Saying goodbye to a friend

I had planned at the weekend what I was going to write tonight but sometimes things don't always go to plan, and sometimes its because of the saddest of events taking place. If you've read my blog over the last couple of years, or follow my twitter account and even my Flickr too, then you will have read and seen pictures about my dear little Bergamot. A tiny, but much loved hamster. Sad to say he died last night.

I am trying to remain positive by the fact I was with him during the final moments, and finally got my much wanted cuddle with him and at last he can finally rest. I knew he was on the decline since Christmas and I knew that there wasn't much I can do for him beyond keeping him comfortable.

For a hamster he had very long life of 28 months. I wished it was longer, I wished that he was with me when I moved. Cause now I realise I have a small hole in my life that I can't quite fill. He was my little flat mate and I am not entirely sure what I am going to do without him. Sounds rather silly but he's been with me since I moved into this flat, and he's kept me company during the times when I have been so upset with the constant battles with the neighbours.

So I now have to get used to not sharing my toast or biscuits or laughing at his antics.

So rest in peace little Bergamot, you don't know how much of an impact you made on my life. I swore I'd never have a hamster again, when my last one died a rather long time ago. I get too attached and it breaks my heart when they die. Then we saw you in the store and you had to be mine.

I don't think you know how much of a fan club you had with my friends either. Love you little Bergie.

Back Stitching and THE Quilt

It's the end of my hiatus where it comes to working on new things for this year. After the numerous weeks of saying/teasing what I might be doing for new lines. I've finally pulled my finger out and got down to some stitching. Rather great to get back into it again, though I have to admit I am not 100% on the quality of work this week or the design I have started to play about with.

In progress, I used silk thread for this sample. Chain Stitch, and padded Satin.

Two things I am looking at for inspiration at the moment is Heraldry and Cartography, which has prompted me to do a lot of doodling lately. Last night I was playing around with the Luther Rose, how I would want to work and colours, if any. I am a bit mixed on it to be honest. I think the reason why I am not too sure on it is that I have worked the sample on the calico so it does nothing for it. I'll whip up a silk one later, and see how it goes. 

You might wonder why the heck I didn't just work it on the silk to begin with, well mainly because I don't want to waste the remaining silk stash I have, and secondly I'll admit I can be a bit of a muppet. I also just realised looking at the second sample (at the bottom right) I missed out the cross in the middle. 

*rolls eyes* 

Ah well, anyway, might as well show you the progress of the long talked about quilt. The last post where I showed photographs of it's progress was back in 2011. The rest of the time was a mix of me promising to finish it. Oh, how I laugh. Well in December I made a push to finish it, I put the bias binding on, and carried on with the hand quilting. The Quilt is still on my sofa, just behind me, I've had it there because it's been making me do a spot of hand stitching of an evening, just an hour at a time. Rather cathartic. I am going to put it out there that I might actually complete at the end of the month. Okay, I have put it out there...I will finish it. There I said it.

You can slap my wrist if I don't.

The reason for wanting to finish it is so its ready for the new place, because fingers crossed I'll be out of my flat by March. Oh gawd, I hope so. Be the best birthday present ever.

On Wednesday, I'll give you a catch up on the Photo a day challenge that I decided to get involved with. So far, so good.

Right time to crack on with some stitching, spot of lunch first.

Oh before I go, I've been pinning some cracking recipes on Pinterest. Click here, and prepare to drool.

January 2013 Photo A Day Challenge

Whilst I am battling with the effects of a post Christmas near sugar induced coma, and working the old nogging to get those creative ideas down onto paper, and fabric. I am making myself do a little challenge for the month. This will be some undertaking. Mainly because I have enough trouble remembering to take my vitamin tablets each day let alone trying to remember to take a photograph. 

What am I wittering on about I hear you cry. Probably, actual tears, perhaps of slight boredom as I am slightly going about the houses writing this particular paragraph and not actually telling you....

So, what is it I've signed up too? Some of you might have actually seen my status update on Facebook and the subsequent tweets and thus will already know that I've decided to do the Fat Mum Slim Photo a Day Challenge for January. 

Each day has a theme/challenge call it what you will. And all you need to do is take a photograph that fits it. Easy you think? Well, not really. Most of the time I am going to be at work and whilst most of my colleagues know I am an utter nutter taking photographs at random points during the day might raise a few eyebrows. Okay, more than usual. Still I think that because I am actually just going to use my mobile phone, which whilst the lens ain't great, I might stand a chance of completing it. What the hell, right?

Here are the themes:

I have successfully managed to get to day 2 and already I am racking my brains for something interesting out of the box for tomorrow. 

So how have I faired in the photographing taking stakes thus far....

Day 1 - Today

Me looking at the calender and cringing

Day 2 - Something New

This was a pure stroke of luck in the timing. I ordered over Christmas from Lynn Bailey (Print Maker) a picture that will be for my new place (hopefully). Originally I had my eye on her bumble bee print but I was encouraged to get this little Dormouse. Basically it's me in a nutshell. The Bee Print though, will be mine.....

Who else is taking part? Do let me know, as I'd love to see what you take snaps wise. I know the very sweet Kitty Pink Stars certainly is. Because she was the one that got me onto it. If your not, then do follow the #fmsphotoaday