tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13647526548288134492024-03-07T12:15:24.232-08:00Suzie SewsKnits, crafts and MothersSuzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-50101245212099939552010-07-16T03:36:00.000-07:002010-07-16T03:40:54.228-07:00Moving Home...Changing my lifeAccepting the changes and challenges of my new life... I have moved.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://dottyred.blogspot.com/">http://dottyred.blogspot.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I thank each and everyone of your for the beautiful comments that really touched my heart on my last post.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-66236894562032792022010-01-26T07:03:00.000-08:002010-01-26T15:21:58.774-08:00Why do you blog?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hArwIeB9cora4bVu1o1S94B8akl8OiaMdlWRcxpo0Dpq3SoctKf0Egt2BomQj6CTFi74BmpxDr8FtQW9lwzh23q3ud7uYraHFBjm07JLR50OKdUl1Fuq93kCCP0biIh4aqZC0Wuhdik/s1600-h/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hArwIeB9cora4bVu1o1S94B8akl8OiaMdlWRcxpo0Dpq3SoctKf0Egt2BomQj6CTFi74BmpxDr8FtQW9lwzh23q3ud7uYraHFBjm07JLR50OKdUl1Fuq93kCCP0biIh4aqZC0Wuhdik/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431068552746535906" /></a><br />Why do you blog. Recent events have made me ask myself this question. I started reading blogs a number of years ago. I wanted to join in but being insecure and worrying about my dyslexia I believed I couldn't do it. I had a cancer scare, I carried it on my own, I watched three people pass away from this illness and I started to think about my own children, how would they would remember me and all we did together. Soon the urge to join in and feel like I belonged someplace overtook my insecurities and before I knew it I was blogging. Recording all the nice bits in my life, happy times with my children, what we did, a record of our holidays and quality times. Like most of us in blogland we keep away from the rubbish in our lives choosing to record only the positive. I had a place to store my pictures which improved my skills. I became more focused on my creative side and found that people would commission work, I was asked to write for two local magazines. A lot has come out of my blog.<div>Friendship.</div><div>An invaluable record of my time with my children that they are able to look at and enjoy.</div><div>Work, commissions and photos sold as art.</div><div>General focus in my life.</div><div>Keeping in touch with friends and Godparents</div><div>Yes indeed its been a fabulous place for me. Yes I know my dyslexic meanderings can be a bit tiresome. I have even received emails pointing me in the direction of correctness. I force no one to read my blog, the choice is yours. Mainly I do it for my children.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly I am forced to end this happy relationship as I watch my blog be used as a tool of manipulation. At present it is not the safe place for me and my boys that it was.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am still here, I am still in blogland and I hope very much to return soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for all your support, each and every comment, the friendship and creative spirit here is wonderful, if I have inspired just one person I am happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take care my friends, make play, friends and family a focus in your lives and craft on.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-15881356425001747742010-01-20T05:36:00.000-08:002010-01-20T06:44:35.916-08:00Atishoo...atishoo...sorry a bit snuffly here. I guess that's why a few days of none blogging has just slipped me by. Shhhhhhh don't tell anyone but I quite like being a little off colour. Shhhhhhh!!!! No seriously, obviously I dislike being ill immensely, but when I am still with it but just need to cosy up with hot drinks, vitamin c and a some paracetamol. Well the excuse to stay indoors and not do housework, well it sits well with my creative spirit...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymWOOy00snHBkyu2_8z6ZPSV1E8nZw7FLZ64M2Ai8YJK2B0conJGu2E9Z9Xv_qRE-gvRx8g8aWe6pp4b2gOONDNqGZLEditSSGmaK9009RkdB4lBW3zUFodRrMIZTWMGUTwROhQYgtHE/s1600-h/DSC_2015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymWOOy00snHBkyu2_8z6ZPSV1E8nZw7FLZ64M2Ai8YJK2B0conJGu2E9Z9Xv_qRE-gvRx8g8aWe6pp4b2gOONDNqGZLEditSSGmaK9009RkdB4lBW3zUFodRrMIZTWMGUTwROhQYgtHE/s400/DSC_2015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428819919831972546" /></a>Before the 'snots' got a big hold of me I had my day at the crochet work shop with the lovely <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.knitrowan.com">Sarah (From Rowan)</a>. This lady has the patience of a saint and before you knew it a table of learners (after munching into muffins and warming endless cups of coffee) sat with smiles on their faces, well actually a few with tongues poking out of their mouth in pure concentration, all happily hooking away. Yes a fabulous day, and yes I feel able to say that one of my New Years Resolutions to learn to crochet properly can now be ticked off.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLMTkUciu3hG4cr33yT35CLHHbQtPW-20CNaEW36noeYeVPS1SjY4-PSdzMf-_i5-ws_VOF-1vnZVELHRrRamvMqz7dhBCZt0ov1rPj52oQ7mbEyDxCwFs_CY2ySP5hfDgRu6ksO81UQ/s1600-h/DSC_2004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLMTkUciu3hG4cr33yT35CLHHbQtPW-20CNaEW36noeYeVPS1SjY4-PSdzMf-_i5-ws_VOF-1vnZVELHRrRamvMqz7dhBCZt0ov1rPj52oQ7mbEyDxCwFs_CY2ySP5hfDgRu6ksO81UQ/s400/DSC_2004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428819916021255746" /></a>So with a poorly house hold I found myself a little corner, put my feet up, put on radio 4, and clicked away for a good few hours.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9QBQ9-kX0EGhHRQcCDJiQfpHlK7u4jMx9ewmqKBlwihV_coXkPlno1OxbvMbD42QU0Bt3Dj5Edx1Vjv4rk2nCwZJN8E2Y62366Gy9DD_CDmkiN3z49t4Oh41zTZMFU89VYCLgJY4mt8/s1600-h/DSC_2017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9QBQ9-kX0EGhHRQcCDJiQfpHlK7u4jMx9ewmqKBlwihV_coXkPlno1OxbvMbD42QU0Bt3Dj5Edx1Vjv4rk2nCwZJN8E2Y62366Gy9DD_CDmkiN3z49t4Oh41zTZMFU89VYCLgJY4mt8/s400/DSC_2017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428819913767039138" /></a>With the snow starting to melt and the pools of water collating all over the place I am wearing my winter woollies less, but my hat (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><a href="http://suziesews.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html">made last February</a></span>) has been worn most days on the school walk. So good for bad hair days. When I spotted a lush colour of the same yarn I popped it in my shopping bag and rushed it home to start the process off again, who knows maybe next winter this might be my most worn winter hat!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDDkdB6eN4S-6ETyhIhaBldiu_hg-eyl1ip6QmaN-iXoTugjd8KDQuX2KotYlCpKuAHjhV_U-myQm6zT84OGPxerM1xqV8B8qDimdFkZpVQvf0reNpaxgwKhbSUzPtLksK6_RcKZYq40/s1600-h/DSC_2018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDDkdB6eN4S-6ETyhIhaBldiu_hg-eyl1ip6QmaN-iXoTugjd8KDQuX2KotYlCpKuAHjhV_U-myQm6zT84OGPxerM1xqV8B8qDimdFkZpVQvf0reNpaxgwKhbSUzPtLksK6_RcKZYq40/s400/DSC_2018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428819904311253474" /></a>When my babes had been safely ensconced into school I still had the excuse of feeling poorly which again gave me the excuse to venture into my sewing room rather than deal with the mounting laundry. Easy projects though, not complicated as I didn't want to hurt my head. Ermmmmm, that would be cushions then...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEeqFYAppUXsiUrvy1H6wuJs6p3MHDAv5dbnNymX1yWF7Zddi952VZXAKskw-HnL8FSuWzm5s6l4toFD4BcVxiVg7J3erSMvzO0I8T_nkZZq80UqKPHxj1YHo_enwOlEbWDr3kd6-_To/s1600-h/DSC_1999.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEeqFYAppUXsiUrvy1H6wuJs6p3MHDAv5dbnNymX1yWF7Zddi952VZXAKskw-HnL8FSuWzm5s6l4toFD4BcVxiVg7J3erSMvzO0I8T_nkZZq80UqKPHxj1YHo_enwOlEbWDr3kd6-_To/s400/DSC_1999.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428819898269022018" /></a>Two new cushions for my child's bedroom and a big sloppy cushion for sitting up in bed at night reading or maybe a little knitting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZQRip0C-SFhX61N_HyZAGd7NQ_jdVMpPzwlP3j3lebCgui5qZLjkJhQ7BL-uVdenfJs6XICvIrCaJitkHtkcIg54fSOKkhwGcpCiSs-_nnbSH46NwHVqvFvIOdY1CP_Ol4QWJhqM720/s1600-h/DSC_2019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZQRip0C-SFhX61N_HyZAGd7NQ_jdVMpPzwlP3j3lebCgui5qZLjkJhQ7BL-uVdenfJs6XICvIrCaJitkHtkcIg54fSOKkhwGcpCiSs-_nnbSH46NwHVqvFvIOdY1CP_Ol4QWJhqM720/s400/DSC_2019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428817690382461522" /></a>Now what else is an easy project but with a little more bite to it, Oh yes a couple of PJ bags for my boys. Don't you just hate the way that in the evening you can not find your children's PJs or the book/comic they are reading? Or is this just my babes? Anyway a couple of simple bags that can be slung over the bedsteads and keep their bedtime stuff together in one place, I hope, seemed like a good thing to me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJz-_kk8y9t9OGuPedyVYGyL862b_hq4_vjbprEqEzRGtvZ6WFDcyMVMBy1b9XRSG6nenNi5XadZr64PxlKuZzFk7G4b3xOTzmGerQA2bIOtVRvfMQYFRJiHXi_C6xIEZgjtoaa47Dgg/s1600-h/DSC_2013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJz-_kk8y9t9OGuPedyVYGyL862b_hq4_vjbprEqEzRGtvZ6WFDcyMVMBy1b9XRSG6nenNi5XadZr64PxlKuZzFk7G4b3xOTzmGerQA2bIOtVRvfMQYFRJiHXi_C6xIEZgjtoaa47Dgg/s400/DSC_2013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428817681305587122" /></a>Not a very flowing post this... in fact I am all over the place, but that's how my passed week has been. A little bit of this and a little bit of that...On the 'little' front my youngest has been asking me for a weeks now to make his bedtime bunny some clothes, I confess, I did not jump to the request...untill...he said he wanted the bunny dressed in girls clothes because she is a pretty girlie bunny.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYBXwQH65fmjNvlpzMJ209Pqvw-gN6WPJeRNuU_BqxBWBmtlpjd1HJ0sZqWVVqfyxWlp6ZoKbuP7G-0b1mEOTGEwdfDGI1ECdjxoXWPzDgsn0Px6mI_gy8H89E-zMpTtMQLzjlmfSWHI/s1600-h/DSC_2021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYBXwQH65fmjNvlpzMJ209Pqvw-gN6WPJeRNuU_BqxBWBmtlpjd1HJ0sZqWVVqfyxWlp6ZoKbuP7G-0b1mEOTGEwdfDGI1ECdjxoXWPzDgsn0Px6mI_gy8H89E-zMpTtMQLzjlmfSWHI/s400/DSC_2021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428817676508934226" /></a>So as a mother of two boys, blue, green, red and at a push a little pinch of apricot is about as colourful as they get. So to play about with pink...BLISS!!! Maybe I went a little too far, this is for the little boy who thinks he is Indiana Jones.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6TZvhOzU-xu2VEGM4KhVp5CJMwYH4jbrPlap4_AtC1GHHksZtlTg2PSSa4cLuw6Y4c0xZhCNNdOdcVuAQhtJFsbkqSDw6Fdhd4-L_erSE0ESA2vWILAGUWXrEyx_kRT8a8g96QGGhH8/s1600-h/DSC_2022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6TZvhOzU-xu2VEGM4KhVp5CJMwYH4jbrPlap4_AtC1GHHksZtlTg2PSSa4cLuw6Y4c0xZhCNNdOdcVuAQhtJFsbkqSDw6Fdhd4-L_erSE0ESA2vWILAGUWXrEyx_kRT8a8g96QGGhH8/s400/DSC_2022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428817672184107762" /></a>NO, if your going to do something you must do it as you think is right, What could be more girlie than a ballerina. Out with the tulle and the pretties of my ribbons, beautiful pink yarn...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqks_1ULu_awWRiI78X4RVSk6gvTWE1ARcEZpdjz6-sNJqtlglkDG7as1uovJW7_gmQ8oFaGBgUEJ-_deebrqtkIrp5qQsnXTahy_2KMQU9Vth1yb1yc2vfqoXnEihGsGd7VswszqfY4/s1600-h/DSC_2023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqks_1ULu_awWRiI78X4RVSk6gvTWE1ARcEZpdjz6-sNJqtlglkDG7as1uovJW7_gmQ8oFaGBgUEJ-_deebrqtkIrp5qQsnXTahy_2KMQU9Vth1yb1yc2vfqoXnEihGsGd7VswszqfY4/s400/DSC_2023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428817667683542930" /></a>One little white bunny transformed into a pretty ballerina. Bunny was received with delight, oh but she now sits by his bed. On asking why bunny doesn't get a cuddle anymore, "oh she is much too pretty for that now Mommy." You win some you lose some I guess....<div><br /></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-35011265905655921712010-01-12T03:21:00.000-08:002010-01-12T04:12:36.337-08:00Work in progress...So things are getting done around here, quietly and almost organically. Slowly, slowly throughout the day the sewing and knitting and even a little bit of hooking are creeping into all the areas of my day, just a few minutes here and there. Instead of rushing around and worrying about things I have no control over, that time is being replaced by something constructive, tactile and most of all calming... the joy of making things...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_a_W2s1e3tnDcI4WdEYAObREnYUG6UH4w950sK4X4IIvq55y-2dj5qo_dmF4uLEDwJF1W1FBADXOLzqjtf03JHEnRG-xQJ8aw5gj8DirFQlOynXXroF9WhdIq9FR2rug_sAzuse0k3s/s1600-h/DSC_1991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_a_W2s1e3tnDcI4WdEYAObREnYUG6UH4w950sK4X4IIvq55y-2dj5qo_dmF4uLEDwJF1W1FBADXOLzqjtf03JHEnRG-xQJ8aw5gj8DirFQlOynXXroF9WhdIq9FR2rug_sAzuse0k3s/s400/DSC_1991.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425814015639096642" /></a>The winter warmer jacket is on its way and I am loving the colour of the yarn, its a nice easy knit and quick too. As I sit for a few minutes amongst the chaos of toys and laundry waiting to be done, I cross my legs and knit a couple of rows...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0AR_IMF_pdhl7FoC2eLcuHaCxfBLvZ4torEuQwUaRTbeVWs4MeRHtsWtM0nszJYK4kI4f2vrBtuHQc5nQsX4t73SLTbQ8wxYGJvSYiTRQZpuAma3qimEiZZiWu3PoxjqbdSrkr7xJlk/s1600-h/DSC_1990.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0AR_IMF_pdhl7FoC2eLcuHaCxfBLvZ4torEuQwUaRTbeVWs4MeRHtsWtM0nszJYK4kI4f2vrBtuHQc5nQsX4t73SLTbQ8wxYGJvSYiTRQZpuAma3qimEiZZiWu3PoxjqbdSrkr7xJlk/s400/DSC_1990.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425814010454000610" /></a>When the chores are done and the children are snuggled up fast asleep at the end of their day, I creep happily into my sewing room with a tray of tea and play...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBKhNt15DLgN_YU8vxNMojYCEr9Ion5tg3kMI-xR0_7Q5siE0CuYqHnJKnWQy67Yaq_m5ruiv_dhYmkM0F_3rK7irWABIX6q_HmpnPx-EUmy3TL1W7qFmmCR6rTwNvCBT65qF9GKivCs/s1600-h/DSC_1994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBKhNt15DLgN_YU8vxNMojYCEr9Ion5tg3kMI-xR0_7Q5siE0CuYqHnJKnWQy67Yaq_m5ruiv_dhYmkM0F_3rK7irWABIX6q_HmpnPx-EUmy3TL1W7qFmmCR6rTwNvCBT65qF9GKivCs/s400/DSC_1994.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425814004251470962" /></a>Felt and buttons, just small happy little object of fun and colour, to chase away the winter blues...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgxxKO0Y-oRZfnjvVJSCYP4NxLwJP7A9c2mnVjCzrnrO97Xku2uQgmN2ps54CwlHH7LAD6Xyam032RArSonB4FZU0yyTvCqyRU_0Ba-Ju3kz0z4-GQf767IUAdIAFrbDOCLrxPQILvcI/s1600-h/DSC_1986.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 366px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgxxKO0Y-oRZfnjvVJSCYP4NxLwJP7A9c2mnVjCzrnrO97Xku2uQgmN2ps54CwlHH7LAD6Xyam032RArSonB4FZU0yyTvCqyRU_0Ba-Ju3kz0z4-GQf767IUAdIAFrbDOCLrxPQILvcI/s400/DSC_1986.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425813996616082626" /></a>The quilt has now been quilted (folded to show back and front). I whizzed through this in a few hours, methodical and almost hypnotic, straight quilted lines in opposite direction of the jelly roll quilt fabric. Creative Mom Podcast on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ipod</span> to keep me company, how I love this women's voice and her choice of music always sits well with me. If you have not listened to here before I really recommend you do. Little sound bites from here children is a lovely personal touch and remind me of my own two boys.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IMBud-TtbuoG4zllhwS-dcDthF0l5wRi8YLYQYQW7mj4b8T5XKzmE0eZuc6Z_wOcM17UMK_h8PL1MERtSqcUss_3Yio8fq_pYbMWHWLOJLw0iixQ_w9EbXy5YMW40wRBcruqjfYx6Wc/s1600-h/DSC_1983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IMBud-TtbuoG4zllhwS-dcDthF0l5wRi8YLYQYQW7mj4b8T5XKzmE0eZuc6Z_wOcM17UMK_h8PL1MERtSqcUss_3Yio8fq_pYbMWHWLOJLw0iixQ_w9EbXy5YMW40wRBcruqjfYx6Wc/s400/DSC_1983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425813988266031874" /></a>So today is housework day, laundry, changing the sheets and generally putting stuff in its rightful place...Later this afternoon before the school run, its an hour in the kitchen making another batch of cakes, I have my eye on a banana, chocolate and crystallised ginger cake recipe I would like to try. I even bought old bananas (35p for 10) at the supermarket as bananas don't sit around much in this house, so to make banana cakes sounds like a good idea to me...it also means a chance to warm up in the kitchen, trying not to put the heating on in the day but its <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sooooooooooo</span> chilly just now.<div><br /></div><div>I love the time when the children come home from school, its a precious time that if you blink its gone, a few minutes when my little family sit around the kitchen table, with milk and cookies or some other homemade treat to keep the babes (and me) going till supper time. Its the time to chat about the day and plan the evening before they rush off to play.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day what ever you are up to.</div></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-39295367838400234882010-01-10T05:10:00.000-08:002010-01-12T03:18:56.575-08:00HouseboundStill housebound here, I actually managed to get the car out, only to drive up the road and nearly miss a car swerve into the side of me. So the car has remained a good walk away from the house (I live on a hill and there are no cars driving down my road). I managed a food shop, so the fridge is full and stocked up on cake making goodness and of course extra Hot Chocolate and marshmallows. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IXbHMF7XUvb_-gSxkkSNMDni-ano0ZczA8kRAWCHN-GN1aTP-XyLm7KIPOpZnHayqAqc86HNT-7NaoSDgnYF0Cppfwu-ssjJs-8J9AK4SkZNyeAbnR-mHT1mX9KrlGQORtYNJD056F4/s1600-h/DSC_1982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IXbHMF7XUvb_-gSxkkSNMDni-ano0ZczA8kRAWCHN-GN1aTP-XyLm7KIPOpZnHayqAqc86HNT-7NaoSDgnYF0Cppfwu-ssjJs-8J9AK4SkZNyeAbnR-mHT1mX9KrlGQORtYNJD056F4/s400/DSC_1982.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425099969622133010" /></a>Keeping me warm in my sewing is is my quilt work, nothing like managing a big quilt to keep the legs warm whilst in my sewing room, its so chilly that it shows your breath as 'dragons breath' as it escapes your warm body into the cold air. I am hunkering down in the kitchen most of the time. My kitchen is a haven of warmth and love, it really is the heart of this family home. Its big enough to hold a big old pine table with a miss match of chairs around it, I religiously change the oil cloth cover monthly, this makes me happy. It has a small sofa in the corner that the children cuddle up on with cushions and quilts to keep them toasty. The floor is big enough for a train track to be laid out on and of course the kitchens the place all the food is prepared...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNQLhimNqGSdjhAo34mRuDw5Gqld1CpJMvczjWVLXjnoFEDrqeLfKV_AiXcfMH4hNHssCb7xuVNyr-pTQzNSHwPl3IuSlT1KddyjDfOxR3KXvVizRKbGyso3EmuBbUo68ZeuRu3ONwBY/s1600-h/DSC_1981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNQLhimNqGSdjhAo34mRuDw5Gqld1CpJMvczjWVLXjnoFEDrqeLfKV_AiXcfMH4hNHssCb7xuVNyr-pTQzNSHwPl3IuSlT1KddyjDfOxR3KXvVizRKbGyso3EmuBbUo68ZeuRu3ONwBY/s400/DSC_1981.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425099963926759170" /></a>So my pile of books (see last post) sit on my kitchen table, and slowly I am devouring each book. It would only be right that I sit down with a cup of something warming and some sweet treat to help me in my reading.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4SUMq3rCMpxSaBWWGXUwf5JGTqgM3UkMxL_HbHzNEpnNM3sJA3Y4w_TBkSp9MKmDpqy4rmYLAZeJ8NDRjoio2hIS9u6FPJW1Q2wnOzukVmfiBS_7plfxibLdlg4RpkQEkLP0F_OAO4w/s1600-h/DSC_1974.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4SUMq3rCMpxSaBWWGXUwf5JGTqgM3UkMxL_HbHzNEpnNM3sJA3Y4w_TBkSp9MKmDpqy4rmYLAZeJ8NDRjoio2hIS9u6FPJW1Q2wnOzukVmfiBS_7plfxibLdlg4RpkQEkLP0F_OAO4w/s400/DSC_1974.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425099956595925474" /></a>Over the last few days I have made various cakes and cookies from the Hummingbird bakery cook book has each one has turned out fabulous and scrumptious...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLUrgrh3hUOkYl7AkCQqAL6vWujz7NZ57xfFChgZhF02gwerJrEpxwcL8So9qnU8nU30uvb5-f8YmsOeltjQkPSZone2ChehqXhUBvUYmNUzE_3YGy2uozaoeaNFmjdRTkSBdKbFuGv0/s1600-h/DSC_1976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLUrgrh3hUOkYl7AkCQqAL6vWujz7NZ57xfFChgZhF02gwerJrEpxwcL8So9qnU8nU30uvb5-f8YmsOeltjQkPSZone2ChehqXhUBvUYmNUzE_3YGy2uozaoeaNFmjdRTkSBdKbFuGv0/s400/DSC_1976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425099950039121106" /></a>My favourite so far being the marshmallow cup cakes... delightful<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNZseD93szffi1nDglmNSQdLdyqXpDGGDdaXnDC9W1T6Lf9oGkMYRVRuqfaa5Bc9HINiZj1IBdznpXFDADVK2kYNPzDxAcXjP-66bRADVLn3U86Sz2TV_V40TtjS5x-2tQkBaDT4mX-s/s1600-h/DSC_1972.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNZseD93szffi1nDglmNSQdLdyqXpDGGDdaXnDC9W1T6Lf9oGkMYRVRuqfaa5Bc9HINiZj1IBdznpXFDADVK2kYNPzDxAcXjP-66bRADVLn3U86Sz2TV_V40TtjS5x-2tQkBaDT4mX-s/s400/DSC_1972.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425099945142941826" /></a>So the view from my kitchen window is still rather white, its so cold here and many layers are needed to keep warm, last night while I sat by the fire, I pulled out from my wool stash the biggest chunkiest yarn I could find and started on a winter warmer jacket on HUGE needles.<div><br /></div><div>I have a big treat next week, I am going on a crochet work shop, now I have been doing a little crochet myself, all self taught, but I fear what I call a treble stitch is not actually what it is, so I thought it would be an excellent way to meet up with some fellow yarn type people after days, no weeks, of not really seeing anyone, and an opportunity to learn a new skill, but the best bit is to spend the Christmas money that is burning a little hole in my pocket with the promise I made to the giver to only spend it on something for myself. </div><div><br /></div><div>Right time for a cup of tea to warm my fingers up and put the oven on and pull out my knitting, Oh how I love lazy Sundays, by far the best day of the week.</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-3810926686150076632010-01-07T04:14:00.000-08:002010-01-07T09:09:05.150-08:00and it just kept snowing...Happy New Year.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbJwAHEUj8z17Pq30X-YMjmAMZ7xRSBtdj9tf0vSHUQxPcaGtowN32DzrE7panADEo6hrmtu_Ey9d-hCHp3sYINWi0eyP2Cm0annHv2Lz9TxWjD-RFx6fU45sxGLPjZ7vndXV1pJVd14/s1600-h/DSC_1957.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbJwAHEUj8z17Pq30X-YMjmAMZ7xRSBtdj9tf0vSHUQxPcaGtowN32DzrE7panADEo6hrmtu_Ey9d-hCHp3sYINWi0eyP2Cm0annHv2Lz9TxWjD-RFx6fU45sxGLPjZ7vndXV1pJVd14/s400/DSC_1957.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423972516225593234" /></a>Sad farewell to all the Christmas magic and the sparkling lights...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVWXeBRmtLurvfJK7sgMA9SW7_3UzEwfOz5T91Q-o4yuvu-2knL992Wpzevc3haLzLBF_YfWtJJ-mZ14c5oOwfZbrWSxHnMDkjRHR-uNPtzZCHejlzDFaXOL89JGiZIQ7xH51dxTtmrI/s1600-h/DSC_1955.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVWXeBRmtLurvfJK7sgMA9SW7_3UzEwfOz5T91Q-o4yuvu-2knL992Wpzevc3haLzLBF_YfWtJJ-mZ14c5oOwfZbrWSxHnMDkjRHR-uNPtzZCHejlzDFaXOL89JGiZIQ7xH51dxTtmrI/s400/DSC_1955.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423972508071357858" /></a>all boxed away nice and safe...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxMmRxMqH7KRO81Y48OsJJGvNcTYeETsVEsMZdTra0T_z2Q1WjKOIi3DKqxtkrjYCQfFU92S-HBGI3mC1O3RzpnVHyVhQGe9bv4pwG2o0AG_1QCXOcMyRFLHlGhHc3EFdH6RQwXljc6A/s1600-h/DSC_1954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxMmRxMqH7KRO81Y48OsJJGvNcTYeETsVEsMZdTra0T_z2Q1WjKOIi3DKqxtkrjYCQfFU92S-HBGI3mC1O3RzpnVHyVhQGe9bv4pwG2o0AG_1QCXOcMyRFLHlGhHc3EFdH6RQwXljc6A/s400/DSC_1954.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423972503009721634" /></a>and yet it just keeps snowing...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_tzUm3Qyoitu4wIQaATnefIvV16mpk3AZCB3mI_WED81I0TwNNfwxHHpkYGEFcaWMCHP5E8uX2MjvCqmvhRjSKKdcLIXJKxBktdWlHtM7D7S1ArL82jUmDeJ6dlF2inLESQpcYRrYD4/s1600-h/DSC_1966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_tzUm3Qyoitu4wIQaATnefIvV16mpk3AZCB3mI_WED81I0TwNNfwxHHpkYGEFcaWMCHP5E8uX2MjvCqmvhRjSKKdcLIXJKxBktdWlHtM7D7S1ArL82jUmDeJ6dlF2inLESQpcYRrYD4/s400/DSC_1966.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423972497714658242" /></a>So what a better way to accept the cold than to curl up with masses of BOOK inspiration (Thank you Santa, I must have been a very good girl last year)...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R-RAlqs3yyWTXYSL5hzgyRznqsgbBsbFyxND_GuT-Jzlm8o9Mzlvdwwdpqoc9x2_TvJBIS0hq3eXfQz8pKiNCQeddPUL2I3jkevCn6-HGQt5IZxjdE0x1fyWB0i4cK0uVNxj6o3SVZs/s1600-h/DSC_1965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R-RAlqs3yyWTXYSL5hzgyRznqsgbBsbFyxND_GuT-Jzlm8o9Mzlvdwwdpqoc9x2_TvJBIS0hq3eXfQz8pKiNCQeddPUL2I3jkevCn6-HGQt5IZxjdE0x1fyWB0i4cK0uVNxj6o3SVZs/s400/DSC_1965.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423972489572877666" /></a>with bundles of fabric and lots of other sewing goodness, you will find me in front of my fire, mug of hot Chocolate (and maybe a nip of Brandy in there at bedtime) drooling over my books with a head full of the years sewing plans...<div><br /></div><div>I would like to wish you a creative New Year.</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-86157944925927212322009-12-29T02:12:00.000-08:002009-12-29T03:25:10.520-08:00The Suzie Sews HOME at Christmas...Wishing you all the very best for the New year celebrations, I hope you find the time to live in the moment, also reflect a little on your year and dream about the hopes of the new decade to come. <div><br /></div><div>A few little moments captured here at my place...It most probably is the last Christmas we will spend in this home, the home I raised my babies in, memories in every corner, history painted into the walls, this place I call my family home. So we relaxed into the Christmas mode and celebrated the season with our loved ones and friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you made some great memories this Christmas...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwQC9FPYeIaKFHZ2q2WFVx1xes7N4uWNx3Fe6deEGcgyBoNpLG1Xtt01C_sAEVckwpYHkVLhwQIEqK8EwfjiqE4adhHCsg5a079U06IpkMFsOBFA9Q_o0S61pvyfHNOc3eFPbrjeWTNo/s1600-h/DSC_0861_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwQC9FPYeIaKFHZ2q2WFVx1xes7N4uWNx3Fe6deEGcgyBoNpLG1Xtt01C_sAEVckwpYHkVLhwQIEqK8EwfjiqE4adhHCsg5a079U06IpkMFsOBFA9Q_o0S61pvyfHNOc3eFPbrjeWTNo/s400/DSC_0861_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420612521985092706" /></a>Handmade Christmas...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpNZYr-D14SfpshSiLEBf9sX6p07GQQrwDq6y4bmsyq28tew-lzEFlOU47vGvcCwx5cy6u-5RZZyX_Aqk3CopjB1FVOub7KrCundqggRoHqvYs80_azxOk6TWM7o7cE0WGf7Spc3T4T8/s1600-h/DSCN1362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpNZYr-D14SfpshSiLEBf9sX6p07GQQrwDq6y4bmsyq28tew-lzEFlOU47vGvcCwx5cy6u-5RZZyX_Aqk3CopjB1FVOub7KrCundqggRoHqvYs80_azxOk6TWM7o7cE0WGf7Spc3T4T8/s400/DSCN1362.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420611237414257010" /></a>Family hands...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxbyeKdByFqAUzVT9wVLOKW3My-AgXmqC3jcljG-L4RqykX4CWomzLrgt2JbZnC-ESxZbff1r6P392c65P-D4JpNavDLFTojr4rdcBl0gfPzCWDpdM9u7Kyw6b4jv2Gn40umEEHgWd8E/s1600-h/DSCN1364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxbyeKdByFqAUzVT9wVLOKW3My-AgXmqC3jcljG-L4RqykX4CWomzLrgt2JbZnC-ESxZbff1r6P392c65P-D4JpNavDLFTojr4rdcBl0gfPzCWDpdM9u7Kyw6b4jv2Gn40umEEHgWd8E/s400/DSCN1364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420611229440324482" /></a>Bauble Christmas tree...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllSgG1iKXQPOV9iXYiviakdLd89J_PnGF_ky4ghZkLo8Uqttd_UTfMLYp9-noZ1FUMh1csO_VXv9GESEmTX_6hh-PaTFWZ1KdT3VkKloH8BDwUAN0OvXJRaOSRiK9WGFUyjFXXKkeiY4/s1600-h/DSCN1370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllSgG1iKXQPOV9iXYiviakdLd89J_PnGF_ky4ghZkLo8Uqttd_UTfMLYp9-noZ1FUMh1csO_VXv9GESEmTX_6hh-PaTFWZ1KdT3VkKloH8BDwUAN0OvXJRaOSRiK9WGFUyjFXXKkeiY4/s400/DSCN1370.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420611222484611954" /></a>Sweet Christmas tree (made by my children)...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezH1cKZAd9LUbIzHQ_9b5fot9hwrU-vtw1yo4vtGPUiSHcOuucCfwxdEN9kwUh4oC_Z1yVEdEgQhWN-ympTJwtiZRVMfveCP1IdtWeoP76t-x0AB4NgZD0unFRe1T38ZzB5Mib_ubxcE/s1600-h/DSCN1371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 372px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezH1cKZAd9LUbIzHQ_9b5fot9hwrU-vtw1yo4vtGPUiSHcOuucCfwxdEN9kwUh4oC_Z1yVEdEgQhWN-ympTJwtiZRVMfveCP1IdtWeoP76t-x0AB4NgZD0unFRe1T38ZzB5Mib_ubxcE/s400/DSCN1371.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420611217295424674" /></a>Christmas morning...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNHLowR45mH_lyq9TpYZe7xcfCOFwNdoHdLiY1i1Tzh6kF9NieUY8AeGUXonWIKjhgIsJZn3ES-kXGjCnN2ulDaUDu2b9PtkWUJPMassrZtm98T49eG5CalUOt5g0i6ipu7GDYE91lWA/s1600-h/DSC_2038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNHLowR45mH_lyq9TpYZe7xcfCOFwNdoHdLiY1i1Tzh6kF9NieUY8AeGUXonWIKjhgIsJZn3ES-kXGjCnN2ulDaUDu2b9PtkWUJPMassrZtm98T49eG5CalUOt5g0i6ipu7GDYE91lWA/s400/DSC_2038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420611208624436962" /></a>Baby its cold outside...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKOo3tDDXhTu7-kkQs9QvCTxeOKX5FCVCcv7MdktJ2X8rGbGq4qU_qqZ-juxuJdYvGVE57VCcews-fsJnYUydgbRvPTjE4ZeD-MtbZfg22NWKzNeFCOHt9ZpOwoPHbDbw_XkL4aOMTnk/s1600-h/DSC_2021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKOo3tDDXhTu7-kkQs9QvCTxeOKX5FCVCcv7MdktJ2X8rGbGq4qU_qqZ-juxuJdYvGVE57VCcews-fsJnYUydgbRvPTjE4ZeD-MtbZfg22NWKzNeFCOHt9ZpOwoPHbDbw_XkL4aOMTnk/s400/DSC_2021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420607855413732306" /></a>Snow Balls...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLC0D-osOL8uxlzDXh50UP3Q8zQZRrSWgASLv0HIiSovbG_RkkkHnI6lHgcMBc7WlURNm-xNxNx8bsEALSnsoT8PFnmGphvkgYOj9X3dFi_ftpHFuvGVr-dX7b5TBSvewSLFORk83CDs/s1600-h/DSCN1348.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLC0D-osOL8uxlzDXh50UP3Q8zQZRrSWgASLv0HIiSovbG_RkkkHnI6lHgcMBc7WlURNm-xNxNx8bsEALSnsoT8PFnmGphvkgYOj9X3dFi_ftpHFuvGVr-dX7b5TBSvewSLFORk83CDs/s400/DSCN1348.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420607847014154466" /></a>Knitted mittens...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjzl5U9SmInj3Fmik2ozDCjvG_GLVjt_QAvUnQ8b4HXUJmvMhAKvIclv5-HzC0z34LO1YDZpTWwOJXu4IMz5ErfmhWgo-pSk2TwS1dzRh7k2Dcrb-QhEcdgq8JYbdVlwRyiPZEpkRpVg/s1600-h/DSC_2013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjzl5U9SmInj3Fmik2ozDCjvG_GLVjt_QAvUnQ8b4HXUJmvMhAKvIclv5-HzC0z34LO1YDZpTWwOJXu4IMz5ErfmhWgo-pSk2TwS1dzRh7k2Dcrb-QhEcdgq8JYbdVlwRyiPZEpkRpVg/s400/DSC_2013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420607839893069634" /></a>Bunny love...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvxsB4F5TZJWsJRC_pL4igUBDCkbmZdeMWFn31vgJ0krP1yOi0jn7-IW-dxRONAlzFc-iRS62c7WqbGTTfFvfCjtCW1olXX6ego61Cv6htAdQAk1ig2YFgOZfZOBb2QrPw4wRNtkx7Qc/s1600-h/DSC_2006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvxsB4F5TZJWsJRC_pL4igUBDCkbmZdeMWFn31vgJ0krP1yOi0jn7-IW-dxRONAlzFc-iRS62c7WqbGTTfFvfCjtCW1olXX6ego61Cv6htAdQAk1ig2YFgOZfZOBb2QrPw4wRNtkx7Qc/s400/DSC_2006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420607835778757586" /></a>Getting the Christmas dinner to the home...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxN_0sAJyCdxdYSvfRzNM0QHWSOaO8JdnmCS4AtsDufx_NKZwa1RXhQ2dXlY_fmDc9GbnZ2k9PIxt8e5rNIUdDONaO6Kit39AxsddUfG9AFKKzZzhP9Rg65z2-I0m-XRW0HTr7LqxaD0/s1600-h/DSC_2001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxN_0sAJyCdxdYSvfRzNM0QHWSOaO8JdnmCS4AtsDufx_NKZwa1RXhQ2dXlY_fmDc9GbnZ2k9PIxt8e5rNIUdDONaO6Kit39AxsddUfG9AFKKzZzhP9Rg65z2-I0m-XRW0HTr7LqxaD0/s400/DSC_2001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420607833338421314" /></a>Santa's letters...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYQkcrBIMvekLBpcFOQdH09pmZRKHXwt19rIGse9kfD-qF5GMQPWLdk0YJqdGYXeounNjF9o0dxYBk-i2saxXqvnCQ6oYQzMoPt4tTW4vTVu4X1IlmlKF7U0ffmLRyHSSTdsosJFd2nY/s1600-h/DSC_1982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYQkcrBIMvekLBpcFOQdH09pmZRKHXwt19rIGse9kfD-qF5GMQPWLdk0YJqdGYXeounNjF9o0dxYBk-i2saxXqvnCQ6oYQzMoPt4tTW4vTVu4X1IlmlKF7U0ffmLRyHSSTdsosJFd2nY/s400/DSC_1982.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420605680623781506" /></a>Decorating the home...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AOGWYfnaSHS3Sm-YM1OMMfF8_WR-blouPc_0-d8QZQj0SmfeCRbBepvAE6rdpj6VND1D4qq_yDcI7f0imQ7V0M-A5p-5S2QYAezGtK3zqun0Fl7LvZ0vrHH7_uc4ZYhWVgEyhaPGdS4/s1600-h/DSC_1990.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AOGWYfnaSHS3Sm-YM1OMMfF8_WR-blouPc_0-d8QZQj0SmfeCRbBepvAE6rdpj6VND1D4qq_yDcI7f0imQ7V0M-A5p-5S2QYAezGtK3zqun0Fl7LvZ0vrHH7_uc4ZYhWVgEyhaPGdS4/s400/DSC_1990.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420605670252041330" /></a>popcorn...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh2P0REUhkuMRzx5fGXSAvbVLJH0kHdSN-pwshY03r_r16TYArY-ypp49i_SWVv8h7ECWJSR5yE0n-2qY2tyTszYND3cRGg0OuhMoPy4bKFm9F66dFE71T98x-cxGKubYgQtsMuy8h5s/s1600-h/DSC_1987.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh2P0REUhkuMRzx5fGXSAvbVLJH0kHdSN-pwshY03r_r16TYArY-ypp49i_SWVv8h7ECWJSR5yE0n-2qY2tyTszYND3cRGg0OuhMoPy4bKFm9F66dFE71T98x-cxGKubYgQtsMuy8h5s/s400/DSC_1987.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420605669374862274" /></a>left over decorations put to use...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz6YTA4Yu3PxjTVmt0V26Nd8bfHbrie4jZtf8FQsXCGjfxHPY-r4KPj8U7bkZHABgXEqd6aXQFGRPF6ZZ3GlPhRintBN5NNdeLYkMpqX1JvJscLTfTZw2guBcbN9bY5u_7kjV-3yrMoc/s1600-h/DSC_1992.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz6YTA4Yu3PxjTVmt0V26Nd8bfHbrie4jZtf8FQsXCGjfxHPY-r4KPj8U7bkZHABgXEqd6aXQFGRPF6ZZ3GlPhRintBN5NNdeLYkMpqX1JvJscLTfTZw2guBcbN9bY5u_7kjV-3yrMoc/s400/DSC_1992.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420605656567272658" /></a>crochet trees being blocked...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhh7gMtoDdL-D-fpRkSigp1BWbFaTxgQOrEJE1NS_Oe26GtC3hNGlNZYvWgArWDeEGv3S_HrMtOCbESLeJPWoLYhmHd05RQ6Q2TdeJr-d8qoHc9L5rb1s_EUc0qnXtu28dAKyuRkyNKo/s1600-h/DSC_1998.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhh7gMtoDdL-D-fpRkSigp1BWbFaTxgQOrEJE1NS_Oe26GtC3hNGlNZYvWgArWDeEGv3S_HrMtOCbESLeJPWoLYhmHd05RQ6Q2TdeJr-d8qoHc9L5rb1s_EUc0qnXtu28dAKyuRkyNKo/s400/DSC_1998.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420605655800954514" /></a>From the Kitchen...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1E99_Ddbzk9nnyozpphymBG8roza1fUovc1jIGgzwqzr5C1I0vMIZpiVLxDg8DGROusGY_i1pVEOo77fYsRgAYvgaNpbr3tf2V_Q1NqOPxSSaQvhGD30BdXm6lsFfmomHwHmLHL2ftw/s1600-h/DSC_1964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1E99_Ddbzk9nnyozpphymBG8roza1fUovc1jIGgzwqzr5C1I0vMIZpiVLxDg8DGROusGY_i1pVEOo77fYsRgAYvgaNpbr3tf2V_Q1NqOPxSSaQvhGD30BdXm6lsFfmomHwHmLHL2ftw/s400/DSC_1964.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420602526175839762" /></a>Christmas gifts...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpk0SIYCvRxeYMjZF0MuctUk8t_t-7A52N1LwJ3L59bEJplGAUsKpqOPC1PwRYYnj79MJAK_iY1IjX_EpbqQUoV5gOPtDBMIDe7XiET4W_6KrtS_TM41NRcDiOeiMvco4eg3SFtpcZrs/s1600-h/DSC_1969.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpk0SIYCvRxeYMjZF0MuctUk8t_t-7A52N1LwJ3L59bEJplGAUsKpqOPC1PwRYYnj79MJAK_iY1IjX_EpbqQUoV5gOPtDBMIDe7XiET4W_6KrtS_TM41NRcDiOeiMvco4eg3SFtpcZrs/s400/DSC_1969.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420602525242411906" /></a>Baking...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYL5vuO9SFyx1WyzesgzQqkSBdIfm1vNEHR2_iMuR51s7XJ0BfXokbF6cfiw_orpdLxxigpFTunZKX6b9hMMfJ1HmFm1-lQzqh65WgJHb8xOEP9p70laUs9VWMJSxySs51k6ZtwWOb0A/s1600-h/DSC_1978.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYL5vuO9SFyx1WyzesgzQqkSBdIfm1vNEHR2_iMuR51s7XJ0BfXokbF6cfiw_orpdLxxigpFTunZKX6b9hMMfJ1HmFm1-lQzqh65WgJHb8xOEP9p70laUs9VWMJSxySs51k6ZtwWOb0A/s400/DSC_1978.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420602514187830642" /></a>Adding sparkle (very Kirstie)!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazugo9lRB2ummy77_riCSPieni0LDGQC33GKmRpeUiRTnfBiN9sBaL4WBvohx58wRaC7TIkIwxQfBYNWaE656jP8Ua8ZxkX6Fu9aSqSu8c_XEIpg6SFf9EQcnziiTaeMZW5q0lFfnS8E/s1600-h/DSC_1980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazugo9lRB2ummy77_riCSPieni0LDGQC33GKmRpeUiRTnfBiN9sBaL4WBvohx58wRaC7TIkIwxQfBYNWaE656jP8Ua8ZxkX6Fu9aSqSu8c_XEIpg6SFf9EQcnziiTaeMZW5q0lFfnS8E/s400/DSC_1980.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420602509417399970" /></a>Gifts from my kitchen...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7LZotxcT2sKGa9mzBWL-qKzEQvi61UnOHNQFzu12SAb92cdobHPs7roJrVtufPX15iIHZi9v53DAyU18wnogdXPfGYPx5WGuChvnc6HsQSAzreyxDfLlvcBq0TXwsFcFJPDNnZXfOs0/s1600-h/DSC_2029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7LZotxcT2sKGa9mzBWL-qKzEQvi61UnOHNQFzu12SAb92cdobHPs7roJrVtufPX15iIHZi9v53DAyU18wnogdXPfGYPx5WGuChvnc6HsQSAzreyxDfLlvcBq0TXwsFcFJPDNnZXfOs0/s400/DSC_2029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420602502787724642" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>WISHING YOU ONLY THE BEST AND LOOKING FORWARD TO THE GOOD TIMES AHEAD.</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-12532710067875654672009-12-21T11:13:00.000-08:002009-12-21T14:23:34.714-08:00Back on line....Snowed in.....I can not tell you how pleased I am to be back on line, its kinda <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lonely</span> being a stay at home Mom and the computer is very much a life line for my sanity. So to be without it, no fault of my own, has pushed me a little to the edge...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitdwiJ166ffoI01QFQWmhvY85e-iTS2ejkZUmrQW_kkUjKRswTX5zwHsmNvs-ETr8FVSz_J6nKquLpArJzPBGMcB4kzuGe2ESdeb2S8daAASxTb6KN9UyE0R_hkhrFuqsNBDOMkuS72A/s1600-h/S7300752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitdwiJ166ffoI01QFQWmhvY85e-iTS2ejkZUmrQW_kkUjKRswTX5zwHsmNvs-ETr8FVSz_J6nKquLpArJzPBGMcB4kzuGe2ESdeb2S8daAASxTb6KN9UyE0R_hkhrFuqsNBDOMkuS72A/s400/S7300752.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417770434198350146" /></a>My eldest child is now sharing my Mac computer with me as he is in his final year of primary and has lots of computer work to be doing, sadly the lack of computer has had some repercussions with his school work ... anyway here I am, a few days to Christmas with no posts of all the Christmas making and activities, yes sad I know... Its been a difficult few weeks for various reasons and I thank you for your personal emails. They have meant so much to me and kept me smiling through. <div><br /></div><div>At present I am snowed in, its blue skies and deep snow, its magical...I was at my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">children's</span> Nativity and the Vicar of the church gave a blessing, talking about forgetting about worries, money, material worth and to let go and enjoy the joy of the season, love, health and sharing our time with those we love in the spirit of the season. The best advise I have heard in a while, so with these words ringing in my ears, the house has that special Christmas atmosphere and there is children's laughter ringing through the rooms, the fire warms our toes and the lights <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">twinkle</span>. Yes indeed a time to let go of worries and just spend time in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">moment</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">moment</span> that is Christmas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Again I thank you for your support, this creative blogging community of ours is fabulous for that. I hope to post tomorrow about the creative things going on around here... enjoy your Christmas time!</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-65556425221717815022009-12-12T06:45:00.000-08:002009-12-12T06:47:23.964-08:00MissingJUST A QUICK POP IN TO SAY I AM OFF LINE, BIG PROBLEMS WITH AOL. WAITING, FOR DAYS NOW, TO BE BACK ON LINE. WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST AND HOPE TO BE BACK SOON.Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-58243934583049077912009-11-30T14:48:00.000-08:002009-11-30T15:10:03.787-08:00December December full of Christmas CheerThe moon is full and there is a nip in the air that can't be ignored. The wonderful smell of wood smoke fills the senses as all the fires start to be lit. The first of December is near.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ-N326suknTQSaFIVLEuBlYuyMLTad8AFmWBFzTd8xKpgoowlJsGLu7ABp9Jr0KQbdkAh8lPU0SueGAO9xHCr6ucMCqkJ75iNfUW_ItZBrE5OTabZF_FPZiDkRXSmY8kAA_2L32KMtE/s1600/DSC_0747.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ-N326suknTQSaFIVLEuBlYuyMLTad8AFmWBFzTd8xKpgoowlJsGLu7ABp9Jr0KQbdkAh8lPU0SueGAO9xHCr6ucMCqkJ75iNfUW_ItZBrE5OTabZF_FPZiDkRXSmY8kAA_2L32KMtE/s400/DSC_0747.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410032837834668610" /></a>Busy little fingers are making, baking, sewing, knitting and getting busy with a hook, my days play along to the hum of my sewing machine. Yes its that time when this Mommy gets too busy to blog as I am so busy making for the <b><i>big day</i></b>. Wanted to pop in and say hello and wish you a Happy December. A lot is going on in the Suzie Sews household, some good and some not so good, but presents and decorations are busy underway, my calender is filling up by the hour, school concerts, appointments and all things BUSY!!! Its the time of year when the house comes alive, people popping in to say hello and being warmed by a glass of mulled wine.<div>The school fair has been and gone is a flurry of baking a few dozen cakes, its the first time of not being able to help on the day. I have to admit it was nice to go along and support the event with my children, especially meeting Santa.</div><div>By the end of each day, the children are asleep, I have plans to settle in my sewing room or stand over my stove to make some more tasty money saving treats...somehow though I only seem to manage to curl up on the sofa in front of the fire with a warming class of rich red wine ...dreaming of all things cosy.</div><div><br /></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-38277771279278092212009-11-26T15:11:00.000-08:002009-11-26T15:51:09.919-08:00Can you hear it....Can you hear it?<div><br /></div><div>Can you feel it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Its on its way... soon you will have that giddy feeling in your tummy, the winter will take on a romantic slant, it will be all about cosy nights around the fire, quilts over the knees, twinkling lights, hot chocolate with marshmallows or rich warming mulled wine in the local pub after a walk over the moors, all with the soundtrack of carols and Christmas songs from many years each one bringing you memories of time gone by.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4qUmoh5UHbaTimswmt_aM0vUHruO9Wfl7et_7jrGbfbQ8tmU5J3aFdlZnBWD-K-y53ppy6O4OB2gwwfbcOMfIVXSnF2rWkJN3TE1YDktdWecsrocdzSgQj2A34dilHUk6cAtEwRP6q0/s1600/DSC_1946.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4qUmoh5UHbaTimswmt_aM0vUHruO9Wfl7et_7jrGbfbQ8tmU5J3aFdlZnBWD-K-y53ppy6O4OB2gwwfbcOMfIVXSnF2rWkJN3TE1YDktdWecsrocdzSgQj2A34dilHUk6cAtEwRP6q0/s400/DSC_1946.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408556288703721170" /></a>OH my word, yes I am feeling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Christmassy</span></span>, it just kinda snuck up on me, suddenly it was November a grey miserable month for me personally, it marks the end of outdoor play, time on the beach and just being outside. November holds some unpleasant memories for me. So one minute I was looking out of my kitchen window to my view over the hills, watching the clouds racing across the sky bringing with them so much rain, feeling sad inside and desperate for brighter days. The next minute I am in my sewing room, going through my Christmas craft books and sewing in red, white and green fabric... MAKING ME SMILE!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r1aMkqBhU4WAyref0qLYho2wGXlqprthAGP0_kX5lNcQiyUmZjbCcOeGWDgHfUfPQw2PNebDCsU2OF_sI-qZOMfsNLB3QyquFaGDBUuKEzzOQikkGkriYuO465V0NXnVQNBBEl5IR40/s1600/DSC_1947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r1aMkqBhU4WAyref0qLYho2wGXlqprthAGP0_kX5lNcQiyUmZjbCcOeGWDgHfUfPQw2PNebDCsU2OF_sI-qZOMfsNLB3QyquFaGDBUuKEzzOQikkGkriYuO465V0NXnVQNBBEl5IR40/s400/DSC_1947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408556278060158482" /></a>Today I started the Christmas baking, the rich warming smells of cinnamon and spice, the warmth from the cooker chases away the blues, and the Christmas cake finally gets started...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFlrCVZDAKrl4rXAoY3oUoL8IB6_Tkc1txkvsULG3GV3nHsiZpZEkrZgxQZ7KYReqeKmqShL-fR8XyuXJZxfDIe7sXeMdsfF2CXEPphLyjJ917_8ra5NIyMkIs0k7122sayL4XO74DFk/s1600/DSC_1948.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFlrCVZDAKrl4rXAoY3oUoL8IB6_Tkc1txkvsULG3GV3nHsiZpZEkrZgxQZ7KYReqeKmqShL-fR8XyuXJZxfDIe7sXeMdsfF2CXEPphLyjJ917_8ra5NIyMkIs0k7122sayL4XO74DFk/s400/DSC_1948.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408556274983669058" /></a>The fruits steeps in brandy,I treat my boys to Christmas ham for supper (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nigella's</span></span> Ham in Coke) and of course all the baking calls for the thick, runny jewel coloured delights of syrup and treacle...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80c8KYo8XXqQ_gdIMHK2I-wq1dzwKnNZVaxLnGdcrP3Kt_BOiynmOcQwv8lyCN2dp32oHrQw023TZm-jFym-_CaU0wmAhLvJ_lQ852zvlzImxFHHyHcJsFbJSeJCKkzf_OI5G-edzwnQ/s1600/DSC_1950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80c8KYo8XXqQ_gdIMHK2I-wq1dzwKnNZVaxLnGdcrP3Kt_BOiynmOcQwv8lyCN2dp32oHrQw023TZm-jFym-_CaU0wmAhLvJ_lQ852zvlzImxFHHyHcJsFbJSeJCKkzf_OI5G-edzwnQ/s400/DSC_1950.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408556266734729570" /></a>Oh yes the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tasty</span> treats of Christmas are just warming the heart of my home right now...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwT1GIJ1VJtyz2M9cBJiTQqtOp54Fs-kYLmAl7xC_NWjyMId5w7GFu6WJhj7RLtOKs-K2sXLWFFbdc1dOM_yAUH03q1LYlUPEtJdH1Ti-I_4LigK-vfxmsk8_EH4m9rNjXwElUp38NEY/s1600/DSC_1941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwT1GIJ1VJtyz2M9cBJiTQqtOp54Fs-kYLmAl7xC_NWjyMId5w7GFu6WJhj7RLtOKs-K2sXLWFFbdc1dOM_yAUH03q1LYlUPEtJdH1Ti-I_4LigK-vfxmsk8_EH4m9rNjXwElUp38NEY/s400/DSC_1941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408556258967576562" /></a>Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate it. I heard on the radio today a debate about the British adopting the day, it was described as Christmas without the stress of presents a day to count your blessings. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">believe</span> in our crafty blogging community we have the gift of counting our blessing anyway, but a day to think and share it with those we love, a day with food and tradition...yes Happy Thanksgiving.</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-51133684961613291832009-11-23T01:54:00.000-08:002009-11-23T02:27:38.486-08:00A stitch in time...First I just wanted to say a very HEARTFELT thanks for your wonderful comments and personal emails on my last post. I feel privileged to be part of this blogging community.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspqCE_TGEUHt02nSJc01c9nNtH0VlaJkKEpSabe8BbfqBxiQKz_jeMgD4wABj5dk6IFJlAWEHbyJKAmH12sTFo6uxYBgMkQlOEPKHMFrw_aSsg6SKOXpRSd7V5asGTa-uHjlExJK21y8/s1600/DSC_1926.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspqCE_TGEUHt02nSJc01c9nNtH0VlaJkKEpSabe8BbfqBxiQKz_jeMgD4wABj5dk6IFJlAWEHbyJKAmH12sTFo6uxYBgMkQlOEPKHMFrw_aSsg6SKOXpRSd7V5asGTa-uHjlExJK21y8/s400/DSC_1926.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407237524118508738" /></a>I got an email asking me about the bunting on a previous post. So I thought I would share with you the sewing that has been going on here at the 'Suzie Sews Household" indeed my machine has been working quite hard and I am going through needles at a fair rate. Obviously Christmas is nearer than ever and I have been getting a little worked up about the lack of money in the bank and the amount of children to buy for. So I have thinking about the handmade pledge, so when I can retreat into my sewing room I DO at every opportunity.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRnW_CgBwNwBFMnZCiRgDUdAs_seRu9bFJjciM7gpF3GsBaM-xB2_2PdUsSz__waishFuLVF7i-cK5j8fnuGPFTpeuFtIzLGTNZ1BWG7RoIj9nJ0wrubCEm5Jbt0cvlMpHBNhKeh6gAs/s1600/DSC_1936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRnW_CgBwNwBFMnZCiRgDUdAs_seRu9bFJjciM7gpF3GsBaM-xB2_2PdUsSz__waishFuLVF7i-cK5j8fnuGPFTpeuFtIzLGTNZ1BWG7RoIj9nJ0wrubCEm5Jbt0cvlMpHBNhKeh6gAs/s400/DSC_1936.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407237519741325074" /></a>Looking for fast but effective projects that hopefully will be received with knowledge that they have been made with love. From the choice of design, colour, fabric and how they are packaged.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSEUPD7kPAeGK1F-cmu8-uE2TTzzY5W-OtrtFd6plQHSjgiC4kohRlajzt4h9oEnTnuxJYHsmj-dARMWvXnYjsjgIpyRKLMOs2UD3L6OPWFhxd_2VfjLQddq-SsbV_PSIBaDxrcMyD3k/s1600/DSC_1933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSEUPD7kPAeGK1F-cmu8-uE2TTzzY5W-OtrtFd6plQHSjgiC4kohRlajzt4h9oEnTnuxJYHsmj-dARMWvXnYjsjgIpyRKLMOs2UD3L6OPWFhxd_2VfjLQddq-SsbV_PSIBaDxrcMyD3k/s400/DSC_1933.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407237516980127138" /></a>So I have been making a little selection of child friendly goodies. I can show you this one as it was a birthday gift for a cutie, so no worries about giving the Christmas list away...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX4Fjj9e6MqhNYgtZhBAqxyY72IyIl9RdRy544b-oKfWAost22n-4IPgDpi8Lz9B2yBNExeTIB4DpmeYmYUjCXTlSuqHACIDz_ds3XdT1a46rd7DHtsqkQHOqj9xZ-z3JQGPDEnEN6Fs/s1600/DSC_1934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX4Fjj9e6MqhNYgtZhBAqxyY72IyIl9RdRy544b-oKfWAost22n-4IPgDpi8Lz9B2yBNExeTIB4DpmeYmYUjCXTlSuqHACIDz_ds3XdT1a46rd7DHtsqkQHOqj9xZ-z3JQGPDEnEN6Fs/s400/DSC_1934.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407237514028601250" /></a>The bunting is made using a PLATE pattern, just the same as the bunting flags but using a small (or required size) plate as a template, just draw around half of the plate on the fold of the fabric. All held together with coordinating bias binding. The fabric envelope came from The lovely book - Patchwork Gifts. <div><br /></div><div><b><i>Do you worry about your handmade gifts</i></b>...I do, I know I can sew and the product is of an acceptable standard, I know the design is also acceptable, but when your giving handmade rather than selling it, you know if they buy it they want it. That little bit if insecurity that the recipient is smiling at you but actually thinking "OH NO, not another handmade gift" My insecurity comes from my Mom, she loves me but she does not get me. For years I always handmade her cards...one day it was mentioned that I did not think enough of my friends to go out and BUY a card. It was a harmless comment but it has made me question my gift giving. Now don't get me wrong, I have a couple of friends (yes that's you Kate and Caroline) who I know would actually be upset with me if I bought them a gift, so is it just me or is it just creative insecurity?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY71OyM9a8PRAuM4qdpExQYWoZHMXmDqIlht9IwJnEXY1BK1mYzijFOfyvTlYZiZ2lTDeUUMwyTql8upDn8f3qjDzPSmKZkGJ8C_s4n21_jSbE6HprJYiAgc1utZbzd4Ags_tgWySDtk0/s1600/DSC_0998.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY71OyM9a8PRAuM4qdpExQYWoZHMXmDqIlht9IwJnEXY1BK1mYzijFOfyvTlYZiZ2lTDeUUMwyTql8upDn8f3qjDzPSmKZkGJ8C_s4n21_jSbE6HprJYiAgc1utZbzd4Ags_tgWySDtk0/s400/DSC_0998.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407237503980437538" /></a><br /></div><div>Forgive my indulgence here, my guys on the beach, I am so missing the beach, yes even in winter, on a cold blowy day, all wrapped up with your gum boots on, a warming mug of Hot Chocolate to warm up the hands... Yes time on the beach makes this Mommy a Happy Mommy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the sewing room...</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-26099488741001009722009-11-13T13:09:00.000-08:002009-11-13T13:58:13.125-08:00Room with a view...<div><b><i>In Memory of my Dad</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I know I am lucky, I awake every morning and as I pull back my bedroom curtain this is the view I am greeted with...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZemPk1cortBvul4PYNAnoxk0iojm0w8FH2B41YTDosuydbsY8Bkm24xLxaEprFPyKo0-mKrSlRBHhTWj3CHNRw5oo7x9-j_goWmOYlyRUeJVNagpMYH1vhy5qJ3Zf8tswPNdLBHychJs/s1600-h/DSC_0742.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZemPk1cortBvul4PYNAnoxk0iojm0w8FH2B41YTDosuydbsY8Bkm24xLxaEprFPyKo0-mKrSlRBHhTWj3CHNRw5oo7x9-j_goWmOYlyRUeJVNagpMYH1vhy5qJ3Zf8tswPNdLBHychJs/s400/DSC_0742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403698898747722098" /></a>These hills and moorland bring me a strange comfort, each and every season offers up its own show of colour, the last month I have watched the moors turn from a rich, almost surreal green to a bleak and barren rust. The leaves in my garden have nearly all dropped now except for the evergreens, revealing more of the nearer hills. Yes these hills bring me comfort, this place I call home.<div><br /></div><div>As I type, its early evening, the wind is howling around the house, the rain is lashing on my kitchen window, I have a pot of Earl Grey Tea and a little crochet project to hand, the babes are fast asleep and the house is quite allowing me to listen to the weather beating against my home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight I sit and think of my Dad, its five years since I sat by his bedside, his last night on earth. I find it hard to believe that the time has flown by and yet if I shut my eyes I am in his hospice room with him, a soft light glows in the corner of the room, the smells and the sound of the the comings and goings going on outside that little room...its carved into my memory, its so vivid. I lost my Dad to cancer over a period of six weeks he went from being a strong and creative man to a shell of himself, I watched his body fail him and painfully shut down, I had to listen hard as his speech slurred towards the end, I spent the night by his bedside, scared, unsure of my ability to care for his needs and praying for his peace. Its a night I reflect on with contrasting emotions.</div><div>I paced his room when he was conscious, I talked about the moon, a full moon on a clear night, knowing that he will never see such a sight again. As the night wore on and I curled up in the chair next to him, stirring at every movement and sound, we would make eye contact and through his pain he would 'wink' at me. Its a night I want forget, I don't want to, it was a privilege to have spent such a personal time with him. </div><div><br /></div><div>The following day with his immediate family around his bed he passed away, he fought it all the way. Its the worst experience of my life, watching someone you love pass away. Watching someone you love go through more pain than you could imagine. Its also the most intimate experience, those hours with my Dad and the weeks before, when everyone had gone home I would sneak in and see my Dad on my own, we talked, we laughed we shared information about our lives that we never knew about. It was special. I feel blessed that I was able to say everything I wanted to, we argued over silly things, we laughed about previous upsets and silly things that go on within a family. </div><div><br /></div><div>My Dad and I often rowed, not big rows we just disagreed a lot. It took his passing to see that my Dad and I were so similar. I type with sadness in my heart, however I also feel great affection, I remember the hours we spent talking about photography, he gave me his beloved camera whilst he went into hospital, I would take pictures and then take them into show him, he would tell me if they were good or bad, how I should have thought about the light, the background etc... he passed on something special to me, he gave me a gift above the materal. With every click of his camera it was as if his hand was over mine...'Do it like this Suzie' 'Look at the light Suzie' 'No No its all wrong' 'Perfect Suzie' I could hear him guide me. My Mom wanted the camera back after his passing as she also understood his love for his camera. I gave it up with a heavy heart. You now though, if I really listen, if I look at the moon when it shines in its fullness, I don't need his camera, his voice is all around...</div><div><br /></div><div>I love you Dad, I miss you like nothing else, my boys are doing fabulously and oh how you would love them. Rest in peace and may you feel the wings of the angels around you. I love you.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-70029356372071852482009-11-10T15:17:00.001-08:002009-11-10T15:42:58.114-08:00Getting my groove back.... it must be near Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbBhEwVoBzcAqyGgBTuNSJYnxJ-WQNdNX-04dVacigc5wV0_e25BEqJ_9ezxAB3EEkAe6Yi2zFXRXZE93p1V9eN2jeIP_40prQpV-ht2IOmYYVrnZbxJCWlFVSyE2oiuFMiJTwbPo9F8/s1600-h/DSC_1918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbBhEwVoBzcAqyGgBTuNSJYnxJ-WQNdNX-04dVacigc5wV0_e25BEqJ_9ezxAB3EEkAe6Yi2zFXRXZE93p1V9eN2jeIP_40prQpV-ht2IOmYYVrnZbxJCWlFVSyE2oiuFMiJTwbPo9F8/s400/DSC_1918.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402620218853406370" /></a>I lost it there for a while, that need, every day having to make something, anything, as long as I made it with my hands... I have tinkered, its not been a passion more of a habit this past year. BUT... Its back, its been working its way back to me for a few weeks now and finally it '<b>HIT ME</b>' at Autumn half term. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAkINKY2chPs_LGXa_zTGxgt9k78bWgpu_JM5cR1D7IHgF5b1fC5X5eBYz8UK-IAiF8oBMLwTQ7u-rwJsbSYYb-f_atgorXYBwRdvuk1j1CBjn4jaOiYLGjAZXqxJcie041eEu8WQV88/s1600-h/DSC_1919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAkINKY2chPs_LGXa_zTGxgt9k78bWgpu_JM5cR1D7IHgF5b1fC5X5eBYz8UK-IAiF8oBMLwTQ7u-rwJsbSYYb-f_atgorXYBwRdvuk1j1CBjn4jaOiYLGjAZXqxJcie041eEu8WQV88/s400/DSC_1919.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402620213208308882" /></a>All those ideas and colours kept popping in my mind, no time, finding time has been difficult of late... but with a week without housework or appointments and the general stress of usual living on hold for a week, well <b>I GOT MY GROOVE BACK</b>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC13mS5n-TJFk6M4FPTM18iwQMq0oZPCSTIDfTlQD4a3hkz3_uw4Xym71-CpKk8-gQ88AEFS0vSakG3OrA5u-1tdgPy0bIyovniTKWDJMPEoza6FBIDJORhr3m7Vf06VkQubOZoQQb14/s1600-h/DSC_1921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC13mS5n-TJFk6M4FPTM18iwQMq0oZPCSTIDfTlQD4a3hkz3_uw4Xym71-CpKk8-gQ88AEFS0vSakG3OrA5u-1tdgPy0bIyovniTKWDJMPEoza6FBIDJORhr3m7Vf06VkQubOZoQQb14/s400/DSC_1921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402620203803006690" /></a>The ideas flooded my mind so much so I pulled out my note book and drew and made notes of the ideas in my head, ready to put those ideas into reality...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbADlKeU0NCt1dYXEpbvG23Kt81BZNT80GyVTI2DSBIYzNaV4V8UGRqhgf1WEda3PJhJpLBOUdj1BDsexmcS4cmAd-ASM5tam5CFAWTkux0UIIdPepj2HS5LVrba6R5yNSUsuiMKQRaA/s1600-h/DSC_1929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbADlKeU0NCt1dYXEpbvG23Kt81BZNT80GyVTI2DSBIYzNaV4V8UGRqhgf1WEda3PJhJpLBOUdj1BDsexmcS4cmAd-ASM5tam5CFAWTkux0UIIdPepj2HS5LVrba6R5yNSUsuiMKQRaA/s400/DSC_1929.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402620198500013602" /></a>There was a lot of playing, some failures and some successes. Most of all it was fun and made me smile... before I knew it those little piles of goodies started to grow. Little bits of silliness to brighten up a winters day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwLKNr5qMugw6CHnkDAyq8I_DBXtiu0HuoUcIAs_hIHPPiw6-uy6S7kGIrJ8535If4_jYTEacITcjqLS-Uoay3Hgvy4aeMkh11Lg55MiUTaFuno6HIqrnDRlL8qNiBC6lghoNbu8wmn0/s1600-h/DSC_1937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwLKNr5qMugw6CHnkDAyq8I_DBXtiu0HuoUcIAs_hIHPPiw6-uy6S7kGIrJ8535If4_jYTEacITcjqLS-Uoay3Hgvy4aeMkh11Lg55MiUTaFuno6HIqrnDRlL8qNiBC6lghoNbu8wmn0/s400/DSC_1937.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402620197059985394" /></a>I was asked to have a stand at a craft stall, the shock when I realised I had <b>NO</b> stock. To be fair this year, the run up to Christmas and the craft fairs will have to go without my little goodies, too much to juggle, transport, childcare and initial cost of the stand...all obstacles...<div><br /></div><div>BUT its given me a nudge, no its given me a big push... to get my act together and start doing what I like, start making my stock a little healthier than just the odd corsage... yes my <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">GROOVE IS BACK</span></b>.</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-60115658250156585112009-11-04T01:28:00.000-08:002009-11-04T02:35:53.707-08:00Autumn break catchup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmRmNvgkJwUxTkboCJg5ZrN-2lpyxRGvgvNm2URYammt2Aiqr2O2RVyk4BWdqSasM1cmqAhmhs_-cd1TkYdCb-_VXmY_yXL2MaOczqE8NtTeRBX4lUnI4wrGwFIQrsdXyvyCNKB9hduY/s1600-h/DSCN1299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmRmNvgkJwUxTkboCJg5ZrN-2lpyxRGvgvNm2URYammt2Aiqr2O2RVyk4BWdqSasM1cmqAhmhs_-cd1TkYdCb-_VXmY_yXL2MaOczqE8NtTeRBX4lUnI4wrGwFIQrsdXyvyCNKB9hduY/s400/DSCN1299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400184677763558258" /></a>So my gypsy travelling is now over for another year, I spend most of my Spring and Summer weekends heading out to the beach. With the last half term holiday of the year I headed out one last time to stand on a deserted beach, feel the sea breeze through my hair, take in the sights, sounds and smells of this special place, this place that makes me feel at peace with the world no matter what is going on in my life. Yes indeed, I have said it before and I will say it again, the beach is a special place for my the soul... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSAjx_-y_xy78jXQ88dXiZrWLZGBPuccRIJePvwQKqA8k_ZjaLjMr2hQ8hrVAe_awOGY9Mg0jVBC1USvl4nhf_3-4924KXX8ehVqgX0XOsi8WEkJgQToSRlm9rYIAsa7NSIo0g587H18/s1600-h/DSCN1279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSAjx_-y_xy78jXQ88dXiZrWLZGBPuccRIJePvwQKqA8k_ZjaLjMr2hQ8hrVAe_awOGY9Mg0jVBC1USvl4nhf_3-4924KXX8ehVqgX0XOsi8WEkJgQToSRlm9rYIAsa7NSIo0g587H18/s400/DSCN1279.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400184674054923858" /></a>At this time of year it offers a place of solitude and empowerment, its vast expanse of sand and never ending sea makes me happy to be alive. So the children and I spent as much time as possible here, we set up camp near the sand dunes, a little camping stove to make a bowl of pasta and pesto to keep the chills away.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_UeOg97ZVs_pUtIlmOxfaibNSQygiCAn3W2qzNU4-51n1yXt8nTfyQ4XH1yU_hEtvizubqyovu9z_3srN6xPVoWUutkd5haCi1PpjcCWU397lQzl8WeRiJaEQN6irufB1250-ohpfkU/s1600-h/DSCN1268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_UeOg97ZVs_pUtIlmOxfaibNSQygiCAn3W2qzNU4-51n1yXt8nTfyQ4XH1yU_hEtvizubqyovu9z_3srN6xPVoWUutkd5haCi1PpjcCWU397lQzl8WeRiJaEQN6irufB1250-ohpfkU/s400/DSCN1268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400184665796380050" /></a>Whilst the babes played in the sand and ran their little legs off I snuggled up under a blanket and pulled out my yarn, yes many things have been knitted and hooked on the beach this year.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUpDP0AzP9k221GQf2aoll8KGoCs0gv3IrA-LiHSbYor9ExqJg1MOnewolisCfDN2R-LH1lNS8EGQMj5gfjZZXDsiWXtNQWq67Oxp-SzaPXKxejVRJED8pemW71MqB7BG9oNI5FLFhIE/s1600-h/DSCN1270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUpDP0AzP9k221GQf2aoll8KGoCs0gv3IrA-LiHSbYor9ExqJg1MOnewolisCfDN2R-LH1lNS8EGQMj5gfjZZXDsiWXtNQWq67Oxp-SzaPXKxejVRJED8pemW71MqB7BG9oNI5FLFhIE/s400/DSCN1270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400184661632633586" /></a>We stayed each day until the warmth from the sun dissipated and the light started to fade...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87MLcZMNzFl0yyaL8xGJ_ennY09tBs5oGa4weB2omRjsA6x492CDVRSsJbjvkFp-7lQ50qVeixzEd1DaEU_Fo96y__i5sFDVSubE7kZnZ6FA112KacX-V0z1nusubzIDWTdeCndXAg98/s1600-h/DSCN1287.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87MLcZMNzFl0yyaL8xGJ_ennY09tBs5oGa4weB2omRjsA6x492CDVRSsJbjvkFp-7lQ50qVeixzEd1DaEU_Fo96y__i5sFDVSubE7kZnZ6FA112KacX-V0z1nusubzIDWTdeCndXAg98/s400/DSCN1287.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400184651800906562" /></a>Of course time on the beach would not be complete without a paddle in the sea...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpbbLZeRRlJvFBscF7YCL74jvZI8O928I58BjpZQoCzcfeeq59hwS6U75plWExnjx652CqrHia2Mbg5NW4sYw0ymQA5PUaY60KjxHPvXpvmUaRTv4A_eW9oOUCf3CLKUxTdyIS1eAeJY/s1600-h/DSCN1227.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpbbLZeRRlJvFBscF7YCL74jvZI8O928I58BjpZQoCzcfeeq59hwS6U75plWExnjx652CqrHia2Mbg5NW4sYw0ymQA5PUaY60KjxHPvXpvmUaRTv4A_eW9oOUCf3CLKUxTdyIS1eAeJY/s400/DSCN1227.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400181242872866162" /></a>But it is Autumn break and this means lots of walks through woods, the simple pleasure of kicking up leaves and listening to the children giggle as they lose themselves in the piles of fallen leaves, collecting token gifts from the season, rich blood red leaves and acorn cups...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkskXp08WH1Bi630-zEIcYvbxnH4l4tojl-wdewNvivlGZfYWI7v0UDLrsTdKM41gVfpYzIw1BCDcOQ5Lv_Z9tlikvzmcYi6e-HuCnh45LITfOValhfGPE8b5P9IiOV1uyETIXKuG9clFN/s1600-h/DSCN1230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkskXp08WH1Bi630-zEIcYvbxnH4l4tojl-wdewNvivlGZfYWI7v0UDLrsTdKM41gVfpYzIw1BCDcOQ5Lv_Z9tlikvzmcYi6e-HuCnh45LITfOValhfGPE8b5P9IiOV1uyETIXKuG9clFN/s400/DSCN1230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400181235871993906" /></a>Yes the delights of the season we enjoyed to the full. It was a difficult time for me personally, this holiday marks the first anniversary to the devastating changes that have gone on in my life, this time last year my life was in a different place and I was indeed a different person, it fills my heart with sadness at the loss and pain. Then I look at the year I have been through and I gain strength through all I have achieved on my own, I am ME, if anything I am now a better ME as I am indeed happier. The people I spend time with now want to be with me, like me for who I am and allow my creative spirit to shine. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52oBmR48BzhLYYEzXB4fNT1zcZALUxwQrc8pQBiZ1hWyq8iPjHzDRxQ0dbNye5sCgLS6RUuGhkj8MD2F0S9ROsvhmXWFbjNElrcr0E3e4BtnYB_i1azXP5EuYvZoMSpigibjuof-q9ntU/s1600-h/DSCN1211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52oBmR48BzhLYYEzXB4fNT1zcZALUxwQrc8pQBiZ1hWyq8iPjHzDRxQ0dbNye5sCgLS6RUuGhkj8MD2F0S9ROsvhmXWFbjNElrcr0E3e4BtnYB_i1azXP5EuYvZoMSpigibjuof-q9ntU/s400/DSCN1211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400181225510889394" /></a>I am a Mom and my creativity is a huge part of who I am and why I mother the way I do. I have learnt a lot this year, I still have some learning to do. BUT... my children are the absolute centre of my world, the gift that they are fills me with awesomeness. Indeed my life my be different, with worries, uncertainty and instability BUT... it is filled with love, riches beyond the material world and full of existing opportunities...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kvw7UytUtxMhiqfsxo6E0sdX_kHCJEqZi7jsm6lW0oT4lj8WOUrDTgL4HWdEigA9q_KF9uBCHRFrltfed3O3PTCTkM3AUAtVosxzWveAX44PMw_7QpGbQen0SaEDDHVX8dBuc3WMU4xT/s1600-h/DSCN1213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kvw7UytUtxMhiqfsxo6E0sdX_kHCJEqZi7jsm6lW0oT4lj8WOUrDTgL4HWdEigA9q_KF9uBCHRFrltfed3O3PTCTkM3AUAtVosxzWveAX44PMw_7QpGbQen0SaEDDHVX8dBuc3WMU4xT/s400/DSCN1213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400181216393562434" /></a>When the going gets tough this family gets the paint out, finds a creative space and we do 'our thing' until our soul is settled again.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KhBbLoA2Wy8-qTh8g22FWXO5I7slNvDjOfrc3-iEwWAF2qniuf-Rwmwxz7Ek_bcoS7nDV3PpFzEu45Pf8fnm4Jk6q4sx0xg3rZ1Dt-Pjztz8EJNUcs7eJPTZwzo5ajR3cczZsuVZjzct/s1600-h/DSC_1860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KhBbLoA2Wy8-qTh8g22FWXO5I7slNvDjOfrc3-iEwWAF2qniuf-Rwmwxz7Ek_bcoS7nDV3PpFzEu45Pf8fnm4Jk6q4sx0xg3rZ1Dt-Pjztz8EJNUcs7eJPTZwzo5ajR3cczZsuVZjzct/s400/DSC_1860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400181203518892402" /></a>So the week drew to an end the leaves are now nearly all on the ground, the land is snuggling up under the earth to rest, ready to flourish and bloom again next spring...<div><br /></div><div>I hope your week was filled with memories to warm you through the coming months, its that time when the nights draw in, getting cosy under quilts, watching movies, eating pop corn, red wine, deep baths with candles and fluffy white towels, flickering fires to warm your toes up on, beautiful wool yarn and creative evenings and wet weekends splashing in puddles...</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-28034272806070141602009-10-23T13:56:00.000-07:002009-10-23T14:29:22.398-07:00Today, this day...I am a city girl!<div>I swap my boots and pull on my posh shoes, throw my handbag over my shoulder and meet up with a friend and head for the city. A country girl, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">that's</span> me, not a big fan of city living and not really a good shopper, but on this beautiful sunny <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">autumnal</span> day with the leaves falling like confetti I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">swapped</span> my usual day to day routine for a trip into the city...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBhKyvqhgkuC7dd0Riw6vIduabCfscfcRMkWnJxDS_w2D4sPCcpdsXRQp8YIo7A-W-21vfiCmxl0_4x9ToFmG5hyphenhyphendFVgwC_usgbbop3wQRgNn5XOynqwo6wuh_HLOEg5zE9SPAeTGRks4/s1600-h/DSCN1192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBhKyvqhgkuC7dd0Riw6vIduabCfscfcRMkWnJxDS_w2D4sPCcpdsXRQp8YIo7A-W-21vfiCmxl0_4x9ToFmG5hyphenhyphendFVgwC_usgbbop3wQRgNn5XOynqwo6wuh_HLOEg5zE9SPAeTGRks4/s400/DSCN1192.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395904662308083362" /></a>As you would expect the day included drinking and people watching in funky little cafes...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfh3SKnx3x9HdM-SB021jAlCNvZHGkWj-_o0llWk0g0vL7VzMRysiPHErrUro4iKVBGV0yVDTsUtm-PROt9L2M8uTIrv5x6HQsVEQrtno3BUAIrETppBhFHul1tfh1R7FQPNNIpMDBd-k/s1600-h/DSCN1191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfh3SKnx3x9HdM-SB021jAlCNvZHGkWj-_o0llWk0g0vL7VzMRysiPHErrUro4iKVBGV0yVDTsUtm-PROt9L2M8uTIrv5x6HQsVEQrtno3BUAIrETppBhFHul1tfh1R7FQPNNIpMDBd-k/s400/DSCN1191.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395904657603808818" /></a>A little bit of retail therapy, topping up on my bead stash...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIUAI68WeRfdCv7o0Kztr2iNB4w_5qgFGw1fi5RDbWU1n7nPa1sKC1rz21_lHJrV2CoIpupXvBEM9undJrV3Wl78oO-_6Wr55v4y_uyaknZFwrNhhC2qCMtZdPhSN-E3Ye5-8W68DD4EV/s1600-h/DSCN1204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIUAI68WeRfdCv7o0Kztr2iNB4w_5qgFGw1fi5RDbWU1n7nPa1sKC1rz21_lHJrV2CoIpupXvBEM9undJrV3Wl78oO-_6Wr55v4y_uyaknZFwrNhhC2qCMtZdPhSN-E3Ye5-8W68DD4EV/s400/DSCN1204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395904654504248610" /></a>Looking around for views the city could <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">entice</span> me with...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxAuB0ckDAdmo8SQGKujWbtimRXC7xMD2yVAc5JyR-amUCegB-KC6NX10U-P0SQB_5jCHIUAz_s8-sspW48QaYOXr1Gy9dxh1is_Od6oADaWyVPyBQrt9zGxuchAcbBVCtBytIkN9LSLC/s1600-h/DSCN1203.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxAuB0ckDAdmo8SQGKujWbtimRXC7xMD2yVAc5JyR-amUCegB-KC6NX10U-P0SQB_5jCHIUAz_s8-sspW48QaYOXr1Gy9dxh1is_Od6oADaWyVPyBQrt9zGxuchAcbBVCtBytIkN9LSLC/s400/DSCN1203.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395904647233163426" /></a>A stroll around the Craft Village and a fabric shop, yes all in all, this was my kinda day in the city, no chain stores, no being elbowed by grumpy shoppers. A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">gentle</span> stroll around the best the city can over in the way of crafty goodness, retro magic and vintage chic. Oh and followed by a long and lazy lunch, a treat indeed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesTn5oJZrKKjhFH5-fym31XhZPW7k7yFPIpuahL2DX-144-15s2PuJVDEPWLV7MKdVgwE34oGqKFfYPwjw8qKGr9X1yjRUNkk16012CX2A-HYgynUCc0R-YK81VxGDKgTGdEU7Cx28xHm/s1600-h/DSCN1071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesTn5oJZrKKjhFH5-fym31XhZPW7k7yFPIpuahL2DX-144-15s2PuJVDEPWLV7MKdVgwE34oGqKFfYPwjw8qKGr9X1yjRUNkk16012CX2A-HYgynUCc0R-YK81VxGDKgTGdEU7Cx28xHm/s400/DSCN1071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395904635317739522" /></a>After all this retail therapy I am taking my head full of ideas of things to make, a box of felt n thread, a bag of yarn and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">of course</span> my two most favourite people in the world and we are heading to the beach for the half term break. A crafty box is all made up for the children for the days when the weather keeps us indoors, our wellies are packed and our winter coats, hats and gloves are all ready for us to head off for a few days.<div><br /></div><div>I wish you a fabulous week, what ever you are doing... now how much felt do you think I can use in a week.......................................................</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-69683225458407047672009-10-20T04:52:00.000-07:002009-10-20T05:46:16.513-07:00Watching the seasons pass by...<div>Is it an age thing, that suddenly the time is going by too quickly? Is it that I see my children growing too fast? Is it the end of another summer, time to hunker down for the worst of the British weather...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgRTbU26i08MUzCNDdBchdu-bjLlPxsaBZP51ypgwyiEV1RfRfCee89P3XPuEdNCmKvzC59HUUyGrX1r5fwg47aozAdTQFyL2-W-xpI01eyXSjcxc3OuqUFOGz5oX0O4NGzKCK0FP12-G/s1600-h/DSC_1850.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgRTbU26i08MUzCNDdBchdu-bjLlPxsaBZP51ypgwyiEV1RfRfCee89P3XPuEdNCmKvzC59HUUyGrX1r5fwg47aozAdTQFyL2-W-xpI01eyXSjcxc3OuqUFOGz5oX0O4NGzKCK0FP12-G/s400/DSC_1850.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394652810912229042" /></a>I am aware of each and every passing season this year, more so than usual, the changes, the smells and mostly the colours that each season brings with its own particular time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihWvO3qCs1kW1htA5Q9egpBOmmlRni3RF1CZ9UevwxDVTIcHmoEkOqqbKns8hHGA0pC_CcZzSdYS1pJrQ-zle5F45IU5d17cz27M4GGehjUngxmBEdr_EIKYz7qeR-WroJ6XyVHsYlAlo/s1600-h/DSC_1864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihWvO3qCs1kW1htA5Q9egpBOmmlRni3RF1CZ9UevwxDVTIcHmoEkOqqbKns8hHGA0pC_CcZzSdYS1pJrQ-zle5F45IU5d17cz27M4GGehjUngxmBEdr_EIKYz7qeR-WroJ6XyVHsYlAlo/s400/DSC_1864.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394652805413316850" /></a>The way the light changes, the warmth or lack of it from the sun, the colours of the moors around me, what the farmers are doing with their crops and what animals are snaffling around.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsVc6ONY0nHY30AnNdqbcAur5dgT0LZWL13gXTgj_YiG8LYkJN7iQ3pF1hmJzegi6ODtlV65GgEeQ8zjI-jWn2drQl7uW4vzu4XX7zJVu6zfkOs1j_4zpxA34Eh-x6_2VTeYnEp1IUGNy/s1600-h/S7300283_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsVc6ONY0nHY30AnNdqbcAur5dgT0LZWL13gXTgj_YiG8LYkJN7iQ3pF1hmJzegi6ODtlV65GgEeQ8zjI-jWn2drQl7uW4vzu4XX7zJVu6zfkOs1j_4zpxA34Eh-x6_2VTeYnEp1IUGNy/s400/S7300283_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394652796042768210" /></a>The seasons are also marked by my hands, what I desire in my hands changes with the passing of the seasons, cooling cottons in the summer and rich warm wool in the winter, I sew more in the summer and I knit more in the winter. The food I cook changes also, my cookery books lay out before me as I try and look for economical heart warming dishes and I think about getting the slow cooker out for another stint of 'stew' cooking...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6l5g3NEfSK3cokpCtRstNf7DEzxD3u-YCALq6fujTeDnISa6fNweyeb2t4T84NO8vvciylzWrTsw4KcdVKPMwf7vM_JJSD7DAsjcBw5P4NfkdylihyphenhyphenXy-flevHBGfeATIlVLUz8NWWTr/s1600-h/DSC_1873.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6l5g3NEfSK3cokpCtRstNf7DEzxD3u-YCALq6fujTeDnISa6fNweyeb2t4T84NO8vvciylzWrTsw4KcdVKPMwf7vM_JJSD7DAsjcBw5P4NfkdylihyphenhyphenXy-flevHBGfeATIlVLUz8NWWTr/s400/DSC_1873.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394652780544044434" /></a>So as it gets darker and the weather chills the heart of the home, a new 'hottie' cover is made to keep me snug at night...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_3PjW2LxlNhjYMDyGrrvBPzknB9-S6wPKHPTHeqG4ep8jlpSaA9dpbzQ0Jsg4VephUfzrXowidRZeUcNTNSiDKaFDn4_E2C8J7CwFaBv45075gZCav5ahKIRXM8PFx444PjX9TnkV23k/s1600-h/DSC_1868.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_3PjW2LxlNhjYMDyGrrvBPzknB9-S6wPKHPTHeqG4ep8jlpSaA9dpbzQ0Jsg4VephUfzrXowidRZeUcNTNSiDKaFDn4_E2C8J7CwFaBv45075gZCav5ahKIRXM8PFx444PjX9TnkV23k/s400/DSC_1868.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394652774737083042" /></a>I love this spotty fabric, I love spots, but I bought this years ago and have used many meters of the fabric, it always makes me smile, especially when I look at my youngest babe and I remember I made fleece nappy covers with this happy fabric, hard to imagine now as my youngest runs into school with mischief in his eyes... Yes the passing of time features daily for me at the moment. Lots of thoughts of this time last year, so much is the same and equally so much is so different.<div><br /></div><div>Whatever you are up to as the last days of Autumn pass us by I wish you happiness and good health. Half term here next week, I am busy sorting out crafty things for the children and I to do as we run off for our last week to our little place by the sea and bid it a heartfelt sad goodbye. </div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-65265450855509226822009-10-11T10:42:00.000-07:002009-10-11T13:06:16.228-07:00Chasing away the blues...As another evening brings the weekend to a close, I sit here at my kitchen table while my babes sleep peacefully, a glass of rich red wine in hand to send a glow to my cheeks, I reflect on the last few days. The coughs and colds have dragged us down a little and halted our usual play. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIRV5QucJxl4HhraKu-TGk9tuEEytiON4Xp52JyGSLXWbN_2Xs-8F9DUEFYTgOjz5U8NXAcn_jUHLWfpP6gC_egoCZn2G7nkuBJiL4Zh3go7U1blrhQ-c2ZDMZ2xNcy8iQ2MIAZPMVZHQ/s1600-h/DSC_1863.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIRV5QucJxl4HhraKu-TGk9tuEEytiON4Xp52JyGSLXWbN_2Xs-8F9DUEFYTgOjz5U8NXAcn_jUHLWfpP6gC_egoCZn2G7nkuBJiL4Zh3go7U1blrhQ-c2ZDMZ2xNcy8iQ2MIAZPMVZHQ/s400/DSC_1863.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391402749769083682" /></a>Not one to miss an opportunity though I did snuggle up under the quilts with my wee ones and start to sew together my blanket...I am so loving the colors and the peaceful therapy the repetitive action this project brings to me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNvUZtoRb1SOkH4uHcSBcXJG3wg0WjErncJmmlsfFTbwcT1qri0kwOgo0ReetwaZBNABbRQaZbxrbHKePdG8vgGC6Gyn9n3LvFDSSn-733j5cEmxXE45lHNeeS8U2IZQXh_rnqrkcvjbU/s1600-h/DSC_1862.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNvUZtoRb1SOkH4uHcSBcXJG3wg0WjErncJmmlsfFTbwcT1qri0kwOgo0ReetwaZBNABbRQaZbxrbHKePdG8vgGC6Gyn9n3LvFDSSn-733j5cEmxXE45lHNeeS8U2IZQXh_rnqrkcvjbU/s400/DSC_1862.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391402745518964978" /></a>Its also been a time for catching up on a few unfinished projects, including the knitted cupcakes, usually finished off with a cherry I thought a change was in order and I used the lovely personable '<a href="http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk">Little Cotton Rabbits</a>' free pattern for a cupcake flower, rather pleased with the results too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCYZS3OurCv15FMta_KTUIb5-jpudPMsfTfdfRd46JixCP8r_awCyJV50XM97Rkdq8cyRkxumV5BcOxnIU9105Mwr0cD5YW9-zHQhduQvvvstxydoAwUkE9BoA1XtdGC8GMbCaaFOiIev/s1600-h/DSC_1870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCYZS3OurCv15FMta_KTUIb5-jpudPMsfTfdfRd46JixCP8r_awCyJV50XM97Rkdq8cyRkxumV5BcOxnIU9105Mwr0cD5YW9-zHQhduQvvvstxydoAwUkE9BoA1XtdGC8GMbCaaFOiIev/s400/DSC_1870.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391402732503686562" /></a>There is only so much of 'staying in' my boys and I can cope with... so when the calpol had kicked in we escaped for the weekend by the beach, only we never got to the beach, we relished the gifts of Autumn and went on a little nature walk in its place.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZowhgBdXT1dz3jlTLJKBdeFNgvFa3lW-wfzrF3HiSF9h9td83DvGKIJCDt2Qmt5tmDJVoaJZBhj964E7MVyGTVO_ePRk4WacxfW1N2gVf-DHxSIEAXWYw9uyQL5rdegRUF1fkbzNcwx0/s1600-h/DSC_1858.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZowhgBdXT1dz3jlTLJKBdeFNgvFa3lW-wfzrF3HiSF9h9td83DvGKIJCDt2Qmt5tmDJVoaJZBhj964E7MVyGTVO_ePRk4WacxfW1N2gVf-DHxSIEAXWYw9uyQL5rdegRUF1fkbzNcwx0/s400/DSC_1858.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391402725314620802" /></a>With the trees showing off their own fireworks, the chill in the air and the beautiful light that filters through the late afternoon air, it was a perfect day for a walk through the woods. The children running through the fields and splashing in the stream...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UQ09aLcMwsbrfB164vw2FV2XZpZKq2KEiexwRRUx9iVpDMmt83DKr2Nkk_Jidlv-ezxx-XJ2uS3fXFqNnnbNTypSDu4iGsDCqKM959Qffoig-bkqGapLHzhsLuBQ-kjOgbsJ5W6PF6cX/s1600-h/DSC_1861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UQ09aLcMwsbrfB164vw2FV2XZpZKq2KEiexwRRUx9iVpDMmt83DKr2Nkk_Jidlv-ezxx-XJ2uS3fXFqNnnbNTypSDu4iGsDCqKM959Qffoig-bkqGapLHzhsLuBQ-kjOgbsJ5W6PF6cX/s400/DSC_1861.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391402716524367266" /></a>...yes if only Autumn did not mark the end of the summer I <b><i>could</i></b> truly enjoy this season...<div><br /></div><div>I hope your weekend was bathed in the rays of the Autumnal sun and your time was spent with loved ones...</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-47766983808539005072009-10-07T09:41:00.000-07:002009-10-07T10:02:55.668-07:00Bag it...We have been hit by swine flu... well a bad cold or what ever seems to be the thing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">that's</span> going around. Its meant time not leaving the home for many days. With lots of cuddles and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">calpol</span>!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL6Hzzufi-3ir1BtLcbTvfppy0Yit3AeJicxop3kTfSIQTdtDvFSczJE-7a72m8E6ds7Eua_BU4IKf-DOBlzKseNyY7tBQOYTVrBhCrRAJn6r8PuK10wiDlPBOn0Zqu7pcuueOojtagFY/s1600-h/DSC_1865.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL6Hzzufi-3ir1BtLcbTvfppy0Yit3AeJicxop3kTfSIQTdtDvFSczJE-7a72m8E6ds7Eua_BU4IKf-DOBlzKseNyY7tBQOYTVrBhCrRAJn6r8PuK10wiDlPBOn0Zqu7pcuueOojtagFY/s400/DSC_1865.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389901794485626610" /></a>Nights spent checking temperatures and days changing bedding. But with a few hours of children spent curled up on the sofa covered in quilts sipping juice, I actually sat down and got my sewing head on...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEien4032S0DfaXcUTHZ09BTp8nxf1HgHpMKJN5f3ef3l-i8LnI-hJFzfJiDXk722OEOXrmd8nNXk0oxQ12YptNcL1z2LOx1_bhFeyijhDcXOyDIWis6TgV63RHmYdAjpWyyT0YWHAR9ezJK/s1600-h/DSC_1864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEien4032S0DfaXcUTHZ09BTp8nxf1HgHpMKJN5f3ef3l-i8LnI-hJFzfJiDXk722OEOXrmd8nNXk0oxQ12YptNcL1z2LOx1_bhFeyijhDcXOyDIWis6TgV63RHmYdAjpWyyT0YWHAR9ezJK/s400/DSC_1864.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389901786258293650" /></a>Its Autumn, which means a new season which in turn equals a new bag...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGC7-lDdVj-a4UEA7D0SmzuhbrdtBwmm73VnSp2ap07BGzbjRP84HAGBRw-H68EuE7yHp6vetuADsDsWgTY91C2FqOKl784OHTY1JDT9OqrVsG45AmZAgaVRfExVGKzx_K29YOTJGIhzI/s1600-h/DSC_1867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGC7-lDdVj-a4UEA7D0SmzuhbrdtBwmm73VnSp2ap07BGzbjRP84HAGBRw-H68EuE7yHp6vetuADsDsWgTY91C2FqOKl784OHTY1JDT9OqrVsG45AmZAgaVRfExVGKzx_K29YOTJGIhzI/s400/DSC_1867.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389901777704677826" /></a>So taking my inspiration from the colours of the season I played about with some scraps and put this little number together...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27PJV1xQWRQKhrR1QVcCQah2Zz1vcBnmVCT9eeCyhXLimV3lSb6g-uHYSmdu5hEMPCx_hZzL9v9HuvqBMjbpV78zWSYl15gz6P3k8yXE9V-H4Zs4T5o43ZWRK-wCd9n185wtS0UvW70wp/s1600-h/DSC_1866.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27PJV1xQWRQKhrR1QVcCQah2Zz1vcBnmVCT9eeCyhXLimV3lSb6g-uHYSmdu5hEMPCx_hZzL9v9HuvqBMjbpV78zWSYl15gz6P3k8yXE9V-H4Zs4T5o43ZWRK-wCd9n185wtS0UvW70wp/s400/DSC_1866.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389901772479540002" /></a>A bag that makes me smile!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNb-gO6PtRc9PV-aXW6OmBYOzFOpjSlp9wlGEAySjMRxWO2GGQq9EQla4vjKGTY4ymbHU6OyRPVZ2fei-G4nO9WBldh7ZJ7Iq0JW-qcQkrSoqISSf3IZmcj-3ocL8w9gtH5UjY1GHTHcQ/s1600-h/DSC_1874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNb-gO6PtRc9PV-aXW6OmBYOzFOpjSlp9wlGEAySjMRxWO2GGQq9EQla4vjKGTY4ymbHU6OyRPVZ2fei-G4nO9WBldh7ZJ7Iq0JW-qcQkrSoqISSf3IZmcj-3ocL8w9gtH5UjY1GHTHcQ/s400/DSC_1874.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389901764633388210" /></a>Amazing what a little bundle of felt can inspire....Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-20029598073573884302009-09-27T08:28:00.000-07:002009-09-27T09:00:07.806-07:00Accepting Autumn...Autumn is a funny time for me, I appreciate the beautiful colours I even look forward to the warm cosy evenings snuggling up in front of the fire with beautiful wool to knit with or cosy cord to sew. Spending time in my kitchen in the day cooking up hearty meals and of course getting my slow cooker out for all those warming stews and casseroles. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U0e3rO5jVilKeXWRE2jnYYPZGxynddMTzlTofpbHzhhV7jozBNEo3aXuszcyTEBbA8ofaflFl_ES4dwakprSF5lJBQq0_MOdmpRTahPNt3CouMkpQNRN2-j38QY3_Ch8UMlZ_iO9UZgr/s1600-h/DSC_1862.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U0e3rO5jVilKeXWRE2jnYYPZGxynddMTzlTofpbHzhhV7jozBNEo3aXuszcyTEBbA8ofaflFl_ES4dwakprSF5lJBQq0_MOdmpRTahPNt3CouMkpQNRN2-j38QY3_Ch8UMlZ_iO9UZgr/s400/DSC_1862.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386171781751690402" /></a>But... I am a summer girl and of course Autumn marks the end of those long lovely days out in the fresh air, time spent on beaches and swimming in the sea, eating food outside and BBQs, flowing easy dressing, make up free thanks to the freckles the sun has blessed me with. Yes its a time of sadness for me. However with so much change going on in my life I am more accepting even welcoming this year of the visible changes on the land that mark the passing of time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3QaYsG0gVuhf3nTYV071nNLL4OO6I3vxB6eYIMNg1rqOXQxRnX0X4W7AEs1ODL20jnvEOvbg_nBdaYZm3rJwNMn8Lswmjy3ciB-ax2MlE9VfY7GkdL72YmqbnQ6-UTcNKQ0SyqZp_-yh/s1600-h/DSC_1851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3QaYsG0gVuhf3nTYV071nNLL4OO6I3vxB6eYIMNg1rqOXQxRnX0X4W7AEs1ODL20jnvEOvbg_nBdaYZm3rJwNMn8Lswmjy3ciB-ax2MlE9VfY7GkdL72YmqbnQ6-UTcNKQ0SyqZp_-yh/s400/DSC_1851.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386171773231915458" /></a>Yes, accepting... enjoying the dew kissed grass in the early mornings as I let the animals out to play for the day, the change in clothes as I pull out all my beautiful knitted tops which wrap around me like a second skin, re heeling my favourite boots and sorting out my socks and funky tights ready for the cooler days.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEa3JT-VqO9DsjAl9UPaVg_WHIeHikTwUnKBd064AuZZx7n1eHpvxwAsLVBUElzoAHQzX_Nn7FG14lapVsUUEUnniOUsQ7UjXhZMjlygNZIWB_qUWXC4dfZ5_2Vc9hIBbioG_ijPUbic5K/s1600-h/DSC_1850.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEa3JT-VqO9DsjAl9UPaVg_WHIeHikTwUnKBd064AuZZx7n1eHpvxwAsLVBUElzoAHQzX_Nn7FG14lapVsUUEUnniOUsQ7UjXhZMjlygNZIWB_qUWXC4dfZ5_2Vc9hIBbioG_ijPUbic5K/s400/DSC_1850.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386171765538468386" /></a>Of course if your a blog reader you can not helped but have noticed the many posts about the seasonal fruits, sadly my pair tree has a nasty disease and the pears are inedible this year, but the apples (not from my own garden but a welcome gift) are a treat this year, so on a cooler, wetter day whilst the babes worked hard at school, this Mommy peeled chopped and baked...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo9tbGyBZFwzATvn9MScK98zwOkEu9rxFU33aMDvV5dQ9CVjM6pfQOaeDOMQnqTGOef9eePYAQkp14NzfJm_kbf_Jo-4GS-bLyQQon7j4Lh5V9EMzG1m-6JtbTFZvTqYpYZtawSCoYsP2/s1600-h/DSC_1852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo9tbGyBZFwzATvn9MScK98zwOkEu9rxFU33aMDvV5dQ9CVjM6pfQOaeDOMQnqTGOef9eePYAQkp14NzfJm_kbf_Jo-4GS-bLyQQon7j4Lh5V9EMzG1m-6JtbTFZvTqYpYZtawSCoYsP2/s400/DSC_1852.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386171757092663090" /></a>Topping up the larder and the freezer, little bags of apple sauce ready for a winters worth of roast dinners and of course Christmas Dinner with homemade apple sauce and pies for those times when you need a treat of a pudding... did I really say Christmas then?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVI0Kndj8J2AacaRRdaW0WJS9vllYVGYmUfveve5iFQH7XbCKTfNkgmuUx7HeCz4IWQbJCwq0mwwh5n_lHeKMqA66CFnBXYwdrObH74LTwMIzVTKIkErTG_pKKQ668fZaqJ6cOPbo6Tcx/s1600-h/DSC_1855.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVI0Kndj8J2AacaRRdaW0WJS9vllYVGYmUfveve5iFQH7XbCKTfNkgmuUx7HeCz4IWQbJCwq0mwwh5n_lHeKMqA66CFnBXYwdrObH74LTwMIzVTKIkErTG_pKKQ668fZaqJ6cOPbo6Tcx/s400/DSC_1855.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386171752638135474" /></a>Yes I accept the changes around me and this year I even embrace it, without even realising it I have noticed my selection of colours has changed from bright to darker earthy tones in what I wear and indeed what I sew.....<div><br /></div><div>I wish you a wonderful week as day by day the leaves on the trees change and the grass needs mowing less...</div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-66225720742512478172009-09-22T02:25:00.000-07:002009-09-22T03:23:59.989-07:00Happy Hooker<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPgGFR2IR3QmCtHnvCllBhLIimu-1Dy-lN__wrpsfSanz8Prdb0s8_w3isG-rtnyWYcGwD2K4s73Q0QZa_emB6bJIXKLLZkwpFUi7HDH28-kt_vVUua6n67Ukd742fkpLxkVHhfIvrlCs/s1600-h/DSC_1857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPgGFR2IR3QmCtHnvCllBhLIimu-1Dy-lN__wrpsfSanz8Prdb0s8_w3isG-rtnyWYcGwD2K4s73Q0QZa_emB6bJIXKLLZkwpFUi7HDH28-kt_vVUua6n67Ukd742fkpLxkVHhfIvrlCs/s400/DSC_1857.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384223062236359666" /></a>Back in my kitchen after a couple of glorious days on the beach, it felt like the last few days of summer and as the seasons are changing I wanted to get out there and make the most of the warm rays of sunshine on my skin before I pull on the long sleeves and boots! SO forgive my absence but I was doing what I do best and spending time on the beach.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn-R-7biChXVMHTj1h9hn5r-qjNfuiD_TE4MAuDHUuDs3AmKAJ9sTkbpAnBG4wamhnnD2oQ94XuaWvAan4DDviqhCHQQa6TZyewIRmeEytKCBkuBWNLZ9-MBh8_M3i6TczJukvULR4fIK/s1600-h/DSC_1854.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn-R-7biChXVMHTj1h9hn5r-qjNfuiD_TE4MAuDHUuDs3AmKAJ9sTkbpAnBG4wamhnnD2oQ94XuaWvAan4DDviqhCHQQa6TZyewIRmeEytKCBkuBWNLZ9-MBh8_M3i6TczJukvULR4fIK/s400/DSC_1854.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384223056534107298" /></a>When not on the beach this past week, I was sitting in my rather overgrown garden (due to being away at the beach all summer) trying to teach myself to crochet, you may remember I tried this a couple of years ago and I just got frustrated by all the ends to sew in. A little wiser now and with the desire to make a ripple crochet blanket with stash, (<i>my yarn diet lasted 9 weeks, then I needed to finish a project and had to buy a couple of balls</i>). The desire outweighs my capabilities and as I poked around blogland I saw I was not the only one with this desire, must be the thought of the cooler and darker evenings. The lovely <b><a href="http://moogsmum.blogspot.com/">MOOGSMUM</a></b> directed me to <b><a href="http://attica24.typepad.com/weblog/">ATTICA24</a>. </b>A delight of a blog, and with the news of a new baby, I poured through the many pages of this informative and beautifully put together blog.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeZeid-vio4VolXhGf0gvIqpmZ7uGc6jZvYPwJqRc0H8dlZZd_FWFLBbVMHH-CeGuN8XXnp5Itg9ybwnr_0ZE6uiuzYijKIqoSFVQ95wxp2Xe-FyKwZM162Ip-jo34gVe3Y-L1dJOP12W/s1600-h/DSC_1858.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeZeid-vio4VolXhGf0gvIqpmZ7uGc6jZvYPwJqRc0H8dlZZd_FWFLBbVMHH-CeGuN8XXnp5Itg9ybwnr_0ZE6uiuzYijKIqoSFVQ95wxp2Xe-FyKwZM162Ip-jo34gVe3Y-L1dJOP12W/s400/DSC_1858.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384223048071579698" /></a>SO I sat with my laptop and my knitting bag and worked through one of her tutorials. Within a couple of days I was one Happy Hooker...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPeYzTuIA7iErsGNC2G7hv9qimDDK0orX6fdW3yiuEqRdDd9BxNWBhMEB7g71Q-AimzbT8N3DaNk2jJvsfa-7Ecg0ZAj5u_i1x-wkjzSObTXyemy8PZtyXqW8hzLjgybng9Wk1ppZKgz2/s1600-h/DSC_1860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPeYzTuIA7iErsGNC2G7hv9qimDDK0orX6fdW3yiuEqRdDd9BxNWBhMEB7g71Q-AimzbT8N3DaNk2jJvsfa-7Ecg0ZAj5u_i1x-wkjzSObTXyemy8PZtyXqW8hzLjgybng9Wk1ppZKgz2/s400/DSC_1860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384223042508284882" /></a>But what about the sewing? Well my thoughts have returned to my sewing and its just time that is keeping me away from my sewing room. So it was a delight of an opportunity to go and spend a day with friends doing a little hand sewing using the fabric that I had dyed earlier in the year. (<b><a href="http://suziesews.blogspot.com/2009/05/dying-for-some-fun.html">See this post</a></b>).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8EMMSa82ryWINObgW2Q1QVv-ay8FhVOT1FSbmP62Gjlt9UnG_ixPWKvAvPTt5T5Bqhsbt0Ii1D-D7WkWprXo9651bXvINDbl2mTZ2A0j270gXmbcrPgfbjBbw_wKZ4ZqOGHHck7rpw8w/s1600-h/DSC_1861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8EMMSa82ryWINObgW2Q1QVv-ay8FhVOT1FSbmP62Gjlt9UnG_ixPWKvAvPTt5T5Bqhsbt0Ii1D-D7WkWprXo9651bXvINDbl2mTZ2A0j270gXmbcrPgfbjBbw_wKZ4ZqOGHHck7rpw8w/s400/DSC_1861.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384223034025086466" /></a>After selecting my design, I light boxed the pattern on to the fabric, layered up with wadding and backing muslin, with the 'rocking technique' I sewed little stitches all the way around the pattern. Therapy for the soul indeed, I felt calm, relaxed and happy as I sipped my tea and eating too many bickies, chatting and catching up with what my friends had got up to in the summer, yes a pleasant way to spend the day indeed.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-40950172768111510092009-09-08T06:54:00.000-07:002009-09-08T07:07:28.506-07:00Back home...We return to normality, if you can call my home life normality. The summer holidays are over and both children reluctantly went into school. The summer holiday was a huge success, a feeling of 'I done it' fills my heart. My first year as a single Mom, seven weeks on my own with (in my opinion) the best two children in the world. It had its challenges, but we tackled them head on and came out smiling.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOjqNuNWY0_aU8JuO8Qme8coKzCyEvQT2YlMunjliy2KeXPexpVVVf6aNzQEe6TN48veL5JZpka8f6C2O6PbH8rZrlfUD3NTxFJ_19K31AMrFgZx-Rj2Q7GSOnR_iabM9muw8F2R4zT5n/s1600-h/S7300237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOjqNuNWY0_aU8JuO8Qme8coKzCyEvQT2YlMunjliy2KeXPexpVVVf6aNzQEe6TN48veL5JZpka8f6C2O6PbH8rZrlfUD3NTxFJ_19K31AMrFgZx-Rj2Q7GSOnR_iabM9muw8F2R4zT5n/s400/S7300237.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379095041822558098" /></a>So after weeks of living out of ikea bags I am now spending a few days being intimate with my washing machine!!!<div><br /></div><div>The family home feels empty, unloved, and kinda soulless so I am moving from room to room removing dust and plumping up cushions. Attacking the post pile and paying the bills. Making phone calls and cleaning up the mess.</div><div><br /></div><div>Every so often I pop into my sewing room and I get that tingle in my fingers, itching for some free time to spend creatively. Ahhh my beautiful sewing machine, give me a day or so and I will be with you.</div><div><br /></div><div>So as I get in to my rhythm, after the cleaning, food shopping and baking are done I will be resuming normal Suzie Sews 'STUFF'...</div><div><br /></div><div>I reluctantly welcome in September and all that Autumn brings us.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-56664638459371939932009-08-30T02:31:00.000-07:002009-08-30T03:37:04.287-07:00gypsy...My heart lifts in the summer, it fills me with the desire to travel. To spend time with friends and to eat lots of yummy food in the sunshine. Yes endless picnics, hearing friends laughter and finding sand in places that, well, sand just should not be!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbom-PGyIiw7mSNR7BD9wD6dPg1phsx73IblXxwq_-aBos_FscMMvchteUTieF3NHv3pnelHGsifCaQ-Go8ZsiewODUipM9lZ3pzNTpawQphfLr_1TpcDuhST6aYKH9T6WSg0-UptpV4a/s1600-h/DSCN1000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbom-PGyIiw7mSNR7BD9wD6dPg1phsx73IblXxwq_-aBos_FscMMvchteUTieF3NHv3pnelHGsifCaQ-Go8ZsiewODUipM9lZ3pzNTpawQphfLr_1TpcDuhST6aYKH9T6WSg0-UptpV4a/s400/DSCN1000.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375692944968330354" /></a>My Mom has always called me a gypsy, as a young adult I always moved around and never really laid roots down, If I was unhappy at work I would up sticks and move someplace else. A year was the average time for me to stay still. Then I hit thirty, it was a life changing time for me. I got married, I started to save money, I made a home and I grew a little baby within my tummy. Yes for the first time in my life I put roots down. My little family was added too. Two children, rabbits and other small little animals I made a little nest and felt complete. The desire to travel and experience life left me, I no longer had the need to to live out of a suitcase or always be looking at what I could do or be next.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_O1p5q-B_SyNlolExZJ8SRX1vfPdes2moNNaTn1rHSh-_fi8-tuXu2DXZkPA6R1J_PNumBF9n_CxNNPh6u0BzOmIP4UZ93P5Yk_B-gCi4SR9xojVgLczH8fkdJqEy8WzmVQJoQPNUt1WL/s1600-h/DSC_1503.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_O1p5q-B_SyNlolExZJ8SRX1vfPdes2moNNaTn1rHSh-_fi8-tuXu2DXZkPA6R1J_PNumBF9n_CxNNPh6u0BzOmIP4UZ93P5Yk_B-gCi4SR9xojVgLczH8fkdJqEy8WzmVQJoQPNUt1WL/s400/DSC_1503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375692931472791490" /></a>But you know, life is a funny old thing and things change. You just do not know what is around the corner ready to shake you up and change your whole view on the world. I do not feel 'nesty'and secure anymore, the need to move and experience life is getting back in my soul. It scares me, it also excites me. This summer I have hardly been at home and to be honest I have not missed it, OK I confess my sewing room has a pull on me. So this seven weeks of time with my children, we have hardly been at home except for a day here and a day there to wash our clothes and pack for the next trip or fulfill a commitment. I have spent hours sitting on my veranda at my beach house (caravan;) !) sipping fresh coffee and knitting whilst my children run around in the sunshine. Sharing good times with my children and friends.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtedMaWPc9dzRVMQeqIe2Vzozb02zSe0wbK_Iy-9Q7E_9XtI7pb9w0dN73SPrC6p7LxzSBuLNSZyTP1fkbXSSbnPvswpM_YSL4yF66HWQZm5j_NlN_p6vTmIhT-iHGEohwjlIftB_h5GVp/s1600-h/DSC_0523_5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtedMaWPc9dzRVMQeqIe2Vzozb02zSe0wbK_Iy-9Q7E_9XtI7pb9w0dN73SPrC6p7LxzSBuLNSZyTP1fkbXSSbnPvswpM_YSL4yF66HWQZm5j_NlN_p6vTmIhT-iHGEohwjlIftB_h5GVp/s400/DSC_0523_5.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375692923153543618" /></a>Days spent on beaches, each beach offering a different view, a different memory from East to West of the United Kingdom, yes this summer we have so enjoyed our beach time despite the intermittent rain.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MNPqNGl5o3zz_MLjmYqJvL97BVDyMkRbroh89KpOQMBhVnyiZjdXh5XT3B0GshtCReKTMtlgYE2fShQVWfLQIjqqNnUx4kbujArdFeTjK1v7jLiZqwV5a6KuCaNZT77Lw6jpdAerQ9OY/s1600-h/Day+On+the+Beach+250809+283.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MNPqNGl5o3zz_MLjmYqJvL97BVDyMkRbroh89KpOQMBhVnyiZjdXh5XT3B0GshtCReKTMtlgYE2fShQVWfLQIjqqNnUx4kbujArdFeTjK1v7jLiZqwV5a6KuCaNZT77Lw6jpdAerQ9OY/s400/Day+On+the+Beach+250809+283.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375689518141777570" /></a>The children laughed and played and I believe they have grown flippers instead of feet...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQFyVVT5jBCFiR0LzH97ZwfKFXY6nbcTTmVNmcOD6xpq5hmi6P-z04sZgRY_itUdEbv03kgeAfWb7UOgLVEgoDUyRP3cKQbPMyqZyTp05B6aw3li7q6y6HC3uJFYgZWh0OmQzd6fYEwLA/s1600-h/S7300113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQFyVVT5jBCFiR0LzH97ZwfKFXY6nbcTTmVNmcOD6xpq5hmi6P-z04sZgRY_itUdEbv03kgeAfWb7UOgLVEgoDUyRP3cKQbPMyqZyTp05B6aw3li7q6y6HC3uJFYgZWh0OmQzd6fYEwLA/s400/S7300113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375689503488911858" /></a>For years, I dreamed about having my own camper van, and this summer I have in fact lived the dream. Making camp by the beach for a few days or just making a Hot Chocolate to warm us up on a wet windy day, or using it as a dressing room after a dip in the cold sea, yes my little camper has been a treat. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Life changes and sometimes its not pretty, I guess this time next year the camper and the caravan will no longer be ours, someone else will be enjoying the life we love so much. For my children I think this is the part I find so sad, BUT I will not let this take the fun out of the moment and as we approach the last week of the holidays I am off again for a week by the sea, the animals are being looked after and bags are packed, this week I am even taking my sewing machine with me...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">SO before the autumnal days crisp up, before the nights close in, just give me one more week of living for the moment, a week by the beach, some sun and most of all... my children.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Normal craft blogging will resume in September... until then let me make the most of the last days of summer.</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Be happy...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBBHftVeIRJ0Y4usdpEVMmeURSeXRKvKSNjItvDqrBxxDSM-hDFnD6P_PHJ7PeEUitEw-MenwdbTFHvnpNs7Z8g0MiNe0efniVDGoXUoE2DliNhubuutvw0xpQuRq5R8QtzzhqslpefOp/s1600-h/S7300113.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></a></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-76021689849178332012009-08-14T02:43:00.000-07:002009-08-14T03:13:14.981-07:00Beauty all around...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7eJuh8hg_GfuIDAzzqWbCtUZKT0GOhEoubMDj1lW-idyphBURI6kmQ6DRvdEyc5vEOgUZLHlnbxOMJTvF39bzaW9J9YrF7KXoUgidycihJsIwsujalZIlsnNZiIzXVh5lZSR3P7eHfHY/s1600-h/DSCN0991.JPG">It never stops to amaze me that no matter what is going on in your life, how ever sad or confused you might feel, if you take the time to open your eyes there is so much beauty all around us. Now I admit I am more optimistic than most, it has been commented on that I live in a bubble gum world, but you know there is so much sad and bad things going on in the world I don't consider this a negative remark. What can I say, its the British Summer time, yes the rain continues to fall and the days can be grey but when the sun comes out and you feel the warmth on your skin, how can you not look around and smile... especially with your children..<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7eJuh8hg_GfuIDAzzqWbCtUZKT0GOhEoubMDj1lW-idyphBURI6kmQ6DRvdEyc5vEOgUZLHlnbxOMJTvF39bzaW9J9YrF7KXoUgidycihJsIwsujalZIlsnNZiIzXVh5lZSR3P7eHfHY/s400/DSCN0991.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369755278401922898" /></a>The writing is a little slow, to be fair it is pretty much none existent, I apologise, the children are with me and we are making the most of every moment. When we have a little spare change in our pockets we treat ourselves to afternoon tea with scones and cakes...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo-ysey_ujZs7KG0SyjmiqvMlT1zrrxZfQRUcBfonIwI1UZiROpEip2YQYPU6W1zb-zHOAQDJ05godllxES94oyXet8bfo5rfA-1zkYnYeRVcmnI2E3UnzgHYcr192RwHMepZd_f20VQk/s1600-h/DSCN0910.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo-ysey_ujZs7KG0SyjmiqvMlT1zrrxZfQRUcBfonIwI1UZiROpEip2YQYPU6W1zb-zHOAQDJ05godllxES94oyXet8bfo5rfA-1zkYnYeRVcmnI2E3UnzgHYcr192RwHMepZd_f20VQk/s400/DSCN0910.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369755268698255714" /></a>If we are a little short then its a little pic nic on the beach.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS1Cvy9EUL0830lczBiiOrdgDzBmErjDZ5gCY7Ahul3UTotlUNw5hohMMWrx2Jn6CkSCU2hAkI3uHOcLv9BuJEigUs0TN2BP7Y-z_3ruud5VE1AVsyxFrXMSa8fX_KkBYsfFSm8LteUDU/s1600-h/DSCN0936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS1Cvy9EUL0830lczBiiOrdgDzBmErjDZ5gCY7Ahul3UTotlUNw5hohMMWrx2Jn6CkSCU2hAkI3uHOcLv9BuJEigUs0TN2BP7Y-z_3ruud5VE1AVsyxFrXMSa8fX_KkBYsfFSm8LteUDU/s400/DSCN0936.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369755262307397058" /></a>Whilst Mommy keeps up with her knitting...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAI4BGImWpsWTiLVQ2gHErlptXHeaqdkRXJGc5V66pQCKpNGj_cOfjfA93jNaZEOakGsiDQ15fUDT6C2ci0aTdSFG5AWZHDF_uAIaaqFCaxB2k7zdz8n6_ehoK28Ly2xjMtgTtwRAZXg9/s1600-h/DSCN1013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAI4BGImWpsWTiLVQ2gHErlptXHeaqdkRXJGc5V66pQCKpNGj_cOfjfA93jNaZEOakGsiDQ15fUDT6C2ci0aTdSFG5AWZHDF_uAIaaqFCaxB2k7zdz8n6_ehoK28Ly2xjMtgTtwRAZXg9/s400/DSCN1013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369755256416428338" /></a>The children wade off on sea adventures. (My sons leg is now healing well, I thank you for all your comments of support, fabulous scar though!!!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavGfjJWkHC9uSpqT0_MXyZdRMQZMTi__iJVe6gAgt-WvXLWIwASpSIevZGobYSdtWwDY5hOgm_OC3i_h_A5kT_a2o_m_8YlESzEThnEiVDZ4ukd7d_0fqH4oX2r0Guj8yg_9OENgHgH39/s1600-h/DSCN0951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavGfjJWkHC9uSpqT0_MXyZdRMQZMTi__iJVe6gAgt-WvXLWIwASpSIevZGobYSdtWwDY5hOgm_OC3i_h_A5kT_a2o_m_8YlESzEThnEiVDZ4ukd7d_0fqH4oX2r0Guj8yg_9OENgHgH39/s400/DSCN0951.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369755245841478370" /></a>We play on a beach that has a never ending supply of natural clay... Mmmm I am getting quite a few dried out little 'makes' around the house and my holiday cottage by the sea, which is of course my caravan ;)<div><br /></div><div>I am home for a few days, longing to get back to the beach. Whilst home I am spending the evening in my sewing room, the vibe is starting to come back and whilst I know September brings many changes into my families life, I think the sewing groove will see me through, my head is so full of ideas and how can I not be inspired when I sit in my little room, surrounded by fabrics, rows of books filled with inspiration and my much loved sewing machine...<br /><div><br /></div><div>Happy days to you and yours...</div></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364752654828813449.post-66594649228918755262009-07-31T13:22:00.000-07:002009-08-01T10:50:19.025-07:00LOVING IT!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fcculMR8l0FMJkR7A1fYZr8wsTnoIH00qptVyjrEm-dObk68KcgcsKJPTQYDiGefTjA8-YY_Dzy9nRaepuWmcWvkJR-ix2aqC5M62nVCFwMPnONcAvbfEVrRIer9QACB6wS0B0DCQRy7/s1600-h/DSC_1752.JPG">Its my favourite time of year, no time table to follow, no place to be, no need to clock watch, just time to take it easy and do the things I love best. Which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">of course</span> means time at the beach with my guys...<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fcculMR8l0FMJkR7A1fYZr8wsTnoIH00qptVyjrEm-dObk68KcgcsKJPTQYDiGefTjA8-YY_Dzy9nRaepuWmcWvkJR-ix2aqC5M62nVCFwMPnONcAvbfEVrRIer9QACB6wS0B0DCQRy7/s400/DSC_1752.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364725490713877506" /></a>Eating yummy ice cream...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7KL8q6oqfIfpQfiLOGe1WVuRTFiVgIJdyKI4jNOzDnnhkOxfYxDCFkd7vKNkyparSxsf6pnXnX-yldswlJ3wkegp51bVUw8jOzjYXce2NbJorYdEvRG6AvG1bF91QZtMj6M2_oOASed4/s1600-h/DSC_1786.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7KL8q6oqfIfpQfiLOGe1WVuRTFiVgIJdyKI4jNOzDnnhkOxfYxDCFkd7vKNkyparSxsf6pnXnX-yldswlJ3wkegp51bVUw8jOzjYXce2NbJorYdEvRG6AvG1bF91QZtMj6M2_oOASed4/s400/DSC_1786.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364725482903038306" /></a>Taking time to appreciate the things that surround us...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlgPDwk0TofXHriGSAbP-eqBnd_-S08PR8O_6rg0x_oPJudF72f09YLpzrot9H9z6nFBNFgRF5StzCybAckeZN0cg4sOKy9AvE9CWsUC7OankqTmInpJK8Js1LadI2ip7zE2U5vBUssKv/s1600-h/DSC_1787.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlgPDwk0TofXHriGSAbP-eqBnd_-S08PR8O_6rg0x_oPJudF72f09YLpzrot9H9z6nFBNFgRF5StzCybAckeZN0cg4sOKy9AvE9CWsUC7OankqTmInpJK8Js1LadI2ip7zE2U5vBUssKv/s400/DSC_1787.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364725478278685938" /></a>time for creative play...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW57KZHV1sRwZFOfhpPu46EPuvb7RyNi-Og3rE4uBotrRfdfitIftxSU2Dwalc4gncC8Kxu1o_7s9TXBcCs4hh_iXov8IbkcGwRDb8XJ8-fQCp4daKdWf5H2xoqf212NRPtSHiOzAatZm0/s1600-h/DSC_1802.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW57KZHV1sRwZFOfhpPu46EPuvb7RyNi-Og3rE4uBotrRfdfitIftxSU2Dwalc4gncC8Kxu1o_7s9TXBcCs4hh_iXov8IbkcGwRDb8XJ8-fQCp4daKdWf5H2xoqf212NRPtSHiOzAatZm0/s400/DSC_1802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364725476229842674" /></a>and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">of course</span> some knitting and sewing time for Mommy...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvum9gYHKkxVe2w6MDKLbQmKBVQ1AkY4BKpx2SR4ZSskukElWW0i0v8-rJD74lN0KLscbvecw9YVbsixVftj3xecuk891LJKBb-x2fe9yt4hPtwPRtLZoLlHafXjkiCLBzb7-8upgVezB/s1600-h/DSC_1806.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvum9gYHKkxVe2w6MDKLbQmKBVQ1AkY4BKpx2SR4ZSskukElWW0i0v8-rJD74lN0KLscbvecw9YVbsixVftj3xecuk891LJKBb-x2fe9yt4hPtwPRtLZoLlHafXjkiCLBzb7-8upgVezB/s400/DSC_1806.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364725467870749522" /></a>What ever you are doing at this time of year I wish you love, peace, health, contentment and good company.<div><br /></div><div>Yes these summer months are a time to treasure with loved ones and friends.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Suzie Sews At DOTTY REDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08315491316461177952noreply@blogger.com10