Starting a leap year.

 I saw this idea on another blog, 'my little jar of good things', each time something lovely happens in your life you make a note of it and pop it into the jar, another blog suggested you write a note each week. At the end of the year, you can spend time sharing memories of the good times from the year. I always keep these candle jars, this one will be perfect, added a few stickers I had.

Crafting, I have my knitted blanket to finish, I've done half the squares, a ball of sock yarn is ready for knitting. I have also been looking at my year wheel I started this time last year, I have been sketching, I'm hoping I can be inspired to get it done. My hexagons flowers sit and wait for inspiration, I am trying not to start anything new, it would be lovely to get one thing finished first.

Once the Christmas flowers and greenery are packed away, I have an empty vase on the small table by the patio doors, I could pack it away for a few weeks, but I want colour in our room, so it is tulip time again, far too early, they do brighten this corner. Completely soft plastic, but realistic, I got the red and white in February 2020, the pink/yellow ones I added last year, I do love to see these, they look very real.

We did stay up to watch the London fireworks, but only so I could sit with our cats as the local fireworks start, Grace our old lady slept through them all, she hates fireworks, these days she is going deaf, Purdy sat and watched them, so we were in bed by 12.30, evening just the two of us as we like it. 

Monday, I cleaned top to bottom, washed the wooden floors, packed away our Christmas cards, I have left little sets of lights around to brighten dark corners. I will give our kitchen a full clean, cupboards inside and out, I have an itch to sort, it's that time of year.

A new year, always makes me look at my crafting, and garden planning, I try and ensure I don't have too many unfinished projects, I do have a couple cross stich projects, not touched for years, I really should get rid of them, but they take up little space. I am going to book a couple more needle felting courses, making a rabbit and a bird, both half days and should help me increase my ability to make more animals. Hubby and I would like to find a local basket weaving class, something to do together. 

Both hubby and I decided we did not like our patio looking so bare, so we have moved some things back, not the wooden table and chairs, they can stay in the garage until drier days arrive, we both enjoy our view of the garden from the house. For now it's windy and storms, grey days and much cooler, we do have some colour outside.

We have not been far from our village since before Christmas, we are popping to town today to get my second pair of glasses, I will change the frames for a bigger pair as they are bifocals, I am struggling the the reading bottom half, watching TV is brilliant. If the rain is not to relentless I hope to get back home dry, daughter is coming over in afternoon,  Will starts back at school on Wednesday. 

Flowers

Spring has arrived, not really, I packed away my poinsettia, it felt a bit out of place, I have mixed my new tulips with the 2 old bunches, the vase now looks full, I do like the colours together. These will stay out until early April, seeing them every day does not take away from their beauty, just saves me loads of money on cut flowers. They look very real. I love my white Amaryllis, note the 2nd bud growing, this one is called Wedding Dance. 

What to do with my hexagons, I have made 67 flowers, I have enough sewn hexagons to make a few more. I love each flower is the same outer designs, I have mixed the inner designs, they look tidy, and I do love things to look tidy. BUT I have no idea what to make with them, for now the sit in a pile on my box on the shelf, any suggestions?

I have started my next design, I love this simple but effective design, the colours make it sing, at one point I thought I was not going to be able to add it, I had lost the pattern. It was out of print so I could not order it again, I searched all through my computer, not there. I then went to Pintrest and found a copy, normally I would not take a designers work, but I had already paid for it many years ago. I could only find this one section, I can work from it, it will tumble around the box, and yes you can see an unpicked area, the 1 stitch out syndrome. 

It's been a really quiet week, nothing much has happened, we have not been out much other than for walks, I have been crafting, and sorting, hubby has been baking, breads and a marmalade cake. Hubby is bored, but most of the jobs needs the nicer weather so he like me waits for spring. We have had some 'quotes' for blinds for the 2 front windows, once we have our new windows, then we can get measured and order some, I would like to wooden internal shutters, which are hugely expensive, hubby not keen on the price. Our new windows should be in by end of the month, so I have a few weeks to wear him down, this will be the last of home improvements for this year. 

On a brighter note, our village butchers has retired, we did not use him much as his meat was not good quality and expensive, a father and son have taken over the business, they have cleaned and organised the premises, we have not shopped there yet, still using meat from the freezer, we will use them if prices and quality are right for us. We are still hoping we can have a new baker take over the old bakery, which with the new butcher would keep the heart of the village strong. 

So it's February, how did that happen, January normally drags as a long dull month, this year in our house it whizzed by, is that the precedent for this year, I hope not.   

Planning

 I've had a few days off from this cross stitch project, I was struggling to choose which design to use on the left hand side, I realised my issue was I was unsure how much space I have there. I had always planned the two or 3 designs for the bottom left corner, and I also knew I wanted 2 complete oblong designs along the left boarder, so I have popped the bigger side bars on, and I am doing the lower designs, this way once finished I can know what designs to fill the middle section. 

I am loving stitching these hexagons together, I can stitch 4 flowers most evenings, it's a restful thing to be doing, and of course Grace gets to sit on my lap. My work box is emptying, each flower uses 7 hexagons, I still have some to sew around the paper template, I'm not sure I will use them, the workbox sits by my chair, tucked out of sight, so easy to pull out and work from. I still have no idea what to make with the stitched flowers, I have far more than expected.

Another small project is for me to unpick these 5 small cushions, which I have made over the years, I intend to stitch them into one big cushion cover, which will be easier to have out at Christmas. Over the years these have been sat on, tucked out of the way, last year I did not get them out. I am thinking a patchwork design around them. I intend to make just a cushion cover, so in December I can pop it over a cushion I already have.

My first attempt at patchwork freestyle, this is using some of my many scraps of cotton, I am sewing them onto another piece of backing fabric, I did cut the backing fabric in one big size, but decided to cut it again into 4 and make four similar designs just over 7" square. Once all four are done I can sew them together, with or without extra fabric boarders, which would make a cushion cover or a front for another bag, I don't need either, but I don't want to not use it and still have it in my stash. There are alot of greys in this design, but the blue cutting board has distorted the colours, I really enjoyed doing this, took me about an hour, mainly because it took ages choosing what to stitch next. 

Saturday was wet as we got up, but it dried slightly and we managed to get out for a short walk, so another day at home with nothing much to do, it was dull the whole day. Thank goodness hubby and I get on so well, we are spending too much time home alone. 

Sunday we woke up to blue skies, hubby got all the towels on the line, it was windy enough to get rid of most of the damp. We popped out, we need cat food, which we purchase it in tins, and Grace is fussy eater, so we went to find her food, most places only sell pouches, and like everything else the price is now so much more. We still get our cat food in tins as they recycle easier, less shops sell tins. I know you can recycle pouches, but the local store is in an area we only go to every 5-6 weeks and I don't want to have to store used pouches. We also got cleaning items and a few tins of food. 

Monday we took the bus to town for our fruit and veg, again the stall was not there, we are going to check other markets to see if they go, we do love their fresh produce. Hubby got a new battery put into his watch, I got some more bread, and we popped into Wilkinson's for a few items. We did not stay out long, the wind is now bitter cold, I'm a soft southerner. 

Today is sign group, I have had a cough for over a week, it's annoying in the day time and can keep me awake at night, so I decided to miss the group today, quite a few of the ladies are older and I don't want to pass on germs. I spoke to my doctor on a follow up call, he thinks my issues are all a result of my kidney infection last year, and whilst I still have a few abnormal results, they are within an acceptable level, he want's just one more test, if that's OK, then I will have another blood test in 3 months to see if I am back to where I should be. I am happy with his diagnosis and how he has checked everything relevant. 

Midweek

We daily walk through our local park and can you imagine the joy of seeing tree's being planted, they had 5 different trees for this section, having already planted a Magnolia tree in another part of the park. These are much bigger tree's a couple of the ones planted  before had been snapped, hopefully these will survive. I know we are very lucky still to have a council run parks department, they do get loads of sponsorship from local businesses, most roundabouts have company names on them. 

The pink squares are finished, I have also done the gaps in the Spanish flower section and added 2 more boarders from the design, this section is done for now. I will stitch on the left side and bring the level lower so I can put the longer side frames on. I am having a bit of a ponder on what to do next, I had a design in mind, but I don't think it fits, so I need a rethink. 

These hexagons are growing, I'm am resting for a few days, my sore finger needs to heal before I make any more, I have a leather thimble, which I can't get on with and my metal one slips off unless I cut my finger nail right back, I'm not prepared to do that, they take so long to grow. Changing the inner hexagon colour does make the flowers look different, I will be making loads of repeat flowers. 

I've started reading again, I have not read this author before, I started the book in December and put it down, so I started it again, I enjoyed the story, very easy to read, I would read another book from this lady. Book 2 read this year

I got these bulbs/corns in Wilkinson's, cost me £11, they were on my list  for the garden this year, the Lilly of the valley is for under the raspberry canes, the begonia's for various spots which need more colour, the Astrantia I have never grown before, but I've wanted one for ages. Have I broke my no spend in January rule, I did say no spend on craft, so garden things are OK?

We took the bus to town on Monday, and passed more trees being planted along the route, can't wait to see what is growing, we are just so lucky. We only went for fresh fruit and veg, sadly the stall was not there we did not go into many shops, there is nothing we require, so once back home we drove to Lidl and get a fresh veg and fruit plus a few other bits, hubby wanted some fish and a pie. 

Last week our food spend was £23.43, which for us is very good, this week will be more. We normally pop to a shop to get a couple of things and come away with a few bargains, which are always used, I am hoping we can get out of the habit of walking to the shops most days, with a good supply of fruit and veg and milk, hubby makes bread twice a week, and eating from the freezer, it should be another low spend week. 

Tuesday morning sign group met again for the 1st time this year, only a few of us there, so many bugs going around, we split into pairs to ask each other 5 questions using sign and answering each question, Linda and I both got 3 questions each right and struggled on the other 2, I really enjoyed it, practice is what we need.  

Crafting on gloomy days

I've decided there are now enough squares in this design, it's taken from a cushion I stitched back in 2010, it was a project I made whilst having breast cancer treatment, I was so pleased to have something to do, which would not take too much energy. The smaller cushion design is also on this project. I do love the blue flower, I chose the colour so it would stand out against all the pinks and reds. 

I am almost at the half way stage, in to bottom left corner is an orange marker which is the mid point, soon I will have to put the bigger side bars on, but first I would like to stitch a bit lower on the left side, once the bigger side bars are being used, working in the top half makes it not so easy to hold. I am very happy with the design so far, I have a few new designs for the bottom, and I want to add more lacy ones to balance top and bottom. 

I am doing some hexagon stitching most days, it's relaxing and I don't need much at hand, they stich quickly and never get too big to hold, a perfect craft for me. The top six are leftover from my sewing machine cover, these are random mixes, so I'm not sure if I will use them. The bottom right are two flowers using the same fabric, but with different centres, I love how the choice of fabrics together can change how the pattern looks. 

In the spirt of using what I have, I have been watching video's of people using their scraps of fabric, and like any other sewer, I have loads, I don't like to throw away my bigger scraps. With the theme of patching things, my cross stitch above and my hexagons, I am wanting to try Foundation Paper Pieces, it's a method of patchwork using a paper template, I'm no where near making a quilt, but maybe a bag with a nice front and back or a cushion, I do love this mariners compass design, it made with 2 templates sewn four times each and then sewn together. I might start with a freehand sewing piece, just to see how it works. 

I'm not reading much at the moment, I'm not worried as I am a book worm and reading always comes back to me. I still have loads of books here, and as I have not seen the sign ladies for weeks, I can almost guarantee there will be books to read from them, I have a pile to swap. I read 84 books last year, an average of 7 books a month, this year I will try for 8 books a month. I do have a sore finger from the hand sewing, so I think I will need a couple days away from the hexagon project, to allow my finger to heal. 

I have had a couple more test done with the doctor's, just waiting for the results, I have signed for a Clinical Pilates class, it local to where I live and the lady running it is a NHS clinical physiotherapy support therapist, which should help my back issues, 1st class went well. I am walking more, it's difficult with all the rain we are having, it's hard to quickly pop out, when you need so many outside layers, but that's me making excuses. 

Nothing much is happening here, sadly our local bakery has not re-opened after the Christmas break, the owner is ill and can't keep going, they have been trying to sell the business for a few years, it will be the only empty shop in the village. 

Our family are all well, grandsons have all gone back to school and college, Molly and George have their days at nursery. Things are returning to normal life, we are getting a couple of quotes to replace our front huge windows, they were not done when the rest was done, one window has blown, it was always our plan to have these last 2 done, hopefully the cost won't be too high. 

1st post

Firstly I sorted my hexagon workbox, for a while I had been using 3 boxes, but moving all the fat quarters out of this box, gave me room for my stitched hexagons, I don't have so many so everything in one place. The two other boxes are now being used for other things. I still have a few to stitch into shapes. 

I have started stitching them into flowers, this time I want them all to match, I do have 6 made up flowers from my previous project. I still have no idea what I can make, I will stitch and see how many I have, before making any decisions. 

More stitching, the pale pink infill is done, and more squares started, the white infill on the diamonds has to be stitched, I will probably do 2 or 3 more squares in this design. This is going to be major this month, as I have decided not to purchase any craft things, I don't really need anything, I have loads of stash.

The decorations are down, I got up on Saturday (New Years eve) and decided I wanted them gone, I passed loads on before Christmas, so I have more space in my storage containers, in my wicker hamper basket, I have put things I would want to get to in November, cards and bags, our local Card Factory had a 75% off sale, a few purchases and we have more than enough for this coming Christmas. Hubby popped the boxes away so quickly, I did not pack the tree lights, they can stay downstairs in my drawer, I now have 1 bag less than before Christmas. 

We stayed up to watch the London fireworks, and to sit with the cats if local houses had any fireworks, luckily locally they were finished by 12.15, so we were not too late to bed, sadly I again did not sleep well, and was up at 5.30am. We were invited to a neighbours house, but I was far too tired to go, so a lazy New Years Day at home, hubby cooked a roast beef dinner.

It's a very grey and dull time, I have loads of candles out, I have left a few of my battery operated lights out as well, anything to make the house a bit brighter. It does not feel so bare this year, just lovely and clean. I think I have done all the sorting I can, life is much easier when you don't own so much. The cats baskets are again in front of the radiator, both love it there, nice and warm and they can look out at the garden from their beds. We have so much rain in the forecast, having crafts to do will help pass the days. 

We went through our very full freezers last Friday, we have loads of bits we should use up, the same in our store cupboards. I have not wanted to lower stocks just in case of shortages, but we still have far too much food. We have decided to not shop other than veg and milk for a few weeks, it will be good to get rid of lingering items. 

Crafting

It's back out, I've only done the smallest amount, the white infill is done on flower square and I finished the square below. I do need to finish the big design next to it, I have to little designs to stitch, as yet I have not decided which colour to use. I can always find time for cross stitching, and now I have more time as the weather keeps me inside. Almost at half way, I still love this project and I've been busy looking for other favourite designs to add. 

I got my hexagon box and workbox out, I want to make these into flowers, but 1st I stitched loads of unstitched ones left in my work box, there are a lovely mixture of colour and designs here, I always stitch them into shape, I find it really restful. This time I am going to make organized matching shapes. Last time is was a pure mix-up of design, seen here, this won't be a quick project as yet I have no idea what the finished item will be.  

And for something completely different, I have not done embroidery for years, it was the first stitching my mum taught me, stitching the letter M on my hankies, and then flowers on table runners. I have seen many different calendar wheel designs, each section is a different month of the year, at the end of January, I will draw everything I want to remember and stitch through February, I would like to record the lowest (in winter) and highest (in summer) temperatures, and other interesting events, it will be our oldest grandsons 18th birthday this year. I saw it here, on this lovely blogsite, Debs has given me so much inspiration, Pinterest is full of them. The wheel is simple back stitch, the date is tiny French Knots and yes it's not straight, it does not bother me. 

With reading I have plenty to do, as I have said before I can't sit and do nothing, and there is never enough on TV to keep me interested. I have loads of yarn so some knitting or crochet will happen, I don't need much, but I do love to knit. I still have loads of things for needle felting, I got loads of colours for a gift earlier in the year, so I have enough to be able to make some birds or a cat, it's a case of sitting down and watching a few video's. Again I still want to learn more crochet, I can't read patterns, but I will find video's of things I want to make and have a go, I have plenty yarn in my stash. 

What are you doing through the long darker days of winter. 

 

Finished

Hexagons are now a lovely piece of fabric, long enough to wrap around my sewing machine, I love the pale lilac trim, chosen to add impact. I was happy to finish this, it did get rather big, I left the paper inserts in until I was ready to make up the cover.

The robin fabric is the lining, I thought it would be a bit of fun, rather than just a plain fabric. I have used a mid range interfacing, iron onto the back of the hexagons, I did not want to over stitch them. The interfacing has given the fabric strength, any quilters out there reading this, please forgive me. 

 I stitched the trim to both layers at the bottom, which helped keep the cover in shape, I then shaped the top curves on the covers to the hard case. This caused issues and took away some of the clean lines, I knew this would happen but did not realise how much smaller the top of the case was to the bottom. I trimmed the top and stitched the lilac band.

Not perfect but the cover is finished, it could look better, I'm happy, it's as I imagined, I'm pleased to have finally use some of my stash. The important part is the top flap, which just tucks inside the case, this will protect the machine. I often have something sat on top of my machine. For years I have draped a cotton tea towel over my machine.

I used polycotton as well as 100% cotton, this caused issues in the finished piece, they are different in the fabric weight, which was a mistake, it was not noticeable until I remove the paper inserts, so the interfacing was the solution. I have sort all the polycotton hexagons and I'm going to pass them on, cotton is far superior. There is alot of stitching in that bag.

I started this, sewing the hexagons together in June 2016, you can see how many I made here, my hexagon journey started in February 2016, at the time I was doing simple patchwork. I have a label 'hexagons' in my side bar if you want to read more, but understand I am not an expert, this was just my journey. It was done when I felt like hand sewing, and in between my gardening and other crafts. I still have loads of stitched hexagons, I will have a think and decide on another project, not as big as the cover, stitching them together in smaller amounts was very restful.

I will ask at the local junior school if they can use my unwanted ones , I remember youngest daughter making me a cushion cover using bigger hexagons, when she was at school, she still has the cushion. 

I  want to start putting together my last big cross stich project, I loved the last mashed up design, I am going to use the whole of the canvas and make a bigger design, it can still be made into a cushion, and replace the one in my bedroom. My sister would love the cushion, she commented all through my stitching how she loved it. 

A stitch here and there

I have enjoyed this week so far, my sewing machine is out, first job I wanted to do was sort the waist bands of 2 pairs of summer trousers, they we uncomfortable, so I cut out the back belt bands and replaced them with elastic. It has worked well, far easier to wear, I have not changed the size, just changed a hard band with a stretchy one.

Daughter choose all these fabrics for dresses for Molly, I've cut the out in the same dress design, I aim to add to them, pockets and binding, all to help lift colours, Molly looks really good in yellow. It is fun to have fabric designs, I would not normally choose myself.

I have also been hand stitching my hexagons, I've now done the size and shape I require, I have really enjoyed the hand stitching, I still have loads left, at some point I will have to decide on another project. All I now need to do is attach the front to the lining on my sewing machine cover, use binding for neat edgings, and it will be finished.

This book was a bit of a disappointment, I did finish it, but the story was not that interesting, I find some of this authors books are good others are sadly not very entertaining. Book 69 read this year.

Daughter came on Monday, with Will and Molly who is full of cold, we went out to lunch, both children were well behaved, and enjoyed their lunch. Will was treated to a toy and Molly got loads of fabric for new dresses. George was in nursery. Daughter found her new bathroom flooring in our local shop, who also does fittings in her area. Rest of the day was sewing and later watering the garden.

Tuesday we met for sign class, we spent the time chatting, I have been given loads of books, which I will read and pass on. Later I popped to daughters house and sat with children for an hour, loads of cuddles and laughter, I am enjoying seeing more of Will, whilst school is on it's summer break. I read all evening, very peaceful after a busy day. 

Today is a day at home, later this morning a lady is coming to collect a paella pan, she asked on our local Facebook page and I was able to pass ours on, I have used it once, but it did not work well on our cooker top. I plan to do more sewing, firstly to make my sewing machine cover, it should not take too long. Then I would like to make Molly's dresses, they are very simple, not many pieces. I also hope to finish resizing the paper pattern for Georges dungarees, so a busy day. Hopefully it will be cooler inside.

I've got brave, my nails are bright red, normally it's a colour I only use on my toes. 

Last few days of July

I have almost finished the front and first side panel, just a few to stitch together on top left, it's the correct height. I now need to sew the side and back panel, I already have a big section done, just need to add to it, the back will be higher, I have a flap to tuck over the top of the machine.

Another new author to me, I did not fully read the back cover and choose it based on it set in Australia outback, someone is missing, it's one of many books about Ben Hope, ex SAS, I found the story too cut and dry, Ben had experienced so much, he had answers for everything, OK if you like matcho stuff but not my style. Book 61 read this year. 

So your a dog who has been experimented on, enhanced, can read, has GPS, and they say I'm not working properly and should be terminated, so what do you do, run, totally daft story, but I loved it. Book 62 read this year. 

Tuesday we had a sign ladies met at our house, sat in the shade in the garden for lunch, loads of chatter, lots of fun. No smell from next door, hubby sprayed everywhere to eliminate most of the flies, a peaceful couple of hours, later I babysat 3 youngest grandchildren whilst mummy went to a show, a late night but enjoyable for everyone. I had more time with Will, he is such an interesting little soul.

Wednesday we drove to just outside of Swindon, we have been staying in a old house hotel for a few days, I will post photos in my next post, we are driving home today, with a stop on the way, we both are now lovely and relaxed. 

How quickly this month has flown by, the year is going just as quick, my god the evenings are getting darker, soon the season will change again. 
  

Keeping busy

I got this book from a local charity shop a few weeks ago, I have not read this author before, I did enjoy the story line, very simple, was the death of a friend staged 6 years ago, is he still alive, it flowed, twist and turned, I did guess a few of the turns, the plot kept me interested until the very end. I would happily read another of his books, book 59 read this year.

I have read most of Lingwood Barclay books, so I was pleased to find this one at local library. I love how his storylines are always so very different, just changing the angle completely changes to story being told, could you believe your wife would get into a car drunk, he is very good at twisting stories together, this was just brilliant and the twist at the end I did not see coming. Book 60 read this year.

  

Another grandson finishing his first year at school, Will has grown so much, not just in height, he has loved every bit of school from learning to making new friends, he is happily looking forward to his new class and teacher. 

I've not looked at our 'too good to go' scheme for a while, it got very popular and was always sold out at the BP garage with M&S food store. They now have loads of other local shops including our local Co-op, so I am going to start checking regularly again. 

I have been stitching small flowers, just 7 hexagons, but decided I wanted something different for the centre front of my cover, so I made this bigger design, I kept it simple, hopefully it will stand out from the other hexagons which are brighter and more colourful. 

I will get out the lining (made in robin material) and start to measure how many smaller flowers I will need. I have purchased some interfacing to iron onto the back of the hexagons, just to add strength, I don't have a quilting foot for my sewing machine, so the extra strength will help. I have got some pale lilac tape to bind the edges, it should all work together. I am feeling very positive about this project, determined to get it done, I am loving the hand stitching of the hexagons, I have hand stitched every stage of this project.

The rain on Friday morning was lovely, but no where near enough, it did save me having to water later, I had loads of dead heading to do. I also dug out the big cucumber in the greenhouse, the heat had killed it off, I do have a second smaller plant with loads of tiny cucumbers on. It felt much cooler all day, I was inside most of the time sewing, I had the best nights sleep in days.

I've had a late lazy start to today, hubby is out most of the day, so I've plenty of time to do just as I wish. Few plans, hour in the garden, Sewing and reading, just a peaceful day with both cats. 

In a heatwave

Will and George had the right idea, paddling pool in the shade, at our house on Sunday, they both loved the pool, the water was used on the garden afterwards. They ran about and cooled down all the time they were with us, mummy dressed George, but he got back into the pool, both are good having sun cream applied and re-applied. 

Another new author to me, set in America, I was not sure at the start of the book, a different take on a mystery, she is not in the police, or a private investigator, but she looks and finds missing people, this was more about interaction with people, when the police are not totally trusted. I did enjoy reading this book, 58th book read this year.

I have been hand sewing, making up flowers, which I can stitch together to make a cover for my sewing machine, it's a simple task, which I am enjoying, happily using some of the hexagons I have in my stash. I have simplified the sewing, choosing 7 designs, and with one piece of thread, stitching them together. 

The gladiola plants are flowering, I have them in 2 huge pots by my bench, the packs were mixed colours, so I'm surprised these are all the same colour, I'm not unhappy as they are pretty.  Every part of the garden has some shade through out the day, so the plants are not looking to bad, I have not moved pots, I don't feel the need to.

We are keeping an eye on both cats, there are loads of cool places in the garden, Purdy decided to sleep on this chair, it's a lovely cool spot, Grace is in her basket most of the time. We have bowls of water everywhere for them, the bird bath is full, I am topping it up most days. 

Monday was hot, the temperature did not drop below 20 all day, we got up to 32, but our clock is in a shady part of the garden, only getting sun from teatime onwards. 20 is our good summer daytime temperatures, so for us here in UK, it's really hot, we do not have air con, our homes are build to hold in heat. We do have a good humidifier in our bedroom which we can add an ice block, but it was still very warm. Tuesday it got up to 34 a new high for us, I did not meet with the sign ladies, the thought of a car journey put me off, the lady I car share does not like the aircon, so it would have been like an oven.

It turned dull about 4pm on Tuesday, we had a few rumbles of thunder and a tiny sprinkle of rain, not enough to wet the ground, it became really blowy and we had another small amount of rain, again not enough to help, I watered the garden after 8pm, it was still hot, 28, but the sun was not so bright. I really hope today will be cooler, it should be about 23, much better but still hot, we also have a yellow warning for thunder, a storm would be nice, it's dull and cloudy at the moment. Nothing planned, maybe a walk to village and library, I need more books. 

Time for sewing.

 I purchased the Robin fabric as a lining material, this is lovely and wide and will wrap around my sewing machine to make a cover. The gardening fabric, I got a metre just because I love the design, probably will use it on animal clothes, it's just so pretty. 

I just wrapped the fabric around the sewing machine hard cover, pinned the top to shape, and then cut away excess, allowing an overlap on one side, and a flap on the top, later I will cut out the hole for access to the handle. It's the wrong way as it's the lining, I will add some soft wadding and then the top cover. I will use some brightly coloured binding to hold all levels together.

I have a big piece of hexagons sewn together, and some smaller flowers, I am going to make more flowers and add to bigger piece, I need them made into one bigger piece. In my boxes I have over 800 hexagons already sewn, so I'm just busy with making flowers, it's relaxing sat outside in the shade sewing. 

I have finished another book, I do love this author, the story is set in Spain, a British policeman sent to collect a criminal, who escapes before he's collected, working with Spanish local police, another good read. Book 57 this year. 

I really do not know why this project has not been worked on, I love sewing the flowers together, making random designs, I do have so many crafts I love, but sewing in all forms are top of the list. I aim to work on this until its finished, my sewing machine has a hard cover, but will look much nicer with a pretty patchwork cover. I won't use all my hexagons, so I will have to think of another project. 

How are you getting on in this heat wave, we are not too bad, the house is cool, we have shade in the garden, we get up early and do most jobs before the heat of the day. Strangely we are not suffering from smells coming from next door, normally at this time of year we have to keep windows shut, to keep the house clear, we are enjoying the extra freedom, we still suffer from huge numbers of flies, but hubby has that covered, so it does not feel too bad.