Thursday 23 September 2010

Where does the time go?

It is Thursday already and September is more than half way through.  I don't really feel I have had time to enjoy the lovely days we have had in one of my favourite months, although yesterday, which was gorgeous I did manage to plant up lots of pots of spring bulbs. However it was a bit too hot in the greenhouse which is also our potting shed, so I had to do a bit of tidying up outside to cool off, you don't often have to say that in September. Otherwise it seems to have been a week of chores and appointments. We made a large batch of pear chutney which this year had the benefit of the addition of plums and Mr T pickled the last lot of shallots. The smell of boiling chutney still seems to be lingering even after a couple of days of having lots of windows open, but perhaps it is my imagination. I had to go to the foot clinic (I have a neuroma - an enlarged nerve - between the bones of my foot) but after a cortisone injection about three months ago I just have to wait another three months to see how it is doing).  Mr T is almost back to himself now - thank you, to all who have enquired and wished him well. However he is totally banned from doing any lifting and as I have the muscle power of limp lettuce some jobs take a long time, but we are adapting.
However sewing and drawing don't take a lot of muscle power so this is what else I have been doing.
I am thinking of making another book this time based on an honesty seed pod. I hadn't realized how many different  names there are for this popular plant, it seems to be a favourite with lots of artists and photographers as well as gardeners. If you click on the picture you can hopefully read them all.

This is my idea for the cover.


I have some blue/green two tone chiffon which is just right stitched over the pod shape. The idea needs a bit of refining but I think I'm on the right track. 

I have also been working some more paperback book covers, they should be ready for my shop in a couple of days. 

Here are my zipped purses which are not really that well finished but I have photographed them on my sewing  board. Well, it started off as an ironing pad which I made by stapling lots of wadding covered with calico onto a small pin-board from B&Q. However it was rather too padded to press anything on, but it is ideal to have on my lap when sitting in an armchair sewing. It acts like giant pin-cushion which means there is always somewhere to stick pins and needles and it is great for stitching on.


Here are the other sides of the purses - I couldn't put them in my shop but I have a couple of friends who might like them.

I've just noticed an imprint of my iron on the pad!
Now I am going to try to catch up on everyone else's posts. Writing this one has taken ages!







14 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Lovely Jill! I can't wait to see the finished book. Love the little patchwork purses and recognise that orange material I think?! Your sewing pad is a great idea as I am always putting pins and needles down and losing them!

Jane

Lalabibaby @ Dreaming of The Simple Life said...

Hi Jill .... thanks for the carrot info ;-)
I haven't seen Honesty pods for years and had forgotten how as children we used to love popping them open to get the seeds ... another memory stirred - thank you. Love your sewing pad idea .... like Marigold I am always losing pins & needles. The best one was when OH found one .... jabbed him up the you know where when he sat on the sofa!

flutterbycrafter said...

Love the book covers and the purses, lovely needlework. You are very talented.

ju-north said...

Love it all! When are you going to write and illustrate that book?!

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

I love love love your seed pod pages! Your book covers are wonderful! My, you have been busy creating! ♥ Kathy

ShabbyChicShaz said...

You've reminded me of the garden of the house I grew up in, that had honesty in a patch at the end. I loved it's papery pods and I love your two page spread :)

Jane said...

Honesty is so pretty, we had lots at a house we lived in when I was a child - must plant some here. The pad is a great idea, needles and pins are a bit of a menace on the sofa! Book covers look great.
I'm so glad to hear thet Mr T is doing well. My husband is also banned from lifting - my muscles have improved no end, but it's a drag when something needs two people and one has to wait till a weekend to commandeer daughter's assistance.

Linda Vincent said...

Love your ideas! The journal pages are brilliant (even better in close up) and the book will be fab I'm sure.

I'm also impressed with the padded cushion - you got me thinking.....

Karen said...

your sketchbook is lovely, can't wait to see how it develops.

Amelia said...

hello, I really do enjoy seeing your unwavering committment to creativity :) Mine ebbs and flows with life and I seem to go in fits and starts . . .

Amelia.x

LAC EMP 2020 said...

Can't beat honesty seed pods to stimulate the creative flow. One of the names I know them by is 'silver dollars' because the papery seed cases are so shiny. I love them and love the sketchbook pages too. Lesley PS My friend loved her present. She was over the moon with it so thank you very much!

webb said...

I am thrilled at how productive you are - your shop is sure to be a success!

Unknown said...

Love the honesty seed images. Great shapes and colour. Very glad to hear that Mr T is doing well.

minnie_mac said...

Lots of fabulous creations.

I love your honesty pages. Such beautiful and interesting work.

Marilyn