Hannah turns 9

On Sunday 7th May, Hannah turned 9 - how did she grow so fast, I'm sure it was just yesterday she was a sweet tiny baby!

We celebrated with presents at silly o'clock in the morning, then followed by a morning out at Flip Out up in Hastings with her friend Abigail.

Of course, sushi was the girls' choice for lunch

Later in the day we invited Hannah's grandparents and cousins for afternoon tea. This year Hannah wanted to make her own cake, she chose an orange lightning cake, and decorated it herself too.

Haven't these girls all grown so much. My youngest niece also celebrated her birthday this week on Monday.

See you soon x

All Sorts of Things

Some new sock yarn arrived from the Wool Warehouse in the UK recently, mostly Opal but I also purchased two balls of the Stylecraft sock yarn to try out sometime.

Just as well I've been having a major sort through my craft cupboards lately to make way for all this lovely yarn. I've donated quite a few bags of all sorts of crafty goodies to our local op shop - magazines, bits and pieces that I'll never use or not use because my tastes, and interests have changed. Sure feels good!

Yay, one sock down, one to go. I've put these aside for now to start on a pair of socks for my lovely mother in law. They definitely won't be finished in time for Mother's Day, which is this coming Sunday in New Zealand, but maybe in time for her June birthday.

This is Part 2 of the Moorland Blanket, which I finished last week. Part 3 is almost done now. I think I've mentioned this is going to be a gift for my cousin Donna's 40th birthday in a few weeks time. It might not be finished in time but it won't be far off, so I thought I'd print one of these off to give to her :)

A new variety of chocolate arrived at our local supermarket last week, Toffee Milk Bar. Whittakers chocolate, any sort, lol, is a particular favourite in our house so we tried it out - a big thumbs up from all of us.

In other news, two busy weekends coming up for us - Glenn and I are flying to Auckland this Friday with friends for a couple of days. Then next weekend we'll be helping my parents move house, and the cool thing, they are actually moving in to our street!

See you soon x

School Holidays

Hannah is now back at school for Term 2 after the two week school holidays. This year both Easter and ANZAC public holidays fell during the two weeks so Glenn and I didn't take any time off work, we're saving our annual leave for later in the year. Hannah spent a few days with Zoe, her cousins and a few days coming to work with me. 

But we did head away for a small Girls break with my good friend Tracey and her daughter Abigail, who is one of Hannah's best friends, to Palmerston North. We were only away one night but we sure packed a lot in!

Starting with a visit to Flip City, an indoor trampoline park - heaps of fun!

Followed by lunch at the Plaza and shopping - Hannah had been saving all her pocket money for weeks :)

New shoes for all of us, and Hannah picked out her birthday present, the latest Sketchers light ups, co cool :)

Sunday night we went out for dinner to Gengy's, which is a Mongolian BBQ restaurant.

Tracey and Abigail stayed at a motel and we stayed with Donna and Jess. We didn't see a lot of them over the two days but we enjoyed the brief visit catching up and a delicious breakfast at one of Palmerston's cafes called Joe's Garage.

The rest of Monday morning was spent at the Ice Skating rink. This had been set up for a few weeks in the Square and the girls had so much fun.  It was getting quite warm by the end of their session so there were quite a few puddles around the rink.

They also checked out the snow globe:

After lunch we headed to the Esplanade Gardens and park for a train ride and play.

Before long it was time to pack up the car and head home. The girls had a wonderful time hanging out with each other, lots of giggling and laughs.  Another fun trip to Palmy.

Until next time xx

All the Projects Update

As always, I have have several projects on the go. You may have seen these photos if you follow me on Instagram.

I'm so enjoying this gorgeous design, the first in the latest Blackbird Designs series. Now I've seen a pic of the second design I can't wait to get that one on the mail!

My sock knitting is progressing well:

But it's been put to the side for now as I have been focusing on the Moorland Blanket, these waves are so addictive!

This is Part 1 all done, and I have even sewn in all the ends.

Until next time xx

Birthday Goodies

Earlier in the month I celebrated my birthday and as it fell on a Sunday DH, Hannah, Zoe and I headed out for a sushi lunch and a spot of shopping, two of my favourite things to do :) To finish the day off, DH cooked dinner on the barbeque while I had a glass of bubbles or two, and enjoyed the late afternoon sunshine with my stitching. A perfect day.

I received some gorgeous crafty gifts from my friends. From Kath, this adorable bunny, a With Thy Needle & Thread/Brenda Gervais design. I just love it.

Kath also treated me to the latest Gail Pan book, can't wait to start one of the designs.

From Clare, the most gorgeous scissor fob, so beautifully stitched and finished, and the newly released La-D-Da kits - so lucky, I made a tiny start on this during the Easter break.

Wendy gave me the latest Ed Sheeran CD, (yay, love Ed Sheeran!), two little charms, some ribbon and the little plastic canister is to store bobbins in, how handy that will be.

I also received a Cottage Garden thread from Elizabeth - perfect colour for some Christmas redwork.

These gorgeous blue fabrics and sweet note pad were from Janet.

One of my dear clients gave me this selection of buttons and stickers, she knows I love novelty buttons :)

Thank you again my lovely friends.

See you soon xx

Easter Exchange & Crafting

Every year for quite some time now, Kath and I have exchange a little stitched gift at Easter. 

Some years it takes me ages to decide what to stitch for Kath but this time I knew straight away, as I had the pattern ready and waiting since last year, Spring Greetings Bouquet by With Thy Needle & Thread. You can see it here. 

This is the sweet little pillow Kath gave me, Peep by the Prairie Schooler.

I just love how Kath has finished it, and the green fabric is just perfect!

Over the Easter break I finished this new Lizzie Kate design:

Basket by Lizzie Kate

stitched on mocha 32 count belfast linen with recommended threads.

I also got a few rows done on a new crochet blanket I have underway, the Moorland Blanket by Lucy, Attic 24.  This is going to be gift for my cousin Donna's 40th birthday. I purchased the yarn pack from the Wool Warehouse in the UK.

Part one is nearly finished and once again, I'm really enjoying crocheting with the lovely Stylecraft yarn.

See you soon x

Easter 2017

We had a wonderful Easter break, catching up with friends & family, lots of yummy food and treats, and chocolate eggs too xx

These are the little bags I made for my small nieces and a few extras for my stitching friends.

The sweet stitchery pattterns are by Amy Sinibaldi, and can be found here. 

After a wet & wild day or two, thanks to Cyclone Cook passing thru, the sun came out for most of the weekend, perfect for getting out and about.

As usual, Hannah and I set up a little Easter display by our fire place.

Hannah got some lovely goodies from the Easter Bunny

We also made some yummy Easter treats including Bunny Bait, yum!

Sunday afternoon we got together with Glenn's family and Hannah and her cousins had their annual Egg Hunt

Back inside, just in time before a massive thunder and lightning storm!

What a wonderful few days.

Back soon with some Easter crafting pics. See you soon xx