Some lovely presents and a new skill!

Last week, my Mum came over and brought with her a cardboard box, brimming with goodies for me to go through.

Mum is a sheltered housing officer and told me that a gentleman had been clearing out his mother's house when he found this little lot and hadn't known what to do with it. His Mother was an accomplished sewer and he wanted this lot to go to someone who would appreciate it. Unfortunately he didn't leave any contact details, so I am unable to thank him properly, but I would just like to reassure the universe that I am indeed thankful and will put this little lot to good use.

I was over the moon to go through this lot and there are some lovely things in the box. I'm not sure I dare to use the unopened bias bindings, it would feel like wrecking a piece of history! I am especially pleased with the pinking shears which have been so reverently looked after, wrapped in their original box. I have ruined my own by cutting oilcloth with them and they cost so much to replace. The tape measures are lovely too, I really like the one that is closed with a snap fastening.

Later on in the day that Mum visited, I popped into my next door neighbour for something and she gave me another little bag of sewing goodies!

If you remember, I received another lovely bundle from the same neighbour in this post. Those pieces were perfect for making purses and such with, but this new bag is full of bigger pieces, so I may be able to get to work on some new cushions, and perhaps even my table runner!

Finally, I am very happy to share with you that after much, MUCH practice (and swearing; and throwing stuff) I can now crochet, or sort of. Last Thursday at the evening Knit and Natter which, I am reliably informed is actually Stitch and Bitch (or SnB as I will now refer to it), the ever patient Bex and Vanessa sat with me until I had at last grasped the basics. Bex made me feel better by telling me that as a very experienced knitter she too found crochet quite alien at first, but once it clicked, it clicked and there was no stopping me.

The above samples are in double crochet. I am obviously still doing something wrong as the sides should be straight, not decreasing, but hopefully I'll get there. I used a really ancient book (again given to me by Mum) to get the pattern for Granny Squares, which I have always wanted to be able to make and managed to produce these all by my own self! I am not thinking of anything as grand as a blanket yet, but thought I could aim for a small cushion cover. Another project on the list.

Anyway, thanks as ever for visiting and for all the lovely comments you have been leaving. Any of you lurkers out there don't be shy, I'm quite friendly really and love to find out who you are and what you've been making too,

Beth x