THE HOLISTIC KNITTER'S BLOG

Finished this week...

2012-01-06T22:58:00.003Z

Sewn dpn needle roll out of 2 fqs -
much needed and made as part of Sew Much 2 Luv 's 2012 After Christmas Sew-Along.

Hot water bottle cover for a friend

another bottle cover on the needles..

After christmas Sew Along

2012-01-02T16:40:00.001Z

Sew Much 2 Luv is hosting her 2012 After Christmas Sew-Along. It begins January 2 and will run for 4 weeks. Besides the satisfaction of finally getting some sewing done after the crazy whirlwind holiday schedule, there’s also a chance to win some great prizes from their sponsors. Get the info at Sew Much 2 Luv.

I have some christmas patchwork diamonds which I want to sew into a placemat
and
I want to make a dpn needle case

I've also received this book for Christmas which has some nice things in it I want to make:
101 Great Ways to Sew a Metre: Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Metre of Fabric! by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins

Some of the things I sent for swap packages over Xmas

2012-01-02T16:32:00.000Z

Here are some of the things I made for various swaps over Xmas...

Ravelry Christmas swap packages

2012-01-02T16:25:00.000Z

Here are my Ravelry swap packages received & opened

3 0ut 0f 4

2011-12-06T16:21:00.001Z

Xmas is coming ...three out of four of my secret santa ravelry packages have arrived:

this one from kanchu

this one from barbina

and this one from lakeside

and here's some of my advent pressies from purple_girl

Nearly Advent..

2011-11-29T15:33:00.000Z

My advent calender from Charlotte / purplegirl arrived today..
here it is hanging up on my living room door and here are the pressies that go along with it...can't wait for the 1st now!

Advent calender

Spike investigating the pressies!

Manchester Xmas Market

2011-11-29T15:27:00.001Z

Went with my daughter and her boyfriend to the Continental Christmas Market in Manchester last Saturday.

Lovely day out .. enjoyed all the fantastic craft stalls, food stalls and christmasy atmosphere.

Had some scrummy Swiss Raclette for lunch (boiled potatos, gerkins and Pickled onions covered in melted raclette cheese), and some traditional English Wassail to drink...followed by a Marzipan chocolate mushroom from one of the chocolate stalls!

Got some great craft ideas too, including ideas for sew itmes and jewellery!

Here are some pics from the day..

christmas bread

masks at the swiss stall where I bought my lunch

Ali & Mike eating thier giant sausage baps

Flower arrangement

2011-11-24T10:59:00.004Z

Visited Plas Tan Y Bwlch yesterday ... on a Meirionnydd WI craft day
Spent the morning making my first flower arrangements, had a lovely Xmas lunch, and then spent the afternoon doing a christmas quiz.
Good day!

Today while browsing Craft gossip noticed this excellent idea for framing and displaying those treasured family recipes that have been handed down

Link to tutorial here

I'm definitely going to do this as I've handwritten recipes from my grandmother and great grandmothers which I treasure and would love to display.

Monthly Spinners and Weavers meeting

2011-11-10T21:25:00.002Z

Attended the Meirionnydd Spinners, Weavers & Dyers Guild November meeting today in LLanelltyd.
The AGM was held in the morning and in the afternoon we had a great talk by Mary Munday on textiles of India.
Ms. Munday spend a few weeks touring the North East section of India, from Calcutta to Darjeeling, visiting various local craft makers.

She showed us exquisite Kantha Embroidery work carried out by women from the Kamaladevi Center for Women. Traditionally this work was made from layers of recycled material stitched together and embroidered in traditional designs. Now, new cotton is used and modern patterns are being explored to meet current tastes.

example of Kantha work

beautiful Kantha patterns

She went on to show us work by Tibetan refugees in the very North of India. In places such as the Tibetan Refuge Self Help Center in Darjeeling, wool is dyed with natural plant dyes and woven into beautiful goods such as traditional rugs, chubas, etc.

Spinning wool

traditional Tibetan carpet weaving

And finally she finished by showing us beautiful Orissa silk work and saris, giving us all a sample piece of silk. (I'm going to use mine to cover a notebook)

beautiful silk in rich colours

traditional silk weaving in the street

A fascinating talk and slide show, showing once again that these fiber arts are a global skill common to all women all over the world.

(Photos taken from the web)

Why not join your local Spinners, Weavers and Dyers Guild? Learn new crafts, share ones you know, and join in great workshops and talks.
You can find out about your local Guild in the UK here

Books from library this week...

2011-11-09T12:35:00.001Z

Here's this weeks library loot...

Headhunters by Jo Nesbo

Missing by Karin Alvtegen

Unwanted by Kristina Ohlsson

The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook by Rachel Saunders

Allotment Month by Month by Alan Buckingham

Kirstie Allsopp Craft by Kirstie Allsopp

More swaps received and sent...

2011-11-09T12:17:00.000Z

Received this gorgeous burnt orange scarf from my partner in the winter scarf swap on Ravelry.

Sent this stuff to my Vintage Halloween partner in replacement package as the original one got lost

Vintage halloween wall hanger

fingerless gloves

halloween project bag

Shadow witch fabric house

Vampires...

2011-11-03T19:02:00.003Z

Here's what I sent my partner for the Halloween Vampire Swap

whole package

celtic cable neckwarmer

and here's what I sent my partner for the underworld swap

love bites neckwarmer

Quilting ...

2011-10-30T15:09:00.000Z

Stuff I've quilted recently..

my first quilted cushion

Xmas stocking

2011-10-28T13:33:00.000+01:00

Here's the Xmas Stocking I made for my partner and the extra goodies

cable topped stocking - is actually quite large!!

various goodies

vampires and halloween...

2011-10-28T12:54:00.003+01:00

more lovely swap packages arrived:

Halloween Vampire swap from Kel / tootsie2121
lots of great stuff and fantastic knitted item which I'm in love with!

knitting notions and fun stuff

lovely vampire rain project bag

debbie bliss cotton yarn - scrummy

mina purfume and buttons

vampire teeth and bat stitch markers

gorgeous shawl scarf

Underworld Swap package from thevintagerose
Pagan / goddess themed goodies ;0)

Book of shadows, smudge stick, yummy yarn etc.

silver goddess pendant, candle, 2 soaps etc.

swap parcels galore...

2011-10-20T22:21:00.001+01:00

Received 4 swap parcels recently ...

Vintage Halloween parcel - 2 bookmarks, cat cushion, crow and tree wall hanging and pumpkin pin cushion - fab ;0)

Xmas stocking swap - lovely stocking, fab yarn, 3 scandinavian elves, scandinavian straw deco, chocolate, tea, and candles - great package ;0)

Mabon parcel - lots of Lush goodies, mini trinket box, pumkin recipes - nice parcel from my angel partner who went above and beyond for this

Ravelry Happy Halloween Swap - sweets and chocolate, owlette fingerless glocves with pretty bead eyes, funky pumpkin, jam, and stitch markers - great parcel ;0)

love it all - thanks ladies ;0)

Xmas Stocking book

2011-10-01T12:28:00.004+01:00

New book arrived this morning in the post:

The Christmas Stocking Book: 50 Exquisite Designs to Celebrate the Season by Mary D'Alton

It's lovely - lots of different stocking patterns to suit every taste and craft style

Will be making some nice stockings as presents this xmas ;0)

Art For All

2011-09-24T19:10:00.000+01:00

Joined the WEA Art For All course yesterday.
Started this last year but had to drop out - looking forward to completing it this year.
I enjoy drawing still life, even though I'm not very good.
Hope this course will develop not only my drawing skills, but encourage me to paint.

Wholecloth Quilting Course

2011-09-19T17:59:00.001+01:00

Started a Wholecloth Quilting Course today at Betws-y-coed.

It's a WEA course run by Coleg Harlech, which runs for 30 weeks on Monday mornings, and is a level 2 course.
The tutor is quilter Janine Jones.

Next week we will be transfering designs to sampler pieces of fabric.

Eventually I hope to make either a full bed quilt, or at least foot quilt for the bed with designs from this magnificent book - Making Welsh Quilts: The Textile Tradition That Inspired the Amish? by Mary Jenkins and Clare Claridge, which I've bought today.

Pears..

2011-09-15T02:06:00.000+01:00

Went to see my brother yesterday and came back with lots of pears from the tree in his garden.

Tomorrow planning to make some Pear & Lemon Jam from the recipe here
and some Pear Chutney from a recipe in the book 100 jams, jellies, preserves & pickles : recipes and techniques for preserving by Gloria Nicol

Honouring Tara Retreat 2011

2011-09-04T13:34:00.000+01:00

Returned from the Honouring Tara week long retreat at Taraloka women's Buddhist centre in Shropshire on Thursday night.

Lovely retreat led by Samantabhadri, Taravanda, Tarakarunya and Samidevi.

Developed a closer contection to White Tara during the retreat.

Here are some photos from the week

Tarakarunya and Chrissie outside Tara Cabin

Shrine room

Offerings

Green Tara & offerings

Green Tara with Buddha behind

White tara Thangha

Pranjaparimitara statue

Teardrop pond

small blue butterfly

Dragonfly on bench

Meirionnydd county Show 2011

2011-09-04T12:42:00.004+01:00

Took part in the Meirionydd county Show the week before last

Entered one of the WI competitions with another member from Blaenau (craft 3 items on a circus theme)
I made a knitted elephant and quilted a big top picture and Jo made a lovely clown plastic bag holder.

We came second in our class!

Here are some of the other things made by WI members from Blaenau Ffestiniog and LLan Festiniog for this circus them in various sections.

If you read one book this year this should be it ...

2011-09-04T12:29:00.000+01:00

If there is one book you should read this year it should be Murder in the High Himalaya by Jonathan Green

It's the factual account of the murder of a young Tibetan nun Kelsang Namtso, trying to escape to India from Tibet with her best friend and other refugees in 2006.

The story is tragic and poignant. You cannot fail to be moved by it.

Backed by actual witnessed accounts by climbers on Chi Oyu (and video footage of the murder) this is an exposure of one the hardships Tibetans have to go through to retain their culture and religion under the Chinese government system.

Amazon synopsis:The murder of a young Tibetan nun by the hands of Chinese border guards at the rooftop of the world offers a unique parable for the tale of modern Tibet. In August 2006, two young Tibetan women left their hillside village in Biru county to make their way to Dharamsala India. Frustrated by their inability to practice the tenets of Buddhism or Tibetan culture under oppressive Chinese rule, best friends Dolma and Kelsang were determined to secure their right to freedom-and sought comfort in the fact that they might seek counsel with their exiled spiritual leader, his Holiness the Dalai Lhama. Through a secretive underground network of Tibetan guides, the two friends, along with four dozen other refugees, embarked on a perilous journey that would lead them to Nepal along a dangerous former trade route: the Nangpa La Path, through Cho Oyu Mountain. On September 30, 2006, after weeks of harrowing travel, as they were nearing the border of Nepal, the band of refugees was fired at by the Chinese Army Guards. Kelsang, sick, frost-bitten, and delirious in the high altitude was struck by a bullet from behind. Her death was not unusual in its circumstance: Chinese police are instructed to take any measures necessary to protect the border of Tibet. What was unusual on this freezing September morning was that a gaggle of Western climbers, stationed on Cho Oyu's advance base camp, had silently witnessed the event. One of them was Louis Benitez-a fearless Colorado mountain guide who led Himalayan trips for wealthy western thrill seekers. Another was Sergui Matei, a Romanian hiker, who captured Kelsang's murder on video. Both men had a choice-to preserve their climbing careers and turn a blind eye-or to alert the world to the grand scale of human injustice played out daily in Tibet. In "Murder in the High Himalayas", intrepid journalist Jonathan Green investigates the clash of cultures at the rooftop of the world. As he gains entrance to a fascinating network of Tibetan guides and safe-houses operating in the name of freedom, investigates the tradition of extreme mountaineering in Chinese-occupied Tibet, and establishes contact with surviving refugees (including Dolma), he affects a rare, and lasting parable for the plight of modern Tibet.

For the full story see here

For more information see here

Here is some of the video shot at the scene showing the murder:
The_murder_of_Kelsang_Namtso_Free_Tibet

Here Richard Gere, an advocate of Tibet, speaks about the tragedy

Richard Gere speaks in Berlin about Nangpa Pass Nun Shooting

Festival of Quilts, Birmingham

2011-08-13T16:26:00.023+01:00

Went to Birmingham NEC yesterday with a couple of friends to the Festival Of Quilts

"The Festival of Quilts (organised with the support of the Quilters Guild of the British Isles) has earned a reputation over the past eight years as the largest, most inspiring quilting event in Europe - with good reason! The Festival of Quilts boasts a host of gallery exhibitions from leading international artists and groups"

Had a great day ... wonderful quilts on show, a selection of which are shown below.
Lots of stalls too, selling wonderful material and quilting supplies.
I could have easily spend hundreds of pounds!!! In the end I limited myself to what I really needed!

loot!

Here's a collage of some of the quilts on display:

Mosaic of some of the Quilts

Swaps I sent

2011-08-13T16:01:00.000+01:00

Here's what I sent for the tote swap

and here's what I sent for the Lammas Swap -
Epona and Morrigan celtic motif notecards, Fairy goddess, Lavender sachet, Tree of life pendant, Fairy bookmark, woodland stitchmarkers

Lammas parcel arrived

2011-08-11T12:33:00.000+01:00

Here's my Lammas swap parcel from Courtney

Felted cauldron and sage smudge stick

Boudoir Socks

2011-08-09T16:05:00.000+01:00

Finished these a while ago but only just got around to posting
Boudoir Socks

Stitch Markers recieved

2011-08-09T16:00:00.000+01:00

Received these lovely stitch markers and extras from pgknitting nurse in Canada
many thanks - so pretty ;0)

Tote swap received

2011-08-05T10:30:00.003+01:00

Big thanks to javede for the lovely tote I received this morning - the colours are perfect.

The flower is a brooch and inside is a tiny pocket.

Thanks for the lovely material too - the brown one lines the tote
and the yarn - gorgeous dk cotton . linen blend which I'll be making some fingerless gloves from

thanks for being a great partner ;0)

July Bookmark received

2011-08-04T12:46:00.002+01:00

Received this lovely bookmark in the post this morning from the USA

Pretty flower with beads on stamens, lovely tree notebook (I love trees), sacred hand stitch marker, oh yes and there were two small chocolates (already eaten!!) and some gummy bears (which my hubby is enjoying!)
Thanks so much Sherry ;0)

Postcrossing

2011-08-03T09:07:00.000+01:00

I've recently reactivated my Postcrossing account
I enjoy sending and receiving postcards from random people accross the world.
Good fun and a great way to say hello.
You can join in the fun here:

Weaving..

2011-07-31T00:36:00.004+01:00

Two weaving kits arrived this week:

A Lucet weaving kit

lucet kit

and a Stick Weaving Kit

stick weaving kit

Looking forward to experimenting with them both this week ;0)

thanks

2011-07-30T23:59:00.000+01:00

Big thanks to Lisa for this washcloth and postcards

Recent Makes 1

2011-07-27T23:33:00.000+01:00

Here's what I sent Izzybee for the Owl swap:

mug rug

tote bag

mug cozy

set of british owl notecards

little owl purse

owl pincushion

owl bookmark

Dogs and Husband...

2011-07-27T12:28:00.000+01:00

Dogs ...

2011-07-20T18:02:00.001+01:00

Amy and Spike

Hippy Swap parcel

2011-07-20T17:58:00.004+01:00

Ginny / Samsara has excelled again in her swap parcel to me for the Craftster Hippy Swap
look at all these goodies which I adore!
Lantern, Dream notebook, coloured pencils, heart stitch markers, yoga socks, necklace, tara shrine, lotus tote bag, yummy espresso coffee.
Thanks so much. Love it all ;0)

lantern

selection of goodies

dream notebook

applique lotus bag

yoga socks

tara shrine

Lovely necklace based on one in my Wists list - wearing it right now!

Pillow Swap parcel

2011-07-20T17:46:00.001+01:00

Fantastic pillow swap parcel arrived yesterday
Look at the two lovely cushion covers I received...just to my tastes and perfect colours for my living room

Also enclosed these extra goodies which I love: Lush lip scrub, 2 lavender bags, yummy Dutch wafer cookies!

Thanks so much.

Spinning and Weaving Garden Party

2011-07-14T23:21:00.003+01:00

Went my first meeting at the Meirionnydd Spinners and Weavers Guild today, a member of

Meirionnyd Guild meets every second Thursday in the Llanelltyd Village Hall, Dollgellau. Meetings start at 10am and finish at 4pm

Today's meeting was held at one of the member's gardens in Dolgellau itself.

There were about 18 women sitting in the garden and enjoying the sunshine, participating in a variety of crafts including spinning, weaving, rug making, knitting, lace weaving, etc.

Here are few photos from the day

beautiful beaded tabs - to be made into a pretty ornament

Rag Rugging

Spinning wool

lace making with traditional bobbins

More rag rugging

I'll be going to their meetings regularly from now on, and hope to learn to rag rug and weave.

The rest of the year's programme is as follows:
* September 8 - Do your own thing, spinning, knitting, lace, painting, tapestry, etc
* October 13 - Felting tutorial, Helen Melvin
* November 10 - AGM
* December 8 - Christmas buffet including show and tell plus paper things

If you are interested in Spinning, Weaving or dyeing you can find out if there is a local guild near you on this page here

Owl Swap Parcel...

2011-07-13T12:30:00.002+01:00

Look at this great swap parcel I received today for the Owl Swap on Craftster.

Lovely Owl notebook with integral owl charm Bookmark

Owl card

Wonderful Owl mitts

Owl rubber stamp

Owl cookie cutter
and beautiful Owl lavender bag

Thanks Izzybee. I love it all.

Your parcel is on it's way ;0)

Bees .................

2011-07-12T21:34:00.008+01:00

Llan Ffestiniog WI (Women's Institute) meeting this evening, where one of our members gave a great talk on beekeeping.

I loved it. I've wanted to keep bees for about 20 years now, but have never had the opportunity to do so.
This talk was great. We were shown how the hive works, what roles the bees play, and how to collect the honey.

Here are some of the photos from the night.

introducing the hive

smoking the hive

comb

honey with added comb

The Women's Institute has been campaigning for bees for a while - more information here SOS for Honey Bees
Bees are in serous decline due to climate change and farming methods, so why not grow a variety of plants and flowers to help feed them, such as honeysuckle, ivy, lavender, globe thistle etc....More info on bee friendly plants here and here
Remember to buy local honey too...support your local beekeepers

I had a chat with the speaker after her talk about how I've wanted to keep bees and have read quite few books on the subject.
I'll be going along to the Meirionnydd Beekeeper's Group when they next meet in September.
So enthusiastic about this...I may well realise my dream of keeping bees in the not too distant future...

And here's a bit of beey fun from my favourite comedian Eddie Izzard to round off this post (sense of humour required!!!!!)

French / Read-a-thon update...

2011-07-12T12:26:00.003+01:00

Read two books last night / this morning, as part of the Read-a-thon and Paris in July Challenge

What French Women Know: About Love, Sex and Other Matters of Heart and Mind by Debra Ollivier

Written by an American who has married and lived in France, this is an interesting of what makes French women 'French' - She discusses body politics, sexuality, motherhood, food etc,. writing with insight and a certain wit.
While there is obviously no typical French Woman, this is an interesting account of many of the attitudes of French woman.
I particularly liked the section on aging, where she suggests that French women are less concerned with age than with self confidence, as seen in my favourite quote from the book:

'In France there is less concern about "fixing" mother nature or human nature, because you don't "fix" yourself in France - you cultivate yourself. You don't fuss over the "right" way to do something; you work with who you are and create your own personal narrative, and, accepting that the brevity of time is inevitable, you fill your life with as much pleasure as possible."

I found the book interesting and her style of writing easy to read.
3/5

The other book I read is a craft book:

Made in France: Cross-stitch and Embroidery in Red, White and Blue by Agnes Delage-Calvet and Anne Sohier-Fournel

This is a lovely book with some very pretty charming rustic / folk patterns.
it is divided into three sections - red, white and blue designs

3/5

Currently reading The Bone Thief: A Body Farm Thriller by Jefferson Bass

The fifth installment of this excellent series...

Once Upon A Read-a-thon mini challenges - day 1

2011-07-11T22:59:00.010+01:00

The first challenge in this Read-a-thon is hosted by IB Book Blogging
She's asking you to answer two questions -

Mini Challenge Question 1:
What is your favorite type of myth (Greek, Roman, Egyptian etc)?

My favourite type of myths are Welsh myths e.g. The Mabinogion
but I also love Greek and Roman myths

Mini Challenge Question 2:
What is your favorite book with some type of mythology in it?

From my childhood I love The Owl Service by Alan Garner, a reworking of the tale of Blodewedd from the Mabiniogion

and recently I've been enjoying the Lords of Underworld series by Gena Showalter

\

The second challenge of the day is hosted by The Musings of ALMYBNENR who asks to to identify book covers from her mix and match pictures

Reading Monday...

2011-07-11T13:15:00.011+01:00

What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Journey.

At the moment I'm reading:

* The Rome prophecy / by Jon Trace
Thriller with supernatural twist

* Emotional intelligence, why it can matter more than IQ / Goleman, Daniel
Self help / psychology book

* Wastelands : stories of the apocalypse / edited by John Joseph Adams
short stories of the apapocalypse by well known authors

and I have several other library books here to read...
including...
* Made in France
* what french women Know
* Holiday Knits

Last week I read:

* Dark Prophecy by Anthony E. Zuiker
Great thriller by Anthony E. Zuiker, the creator and executive producer of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
The main character Steve Dark is a troubled soul, but a great detective.
Recommended read.

* Patchwork : projects, techniques, motifs / Diane Crawford
Nice introduction to patchwork and some nice projects.

* The snow / Roberts, Adam (toss me a frosty one challenge 1/9)
Snow starts to fall and doesn't stop... the world as we know it its wiped out and only a few survive in this strange new world.
Strange but compelling novel

* Sympathy For the Devil / Howard Marks
Great thriller set in South Wales...murder, mystery and cults...
Really liked this debut novel by the notorious Howard Marks.

READATHON

The second annual Once Upon a Readathon! This Readathon is hosted by Lori at Pure Imagination, Candace at Candace's Book Blog, and ReadinG Angel at Reading Angel
It runs from 12:01 AM on today to 11:59 PM on July 13th.

Reading Angel writes:

A Readathon is where you set a goal for yourself to read more books that is beyond your average number of books you read. There is no minimum, it's all up to you! Push yourself to get some of those books read that have been sitting on your shelves for awhile! You can read any type of book you choose!

You can sign up here.
I aim to get through as many books as I can over the next two days!

Other stuff...

New Crochet hooks arrived in the post today - nice set of 12 hooks size 8mm to 2mm in lovely bright colours, which will be a pleasure to use.

This weeks plans....repaint living room and hang new curtains ready for arrival of new three piece suite on Saturday ...
oh yes ...and give my stinky dogs a bath (he he)

Weekend Cooking...cookery book reviews...

2011-07-10T13:30:00.000+01:00

Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads

She writes:

Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend

This week I collected three cook books from my library:
Christmas Cupcakes / Annie Rigg
Two Greedy Italians / Antonio Carluccio & Gennaro Contaldo
Making Traditional and Modern Chutney, Pickles & relishes

Christmas Cupcakes by Annie Rigg

Lovely little cook book with some scrumptious recipes for festive cupcakes, including these ones which I want to make: coconut snowballs, salted caramel and toffee cupcakes, sticky gingerbread cupcakes.
There are also novelty cup cakes, such as santas, penguins, and snowmen.

Great book for any cook or christmas lover...good stocking filler.

Making Traditional and Modern Chutneys, Pickles and Relishes: A Comprehensive Guide by Jeremy Hobson and Philip Watts

I'm aiming to make many more chutneys and jams this year, and this book is great.

It has sections on utensils, ingredients and then sections on chutneys, etc,
Although not as many recipes as some books, the traditional English ones here are interesting.

Recipes such as: West Country Pear Chutney; Kent Windfall Chutney; Butternut, Apricot and Almond Chutney (which I hope to make this coming week); Pepperpot pickle; Worcester Plum Pickle.

Lovely book.

Two Greedy Italians by Antonio Carluccio & Gennaro Contaldo

Unfortunately I only saw a few of the TV programmes this book accompanies, as it was a wonderful series.
These two Italian chefs are very different in style, yet compliment each other beautifully. Their love of all things Italian and passion for cooking shines throughout.
The book is fantastic, packed with great recipes, information about ingredients, regional cooking, and their travels throughout Italy.
Some of the recipes I look forward to making: Zuppa Di Borlotti Freschi Alla Maruzzara / Borlotti Bean Soup; Gnocchi Alla Romana / Semolina Dumplings Roman Style; Polpette Di Melanzane / Aubergine Dumplins; Patate Arraganate / Sliced roast potatoes with tomato, oregano & basil; Torta All'Arancia Caramelizata / caramelised Orange Cake; Torta DI Ricotta E Limone / Ricotta and Lemon Tart; Tarallucci / Savory Fennel Biscuits.

Highly recommend this book.

My first watercolour...

2011-07-08T17:36:00.001+01:00

Here's my first attempt at a watercolour painting.
OK so the clouds are wrong, because I overworked them!!!
Still...as a non artist it's not too bad for my first attempt (?).

Conwy, Plas Mawr, Blodwen and Ghosts...

2011-07-07T22:24:00.012+01:00

This evening my daughter, her boyfriend and myself went on one of Plas Mawr's Spooky Tours

Plas Mawr is a grand Elizabethan house in Conwy, built between 1576 and 1585.
It is the finest town house of it's period in the UK.
A wonderful building with a rich history, and connections throughout the Snowdonia area and Conwy Valley.

Blodwen, Plas Mawr's friendly ghost....

Out tour was led by Blodwen, the friendly ghost of the housemaid, who told us all about her 'master' and 'mistress''s house, and it's spooky apparitions.

Here are some of the photos of the glorious house (look out for strange orbs and shadows on some of the photos....)

For more information about Plas Mawr, it's history and ghosts, click on the links above or these here:

Blodwen's spooky tours review
BBC info on Plas Mawr
Plas Mawr's Ghosts

another one off my 101 list ;0)

Gwyl Y Glaw - end of July - Blaenau Ffestiniog

2011-07-06T11:31:00.001+01:00

If you're in the area at the end of July, why not join in the celebrations of Gwyl Y Glaw

RSPCA - Give animals a Voice

2011-07-05T18:13:00.004+01:00

Visit the website HERE

Goat and Clogs ...

2011-07-05T16:37:00.007+01:00

Blaenau Ffestiniog Women's Institute day out today ...

First lunch at the Goat Inn / Tafan Yr Gafn, in Garndolbenmaen.
Lovely old inn, nice food, good portions (if a little pricey)

Next a visit to a Hand maker of Traditional Clogs / Gweithdy Clocsiau in Criccieth.
Trefor Owen is the only Full time Professional Hand maker of Traditional Clogs in Wales, and works alongside his wife Rhiannon. In the fully working Workshop we had an introduction to the way clogs are produced from the Log and Hide to the Finished item, ready to wear!

Very interesting demonstration...makes Me want to take up Welsh dancing ;0)

You can read a BBC article about their work here

Monday, Monday ...

2011-07-04T12:23:00.000+01:00

So it's another hot sunny Monday...
The dogs are so hot they are in the house sleeping in the shade!
I've asked my daughter to bring me in a desk fan on her way home tonight, as there is no breeze and I can't get cool!

My tasks for this afternoon are to mow the lawn and paint the bathroom cabinet...when it gets a bit cooler!

Other stuff...

What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Journey.

I'm currently reading:

* Dark Prophecy by Anthony E. Zuiker
and
* The Rome prophecy / by Jon Trace

Just picked up the following 4 books from the library:
* Patchwork : projects, techniques, motifs / Diane Crawford
* Emotional intelligence, why it can matter more than IQ / Goleman, Daniel
* Wastelands : stories of the apocalypse / edited by John Joseph Adams
* The snow / Roberts, Adam

This evenings plans ...knitting ;0)

And Another _ Italy in books challenge...

2011-07-03T19:04:00.003+01:00

Italy in Books Challenge 2011

January 1 - December 31, 2011
Book After Book is hosting the Italy in Books Challenge.
book
The details of the challenge:
•The aim of the challenge is to read at least 12 books that are set in Italy. Whether written by Italian authors or not, it doesn’t matter. They don’t have to be set exclusively in Italy but this country needs to play a significant role in the book.
•The challenge can include non-fiction books about Italy. You can also review Italian learning books but this is limited to a maximum of two titles.

OK - so as I'm playing catch up here as the challenge started in January, I've ordered the following books from my library:

* The fatal touch / Conor Fitzgerald
* River of shadows / Valerio Varesi
* August heat / Andrea Camilleri ; translated by Stephen Sartarelli
*Hiking in Italy / Brendan Sainsbury
* Sacred hearts / Sarah Dunant
*The Roman forum / David Watkin
* Two greedy Italians / Antonio Carluccio, Gennaro Contaldo

Another book challenge - Paris in July

2011-07-03T18:46:00.000+01:00

For the second year Karen from Book Bath and Tamara from Thyme For Tea are hosting Paris in July - a month long blogging experience to celebrate our love of all things French and Parisian
July 1 - July 31, 2011

The idea is to blog about anything French. Some ideas for the month might include:
•Reading a French book - fiction or non-fictionWatching a French movie
•Listening to French music
*Cooking French food
•Experiencing French art, architecture or travel

I'm going to join in the challenge and have already ordered a few books from my library:
* Cooking the French way / Lynne Marie Walde
* What French women know : about love, sex and other matters of heart and mind /Ollivier, Debra
* Made in France : cross stitch and embroidery in red, white and blue / Agne´s

Beetroot Soup ...

2011-07-03T17:41:00.000+01:00

Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads
She writes:
Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend

Along with Sunday Dinner which is presently cooking in the oven, I'm making some Beetroot soup for tomorrow's lunch.

Here is the simple recipe:

Beetroot Soup

1 tbp olive oil
about 5 small beetroot, peeled and chopped
a large baking potato peeled and chopped
2 sticks celery - finely chopped
1 tin tomatoes
1 large onion peeled and chopped
1 pint vegetable stock
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Heat oil in pan and add onions - cook unitl soft and add potatoes - stir for a few mins
Add remaining ingredients and bring to the boil.
Cover an simmer for 30 mins or so until beetroot is soft.
Leave to cool and then blend until smooth.
Serve with chunky bread

Gym and other stuff..

2011-07-01T22:48:00.003+01:00

Today I went to the gym for the first time in over 20 years!!!

And guess what?
I actually enjoyed it...so much that I'll be going twice next week I hope! Once in Blaenau and once in Porthmadog (pictured left)

Need to make myself a gym bag now - well why buy one when I can make one, right?
Found a few patterns on line but nothing I'm struck by yet.
Do like these luggage labels though...available from the Quilt, knit, Run, Sew blog here

Yet another swap ... and other stuff...

2011-06-29T15:59:00.003+01:00

Joined the Craft This Tote swap on Craftser
Swap involves sewing this 7.5 x 8.5" tote here from a free pattern and then filling it with little goodies.

Great idea and lovely little tote for carrying knitting or books.

This evening I'm off to my patchwork group, where I'll be sewing some more diamonds for the __________ I'm making for the ___________ swap!

Before that I'm going to our local sports centre for an induction to using the gym!!
Yep _ I may be overweight but I'm determined to get fit!
My plan ...gym once a week, aqua aerobics once a week, swimming one lunchtime, and an outdoor swim another day...plus walks with the dogs....!!!
Weight loss this week for 52 52 52 challenge = 4 lb!

Currently Reading - Patient Zero by Jonathan Mayberry, which so far is excellent.

(just finished Flu by Wayne Simmons) Other books from library to read include books on holy wells and sacred springs, two allotment books, a few walking books and a couple of other novels.

Hot Sunny Monday

2011-06-27T12:19:00.001+01:00

Really hot here today..too hot for me to venture outside midday!

sample chart .. not the one I had read

Had a lovely day yesterday with some Reiki friends having our astrological charts read...

Very interesting and not at all what I expected..things to think about!!

Another Book challenge - Toss Me A Frosty One

2011-06-27T11:36:00.001+01:00

Book Dragon's Lair is hosting the Toss Me a Frosty One For the Summer. She writes:

Reading Challenges are suppose to be a challenge but with non-reading obligations we may not be able to meet the "read 12 of... " requirements. This one is a 3-3-3 challenge: read 3 books over 3 months following 3 requirements. However, you may choose a more difficult level to "challenge" yourself. :-)
There are Four Levels:
Beginner (3 books)
Intermediate (6 books)
Advanced (9 books)
Extreme (12 books)

~ Choose a level.
Beginning Level:
I. 1 book with a winter word in the title: snowflake, ice, frosty, etc...
II. 1 book with a winter setting
III. 1 book with summer setting

other levels:
. 1+ books with a winter word in the title: snowflake, ice, frosty, etc...
II. 1+ books with a winter setting
III. only 2 books with summer setting

Challenge runs from June 21- September 22, 2011

Another swap

2011-06-24T21:32:00.000+01:00

Signed up for another swap - the WWP Lughnasadh / Lammas swap on Craftster..
Partner assigned and busy preparing to craft...

Crafty Thursday

2011-06-23T21:58:00.018+01:00

Busy day today - out and about three times during the day..

This morning I went to Llan Ffestiniog WI craft group, where I tried my hand at silk painting for the first time.
Here's what I painted - some lovely sunflowers.

My sunflower silk painting

This afternoon was the Blaenau Ffestiniog Quilters group monthly meeting.
This month we had an exhibition of group members work - here are some of the lovely quilted objects on display

As I haven't finished my Log Cabin quilt yet, all I took was this Christmas mini wall quilt

My Xmas Hanger

The Quilter's Wagon shop was also there, selling a variety of fabrics and quilting supplies.

Here's my loot from the day:

wadding, quilting square, 4 xmas fqs, some nautical fqs

This evening was my allotment committee meeting. We made a visit to the site, which has now been cleared of all the weeds, brambles etc. and is being leveled off.
Once the stones have been removed and it's been leveled completely we can begin fencing it and planning where the allotments will go etc.

Allotment site ...work in progress!

Wednesday Meme

2011-06-22T13:28:00.005+01:00

Wishcasting Wednesday

What would happen if every week you made a wish?
What magic might start to stir?"

What do you wish for this summer?

"I wish for: sunshine, cool breezes, lazy summer days, refreshing swims in the sea, lakes and rivers, picnics in the woods, cool camping, lovely walks in the woods, star gazing nights, and peace, tranquility & love shared with my husband and our dogs...

Wishcasting Wednesday is hosted by Jamie Ridler

Reading Challenges...

2011-06-22T01:11:00.002+01:00

Although I no longer have a book blog I though I'd take part in the odd challenge and review the books here.

Just joined the Japanese Challenge 5 - I'm looking forward to reading some more Japanese poetry.

I'm also going to try the 52-52-52 Challenge, set by Amanda at The Zen Leaf - a combined reading and wight loss challenge. She writes:
The goal of the challenge is simple. It will go from June 1st, 2011 to June 1st, 2012 – 52 weeks. In those 52 weeks, challenge participants will try to 1) read one book each week and 2) lose one pound a week. If all goes well, a year’s challenge will lead to 52 books read and 52 pounds lost in 52 weeks. It’s that simple!

Summer Solstice meal out...

2011-06-21T23:37:00.004+01:00

After not being very well over the weekend, it was great to get out this evening for a meal at Aberdunant Hall with LLan Ffestiniog Women's Institute. About 30 women attended the meal, in the hotel's lovely dining room.
I had creamy garlic mushrooms to start, followed by a lovely leek and asparagus pie, then coffee.
Good company and great conversation.

I had hoped to come home and spend a few hours sitting in the garden as the light faded, watching the stars come out on this Midsummer's Eve. Unfortunately it's a wet miserable Summer Solstice evening...
ah well ...guess I'll go and cuddle up with Shakespeare instead!

Books...

2011-06-15T21:45:00.002+01:00

Currently reading:

Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees by Roger Deakin
Lovely lyrical memoirs linked by the theme of trees

Savage City by Sophie McDougall

Third and final installment in her Romanitas trilogy, set in current times in a world where the Roman Empire still exists

Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller
Lovely knitting book - with gorgeous knits such as this hooded jacket and laced corset...

First Responders

2011-06-14T23:17:00.004+01:00

Great meeting at Llan Ffestiniog Womens Institute tonight.

Different talk than expected due to illness, instead we were treated to a talk by Harlech First Responders David Evans and Donna Evans.

Harlech First Responders are community Rapid Response Group, set up to attend life threatening medical emergencies within a 5 mile radius of Harlech, one of several such groups in North Wales.
Run entirely by highly trained volunteers, under the guidance of the Ambulance Service, they aim to respond to life threatening 999 calls quickly, while waiting for the ambulance service to arrive.

Check out their website here

Become a First Responder yourself by contacting your local Ambulance Service via your NHS Trust (Welsh NHS Trust Ambulance Service here)
Help raise funds for them by attending the Harlech 999 Fun day on August 21st and joining in the fun!

Absent for a while...

2011-06-14T18:02:00.002+01:00

Oh dear me - I have been absent for a while blogging here!!
So here's an update.

Crafting:
Just sent 3 Ravelry swaps:
Dishcloth swap
Stitch Marker Swap
UK £5 Swap
have received two parcels and will post pics later

Signed up for three Craftster Swaps:
Hippy Swap 5
Owl Swap
Pillow (Cushion) Case Swap

Other news:

Went to the National Federation of Womens Institutes conference in Liverpool last Wednesday.
Great time seeing how the organisation works, and how issues are debated.
They passed a resolution to fight the closure of public libraries ;0)

'97.79% of delegates voted FOR and therefore passed the resolution titled 'The Closure of Local Libraries'. The mandate is as follows:
“This meeting urges H.M. Government to maintain support for local libraries, as an essential local educational and information resource.” '

The speakers for the 2011 AGM were:
Dr Rita Gardner CBE, Director Royal Geographical Society
Erwin James, Guardian columnist
Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, 5 times Olympic gold medallist, and Fairtrade Ambassador

Off to LLan WI tonight - this evenings speaker is talking about Community Policing.

two swaps

2011-05-17T15:08:00.000+01:00

Parcel for the frugal swap 4 from Anofeles

Parcel for the Beltane swap from ManicCrafter

Thanks Ladies ;0)

Books...

2011-05-10T12:47:00.016+01:00

Just Bought myself these two books

Writing Your Way by Manjusvara

and

Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking by Stephanie Kaza

and my daughter bought me these three, as a belated birthday present:

Saving the Earth: A Buddhist View by Akuppa John Wigham

Feeding Your Demons: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict - by Tsultrim Allione

The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet by Trinh Xuan Thuan and Matthieu Ricard

Currently reading (from the library):

The Compassionate Revolution: Radical Politics and Buddhism by David Edwards

and rereading:

What Makes You Not a Buddhist - by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

New knitting patterns I like...

2011-05-05T12:21:00.015+01:00

Some new patterns I like - free on Ravelry:

In the Summertime by Bitta Mikkelborg

Phytolith Mitts by Kirsten Hipsky Spring Buds Fingerless Mitts by Robin Currier

Forest Queen Hat by Jocelyn Tunney

On Retreat

2011-05-05T12:02:00.010+01:00

I was away on retreat last month for just over a week at Taraloka Women's Buddhist Retreat Centre in Shropshire. This time on a study retreat, studying Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara. Weather was lovely, women great, food yummy, study very beneficial, mediation deep. I also became a Mitra the night before I left, during a very moving Amitabha Puja at LLangollen. Here are some photos from the retreat:

English Civil War costumes ...

2011-04-13T13:18:00.019+01:00

And When Did You Last See Your Father? - William Frederick Yeames 1878 Went along to my neighbouring Women's Institute last night in LLan Ffestiniog to a talk on English Civil War Costumes by Mrs. and Mr. Osbourne. They demonstrated costumes from the period and spoke with great knowledge and much humour. Loved the intricate blackwork embroidery on some of the clothes .. inspired me to start doing some blackwork again. I might even make a traditional coif and embroider it just for fun! Here are a couple of examples of embroidered coifs from the web .

Update

2011-04-11T17:43:00.012+01:00

I'm terrible at blogging these days .. hardly ever do so.

I'm still busy crafting - knitting and cross stitching at home, while doing Hardanger at the WI sewing club, Patchwork group on Wednesdays and Quilting monthly at the Blaenau Quilting club. I'm currently working on a hardanger cushion in white, a Japanese patchwork hanger, a lap quilt in my favourite shades of Olive for the living room, and two cross-stitch pictures: a Welsh Lady in a Rocking Chair, and a Snow Scene with sheep.

I made a patchwork glasses case last week - I'll add photo later.

Currently working on two swaps - The Frugal Swap 4 and the Beltane Swap - both on Craftster.

Bought myself two crafting books on Saturday: Quick and Easy Quilts: 20 Stylish Projects for Fast Results by Jenni Dobson and Crafts for the Spirit: 30 Beautiful Projects to Enhance Your Personal Journey by Ronni Lundy

Various craft items completed over the last few months since Xmas.....

2011-04-11T17:29:00.007+01:00

There's more to add - need to find pics on harddrive!!

Ostara bakset for Mangospanker

2011-04-11T17:18:00.009+01:00

Here's the contents of the basket I sent Mangospanker in the USA for the Craftster Ostara swap photo copyright mangospanker Altar cloth, bookmark, lavender sachet, sun and moon Wicca bracelet, pentacle egg magnet

Ostara basket

2011-04-02T21:21:00.003+01:00

Here - finally - are the pics from the Ostara swap parcel I received from Mangospanker in the USA

Lovely basket, pretty necklace, incense holder and papier mache birds, handmade candles... Great parcel - many thanks ;0)

Llangollen Quilt Festival

2011-02-16T20:31:00.008Z

Currently running in Llangollen, North Wales:

Quiltfest 2011

Exhibitions include: Llangollen Museum, Parade Street, LL20 8PW 2nd - 28th February (closed Wednesdays till 2pm) 10am - 4pm 'Carved in Cloth' & 'Trees' by Turning Point Y Caban at Plas Newydd, Hill Street, LL20 8AW 1st - 28th February 2011 10am - 4pm 'Passage Defined' by By Design and Miniatures by Sandra Goldsbrough

Go to their site here or download the flyer here for more details. I'm aiming to spend the day there on the 24th.

Swaps

2011-02-16T20:14:00.007Z

I received these great things from Eeyore_witch in Canada for the Imbolc swap the other week. A fantastic white Tara shrine - deal size so I can take it with me on holiday or on retreats.

And a lovely 108 bead Mala and smaller hand Mala made from wooden beads. Wow great parcel geared to my tastes.

Unfortunately mine hasn't got to her yet, so I've re crafted and I am posting tomorrow. Signed up for the Ostara swap today ... make a basket and fill with one medium and 1 small crafted object.

Russell Howard

2011-02-05T23:08:00.006Z

Went with my daughter and her boyfriend to Manchester yesterday to see the comedian Russell Howard at the MEN.

He was fantastic!!!

I laughed so much I cried and my mouth hurt from smiling so much.

So funny!!! Great comedian.

If you can catch him on tour do so... otherwise keep watching his topical Good News programme or his guest appearances on Mock the Week!

Cookie / Biscuit recipes

2011-01-31T02:57:00.008Z

I've been busy cooking Cookies / Biscuits over the weekend, baking coconut biscuits, raisin biscuits and Oat and raisin cookies. Here are the recipes: COCONUT BISCUITS 100g / 4 oz caster sugar 100g / 4 oz butter 200g / 8 oz plain flour 75g / 3 oz coconut 1 egg 1. rub flour into butter - or use food processor - until resembles breadcrumbs. 2. add sugar and coconut and mix 3. add beaten egg and mix to stiff dough 4. form into golf ball sized balls and place on baking sheet 5. press down to make cookies 6. bake gas mark 7 for 15 minutes 7. cool SHREWSBURY BISCUITS 100g / 4 oz caster sugar 100g / 4 oz butter 200g / 8 oz plain flour 75g / 3 oz sultanas 25g / 1oz candied lemon peel 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg / mace 1 egg 1. rub flour into butter - or use food processor - until resembles breadcrumbs. 2. add sugar, sultanas, peel and nutmeg and mix 3. add beaten egg and mix to stiff dough 4. form into golf ball sized balls and place on baking sheet 5. press down to make cookies 6. bake gas mark 7 for 15 minutes 7. cool RAISIN AND OAT COOKIES 100g / 4 oz caster sugar 100g / 4 oz butter 150g / 6 oz plain flour 50g / 2oz rolled oats 75g / 3 oz raisins 1 egg 1. rub flour into butter - or use food processor - until resembles breadcrumbs. 2. add sugar, oats, raisins and mix 3. add beaten egg and mix to stiff dough 4. form into golf ball sized balls and place on baking sheet 5. press down to make cookies 6. bake gas mark 7 for 15 minutes 7. cool

Day Zero / 101 things in 1001 days

2011-01-31T01:12:00.050Z

Despite that fact that the main site is down, I've decided to restart my 101 things in 1001 days list here (and then transfer it over once the site is up and running again...) Here goes - in no particular order

1 - keep a daily Welsh diary to improve my Welsh
2 - learn the Heart Sutra
3 - Learn to identify 10 constellations
4 - plant my allotment
5 - strip and repaint my mum's (now my) rocking chair
6 - strip and repaint my mum's (now my) sewing table
7 - paint a work of art
8 - become a Mitra (21/4/2011)
9 -
10 - Go swimming in the sea at night
11 - write slate tales
12 - take the train up Snowdon with Ali & Mike and walk down
13 - walk up the Pig track - Snowdon
14 - complete the 1/2 marathon moon walk in London with Ali (no way I'd want to do the whole marathon again!)
15 - make a will (March 2011)
16 - go white water rafting on the Tryweryn
17 - join a walking group again
18 -
19 -
20 - Get my Reiki Master Teacher qualification (already Reiki master - need teacher bit now!)
21 - Get qualified in Auricular therapy
22 - Have a hot stone massage
23 - make a wish at 12.12 on December 12, 2012
24 - Swim in Fairy Glen
25 - Learn British sign language
26 - learn to sing the Heart Sutra in Sanskrit
27 - Go through closet and get rid of old clothes
28 - Attend another of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teachings
29 - Go horseback riding
30 - sleep under the stars
31 - Go skinny dipping
32 - Find a personally inspiring quote and work it into a piece of art or home decor
33 - Write all my bad memories on paper, burn this paper afterwards
34 - Bathe under a waterfall
35 - Watch the sunrise on the beach
36 - walk a labyrinth
37 - Go swimming at night each full moon
38 - take a pottery class
39 - Completely clear the clutter from all of the house
40 - Recognise 20 birds by call alone
41 - Falconry session
42 - See Shakespeare at the Globe again
43 - sew a Welsh Celtic quilt for my bed
44 - Go back to Rome
45 - Go back to Venice
46 - go on a wild foraging day
47 - learn to say hello, goodbye and thank you in 15 other languages
48 - Have a silent meditation day each month
49 - Go to Manchester Buddhist Centre
50 - Have a cupboard full of homemade jams, preserves, tonics and remedies!
51 - Learn to make at least 5 different Origami figures.
52 - See Wales play rugby at the Millennium Stadium Cardiff again
53 - Loose 30 pounds
54 - Sun salutation and Moon salutation daily
55 - sponsor a dog
56 - sponsor a child
57 - Go camping alone
58 - Llandudno Lions boxing day dip
59 - Walk part of Offa's Dyke Trail
60 - Afternoon tea at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester
61 - research socks
62 - spend Halloween doing something scary
63 - Afternoon tea at the Ritz London in 2013
64 - sew a quilt for my sofa in the living room
65 - sew a quilt for the other sofa in the living room
66 - finish knitting the cotton blanket I've been given
67 - Sleep overnight on a beach.
68 - buy a pair of diamond earrings
69 - make a cariad quilt
70 - take part in a whist drive
71 - learn to play bridge
72 - go on the Blodwen tour 7/7/2011
73 - complete a fire walk
74 -
75 - take part in the Meirionnydd County Show
76 - go to Scotland for mini break
77 - go back to Pembrokeshire camping
78 - learn to make candles
79 - make a willow basket
80 - dance naked in the rain
81 - make Roger a nautical quilt
82 - walk Chester roman walls again
83 - create a folder of graveyard drawings and paintings
84 - knit Steve a traditional Netherlands fisherman jumper
85 - do some agility training with the dogs
86 -
87 - Go to a Lib Dem conference
88 - complete Mum's photograph project
89 - work on my family tree again
90 - have a huge family picnic
91 - go on the Tree Tops Rope Course nr Betws / Llanrwst
92 - see a Medieval Mystery Play
93 - Have my astrological chart done 26/6/2011
94 - go back to Glastonbury
95 - visit all the local holy wells in Gwynedd
96 - spend a night star gazing
97 - Take part in the Pwhelli New Years Day Dip
98 - Bathe in St.Winifered's Well - Holywell
99 - See Shakespeare at the castle
100 - Attend an Archery course
101 -

Saturday knitting and craft finds, and more ....

2011-01-15T21:13:00.008Z

Hooray - got partner for the Imbolc swap - it's eeyore-witch from Canada Need to decide what to make her now, as this swap is an OTT one, and cannot be more than 5" square! On the knitting front found this great pattern on Ravelry

Los Muertos Day of the Dead Hat, Mittens & Cowl set by Erssie Major Love these mittens and hat .. will definitely be making them for myself for next Dias Los Muertos! Pattern available to buy on Ravelry.

New Year...

2011-01-14T23:42:00.010Z

New year - new me !!!

Well that's the theory. I'm trying to simplify my life as much as possible, and that includes blogging and spending time on the computer. So...in an effort to simplify computer time I have deleted by book blog as I just can't find the time to write book reviews any more. Instead I'll probably do a weekly round up of books I've read here on a Friday, and just include reviews of one or two book that I find interesting now and again. I just have this blog and my gardening blog over here now.

I'm also going to do less time swapping this year .. probably doing just the WWP swaps and maybe an odd one or two, again to free up more time for crafting for myself and other things. I have signed up for the 2011 Imbolc swap on Craftster ... awaiting partners....

Inspired by some of the blogs I read, such as Lucy's at The Smallest Smallholding , I've decide to make some resolutions this year - something I don't normally do. So here goes...

2011 resolutions

* Simplify my life! * Grow only herbs and flowers in pots this year, and wait to grow veg until I get an allotment! Plant lots of wildlife-friendly flowers. * Bake more.

* Walk more * Swim more * make more jam and chutneys

* spend more time birdwatching * meditate more * spend more time chilling out and listening to Opera * stop worrying about the little things!

Yule Swap 2010 sent and received

2011-01-13T15:35:00.005Z

Here is what I sent my Yule swap partner in Sweden for the Yule swap: Cool Yule blue and white holly bracelet, stocking, Swedish Tomte wall hanging, set of Yule animal note cards, Yule bookmark, little Yule notebook And here are the lovely things I received in return: Two lovely Swedish tree decorations ( I collect tree decorations), beautiful stocking, tatted bookmark, winter goddesses notebook , and a jar pincushion full of bobbins. Thank you so much Mellah ;0)

Cross stitch and Hardanger

2010-11-23T14:44:00.008Z

Here are two cross stitch items for Xmas /winter I've just finished... I'll be using these as centers for quilt hangers...

Here are a couple of sewing sets I've made recently:

and some bookmark inserts ready to be finished:

Finshed craft items - update!!!

2010-11-23T14:26:00.013Z

Here are some of the things I made for the various Halloween swaps ....