Still here

Apologies for my absence. It's been a busy few weeks here, we have had our bathroom and cloakroom ripped out and refitted. Still ongoing, one more day later on this week should mean everything is fitted and then we just need to get around to painting walls and ceilings. It didn't help that we got a whole load of snow during the process, I thought we may not be able to fit much more in the skip as it kept filling up with the white stuff! You can still see just a little bit of turquoise bath in there - lovely. I've got so much to blog about, just need to get photos sorted. xx

All white in the kitchen

More makes for the kitchen, only these were made back in December. Once we had painted the walls, we put up some plain white roller blinds. Yes you can see two blinds for one window, there is a very good reason. Because it is a 1960s house the windows are all very wide, meaning that the cost of having blinds especially made is quite high. Seeing as the kitchen was just getting a mini makeover whilst we decide what we are doing with it, we just went ahead and bought two inexpensive blinds which do the job perfectly.

Anyway, we had to cut the blinds to fit therefore leaving me with two long strips of blind fabric that I couldn't possibly throw out.

I made a cardboard template and started cutting out circles of fabric. Then E came over to see what I was doing so I got her to work on the sewing machine.

She had loads of fun stitching these circles together right down the middle, just using plain white cotton thread. It didn't take very long to do although I'm sure she would have sat there for an hour stitching away.

I draped the finished garland over the kitchen window and it has been there ever since. BTW, this is not one of my original ideas, there are loads of these garlands dotted around the internet at the moment. But I'd definitely recommend giving it a go, such fun as Miranda's Mum would say!

Another mini make for the kitchen came about once I saw this after spending a considerable amount of time painting everything in sight brilliant white. It was starting to bug me but I had a little plan which took about 20 minutes to create.

Very ugly non white radiator cap. Not a good look.

Good old crochet. My husband shook his head in disgust and reminded me that you can actually buy replacement radiator caps, but there's no fun in that is there? Yes I think I am going mad but you really can crochet anything, pretty much!

The kitchen is still not yet quite finished but we are on the home straight. More photos to follow.

New year, new project

In fact, lots of new projects appearing in the PB house over the past couple of months. Not sure why, just got many ideas floating around in my head which need to be made into things. I thought about this one a couple of days ago and just had to make it. The kids went back to school today so this afternoon was the prime opportunity to have another go at quilting - well, my version of quilting anyway.

I cut out 6 strips of fabric (vintage duvet covers) and stitched them together, cut a piece of backing fabric the same size and also cut an old fleece blanket for the wadding. This was most definitely a "use what I could find around the house" type of project. It was also a project where I probably broke about a thousand quilting rules. I made it up as I went along, no instructions, just see what happens and deal with any mistakes that may arise.

Once I had sewn them all together I searched around again, looking for something to finish my mini quilt off as it was looking very plain.

After unsuccessfully attempting to blanket stitch around the outside using embroidery thread (it would appear I only possess blunt embroidery needles and my thumb is still smarting as proof) I took the easy option and did a simple slip stitch all the way around.

I then found a very small amount of leftover Rico cotton yarn (from the summer chevron blanket) and half trebled (htr, ch 1) all the way around. Nothing too fancy.

Finished in approx. 2 hours. Not bad going for me, considering I had to choose the fabrics in that time too. I am terrible at choosing fabrics, too much indecision and changing my mind at the last minute.

And here it is in action - a little mug mat for the new-to-us kitchen table. My kitchen is currently being Dottie Angeled! And we found a table on ebay - grey and white formica topped 1950s style. Just got to find some stools/chairs to go with it. We also have new floor, bright white painted tiles (see above, it worked out really well - clean, sand, prime and 2 coats of emulsion), and bright white walls and ceiling. It's looking so much better in there and it's somewhere we actually want to spend time. It even turns into a mini tapas bar early Saturday evening. A glass of red wine and some olives, feta and a few crisps and dips, radio on and you really could be in a tapas bar if you stretched your imagination quite a long way!

I am now looking forward to having another go at quilting, maybe another mug mat but with binding around the edge. I chickened out on the binding this time and I'm glad I did as I really like the crochet border. I'll post soon with more photos of the kitchen, it's nearly finished. Honest, we're getting there.

PS. There's no tea in that mug but you knew that anyway didn't you? x

Absent again

No excuses, just been too lazy to blog! Hope you are all well and enjoying the wonderfully cold, crisp and sunny weather we are having - or maybe you are in the Southern Hemisphere and experiencing a different kind of weather altogether. The only downside of the sunshine is that it shows how dirty the windows are - must get cleaning tomorrow!

I had a few scraps Stylecraft which I thought would come into use for another diagonal crochet project - just a mini project mind you.

I made this a few weekends ago, sat with a cup of tea, the tv probably on whilst the kids were playing and doing their own thing. It was a lovely relaxing project, very satisfying making something from beginning to end in one sitting. Now that doesn't often happen, especially when I mainly make blankets.

Anyway, here is the end result - a little crochet mat for the kitchen windowsill, for Gerard to sit on obviously.

He loves his little mat and the colours tie in nicely with the colours currently in the kitchen. I hope you have noticed that there are nice bright white new tiles on our kitchen windowsill. Yes, we finally got round to getting the tiles done. The kitchen renovations have been going on for an eternity. It's been at least 18 months since I started painting the cabinets. M has a week booked off soon so we can crack on and prep surfaces, paint the walls and ceiling, re-wax the cabinets and lay new flooring.

Here's a sneak peek at the tiling just after it was done. The kitchen is so much brighter with all white tiles. We have also moved the dresser out of the kitchen so we now have space for a tiny table and chairs. So nice being able to sit in the sunshine with some breakfast and a cup of tea. When I say table and chairs I mean our camping table and some cheap folding chairs from the garage. Still searching for the perfect mini table on ebay - could take some time.

I've got loads of photos of recent charity shop finds. Can't wait to show you. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. x

New fence

 We had a busy time over the weekend. Not only did we go to the fair, but my husband made a temporary fence using split bamboo (a 4m by 2m length was bought for the purpose) attached to a wooden frame. This screens off our front garden from the side garden, and it gives a whole new feel to the side garden too.

 This is where we barbecue and also where our decking is so it really does need some privacy, especially once the front hedge has gone.

 It feels a lot more cosy round here now, the split bamboo has warmed up the area, giving it a sunshiney (is that a word?) glow and I am now much more inclined to sit out now - the amazing weather we are having at present also helps.

 We still need to plant the hedge - I have decided on the type of hedging we need, but cannot get it until the Autumn so will have to wait until then before it's all finished. In the meantime, we have the job of laying paving slabs all round the edge of the decking - the slabs will be at a lower level and will provide space for some pots. We also need to choose some kind of sail to provide shade as the decking is South facing and it has been particularly  hot out there today. I much prefer to sit in the shade and never sunbathe so having some shade is an absolute must. If anyone can recommend a good value sail shade or something similar, let me know as we are struggling to choose from the vast selection online.

Last week, we had a visit from some lovely people from John Lewis, who fitted a venetian blind to our front lounge window.

These photos were taken before all the furniture was moved back into position. After umming and ahhing over roller blinds, which proved extortionately expensive due to the width of the window, we kind of had no other choice but to opt for venetians. I think they look fab, much better than having a bare window anyway!

Today I rang the tree surgeon and they are coming next Monday to start chopping down the mammoth hedge. If I remember, I will take photos - exciting! x

Kitchen progress

I have painted about a third of the kitchen but life got in the way so I haven't touched it for over a week. Here is a before photo - definitely stuck in the 1980s! Look at the tiles, they look like they should be in a 1980s bathroom.

And this is what it looks like now. I think it needs another layer of wax, mainly because I have missed a few nooks and crannies when dolloping it on with an old rag. I think I will try using a brush next time. We found out recently that the person we have asked to come and fit the work top and sink has some spare time over the next couple of weeks. Eek! I haven't even chosen the work top yet and we had to quickly order the sink and tap yesterday. Still haven't found a hob yet. Lots to do. My husband fitted a new extractor fan at the weekend as our old one was broken so that's at least one job crossed off the list. I can't wait until it's all done.

We had a very busy weekend. My youngest played her violin in the strings orchestra at the local Music Centre's garden party. She did really well and seemed to enjoy it lots. Then we popped along to the school's summer fayre. I spent an hour applying fake tattoos and painting the nails of 4-9 year olds. Lots of fun but exhausting. Sunday was spent reading (all day - it was a very gripping storyline) and relaxing. I've also managed to squeeze in a bit of crochet too. My shawl is coming along nicely, only maybe 2 more hours of work on it and it will be ready for blocking.

Anyway, that's enough for now. I must go tackle the kids' rooms. I can't see the floor again. Wish me luck! xx

Been gone too long

 Well, apologies for the short break away from blogging - a combination of bad weather = no photos, busy with starting yet more projects (when will I ever learn?) and having a hectic week this week. I have taken a few photos over the past couple of weeks so I will wade in and try to update you with what's been going on.

Last week had the most bizarre weather - on some days the weather changed about ten times, from bright sunshine to heavy downpours. I was getting pretty fed up with it as I have been meaning (but not really wanting) to get back out in the garden to finish off the weeding of the old veg patch. Regrettably, the border with the gooseberry bushes has sort of grown over again, mainly with mint. Nothing wrong with mint, but it's not where I wanted the mint to grow. I am hoping the agreeable weather will continue into next week so I can get out there again and finish off the weeding.

I managed to dodge some rain showers to get to my favourite charity shop, which is a 15-20 minute drive away. I was glad I went as I managed to get a few treasures - a Japanese style top which I am wearing tomorrow (if it fits!), a White Stuff stripy tank top for Winter, a darning mushroom (how very utilitarian of me), an early 1980s crochet book and a beautiful tin...

 ... full of vintage buttons. How wonderful a discovery this tin was. Covered in metallic fish, beaten up with dents and chipped paint but perfect in my eyes. It says on the base that it originally held tea but it is just the right size for a button collection. And here they all are -

 I feel it may be some years before I use all of these but there are some beauties in there that I am looking forward to using in future projects. I was very happy with my little haul of goodies, even if I did get a bit wet running back to the car.

As I was getting so hacked off with the weather and the housework was just not calling to me, I decided it was time to dig out the paint I bought to spruce up the kitchen. Remember I bought some paint a couple of months ago on a shopping trip to a local village with my friend Alison from Gingercat ? Well, the paint was stored away with a view to getting it done in the near future. As is always the case, life got in the way (or is that reading blogs got in the way?) and said paint got forgotton about, until the rainy weather appeared and being stuck in the house with not much interesting to do turned into a major decorating surge. Paint was dug out and surfaces cleaned. Remember, this is special paint that needs no prep work, other than a clean surface to paint on. Here is a sneak peek.

Not a great photo. Once the paint has dried (30 mins tops) you rub or brush on some wax and buff - 2-3 layers needed for kitchen units. I carried on going and have painted about a third of the kitchen units. It's quick and easy to do and it is a massive improvement on the 1980s country kitchen look. In fact, it is so good that we decided to carry out a few more updates in the kitchen. We are replacing the brown sink ( woohoo!) and the hob (the flame sometimes goes out so it's not exactly safe) and the worktop and the floor and we are painting the tiles, walls and ceiling. We are trying to buy everything on a tight budget as we hope to get the kitchen completely redone in about 5 years time. Will update you with our progress as and when it happens.

Tomorrow we have a jam packed day - swimming lesson for youngest, Music Centre Strings orchestra performance for youngest, School Summer Fun Day and eldest has a sleepover to go to. I think eldest will be going to sleep a lot later than me on Saturday night! Hope you have a fab weekend. xx