Hello all - remember me! I'm the one who fell off the blogging ladder over a year ago.........last year was a little manic, traumatic and difficult all at the same time and I just couldn't continue with blogging along with everything else that was happening.........
At the same time, I had a website re-design which didn't go as I wanted (behind the scenes that is) hence creating more stress.
Anyway, to cut to the chase, I hope you are all well and I see you are doing so much better than me on the blogging front! It was sensibly suggested to me that I blog via my website, so..........if you would like to visit me from time to time you can find me here:-
http://www.theblueberrypatch.co.uk/blog/
I can't promise vibrant posts but I do pop an update on there every now and then!
Toodle Pip
Sarah
xx
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Thursday, 8 March 2012
The story of Mabel the trolley
Meet Mabel, my new, well old companion.
She's in need of a makeover (only a slight one), but as she was only bought for £4.00, what do you expect.
She was found in the back of a traditional charity shop - a rare sighting now. A charity shop where there's no formality, no 'new' items on display, no inflated prices, and certainly no order to anything. A shop where you see old school type floor tiles on the floor, the pricing is little scraps of hand written paper stuck on with sellotape to the shelves.
The shop on first glance could be a nightmare to most people, but one that I love as you never know what you will unearth.
A shop where you can buy Woods Ware for 10p an item, pretty floral bowls for 10p, sheets for 50p - shall I go on!
When I saw Mabel as she's now affectionately called, I did deliberate for a time wondering where on earth I would put her, what I would use her for, what colour would I paint her etc etc. I decided against her - walked to the car where hubby and the boys' were sat playing with various phones, electronic devices etc. Having already named Mabel in the shop, I explained my dilemma to them - their first question was 'who is Mabel?' followed by 'what do you want a trolley for?' Hubby already realises that there are some questions you just don't ask, and sometimes it's just easiest to say - 'get it, and think about it later'.
He kindly went off to the shop for me and duly paid for her and carried her back to the car. He most certainly didn't want to be seen pushing a tea trolley along the pavement.........
Next problem - it didn't fit into the boot of his nice, but small car. Ha ha. I did jokingly suggest that we leave the boys' behind - take Mabel home, then come back for them later......After some jiggery pokery we managed to get her in. Hubby was rather stressed as he didn't want his car damaged trying to wedge Mabel in.......
So there you have it, the story of Mabel the trolley.
She's in need of a makeover (only a slight one), but as she was only bought for £4.00, what do you expect.
She was found in the back of a traditional charity shop - a rare sighting now. A charity shop where there's no formality, no 'new' items on display, no inflated prices, and certainly no order to anything. A shop where you see old school type floor tiles on the floor, the pricing is little scraps of hand written paper stuck on with sellotape to the shelves.
The shop on first glance could be a nightmare to most people, but one that I love as you never know what you will unearth.
A shop where you can buy Woods Ware for 10p an item, pretty floral bowls for 10p, sheets for 50p - shall I go on!
When I saw Mabel as she's now affectionately called, I did deliberate for a time wondering where on earth I would put her, what I would use her for, what colour would I paint her etc etc. I decided against her - walked to the car where hubby and the boys' were sat playing with various phones, electronic devices etc. Having already named Mabel in the shop, I explained my dilemma to them - their first question was 'who is Mabel?' followed by 'what do you want a trolley for?' Hubby already realises that there are some questions you just don't ask, and sometimes it's just easiest to say - 'get it, and think about it later'.
He kindly went off to the shop for me and duly paid for her and carried her back to the car. He most certainly didn't want to be seen pushing a tea trolley along the pavement.........
Next problem - it didn't fit into the boot of his nice, but small car. Ha ha. I did jokingly suggest that we leave the boys' behind - take Mabel home, then come back for them later......After some jiggery pokery we managed to get her in. Hubby was rather stressed as he didn't want his car damaged trying to wedge Mabel in.......
So there you have it, the story of Mabel the trolley.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Diamond Jubilee (of a different kind)
Whilst perusing my cookery books yesterday seeking some inspiration for afternoon baking, I came across this book
The WI Diamond Jubilee Cookbook printed in 1975. Many of the recipes have been chosen for their clear instructions, the more interesting recipes, and some because the names intrigued the author - Sly Cakes, King George I's Christmas Pudding, Buttery Dick, Guernsey Bean Jar, Oozie-woozie Tart, Australian Jack, Stone Cream, Cawl Mamgu, Fat Rascals, Lord Welby's Sauce, to mention a few!!
I can assure you I didn't attempt any of the above, but did bake some simple Ginger Crispies which went down well with the boys' as most have already gone!
In future I must explore other cook books as I do frequent the same ones time and time again, and neglect ones I feel I may not cook from, but with a bit of time I'll find a whole host of recipes I've never used before.
Do you find yourselves using the same cook books?
The WI Diamond Jubilee Cookbook printed in 1975. Many of the recipes have been chosen for their clear instructions, the more interesting recipes, and some because the names intrigued the author - Sly Cakes, King George I's Christmas Pudding, Buttery Dick, Guernsey Bean Jar, Oozie-woozie Tart, Australian Jack, Stone Cream, Cawl Mamgu, Fat Rascals, Lord Welby's Sauce, to mention a few!!
I can assure you I didn't attempt any of the above, but did bake some simple Ginger Crispies which went down well with the boys' as most have already gone!
In future I must explore other cook books as I do frequent the same ones time and time again, and neglect ones I feel I may not cook from, but with a bit of time I'll find a whole host of recipes I've never used before.
Do you find yourselves using the same cook books?
Monday, 20 February 2012
The week that was
Hello All - hope you had a wonderful half term for those who were having one! Ours went by in a flash and I have to say that I feel absolutely shattered. I normally find them quite relaxing, but this one seemed quite intense.
There was a bit of this (but not much)
Celebrating a 10th birthday
.JPG)
watching this great film
and a little spot of this
I won't mention the comings and goings of friends, sleepover, marginal bickering, constant changes of clothes, and the hourly supply of food and water through the week!! If I ever want a career change, I think I'm quite well qualified to run a B & B!
I'm off now for a lie down and an extremely big cup of coffee....
See you later in the week.
There was a bit of this (but not much)
Celebrating a 10th birthday
.JPG)
watching this great film
and a little spot of this
I won't mention the comings and goings of friends, sleepover, marginal bickering, constant changes of clothes, and the hourly supply of food and water through the week!! If I ever want a career change, I think I'm quite well qualified to run a B & B!
I'm off now for a lie down and an extremely big cup of coffee....
See you later in the week.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Keeping the home fires burning
I did think that we would never get any snow, not that we had much mind you. This, however gave us the perfect excuse to stay in, light the wood burner, the boys' to lollop round, me to bake and to play with my recent thrifty finds and to finish off a pair of patchwork curtains.
I have even got the youngest hand sewing some pieces of fabric together to make a new cushion cover for his room - bless! He's made a good start and for someone who has never picked up a needle and thread before, I think he's done a good job!
Our kitchen window looked rather bland and having such a big window I thought I would soften it with a good old faithful bit of patchwork! (note the lack of snow). Better call it a day now on the amount of patchwork now in the house!
A few weeks ago I picked up a couple of pretty cups and saucers, both for a mere 50p.
We were in desperate need for some new place mats and this brand new set of 6 at £2.00 was a bargain. I love the cottages and would quite happily settle in any one of them.
What would be your dream home?
I have even got the youngest hand sewing some pieces of fabric together to make a new cushion cover for his room - bless! He's made a good start and for someone who has never picked up a needle and thread before, I think he's done a good job!
Our kitchen window looked rather bland and having such a big window I thought I would soften it with a good old faithful bit of patchwork! (note the lack of snow). Better call it a day now on the amount of patchwork now in the house!
A few weeks ago I picked up a couple of pretty cups and saucers, both for a mere 50p.
We were in desperate need for some new place mats and this brand new set of 6 at £2.00 was a bargain. I love the cottages and would quite happily settle in any one of them.
What would be your dream home?
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Happy Days
After having a rather turbulent 2 weeks, I buried my head and did a few crafty pick me ups! Some good has come out of it as I've got lots of stuff finished (although I wouldn't want a re-run of the last 2 weeks).
Remember in my last post I was doing a patchwork hexagon hoop - I wasn't altogether pleased with the white fabric I had chosen but I was at the point of no return. To rectify the choice, I added some embroidery stitches which has made me a little happier!
My bark cloth curtains were an unexpected find on Ebay - a snitch at only £3.00, it was a
wonderful turn-up.
Having spent quite a lot of time cooing over CK's Patch book, and loving the flower picture in there, I set to with making my own. I used a pretty frame I got way before Christmas. It was one of those moments where I thought 'I'll eventually find a use for it' (that was my justification). I think it was meant to have a 'crafty' project in it rather than a photo!
I was quite pleased with the result and it was fun cutting out floral flowers and arranging them.
Hopefully, service will resume fully next week! Have a great weekend.
Remember in my last post I was doing a patchwork hexagon hoop - I wasn't altogether pleased with the white fabric I had chosen but I was at the point of no return. To rectify the choice, I added some embroidery stitches which has made me a little happier!
My bark cloth curtains were an unexpected find on Ebay - a snitch at only £3.00, it was a
wonderful turn-up.
Having spent quite a lot of time cooing over CK's Patch book, and loving the flower picture in there, I set to with making my own. I used a pretty frame I got way before Christmas. It was one of those moments where I thought 'I'll eventually find a use for it' (that was my justification). I think it was meant to have a 'crafty' project in it rather than a photo!
I was quite pleased with the result and it was fun cutting out floral flowers and arranging them.
Hopefully, service will resume fully next week! Have a great weekend.
Friday, 13 January 2012
For the love of
embroidery hoops and patchwork hexagons, both of which I can't get enough of at the moment.
I remember seeing in Liberty's a couple of years ago, fabric displayed in embroidery hoops which I thought was a novel idea. I soon came home and replicated it. You may remember me posting about it.
As my love of hexagons grew, I fancied combining the two. One, I made towards the end of year using various oddments of fabric.
The one I'm currently working on is a little more structured. I'm kind of wishing I hadn't used the white fabric but we'll see what the finished article looks like. The hoop is a big one - 12" in diameter.
It is a cheap way of creating a new hanging item for your wall. If you don't fancy sewing hexagons together you could just display some pretty fabric with some ribbon, alternatively there's lots of lovely wrapping paper around so that could be another use with the hoop.
Have a lovely weekend!
I remember seeing in Liberty's a couple of years ago, fabric displayed in embroidery hoops which I thought was a novel idea. I soon came home and replicated it. You may remember me posting about it.
As my love of hexagons grew, I fancied combining the two. One, I made towards the end of year using various oddments of fabric.
The one I'm currently working on is a little more structured. I'm kind of wishing I hadn't used the white fabric but we'll see what the finished article looks like. The hoop is a big one - 12" in diameter.
It is a cheap way of creating a new hanging item for your wall. If you don't fancy sewing hexagons together you could just display some pretty fabric with some ribbon, alternatively there's lots of lovely wrapping paper around so that could be another use with the hoop.
Have a lovely weekend!
Monday, 9 January 2012
Something old to something new
At the start of every year, I always have a good clear out - most goes to charity some gets free cycled, other bits and bobs either get sold on Amazon or Ebay.
This year, I thought I would do that, but also utilise my crafty stash and other items round the house to give everything a bit of a lift.
Re-work scraps of wool and an old hanger into a nice woolly one
an old treacle tin into a container for some bulbs
some old jumpers into a cosy winter cushion
vintage fabrics and scraps of lace into lavender sachets
and an old tin of paint to add some colour to the bannister rail
Who know what else I'll come up with! What's on your agenda this month?
This year, I thought I would do that, but also utilise my crafty stash and other items round the house to give everything a bit of a lift.
Re-work scraps of wool and an old hanger into a nice woolly one
an old treacle tin into a container for some bulbs
some old jumpers into a cosy winter cushion
vintage fabrics and scraps of lace into lavender sachets
and an old tin of paint to add some colour to the bannister rail
Who know what else I'll come up with! What's on your agenda this month?
Friday, 6 January 2012
Up I come!
Hello folks - remember me! You may think I've been hibernating all this time (since September), but you know how life just gets in the way sometimes? No excuses, just plain day to day stuff here at The Blueberry Patch household.
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year? Isn't the weather different to a year ago. Unlike the last few days, it could almost be Spring here (albeit cold). The birds are singing, the bulbs are growing, I still have pinks and roses flowering. All very odd.
Anyway, plans are afoot for lots of projects and makes - most of which I'll share with you, but here's one I made earlier!
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year? Isn't the weather different to a year ago. Unlike the last few days, it could almost be Spring here (albeit cold). The birds are singing, the bulbs are growing, I still have pinks and roses flowering. All very odd.
Anyway, plans are afoot for lots of projects and makes - most of which I'll share with you, but here's one I made earlier!
I'll be back again shortly (I hope!).
Have a good weekend.
Monday, 26 September 2011
Too many projects
and not enough of this
Why oh why do I start endless projects which I probably won't end up finishing any time soon!
Christmas stockings for the website
Wool to start a scarf
A random knitted tortoise (I think it was the patchwork which attracted me to it!)
Knitted 'paper' chains for Christmas
However, I did finish one project off last week - my patchwork ironing board cover - at last. It's only taken over a year to complete!
How many projects have you on the go at the moment?
Why oh why do I start endless projects which I probably won't end up finishing any time soon!
Christmas stockings for the website
Wool to start a scarf
A random knitted tortoise (I think it was the patchwork which attracted me to it!)
Knitted 'paper' chains for Christmas
However, I did finish one project off last week - my patchwork ironing board cover - at last. It's only taken over a year to complete!
How many projects have you on the go at the moment?
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
A spot of vintage
Morning all - remember me! I can't believe it's almost 3 weeks since I was last in blog land. I must do better.
The month hasn't been turning out as well as I would have liked - lots of faff and grief, and more importantly getting used to a new routine of one child in secondary school and one still in primary. We have a very tired 11 yr old at the moment who's going to bed earlier and earlier! Mind you he's out of the house for a total of 9 hours, then homework to get on with - all good stamina building I guess....
It can only get easier (I hope).
Back to 'a spot of vintage' - whilst in Greenwich in July we had a jaunt round the vintage fair and shops. I'm always a lover of the vintage clothing but I'm not a dress person so never end up buying anything but I love the style. Anyway, I came across this -
a vintage crochet sleeveless cardigan-esqe number. I tried it on and actually quite liked it. As it was a reasonable price, I snatched it up. Having had it hanging on the hanger since we returned it may well stay there. I'm not sure of it's age but it's in good condition and is made from wool.
You know the phrase - 'if you keep something long enough, it'll eventually come back into fashion' - that's never held quite true for me but I'm obviously getting to the age now that things are coming back into fashion which I remember. I now have a pair of shoes which went out and are now back in again!
I bought these
brogues from Laura Ashley about 15 years ago, obviously wore them and they have been languishing in the back of the wardrobe for some time. I'm always reluctant to get rid of shoes and I'm glad I didn't with these, as lace-up brogues are all back in fashion. I'm not sure whether a 15 yr old pair of shoes counts as vintage but I can pretend!
These vintage costume dolls were a bit of a 'random' purchase and a very bizarre one according to the rest of the family, but as they put a smile on my face, why not!
Have a good day and I'll pop along to say hello shortly, along with sharing some holiday snaps which are still on the camera...
The month hasn't been turning out as well as I would have liked - lots of faff and grief, and more importantly getting used to a new routine of one child in secondary school and one still in primary. We have a very tired 11 yr old at the moment who's going to bed earlier and earlier! Mind you he's out of the house for a total of 9 hours, then homework to get on with - all good stamina building I guess....
It can only get easier (I hope).
Back to 'a spot of vintage' - whilst in Greenwich in July we had a jaunt round the vintage fair and shops. I'm always a lover of the vintage clothing but I'm not a dress person so never end up buying anything but I love the style. Anyway, I came across this -
a vintage crochet sleeveless cardigan-esqe number. I tried it on and actually quite liked it. As it was a reasonable price, I snatched it up. Having had it hanging on the hanger since we returned it may well stay there. I'm not sure of it's age but it's in good condition and is made from wool.
You know the phrase - 'if you keep something long enough, it'll eventually come back into fashion' - that's never held quite true for me but I'm obviously getting to the age now that things are coming back into fashion which I remember. I now have a pair of shoes which went out and are now back in again!
I bought these
brogues from Laura Ashley about 15 years ago, obviously wore them and they have been languishing in the back of the wardrobe for some time. I'm always reluctant to get rid of shoes and I'm glad I didn't with these, as lace-up brogues are all back in fashion. I'm not sure whether a 15 yr old pair of shoes counts as vintage but I can pretend!
These vintage costume dolls were a bit of a 'random' purchase and a very bizarre one according to the rest of the family, but as they put a smile on my face, why not!
Have a good day and I'll pop along to say hello shortly, along with sharing some holiday snaps which are still on the camera...
Friday, 2 September 2011
A spot of customisation
Today was day 1 of a child free house and it feels so quiet - no friends door knocking, the dull sound of electronics and TV's in the background, the clank of lego being tipped out, the bickering.....,requests for endless food and drink - I actually miss those sounds! even though they drove me mad.
Jack went back yesterday and Toby had his first secondary school day today and boy was he excited - despite the early start to walk to the bus, not relying on me to remember things, learning how to do a tie! and not returning till 4.30 each day. We took a photograph of him in exactly the same spot as we did when he first went to school 7 years ago - how time flies.
I'm really looking forward to his return and the success of accomplishing so many 'firsts'
Anyway, with the onset of chilly mornings, I thought I would customise an old denim jacket. I've had it the best part of a decade and really wanted to jazz it up a little.
I sewed a CK patch I've had for a while on the arm
and with some Liberty print bias binding I then sewed this around the cuffs.
and then round the bottom edge
I'm pretty pleased with the overall look and has given my old jacket a new lease of life.
Have a great weekend!
Jack went back yesterday and Toby had his first secondary school day today and boy was he excited - despite the early start to walk to the bus, not relying on me to remember things, learning how to do a tie! and not returning till 4.30 each day. We took a photograph of him in exactly the same spot as we did when he first went to school 7 years ago - how time flies.
I'm really looking forward to his return and the success of accomplishing so many 'firsts'
Anyway, with the onset of chilly mornings, I thought I would customise an old denim jacket. I've had it the best part of a decade and really wanted to jazz it up a little.
I sewed a CK patch I've had for a while on the arm
and with some Liberty print bias binding I then sewed this around the cuffs.
and then round the bottom edge
I'm pretty pleased with the overall look and has given my old jacket a new lease of life.
(double click to zoom in)
Have a great weekend!
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