A more cheerful post.

Hello again, not so long this time folks😄

Last year had its good happenings too, being honest we miss our caravan and seeing the people who had become lovely friends. A few others decided they were going to leave also, there was no animosity against anyone totally the opposite like us they thought it was time to sell on. With both of us under the weather we couldn’t have managed it and covid 19 would have put a kibosh on going over this year anyway.

I have even been able to make various style project bags which need to be listed of my page, I have hand dyed more yarn, crocheted more blankets, knit hats, fingerless mitts and shawls. I’ve also managed to finish off some of my quilt tops which had been waiting. I’ve also begun to not feel guilty sitting and knitting/crocheting or sewing during the day when other jobs may need doing. It’s taken a long time for me to feel at ease doing that, no one put any guilt on my shoulders only myself.

The big event for me in 2019 was I attended my first craft fair as a vender 😄👏 it took place in our church hall, I was booked for another but had to pull out due to being ill. I was very nervous but was quickly put at  ease by the other venders, there was a very nice atmosphere amongst them.

Two of the quilts were on the background display, the crochet shawls and other quilts were on the left of photo. Some of my hand dyed yarn is on the table at your right, a few bags hanging on the front plus hats, mitts and socks are on the table. She can’t be seen very well but Lottie my mannequin on the left is showing off one of a cardigan, shawl and hat I had knit up. To make her feel better she borrowed one of my wigs.😊👍.

I was hoping to attend a few more this year but I can’t see that happening anytime soon. I do have quite a lot of finished goodies. 

I’ve been working on my long cardigan, it’s ‘Lovely in Lavender‘ pattern by  Monica Russell. I’ve loved working on it, it is knit side to side, a first for me, you have to cast off stitches across the back for the arm holes and knit the sleeves separate. I finished the rib on the second side and went to put the sleeves in Then I found my mistake arrrrrgggghhh, At the top of the first arm hole there was a few rows of knitting, at the top of the second armhole no knitting! So I’ve taken it back to where I cast off  for the sleeve and will start again to finish the cardigan.   It was the lavender, purple shades that drew me to this and I even managed to find the same shade of yarn, it’s really nice yarn to knit with. I bought a few colours in it.

I have had to stop cross stitching altogether I can’t hold the 28size needles and I don’t like bigger count fabrics. I have sold 98% of my fabric on eBay not a lot left now, I also sold my 2 Lowery stands. I have a lot of Elbessee wooden frames and Snap frames of various sizes, a mountain of threads. DMC, Rainbow Gallery threads, Vicki Clayton silk threads with boxes of Charms, Buttons. There are enough charts to open a shop, embroidery scissors. It’s still going to take a while to list all the remaining stash.

When all the stash is sold then I need to sort out my fabric and yarn stash, I have a lot of my quilting goodies in a summer house, Mr B insulated for me but there is still some in what was my sewing room. I say was my sewing room because when Mr B got worse and I can’t get comfortable so don’t sleep we decided he would sleep in there so he can get enough rest. I also have some fabric and sewing related items including my gorgeous sewing desk my son made for me in there. I had to lose my cutting table it’s in the summerhouse but I’d have to move things to use it. The only other room is his office and he needs that. Yes I need my sewing room also but as I’m in the biggest bedroom in my best bed I’ve ever slept in I go in when I can but can’t leave projects out now. Also my large storage unit for my yarn is in there and the rest I’ve got stored in vacuum sealed bags in my wardrobe. My yarn for dyeing is also in containers.  This I suppose is the downside of not owning a large house🤣 Well I’ve rattled on and on long enough so I do hope some of you will  read this and it’s not a waste of time and I’m talking to myself. I’m off now to catch up on your blogs.😙

      

I didn’t realise it had been this long!

Wow, I’m ashamed to see how long it is since I last posted! I’ve not visited blogs over this time either which is not like me because I love seeing what everyone is up to. Looking at my previous post health wise not a lot has changed, Neil has really gone through the mill so to speak with his health. He is under a consultant for something that they haven’t diagnosed yet, he’s had a lot of marks appear on his legs at first we thought they were bruises but they’re not, they haven’t come up with a name for it yet he has a cream to apply but they’re increasing not decreasing and appearing on his arms as well. He can’t go back to the clinic because of civic-19 so unless his legs drop off he has to cope with it until they start seeing patients again.

He has had a lot of tests and scans for prostate cancer, the problem is his prostate is enlarged over 180% so they can’t do biopsies yet so have put him on a medication that decreases it over a period of 6mths. The virus affecting the world at the moment has for him, and 1000’s of others stopped them getting the treatment they need. He has another PSA blood test in a couple of weeks to see how it’s all going. Also due to the virus his consultations are via telephone with our dr and the consultant. He usually would rather suffer in silence than tell you how he feels but lately he has been quite ill and the smallest activity tires him out. He’s normally in bed for no later than 10pm and up literally with the lark but this past year a large portion of the day is spent either on the bed during the day and often going to bed by 8-8.30pm.

A while ago we decided to decorate the dining room and lounge, all the ingredients were gathered but with his health declining it has to wait, the stay away from others and no visiting have made this less embarrassing only we can see it. For both rooms the new curtains, new  rug and other finishing off items are stored.

I have been discharged from the breast clinic as clear now says she mentally jumping for joy. I have had another mammogram which came back clear so only need them every 3 yrs now yeahhhhhh👍 I
don’t know any woman who wouldn’t celebrate not having to have them.

 I found a large lump on the side of my neck it was painful and I felt really rough and very tired so Neil insisted I go to the drs and came with me. A blood test confirmed my ESR results were very high and others confirmed rheumatoid arthritis and an infection in my lymphatic system. On top of the other problems it’s  something I could do without but I’m coping. The medication given was Prednisalone but after reading the side effects I’ve opted not to take them they can cause a lot of mentally associated problems which for me is a no no. After my daughter was born I had post natal depression needing a lot of treatment some very unpleasant. Over time I have grown a lot stronger mentally and refuse to go to that dark valley again, so they’re keeping an eye on how I go on. I thought my dr would be cross but she is supporting me. Of course the pandemic has altered so much for everyone, all consultations are done over the phone at this time.

I’m closing this post now and will continue with a more upbeat and happier post👍😊💕💕

Sorry for my absence!

Firstly a big thank you to the faithful who have still visited my blog whilst I’ve been absent I very much appreciate your visits. Since my last post a lot has happened, I had another cancer scare this year, however after tests, ultrasounds and MRI’s the large lump was found to be benign thank the Good Lord. Also if my yearly mammogram in December comes back clear I can consider myself cancer free and don’t need to see my oncologist again.
 Mr B has had several health problems which they’re currently investigating, with all the appointments and illnesses we’ve had this year we haven’t been to our holiday home very much. We have thought long and hard and have decided that this will be the last year we’ll have there.

 Although we keep a lot there we still have to pack things we need for the time we are there then unpack the other end and do it all again then repeat when we come home, it’s tiring. We only have 3 fur babies now, Nemo who bless him has problems with his back and legs, Livvy who is blind, deaf and is senile. In October 2yrs ago she was only given a couple of weeks to live but she defied all the vets and is still with us. At home she spends all day in the sunroom which she loves, her health has deteriorated but thankfully not enough to make the awful decision. I’m hoping she will slip away in her sleep as Megan did.
No 3 is our little Tilly Trotter who my daughter adopted along with Cassie her other Lhasa girl in 2011. Sadly Cassie passed away earlier this year at the grand age of 17 and Tilly got stressed being on her own when they were at work so she came to us. She’s a very loving and comical sweetheart, the only downside is she doesn’t like travelling in the car. Our get away is only 2.1/2hrs from home but I’m the only driver and have to stop halfway for a rest and to give Tilly a break.  It will be upsetting to sell up but we have so many wonderful memories to think back on. I think the funniest one will be Mr B on my mobility scooter having a race around the lake with our 3yr old great grandson Kian on
his scooter. Kian won soooo very funny.

When I was involved with the rescue I sadly lost my crossstitch mojo, life was very busy with my own 8 dogs plus 2-3 fosters usually. When I finished through I’ll health I went back to my knitting, crochet and took up Quilting, I enjoy all three.
When Mr B was still working I bought a lot of xstitch fabric, threads etc, yarn and fabric for sewing and quilting. My thoughts were that I may not have the funds later so stocked up, unfortunately I stocked up that well I need to destash big time 😊. Whilst going through my xstitch goodies I found several wips, I’m sure you know what’s coming next lol. I decided to stitch again on my Celtic Noel and Celtic Spring to finish them and have kitted up Summer and winter.
I’ve had to go up a couple of needle sizes I can’t hold my preferred small 28 size now, I don’t mind I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I will still sell some things off because there’s more than enough to last my lifetime and no one else in the family crafts and I want to make sure they will go to someone who appreciates them.
I sold one of my Lowery stands to a lovely lady who will enjoy using it.

Although I’ve made several quilts, crochet blankets and project bags it’s only made a tiny dent in my fabric/yarn stash! Well that’s it for now, I’ll post pictures next time and hopefully keep up with regular updates. Enjoy your day, evening wherever you are.

Peg xx

Another beautiful day

.It's gorgeous here, I'm home, the washing needed doing and I needed to see the dr. Most of the washing was dried outside yesterday, the first of today's is on the line I don't think it will take long to dry, it can then be put back in the cases ready to take back to the van.

Mr B wasn't feeling to well on Friday, he slept for just over 3 hrs in the chair woke up, and went to bed about 8pmish he slept again until about 6am so I think he was over tired. He's been working quite a bit in the garden, in the sun, he can normally take it being dark haired, well he's grey now. Perhaps he spent to long in it.

My Cupcake stripe blanket is coming along nicely it's about 3' long now, I can't show a photo it's back at the van but I'll be getting back to it when I'm there. I've made a large wool basket that I've also forgot to take a photo of but its not quite finished yet. Whilst at home I've pushed my crocheting boundaries a little further, I searched YouTube for tutorials and found this

As you can see this version  is made by Tasha at Of Crochet & Life blog, I love her colours, pop over to her blog you won't be disappointed.

This is my effort, this is as far as the video takes you, as its my first go I'm using an odd ball of wool find in my stash with a size 4 hook. When I master it I'm going to try a finer wool.

I followed the YouTube tutorial by Bellacoco, she is brilliant, unfortunately I couldn't go any further.....this was where her video and others end but I couldn't figure out how to carry on. My brain which is foggy most days went on a real pea souper and I couldn't carry on. After a frantic message to my lovely friend Heather of Sewthis'n'that she's coming tomorrow to lead me through the darkness of a crochet pattern lol. She's amazingly talented and I'm really looking forward to having a catch up with her.

It looks like Missy will have to have a visit to her least favourite place, the vets, she's driving herself and me crazy with scratching, I keep them up to date with flea treatment and know she doesn't have visitors. Last time they gave her a steroid shot and medication and it soon calmed down, bless her I'm trying to see if it's a food she's allergic to, I can see we're going to end up with tests to see what it is that's irritating her. 

Well the Drs appointment has drawn near so I'll be back when Heather has been to share more progress.

Enjoy the sunshine

Peg x

Happy Monday

Hello Ladies, well haven't we been blessed with beautiful weather? Being fair skinned I have to be careful, I don't go the lovely brown Mr. B does I can give lobsters a run for their money in the bright red stakes. If I'm daft enough to ignore common sense I then suffer sore, painful burning which progresses to peeling. So although I like to see the good weather it's done from under the umbrella which is over the outside table. We've been really lucky in that there has been a refreshing breeze accompanying the sunshine. Apart from coming in for a scrumptious roast beef lunch cooked by Mr B I've sat outside under the umbrella crocheting my latest blanket. I did make another Granny blanket that was finished on Friday. The border does lay flat when it's put on a flat surface.

This is was made with Stylecraft Special DK in various colours with a 4 row border plus a scalloped  stitch finishing edge. The cream borders makes the other colours 'pop'.

Yesterday, Saturday, I started another blanket, I decided to use the Cupcake blanket pattern by Lucy at Attic24 blog but using pale cream on the treble rows and various colours on the treble cluster rows  instead of her variation of colours.

This is the blanket earlier today with 16 rows completed, the basket is one I made quite some time ago.

The colours I'm using for the stripes, the repeating alternative stripe is of course cream. I have completed more stripes as you can see. I've put it away for now my hands are hurting and need a rest.

The doglets have needed cooling off several times today bless them, they've had several spritzing with cool water, which they don't mind, I also kept their bandanas wet with cold water. 

We've come inside now, I thought it was going to rain but the wind appears to have blown the rain clouds over. It has cooled down nicely now though. 

Right, now I'm going to have a cuppa and a dish of refreshing mixed salad.

Enjoy your day

Xx

More like September!

Well I think the weather has decided we've had enough summer, it's not exactly cold but it is very windy and overcast.

All's well here, we went to my cousins evening wedding reception on Saturday and had a great time catching up with cousins, Aunts and Uncles, a great night was had by all, we came home pleasantly tired, Sunday we came back here to our hideaway, I get very tired driving nowadays so today will be a chill day and a hooky day. I have another granny square blanket on the go that I'm hoping to finish and have some granny squares I want to join up into a blanket. I also have some quilt as you go blocks that need putting together I've brought the backing fabric from home and hope to get that done this week.

Here's what I was doing last week before we went home, this is  small blanket, I made the squares a long time ago so decided to put them together and made the border with a variegated blue and cream wool. 

This is a large granny square blanket I made using wool that was given free with a crochet magazine, I ran out but found a seller on eBay who was selling the wool at a reasonable price.

Lastly, I enjoyed making my ripple blanket designed by Lucy at Attic24 blog but decided I wanted to use more pastel colours. This was worked in Stylecrafts special DK, I love working with this wool, the best thing is I've found a local supplier here who sells Stylecraft so will replace what I've used on this. It will save on postage. Last week I bought some 500gm balls in cream and muted pink for another blanket I have planned

A few years ago I didn't have a clue how to crochet but watching YouTube and reading blog tutorials I have been able to grasp how it should be done. A huge thank you to those ladies who share their skills freely. The soldier you see in the background is a biscuit pot but Mr B uses it for his chocolate stash lol, I'm not a big fan of chocolate except I like drinking chocolate, so he gets to eat it all himself. I prefer sweets, it's nice and peaceful here, Mr B is quietly snoring away, my 4 legged babies snoring away too so I have it in Dolby surround sound lol.

We will be going into town later or tomorrow, last year Mr B bought me a ladies 3 wheel bike so I could get around without the car, I did enjoy it but sadly as my hips have worsened I can no longer use it so I sold it to one of the fishermen on here who uses it to take his fishing tackle to the lake for a days fishing. It has a basket on the front and a large basket for shopping etc on the back. He's near the fields so it saves him having to make several journeys to carry his fishing tackle. When his daughter visits she uses it to do the big shop in town for them.

I have a Mercury Prism small scooter down here but I can't use it to ride along the sea front with Mr B, it will get me to town and back but any shopping adds weight and I'm always concerned it will run out before I get home so I'm going to buy the next mobility scooter up which is the shop rider scooter. It has a range of approximately 15-20 miles on a full charge. I still have my large one at home which will do 35 miles on a full charge but it's to big to bring in the car and it won't fit into the storage shed so I keep that for home. Nipping up to town etc can be quite expensive so leaving the car and using the scooter will save some money and they are so popular over here because it's so flat. There's not only disabled people use them able bodied do also because it saves looking for parking especially in the holiday season and it saves on fuel. There are some great sights, one chap has one of the newer ones which has 3 wheels and handle bars, he has a box on the back where his two Border terriers sit their little heads just above his lol. My dogs will happily ride on the foot plate between my feet and when I had a little Pug girl on foster she used to ride in the front basket. 

Well it's back to my hooking, have a great day

Hugs

Peg xx

A Year Gone By......

Oh my goodness I didn't realise it was so long since I wrote on my blog, to anyone whose continued to check on my page thank you and I apologise for being absent so long.

Briefly on the health front I continued to have problems then in December last year I had a mammogram which caused concern. It showed a mass again and an isolated lump so I was recalled to have scans and biopsies, however I'm really grateful to say they proved to be scar tissue and a blood clot. I take aspirin daily so they said this will break the clot up and it has, the first time I was pleased to hear I'd got a blood clot :) I didn't need to see them again until May this year unless there were problems.

The only problem I've had is a lot of pain under my arm and on my side due to them cutting the nerves when they removed the affected lymphnodes, it could go on for years but as long as it's not the cancer back I'll put up with it. When I went in May they were pleased with my progress and I don't need to go again until my mammogram in December and if alls well I'll not see them until  May 2017 for the annual check up. Big sigh of relief, 

Mr B had to take full retirement last year due to his health, he was hoping to carry on until July this year which would have given him 40 yrs at the school, from when it was first built and he was the last original member of staff. His health is improving well now, I think retiring suits him well, he really disliked being off work. He's more chilled now, the new headmaster (only there 3yrs) had upset a lot of staff who felt they couldn't work with him anymore. This year is the first time in all the years it's been open that they didn't get a good Ofsted result which I honestly think I'd down to the moral of the teachers it isn't good working in that atmosphere.

We've been able to spend more time here at our hideaway, the site opened second week of March and we came down. I've been home several times to check on the house, had Drs appointments and to check on the post, I spend a few days there then come back. Mr. B stays here to look after his garden, he's has a small greenhouse here with his toms and cucumbers in and has other veg in the garden and pots so they need looking after. We've been sat on the veranda in the sunshine, well I sit under the umbrella I burn otherwise. It's now absolutely throwing it down with rain, mind you it will save him having to water his plants :).

On the craft front I've made some lap quilts, I have about 8 that need backing and finishing, I've also made several crochet blankets and have brought a large amount of my wool stash here instead of buying more. I enjoy working with Stylecraft wool and a local warehouse has started selling it so I have to admit I have bought some.

Well I think that's all for now, I'll put photos on of my latest makes in my next post.

Thank you for visiting 

Peg X

A Very Cold Start To 2015

Gosh it's so cold here and I know we are having mild temps compared to others but when I put the heating on it must be cold I normally have windows open!

2015 hasn't got off to a good start for the B household, Mr B was still having tests done and then had a severe chest infection which has kept him off work for 3 wks. He was due to start back on Monday 26th unfortunately he took ill over the weekend with stomach pains, Monday night he got no sleep due to the pain I called the dr's first thing and to cut it short the dr sent him straight to the hospital. I was ill so couldn't go with him but my daughter went with him. It resulted in him having emergency surgery after a CT scan which showed he had a problem with his appendix and a hernia. They were going to do keyhole surgery but unfortunately when they went in the appendix had burst and he had a lot of bacteria they said bluntly it was a mess so they had to do open surgery. He was on drips and morphine and not very well yesterday and asked if we could let him sleep. I've kept in touch with the hospital but today he isn't up to visitors at all, the surgeon came out to him late last night and they have put a tube down his throat to try and drain his stomach. They're very concerned he doesn't start vomiting or gets more infections.
It's very hard knowing how ill he is and not being able to help him it's killing me. I rang about 30 minutes ago and there's still no improvement. Bless him he was supposed to be going to Glen Coe in Scotland on a climbing/walking holiday with the usual misfits  climbing buddies on the 7th February but that is out now for him. He'll be off work for probably another 3-6wks when he comes home.

Life this year really sucks, I had my first post op mammogram 3 wks ago, I haven't felt well so it came at no surprise when they wrote and told me something has been found on the mammogram and they need to investigate further. I don't know right now whether its the same breast or the other one. I couldn't tell Mr B or my daughter and kept it to myself for a week but in the end I had to so they can come with me to the appointment I have next Thursday 29th. Again I have been told to expect to be there a couple of hours or more to undergo biopsies and other tests. Of course Mr B won't be feeling up to coming but my daughter will accompany me, apart from needing someone there for support I need someone who can hear fully what they're saying simply because I'm partially deaf. The last few days have taken my mind off it but it was awful to see their faces when I showed them the letter. I will fight whatever happens and hopefully kick cancers ***. I have a good family who will rally round and support me, I did think well at least this time we'll be travelling in better weather when I go for treatment and then the snow came. But if they operate the other treatment wont start for about 6wks so the weather will be better then, It's just over an hrs drive there and again back but it's a busy place so there are traffic jams and you need to set off early.

I have finished the quilt I mentioned last post, I stitched in the ditch and did serpent stitch enlarged on the borders which looks effective. I backed it with a lovely country cottage type print and the binding is brown with small daisies on it.It's just over lap size. I've still got plenty of tops to quilt yet so shouldn't really make anymore until they're done.

I've just been reading a blog I visit she's a lovely lady called Pam who's blog is here I so enjoy visiting her, She makes beautiful quilts, crochet and other sewing items, she has written that she's purchased a Little Gracie quilting frame for her quilting naturally. Well I purchased said frame in 2013 but cancer got in the way of me using it and mine is still in it's packaging. I'm really looking forward to seeing Pam's post on it knowing her it will be up and have a quilt on it half finished before the end of the week lol.

Well I think that's all for now, take care lovely people, enjoy whatever crafts make you happy

hugs Peg xxxx

Where does the time go?

I thought I had written a post for early December but alas no I must have been dreaming again! How is everyone, thank you for visiting and I hope all is well with you and your families.

As I wrote in my last post Mr B has had a lot of hospital and dr's visits he's shattered now and a bit fed up of sitting in waiting rooms. The results of all the test carried out on his bladder have shown it is fine so we're celebrating that outcome but the downside is now they've ruled out bladder problems it's more likely to be cancer. We are both mystified as to why they can't do an MRI until February but have been told that they need more blood tests at intervals between now and then, One of his climbing buddies rang him the other night to offer his support, he has been through the same it took them almost 5yrs before they did a biopsy under a GA so it could be more thorough, This showed without any doubt his was cancer and he's had the necessary treatment, he is slowly coming out the other side. It helped Mr B to talk to someone who knows what he's feeling and what his fears are, it's not all that long since Mr B's middle brother passed away very quickly after being diagnosed with a different cancer. We haven't given up, we're both keeping each other as positive as we can. Better news on the blood pressure front, they've tried him on a Beta Blocker which took a few days to get used to but we think it's helping. He's back at the drs tomorrow for a check up with that.

On a happier note I've finished my quilt as you go quiltalong quilt I was doing with other ladies from around the world. I used fabric from Tilda, cotton batting and the backing a light blue floral on a dark blue background. I'm really pleased with it and will certainly use this method again. The photo isn't brilliant we've had rather nasty weather here I took the pic in the sun room but no sun this day :)

It was my youngest Granddaughters 18th birthday this month both she and my youngest Grandson have birthdays a couple of days before mine. I wanted her to have something she could snuggle into and think of her old Nan when she does. I loved making this quilt knowing who it was for.

I had to quilt this on my dining table so I could fit the quilt on whilst sewing, even my nails co-ordinated that day. Totally unintentional.

She loved it, which made it all worthwhile.

I used a Jelly Roll from a seller on ebay who puts the most lovely co-ordinating prints together. cotton batting and the backing is a pretty ditsy  little rose on a white background.

I've also just quilted an autumnal quilt which is made up of 4" patches and bordered in a pale gold fabric. I will post a pic of that one next post.

Well I have a lot to catch up on and if I don't do it all in this post I'll just have to write another tomorrow won't I ;)

Enjoy whatever craft makes you happy

Hugs 

Peg xx

Half way through November!

This year has gone by so fast, it doesn't seem that long since we were getting Vera Van ready for the summer but all to soon Sunday, just past, saw us saying goodbye to our bolt hole until March 13th next year. She's been our bolt hole, a recluse from all the hospital visits, treatments and a sanctuary from some of the heartache that's hit me this year. If we think of it in weeks it's only 17 weeks so not to long really before we go back.

We were hit by another curve ball earlier this month, Mr B hasn't felt well for a while, I thought it was probably everything catching up on him. He's been an absolute rock for me and I thought he was exhausted. He had a routine call to go to the cardiology clinic for his annual check up, one of his blood test and his urine sample caused some concern, His PSA level in his blood test was 5.3 which is very high and there was blood in his urine. An appointment with an oncologist who specialises in prostrate cancer was made for the next day.
They did a biopsy where they take 10 random biopsies and have booked him in to see another consultant regarding further tests for his bladder. Along with several other men that day we came home with him feeling rather unwell and uncomfortable. He had painkillers and strong antibiotics to take for 4 days to stave off any infections that sometimes occur after this type of biopsy. If he felt ill with flu like symptoms he was to go back immediately and they would treat him, thankfully it didn't come to that.
We had to wait just over a week for the results, we were relieved to hear his biopsies had come back clear but before we could rejoice she told him they can't rule cancer out because of his other symptoms and the biopsies aren't from every part of the prostrate. They are keeping an eye on him and he has to go back in February for a MRI which will tell them if it is cancer. Why he can't have one now and has to wait I don't for the life of me know, he's to have another blood test to see if his PSA is still high or higher.

The following week he had to go and have a blood pressure monitor fitted for 24hrs because his bp is very high, we get the results for that this Thursday. So Mr B is having a pretty rough time of it at the moment which upsets me because he's such a strong character usually, I can't do a lot physically but morally and loving wise I can give him the support he gave to me and keep praying all is well.

On the crochet front my progress on my Cottage Ripple blanket is coming on nicely. Once Heather at http://www.itssewthisnthat.co.uk/  (lovely friend) and I realised I had the wrong amount of chains we knew that was why it wasn't working out right! I started again, counted carefully and everything is coming out rosy. I'm a third of the way completed, I'm really enjoying myself with it. I thought at first that the colours weren't what I wanted but I stepped out of my pastel comfort zone and got on with it. The design makes the colours 'pop' and I'm glad I went with Lucy's colour scheme. I want to crochet her Cosy blanket too but will start that soon.

On the quilting front I've completed another 8 blocks for my quiltalong with Jera and others, I know they've caught up and passed me now. Jera is at the stage of binding I think, I haven't been able to work on more blocks until the other day with hospital, dr's and dental appointments. There is no pressure to finish at a particular date but I would have liked to be a little further on than I am. If you'd like to see what colours others have chosen please pop over to Jera's blog http://quiltingintherain.blogspot.co.uk 

Today I have been so grateful for modern technology, there was a lot of washing to do from Vera Van, bedding, pillows, duvets, cushion covers and cushions, curtains and clothes were keep down there that I wanted to refresh ready for next year. The weather hasn't been good it's been dark, wet, foggy days so far this week I am so appreciative for my washing machine and tumble dryer. I can remember having a twin tub when my children were small and washing took all day! It all needs ironing now and storing, where I'm going to put it I'm not sure but I think cases and large holdalls will come in very handy.

Take care and enjoy whatever crafts make you happy.

Hugs Peg xx

At last!

At last I have finally crocheted the rows correctly and my result is way much better. Here are the results, as you can see the top one, where I made my mistakes gives a gentler, less defined ripple. Thè bottom one has the points and I can see where I've increased and decreased, I was so relieved when it clicked into my brain and as Lucy said on her blog, once you 'get' it it's so relaxing and it is. I'm really enjoying working it now.

In fact I'm enjoying it so much I ordered the wool pack for the CAL, Cosy blanket, this isn't a ripple but if you pop on over to her blog you'll see why I gave in and ordered the pack, why not pop along and join in. Attic24.typepad.com it's a pleasure stopping by and reading her blog, she's having a weeks break from her blog and the internet. It's been a manic few weeks for her and it catches up with us all at times, also I imagine her children are on half term holiday so it will give her time with them.

I have no affiliation with Stylecraft or The Wool Warehouse and can give a honest opinion regarding Stylecraft Special Dk. It's a pleasure to work with, I've used many different brands over the years and recently have got irritated when the wool starts to come loose after the band has been removed. Stylecraft keeps its shape, comes off the 'ball' nicely and it shows in the finished garment/blanket. 

Wool Warehouse stock packs of this wool for  Lucy's blankets, I also found another online stockist where this particular wool is on sale, Cottage crafts.org.uk postage is free on orders £25 and over. I am so impressed with the wool I ordered 1 x 100gms ball of each colour, well, I didn't it was my fingers, I think it happened when I nodded off mid afternoon lol.

I'm taking breaks throughout the afternoon, donning my marigolds and immersing my hands in hot water to ease the stiffness. When I get home I'll have a hot wax treatment, that is so soothing.

We have until Wednesday here then we need to go home, I don't think we'll come back after the drs on Friday through until Sunday. I'm shattered the day after driving home, it's only 2.1/2hrs drive but it whacks me out. We probably won't come back until the following Thursday, the season ends about the15th November then we shut down until March.

We both really love coming, it only takes an hr at most to tidy the van and make the beds etc then we can just chill out without feeling guilty.

We have some big jobs that need doing at home, a new bathroon and shower for starters, Mr B put the last one in but I don't think he's up to doing it this time. His own health hasn't been great and he's having some more tests done when we get back this week. I think there'll be some moths flying from his bank account for this job. There's decorating needs doing also. 

Well back to my crochet or shall I do some knitting for a change, I think I'll read a few blogs before I do anything:)

Enjoy your afternoon and whatever craft makes you happy.

Hugs

Peg xx

Aaaaaagh

I think my brain has not been working properly, I've been working on my ripple blanket on and off throughout today. I'd got this far, 5 colours, 10 rows. Then I realised my decreases and increases weren't lining up correctly, arrrrgghh.

Yes it waves but not as it should, I read through Lucy's pattern again and checked her step by step instructions on her blog. I realised I had neglected to do 2 trebles into the last chain of each row!!! Totally my fault I read quickly and started, pride comes before a fall the saying goes and it certainly did here lol. The daft thing is I started another ripple blanket months ago in different colours and that's fine so I must have had my brain in gear when working on that one.

I'm going to start it again, the piece above will become a scarf, I'm not wasting it. 

It's been a good day to stitch, crochet or knit, the weather has been appalling, the rain has been horrendous. Being in the van it sounded worse and talking to each other was a no go, this was after one heavy down pour!

These two had no intensions of going anywhere in this weather, they'd been out earlier, had been fed and were chilling oblivious to all around them. Don't they match the rug well lol. 

Well I'm now going to restart my blanket, oh by the way I didn't put the right colour on the first colour change either, I used light blue and it should have been lavender! I didn't read the last page where Lucy has written the sequence of colours, yes I know I can see you all shaking your heads sadly thinking what a complete wally I am. An early new year resolution could be to read instruction properly;) 

Tomorrow's another day, probably as well. Enjoy your weekend doing whatever craft you enjoy.

Hugs

Peg xx

What a blustery day!

Gosh it's been so blustery here today, we came down this morning for a week, I've come armed with knitting needles, crochet hooks and wool. I'm hoping to get some more little people made and get a good bit of  the crochet done on my ripple blanket.

I'm following Lucy's pattern from Attic24, I fell in love with hers, ordered the wool which came very quickly which pleased me loads because I could bring it with me. I've started it this evening inbetween eating, walking Livvy and showering.

I was so pleased with my parcel, the wool and pattern came in a lovely gorse bag tied with a ribbon. The colours are gorgeous.

My progress so far, this is actually a very light blue.

It's been a very woolly week, I took all my wool home from here last week and have been sorting it all out into groups. I found a lot of large 500gm balls so I sent a lot of time turning this 

Into these

A lot more manageable.

At the beginning of the week I started working on my QAYG blocks I'm quilting along with several others, we're making a quilt by Jera Brandvig of quilting in the rain blog. We're following her pattern from her new book, 'Quilt as you go made modern'. These are 3 of my first 5 blocks, I'm using Tilda fabric, the process is very addictive and I'm really enjoying working on them as and when I can.

Well I'm going to get back to my ripple blanket, take care lovely people and enjoy your crafting.

Hugs

Peg x

Gosh I think winter is here never mind autumn

I love autumn, the colours of the trees as they prepare to shed their leaves are beautiful. We've come to the van for a few days and it's cold outside but snug and warm inside. We've had mixed weather at home in Derbyshire, gales, thunder storms, a small tornado, I don't know if any damage was done it wasn't in our part of the county.
My daughter is in Cuba until next Wednesday and the heat there was at 42 degrees today. They fly back sometime Wednesday but don't arrive back in Manchester until 6.30am on Thursday, I have her 2 little Lhasa girls staying with us, I can't wait to see their reaction when they see her again. They're no trouble, Cassie is an oldie like Livvy and also sleeps most of the time like Livvy. Tilly is only 31/2 so full of mischief but she's been fine, she, like Nemo will run off with my wool if she gets the chance.

When I was sorting some of my sewing goodies out I came across some Jean Greenhowe knitting booklets on my book shelves. They have some really cute little ones in there, I knit Little Bo Peep a couple of yrs ago, I got out my needles and picked out some wool from my small wool stash ( yeah it's very small LOL) it's stored in lovely boxes under my bed. It stops my dogs going under the bed and people don't really know how much there is :) I decided to make Grandma & Granddad first,

These are there parts pre stuffing, I have knit Granddads hat but I left it at home ! I love them they're so cute.

My hands are very stiff after knitting a while but I'm donning the marigolds and immersing my hands in hot water to ease the stiffness and pain.

I'm sticking to my resolve and have started listing stitching goodies on ebay, I've started with my Sampler & Antique Needlework magazines and scanned in 33 pieces of hand dyed fabric that I know I'm never going to use in my lifetime. I still have more, I've got to list them yet though, there's still more of it, I'm listing charts and kits when we get back home. I'm going to keep the linen I'm hoping my fingers will allow me to hold a small needle so I can cross stitch some more samplers again, I would love to hand quilt a quilt but know I won't be able to.

I buy books for my kindle fire from Amazon and recently found a new author, new to me, her name is De-Anne Black. Her books are based in Scotland and I'm thoroughly enjoying them, they aren't expensive, can be bought in paper back. She is a crafter too so includes delightful patterns in the back of her books. At present I'm reading The Vintage Tea Dress shop in summer, I love them.

Well it's 2.40am and I need to sleep so I'm off to bed, have a great weekend and have fun with whatever craft you enjoy.

Peg xx

Hello lovely ladies

Thank you for popping in, it's been almost a month since my last post although I have been reading others blogs. My gosh you've been really busy creating beautiful crochet, knitting, quilting and sewing. I've had good days and bad days which have enforced resting, but on the good days I managed to piece another quilt top. I have made a promise to myself not to piece another one until at least 2 of the 14 tops I have made have been sandwiched, FMQ'd and the binding put on.

I've crocheted more sq's for 3 blankets and whilst sorting out my books I found my Jean Greenhowe pattern books so am knitting a few 'little people' again, I can only do it in short bursts because of my hands hurting. Mr B has re sealed and insulated my ex grooming room and painted the inside and a large shelving unit. My eldest son made me 4 table risers for my cutting table, now it's at the perfect height for me. Fabric has been moved on to the shelves and into drawers, it isn't large but is fine for my purpose. I still have a lot of fabric in my cupboards upstairs and it will have to stay there but I have cleared up some space.

I also answered a request on our local freecycle for fabric required for a community project, the 4 bin liner bags created quite a bit of space lol. I'll post some pictures when it's up and running.

The other summer house which is to become a sewing room will be started probably next week, we're back here at the van the last week in October so hopefully it will be finished before then. Last year I bought a Little Gracie quilting frame from a lovely lady who had only used it twice. Unfortunately due to a death in the family she had to turn her sewing room back into a bedroom. It was collection only but as it was in Wales and I was undergoing treatment she kindly agreed to package it all up for me and a courier collected it for me. I was really looking forward to learning to use it, I could purchase extention bars for larger quilts. Also one of my machines would fit perfectly so I wouldn't need to buy another especially to use on it.

Now unfortunately I don't have the space to set it up and use it, the only option now would be in our garage, we don't use it for our car. However it would mean more work and money would need to be spent to line the walls and new flooring put in. We need a new bathroom and that's more important right now. So this is how the frame looks right now, still in all its packaging and with great reluctance I've made the decision to sell her, I was hoping one of the summerhouses would be big enough but it won't give me room to work.

I saw my oncologist on Tuesday, things have settled down a little so I am not due anymore treatment. I have to carry on with the Lymphoedema daily massages to divert the fluid to the lymphnodes on the other side of my body for drainage to stop the breast filling with fluid again, I can do this myself. I will be called for a mammogram probably in December, I need to keep a supply of antibiotics with me in case of any risk of infection from cuts, scratches etc. one good thing was a short time ago I had a tooth abscess but thankfully my body didn't react with a serious kick off, their words. Maintenance is common sense, wear gloves when washing pots, gardening etc and being careful around animals for bites and scratches, getting medical treatment asap if I am and keeping the area from sun exposure. Eating sensibly, getting proper rest, etc, etc. 

Unless there's a problem I don't have to see her again for 6 mths, like every other cancer patient I asked when I could be pronounced cancer free and what risk is there of it coming back again. It will take a few yrs yet for them to be able to say I'm clear and my chances of a reaccurance are above moderate which hit a bit hard.  I'm trying to not dwell on it and am keeping my mind occupied. I need to take the Letrazol for the foreseeable to help, one of the side effects is making life uncomfortable. It worsens the pain and stiffness I already have in my joints, some days it's hard to get going and it causes hot flushing! It could be a lot worse though.

Have a great weekend with whatever craft makes you happy.

Hugs

Peg xx

Another month gone by.

Gosh the year is going by so quickly, I don't know if its the pace of the world today or if it's me getting older :). Now is my favourite time of year, Autumn, I love the colours of the trees, I love sitting crocheting with a crochet blanket or lap quilt across my knees. In fact I just love Autumn, the nights are drawing in so quickly.

It still seems very strange only having only two dogs, I miss each and every one of them, they brought a lot of love and happiness into our lives. It is easier with two and it's very quiet, Livvy bless her has very little sight now but is fine otherwise, it's amazing how they adjust. Just as with a blind person in the family we don't move furniture around so she knows where everything is. When we're out walking on causeways (sidewalks) we have to make sure she's on the inside because she will fall off the edge. 

She's still a happy, smiley Shiddie girl, she reminds me of a teddy bear, she sleeps like one too, she certainly loves her bed. Nemo is more active but is sending himself dotty trying to catch flies! He loves to be outside chasing them and he doesn't like the birds landing either lol. He has taken over Megan's mantle of telling me when it's time for their dinner!

I still have my little girls ashes, they're in a box with her lead, collar, discs and her Diva t shirts she wore in the winter. I'm not in any hurry to scatter them, I still miss her so much, I know time will heal eventually.

We went away for three weeks during August, I took a lot of fabric with me and my Accuquilt Go and over that period cut out 8 quilts, I managed to piece 2 of them the photos are below. They are both designed by Pam & Nikki Lintott, they're from one of their books, There wasn't a border on the hidden stars one so I add one. I love both designs and am looking forward to piecing the others together.

Now I only have my two fur babies I sold all my grooming equipment, I can keep them brushed but I have to take them to the groomer for cutting etc, I can't do it now. All my equipment went to a friend who has her own grooming salon so I know it will be used.

No grooming means there is a summerhouse with nothing in so I came up with the idea of redecorating and storing my fabric in there. Mr B has been brilliant, giving it a good clean, sealing all joints again on the outside and insulating the inside for me. He's covered the insulation with hardboard and spent today painting it and my large shelf unit. He's done a really good job, we're leaving it to dry completely and will move my fabric in this weekend. It isn't a massive place but I can also get my cutting table in there this will give us more room upstairs. The other summerhouse further down the garden is rarely used with us being away so much so he's going to refresh that one too and move my seeing desk in that Paul my eldest made for me, that SH isn't big either but will make a cosy little sewing room. We have to route an electric supply to them both, I'll post pics when they're finished. I have a fabric in my stash which will make the perfect curtains, the cost was very little, the hospice charity shop have really good, clean bargains in and if I remember right it cost me about £3 for almost 6mtrs of fabric. I called in two wks ago and came home with over 20mtrs of 3 different fabrics for less that £8.

It's going to be quite enlightening when we move my fabric, it isn't all in the cupboards, its in, lidded tubs, my wardrobe, boxes and storage drawers. It will give me a chance to sort out and perhaps pass on some I'll not be using.

Well its time for eating again, Mr B is hinting he's hungry so I'll say bye for now.

Take care and enjoy whatever craft you're working on.

Hugs

Peg xx

Photo heavy post.

The past few weeks haven't been great, no not with my health but with my little ones. My little Megan who I adored had been unwell and under the vet for a while, we knew we didn't have her for much longer but I wanted her last days to be calm, filled with love and no stress. Even though some ex puppy farm dogs make great headway Megan, although she could be cheeky at times, never lost her fear of strangers, sudden noises and any changes. I loved all my dogs but Megan held a special place in my heart and always will we were very rarely apart only when absolutely necessary. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 1st, I had prayed her leaving would be this way and not a vet visit, she would have panicked so much she didn't like anyone holding her feet or legs it was to much of an awful reminder of what she'd had to endure when used as a breeding machine. It didn't lessen the pain of her leaving, it was devastating, it hurt much more and knocked me sideways far more than my cancer diagnosis.
I miss her so much, her odd little ways, her beautiful bright eyes which once they'd been treated changed to bright sparkling jet coloured jewels. She brought so much laughter and love into my life, this photo was taken just a week before she fell asleep. She was such a pretty little girl with her Queen Anne legs, just minutes after taking this she told me off for not getting her down quick enough :)
I have her ashes I can't let her go, I still wait for her barking at me when I go to open the front door to go to the recycle bin, she never barked when anyone came always when they left. I miss her running into the living room when she'd been outside, she'd run around the room almost skipping then roll on her back riddling about. She'd do the typical Shiddie play bow and jump about on all four paws in front of Nemo trying to get him to play with her, he just looked at her as if she'd finally lost the plot. I think he like us knew if he'd gone to play she would have legged it behind me lol.
She didn't like it if she thought she was alone, if I was out of sight these past months she panicked. The thought of scattering her ashes and leaving her is to raw at the moment, until the time is right, if it ever comes, she will stay here with her Mum.

Here she is with Livvy, next to her, and Nemo on her last visit to the van, she couldn't walk far in her last few weeks before she had to be carried but she still got her walks around the lake in her Dad's arms. I recently sold all my dog grooming equipment to my lovely friend Jayne who owns her own grooming salon. I can keep them tidy with brushing but not a full bath and groom any more. Mr B is turning my grooming room into a place to store my fabric, today after some boxes were moved I was sweeping the floor and found some hair that had gone behind them. It hurt, the hair was Megan's from her last groom, I have her lead, collar, harness and little Diva t shirt and now her hair will go into the box with them. I know some may think it silly or over the top but she was one very special little girl and I loved her and miss her, Livvy misses having her snuggled up beside her and still lays on one side of the dog bed they shared instead of in the middle.

Bless her, Livvy is such a good hearted girl, I can't look at her without smiling, she's like a big teddy bear and gives amazing snuggles. Thankfully she's a very healthy girl full of beans and fun, she has very little sight but you wouldn't know it watching her out walking. I have her on an extending lead, every so often when she's not sure where I am she will stop and cock her head listening for me I just call her name and she moves towards me. We don't move furniture around and she's got it all sussed where everything is and she still loves her rough and tumble with Nemo, it's like the clash of the Titans :). Both have gone through a lot these past months and he was depressed for a while but is slowly coming back to his old self. He's taken on Megan job of telling me it's time for their dinner but as he has a really deep bark it gets my attention quicker.

On a happier note I have finally managed to get back to and enjoy doing some quilting and crochet, as you know there have been some downers on the health side but as I said in my last post things are improving.
I've made the two quilt tops below I need to get some of my tops backed and quilted but it's getting the time to do them

.
Earlier this year I managed to get a place on a workshop held at Quiltessensials in Cromford near Matlock Bath. It's very rare to have one where I could travel to so jumped at the chance. It was run by Lynne, a lovely lady who designs, writes quilting books and has a great blog Lynnes blog she's so easy to get on with and has the patience of a saint. The workshop was making a Union Jack pillow, Lynne also has a quilt made from them which I intend to make one day. The pillow front is paper pieced, my first effort, I wasn't able to finish it on the day but her tuition was great and I finished it a while after. I'm so pleased with it.
Lynne's book

 This is my finished pillow I used fabric similar to my bedding.

Here's a close up

We've been at our bolthole for the past few days and will be going again on Wednesday for a few weeks, my grandson is coming to house sit, he loves my bed, its nearer to where he works too. I've got a break in treatment until September. I'm well prepared sewing wise, I spent last week cutting out kits for the quilts I want to make, I've found a lovely little quilt shop in Louth called The Little Fabric Shop, run and owned by Helen. It's a pleasure to visit and have a chat, my purchases the other day were these few fat quarters, 2 Jelly Rolls and 2 background fabrics, the books are mine I have several of Pam and Nickys books I love them they're so easy to follow. I cut the fabric for the one on the front book on Saturday it's called Jitter bug. 

You know we quilters like other crafters always seem to end up with rather a lot of fabric or whatever we use in the craft we do don't we, I was looking for a particular jelly roll last night and found some I'd totally forgotten I had, it was a lovely feeling :)

Well I think I'll leave it at that for now, I've got more photos to share but will do that next time. Wherever you are and what ever craft makes you happy enjoy your day.

hugs Peg x