A few weeks back a came across this piece of Aquascutum fabric in a charity shop, I used it to make two more cushion covers for Christmas gifts. I used the same design as I used previously but this time because the fabric is fairly thick I stitched on the right side and then bound the edges with a blanket stitch in wool. I am really pleased with the result. I used velvet tape for the hoop and recycled buttons that I bought in the same Oxfam shop.

Grandchildren

All our Grandchildren are together in South Africa at the moment the twins will be back in the Uk on Monday and will be with us until Tuesday, on Thursday we travel down to Devon to be with them for their birthday. I thought I would post some photo's of them all enjoying themselves in South Africa.The girls appear to be taking on the Zulu culture of carrying their babies on their backs and I can imagine Maggie's great excitement when the turtle swam up to her!

Finishing Off Jobs

I have a couple of days finishing off some items, my sister in law has a birthday coming up so I have made her an apron and birthday card and bought her a few edible items to go with it. Another job which I should have done for last Christmas was an advent calendar for our youngest son and his wife, I made one for our children when they were young and then one each for our daughters and their husbands when they got married. I have then made a card each for our twins who have their second birthday next week.

Wales

We have just retuned from 5 days in Wales. We stayed in a caravan on top of a hill with fantastic views for miles all around. The weather was lovely, although a bit blustery at night, this added to the atmosphere of staying out in the countryside in the Autumn. I visited a number of patchwork shops and one of the highlights was our visit to the National Wool Museum. This is housed in the old Cambrian Mills where amongst items of clothing, beautiful Welsh blankets were made. There is still a commercial working mill on the site. There is a wonderful textile gallery showing a great range of blankets. The photo's really dont do it justice. My ancestors on my mother's paternal side are Welsh and my mother was born and grew up there. This photo was on the wall in the museum but I can imagine my ancestors looking something like this lady!

Birthday Dresses

Years ago when my children were young someone gave me a copy of this book, Little Clothes for Little People. Igot it out again to make some dresses for the twins. I used a fine needle cord fabric (see earlier post) I am really please how they have turned out, my daughter asked if I would make some waistcoats too so I decided to make these reversable, putting buttons on each side and making loops out of velvet ribbon. I used very old glass buttons on the black side that I had in my button jar. They are coming to stay tomorrow on their way to visit our other daughter and her family in South Africa. We can have a fitting and if any adjustments are required I have time to do them before their birthday in February.

Launch of the first Orphans House

Yesterday saw the launch of Project O's first zero carbon footprint, 100% self sufficient orphans home.There is a wind turbine to generate electricity. Two of President Jacob Zuma's daughters arrived to help with the launch. A cow was slaughtered and barbiqued and lots of vistors and television camara's were there too. A helicoptor was there to take guests and very important little boys up and over the valley for a better view.

The house

Zulu dancers

Our daughter and some guests

The village chief, Gugu Zuma and Martin our SIL

One of the quad bikes which are used to deliver food and clothing to the orphans living in remote areas

Check out the handbags!

Grandchildren

I thought I would post a few photo's of the grandchildren, Joseph will be 4 at the end of October, Jesse turned 3 in September and Primrose & Maggie will be 2 in November. I have just started making some dresses and waistcoats for the girls birthday. I bought some lovely fine cord material from the local Oxfam shop and I have used patterns from an old book I had when my children were young, its called Little Clothes for Little People.