Sole Monday Returns!

Yes, I have been slack for the past week or so with blogging in general (our 10th wedding anniversary, and a family wedding - they don't half get in the way of my cyber life), and even more so for the past few weeks with Sole Monday. I am actually running low on fancy shoes. We may have to move on to fancy boots soon.

But, I did go shopping (just for you) and bought some new shoes...



If I could do smellovision I would, because these little beauties smell like scented rubbers (the eraser kind, smutty folk) and are like jelly shoes. Yep, they're plastic (the mother in me says - they'll make your feet sweat, never buy man-made materials) but I remember jelly shoes and jelly bags from being small. I bought mine from Primark (see how ahead of the times I was?! - we had a Primark in Ipswich a gazillion years ago, it was just cheap, not cool) so when I heard about these in a magazine I was off. (unfortunately not to Primark this time though)

Whilst I was away in Wales at the family wedding I got a rather fab parcel from Sarah for winning her giveaway. I love that housewife fabric so much, I think I'll use a bit of it in a log cabin cushion for G's room, maybe it will encourage her to be a little tidier (fat chance).



There was another postal treat for me this week. Claire sent me this fantastic Australian craft magazine, because of the Russian Doll pattern. It was a complete surprise - thank you so much Claire. There are so many gorgeous projects in here, I really want to get cracking. How come English craft magazines aren't as good? It makes me very jealous, more than a little grumpy and just generally fed up. It's a good thing the World is so small thanks to the internet.




I had a really lovely day Saturday. It was the first of my quilting workshops. I have booked a monthly workshop for the next 5 or 6 months, each one is a day long and we make something, learning new skills along the way. I was the youngest of the 5 of us. Every one else had kids my age, but it was a lot of fun. Rosemary, the lady holding the class was brilliant, she managed to teach without telling. Do you know what I mean? Without lecturing on what to do and just by floating about and helping out every now and again she taught us how to make a quilted shopping bag (it looks smaller on the photo - it's about 20 x 14 inches). I used some of my stash for it, after all, I do need to get at least one drawer empty before I can do any serious buying again. So my bag was made with Mary Engelbreit and Erin McMorris. I love it. It's so bright and cheery, and the lining (which you can't see, but is on flickr) is yellow and probably my favourite fabric of the lot. My only criticism would be the handles, I think they are far too skinny, but I didn't think I should pipe up with that on my first day. I may re-do them, and I am toying with the idea of putting a little flap over the bag with a popper to secure it, so it's not always completely open. Either way, it's now in the Christmas present pile and I already have a new owner in mind. Perfect for sleepovers, I think (especially when I whip up a matching wash bag).




This week I have to get the Camper Van swap finished up and mailed out, the sewing items tote swap underway (I think I know what to make for my partner but I need to get the extra bits too). Then there's the cupcake swap, and the one good book swap too. Phew. I am a busy bee. Maybe I should take a step back from swaps after this? Especially as round 5 of Doll Quilt Swap will be starting soon. And there's Christmas to think about. I need a cup of tea and a lie down just thinking about it.