The Old Quilt

No reasons, just excuses!

Hello again. I wasn't sure if I was going to come back again, but after a mad summer I have found that I am back reading everyones blogs with such gusto that I want to be back again myself. I think I may be a three season blogger!

So what has been happening? Big Bucket Girl thought I had fallen off a cliff but honestly I was really only getting her back for disappearing earlier in the year. In my head I was sure she had been in a motorway pile-up coming back from centerparks, but no, she was fine.

And so am I. There is no doubt though that this year has been incredibly difficult. Losing the kids Granda, has had such an effect, and left such a hole. My husband misses him so much, and he is so busy that I worry about him. He is holding in there though.

I will fill you all in on other stuff as I blog on. Some good stuff, and some bad. It is good to be back. I am learning to knit now, for the second time in my life, and with a bit more success. The quilt isn't finished but it will be my winter project. I also have a few projects for Christmas presents to mull over.

I have a few people to thank to for a couple of things they sent me, but I'll organise my photos first.

Can anyone tell me how to tell if someone has been visiting the blog? Is there a way to note traffic? I'm not sure.

The pictures are of my flowers in Donegal, and my eldest on what we call the wildlife beach, as it is teeming with interesting things.

How it all began

Having read blogs for about a month now, I have decided to start one myself. The inspiration really has been in seeing some wonderful craft blogs, starting with www.posy.typepad.com I am learning how to sew, but have been collecting old fabrics, jugs, tins etc for years. 'The Old Quilt' title is due to a quilt that I discovered 16 years ago in an empty house I was viewing. I bought the house and hence the quilt! It was used through student days, thrown over an old rocking chair when we had our first house, lovingly stroked whenI walk past; and gradually bits have started to disentegrate.

Well this is the year that I sort all that out.

Over christmas I began to work out how to fix it up. It is so old, pale, cool and smooth. Made out of old white cottons, linen, mens'pyjamas and work shirts. This is something from Caroline Zoobs sofa (except with bigger patches). Can you tell i love it! So for the love of the quilt I am learning to sew, and other things are opening up to me too. I expect this blog will cover a good few things. This is the year that I am going to grow vegetables. I am I confess influenced by Jamie! The raised beds are ready, the composting has been going on since the summer, and the kids have chosen their fruit/veg to grow.

I am a keen charity shop/ thrift shopper. I get great joy out of one little floral jug (20p).

I also really enjoy books. All sorts but mainly non-fiction. I will share bits about this as time goes on.