busy week

I have had two days work this week. I have taught reception which was really good and the day past so quickly and year 5 which I am more accustomed too. I heard today on the radio that the government is going to abandon the literacy and numeracy strategies. They only rolled out the new ones 18 months ago! I can't believe the waste of money, that's all I am going to say

At the beginning of the week I was frogging Ye Olde Chocolate shoppe I found miscounted stitches in the words at the top. Luckily it was easily rectified. I am hoping to finish this quite soon now.



I have progressed with my cat wall hanging this has been "hanging" around workroom table way too long. I was having problems with the silky thread so have abandoned it. But I am quite pleased with how it looks


I love hats many hats don't fit me because I have a smaller than average head. When I was sorting last week I found a pattern for the segments and the peak for a cap. So I thought I would give it ago. I wasn't sure how it would turn out so I made a mock up in some old fabric. It turned out OK but I will need a stiffer interfacing in the peak.


This is the fabric for the real one


The little sparrows are growing up but still occasionally getting fed. We have had too many to count at times in various parts of the yard. They have been bathing in the water dish during this spell of hot weather.

We woke up this morning to the news that Michael Jackson had died. I was never mega fan but I do like some of his songs, I think Billy Jean is probably my favourite. I did like his Jackson 5 stuff and think most of his problems stemmed from his childhood. The media seems to be going overboard on its coverage. Its a pity they don't put so much passion into some other things.

Its Wimbledon fortnight at least that is still on BBC tv.


Thanks for the comments last time

fledglings,flowers,

Years ago I would have never imagined getting excited over .... sparrows. When was young there were loads in our garden, annoying my parents as they dust bathed among the veggies and flowers. During the first few years we lived here although we didn't get birds in the garden we could watch the sparrows in the hedge opposite the bus stop. Usually too many to count, a couple of years ago the council massacred the hedge which bordered the windows of some flats and the sparrows their safe haven gone went as well.

Since having feeders in our yard we have attracted a few back but not very many. Over the country as a whole sparrows are in serious decline. So you can imagine how exciting this was. Little fledglings sunnythemselves on a quiet Sunday afternoon.





The one on the wall was fed a treat by a parent bird and the one on the ground (who is quite hard to see in the photo) was basking. At one point I got a bit worried as you could see him breathing quite fast. But he was pecking at some fallen seeds. When I gentle opened the back door he just flew to the bench. I think it's him on the feeding cage.


The irises look lovely now. We sent for them from the newspaper for the price of the postage




I particularly like the brownish yellow ones. I have no idea what this purple plant is it grows on long spikes and has small pointed leaves

I rather like it and new bits keep popping up.

I have got an update of Ye Olde Chocolate Shoppe not too much left now to do


I have not had a good week sewing-wise. My inspiration seems on the wane. I must point you in the direct of this
Scroll down to see. Terri I love it.

Thanks for the comments last time

A mixed bag

Grace is pleased. She has a new dress. It reminds me of a couple I made Elizabeth when she was small but Grace's has short sleeves with ties.
I used a toddler pattern but chopped several centimetres off the hem. The top and the ties are lined with the fabric used for the collar.

Well my guarantee of good weather didn't work we had a day of rain at the end of last week and I measured 26mm in my rain gauge. The water-butt is full and ready for a dry spell.




These pictures show just how small our little back yard is the first one is taken from the back gate


And the second looking from near the back door towards the gate





We have been glued to springwatch over the past couple of weeks and Tia goes mad when she hears birds She walks slowly nearer and near to the tv and then one of us has to leap up and get her before she jumps up







Many of the schools here had a two week spring bank break so I was not surprised there was no work last week but I am hoping there will be at least one day this week.

I have pulled out various fabrics ready to start a challenge doll. The submit date is the end of September so I have a while. The brief is fairly open, with an autumn themed stump doll so the colours are right up my street