A bead box clear out!

I've dug deep into the depths of my bead box and come up with some new markers! 

 Summer flowers

 Mini Trios

It was a good time to do a bit of a stock check and think about what I need to order for Christmas. Yes I did say Christmas! Summer months sales slow a little as it's too hot for knitting in most places, and we're all outside enjoying the sunshine. So July and August are a good time to make lots of stock and dream up new ideas...sat outside of course with chilled lemonade!

 Trios

Sunset

Plans afoot for some new felting projects......unique storage for markers and knitting projects. Still in the early frustrating design and  test pieces but I'm sure I will think of a way to get my plan from paper to item eventually! Currently the coffee table is host to quite a few 'not quite right' attempts so I can sit and look and think about how to correct the mistakes. I'll post some pictures once I'm happy with them.

Finished projects and flowers

I finally finished the two felted bags which was just as well as my sister came to visit on Sunday and one was her belated birthday present. She'd spent her birthday in Spain this year and we finally caught up. I made her a strawberry cream cake and we sat outside enjoying the sunshine and chatting.

She loved her bag and said it would have been perfect for her holiday but I'm not that organised to get presents ready BEFORE the day!

The embroidery worked really well and was just as neat on the inside of the flap.

And I had lined it with purple satin.

She brought me a hand tied bouquet, picked fresh from her garden that morning. We did a flower arranging course a few years ago with Organic Blooms www.organicblooms.co.uk

at Acton Court our beautiful Tudor house in the village. www.actoncourt.com

The fuchsias have finally opened those little globes and revealed their frilly skirts, much to my delight.

 

And my 'tiny mouse' cuphea I think it's is it's botanical name, 

makes me smile every time I see them with their frilly ears and long bodies.

My new post bag has already seen some use and now I'm wondering if I do need to line it to give it some strength. But I also like the fact it folds up small once empty.

I couldn't quite capture the true colours. It is a deeper green and blends more than it shows here. But I seem to be be getting better at felting and I'm very pleased with it and glad I listened to the 'less is more' voice for once!