Ta Dah! The Fortnum's quilt emerges.

Having spent half my time at the Festival of Quilts last weekend looking for half hexagon template I listened when the nice salesman said that the whole hexie would do the job. Vaguely convinced I bought it and went off to laugh at giant rabbit quilts with bees stuck on.

Monday night I got brave and pulled the template out of the bag. It came with detailed instructions on how to use it and make 11 shapes! This gave me a pain in behind my left eye so I put it back in the bag.

Missus Moog came up for a visit on Wednesday and I may have spent a few minutes showing her the fabrics for my Fortnum and Mason quilt. This inspired me sufficiently that the template came back out that evening and I started to cut out 5.5" half hexagons. By the end of the evening I had about 30 so I went to bed.

The next day I had a small nervous meltdown when it became clear that all of the 5" blocks cut prior to purchase of the template would NOT yield a half hexie no matter which the template was twisted.

I spoke with my in-house geek/tech support that evening and he had a lovely time with several pieces of paper, algebraic equations and a particularly unusual mis-step in thinking six foot equalled 120" (!) Having rectified this mathematical illogicality he went on to tell me I needed 208 5" half-hexies and 368 2" half-hexies. Yes you see how my meltdown was resolved? An inner block of 5" hexies surrounded by two rows of 2.5" hexies. Yay!


Cut most of the large ones out today.


Wanna see what they look like?





.

5 steps to being a poor hostess.

Number 1.
Invite guests for a picnic and when choosing weather remember to hit the 'lousy' button.

Number 2.
Spend much of the 24 hours preceding the event negotiating closed down motorways and unbelieveably long traffic jams en route to the airport. This ensures you are too busy to do any food shopping and replenish your EMPTY cupboards.

Number 3.
Given your guests may have travelled some long distance to the venue it is always a good idea to allow them to supply ALL the food. If feeling generous your own contribution could be water for everyone to drink.

Number 4.
A bracing stroll in a gentle breeze to blow the cobwebs away after lunch can be enjoyable. Should every member of your party end up soaked (be it due to atmospherics or puddle-jumping) and spend the rest of the day with sodden feet this is only to be encouraged as a sign of an agreeable afternoon.

Number 5.
Arrange family friendly activities to stimulate the mind and social intercourse. This may well include lying on the floor on and under every item of bed linen in the house while watching a movie.

I hope these tips have been helpful to you all. Please do come back and visit us again soon up here at The Hilltop Finishing School of Elegance and Grace.


A million thanks to Missus Moog and the Mooglets for making the long journey all the way up here from the water today. We hope your trip home was uneventful and speedy but most of all dry ;-)




pics courtesy of
1. Me. Nearly exactly 6 years ago on the second birthday of the then named Babyman.
2. Sylv. Their room service breakfast in their resoundlingly posh hotel in Ireland last weekend.
3. Sylv. Wedding cake of Irish cousin who was married this weekend just past.
4. CK. Attempt to get black dogs into water in Bournemouth two weeks ago.
5. Me. All three naughty ones in house playing a boardgame last week.

we got presents (part the third)

To end this week of lovely gift show and tell up here at Trash Towers we have Secret Pal Swap 14. This is my second parcel from my swapper and once again she has nailed exactly the right things to send.

First thing visible on undoing the bubble wrap was a tin. Oh how I love tins. Boxes to put things in. Lidded containers to be home to the many bits and pieces I keep on hand.

Things got even more exciting when I lifted the lid.

Look at all the loveliness hidden inside the tissue paper.

Two balls terracotta and one white of Rowan silk cotton (My luvverly swapper lady suggests a beret-oh I think so!) , a pin of nine gorgeous snag-free stitchmarkers, a tube of ever-so fragrant and delicate strawberry and rose confiture direct from Bon Marche en Paris. And finally a bag of biscuitty bones for my doggers.

I think ....

... my hounds...

approve.

We got presents! (Part the Second)

Woohoo! Finally the Vaio is letting me look at the innernets. Which means I can show you the parcel of lovelieness I got from my seaside swap partner over at meplusmolly. (I am never sure of the protocols in using names on the innernets so I shall stick with the blog name unless told otherwise)

Firstly there was the wrapping. Is there anything more satisfying and exciting than opening a package addressed to you and finding individually wrapped gifts? I don't think so (hmmm... unless it involves Dara O'Briain, some honey and a really long, hot shower afterwards ;-)

After slapping both my children's hands away because I am evil and have not shared opening presents with them since d/boy was about three I got see all of this!

So many things to list! Immediately I hung the long-legged seabird up above the 'everything pockets' on the stairs so I see it all the time. The rock was consumed with morning coffee the day it arrived - Sylv was most impressed that someone could get that teeny, weeny writing inside it. My yummy smelling shower gel has nearly all gone but I have spent the past few weeks in a haze of delicious scent. The witches stones hanging is up in my kitchen and Princess C-W has claimed the sweet little ice-cream dangly. We fought for a little bit about it but people started looking and you know it is impolite to rugby tackle your 10 yo in public so I gave in gracefully. Sort of. CK was thrilled with the flags and is talking about decorating the house with them during his upcoming two weeks off (YAY!) I may have to give in to this because he is stronger than me and can run faster.

Thanks again for sharing your amazing talent Missus MeplusMolly. I love the pillow. It is that perfect size for having behind my neck when sitting on the couch. Too many times our house has reverberated to the sound of my howls of pain as yet again I sit back too quickly and pitch my skull against the wall. Pr.C-W has also had great use when stretched out on the floor watching telly but today it is coming with me up to Birmingham to the Festival of Quilts to cradle my head on the long drive North.

Wonderwoman(not!) is driving so I shall be reclining in the passenger seat, playing text scrabble with Katy and singing loudly to whatever music is thrashing out of the stereo. Oh yes the chauffeur is a metalhead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See y'all on the flipside!

We got presents! (part the first)

Miss Nutt left a comment a few posts back about loving Flakes and their lack of availability in the States. Naturally I offered to send her some. She asked whether there was something I would like in return. Having a slight love of Jolly Ranchers I wondered whether she would send me a packet.

This is what turned up yesterday. Nearly four & half pounds of bob! Real life American bob.

My children were beside themselves!

Having sorted them into groups they then started to play with them.

Reese's cups.

Jolly Ranchers and Laffy Taffy

Then my disgusting boy lay still while someone did this to his face. (whistles tunelessly while looking at the sky)


The bird thing is one he came up with all by himself

My assistant is delighted that the package also held something for her.

But she sure wasn't planning on sharing!

Sunday tea with friends

My Kiwi friend and her CarMan husband came to Mum's for Christmas so they were delighted to hear about 'The State Visit'. This Sunday, taking afternoon tea with us, we went off the hill to visit them.

They are at the tail-end of extending their lovely old cottage. This is the view from the new bedroom.

Note my assistant in the bottom left? Both Pr.C-W and I took turns in running interference across those open doors.

After a run in the field, several games of backyard cricket (Kiwis vs Australia or England depending on how d/Boy was feeling) and some mini-beast trekking

we settled back and enjoyed the sun, good company and yummy home-baked cakes and scones

It was good to take the time to just sit and contemplate the world.

Lots to say but the innernets hate me.

Been a busy this week with Sylv and her husband away.

• Played in the closest big town and after McDonald's saw a movie about Guinea Pigs saving the world.
• Pr. C-W had a day at the beach with a friend from early until late so ... d/Boy and I picked our own strawberries before going to the local pool with friends for a swim.
• Wednesday was spent mooching at home reading before the smalls walking the dogs off the hill by themselves and then home to paint some bowls and mugs. Pulled out all the fabric for my Fortnum and Mason's quilt. Is 40 different fabrics too many for a quilt top? Nah, I didn't think so either.
• My assistant had a haircut yesterday after which we went to the beach in Bournemouth with kids, husband and the other black dog. Went without towels, sunscreens, bathers, hats and even left the water in the car! Kids in water in their undies loved it, CK sitting on sand hated it, both black dogs LOATHED the water. Rolled up my trousers and ended up soaked getting both dogs into the water. Drove home and about a mile from front door went into the back of the car in front of me. In CK's car. With CK sitting next to me. Bugger! Hooray for fully-comp insurance :-)
• Cleaned and tidied house today while CK and kids went for a drive. CK's Kate (new sat-nav) travelling with Sylv so he winged it. Bad idea. Phoned me from Exeter to say had aimed for Glastonbury but hadn't seen any signs for it. Suggested he come home. Said he was trying but couldn't find city centre to get back. Hoped to be home for dinner, maybe Sunday ;-)
• Off to see Ms Amy Butler tomorrow - yay!

Got lovely post recently but the photos are on the grown-up Vaio computer. It hates me and it hates the innernet so am using the water-logged Dell until in-house tech support can fix it. When I can get to the pics you can see the fabulous seaside swap parcel that came from the lovely meplusmolly.

There was rock, traditional seaside postcards, some fabulous sandcastle flags that have pleased CK no end (childhood memories), a beautiful long-legged seabird she made. My lovely swap partner also sent me a gorgeous patterned emery board all green and yellow floral swirly pattern and delightful smelling shower gels. There was also a great driftwood hanging. What is the name used for stones with holes in them? Witches' coins? Witches something. This now lives in my kitchen. It makes me smile. Thanks for swapping with me. I had a great time doing this.

uhoh! Somebody sure is going to get in trouble for this.

Last night just before 8:30 the front door burst open and a whirlwind spun through the house. This was no ordinary storm. It was swift, violent and muddy.

Ripping through the hall it swept into the living room. It was one of those 'smart storms', it was extremely careful to go AROUND the furniture.

'Well, we saw it come through but we can't be sure what it was.'

'What? Mud? Nope. I know nuzsin.'

Much to 'someone's' obvious disgust the above pictures resulted in 'someone' being bathed at 9'o'clock.

A visual record of why I am grinding my teeth. And some nice things too :-)

This week Princess C-W and Granma have been cutting the fabric we bought AGES ok for her to make a first quilt. The cutting was a bit boring so Granma finished it and then came the fun.

Sort of.

Let me start with the finished design (to date).

Pretty yes? It will measure 16"x36". One day. When it is all finished. Maybe more if I can talk her into a border ;-)

Wanna see why I am grinding my teeth?


My girl having a lovely time making pretty patterns.

Uhoh .... what is that I see sneaking into the background?

And bingo! Literally without a word this happened. He silently reached down and started putting them into place for her.

I had to grab my camera and document it b/c I knew y'all would commiserate.


Having debriefed now I can move on.


Is everyone aware this has been an Ashes Summer? It has not escaped the notice of all small boys in my house.

Who wins which match is largely irrelevant. The score is only of interest so he has something to strive for as he bowls at the wicket in the garden.

Note the crowd in Bay 13 roaring its approval?

In the last week his bowling technique improved enormously and tonight he even managed to spin a few of the balls he sent hurtling toward me.

All I can say is with a delivery like that The Ashes will be interesting whichever team he decides to play for.

As for the crowd at the MCG. Well she went and had a well-deserved rest.

I've figured it out!

Seemingly this man finds no pleasure in life.

If he wasn't so infuriating it would make me sad.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!

For nearly over 20 years I have been responsible for myself. I have got my own jobs, I have travelled around the world by myself. I have moved to new cities and countries where I don't know anyone and started all over again.

In this time I have built my own social networks, friendships, life. Across the other side of the world from my family I have cared for myself when sick and shivering with fever. I have made my own dashes to ER when required.

I am a grown woman with more than sufficient intelligence and physical capabilities to survive.

So why did he insist upon staring over my shoulder and moving into help UNASKED when I was putting together a simple piece of machinery? Why did I even have a second of guilt (swiftly quashed let me say) after telling him that I did not need help and that I was perfectly capable of doing it by myself?

Perhaps I should take comfort that I kept the voice in my head from screaming out loud 'PISS OFF!' ????

Couple of things ...

1. All three of you lovely people who signed up for my Pay It Forward last year have not been forgotten. It is always there in the back of my mind. It is a recognised fact across the innernets that I am absolutely crubbish at sending parcels but it shall happen. Honest.

2. Is there some procedure one should follow when it comes to 'followers'? Is it essential for it to be reciprocal? I ask because in the last month or so I have 'lost' two followers (I know, how careless!) My point is, much as I love y'all, I didn't actually ask for anyone to be my follower and therefore I feel no need for reciprocity. In fact of the two blogs I signed up to follow - one of those doesn't even exist anymore and the other is my sister's. I dare not do anything other than follow her ;-).

I am trying to be gracious but it is hard dammit!

Before I debrief let me show the sending part of the seaside swap in which I took part.

Actually it is only part of what I sent but it is my favourite part. Look. Look. Look! I made this.

While there are four pictures it really is just one bag but Oh! What a bag! There is a largish central space with four outer pockets. The outer of the bag and the lining of the pockets are heavy linen, the bag inner is red gingham and the outer of the pockets - oh! again I am in love -this is a gorgeous Cath Kidston teatowel I bought when out Lesley Moog and Wonderwoman (not!). It was with delight that I cut into it because I just knew this was going to be a perfect thing when it was done. Go on have a good look at it. When the drawstrings are pulled the top cinches together making the pockets pouch out. Oh how I love this pattern.

I included some other stuff too - chocolate turtles, seaside photo, seaside scene notecards, some lovely beeswax candles and two more things that I can't remember just now. This swap has been a lot of fun.

OK just a small rant now because I feel so happy and blissed out after looking at that bag again.

People he is making me crazy! All that passive-aggressive/can't make a decision/stupid blurry R2D2 noises nonsense. I want to say 'if you would like to help - offer your assistance directly, grow a spine, make a statement'. I had to phone CK at work today to offload this morning all over a stupid set of garden clippers!

I shall martyr myself for the sake of my children as they are enjoying doing things with Grandad. My reward awaits me in heaven ;-)


We also have achieved Stages One, Two, Three and Four in The Great Cricket Bat refurb.

This shows Stages 2&3. Stage 2 is at the bottom. This was the mid-coat colour (also shows the basecoat) for the top section of the back of the bat. Stage 3 is the white, you can also see the top coat from Stage 2. By close of play today we were also done with Stages 4&5 as well. Roll on tomorrow!