Douglas!

I wonder who that is hiding on my garden seat, snuggled up to one of my yummy, crochet, cushiony cushions? Could it be......Douglas by any chance? I think it just might be. Shall we wander over and say hello?

Hi Douglas, come on, don't be shy!

There, that's better isn't it?

Now, don't be silly, of course your bum doesn't look big on my cushion, whatever gave you that idea!

And neither does your nose..you are simply gorgeous.

He was a delight to make and all hand sewn, he is a bit wibbly wobbly in places and some of my seams aren't fantastic, but ssshhh, don't tell him will you. Look at that tail, it is soo cute and my favourite part of him. I got the pattern from the Sew Hip magazine, issue 13 if anyone was wondering.

Of course, Littlest Fairy is not too impressed that he is being given away, and to a BOY at that! Can't be happening apparently, so number two has been commissioned. A trip to the charity shop in town, a pale honey coloured fleece has been paid for, washed and is ready to be cut out.

Do you want to see my other purchase...go on, you may as well, cos I am going to show it to you anyway. How pretty is this?

I handed over £1, yay! One whole pound. Got it home, opened it up and found this cutey inside...bonus!!

Perfect condition, no scuffs or marks and I can't believe that it is mine all mine. Items like this just don't appear for me normally, so it was obviously my lucky day, yipppeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dev XX

Lifted

My spirits have lifted a bit over the past days, the warm sunshine and blue skies have certainly helped. It's amazing how a bit of sunny sun can cheer you up. It has been warm enough to sit in the garden the past few afternoons and watch the birds gathering nest materials and see the gnats dancing in patches of sunlight.

No daffodils as yet, they are sat sitting, buds tightly closed, waiting. Man person planned hundreds of new bulbs last autumn, and when they do eventually open to reveal their glorious golden goodness, such a sight it will be.

My hooky blanket is coming on a treat as you can see. Originally, I had intended to use lots of different stitches for the squares as mentioned in an earlier post. However, I was having difficulty making them all the same size. The different stitch counts became too complicated. The pattern that started me off on this project was from the Art of Crochet. I really like the design, and more so from the back view as opposed to the front. So I frogged all the others out and re-worked them all the same. By the way, why do we call it "frogging" when we unravel crochet work, I have always wondered?

Of course , I have to have more than one project on the go. With that in mind, I saw this little fellow and fell in love with him straight away. He is perfect for a little boy that I know.

I ummed and aahed over my choice of fabric because, if I am honest, I rarely have anything that isn't pink! So a trip to the local charity shops was called for. I eventually settled on a wool skirt which is very soft and the right colour. I just hope it looks like the picture when it is finished. I am sewing it by hand rather than use my machine. I just prefer it.

Another little project was inspired by this lady. I can't make sense of the headband part of it unfortunately, so have just made a long chain of trebles and used a button to close. The trebles make it easy to adjust the size to fit either a child or adult. I think the red bow is a tad too big, but that is easily altered.

These are actually prototypes, but I am thinking beads and sequins might pretty them up even more. They are so easy to make and perfect for little gifts. I wish that I had seen them when I made the party bags up for Littlest Fairy's birthday. Maybe for next year instead.

I have a question that I am hoping someone can help me with, especially my American readers perhaps. I have come across a lot of patterns that call for "worsted" weight yarn. Can you tell me what the equivalent wool in the UK is please? I take it that it is thicker than our DK...or is that what it means? Then we go up to chunky, could it be that perhaps? I am a bit lost. Can someone recommend a brand that I can look at online maybe so that I can see some?

I want to thank you all for your kind comments on my last post. It means a lot to me that you have taken the time out of your day to leave me a message. Thank you.

Dev x

Life

Things are a bit of a mess at the moment. Life can be so hard sometimes and I'm tired. So I carry on crocheting my blanket, row by row, square by square, and wait........

Dev x

Watch the Birdy!

I have always loved doves and it was only when we moved to the Fairyglade that we had the space to put in a dovecote. We started off with a single pair, though at the time we didn't know if they were an actual pair. It really only becomes apparent as they get older and take on certain characteristics. This mainly involves the females sitting coquettishly on the roof of the cote and the males running round and round in circles with their tail feathers brushing along the ground making as much noise as possible and chests puffed out with importance..mmmm, does that sound familiar?

A coquettish female, sitting pretty.

Over the years they have steadily increased and we now have a flock of around 24 or so. It fluctuates up and down as some fall victim to the local sparrow hawk and neighbours cats. They have also stayed predominately white, though one or two have bred with strays that have flown in for some supper and have never left when they realise that the pickings are so frequent and plentiful. This is one such pair. The browny female is an interloper who caught the eye of one of our lads and that was that.

She chose this rather fetching abode when man person was doing some building work in the garden a couple of years back now. The dovecote only houses 6 dominant pairs and they hang onto their boxes with a vengeance. There is stiff competition to retain or steal such a lucrative dwelling. Unfortunately, some get desperate and find alternative places to build a nest and go onto breed.

This sweet little female chose a seed tray in the bottom shed and went on to raise several babies over the year.

Last year we had to make a concious effort to try and stabilise the population because they were eating us out of house and cote. This meant having to remove the eggs every couple of days. At one point we had as many as 40 doves. Too many for us to cope with and frustrating for them because of the lack of suitable nesting. It is sad, and I can hear you all saying what a wicked lot we are, but occassionally one is overlooked and this is the result.......

How adorable is that, only a few minutes old. But they grow fast and that has now grown into this............. so there are some happy endings!

They are canny cats when it comes to food and are not above stealing it wherever they can.........poor Hamish, he doesn't stand a chance bless him! But, see how gentle he is, those two are actually feeding from his bowl.

Now, don't start panicking, he is a whippet and has always been thin. He is not actually dying from starvation despite all the ribs on view.

So basically, they live the life of riley here at the Fairyglade, bathing in warm puddles..................

Gossiping in the early morning sunshine...............

Sitting coquettishly eyeing up the talent but appearing to have no interest what so ever, as you do.............

Eyeing up coquettish females who have no apparent interest in such a fine creature as himself.....................

Yes, all in all, life is pretty good here for our winged friends. They are a joy to watch and their gentle cooing is balm for the soul.

Dev x

Walking in a Winter Wonderland!

Who would like to take a walk with me? You will have to wrap up warm, find your scarf and gloves and wellies would be a jolly good idea I think. Are you ready....then off we go!

We must walk round the patio furniture first....mind your step.

Say good morning to Griddleshanks, (the resident dragon)! Yes I did say dragon, what's so unusual about that..everyone should have one! Honestly, his barks worse than his bite.

Down the path we go and out through the gate, should we go left or right? I think it should be left today, the hill is a bit too steep and slippery. Hope you are warm enough, pull your collar up because the snow will go down the back of your neck. Don't you hate it when that happens?

So down the lane we go, walk carefully the snow is deep, at least 12 inches in parts, it's going over the top of my boots. It's breath taking isn't it. No one else about, only the birds flitting from bush to tree to wall, looking for breakfast. Wish I had brought some corn with me. It's so quiet. No cars..sheer bliss. The main road is empty, a car abandoned on the lane opposite, too steep to drive up I guess. Someone hopefully didn't have too far to walk home through last nights blizzard. The road at this time in the morning is usually wall to wall cars. The rush hour, work, the school run. All is quiet, nothing stirs, except a man on a bicycle funnily enough.

The village green is totally deserted except for the Littlest Fairy. She has come along too. No school for her and her classmates today. The bus unable to get through the drifts.

The village pub offers morning coffee, but not at 8.30 am. Sorry to get you up and out so early.

It's snowing now and getting colder by the minute. I don't know about you, but my feet are freezing. Shall we head back now?

Say bye bye to Badger, he isn't looking too happy the wind is picking up a bit. Come on, I'll race you.

Let's go back the way we came shall we? Up the lane again. The snow is falling quite thickly now and filling in our footprints. Lucky I know the way home so we won't get lost...promise.

Littlest Fairy is full of the joys. She doesn't seem to feel the cold at all which is lucky. She stops for a rest though and makes one of these.

Then decides to make one of these to keep it company.

We are tiring a bit now, it's hard work walking through such deep snow. Are you okay, try and keep up it's not far now. Lets rest a while by the wall at the bottom of the lane and get our breath back. That's better isn't it?

Ready?... then lets get back, turn right.. there's the Fairyglade tucked away on the hillside. Can you see it through the trees, nestled there, warm and cosy?

Through the gate we go and we are home safe and sound. Did you enjoy that then?

Take off your wet things and warm yourself by the fire. I will put the kettle on shall I? Fancy a chocolate biscuit...or three!
Dev x

p.s. Check out Tabibooland for more wintery gorgeousness. She lives not far away from the Fairyglade and so got to share our snowy, snow too!

Happy Birthday...Again!

Happy Birthday Littlest Fairy!!!

This was taken last year, hasn't she grown up? (note the snow in the background..more is forecast for us this week)

So gorgeous and funny and wonderful and sassy and all mine.

The Birthday is still on-going. She had a friend to stay over the weekend and then opened her presents yesterday evening. Today is her official birthday and we all went out for a meal this evening. This coming weekend, it's off to the cinema with girlies and more food afterwards. I don't know whether I am coming or going, who should be where and when? So disorganised this year!

However, I have managed to make a few cuties for the party bags. Remember my last post..... Well with a bit of practice I made a few little flutterbys,

I added a few of these gorgeous buttons...aren't they cute?

Pinned everything out on a soft towel and spritzed with water, then left to dry over night.

And hey presto....the prettiest handbag charms in the glade. Do you like them...and more importantly, are a bunch of 10/11 year olds going to like them too.....finger crossed!

Dev x