Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Rain, Rain, Go Away

This wet, windy, grey weather is doing nothing to improve my mood!

I'm feeling sad as my poor Dad continues to be very ill and each day is a struggle for him and my lovely Mum.

We take each day as it comes, but it is strange to be getting on with the normal, hectic, day to day life with this hurt tucked away inside.

I can still create a little....


...some brooches to sell at the next Ten Plus Textiles exhibition.

And I can still laugh a little....


"Really Mum, I didn't take the coals off the fire"

And the world keeps on turning.

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

Can you hear that?

Listen carefully....yep, it's the sound of silence (well it would be if the neighbour's builders stopped for a brew and the dog stopped grumbling!)



I have to say though, I don't much care for it...an empty house, no kids running in and out, taking over the computer and leaving dirty mugs around the house. It's going to take some getting used to!

Today my youngest started at High School and I've been on pins all day waiting to see how he got on. My middle child is starting a new term and GCSEs and my daughter has gone on a last trip out with her friends before they all go to different colleges.

So while I can get near the computer and it is quiet enough here to think, I'll show you what I've been up to recently.

I've started to crochet a blanket that was featured in Mollie Makes magazine and is also in the "Cute and Easy Crochet" book by Nicki Trench. I'm fairly new to crochet and I've never crocheted a square, but I was amazed by how easy it is and now I'm hooked (pardon the pun!)



I'm only going to use a small amount of the gold and blue, but the other colours are in my bedding.

 
These are my first few squares- I know they don't look very square at the moment, but they will be once I've pressed them.
It is going to be a great project to pick up when I have a few minutes spare.
 
As you may remember, I am interested in grafitti and I  am planning to do some more textile work based on the colours found in the city. When I visited the Festival of Quilts in August, I found these two great books full of inspiration.
 
 
I can't wait to experiment with Sharpies, printing and fabric collage.

I'll be back soon with more!