Crafting from the past.

Well what a surprising day I have had.  I travelled to Lutterworth to meet Frances (Floating Craft) from The Craft Forum who was donating some elderly magazines, which had belonged to her Mother, to a good home.  Thinking that they were exactly that and knowing the Craft Club I attend would love them I arranged to collect them this morning.
They turned out to be two boxes of bound volumes of Hobies Weekly dating back to 1942 - I think that is the earliest, have not checked properly yet.  They are amazing.  I cannot believe my good fortune.  So full of such great and ecconomical ideas.  I am afraid the Craft Club won't be getting them yet awhile. They are such fun that I want to share a few bits and pieces with you.

Did you think Mars Bars were a relatively new product, well just look at this, a page from 1943.  Mind you, you can take it from me that they were a rarity, in fact I don't recall having sweets at all during the war.

This perpetual callender would not look out of place in a childs bedroom today.

1942 and WW2 sense of humour...

The voice from the radio is saying "Hus day of reckoning is coming"  and Hitlers bored response is "Mein Gott! Another 365 days of worries".

Another reminder of the hardships of the era.

I remember the horrible blackout curtains.  Not even a tiniest chink of light must show through or the warden would be knocking on your door and giving you a right old telling off.

There are so many projects made out of wood, like childrens toys, furnature, all kinds of knick knacks, garden impliments, oh too many to list. I bet I know of a few wood turners that would enjoy a shifty through these pages too.

I am absolutely certain that I will be sharing lots  with you as I work my way through the volumns and I feel sure you won;t be bored.

The end of another weekend.

Sunday evening always makes me feel as if I should summarise the week, what I have made, what I failed to complete and what I could have achieved if I had made that little extra effort.  I try not to dwell on the last one because it is a waste of time, it happened, or I should say failed to.
OK so I have had quite a severe cold during the week, still coughing, I think I am hooked on linctus by now but at least it appears to have subsided somewhat, keeping fingers crossed it doesn't come back and hit me again like they often do.
I have managed a couple more panels for the quilt -

Also a friends small boy has a birthday coming up and she asked me to make him a cushion for his bed, had to be red and white and squashy so this is what I came up with.   I have made it into a pyjama case and it is padded with thick foam wadding and lined with white cotton  sheeting so very  washable.

It is Handmade Monday so can I suggest you pop along to www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog and have a look at some lovely crafted articles.

One way and another I am having a traumatic weekend. Lots of phone calls and crying.  I have two aunts, one 87 and the other 93 in a couple of months.  Both live in their own homes, the older one with her partner who is 92.

The 93 year old has fallen out with her partner, The problem is not what they have argued over but their age,  They should have help in but will not admit that they need it and I get shot down in flames if I even hint at them not managing.  I should add that these Aunts never had children so guess who has to pick up the slack.  They all live about 35 miles from me so not so easily accessible.  The younger Aunt is also crying because the older one is upset.

I am about to get shot down in flames yet again because I am contacting their Doctor tomorrow to get them to go in and insist they have some help.  They will listen to him because, in their eyes he has the voice of authority. 

Wish me luck.

Aunties rescued piece of craftwork.

AA (Ancient Aunt) decided she wanted something to do so sent for a small rug pegging kit, cushion size, and then discovered that at 86 she didn't have the strength in her wrists to pull the hook through the mesh so guess who got the job.
Actually it looks quite effective in real life, never was too good at photography even with my all singing and dancing digi camera but here goes.

She has not seen it yet and she certainly won't see it on here as she thinks these are 'magic boxes' bless her.
I am quite impressed with the 3D effect.  Wish I could tell you the make but it didn't have one on the box, strange that.

Life is so unknown

A baby takes first steps and wobbles,
Launching hesitantly into unknown troubles.
Child faces first day of its scholastic life
Leaving safe haven for playground strife.

Teenager, life’s molehills become mountains

Disproportionate to reality and doubting.
Coming of age, you’re a man my son,
But still need to indulge in pleasure and fun.

Responsibility increasing when becoming a couple.

Financial pressure and stress prick that bubble.
Procreation creates baby number one
And the cycle once again has begun.

As loving parents you shelter and protect,

Minimise, reduce and reject
Hardship, disappointments and faults
That life throws at our future adults.

Latest Make

This is all hand sewn.  Definately not touched a sewing machine. I fancied doing one the old fashioned way and thoroughly enjoyed it.