwVh4pWQmZBFwAQISPOLOClZsNbNTitoNujdyEiNs=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgop1G8Tbt_7PZstQ6sliVs9UeUb0m1AqNJNO-l5nQdM4hUWvVrOZZepPtqfMKZToEudjOQHw6leC4L-0H8VOsf2PNGi_qo-AiNwl3tDZXWrUhxr3kQ2Lp9LGFvm6Jl2oEr8m9QgYkK_ISaTi5uI0rviMLqb_qH3yO0_gfpVJpJeZIycnTRDoKeSWgkGt-_08cSwYQEz4jhatLLQskQ_YnwVh4pWQmZBFwAQISPOLOClZsNbNTitoNujdyEiNs=" width="320" /></a>In 2 weeks time the gorgeous <a href="http://themusingsofsamboy.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Samboy</a> is getting married and I have the absolute honor of being one of her Bridesmaids. She was, of course, one of my girls at my wedding. I've never been a bridesmaid before and I'm very excited and a little nervous!<br />
<br />
Because of the wedding being so soon, we're having a gathering of LadyShapes (her words!) tonight, which means I'm packing myself and IQ in the car and heading back up to Wales for the weekend. I'm a little anxious about the journey as it's the longest trip I'll have made on my own with her. If any of you know the roads in Devon you'll understand that I HATE driving on the A38. Windy roads, patches of fog and usually rain makes the journey difficult on the best of days. I'll be taking it slow that's for sure.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiFu_xoKVNCAz2-Yz-pW3YfkxO0XcLJYdnfzpD9SwUGSR9Wu_P5mIeH0FjQVdMOfIwd5SzYQoTNH54BPEzLMsiPBcL04g9vAdIXUXMJBAZwAFD-mofueqX1_e24SaBkEH3AtYSBcAEBn6KycpucxUQ8CPkwGUcpG1efXNcbqRCXBPfrPLM2xTk38AtSC9UOkEHVxxSDtUm0FhCflP8aagRIBXYNKew0PHEVZ-oWjhR-8H7ELgqgKSG_sYxsoBg=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiFu_xoKVNCAz2-Yz-pW3YfkxO0XcLJYdnfzpD9SwUGSR9Wu_P5mIeH0FjQVdMOfIwd5SzYQoTNH54BPEzLMsiPBcL04g9vAdIXUXMJBAZwAFD-mofueqX1_e24SaBkEH3AtYSBcAEBn6KycpucxUQ8CPkwGUcpG1efXNcbqRCXBPfrPLM2xTk38AtSC9UOkEHVxxSDtUm0FhCflP8aagRIBXYNKew0PHEVZ-oWjhR-8H7ELgqgKSG_sYxsoBg=" width="320" /></a><br />
We're heading out to Cardiff and having a meal at Wagamamas. I'm so excited. The nearest one to us is 40 odd miles away so it's going to be a real treat. This is my idea of a hen party. No L plates, tiaras or inflatable penises for us ladies, oh no. That's my idea of hell. I heard a saying once that summed up the aforementioned hen party quite well, 'it always ends with someone in bunny ears crying on the stairs...'.<br />
<br />
On Saturday I also have the exciting plan of having a little 'wedding practise' with Samboy and her family. This also means I get to see her dress. I think I'm going to cry when I see it. In a good way of course! That evening I've been invited out for a meal with the ladies of her family and I really hope I can make it, but I don't want my mum to worry about putting IQ to bed two nights in a row. She can still be a little difficult at times. Fingers crossed she'll be an angel for Nannie and I won't have to worry!<br />
<br />
It's a busy weekend lined up for me!<br />
<br />
I have also been working away at my cardigan this week. The front and back pieces are done (with a little frogging here and there - and the front pieces aren't the same shape!!) and I'm now working on the hood. I think I might put it together and see how it looks without sleeves. Mainly because I can't be bothered working up two sleeves!<br />
<br />
The blanket has obviously been neglected whilst the cardigan takes shape but I'll be getting back on that soon enough!<br />
<br />
Have a fab weekend!<br />
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv253%2Fnowyouseeme%2F0156ECE1-7E35-449F-878F-0F826E9F72FD-6685-00000A0C87D7516B_zps2dac6631.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgop1G8Tbt_7PZstQ6sliVs9UeUb0m1AqNJNO-l5nQdM4hUWvVrOZZepPtqfMKZToEudjOQHw6leC4L-0H8VOsf2PNGi_qo-AiNwl3tDZXWrUhxr3kQ2Lp9LGFvm6Jl2oEr8m9QgYkK_ISaTi5uI0rviMLqb_qH3yO0_gfpVJpJeZIycnTRDoKeSWgkGt-_08cSwYQEz4jhatLLQskQ_YnwVh4pWQmZBFwAQISPOLOClZsNbNTitoNujdyEiNs=" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv253%2Fnowyouseeme%2F828C4F40-9A45-4AF5-B009-5F31E0E01E62-6685-00000A0C82C0F4D5_zpscb0e14d9.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiFu_xoKVNCAz2-Yz-pW3YfkxO0XcLJYdnfzpD9SwUGSR9Wu_P5mIeH0FjQVdMOfIwd5SzYQoTNH54BPEzLMsiPBcL04g9vAdIXUXMJBAZwAFD-mofueqX1_e24SaBkEH3AtYSBcAEBn6KycpucxUQ8CPkwGUcpG1efXNcbqRCXBPfrPLM2xTk38AtSC9UOkEHVxxSDtUm0FhCflP8aagRIBXYNKew0PHEVZ-oWjhR-8H7ELgqgKSG_sYxsoBg=" -->Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-42630139189565092742013-04-07T11:23:00.001+01:002013-04-07T11:23:57.642+01:00Silent Sunday - Cat and Yarn <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBuODC_cl73dRftVhX5vtzNnU3X885ZVeq11nNiS1l2DXm6325bmbSa-mtyPClwPfLLoSzuTZBBg70azlieXJUjmvocBl1lm6D906DQ0BqVxnKwm90zAWgHBfB5K8pLBeaz5te2qSMw8/s640/blogger-image--1478610527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBuODC_cl73dRftVhX5vtzNnU3X885ZVeq11nNiS1l2DXm6325bmbSa-mtyPClwPfLLoSzuTZBBg70azlieXJUjmvocBl1lm6D906DQ0BqVxnKwm90zAWgHBfB5K8pLBeaz5te2qSMw8/s640/blogger-image--1478610527.jpg" /></a></div>Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-48092460751887440102013-04-05T11:03:00.001+01:002013-04-05T11:03:56.364+01:00A herb updateThe herbs on my windowsill are doing great, half of them anyway. The coriander and basil are absolutely loving their little pots but the thyme and parsley are no shows. I know that they do take a little longer to germinate than the others so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully the last few sunny days will give them the kick they need.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in the garden rosemary, lavender and thyme are growing fantastically again. There's a lot of fresh growth and they all look really healthy. My chives are also doing great and there are a few of the first buds growing so there will be the appearance of the gorgeous purple flowers really soon.<br />
<br />
I love this time of the year. Everything starts to grow again and there are even a few bees buzzing about.<br />
<br />
Spring is wonderful! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGXhlqmzGNJTNr4ApD40Au8SaaIwemtWoXYI2EoIFYdoaqiSnq9aQB5VJ2-p1IRnBP-K2trX1PA1pkzvwMn5EpWJH9JKiViGUm8c72YPyCf7MzRoIfWiupuP48Sd_GKb-H6-3gq7buLE/s640/blogger-image-697117747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGXhlqmzGNJTNr4ApD40Au8SaaIwemtWoXYI2EoIFYdoaqiSnq9aQB5VJ2-p1IRnBP-K2trX1PA1pkzvwMn5EpWJH9JKiViGUm8c72YPyCf7MzRoIfWiupuP48Sd_GKb-H6-3gq7buLE/s640/blogger-image-697117747.jpg" /></a></div>Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-72315278425355022552013-04-04T17:50:00.001+01:002013-04-04T17:50:15.513+01:00The granny square blanket grows... and I've started a cardigan.<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/E2D87EDD-E8DC-4D53-B6D4-7BEF5BA2370C-2694-0000043CF4AC977F_zpsf9dcb21e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/E2D87EDD-E8DC-4D53-B6D4-7BEF5BA2370C-2694-0000043CF4AC977F_zpsf9dcb21e.jpg" width="320" /></a>The huge granny square is coming along OK. I can just about manage a round a night at the moment but as they're taking an AGGGGGEEE to complete, they're limited. I often find that if I'm doing lots of repetitive stitches like on this blanket, which is a gazillion double crochets, I start to get RSI pain in my wrist and hands. I do try and switch up my needle-holding style every few rows but it doesn't seem to help the pain - just slows me down!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3239598556_255e6096f0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3239598556_255e6096f0_z.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have also started on another project. While rummaging in the acrylic yarn box I came across two part-balls of hayfield bonus aran (worseted to my US readers) and thought, I could make a nice Spring cardi out of that. After a bit of searching on Ravelry with the keyword cardigan and size 9mm hook (yes, I was feeling lazy) I found <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/erykah" target="_blank">this GORGEOUS cardigan</a>. It's modelled by the fantastic Erykah Badu (love her!) and is from Vickie Howell's book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vickie-Howells-Pop-Goes-Crochet/dp/1600594662/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365093304&sr=8-1&keywords=pop+goes+crochet" target="_blank">Pop Goes Crochet</a>. I have seen this book in a local buy-everything-for-cheap shop. I may go back and get it...<br />
<br />
Isn't it gorgeous?<br />
<br />
The pattern is for a calf length cardigan but as I'm such a short-arse I decided to alter the length and make it mid thigh length. It's crocheted completely in Arcade Stitch which is one I've never worked with before and I have to say I LOVE it. It's a relatively simple stitch once you get the hang of it and it looks fab.<br />
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/65C63269-63BB-4A4F-A0BB-818D0C96A5F2-2694-0000043CEFC98851_zpse906f79d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/65C63269-63BB-4A4F-A0BB-818D0C96A5F2-2694-0000043CEFC98851_zpse906f79d.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The two colours of aran I had were Olive and Heather so I decided to create a striped version.<br />
<br />
I finished the back piece on Monday night and made a start on the left front side piece when the unthinkable happened. I. RAN. OUT. OF. YARN. nooooooo!!!! I had no idea that the arcade stitch would use that amount of yarn. Oh well, good job they're on 3-2 at Hobbycraft at the moment! Hahaha<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. What are you crafting at the moment? Anything for a new spring wardrobe?</span>Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-2610813234131207102013-03-31T18:54:00.001+01:002013-03-31T18:54:20.345+01:00An unconventional Easter giftMy husband and I aren't all about the cute rabbits and fluffy chicks at Easter. We are of course all about the chocolate though! I wanted to make him something cool for Easter so decided on this. He, like many others, calls Easter Sunday "zombie Jesus day". It's not a slate on the holiday itself, just a bit of jesting I guess! So, in keeping with the theme I made a turn-inside-out zombie chick-in-an-egg!<br />
<br />
I made it using some aran yarn in my stash that wouldn't be making it into the monster granny square blanket. I added the necessary brains and hanging-off button eye.<br />
<br />
It's a totally daft Easter gift but he loved it. I presented it in an origami birds nest filled with chocolate mini eggs.<br />
<br />
Happy Easter everyone! Enjoy the chocolate overload!<br />
<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBkoc-aU7m4iV8lKZQNaj2jZgUNnKSa-ERc3U9VOVaYCpnEDa1MVSeIW2PizdQ_wBsI7l5-8oNbIK59osAuVhmz4oyirYAJBIVRWgXLDG6q-VJ3G58V9QZqYLcQgENyrugPcAJ2rw9Uc/s640/blogger-image--187792424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBkoc-aU7m4iV8lKZQNaj2jZgUNnKSa-ERc3U9VOVaYCpnEDa1MVSeIW2PizdQ_wBsI7l5-8oNbIK59osAuVhmz4oyirYAJBIVRWgXLDG6q-VJ3G58V9QZqYLcQgENyrugPcAJ2rw9Uc/s640/blogger-image--187792424.jpg" /></a></div>Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-46359342935875696232013-03-27T09:55:00.001+00:002013-03-27T09:55:29.335+00:00I'm creating a monsterI had a rummage through the spare bedroom last night and came across a huge box of half used balls of acrylic. The balls are all in pleasant enough colours so I decided to gather them up and start on a very basic granny-square blanket.<br />
<br />
The pattern is a simple 3DC CH1 pattern so works up quickly and is quite therapeutic once you get going.<br />
<br />
I managed a 12in square in an hour last night and am setting myself 10 minute slots to get a little more done while IQ naps. After each round I'm going to reward myself with a cuppa or some choccy! I find this reward-for-a-round system works quite well for me and it stops me getting bored of the pattern , resulting with me shoving the WIP to the back of the wardrobe.... Oh that dark, dark place...<br />
<br />
Do you reward yourself during crafting? What's the biggest project you've completed? <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjmZcKddKHAJ3SV0Iv0xIdeQGE8Xs2CzMFzrDuP-I4ZxZreS2LqP2_7yHFyiVphmaw3NSrnJtvBv-JcxZ6IaFwQH9vwRNxPzWg32LhiP3tvudf47bwOn3LMe5acs1N4iE0MnAVLtCB4k/s640/blogger-image--888159720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjmZcKddKHAJ3SV0Iv0xIdeQGE8Xs2CzMFzrDuP-I4ZxZreS2LqP2_7yHFyiVphmaw3NSrnJtvBv-JcxZ6IaFwQH9vwRNxPzWg32LhiP3tvudf47bwOn3LMe5acs1N4iE0MnAVLtCB4k/s640/blogger-image--888159720.jpg" /></a></div>Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-26497324283215644622013-03-26T10:00:00.000+00:002013-03-26T10:00:24.859+00:00A week of milestones and creativity<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJdGd8DKiEmYCfiNaA2HDmfrvxtJ8Y8uw-iFq9CUsH81Gqh3xFe8gJ_qklvGsKGshePw8U5jb0J-Agfis8L4aHUew6yXo_DbWCfDIbV-jhqlQlKjWGbITQ0PX3H4XvypIxzdCYBRQKeY/s1600/IMG_1646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJdGd8DKiEmYCfiNaA2HDmfrvxtJ8Y8uw-iFq9CUsH81Gqh3xFe8gJ_qklvGsKGshePw8U5jb0J-Agfis8L4aHUew6yXo_DbWCfDIbV-jhqlQlKjWGbITQ0PX3H4XvypIxzdCYBRQKeY/s200/IMG_1646.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can see you cat...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This has been a really busy week for the Stitch family. I'm amazed at how much we've packed in! (if you <a href="http://instagram.com/stitchintime" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a> sorry for the photo repetitions!)<br />
<br />
IQ is constantly amazing us at the moment. She was 8 months last Sunday. Where has the time gone?! Every day she's doing something new and exciting and I love watching her grow and develop. It's been a tough week with regards to feeding as she started to refuse-the-spoon and it made meal times very stressful for me. In the middle of the week I noticed that teeth 7&8 have appeared at the bottom so that will explain the grumpiness and spoon refusal. I can't believe she's got 8 teeth already...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCHUopfGs1YUYEB_TBePKz2YIskY7bzuwBekxRyQsHSVZuzBbVHlTCMb4Zk4Qomk4DK7JMwBvBI52q8Pk22bsVZoiKXfvfJH-U4uekPXD56nU2EPolmTvdcblHtUbU8GmvD2Ibx5Hhdk/s1600/IMG_1621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCHUopfGs1YUYEB_TBePKz2YIskY7bzuwBekxRyQsHSVZuzBbVHlTCMb4Zk4Qomk4DK7JMwBvBI52q8Pk22bsVZoiKXfvfJH-U4uekPXD56nU2EPolmTvdcblHtUbU8GmvD2Ibx5Hhdk/s200/IMG_1621.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come ere...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She has also started crawling too which is so exciting for her but made me a little sad because she's got this whole new independence about her. She's not such a baby any more. She scoots right across the living room and everything has now been re-arranged to keep her safe. She loves feeling everything and will run her fingers across / chew everything in sight to find out what it is and how it feels. Because of this, we've bought her a whole new range of toys with buttons and fiddly bits to keep her entertained as her old 'baby' toys just don't keep her attention any more!<br />
<br />
She's also finding the fat-cat very funny and will laugh at him when he<br />
walks past. We take her hand and stroke him and this drives her nuts! Real belly laughs! Thank goodness we have a very tolerant l<strike>azy</strike> cat. She also seeks him out whenever he tries to hide from her and the only place he's safe is on the window seat where she can't get to. It's only a matter of time though Tweak, so start planing your escape routes!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyd2PLy5WvQaKA9X0oUB9migb8DAMXKEHyYKymEzkGFjfP7AEodGbFoFEoXqatImaZM0Ut6X3vqaTWCIg3_AxtGwMPyxzrmuKnAxyfqB1GiLbLg5RoFB7Jwi2urzQG4Fzj0Wq942qul8/s1600/IMG_1619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyd2PLy5WvQaKA9X0oUB9migb8DAMXKEHyYKymEzkGFjfP7AEodGbFoFEoXqatImaZM0Ut6X3vqaTWCIg3_AxtGwMPyxzrmuKnAxyfqB1GiLbLg5RoFB7Jwi2urzQG4Fzj0Wq942qul8/s200/IMG_1619.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and IQ on the slide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She can also pull herself to standing on the furniture and it's a little ahead of herself when she tries to climb up. Watching her trying to get her leg up is so funny but her persistence is to be admired. I think it'll be a while longer before she can actually climb anything though.<br />
<br />
We went to a local park last Monday and IQ and daddy had so much fun on the swings and slide. I love how playful Daddy is and she had a great time with him.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAPQbB2R72XOCyO11kB0tjv7c4y6qDKRUNyhdXANuhSQZ0YGxGeMB8tx22q0fWRGkypStjarYGPBh7xIGP7u4tpes8NnS0edRLBA9kpjC8Ds8OK46wPyfZ-PtyubF64tlxC46jD_YiVI/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAPQbB2R72XOCyO11kB0tjv7c4y6qDKRUNyhdXANuhSQZ0YGxGeMB8tx22q0fWRGkypStjarYGPBh7xIGP7u4tpes8NnS0edRLBA9kpjC8Ds8OK46wPyfZ-PtyubF64tlxC46jD_YiVI/s200/IMG_1636.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narutomaki sushi brooch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've also made time for crafting too! I'm so pleased to finally have my creative mojo back, it's been too long. I've been using felt a lot this week and created my <a href="http://stitchnting.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/a-fun-feathery-mini-mobile.html" target="_blank">bird mobile</a> and some super cute sushi pin badges too. I'm so pleased with them. I think I've found a medium that I really enjoy using and will definitely be using felt more often.<br />
<br />
I also made IQ a fleece hat on Sunday. Daddy kindly offered me an hour off so I could craft. I bought the fleece fabric back last year and have only now made anything with it! I used the same pattern for the hat I made a few years ago for a friends' little boy. She looks SO CUTE in it. Blue definitely suits my little girl.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLkm61HI8H-lf3S_cZA2SGMFsEW66-UlF3NYeY7sZ81XNJdE6NuBlZcCIPgyRxeuNlkuh2K7qlfnlYBybqmyBNTtgGjdDpaaFJ4fzdwrzI2vwwuzlbKqnKYyNsHhK1YorDePdmOvV0os/s1600/IMG_1655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLkm61HI8H-lf3S_cZA2SGMFsEW66-UlF3NYeY7sZ81XNJdE6NuBlZcCIPgyRxeuNlkuh2K7qlfnlYBybqmyBNTtgGjdDpaaFJ4fzdwrzI2vwwuzlbKqnKYyNsHhK1YorDePdmOvV0os/s320/IMG_1655.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IQ is so pleased with her new hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've also got an exciting update on my <a href="http://stitchnting.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/up-cycling-baby-food-jars-to-windowsill.html" target="_blank">widowsill herb planter</a> I made two weeks ago. The coriander and basil have sprouted! They must love being in the sun all day as they've grown so fast. I'm A-Mazed at the speed they've appeared. It won't be long before I can pick them and use in cooking. Exciting!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/A6807C89-ABDC-4957-84E5-34BD8A7C90CB-12728-000018568661EC33_zps215c20c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/A6807C89-ABDC-4957-84E5-34BD8A7C90CB-12728-000018568661EC33_zps215c20c9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope you all had a lovely weekend and that you didn't have too much snow!Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130952753482042510.post-89243857649428487762013-03-23T10:07:00.001+00:002013-03-23T10:07:39.928+00:00My love for essential oilsMy love for essential oils started a few years ago when my darling <a href="http://themusingsofsamboy.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Samboy</a> kindly gave me <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fragrant-Pharmacy-Valerie-Ann-Worwood/dp/0553403974" target="_blank">this book</a> and some oils for my birthday. It was an amazing gift that sparked my love for them. I had used them before, but the book gave me so many practical uses and great information about all kinds of oils.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">An </span><b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">essential oil</b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> is a concentrated </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrophobic" style="background-image: none; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Hydrophobic">hydrophobic</a><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> liquid containing volatile </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aroma_compound" style="background-image: none; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Aroma compound">aroma compounds</a><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> from plants. Essential oils are also known as </span><b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">volatile oils</b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span><b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">ethereal oils</b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> or </span><b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">aetherolea</b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">, or simply as the "oil of" the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. An </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil" style="background-image: none; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Oil">oil</a><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Essential oils do not form a distinctive category for any medical, pharmacological, or culinary purpose. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil" target="_blank">(Wikipedia)</a></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
Most essential oils are very affordable, ranging from £1-3 for a reasonable sized bottle. I later came to find out that some oils can be worth hundreds of pounds for 10ml or so! Wowzers! Most general oils, such as Lavender, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang are used in many toiletries and are smells that are very familiar. Aside from medicinal, beauty and fragrance purposes I have found that essential oils are amazing companions around the house.<br />
<br />
I have several favourite uses around the home for essential oils, here are a few:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Air Fresheners</b> - I regularly place a few drops of an oil on a tissue and place it on top of a radiator. When the heating comes on, the oils is warmed and dispersed - filling the room with an amazing fragrance. My favourite oils for this purpose are Lemon, grapefruit and (at Christmas) Nutmeg & Cinnamon.<br /></li>
<li><b>Clothes freshener</b> - I think everyone is familiar with Lavender pouches & sheets to freshen clothes up. My favourite use for this is to add a few drops to a cotton handkerchief and place in the tumble dryer while drying clothes. They come out smelling so lovely.<br /></li>
<li><b>Topping up reed diffusers</b> - If you've got a reed diffuser that's run out of oil, simply mix a couple of drops of oil to some distilled water and re-fill that badboy. My favourite oils for this are Rose, Bergamot and Lime.</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/F3C202A3-8516-46E9-AB8A-0F10C263C28C-11003-0000167D635468EA_zpsb507e437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/nowyouseeme/F3C202A3-8516-46E9-AB8A-0F10C263C28C-11003-0000167D635468EA_zpsb507e437.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 'pregnancy' blends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I was pregnant, I suffered so bad with tiredness and insomnia. Now, you have to be VERY careful when using essential oils during pregnancy. There are a few that must be avoided at all costs and some that can be used only in the third-trimester. It's important to research thoroughly before you use any oils during pregnancy. I made myself a few bottles of a blend of oils to add to my evening bath. I also added a dispersant so that the oils didn't just sit on top of the water. I have to say that these blends worked like a charm and I'm still using those same bottles today.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Essential oils can also be used for babies and children, though thorough research is needed again to ensure that you're using the correct oils and quantities. When IQ was merely a few days old, I added a few drops of Lavender to a piece of cotton and placed it underneath her moses basket. It may be co-inkidink but I swear she slept more peacefully because of it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do any of you use essential oils? Do you use the around the house or just for health & beauty purposes? What's your favourite oil/blend?</div>
Jadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341069586669223860noreply@blogger.com5