Days Out and Crafts are Great!

My work week was a lot of admin, mostly streamlining the sewing machine inventory. During the evenings I put together 2 basic patchwork projects for Nella’s Christmas - a hot water bottle cover and laptop sleeve. They were not fancy, just rectangles with flaps and walking foot quilted with a wiggly stitch but both will do their job perfectly well.

I spent more in Lidl on chocolate, nuts and bubble bath than I usually do on my whole month’s groceries but I have pretty much finished my gift buying. I “just” have to wrap it all and stuff it into my suitcase.

I went into work on my day off to complete a dinosaur quilt for a work friend, took Nessie for another expensive hairdo and enjoyed the Tavistock Christmas tractor run from my back doorstep. I made another batch of lemon curd and some Dukkah, a spicy nutty mixture to sprinkle on salads or soup. 

Fergus celebrated his 24th birthday performing at Oran More in Glasgow’s West End. I have not heard whether his Messages bag is a success. If the handles are too long I will have to borrow a sewing machine to put them right when I travel to Glasgow at the end of next week.

On Sunday I drove to Agatha Christie’s summer house near Brixham. It took me a while to get there down some hair-raising Devon lanes and a detour reversing after the satnav took me to a village on the wrong side of the River Dart. After a ridiculously short ferry trip, I eventually reached my destination at Greenway, a National Trust property where I met up with my cousin Karen and her family. The house was full of treasures (organised junk) and in my opinion was in need of a bit of a makeover but it was fascinating. I went for fish and chips in Brixham afterwards and was amazed to see the Golden Hind, replica of the ship that survived Francis Drake’s round the world trip. 

It is so easy not to make an effort and go for a day out or do a spot of crafting but it is very satisfying to know that time has been filled well!

Festive Stress Ramping Up

I don’t know why I am surprised every December by how quickly Christmas looms. I was feeling some dread that I had not done any Christmas shopping or making and could not see how I could fit it in. Additionally, it is Fergus’s birthday 2 weeks before Christmas and I just have not got the funds to send something amazing, especially as I won’t be there and he is doing his last big gig of the year at Oran Mor in Glasgow’s West End on his actual birthday! He had expressed an interest in a cross-body tote bag so I found some hideous cheap grey denim and made a lined bag with 2 inner zipped pockets, a denim patch pocket on the bag and the word, “Messages” which is Scots for groceries. It took me quite some time and I hope that the xxl straps are not too long or short! 

I had a customer quilt to do at work, as well as mucking in on the phones, warehouse, making cups of tea for classes, testing freezer paper, and a million other things. I went in on my day off to do work friend, Jo’s quilt. It would have taken far too long to do it custom so I suggested an all-over in sparkly thread which can have further quilting in the borders if she feels like it. I was pleased with the result but giving up a day off means I have less time at home to do chores and make gifts.

Tavistock had a very wet festive Dickensian evening which was really nice for a wander.  The church was full of trees decorated by various schools, clubs and businesses. It did put me in a more festive frame of mind but added to the panic of not having made all of my purchases. I am only going to send a handful of cards because the price of stamps is ridiculous. At least I went to Lidl and made a start by getting some shower gels and sweeties for my children. 

My sister suggested that I make her boys toilet bags which was actually a great idea and meant I could use more of the horrible grey denim. I don’t have many sewing supplies here but I had enough fabric for lining and zips. 

Nella requested a patchwork hot water bottle cover but has now changed her mind and wants a laptop sleeve. I bought a pack of squares and will see how far I can make them go. 

Sunday was taken up sewing, cooking, making fresh juice, washing up, going for a wet and windy walk on the moors, chores - no wonder I am worn out! I only have one weekend left in Devon before I drive to Scotland for Christmas so I need to get my act together!