Apologies and a round up of 2024

I hope you all had a great Christmas. Our Christmas was very peaceful with the four of us and our two dogs. We shared a traditional turkey dinner and as always didn't get to the dessert course until much later in the evening. Missy and Twiglet enjoyed a good walk and the rest of our day was spent at home. It was a perfect day.

Before I look back at the year I must apologise to people who have left comments. For some reason Blogger has not been pushing comments through to my email. I have tried to remember to check the post for comments but I've not been very efficient. This has meant I haven't always responded. I have now managed (again) to get blogger to feed the comments to my email and will endeavour to respond. Thank you for all your comments, I love reading them.

This year I have done well with my projects. I made  several baby quilts.

I can't find the photo of the finished quilt but this was the second baby quilt.

In the third baby quilt I used two panels with aliens and the backing fabric had space motifs on it.

I also completed this hexi quilt. I liked the fabrics when I started making it but fell out of love with it so pushed it to the back of the cupboard.  When I finally pulled it out again I decided I liked it and completed it. John claimed it as his quilt.

I made a tumbling block quilt which is now used by Twiglet. All our pets have had their own quilts.

I also completed the dinosaur quilt top.

I'm hoping to start quilting this in January. My sewing machine is currently at the spa and I can't wait to get it back.  

I also tried sashiko embroidery. It was very soothing to do.

I'm going to use sashiko when I make my Japanese quilt in 2025. I knitted a cardigan, something I hadn't done for several years. I should finish my green jumper in January 25. I'm enjoying knitting again.

I've enjoyed working on my numerous projects over this year. In total this year I completed 20 of them. That still leaves a lot that need to be worked on. That's without the new ones I'll start in 2025.

Talking of 2025 I need to plan the projects I'll work on for the Chookshed Challenge next year. I love the new logo.

Tomorrow I'll share the projects I'll be working on next year.

Take Care

Lyndsey

 Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you have a happy and peaceful day wherever you are. Missy and Twiglet have had their Christmas walk and are now ready to open presents with the family

Busy getting ready for Christmas

The last two weeks have been busy trying to finish everything I needed to do at work so that on the evening of 19th December I could completely concentrate on enjoying my two week holiday. No work until the 6th January! During the last two weeks I've been working on projects, but very slowly. I decided to use up my left over red and green yarn to make a pom pom Christmas wreathe. I already had the wreathe form and just had to decide how to attach the pom poms. I added some ribbon and candy canes. I'm quite pleased with the result. |When the photo was taken I still had a few last bits to fix.

Most evenings I do a little knitting. I can't knit for very long as my right arm gets pins and needles after a while. This means it takes me several months to knit a jumper but the effort is worth it. I finished the first sleeve last week and started on sleeve two.  I'm nearly on the home straight. I love the colour and the yarn is so soft. 

I'm excited to finish this jumper as I have two other knitting projects waiting to be started, a cardigan and a long cardigan. 

I have also started on the orange round of the Grandmother's garden quilt. This is the last full round before I square up the quilt. I have a fair range of orange fabrics to work with but I might need to purchase a few more.

I like being able to prep the hexagons whilst watching TV or chatting with the family. Knitting takes more concentration than working on the hexies. They are also very portable and so a perfect project to take when we go away for the weekend. I working on this project tonight. I'm linking this post with Kathy from Kathy's Quilts for her Slow Sunday Stitching. It's always interesting to see what everyone has been working on this week.

Take care

Lyndsey

 

A red storm alert!

On Friday morning John and I left London for a weekend away at our favourite hotel in Somerset. Our drive from London was good but I was rather concerned that there was a red warning for high winds and rain in the area on Friday night and Saturday. Two years ago when on this trip we got stuck on the side of a hill for a while due to unexpected snow. When I say unexpected I mean there was no mention of snow on any weather forecast and we had travelled in our small sports car. Being a small, soft top, two seater car it is very light and so not great in snow. A weather forecast warning of high winds and heavy rain is different and so we used the big saloon car. We also bought things to do as we knew we wouldn't be venturing out on Saturday. The journey to the hotel was good and it didn't start raining until we were at the hotel. We stopped off at Stourhead as I'd bought tickets to their Christmas lights. We enjoyed the walk through the grounds and the way the lights had been set up. Here are some of my favourite photos from it.

Before we left Stourhead we purchased 5 cyclamen plants for the garden at home. By now it was very dark and the wind was also increasing, so the drive to the hotel along narrow country roads wasn't very pleasant. Whilst we were getting ourselves organised to go down for dinner John's phone went off very loudly and it was an emergency alert for very high winds in the area. My phone went off slightly later as we are on different providers. As the evening progressed the wind became louder. Lying in bed trying to sleep was very difficult and so everyone was very tired the next morning. The wind was still very strong and we decided a relaxing day at the hotel was in order. We read, chatted and I got quite a bit of knitting done. Having had a really relaxing day I have to question why we don't do it more often.

On Sunday morning we headed for my favourite quilt shop. I needed some thread and I was also looking for some fat quarters. They had their exhibition of 12 inch quilts running. The theme this year was 'bucket list'. Some of the quilts are for sale and will be auctioned with the proceeds going to the local hospice. About 5- quilts were on display.

These last two are my favourites, especially the green woodpecker

This parrot is such a happy, cheerful bird. 

The journey home on Sunday was very slow due to incidents on the motorway and the poor weather conditions. I was pleased to be home.

The next three days at work are going to be busy but hopefully I will have some time for stitching. Next weekend I want to start the quilting on the dinosaur quilt.

Take care

Lyndsey

Virtual Christmas Cookie exchange

 

Time for Carol's Virtual Christmas Cookie exchange blog hop. Thanks to Carol from Just Let Me Quilt for organising this hop and all the others I've taken part in over the years. 

I love Christmas, decorating the tree, setting up the family advent calendar, planning the menu, baking and decorating the cake. At the weekend I pulled out my Christmas quilts. I made the first one early in my quilting journey having won a jelly roll of these gorgeous Christmas fabrics from Happy Quilting. I was very pleased with this quilt and it is still one of my favourite.

I made a second Christmas quilt using a pattern called Scrappy Friends from Phoebe Moon designs. The pattern originally was for a quilt of 6 blocks finishing at 53 x 73 inches. I added another column to the quilt to make it into a square. There is always an argument as to who has this quilt. I really must make a third Christmas quilt, a task for 2025 maybe.

Snacks are always very welcome when decorating for Christmas . In 2019 I made these spicy raisin bars for the first time. We all liked them and they have become a firm favourite for anytime of year. They really are delicious and a gooey like chocolate brownies. I made a batch at the weekend and they disappeared very quickly! Unfortunately they are quite calorific so I don't cook them very often.

The recipe is by Martha Day from her book Baking

Makes 30
110 g plain flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground all spice
215 g raisins
115 g butter or margarine at room temperature
100 g sugar
2 eggs
165 g molasses
55 g walnuts, chopped.


1. Preheat a 350 F/180 C / Gas 4 oven.
    Line a 13 x 9 in (33 x 23 cm) tin with grease proof paper and grease

2. Sift together the flour, baking powder and spices.

3. Place the raisins in another bowl and toss with a few teaspoons of the flour mixture

4. With an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, then the molasses. Stir in the flour mixture, raisins and walnuts.

5. Spread evenly in the tin. Bake until just set, 15 - 18 minutes. Let it cool in the tin before cutting into bars

I made this Christmas pillow for a blog hop several years ago and we still use it . My grandson was very taken with it. He wanted to take it home and have in his bedroom. I will add making a Christmas pillow for him to my 2025 to do list.

Do go and visit the other blogs taking part. Here is the schedule. I can't wait for Thursday evening, when I finish work for the week and I'll have time to visit everyone,

                                                                   December 2

Just Let Me Quilt

Beaquilter

Quilt Doodle Designs

Songbird Designs

Quilted Delights

 December 3

Quilting Gail

Ms P Designs USA

Just Sew Quilter

Words & Stitches

Selina Quilts

 December 4

A Quiltery

Karrin’s Crazy World

Inflorescence

Homespun Hannah's Blog

Quilt Schmilt

December 5

MooseStashQuilting

Bumbleberry Stitches

Sew Many Yarns

Days Filled With Joy

Take care 

Lyndsey

Computer issues and getting ready for Christmas

In the middle of last week my computer had a funny turn and kept on powering off and then stopped working. Unfortunately my IT guy (son) was working so I had to cope without it for a few days. Fortunately, yesterday evening he had space to look at it and he soon had it back to full health. As it was late I decided to leave posting until today. I am so pleased it's working again as using a different computer is a pain, no finger print recognition so having to dredge the depths of my memory for my log in. 

Last week was also quite busy with sorting and getting rid of some clutter. John and I have been slowly trying to rationalise our belongings and sort out paperwork. It's a slow process but very satisfying. I managed to get a fair amount of knitting done so that I am now shaping the top of sleeve 1. Kitting doesn't really look like much until you sew it all together.

I did some of my cross stitch. It still doesn't look like I've done much at the moment. This is being made for my son who has been a Star Trek fan since he was a young child. At first I found working on a black background very difficult but I've now got the light set up so I can see what I'm doing. I'm also feeling more comfortable with the pattern. Whether it is quilting , knitting  crochet or embroidery, it takes a while to get into the pattern, either the way it is written or the image. The background of the pattern is black and I can't always make out the individual squares when I need to count to be able to move to a new area.

Over the weekend I did some Christmas shopping. Husband, older daughter and son had all helpfully given hints of presents they would like. We give each other small gifts as it's fun to have something to open. I also planned out the menu so I know what shopping I need nearer the time. The Christmas tree will be put up on the 9 December, the day after my birthday.

Back in March I went to the Stitch festival with a friend and we both bought a kit to make 3 Christmas angels. I started one of them in June but I decided to leave them until December. These will be my hand stitching this month.  I love the one holding the sewing machine.

This week Carol from Just Let Me Quilt is running her,

This will be the last blog hop she hosts so thanks go to Carol for the past hops. Here is the schedule.

December 2

Just Let Me Quilt

Beaquilter

Quilt Doodle Designs

Songbird Designs

Quilted Delights

 December 3

Quilting Gail

Ms P Designs USA

Just Sew Quilter

Words & Stitches

Selina Quilts

 December 4

A Quiltery

Karrin’s Crazy World

Inflorescence

Homespun Hannah's Blog

Quilt Schmilt

December 5

MooseStashQuilting

Bumbleberry Stitches

Sew Many Yarns

Days Filled With Joy

I was going to write more but our two dogs are eager to go for their late before bed. Why didn't we get two cats as the can be so much easier than dogs!

Take care

Lyndsey

Electrical problems, plans and knitting.

Last week has been busy, so nothing new there, but I have been quite good at working on my projects. At the start of the week we needed to get an electrician to sort out a problem with the ring main in the kitchen. It blew the consumer unit one evening but we managed to isolate the problem. Our insurance arranged an electrician for the next day but he didn't have the time to fully investigate so he made sure our system was safe and arranged to come back two days later. Whilst the ring main was turned off, in order to use the washing machine, dishwasher, and  microwave we had to use an extension lead from another room. At least the cooker and fridge freezer are on their own circuits. Fortunately, when he came back, the electrician was able to resolve the issue and everything is now working well again. Having resolved that problem the foot pedal for my sewing machine stopped working. For straight stitching I can use the forward or back buttons but the foot pedal is easier for free motion quilting. I will need to get a new foot pedal.

I have been working on the Grandmothers garden quilt. The red round is complete and Lucy and I decided that a full round of orange was needed so that the quilt hangs down over the sides of the bed. We had originally decided that it was time to stop doing rounds and to square up the quilt. I don't think I've posted a picture recently of this quilt

Over the week I've been slowly knitting the first sleeve of my jumper. I'm making very slow progress on this knitting but at least it is growing and I'm hoping to finish the sleeve tis week.

As I had marking to do I haven't had a lot of time for my embroidery. So today is just a quick catch up to say I've done a little work on the cross stitch and the tablecloth but not enough to bother taking a photograph. I'm hoping to have more time for fun activities this coming week.

I hope the weather hasn't been too bad where you are. This last week we've had lots of rain, sleet and a little snow in London. This weekend the wind has been very strong and branches have been blown down in the local park, all due to Storm Bert. We have been lucky as other parts of the UK has experienced a lot of snow and rain causing flooding and are now coping with very strong winds. 

Wherever you are take care and stay safe.

Lyndsey

Slow Sunday Stitching.

Yesterday I was working as we had an open day for prospective students and in the evening I and our younger daughter babysat my grandson while older daughter and her husband went out for dinner with one of their friends.  As a result there was no sewing time. Today I spent an hour working on the Thomas quilt. I didn't finish the quilting but the end is in sight. 

Sunday is about slowing down and so is perfect for slow stitching. I spent a little time to make sure I had the right position to start the Star Trek stitching. It is a long piece but not very wide. As I  had decided I would work from the left hand side instead of starting at the middle I needed to be sure I got the positioning correct. I don't want to find there isn't enough room to fit all the length on the aida. Finally I made a start on the stitching. I didn't get very far as I am finding it very difficult stitching on black fabric. I'm pleased with what I have done so far.

I wasn't sure if the pattern called for half cross stitch or cross stitch. It doesn't state it on the pattern. Anyway I started with half cross stitch but I will go back and complete the cross as this will give a deeper colour.

I also continued with my knitting. I am currently completing the first sleeve of my jumper. It is growing fairly quickly but I can't knit for that long as it causes me pain in my right shoulder. I should have this finished before Christmas.

I'm linking this post with Kathy from Kath's Quilts for her Slow Sunday Stitching It's fun seeing what everyone is working on.

Now I'm going to snuggle in bed and read a chapter of my book. The weather here has gone much colder and further north in the UK there is a possibility of snow. It's unlikely we will see any in London.  

Take care

Lyndsey

A lunchtime walk and other things

 I went into work yesterday with the intention of doing a major catch up but I'm still quite snuffly and my chest is tight so I soon ditched my massive to do list in favour of slowly working through some of the more urgent items. Progress was slow but good. By lunchtime I felt the need to head out for a walk to clear the head. Luckily there is a park fairly close to the office so I went out and enjoyed the cold, but fresh air. The sun was shining and had some warmth to it. I walked round the park and lake but as I headed back to work I decided to pop into the house, Boston Manor House, to see if they had a new exhibition on. I was in luck. The exhibition was art work by a female artist, Bonnie Gibbons.

Bonnie Gibbons’s works on paper to explore surface, pattern and colour. She was originally trained as a knitwear designer and she loves textures and layers. She states that her artwork is about hope and chaos. She was born in Stafford in 1993 and lives and works in London. Since 2011 Bonnie has had many exhibitions most with a group of artists.

I really liked the pictures on display but many of them were framed and glazed so it was difficult to get a good photo without any glare or reflection. This one is titled Sam Jones feet and uses soft pastel and coloured pencil.

and this one is 'Kaisa's  Putney' using soft pastel

I didn't make a note of the title for this one but I really like it.

There were other paintings but the glare from the glass was annoying so I didn't take any other photos. As I walked back to work I stopped and watched this squirrel for a while. He was having a great time finding things to eat.

Today is my none working day and so sewing was on the agenda. I want to get the Thomas quilt finished. I'd already started the quilting but hadn't got very far. I've gone round the outline of Thomas and I wanted mainly to work on the background. I did a large meander using a matching thread

In other areas I did more outlining and echo quilting.

On Sunday I will work on Thomas and hopefully have the quilting finished.

After dinner I pulled out a project that I bought a long while back but have never started the stitching. It is stitched on black aida and should look amazing if I manage to complete it. Here is a picture of the pattern.

This is the starting point but it is rather difficult to see the individual squares on the pattern grid. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can do this.

Tomorrow I am in work as we have an open day for potential students. That means very little time for sewing but I'll fit something in during the evening. Sunday I have nothing booked so I may get the quilting finished.

Take care

Lyndsey

Catching up with projects

Last week was a bit of a washout. A cold that worsened to a chest infection was not what I needed just as the weather got colder. I'm now feeling much better but I didn't have much energy for doing anything. The thought of doing any quilting made my arms ache without doing anything and even reading my favourite blogs took a lot of effort. On Saturday I pulled out my embroidery and spent a little time stitching. I didn't do very much but I'm happy with what I achieved.

Over the weekend I completed the knitting on the front of my jumper and I cast on the first sleeve. I spent yesterday evening knitting and watching TV with two dogs at my feet. Twiglet was a bit miffed that I wouldn't let him sit on my lap but unfortunately he wriggles too much and gets tangled up with the yarn.

Today I'm working from home as I have marking to do. That means I have no travelling time so I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to make my Christmas cake. I like to make a rich fruit cake and it takes a little time to get it all set up before you can start the mixing. First I lined the cake tin.

Next there is a lot of weighing out of the dried fruit. I had bought whole glace cherries and so I had to cut them and I also cut up the almonds as I could only get whole almonds. Eventually everything was ready.

The mixing is very quick and then the cake has to cook. It takes 3 hours and so I got on with my marking, just checking the cake at hourly intervals. The smell is delicious as it cooks. Once it's cool I will wrap it in foil and store it. I usually add brandy once a week which makes the cake very moist. I do warn everyone that it has alcohol in it. The cake is also spicy with cinnamon and mace in it.

We love Christmas pudding as well and on the weekend of Stir up Sunday I will make three Christmas puddings, one for us, one for older daughter and one for a friend. Stir up Sunday, which is the last Sunday before advent ( November 24th this year) is the traditional day in the UK when Christmas puddings were made. Traditionally Christmas pudding are steamed to cook them but you can also cook them in the microwave which is much quicker. However steaming does ensure they stay nice and moist.

Since neither John or I were feeling well we decided to get out a jigsaw. This is a new puzzle which we started during last week and this afternoon, once I'd finished work, we got on and finished it.

There is just so much to look at in this puzzle. Lots of birds.

and I love the deer and other animals.

This evening I want to do some planning as I have a baby quilt to make for a friend of older daughter. The baby is due in early January and she knows she is having a boy. If I had time I'd also like to make a toy, well two so that big sister has one as well. I need to spend a little time going through my fabrics and decide on the design.

I'm hoping to feel more like sewing by the weekend as I have two quilts that need quilting. I also have a blouse cut out and waiting to be stitched. Now I think it's time to take a nap.

Take care

Lyndsey