a couple things.

My weekend has whooshed past and I've managed to get none of the things done that I'd planned. But there 's a brilliant giveaway going on over at Sugar Spun Quilts including the Free Bird FQ's above. It's a new blog to me and it is full of cool things - go check her out!!

And the other wee thing is my Chookie has a shiner! Her right eye met someone elses head on Friday lunch at school and now that the swelling has subsided she has a lovely black and purple eyelid. Niiiice. *rollseyes* Always something!

the best laid plans of rats and Lynzo's

I had a lazy day planned today involving lots of gift sewing, no shopping, no leaving the house and as little outside world interaction as possible. And then our phone rang at ten o'clock this morning. It was our local vets receptionist asking if we would be interested in rehoming a few rats. Someone she knew needed to slim down their menagerie from 7 to 3 and would we be interested?


Now, I've been looking forward to NOT having a huge rat cage in our kitchen. Old Sniffy is on her last legs (literally - her back end has gone completely) and I don't think she'll see Christmas. :( But we have REALLY missed our nosey and friendly girls. So I went for a look. And came home with 2 boys.

These guys are Zep and Axl. I left their brothers Lemmy and Meatloaf (do you see a naming theme?!?) but met their dad, Ozzy, who was a beautiful peach dumbo rat. These wee guys were too cute and very tame.


This is Zep making a bid for freedom. He is so relaxed and calm while still being mucho inquisitive.

And this wee chap is the erstewhile Axl who the Chook has renamed Wilson. No, we have no idea where that came from, either. He is a bit more timid and jumpy but still MUCH tamer than our girls were when we got them.

Auld Sniffy has been moved into the smaller hospital cage - she doesn't get about much and I didn't want her being upset by 2 boisterous youngsters. And so we're back to rats in the kitchen (what are we gonna do? Heh, love UB40!)

Figgy Pud all finished.

I finished Mum's Christmas quilt last week but it was dark and I didn't take any photos before I gave it to her. It finally brightened up a bit today (it has been SO dark and dreich the last week) so I popped in after school with the Chook and my trusty wee Fuji in hand.


It's small, only 46in square. *edited* I forgot to put the link in to the tutorial it's based on! Ooops! Go here to Piece N' Quilt for loads of great tutes!(fabric is Figgy Pudding by Basic Grey for Moda)

I quilted it in a circular pattern. I though it was a nice bit of juxtaposition with all the squares. It was fiddly but pretty easy to do.

And what's a quilt without a wee throw cushion to match? Cute, innit?

The pattern for the flower is from a tutorial here and it was super easy and rather sweet. I did forget to get a shot of the back (doh!) but it's mostly the brown tree fabric with some taupe sashing to break it up, a couple little D9P's and red snowflakes.

Hopefully more productive Christmas present making tomorrow for more ticks on Santa's list!

the deets:
The pattern is a disappearing nine patch.
The fabric is Moda's Figgy Pudding by Basic grey and a taupe plain cotton.
It measures {TBC - forgot to measure again!!)

konnichiwa!

I love Japan. The people, the culture and especially the food. So it should be no surprise that sushi is in amongst the Chookie's un-childlike favourite foods (alongside olives, haggis and squid - she has a strong palate!). And with sushi comes chopsticks!!! Which she has finally mastered!!




Those pieces of chicken are TINY!!

buzz!

I've been a busy bee! I had a 3 day weekend (school in-service days Thursday and Friday last week) and I spent most of it sewing. I've 3 big ticks on my Christmas makes list but I can't show you coz I know at least one recipient reads here. So, honest, that's three bits of three different presents above. I had fun!!

postal goodies!

I've met the most wonderful women through the online quilting community and I received two fantabulous parcels in the post on Friday.


The first was from Karen who RAK-ed me superb pony fabric (I wonder who she had in mind for that? Heh-heh) and the sweetest hardback Santa notebook. Totally above and beyond and I've squirreled the ponies away for the Christmas pony quilt! Thank you!!!



And then me and Chook picked up a box from the Post Office. It was my swap from Gail at the Happily Ever Swapping group on Flickr! Look at all the wee wrapped parcels! Now the swap was *supposed* to be for 4 fat quarters. I got a bit more than that...

....look at all the stuff!!!!! All festive themed and just wonderful. But I think my 2 favourite bits?

This gingerbread man carrier bag holder (which I am hiding from my Mum coz she will want it!!)

and these. Seeds from Gail's garden in Ohio. Isn't that the coolest thing ever? I can't wait for the spring!!

Thank you so much, girls, I am fairly gobsmacked over your generosity. Quilters are THE nicest people.

P.S. Ah, so a quick edit. *blushes* As pointed out by my good friend Mrs Wookie, I have met online some really lovely scrappers, too! Quilters certainly aren't the only nice crafty people out there. Can you hear my chain creaking as I backpedal like mad?

on modern art.

I appreciate art of most schools. But I LOVE modern art. Specifically early to mid 20th century stuff. You know the sort: cubism, expressionism, minimalism and op art (without the P!). Some favourite artists in a loooong list would be,

Jackson Pollock (Summertime - 9A)

Piet Mondrian (Composition with yellow, blue and red)

Giacomo Balla (Abstract Speed and Sound)

Bridget Riley (Kiss)

Now, I know not everyone likes modern art. A very dear friend always said she just doesn't "get" it and she likes her painting to look like things.

"But, Lynz, what is it supposed to beeee?!?!"

*snort* It's supposed to be something pretty to look at, dearest! What makes a drift of tulips beautiful? The colour? The shapes? Same thing, innit? So why can't pretty shapes and colours on a canvas or wood be appreciated just for being pretty? Tulips don't mean anything! They just ARE.

I'll be the first to admit that I am an intelligent woman who doesn't enjoy particularly cerebral things. I like trashy books and escapist telly. I don't enjoy debating politics or religion (I have barely an opinion on one and an unshakeable and frankly quite bald opinion of the other) and likewise I'm not overly thoughtful over my art loves. But that's it right there. I love them. It's purely an emotional response, not an intellectual one. I mean, yeah, I see dancers in the Pollock above and the residual movement of whatever has whizzed through the Balla, a sexy curve in the Riley but I don't actively look for things in them. Sometimes things pop out but I'm equally quite happy to just appreciate them for being pretty - the Mondrian I have always loved (I think it's the straight lines - so unusual!). Does that make me a bit shallow? Or a bit of a flake?

Frankly? I don't care. Although I will admit to not "getting" most YBA installations. You know the ones. Unmade beds and the like. I mean, huh? Even the shark in formaldehide has more interest than that!!!!

Oh, man!!

Chook is devastated. Her wobbly tooth fell out at her ballet lesson and she swallowed it. *giggles* I know I shouldn't laugh but it is kinda funny. So I'm off to write a letter to the tooth fairy explaining why there is no tooth in the little tooth pouch that will be going under the pillow tonight.

Let's hope she's as understanding as she is cool and groovy!!

crazy 9 patches

For the Old Red Barn Co round 4 circle quilt. Fabrics are Neo-Geo by Jackie Shapiro.

Only slightly crazy, mine are, but they're nice and quick to stitch up!

the duster dance.

She finally has shown us what she's been working on at ballet for the past 2 months! All a bit spur of the moment (hence the school uniform, bad lighting and uninspiring backdrop!) but recorded nonetheless.


Chookie G and the pink bandana presents: THE DUSTER DANCE!




This was learned as part of her primary ballet exam along with a bunch of exercises. Onto grade 1!!

P.S. I offered but she didn't want any music - apparently it wouldn't be "the right sort". Hmph.

I hurt all over!!

We did some serious garden clearing today. It really needed done and there's 3 fence posts needing replaced. Gah. However, spouse made a nice discovery when chopping back the grapevine.


Lots of ickle black grapes!!! Hee-heeee!

We'll get a bottle of Chateau Graham one of these years!!

P.S. Yes, I do have the most unphotogenic husband in the world!

love is all around!!

I'm planning on making a pony themed quilt for the Chook's Christmas and had asked or some feedback on fabrics and patterns from my girls at the Old Red Barn Quilt -along last week. I *think* I may have hashed out a plan but I need more fabric. And that's where this lovely parcel enters the story. Karen reckoned she had a great match for another fabric I'm using and offered to send it to me (all the way from Minnesota!) and it arrived today. But not alone! Oh no!!

She also sent 2 cooking magazines (her favourites and you can see why! They are brilliant!) and a whole bunch of pony stickers for a certain small someone.

Isn't she just the coolest person? I was so chuffed. Thank you, Karen!!!!

clever girl!

It's been a busy old week here for a certain small someone! Tuesday at Beavers saw her getting another badge. This one her "hobbies" one for all her arts and crafts that she loves. The badge itself is a favourite of hers - it's got a pony on it. A hobby horse - geddit? *rollseyes*

Yesterday she received her first swimming certificate. She's been going once a week with the school for part of her PE block and has *loved* it. Part of her award was swimming 5 metres unaided - which doesn't seem like much for a 7 year old but is actually quite an acheivement for her coz she's not a natural water baby. I'm so proud!

And it was the big day yesterday. Her first ballet exam!! We were up at 7.30am putting in a bun - can you see that tiny little bump at the back of her head? She's got a short bob just now and it's almost impossible to get a ponytail in, let alone a bun!!! We managed, though, and Daddy whisked her off to Broxburn to her dance school's studio when I left for work. I think spouse was more nervous than she was!

SHE PASSED!!!!

Although that means that since she's moved from Primary ballet to Grade 1? She needs a new uniform. It's all about the cash these days!!!

we all want some Figgy Pudding.

Time is flying at the mo! So the poor blog gets a bit neglected and, to be honest, the lack of light at this time of year really doesn't help with the photo taking. So, this is Mam's Christmas quilt top - BasicGrey's Figgy Pudding (for Moda). It's weird using fabric from a line that I've used scrapbook papers from!


I have to take pics in the Chook's room at this time if year, hence the toys creeping in at the sides! It's my first try at applique - not bad, I reckon. Not perfect but good enough for me.

Bought red thread today so perhaps basting and a start on it tonight. Maybe. News on Chook achievements tomorrow - she's been a busy girl!!

sauna!!

Our central heating was a bit dodgy last winter. Not seriously so, just a few radiators not getting as hot as they should. Spouse had a go at it in the spring and got fed up - I've been tripping over the box of tools on the landing ever since. Well, last week 3 radiators on our top floor were sold. Stone cold. So he HAD to have another look at the system. When the Chook and I were at the cenotaph for the memorial service on Sunday morning he was lugging his compressor about "blowing all the crap" out of the pipes. That's a professional plumbing term. *pfft* Anyhoo, long story short it totally worked and the house is ROASTING!! I'm going to have to turn down the thermostat (which can only be a good thing) and me house is very clean. Why? Because when all the crap was getting blown out? It was going up the walls. And anything within a 4 foot radius of the pipe. Including fabric (grrrr!!) and this.


My bathroom ceiling.


Black sooty bits everywhere. Still, at least it worked. And now I'm sitting in my pants in my sauna. Heh.

funny funny!!

Me and the spouse went to see Ed Byrne in Dunfermline last night. Honestly, I thought my jaw was going to be stuck in a permanent stupid grin, it was hurting so much with laughing by the interval. He did this joke,




but I think my favourite bit was his tirade on WAGs. By the response it got? Sounds like we all think the same.

oh-bloody-wonky-cherries!

Finished my wonky block quilt! It was made as part of the Old Red Barn Co.'s fourth round quilt-along (nope, it was the third round, thank you for the correction Dee!). Fabric is Moda "Oh-Cherry-Oh!" by Me and My Sister Designs for Moda and it was originally titled "Oh-Wonky-Cherries!" and for a memorable weekend "Oh-Bloody-Hell!!" so I merged the two for it's final name. *grins*

Round five(I mean four, obviously....doh!) has started (it's circles! ) and I'm waiting on fabric to arrive. Did I ever tell about my win? I don't think I did. Amy ParkCityGirl held a HUGE Blogger's Quilt Festival in October. And I won a prize!! I got a voucher to Pink Chalk Fabrics so I spent it on very cool brown/white/orange retro prints for a new living room throw. The postal strike is making me wait for ma goodies, though! *pouts*

the deets:
the pattern is the ORB quiltalong round 3 - wonky log cabins.
The fbric is Moda's Oh!Cherry-oh and Kona White.
It masures 42in x 56in.

just like it's 1977...

THEY ARRIVED!!!!!

My new boots are here! All of Doctor Marten's air cushioned sole 14 hole wonderfulness.

Chances of me getting ID-ed in Tesco in this get-up? All bets are off. It happened again at the weekend and I didn't have the black pussy-cat eared hoodie on. So that's that theory blown out the water. Love me boots, though, they're getting christened at work tomorrow. I love a little bit of deviancy in the workplace. *grins*

P.S. It's been pointed out that they were meant to be a Christmas present. I really do have a wonderful Spouse. He says they're an UN-Christmas pressie and I can choose something else for Chrimbo. Woop!!

Educating Dee.

So, in answer to your latest 3 questions, Mizz Dolores,

Question 1. Peter Pointer? I know which finger you are talking about but what does that mean?

Answer 1. "Tommy Thumb, where are you?" is a children's action rhyme on this side of the pond. It would appear to be one of the multitude of things to have not stuck in American culture - I'll happily be corrected if it has (but don't get me started on the bastardisation of "ring, a ring of roses!"). Anyways, each finger has a name and your index finger is Peter Pointer. I've looked all over for a video and there isn't one! *shock* But here's the rhyme.

Tommy Thumb, Tommy Thumb

Where are you?

Here I am, here I am

How do you do?

Peter Pointer, Peter Pointer

Where are you?

Here I am, here I am

How do you do?

Toby Tall, Toby Tall...

Ruby Ring, Ruby Ring...

Baby Small, Baby Small...

Fingers all, Fingers all

Where are you?

Here we are, here we are

How do you do?

Question 2 and 3. Yoo-hoo? Sugar Glider? Explain please!:)

Answer 2. These are Yoo-hoos. Little furry chaps with massive eyes and loads of cute-appeal if you're 7!

Answer 3. And this is a sugar glider. I always think they're like a cross between a flying squirrel and a bush baby.

And that concludes today's lesson! *grins* Questions? No doubt another ton from Dee!