Saturday Roundup

We had plans for today but sadly they did not come to fruition.

In the craft room/computer room we do not get very good television reception and when we are both watching different things on our computers or on the TV well the signal just dies which is very frustrating and sometimes we miss the end or bits of what we have been watching as a result of the up and down signal.  Part of the problem relates to the fact that there was a TV aerial in situ when we moved here about 28 years ago.  That serves the front part of the house. and we have been mooching about getting a second one put up on the back of the house where the signal is absolutely dire. Even the mobile phone signal dies in the back of the house.

OH had contacted someone to do the installation today but they had to cancel as one of their installers had failed to turn up to work.  So OH rang around and found somebody who could.  However by the time he got here it was dusk and so it has been put off until next week as he would not have been able to see what he was doing by the time he got on the roof.  We were hoping that we would have had it all done and dusted ready to watch the Rugby but never mind.

I woke up with an extremely painful back this morning, so much so I have had to slap a load of Ibruprofen gel on.  Trouble is when I go to sleep I die and if I remain in the same spot most of the night that's when it cripples me. So I have not done as much as I had planned but have sat to ease things off and I must say I am feeling a little better than I did. Never mind these things are sent to try us.  I do have a hospital appointment on Monday though with the Arthritis clinic so I shall mention it then as I am slowly getting a lot stiffer than I was. I still get a lot of exercise as I walk to work every day, but its too much to do the return journey like I used to so OH picks me up. 

Its blooming cold again.  Even the cats are not tarrying very long and are very eager to get back into barracks where its nice and warm. That is a novelty in itself as Demetri in particular will not come in unless he is ready or unless I wrestle him.  He enjoys the cuddle really. 

I had a delivery today from Ideal World of the Debbie Shore Sew Inspired publication. I bought the first one and was very taken with it. I already have a lot of her books, and like the simplicity of her approach and the designs. I had not been able to find the second one anywhere and then I was browsing the other day on the Create and Craft site and noticed that they had it. 

They usually work out pretty good value as you end up with some gifts  approximately £30 worth in this one a free CD Rom  on how to make 5 exclusive purse patterns a free satchel pattern, a little bird stencil, together with loads of other tutorials.  I thought that this might be another good way of obtaining patterns for different things that are not too complicated to make up as presents and Christmas presents.  As usual I am keeping all my options open and stockpiling bits and bobs in anticipation of having a major play. In reality probably when OH goes fishing again but if I can get in before then I will do.

The third one I believe has been aired today on Create and Craft so I am a little behind the times, but I shall get the third one come pay day.

Once the computer room/craft room has been returned to normality I will be able to seriously play. 

OH has been painting the computer room/craft room out.  The walls are painted and look good. He has started the gloss work but it is taking some time to dry and he has to keep working it because it dribbles. (I am not going there just keeping me and the dog away from the paint, mind you keeping Missy away from her window seat is tantamount to setting ourselves up to fail.  We have had two near misses so far today in that respect. We do not fancy removing gloss paint from her either).

Once the aerial has been sorted next week will be able to get the television on the wall as well out of harms way which in turn will clear one of the desks for the sewing machine(s).  Now once I find the rest of my sewing kit - its in there somewhere it will be all systems go.  I have a new foot for my sewing machine and also some new bobbins.

The calico arrived safe and sound the other day so that is the fabric for the embroidered Christmas quilts purchased. That means when I get sorted a bit I can print off the designs and start working them, then all I will have to do is find a nice Christmassy fabric and some wadding to back them.  I intend making two.  The embroidery will be something I will be able to do when watching or listening to the television or some music.   All the outlines are freebies on my Pinterest site which are to be worked all in red embroidery thread on the calico cream background. I shall use the suppliers again as it is quite good quality at £2.66 per metre. 

I need some more for my other quilt for my bedroom the one that is to be worked from lace, pieces of linen, embroidery and patchwork in pinks, creams and greens and also from hand quilted outlines.  The peppermint spot fabric I also ordered off line has also arrived, and I am equally chuffed with that as it is a Rose and Hubble cotton fabric so I am starting to get bits together.

I really do need to go to Kisco in Leicester.  OH has in theory said he would take me but I need to do a little saving first.  Kisco in case you do not know is a warehouse specifically selling cotton fabric mostly for patchwork but the prices are extremely reasonable and when my friend Anne took me there from (Sweet Blondie Blue Eyes blog

http://sweetblondieblueeyes.blogspot.co.uk/

- I had never seen so much fabric in all my life or so much choice, but I do hope to get there shortly.)

Going back to the seeds and plants I managed to pick up some cress seed the other day, three packets and two rhubarb plants called "Raspberry Pink".  I intend to get some more as we like rhubarb in this household and it is very useful for puddings, (freezing and bottling), making jam, making wine, making chutney, but I intend to have some other different varieties too.

Right upwards and onwards.

Hope life is treating you fairly and that you are keeping safe and warm.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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