Second time around

I tried writing a new post last night. I should have waited. I was so tired I could barely see what I was doing, it was such a load of gobble (much more than usual) I just gave up.
I have been a little disappointed. The patterns and stamps I've ordered still haven't arrived, but I've decided to make the most of the time anyway. I've been eyeleting tags ready to use on projects. I've had a batch of eyelets for some time but have rarely used any because of trouble with my hands. Usually after half a dozen I have to give up because my hands refuse to work, but I have a new tool. A Crop-A-Dile. I think they've been around for a while but I hadn't seen one before. Punching holes and putting in eyelets is now so easy! I will try to get some photos, it's a weird looking object but it does the job with little or no strain at all. So I've decided to eyelet a batch of tags I bought from the local craft shop, ready to use at a moments notice.
I had some lovely fabric given to me at chapel last night. I'll try to get a photo of that too.

Love and hugs in Christ

Elaine xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

One of those days

I knew I didn't need to go out today, but still the dull weather seems to dull the enthusiasm too.

After succeeding on the card front(for now anyway)(large family,don't ask how many) I thought I'd crack on with a bit of sewing. The plan was to make some country rabbits in Christmas clothes. So I got out my neatly kept pattern from it's folder, prepared the fabric for the bodies, took the pattern from it's packet, and no body parts. Three sizes of rabbits, every single piece of clothes pattern kept in pristine condition, yet no body pieces. Goodness knows what's happened to them, I haven't used the pattern in years. I went through every pattern in the folder too, but nothing. I thought I would have to fetch another pattern today (in the hope that it was still available) and I didn't really want to go out, so I took to the internet instead.

Whatever would we do without the internet. I found the pattern I wanted quite quickly and ordered it. The problem is could I stop at just one pattern. No. I ordered 5 !!!!! But they are really cute, and will certainly be used for the Mustard Seed Gift Shop. The thing is though, I never seem to be able to make anything to the directions. I love to tweak things here and there, change sizes or faces, add extras, or change the clothes completely. Years ago, when Claudia was little I worked for a dress maker for a bit of extra money. It was a most valuable experience. I learned how to make basic patterns, change the sizes of almost any pattern, basically be able to make things from scratch. Trouble is nowadays I don't seem to have the time so I thought if I start with a pattern I can always "make it my own".

Last week one of the local charity shops had a clear out. I bought a bagful of goodies and yesterday I got around to washing them




And this morning I sorted them, ironed and cut them into more usable pieces.
Now I have (yet another) stash


Hopefully in a few weeks the fabric will be dresses for our Habakkuk Vintage Angels, each one sold provides another £4 towards rent for the shop we would like.

Although not all of the Angels are made from vintage fabric, it is usually reclaimed or vintage style remnants, that way we can keep the cost low. This is what they look like

We're hoping to sell 125, which will give us a £500 rent fund

Love and hugs in Christ

Elaine xxxxxxxxxxxx

Yippeeeeee!!!!!

I think I've cracked the link problem.

My dear friend Raspberry Grace helped me. I didn't realise I had been putting in 2 lots of "http//" , once RG told me about that, I soon had the links up and running.

I have a confession to make now. I didn't make a list. Not even one thing written down. Not even a smudge on a scrap of paper. Nothing.

I blame Ideal World. They have a craft day. I started watching last night, and the telly is on now, just in case I see anything I simply must have. And now for my second confession. I ordered something an hour or so ago. Stamps. Wonderful, beautiful snowflake stamps. 2 sets, with embossing powders, all for £20, and free p&p!!!. I'm sure I shall make the most of my bargain, but I'm still watching, you never know, there might be bigger and better bargains to be had.

And I really need snowflake stamps.

I have done a few other jobs today too, just to make me feel better about not writing the list. Sheets are in the washing machine as we speak, and I am now going to write that list, right now. No, really I am. And I might even make a start on it by the weekend!

Love and hugs in Christ,

Elaine xxxxxxxxxx

How does this thing work !!!

I'm still trying to get to grips with this place. None of my links work. I don't know why, but I assume I'm doing something I shouldn't or not doing something I should! so for now I have removed them, just until I get my head around it all.

I haven't had much time online today, been busy catching up with the family cards I need to make between now and Christmas. Our family have lots of birthdays between now and then, and with orders for Christmas cards to make, I thought it best if I at least get the September cards out of the way.

My daughter found some lovely cupcake wrapping paper so most of the cards have been made from that (but not my brother's card, I didn't think he would appreciate the gesture)

I have 3 anniversary cards to make, then hopefully I will be able to clear the decks for some Christmas cards and a bit of sewing.

Funny but what ever I'm making at the time, it seems I have a need to be doing something else. Take today for example. I really enjoyed making the cards but it was all paper work and so I felt a real call to do some stamping. Another time I'll be stamping and I'll be planning the next sewing job!
I try writing lists to keep my urges under control but I forget to look at them, or loose them, or a priority order will come in and the list goes out the window!

Tonight I shall write yet another list, and hopefully at least some of it will get done tomorrow.

Love and hugs in Christ

Elaine xxxxxxx

Nice Goose

This (below) is my lovely goose. I bought her from a charity (thrift) shop a couple of months ago. I don't have much space left for ornaments but I just couldn't resist her.


I also found a lovely little teeny watering can at the same time. Both are just so sweet.

Late Starter

Well, here I am. It seems like the world and his wife have blogs nowadays, so now it's my turn.
It's my daughter's fault. She said it's easy. I'm not so sure. Maybe I'll get used to it in time, but for now I'll take it slowly.
I still need to get used to the layout, so I'll tell you a little about myself here for now.
I'm married, with one grown daughter. Nearer to 50 than I'd like to be. I'm short (not much over 5') and heavier than I should be, but hey, someone has to keep Cadbury's in business.
The most important thing about me, is my faith. I am a Christian, and thank God that I am.

Other stuff. Erm.....let's see. I love sewing and making cards. I like other crafts too, but dodgy hands prevent me from doing everything I'd like to do (that and being restricted to a 24 hour day)

I suppose using the title "Bloomin' Myrtle" is a bit of a cheat really. It is the name both my daughter and myself use for the things we make, but as she chose a different name for her blog I thought why let it go to waste?.

Oh yes, other things about me. We have a dog called Poppy and a cat called Dizzy. I love chocolate, and pasta, and most other foods. And tea first thing in the mornings.

I must try to get to grips with the rest of the blog before I post anymore, or this will be one boring place.

Love and Hugs in Christ

Elaine xxxxxx