Even more of a slacker than usual...

Really, a whole year without blogging? Actually I hadn't realised it was that long, but sometimes life just gets in the way, doesn't it? I could do a sort of 'year in review' for 2012, but that's a big ask for someone with as dodgy a memory as mine. So, let's just say; 'it went well'. Progress in both work, home and play aspects of all of our lives. I made several new discoveries; the fact that actually, I can hit a golf ball, that running is possibly the most addictive form of exercise known to man (once you get the hang of it), and that, having thought I despised it, I do in fact enjoy hand sewing! This comes as a real surprise, but my Monday evenings have been transformed, as I sit and stitch whatever my latest project is, in the very good company of our local craft group. This also helps when there is not a lot of table space, and anything requiring too much concentration means that I can't chat freely, which is kind of the point of the group. Anyway, the photo (taken on my phone, hence the not-so-great quality) is of my first 'proper' quilt. It's about 1.5 metres square, and I completed the embroidered panels over Christmas and New Year, when I was too poorly with a chest infection to do much exercise. I am now in the process of basting it all together, after which it will be hand quilted.

When it is completed, I will try and take a proper picture with a camera (when also the light might be a little better).

Just stopping by...

To share the photo of my advent calendar!

It was quite hard to take a pic, as the light indoors was not good enough, and it was windy outside; anyway, you get the picture.

I am very happy to have received the Collette Sewing Book for Christmas, and have already finished reading it. My purple fleece fabric is beckoning, but first I am due at the hairdresser to be 're-purpled'. :)

Ho Ho Sew

I can't believe that in a week's time it will be Christmas Eve! I have been very busy in both my craft room and the studio this autumn, although I can't share a lot of it for obvious reasons.

In October I went to Cardiff to the big craft show; lovely day out with friends, and the opportunity to meet up with another crafty buddy once there (although it was unseasonably warm, and I did regret wearing knee-length boots ). Didn't buy much, to be honest, as the show was predominantly glittery card-making stuff (!), and I am still in full-on sewing mode. But,......I did succumb to a rather gorgeous quilt panel (says she who is not planning on taking up yet another hobby).... AND it's finished. There, I do finish stuff. Mind you, that may have something to do with the deadline imposed by the fact that it is an Advent Calendar ;) My girls always receive a beautiful calendar each from their Uncle, but equally bemoan the lack of 'tacky chocolate' calendar that their friends have. So, the best excuse really to have a play. Anyway, it's done, it's up.... and my camera batteries have died :( I will take a photo though, as I'm really pleased with the way it has turned out, especially for a first attempt.

Other than that, christmas presents (and a secret santa gift) have been completed, and I'm itching to get going on the next project. I got to grips with sewing with fleece (actually, surprisingly easy), and have the most fab piece of fleece to play with next... ...'purple flower fleece' from Calico Laine... subtle it is not (it's even brighter in real life, AND matches my hair). But, if I'm going to make something for me, why bother to make something that could be bought in the shops? Anyway, the pattern I chose is dead simple (McCalls 4675 and I have now made it three times, LOL), so it shouldn't take too long. Then, hopefully after Santa has been kind and bought me the Collette Sewing Handbook, I may need a trip to buy more fabric.

Wishing you, my reader (yes, both of you), a Happy Christmas, and health and happiness in the New Year. I should be back with a photo of that quilt, but I am Random, remember? I'll leave you with a pic of some seasonal beads.