Well only 20 more squares to go and I have crocheted half a blanket.  That might not sound like much, but it is a big blanket.  I keep laying the squares out and thinking 'does she really need a blanket that big ?'.  'Would a wrap or a small blanket be enough?', it's amazing what you can try and talk yourself out of! But I think I'll stick with it and if it's not ready for her birthday in August it will make a nice Christmas present! 

It's my husband's birthday this week so that's a card to make, although he insists he doesn't want a card or a present.  He always manages to grumble about whatever you buy him, the family and work colleagues all joke about him having OCD. But it's no joke, he has, try living with him!  He's got a surprise present coming this year though, something homemade. So look out for the end of the week when I'll put a photo on (if I can work out how).

Carolyn put some photos of new fabric on her Facebook page (Make Me Fabrics), it's really lovely kids fabric.  I especially like  the farm scene one, pity my kids are grown up really.  It would make a lovely quilt, set into complementary colour blocks and some of the detail stitched.  It might have to be one for 'the stash' and the ballerina one as well.  She does have one on with teacups on, that is definitely going to be my new kitchen curtains.  I love kitsch,  forties and fifties style fabrics.  It sort of reminds me of Marge Simpsons corn on the cob curtains (at least I think that's what they are), if you are reading this Carolyn keep your eyes open for some!

My new years resolution this year was to finish one project before starting another and I have more or less stuck to it.  So I had better get back to those squares or that art doll is never going to get started. Hope you have all had a lovely crafty weekend and we'll chat again soon. 

Lots of Love
Louise x

It's cold and wet and I have the central heating on, I am writing this wrapped in a blanket.  I wasn't joking about being up at three in the morning,  I have been up all night with joint pain. It's funny what you think about when you can't sleep and all you seem to do is watch the clock.  I started thinking about buttons last night, Jessie had asked me earlier in the evening for my  button jar.  Do you have one? a random collection of old buttons cut from clothes that don't fit or are worn out.  There are buttons in that jar that came from my mums button jar and now Jessie is using them. A strange kind of heirloom to pass on, mother to daughter.

When I saw my sister a couple of days ago on her stall (Make Me Fabrics) I was looking at all the different buttons she had. There were cute ladybird ones and bright pencil ones, so last night I lay there wondering what I could use these lovely buttons for. They may just get bought and added to the button jar for future generations to find a use.  The jar itself has changed over the years, as it's contents outgrew it.  It's not always been a jar, old tea caddies and treacle tins have been a few.  The collection is about ready for a new home again, I shall have to keep my eyes open for something worthy.

Spare a thought for my sister as she is on the market today and it hasn't stopped raining yet.  If you pop down say hello from me and take a look at the buttons, you might spot some I missed or start your own button jar. 

Lots of love and bye for now,
Louise.

My name is Louise Brough and I suffer from  ME/CFS, Fibro and Menieres and have been ill for just over 5 yrs. This blog is partly about that (something to do at 3 in the morning when I can't sleep) and to communicate with fellow crafters.  We all craft for different reasons, some for pleasure, some for business and some for both! I am 44yrs old and have 2 children, mike 20 and Jessie 18. I have been married to Paul for 21yrs and counting and have just one sister. she will be mentioned a lot as will my daughter Jessie, as both are fellow crafters.

My sister and I have always liked crafty and homemade things, we have both had sewing machines from an early age.  Although Carolyn's results were usually better than mine, I have a brilliant imagination but not much patience.  Her attention to detail and finish were always better than mine.  She has worked in various fabric shops over the years and now the kids are a little older 11, 7, 6) she has set up a stall on our local market (South Elmsall, West Yorks). It's fatal really she keeps showing me her new stock and she has some really lovely fabrics and it's not a case of needing but more of 'got to have'. If you are a crafter you will know what I mean. I'll never have any money!!

I am working on a blanket for my daughter at the moment, it's made up of granny squares 4 rows deep. I cannot knit to save my life, I have tried to teach myself several times over the years, but always end up with the stitches so tight I can't move the needles! So crochet it is, although it may take me a while as I keep stopping for a couple of days when the pain in my hands and wrists gets too bad. I like card making, art journaling and mixed media, although I must confess I probably spend more time watching how to videos on you tube than actually doing.

I'll put some photos on of bits I manage to finish and pics of stuff my sister will definitely have finished.  I supposed you could say I have more enthusiasm than skill, but it doesn't  matter as long as I enjoy it. My sister is definitely more skilled, you'll have to call and visit her on her market stall if you are local to us, she's there Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.