Apologies and grumbles, and Handmade Monday

Two things I want to do today, an apology and an axe to grind.
Firstly, I am so sorry that I have not blogged since 2nd Janauary.  We have a few health problems within the family and I have not been in the right frame of mind to blog.  I am also sorry that I have not been responding to your blogs either.  I am going to trawl back over them tomorrow and see what I have missed.

Secondly, I took my pooch for a walk today through one of our local, what is supposed to be, beauty spots.  I have often posted pics of it as I am always taking the Grands there.  Some lovely walks.  But, and this is the nub,

this mess is created and fostered by our local council.  There is a pretty little brook that ripples along at the end just out of sight.  Now, because the Council dump all the towns garden waste here, which is previously chipped at the local tip and piled high just out of sight in this pic to the left in a continuous line of big heaps which the grands refer to as 'the mountains' everyone else deems it their right to do the same.  Sometimes there is furniture,  and fresh today an old bike.  Can't they see that they are setting the example. (She gets off her hobbyhorse).

So many friends and family are having babies,. Is there something in the water?  So out have come the knitting needles once more.  This is No.2 of 5.  It feels never ending.

This is all I have to show for Handmade Monday, I will try harder for next week but do visit the other blogs involved via http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog  Well worth a visit.

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.

A new craft maybe?

I was the very lucky recipient of a starter kit for needle felting.  This is something I have often said I would love to try so now is my chance.  Not so easy, lots of tips to learn I am sure.  This is my first effort and before anyone comments I do sincerely hope to improve.  The kit was for a butterfly but I am one of those awkward people who like to do their own thing so having read and inwardly digested the instructions this is what I came up with.  
Now back to those 'tips' I mentioned.  Any help would be greatly appreciated as I loved 'having a go' and would love to produce something worthwhile.  Also where can I buy felting needles, I do not recall seeing them in my usual haberdashery but that might be cos I wasn't lookin for them. What minimum quatities  can I buy the wool and where from?  Anything like that as I am a complete novice but suspect I am about to get hooked.  (Excuse the pun).

Christmas Morning.

I would love to wish all those who kindly read my ditties and other posts a very merry Christmas and the best of New Years to follow.

Handmade Monday

I have nothing prepared this week so am scratting round to find something half entertaining.  Looks like seasonal ditty.

That time of year,
Its nearly here,
Just as dear
But do not fear,
We'll have some cheer,
Plenty of beer,
Keep family near
Shed the odd tear
Unwrap the gear
And revere

The one who was born and died for it,
We now enjoy the living of it
The giving of the gifts on it.
And our grateful thanks for having it.

And a half finished project still hoping to be wrapped and put under the tree but just in case I do have a back-up solution.

Like a friend from Texas said earlier this week, my fingers are sore and my hands ache but I am still hopeful of completion. lol.

Can I suggest you go along and see all the other offerings for Handmade Monday on  http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/

Handmade Monday

Scraping in once again.  Needed a serviceable bag for a couple of trips and this is what I came up with having rummaged in my stash for stuff that I won't need for a project.  This corded velvet has to be 20/30 years old, if not more.  I am sure I had it to make a pair of trousers for someone but goodness knows who.   I can't imagine a child of today wearing it can you? lol.  I think the purple was curtains at some point in history.  Just call me tight, I don't mind.

A visit to Handmade Monday on 1stUniquegifts.blogspot.com would not hurt you.  An ever widening collections of handmade products well worth a viewing.  IMHP  of course.

I think I am getting too old for all this.

Phew.  Thank goodness Mom has just collected them.   I can put my feet up for the rest of the day. lol.