New Garden Furniture

I know that, at the end of my last post, I said my next one would probably be about another quilt I made for Bo. But then I remembered that I'd taken some photos of our new garden furniture - and the bits and bobs I made to prettify it.  

So, a change of plan.....  I've decided to post a show-and-tell about the garden stuff first, before it feels too autumny to write about that kind of thing!

Knowing that we'd be staying at home for the summer this year (and that we'd be having several sets of visitors), we decided to buy some new garden furniture so that we'd be able to enjoy the sunshine right here.  

We found a set that we liked in IKEA (of course).  But it needed brightening up, I thought (actually, I was just in need of a new sewing project at that time).  So I made some patchwork cushions for the seats, and some coasters for the table.  Here they are(along with a couple of flower photos).....

When I'd finished making the cushions and coasters, I planned to make a couple of lengths of bunting to match.  But little Bo arrived before I got the chance. It's on my 'to-do' list for next spring.....

Happy Friday!!!

Carly

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Autumn Bits and Bobs

A couple of weekends ago, we went for a Sunday afternoon walk.  I decided to take a 'nature bag' with me, like I used to when I was a little girl.  There was a lot to collect and, when I got my loot home, I set to work turning it into a little autumn bits and bobs display.....

No matter how old you are, bring back nature bags on Sunday walks, I say!!!

Carly

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Halloween Costumes

After 'skipping' a year in 2012, we decided to reinstate our annual Halloween party this year.  We both decided to go as Mexican 'Day of the Dead' skeletons.  

I made my costume from an old bed sheet.  I used 'Pattern Y' from Yoshiko Tsukiori's 'Stylish Dress Book'.  I spent a couple of days embroidering a colourful pattern of the front.  It took a a fair few hours, but I made the most of it and enjoyed the chance to relax by sitting on the 'Poang' and listening to ghost stories on Librivox as I embroidered.....

I hadn't done much embroidery before, so had to learn a few lessons along the way.  

I accessorised my costume with some bringtly-coloured jewellery, and bought a flowery headdress from a costume shop.  So, altogether, my costume only cost me €6!

Simon's outfit consisted mainly of his 'normal' clothes (chords, a black shirt and a waistcoat).  We found a neckerchief in the fancy dress box, borrowed the sombrero, and bought the rifle and bullets.  His outfit cost €10!

The face-painting was all Simon's handiwork.  He did a brilliant job, I have to say!!!   

Would you like to see???

And a bit of a scary one to finish up with.....

Now our faces have been scrubbed and all the decorations and outfits are packed away, we're starting to think about next year's costumes.....

Any suggestions???

Carly

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Autumn Colours

I've just realised, looking through my latest posts, that they've ALL been crafty show-and-tells.  While I feel good that I've been so productive recently, it might look (to the rest of the world) as though I haven't left the house for the past two months.....  

That's not true.  I HAVE been outside!  And I've been LOVING the amazing autumn colours that have been popping up everywhere lately!

We were out and about a lot last weekend, as Simon's parents were visiting, and we had some unseasonally warm temperatures and beautiful blue skies!

Here are some snaps from the lovely town of Xanten:

And some from one of our regular weekend walk spots - the Düsseldorf Nordpark:

My parents arrived (for a week-long visit) yesterday night.  So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the good weather and autumn glory will hold out for them to enjoy too.....  

Carly

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A Wonderful Wedding

While we were in England, WAY back at the start of the summer holidays, we went to a wedding.  It was a VERY special one, as the bride was a really close family friend (who I’ve known since just a few days after she was born, and who’s my mom’s god-daughter).  And what a WONDERFUL wedding it was!!!  The sun shone all day long, we got to catch up with lots of friends, the venue was spectacular, the bride looked stunning, the food was delicious.....

Unfortunately, my camera ran out of battery about an half an hour after the ceremony.  So I didn’t get to take that many photos.  But here are a few of the ones I managed to get.

Me & Simon

Hodsock Hall

The grounds - with a Monet-style pond (complete with lilies and a bridge)

Us two with my mom and dad

Here comes the beautiful bride.....

..... and such pretty bridesmaids

Gorgeous, vintage-style flowers everywhere

Lovely music to accompany our champers and canapes

And a BRILLIANT magician

Yes, in case you didn't know, Simon's a magician (you can see his website here if you fancy a look) 

Apart from telling you what a wonderful day we had, I also wanted to show you the wedding pressie I made for the happy couple.  But I think I'll save that for my next post.

Until then.....

Carly

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Flowers, Bumblebees and Butterflies

We spent the first three weeks of the summer holidays in England, visiting both sets of parents, day-tripping, and lazing in the sunshine.

I realised when we got home that I'd taken HEAPS of photos of flowers (and bees and butterflies).  Most of them were taken in my parents' garden (my dad's fingers are a lot greener than mine), and a few were taken in the gardens of Hardwick Hall (a National Trust property in Derbyshire that's well worth a visit if you've never been - click here to have a little look). 

Are you ready for a bit of scrolling?  There are a fair few photos coming up.....

Do you think that the flower in the last photo looks like it has a cute little face?  I definitely see a long nose, two beady eyes, and a pair of specs!  

My two favourite snaps from this lot are the top one (although I have no idea what the plant is), and the hairy bumblebee.

I'm sure I'll be photographing LOTS more flowers before the summer holidays are over.....

Hope you're all having a super summer so far!

Carly

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