Contentment.

The last few days have brought me a sense of contentment.  Feelings of ‘yes, I like my life’.  It hasn’t been too hectic and I have been able to potter about doing abit of this and a bit of that and finishing up with a positive end to the day.  So what have I been doing.

Sewing.  For my first proper quilt I thought I would try the Crazy Cabin pattern from ‘Melly and Me’.  Over the last couple of years I have been buying bargain bundles of fat quarters and as you can see I have a bright collection.  I thought it was time to use some of it and so here are my first two squares or blocks(?!)

And crocheting coasters – a very satisfying passtime!

and continuing with my throw.

and also planting bulbs, cooking, knitting, pressing leaves, and watching Strictly Come Dancing!!

So thank you God for giving me that sense of contentment!

Oven Delight

A month ago my new cooker arrived and I have been baking to my hearts content, in the knowledge that something edible will come out.  Now you may think that isn’t unusual but when you have been without a thermostat for five or six years it is!!  So I thought I would share one cooking moment with you!

Weighing in – I still use lbs and ozs! The volcano is building!

The lava is flowing!

All present and correct.

The brewing begins.

And VIOLA, eat warm with lots of butter! Yum yum!

Magazines!!!

I love magazines particularly home ones and craft ones!  Like everyone I’m on an economy drive so have had to cut back on my magazine spending, which is really hard as I work in a little corner shop that sells – yes – you’ve guessed it MAGAZINES!  However I have decided to treat myself once a month and this month I have gone for Country Living.  It fits into both categories and is packed with loads of goodies!!  Having had a quick flick through I can see there are many ideas for me to make my own Christmas presents.  Things I can tweek to make them that bit more personal to me! It isn’t just the items that they show that inspires me but also the photographs of the countryside.  Beautiful trees in all their autumnal glory,  views of the sea and docks, animal faces, birds and flowers.  It would be great to be able to have the time to take all these photographs myself, but time is precious and I can’t.  So, with their help, I can feel a selection of notelets forming!  Cushion covers in the russets and golds!  Bags and corsages!  The list is endless and now all I have got to do is allocate some time!  Thank you Country Living!  And watch this space as they say!

Food for thought.

I have just finished my quiet time for this morning.  I have to admit I don’t do it every day, but when I do,  there is always something I can take with me for the rest of the day.   Today I read Psalm 119 v17 to 24.  When I was in a very dark spell three or four years ago, I used to read the Psalms alot and verse 18 of this particular Psalm always started off my readings.  “Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law.”  I am not saying my eyes have always been opened, but I do try to live contentedly in the present and not let the past paralyse the present and bankrupt the future.  With God’s help I can move forward purposefully to do whatever he asks.

“Fill us each morning with your constant love, so that we may sing and be glad all our life.”  Psalm 90 v15

Wips!

What a bright sunny day we are having, with just a slight breeze!  So bright and sunny it is just right for photographing my Wips!

The Nativity is for my son’s girl friend, and should be ready in time for her to use in her infant classroom.  It is the third set Mum and I have done between us.  Mum likes to knit but can’t cope with the big things any more, so she knits and I finish off making all the little add ons!  Very time consuming but worth it when you see the finished articles.

The bed runner is to go across the bottom of my bed.  I first saw the ripple effect on Yarnstorm and fell in love with its fluidity.  It isn’t quite the same pattern but I’m enjoying it.

And last but not least this is the cardigan I am doing with my bargain elle wool.  It is lovely and soft and I think I shall enjoy wearing it too.

Anyway enjoy the sunshine.

Warm as Toast!

OOh it is so cold to day!  I think I have heard that said many times today at work and when I came home I had to agree!  But my socks came to my rescue and now my toes are as warm as toast!