Of all the months, January seems to get the most flack - with cold dark nights and icy mornings, it's the start of the year and we're either on diets or giving something up. Mrs Miggins refuses to give up her toy boy and evening tipple of Gin, and I've grown quite accustomed to my additional lumps and bumps, so I'm not going to be giving up my hot buttered toast anytime soon. To be honest, I'm quite enjoying this January. We've had some lovely walks, the air has been fresh and crisp and the scenery, though stark is still so beautiful. In fact, I commented on a photograph I shared recently, that no matter what mood I find myself at the start of a walk, I'm always smiling by the end, and so many of you felt the same. Here's what's new in my January so far ... would love to hear about yours?
Wednesday 28 January 2015
Friday 23 January 2015
A little brown bear saves a mad man knitter
Look who just popped into existence ... I made a little brown bear!!
He doesn't have a name as yet, so for now let's call him 'Bobo bear.' I made him for a friends baby and he's the second one I've made. I admit his arms are little long and he looks more 'mouse' than bear but there's no such thing as perfection after all. Aside from being impossibly cute, this bear comes with a heartwarming story ....
Wednesday 21 January 2015
Harris tweed - Applique for beginners from Vivebooks.
I don't know about you, but I have never used an ebook before. I spend enough time on a computer, so when it comes to reading I like to feel the weight of a book in my hands and that's something I don't think will ever change. However, I was recently asked to review the ebook Harris Tweed - Applique for beginners and I absolutely loved it!
Wednesday 14 January 2015
Sweater three ways - gloves, scarf AND headband - one jumper / 5 minutes.
As promised, here is part two of my 'sweater 3 ways' project.
In part one we made a pair of fingerless mittens out of a felted jumper which you can watch below or see here. In part two, we are going to make a snood (circular scarf that covers neck and head) AND a warm winter headband out of the very SAME jumper AND (I'm sorry about all the capitals but I feel this project warrants it) AND it only takes a few MINUTES!! This is an easy peasy make and is suitable for everyone and anyone.
Enjoy and keep warmin'!
JM x
Part two: From sweater to headband and snood ... in 5 minutes.
Part one: How to make mittens from a jumper ... in minutes.
Thursday 8 January 2015
VIDEO: How to make gloves from an old jumper - in minutes!
Hi all! Here's a brand new video for you, which will show you how to make a pair of fingerless mittens from an old jumper (sweater - to my American friends ;-) in a matter of minutes!
This is ideal for absolute beginners and no sewing experience is necessary.
NOTE: I'll be following this video with another very soon, showing you how to make a snood (neck scarf) and headband out of the same jumper so don't throw your jumper away after you've made the gloves!
Enjoy!
JM x
Friday 2 January 2015
A month in pictures + a christmas story
It's frosty out, and christmas has been and gone (well, almost - personally I try and milk the christmas holiday for all it's worth) We spent the New year with friends, playing games, drinking ... well tea actually, whilst wearing PJ's! I know, shameful right? though I did feel very smug the next morning when I thought of all my poorly hungover friends ;-) Before I take down the decorations and face the year ahead, I thought I'd share a look back over this last month. Here is ... our christmas story.
Wednesday 24 December 2014
Christmas message from the cottage ... and Ralphy
"Really?? you're making me wear this?? I'm so ashamed."
To my lovely readers. Before I say "toodlepip" and disappear into the bosom of my family for Christmas, I just wanted to say thank you, for following me this year, for engaging with me and sharing your thoughts and sometimes your friendship with me. It has given me great pleasure, and I look forward to all the adventures that may come next year. Try not to get too stressed over Christmas. If you're lucky enough to be with loved ones, hug them a little tighter, laugh a little louder and make the most of having them all in one place :-)
Merry christmas!
Much love, Jodie May
xx
Christmas message from Ralphy
"Ok, this is a step too far ... it doesn't even fit"
Tuesday 23 December 2014
A handmade christmas + snow-covered branch + crochet snowflakes + felt decorations
Hello my lovely festive friends. It's a matter of days before Christmas, are you excited?? I cannot wait. When it comes to Christmas I'm a 5 year old in a 35 year olds body ... and I still put a mince pie and glass of milk out for santa (and he still eats and drinks it!) This month I've been crafting away and transforming our little cottage with handmade decorations. Here are some of my crafty goings on in the last couple of weeks ...
A snow covered branch
When it came to decorating the house, I wanted to add more lights to our little mole cave. Do you recognise this branch? this was sitting in the garden in the summer. So I had an idea. I gave it a shower (be gone bugs!) then once dry I gave it spray with some fake snow ... I then wrapped some battery-operated LED fairy lights around it - they came on a copper wire which blended perfectly (£3.99 from Wilkos)
Friday 19 December 2014
Last minute Christmas gifts for food lovers
I'm always getting stuck for gift ideas, and often find myself in that awkward situation of seeing friends last minute, yet I have nothing to offer them. So here are a few foodie goodies that have saved the day in recent years. Presented in brown paper and tied with ribbon, they make a lovely last minute gift, and they'll never know you whipped it up last night ;-) x
Wednesday 17 December 2014
Wreath making with buddies + a dried Hydrangea heart
Remember how earlier in the summer I showed you how to dry Hydrangeas? well here they are in all their glory. This weekend, I spent the day with my lovely friends, in a quaint, picturesque cottage in the English countryside. My ladies and I were getting together to make Christmas wreaths, while our menfolk stood around the fire pit in the garden, supping ale whilst cooking us a scrumptious paella ... I think we got the better end of the deal, don't you? ;-)
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