{quilt} while you're ahead

133//2012

And now for something a little bit different...

Mr M and I have got a date.  Actually it's more like a school function but calling it a date it's much more exciting! It is an evening of posh Christmas Carols at No 1's school: Christmas Carols, canapes and black tie dress code.  (The canapes ARE NOT part of the dress code...

This where the problems begin.  What to wear?  What was I thinking when I bought the tickets? Will I be able to squeeze into last year's cocktail dress? Mmmm maybe with the help of industrial strength spanx and no food between now and the rest of the week.

You see, No 1's school has a long and rich history.  It was started by Henry VIII (he of divorced beheaded died divorced beheaded survived- fame, if you're not following me, don't worry, it's something to do with the fate of his many wives) and more recently supplied some background sets for the Harry Potter movies (I know!!!).  The choice of outfit is vital.  Ok, in the grand scheme of things it's not 'vital', but I don't get out much, indulge me please.

Whilst I starve myself I'm going to take you on a 'dream shopping trip' to another British institution, the Tudor building is a perfect match after all.  The devil is in the details.

So come with me, I need help choosing from these designer dresses.

 Shall I dazzle people in a slinky Rouland Mouret number?

or play the Classic card in Armani...

This Alexander McQueen  might be better suited to an Oscar ceremony than a 'Schola Cantorum performance... but it's just perfect in so many ways!

A red Vivienne Westwood? can I be bold enough?

Maybe 'demure' Marc Jacobs is more me...

In the end my favourite is this:
by Stella McCartney, classy and sparkly and British... just perfect.

 

What do you think? Which one is your favourite?

 

10//2012 {{lilli's cushion}}

When I first set eye on this retro number I didn't immediately thought "oh great cushion for the dog", but as soon as I took it home she claimed it... and what can I say, the girl has taste.

Fast forward two years and the psychedelic pillow was in serious need of some tlc.

I coverd holes and tears with this cute 'doggie' fabric from who knows where or when,

I'm sure she missed the irony of the imagery... but the boys haven't.  They think it's brilliant...

and who am I to argue with that?

I hope you're not bored of cushions... two more posts to go!

* 45 *

As I was approaching the traffic light (on red) a parking space appeared as if by magic in front of the charity shop.

I parked.

I saw.

I saw some more.

I bought.

I got back into the car.

Green light.
 
 And that ladies (and gentlemen, are there any gentlemen out there? hello?) is how it's done.

* 40 *

Randomness 1

"Mamma, why is my chin all rough"  - No 3, age 41/2

"Well, darling you keep biting your lips and the cold air irritates the skin, that's why it feels rough, but don't worry we'll put some cream on tonight and it'll be soft again" - me age... well never mind

"Oh...  I thought I was growing a beard"

Did I mention he's 4???

Sometimes there's simply isn't a good enough reply.

Randomness 2

I was looking at the Mother's Day cards I received from the boys and all of them have made my portrait.  The scary thing is that they're all quite far from the  'real' me, they've all portrayed somebody with flowing long hair, a long flowery dress, high heels and lots of jewellery...

Mmmhhh.

Is it a failure on my behalf that I don't match their vision of what motherhood is supposed to look like? Seriously though... where did they get that image? (note to self: screen their television programs more attentively.  Do Power Rangers have glamorous yummy mummies?)

Randomness 3

These are in the shop right now

Randomness 4

The latest issue of Selvedge has just landed on my doorstep.  It's fab, and how couldn't it be... it's the 'Quilt' issue....

It's got great articles, it's a great eye-candy number

and has the instructions to make the cutest Easter chick...

Get your copy, now!

* 33 *

Hi.

Back.  Kind of.  Trying to get used to this ancient computer we got out of retiremnt.  Not easy... the expression old dogs/new tricks can definitively be applied to technology, I can assure you!

So what have you been up to?  I had a heck of a week... a burglary, a child with concussion and nits... it wasn't fun.  Any of it, but that was last week, today is Monday and the sun is shining and I'm determined to look ahead.

And I have news.  Big news for me...

I have got myself a shop, it's over on etsy, so c'mon come and say hi there if you have a couple of minutes... and tell me what you think... (any spelling mistakes? any horrible things?).

It's quite a terrifying step for me so be gentle and wish me luck.

A part from that not much has happened... I baked the 'carrot and raisins cupcakes' from the Primrose book which were delicious... although I have to confess I omitted the raisins.  Can't stand the things... urgh.  I have also decided to buy shares in Arnica cream (if you haven't tried it for bruises do it now!! it's a miracle cure)

oops!!!

 gotta go and fetch the children from school... time flies, eh?