Roses again-but I just love them

Ben was one year old on Tuesday - I can hardly believe it.  The house was full of noise - I wonder why?  It was also jammed to the rafters with toys and clothes for him.  Steph's little brother (aged 6) and cousin (aged 3) wanted to play with everything and insisted on helping him undo all the wrapping paper.

A little music

and some art

We had our first session of Mavis and Gladys at High Street Quilting on Thursday.  I'm looking forward to seeing all the lovely stitching the ladies produce.  There was quite a mixture of abilities, from the complete beginner to some more experienced stitchers. Lovely Karen had brought some designs. She scanned the fabric and printed a little sample so that she could see what the finished blocks would look like.  I always want to be that organised but never quite manage.

I made two dozen cupcakes but left a few for the boys.  It was dark when I iced them so I decided to wait until the lighter morning but there wasn't much left to photo.

Mmm raspberry vanilla and triple choc.

I'm afraid I've been a bit of an idle girl this weekend so don't have much to show.  I had bought some little bottles in a basket from Laura Ashley last week.  I went to the shop next door early last Sunday thinking I would be safe because Laura Ashley wouldn't be open but,  as I walked past - swish - the doors opened and my feet marched in.  I came out with a duvet cover, pillow cases and a little basket with three bottles.  I actually needed the duvet cover but probably not right now.

Anyhoo. I was going to put some lavender in the little bottles but the urge to do some more roses overcame me this morning. I spent most of the Korean Grand Prix trying to wind the yarn into a ball. Got a bit tangled. 

It was a good race though, interesting and full of goings on. Apart from Vettel leading most of the way of course. Luckily the TV company didn't focus on him at all. I stopped watching F1 when Michael Schumaker dominated. It was so boring. It's a bit like deja vu with Vettel.

The roses I have made previously were a bit too small so I added some stitches  to the design to make them bigger. 

They don't take long - about 20-30 minutes. It always amazes me how beautiful they look. (I know - I'm easily pleased)

 I added some leaves and a stem,

 And then used some florist's wire to stiffen the stem.

I made three and put them in the bottles. Maybe not high end interior design but they make me smile when I look at them.  

Apart from that I haven't done much - just the essentials, cleaned and fed the hens although I left the weeds in my leeks and onions.  My purple carrots got an attack of root fly which is very sad because they look so pretty.  If there's any decent ones left I will photo them for a future post. 

Tomorrow I am going to a conference in London.  I leave on the 5.38am train from Durham and get back about 9pm. Oh joy.  I think I'll take a little something to pass away the six hours I will be spending on the train. A sleeping tablet maybe!

Now I'm going to see if there is anything lurking in the fridge for tea. I'm not holding out a great deal of hope though.