Packaging Problems

The Great Apron Swap 2010 continues.  I've had so many lovely emails from people wishing to join in the fun.  It's great to 'meet' so many more new faces.  I've had a couple of ladies saying they couldn't get the email in my profile to work.  If you are having trouble, just leave a message here, and I will get back to you.  I would hate anyone to miss out because of technology.  Oh and if you haven't emailed me with your details yet, please do.

So far we have 46 participants and the number is steadily growing.  It's open until the 25th April, by which time I'll probably be wondering what on earth I've got myself into!!

Lunch today.  I found a cheap and easy gluten free meal at the supermarket last Friday.  After heating it in the microwave (worrying about what the plastic was made from and if it alone would kill me) I poured it into my plate.  Goodness, it sure smelt very spicy, but that wasn't my biggest issue.  Just look at the packaging...

And now, what it looked like on my plate...  Are you seeing any resemblance?  Saffron?  Where?  I thought saffron was bright yellow.  And the peas?  Brown balls more like.  Very disappointing indeed.  And no I didn't eat it, it was horrid.

But if honest packaging is important, what does my packaging say about me??  Oh dear.

Is there a glamorous way to patch jeans?  Not that I'm glam or anything, I just don't want to look like my three year old.  Crochet patches may be OK for her, but for me??  Any ideas will be gratefully recieved.

Deck The Halls With...

One of the best parts of having children is going to their concerts. Last night Daughter No.1 was participating in a World Vision "Shake, Rattle and Roll" concert.

Daughter No. 2, Nana, Papa and Great Gran came along as well. It was an amazing show, really loud, awesome songs and lots of happy faces singing their little hearts out. No. 1 thoroughly enjoyed herself. The woman in the black and purple is Suzanne Prentice, a NZ singer, and she and her team have been doing these concerts for 15 years. I'm hoping I'll have someone in it next time as it was a great night's entertainment. Rather late too! We didn't get home until just after 10pm.

I find conductors such good entertainment. They appear to be looser than the rest of us, a bit like a marionette. I could have watched this man for hours!

Here are the singers. Papa counted about 400 I hear! He has a bit of a counting and sorting of colours obsession! I thought I'd leave all the heads in the photo as I quite enjoy this too. It's amazing how many balding men there are in the world!

And now we have a World Vision sponsored child. That's our little gift to someone this Christmas. She is 7 and will now be able to start going to school. Our girls were horrified, or perhaps jealous, that she didn't go yet! I'm thinking we might be able to raise a bit of money by selling our goods (the girls participating too) at Market Day before Christmas. We'd better get a jolly good wriggle on to do this.

Now on with the pretty Christmas pictures I promised you! These stood out as rather lovely and simple'ish' projects. I've tried to find something for everyone.

No.2 is actually going to make some bunting like this one for around our Christmas tree this year. My dear friend Hazel has kindly lent me her pinking shears for this job. Friends are just so perfect aren't they? She also gifted me with some lovely looking Christmas mince this morning! Gosh some people are organized.

How about some little bags with a message on them...

Here's the bunting around the tree... See the teddy with the gingham bow? It's all seriously gingham isn't it?

These oven mits would be a wonderful gift this season. You could put anything on them, but I do like the patchwork trees.

How about some little wooden or felt decorations hung on some bare branches. That always looks nice. And those cushions are a real winner for a festive feel in the lounge.

Maybe a nice new table runner is in order... Nice for a bit of quilting practice.

And for the scrapbookers out there, a very colourful Advent calendar...

Those who quite like a bit of hand stitching, this cushion would be perfect... I love the reindeer around the border.

Well I'll have to have a look in a few more mags and see what else I can find for you. Ooops I forgot the crochet lovers. Check this lovely crochet design out... http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/sarah-london-will-teach-you-how-to.html I'm thinking strung up as a garland would be perfect. I wish I could crochet at times like this. Well more than Granny squares anyway!

Now I'm itching to get back to my sewing as I didn't get time for anything yesterday. I'll love you and leave you all for now.

Hope you are getting a bit more excited now!

Sarah xxx

A Little Bit French

I met up with two friends for a cuppa this morning, one has just returned from England. And look what I received! Two lovely cushion covers all the way from a lovely French Market of all places. Are they not completely and utterly me??? Lovely linen embroidered with a heart, cotton lace and red cotton gingham. Like a dream come true they are. Thanks sweetie, you are too kind.

And now on to some lovely pictures (well actually my photos of them are trash, but you get that at times I'm afraid) of some Christmas ideas. You've probably seen them before in that lovely English Country Living mag from last year.

I'm liking these festive little pots of herbs and flowers, complete with gift tags...

And some very gingham, patchworky stockings for Santa's gifts...

I think this gardening apron is a real winner for myself. Who says you can't get yourself a present? I have some lovely linen fabric and a lovely off-cut of fabric from my kitchen apron
that should do nicely.

My preserves will look dapper with little hats like these ones... I love the simple string ties too. Maybe I could make up some little hampers with my homemade goodies for certain people.

I'm thinking about a little tree similar to this one out by the front door, or in the entrance way maybe. Perhaps with some bows and plump little hearts hung on the branches.

And I'm sure my girls will love to stitch up some felt decorations to decorate the bare tree branches...

And I'm quite certain Daughters No. 1 and 2 will want to spend a day in the kitchen baking star shaped cookies to give out as gifts. Very lovely dusted in icing sugar and wrapped in cellophane, tied with a pretty Christmas bow.

I would very much like to be wearing this lovely dress come Christmas Day...

The fabric and the style are fabulous! Might just have to try and make a pattern for one. Not sure about the belt colour, will have to give it some thought.

Whilst on The Challenge, one has to make everything, so one is finding herself rather busy these days. It doesn't help when other little people see what I've made for others and want one as well! I lost another present just this morning to this problem. I'll have to keep everything hidden I think.

Well off I go to have a bit of a tidy up. I haven't even emptied the dishwasher and it's 2pm! Goodness me, terribly slack aren't I? Oh well, I'm sure I'll get over it.