OMG!

I'm not usually one for text speak but OMG..I passed my driving test!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thought I'd failed as a bloody rag 'n' bone cart pulled in front of me (it could only happen to me on my test), then I ended up stalling...but, anyway, I passed!!!!!!!! 

Flipping heck, that means I'm allowed out on my own...eek!

Well...

...I'm surprisingly calm, although if my last couple of lessons are anything to go by, I'm sure I won't stay calm for long!  Why is it when I get close to something as huge as a driving test I end up making silly mistakes while driving!  Anyway, tomorrow is the big day.  My hubby is the only family member who knows the exact date and time, as I didn't want people constantly asking about it.  It would be really great if you could all keep your fingers crossed for me...hopefully I'll have my little green P to show you. xx

Heck

13 days since I last posted!  Loads has been happening - my youngest turned 5, I've had an appointment with a business adviser about making Handmade Haven official, visits to our local Fishing Heritage Centre and the National Space Centre, and more driving lessons in preparation for my test next week.  Trying to remain calm about that last one but the closer I get the worse I feel (rescue remedy helping a little).

I made grape jelly yesterday with the mountain of grapes my Dad brought me from his vines.  Still got to use another pile too!  Not much else to say really...hope everyone else is keeping busy.

Catch-up

Where has the week gone again!  We've had a whole week sat at the table and it's fabulous.  I've had more driving lessons...and booked my test for the end of the month, eeeekkkk.  I've done lots of sewing, website changing, and waiting for deliveries so I can get on with the new soap varieties over at Handmade Haven.

It's hubby's birthday today so I made his card yesterday while he was at work.  Today I shall be making tea for the stream of people that will be in and out, I'll be trying to ignore the lounge that still looks like a storeroom because of the kitchen, and I'll be making homemade pizza for tea.  Doesn't sound too bad (especially if I manage to make some soap too).

At last

(Picture by JJ)

After living here for 4 years, 4 months and 1 week, we finally had our first meal sat at a table...and how fabulous it was.  When we moved in the kitchen was tiny, with an even tinier breakfast bar!!  Not suitable at all for 5 people (even though one of them had a high chair!).  So after adding a bedroom, moving a bathroom and a bedroom, then knocking a couple of other internal walls down, having 2 Christmas lunches on our knee!!!!, we had the space to put up a table.  We still need to paint and sort out the flooring, but heck...we really, really needed that table. 

Cowl/Snood Pattern (hopefully)

 (picture 1)

Firstly, I used 2 balls of Twilleys Freedom wool (100m), with a 10mm hook.  Make a foundation chain so it's big enough to fit over your head and is divisable by 4 (I did 72).  Join, making sure you don't twist the chain, then turn (picture 1).

 (picture 2)

 (picture 3)

Round 1.  *Chain 4 (picture 2), then join this to the foundation chain 4 links along (picture 3)*. 



 (picture 4)



* Repeat to the end then join the last ch4 to the first chain in the very first ch4 you started the round with.  Slip stitch into the loop created (picture 5).



 (picture 5)

(picture 6)

Round 3 to end.  *chain 4, slip stitch into loop*  *repeat to the desired length of your cowl.

 (picture 7 - you can see the pattern beginning to form)

(picture 8)

To finish, slip stitch through loop then pull thread all the way through (picture 8).  Weave in ends.

(picture 9)



If this pattern makes any sense at all your cowl pattern should look like picture 9 ;o).  I've never written a pattern down before so let me know how you get on...please.

Something quick

At knitter knatter last night I wanted something that was quick, something that would give instant gratification, something that's been on my list for a while.  So here it is...modelled beautifully by JJ, then I thought I best show it on a grown-up (no comments please ;o) ).  So, so simple to make (I did try writing out the pattern but hunger and squawking child don't make for a calm mummy!)

Gifts

I entered on a gorgeous blog for this lovely cushion and won!  How fab is it...and the way Shaz used a shirt too is great.  Go take a look :o).

In the evening a lovely friend from our home ed group called in with all this bounty from her allotment...there's alsorts including some fennel which is hidden under all that rhubarb.  I went and helped her with some foraging in payment, although I didn't get any for myself as my hob is still out of action :o(.

Just had to share

I'm so pleased with these pencil cases...they are actually for a customer but I had to share them here too as it's the first time I've made anything like this!  After the first one which took quite a while the second one was whizzed up super fast.  Thank you C for pushing me beyond my comfort zone again xxx

Picking up speed

Steadily picking up speed so that everything gets done!  Do I really think that will work?  Of course not..but with everything that's going on I've got to do something to try and get everything done.  I passed my theory test, so that's a good thing.  More lessons this week, and at this rate I shall be taking my practical test quite soon...eek.  I've gone passed the point of wanting to give up and I'm now enjoying...dare I say, even getting excited, waiting for the lessons...I am going to be a driver!!



We've also had the plasterer in the kitchen.  This room has been a nightmare really...odd shape, small, dark.  We knocked a wall down and removed the porch so now it's a very good size but it all needed tidying up and plastering.  Notice how we have the computer but I don't have a hob!  I'm trying to cook meals in the oven only...although yesterday I did have to relent and get the camping gas stove out of the loft (must have proper gravy with my roast).  Right, must go do something useful.  Blessings to all.