White O'Morn Cottage

Spring Dreams

Above is a great new site where you can browse online shops in virtual streets. I just LOVE it. Check it out..

http://www.theonlineshoppingtown.co.uk/user/home

Oh how I long to get down to the cottage for a break. As you may know we had a burst pipe that did a lot of damage and so we have not been able to visit until it is all sorted. I have made some new cushions for the new sofa bed we bought for the living room. We only have one bedroom there so it is handy to have a pull out bed for visitors. (above pic was taken last summer)

Below pic shows Pants, the cat snuggling up on the new sofa to get near the open fire. Also shown is my messy crafting storage area. (Note to self...SELF..tidy up) Oh, and do you see the round rose tin? Well, I found that on Etsy and it is from the thirties. Love it...I don't know what I will store in it yet but I'll find something.

I have been trying to get a good photo of Pants but she is all black and....well she has the strangest eyes.....LOL! She moved just as I was taking a photo in low light.

 
 
 

I made the cushions from a chenille bedspread and a flannelette cot sheet. I think these are my favourite colours at the moment.

and here is the before photo of them. Yeah, After first and then Before!

I had lots left so I made a few to sell and give as presents.

This is how the living room window looked before the deluge and will do again.

And this little fairy will be joining the rest of them soon..

I am very busy in work at the moment as it is coming up to submission of portfolios deadline (no exams in our centre, we do applied certs with p/folios built up over the year)

However, I still find time to craft and have so enjoyed making these baby garlands and hats.

And more cute shamrock shoes.

Speaking of beautiful green things here is a sweet little doily I will be using for St Patrick's Day decor. Unusual colour for a doily and that makes it special to me.

Can't get enough of beautiful linens so here is another favourite of mine. It is a linen bread/roll basket.

 

Anyway, I'm hoping to get down to the cottage this coming weekend and put it to rights. I'll leave you with one of my favourite photos taken there. It is of the smaller window in the living room.

I love these deep windows as they are great to display fav items. The little jug on legs was my grandmothers and the wooden sign was given to me by my sis. Teeda, years before when I was only dreaming of having a pretty little cottage one day. It says "Welcome to the Cottage"

Have a lovely weekend.



 

 

Adorable Animals in my World

I just can't get enough of animals and they do seem to search me out! Stalked by animals I am.

We woke up one morning in the cottage to find a family of donkeys in our meadow. I adore donkeys.

 

A close up of the baby one.

 

Our meadow is open and it seems that every loose or stray animal finds its way to it! Maybe my weeds taste better than their own fields? When Twiggy and co. were staying there it was sheep. I had a herd of cows and we had a horse for a while too.

Chewie was sitting just at the right angle for the sun to catch her heart shaped ID disk so I grabbed my camera and snapped. It is a bit blurred but I love it. She reminds me of ET's heart glowing!

 

Now our Holly just knows when I have bought her a present and goes mad trying to find it in my bag. She starts with the look that says "What did you get me? YOU Did get something? YOU DID! It's in this bag that you love so much"

 

Holly then has to thoroughly investigate it....

 

Ahhh, Dog Beer? Who knew?

 

Chewie! You have gone a funny shape!....oh no she hasn't it is just Pretty snuggling up to her bum. I can't tell where one ends and the other starts.

 

Pretty Pants!

Of course I can't leave out Pants, the cat ( Iam secretly changing her name to Pushkah...you know pussy cat - Pushkah.) Don't tell Chris. Paul calls her Peteesha. Poor thing  is having an identity crisis!
 

Honourable mention goes to Mick the Human Dog, he belongs to Angie,

and poor little Shadow the pomme from next door and her companion westie, Freddie

On Your High Nelly! Rust is a colour...right?

I got a new bike. It is called a High Nelly. Here it is...it is rust coloured. Nice isn't it?

I also got a matching gents version for Paul. His is blue with fetching rust details. Green with envy ye' all are because of our blue/rust coloured bikes.

 

They are original 1940's//50's ones known here as High Nellys. Stored for decades in someones shed in County Kildare. I wanted them to do a project for the cottage garden and one for Angie's and Catherine's gardens.  I have another one stashed up in Leitrim. This is how I see them turning out. Will keep you posted as to progress. What colours do you think? I can get any colour to spray paint them. Just can't make up my mind.

 

 

Winning Pearls

My sister, Teeda in Canada sent me photos of these divine pieces of jewellery she made for a competition. Aren't they super? Her hand crafted jewellery is amazing. See her blog on my sidebar Beadiva

The one below is called Ripples

 

...and this one is called Pearl on a Wire. I really hope they win. They are beautiful. Gotta love pearls girls!

Shaggy Shadow Dog Story

Look who moved in next door. A puppy pomeranian. She is adorable but at only three months old she is has been traumatised and is terrified of people. She was bought by a family whose 2 year old child was very rough with her. It lasted for a few weeks and my neighbour offered to take her to save her. She trembles and runs from people. 

I hope she finds she can trust people and I did my bit for the cause by giving her lots of cuddles. She seemed to like it but then went back to being so afraid. Poor little thing. She does not have a name yet.  I think she should be called Shadow but my neighbour says that as the westie is called Fred then this one has to be called.....wait for it....GINGER! Fabulous.

 

My neighbour had just got a westie pup a few weeks ago and this little thing totally shadows his every move. It is so cute to see - it seems as if they move as one but it is so sad too.  I'm sure she was taken too early from her mother and is looking for a substitute.

This is Freddie the westie she follows everywhere.

When I had her in and put her on the floor she tried to shadow my dogs, each one in turn. They were not impressed and ran upstairs where she could not follow and then she tried to shadow the cat. Ah, so sad. I'll keep you updated on her progress.

You might have noticed I put a blonde rinse in my hair. Not permanent one though. It will wash out with next shampoo. It is taking so long to grow out my grey I got fedup looking at half grey and half blonde. Neither here not there. Also, it has surprised me to see (and you can see it here) that some of my roots are growing out dark! I can't win can I?

Thanks so much to Josie of Skysillysite who gave me this fab award.

 

I have been trying to get it into my sidebar. Any Typepadders out there who know how to add this?

I get to pass it on to five blogs so here goes:

The Balancing Kiwi

The Old Schoolhouse

Irish Cottage Dreams

AngelMc

Margie Loves Wool

No special rules, just enjoy.

 

 

Recessionista/Fashionista! That's Me.

I am on a spending diet/budget (self imposed - I am not allowed buy any clothes this month) (everything else is fair game)

But....Tesco's - bless 'em gave me a little help (every little helps!) as they were almost giving away clothes yesterday. Two lovely plain sweaters for only £10.....10 FOR TWO? YEAH.

How could I resist? Could you? Would you? No, of course not.

I gave them a unique look by pinning on the gorgeous hand crafted pin that Twiggy made for me

.... and then I knit a huge Peony flower for the other one.

Pic shows me trying to look not guilty at breaking my own rules. It is a look that says " No - really, there I was - minding my own business in Tesco's when this vicious blue jumper mugged me, jumped over my head and refused to leave"

 

I made it using a pattern from that great book "A Hundred Flowers to Knit and Crochet"  I have seen this book on a lot of your blogs. I must say I love it and this is the second flower I have made from it.

 

Who would have thought such fun and fashion could be had for a few euro...and guilt free too as they don't even count as breaking my diet/budget!

I know that is real womens' logic but hey...I am that woman!

 

 

The Perfect Evening.....with precious loved ones

 

Well, who would have thought that the Perfect Evening would start with this?

...A cake baked baked with GREEN SPRINKLY THINGS ON TOP?  Does not compute!!!!! Not as far as this domestic goddess is concernced!

Ah sufferin' heart!...who ever heard of such a thing? Let's face it. Green and cake do not GO - unless it is St Patrick's Day. ....which is in March and this is  September! In all fairness now!...

Admit it...it looks like a cake sprinkled with oregano (or is that Oregono? ...Ah no, sure everyone knows that Oregono is a part of the USA)

...but regarding the green stuff on cake .....you are SO wrong...

'cos it is...

...in fact ...a home baked...WAIT FOR IT...

Blueberry, Rasberry and LIME sponge cake!

Yeah, ...what looks a bit like parsley/mareejooaannah is in fact: finely shredded lime rind.  DELICIOUS! .... SCRUMPsheeTIshoUS....AND verry nice too!

 Poor Marie,  - the girl who baked it. She took some slaggin' from us saying "You can't put parsley on a cake - Get with the program!"

She baked it especially for us. Thanks Marie!

Marie?

"Who's dah?" I hear you ask.

Let me introduce y'all to Herself....

Marie. My Steve's lovely girlfriend

(Ah sufferin' heart Steve...dat girl can cook...marry 'er quick!)    (No pressure now son!) Would I Mimi?  ;-)

 

Above is the said Marie..... Marie Irwin..future Mrs Flynn...MMMMmmm. I like the sound of that.

 I was going to crop this pic but I realised it showed so much of our ordinary everyday life.........such as it is........good or bad.......impressive or not.......rich or poor. 

Without meaning to I had snapped a photo of a little corner of our lives and so I share it here with you.

 So,......what does this ordinary snapshot show of our ordinary lives in this ordinary but extraordinary photo?

In the above pic you will see:

....The lovely Marie...petting our much loved yorkie, Pretty.

To left of them is one of) Paul's guitars. He is a multi talented musician/singer/songwriter who owns 5-ish guitars.

... in bottom left hand corner you will see Paul's feet wearing the hand crafted slippers I made for him...Cosy toes.

...and just below the guitar you will see our beloved doggie, Holly (highly strung, hyperactive, wired to the moon Yorkie (ha!- you thought that was meself!).........(I wish I had her energy....  but stress is the only energy I have left!)

And there's more to show ye'

A snapshot of me/him/and yer man...ye' know...what's 'is name?...the one with the tattoos.

 

I LOVE ME DA!

 Paul, my soulmate, and my much loved middle son, Steve.

Steve is the only of our three sons who followed Paul into the world of music. Paul is a very talented singer/songwriter, as is Steve.  Paul is presently banned from using his singing voice for a year-(ish) due to his recent skirimish with throat cancer (thyroid) from which he is making a remarkable recovery.

MMMmmm ...it does not stop him from moaning at me in his sexy gravelly Tom Waits type tones! Moan all ye' want Flynner, I can take it.

Anyway...Steve and Marie called over tonight with the scrumptous freshly baked cake. We had a lovely evening talking about old times and simply chillin'

Lovely evening. Couldn't be better. Thanks guys.

Poor Steve is showing signs of his recent biking accident...he has road rash on right cheek and a black eye. Still as handsome as hell in my eyes though! Below: Big hug with Paul and Marie.

 

...and a bug hig with me!

 

Now, a cute pic of Pretty suckin' up to Marie...

 

Awwwwwhhhh!!!! Does God make dogs any cuter than this?

Ooooh, something just struck me...God spelt backwards is Dog

*******************************************************************

........(and apparently - evil spelt backwards is live...as my son, Chris, just pointed out)...

Ah, feck off sirhC...this is MY Glob

Now that brings to mind a little exercise I use with my literacy students...this tends to  flummox them.

I love the English language and playing with words - indeed I have made a living playing with words for years. 

 So here is a little spelling exercise that I believe I am the ONLY  person in the whole world to have discovered! (Do I get copyright?...Ah feck, who cares!) feck is not a swear word by the way....not unless you misspell it  ;-)

This might do your head in, so be warned!...

Last time I did this, one student said in a lovely flat Dublin accent...(think of Colin Farrell here)..."Ah, Pammie, yur' doin' me feckin' buzz in!" 

(Just doin' me job son)

Well, what can I say? If I am doin' yer' buzz in ...well, so be it.

I'm not very religious at all but I am spiritual. Like or lump it. That's me.

Here we go....

God/Devil/ - Good/Evil

Take the work GOD...add the letter O and you have the word ...GOOD

Now...take the word DEVIL..Delete the letter D

...and you have the word...EVIL

Still not flummoxed?

Well, then... just put the two new letters together and you have the letters...D and O...= Do...

Do Good or Do Evil..... Suit yer'self.

Iz yer' buzz dun inn r do ah hav too carrie awn?

 

Crafting, Shaggy Ship Makeover and Pants in Drawers

That blasted cat needs a new name....quick!  Whoever heard of calling a cat Pants anyway?

Paul was heard shouting "Pants  - Down Now!" which brought a smile to the whole neighbourhood and a delicate pink blush to my cheeks! (the last bit is not true actually, 'cos after the mental pause one cannot blush no matter how embarrassed. ....If I think of any more good things about it I will let you know...but don't hold yer breath!)

Here is a pic of Pants in drawers - get it?.... Pants, drawers?

 

No? Well, we'll carry on so.

Oooh I have been a busy lady on the crafting front lately (the upside of insomnia) (if I think of any more I'll let you know but don't hold yer breath)

This is a knitting bag I made for myself. My machine did the embroidery for me. The fabric was left over from the quilt I made earlier this year.

I added this little crochet angel Angie gave me. I want to learn how to make them as I think it is lovely.

 

I forgot to line it and then had a go at doing so after the fact. Not the usual way of doing things but it worked. The lining came from my stash which never seems to get any smaller now matter how much I use. Like the story of the loaves and fishes..."the loads and stitches"

 

I finished my union jack cushion...here it is on my bed with a 1950's exquistely hand embroidered cushion cover and 60's quilted bedspread by Diana Cowper (the forunner to CK and LA) It looks just pale pink but up close it has delicate roses, satin piping and lace trim - divine! How could I have insomnia in a lovely bed like this!!!  

Ohhh , I think I am getting sleepy looking at this restful bedroom of mine. Pic below shows my thrifted lamp and hand made table square with one of the bedside lockers we had commisioned to be made from vintage salvaged wood. I painted the flowers on the drawer myself. The colour of the feature wall behind is called Adare Dusk. Yawn. A very restful colour....Yawn.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

 No! it was not a nap just a false alarm!

Speaking of stashes: some of my goodies...buttons..gotta love buttons.

 

 

Also for the bedroom I made these cushions for the wicker chair. I am thinking of painting it white. The crosstitch roses and striped cushions I thrifted lately. Looks very shappy shack... shaggy ship....shabby shi... Oh sh...you know what I mean!

 

For my next project I am going to do this... I got this idea and photo from another blog. So sorry I can't remember the name. Hope she does not mind me using it here.

 

I already have a blue light fitting and I will look for blue china cups to match the cottage kitchen or I might use the gorgeous ones Kimme sourced for me when I challenged her to find me some treasure last year. Here's the light fitting...

 

and here are Kimme's cups..on the right of the shelves in this picture (which I unashamedly nicked from Twiggypeasticks blog as I know she wont mind) It was easier for me to get it from her's because I don't remember which post I put my one in.

 

..and a close up of one of Kimme's cups. They are all different, but  similar to each other.

 

Back to the bedroom (I am obsessed with the bedroom now) I could never get a valance for my (Dublin) bed as it is so high. It was one of my big spending splurges and was handmade in Killarney. It is called "The Gleneagle" I love it (just can't seem to get any sleep in it at the moment!)

However I solved this (valance) problem by using some lovely embroidered chiffon fabric from my stash to make a tacked on valance. First a close up of it.

 

and this one shows it in place...great for hiding allsorts under the bed!

 

 

I saw this and thought of you!

When Angie was in Warsaw recently she brought home these prints and bookmarks. She said the print in middle reminded her of my wildflower meadow (euphemism for field of weeds at the front of the cottage) ...and so it does!

 

 

BREAKING NEWS! My son, Chris, has agreed that "Pants" is not such a good name for his cat. It is now called "Knickers" Ah sufferin' heart!

Night night now - I'm off for another try at sleeping. Wish me luck!

Freecycled, Crafted and Thrifted Treasures!

 Vintage gas cooker find

Today I sourced this fabulous vintage gas cooker on our freecycle site www.jumbletown.ie  I never thought I would find a working original cooker circa 40/50's, never mind that it would be located withing a few miles of home! It will be perfect in the cottage kitchen instead of the ..."on its last legs and missing two burners and a broken oven door" cooker I have at the moment. Not only that  -but a very kind member of the site who lives nearby and knows of our present difficult circumstances has offered to collect it and store it if we can't get down to collect. How lovely of her!  Thanks you Misstake (aka Bernie)

I first met Bernie when she gave me some fabric and a sewing machine and I gave her a collection of rock videos! We have been firm friends since and she has contacted me several times to ask how Paul is doing and even offered to pick up the cooker for us. Thanks Bernie, much appreciated.

Sock News....

Well, I have just about finished my first sock and started my second! I could not figure out the finishing instructions for the first one so left it and started on next one. I will get to grips with it as I am so near to finishing...Wheee!I love sock knitting now and can't be stopped. More to come when I get them both finished. How's it goin' Kimme?

Thrifted Wool

I found a big bag of mohair wool in my local charity shop. It is called Kinnair and is made from goat's wool. Pic to follow. Don't know what I will make from it but it sure is gorgeous...any suggestions?

Well, The Cat, Pants...has settled in and peace reigns once more in our little home...she sure looks contented don't you think? She doesn't look like a moggie who is besieged by three doggies!

 

Next I have a pic for you of a lovely shabby chic piece of vintage Irish wool cushion cover I have just listed on my website White O'Morn Cottage Shop click on link or see side bar

It has a little hole in it and I am going to crochet a cute shamrock to cover it.

And how cute is this baby's aran cardigan? Doty! It has just been listed too.

...and while on the subject of cushion covers...here are two I made for my son, Steve and his girlfriend Marie. Deep orange is their accent colour so I made these from my stash of fabric sample books. I finished them off with big plastic toggle buttons. No frilly frou frou, shabby chic for this cool young couple!

 

...and here is one I made for my sister in law's new home. One side - the patchwork,  is made from Moda cotton fabric that sisTeeda gave me and the other  is made from handmade silk I got from a book of furnishing fabrics Angie got for me. Fully reversable and finished off with a vintage button closure...clever me!

 

 

Paul is keeping well and is getting ready for his next session of treatment in Sep. I am delighted to have my oldest son, Chris, home for  a while. He will be good company for me when Paul is in hospital (and can't have visitors - as he will be radioactive)

I caught a nice photo of Chris today when he was not expecting it...the best kind I think..."Are you growin' a beard son? ...or just acting the goat?" Love ya'!

 

Updates and Thank You's

Hi all. A quick update on things here...Paul is still in hospital - he's as fit as a fiddle but his calcium levels wont stabilise. He is gagging to get out and walk the dogs and other ordinary things. It really brings it home to you what the simple pleasures of life are when you can't do them.

The poor doggies are stressed - missing him. They sometimes look at me in what I am convinced is a very accusing way - as if to say "WHAT have you done with him? You lost him didn't you? Well go find him please"

Here is Pretty looking adoringly at her beloved... ""I wuf you"

 

...and here she is right now...sulking. ...."and I'm not coming out until you bring him back!"

 

 

 

Get Well Soon Ma!

Also my mam is doing fine after her double operation. She sends her thanks to you all too for your good wishes. She is in the same hospital as Paul and he visits her every day (when he can get off the damn drip for a while) How nice it is when SIL's and MIL's get on so well together. Mam will soon be going to a convalescent home near where we live so visiting will be much easier for all of us. She is amazing to have come through so well for a lady of 80 years young! Well done Ma!

Photo shows her with Teeda, our sister in Canada. Hello Teeda!

I can't say enough how much all your kind wishes have helped us, especially me. to get on with things and not drop too low in spirits. I logged on this morning feeling a bit low and mopey only to find a lovely heartwarming comment on my last post by the lovely blogger. Painting New Memories. I instantly got a lift in spirits! I made a cup of tea and decided to do this post to tell you all what a comfort you have all been. I hope I can do the same for you some day.

Thanks, Merci, Go raibh maith agat, gracias etc.

Cute Dogs and Frogs and Other Pleasures and Treasures

I had my moan yesterday and today I am feeling a bit better so here is a more cheerful post....Featuring some of my most precious loved ones...my three handsome sons

 

A nice happy pic of my firstborn, Chris  - 29 (Will ye' stop showin' yer' belly to the whole blogging world!) Chris is single and straight so I am looking for a nice wife for him ...any suggestions?

No, of course he wont read my blog.

 

My second born, Steve 28- looking a bit serious (for a change)- Ah cheer up Steve... and show us yer' belly! Steve is in a serious relationship with a beautiful girl, Marie, and is my best bet for my becoming a gran...no pressure now!

...and my precious baby -Jamie, 23. Still fond of the oul' teddy bears...and beers too it seems! (Give that up or you'll get a beer/bear/bare belly!) What can I say about my baby? Luv ya' baby!

...and last but not least ....my Flynner, the best man/husband/soulmate/dad/brother-in-law/uncle/dog whisperer/friend/guitarist/musician/singer/songwriter/PC technician/teacher/cook/historian/rocker/my rock and more....

Love da bones of y'all lads! xxxxx Signed Pammy/Mammy Flynn

 

Here is a pic of us on our wedding day...Setting out on a journey and an adventure

 

 

The Voyage

Lyrics by John McDermott

I am a sailor and you're my first mate
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
We hauled up our anchor determined not to fail
For the heart's treasure together we set sail
Withnomaps to guide us we steered our own course
We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
We sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
Working together we learned how to cope

Life is an ocean, love is a boat
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage
There was just me and you
Now gathered around us we have our own crew

Together we're in this relationship
We've built it with care to last the whole trip
Our true destination is not marked on any chart
We're navigating for the shores of the heart

Life is an ocean, love is a boat
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage
There was just me and you
Now gathered around us we have our own crew

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

Meet Freddie

My next door neighbour just got the most adorable dog. Here is a picture of him (Freddie) peeking up at me from the corner where he likes to sit. I had to hang over my wall to get this but I will be getting more of him as he is tooooo cuuuute not to share!

 

Irish Artist...Jean English

My friend, renowned Irish artist Jean English, made this lovely card for Paul. She painted the scene, which is of St Anne's Park, in Raheny where we all walk our dogs. It is a beautiful card Jean, thanks.

 

Speaking of dogs...this is one she did of my three dogs, Chewie, Holly and Prettty...But she also put in our beloved Tiny who had died. Two weeks later we got Pretty and you can see why I could not resist her as she is the living image of Tiny!

 

Here is a close up so you can see for yourself. Clockwise from top: Holly, Chewie, Pretty and Tiny. Aren't they gorgeous? Like a bunch of bold teddybears! It amazes me how she caught each of their looks as really all she has to work with is hair and eyes!

 

And now for the real thing! Top to bottom Chewie, Pretty and Holly. 

And not forgetting (inset) little Tiny cuddling up to her lookalike teddy.

I have more of Jean's fabulous work up at the cottage and I will post up pics here of them for you. So talanted - I'll also put up a link to her website.

 

More cards...this time froggie cards from Angie and Co....Angie....How many frogs have you given Paul so far?  I think Twiggy's little boy can learn counting skills from counting all the frogs in my cottage when they stay there in August! Thanks though - they are all so cute!

 

Now for one of my favourite shabby chic pieces. I have had it quite a while bu never got around to showing it to you. It is a Wade pitcher and is a lovely, faded shabby chic condition.

 

This arrived in the post the other day. I have seen it on other blogs and wanted a copy for myself. I am working on the first and easiest flower and it is really easy! It is a poppy and I will put up a pic as soon as I finish it. Great book. I can recommend it to any knitter or crochet-er

 

Below is a picture of the book with my collection of knitting needles. The blue and white jug I have some of them stored in is an 1847 Charles Meigh minster jug. Nothing but the best for my supplies!

I almost have a full set of needles in all sizes. All sourced at thrift shops and car boot sales. I love to use them thinking of the ladies who used them before me and how much pleasure it would give them to know that they were in daily use. 

The pair I am using for the poppy are worn thin and polished near the tips and are so smooth to use. She must have knit so many lovely things on them. I could almost get a sense of her as I used them.

 

They came in the yellow tube with lots more including a beauftiful pink pair! Here are the photos of them

Look how the tips have been worn down by use. I got lots of her patterns too and some of them dated from the forties!

 

...and the very pretty pink pair. How could you not enjoy using these vintage knitting pins?

 

Last time I went to Enniskillen, over the border in Northern Ireland I picked up this great collection of knitting patterns in a folder- one of the kinds one bought each week and built up. I am actually making the throw shown on the front. So easy and satisfying to do.

 

Also from this great book I will be making this cardigan below...

 

What do you mean????? it's a bit shapless and ugly?

ah yes, but that's 'cos it has no shaping at all at all. Shaping my knitting is what gets me into all kinds of trouble!

 

But look! Just add a gorgeous shaped body (like mine?.... Yes, round is a gorgeous shape) and voila! We have an elegant and easy to knit cardigan. I will be posting my progress as I go.

Almost forgot to show you the inside of the flower book. Gorgeous designs!

 

And to finish...a shot of some of my favourite craft books...well for the moment anyway!

Gardening and Craft (& Paul) News

I'm back at last and have some of my recent crafting projects to share with you. This first one is a WIP and I really must get it finished off as I wanted to use it as a summer handbag and summer is flying by! It is a stocking stitch knitted bag with blossoms all around the top. The flowers are really easy to make - indeed the whole thing is so easy it is a pleasure to work on.

 

Below are the two cushions I made from the Moda, Carrots and Peas fabric Teeda gave me.  I love these muted colours.

 

 

Now for some of my PIPs ( projects in planning stage) This flower is so easy to do too.

 

More of a challange is this lovely piece of embroidery work. I haven't done embroidery for a while, I hope I can remember how to!

 

 

Is there a more beautiful blue than that of the little forget-me-nots? This is a close up of the ones growing in my cottage garden beside the green bench where I like to have a nice cup of tea and admire the view

 

...and here is the said bench with the said forget-me-nots at front of cottage.

 

...and last but not least here is a pic of two of my three "garden inspectors" Chewy inspecting the flower tub and Pretty peeking out the door keeping a close eye on the gardener...Me!

 

Thanks to all of you who have been thinking and praying for Paul. He is fine at the moment and just waiting to hear a date for his next operation at end of July and course of radio therapy after that. We are off to our annual holiday on Friday to enjoy some relaxing time before we have to worry about such things. I think he is looking very well considering all he has been through...here he is...the one and only......Paul Flynn!

Delight in the Little Things

What a marvelous weekend we had. In these hard times it is getting more and more imortant to find pleasure in the simple things of life. To that end we had a "Delight in the Little Things" weekend. 

This meant doing things that did not cost a fortune but gave great pleasure and being very aware of that pleasure and appreciating it. Counting your blessings sort of thing.

• Walking the dogs up the mountain...well, the weather was gorgeous and the air was fresh and we just strolled for as long as we wanted and then turned around and headed home for a nice cup of tea.

• Next we went to the local library where I found eight, yes, 8 gorgeous crafting books and took them home for a good browse and got lots of inspiration.

• Next we went food shopping where we found that they were selling off for very little lots of good fresh food that was nearing its sell by date. Lots of fruit and veg for nutritional meals. Good for the body, easy on the pocket and good for the spirit (bargains are always good for the spirit or lifting them!)

• Then we met Lizbiz in Ballinamore and gave her a bottle of wine and a pressie for her dog, Coco. Giving is one of life's best pleasures!

• Hard physical work...well, it was hardest of all to find pleasure in this one! We laid some more of the flagstone floor in the kitchen. This did of course, give us a fabulous appetite for our home cooked dinner that was to come.

• Gardening for the first time this year. Oh how I loved this one. The crocus were out and the daffodils were sprouting and the forget me nots had just started to bloom along with the wild primroses. I got lots done and was so pleased to survey my work.

• Crafting. Always a pleasure. I got to finish my first pair of socks! I need to stitch them up now and I will be modelling them for you. I did some more squares of the lap blanket I have been working on. I also made some red gingham curtains for under and around the Belfast sink and they look really well. It is one of life's little pleasures when one finishes a craft project.

Here are some pics of magic moments over the weekend.

Dogs really know how to relax. Every chance they get it's "Let's have a snooze in"  Chewy left and Pretty, right get settled in on the couch for a good ol' session of ZZZZZZZZZ-ing

 

Below is a pic of Betty's great pic of John Wayne in its new home  in my Quiet Man corner. Looks great.

  Below are some of the craft books I borrowed from the library and my first pair of socks and lap quilt which are WIP's at the moment.

   

After a hard days work it was so nice to sit down to a lovely meal and a glass of wine by the fire. The kitchen is a work in progress and we usually set the table on the coffee table in the living room. So cosy. It made a relaxing end to a very wonderful day.