Christmas Eve

Well, hello again!

Here we are again, Christmas Eve.  The shops are shut, the fire is lit and all is peaceful in our home.  We had a lovely day today, and went to Betty's tea rooms in Ilkley, Yorkshire, which has become our Christmas tradition.  It is always so beautifully decorated, with impeccable food and attentive service.  We really enjoyed our lunch, which extended into afternoon tea!  

The windows are are a joy to behold, whatever the season, but particularly so at Christmas.  This year they marked their Centenary.

Long time readers of my blog will know that I find Christmas to be bittersweet, for various reasons, not least that it is the anniversary of my late husband's death.  He died on Christmas Day several years ago.  I'm not miserable at Christmas, far from it, but I do sometimes find the overwhelming and sometimes enforced jolliness a little bit too much.  Much too much commercialism, to my mind.  I do however love the way that complete strangers will talk and laugh with each other at Christmas, the way the lights twinkle on late afternoon dark walks with Daisy Dog, and the feeling of warmth and cosiness that snuggling by the fire brings.

Some years I have struggled listening to endless repeats of the same frenetic music, and other times the adverts that encourage us to spend! spend! spend!  This year, however, I have found a solution that works for me - Classic FM radio station.  The music is a lovely mix of classical pieces alongside choral and orchestral Christmas music and carols.  The presenters have soothing and friendly voices, as they introduce each piece, sometimes with a little bit of a back story.  In the past few days I have listened to Alexander Armstrong, Alan Titchmarsh and John Suchet amongst others.  It's been like a quiet and happy conversation with a friend. When my husband has been out and I've been home alone I have carried my little DAB radio around the house as I completed Christmas tasks, and perched it in my sewing room as I worked on my next quilt, and felt quite relaxed and happy.  They have played so much music from my childhood too - songs we sang at school or Sunday school - that I haven't heard since.  The lights have twinkled on the Christmas Tree and brought feelings of happiness at the life I have now and the happy memories I hold in my heart, instead of feelings of loss.  Music is very evocative and I have found my Christmas home in the glorious sounds of beautiful pieces.

There is so much pressure these days on having the 'perfect Christmas' but that too brings its own anxieties.  If I have learned anything over the years it's that we need to take time for ourselves, to have the Christmas that suits us and our own families, and not be trying to match any artificial or celebrity version, which for all we know only exists on the screen.  

I hope wherever you are, whatever you're doing, and whoever you are with, you are having the Christmas that you want.  I hope it brings happy memories, and the opportunity to make new memories.  For anyone who is having a difficult or worrying time right now, I send you my heartfelt good wishes, and may a little bit of the magic of Christmas bring peace and comfort to your heart.

Happy Christmas, 

Donna x 

A Mini Christmas Ta Da

Hello again!

Well, it's Christmas Eve Eve and I just wanted to show you my finished Christmas Quilted wallhanging.

You may remember, if you are a regular visitor, I was making this in a 'Quilt as you go' way, using a pattern by Anita Goodesign. It's a lovely mix of applique and machine embroidery, and I wrote about it here. It's probably one of the most fun things I have made so far, as being such a wild collection of printed fabrics and designs I could really go for it!  I backed it with my bargain remnant of Sanderson fabric I found in Oxfam, and added some rod pockets to the top.  DH put a black curtain rail up on the brick chimney for me, and ta da! a wallhanging in place!

This is how it looks, hanging above the woodburner

I am so pleased with it, and there is such a lot to look at.  I was trying to pick out my favourite bit this morning, and I couldn't decide between the snowy scene...

...the front door...

... the mandolin (or is it a lute?)...

...or the little blocks of swirlyness?

Perhaps each block is equally special in its own way.  How's that for being egalitarian??  :D

Well, Christmas Eve tomorrow!  I'll be back tomorrow evening when all is calm and hushed, for a little Christmas Eve musing...

Donna x

Pre-Christmas Gallivanting

Hello,

In the midst of doing Christmassy things, I've had a couple of lovely trips away!  I'm fortunate that my grown up son still likes going away with me, and we recently took ourselves to London for a concert at the Royal Albert Hall and to visit my darling daughter and her partner, as well as my sister and her family. 

The concert was fabulous - 'Classical Spectacular'- we go once or twice a year.  The whole evening is just a wonderful experience, from pre-concert drinks in the bar, to the thrill of the first notes played by the orchestra. Obviously I didn't take photos during the performance, so here is one I took as the place was filling up.

We had a lovely long weekend, wandering around London, fun meals with family, and we also went to the National Gallery and revisited some of our favourite paintings...

We are so lucky to have these works of art just there for us to enjoy, and there's no entrance charge either (donations are very welcome).

London was bedecked in her Christmas finery, and our habitual stop to Fortnum and Mason did not disappoint.

Afterwards my husband and I took our annual pre-Christmas mini break too.  This time we went to the Peak District, to one of our favourite and most restful holiday holidays tucked away in the hills.  It was bliss!

Every year Chatsworth House is decorated for Christmas, with hundreds of thousands of glittering decorations.  We had seen images of it, but were not prepared for just how spectacular it really would be.  Walking into each room was just overwhelming - I have never seen anything like it.  We took lots of photos, but they really don't show the full beauty.  Here are a few though, just to give you an idea.

As dogs aren't allowed in to Chatsworth House, Daisy had to go to Doggy Daycare.  I don't think she had too bad a day though as she was put into a lovely warm area with another small dog, and apparently they played well together.  We made it up to her the rest of the holiday though and she had lots of running around time.   We spent quite a lot of time at one of our favourite Peak District places - Ilam Park.  The views are spectacular, and Daisy could run her little feet off!

There's something about a pre-Christmas holiday (or two!) that feels a little bit deliciously decadent, and I really look forward to it.  The air is crisp and there are no jobs to be done, just walking, talking, leisurely meals, and taking in the bustling atmosphere of different places getting ready for the festivities.  Just wonderful.

Donna x 

Simplifying Life - part one

Hello!

Now that I am not working outside the home I feel the need to simplify my life.  I want to streamline - to only have things I use or love.  I thought over the next few weeks I would write a series of posts about my quest for a Simpler Life.

Since I retired last year I have got into quite a nice routine of getting up, having breakfast and whizzing around the house with the vacuum, cleaning and tidying in general as I go. I like the house to look reasonably neat and clean, as that means I can relax and enjoy my day.  I'm not one of these people that is overly fastidious, but I do just find I am oddly happier when the house is organised, but 'lived in', so I try to keep on top of things without feeling I'm spending too long on this.  

Over the past few years though I have found that cleaning products cause problems with my asthma, plus I am always looking for more natural ways to clean, whilst reducing my impact on the environment, and I've tried everything from white vinegar to lemon skins, and everything in between, with mixed results.  I became more and more intrigued by the ads that kept popping up on Facebook for an environmentally friendly cleaning product called Koh*.  I decided a couple of weeks ago to give it a go, and I am absolutely delighted that I did!  

I received the very next day after my order was placed, a courier delivery which contained a large wine box style container of cleaning fluid, an assortment of good quality microfibre cloths, a mop with assorted cloth pads, some diamond cleaning sponges, and an atomiser. I did swither about using microfibre cloths but they do seem to be essential with the product and will last ages, so I decided I could live with that.  I am pleased to read the product itself is environmentally friendly, pet friendly, allergy friendly and cruelty free.  

The idea is you use the product with a DRY microfibre cloth, and it can be used on just about anything (the directions give you the very small list of exclusions), no rinsing required!  I had only mopped the floor that morning, using a concentrated floor cleaner, but I wiped it over using the Koh mop and the amount of dirt that came up was rather shocking. You literally pull the trigger on the handle spray some cleaner and then wipe over the area.  Easy!  Plus it dried really fast.

I then cleaned the kitchen windows with the atomiser and the special glass cloth that was included.  Wow!  They came up sparkling clean and streak free! So I did all the mirrors too, and had the same amazing results.  I tried it next on the glass shower doors, which I find very hard to keep sparkling clean, and they came up like new!

Very encouraged, I sprayed the stainless steel appliances, and I can honestly say it works better, and easier, than the expensive stainless steel cleaners I have been buying.  I wiped over my mirror finish kitchen counters with another dry cloth and some spray and they came up super smooth and shiny.  The best bit is no rinsing is required, so cleaning is a breeze.

Using another clean and dry cloth with the atomiser I wiped over all the furniture that doesn't have an oiled finish, and that all came up beautifully, plus it seems to stay cleaner for longer, as there is no residue left behind to attract the dust.  

A few days later I tackled the range, which is a problematic event normally, as the standard oven cleaners really don't agree with the asthma.  I used one of the diamond sponges, sprayed the cleaner on and left it for a couple of minutes.  It took a bit more elbow grease, but I am really pleased with the results, especially the glass door, which is the cleanest it's looked for years!  I am going to give the ovens another go this week as they were pretty bad and I didn't quite get it all off.

The biggest thing for me to get used to is the concept of 'spray and wipe'.  The drier the surface to be cleaned is the better it works too.  Once the cloths are too dirty or damp I move onto to a clean one.  It really is a simple way of doing things and I truly feel my house has never felt so clean!

Once the cloths are dirty they can be rinsed out by hand or tossed in the washing machine, as long as you don't put any fabric softener in.  

Apart from toilet cleaner and washing up liquid/dishwasher tablets, I am really not going to buy any cleaning products now apart from the Koh, as it is so good, leaves no icky scent behind, doesn't make me gasp or cough, and will simplify this part of my day.  I have three sinks in the kitchen and laundry room and the cupboard under each is stuffed full of bottles and cans of different cleaners.  Trying to fish one out means they all fall over and tumble out and I get very cross.  This new cleaning regime will mean I can have just one small cupboard for cleaning, containing just the Koh, a neat pile of cloths and the diamond sponges.  That leaves me two cupboards spare to help organise the messy laundry room!  I'm looking forward to that!

There is loads of information, lots of FAQs, plus some helpful videos, on their website. The company offers a 30 day money back guarantee, so if a customer isn't happy with it they can always get their money back.  I certainly won't be asking for my money back as it most definitely makes my life easier and will free up more time for creative pursuits.  After all, my name is Creative Mummy Bear, not Cleaning Mummy Bear!!! :D

*This is an affiliate link so if you would like to try it for yourself you can click through the highlighted link if you wish and get £5 off your order, plus £5 is put into my account.

Donna x 

Snuggling in

Hello!

Well, the leaves continue to fall, we've had a few sharp frosts, but there is still a little bit of autumn colour to see.  I was listening to the radio last week and apparently in the UK the weather conditions have been perfect this year for autumn colours.  It's a carefully balanced mix of sunshine, warmth and rain that determines the colour and intensity of the changing leaves.  I had no idea!

The view from my sewing room window is changing daily and today I can see the biggest tree is almost bare, but other trees still have quite a lot of leaves clinging on.  The Rowan tree in the garden is covered in yellow berries, and that is supposed to signify a cold winter.  Ooh!  I'll try and hang out of the window and get a photo for you...

There.  Not a great photo, as it really doesn't show the true colours, and I had to zoom in to show the end of the garden, but you get the idea.  

Now that there isn't so much that needs doing in the garden, I have been spending a lot more time in my sewing room.  I am working on a Christmas quilted wallhanging. I love machine embroidery and applique - hand sewing just isn't my personal thing! To make this quilt I am using patterns by Anita Goodesign, a US company that produces the most fabulous and detailed digital designs.  

I am making each block with the same 'Quilt as you Go' method that I used for my son's quilt Here.  

The best bit is deciding on the designs, choosing fabrics and threads and seeing it all coming together. I have completed all the blocks and have just finished joining them.  

I needed some suitable fabric for the backing and was excited to wander in to a local charity shop and find 2 metres of red and cream Sanderson cotton fabric for only £2.99!  I quickly snapped it up and it will be perfect.

I now need to get it all put together and bound, and I'll be back to show you the finished quilt, hopefully pretty soon, as Christmas seems to be fast approaching!

Cosy evenings in front of the fire mean I've also finished another baby garment - this time a little crochet sweater.  It has buttons at the shoulder which is such a sensible idea as it makes it easier to dress a wriggling baby, and less scary for the baby than having a tight neckband pulled over its head.  My Mum used to put button shoulder fastenings on all the sweaters she made for my own babies, so it's comforting to think I am following in her footsteps, especially as she is no longer here.

I began writing this post much earlier and it's now evening time.  The dinner has been cooked, eaten and washed up, the chores are all done and we are settled by the fire for the evening. Daisy has had a bath and is wrapped in her blanket, in her basket, in front of the fire.  She doesn't look overly happy but she will soon be dry and ready for her 'curls' to be brushed out.  She likes that bit best. :)

Donna x 

Yarny, baby obsession!

Hello!

I wrote last time about some of my friends becoming grandparents, and how I was making some baby cardigans and things.  Well, it has become a bit of an obsession!  There's something so satisfying about creating clothes in miniature and the speed at which they make up is really amazing!  So far I have been crocheting them, but I am planning to knit some too.

Last time I had just finished this one...

...and was halfway through making this one!

The first one is from Hayfield pattern 4410 and is so quick and easy to make.  The back and fronts are made in one piece up to the armhole, and that minimises the fiddly sewing up!  Here's the pattern leaflet:

It would make a smart cardigan for an older child too, as it goes up to age 7.

The pink one above is from the fabulous book by Jenny Watson Designs.  A beautifully photographed book, packed full of lovely cardigans, sweaters, hats etc.  I bought it at Yarndale and it's proving to be a very good purchase!

I also made this newborn sized one from the same book  It just needs buttons and then it's done.

It used a really unusual stitch, which I think is called 'twisted trebles' but I'm not sure.  You miss a stitch, work one treble (UK) into the following stitch, then go back and work a treble in the missed stitch.  It makes a really pretty pattern.  

This morning the postman delivered a pattern which I had bought on eBay, King Cole 3479.  I really like the sweater with buttons on the shoulder (makes it easier to dress a wriggling baby) and the jacket with collar.  I think I'm going to make the sweater first!

I can't remember if I showed you the baby blanket that started all this new obsession.  I used my friend Lucy, Attic24's, fabulous Trellis Stripe Pattern, in a single colour of DK mercerised cotton.  I'm so pleased with it and it was a lovely, rhythmic pattern to make.  I added my own scallop edging. 

I now have a baby yarn storage box in my sewing room and I think I am well and truly hooked on making baby things!

Donna x 

September Days

Hello!

I seem to be running a bit late with everything at the moment, only just sorting photos and reminiscing on the wonderful month of September!  

I love September, with its often sunny days, rustling leaves, and that special golden light this time of year gives us.  The misty mornings have their own special attraction, especially now I am retired and can return to bed with a cup of tea and watch the sun rise over the hills, burning off the mist.

We had a lovely September holiday in Snowdonia and the weather was particularly good to us.  We stayed in a beautiful cottage with fabulous views.

We were treated to some marvellous sunsets too!

Snowdonia is amazing, with some of the most spectacular scenery...

A short drive away is the island of Anglesey, where I indulged in my last paddle of the year!

The coast is so pretty and we had a lovely lunch at this picturesque spot, in the historic inn by sea.

Penrhyn Castle, also near the coast, was a fabulous day out! 

Just before we set off for our holiday I had completed a picnic blanket to use.  I used my friend Lucy, at Attic24's, fabulous Sweet Pea pattern, in a lap blanket size, but used up some dreadfully boring brown cotton DK yarn, practical, but oh so dull!  I took it to show Lucy and she was very kind about her lovely pattern being used with such yawningly boring yarn!  It does look better in real life than in a photo, as it proved so difficult to photograph!  The cotton actually has quite a nice sheen, which doesn't show up at all!  I'll let you have a peek anyway, but it looks really patchy here, which it isn't at all in real life :)

Our new picnic blanket came in so useful on holiday and we used it virtually every day!

Returning home we encountered some very wet days but that meant I could turn my back on autumn jobs in the garden, and turn instead to my sewing room. I made a dress, using one of my favourite Tilly and the Buttons patterns, which is the Agnes top.  On Tilly's website there is a tutorial for making the top into a dress, so I did!  It's a fabulously comfortable dress, but maybe not the most flattering on me.  I am still getting loads of wear out of it though, but I am not sure if I would make another one.

Some of my friends are now becoming grandparents, and I have thrown myself with gusto into crocheting and knitting baby clothes!  Who knew they could be so much fun to make, and so quick too!  This crochet cardigan was delivered to a new baby girl yesterday.

I have a lacy little cardigan on the go now, for the same baby girl.  I have become a little addicted to these teeny tiny garments, and have already bought yarn for three more for another baby, not due for a while yet though.

That yarn was purchased at one of the highlights of the autumn, Yarndale!!  This woolly delight is held at the auction mart in Skipton over a weekend, and I am one of the volunteers there, which I very much enjoy.  Yarndale is such a heady mix of fabulous yarns, real sheep and alpacas and some of the friendliest people around!  One of the most popular spots is the knit and natter lounge, where Lucy, Attic24, has her blankets on display, and Christine, Winwick Mum, has her amazing sock line!  

The donated bears for Mercy Ships had flown in from all corners of the world, and what a jolly sight they made.

September really was a happy, golden time, a month to truly remember with fondness.

Donna x