Nothing broken ... Yay!

Oh yes, we had the best skiing holiday in France last week and I didn't even bruise myself! I didn't fall over once (on the piste or during après ski!) and not even a near miss - perhaps my 'tripping' days are finally behind me! Dear SIL and I had our best year's skiing - even trying out some new runs. Here's a few piccies:

And on the day it was too snowy to ski, we just went shopping and drank wine!

Whilst we were on our jollies, Mutter, Mum and Mutter's friend house-sat and looked after Nell for us ... they also had a lovely holiday. Mutter's friend, Christine, was admiring their Pants Bags so, before she went home on Sunday, I quickly made her her own Pants Bag:

Now the next time she comes to stay, she won't have to 'put her drawers in my drawers!'

Have a happy week :)

A quickie before I say, 'Au revoir!'

My little niece is 13 tomorrow so I've made her a handbag and purse (and put a little shopping money for her in the purse!) I have used this tutorial before from Missouri Star Quilters, each time I love the way the bags turn out. This time I used a different stitch on my Juki to quilt it:

And my new thing this week? I made Bread and Butter pudding for the first time - it was yum-meeeeeeeeeee!

And tomorrow we go on our annual ski holiday to France with DH's sis and hubby. In 2011, I broke my ankle skiing. In 2014, I broke my shoulder shopping  - my colleagues and all who love me have made me promise to be careful! 

I will x

Linking up with Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts and Sarah @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Back to work, here's to routine!

I had a really good first week back at work ... don't get me wrong, I missed home, the Christmas decorations, the time off - but in many ways, I like it when things 'return to normal' and doesn't it make you appreciate the weekends even more? 

Last night, I finished the binding on the cushion for the lady at work who's retiring this month. I enjoyed making this Dresden Plate cushion very much and, as Jane enjoys gardening, I'm hoping the flower and outdoor theme will hit the spot:

Also, just as a little extra ... one of my Pants Bags for her netball games:

My little big sister visited before Christmas and asked for a 'scrappy iPad case' - your wish is granted, dear sis:

And the back:

There's a lot of quilting activity going on out there this week and I'm doing my best to keep up but, in the meantime, I'll just keep tinkering away in my little oasis here (my delightful sewing room) on a very blustery day in Wales. Happy weekend :)

Linking up to Sarah @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts.

New Year ... new challenges :)

After reading my friend Carla's post @ creatin in the sticks, I was drawn to respond with this quote by Albert Einstein:

A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new

I'm not really one for making resolutions (years of disappointment after no success!) but this year, I'm making two :)

My personal one is simply - GET FITTER! After breaking my shoulder last March, I have let my fitness go and I will have to do a running test at work soon so that'll be my motivation. 

My quilting one is - TRY NEW STUFF! I'm in a rut and my sewing time is limited compared to last year which puts me in a rush and tends to have me repeating myself, whilst not trying anything new.

In the spirit of it all, here are my 3 little finishes - zipped make-up/toiletries bags for my best friend's 3 daughters who came to stay with us for the New Year. We wrapped up well (yes that's me in the silly red hat) and went for a 2 hour country walk:

And here is my something new - for me - the start of a Dresden Plate cushion for a friend at work who retires this month. I can't remember when I bought the ruler but it was still in its packaging!

I'm pressing the seams open and joining in quarters:

And taking my time quilting it:

Hope to finish this tomorrow! I'd love to hear about your resolutions :)

Linking up to Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts and Sarah @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict. So thankful these ladies still host these linky parties so that little blogs like mine get read! And that I can find inspiration by reading others' blogs. 

Happy New Year to you all x