Making a Festive Fabric Wreath

When I walk in my front door, one of the first things I see is this wreath, hung on the back of the living room door.  I made it a two or three years ago, out of some scraps of fabric that needed using up, from an article I found in Prima Makes magazine I think.  I like it, hence why it's hung there for over two years now and I have had positive comments about it from some visitors.

On Friday, I was feeling a bit creative and decided I'd like to make another one, but with a more festive/autumn/winter feel.  I did try making a Christmas wreath in a previous year, with scraps of Christmas fabric, but it didn't look right, so I gave up.  The fabric was a bit thin and it didn't look substantial enough.

Anyway, this time around, to give it a cosy autumn/winter feel, I decided to make it with wool fabric scraps, of which I have a ton, thanks to appropriating a bag of scrap wool samples a couple of years ago that were being skipped at a local fabric warehouse.  I'd been promising myself that I would use these, but haven't really done much with them so far, so it seemed a good opportunity to do so.  I also had a number of Fairisle/lambswool sweaters and scarves that had been attacked by moths or shrunk in the wash and I'd ended up felting them and keeping them, so I decided to use these too, plus some plain sheets of felt from my stash.

I began by acquiring a wire coat hanger from the wardrobe, untwisted the wires and made them into a circle, by twisting the wires around one another.  I then proceeded to cut up strips of wool fabric (about 6-8 inches long) and tie them to the wire, all around the hanger, repeating the sequence of each particular fabric.

It doesn't take too long to do this project and within a couple of hours I'd finished.  I tied a green ribbon around it and it was ready to hang. I did trim the ends of some of the bows to make it look a little tidier.  The trick is to squeeze as much fabric onto the wreath as possible to make it look as full and substantial as possible

I was pretty pleased with the results and it will replace the current one come December, as part of my festive decorations. Here's a picture of the finished wreath, I think I like it better than the original one.

A Frugal New Candle

The other day, as I was stepping outside to take the dog for a walk, I couldn't help but notice that the lovely lady next door was throwing out a huge used up Jo Malone candle in her recycling bag.  I immediately got to thinking that the lovely glass jar it was in, could happily be re-purposed by me and used to make a new multi wick soy wax candle.

I ruminated for a day or two and then when a parcel for me was delivered next door and I had to collect it, I decided to take the bull by the horns and very cheekily asked if I could take the jar from her recycling bag and use it myself.

Said neighbour, did I say how lovely she is, was incredibly gracious and was more than happy for me to repurpose it, so I brought it home with me, peeled off the labels, popped out the remaining bit of wax in the bottom and gave it a good wash.  Here's what it looks like now.

Not content to leave it at that, I decided that I could make use of the thin layer of wax I'd taken out of the bottom of the jar, especially as it was an Orange Blossom scented candle and smelt divine. (Orange blossoms being one of my favourite flowers - I have one in the garden)

The wax itself had come out in one piece, so I broke it into pieces, removed the wicks and melted it in the microwave for a few minutes, before pouring it into an old glass candle container, to make a new small candle with it.  (Waste not want not!)  I had a supply of wicks that I'd previously got on eBay, so within minutes I had a lovely candle vase ready for re-purposing and a newly reformed Jo Malone Orange Blossom candle to burn through.

Here's a picture of the candle I made, that I shall very much enjoy burning.

It's not quite as white as the ones you buy, as some burnt candle wick was mixed in with it, but it will burn away the same, so I don't care. I'm glad that I did finally pluck up the courage to ask her if I could take it, although I fear she might think she is living next door to a terrible skip rat.  I just couldn't let such a lovely thing get thrown in the back of the recycling lorry.

Having pondered about how I might re-use the jar, I've since decided that I might make a terrarium with it instead of a multi-wick candle, as it would take an awful lot of wax to fill it, making it a touch risky and expensive, especially as I'm a total beginner when it comes to candle making.  In addition, I already have some grit, so just need a few attractive cacti or succulents and some appropriate compost to complete the task.  I think I might add these items to my birthday list, so that I can get straight on with the job.

In the meantime, I think I'll take a quick (or not so quick) look on Pinterest for some inspiration! I'll post again with the finished result.

A Day Out at the BBC

I haven't posted for a while. Things have been pretty quiet, just getting on with life.  Just how I like it really.

Yesterday, however, we did something a little different.  OH managed to secure us some free tickets to see one of BBC Radio 6's live music sessions, which were being filmed at Maida Vale studios in West London at lunchtime.

We have previously been to other BBC studios in Portland Place, to see a couple of radio shows being recorded, way back in the days before LB came along, but we'd never actually been to see any live music at the BBC, and we'd never been to Maida Vale, so it was quite exciting.

Apparently, every year Radio 6 arranges a week of live music sessions, which you can apply for tickets to attend.  OH applied for tickets to all five sessions and we got tickets to see The Staves, an indie/folk band, (I hope this is a correct description of their music) made up of three sisters from Watford, who performed at Glastonbury this year and recently supported Florence and the Machine.

Before heading off, I took a look on YouTube to familiarise myself with their music and also I watched a bit of the other live sessions that had been recorded this week on the BBC website, to get some idea of what to expect.  Bloc Party and Leftfield performed on Monday and Tuesday, respectively and New Order are due to perform on Friday.  Both looked good, so I was looking forward to going.

I couldn't actually take any photos, as my phone has just about given up the ghost at the moment. Not sure what's happening with it and as it is my only camera these days, I was a bit stuck.  You can however, check out the session on the BBC website for the next month.  It was put on the website last night.  Here's the link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p034lr5p

The sound and the performance by the band in the studio were amazing and with just 150 or so people in the audience, there was a great, almost intimate atmosphere.  The producer of their new album Justin Vernon came on stage and with them for one track on which he had worked with them, which was an added bonus.

Hosted by the lovely Lauren Laverne and Sean Keaveney from Radio 6, it was a great event to attend.   We definitely felt priviledged to be there and to watch such a great gig. The fact that it cost us nothing but our tube fares, was an even bigger plus. We'll definitely be applying for tickets next year.

We really enjoyed our day out and it was reassuring to be reminded of what a great organisation the BBC is, and how they do what they do so well and it felt good to take advantage of some of the great things there are to do in the capital on shoe string.

Another Catch Up Week

On account of last week being a bit busier than usual, due to a day out with a friend visiting our aerobics instructor and her new baby and then a day in town to buy some stock, things began to pile up a bit around here and hence this week was another one where I was playing catch up.

On Tuesday, I got quite a few things done, mainly due to the internet being down, thus forcing me to start some of the jobs I'd been avoiding up until that point.  First off, I began by sorting some washing and hanging out a newly washed load on the drying rack.  I then decided to bake some muffins/buns. This was partly because I wanted to use up some ripe bananas that I had bought at ASDA at the weekend.  I couldn't quite believe my eyes when I saw the price tag.

Yes, that is 6p for the bunch, so I bought two.  I was tempted to go back, buy more and then freeze them to use in smoothies or baking, but didn't.

Anyway, I combined a couple of recipes from YouTube to make some Raspberry muffins.  I don't think I put quite enough baking powder in, or it could have been the bananas making the mixture heavy, as although they rose up in the oven, when taken out they flattened off.  In addition, I didn't use muffin cases, as I didn't have any, just normal bun cases.  They tasted fine though and will keep us in healthy sweet treats for the week.

Here's the recipe I used:

Three ripe bananas mashed.
One and a half cups of self-raising flour (wholemeal preferably, but I'd run out)
1 tsp baking powder
75g butter melted
1 egg
Two thirds of cup of sugar
75g frozen and defrosted raspberries
Splash of milk

Once mixed together, the mixture was spooned into cases and baked in a fan oven for 20 minutes at 180 degrees.

Here's what they looked like.

I'm starting to enjoy trying my hand at a few new recipes.  Some work, others don't.  It's all good fun though and better than buying processed food.

Anyway, as the afternoon continued and the internet still wasn't working, I decided to get the hoover out and hoover through the house, as the dust and dirt had started to annoy me.  The hoover did a good job of annoying me too, as it didn't seem to be working as effectively as usual.  Nevertheless I persevered.

Anyway, after working up a sweat hoovering, I was relieved when the internet connection finally started to work again, but that didn't mean I got to take a break.  I carried on by sweeping and mopping the kitchen floor and then doing the washing up, all whilst catching up on a couple of YouTube videos.   It's good to know that being with or without the internet, can motivate me to get things done.

The afternoon was punctuated with some good news, as LB texted to say she had been offered one of the lead roles in her school's forthcoming production, which was very exciting. She hadn't been expecting to get such a large part.  I just hope it doesn't overwhelm her, as she's never had a large part in anything before. Needless to say, we're very proud of her and OH took us out for Pizza to celebrate.

Wednesday, amongst other things, I finally took the rest of the donated items to the CS and donation bank, banked some cheques and took some library books back. Then there was a meeting at the school.

By Thursday there was more washing to do and a major ironing session, whereby I managed to get the pile under some sort of control. A food order was delivered from Ethical Superstore, so I was able to restock my cupboards with staples.

Today, there's a bit more ironing to do and a bit of work, but as the week has progressed and more and more things have got done, life is feeling a lot lighter - just in time for the weekend.

Stoptober

As I've decided not to buy any more inessentials for the rest of this year, I have once again opted to take part in a Stoptober spending ban challenge.  I will be trying not to spend any money this month, except on essential groceries, toiletries and household products.

I can't think of any extra expenses I have this month, although I do have a few birthdays to send cards for, which I have already purchased, and one birthday that I have already bought a present for.  Other than these, I don't really have any other predicted expenditure (save postage), that I can think of, unless one of LB's friends has a birthday party that falls within the month.

Talking of birthdays, my birthday falls during October, so anything I might want for myself, I can request as a birthday gift, which I have already done in respect of one item (more in a later post), making it seem like a good month to do this challenge. (I think I used this reasoning last year too)

In addition, with Christmas getting nearer, it is as good a time as any to keep a tight rein on the purse strings, so that I have some money to spend on presents when I do get around to buying them.  I have already bought some, for some members of the family, but still need to buy a few more including LB's and OH's main presents, so saving money now will definitely help on this front.

I'm looking forward to the challenge of Stoptober, as due to the fact that I no longer had any debts to pay off in 2015, I stopped keeping tabs on my spending for most of this year and it will be good discipline to rein myself in and get back into more frugal habits.  I feel like I've almost taken a year off from being frugal and need to get back to it.

One of the aims I had this year, of creating some savings, just did not materialise due to the many changes I made this year to my wardrobe, diet, beauty etc.  Instead, spare money got spent in these areas instead of being saved. This aim will, however, definitely be carried over into next year, when I hope to set about it in an altogether more serious and focused way and joining in with Stoptober will hopefully get me in the zone a little better.

I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary for Stoptober, but I will be starting the month off as I usually do, by making a monthly menu plan, which always helps with keeping the grocery shopping as minimal as possible. I do also have several vouchers for use in a couple of the supermarkets too, so I will be doing some of my shopping in these stores, to take advantage of these. There will also be the last few harvests from the allotment (mainly courgettes, chillis, spring onions plus a few turnips) and the last of the tomatoes which I have taken off the plants as they have become blighted, to help save a little money.  Otherwise, it's business as normal, but without the any additional spending.

Anyone else participating in a Stoptober challenge or fancy joining me?

Getting Tough on Stuff 2015 - September

Well, following the Give and Take on Saturday, I thought I'd report back on this month's decluttering efforts. Most of the huge pile of items I'd already decluttered, probably over the past 3-4 months, were taken to the Give and Take.

Here's the sewing room before,

And here it is now, relieved of most of the 'stuff'.  

The things that are left here are clothes and collectables that I need to take to the CS.

Anyway, I took the opportunity to have a little tidy round and reorganised some more fabrics into one of the baskets to the rear, which makes for a less cluttered look. I'm having to spend a lot more time in this room for my small business at the moment, so the timing was perfect for me.

This month I have managed to declutter a few more things, approximately 57 in total, which, added to the measly 18 that I decluttered last month and the previous total of 1010 from January to July of this year, means I have  now donated approximately 1085 items from the house during this challenge. I can't even remember what half of it was, which is the frightening aspect of all of this effort, but hopefully much of it will have found a new home and been put to good use.

I do still keep deciding to part with occasional extra items of clothing from my wardrobe and drawers as I go along. I get items out of my wardrobe, wear them and I often feel totally uninspired by wearing them and decide that the time has come to let go.  This week it was a pair of jeans, which aren't really a very flattering leg cut on me.  I have had them a good few years though and worn them quite a bit, so I don't feel too bad about donating them.

As always, it's an ongoing process, but I haven't bought a new item of clothing in at least a couple of months now, nor wanted to, which is encouraging and that is despite a change of season and the obvious temptation to buy some of what's new in the shops.  I also still need to get my autumn/winter clothes out too, but am holding off as long as possible and making do for now, especially as we are still getting the occasional warm and sunny day.

In actual fact, there's still a few things in my new 'capsule' wardrobe, that I don't think I've actually worn yet, so perhaps it would be a good idea to give them an airing before buying or unpacking anything more.

I do have a wedding coming up in October, but as I purchased some clothes earlier in the year that will probably be suitable to wear for it, I don't think I will need to buy anything. Sometimes, I think that buying clothes for one off events is a sure way of ending up with items that never get worn again. Over the years, this has almost always been the case with me anyway.

Finally, I've come to the conclusion that reducing the amount of clothes I have at any one time, can only help to reduce the size of my ironing pile too.  When you've got too many clothes, you don't have to iron as regularly and can let the ironing pile build up to a ridiculous height, whereas the fewer you have, the sooner you need them ironed and ready to wear again. I'm very slowly working towards this ideal, but I think it might be quite a long way off yet.

  

A Morning Surprise

The dog and I had a nice surprise on our dog walk the other morning. Heading onto the marsh we usually visit on at least one walk per week, we were met by this sight, on what is usually an open grassy field.

I have to admit that it wasn't a total surprise, as it happens every year, probably around the same time, but I just wasn't expecting it on this particular day.  I probably should have guessed, when I saw various groups of primary school children in wellies, being herded (no pun intended) in the general direction.

Yes, the countryside had come to the city, it was the Countryside Live event.

I wandered around the perimeter fencing, keeping the dog on the lead, as I wasn't convinced she couldn't squeeze under the fence, get inside and do her best to mortally embarrass me.

There was the good old Sheep Show going on and I could hear the shouts and squeals of the children.

These ducks were waiting for the sheep to vacate the stage, so that they could have their 15 minutes of fame.  There were foxhounds, miniature ponies and various other animals I couldn't quite make out, as I could only see their backsides in their pens.

In the centre, there was a bird of prey demonstration going on and the demonstator was asking the children lots of questions and talking about the birds and their habits.

I attended this show with LB and OH probably 4-5 years ago now and each time it comes, I always want to go again, but sadly no-one wants to accompany me.  I have fond memories of attempting some wicker weaving. In fact, I still have the fish that LB made, (it was better than mine) when we went.  I can't bring myself to throw it away.  Here's a picture of it on the shelf in my sewing room, it was one of the things that I rescued from LB's bedroom cull this year.

It's a great event, and wonderful that inner city children, living in such an urban setting, can get to see something of the countryside. So here's to the organisers, for bringing the countryside to town.