My overview of 2013

Blimey, this is my last blog post of 2013, and it seems strange to think that this time last year, I didn't even have a blog! (Let alone two - quick self promo again to Miss Chapter's Reviews here).  It was only the talents of my newly found bloggy pal Daisy Jones that even brought this blog to fruition, for it was her clever hand that went on to Blogger and set up this site for me.

Since then I've posted 84 times and had 12,000 views which to me seems amazing.  I'm clearly not set for world domination anytime soon, but who cares?!

I did have a New Year's Resolutions list that I set out on Facebook at the end of 2012:

° learn to crochet - I can wield a pair of knitting needles but am not so handy dandy with a hook. This year I aim to overcome that.

° start a blog - follow me at your peril!

° buy only 1 book a month - no mean feat as I can easily purchase double figures a month. This year I intend to actually read the books I have instead of just stroking them.

° make my own clothes - not just my trusty "whip it up in a hour" skirt variety but some actual frocks too.

° be a better, more patient wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Heck I know I am damn near perfect already but I can surely improve on this!

° not stress so much, smell the roses(when we eventually get our garden sorted) and enjoy life just a little bit more.


So, did I achieve any of this?  Well yes, I jolly well did!

I can now crochet - to a degree.  More practise needed but I'm better than I was a year ago.

First attempts back in January

Last attempt in December

I did start two blogs.


My book buying was a bit wobbly at the start of the year, but now I'm reviewing under my own steam I'm getting lots of books sent by the publishers which has reduced my purchased numbers to a paltry handful - and these have either been used copies or vastly reduced kindle buys - yay me!


I did make a dress from my Pip Lincolne book, I've also started another but have kind of hit a stop with the sleeves.  Am hoping to rectify that in 2014, and I've just bought two new sewing books which I hope to use lots.

More patient?  Hmmm, the jury may be out on that one.


And I don't think I did stress so much.  It's not people that frustrate me, but things. 


So...what's for 2014?  More building work to complete on the house.  Hopefully this time next year we will have heating throughout and a finished house - all down to hubby though, I just sit and watch to be honest as he builds around me!

To get Agatha caravan powered up with electricity and a deck and to be able to use here - v exciting!

To meet some of my bestest bloggy pals in April when I go back to Hope & Elvis - you know who you are!

More crafting ... and a bit of cleaning.

Btw saw this on facebook today - do you think someone has seen my blog?!





Whatever you do, have a good one. It's been delightful to 'meet' you all and thank you for dropping by and sharing in my adventures.

Til 2014


G x

We wish you a merry Christmas

A very merry Christmas to all of you.

Thanks for following and all of your comments over the year.

I can't believe I've been blogging for nearly 12 months!

See you soon on the other side!

G x

Great Little Gifts to Knit

Great Little Gifts to Knit by Jean Moss

Published by Taunton Press

5^th September 2013

Paperback Edition

I was lucky enough to get the chance to review this new book by one of Britain’s leading knitwear designers Jean Moss.  It contains 30 patterns for things to make, to gift to others.  I love making things for other people so was keen to find out what was inside.

The book is divided into four chapters

• Baby
• Hers
• His
• Home

The baby section includes the most gorgeous cuddle cacoon and some beautiful beanbags among other patterns.

Hers has patterns for gloves, shawls, legwarmers and bags.



Love these turbans!



His includes a beanie hat, socks and a guitar strap which I’ve never seen included in a pattern book before – I know a few people who would like this!

In the final section, Home, you can make cushion covers, a dog jacket and the most amazing tea cozy I have ever seen!



How amazing are these?!



I will admit, some of these patterns look a bit above my capability but as the title says, these are ideas for gifts, and why would you not want to spend the time and effort making something gorgeous for somebody else?

Great Little Gifts to Knit is a lovely book, with clear, colourful photographs and instructions.  I think there is something for everyone here.

G x

Rummaging around

On Sunday I went up to Stockport for the final Vintage Village market of the year.  If you haven't heard about it, it's held on the second Sunday of every month and is well worth a visit.

I had some birthday pennies to spend so had a very good rummage around.  I also wanted to say hello to Emma again from Oooh Betty as she was there with Maurice, her caravan.

Thankfully the trains run frequently from Crewe to Stockport so I was at the market only 30mins after it opened at 10am.  It was fairly quiet then too so time to grab some bargains!

I found this lovely suitcase

I've been after one for a while,and whilst it's not in perfect condition, it will be ideal to go into Agatha.


I also bought this

I went round about half-a-dozen times and it was still on the shelf so I told myself that if it was still there on my final jaunt then I'd buy it.  It was and no sooner had I handed my pennies over than a woman asked to buy it!   Serendipity me thinks.  Of course, I haven't so much as looked at it since bringing it home as the girlies have been playing shops ever since!


I had to get something from the lovely Emma too, (and can I just add, I have serious hair colour envy after seeing her new 'do')  and I'd seen this clock on her website prior to her going to Stockport.  The question was, would it still be there when I arrived on Sunday?  Well it was, so it's also going into Agatha, along with this marvellous sewing machine print. 



Can you see my clock on the top shelf?



*Both photos are from Emma's website, I hope she doesn't mind me using them.


I also got some more pyrex - a black snowflake bowl and another casserole dish.  I'm still looking for the middle-sized June or Antique Rose dish to replace the one broken last year as I did have the complete three dish set from my grandmother.  Alas, it wasn't to be this time, but one day....!

I also got some fabric that will make a brilliant skirt, if and when I get round to using it.

There were so many lovely stalls and lovely bloggy people there too; Ophelia Button was there with her peg dolls (I almost bought a broach and then didn't :(  but I should have) and Jodi Jo Retro was there too.  Had to get two Miffy's for the girlies for Christmas!

*picture from Jodi Jo Retro Facebook page - hope you don't mind Jodi x


Then a quick pop into the town centre saw me make this purchase in Wilkinsons.  I think everyone needs a reindeer chopping board - don't they?!

Then it was time to board the train home, with many of my goodies stuffed inside my little red suitcase.  Roll on 2014 so I can go up again.


Did you all have a rummaging good weekend?

G x

This week

I'm trying to get a wiggle on with the Christmas presents to be made.  The hats are still wips but I'm making a start on the cowl for a friend from Mollie Makes magazine 11.

Then the hats need finishing, and so does that second crochet scarf.  So much to do...and it's December already!


I'm not panicking - honest!


I had two lovely packages this week too.  The first was from Clare over at summerhouse by the sea as part of the Christmas decoration exchange organised by Marianne over at Ladybird Diaries.  How pretty is this bunting?

Mmmm bath goodies and chocolate!

Gorgeous crochet snowflake bunting!


I also had a belated birthday present from my bestest bloggy pal A over at Lazy Daisy Jones - squeel!

I'm off to Stockport on Sunday for the final Vintage Village of the year.  Emma from over at Oooh Betty will be there with her caravan Maurice so I'm hoping to say hi, and to spend some of my birthday pennies too.

While I'm whittering away, can I ask a cheeky favour?  As you know, I've started another blog which you can find here.  Hubby has said if I can get some more followers he will donate £100 to Leukemia and Lymphoma Research so I'm asking if any of you would mention it on your own blogs - cheeky but for a good cause!

Hope the winds of yesterday didn't do too much damage - we lost another tree unfortunately but it missed Agatha when it fell thankfully!


G x