Forward planning...

With our last memory of the beach this summer, moments before our drive back to reality. Splashing in the chilled water, a kite flapping in the wind and searching out the pennies for an ice cream or two... the return to the Island for the final days of summer was indeed the best decision. I am so touched by your comments both on the last post and email. I can not express how they warm my heart. So with the end of the holidays the sewing steps up a level and its time to stock up ready for the craft fairs and Christmas goodness. Over the summer I spent a little bit of time designing a new range for the coming season. This is one of my free form machine embroidery designs made into a cushion. I have to confess I have fallen just a little bit in love with denim jean fabric. I love its firmness especially when its teamed up with soft, pretty delicate fabrics, such a happy contrast. I have plans to make more of these and also use the design for fabric zipper bags, Santa gift bags and fabric tags.
In keeping with the denim fabric I tweaked my boat design, the denim works really well, it keeps the boat shape and of course is filled with lavender for that extra summery sense.
Little boats also, actually I played with this design in the summer and just made three, however I have had very good feedback and have since made quite a few more, I like the little ones as I can play about with different fabrics and again the boat is filled with lavender.
Another new design for me, my little 'Rosy' Lavender pups. Its a simple design and one that is I have seen as many things and in many places, this however is my own self drawn design, it lies flat so can either be a pin cushion or popped in a draw to keep your 'panties' lavender fresh...
and it would not have been summer without a few camper van designs, oh how we have missed our camper, this keyring design turned out better than my last design which looked more like an oncoming train...
A little Dotty Red update, lots of bits and peaces that make up my collection. Lots more planned and I am in the process of purchasing all things red and green... ribbons, buttons, felt and fabrics!

My boys are back in school now and I start back in school this Friday, at the moment for one day a week, college is still under consideration as I try and work out my finances. The seven weeks holiday with my boys was such a blessing and has grounded me and helped me think more clearly about the direction and rhythm I want my life and my families life to go. There are so many obstacles yet to get over, but I am now running at them with the mind set to hurdle rather than running blindly in the dark. In just a few days of returning home my seaside retreat feels like a happy dream, yet I wake up to sand in my bed and the biggest mountain of washing that is sitting in a corner threatening to take over my home yet I do seem to have the ability to walk past it and kid myself its not there, the elephant in the room... ice creams stained, sea salted smelling, with smears of suncream washing. Can I really wash the memories out of our summer clothes. (OK OK! I AM, I ADMIT, JUST LOOKING FOR AN EXCUSE NOT TO DO IT) !!!