Joining Granny Squares

Today I decided to start joining my granny squares (after Edward telling me it was about time I did!). I had a little play around with the layout until I was happy with it, then I started crocheting them together. This is a brilliant method, much better than sewing. I must thank the lovely Lucy over at http://attic24.typepad.com for her brilliant ideas.

This is the final version of the layout after much playing around. Look how lovely and neat it looks on the floor, just waiting to be joined together, until . . . . .

Sophie decided she needed a soft, luxurious, new bed!! Even after I had joined some together, she only laid on the single squares and managed to keep skittering them across the floor whilst she took her time to get comfortable!

I'm sure she knew she was making me cross, because she kept doing it all afternoon!

It's just as well I love her, even though I didn't feel the love yesterday morning when I was cleaning up mangled bird remains from the living room!!!

Have fun!

M x

Summer To-Do List

I have made a list in the right-hand sidebar of some things I would like to achieve during the summer holidays. I'm definitely a list type of girl, I like the sense of achievement when you can physically tick things off - it concentrates the mind!

• Make lots of cards - well this one is easy I think! I like to have a box of ready made cards available so that I am always prepared. Also I have quite a few new things that I have not really had a chance to play with properly (Promarkers for instance) - so hopefully this will be my chance.

• Make a menu planner for September - I don't know about you, but we seem to be keeping Tescos going single handed - we spend an awful lot of money in that shop! Life seems to run smoother during term time when meals are planned and shopped for in advance. I hate getting to 5 o'clock and having no idea what we are going to eat. It's not as easy as it seems though, because my children are terribly fussy - especially Edward. It makes planning meals very difficult. Like last night, I planned and shopped to make a Greek Pasta Bake - minced beef in a tomato sauce with macaroni and then topped with a white sauce - bit like Lasagne. Should have been safe - but no. Emily wouldn't eat it because it had onions in it and Edward just didn't like it - see what I mean!

• Blitz Edward's room - This is going to be a mammoth task and not one I undertake lightly! Eleven years of not throwing anything away (him not me!!). Edward has the smallest room in the house but seems to have the most amount of possessions - he is usually extremely reluctant to get rid of anything. I have persuaded him that it is time to lose some of his toys as he is growing up and going to secondary school in September. This is not me being mean, but most things he hasn't touched for years. I am hoping that somehow (and I'm not sure if it is possible) we can squeeze a small desk in there - we shall see!

• Read Wuthering Heights - I never have and it's about time I did!

• Finish my granny square blanket - this is a must and I am crocheting at every opportunity. I am very determined (and I can't bear Mark moaning about another unfinished project!).

I don't think it's too big a list - three of the jobs are going to pleasant and the other two are necessary. Which me luck!

M x

I love lazy Sundays

Yesterday was the first really lazy day that I have had for ages. No jobs to do - no shopping, ironing, running around after the children, just a lovely day to unwind.

I popped to John Lewis on Saturday to buy some more wool for my blanket - I wish I had used something other than Rowan Cash Soft - it's soooooooo expensive, but it does feel so luxurious. I was very fortunate to be given some John Lewis vouchers from the children in my class as a thank you present, so I put some of them towards the little pile below.

I sat in the garden with my feet up, listening to U2 on my Ipod, crocheting granny squares - heavenly!!! The only thing missing was a glass of Pimms or Champagne. Note to self for next time!

Now the summer holidays have begun, I feel so much more relaxed - it's such a good feeling not living by the usual routine - I often feel in a rut, making packed lunches, ironing uniform, juggling timetables, after school activities etc. Six weeks of no routine - bring it on!!

M x

Some summery cards

This first card is for my niece's birthday tomorrow. It's from a kit that I bought ages ago from QVC - I like the colours and the funky images. I'll be making more of these over the next few weeks (I hope!).

The next card was made for my colleague as a thank you. I used my new Promarkers to colour the flowers and added a little bit of glitter in the middle of each flower. I really like this card and will hopefully make some variations on this theme.

The last card (slightly wonky!) is a birthday card for my colleague whose birthday is in the summer holidays. I used some new papers (Blossom) from Craftwork Cards which are simply beautiful.

I've had a lovely first day of the holidays. Emily didn't finish until this afternoon, but Edward and I have had a relaxing time, which included a late breakfast in town. I did spend an obscene amount of money on stationery supplies for when he starts his new school - who knew a few pens and pencils could cost so much??!!

M x

What a day, what a week!!

Today has been rather an emotional one, as Edward had his final day at primary school. The years seem to have flown by so quickly I can't quite take it in. We had a very emotional leaver's assembly which I cried through from start to finish - as did Edward and many of his classmates.

It's been a really busy week at work, taking displays down and sending all the work home, never mind all the other activities going on - sports day, leaver's picnic etc. I'm so glad we have finished today because I don't think I've got any energy left for another day!

I'm looking forward to spending some time relaxing and having a slower pace for the next few weeks. Time to read (big pile of books waiting), make cards, catch up with friends and blitz Edward's room (not such fun!).

TTFN

M x

Year 6 Production - Bugsy Malone

Last night Edward performed in his Year 6 play as Dandy Dan in Bugsy Malone. Even though I am obviously biased, he was absolutely marvellous. I never knew that he so much talent. All through his school career he has never been given the opportunity of a main role in any of the class plays, so to be given this role came out of nowhere. For a little chap (he's the smallest in his class), he commanded the stage. I am so proud of him.

What hit me yesterday, was the realisation that my little boy will be moving on to the next stage in his life very soon. Primary school cocoons them and now it is time to let them go off into a much bigger world and I have to say it has made me feel slightly wobbly. I've never thought about it too much because Edward can't wait to go to his new school, and after his transition day last week, that feeling was reinforced. But now, he only has 3 and half days left and I can feel my emotions churning. How I am going to get through the Leaver's Assembly is any one's guess!!

Have a great weekend everyone - our street is taking part in The Big Lunch on Sunday, so fingers crossed for the weather!

M x

Some recent cards

The first three cards are more handbag cards.

The next three cards are wedding cards made to order. It's really hard making cards for people you don't know so I hope they like them. I try to make cards I like - the person who commissioned them knows my style, so hopefully they will be okay.

(The card below is not a typical wedding card, but I thought it was elegant - I used some DCWV luxury papers in a sort of sage green.)

This final card was another special commission - for a lady who has been awarded an MBE and likes frogs!! I used my new Promarkers to colour in the frogs and I love the result - the colour is really solid, like it's been printed, and there are no brush marks - a good first attempt.

Hope your week is going well. Mine promises to be another busy one.

M x