Dragon Rambles

Ok, so my attempt to get back online didn’t really work. Let’s try that again shall we. Meanwhile, what have I been doing while I haven’t been online? Good question, what HAVE I been doing?!

On the craft front, I finished the pieces for Alta (the multi-colour jumper I was knitting), but haven’t gotten around to blocking the pieces and sewing it up. That seems to be a theme for me, which is really why I should stick to one-piece knits.

I’ve been doing some work on those baby quilts I’m making for my cousins. But mostly in terms of cutting pieces. Man does that take a bit (draw and scissor cut). You can see I’ve been busy with this lovely little pile that was on my living room floor earlier in the week.

Which, of course, I kept trodding in and tracking around the house. But this did eventually result in a nice bundle of pieces ready to start sewing together. There should be enough pieces here for about 20 blocks.

I’ve also been doing more planning for my trip later this year, mostly with trying to track down the right pack and boots. So after having narrowed down the pack to three via lots of online research, I went to London yesterday to try them on, get them fitted and buy one. My next post will be all about the packs, what I did/didn’t like about each, which I chose and why. While I brought a pack home with me, the saga that has become my search for a good pair of hiking boots did not end yesterday. I need to think about that for a little and hopefully will get a pair in the next week or two – as I’ve been without hiking boots now since Jan.

One of my friends from work is having a baby in the next few weeks, so we’re throwing a baby shower for her. She is happily having a boy. Not that I don’t like little girl babies, but now that they make decent boys clothes, it’s so much fun buying for them. I like the types of clothes that make them look like miniature men. And since I always buy size 6-12 months since I know the mum generally has lots of smaller stuff, and bub grows out of the smaller stuff so quickly, I had plenty of choice. A quick visit in Baby Gap yesterday while in London (handily right around the corner from my new favourite outdoor shop), and score!

You also can’t go to London without catching up with Charlotte. I think it’s a law. She was stuck at home on dogsitting duty, so we visited her house instead. And force fed her cake. I don’t think she’ll ever let me come over again

I love her house, it’s in a perfect location and I loved seeing all of her quilts, cushions and other homemade goods around the house. It was a lovely, if short, visit. Next time I’ll try and come to London with just visiting in mind and no pesky shopping trips. As I was leaving though, she did give me a slap on the wrist for not blogging lately. So Charlotte, consider it successful

And as everyone else in the UK has already blogged – Spring has finally arrived. Like everybody else, Macros is enjoying the sun

Yesterday I summed up life in 2012. Today I thought I’d look back at my sewing and knitting progress in 2012.

First up: knitting!

I made my first pair of socks (thanks Granny)

And my second.

A shawl

Or three

A throw (though it’s STILL waiting for me to block it)

Some lace. One of which I can’t show you yet.

And two cardis that are just waiting for me to finish the sleeves (no recent pics of these).

In sewing, I started learning to make clothes using a sewing machine (It’s progressed beyound here but I haven’t hemmed it yet)

And continued piecing quilts by hand. I didn’t do much on my farmer’s wife sampler, but I managed to bring the total of blocks up over 30.

Instead I focused on finishing moonglow. Well, at least the piecing.

Oh, and I made a cushion for Macros

Hmm. That really was a lot. Especially for me. Can’t wait to see what I can accomplish this year

Macros has discovered the radiator at the top of the stairs.

I’m not going to leave my washing there all winter (this pile will be gone tomorrow), so I guess I need to make him a bed that will fit there nicely. And not trip me up when I go up/down the stairs.

The things they can get us to do, just by turning on the cuteness.

I had a helper when I was making the bed this morning.

Who didn’t quite get the concept of being helpful.

Eventually he did move. But he quickly came back.

And he’s now curled up sleeping. On my pillow. Instead of his.

Life is hard for a puddy tat.

He just sits at the base of the stairs and makes noise. For hours at a time. Usually at bedtime. He doesn’t want anything, just to make noise. It’s very annoying.

Unless you’re a new visitor to my blog, you know of Macros.

The loveable, if sometimes annoying, 17 year old bundle of fur that lives with me.

Well Macros loves cushions and pillows. Stick a spare one under the bed and you’ll never want to use it again. Yuck!

Knock one on the floor and you’ll find him on it. Use one to support your lower back while sewing on the couch, and every time you get up you’ll come back to find he’s curled himself up small enough to fit on the bottom part of it. Or at least try to.

Last Sunday I decided to use the spare cushion insert I have had for several years, and make him his own. So I picked out some fabric.

Then went flicking through my favourite quilting book

And picked a block

To make into a cushion for my little boy.

Was it because I love him, or because I was feeling guilty about the three vet visits in less than a week? Could be either or both. You decide

And the verdict? “Hmm, is this for me?”

“But you know I like taking your seat”

“On second thoughts, this is comfy. Thanks mum!”