Sunday dawdles
Yesterday was a pretty nice day. The weather was good which meant we could car boot. Then the weather was bad which meant we could take Bella to her favourite indoor playground without feeling guilty about the fact that we weren't outdoors.
And we were able to drink tea whilst she had an absolute riot with a group of much older boys (6 years to 10 years old!). We were so proud as we watched her run around the play centre chasing after the boys and then running away from them, all the while dealing with their noise and high energy and not once losing patience as they teased her something rotton, holding their football always just out of her reach. At 20 months old, Bella held her own and got the joke - can you say PROUD!
Then the weather was good again and we were able to drive out to Harrogate so that Jim could drop me off at the Fashion and Embroidery Show, whilst he and Bella went for a walk around the town and did a little shopping.
Meaning that I had 3 hours on. my. own. Not only on my own, but on my own in the middle of an embroidery and quilting show. With a credit card. Heaven.
The fact that I don't have my driving licence means that I very rarely get to be anywhere on my own because Jim has to drive me everywhere and obviously Bella has to come too. So it's precious, precious time when I am able to just dawdle and take my time and perhaps even talk to other adults. Add fabric and thread to the mix and Oh boy!
The show itself isn't that great, it's a little provencial up here and we don't get the kind of vendors that you would see at the NEC or Ally Pally. But I managed to find some reduced Liberty fabrics amongst other things, and even sat and drank a glass of wine whilst nibbling on fruit cake, enjoying the hustle and bustle.
I also found a few local-ish quilt shops that I didn't know about, including one that holds classes that I would actually be interested in. So definitely a nice way to spend a few hours. And most importantly, I spent them on my own. Did I mention that I was on my own?
The box is an Ikea box that I covered with William Morris wallpaper samples that I've been hoarding. They are the most amazing, hand printed papers and I've been loathe to use them as I only have small pieces and could never afford to buy the actual rolls, but this box was the perfect project for them. I just cut the pieces to size and then glued them on using PVA. Quick and simple but I am really pleased with the end result.
The other thing that I managed to do yesterday was actually photograph my new bunny. So here she is, my little Blue Bunny. She's made from polka dot flannel and baby blue chenille and is super soft.
And she sports a pretty hipster belt and corsage.
Yep, yesterday was a pretty nice day.
oh wow, I'm a fan of William Morris patterns and those wallpapers are just amazing - the box turned out fabulous :)
Posted by: Tania Ho | October 10, 2006 at 12:15 AM
Yeah for wallpaper covered boxes, cool hipster belts, and time for Mommys on their own. So glad you had a nice day!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | October 10, 2006 at 02:09 AM
i'm not certain.... were you on your own?
(so totally jealous)
Posted by: capello | October 10, 2006 at 02:55 AM
I haven't been to Harrogate since i was little! Love the box, what a fab idea, and the bunny is cute as.
Posted by: nichola | October 10, 2006 at 03:22 AM
Love the box and the oh so cute bunny!
Posted by: Robyn | October 10, 2006 at 05:25 AM
The covered Ikea box is great. I have a desk organiser from the same range sitting on my desk and it's crying out to be decorated in some way - I may take inspiration from you and go for wallpaper.
Posted by: atelier455 | October 10, 2006 at 05:48 AM
Oh I love that blue bunny. How are you gals so clever at making soft toys. I can look at an image and get an idea, but it never turns out as great as your ideas do. I love the covered box too, that print is so nice on it.
Posted by: Sue | October 10, 2006 at 06:30 AM
That box is gorgeous, my mum is a massive William Morris fan, she has definitely influenced me with that!
Harrogate is a nice place to wander around, I used to go up every so often when I lived in Leeds to go to Lakeland.
Posted by: Katherine | October 10, 2006 at 09:23 AM
Love the box love the bunny love that your back and if I were rich I bought you a bike... (or we could fly to the caribean together to get a driverslicense on a cute litle isleland with no motorways..) I'm pretty sure that that is not the way to spell the word for a place surrounded by sea but I have a complete blackout so I leave it..
Posted by: mijk | October 10, 2006 at 11:30 AM
I'm so glad you had a nice day out- you deserve it! The box looks really gorgeous, and what a wonderful craft idea! Have a great week!
Posted by: Chris Howard | October 10, 2006 at 01:05 PM
Great idea for wallpaper samples - looks fantastic. Pleased you had a good day.
Posted by: rebecca | October 10, 2006 at 07:30 PM
Hiya,
Your Ikea box looks great! I have a similar set - which I'm still trying to put together! I was thinking about painting them, but now I shall explore wallpaper options.
Posted by: Racquel | October 12, 2006 at 01:56 PM
Hi, great to read your blog. Sorry to jump in with this but for your cute bunny you used chenille, can I ask where you got it, I have spent the last two days doing internet earches and have had no luck, except for USA and then I have to have paypal. I want enough to back a handmade quilt for my older sons christmas quilt.
If yu could help I would be VERY grateful
Suzie Sews
Posted by: Suzie Vallis | October 12, 2006 at 08:59 PM