Archie The Wonder Dog

I'm about to start a new hand piecing project and realised that I didn't have a spare pin cushion or thread catcher to put in my project tin so, of course, I had to rectify that situation!  I spent longer than is probably sensible making this cute pin cushion who was going to be given a name (possibly Ethel) until I realised that naming her may prevent me from sticking pins in her. I adapted this pattern and made her from Liberty lawn.  As you can see, she's got a little gingham tail and lilac eyes (she tested several and liked these best), nose and whiskers - I'm really quite fond of her! The question is, can I bring myself to stick pins in her... Of course I can!!    (sorry,  Nicky !) The other thing I needed was a thread catcher and I can't tell you how much trouble this gave me, especially considering how many I've made and how very, very simple they are to make.  (Skip to the photo if you don't want to read about some really stu...

At long last (sorry about the wait!), I've got everything sorted and can share who won my not-so-recent giveaway . Archie loves choosing numbers and I can't decide if it's the biscuits or the showing off that he likes the most.  Who am I trying to kid?!  It's the biscuits! He was very keen to get started: And then it was a case of 'Archie, ready!' (just like in 'Gladiators' but with less noise from the audience!) and off he went to choose the 'tens' digit: Yes, I have a squeaky kitchen door!  And then (after I'd rearranged the pieces of paper) he chose the 'ones' digit: And declared that the winner is comment number 54, Annabella !  Congratulations, Annabella! As requested, I made this for you - I hope you like it!  (If not, shout!) EPP pin cushion made with a selection of Japanese import fabrics.  I do wish I'd put the bear on the front, though. *sigh* Archie really, really enjoyed the experienc...

July has been a quiet month here as I've been really tired and then got a tummy bug which has left me wiped out...I did finish some presents though so it wasn't a complete wash-out! Union flag thread catchers and a pin cushion... I also got the results of Archie's bile acid/ultrasound tests - they came back 'within normal range' so although he does have a problem with his liver he's not as far down the road (of liver failure) as the vet thought.  In terms of how he is in himself he's...completely normal!  Sleeping a lot, lying in the sun (when it's out!) and looking forward to meals and walks.  He still jumps round like a young 'un when I get his lead out and he's as keen on his walks as ever - he still grabs his lead in his mouth and pulls me towards the corner of the road (where he gets let off his lead and, in his mind, the walk starts) - just like he's done for eleven years.  So, it's better news than I expected, I've ju...