U-handblog

Little and Large

Happiest Chinese New Year! It was actually yesterday, but I was soo tired I spent most of the day napping.  In my waking hours I still managed to craft on.  During preggo-nancy crochet has remained my crafting saviour. I miss sewing a lot and I know I'll loose the crochet hooks and return to sewing when I loose the appendage. But for the meantime I spend a lot of time on our sofa. (Al sits on another one so I dont have to share-bliss!)  It's become my napping, lolling and crafting command centre. On it and around it are:

• 5 pillows
• a blanket
• loads of yarn and a pair of scissors
• 2 crochet books and hooks
• 1 bottle of water
• lots of cake and biscuit crumbs
• a pot of hyacinths (yummy scent)
• and (finally after 15 years of our beautiful relationship) I have commandeered the TV remote

 

Taken earlier today (at 32 wks).  Little and Large.  I'm large and these crochet bootees that I made are little!

 

Yes, so I'm feeling rather large and short of breath right now. But it's all good, she seems quite happy in there and still enjoys her daily moving and grooving.  She seems fond of: Radio 4, my high BPM dance music, the hum of the sewing machine (I got that one sorted as a priority!) sizzling and other cooking sounds, Al's making funny voices and playing spider on my tummy and my shower singing. That aside it would be nice not to have have to lump her around anymore, my arms and legs are short enough as they are thanks!

How can such a large bump have such tiny tootsies?

 

Pink is nice and all, but I don't think I'll be making many items in pink for the girly.  I can leave that to the shops (which are awash with shades of Barbie pink (or blue).  Why do shops do that? 

 

Make your own Dragon Paper Model - Happy New Year!

Happiest New Year to you and your family!!

I wish the best of everything for you this year.  I know that 'things out there' are far from perfect but, hopefully we can still feel that there is so much to be happy for.  Be that a tasty chicken pie for tonight's dinner, a hug and an "I love you" from your children/friend/partner, a completed UFO, or gaining a new skill for example.

This year is going to be delightfully bonkers - I've heard that nothing can prepare you for your first child...  But despite the added distraction, tiredness and feelings of love that she will no doubt bring, my 2012 aim (I don't do resolutions) will be to try and keep it simple.   Because book writing forces you to stay in a lot (as does advanced stages of pregnancy), I've had to focus on the simpler pleasures in life (in order alleviate the writer's cabin fever).  And this has left me a in good place.  I love my slippers more than ever, the only things I want to shop for is food, craft supplies, and baby stuff.  The more I can keep things uncomplicated the more I am free to enjoy the simple stuff.  Long may this continue!

 

Make your own Lucky 2012 Dragon.

In Chinese mythology and zodiac-ness Dragons are believed to be the super-luckiest of creatures.  I'm not particularly superstitious myself but, it's still nice knowing that Beansprout will be born in the year of the Dragon.  She may turn out to be a creative hothead, ohhhhh boy!  Here's a cool lucky dragon for you/the kids to make to celebrate the New Year.

 

Taken from this site.  Isn't this Dragon groovy!  I'm going to make one for Beansprout's room.

Click for the dragon template PDF

Click for the assembly instructions (they're in Japanese, but the diagrams are easy to follow)

 

 

This reads: Kung Hei Fat Choy  "Happy New Year"  Innit!   OX

Ever increasing circles

Increasing Family Circle

Heya everyone!  I hope you are all well, and you all had a wonderful Christmas/Hanukkah/get together.  I think ours was the best Christmas we've had in long time.  Al and I spent it with my clan/our clan.  We all actually managed to get time off work and be together for the first time in ages. Many of my family hadn't yet seen my bump, it got loads of lovin'!  Our baby will be the first of my generation in my immediate and extended family.  My mum told me that since she told my 80+ Grandma that we're expecting Grandma has been glowing more than usual. We can't wait to appear in the 4 generations piccy: Grandma, my Mum, myself and Beansprout.  As us 'kids' (of which I will always be one) grow up a bit and find life partners, the family gets even bigger. As some of you may already know Al and I finally tied the knot last Sep and so my family made a bit of fuss of him.  And my cousin is going to marry a lovely chap next July, (phew that gives enough time for my bump to shrink a bit for the big day).   Awww, my family rocks, I feel sooo blessed to have access to so many happy faces, cuddles and belly laughs (and deeeelish home cooking).  I think that this is the stuff of real value.  I'm happy to stay in and not be one of the hordes of shoppers that queued up outside Selfridges on the 26th for a designer this, that and the other.  

After Christmas dinner we had a great game of cross-cultural; guess who I am. It took Al a while to guess his identity, but he got there in the end.  He's such a bright boy.

Increasing mess on my kitchen table

Whilst on the subject of being in happy place, I'm sooooooo relived to have finally finished work on my 2nd book. The publisher and I really sweated over this book and we are all delighted at the results.  I know that your opinion is the one that truly matters, but I will (at least) say it really does look the business. The projects are as modern as the cover design and layout is fresh.  Dare I say the 2nd book looks much prettier than my first?  Yes I do dare!  Hehe!  The book will be released next year end of May/early April.  Now I've stopped working on my book I can concentrate on turning the writing/work room into a nursery - it's back to sewing on the kitchen table for me. Ho hum!

 

Increasing belly (which in keeping with the circular theme: is now round)

Me: taken earlier today, week 28.  I'm now just about waddling into the third trimester.  Doctor husband and all other professionals are happy to report that all looks well (mum doesn't think she looks that great, but really doesn't mind about that at all). 

My bump did well this Christmas, it got rounds of applause, pats and strokes! 

 

Increasing crochet circles!

Yeah, so at this stage I can no longer sew for any protracted length of time without my back aching and  my belly constantly bumping against the table edge.  Ahhhhh I can't sew!  Panic panic panic, I have to do some sort of craft!!  So I looked for a craft that is very portable and not too mentally involved for my baby brain.  Seems like crochet is the answer.  I got me a crochet book and some Amy Butler Belle yarn and I have been crochet hooked since!  It's perfect for keeping me in craft whilst lolling about whale-like on my bed or sofa.  At some point I'll join these squares to make a big throw and I reckon I'll get round to making the cute bootees as well.  By then Beansprout might have joined the party and my belly will have receded sufficiently for me to be able to sit comfortably behind my beloved sewing machine - that is if I'll be able to stay awake long enough to switch the power on! 

What craft did you turn to when your bump got in the way?

Today I can reveal that my baby bump is a...

Yesterday, like excited children sneaking to the family Christmas tree Al and I went to the hospital for our 2nd baby scan. We've been dying to know the sex of Beansprout ever since we found out that Beansprout had come into our lives. Well, we found out the best new ever!  Beansprout is a girl!  And up to now, all is working well and looking beautiful. We are both soooooo very happy. I haven't stopped grinning like a happy monkey since.  On telling my Mum (who squealed very loudly down the phone) the news I could practically hear her casting on her knitting needles.  My fingers and thumbs did some serious texting action on my phone and in return we got some sweet loving back.  And now my fingers and thumbs are playing tag with my little girl, who this week seems to enjoy a spot of tap dancing.    :)

Love, friends and family, family, friends and love; there's nothing like it and there's nothing better....

 

Me and my bumpage (with Belle the sock monkey - who's there for scale and cos she's nosey) earilier today.  We are 20 weeks and feeling good.

Hello darling girl.  I love you more with each passing hour. X

 

And then we are three. My wedding and baby pics

Well, our whirlwind romance (of nearly 15 years) has finally culminated in nuptials. I have to say, being married is lovely!  We both assumed that the piece paper wouldn't make much difference, after all we've been getting along quite nicely for years.  But actually it has made a difference,  it's not easy to put into a sentence, but if I had to, I'd say: 'things feel cosier, more in-sync, and more fun'.  The media portrays skinniness, sexiness, and 'non-commitment' as ideals to strive for.  Personally I think slippers and commitment are where it's at.

I've loved Al for a long time (at times I've wanted to jab forks into him too, but), he's my best friend, my favourite comedian and he's really great to hang out with on day to day basis. So when he asked me to marry him of course I said Yeah! ....fast forward 3 years (after Al proposed in 2008) we found out that we are having a little one.  In the grand scheme of things I know it's ordinary to meet someone and maybe have a kid/kids, but at the same time it's the glam-est thing ever!  It's going to be an adventure and I'm going to need your advice!  I know full-well I can wave goodbye to lazy long lie-ins.....

Our wedding was a very modest affair.  I've never dreamt of flowing/big white wedding dresses or colour schemes and if truth be told, we both felt that that style of wedding is too public for us. So with the whole family's blessing, we went for a super modest wedding; just us and 2 witnesses grabbed from the street. It was just perfect for us.  And next spring the family is going throw a big ol' knees up to celebrate - which will be great fun.

So here are pics from the wedding, our honeymoon in Cornwall, and finally of our Beansprout.

 
Here we are outside Brighton Town Hall just before the ceremony. I'm jacked  up high on caffeine and I have big butterflies in my tummy.  I'm wearing the most amazing item of clothing that I own: a sumptuous Favourbrook velvet coat.   Al gave it to me many Christmases ago and I've never been to a do posh enough to do it justice (the photos certainly don't do it justice).  It was perfect to wear for my wedding and maybe if I have a girl, one day she will want to wear it too.

For anyone who's wondering: I was the first one to giggle (no surprise then!)  Luckily the celebrant was a very nice lady who didn't mind that Al and I didn't seem to be taking it all in our solemn stride :)

...giggling aside, it was no less romantic.

Our heroic witnesses.  Thank you ladies, we couldn't have done it without you!

Heee heeeeee!  We've done it now!

After getting married we had lunch at a fave local restaurant. For desert we shared a bannoffee pie. Look what they did!  Awww!

After lunch we drove to (windswept) Cornwall for a long lazy weekend (phew man, we needed it!).  We stayed in a lovely hotel and spent all weekend lolling about reading, walking and having spa treatments. Giggedy-giggedy!

As you can see my undercarriage has begun to expand as Beansprout begins to take up more room. But actually it's quite nice to be growing bigger like this and to eat accordingly (without the usual calorie paranoia).  Though I've heard that in the 3rd trimester you can feel kind of whale-like so I'll just enjoy this gentle expansion whilst I can...

 
At the Eden Project - sigh, he's so handsome....

In the Mediterranean dome there was a gorgeous brass band playing.  The acoustics in the dome were fantastic and the music simply made everyone very happy.  What a wonderful Sunday treat!

"Hello there Beansprout!"  Yesterday I had my first scan (at 13 weeks) and I'm pleased to report that thus far all is well.  During the scan I saw that Beansprout likes to dance, it was throwing some very energetic and groovy disco shapes - just like mum used to in her heyday :)   It was magical to see Beansprout for the first time.  Later in the day Al sent me lovely text telling me how he felt at the time.  So this has to the most grown-up thing we have ever done, it's scary, but it feels right.  We both feel very lucky to have this opportunity.

Oh, if Beansprout turns out to be a boy, he will still know how to sew and cook (at least). Mum's gonna see to that!

 

My Makeup Makover - Before & After

As some of you already know I popped into London last Thurs (BTW that's a turn of phrase: it's impossible to 'simply pop into London'. A full suit of American Footballer armour aids one's manoeuvrability in the city centre, but only marginally). It's nice being a tourist in the Smoke, but as I get older and more crochety I find myself getting 'city agitated' after a few hours.

Anyway, whilst in London I ran a few errands, had a yummy noodle lunch and got meself a bit of a makeover! 

 

It's grey, it's been raining and it's the height of summer. How can I cheer myself up? I know, I'll go an see Les Mis!  :)

It's grey, it's raining and it's the height of summer. How can I keep myself dry?  I know, I'll wear some bags covered with Union Jacks!  :)

 

Good ol' Wonkies!  It's a London China Town institution. I've been eating here since I was a little girl. It cheap, the service is umm, gruff, but if you're hungry and in hurry it can't be beat.  And the Duck ho fun soup noodles are ta-hasty!

 

Installed in the makeup hot seat (which as I predicted is hoisted up as far as it will go) inside Selfriges. This is the 'before' shot.  BTW I haven't doctored any of these pics - it's all mother nature or bubbly Mr Pan from here on in!

...and 'after'. (sans photoshop)   No serioulsy, what?!?  Where have my red patches gone!?   Hey Alan [the makeup artist, not my hubster], don't spose you've ever considered settling down in Brighton?  Actually it's a great place in which to to live...aw go on, PLEASE!

Here's Mr Alan Pan (the magic-ian). What he doesn't know is (that in this pic) my hand is fishing around in his pocket for his mobile phone (or other form of ID) so I can stalk him - for any special occasion which requires make up expertise (which is hardly ever, but anyway...)

This shot was his idea OK?  I'm guessing that in this shot he might be encouraging onlookers to buy the a bottle of the product in his left hand? Maybe?

 

What did I learn:

• As we ...er...mature it's more important to pay more attention to your skin care than to your makep up. Turns out my skin is pretty dry and could do with bit of scrub.
• Oriental Ladies should go for bolder brighter eye colours (over paler shimmery colours). That's fine by me!
• Less is more (not to mention more convenient!) Drag queens may wear the most amazing makeup, but they are less likely to have time constraints such as those imposed by having to do the school run or to have stuff to sew (I have no hard evidence for this, I'm lazily falling back on my perceived stereotype of glamorous drag queens).
• If you happen to be in town when Alan is in town I can highly recommend!

 

Powder, Lipstick and Warpaint

Woo excitement! I am going to get a makeover by a pro makeup artist; Alan Pan.  I read about Alan on Coquette's blog. I was particularly excited to read her (Natalie's) blog post because she is oriental (and very pretty she is with it too!).  I am (as you know) also oriental, but for all my life have been a total makeup numpty.  I just never got round to experimenting and the UK magazines hardly ever provide beauty advice for orientals. To me warpaint has never been that important, but in my later years (what with book signings and that) I'm finding that a  little bit of slap does make for more chirpy photos - am I right?

Amazing what a a bit of slap (and LOADS of Photoshop) can do to pep up a gal!

The makeover is going to happen in a buzzy London department store where I'm sure I'll be surrounded by gorgeous young sales assistants with fab figures, lashes, and pouts.  And I'll be sat (racked up as high as the chair will go) and I'll tell Mr Pan, "I don't know what I want because I am a makeup numpty!"  It's gonna be so fun! Heheeee!  I'll be sure to show you before and after pics - with pre- warnings of course :) 

Craft isn't always slippers and pyjamas (tho I'm very glad it can be a lot of the time). 

Are a "slick of lipbalm and out the door I go!" kinda gal?

Or are you more a "the full works or I don't leave the house" kind of gal?

 

The Bag Making Bible Photo Shoot

Hello Folks!  How are you all keeping?  In good health and happy spirit I hope.

Yes for those who don't yet know my book is to be called The Bag Making Bible and it's now in Amazon in the UK & US (so it must be real then). I can't tell you how weird it is to see my name in a shop in which I've spent way too much money....

Oh I and thought I should mention that Amy Butler is writing a foreword in my book. I know?!

I tell you what, I'm a sooper good mood.  Not only is it gorgeously sunny, I have finally finished writing my book. Yeah, I finally finished!!! I sent the last bits and pieces of writing in yesterday.  All that remains is one final (and thorough) check-over the book before it goes to print this April. What a journey it's been. Thank you to you for keeping me company during the process and putting up with me being (at times) a wretched moany pants.  I have kinda have gone on about it sometimes...

Everyone who has worked on the book has been brilliant in pulling it all togther. Lots of stuff goes on behind the craft book creating scenes; the craft author just writes and designs. Without a talented and caring team to put the author's material together in a clear, presentable, and LUSH package it just aint gonna happen. And the results?  I can report the book looks stunning.  I think even a person with a more objective eye than mine would still agree :)

I'm positive I will at some point write more books.  They are very hard work, but at the same time very magical.  I love teaching anyone who will listen.  For a person like me who's a tad shy and who loves the process more than the product; teaching through the medium of books is great. But no book writing for a year though.  We have to move house and we want to have a baba - eeeek!

To everyone who has got in touch and said Hi; I'm doing great, thanks so much for asking XX  (I really am touched that you asked, you know?  I mean really, how lucky does that make me?)  I'll be back to blogging more regularly.  There is so much I want to share with you.  It's all been kinda building up.

I thought you might to see some pics of Salcombe, Devon where I went to stay for 5 days to do the book photography.  Almost all of the step by step shots were taken in a bright studio (with the freshest and cleanest light I have ever seen inside a building). The studio is called Bangwallop and they are nicest most helpful bunch you could hope for to take gorgeous pictures for you.  Unfortunately I'm not able to post those pics here.

  Soo pretty! This was the view from my guest house.  The studio was a 10 min stroll away (very close the 3  pointy roofs in the middle of the pic, at the bottom).

I walked pass this every morning.  It's enough to put you in good mood on the way to work!

Salcombe is a very pretty and tiny town by the sea.  Very quiet in winter and packed to the rafters in the summer.  Every lunchtime I would sit on a park bench and munch on my sarnies looking at this view - bliss!

There are pretty pastel coloured houses everywhere.  The only way in and out of Salcombe is up this mad steep hill - and yeah, my guest house was up the mad steep hill.  Great for walking off my supper though!

Cute and chocolate box pretty.  Great shops too, but I didn't indulge...

This is the front of the Bangwallop Studio where most of the shots were taken.  It's got a cool gallery where you can buy prints and pictures and it has a few studios where the in-house photo action takes place.  Inside there's a little cafe area where Little Jack makes THE best cappuccino.  Hiya Debbie, Little Jack, Jack, & Lorna!

Inside the shop part of the studio.  Sat behind those drool-worthy huge screen Macs are (right to left) Jack - my photographer and Little Jack the studio's go-to guy.

Some of my sewing mess tools and equipment (Marilyn is probably thinking; 'Why the hell can't Lisa just tidy up as she goes along?')  That's not the half of it, there was loads of my stuff strewn all over the studio.  In the end Jack took well over 2500 shots and you can't do that by keeping things nice and tidy!

Tools of my trade (and loo roll for keeping coffee away from fabric!)

See that pile of papers in the middle?  That was what Jack and I were working from for the photography.  The sheets are called '1st pages'. 1st pages are your text and images laid out as they will more or less appear in the finished book.  As you can just about see there are a few grey boxes where the photos are going to be placed. At the 1st page stage my editor and I have to check over all of the text to ensure we are happy with the way the text and pictures are laid out.  The corrections and additions then go to the design team at the publishers.  Later I will receive what is called the 2nd pages and the 2nd pages will have everything all laid out and included.  The 2nd pages are where my editor and I get one final chance to make sure that my writing makes sense that all is present and correct before the book goes to the printer in mid April.  Ohhhhh!

See that uber sexy camera there?   It's probably worth more than my house!  And to think Jack left me alone in the studio with it more than once!  Hehe!

Here's Jack in full concentration mode. I really have to hand it to the guy.  It was dead easy to explain to him what part of the bag was important to shoot.  Actually, getting the right shoot can take a good bit of thought, but you'd tell him once and he'd get on with it.  Plus he was easily as fussy as me (if not more)  about getting the right shot.  In the end I swear he could write a bag making book himself!  Don't even think about it Jack - I know where you work...

Yes I know the place looks untidy, but wait until you see the finished results, you won't believe your eyes (in a good way of course!)

My trusty Janome 6600p which I used all though the writing of the book. I've probably driven her up the wall these last 6 months, but she stuck with me the whole time.  I love her! 

See that blue and white gingham tea towel at the bottom of the picture?  Between you and me it has a very naughty word embroidered on it (only click here to see what if you are not offended by swear words...)

Yes Mum that really is me!  If you ever get an opportunity to prance around in a studio with a pro photographer - DO IT!!  It's such a gas and much cheaper than placcy surgery.   Here is one of the many author shots that Jack took after we finished the craft photography. I dunno which my publisher will use.  We'll have to see.

Oh!  It is sooo good to be back, I really missed you all!  XX

PS:  Thanks heaps to Jen (who is the lovely lady from D&C who approached me to get this book shenanigans started - so double thanks) for my award :)

My New Years (NOT) Resolutions

It's not that I don't have faith in myself to see things through, it's just I'm not going to be hard on myself if things don't work out quite the way I wanted. Surely, it's just as important to try, as it is to get what you were after.  If I've learned anything during my 30 something years it's that you get back what you put in oh, and you should acknowledge that you're a fabulous person at least once a day - every day. It's not cheesy; it's healthy.  

So (in no order) here is a little ol' list of NOT resolutions that I've written up for myself in Jan 2010.  

  We want to move to Brighton. I was born by the sea and lots of green fields in Dorset so I miss both very much.  Brighton is a cheerful, arty, and colourful place with lots of sea and countryside all around. Later this year Al has to go to Brighton for his 2nd year as a junior doctor so hopefully we'll have found somewhere to live in Brighton by the time he has to go. Fingers crossed!  Also because I love the countryside so much I wouldn't want to raise a family in London - which brings me onto my next New Years (NOT) Resolution....

 I'm most fortunate to be able to feel like I've achieved a fair few things that I hoped for myself, that is except for one thing....  I'm now on the wrong side of 35 so I know that we don't have any time left to phfaff around with this immensely important and scary decision. But I don't mind admitting to you lovely readers that I STILL don't feel ready and I still feel like I'm a child myself (I know Al feels the same way I do!)  That said, something in me says I should just shaddup and DO IT! Friends have told me that the fear (more or less) melts away to be replaced by feelings of love and protectiveness - and I can see that.  But there's so much to worry about and I know from my lovely Mum that as soon as you become a mum you spend a whole heap of time worrying - that and being proud, and learning, and teaching, and laughing, and being driven up the wall,  and wondering, and running around, and sewing (yep boy or girl they will know how to sew), and cooking, and being very tired. Yes it has to be one of the most engaging and rewarding and hardest things you can do in a lifetime, which is why I've left it rather late. Was it the same for you before you became a mum/dad?  Did you (over) worry about it, do you still?

  I will have finished writing my book by Spring.  I'm writing for David & Charles publishers who are lovely to work with and they are utter craft fiends (I couldn't ask for more).  My book will be released in Autumn 2010.  You might find me mooching around in your local bookshop putting my book at the front of all the craft display shelves (I'll be the deranged woman hiding behind a plant pot - thinly disguised in a spotty headscarf and Hollywood sunglasses). He he!

So the thing about writing book is you end up with writers cramp/block/muffin top.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not a muffin top fascist. You have to love who and what you are, but for me that is a bit tricky when I can only wear elasticated clothing. I didn't envision possible book signings and all of that jazz wearing a tent.  I'll be dammed if I have to shop for new larger size wardrobe (especially when I hate clothes shopping).  You can giggle at me if you want, but lately I admit to huffing and puffing around in my front room to the dulcet tones of the Troll Woman in the picture - Jillian Michaels.  She's not a troll per se, more her exercise regime is ugly and vicious. Ouch! but it's beginning to work... Blimey if I end having a body like hers... don't be daft, I'd just like to get back into my jeans again.  "...and another 8 squats and 8 lunges; a body like this doesn't come for free..."

Of course there's no point in subjecting myself to muscular aches and pains if all I'm going to do is stuff my face with KFC (mmm I LOVE KFC). Nope, it's out with the KFC and in with more veg, tofu, quorn, oily fish, and less meat. I'll still eat cakes (I'm no one's martyr), but I'll try my best to stick to cakes that I have made myself - um yeah!

When my book is finished I will be getting into more designing - I can't wait! Al got me the above posh pencil for Xmas.  It's a joy to use. So all my patterns from here on in will have been sketched with the aid this splendid pencil.

  I am going have a go at keeping up with my abandoned Facebook this year.  Above is my FaceSlap profile pic. (I did it messing around with mac Photobooth).

I'm sure this is overly optimistic (what with everything else), but all through the book writing process I have dreamt about clothes making. So even if I don't get round to cutting any dress making cloth, I can still drool over the idea of making and wearing this cute dress by Collette.
 

Do you have any New Years (NOT) Resolutions?

There is an outside?

Hello my lovely blog friends!  How are you keeping?  I miss you all heaps; it's rubbish not being able to blog as often I usually do.  ((Waving frantically to you all!!))

I'm not complaining though, life is wonderful if your work is also your hobby.  That said, with my book writing I have kinda disappeared under rock lately and I have suffered a few other unforeseen consequences:

• I can't do my emails right now (my beautiful assistants are taking care of them).
• What? My chin? What the hell is that on my chin? I grew myself a fuzzy chin?!?
• Upper lip - see above
• Legs - see above
• Eyebrows - see above
• and umm...other bits - see above
• I have mysteriously gained 8 pounds
• Even my pyjamas look a bit more frumpy than usual...
• Haruumph! I don't remember signing up for this little lot in the book contract. 

Next week Lorna the photographer (isn't she amazing!) and Charly the book stylist are coming to my house to do the first round of photography for the book. So I gotta smarten up my act, my mop, and get me a manicure hand treatment thing (because I don't think my construction worker's hands are where it's at) and I actually have to wear something other than pyjamas in my home. It's all so exciting and quite surreal.

  This is where I been working away for the last 6 weeks.  And this is a really tidied up version. Usually it's a bomb site and Al and I argue over the merits of not tidying up your WIP (he just doesn't understand because he's a tidy freak).  See that sewing machine in the bottom right corner?  It's a Janome 6600p and I flipping love it!  Beside it's other cool wing dings it's got a seriously strong motor and it's super fast.  Janome have loaned it to me for me to road test and fickle ol' me has left my own Janome 350 to gather dust (sorry girl).

 

And everyday Beans waits patiently (snuggled in his bed) for our early evening walk.  He's so lucky!

Meanwhile across the pond my bag buddy Amy has launched an amazing fabric line and a couple of to-sew-for patterns.  Just when I don't have to time to make them up myself.  I mean, I even have my own luscious copies of the patterns right here on my desk mocking me.  :(  

 

 
Amy does a great job working the English Country Vintage look doesn't she?  This Sweet Harmony bag has such pretty lines, a sweet curved pocket, and the handles have a really nice cut-out design detail.

.

 

 
Love Love this Liverpool Tunic!  It's instantly slimming (perfect for concealing a superfluous 8 pounds) and as you can make the sleeves and overall length to suit it's great for shrimpettes (like me) or your taller willowy types (like Amy).

 
Amy's fab new fabric line is called Love and it's available in different weights: Quilt/fashion; home dec; laminated and flannel  Flannel!!! (as above) Oh I soooo want pyjamas in the blue and the pink colour ways on the right.

I hope you are all looking after yourselves and enjoying winter food and winter crafting!  Big hugs!!!