HELLO WINTER

 It was a week for replacing electrical items that I couldn't live without, the dishwasher and my sewing machine. There was a few days of living without the dishwasher, and as a family we decided to do the dishes the old way, the four of us in the kitchen sharing the washing and drying. Disaster! Bickering, broken glasses and general disharmony. Was I glad to see the dishwasher arrive on Sunday? My sewing machine, old and over used decided it was time to rest and so a new one was bought.  An expensive but happy week.

This Weeks Makes

Love this Anorak fox fabric with it's Autumnal colours

A small piece of this cherry fabric made just three dresses. One I pre-sold and the other two sold straight away. Because of the nature of my fabrics I don't know if I'll ever come across it again.

This week the temperature definitely dropped a few degrees and there was no getting away from it Winter was here, (not my favourite season.) Having dropped off Mabel at school I decided to get the ferry back over the river. Sitting on the beach pretty much on my own, I had a very calming reflective moment. The water was like glass, there was a slight mist over the river and there was a tide line of Autumn leaves. Very peaceful.

Still loving making these towelling backed bibs. This little group are all made with vintage fabrics.

These are a mixture of Cath Kidston, Orla Kiely and others

New bags included these red and a white stag print 

Walking to school with Mabel in the morning, with the wind biting our cheeks, the low Winter sun was still rising in the sky. I had one of those WOW! moments. 

This week we tried another of Exeter's new restaurants Turtle Bay 

Loved it, and will definitely be back for more. 

Another new line for My Sister Mabel are these double sided kids aprons. Inspired by a cooking loving Mabel who has been wearing her dads oversized apron, she asked me to make her one of her own, and then I just kept on making.

We ended the week with a stroll along the beach with friends. Ness beach has the added fun of being accessed only through this old smugglers tunnel.

A little Winter rainbow.

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FAMILY TIME

This week we were back at Bristol Childrens Hospital for Mabel's cardiac cath. procedure. It all thankfully went well, and Mabel ended up having her stent expanded by 2mm. We were kept in overnight for observation and discharged in the morning. I always find these stays a draining experience, not only for your own child, but for the children and parents on the ward who are much less fortunate than we are.

Back in time for Bella's 12th birthday. It's been a milestone of a year, with starting secondary school. So proud of her achievements 

We thought we deserved a nice bottle of champagne to celebrate, not

 only Bella's birthday, but Mabel's health.

Would love to know what she's wishing for in this photo.

Love these Anorak fabrics I used this week to make some dresses.

Preparing for Christmas Fairs, I've been using up some of my pieces of fabrics, more drawstring bags 

and some towelling backed bibs

Love the traditional Autumn colours, but also the colours around the river as the sun tries to get through the clouds. What a perfect view to have while having a quick drink before heading home.

I have the only two children I know who don't like Halloween, they've never done trick or treat or wanted to get dressed up. We did get over to Hannahs Seale Hayne for their Pumpkin Trail though.

Spent a day at Bristol Science Museum great interactive museum, with lots to do, we all really enjoyed the day.

And now half terms over it's back to school. Can't believe that the next time they break up is for Christmas! Not forgetting we have Mabel's birthday before that.

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BEES, BIBS & BRISTOL

This weeks makes included these dresses made with cute Honey Bee fabric.

and I've finally got around to getting some new personalised labels made.

Love this Anorak Kissing Squirrels fabric. 

and it's that time again, when Christmas and Christmas Fairs are not too far away. I've been using up some of my mountain of left over fabric pieces, and I've started making some little towelling backed bibs.  Never worked with towelling before....it's ALL over the house!

This week we were up at Bristol Children's Hospital for a pre-admission clinic. Mabel is due for a procedure next week called a cardiac catheter. This will allow them to assess her stent with the outlook of either doing 1. Nothing 2. Expanding it 3. Placing another one inside the existing one. 
As always it's the unknown that we fear.  Mabel, as always is taking it in her stride and sees it as a nice day off school.

Our nearest city Exeter, has just opened a few new chain restaurants and on Friday we sampled the delights of Comptoir Bazaar a new Lebanese, Delicious! 

MY SISTER MABEL

Today I was featured on www.pauletpaula.com an international blog about kids design and lifestyle based in Holland. It was good to get some recognition and I've been asked to feature in their new e-magazine out in February.

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In the long distant past when I was living in Brighton I started making bibs from oilcloth and selling them into shops in and around the area, which is where it all started. I  moved onto other things, but recently came across the pattern in a cupboard so I've made some more.

OILCLOTH MINI MABEL BAGS

I've been using up my hoard of oilcloth pieces and have put together the first two Mini Mabel Bags.  I've made them in two sizes and each one will be completely unique.  I'll be listing them on my website soon...