Stacey Solomon, Eat Your Heart Out!

 

To be fair, I have not watched more than about one-and-a-half of these programmes. Dear Stacey goes to help people living in overcrowded chaos to minimalise their possessions, and get everything organised. All the while she is relentlessly cheerful [except when consoling people as they part with emotional items] Her decluttering technique is quite a common one - empty everything out. sort it into categories, then dispose of items which are duplicated, dated, damaged or despised. Sounds good in principle, but I get hot under the collar when this reduction includes getting rid of books or haberdashery.

SS herself lives in a massive Tudor style mansion costin £1.2M which she calls "Pickle Cottage". So she has loads of rooms to play around with. Anyway, back to my decluttering. 

Cornerstones' original garage is a small, damp brick built, flat roofed building. And since 2009 we have been filling it up with more and more stuff. Bicycles, gardening equipment, outdoor toys, painting and decorating supplies etc. Plus old freezer and even older tumble dryer. I said "If we have a dry sunny day, I will empty it all out and tidy it up." Not least because all my flower pots were at the end behind three bikes, and I could not get to them. I have no idea how many I have, nor yet what sizes. Here are the before shots

As you enter, the frudge and dryer are immediately inside the door. The bench is stacked high with gardening stuff, and you cannot reach the green drawer unit because there is a lawnmower, dustbin full of compost and sack barrow in the way. Then on one side shelves crammed with paint, toys, tools, a gas heater, whilst the opposite wall has a hanging rack full of tools 

and the central space is packed with bikes, and bits of wood etc. There is no room to swing a small felt mouse, let alone a cat. We have bizarre things like huge rolls of foil, a large bag of microphone stands -  and a pair of coffin trestles. I am not sure why Bob rescued them from a church decluttering day...

Everything went outside in vague "Categories" . The wheeled stuff included bikes, lawnmower, 2 sack barrows[flatbed and sacktruck] 2 pressure washers, shredder, shopping trolley, toddler vehicle, trolley jack...

Cans and boxes, trugs and bags, the gas heater, and my sign from a skip. And a heavy box - not unpacked since Easter 2021. Why do you have so many vices? I asked him...and the blue thing that holds the drill to the bench...

I put paints and chemicals under the windows in the shade and Bob came and sorted them out, I found a strange thing that looked like part of the Starship enterprise [it is the heavy base of a stand for holding things up when you are working on them]

And Liz's 1982 nappy bucket, now totally full of funnels in all sizes!

And a mysterious jar of green liquid which is definitely not  seafood sauce.

But I ran out of time, the items were put back neatly, but the bench is still stacked with my garden stuff and unsorted flowerpots. That's for another day. But lots of junk went into the bin, and I was able to repurpose my tall flower arranging buckets to store garden canes, brooms and 'spare broom handles' very neatly.

Now one bike is hanging up at the end by the door [which cannot be opened due to the sandbags on the other side] But in the space behind it, the coffin trestles have provided an excellent stand for the mic-stand case to rest horizontally, no longer in danger if getting a soggy bottom from a damp floor.

Tools hang neatly, brushes are supported in tall buckets. The mower is parked sideways and takes up less room.

You can see the clear space around the bicycles.

All is good, and we are happier. 

I am still wondering what the green stuff in the seafood sauce jar is though...

And I never realised I had so many of those blue stacking Sainsbury boxes from 1998...

Because I Can...

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations says that volunteering is: “Volunteering is someone spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone who they're not closely related to. Volunteering must be a choice freely made by each individual.”

Or there’s this shorter definition; “Volunteering is doing more than you have to, because you want to, in a cause you consider good.”

Back before Christmas, I saw that Voluntary Norfolk were advertising for somebody to do crafts with patients on the Rehab Ward at Dereham Hospital. So I made enquiries about what this entailed. The wheels were set in motion - but boy did they turn slowly! This is quite normal in the world of volunteering - references, DBS checks, training, induction, "shadowing" etc etc. I finally began the job a month ago, and this week actually did something approaching a 'craft activity' with just one patient.

There were 4 volunteers in the team, and we are having a "Sport" theme for the next four Tuesdays. I helped one lady make herself a medal, and then she coloured in a poster. Another gentleman painted a picture of a banana [he was not interested in the theme!]

It is a small unit, and this crafting is a new initiative, but we are hoping interest will grow among the other patients - we work in the day room/dining area. Patients who can walk, or go into wheelchairs, come into this room for their meals, so maybe the Olympic Display my colleague put up will stimulate more craftiness next week. 

When I applied, the first question was 'have you done voluntary work before?' and I said I had been volunteering since about 1970. 'What was the first thing you did?' I said I was doing my Queen's Award in the Girls' Brigade. One requirement was doing 2 hours voluntary service each week for 6 months. So I used to cycle up the hill to Dereham Hospital each Saturday morning. I had to sort out the flowers, help patients with their elevenses, and chat to them. 

Obviously the patients are quite limited in their abilities.They are all OAPs, some in their 90s, and many have few fine motor skills, others have arms/hands strapped up, due to falls. Finding appropriate activities is a challenge. But just chatting with them is a positive exercise. The nursing staff are really appreciative, as they do not have time to sit and talk with these folk.

If giving up 90 minutes on a Tuesday morning can help brighten someone's day, give them more confidence in their abilities, or just relieve the pressure on nursing staff, then I will be a volunteer. The important thing is to pick up the correct lanyard from the hook on the back of the study door. It would confuse everybody if I arrived with a badge saying Bob, Chaplaincy Team! Finding an appropriate photo was a challenge. The picture is four years old - after that haircut, I stopped dyeing the grey hairs! 

Do you volunteer? And do you find it rewarding?

 

Signs And Wonders

My French accent is dreadful, but most of the time I can work out the words if they are written down. I was able to watch The Big Bang Theory on the TV in the hotel bedroom, and understand the subtitles. But Parisian street signs occasionally caused me to wonder...

Chanter is to sing - so is it forbidden to sing in public? Or must you wear a hard hat whilst doing so, and stand still [don't walk along] I wondered about this one for ages. 

But chantier is a noun, not a verb. It means construction site, and the sign explains that the public may not enter it. 

Then there was this one 

Then there was this one

Sauf desserte locale SAUF

I wonder... Is it

"Save the local puddings" do you think? **

Well I'm all for that one 

- we enjoyed some splendid desserts this week. 

I had Iles Flottantes twice. 

The second of these was huge, the size of a small melon.

 Bob had a large millefeuille, stuffed with cream and red fruits 

- and I had an amazing 5-part pud, comprising three different pots of deliciousness, plus a slim gauffre [waffle] and a tiny cup of coffee. The three pots contained 

1. chocolate mousse with whipped cream, 
2. vanilla mascarpone with cream, apricots and almonds, 
3. a little serving of batons of fresh pineapple with strawberry garnish. 

**I was sort of sad to discover it actually means "no entry, save [excepting] local traffic, and excepting bicycles"! 

It will be strange to get back to Britain where the road signs usually make sense. 

Here's a favourite of mine, from Wiveton up on the Norfolk coast 

I wonder what a visiting Frenchman would make of this sign? 

Today's schedule...Breakfast at 7, Eurostar leaves at 10, back to Romford to collect car from Julian's. Then Norfolk in the evening.

Back In The Saddle

The sunny weather has got me out on my bicycle. I love my ancient velocipede, with its pretty flower basket and ding-a-lying bell. In 2013, Liz gave me a Cath Kidston saddle cover. A beautiful rose print 6000 were given away in London to celebrate CK's company celebrating its 20th birthday. At the time the tag said "it would fade beautifully"

Mine has not only faded, but also started disintegrating. So I sat in the garden and took it to bits. I made a template from the old cover and thought about what to use for a new one. Among the fabrics from my dismantled patchwork was a heavier weight cotton with a bright summery print - originally flowers, bees and butterflies. I sewed the pieces randomly to make a rectangle. From that I cut the seat shape and edge strip. 

I took the sewing machine outside, and set to. When Bob got back from The Shed, I was just finishing the new saddle cover. It looks much more cheerful! 

Bicycles And Broomsticks

Two of my four grandchildren really did not want to dress up today. So their Mums wisely let them wear regular clothes. Jacob was put into his green Pickle clothes and hat, but then he got unhappy about it too. Steph got a quick photo! Rosie absolutely nailed it in her Worst Witch outfit. Liz put her hair into cute plaits. She upgraded her broomstick, and travelled to school on her bike. I love this shot of her speeding along, her witch cloak flying out behind her

I hope you had a Happy World Book Day too
.

We Are Not Made Of Sugar, Grandma!

Said Rosie, when I muttered about the heavy rain on a trip to the coast last year. Her Mum helpfully gave me the Dutch version "Jij bent niet van suiker gemaakt" - and I try to remind myself of this when it starts to rain, and I'm tempted to get in the car instead of on my bicycle for a quick trip to the Village Shop. Then of course the Norwegians say this little rhyming couplet

there's no

dårlig vær, 

[bad weather] 

just 

dårlig klær! 

[bad clothes]

I have been thinking about this a lot recently.

I did my seasonal wardrobe sort - and then October brought us some very unseasonal weather. Bob has been outside in his shorts, and I've been cycling wearing a teeshirt and no jacket or jumper. I did get caught out one day wearing sandals and came home with rain-sodden cold feet. I am very fond of dressing in layers, so I can add one or peel one off, depending on the temperature 

Then I found another Norwegian word-  friluftsliv - this means "free-air life" and the term was coined by playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1859, to convey a spiritual connection with nature. This 'getting outside in the fresh air is good for your soul' concept is huge in Norway - check out the  Visit Norway website which lists loads of activities, and shares fascinating facts

• 90% of Norwegians say that friluftsliv is important to them - 
• Friluftsliv has its own law, Friluftsloven, which includes the right to roam
• Norway has several outdoor kindergartens [friluftsbarnehager], where the children spend 80 per cent of the time outdoors. [we are getting more 'forest nursery schools' in the UK now]
• Many Norwegians look for an active partner, and it’s not unusual to go hiking or cycling on the first date.
• In Norway, there are government-sponsored “libraries” where you can borrow outdoor gear.
• In Norway, you can take a bachelor’s degree in friluftsliv.

I had friends in Dorset who were into the Japanese idea of shinrin yoku - forest bathing - an ancient practice of being calm and relaxing among the trees. But this is much more than that. 

I am trying to get outside in the fresh air every day if I can. Maybe just a walk to the medical centre to collect our pills [oh, the joys of old age!] or a cycle ride to the village post office. But some days maybe just a walk around the garden, pulling out the odd weeds, saying encouraging words to the walking onions or perhaps having breakfast or a midmorning cuppa sitting outside [if it is not too wet or windy] It ups my body's supply of Vitamin D, and lifts my spirits. Scientists have shown that exposure to morning sunlight helps reset our circadian rhythms and benefits our night time sleep patterns. 

So I WILL wrap my weather scarf round my neck, put on a warm coat and good footwear, and sally forth into the fresh air for a brief while, EVERY day. Even if what I really want is to do my knitting in front of the TV, with a mug of tea beside me.

I'm not sure what the weather was like outside Tate Britain on Saturday - but one member of my family was certainly making sure she had the right clothes for the occasion. [Maybe she wants to audition for Cabaret, or Wicked!]

Are you a fresh air fanatic, or do you prefer warm and cosy?

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

In October I'm attending a wreath making workshop. We've been encouraged to start foraging and gathering materials. On my walk down to the village centre, I regularly pass the most beautiful garden. And on the corner is a huge shrub covered in red hips.

Yesterday as I cycled past on my way home from the Macmillan Coffee Morning, I decided to call at the house. I cycled down the long drive and parked my bike. A woman (about my age, perhaps a little younger) answered the door. "This Is a bit cheeky, but please could I have some of those hips for a wreath?" She said it was her parents' garden, but she was sure they would not mind. 

I said I'd be back later with secateurs. I returned in the afternoon and snipped off three sprigs, then went to the house to say thank you. The woman had gone home, but her parents, the home owners, were utterly delightful. "It's the lady with the pretty bicycle basket!" said her Mum as she answered the door. I chatted for a while with them both, and they said I could go anytime and collect any further foliage I might need. 

I explained about the Wreath Workshop. We talked about crafts - she and I share a love of knitting, and sewing and patchwork - and his career was working as a Master Saddler [wow! ] I gave them a jar of chutney and thanked them again.

And I pedalled happily home. I'm really glad I called - not just for the foliage, but because I've made two new acquaintances and learned about another plant. It is called a Rosa Geranium. I found a picture of it in flower. Isn't it stunning? 

An Indigestible Truth

It is 17 years since Al Gore brought us his film about Global Warming. So many people [and governments] are still refusing to take this seriously, and change their lifestyles or reduce their carbon footprints to improve the health of the planet. Now Chris Van Tulleken [CVT] and others are doing their best to flag up the dangers of Ultra Processed Foods[UPF] in our diet

- and again it feels as if they are banging their heads against the wall. They are particularly concerned for younger people, who are consuming the wrong stuff while their bodies are still developing - and storing up trouble for the future.

I'm 68, so I recognise I am definitely not young anymore. But I believe I do have a responsibility to be a good role model for my grandchildren and encourage them to eat well. But it is so difficult for parents these days when peer pressure means their kids want to eat at McDonalds, or snack in front of the TV. Most families will admit that at some stage, their children have been fussy eaters - and they have given in for the sake of family harmony. And families who are really struggling to manage the budget often find it is quicker, easier and cheaper to buy UPF ready meals than to buy ingredients and prepare foods from scratch. Much as I love fresh, home made bread, I'm not sufficiently organised, and often buy loaves from the supermarket.

In 1987, the year Liz started school , we Mums stood around discussing Maurice Hanssen's book "E for Additives" and diligently avoided feeding the kids anything with dodgy E-numbers [E102 - tartrazine yellow is the one I remember straightaway] They still have E-numbers, but these days you are more likely to find the full scientific name of the ingredient on the label. e.g. E300 will be called ascorbic acid [or just Vitamin C] Having an ingredient with an E number [as Hanssen's book pointed out] is not necessarily harmful. This is just a convenient labelling system. 

E415 is xanthan gum. CVT says he is unhappy about this ingredient, mentioning it is used in industrial products like paint and wallpaper paste. But many coeliacs I know rely on this one to make their gluten free foods digestible. And people put milk into paint, and they used to put flour into wallpaper paste - I'm not sure of the relevance to diet. 

On the whole I am unhappy about UPFs, but I'm trying not to become obsessive. I have to say here that I've read articles by CVT but not read his bestseller yet [a quick skim through the pages on a wet Wednesday in Waterstones doesn't count] 

It is really difficult to maintain a consistent approach to major lifestyle decisions whether about food, or travel or green issues. 

• Bea Johnson, chief promoter of Zero-Waste, flies around the world to give talks about it. Maybe she avoids the disposable cutlery with her inflight meal, but the couple in the seats in front don't. 
• The "Plastic Free July" people have a website. You need a plastic device to access it
• Living in a village with infrequent public transport means I use my car more than I'd like (I'm trying to cycle more) 
• Most diet programmes allow for lapses. Devotees of  Slimming World have their "syns" 
• A number of vegetarian/vegan options, particularly the "imitation meats" are UPF

So I'm don't think I'm going to beat myself up about the odd UPF that is on my plate. 

I don't think I can be as rigid as CVT in avoiding all UPFs. But another book I've just finished reading has proved very informative.  It presents an alternative approach which I think is worthy of consideration. I shall review it tomorrow. 

Are you avoiding UPFs? How is it working for you? What is the hardest thing? 

The Lesser Of Two Weevils...

We all have them - those days when things don't go to plan...and every little task seems to take three times as long. I was making bread, and I found a container with just a small amount of rye flour, right at the back of the cupboard.[In the inaccessible corner where I keep my flower vases] And ugh! there were weevils [tiny flour bugs] in it. I checked the other containers of flour [plain, self raising, and "strong bread". And fortunately they were all ok [I think because they were stored in another place] But I carefully took the glass jar outside and emptied it, and then dismantled the wire clip fastening and put the jar and lid through the dishwasher on Sunday night..

I have a lot of these jars [not all pukka Kilner, some are IKEA, some Wilko etc] But why oh why does it take me an age to reassemble the wire clip after washing? I put a complete one in front of me, and arrange the pieces of the newly washed one... and always manage to get one bit or the other upside down. But I like using this storage - I can see the contents, they are properly airtight [I check and replace the rubber seals if they get dodgy, split or perished] But re-assembling is a pain, and took up a ridiculous amount of time on Monday,

Then there was the Big Bang! I'd done my washing and was pegging it out on the line and suddenly there was a Very Loud Bang! I jumped, and said Wow! "Are you OK?" called Bob and came outside." There was a bang" , I declared. "I think it came from behind me." We checked around the garden. I suspected the deflated football Bob had pumped up earlier in the day, No, that was OK. We peeped over the garden fences. Nothing dodgy at the neighbours' houses. Bob looked in the Lathe Palace, and went all round outside the property. Nothing...

Then later in the afternoon, Bob went to put away my bike. It had been out on the patio since I cycled back from Craft Group. "When did you get a flat tyre?" he asked. I had no idea. That's when we realised that the Big Bang had been my bicycle tyre exploding. 

Bob had kindly pumped up the tyres before I went out - Was it the heat? did standing on the hot patio all afternoon prove just a little too much? Fortunately he had a spare inner tube which he fitted.

The washing all dried beautifully and I brought it in before we had our evening meal. Then we settled down for Quizzy Monday on BBC2. I started watching the new drama [Inheritance, Channel 5] but Bob gave up and went and did stuff in the study. He came in as I was catching up with the 10 o'clock news, and suggested we should go to bed - it had been a long, hot, tiring day. That was when I realised I had taken off the bedding to wash it - and not put on fresh linen. It was 11pm before I finally rested my head on the pillow. 

Rosie's Holiday At Cornerstones

Rosie has spent a whole week at Cornerstones.Mum, Dad and Jess are back in London. Every morning we have cycled to swimming lessons at the village school. We have made origami animals, tried  breadmaking and boatbuilding, written up a holiday diary, visited The Museum of Norwich, done the Animal Trail in the Shopping Centre, visited the Workhouse Museum, read books, completed maths challenges, had a film night with the grandchildren staying next door, and generally had lots of fun. 

Grandma's Thankyou awards for child friendly places

1. The Museum Of Norwich We got in free [we are members, and Julian gave me the voucher he got last month when we went to the Castle] Lots of extra free activities for the children; a Snap-the-dragon finger puppet, and museum guide. More dress up gear, and a puppet theatre where families could put on impromptu plays. 
   
2. Chantry Place Shopping Centre with a free Animal Trail, medal and goodie bag on completion and all entrants have the chance to win an annual family pass for Banham Zoo. 
   
3. Bill's and other eating places offering free meals for children. Very impressed with staff who chatted with Rosie as they served us, and took a genuine interest in her 'dining experience' and her holiday plans. 
   
4. Waterstones, Norwich Rosie knew which book series she was looking for. The assistant helped her find it, and had a great conversation with her about her current reading choices
   
5. Dereham Library and all other libraries running brilliant free holiday reading schemes
   
6. Charity Shops - too many to list - where there are clear, well displayed children's books and toys. Special mention for EACH and RSPCA Dereham, and their friendly staff. 
7. Gressenhall Museum - so much to see and too, enthusiastic staff and volunteers, well planned activities for all ages. As Museum Pass Holders we get in free, and get 10% discount in the café, but entrance fee is rather pricey for school children I think. However we were there over 3 hours. There's the museum, farm and adventure playground, plus café, gift shop and 2nd hand bookshop. Always enjoyable with new things to discover. 
   
   Less than satisfactory - The Smiggle Store. This place was teeming with children, pestering parents for backpacks, water bottles, pencil cases etc. The basic* pencil cases start at £8, regular backpacks £20+. A back-to-school "bundle" with just four matching items  [backpack, pencil case, lunchbag & water bottle] sets you back £65. I see no evidence these will last any longer than cheaper stuff, and I imagine they will be more easily "lost". Kids do not need these. Parents don't need to be pressured into purchasing. *not sale prices

Smiggle Stores this year are proudly supporting The Diana Award, an anti bullying campaign encouraging kindness. Rosie, bless her, recognised that the stuff on offer was beyond her budget, but asked if she could fill in a Kindness Pledge. She wrote her thoughtful message, then took it to a member of staff [as per the notice by the till] The girl took it [without a word of thanks] walked back to the till, and put it in the drawer. We stood there "What happens now?" I asked. "Later on we will stick it on the wall" she replied. No sign of any certificate to take home [as promised on the notice] , or any comment on what Ro had written. Or any display of kindness. Rosie and her grandmother were not impressed! 

This is a Smiggle Beau Jewellery Box. They came out in 2020 and cost £25. But Ro found one, as new, for just £2 in a Dereham CS. Well done Rosie! 

It's Norfolk Day

Since 2018, July 27th has been marked as Norfolk Day. Various people in various places have organised special events to celebrate our wonderful county. Bob and I love the place- but have never actually done anything on this day.

Cycle rides [too lazy], cribbage nights [cannot play] beach clean-ups [we live in the middle of the county] But I admire all those who are putting on fetes, and tea-parties, and craft fairs... 

The Women's Institute are doing lots of things [no WI in our village though] and others are dressing up as local heroes for the occasion.
But this year we have found something. It being Thursday, we planned to be in Norwich [Bob's at the Hospice in the afternoon] and I saw an ad for an event at the Maid's Head Hotel. I have always wanted an excuse to go in there!

So we have booked tickets for this talk...it ticks all the boxes [Norfolk, history, environmental and social issues, National Trust, tea and coffee - and it is free!]

Join us for this special talk to celebrate Norfolk Day ! Dr Rob Knee, in the guise of Sir Robert Hunter, will relate the remarkable life of Octavia Hill. In 1895, Octavia Hill co-founded the National Trust with Sir Robert and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley.

Octavia was born in Wisbech and became a leading campaigner on social issues, many relating to improving the environment for the disadvantaged and to provide access for all to beautiful places. In 1912, Blakeney Point became one of the National Trusts first ever acquisitions.

I will report back...

Flaming June!

 Any excuse for this great picture! Let's end the month with some positive things, which celebrate the joys of summer. 

There has been enough sadness - global and local - and at some moments I have found the heat almost unbearable.

But there has been time to sew, and time with family, time to share good food, time to just be and to enjoy the beauty of my surroundings. 

And to thank the Lord for his many blessings and unfailing love...

Time for Jean's delicious recipe for chicken, lemon and thyme kebabs. That's her photo by the way. So fresh and light and summery - and I had all the ingredients in the fridge, freezer and garden too.

Time to harvest my lovely beans - some we had at lunchtime, and the rest I have blanched and frozen for future days

Time to ride into Dereham on my bike. I've put the basket back on the front - and woven the stems of silk flowers through the wicker. This lot cost me a fiver on Sheringham Market last week - but they really make me feel cheerful.

What super, summery things have you done this month?

Postcard #1

Here are the final two Postcard Project posts - one today, one tomorrow. This is the piece which I will be keeping, framing and displaying [along with a photo of the other piece which is now with Kirsten]. I think if you click on the image, you should be able to see more details

On the right, the name, blog address, and postmark - plus Ukrainian stamp. Plus the two royal cyphers marking the death of the Queen and accession of the King. And my washing line.

On the left, reading from top corner

Veg in One Bed my celebration of becoming a gardener

8pm Clock - K's daily time of prayer for peace in Ukraine

The sunflower and flag - my pictures for Ukraine along with the World Day of Prayer Logo

Nazanin is home from Iran - my joy at her plane landing in the UK

A view across the countryside - K's beautiful sketch interpreted in stitch

A little bird - I spent November embroidering these for my craft sale

Grandson Jacob's birth announcement

The postcard project, conceived, delivered, dated and signed by us both

A Christmas tree with K's Epiphany blessing

A patched panel - my boro stitching

Autumn leaves - K's circle of foliage

The labyrinth of prayer - K's meditative garden

The tea tray - K's appliqué and stitched homage to our afternoon delights

A Bicycle - my piece incorporating Dorset button wheels.

I cannot believe how much we stitched in one year - the notebook accompanying the fabric lists all the stitch patterns, and changed plans, and design decisions etc. 

Tomorrow I will post a picture of K's postcard.[They are about 24" x 12" in size.]

Four Million?!? End Of Year Giveaway

I am struggling to get my head around this huge number. 

My blog has had over 4,000,000 hits since it began in March 2008.

Thank you so much, to all of you who follow Tracing Rainbows. Some have been here since the beginning, others are more recent followers. 

Your comments - publicly here, or privately via email, have been so kind and so encouraging. I thank you for them all. 

I don't know how many people are represented - but it has been great to make new friends, and especially to connect in person. 

As a Thank-you I am going to pack a giveaway parcel - please leave a comment BELOW before Tuesday 3rd January, and a name will pulled out of the hat then.[I'll be a bit busy over the weekend]

I cannot find any songs with "four million" in the title. Katie Melua had 9M bicycles in Beijing and PTBarnum had 1M dreams.

I don't know what your hopes and dreams are for the coming year - peace and love are very high on my list.

Poster Girl

I bicycled all round the village on a cold and windy afternoon to put up two dozen posters for my shop. I noted the locations [so I can make sure they all get removed afterwards]

Then a few days later it rained heavily and the posters ran. I had to take them down and make fresh, smaller ones so the holes in the laminated sheets were not through the paper! Bob took me round in the car to save time. We had lots of visitors in the village on Saturday for the fireworks so it was important to get the adverts out there. 

[nb I blotted out my address on the photo, in case you were thinking I'd omitted it from the poster! then absently minded posted the wrong picture. Thank you for the early birds who pointed it out!!]

Buttons, Bicycle, Baby

For my August contribution to the Postcard Project, I added two things. I found my box of Dorset Buttons in the loft, and decided to. make a few more. As I did the foundation ring, I was struck by the similarity to a bicycle wheel. Apart from that week of really hot weather, I've tried to do at least one ride a week since July [to the Library, Craft Group or Egg Farm]

So I stitched a bicycle - using two curtain rings for the framework, and a tiny black plastic button for the chain guard. And of course,  I had to stitch a small Aida banner declaring the details of Baby Jacob's arrival. My 'flat gift' for Kirsten was a card of my ”Blandford Cartwheel " Dorset Buttons.

Both of us have had a chaotic time recently, family wise, and agreed to have a Stitch-free September [our project, our rules] but now we are thinking that our postcards should acknowledge the Queen's passing this month in some way.

 

My Crafty New Friends

I have mentioned the Craft Group to which I belong. We are an incredibly diverse bunch, taking all sorts of different crafts along to work at during our two hour session. During July we were working on a collaborative project for the Gressenhall Museum- a banner saying Farmers Foundry. This will be hung behind a large piece of agricultural machinery [made locally a century or more ago] in an upcoming exhibition. One member made the banner, which was dyed using rust dyes generated with old cogs and washers etc - then we all worked on cutting and sewing the letters from recycled materials.

But on Monday of this week, everyone was back to their own activities

Left to right, top to bottom we have...

1. Socks knitted on 4 dpns, random dye yarn
2. English paper piecing quilt
3. A large quilt made throughout the pandemic
4. A baby's cable knit cardi in random dye yarn
5. Dorset buttons of various designs
6. Flower loom flowers for a pram quilt, using family yarns
7. "Visible mending" - Japanese sashiko stitching
8. Faux quilting with Styrofoam
9. Dressmaking - vintage Simplicity pattern, upcycling a sari.

Sometimes people bring crochet, needlefelting, embroidery, and more. We have a library of craft books which members are free to borrow - and often people bring a new tool to demonstrate, or a complete piece for 'show&tell'. There is a sewing machine available at the Village Hall  and we enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits, and we pay £2 a time towards costs. I love the different skills displayed, the exchange of ideas, and the passing on of tips and techniques. This is definitely a group I am glad to have joined, and I've made new friends here. We're all aged 60+, but that's not surprising with a daytime group

And I love being able to cycle along the country lanes, less than 10 minutes door to door. I am not sure I will cycle in the winter though] And, like my group in Ferndown, I appreciate a mixed-interest group, it suits my random crafting habits!

Are you in a craft group? 

Is it single interest [eg just knitting] or various skills?

What sort of age are the participants? 

Do you meet evening or daytime?

What do you like best about the group?