Knitty, Vintage and Rosy

Some little thrifty deals I have picked up in the last week or two. A sewing manual by Reader's Digest, the most beautiful edition of "Cider with Rosie", a square plate with blossoms, an enamel bowl with a delightful floral motif, another Cath Kidstonish pillowslip and some vases. The green one on the left is a hyacinth vase.

Do you see what this is? No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is, indeed a bag chuck full of Cath Kidston. Yes, it is hanging off a handle of our front cupboard. It is mine. All mine. And I am in Cath heaven. All this time I am complaining about our lack of Cath. Remember? Well on Thursday I received an email from a girl named Joanne that told me she visited a little shop last summer, not far from here, that had, you guessed it, Cath Kidston items. Are you kidding me? Not only do they have CK items, but they have had for about 4 years! Do they realize I sent my mum to England for Cath? I have googled "Cath Kidston" and "Canada" many, many times. Never, ever did I get a hit on this store. And to top it all off, they are no longer going to carry her line. Would this be considered irony? So I quickly gathered up all my favourites and there they are, from their now limited selection. The book bag, napkins, a paper tablecloth and tea towels. Oooooh I want more. How gluttonous am I?

Apparently, this is the feeling for many. Too much snow, not enough sunlight and a feeling of despair. So many bloggers out there are feeling the blues. I do understand but I just cannot help loving winter. The snow, the crisp air, the sparkle. Of course having Valentines Day and a new holiday helps. Last Monday was Family Day here in Ontario and I must say, I quite enjoyed it. I would talk further about Valentines Day but what do you say about romance when hubby gives you a massage, asks if I need gas in my truck, disappears for 20 minutes and comes back to a snoring wife? He did love his card though. Isn't it just adorable?
These are the Valentines I made for the kids from the Purl Bee site. They went over very well along with the pink cupcakes I suprised them with.

This is my little garden that puts a smile on face every morning. The tulips do not want to bloom together apparently they are very independent tulips and wish to do their own "thing". I am patiently waiting for the blue hyacinths in the blue transferware dishes.



And a quick update on the ripple blanket. I am so loving the colours. Especially with this paisley duvet. Aren't they fetching together? I love it so much but I think I may give it to my mum for her birthday. She is loving it as well and I don't think I have ever given her an item I have knit or crocheted. Isn't that funny, she is a knitter so I have just never thought of it.

I am feeling so much better. And my pear branches blossomed beautifully. You are seeing them in their last stages but oh, they were simply gorgeous. I also forced some lilacs and they were splendid as well, but they are quite finished. If you have never forced branches before you should give it a go. Easy peasy, and most satisfying. Martha will teach you.
Why didn't anyone tell me sewing was fun? This is an idea I have had in my head for oh, say, 10 or 15 years. Maybe I read about it in a magazine but now that I have a sewing machine, voila! I am constantly tidying up my night table that has piled books, phone, clock, tissue box, converter, pictures, some carnations in a vase, where are you suppose to put all this stuff? Well, in this little bedside pocket of course! Oh so basic. Long embroidered cloth, folded over and sewn. Tuck in between the mattresses and there's your pocket. Stick your water bottle, converter, book, whatever. This one may stay in DN2's bedroom. Or it is just too cute and will go in mine.

This is what we woke up to this morning. We were hit with 20cm on Friday and today will be about another 20-30cm. We already got about 16cm this morning and this is what it looked like. Did I mention I love snow?

As you can probably tell, I did not go to Ottawa. I sent my husband as my sinuses did not clear up at all. I am just happy I visited the doctor last week and got some antibiotics or I can just imagine what shape I would be in!

I have been busy on the sewing, knitting, crochet front though. Isn't that what snow days are all about? Friday I sewed little heart pincushions with DN3 for her little friends at school for Valentine presents. I would show you a picture of everything but the camera is dead after the outdoor snow pictures (there are 9 batteries beside the recharger, am I the only one that notices dead batteries?). I am also thinking about some crafty Valentines to do with her. Do you ever visit The Purl Bee? Well their tutorials rival Martha's, let me tell you. I was thinking we could try these or these crochet Valentines. Aren't they adorable?

Speaking of the Purl Bee. There has been an obsession floating around in my head waaaay back when I first saw these on Posy's blog. See how cute and stripey? As I am delighting in all the wonderful cosy items on the Purl Bee site don't I spot just the most charming slippers. I'm thinking these just may be do-able.

And since I am known for my late bandwagonning (is that a word?) I'm thinking I may start one of these. Because something like this was created just for snow days.

Oh, and the stew? That will be for dinner, isn't it scrummy looking? The recipe is from BBC Good Food.