A Tale of a Parcel and a Bag or Two.

After a highly enjoyable day of creative goodness yesterday I had my post all planned to show you some of my makes. Now that will have to come a bit further down after something else because I had a parcel today. I was out feeding the hens and so very nearly didn't get it as the postie couldn't make me hear him. Luckily I saw the card in time and ran out to his van. Double treat as it wasn't our usual postie (who is a very very nice man I must add and I get on well with him), but this one was tall, dark and handsome. Not the sort you get round here really, mostly elderly farmers and old ladies on mopeds make up the local scenery. I was expecting a really dull flat packet for Mr Bun as usual (certificates for work stuff) and instead I was handed a fat squishy, squashy parcel with my name on. I was so excited my brain didn't connect who the handwriting belonged to and the fact that it was posted in the UK didn't help with clues. Later I realised it was sent on.

When I opened it so many treats spilled out, all for me - me - me. I'm very excited you see by parcels. The card inside said I hope the postie brings this on a day when you need a parcel of friendly hugs. When I saw this beautiful handmade concertina card I knew who it was from. My most wonderful in the whole world best friend Jo. We're more like sisters than friends. She feels happy, I'm happy, she's sad I feel sad with her. I love her very much and haven't seen her for nearly four years now as her husband's dreams took them back to Australia. She's really a Cornish girl through and through and I hope one day she will return so we can take our buckets and spades to make sandcastles with her and the three J's. Somehow we have managed to keep our friendship as strong as always, but it is never the same as being able to share a laugh, a hug or a coffee and natter each day. Whatever, I just know I am lucky to have her in my life.

it ends ... I wonder if they're dry? The other side is about the greedy man from St Ives and his seven wives. I love it.

The fruity apron with the strawberry pocket (which is not too kitsch at all) is gorgeous and will probable be stolen by the Buns; a so pretty floral round cloth which I guess is also made for me is now on the table in the sitting room (I put it there while the photos uploaded) and then one of two embroidered cloths.

On to the rest so you can see I'm being truly spoilt. Soft bedsocks, an embroidered purse, vintage girls book (looks very Mallory Towers) some rubbers' another embroidered cloth and then some Pawpaw cream from Queensland made local to Jo. Apparently Kate Moss uses it so it's now famous cream and I'm ahead of the game by having some. Well honey you are the best and you know it.

Before I change the subject ever so slightly I thought I should show you how groovy I look in my new apron.

Funnily enough the post I had planned for today is also inspired by Jo, so the parcel was timed to arrive perfectly. About a year ago now she had sent me some great floral cord fabric. I loved it, but didn't know what I wanted to do with it, until yesterday. On Monday I bought an Amy Butler pattern as I loved the bow on the strap. I haven't used a pattern for years now, I always make my own and as I used to design and make my own bags by commission I knew could easily make something similar. On Monday though I just wanted it easy and to be able to get on with it rather than keep it in my head as an idea. I couldn't start until Tuesday though as the table was needed by Mr Bun as he was having a meeting at home, so I had to be quiet and well behaved instead.

Here's the fabulous cord in it's orangey, floral goodness. I chose to line it in some leftovers from a roman blind made in a Designers Guild stripe. I thought the colours went, but also it's quite thick fabric and the instructions called for canvas to interline for added strength. I hadn't got any so made do with what was on offer so I could get on. My fingers were itchy to start making.

Here it is a few hours later all made up and hanging politely with bags of my own design. Not long after it had it's first big trip to Budgens for a bit of glamorous food shopping.

A closer peek at the beautiful bow. Without it it's really quite an ordinary bag. The bow definately makes it.

This is sort of what it looks like on.

Next up I thought I would show you my chicken bag. Outside and then ....

... the beautiful carnation fabric inside. This is from some vintage curtains I bought in Islington years ago. I stole some from the bottom and the rest is still neatly folded on a shelf waiting to become proper curtains again.

The one behind is made from a 1960's dress. It's the one that Mr Bun said he would choose if he were a girl.

And finally a peek into the bag of bits and bobs that came back from the car boot today. More on those tommorow.

Cats and Dogs and a parcel

We have just had the most perfect weekend. Before I tell you about that I just want to show you what the postman has brought me. I ordered some twine and toadstool pegs from the very talented Tracy . It was wrapped so beautifully I didn't really want to open the parcel. I love the feeling of anticipation, even when you know what is in there, and as it turned out I didn't. There were a couple of surprises in there too.

So kind of Tracy, she has sent me this beautiful heart ribbon and a packet of alpine strawberries as well. What a lovely start to my day.

On Saturday we had promised the buns we would see Disney's Beverley Hills Chihuahua before anything else. We all thoroughly enjoyed it, had a good laugh and I even got a bit emotional at the end I have to admit. Happy endings are killers for me. When I was six I remember watching Lassie with my dad. As soon as Lassie was reunited with his owner, I broke into such chest heaving sobs, that showed no sign of stopping, my dad didn't know how to stop me. I can clearly remember being taken to the village sweet shop, run by Mrs Leeder. It was dark, so it felt really late to me. I chose a bag of mixed coloured sherbet, a copy of Twinkle and a blue rubber ball. Dad's distraction worked, but I avoided Lassie from then on.

After lunch we went to an animal sanctuary to look at cats. Since losing Ruby we've been waiting for eldest bun to feel ready for another cat. Sara, who runs the sanctuary, chose Suzannah as the ideal cat for us. We wanted a cat who would pretty much fit in with Molly and Alfie and she seemed perfect. She is so pretty with a little grey heart print on her nose. We collected her on Sunday after we had been home checked.




She seems to be fitting in pretty well.





Even taking over Alfie's bed in front of the Rayburn.





The buns have renamed her Pip. At the moment Molly and Pip are sizing each other up, she has walloped Alfie so he keeps away. She is also refusing food. She's a pretty well padded cat so I hope she's just settling in, not being fussy. Signs are she has been looked after pretty well as she looks as if she has never even dirtied a paw.

We all had a great time at the sanctuary. Me chatting and searching through the boxes set aside for a bootsale. I'm going back to buy some bits in the week. Mr Bun and the buns played outside with the four dogs and fed the horses. I didn't think they would want to come home.

On the way back home we needed food so I quickly popped into the wool shop as I have had a huge urge to start crocheting squares for a blanket for eldest bun. I thought it was something I could quickly pick up around the rest of life. They didn't have all the colours I was after, but I've made a start.

I also spotted these chunky buttons. I have plans for these to be turned into brooches.

A perfect day ended for the buns with Dad's Army and tea in front of the fire.

On Sunday, after collecting Pip there were a million and one things to do as usual. I'd forgotten my parents Sapphire Anniversary on Friday so we invited them to lunch. It was a great afternoon. Any Sunday lunch that starts with bubbly shows signs of potential. Once we had eaten we had eldest buns games and crafts invite to attend. We played charades, cards and then painted the plaster fairies we had made in the week.

We voted that the best was painted by grandma.



Paint was now out so the buns got out their new brushes and palettes. Oh dear someone's shrunk Pip.