some seasonal books to share

A trip to the library this week surprised us with some wonderful new Christmas books, just to get us in the mood for the forthcoming festivities:

Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett :: we have read a couple of other books of hers but I had never heard of this one before. A favourite of Adrien's now, I think he particularly loved the naughty Trolls.

Kingfisher Christmas Book :: A selection of Christmas stories, poems and carols for the twelve days of Christmas. Includes classics such as The Nutcracker (one of my favourites) and The Little Fir Tree, as well as traditional stories from Scandinavia and Russia.

The Magic Sleigh by Cynthia & Brian Paterson :: Part of the Foxwood Tales. An enchanting story of woodland animals discovering Father Christmas's magic sleigh that whisks them off to his castle. Beautiful illustrations together with such a sweet tale just makes you want to jump into the book with them.

Lucy & Tom's Christmas by Shirley Hughes :: I am a big Shirley Hughes fan. I adore her nostalgic stories & illustrations that seem to represent the perfect childhood. Was not disappointed with this book.

This book, A Day on Skates by Hilda Van Stockum, I have purchased as a gift for Alex for Christmas but I couldn't resist showing a sneaky peek inside the book. Bear in mind I have not read the story yet to myself or the children so the verdict on that is still out until after Christmas, but just look at the illustrations-

I have managed to get another sewing project finished. A little tote bag with embroidered hedgehogs and toadstool on linen fabric. Lining is re purposed polka dot cotton fabric. One less Christmas gift to worry about.

Talking of handmade gifts, I am so eager to pick up my knitting needles I need to find some ideas for knitted gifts to make. Any ideas?

bits & bobs

How is your weekend going? The boys have just gone out with their dad to McDonalds and to choose a movie to rent, which has given me some precious time to gather my thoughts and round up a few things that have been going on here.

Firstly, the brand new Summer 2 Book of Days is out today, which I downloaded and printed this morning. It is full to the brim with lots of activities and ideas for the whole family to be involved in, from cowboy treats to make, to bug-hunting, to making your own magic tricks. I think it has come in great timing for me, as I am starting to dry-up on things to keep the boys busy.

If you remember a couple of months back I started a scrap fabric quilt for Adrien. Well firstly, I came to the realisation that I probably wouldn't have enough of the scrap fabrics to make the size of quilt I was after, so instead I turned that patchwork into a cushion cover, which I backed with a Laura Ashley Cowslip fabric.

I love it. It brings some much needed colour to my rather bland looking living room.

Then I fell in love with this wonderful cowboy fabric from Cath Kidston, and knew I just had to make him a cowboy quilt. Here are the pieces ready to be sewn together. I made the squares much bigger at 9", so that the cowboy print is much noticeable, and also makes for quick piecing together.

This book below, Out and About through the year by Shirley Hughes, was a gift given to me from my friend B. I have loved Shirley Hughes' books, especially the Alfie stories and the classic Dogger but I had never heard of this one. It is a collection of poems following a little girl and her baby brother through the changing seasons. And of course her illustrations are as charming and captivating as ever.

Finally, have started some new embroidery inspired by some of Adrien's little wooden toys.


Hope you are enjoying your weekend. See you next week.

a cup of tea & a freebie

I do love a nice cup of tea, especially from a teapot, but haven't had one for so long. Well I picked up this lovely teapot and mug from a thrift store today for just 50p each!

I also bought this wonderful Annabel Karmel book for just 25p. I used this book a lot when my boys were little and couldn't resist buying it at just 25p. The recipes are easy and nutritious, and the book sets out a whole week meal planner. So if anyone out there wants this copy I will be happy to pass it on to you. I think it must of been an ex-library copy, but except for some stains on the first page it is in good condition. If your interested just send me an email with your details at, dasspart@hotmail.com.

teacher gifts

I wanted to tell you about the gifts we made for our teachers. The problem is that with all the rush that went with making six of these gifts, (we were up until late last Thursday night) together with all the other end of year activities that needed to be done or attended I completely forgot all about capturing their sweet goodness on camera.

We decided to make some Fruit Nut Balls from Molly Wizenberg's book A Homemade Life.
I wish I could show a picture of them because they were so gorgeous looking, sitting nestled in cute cup cases all round and plump with shiny chocolate 'hats' on them. (I may make some more and will be sure to show you them this time.) We then made from cardboard these small gift boxes to hold the little darlings in. I downloaded a template from here. We then decorated the boxes with tissue paper, and Alex had the wonderful idea of picking some fresh flowers from the garden to decorate too. The boxes managed to fit 7-8 balls in them.

meet Susie

Here is Susie, about to embark on an amazing journey to Nicaragua as part of the Craft Hope Project 2. Adrien named her Susie because she reminds him of a girl at his nursery. In fact, both boys have become amazingly attached to Susie, even though she is less than 24 hours old. I think they will be quite sad to see her go. They did have a little play with her today, which I must admit added a little femininity to this testosterone loaded household. She even got a kiss from an Action Man! You go girl!


I hope she can bring as much love and fun to the little person she is going to, as she has brought to this family over the weekend.

Farewell Susie, safe journey. xo

Just to say.....

this bundle of handmade goodness arrived here from Sarah at A Flower For You. They were from her blog giveaway which I won. All the items are so well made and the fabrics are gorgeous. This little bag is already a permanent fixture on my arm whenever I go out. It's perfect for my keys, cell phone and wallet when I am out on one of my many school runs.

Here is a lovely little pouch filled with recipe cards. I can't wait to try them out. Sarah has recently opened a new Etsy Shop, where you can find more of her gorgeous items.

It is Alex's 7th Birthday on Tuesday, so I am organising a party tomorrow at Pirates , a local kids play centre. Parties scare the hell out of me - confession: this will be the first party I have thrown. I am quite a shy person and the thought of organising a party for 10 7 year old boys is enough to give me sleepless nights. That is probably why I haven't been here for the last couple of days. If I survive the party on Saturday I should be back on Monday with some pictures and let you know how I got on. Wish me luck!

An Easter Surprise!

After returning from the hospital with Alex yesterday, a package all the way from Chicago was waiting patiently for me. Michelle from Shell Please sent this lovely package of loveliness to me. Some wonderful fabric that I admired afar from her blog, which she so kindly shared with me, and some gifts for the boys, candy and crayons. Thank you so much Michelle for your kindness and thoughtfulness. How fitting it arrived just on the eve of Easter. I don't believe these things happen by chance. I feel so privileged to have you as a friend.

Itsy Bitsy Sewing

Here are some of the little sewing items I have been making recently. I am thinking of giving these as gifts to my sons' Teachers at Easter, as I think they do an amazing job!

Here are miniature lavender tote bags, ready to hang in a closet.

Here is a selection of hand embroidered linen purses. Up top a clutch (note: I am still deciding on the button to add), on left, a coin like purse with red polka dot lining to match the red flowers, and on right, a daisy zip purse.

I also whipped up this pink headband for myself. Last week I went for a long overdue appointment at the hair salon, and got about 6" chopped off! I am loving the shorter look, and thought I would play around with some hair accessories. I took this picture myself yesterday at the playground with Adrien.

I made the hairband from this Old Red Barn tutorial. It was very quick and easy to make, and I got many compliments at the school about it. I am thinking of making a few more in lots of bright coloured fabrics, ideal for spring and summer.

Well I have lots of housework building up. Have yourself a wonderful weekend!