Greetings from Canada!!!

I am now finally settled in a bit at my mum's house in Toronto. It has been lovely spenting time with my mum and brother again (even though the last time I seen was only 5 months ago). Working with the children has been good but tiring so, I am finding it hard to study at night, fit in reading as well as keep my fairly new blog in check. While I was on the airplane and waiting at Gatwick for my connecting flight to Toronto I read half of the book called The Man Who disappeared. It has been a good read so far and am looking forward to spending time reading it. 



My brother, Jason's 30th birthday is on Saturday so, we are having a small family dinner with cake of course and then Jason, his new girlfriend of 2 weeks who is called Mel (it will be the first time I meet her), his good friend Rob and myself are going to the Air Canada Centre to see the Toronto Maple Leafs VS Detriot Red Wings. It should be a really good game to watch and I haven't seen a hockey game live in probably 10 years easy. Also, as a treat to my mum, on Saturday afternoon we are spending some quality time together getting a aromatherapy massage, pedicures and manicures. Since Saturday will be a busy day, I will be studying super hard on Sunday. I don't want to fall behind when I've only started studying again. 

I also need to squeeze in some sock knitting time for my Neil.

I miss so many things already about Scotland and my flat and it's only been a week. I hope it won't be like this for the next few months. However, I am looking forward to Canadian Thanksgiving which is coming up soon.


Does anyone have nice men's sock patterns that are quite easy and fast? If so, I'd love for you to share them.

Georgina x

Oh Canada!

Okay everyone, I have some news. I am going to Canada for a few months but I will still post on my blog however, I will not be working on my quilt when I'm away since it'll be too much stuff to take with me and I'll be busy with help my mum babysit some kids and studying AND I also promised Neil I would finish his toe socks, Which I WILL do.

Here is a few things I enjoy about Canada.....

Maple Leaves on the ground

Maple Syrup

Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Team

Tim Hortons Coffee and Donuts

Walking along the board walk of Toronto Beach

Georgina x

Lap Quilt - Starting to come together now

Good day to you all! I hope your day is going well. I have woke up to a rainy day but it's no biggie, because it's now actually sunny out but a little windy too.

My Triangle Lap Quilt with Panels

As you can see, I have started putting my quilt together. I think for my first quilt it is going well. I still have only used maybe half a metre of each fabric but that's including the triangles that are not put together in this picture yet. I will hopefully find sometime today to add to my quilt but I really want to go to the quilt shop. How do you stop this urge? Fabric and Hasberdasery shops are like cocaine to me these days. Is everyone else addicted to these shops like me?

Okay back to my lap quilt.... The cream triangles at the side will be cut down the middle to square it off and this would be near my edging. I will do another 3 panels of triangles top and bottom and this should be big enough for a lap quilt. Once it's done and put together I will go get some embroidery thread and see if I can embroider a wee message for my gran. I think she'll LOVE it! Well, I hope so cause I love it!


How do you think It's coming along? Do you like the colours or pattern? Any suggestions?


I think it's coming along good considering I'm designing one panel at a time. Quilting is fun!

Georgina x

Sewing, Sewing, Sewing ...

This is the first part of my lap quilt. I have been working on it for most of the day, but I am enjoying the challenge of putting it together and finding solutions to fixing certain parts or gaps. I am actually going to Northrn Ireland next week to visit my 90 year old grandparents and I was thinking about trying to finish it before I go, which may be a challenge but I'd like to give it to my grandmother something to keep her warm and I know her mother used to do alot of crafty things so she will appreciate it. If I can embroider it I will with the message, "Wrap yourself in love". 

Hopefully, tomorrow I will get another two rows sewn in. I can't wait to get this project all sewn in and photographed, I'm a little impatient but it's just because I'm sooooooooooo excited!!! 
Do you ever get excited about finishing a quilt? Do you have any quilting tips? I am actually trying to find out whether I should put batting in my lap quilt. What do you think? 

Georgina x

Cut Cut Cut. ... Cut It Out

I have spent around 3 hours cutting and cutting and cutting my lovely fabrics into triangles. And I haven't even made a dent in the amount of fabric I have. After cutting so much, my hands started shouting OUUUUUUUCH!!! With them shouting how much pain their in I decided to arrange them into patterns. I know I don't want the complete quilt to be back to back triangles so may be if I do features of my triangles into hexagons and being off set. As well as some rectangles or squares. I'm not really sure yet but hopefully winging it will be a good thing. It's a good thing I am only cutting so many shapes at a time. Looking at other quilts are good to get a good idea what you are looking for or like best, especially if your a visual person.

Tomorrow, I will arrange them again and cut a few rectangles and squares to see what fits better.

Georgina x

Reading and Sewing, well not sewing but cutting fabrics

I have now started to read another book called The Man Who Disappeared by Clare Morrall. It is a recommended summer read by the TV Book Club so, I decided that I would pick it up. 

The Man Who Disappeared by Clare Morrall is about a man, Felix, who vanishes without telling anyone and leaves his wife, Kate, and children. Kate found out that he is suspected guilty of a criminal offence, does she really know the man she loved? As she faces the possibility that he might not return, she realises her own strength to keep going. But will her husband return to face the truth?

Once I finish this read I will post my review and tell you what book is next. Do you know a really good read if so, please feel free to share :) 

The Bailey Collection Fabrics

This morning, I went to Hobby Craft in Glasgow to "look" at fabric since my local charity shop had no nice fabrics that I could recycle. And YES, I did buy some lovely fabric which was apart of The Baileys Collection. I started to cut out the triangles for my quilt when I got back and I will continue doing it for a few hours tomorrow and then hopefully get onto knitting. I think the quilt is going to have triangles and rectangle strips . I will post pictures of my lay out on Thursday or Friday. I am hoping to get sewing by Friday. I'm way too excited since it's going to be my first quilt, I might even add a few embroidery pieces to it :) What do you think of the colours I have choosen?

The start of my quilt cutting

Georgina x

Rain Rain Go Away ... I Will Knit My Socks Today

Half of Neil's Knitted Toe Socks

Since, today it has been pouring down and really windy all day in Glasgow I have stayed in and cleaned the house and then got onto knitting again. As you can see, I have passed my 5" mark and will be continuing to knit for the next week so I can finish my first sock as well as my first ever toe socks. I will post the pattern once I finish both socks and once Neil tests them out and gives me the go ahead.


I also started organizing my small stash of limited fabrics and put my scraps into a small container so I don't lose them. Tomorrow will be the day of looking through Neil and my closet for old and unwanted fabrics that could be used to make a lovely quilt.


I have always wanted to make a quilt so, almost every other day I will be going to charity shops to look at pieces of clothing, pillowcases, bed coverings, asking friends and family for any old clothing and fabrics they may have as well as trying to buy nice fabric that doesn't cost a fortune. This quilt will be made from a piece of every one, which is what I really like and it makes it just so much more special. And the person or persons that receives this quilt (or quilts, if I have enough fabrics) will appreciate the warmth and love that has been put into making it, which is why I will donate it to my local elderly community care home that is in need of single bed blankets for the people in their care.

If you have any cotton fabrics either by the yard (or metre), fat quarter or even scraps at 2" x 2" or more that is unwanted and you want to donate them I would really appreciate it. And of course, I will post the progress of it and the finished product.

Georgina x

I've got Cupcake Fever!

Who loves cupcakes? I do! I do! I do!  Well, I happened to walk into a store and find Cupcake fabric so, I just HAD to buy it. When I got home I started making a coaster set, which I am LOVING! My partner, Neil, thinks I'm going crazy because apparently coasters are not supposed to be made with fabric. Whatever to him, I love them so, he'll have to live with it. I'm thinking of making a Cupcake apron and 2 Cupcake pot holders as well, to get a theme going in my kitchen plus, I've just seen cupcake themed tea pots, cups, a bread bin and a coffee, tea and sugar holder that I MUST GET!  I love how you can make so many cute things with fabric and it's better when you make it yourself.

Front of my Cupcake coaster

Back of my Cupcake coaster

Well, while I was on the cupcake loving mode I decided to google cupcakes (for some weird reason but it might be my hangover kicking in) and this site came up http://www.cupcakeaddict.com   It is a clothing store, yes a clothing store, for women and children. I resisted in ordering a velour suit like the one in the picture below. How cute is it? VERY!

Image from http://www.cupcakeaddict.com

I hope you enjoy browsing this website as much as I did. 

Georgina x

A Nice little Pinny

My Robin Apron

A lovely Robin Pinny

Today, I came across a tutorial of this apron from a fellow blogger. The instructions were really easy to follow and I think it turned out lovely and I can't wait to hang it up in my kitchen and of course wear it. I'm sorry the pictures aren't very good, I'll get better ones soon. I just couldn't wait to share it. Once, I get more bulk fabric I'll be making more. I am looking for some retro fabric so maybe a trip to the charity shop so I can recycle some nice materials. I used this robin fabric as a reminder of my grandmother, who's nickname is Robin but her real name is Robina, and I lined it with red cotton fabric. I Top-stitched around the bottom and sides of the apron part and double top-stitched the waistband but only the bottom and sides.

If your not able to sew but want one I'll be more than happy to make you one. This is the perfect gift. 

I have been thinking of holding a sewing and knitting swap so, if anyone is interested please let me know. If there is a lot of interest then I will host in the next month or two.

Georgina x

Book Review: Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan

Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan

My Rating: 5 of 5

I was introduced to this book about by the TV book club show that was on during the summer. I wasn't sure whether it was going to be a great read but the reviews on it were good. I bought it for £3.99 so that wasn't too bad. It's a must read book. I couldn't stop reading it, that's how much I loved it. I love it and would recommend to anyone. A book I could read again and again.

Ellis Island is about a woman who fell in love with her childhood friend and they got married . Unfortunately, he got shot in the leg and was unable to walk. The doctor told them without an expensive operation he wouldn't walk again. Due to poverty and having no income and no money, Ellie decided to take a job offer in New York for one year so he could have this operation and they would have some extra money for their future. After sending him enough money for the operation she decided to stay longer to save more money.

Alex, her friend's boyfriend, gave her an opportunity to earn a lot more money as a receptionist and she was now able to afford a fancier lifestyle, more than she ever dreamed of and had no intention of giving it all up. She loved New York and everything about it. When her father took seriously ill she didn't want to leave New York but knew she had too. Ellie told her friends and herself, she'll be back in two months and John, her husband, would have to come back with her.

RMS Celtic Ship - image from wikipedia.org

When she got back to Ireland her father had died and things with John picked up just where they left off. Ellie realised she loved John more than ever and no one could replace him. John had no intentions in leaving Ireland after all he went through for his country but Ellie felt she didn't belong in Ireland anymore. She didn't know what to do, stay with her beloved husband in Ireland or leave John and go back to New York. 

I don't want to tell you too much more about this book because it would spoil it for you.

New York in 1920's - image from jigsawgallery.com

I know the conflict that Ellie had been going through. I was born in Northern Ireland but moved with my family to Canada when I was 6 years old and was heartbroken to leave all my family but as I got older, I settled into my life in Canada. As I just got settled with my life at 16 years old, my mum decided she couldn't live in Canada no more so, we moved back to Northern Ireland. As soon as I got back to Northern Ireland, I just fell back into my old life with all my family, except my dad.

When I was 20 years old mum decided she wanted to keep the family together and we all moved back to Canada to be with my dad, unfortunately things didn't work out just as it was planned and they stayed apart. After being in Northern Ireland for the four years of my adult life I realised I no longer fit into the Canadian lifestyle and my old friends, I had changed. I just wanted to leave Canada but hated leaving my family. It broke my heart to make this difficult choice and leave Canada for my own happiness but I had too.

Since, I hated all the troubles of Northern Ireland and my grandmother said 'Scotland is beautiful' (plus, my grandad is from Scottish decent, a Bruce), I decided Scotland was my next bet, close enough to go see my other family and there was no political troubles that stopped you from getting a good job, especially in the small towns. Plus, the bonus was the countryside and the people were the same.

Have you read this book? If so, tell me how me what you thought of it. If not, tell me if you are going to read this book.

Georgina x

Book Reviews

The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars (for all the books in total)


I began to start to read these books after I watched the first two films, which I really enjoyed and got me hooked. The first two books were my favourite by far, and the Eclipse was a disappointment but I kept with it and Breaking Dawn was an enjoyable read with a complete ending on the whole love story. These books were page turners and I found it really hard to put down. It's not the type of book you read for just one or two chapters - you'll need to read them all!


Even though these books are meant to be targeted for the teen audience however, I have noticed people of all ages reading them. And I now understand why - each page is laced to cocaine, making you want more. These books have really got teenagers interested in reading again and parents wondering why.

Twilight 

When 17 year old Isabella Swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father she expects that her new life will be as dull as the town. She finds out that her new classmates are drawn to her as the new girl in town. Well, everyone except - the Cullen family. These five adopted brothers and sisters obviously prefer their own company and will make no exception for Bella. Bella is convinced that Edward Cullen in particular hates her, but she still feels a strange attraction to him. He tried to keep his distance from her until, he saves her life from an out of control car. After doing her own research, Bella discovers that he and his family are vampires but still she can't keep from thinking of him.


My Review:
When reading this book I could really feel the passion between Bella and Edward. And him being a vampire made it even more interesting for me since I love vampire plots. Bella, for me was really a real person not just another fake character and I could see a bit of myself in her. I could not put down this book and real page turner.

New Moon

In New Moon, Bella realizes that being in love with a vampire is quite a dangerous thing. Especially, when at the Cullen's, she opens her present running her finger under the edge of the paper and jerked it under the tape. and get a paper cut. A single drop of blood oozed from the tiny cut. It all happened very quickly then. 'No!' Edward roared ...Dazed and disorientated,  she looked up from the bright red blood pulsing out of her arm - and into the fevered eyes of the six suddenly ravenous vampires. For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen.  As their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realise their troubles may just be beginning. 


My Review:
In this book, you really have a good feel of the Cullens and what they stand for and how Bella and Edward would do anything for each other, even die. What I really liked about this book was the expansion on Bella and Jacob's friendship and how much they cared about each other. I was a Team Jacob by the end of this book. But you also, found out more about Jacob and who he really was. This book was finished within one day, that's how good it was. And it left you with a hanger -  will Bella marry Edward?

 Eclipse

As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob - knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death.

My Review: 
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the rest but I think that is because I seen the movie first (not a good idea). In this book, you really see Bella, the Cullens and Jacobs gang as a team and not something Bella is made to choose. I'm still Team Jacob but in this book he is kept wondering will she ever give up Edward to be with me? and Bella doesn't know how to make up her mind between Jacob and Edward. She frustrated me a bit with her swaying and selfishness and not considering what she's doing to these poor guys. I really wanted to just slap her all the time for a while. I felt really sorry for both of these guys.

 Breaking Dawn

In this book, Stephanie Meyer's love story, questions will be answered and the fate of Bella and Edward will be revealed. 

My Review:
At the end of reading this book, I felt it was a little over the top and stretched too far and I kinda guessed some of the things that happened in this book, which was disappointing because I was still waiting for something to turn and surprise me but nothing really did. Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed reading it but it doesn't leave you to imagine some things at the end. It wraps up pretty much the whole love story and leaves nothing to the imagination however not the ending I was thinking of anyway. Another easy read.

Have you read any of these books or all of them. If so, tell me what you think of the book(s). Or do you want to recommend any reads for me if so feel free to leave a comment.

Georgina x

The 10 minute Pot Holder

Front of my pot holder

 As you can see I have finished my pot holder. It only took me 10 minutes to sew it and press it together. The quilted part took me about 30 minutes to do including cutting all the squares, pinning it together and sewing them. This is my first quilting project and am quite happy with it. The colours are brighter in person (bad picture).  I think I'll be making a retro one since my kitchen is really plain and I like the old retro look. I think I'll also buy a wee hooks so I can make lovely aprons for when I'm cooking and baking. 

Anyway, back to my pot holder. Here is how I made my pot holder:  I cut the size I approximately wanted my pot holder to be with a 1/2" extra all around, two pieces of fabric (front and back), and four pieces of batting or you can do like I did used an old hand towel. I then lay down 2 of my towel cuttings, then right side up one of my fabric, then wrong side up of the other fabric piece and then follow with the remaining two towel cuttings. Next, PIN ... PIN ... PIN and make sure before you start to sewing you check that everything is straight. Now, start sewing all around but be sure to leave an opening because you need to turn it inside out. I left an 3 inch opening. After sewing it all, cut off excess fabric on all the sides and make a diagional at each corner. Now, Press all of your stitches to seal them. Once all of your sides are trimmed and pressed, turn it inside out and take something sharp but not too sharp to go through the fabric so, you can straighten the corners. Press it all again and then pin your open edge downwards (inside the opening) and sew by hand. And press the seams down again. DONE.  Next time, I make one I'll take pictures as I go.

Back of my Pot Holder

If your going to try to make this very simple pot holder it's sooooo easy and perfect for a beginner. Good luck :)

Georgina x

Quilting a Pot Holder

I finally got my sewing machine out and set it up so I could start making a few items unfortunately the fabric that was brought down was some of my scraps that I was saving for learning how to quilt. I thought that's it I'll try making a quilted tea pot holder. I went onto Youtube since I didn't have a quilting book or magazine and came across this quilting lady. I have quilted some pieces together to make a pot holder but I am going to go buy a couple of thick, cheap face cloths for the filling and then will get a piece of fabric for the back and the edging. This would make really nice presents for Christmas. Yes, I'm thinking of the holiday's already. Since, I am going to be a student and probably skint for the next 3 years, it's going to be handmade items for everyone. Plus, I also need to make things for my flat to make it look like a home not a show flat. I will post a few photos of my lovely pot holder (well I hope lovely) when I'm finished it.


I absolutely love quilts and would love to be able to make one for myself and eventually one for my mum, as she's always wanted one. I think quilts give a very homely feel. I know my grandmother always has one in every room and they are sooooo warm.


Are you a fellow quilter or just love quilts? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or even tips on quilting or books on learning how to quilt. Do you think hand quilting is better than quilting with your sewing machine? Let me know your thoughts :)

Georgina x

Labels Labels Labels

This morning, I finally got around to making some fabric labels for my items. They are basic but I didn't want something too fancy that couldn't be read. A lovely lady on Folksy told me to go to Patch Work Pottery's  Blog to get these easy DIY labels. I did manage to con my partner into going to get my sewing machine and some fabric from our flat so, now that I have my sewing machine I can get going on making a few items over the next few days. Once I start making things I'll post them for you.

Okay, I'll update you in my progress of my knitting - I am now at 5", yes only 5" but I have a good excuse: my hands were hurting from my mild arthritis so got to take it easy for a few days. 

I thought I'd also share with you that I have got excepted into an Open University Post Graduate Pyschology degree course which will be starting in October 2010. I am so excited to begin my degree at last.  

Georgina x

It's a beautiful day - the sun is out, the birds are singing and I can't stop smiling

This morning, I was washing dishes and I happened to look out the window and saw this beautiful butterfly sitting on the fence. I haven't seen many of these butterflies in Scotland so, I thought I'd share it with you all. Maybe it's the huge lavender bush in my soon tobe mother in-laws backyard that's attracting the butterflies.

So far today, it's been a typical Saturday of lazing about, watching tv, cleaning up and browsing the web however, it's the first time I've been away from my sewing machine since I got it and I'm missing it loads since I have ideas flying in my head all the time. Usually when I have ideas in my head I go straight to my machine and start sewing them or at least cut the measurements and pinning them together. I'll distract my hands and mind with knitting Neil's socks as I promised him I'd do. 

Picture from yosemite knitting addiction

Speaking of knitting, I have found out that you can knit two socks at the same time. I've looked on Youtube and it shows you how to knit a sock inside another sock and it looks simple however, after doing 5 rounds some of it is mixed into the other sock but I'll keep trying after I finish my most current knitting projects. If anyone knows how to do this please send me some intructions. I found a blog from someone in Toronto that has learned how to do this at an advanced sock knitting class: http://yosemite-knittingaddiction.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-did-month-go.html#links
 Maybe the key is to use two different colours if you want to use this technique - I think I'll try this :)

Well, I'm gonna go knit Neil's toe socks now but I'll post a picture of where I'm at on my next blog (hopefully more than 5").


If you have any ideas or comments about my blog or items; feel free to post them, as I always welcome them with open arms.

 Georgina x

p.s tell your friends and family about my blog and shop on Folksy. The more followers I get, the faster I can to start my giveaway's.

Fall is just around the corner

I got thinking about the next holiday coming which is Halloween, well it's not a holiday but an event. I know everyone loves to throw a nice party for their friends and family so, it has got thinking about making nice Halloween gift bags and I got the cutest fabric in my stash. I'm going to make up a demo and see how it looks first before I post it on my Folksy shop, but I will post it on here first. 

So, I've been thinking of what designs I should put on a few of my newest items  and now that Fall is just around the corner I've been thinking of things that remind you of Fall like the leaves, apple picking, pumpkins, pies, etc...  Fall is great because it's not freezing and not roasting and there is so much wonderful colours to look at - it just makes me smile.

Image from: creative kid stuff

In September, my aim is to make some items with my fabric stash. I am not allowed to buy any more fabric until most of it's gone.

My sewing machine is at my house and I'm housesitting for my future mother in-law until September 12th. So, I'll get cracking on my doing some projects from the 13th.


I will hopefully finish at least one of the two my Neil's manly toe socks that I'm knitting for him during the time that I'm house sitting. Currently, I'm at 4" at the cuff so, got a long way to go. Once the socks are complete and a success I'll put my pattern on here to share.

Image from: tvbookclub.co.uk

Well, to keep myself busy during the day, I am reading Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan (on chapter 12), which I seen featured on the TV Book Club - it's £3.99 on their website, along with loads of other books.

It is about childhood sweethearts that get married against their families' wishes in Ireland. When the husband is injured in the War of Independence, his wife Ellie emigrates to America for a one short year to earn money for the operation her husband needs to allow him to walk again. Will she stay in America after the one year or will she return Ireland?

If you have any ideas or comments don't forget to post them, as I always welcome them.

Georgina x

New to Folksy

Hello everyone, this is my very first post and wondering what to write so I'll start with a small post.

I have recently opened a wee shop on folksy.com. They have beautiful shops with talented people from all around the world. I really love this site and decided to open my own shop with all my wee crafts. If you want to have a look check it out here.

Small Make up bag/Coin Purse

Retro French Lavender Bags

Laura Ashley Aromatherapy  Eye Pillow

These are just a few items from my Folksy shop. Delivery within the UK is Free.

Tell me what you think of my shop,  items, items you'd like to see, etc.... comments and suggestions are greatly welcomed :)

Georgina x