Monday 8 July 2013

Sun and Weekend fun

The sun is shining, and somehow whenever this happens I feel alive. It invigorates my mind and  takes me back to a place where I once was young in the heat of Africa, a place that invokes many wonderful memories and a place I dearly love! I love this feeling of being transported back to my childhood, the feeling of feeling free again with no commitments, no responsibilities, just living life and drinking in every aspect of its beauty, even if that feeling only lasts for a few minutes at a time. This weekend I felt like that again, young, alive and ready to take on anything that life throws my way. Its times like this when I just want to embrace all the little projects I've left for weeks and months and finally make some progress with them, but on the other hand there is the desire to just sit outside soak up the sun and enjoy this glorious weather whilst doing some crocheting or just watching the children play.

So, that is exactly what I did this weekend, got my cutting mat and rotary cutter and started cutting some of the fabric for my first attempt at a quilt. Unfortunately I already started cutting my fat quarters into 10" squares a few months ago, which is a shame as I could have used this fabric for the quilt along that Blue Elephant Stitches will be starting VERY soon. We have only just covered what fabrics to look at and choose, so if you haven't already linked in, it might be a great opportunity to learn how to make your first quilt, well that's my rational anyway. I also really enjoy her blog as I am new to quilting and find it very inspirational. I finally managed to get these 10" squares down to the 2.5" strips ready for the next phase.



This was followed by some crochet time. I have just started a new blanket and like with any project I start, I am already feeling rather impatient with it. It is a strange feeling and although I know that it is going to take months, especially considering that it will be worked along several other projects, I can't stop the urge for it already to be near completion. I often wonder what gives me the most enjoyment, the actual making of the project or the satisfaction that comes with the end result. I do have to add here that I thoroughly love crocheting, but it is more the fact that I get so excited about it all that I start lining up far too many projects and this causes what the lovely Chrissie so rightly labelled  as 'Craft Anxiety' and right now I definitely have a serious bout of it!



Late Saturday afternoon we joined our local village school for their annual hog roast where the evening was filled with lovely things for the kids to get involved with, such as face painting, duck races and coconut shy and worm charming.



 
Little J was delighted when he finally won his coconut (especially seeing his sister had already won two by this point), and I have to add that with all the money we spent on Coconut shy, we could have bought a coconut tree! Note to self avoid fairgrounds with this little chap, but also credit to his determination to get it right, (not sure where he gets this stubbornness from?!). All in all it was a lovely afternoon and we had two very tired children to put to bed when we got home.

On Sunday, I needed a great deal of rest, but I also enjoyed some of this lovely sun whilst watching bits of the Wimbledon final. It suddenly dawned on me that I could drag the TV outside, definitely a eureka moment! I have to add here that this moment of a magazine and cake didn't last long, that would be far to idyllic, no the table got cleared and Little J watched with me whilst we built the last of his Lego X-Wing.


I still haven't seen the last couple of games as we had to dash out to go and see the Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore at Gawsworth Hall. This was our first experience at their Theatre and I have to say that this beautiful ancient manor house was the perfect setting for any production.




 
The production, directed by Alastair McCall, was excellent and all the members of the cast were brilliant. I especially enjoyed the voices of Andrea Tweedale as Josephine and Timothy Langston as Ralph Rackstraw, but on performance and voice Martin Milnes as Sir Joseph Porter was the star of the night for me, his acting and singing was sensational. It was the perfect end to a wonderful weekend. Thank you Silk Opera for putting on a wonderful production.
 
I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful weekend?! Lets hope this sunshine is here to stay. It is dangerous as we could just get use to it :-).
 
Wishing you all a very happy Monday and a creative and week.
 
 

22 comments:

  1. You have had a very interesting and productive weekend Hannapat, and I've really enjoyed reading all about it, thank you!
    So lovely that little J finally got his coconut even if expensive - he looks very pleased with himself doesn't he! And his little sister is such a pretty little girl!
    Take your time and enjoy your creative moments - they are to be savoured.
    Joy xo

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    1. Thanks Joy and yes very wise words. I do try and savour these moments, but love it so much want to pack as much as possible in ;-) xo

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  2. I must admit I would love to make a quilt one day out of vintage fabrics. They always look so pretty, but I doubt my sewing skills would be up to the task! I'm glad you had a chance to soak up some sun, I'm sure that is therapeutic to you Brits, whereas I get sick of seeing it all the time! I'm glad the kiddos scored some coconuts too! Xx

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    1. Oh gosh, yes the sun is more than therapeutic and also a great supply of Vit D, which you will know is much needed for us. I am sure your sewing skills will allow for a simple quilt, it is always worth a try! xoxo

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  3. Look looks like you've had a great weekend! I realised my crochet blanket will take me months so I'm pacing myself better now! The suns been great, has an interesting affect on my balance, I'm thinking of tying cushions around me so it won't hurt so much when I fall over! I'm looking forward to seeing that patchwork! :) x

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    1. Oh no that doesn't sound good. Is this something new? Yes, I am sure you recognised some of that fabric! xoxo

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  4. Hi Hannapat what a fabulous post. Thank you for the patchwork link, I would love to have a go at one but haven't got the confidence, will certainly check out the link you gave, thanks so much. I was interested in your craft anxiety am 100% sure that I have it. Everything I do I seem to be rushing to finish, blogging (which I adore) seems to add to it for me as I want to write about craftwork. I hadn't realised this before Hannapat so must watch myself as it is. About enjoying the journey too. Glad the sun is making you happy Hannapat, much too hot for me. Love your blog Hannapat, thanks so much
    Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxx

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    1. I do think that blogging can add a little bit of pressure. I really try for that not to happen as I just see this little blog as a diary and also a little platform for dealing with my craft addictions. I am so enjoying this sun thank you. Yes do join in with the link, it will be fun! xo

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  5. I love the events at Gawsworth Hall. We saw Kate Rusby there a couple of years ago ... it was a wonderful evening. I imagine your opera trip was the perfect ending to a great weekend :)

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    1. It is such a great venue I can see us going back soon xo

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  6. What a lovely weekend! I am really looking forward to seeing your new quilt...
    M x

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    1. I do think you might wait some time as things seem to take time over here, but thank you all the same xo

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  7. I took the rotary cutter outside too! Your squares look neat... I struggled with mine and didn't enjoy the process at all. Visions of a king size quilt were turning into visions of a cushion. Still, I don't think learning a new skill is meant to be easy. We are using some of the same fabrics. Hope you are ok in the heat x

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    1. Well there we have it, we will be in sync for this quilt along, cursing all along! Yes, not easy, but then as you say any new skill takes some time getting use to. I am pleased you managed to do some cutting too. Yes loving this heat! xo

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  8. Sounds like an action packed weekend - I am so jealous I love Gawsworth Hall and haven't been for ages. Hopr you have a lovely sunny week x

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    1. It certainly was, pleased to hear that you enjoyed your trip to the Hall too. You will have to come back again. Same to you xo

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  9. I found your blog while searching some tips about home improvement. nice blog I'll check it once in a week From canberra deck

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    1. Oh golly, home improvement, not sure I can offer a great deal there. Thanks for stopping by and goodluck with your blog. I will return the favour.

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  10. This weather is so amazing! Letting us be outside! It looks like you guys packed it in!
    Xxx
    Ps I knew you would have made those hearts! Xxxx

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  11. Ahh, nothing better than crafting outside in the summer sun! I'm following the Blue Elephant Stitches quilting journey, too, would be so nice to have light one for next summer's heat wave, eh? Might get it done by then...and wrapping up the weekend with some al fresco musical entertainment - it can't get much better than that! Cxxx

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    1. Ooh another person joining in, all very exciting. That might be optimistic, next summer?! haha! xoxo

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