Summer now....... where have I been!

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted..... I'm really bad at this blogging! 
To update, its now Summer!  and here are a few flowers out now in my garden.  Never did get those sunflowers or climbing beans planted.  Still always next year ........

The garden is looking a bit neglected as we're been away down to Cornwall and at the Norfolk coast, making the most of this lovely summer weather.   I've also been busy making bags and a couple of dolls, which I will show in my next post.

Spring has arrived at last!

It was a beautiful day yesterday and I couldn't settle into any needlework so I took my camera out into the garden.  I was really surprised how many flowers I had to capture.  More to come I hope, well there maybe, if I get my act together and plant the sunflower and morning glory seeds I have waiting.  I'm going to try some climbing french beans too! 
Must try and get motivated into finishing some of my UFO's.  I get so easily side-tracked ...... then another new project gets started.  Still, I have got my Snickerdoodle Dreams bag swap off across the pond, was really pleased with the way it turned out.  Can't show yet, have to wait til I know it has arrived, but with the 7 days of no flights I expect there will be some back-log to clear so it may take longer then usual.  Fingers crossed and wish it a speedy journey.

All Hearts!

All hearts!  I've been on a roll with these, lavendar hearts.  They are so easy and fun to make, I like things that are quick to do as I soon get bored!!   Think they may be good for a craft show... if ever I get round to doing one!  Got more ideas for them too, but first I want to finish off a few more of those UFO's...... like a fairy, Christmas stitchery, a prim Annie and Andy, the list goes on... and on....

 

Let me know what you think of my hearts    

Update on Betty Boo

I've been trying to get Betty Boo finished, nearly there........ so here is an update on how far I have got.  The head is not stitched on yet, hair needs a little more styling and her dress needs a skirt.  The red net covering her up is going to cover her shoulders and arms, and maybe an underskirt too!  Shall I get her finished by 31st March ?  ....ummmmm not sure, but I'll try.  I've so much other stuff waiting ......... watch this space

King of Hearts and The Old Hag

I can now show what I made for my partner in our latest swap at 'All Things Prim'. The King of Hearts, he was so much fun to make and I am pleased to say he arrived in the USA safe and sound. Best of all, Kristine loves him! I was a little worried about that as Kristine makes such brilliant stuff and can turn her hand to anything crafty.

Look what Kristine of Kitchn'sink Studio, (link on right under blogs) made for me.... awesome.... she is Hunchback Hag with her caged canary, or Old Aunt Zula as Kristine named her. I adore her, shes just my kinda gal! Don't you just love that face.....

Annie in the Garden Stitchery

Last year our prim group held a Stitchery swap... participating members sent a stitchery each month to a partner, then when all were received we made them up into a final item. Here is my completed blocks made into a small quilt, which I am using to cover my sewing machine. It was a good exercise for me to try out some patchwork blocks I had never attempted before. One day I will make that big quilt I keep promising myself.

Knitting?

Now I'm not much of a knitter, infact I sometimes hate it! But one thing leads to another and well........ it all started with my beautiful DIL buying me this gorgeous handbag. It's in a colour I love and goes well with my big black winter coat, but I didn't have a scarf in the right colour for this cold weather . So off shopping I went and couldn't find a scarf suitable. Then had the brilliant idea... I'll knit one, it can't be that hard, chunky wool and it will grow quickly. Found this great Sirdar Persia yarn, wool blend and it goes perfect. Have now made myself a warm scarf and a beret to match. Very pleased with myself - for a non-knitter!!

Betty Boop Challenge

I decided to try the Betty Boop Challenge set by Rivkah Mizrahi of http://dollmakersmuse.blogspot.com/ its a very interesting pattern.... see what you think of my progress so far. The hands are so ugly, may make another set and she has shoulders like a footballer. The black sparkley fabric will be her dress and the red net her underskirt. I can't decide what to use for the hair yet.... maybe wool roving, but I don't like needle felting much. Watch this space.. will I get her finished?

Snowdrops and Soup!

While I was waiting for my soup to cool ready for the freezer I took this photo of the first snowdrops out in my garden........

I love to see them, makes me think better weather is on the way. Well, we had snow and it went away fairly quickly only to come back again, and it is so cold now!

So here are the photos of my carrot soup and my snowdrops.... hope you like both!!

Meet Trixie

Well, so far so good, I've finished off one UFO.........

meet Trixie, The Wall Pocket Troll, pattern by Ute Vasina. I just adore her trolls, they always make me smile.
a few more to go!!

Happy New Year !!

A new year, a new beginning! I'm thinking of making a list of things I want to achieve this year... not resolutions, cos they always become disillusions!! lol.. I would like to experiment with paperclay, so might start researching into what I need and find a supplier. Thinking on the lines of the vintage dolls.... we will have to wait and see!

Also I am thinking about a quilt made up of different star blocks.... not a large quilt more a lap sized one. But first I must attack my basket holding some UFO's, there's a rucksack to finish, a least 3 dolls, and a couple of trolls! Wow this is gonna be a busy year, better get going tomorrow.