Poorly Boy!

I have my middle son A home from school today, actually, he went to school quite merrily, then he threw up and was sent home. He is now tucked back into bed. I think sleep is the best cure when we are feeling poorly.

I have a horrible appointment at the hospital tomorrow that I'm truly dreading, so to cheer myself up, I thought I'd post some more pics of bags i have done, none of them more recent than xmas I'm afraid, I've hardly had two minutes to myself with little D now firmly in the terrible two's. And it's so much easier to relax and practice crochet than drag out the sewing machine and boxes of recycled fabric.

The photo's aren't great, taken at night. the black, denim one is a changing bag, open top, with a slot in organiser which has pockets for bottles, wipes, nappies, other essentials, also a hook incorporated into the bag for keys. It drives me crazy rummaging in a bag for my keys!

The other one, i kept for myself, couldn't resist the corduroy goodness of it. It is a huge slouchy hobo bag. Again, I'm so sorry for the lack of light in the photo. This bag is made from and inspired by some clothes my mum donated to me to reuse. A lovely forest green skirt that i wish i could have worn, but it just wasn't generous enough to cover my ample hips. And a white top with pretty little blue flowers did the lining for it and some parts of the organiser. I also threw in the two red panels at either side, just to be a rebel! My mum said red and green would clash, i just wanted to show her they could look good together. In my opinion anyway.

Busy busy busy.

I have, again, been lax in my blog writing efforts. Not a great start. But with sick Mum, sick toddler, and trying to support a friend through a most traumatic time, it's been bedlam here.

Things seem to be calming down, thankfully, I've had little time for craftiness, but have kept practicing my crochet. Long way to yet i fear, I am positively dying to have a go at the beautiful ripple blanket of Lucy's over at Attic24! It's beautiful! But i have taken advice from far more experienced crocheters than myself, and am looking for smaller simpler projects to start with.

On a domestic note, I am currently enjoying the smell of ham and veg soup drifting through from my beloved slow cooker, Looking forward to Friday when a rolling pin gets delivered along with my shopping, (have never owned one! Always just used a clean jar) and also waiting for a delivery of books from Waterstones. A Juliet Marillier especially. I cant wait! Have already finished the whole Sookie Stackhouse series. (True Blood) Wow! Fab books! Have passed them on to a friend to read now.

I must get on, have to make some dumplings to go with the soup, I feel the need for stodgy but relatively healthy comfort food. I hope everyone is well and wrapped up against the cold. I'll be back soon. (Hopefully)

Sal. X

Germs!

I have been caught by the lurgy! I'm suffering with the flu at the moment, and a very irate 2yr old. We were dog sitting over the weekend for some friends, two lovely, but crazy labradors. And little D fell in love with them, he spent all weekend pretending to be one of them. So he's a little upset they're gone this morning.

Not much of a crafty sort going on i'm afraid, been too snotty. I have been shivering in the kitchen trying to get some photo's of the birds i feed every morning, but they're not cooperating. Will keep trying, hopefully when i feel a bit better i can stand and wait in the garden for them to eat and get some then.

I really want to go to bed right now, but unfortunately, i have said 2yr old to entertain, and housework to do. I don't however have to load up the slowcooker today, a very thoughtful friend brought over some casserole, so all i have to do is peel and boil some potato's. Which i am very greatful for!

Hopefully, i shall be back with photo's of cheeky ravens, adorable finches, and a very violent wee robin, later.

Sal. x

SNOW DAY!

I will be spending today trying to keep 4 kids entertained, as the schools are closed due to the snow. I have my own 3 and a friend of A who babysit. The plan is, a Ghibli film, then wrap up warm and go out for some snowman building and sledging, then home for hot chocolate with marshmallows and home made shortbread cookies. The hot chocolate is a recipe i just looked up online using condensed milk as I've no milk and our local shop has none. I hope it turns out OK. Haven't thought what we'll do after that, no seed left to make fat balls for the birds. So, maybe some painting. We'll see. I hope everyone has a nice day, whether snowed in or not. Wrap up warm and take care.

Happy New Year!!!

Well, i had no idea it would take me this long to get another post written. But here it finally is, been really busy over the festive period. I'm pretty glad it's all over now, been quite a stressful time. But the main good points were, the kids had a great Christmas, I didn't poison anyone, and we got to spend time together as a family which was lovely. I hope everyone had a lovely Xmas and new year. as stress less as possible.

I have been thinking about, not so much resolutions, but plans for the new year, there's so much i want to do, and so much we're going to be doing. Moving house for one! Mega stressful, but it will be worth it. we really need a bigger space, far too cramped where we are.

I am however, feeling very positive about this year, so many good things are going to happen. Our move, My partner now has his dream job. So thrilled for him! And the other day i found a magazine about crochet, with free yarn and hook for 99p. so i grabbed it, had a go tonight, and i think I've actually mastered single and double crochet stitch!! It's great, such a revelation. (I'm easily pleased) I have such plans for crocheted things. My whole house will be adorned with crochet. It's so relaxing, and rewarding. i love it! So I'll be back soon with pics of new projects, and hopefully of a finally finished rag quilt, and more bags, when i remember to photograph them.