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

Mmmm, cake...

Go on, have a virtual slice with your cup of tea. The good news is that it's zero calories for virtual cake. (In reality, the last slice was snaffled this morning. Tayberries and blackcurrants freshly picked specifically for this cake from our garden). xxx  

Garden chevron blanket - finished

 Finally, some sunshine arrived so I could take photos of this blanket. I finished it on Monday night - about 3 hours of sewing in ends over two nights whilst watching tv, so not bad going. After falling out of love with this blanket (because it was taking sooo long to make) and not being overly fussed about finishing it, I am now extremely happy with it. I folded it up and left it on the side for a few days without really looking at it but now I have taken these photos out in the sunshine (where it's going to be used) I'm relieved that I love it again. Doesn't it look great against the decking?

 Here's the original inspiration for the blanket - a Habitat cushion which will be used on the cane chairs outside (if we ever get any decent weather - it has rained twice since I took these photos an hour ago!).

And here is the yarn that I used - Rico Essentials Cotton DK at £1.50 per 50g ball. I would estimate that the blanket cost £25 to make. I have some yarn left over, not a lot, but maybe enough to make a cushion front or to make crocheted flowers in the future.

And I have already started on my next blanket ! That's right, I am a crochet machine!!! Will post next week with details. Must get that shawl finished too - not much more to do. Have a great rest of the weekend. x

Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood - what can I say? If you are anywhere in the vicinity of the Forest of Dean, make sure you visit Puzzlewood. It is stunning (the photos do not do it justice) and has been used as a film location for Doctor Who and Merlin. Truly beautiful.

Just a short post today as I have some more ends to sew in - will show you the finished blanket in the next couple of days. x 

Just a few ends to sew in

Wish me luck. x

Camping in the Forest of Dean

A post about camping with no photos of the tent - how did that happen? (Too busy having fun to think about taking photos of the tent set up.) Yes, we did indeed go camping and it was gloriously sunny and hot when we got to the campsite. Once the tent was up and all our camping gear laid out, we were so hot and bothered that we needed a rest in the shade and I even had an afternoon nap, which is unheard of! Can I just point out that when I say camping gear, I mean everything but the kitchen sink - we even acquired a tent carpet for this trip. Yes, I didn't know you could get tent carpets either but you can and we got one and it was very comfy under foot even though it was painful to look at - mint green tartan doesn't really go with bright blue and orange tent! We also watched some neighbouring campers pack up to go home and realised that they had packed light, only bringing the essentials and therefore getting packed and ready to go in super quick time. We glanced around at all our stuff and secretly wished we had left some of it behind after all!

The scrumptious photo is the breakfast that my eldest very kindly cooked for us on Saturday morning. She had some homework during half term, asking for her to find some instructions to make something, then try them out and see how easy they were to follow. As we were going camping, I suggested maybe she could follow the tent instructions or making a bacon buttie for breakfast instructions. (Did you see what I did there?!) Well, she chose full english breakfast and boy, was it good!

We went to the beautiful Forest of Dean, which we have visited several times before and we cannot go there without a trip to Newland. This church is sometimes known as the Cathedral of the Forest due to its size. It's absolutely stunning and has such a peaceful setting. And to add to its charm...

...this pub is bang opposite. When we told the kids that we were going back to the Forest of Dean (the last time we went was approx. 3 years ago) my youngest asked whether we were going back to the Ostrich. She remembered it for 2 reasons - the delicious food and Alfie the dog. As soon as we walked in, the dog came straight over to my youngest (I wonder if he remembered her - rather he just loves children) and curled up at her feet when we sat down at our table. So sweet. We had another fantastic meal there and I hope we will be going back again soon.

It was a rainy day so we decided to go to Clearwell Caves near Coleford. I have to admit that I'm not all that interested in caves but the information about the people who mined there for iron ore was fascinating. And guess what I found down the mines -

A crochet blanket - I don't actually know why it was in there, I was too busy trying to work out what stitch it was worked in!

Sorry for the close up - it looks fairly grubby and in desperate need of a wash, but I had to show you the v stitches. I'm not sure how it is worked but I think I might have to try it at some point. If anyone knows what stitch it is, please let me know.

We also went to a place called Puzzlewood but it deserves a post of its own. I took a fair few photos there so it will take some time picking the best ones so I don't bore you with ALL of my holiday snaps! 

Talking of crochet, must get the chevron out and do a few rows whilst watching the tv. x