Burst of colour, spring and bargains

Good evening

What a difference a day makes - yesterday was grey, wet & soggy - today was warm, sunny and lovely.

Perfect for getting out and about and also taking pics of some recent CS finds.

My favourite find recently was a huge selection of vintage cotton reels in a range of lovely colours;

Not quite sure what I will do with all of them - I think I might add some to forthcoming stalls - even if they just provide a splash of colour.  The bowl they are in was a CS bargain too - just £3;

I had a great find last week when I was working - I've been after curtains for our bedroom for ages but  its rare to get 2 matching pairs come in. These were on the rails and I had to have them - another bargain @ just £6.50! They need altering and lining but I've got a little while as decorating isn't planned till at least Easter.

My MIL has been sorting out things in her new house - she's been dropping a few items with me that she's thought I'd like - this week its been;

A little vintage leather suitcase - perfect for displaying things at fairs - just needs a little TLC inside first though.

To late for yesterdays cake making but it will come in useful for another time - a fab Tala icing syringe in its original box - I think this was a wedding present many years ago.

As today was so lovely and almost spring like it, I had a look in my garden and was pleased to see plenty of life appearing in the borders;

Lots of the bulbs are ones that were bought last year, that flowered indoors before being planted out in the autumn. I added to their number today - couldn't resist a pot of tete-a-tete bulbs from outside our lovely florists;

I've promised myself that during 2011, I shall endeavour to make as many birthday presents as possible - something which is easier for my female relatives/friends than the men. At the end of the month its a sisters birthday and I've struggled with inspiration until today. I popped in to see my friend in her habbie shop and noticed a new range of yarn which can be felted. So I've cast on 40 stitches and shall knit to the end of the ball - hoping it will produce a shape large enough to be turned into a makeup bag/purse - only time will tell - I shall let you know how I get on;

Thank you for all the comments on little sons cake - I wish I could claim it as an original idea but its not - I 'borrowed' it from an explorer unit party that big son went to in the summer!! Oh and the big portions at the carvery - well apart from meat its a help yourself option - hence the lack of veggies on little sons plate - after all it was his birthday ;)

See you soon

xxx Vicki xxx