WOYWW....

 I hope you've all had a lovely weekend.  We enjoyed lots of family times so it was very special.

On my desk today are...

The 14 WOYWW ATCs I've made ready for this year's swap.  Jo and I have both made 14 and will be sending them out together to save on the postage so if you'd like to swap with us please send ours togther to either of us...two for the price of one :-)

Mine are a little different this year but I'm not revealing all yet :-)

The other photos I'm sharing today is of the lovely time we had last Friday....Lulu had asked me to teach them both to crochet so whilst the men were at football that's just what I did and by the time we had finished they had both mastered making a granny square.....just look at the concentration on their faces  :-)

We all really enjoy our crafty times together and I love passing on my knowledge to another generation. ....special memories :-)

It was Lulu's 13th birthday on Monday so we now have two teenagers in the family :-)

It was an open house at Gina and Mark's at the weekend to celebrate Louie's 1st Birthday [he's one today] so I baked a box full of mixed cakes to take with us to be enjoyed by all that called and we popped over on Saturday morning [photos to be shared on Friday].

Please leave me a little message so I know you've called in and I will pop over to your's to see what you've been up to this week.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW...

 Hello all.  Did you miss me?  I was MIA last week while we had a few days away in our motor home on a wonderful, adult only campsite in Llanidloes....it was one of the many Tranquil Sites that can be found around the country and it was simply perfect.

I'm back this week and have been playing catch up with all my sewing. ...it's been coming out of the woodwork this week so I've been kept very busy.

These are the latest 3 Memory bears I've made but still have two on my desk waiting to be made and many more due to come very soon.

These three were made from a Grandma's favourite jumpers/tops.

I was asked to repair a seam on a settee but as you can see it would only stand on it's end in our hall because of it's size and I had to sewing it by hand, with a curved needle and using extra strong thread.....never again I say!!

I have also, in my spare time, been working on my ATCs for the up and coming swap.  I have made about a dozen so am willing to swap with anyone wanting to [first come first served].  Jo and I will be sending our swaps together to save on postage so please anyone who wants to swap please send ours to either Jo or I...we wont fall out as to who gets them :-)

Please send your addresses to wipso2310@gmail.com to save me hunting out the details.

That's all from me for this week but I must say the system here has been playing up for sending comments and there have been several blogs that I have visited that wouldn't let me leave a comment....I promise I do try.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW.....

 Hello all.  It's been an eventful week here...and not one I would want to repeat any time soon.  I know your here to see my desk but first I'm going to share a quick collage of our events of the weekend....Please don't click on them and enlarge them if your squeamish....

Our little Theo fell awkwardly on his left arm on Friday whilst at Preschool and broke both the ulna and radius in his left arm [hence the shape of his arm].  He had to have a temporary plaster put on in Shrewsbury A and E [ to realign it sufficiently to stop the bones trapping the nerves] and was then admitted to Telford Children's ward for surgery on Saturday morning.  Thankfully the Dr was able to manipulate his arm and realign the bones without using pins or plates.

He was such a brave little boy but we have now got a week of rest and limited movement [have you ever tried to get a 4 year old to sit still for a week?] and then it will be reassessed with x-rays and decisions made as to what happens next.  

Moving on to what's on my desk this week.  It's been years since I made some of my tiny felt bears but I had a request for some good luck bears and my stocks were getting low.

I had forgotten just how tiny they were to get under the sewing machine [a bit like brain surgery] and how really satisfying they are to make.

I just have to stitch their eyes and noses now and to give them each a tiny bow.  :-)

I have had, what I guess will be, the last of my ATCs for the swap.  It's from Felicia and I love it....thanks so much Felicia.

And finally for those that haven't seen her on my Sewing by Annie Facebook page here's my latest little Memory bear made in memory of a much loved Grandma from her favourite cardigan.  I used the crocheted trim off the front of the cardigan to decorate the front of the bear and am rather pleased with the results [so was my customer :-) ].

That's all from me for this week.  I hope you didn't mind me sharing the trauma of my week but know lots of you will be wanting to send love, hugs and healing vibes Theo's way.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW....

 Hello all.  It's been a very special week for me but the only thing on my desk today is the latest selection of painting I've been doing.

I'm finding it very relaxing and am really enjoying experimenting.....and I've no sewing to share with you.

Why? I hear you ask :-)

We went on our first adventure in our motor home that we bought before Christmas.  We had a long weekend down in Chippenham and look who we bumped into at the Rowdey Cow Ice Cream farm shop. We had a really lovely day together.....Ice cream was eaten too :-)

The other thing I have to share with you is my latest collage of my ATCs.  I love each and every one.  Thanks so much. 

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW...

Hi all.  There's not a lot going on on my desk today but I have been enjoying a sunny weekend in our garden and a really lovely day out yesterday at Dorothy Clive Gardens....I've pics to share with you on Friday so please come back :-)

I will share a beautiful little bear that I made this week for one of our WOYWW gang [Anne Williams].  She's made in memory of Anne's mum and its always special to make my bears for friends.

My only other share with you today is my next collage of gorgeous ATCs I've had through my door.  They are all made with love and are all so different.  Thanks to each and every one of you.

That's all from me for today.  As I said there with me more gorgeous pics on my Friday's post and I have some rather special visitors that I will share with you then.

Hope you are all enjoying some sunshine.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW...

 What a lovely week of celebrations we have had.  I managed to get round everyone last week though I think blogger was playing up a little and I missed to leave a comment on a couple....sorry.  We sent out lots of ATCs and have had a steady flow of swaps back through our letter boxes....sharing them out as they have arrived has given us an excuse for a coffee and catch up :-)....Like we need and excuse :-)

These are the ones I've had so far...

I've snapped them all, made collage and then added the names by each.  Thank you to each and every one of you.  It's so lovely to receive such a lot of happy mail.

Last Thursday I spent my day in my sewing room sauna steaming all these dresses....by the time I'd finished I was rather hot and bothered and my arms and shoulders felt like they had had a work out :-)

Since then I have made my chair, that I sit on to sew, a new cushion pad....if I spend all day sitting sewing the base of my spine suffers so I needed a little more padding :-)

The other things I have to share with you this week are these two fluffy Memory bears made from two favourite blankets....they have voice boxes inside too [not sure how I feel about those!].

I had so many responses over on my Sewing by Annie Facebook page to the two special bears in memory of the baby girl born sleeping that I have launched a special offer for 10% off the first 10 Memory Bears ordered as a thankyou and to welcome all my new followers so if any of you are wanting one making please give me a shout.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW...

 Here we are at another Wednesday catch up with our creative friends around the world...I love my Wednesdays.  I've had a lovely week making Memory Cushion covers in memory of a very special dad using his favourite shirts....each one has a 'hug' using the sleeves.

I had one very happy customer and a lot of interest in having more orders.

Happy days :-)

The other thing I'm sharing with you today is the proof I had 'me time' over the long weekend.  I decided the best way to learn a few of the techniques of how to use my new set of Arteza pens was to cut a sheet of my watercolour paper into ATC sized pieces and have a play.  I am really loving my new painting pens and can see many more happy times ahead using them.

I may choose the best of them to use for the up and coming ATC anniversary swap so please email me at wipso2310@gmail.com if you'd like to swap.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW.....

Here we are at the last Wednesday catch up before our Crop10 celebrations.  I have lots going on here but sadly not a lot I can share with you as its in preparation for Saturday and I like to keep surprises.

We were away on another little Motor home adventure last weekend so there was a lot of....

...rest and relaxation in the day time in between enjoying lovely dog walks and enjoying amazing sun sets each evening before pulling the blinds down and snuggling up each evening.

I'm sure in a former life Milly was a traveller because she loves the life in the Motor home and really enjoys watching everything going on around her.

There's nothing on my desk I can share so I will just let you know that replacing 39 white buttons with black ones so he can wear them while playing in the band was quite a challenge.....its not all exciting sewing here :-)

The last thing I'm sharing this week is the two lovely ATCs that have arrived with me this week from friends who wanted to share but can't come to the crop on Saturday.  The left one is from Zsuzsa and the one on the right is from Angela....thanks so much both.  I love them both.

That's all from me for this week....I will try to post a smiley post on Friday but I may be a little busy sewing and baking so we will see.  To those coming to the Crop10....see you there.....wahooooooo.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW.....

Hello all.  The days are creeping ever closer to our 9th anniversary swap of ATCs [just two weeks to go now] and as ever that much older sister of mine and myself will be sending our ATCs out together so if your wanting to swap with us feel free to send ours to either me or to Jo...save on the postage cos we are more then happy to get together over a coffee and share them out....it's a good excuse [not that we need one of course].

My list so far is...

1. Julia [the boss]
2. Jan [second in command]
3. Jo [big sister]
4. Neet Hickson
5. Shaz Brooks
6. Sarah Brennan
7. Angela Radford
8. Cindy Ashplant
9. Sylvia Hildman
10. Christine Brown
11. Elizabeth Worthington
12. Nikki Carpenter  
13. Margaret Wright
14. Helen Lindfield

If, in all that's been going on here, I've forgotten to add you to my list and you'd like to swap with us then please email me with your postage details....to wipso2310@gmail.com

Onto my desk for today....

I've had lots of trousers to shorten this week amongst other jobs and in between all that I have been making another quilt ordered for a special little girl called Chloe [fabrics and colours chosen by my customer].....her mummy said she really loves it and little Chloe will treasure it for ever so I'm really chuffed.

On top of that I have had orders for more Memory bears so looks like I'm going to be kept out of mischief for another week or so.

Please leave me a little message so I know you've called by and I will do my best to pop over to yours to see what you've been up to this week.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW.....

Hello all. What a wonderful week of celebrations it was last week.  I did my best to visit everyone but I think there were a few I missed as time just ran out.  It's very special to me being part of this wonderful group so I really hope we will be sharing and caring for many years to come.

I have had many ATCs through my letterbox but Jo and I haven't been able to swap most of them as yet so I will do a show and tell once she has seen them but for now I would like to say a big thank you to all who have swapped with us.

It will be a quick show and tell from me for today as my arthritis has moved from my hip to my right thumb so typing isn't easy and I am having to put drops in my left eye today for a dry eye problem I've got so my vision isn't good either....in fact if I was a horse I think they would consider shooting me hehehe....yes I'm still smiling.

On my desk today is....

My latest idea to sell at a couple of up and coming craft fairs.  I have lots of fur fabric and toy safety eyes in my stash from making puppets many years ago so wanted something to use some of it up.  I am making some little 'Pocket Monsters'.  Each one is different to the next and I'm having fun making them.  

I've nearly sold all my baby activity cubes so will probably make a few more of those too if I get time but there is the promise of lots of work arriving this week so I may not manage to.  I have to fit my crafting for fun in and around my sewing for customers so like to keep a few ideas in the pipeline for times in between.

It's rather short and sweet for today but if you leave me a little comment I will do my best to pay you a return visit ASAP.  Hope you all have a great week.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW...

Hello all.  The 8th year celebrations are nearly upon us and I've been using some forced resting time to make my ATCs.  Forced rest?...I have either got a flare up of my arthritis in my left hip or it's sciatica :-(  I've had it before and know what needs to be done but I'm not someone who finds admitting defeat easy so I'm having to listen to my body and be sensible at the mo.....All I can say is is a really pain in the bum [literally!!].  It means I haven't been able to have little Theo this week so I'm missing out on lots of special fun time.

Jo [Twiglet] and I will be making our ATCs and posting them together to save a little on the postage so if anyone wants to post us both one in the same envelope please feel free.  So far I have made 12 but if I need more then I'm happy to make more.  This is the list that I will be sending to so far....but if your name is on my list please don't feel the need to send one back.....there is no obligation at all.

1. Julia....The boss
2. Jan..LLJ
3. Jo...The 'much older' sister
4. Elizabeth.....Silver scrapper
5. Shaz.....Silverwolf
6. Helen....Stamping by H
7. Lynn....One I made earlier
8. Kate....Kate's adventures
9. Anne...Copper Beech
10. Neet....Hickydorums
11. Lisa...Lisa's craft garden
12. Sandra de....Serendipity 
13. Ann.....Craftyani 
14. Angela...Felix the Crafty Cat 
15. Lynne....Lynnecrafts
16. My Pay it Forward recipient

.....so that leaves 3 up for grabs  I'm making more now if  anyone else wants to swap....and am happy to make more if needed.  Just email me with your details please to wipso2310@gmail.com  .....PLEASE NOTE I HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS.

So this is my desk for this week....

Boring or what?  I'm not giving too much away am I.? That's the back of 12 ATCs and the backs of this years cards with my poem inside....it wouldn't be the same with no poem from me would it?

So if you want me to add your name to my list just let me know and email me your details plus of course email me if your details have changed since last year.

The only other activity on my desk today is pom pom making....It's something I can do from my comfy chair while I'm resting.....I'm not certain what I am going to make with them as yet but it's been quite a therapeutic activity and has taken my mind off the dull ache in my hip.






So that's it from me for today....it's very short and sweet cos sitting at this computer is just too uncomfortable for too long.

Hope you all have a great week.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW....

Firstly I want to say just how thrilled I was to hear Julia's op went well and she was discharged from hospital over the weekend....but that means home to rest!! Of course we want you back to normal life Julia [what ever that is] as soon as possible but I'm sure it will take time of rest to allow your body to heal and recover so listen to your body and don't be tempted to do too much too soon.  We will all be rooting for you my friend and sending you lots of healing hugs.

Now onto my desk......

As promised last week....here is a quick snap of the bunting I was making.  It has now arrived with Joshua and his mummy says he loves it....I'm just hoping the bit of Annie's magic I sewed into it will help with the awful treatment he has to have.

Another finished project to share...a little cardigan for my expected grandson when he arrives.

And finally.....last but by no means least.  Here are the gorgeous ATCs I've received for the 7th year anniversary swap.  Aren't they all just gorgeous?  I'm still ooing and awwwing over them but will make a book/folder to put them all in together when the last ones arrive.  Thank you so much to each and every one of you who wanted to swap.....I really to treasure your friendship.

Hugs,

Annie x

My ATC list for the WOYWW anniversary swap....

As promised here is the list of people who have added their names to swap ATCs with me for the WOYWW anniversary swap.  Last year I had several who asked several times if their name was down to swap so I thought it would be easier if I added the names as I get emails with details of people wanting to swap....

1. Julia Budd
2. Jan Appleton
3. Jill Bersey 
4. Bridget Yee Larsen
5. Lynn Holland
6. Lisca Meijer
7. Jo Betts
8. Angela Radford 
9. Denise Bryant 
10. Laura Rumble 
11. Nikki Carpenter  
12. Sylvia Hildman
13. Anita Hickson
14. Sandra De Marchi
15. Shaz Brooks
16. Sharon Koole
17. Lisa Davolt
18. Debbie Rock
19. Helen Lindfield 
20. Elizabeth Worthington
21. Sam McDonald-Elliot

If you name is on this list it means I have an ATC here with your name and address on it waiting to be posted nearer the anniversary date....oooooooh it's always so lovely to swap and send a little love to my Wednesday blogging friends all round the world. Just email me your details if you'd like to swap to wipso@toucansurf.com.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW.....

Hello all.  Here we are at another Wednesday full of creative snooping.  It's been another busy week here with sewing and I thought you might like to see one of the dresses I've been working on this week. [Sorry if you've already seen it on my Facebook page.]

This is the first of 5 dresses I'm doing for a Wedding on the beach in Cyprus......I'm sure they will all look really summery.

I've had a steady flow of other sewing jobs too this week but have also spent a little time snapping pics of the flowers in the garden and thought you might like to share them....

Aren't they simply gorgeous?  So many little treasures coming into bloom now.

The other thing I want to say is that I need the names and addresses of anyone wanting to swap ATCs with me ASAP so I can put them ready for that big sister of mine to post for me in my absence for the anniversary celebrations because I will be AWOL that week [I hope to be chilling out, reading a book and taking in some sun].  If your name isn't on the list on the post below and you'd like it to be please send me your details via an email to wipso@toucansurf.com......Thank you.

That's all from me for today.....short and sweet just like Julia likes it.  Have a great week.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW....

Good morning to all on this exciting Wednesday.....Exciting?  I hear you say.  Why?

Since we had to have our old furry friend, Rocky, put to sleep on March 1st we have been searching for a new puppy but wanted one 8 weeks old around the beginning of June because we have a holiday booked in May [the first proper holiday in about 6 years :-) ].  We have been waiting patiently to hear if an expected litter we had found would include any little girls and Monday we heard that the mummy had had a litter of three puppies and one of them was a little girl.....

Meet Milly.  She is a little cairn terrier [the same as our last three dogs] and she was born at nearly midnight on 16th April.  She is just 2 days old here and isn't she a cutie?  We will go to visit her when she is about 4 weeks old then she will come to live with is when she's 8 weeks old....and I can't wait  :-)

So this is what's on my desk today....3 new little fleece blankets, two new bed pads and 4 new bed pad covers all made ready for the arrival for our new little friend Milly.

You might think I'm totally mad but the fleece blankets were just £6 for the piece so they worked out at just £2 each and the bed pads and covers were completely made out of my stash...bargain eh?

The other thing that is going on at the sewing machine this week is ATC making ready for the swap in May.  Alas I will be missing in action on the actual day but would really love anyone who would like to swap ATCs this year with me to email me your name and addresses ASAP so I can put them ready to be posted in my absence.

My email address is wipso@toucansurf.com and I plan to write a list of names in a post as you contact me so you know I've put your name on one of my ATCs....do it now so I know how many more ATCs are needed please.

The other thing I wanted to say was there were a few blogs I was unable to leave messages on last week....my Ipad has been playing up.  I did manage to read all that called on me and really love seeing what you've all been up to....there really are a lot of talent out there.  Sorry if I didn't manage to leave you a message.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW....

Well haven't we been keeping the postmen busy over the last few feeks?  I have filled my table with the ATCs that have come through my letter box already and here's a couple of pics to share them with you...

Aren't they all really gorgeous?  They are all so very different but each one is made with love and without WOYWW they would have never been made.  Thank you so much to each and every one of you....I love them.  :-) :-) :-) :-)

And just quickie to show you what is on my desk this week ...

I've been shortening lots of pairs of trousers and......

......yes I've also been making more b***** curtains.  This time I had to make two pairs of curtains from one large pair plus line them too.....with a little help from my best friend and [much older] sister who does the cutting for me....thanks Jo xxxx

So that's it from me for today.  Please leave me a little hello comment to let me know you've called in and I will pop over to yours to return the visit.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW....6th Anniversary celebrations

Happy 6th anniversary to you all.  What a wonderful 6 years it's been.  So many friendships have been made and so much fun has been had by all....and it's all down to a brilliant idea our wonderful Queen of snoop, Julia had all those years ago.

I know you don't like thanks Julia but today is one day we can all send you our love and thank you for keeping us all together.

So just a quick snap of my desk today...

It's the first bridesmaid's dress of the year for me....isn't it a lovely colour?

The other pic is of a fun time I had at Jo's [that much older sister of mine :-) ] yesterday.  We are sorting out our ATCs and putting them ready for the post today.  I have just a couple of left now so if you'd like to swap with me then please email me with your details today.

I made one special one for my pay it forward WOYWWer that will also be posted today....I wanted to make sure that if you are also someone who is swapping with me that you get two different ones :-)

So folks,  Please leave me a little hello message to let me know you've called in and I will pop over to yours as soon as I'm able.

Here's to many more happy years of blogging and many more special friendships being made.

Love and hugs to you all,

Annie x

WOYWW....

Hi folks.  Here we are at another Wednesday full of fun.  I've not had a lot of customer's sewing to do this week so have been having creative fun so that's what I've got to share with you today.

Last week I showed you a pile of fat quarters that I had got out to give me inspiration for a little project I had in mind.  I chose a selection I felt went together well, took a big breath and actually cut into them to do some crazy patchwork with [not something I find easy to do but Julia gave me a good talking to last week ;-) ]

They are just my favourite colours and I really love the finished effects of the patchwork with the machine embroidery along the seams....can you tell I have really enjoyed playing with this little project?

And of course I have now used this finished piece of patchwork....to cover a book for a special little gift for a friend.

Of course I'd caught the crazy patchwork bug with that project so I am now using some more of my favourite fabrics and a more random patchwork style on my next project.

It's been so lovely to have time to be creative this week.....I wonder what my time this next week will be filled with?  :-)

That's all from me for today.  I'm still taking names for the 6th year anniversary ATC swap so if you are wanting to swap with me and haven't yet emailed me your details then let me know and I will put your name on one :-)  Hope you all have a great week.  Leave me a little comment to say you've called in and I will do my best to pay you a return visit.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW......

Hello all. Since this time last week I've had a miserable chesty cough and head cold and although I've taken everything a chemist has to offer it has lingered rather longer than I'd like but I'm feeling hopeful that it is on it's way out now....keep everything crossed for me please.

So on my desk today is....

A pile of envelopes all ready for the WOYWW 6th anniversary swap of ATCs.....that's right I've finished them all and just need the names to put on the envelopes.  Julia tells me there is about 15 of you going to the crop so I will be sending a parcel full of them to Julia in time for you to pick one up while you are there.  I only have a couple of names of those not going to the crop that want to swap so far so please if you are wanting to swap then email me to wipso@toucansurf.com with your details and I will put your name on one ready.

It's been a week of shortening trousers, shortening curtains and making lots of zipped cushion covers this week but I didn't think I would bore you with pics of those.  Today I have been sorting fabrics for a little project I plan to make and thought your like a peep at all the yumminess on my desk.  I get such a buzz looking at all these beautiful colours.....just not sure I am going to be able to cut into any of them as yet. :-)

That's all from me for today so please leave me a little comment before you leave and I will do my best to pop over to yours to say hello.

Hugs,

Annie x

WOYWW....

Hi all.....here we are at another middle of the week fun day when we all link up with our creative buddies from all round the world....please check out here if you'd like to know more.

It's not been easy to do my blog today because yesterday I had my right hand chopped off!!!  No don't panic girls I didn't really have my hand chopped off but it really did feel like I had.....I LOST MY MOBILE PHONE!!!!  Oh how we rely on these techy things.  I usually take my blog photos on my phone ...and this week was no different cos I had already snapped my pics before I lost my b***** phone.  Can you tell I'm a little annoyed?  So, this week I have snapped my pics on the ipad and emailed them to myself so I could open them up on the lap top....I know I know there is probably a way of doing it all on the ipad but this was the easiest way for me to do it cos then I could do what I normally do with my photos on Picasa......I'm a bear of little brain you know :-)

So on my desk today is...

Several of you showed interest in the books made to put my annual ATC collections in so here are the three that I've filled over the last three years.

Here they are open showing you some of the amazing ATCs....I really love looking through them and treasure each and every little work of art.....thanks to all.

And here girls to show you just how much I'm looking forward to this years swap is the book I've made this week to put them all in.....I used to be a brownie so my motto is still...be prepared :-)

I've already made my ATCs for the swap this year and would really love to swap with any of you that would like to.  My plan is to get the names of all of you that are going to the crop and send yours in a parcel to Julia to put out on a table with my stamped addressed envelope for any return ATCs to go in [I hope this makes it easy and doesn't make extra work for anyone...and save postage too :-) ].  I'm happy to post to anyone else that isn't going to the crop that would like to swap too so please send me your details in an email to wipso@toucansurf.com

I hope that makes sense....please shout if it's not clear.

That's all I have to share with you this week.  My new phone should be arriving today so hopefully by next week life will have returned to nearer normal [It's never really normal for me is it? :-) ].

Leave me a little message and I will do my best to pay you a return visit asap and don't forget to email me your details if you would like to swap ATCs but not going to the crop.

Hugs,

Annie x