A busy week

It has been a week for concentrating on the many jobs I needed to do, sorting out the Banks, doing a bit in the garden and helping DH as we have finally been able to contemplate retirement from our business. So lots happening.  My desk shot was an attempt to convey calm at the beginning of the week and this little lad is called Bailey and he is made of mohair, and is so cute.  Not as cute as Bella our real Border Terrier but she can't sit on my desk ... I love my mug too but I had two, one had a wee field mouse on it and I broke it a couple of months ago, dropped it in the greenhouse and that floor is paving slabs, you can guess the rest.

Now this is something I am really proud of. I Grew this little beauty from a cutting last summer and this bloom is simply huge.  Those petals at the bottom are about as big as they can get.  I think I will need to reach for the tape measure tomorrow and just see how big they really are. I know this one is a Niger variety because the stems (which you can't see in the photo are black).  I looked it up on Google and was not sure how it would turn out, blue or pink or in between?  But as you see it is stunningly pink and I am so pleased because that is what I wanted.


The book I ordered (Diane Gaudynski's classic 'Guide to Machine Quilting') arrived sooner than I expected and it was in mint condition which surprised me because it came from ABE books.  I only paid £13.13p for the book and delivery so I was very pleased.  Also it is not dated at all despite being in it's 9th reprint.  It explains everything I have needed to know and not had answers to for the last ten years.  Why I did not buy it before I cannot imagine because I have had so many light bulbs moments since it arrived on Saturday.  Anyway, I thought best start immediately and put these tips and ideas into motion so I prepared some samples to quilt and away I went.  Below you see the results, this may not look much, but believe me I am improving.  The second photo gives you a better idea of the scale, and yes the fabric is custard yellow, and not a trick of the electric lights.  I am only about half way through the book so I must keep reading and practising.