A rather belated Christmas Time post...

Like several of my crafty friends, this Christmas I tried to make at least some of the presents I gave to family and friends. I was also commissioned by my friend Charlie to make some cross-stitch pictures for her brother and her husband- a very flattering request and one that I had a lot of fun completing. Additionally, I made Julie (my lovely mother-in-law) a knitting needle roll, inspired by those I'd seen Fran make from Made by Loulabelle's excellent tutorial. It was so easy to follow the step-by-step guidance, and I was really proud of the finished case- Julie didn't even realise it was hand-made at first! :)


I've been itching to share my finished work with you all for a while but didn't want to post pre-Christmas pics for fear of ruining the surprise. But now the festive season is drawing to a close, and even the rubbish Quality Streets have been scoffed, I can post without fear. So here goes:

Charlie's Commissions

Charlie's commission #1- her hubby Paul meets Batman

Charlie's brother Alex meets Batman too

The happy recipients :)

Charlie put her excellent patchwork skills to use turning the cross-stitched words into cushion covers:

She ordered her very own House cross-stitch too. Doesn't he look Christmassy?  

A beautifully painted thumbs up from my first proper customer! :)

Julie's Knitting Needle Roll

Quince Jelly

The Quince Jelly I made earlier this year got a fancy-pants wrapping paper overhaul to become a present for Julie and for Tom's grandparents. 

And, finally, an update on the cross-stitch I made for Des; he and Pam absolutely loved it and they've hung it in their bathroom :) 


If you are interested in commissioning any cross-stitches of your own, please contact me in the comments form below or via Twitter. And if you've got any pictures of your own crafty Christmas gifts please do share them :)

Treats, Taps, & Trips

Merry Christmas one and all! I hope you're feeling full of festive cheer and haven't got too many presents left to make/wrap/buy more of because you ate all of the chocolate you originally bought as a present... *ahem*. 


I'm currently stuffing my face with a very delicious, and festive, treat; a present from Pam, my Nan;

Fairtrade chocolate = no calories! Hurrah!

I love that she still gives me sweets- it reminds me of perpetually sunny childhood summers spent swinging on a roundabout, sucking sherbet from those little plastic straws. Pam is definitely the loveliest grandma ever, and she makes the world's most amazing jam. We only give our best house guests Pam Jam for breakfast.


Talking of grandparents, I've just finished my latest craft project; a cross-stitch sampler for Des, my granddad. Pam and Des came over for Sunday lunch a few weekends ago, and Des noticed we hadn't put any lagging on our garden taps. Whilst reminding Tom about it, he came out with the following gem- now immortalised in thread;

Wise words, that I for one certainly intend to live by.

I've had a wonderfully social week so far, filled to the brim with adventures. On Tuesday I went to Ikea with two wonderful women I used to work with. It's become something of a tradition for us to go on Ikea road-trips together; the perfect combination of gossip and imitation Kilner jars. One of my favourite things about Ikea (aside from the general bargainousness) is their food packaging. I find their labels inspiring- such simple images that are universally recognisable as a representation of the package's contents. Some of my particular favourites: 

 And 

Who doesn't love mulled wine with all their heart?!

I also treated myself to some of this utterly brilliant pasta. It's meant to be elk-shaped, but I think if you squint it looks like reindeer. If eating a bowlful of Rudolph isn't Christmassy, I don't know what is....

Definitely going to eat these for Christmas Eve's dinner.

Wonderful Weekend and Artists Galore

This weekend has been the perfect combination of spontaneous, planned, social and cosy. Saturday was spent drinking tea and shopping in Lewes with Fran and our Toms (who are besties. Like we are besties. It's all a bit sickeningly perfect). Saturday night was our Friends' Christmas Meal at Indian Summer which involved excellent company, delicious food, and a lot of laughter. My favourite part of the meal was an iced Mulled Wine palate-cleanser served in a tiny jam jar. Super cute and utterly delicious. I think I'm going to drink all my mulled wine in Slush-Puppie form from now on. 

Mulled Wine Slush Puppies a-go-go

We then went on a mini pub-crawl through the Laines of Brighton, witnessed a fight that was rather too close for comfort (I was 2ft from the 'action', and heard my first real-life "thwack" of a man's fist smashing into another man's face... Merry Christmas, everyone...), and stayed out til the small hours talking about silicone bakeware, Lego, and dental dams. We ended the evening promising to meet up more often, and feeling slightly more educated in obscure prophylactics than we had been beforehand.


Today was a much-needed day of rest- a morning of shopping in the Lewes Christmas food market for vegetable soup supplies- a winter warmer if ever there was one! - and an afternoon of movies, re-runs of Nigella Kitchen (featuring two of my favourite things- voluptuous excess and sumptuously suggestive alliteration) and mouthfuls of Lindt chocolate. Good times. 

Busty, beautiful AND bakes? Heaven.

Today I discovered a new artist through Achicha; Tom Frost creates wonderful screen-prints of indigenous woodland critters and amphibians adorning old-fashioned stamps. Just look at the awesome: 

I have also discovered the sculpting talents of the most excellent Bellino Alain thanks to Regretsy - whose work includes fantastic filigree skulls and this amazing Darth Vader helmet made from up-cycled metal household objects. 

And, finally, this little gem:

The Pavoni Oven Glove- for those days when your hands become cloven hooves.

Work-out Week One

As mentioned in my previous post, I joined the gym on Sunday. A rather spontaneous decision, spurred on by my determination not to spend the entire holiday season in front of the TV eating handfuls of cereal out of the box (Tesco chocolate crisp cereal, if you're wondering). 


On Monday morning I got up at TEN PAST SIX in the morning to go for my gym induction (they only had a 7.30am slot available- I'm not a sadist), and signed up to a class for every night of the week. 


I thought it made more sense to attend structured classes with cheesy music than undertake solitary slogs on the cross-trainer. My lack of self-discipline means I'd probably leave my own workout after 20 minutes, but I'm too stubborn to leave an exercise class that others are managing to do without crying/throwing up. 


Ironically, after my gym session, I spent five hours trawling Brighton to find The Ultimate Sports Bra to wear to that evening's Zumba session, and by the time I'd found one (£5 from Primark- they make boobs solid as concrete) I was too exhausted to attend the class. Total fail, but it made me more determined to attend all the other classes I'd booked come Hell or high water....


Tuesday was "Absolute Beginners Aerobics", which involved sweating through hundreds of sets of line dancing moves whilst listening to Cher. Which I (not so secretly) loved because it reminded me of a work-out VHS my Mum used to own.

80s-tastic Cher Fitness. And, yes, she worked out in those outfits.

Wednesday was Pilates. I'd done yoga before but not Pilates, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The best way I can describe it is "lazy yoga"- the moves are similar, but you do them all on the floor. There are ways to increase the intensity of most poses, but when presented with a plethora of neon-bright plastic accessories I felt a little overwhelmed, so ended the hour feeling like I hadn't really achieved anything. 


Yesterday I went to 'Wave Power'; recommended to me by the centre's adorable little old lady receptionist. I was expecting some more cheesy-music based aerobics, and only discovered upon entering the class it was in fact weight lifting(!!!) By the end of the class I was hurting in arm muscles I didn't even know I had, but still didn't come out looking like Arnie. 

Perhaps Arnie did two Wave Power classes?

Strangely, whilst completing six billion squats and hefting a bar-bell, all I could think about was how cross my friend Shaun would be if he could hear the butchered dance remix of Nirvana we were working out too! 


Tonight was Zumba, which was quite possibly the most hilarious exercise routine I've done in my life (and that includes a Hip Hop workout DVD I used to own that instructed me to "drop it like it's hot"). When the class began it felt uncomfortably like we were spying on a woman dancing in her kitchen; who was unaware there were two dozen people mimicking her. We progressed into a series of moves that reminded me of the Shake Weight episode of South Park, and finished off dancing round in a circle like we were at a Greek wedding. I was hoping the gym classes might lead to new friendships, and I'm pretty sure nothing helps people to bond more than linking sweaty arms and stamping on each other's toes as they whirl across a basketball court, so fingers crossed I'll soon have some Gym Buddies. 


I've already booked onto Zumba and Aerobics again next week; the last classes before everything shuts down for Christmas. Which means if I want to keep up the endorphins I'll have to either use the gym on my own, or go swimming- which sounds like way too much effort on the leg-shaving front to me.

A Moment of Madness, or, How I Joined the Gym

With four weeks of freedom in front of me, I feel a little bit daunted. I have crafty things to keep me busy, and there's always decorating to be done, but I want to make sure I don't go back to work in January feeling like I've done nothing but watch Mad Men for the last 672 hours. And, as I've said before, being at home means being near the fridge; a danger I can deal with in small doses, but four continuous weeks (and over Christmas no less!) means by January there's a very real danger the only thing I'll be able to fit into from my wardrobe will be the wardrobe itself!


Then, last night, I was having dinner at Fran's house (and watching the X Factor. Don't judge us) and she jokingly suggested I spend the time exercising. I laughed it off, as I always do. Me? Exercise? Aside from throwing shapes in my kitchen, I haven't exercised since compulsory P.E. in 2005. But then I started thinking- why not? I'm 23 and some days feel like I've had liposuction but the hoover thing was on "blow" and the other end had fallen into a trifle. 


So today I visited Lewes Leisure Centre for the first time ever and signed up for a six week gym membership! I also signed up for an exercise class for every night of this week- Zumba, Aerobics, Pilates, more Aerobics, and Belly Dancing(!!). AND I've got my Gym Induction at 7.30 tomorrow morning! If I don't have a six pack by the end of this week I'm going to want answers from the God of Fitness. And a full refund for my spandex onesie.

By Friday, I'll be cupping my ears to better hear the compliments about my abs too.
[image source]

Aside from this Moment of Madness, I've had a really lovely weekend. Friday night was my Old Work's Christmas meal at Wagamama. I ordered a huuuge bowl of ramen noodle soup to warm me up after a day of shopping, completely forgetting how useless I am at eating noodles in a lady-like matter. Especially when they are covered in soup, and my utensil choices comprise a pair of chopsticks and a huge wooden ladle. Thankfully I managed not to cover my neighbouring diners in bits of shittake mushroom, but it did take me over 45 minutes to eat one bowl of soup. 

Ramen: my slurpy, delicious nemesis. 

My Mum came to visit yesterday and we spent the day walking round Brighton and Hove visiting dozens of the free Artists Open Houses exhibitions. We got to see some truly inspiring art and craftwork ranging from intricate felt brooches to exquisite steampunk jewellery, the latter made by a band of bearded men in the boiler room of a hotel on Brighton seafront. Weird and wonderful stuff! We also got to snoop around strangers' houses, which is hands-down one of my favourite things to do, and a trait I definitely inherited from my Mum. Hopefully we didn't offend any of the exhibitors when we spent more time exclaiming over the bannister rails than their cushion covers. 

The perfect combination of Stag and Seahorse. A Staghorse?

I also got to give my Mum her birthday present; a knitting bag I made earlier this week. I love giving people hand-made presents that I'm truly proud of.

A pretty awesome weekend, and one that will be culminating in one of Tom's legendary roast dinners. Did I mention how much I love him?

Festive Feelings

Tuesday was my Very Last Day at my old job. At the moment I don't think it's really sunk in that I'm not going back there again- it just feels like I'm on holiday. So much in my life has changed since I started there four years ago- I hadn't even met Fran yet! And therefore hadn't met Tom, or most of the people I would now consider my closest friends. I was living the life of a fresher, despite going to work every day in an office like a Grown Up person; going clubbing 'til the early hours, living with my besties from school and spending the my free time dating questionable men*. 

Four years later, and I don't think I've ever been happier, or more comfortable in myself. For the most part, that's due to Fran and Tom. Fran, my bestie, has been there for me through the good times and the sad times- always ready to help me intrinsically analyse the minutia of my life and let me know if I'm being overly dramatic, or just human. She's also introduced me to so many wonderful people I now feel privileged enough to call my friends- crafty people, funny people, people who like dancing with me even though (as my friend Kit once told me) I truly do "dance like no-one's watching"... 


Then there's Tom. I know he'll get embarrassed if I say half the things I want to say, and I don't want to sicken anyone reading these due to Mush Overload, but he's the reason my life is wonderful. I never thought I would meet anyone so supportive, and so amazing, who loved me the way he does. I'm "settled" now, the way I wanted to be for a very long time- but it would have been impossible to do with anyone who wasn't him- he encourages and supports me to achieve my dreams, and he doesn't get cross when I eat all the chocolate. 


One amazing thing about leaving my old job was the presents they got me, including this AMAZING muffin tray that will allow me to make cakes in the shape of roses. Pretty sure my life is now officially complete. 

I'm now on holiday until I start my New Job on 9th January. (Yippee!!!) I'm loving being at home whilst it's so rainy and cold outside, spending my time sewing most of this year's Christmas presents, and eating lots of hearty stew.

My current websession is Old Loves on Tumblr, that I only discovered yesterday via A Cup of Jo (a lifestyle blog well worth following)- an extensive collection of celebrity ex-couples that I've been scrolling through with wonder. I'm sure most people who are interested in celebrity in any way know about these already- but a lot of the relationships ended before I was born, so it's brand new information to me. I'm finding it hilarious seeing some of the couples that seem so mis-matched in the 21st Century- and how many partners some celebs have had (looking at you here, Cher!).

*Tom- if you're reading this I'm totally kidding; I was sitting at home knitting.

Exploring Sussex- two delightful and decadent days

I spent this weekend Adventuring in Sussex with some of my best people. One of my favourite ways to spend unexpectedly sunny days, because I'm reminded how lucky I am to live in Sussex, with such lovely friends. And I get to discover some pretty awesome new places too! 


On Saturday, Tom and I explored the wonders of coastal East Sussex- visiting the ancient towns of Winchelsea and Rye. 


Our first stop of the day was in Winchelsea, which we'd never visited before. The town has a very sleepy-village feel, with beautifully diverse homes centred around the picturesque semi-derelict church and graveyard. The morning's highlight for both of us was discovering the wonderful Winchelsea Farm Kitchen and shop- a glorious delicatessen/wine cellar/restaurant combo selling raspberry gin, home-made cakes, and coffees flavoured with the weird and wonderful.

Christmas Pudding Coffee, anyone?

We had an awesome brunch of cream tea and Teapigs Popcorn Tea. 

We first visited Rye earlier this year, and ended up having lunch next to Paul McCartney (which was rather exciting) in an awesome cafe called Apothocary; so-called because it used to be a chemists and there are still tiny little potion drawers from floor to ceiling on some of the walls. I would heartily recommend Rye to anyone who likes antique shops and cobbled streets. There are also some brilliantly-named houses about such as "The House Opposite" and "The House with the Seat".

I spent today in Arundel with my two oldest girlfriends, pottering round fabric shops and spending all our pocket money in Sweet Memories of Arudel; an incredible old-fashioned sweetshop owned by the sweetest (sorry!) old man who makes AMAZING fudge, and the cutest chocolate frogs. 

And finally:


For those of you who haven't heard of her, I can't recommend Lucky Jackson at 365 Lucky Days enough. I discovered her work through The Dainty Squid, and I am in awe. Lucky is currently undertaking a 365 day challenge with her incredible, unique sewn portraits. I find it astounding how brilliantly she can capture someone's likeness with just a few stitches. Her fabric choices are fabulous too! 

Lovely Letters, Beautiful Bedding, and Muffin-Top Ribs

This week I indulged in some retail therapy, followed by guilt- as I'm soon to be Officially Unemployed and therefore shouldn't be splurging on frippery. However, this instance certainly wasn't frivolous spending because owning a pillowcase with a squirrel printed on it is a basic human right. Right? Same goes for one with an ampersand on it. Hopefully the printing ink H&M used isn't toxic- as we'll probably have to eat them both in January when we can no longer afford food.  


Alongside the pillowcases, I bought a new skirt for work-like situations/job interviews/a lovely wintery polycotton stew. I've always found clothes shopping online a bit risky, thanks to my oddly proportioned body, and unfortunately this time was a fail. The skirt waistband is skin-tight to my waist, and therefore makes my giant ribcage look like a muffin top. And by that I do not mean delicious and full of chocolate chips. I mean the rib equivalent of the hip bulges that overhang too-tight jeans. Observe:

Artist's Impression*
*Disclaimer- not drawn by an Artist.

Muffin-top Ribs. The ultimate Outrageous Food. 

Exciting discoveries this week include: 


This excellent and intriguing sign in Aldi: 

A Surprise for 66p? Who could say 'No'?!

Which reminds me of another potentially exciting sign I spotted on a plant at Homebase last weekend- 

Sounds scarily like "Don't feed after midnight" to me.

I've also discovered these amazing tiles by Rory Dobner. The alphabet tiles show each letter entwined with Dobner's intricate illustrations of anthropomorphic creatures and steampunk trinkets, whilst the numerical tiles play on phrases associated with each number- i.e. the Seven Seas, below.

Today I managed to finish two different crafted Christmas presents from my list. I really want to post pictures but I've decided to wait just in case the intended recipients look at my blog between now and Christmas. Very happy with the finished quality of both though- my sewing skills normally leave a lot to be desired! 


And finally, this evening Tom and I watched Catch .44 - which I thought was pretty good in itself, partly because it has Bruce Willis and Deborah Ann Woll (better known to me as 'Jessica' in True Blood) in it, but mostly because they shamelessly plugged the cassette tape Willis recorded in 1987. My parents own that cassette, which I listened to continuously throughout my late teens because Willis covered songs made famous by James Brown and the Drifters- the favourite band of 12-year-old me. I'd still listen to it now if I had a cassette player.