lupin cottage designs

Christmas is coming

2011-11-19T22:03:00.000Z

Yet again I have been lax in blogging. My back is still poorly but is getting better slowly. I'm still off work so have spent lots of time crafting when not doing my physio. Both my best work friend and my brothers wife are expecting so I've been knitting lots of baby clothes and as everyone wants a surprise so far I've been knitting lots of white things as requested but leaving the buttons until the new people have arrived.

I'm also trying desperately to stop smoking which has also improved my crafting speed by making Christmas trees from unwanted books. It is quite time consuming but its keeping my hands busy.

Last Christmas I was in hospital so this Christmas we are going all out. This tree was taken last December in the period between my disectomy and getting my infection. It doesn't look like we stand much chance of white Christmas this year if today's temperature is anything to go by but I can hope.

And here's Tiff all dressed up for Christmas two years ago.

Keeping busy

2011-08-14T23:08:00.000+01:00

hanging cupcakes for sale at http://www.hackwoodfarm.com/

This week has been a thinking and designing week.I've been knitting up samples and checking I've all I need in my stash without having to buy any new yarn. Which I have but if I do see some wool I like in the next few weeks at a reasonable price locally I wouldn't say no, as I'm short of wool that felts up nicely.

I've moved back home after almost 3 weeks as a guest at my parents, as Mr LCD is back from seeing his mum with about three kilos of peppers from his mums garden. I may slow roast see this recipe, http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-make-roasted-peppers.htm or http://www.squidoo.com/RoastedRedPeppers I'll have ago this week in between new physio exercises classes, catching up with the news from work, the dentist, counselling, starting Tai chi from my new DVD from amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Element-Tai-Chi-Beginners-DVD/dp/B002AFPZLW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1313359195&sr=8-2 , which has been recommended by the pain clinic as it gently brings back muscle strength in your core and finally knitting projects.

It's good to have him back as he can take me to my appointments rather than my Dad who I'm sure was getting fed up with ferrying me around, I'm still not driving. As I do nest all over the house I think Mum was ready for me to go, but I have left my knitting machine and a box full of yarn there as I will be going back for the night one day next week.

I've been working on some new packaging for my cupcakes and new tags for everything else so I've a cohesive collection which all works together.Everything seems to take so much time but it is satisfying when things get finished.

Cupcakes not for sale yet

Tidying

2011-08-08T20:58:00.000+01:00

I didn't realise how out of touch I've been with the blogespeare I've deleted all the old links that don't work. I'm kind of glad it wasn't just me that had neglected my blog., as 10 weeks in hospital will confirm but I do wonder where everyone else has gone.

I'll have to do some exploring after I've finished knitting up some c trees. Still not saying that word. I have knitted up thirty holly leaves today while watching Trollied which is on sky one on a Thursday nights at nine if you've not yet set your cable or sky recorder do it now it did make me laugh out loud which I don't do very often at the moment (it's the medication).

If you can recommend any sites let me know.

I have also baked today:

Lemon curd cupcakes:

Make a basic sponge recipe, if you normally add milk to your mix don't, as the base needs to be quite firm I doubled Nigella's recipe for cupcakes from the domestic goddess. http://www.nigella.com/books/view/how-to-be-a-domestic-goddess-12 . .Using a desert spoon use half the mixture to fill 24 muffin tins/silicone molds. Then put a tea spoon of lemon curd either home made or shop bought in the center of each cake then using the remaining mixture cover up the lemon curd. Bake at 200c for 15/20 minutes. Try not to eat straight away as the lemon curd gets quite hot, hence the burn on the roof of my mouth. No pictures yet again as my brother visited.

Egg Tea cosie and egg cosy's available from http://www.hackwoodfarm.com/

What I've been up to during the first week of August

2011-08-07T18:45:00.000+01:00

I boxed up some cherry cupcakes for sale.

I helped a elderly neighbour walk her equally elderly King Charles spaniels.

I cuddled my brothers dog while she tried to eat my wool for a new project, mohair hats and mice anyone?

I knitted up lots of red wool to make stockings, not that I'm allowed to say the C word yet, but you have to plan ahead.

Found some baby hats stored away in my bedroom.

Had some physio and I've been given new exercises, now I'm feeling the pain.

Reduced some of my medication.

Visited Hackwood Farm to reorganise my stall and check sales.

Following on from last week this week I have made an Orange meringue pie using store bought puff pastry, I know its lazy but I still can not stand for long periods. To make one yourself this is what I did, dry bake the pastry for about 20 mins at 180c (I'll let you do your own conversions)in the pie dish of your own choosing,covering the edges with foil and filling the case with baking beans(or dried peas in this case). Then the baking beans were emptied out and I placed it back in the oven for 3-5 more minutes to help dry out the base (no soggy pastry here.) Then using one jar of the orange curd I filled the case and then covered it with half the amount of meringue from the last post. I then sprinkles with icing sugar and put in the oven until the meringue started to go golden. It was served with natural yogurt as my Dad does not like his desserts too sweet. However I would appreciate it if you go mad as cream, fromage frais or ice-cream all blend with the flavours well. Alas I have no pictures as I was not quick enough to take a picture before it all disappeared.

I also knitted this blanket/throw from 100% wool the main panels were sourced from a lovely knitting shop at Breedon on the Hill nurseries. The hand knitted holey panels used up the remainder of the wool from my staithes holiday. I'm trying to talk my husband into visiting during the next bank holiday but he does not love North Yorkshire as much as I do and he won't even do the Dracula experience with me at Whitby which I think is just mean.

I have also sat and watched a few sunsets from Mum and Dad's back garden they really have the most spectacular view. Especially as the sun goes down and the hares are hoping accross the field and the bats start coming out to play

Making use of the things around me

2011-07-31T18:37:00.001+01:00

I've had a good weekend and been back on my knitting machine after almost 12 months with no obvious side effects(yet).

I am determined not to buy any new yarn for my stash that isn't 100% wool, and isn't from the Derbyshire/Leicestershire area. So I am making use of what I have, which this weekend is an abundance of wool and citrus fruit.

I am sewing up seams, which I hate as mixing machine knitted wool and hand knitted panels isn't labour intensive but my new pink blanket will be worth it once washed and felted. I'll share pictures soon.

To keep you interested I will share with you pictures of Harriet and Henry my hedgehogs now for sale at http://www.hackwoodfarm.com/

Both Hedgehogs are made from leftover end of balls of brown wool with a brown boucle yarn added to make very soft prickles.

Harriet and Harry the Hedgehogs bet you don't know which is which...

Mr LCD has gone to visit his Mum at home for a couple of weeks so I'm at my parents, which is kinda nice, I may of hit middle age according to Easy Living Magazine but my Dad still thinks I'm 16.

Before Mr LCD went away last week he visited our local Asian area in Derby and bought me so much fruit it would of never of been eaten before it turns. After a look around online I found two very good recipes for using up all the Oranges and Lemons he had bought.

Both recipes for Orange and Lemon curd can be made in the microwave in about 12 minutes, after zesting and juicing all the fruit. The Orange curd recipe can be found at; http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/7057/orange+curd I doubled all the ingredients to make 4 Jars.

The lemon curd recipe was found here: http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/5001/microwave-lemon-curd.aspx. It may of just been my lemons but the lemon curd is very tart and lovely not like the over sweetened shop bought varieties.

The left over egg whites from the orange curd recipe can be used to make a pavlova just big enough for three but will also use up the kiwi and nectarines that are on the verge of turning.

To Four egg whites I added 250g sugar ,1 tsp white wine vinegar and 2 tsp of corn flour, you can also add either half a tsp of vanilla extract, rose water or orange water if you wanted to. Then bake in a 150 degree oven for 40-55 minutes.The one I have baked tonight is about 15 cm in diameter when it went in the oven, the mixture does spread slightly. We will be eating it for tea once it has been decorated, with low fat Greek yogurt with one table spoon of homemade Lemon curd stirred through.Yum.I do love a good dessert.

Hope you all had a good weekend.

Green Blanket finished at last

2011-07-29T20:11:00.004+01:00

Using the wool I acquired from Saithes and a few odd Rowan cones I had in my stash I have now finished my first completely hand knitted blanket. It is slightly felted and cosy.

We visited Staithes in June and its now almost the end of July, I wouldn't say that I knitted seriously everyday but those last few stitches were a relief.

You may have notice the labels on the finished project. I have now a new stockist. You can now buy Lupin Cottage Designs products at www.hackwoodfarm.com

So if you find yourself in the Radbourne area pop in, the coffee is lovely and I can personally recommend the pork and Stilton pie. All the vegetables and other produce is locally sourced. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable I've now been three times since it opened two weeks ago and trade is brisk. You can drink a mellow coffee in the farm courtyard next to the yard with chickens, a goat and occasional horse.

Relaunch

2011-07-22T23:17:00.004+01:00

staithes a view from our cottage

staithes with the tyded out

I am going to relaunch my knitting career.

I have been knitting not been sharing as it's been a tough 18 months with my back operations and infections and the drugs I've been taking affecting my concentration. But it's not all bad I've almost lost four stones which is a bonus.

I've had a week out in a cottage in Staithes North Yorkshire and got my mojo back. After finding a lovely craft shop with hand dyed and spun wool from the local area which I promptly snapped up in all the sea colours I could find I started knitting squares. I mixed the squares in with my gifted rowan cones of yarn and I've finished my blanket and now I need to gently wash it so it slightly felts to make it cosy and soft.I now need a sunny day to photograph it.

So I'm going to start selling again and set up my own website as well.So get ready taking new photos tomorrow and I'll let you know my thoughts.

Still poorly

2011-01-11T10:57:00.003Z

I cannot believe it's been almost a year since my last post.

Since that post my disk prolapsed again and I spent the year in a painkiller haze.

I am currently in hospital and have been here since the 14 December 2010 and I am going to be here until at least the 20 January 2011. I have had an infection that will not go away. I am allowed to visit home in the afternoons between drips full of antibiotics which has been keeping me sane.

I have not yet had a Christmas, I feel like I have ruined the holiday season for my husband and parents.

However, things will get better and I have read quite a few books and started a few new craft projects.

My new years resolution is to do things I enjoy and to blog more.

I've been a bit poorly

2010-03-23T21:23:00.002Z

I've not blogged for while due to the fact I've been suffering with my back again.
In January I had an operation to correct my two prolapsed disks. I'm slowly getting my life back and leaving the house occasionally and soon I hope I'll be blogging again.

I'm back

2009-05-05T16:30:00.004+01:00

Yet again I've had a huge break. I have been knitting. I've hurt my back again so I've had lots of time lying around reading and knitting under the haze of extremly strong pain killers.

Everybody I know is either pregnant or just had little ones. Due to this I've been knitting lots of baby things here are some of my booties which either have been given or are about to be given.

I have also decided to start selling my bits and peices again, as knitting and making a bit of extra money makes me happy. I have just opened a shop on folksy and have listed the tea cosy and egg cups below;

Come and visit me at http://www.folksy.com/shops/lupincottagedesigns

Bits and bobs

2009-01-18T16:36:00.004Z

I have as promised picture from my walk last weekend this is my favorite place in Derby to go for a walk. Tiff has her new coat on which is apt as it has been in the new that the R.S.P.C.A. have said that putting clothes on your pets is cruel. She does look very cute but she does get very cold and shakes and shivers in cold weather and it does come off once she has had a good run and warmed up.

No walk this weekend as Mr LCD designs has decided the settee and television is much more attractive than a muddy and windy walk round the park and Tiff went football training this morning so was too busy sleeping to visit.

I've had another quiet week knitting wise I wasn't really feeling the inspiration at the beginning of the week. I was going to get one sleeve finished by today but I've not, it's almost there but not quite.

Despite this I have started two new projects this cushion cover in variegated chenille and two pale pink cotton cushion covers. I knitted them up on my machine last night and washed them this morning but I'm not sharing until they are completely finished as they are to be presents.

Well I'm off now to get a chenille cushion cover finished while I think about what to cook for tea and watch 'come dine with me' if you've not seen it it is my favorite program at the moment. The narrator is fab and the people fascinating. However gossip girl series 2 and the new Beverly hills 90210 start this week so I may have new favorites by Friday.

Sunday

2009-01-11T18:25:00.004Z

Today has been a good day.

Mr LCD, my brother, his fiance, Tiff the dog and I went for a long walk round a local park today. It's not really a park as such as it is the grounds of Elvaston Castle with lake, ruins and lovely gardens which is all maintained by our local council. Having fresh air, playing, walking and running has done me good, I feel fully revitalised. We met the most gorgeous st Bernard puppy who was huge and Tiff found lots of mud and puddles. It was so busy at the park which we were quite surprised about, especially as it has been so cold all week and it started drizzling as we left the house today.

When we came home we warmed up with very chocolaty home made Mocha's and with a sub of the day from Subway. Feeling very full now.

I did have pictures but because there was so many good pictures of Tiff my brother has stolen my camera. I hope to get it back soon as I do have knitting pictures to share.

I still haven't finished the sleeve I started last week I'm beginning to think I should of used bigger needles or maybe not used such a fancy pattern. My aim is to get it finished by next Friday. Mr LCD is on afternoons all week next week so I've lots of time to get it done unless I decide to finish organising the kitchen or put all the washing away properly.

I'm going to leave you with a picture of Tiff asking for treats and looking much cleaner than she did at 2 o'clock this afternoon..

Happy New Year

2009-01-04T14:15:00.003Z

I am such a bad blogger.

I have excuses like I have had an extremely bad cold for about 3 months which resulted in the flu, then a chest infection, x-rays and too much time off work. I'm over it now except for my cough which I can live with. This however is rubbish I could of still blogged but I just didn't have anything to say.

This year will be different and since I did so well (um) at my resolutions last year it is time to commit to new resolutions this year. I have read that the reason we fail so often at resolutions is because we set our selves big steps rather than little steps. So what I am going to do is make 5 promises of things I am not going to do in the next year.

1 I am not going to put myself down.

2 I am not going to carry on being stuck in a rut.

3 I am not going to give up on the idea of starting my own business.

4 I am not going to over eat this year.

5 I am not going to let the year run away from me.

I am going to keep these resolutions with me at all times but if I cannot follow them all the time it's not the end of world.

I have also been thinking about growing my own vegetables this year so I am going to read up on vegetable growing and have just ordered this book from amazon, The Allotment Handbook Caroline Foley it tells you when and what you should be doing. I'm not quite ready for an allotment yet but I've marked out two beds in my garden ready for what ever it is I'm going to grow.

I have also been knitting I'm going through a bobble stage at the moment. Which I find the easiest way to do this is by knitting and purling into the same stitch 6 times then pass all but the last stitch back off the needle.

I've knitted hats for me, friends and family but now I'm moving on to clothing. Below is going to be a big puffy sleeve for my new cardigan. I've knitted the body on my knitting machine but I'm hand knitting the sleeves and trims in a lacy, bobbly, cabled pattern I've designed myself. Fingers crossed I'll get it finished in time for next winter...

Giving

2008-10-02T19:59:00.002+01:00

I've been knitting but birthday presents and I'm not sure exactly who reads this blog so I can't share pictures until next week.

I've also knitted a hat for my friends daughter with ear flaps and pom poms in beige and pale pink, as I'm incompetent I forgot to take pictures before it was gifted.

I've also been thinking yet again about Christmas with things being tight I've been trying to find reasonably priced things I know friends and family will love.

I will be making lots of bits and pieces gloves, hats, scarfs, tea cosies, throws and jumpers for the children. I'm also going to bake shortbread biscuits and sweet chili sauce will I'm going to start posting recipes weekly as well as knitting patterns.

I thought that today I would share some of my favorite websites for gift sourcing.

firstly there is etsy at www.etsy.com a great source of hand made goods.
a new favorite is www.folksy.com a British version of etsy with lots of creative sellers.
I love www.notonthehighstreet.com which is a collection of individual shops all selling unusual items that you can't find on the high street
www.amazon.co.uk is a must for diary's, cook books and fab craft books.
www.play.com is one of the best sources I've found for reasonably priced DVDs.
www.coxandcox.co.uk is a lovely store selling deluxe craft supplies and home wear. They've just launched their new autumn collection
www.reddirect.co.uk sells lovely home wear,bags, jewellery and have just launched their new Christmas collection. I'm loving the mistletoe fairy lights. Mr LCD will not appreciate any new fairy lights as the house is already very shiny at Christmas.
for me if anyone reading this is worrying about what I'd like for Christmas anything form this shop would be appreciated www.loop.gb.com

once a week is an improvement

2008-09-25T12:34:00.003+01:00

This week I've been busy thinking of Christmas presents Amazon UK have 50% off cook books at the moment including pre-order for the new Nigella and Jamie books which 'll make great presents for a couple of people I know.I might keep the Nigella for me through.

I've also knitted a cushion cover.

Tip if you've not enough yarn left to do the turn over, tie your cushion shut with a couple of ribbons and then they are easy to remove when washing. Pretty and practical.

I've started knitting a set of wash cloths for my mum's new kitchen. Easy to knit in squares using any double sided pattern in any cotton yarn you have left over a great way to use up odd balls of yarn you have left over. I knit mine on a size 10 needle and cast on about 40 stitches then knit till it's square cast off all but the last 4 stitches then knit those until you have enough to make a loop.

Finally I've been making pincushions as a stocking filler which may turn it's self into a sewing kit for my brothers girlfriend.

I've blog guilt

2008-09-18T13:49:00.003+01:00

My blog guilt is not blogging enough. Ideally in my head I would blog twice a week, which should be reasonable but the weeks disappear and it's been 3 weeks since my last post.

I have been busy getting my kitchen fitted and decorating my studio, so it is a studio not a dumping ground getting shelves put up so i can easily find my bits and pieces, sorting my odds and ends of wool the usual.

By the way has anyone any idea what to do with 50 cakes of chenille in miss matched colours, I'm waiting for inspiration I'm looking at it but nothing is arriving.

I've also been knitting tea cosies and cakes but alas my cameras not downloading onto my PC so you've had to wait. I've had to borrow my brothers on a semi permanent loan until Christmas where fingers crosses three months of wining will mean Santa brings me a camera.

The first two are from the same design as found on ravelry but you can get it by following this link http://www.houseofwoolrepute.com/?p=72 .The third was knitted by my mum with yarn from my stash and decorated with pom poms and the fourth is a new design I'm working on and I hope to have the pattern to share soon.

I'm easing myself back in...

2008-08-27T17:51:00.002+01:00

I'm easing myself back in slowly to this blogging thing. You may of noticed I'm not currently listing anything in either of my two shops. I've decided to stick for the time being to making bits and pieces for friends or family which I'll be sharing with you. However, if you do ever see any thing you like, drop me a line and I'll see what I can do for you.

I've been thinking about my blog a lot and I've decided to be more structured as well as knitting including fun things I've found online.

I've been knitting but yet again no photos to show I'll be downloading tomorrow so will blog about them by the weekend.

I'm back from as well as a unexpected blogging holiday a very hot two weeks in Turkey. It was a fab holiday and just what I needed, ie lying by the pool everyday and shopping in the evenings only interrupted by power naps in the afternoon when it was too hot to sunbathe.

I thought I'd start my first day back with a little bit about me which i picked up from http://www.ninnynoodlenoo.com/blog

1) LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN A THEATRE?
The last film I saw in the cinema was Kung Foo Panda to which I had planned a visit with little people instead I went with two grown-ups who loved it.

2) WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
Currently I'm reading Domain by James Herbert but I read really quickly and manage at least 2 books a week.

3) FAVOURITE BOARD GAME?
Monopoly with my family at Christmas we are not really a board game family as my dad gets bored. I also love playing Scrabble with my Mum in the evening watching soaps as both of us are terrible at it.

4) FAVOURITE MAGAZINE?
Red magazine its the best magazine I have ever bought and I've had a subscription for the last 3 years, its for grown ups with lovely features and things to buy. I also adore the You Magazine in the Mail on Sunday.

5) FAVOURITE SMELLS?
Lemon, the road after it rains in summer and my husband.

6) FAVOURITE SOUNDS?
The beginning cords of any of my favorite songs

7) WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD?
Guilt

8 ) WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE?
Disappointment on a work day and pleasure if its my day off as I can take as long as I want to get up.

9) FAVOURITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
I don't do fast food.

10) FUTURE CHILD'S NAME?

I used to like Giles for a boy but I think now Charles after my Dad and for a girl Eva after my Great Aunt or Sophia or Elizabeth or Saffron or Charlotte.

11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT—’IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’D……Give up work and do what I enjoy every day ooh and move to a house with a big garden and indoor pool.

12) DO YOU DRIVE FAST?
It depends on the road.

13) DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
No

14) STORMS–COOL OR SCARY?
I love storms so cool

15) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?

Fiat Punto it was blue and I loved it until I wrote it off.

16) FAVOURITE DRINK?
Vodka with anything, especially with Tia Maria and coke and cream to make a White Russian lovely.

17) FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD…
Learn new things.

18) DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI?
Yes.

19) IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?
I do and I have had it every colour from blue in my student days to blond after I went mad with the sun in while at school to the rich mahogany I have now.

20) NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS YOU HAVE LIVED IN?
Derby, Hinkley and Leicester.

21) FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
I like to watch live football but don't like watching it on television.

22) WHATS UNDER YOUR BED?
Suitcases and things I cannot throw away. We have a guest staying with us and so I've had to tidy out the wardrobe in my second bed room so he could hang his clothes.

24) WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN?
I don't know.

25) MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Defiantly a morning person after a coffee...

26) OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?
Over easy. I don't like runny yokes they make me feel a bit funny.

27) FAVOURITE PLACE TO RELAX?
In bed or curled in a corner of the settee.

28) FAVOURITE PIE?
Rhubarb meringue a Nigella Recipe from Domestic Goddess I love it and could eat it every day.

29) FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR?
Lemon meringue Ice cream fro m a little shop in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, after eating Fish and Chips next to the river.

Well that's all from me and if you want to do this consider yourself tagged.

I've been missing in action

2008-07-28T20:10:00.003+01:00

Sorry I've been gone so long.

I've just been feeling a bit quiet.

I've been knitting but unfortunately no photo's to show.

I've been watching Sex and The City and crying every time I watch it.

I've been to see Kung Fu Panda and loving every minute.

I've been reading Jane Brockets new book and feeling nostalgic.

I've been watching Gossip Girl and coveting the outfits.

I've been planning my holiday and deciding if I should take some knitting?

Two weeks no knitting will I be OK?

I've been catching up with friends and realising they are really good fun, I should make more time for them.

I've also been lurking.

I'm having a further break for the next 3 weeks but then I'll be back and sharing again

A new wedding website

2008-04-29T13:24:00.002+01:00

This post isn't knitting related but I thought I'd share with you the fantastic new site my brother has just launched.

It's a place to keep all your wedding information together from the venue to table placing, your gift list and more.

Here's the link go and have a look and if you've any feedback let me know and I'll pass it on.

http://www.thisisourwedding.co.uk/index.html

Finished knitted bits

2008-04-27T20:55:00.003+01:00

I've managed to get some pictures of some finished knitting at last. This is meant to be a knitting blog after all.

Firstly my new cashmere cushions for my lounge in pink and pale blue with a shot of beige. I did knit these up a while ago but didn't get round to finishing them. Now they are decorated with a grey satin finished ribbon and assorted buttons all sourced from Mason Mills in Matlock Derbyshire. Now all I've got to do is stop Mr LCD using them as trays when he has his dinner...

Next a tea cosy in black and white decorated with white buttons sourced from eBay. It has a pearly king and queen feel to it and made my Dad laugh out loud when he saw it on Saturday.

Finally another Tea Cosy in teal, blue and grey decorated with blue buttons and a blue pom-pom.

I'm feeling quite please with myself this week lots of finished bits and pieces have now been cleared out the way. I'm now ready to start new projects.

I'm going to have to hold off on the cashmere cushions with big turquoise flowers as I've managed to hurt my back again which means I can't use my knitting machine for a while.

I've started knitting myself a scarf using yarn I picked up in Venice a few years ago I was saving it to use on a really special project but I've decided since I love it so much it'd be nice to use it for something I'll wear every day rather than it sitting in my yarn basket for 3 more years.

I've started knitting a black evening bag ready for a wedding I've got in May. I also want to do some more quilting I've got the fabric I just need to find the time...

I'm back

2008-04-20T17:58:00.002+01:00

I'm sorry I've been gone so long life took over and I neglected my blog.

Since I last posted I've had a birthday, my brother gave a cocktail party for me, a wedding anniversary (six years if you can believe it), my ghd's broke and have now been replaced, I managed to put my mobile phone through the wash, I've had a trip to Bath, I've visited the Continental market in Derby and finally I got soil for my garden.

I had a lovely birthday with family and friends. My brother arranged for people to come who've I've not seen for years which was a lovely surprise. I've no pictures of the party or cake which was very sophisticated until the boys who were the bar men of the evening started drinking shots and Tiff my brothers puppy managed to eat my birthday cake, the dips and Becky's chocolate brownies.

I also got soil delivered for my garden at last I've been waiting to order it since last summer but it was so wet and miserable all summer we didn't get round to doing the garden. I'd ordered two tons of soil which Mr LCD and my Dad thought might be too much to fill my one raised flower bed. It arrived, I paid my money and when my husband saw what had been delivered he had a fit. I will freely admit I've no spatial awareness. I cannot park in small car parking spaces even through I've a relatively small car I think I need enough space to park a limousine. I'd actually received about seven tonnes of soil which maybe no problem if you've an acre to fill but I had one raised bed. My Dad came to help Mr LCD move the soil and I phoned everyone I'd ever met to offer free top soil, We eventually managed to get rid of all of it but I did come very close to crying that morning especially as it was the morning after my cocktail party and because it kept raining and hailing on us.

I've had a trip to Bath with my Mum where we had a lovely day being proper tourists, we traveled on the open top sightseeing tour visiting all the sights and shopping. We visited the Cath Kidson store where I treated myself to a new book. It is worth noting that Nicolas Cage has just bought a house in Bath and Johnny Depps kids go to school there so it maybe worth going just in case you spot both of the most attractive men I can think of.

I wish I'd taken more pictures as it is a beautifully town and I'd like to go again but stay for a couple of days rather than trying to fit it all into six hours. I think Mr LCD and myself will have a weekend away in the summer as he'll love it.

We had a continental market in Derby this week. As well as international sellers there were independent farms from England. My Mum and I really treated ourselves and had the most lovely lunch. We started with home made Greek bread filled with feta and herbs.

Olives filled with blanched almonds. Hand made smoked cheese, and peperoni sausage.

I also treated myself to some purple sprouting broccoli from this stall;

And for dessert a lovely walnut layer cake from this stall;

Have you ever seen muffins so big I was very very tempted.

I have also been knitting I got my mums vest finished and the lavender cupcakes I'm half way through a new tea cosie and I'm thinking about cashmere cushions in beige with great big turquoise flowers for my lounge.

I'll have pictures at the end of the week which I'll share I promise I won't be gone so long.

A new blog

2008-04-01T10:08:00.003+01:00

Sara at http://all-about-eden-saraeden.blogspot.com/ has asked me, very kindly to contribute to the new blog shes set up.

It's called http://northernbellescrafts.blogspot.com/ and this will be a place to find out about craft fairs , fabric shops and all those things you find out about in the North that you think others may like to know !!

The aim is to include all the little shops and design resources crafters use and share information about them. I'm very excited and looking forward to writing the pieces about the places I like to visit.

Also after Sara had visited the Manchester Art gallery for their button display I couldn't help being inspired to decorate my Tea cosie with vintage buttons sourced from EBay, charity shops, my mother and grandmothers. Drop Sara a post if you to would like to be inspired.

Current projects

2008-03-27T18:59:00.005Z

I've managed to get some photo's taken of new bits and pieces I'm working on. The first is a tea cosie design based around my cupcake designs.I'm not 100% happy with it yet it still needs lining. I'm thinking a pale pink cotton jersey. I'm going to decorate it with with beads or tiny buttons. I'm thinking a knitted flower for the center. Ill make a decision later tonight when I can sit and think in my studio.

Next are my new Lavender Cakes. I've six in the pipe line ready to sew together decorate and stuff with lavender. I'm thinking of doing my cakes with different fillings depending on the colour of the icing, yellow icing lemon smelling cakes, pink icing raspberry's... you get the idea.

Next my mums mothers day present still not finished but I've promised mum it'll be all finished by Sunday. I've not much to do... just finish knitting the front, knit a half belt, find 3 buttons and sew hook and eyes all up the front to fasten. Luckily Torchwood is on the BBC tomorrow night so I'm looking at a serious push to get the knitting part of the project finished. Oh I forgot to mention my new needles from Loop which I'm using to get it finished, it makes such a difference knitting on pretty needles.

Finally here is the new hat I finished at the weekend the pattern was from 101 designer one skein wonders. It was an quick knit taking me about 3 hours with just 3 pattern repeats. I did have to concentrate on each row but it used less than one skein of yarn. I'm now left with one and a quarter skeins to make something else maybe a littel scarf in the same lavender lace pattern. The yarn I used was, ggh wollywasch which is 100% pure wool and is £3.00 for 50g from loop it was lovely to work with and comes in very rich vibrant colours. It can also go through the washer at a 30 degree wash.

I'm leaving you know with a picture of my mum modeling my new hat.

Happy Easter

2008-03-25T12:10:00.004Z

I know I'm a bit late but I was whisked off for a long weekend in London by Mr LCD.

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and received lots of Easter Eggs. I received 3, a malteser one from work. From my husband I received a butterscotch green and blacks egg (yum, just what I'd been nagging for) and a little princess egg, which was in the sale when he popped to sainsburys on Monday morning.

You may gather that this weekend wasn't a diet weekend.

I did complete lots of knitting this weekend. I finished one front of my Mum's mothers day preset but had left the rest of my yarn at home, so I've still not finished it. I started knitting a pair of socks and made myself a beanie out of the lovely yarn I purchased from Loop. I also read a book called Divas don't Knit which was a fun easy read.

The reason I got so much reading and knitting done was because we were visiting Mr LCD friends and family. They are kind and make me feel very welcome but they do talk in Albanian for the most part and watch lots of Albanian t.v which consists of lots of Albanian singing and not that funny comedy sketches. Every time we visit I take little projects to do after I spent one very long weekend feeling very bored and neglected.

We stayed with Mr LCD's cousin and his family who live behind this very fancy door;

I have fallen in love with his 5 year old daughter. She wore the bunny ears we got her all weekend and cried on Friday night when she had to get changed out of the outfit we'd got her into her pajama's. She is the sweetest child I've ever met and if I could guarantee my child would be like her I'd have 3 now. Her English is also fantastic since her Mum and Dad only spoke Albanian at home I did worry that when she started school she'd be behind the other children in her class but she's clever and funny and has fitted straight in at school with no problems.

We did have a day by ourselves on Monday where I got to go shopping and visit Liberty's and Covent Garden. Then I managed to leave my Debit Card in House of Frazer so that stopped my shopping in its tracks much to Mr LCD's relief..

It also snowed pretty much all weekend but it didn't settle unfortunately.

I also managed to drag my husband into loop on Friday, he was very surprised at how busy and lovely it was. I bought 2 new sets of needles and some lovely wool, which I'll share in the next blog as what I made is in the washing machine.I think I may be changing his mind about me opening a little shop selling wool and bits and bobs. There is nothing in Derby/Derbyshire that would compare to loop. The shop in town sells lots of acrylics but isn't the kind of place you'd go to look for beautiful yarn.

New Camera New Shop

2008-03-13T11:52:00.003Z

Nothing says spring to me like primroses, I like a pretty display on my dining room window sill. For some reason last year I didn't get round to creating a spring display. This year I've managed it. I just need some more small pots and it'll all be finished off. I have got more small pots but for some reason I couldn't find them at the weekend when I was potting up.

I've a new camera which has enabled me to take much better pictures. That would also be down to the fantastic weather we're having today, the sun has come out after what seems like a week of rain. According to the BBC website the rain will be back tomorrow. I'm celebrating the sunshine on my day off by photo shopping my pictures and listing items on the new online shop I found by way of flickr.

You can see my shop at http://www.pinkdoodle.com/ I'm listed as lupincottagedesigns(surprisingly). I've listed some cakes, bags, jewellery and scarves. It's all in UK pounds so hopefully that won't put as many shoppers off buying, like I think etsy does. I accept pay pal but if you've any questions send me a mail. The photos are of some of the things I've listed today;

Well I'm off now to finish my cupcake tea cosy which I am going to get finished by this afternoon and I promise I won't be missing as long next time.

March is here

2008-03-05T12:25:00.002Z

I've no pictures to share but I've found two great give aways on line.

The first is on Sara's all about Eden blog where if you leave a comment you can win lots of pretty things. To leave a comment go to http://all-about-eden-saraeden.blogspot.com/ and then if you're lucky your name will be picked out a hat.

The second is a give away to celebrate the opening of there new shop oliverandolivia have arranged a little give away to enter follow this link http://www.oliverandolivia.com/index.html

I managed to almost get my quilt finished for mothers day but then completely messed it up so it's not square. Luckily mum was very understanding especially after I made lunch and is happy to wait till Easter for her quilt and half finished jumper.

tea cosy or is that cosie?

2008-02-21T16:04:00.003Z

I've finished finishing my tea cosy. It's taken a while but its all done now ready for it's long trip to France. It was hard work modifying a pattern I found so I could get just the look my client wanted. It was worth it as I'm quite happy with the way it turned out.

Now I've just got to get my mums quilt and jumper finished by mothers day and I can start knitting for my self. Here's the quilt so far. It may be that I give it to her for her birthday in June... we'll see.

Where does the time go?

2008-02-20T08:28:00.005Z

I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. I don't know where my time has gone.
Mainly I suppose I've been at work, doing overtime so I can go on holiday to Egypt in May. I can't wait for some sun. I didn't get the job I went for but I'm getting feedback today, so I don't feel too bad and there's lots of coaching opportunities coming up so it's not the end of the world.
I have been knitting and quilting but I won't share that with you until the weekend. I've almost finished finishing my tea cosy here's a sneak peak below.

It just needs a few more flowers and a good steam and I can package it off to France.

I was going to do a big valentines post but as you may realize I didn't but here's a picture of the desserts I made for our valentines tea.

Fairy cakes decorated with pink sweeties, I'd almost run out of icing sugar I found out too late to go out shopping and Meringues our favorite with sweetened chestnut puree and double cream, they should of been pink. Needless to say Valentines day wasn't a great diet day as I also received chocolates and some lovely pale purple tulips which I love more than roses.

Lovely things

2008-02-09T08:09:00.000Z

This is just going to be a quick post before I pop off to work, with my tea cosie which I'll get finished today if it's quiet.

I want to thank Mel at http://www.melissagoodsell.typepad.com/ who did a mini swap with me.

I sent her some cupcakes and bits and peices and she sent me all these little goodies;

You may notice she's sent me the card she's entered into the Daring Card Makers blog this week and some lovely mushroom fabric, pom poms, embroidery threads, beads and a pretty hanky holder in pink and white spots which has already found it's way into my work bag.

She has been incredibly generous and filled me with new ideas for projects.

Pop over and read her lovely crafting blog and the food blog which always makes me feel like baking.

Thankyou again Mel.

I'm back

2008-02-07T18:57:00.002Z

Well I may of been off line but I've kept myself busy.

I've just completed five years service at work so I've got an extra days holiday this year and I also received a experience day. I can hear the spa calling my name.

I don't know how I feel about staying in the job as long as I have, I've moved departments but have never felt motivated enough to apply for more responsible job.All is set to change next week when I've an interview for a training role which'll involve training new recruits in our banking practices. This is a job I think I'll enjoy if I get through my 15 minute interactive demonstration on delivering great customer service. I think I stand a good chance as I've found out who else has got interviews and I've got my presentation mapped out with with guidance from my team leader and a friend who's already doing the job.

That enough of the work chat because I've been keeping busy knitting too.

I had my first craft fair last weekend, luckily I'd told friends and family what I was up to other wise I may not of covered the cost of the table. It had snowed that morning so there wasn't a big turn out and most of the people who came said 'aren't you clever' or 'I love your cakes' and then moved on. The feed back was great and I'd got lots of bits for under £5.oo but still no new customers. Maybe I should smile more but I did say hello to everyone who'd visited me, maybe it was the weather or the time of year.

So that wasn't the most motivating day of my life I think I need to go to a craft fair that's more touristy. I think I'm going to have a stall at a craft fair in Tissington ( http://www.tissington-hall.com/ ) in April, fingers crossed for no snow.

As I did get myself so organized for my craft fair I was at a loss for knitting projects this week, that all changed when my Mum came for a visit today.

I've been planing a design fora tea cosy, which'll be the next step on from the cup cakes. This is my first side which I completed at the weekend. Not a great picture I know.

I'm constructing it in three parts the two sides which'll be the cup cake base then the cake and icing as a separate piece I'm then going to line it with a pink jersey and decorate with beads and a big red pom-pom. that's my plan now it may change...
My mum has brought with her a commission today for a stripy blue and fusica tea cozy. My designer side has been put away for a few days while I construct it here are the yarns I'm using ;
The fusica looks very red here but be assured it is fuscia and I've started knitting and I'll get finished pictures for you by the weekend. I found the pattern on line but I'm going to get it copied up for you with any amendments I make.

I also have had a few new books arrive form the lovely people at amazon.
'What skirts' for when my clothes no longer fit, 'Loop pretty knits' which technically I received for Christmas but I'm now ready to start knitting from and '101 one skein wonders' from which my mum has ordered this top;
This looks like a quick knit, she's chosen her yarn a beige dk wool and she may get it for mothers day. I've also started putting together a gold and brown quilt for her but that's a surprise, luckily my mums computer illiterate so she won't be reading this.
There are also some really cute knits in here for socks which I'm going to attempt when I get some needles. I may have to wait for payday. There are also some lovely slippers and hats which I might start making for Christmas and birthday presents.

no posts for a while

2008-01-29T18:00:00.000Z

My husband has broken the computer so I won't be posting for a while.

I don't know when or if we'll be able to get it fixed but I can't post from work as I'm meant to do proper work there. So I might be quiet for a while, but I will still be knitting...

Cake

2008-01-24T11:44:00.000Z

I am getting a bit disheartened with my diet I've lost 10 lb's which is great. Now all I want is some chocolate or cake or just something really sweet. Banana's have been helping to curb my cravings and I know it's only been 3 weeks but sweet cake and chocolate is all I can think about today. I can't buy any sweet things as they don't sell reduced calorie cakes in portion size, you have to buy six and if I bought six I'd eat six so it's best if I don't buy any.

Instead I've been knitting cakes and lots of them. I've been working on a designs for a chocolate sand which. I'm not completely happy with it but here's the prototype. I've started my second sample today and have tried using moss stitch for the cream I think this ones going to work out better.

I thought I'd also share a picture of my awful kitchen with you. It's being ripped out this weekend and I'm having it replaced with lovely real wood units and new counter tops I even get to have new flooring which'll make my day and I get a wall mounted oven I can't wait. Its practically the last room in the house to be finished well except my studio and the garden which is still half done.

A day to myself

2008-01-19T07:48:00.000Z

Today I was woken by the papers when they landed on my sleeping tummy and a cup of tea. How lovely you think? Mr lcd sounds like a keeper... Well so did I until I looked at the clock and saw it was half past 5 in the morning. I'd forgotten he was working today.

I still can't decide if it was a lovely gesture or he just wanted me to get up because he had too.

So I sat with my cup of tea in bed, I was wide awake now you understand, reading my favorite morning papers the News of the World for the celebrity d list scandal and the Mail on Sunday for the weekly out rage of how England's deteriorating and the oh so lovely You magazine full of fashion, other peoples lovely houses and very calorific Sunday baking. I'm low brow and shallow but that what Sundays are for especially as I'm not eating chocolate anymore.

In the end I got up about 9.30, after a little doze, had my diet breakfast, Greek yogurt, dried fruit and toast this week and the retired to my studio to take advantage of my me time.

I have no pictures of what I've been up to but I show the finished articles later this week. I managed to knit 3 cashmere cushion covers in pale beige, pink and blue. Which are now in the washing machine felting, ready to be made up on Tuesday or Thursday. I think I'll finish them with the tiny buttons or the wide grey ribbon I got in Matlock.

I don't know why I'm choosing as I've still got enough yarn left to knot about 5 blankets, so I can do both options but what to do first? I'm impatient and want to see the finished article now, as I'm already thinking about ten more projects I want to work on.

I've also put in an order with my brothers girlfriend to pick me up some more cashmere when she's at mason mills this week. I maybe going a bit mad but it's so nice to knit with and washes so well.

I've also knitted six new cupcakes this weekend and completed a sample for cables black chenille cushion covers. I'm thinking either bright pink or slate grey buttons.

Now I'm going to switch off for a bit. I've got on my vitamin replacement face mask and I've run a hot bubbly bath so now I will love you and leave you and contemplate my lovely day.

I've been busy

2008-01-13T20:24:00.000Z

These are my new shoes I love them but made the mistake of wearing them to work on Friday when we had buckets of rain. My mum gave me a good telling off... why is it no matter how old you are your parents can still make you feel like a teenager?

This picture is taken of my new shoes on my hand made rag rug. I will warn you it wasn't the most time efficient thing I've ever made. I started it when I first got married and then three years later when we bought our house I finished it.

Today was a finishing off day and a tidying day. I've tidyed my studio and knitted some cashmere samples from the yarn I got last Thursday and now they are in washer to see how they felt up so I can start making cushion covers.

I also decided to use my free afternoon to sort through my almost finished bags. You notice I say bags. I have many half made bits in my studio because I love the knitting but not so much the finishing. I also motivated myself into doing my mending it wasn't much but I had been putting it off for about six months.

Now my studio is almost clear and I've got a small new pile of finished bits and I feel all clear to start new projects like little knitted chenille hearts for valentines day.

New hot water bottle covers

New cakes

Knitted flannels

Please forgive me, I've no self control

2008-01-11T22:01:00.000Z

Not only Have I had lovely comments and help full suggestions from lots of lovely people this week I've also broken one of my resolutions... I'm sorry.

No it wasn't my diet (no chocolate or puddings for almost two weeks now) but it was the following resolution;

I promise my husband and myself I'll spend as little as possible on pretty things this year, that include craft bits.

I broke it with a bang yesterday. Please forgive me but I didn't have the usual coffee and cake that I have on a Thursday when I have a day out with my mum.

My brothers girlfriend texted me on Wednesday night to tell me she'd seen cashmere cones on sale for £6 a cone. The temptation was too great I had to go and look.

So on Thursday my Mum and I headed off to Mason Mill in Matlock, Derbys to have a look. They did have cashmere thread on sale but they also had ribbons and buttons and sewing thread on sale too. I hate to admit it I went a bit mad...and also bought myself pale pink impractical shoes with a bow on the front which are covered in sparkly bits, I really like the sparkly bits.

So I completely over indulged in yarn buttons ribbons and shoes but I did lose 4lb's this week, so please forgive me if I've no self control when shopping.

It's all about the buttons

New things in my shops

2008-01-08T11:04:00.000Z

Why am I so incompetent I keep writing in the title of my post then I manage to post with no text it's happened twice now. So sorry to anyone who gets my feeds you have received blank posts twice in a row.

I have however manage to list some new items on my Etsy shop and I've also listed some items on Ebay so now I just have to sit back and see how it goes.

this is my new etsy listing

and these are the scarfs I'm selling at http://www.ebay.co.uk/ under the name bluefluffy76 if you'd like to take a look.

Now all I've got to do is find some craft fairs in my neighbourhood i.e. Derby/Nottinghamshire and I'm away.

I've made a start

2008-01-06T14:59:00.000Z

I have started my diet and my first weigh in is on Wednesday.

I'm finding it quite easy to follow, at the moment and don't feel any of my usual cravings for chocolate but I'm not going to speak too soon as I've only been following it properly for three days. I had to wait for my day off to do the big 'diet food' shop.

I've chosen the low GI diet plan, which seems to be fitting in with my shifts at work. I've made double quantities of the recipes specified and put one portion in the freezer so by the end of week two I'll have a few meals put aside for the days when I'm working late.

I forgot to say that in this months Red Magazine there's an offer to get the first four weeks free with tesco diets, you have to sign up for 10 weeks at least there is a saving at the start.

But beside the diet which I see many of you are interested in I've also been knitting some bits and pieces which have now been listed in my Etsy shop. It was getting a bit neglected but I think if I list different knitted things I'll be picked up on more searches so maybe someone will see something they like.

The first new thing I've listed is this hot water bottle cover which I love but I've no use for as I sleep next to a human radiator.

Next I've made and designed a range of knitted cherry buns I'm keeping one set for myself to go on my dresser. I'm currently working on new designs while watching Sex and the City on DVD which I've borrowed (stolen) from my bothers girl friend I want to do some pink iced cakes with flowers and beads but I can't get the flower design to knit how I want it to look.

Finally I've started listing my scarfs today it was the hand knitted blue scarf I finished in the summer and tomorrow I'll be listing The purple blue slightly felted scarf you can see below.

I'm off now to watch the last 8 episodes of series two and finish some cloths I've been working on and the flowers that are getting me so frustrated.

New Year, New Me

2008-01-02T14:49:00.000Z

I've been thinking long and hard about what I want from 2008.

Ideally I'd like to go at least part time at work and concentrate on my knitting and designing I'd also like to be a happier person.

Here they all are, set out for everyone to see and to make me focus on what goals I want to achieve.

I want to lose weight this year. It's been slowly increasing since I got married and now I feel frumpy and not like me, some thing has to be done so I've joined tescodiets.com today and I start tomorrow.
I want to start concentrating on my business more and start doing craft fairs and get a decent shop set up on-line (if you're reading this bob please finish my site)
I'd like to make more effort to keep in touch with friends.
I promise my husband and myself I'll spend as little as possible on pretty things this year, that include craft bits.
I'll be more appreciative of what I've got and stop looking at what other people have got.
I'll start sewing this year quilts, clothes and bags.

Happy new year

2007-12-31T18:57:00.000Z

Happy New Year one and all, just a quick note before I start getting ready to go out.

I hope the new year brings you all love, affection, joy and happyness.

Tomorrow the new year resolutions start and also new knitting projects to share.

christmas has been and gone

2007-12-29T12:49:00.000Z

Well Christmas has been and gone, Santa has visited and today I've taken down my Christmas decorations.

Instead of feeling deflated I'm looking at the positives;

My back problems are a lot better, I may get on my knitting machine before new year.

I'm going out with my parents and husband tonight to watch a bit of karaoke, I won't be singing but I'm going with people who are so it'll be a lot of fun.

I got the loop pretty knits book for Christmas off my brother, his lovely girlfriend and their puppy tiff so I'm all inspired to create.

I also received the nigella express cook book and the green and blacks chocolate cook book of which I'm currently finishing off the chocolate biscuit cake. (there wasn't much left... honest)

I finished knitting both my Christmas jumpers before Christmas day, this maybe due to the fact I was bed ridden for two weeks before Christmas but I'd like to think I'd of finished them anyway...

I've lovely new clear storage box's that I bought in the sales to fill with yarn this afternoon.

Finally, I'm loved by my adorable stubborn husband and family and we'll be in Morocco celebrating next Christmas.

Now I'll leave you with finished projects and new projects I'm currently working on

Green mohair cardigan my own design to be worn with silver/grey long sleeved tunic

Green/blue jumper modified from the Rowan kid silk dream collection, pixie

Green and Blacks chocolate biscuit cake modified with milk and white chocolate, just finished while writing this blog post.

Wash cloth one of a set of three I'll be selling at craft fairs this year, a new venture for me.

christmas is coming and I'm not feeling christmassy anymore

2007-12-14T09:19:00.000Z

I finished my Christmas shopping last Thursday every thing was bought. Even my Dads presents that I leave every year to the last minute, due to the fact he doesn't want for anything.

Then on Friday I woke with back ache,by Saturday morning I was getting stiff, by Sunday night I was in such pain I had to leave Sunday dinner at my brothers early. By Monday morning I couldn't move so I went to the doctors who gave me pain killers, by Tuesday I was bed ridden. Thursday my mum visited and cleaned my house... I love her so much thanks mum. Thursday I've been signed off work for two weeks and been given some very strong pain killers and now today I'm off to the chiropractors.

This back pain comes from working at a residential home while I was at university and lifting heavy old people without lifting equipment. Well you learn by your mistakes.

But I have found I can still knit and sew up seams while lying on my back and I've finished my sea green cardie and I love it I'll be wearing it Christmas day while drinking sherry and snowballs.

I was going to show you the finished item but my damn camera isn't downloading and it hurts too much to sit still and play today but I will post again soon with knitting news I've almost finished the front of pixie then I've just got to make the capped sleeves and I'm done. It'll be finished by next week.

Christmas Ideas and books

2007-12-04T08:59:00.000Z

I've been meaning to share with you a while a book I purchased before I went on my holidays its The Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brockett. You can by it at amazon by following this link http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0340950986

Its not really a craft book but more of an inspiration book its the kind of book I'd like to write one day, every page is a source of inspiration. It does contain a few recipes but mostly its quilting with a bit of knitting. It has even persuaded me to make a quilt in the new year, some thing I never thought I'd do, but I now want to make a quilt as beautiful as Jane's.

You can also read about what she's doing now at http://yarnstorm.blogs.com/knitblog/ where she makes fabulous cakes and takes inspiring pictures.

The other thing I said I share with you today is the pictures of my fire places which have turned out better today than they did on Sunday, but not much better. I'm going to have to sort my digital camera out at Christmas.

I've still not got my Christmas tree up but I'm hoping if I don't get it up today it'll be up by Thursday afternoon when my Mum and best friend are coming round for afternoon tea. I'll be making Christmas shortbread's, ginger muffins and Florentines and lots of good Venetian coffee,as well as a bit of earl grey for me. (I've had tea at the Ritz don't you know, I took my Mum for her 60th)

By Thursday I also hope to have the second half of my new cardigan finished so I can then work out a pattern for the sleeves which I've already knitted once but now have to change as the design has changed so much since I started knitting it... I was going to show and tell but my camera has now decided to stop downloading onto the computer so I'll save pictures for next time when hopefully I can show you an almost finished warm cocoon of a cardigan.

December is here

2007-12-02T15:55:00.000Z

I've opened the first two squares on my advent calender and started decorating. I've not yet got my tree up a tree base has disappeared into the black pit that is my cellar and I've also lost box of Christmas Decorations, presumably they're in the same place as my Christmas tree base.

I've managed however to get both my fireplaces decorated. Pictures will have to wait till Tuesday morning as they didn't turn out very well today.

I also managed to get my window and door decorated with Snow ball pom poms and Snow flakes.

I've managed to tidy up my dresser and recycle the pile of Junk mail that had accumulated (where does it all come from?). Then I decorated it with my pom-pom garlands and seasonal smelly bits and lots of Christmas fruit as some times you need a change from mince pies, biscuits and chocolate.

All I need now is snow and a truck of presents and I'm ready.

I can't wait to get my tree up I've just got to wait for Mr LCD to get home from work and we'll have and evening of popcorn and tree decorating.

Well this afternoon will now be spent in front of the fire nesting and knitting. I want to get both the jumpers I've started finished for Christmas.

Knitting and Me

2007-11-27T10:43:00.000Z

A friend sent me this and I just love it;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6ZjMWLqJvM

its so like me I've been told off for knitting at work before but once I start I carn't stop.

I've decided following ysoldas' http://ysolda.com/wordpress/ lead to swap christmas cards with all my lovely blog readers.

Send me a mail at lupincottagedesigns@yahoo.com including your address and I'll send you out one of my hand made cards.

I look forward to hearing from you

I know it's still November

2007-11-25T14:37:00.000Z

I've been busy, I know it's still November but last Christmas kind off caught me by surprise so this year I've been very organised. I've written all my Christmas cards, bought and wrapped almost all my Christmas presents and I've almost finished all the hand made gifts I'm giving.

I thought I'd share with you some ideas for quick and easy recipes that every single person I know will be receiving from Mr l.c.d and myself. Obviously not the children we know, they will get the biscuits, not the Vodka.

For the Vodka recipes I used Sainsbury's value vodka, normally I'm quite choosy about the Vodka I drink but once this is made you wouldn't be able to tell between this and the much more expensive brands. I also bought my Berry's from Boots they do 75g packs of blueberry's and cranberry's for 99p which is much cheaper than any dried Berry's I've seen in the supermarkets.

When giving the Vodka as a gift I like to include a couple of shot glasses... as my 20's were quite miss spent, I've managed to collect quite a few which I now like to share out.

The first recipe I made was Blueberry and Cranberry Vodka But you can make this just using cranberry's.

ingredients;

350ml Vodka

200g Sugar

75g of dried berry's

1 orange, grated zest and juice.

Put everything in a sauce pan for 20 minuets heating slowly and not allowing it to boil. Wait for the liquid to cool the put back in the vodka bottle it came in. Making sure all the labels are removed, then label and decorate to your own taste. Shake before drinking..

Vanilla and Lemon Vodka

ingredients;

350ml Vodka
200g Sugar
1/2 tsp of good quality Vanilla essence

2 Lemons, grated zest and juice.

1 or 2 vanilla pods split in half depending on taste

Make up as the recipe above.

Spicy Shortbread

Ingredients;

225g unsalted butter,

75g caster sugar

275g plain flour

1 tsp of ground mixed spice

grated zest of 1 orange

75g of ground almonds

preheat oven to gas mark 4

Mix the butter and caster sugar together until the colour of the mixture lightens. Add all the remaining ingredients and mix well. Roll the dough into a ball, you may need to add a bit more flour to do this but don't go mad.. Roll the dough to the required thickness and cut out the biscuits in fun Christmas shapes (I like Christmas trees) and cook for between 20 minutes and half an hour, you know they are done when the edges start turning brown and they feel firm to touch.

Take out the oven and decorate once they are cool, I like using Green and Blacks white chocolate. Seal in an air tight container and distribute to everyone and anyone you know...

Merry Christmas.... I'm getting excited, can you tell. If only finding the perfect Christmas party outfit was so easy. I'll leave you with a picture of Spain which I think looks quite Christmassy

Back from Spain

2007-11-25T13:47:00.000Z

Hi I'm back off my holiday and feeling all refreshed. we had fabulous weather except for the last day and a half when it didn't stop raining.

The villa we stayed in was lovely, it belongs to a friend of my Dad's and had its own private pool, which was nice, except when you stopped moving your toes would drop off as it was so cold. The pool was lovely in all the pots round the pool there were lemon lime and grapefruit trees.

Spain in November is lovely, I've never really been a big fan of Spain, it was too brown and dried out but then I've always been in the summer before. In November it's green and lush with temperatures at about 20-22 degrees. There's not too many holiday makers except for the older people who spend their summers in Spain.

I've bit of a tan and feel a lot calmer and happier about life. I didn't really realise how much I needed a break, luckily for me my Mum and Dad did.

Thanks parents I do really appreciate it.

Mum and Dad also took me for Nerja for the day which is where they normally holiday in Spain. If you ever have the chance go as it was so pretty, not built up like most resorts are in Spain. Most of the hotels are right next to the beach which is unspoilt shingle. We went for lunch at their favorite restaurant on the beach where we ate paella as you have to while in Spain with a bottle of wine the food was all cooked over open fires and cooked right in front of you. It was lovely but would of been better if I wasn't wearing white trousers as I managed to drop two prawns on my lap so I had to walk round in dirty trousers for the rest of the day, I looked incredibly sophisticated...

I did get some knitting done I'm knitting myself a turquoise cardigan which I've designed myself its knitted in a wool mohair on relatively large needles it'll be v-necked when finished and will fasten with a great big turquoise ribbon when its all finished.

Next time I post I've some quick and easy Christmas presents I'm going to share.

Sorry I've been gone for so long

2007-11-11T20:52:00.001Z

I'm sorry I've not posted for a while but I don't know where my time has gone recently. I do know however that I've been productive while missing in action, my studios been redecorated and tidied. I'm half way through knitting two jumpers I've made for myself and I've also done the vast majority of my Christmas shopping. I've also been to three Halloween parties and said goodbye to some good friends who've left work this month.

Unfortunately I've no new photos to show as my husband stole my phone and the digital camera doesn't seem to want to down load onto the computer.

But on the positive side I'm leaving wet cold Derby tomorrow morning to visit sunny Spain for 10 days I can't wait I've loads of knitting planned and as we've got our own private pool many lengths to swim. I may also do some sleeping and lying around doing nothing which'll be nice as I just feel so worn out at the moment I need to get my mojo back.

Ravely

2007-10-23T11:55:00.000+01:00

I've had my invite to ravely. I'm now listed on there as Lupincottage, please feel welcome to add yourself as my friend, as currently I have none.

As I've now received my invite I might have to start listing my stash, which seems like a big job as it's so huge at the moment. I'll have to use up a few more yarn cones before I can even think about getting everything listed or maybe I'll only list those yarns I really love.

I've written details about my current project which is my rowan pixie jumper which I finished the back of last night (at last).

I've also now joined indirepublic which is an online group for all independent designers if you've not joined yet you really ought to as every ones so friendly.

I'm the slowest knitter in the world ever

2007-10-20T18:04:00.000+01:00

I've discovered this week as it says in my title I'm the slowest knitter in the world ever.

I'm knitting my rowan jumper and I'm a bit further on but not much it's taken me a fortnight, of and on, to knit the back.

I'm so out of practise knitting actual garments by hand I'd forgotten how long it takes.

I know I'm going to love this jumper when its finished and it will fit into my wardrobe seamlessly. However, why isn't it finished yet? and why can't I be more patient?

I'm making myself a new jumper that no one else will own, in yarn I love, yet part of me thinks is it really worth it? and how much wear will I get out of it?

I can go to Sainsburys after work on Monday and pick up a new jumper for £15. Which will be unusual enough to cause people to comment but not to expensive for my budget.

Then I also know that's whats wrong with the way we buy clothing today. The market is saturated with cheaply produced clothing made abroad in sweat shops, that is completely disposable.

I know I can quite easily buy a new item of clothing or two pairs of shoes every time I go shopping. I think I've got to stop doing this and start making clothes I really love instead of buying clothes without really thinking of the origin.

I know that I'm never going to be able to support myself knitting clothes by hand but I do know my wardrobe will be much better off for it.

If only I can be patient enough.

Sunday is meringue day

2007-10-14T13:47:00.001+01:00

To day it's my turn to have the family round for lunch so I'm busy creating in the kitchen today and not in my studio.

I'm really going all out as It's ages since we all got together I've made broccoli and Stilton soup for starters. Followed by a beef and red wine stew or a pumpkin gratin for the veggies

I think I may of gone a bit over the top with the desserts. I've gone a bit Nigella mad and made a chestnut and chocolate cake, a rhubarb and blueberry meringue and mini pavlovas with blueberry sauce. I do love meringues so much they're so easy to make and yet so scrummy.

I'm getting out my best china and got some lovely little green flowers from the supermarket last night (I'm not sure what they are so I won't embarrass myself by trying to name them). I've arranged them in shot glasses and will placed down the center of the table.

I ordered some new labels last week to put on my creations and they arrived on Saturday morning. I love them they're neat and pretty and make me feel more like a proper designer.

This week my Mr LCD is working evenings so I'll have a lot more crafting time and I may even take pictures of some of my work to share.

Now I'm going to leave you with my delphiniums which have flowered for the second time this year, this week. I love blue flowers, in fact I love all flowers, well maybe not roses as rose bushes are so ugly when they aren't flowering. Any way back to my beautiful delphiniums it is almost Halloween and I've spring flowers in my garden, it fills me with joy to have such lovely things to look at.

Well I better finish cooking lunch, as everyone's arriving in an hour and I've not got any make-up on or done my hair.

October and feeling poorly

2007-10-11T16:02:00.000+01:00

I've been off sick from work all week with sinus and even through I should of used this time to craft, I actually just wandered round the house feeling sorry for myself.

I have started a couple of new things following on from my Christmas garland I made pom pom tree decorations.

Started on family Christmas presents but I'm not saying who its for or what it is.

I've also started knitting a jumper for myself from the Rowan kid silk Dream collection. I'm not knitting it in the kid silk, I'm using a very fine mohair in variegated green. Its ages since I last knitted something just for me. The top I'm knitting is called pixie and I can't wait to get it finished.

Organisation at last

2007-10-04T09:53:00.003+01:00

I've managed to write descriptions for all my finished and almost finished scarfs this morning and get all my photos taken.

It was one one those jobs I'd been putting of as I like the crafting side of things but not actually describing my bits and pieces, all the measuring and faffing seems like a job that can be done tomorrow when I've got new things in my head to make today. Another thing that had been delaying me was the fact I like to craft during the day, I kept missing the sunshine on my days off but today I got up early and got organised.

My brothers getting on well with my new shop but I didn't realise how long it would take but now he's got all my photos and he's working on it this weekend.

I'm sorry to mention the Christmas word but I've also started making some decorations big felted white mohair pom poms I didn't cut them too exactly, so they'd look a bit scruffy like real snowballs. I've then threaded the pom poms on green ribbon and then i added jingle bells and vintage button details.

I love these but I can't decide to wrap them around my tree or to string them across my mantel piece. The night mares of Christmas decorating but now I've two reception rooms I'm able to theme each room which I know is sad but it keeps me happy. I think I'm getting a bit excited better stop talking about Christmas.

Well it is officially the end of the summer and time for the last fresh blackberry tart of the season. I've not got a finished tart picture as we wolfed this down as soon as it came out the oven. It also had windfall apples in it it was lovely and I can't wait for blackberry season next year.

My lovely husband has also been cooking for us, a leek, feta and spinach pie wrapped in flaky pastry.It was perfect for a cold Sunday afternoon after a morning doing lots of heavy gardening work.

His mum taught him to make this at home in Yugoslavia she also does a gorgeous sweet pumpkin pie that she made especially for me last time I visited.

Well now I'm going to love you and leave you as I've fairy cakes to make, a chicken to roast and I'm having a go at making some honeycomb after seeing Nigellas on Monday night.

2007-09-29T21:26:00.000+01:00

I started of my day in a quite chipper mood today, I was at the post office at 7.30 this morning to pick up a parcel. As my postman doesn't seem to know how doorbells work... Bizarre. I don't think its just my postman, asking around everyone at work seems to have the same problem, so it may be a Derby thing.

So I sat down when I got home,with a strong cup of coffee and opened it and too my surprise, wrapped in pink tissue paper was the cupcake I won on Julie's blog. It was made to my specification with pink icing and a baby blue flower. Included was a lovely thank you card, with a moo card on the front and stickers inside.

I'm so thrilled, Julies knitted bits are so hard to get hold of and http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/ was the first blog I started reading on a regular basis.

My new cupcake once it's had a trip to work will take pride of place on my dresser with my vintage Easter egg moulds and my nanna's china.

I've not really got any crafty pictures of my own to show today, as I completely missed the light. But I've made a stripy cushion cover and two cafetiere covers on my knitting machine today.I've also knitted a forest green scarf and I'm half way thought a hand knitted scarf in a gorgeous Italian fancy yarn.

I thought I'd end this entry with a picture showing you how much my brothers puppy has grown, shes so beautiful. I'd better mention he's not got one huge hand, he just can't sit still.

2007-09-22T19:57:00.000+01:00

Today was my first day off for over a week and I've been working 12 hour days getting some overtime in ready for my holidays.

You'd think that by today I'd be ready for a rest, but no I was wide awake by 6.30 this morning thinking about a pincushion tutorial I saw online at work yesterday. (while on a break, not while I was working you understand)

I had some cafetiere covers which when I felted them were too small to be cafetiere covers. I'd had an idea to maybe use them on cushion covers as pockets but at 6.30 this morning I'd located them in my overflowing craft room and started cutting them up.

Now I'm not that proud of my results, the sections could be more even but my mum likes hers and I got them finished before 8 this morning.They're a quick make and not that much effort.More practise is in order but I'll defiantly be doing these again.

I've also taken some pictures today of my newly finished corsages most of which I'll be putting on flickr then on Etsy. I've not been on flickr for ages but I do find it hard working full time, making things and keeping up to date with my posting and photography.

I've also had some good news my brothers a bit of a web designer and he's designed me a shop so I can start selling in English pounds. Which will be nice because most of the people I've spoken to about Etsy are put off by the dollar thing. I'm getting the full reveal tomorrow so I'll tell you how it looks and maybe I'll get the link installed on my blog by next weekend.

Now I'm going to leave you with a final look at one of my pincushions.

The teal one is the one my mum chose, as her thank you for colouring my hair present.

New Necklaces

2007-09-18T18:07:00.000+01:00

I spent most of my evening yesterday crafting. I've made lovely new necklaces using my new findings that I splashed out on at the Knitting show.

The black one I'm saving for myself but all the rest will be up for grabs on my etsy store by the weekend. Well they will be if I manage to get some time to myself.

I'm busy, busy, busy at work doing overtime but off all weekend and that's what is getting me through my 12 hour days.

I've just shared some of my necklaces here but all my other pictures will some be uploaded at Flickr- follow my link, have a look....

Pretty Things from the Knit Show

2007-09-16T09:09:00.000+01:00

I went to the knit show on Thursday and my Mum and I had so much fun.

The first year we went to the knitting and stitch show at the NEC it was full of older ladies in very unattractive knitted suits with pleated skirts. This year it wasn't like that at all it was fantastic.

As well as the independent shops selling very cheep bead findings and wools there were independent crafters showing what they do it was very inspirational.

My Mum and I did a tutorial on coil pots which I'll defiantly be having a go at when I've got some spare time.

We also did the Rowan and Paton's fashion show where the knitting was lovely. When we went in we got free bags full of fun things like a pack to make Innocent smoothie hats for charity.

We also got a book showing all the Paton's knit patterns that they currently do. The fashion show did inspire me to buy two new Rowan knit books of which I really love the Kid silk dreams book I'll be knitting this on my holidays in November and I can't wait.

I didn't buy the yarn to go with the patterns but I've a very fine cream mohair which I will use instead.

I was very restrained on Thursday and didn't buy any yarn at all. There were plenty of fancy yarns that tempted me but that would of meant lots more odd balls in my stash. I did however buy new beads which I'll be using later today to make some pretty necklaces and bracelets.

Then I bought some new jewellery findings and corsage backs which will also be used this afternoon. Both my mum and I had lovely day and I carn't wait for next year.

just a quick note

2007-09-12T21:41:00.000+01:00

I'm still very excited about winning Julies cupcake draw I've told everyone I've ever met.

Tomorrow morning first thing I'm off to the NEC to visit the Knitting and stitch show and I can't wait. I hope its not going to be a disappointment.

I've got a list of things I desperately need and I'm not going to deviate from it....... unless I see something I love, which is quite possible.

So I've got my sensible shoes ready to go and I've bought croissants and damson jam tonight, as my mum's arriving at 7.30 for breakfast.

It should be a fun day and I'll share all my goodies with you when I get back.

2007-09-11T12:37:00.000+01:00

I've had such an exciting week, I've had lots of sales this weekend unfortunately not on Etsy but to friends. So this morning I've been gift wrapping. It gives me such a buzz when I've made something that other people want to own. I've managed to sell six necklaces,two cafetiere covers and two corsages.

I've also managed to get new things crafted;

I'm not sure if I'm going to be putting these in my Etsy shop or if I'm going to have an open house in November at my house.

My Moo cards arrived on Saturday morning very pleased with them but the picture I'm showing you isn't that great.

This morning I got the best surprise I won a cupcake made by Julie at; http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/

She makes the most adorable cakes and soft toys I've ever seen in my life please go and check out her blog.

So I've had a fabulous week and it can only get better isn't life good.

By the way this is the blue scarf I was making a week or so ago all felted and finished.

crafting

2007-09-06T21:24:00.000+01:00

Today has been a busy day I've been making card's to display my corsages. I've been finishing corsages I started making months ago, listing new items on etsy, arranging a custom order for my friend from work and puppy sitting.

So please forgive my photography this evening.

My brothers puppy is so bouncy she's a cocker spaniel and only about 14 weeks old. She's very naughty but can also be very very good. Currently her favorite place to rest is my mum's flower beds which doesn't impress my mum much.

I've been finishing the centers to my corsages so once I've taken some good photographs I'll be adding them to my shop.

I've also added some jewellery to my Etsy shop which can be seen below;

I've really got to get organised with my shop and maybe start selling on eBay again as I've so much stuff that needs photographing. I'm off all weekend, so fingers crossed I'll get some work photographed and listed.

shopping

2007-09-04T11:16:00.000+01:00

I don't know where the week has gone. I do know I did lots of extra shifts at work last week which now means I've got almost every Saturday off in September. This is a huge bonus, two day weekends are fab.

Today I'm not really going to post anything crafty but I'm going to share what I did last Thursday.

I went charity shop shopping with my mum and even through I wasn't going to purchase anything I found this fantastic tea set for £2.75, with tiny pink roses and a gold trim. There's 13 pieces in all and I love it. D isn't quite so impressed but I won't be having afternoon tea with him as he's far too manly for cucumber sandwiches.

I found a lovely knitting book with toys and cake instructions, which I'll have a go at this autumn.

I also got a couple of old sewing boxes which were filled with vintage buttons and threads but I was so eager to sort them out I haven't got any photos.

Next time I post I'll have some knitting to show I promise.

Bank holiday weekends

2007-08-28T11:43:00.000+01:00

We've just had our last proper bank holiday weekend in the U.K. until Christmas. I used to love bank holiday weekends when I was young free and single. My friends and I would go to Saddler Gate in Derby where they used to do games during the days, you'd meet old friends you hadn't seen in years and catch up.

Now I'm married I don't get to do fun things like drink far too much larger and stay out clubbing till 5am.

Instead I get to go to B&Q and buy building sand and gorgeous tubs of snap dragons for £1.50 off the reduced stand. Not that I mind really, I got to spend the day with my hubby and also got my new raised flower beds finished so next weekend I can fill them with soil and I'll have a proper garden at last.

It just shows how your outlook changes as you get older. All I want now is a finished house and garden where I can entertain in a tea dress, while passing round cucumber sandwiches (no crusts). Well maybe I'm not that quite grown up yet.

For some reason I've not really done that much crafting since my last post. I think I've just been waiting for some time off from work and a few late mornings in bed.

I have however been EBay shopping and bought far to many ribbons in a fit of madness. I'm not quite sure what it is I'm going to do with them but they looked so pretty I couldn't stop myself.

I have used some of the fine ones to make some button bracelets, I may use some as detailing on my knitted bags. I've got a very wide yellow spotty one which is begging to be used as a huge bow on a knitted creation.

I discovered some baby blue mohair at the back of my stash on Friday night which was begging to be turned into a felted scarf. I've included a picture pre-felting below next week I'll show you the finished project.

I'm planning on starting to list my scarfs next week on Etsy, one every other day. Autumn approaches so fast and even through we've had lovely weather all weekend, I have found myself thinking of Christmas and what I'll be buying as gifts.

I've found a really good blog via Flickr that gives really good hints and tips on how to promote and list things in your Etsy shop which now I'll be following to the letter.Here is the link all the hints are on the right hand side. http://littleput.blogspot.com/

Well back to my baby blue mohair I had just enough left to make a small bag before the cone of yarn ran out. This could be the bag for the pale yellow ribbon.

I hate finishing cones of yarn I know I'll never get this yarn back as I'm not sure where it was from in the first place.

When I was at university I was gifted many cones of yarn. Once when I went away with my parents to Robin Hoods Bay we met a lovely lady called Julia whose daughter was a knitwear designer who didn't design any more. She sold us about 300 cones of yarn for a very reasonable price of £150.00, it is this yarn I'm still using. I am quite lucky in the fact that I've so many fabulous yarns to chose from without having much out lay.

Now I've said that I'm off to the knitting and stitching show at the NEC in September and I've really promised my self I won't go mad. I do need some fasteners for my corsages and I'd also like lots of crimps for my jewellery and some nice fasteners for necklaces. Then if I've been very good I might look at the wool.

I almost forgot I'll be buying beads for wedding jewellery I've been commissioned to make for a friends wedding next spring that's if she decides on a dress design and fabric before I go. Its very exciting I've never been commissioned to make jewellery before.

new things

2007-08-18T19:28:00.000+01:00

I've finished three new bags this week which have all been added to my Etsy shop.
I was wondering if anyone else out there who gets itchy fingers Like I do when I'm not working on something creative. There's no-one at work who feels like I do. I carn't even sit through a film with out something being done. I've always got a list in my head about what I'd like to make next.
I used to spend my free time at work Looking through blogs reading what other people were doing, even through for many of the people in blog world that was socks. Which I don't really get not being a sock wearer, even in winter. I'd rather go bare foot than wear socks. I don't get socks but reading about other people getting excited about what they were doing, gets me excited about what I'm doing.

Even knitting flowers like the ones above settles me and stops me getting itchy fingers. I drive my husband insane as he like to hold hands but I like to keep busy .One day I'll run out of stash and then he won't know whats hit him.

Birthday bbq for dino

2007-08-14T08:12:00.000+01:00

On Sunday it didn't rain so we were able to have a family BBQ for Dino, who was with his mum on his real birthday. I made a rhubarb meringue pie and my mum bought the birthday cake. Everyone was late of course, my brother had been playing football in the morning so was running late which meant everyone was late.

We had a lovely afternoon as it managed to stay sunny through out. Then we watched a film together as a family which is something we only really do at Christmas.

Last night I joined a new group called; We love etsy which is like a chat room to show your etsy bits and meet other sellers there were 59 people signed up last night when i went to bed now there already 143 members its going to be huge.

I've not done a huge amount of work this weekend but that is due to change shortly as when I've finished typing this I'm going to line 3 bags and sew up a fourth. Then I'm making corsages until its time for work this afternoon.

New things

2007-08-11T19:11:00.000+01:00

I've just added new items to my etsy shop. I've added some of my bags but I've still got three that need lining. I was going to line them all this afternoon but instead I started some new projects and opened a bottle of wine. I can justify the fact I opened a bottle at 3, since I've been up since 5 this morning as I had to take Dino to work. Then I also worked a shift this morning myself, it was my first Saturday for 2 weeks so I was exhausted. If I'd been sensible I wouldn't of watched the Big Brother eviction last night but what can I say I'm a saddo.

As I've shown you in a previous blog I've many small balls of yarn which I've got to do something with. So this afternoon instead of finishing previous projects I've been experimenting with new bag designs while watching futurama.

What I should of really been doing through is tidying the house and garden as it's Dino's Birthday barbie tomorrow. It was his birthday while he was at his mums so now he gets to celebrate with my family. I'm planing on making a rhubarb meringue tomorrow which is like a lemon meringue but with rhubarb as the name suggests. I'll also be making him a huge birthday cake. In my next post I'll share all and you'll be able to see my messy garden which isn't quite finished yet but next week ideally I'll be getting soil in my raised flower beds. Which means I'll be able to start planting up the hundred pots I've currently got in the garden.

Which'll be nice.

I then may be able to have friends round for afternoon tea.

Dino's Home, cakes, knitting and presents

2007-08-07T12:59:00.000+01:00

Dino arrived home last night at 12.30 after spending a week at his mums'. He's come home loaded with presents for me from his mum and sister and lots of lovely flavoured vodka which is my drink of choice especially during the summer as well as a bottle of gin which maybe started this weekend if the weather stays nice. Unfortunately he's back at work this morning and he didn't have a lift to work so I was back up at five to drive miles down the A38 and then back again.

This is a beaded table center piece his sister made I'm not sure where its going yet but I love it.

I had to stay awake to pick him up from the train station last night so after my power nap I decided to start a new bag.

This is being knitted in a bright pillar box red mohair I managed to get quite a lot of it knitted last night. So it should be all finished by the weekend and ready to go in my shop with the rest of my bags this weekend.
Once I've got this finished I will get organized with my jewelery and start measuring and writing descriptions so it can all be added to my shop.

I'm on afternoons today at work so this morning I've baked muffins for Dino as he was very disappointed there weren't any cookies in my cookie tin last night. I to make my cupcakes I followed Nigellas recipe as she's the goddess of cup cakes.

I always think in my head that they are going to end up as perfectly presented as Nigellas when i start to decorate but I always seam to fall a little short. Today I had a disaster when the top fell off my cake decorating sprinkles and all the different toppings ended up all mixed up so most of my cakes ended up like this;

They still taste yummy.

Yeah Etsy

2007-08-04T08:32:00.000+01:00

I set up my Etsy shop this week . You can now visit me at www.lupincottage.etsy.com this where I'll be selling my hand made jewellery and hand crafted knitting projects from now on. I'm so excited.

Its taken a while but now I'm able to start selling some of my things. It'll be a relief to Dino when he gets back, as I've started taking over the second bedroom with overfill from my studio.

I've only listed three items so far in my Etsy shop. This afternoon, after I've finished repainting my lounge I'll be listing more pretty things for sale.

The toughest thing about setting up my new shop was the pricing as I wanted everything affordable but because of all the time that's spent knitting and finishing each item I'd like to make some thing out of it too. Dino doesn't think I'll even make minimum wage with the things I make so going part time at work seems a long way off at the moment.

I've been finding it really hard to find outlets in Derby to sell my things which is why etsy is such a bonus. I'm so jealous when I read other peoples blogs and they show pictures of the fabulous craft fairs they've been to. Where I live you have carboot sales or craft fairs that don't have any actual crafting its so frustrating.

Other things I've finished this week include 3 cafetiere covers and one set of cushions. They've turned out quite well this picture doesn't really do them justice but I'm so pleased with them I had to show you anyway. I'm even thinking of redecorating the spare room so I can keep them.

working hard at getting organised

2007-07-31T11:55:00.000+01:00

Dino's still at his mum's and so I'm still home alone trying to get organised. I've been finishing off some cafetiere covers and other ongoing projects while waiting for my confirmation email to arrive from etsy.

I've also been taking photos of my work and I'm quite pleased with how my photo's have turned out. My digital camera won't down load to my computer I've been using my mobile phone instead. The pictures have turned out really clearly.

I've also managed to get some of my corsages and jewellery taken. I fell so much better about my work now as the pictures have turned out so well. Please if anyone is reading this let me know what you think so i can improve on them.

My next project will be getting my new cushion covers finished. They are a purple/ blue wool which I sewed together then felted. The next step is to get some bright red flowers knitted then I'll be finishing them with white buttons .

You can see my new photos at ; http://www.flickr.com/

via lupincottagedesigns.

goodbyes and tidying

2007-07-28T21:10:00.000+01:00

Today lovely Dino has left me to stay with his mother for a week and a half in Kosovo. I'll miss him far too much. He'll be pampered all week and will come back so spoiled after not having to lift a finger I won't be able to do anything with him.

I'm looking forward to uninterrupted knitting and organising time. As you can see I'm in dire need of some time to get a little more organised round here....

My studio has been neglected for a while and has got quite messy to the point where my stash has extended on to the landing. So I'm using this weekend for a good old tidy up.

Dino had found two bin bags full of wool down the cellar last week and it all needs sorting. When I opened the bags they were full of odd balls of wool and all my really fancy yarns which had been missing since we moved 18 months ago. I think he'd hidden them on purpose.

I started by colour co-ordinating them in bags but I don't think this is going to work for me as when I knit I like to see what other yarns I have so I can get inspiration for my next project some times I've so many ideas floating around I can disappear for whole weekend which is great when its football season but not so great when I should be spending time with Dino.

My tidy up quickly down spiraled into a 5 hour knitting session where i manages to knit five new cafetiere covers for my etsy shop which if all goes to plan will be open by next week.

I love the storage unit that I got for my last birthday this is where I keep all my cones of yarn just where I can see them.

This evening I have a decadent evening planned of sewing wine and chocolate. The plan is to get all my new items finished enough for washing tomorrow morning as it looks like it's going to be another sunny day.

I also started sorting out my jewellery which hasn't seen the light of day since I did a craft fair a few months ago every thing needs labeling, photographing and measuring.

At least with all the work I've planned i won't have time to miss Dino too much!

bags and baking

2007-07-25T23:57:00.000+01:00

This week my brothers celebrated his 26th birthday he had a party last saturday his local pub with party games and fairy cakes. I was honored with the job of creating 200 fairy cakes for 60 of his closest friends.

Rob did get the best birthday present ever for himself and his girlfriend which was the cutest cocker spaniel pup which they've called Tiff she is so gorgeous I think I've fallen in love...

I've finished knitting three more bags one in a pale blue boucle with multi coloured flecks, one pale blue brushed acrylic bag with a patterned lace detail and one mohair purple bag this week as well as a new scarf. I've just got to get them lined and they'll be ready to go.

Today I've started a new set of cushion covers in a purple blue wool on my knitting machine which eventually will have embroidery and flowers once I've felted them.

While watching heroes on BBC2 I also managed to knit half a bag in the pales pink mohair which promises to be very pretty when finished I've changed my design slightly and think i may thread a ribbon round the body of the bag.

This description of my weeks work makes it sound as if I've knitted loads, but really what I've been doing is finishing projects that have been lying around for months. It is so satisfying to get things finished and organised because then I can start new projects like the cushion covers I started this evening.

2007-07-18T14:51:00.000+01:00

I've been reading blogs for while now and have really enjoyed reading about other peoples creative lives...

I decided to start my own blogs writing about my life and inspirations.

I've knitted since I was little my grandma taught me how to knit but then I didn't do any for years until I decided to complete a degree in knitwear design which I loved. Once again when I graduated I didn't knit for ages with work and life over taking.

Since I’ve now turned 30 I’ve decide that I need that creative output. I know knit again mainly for friends and family I also bake and make jewellery while working full time for a bank and spending quality time with my husband.