Aren't I the lucky one?

I picked up a very exciting parcel from the Post Office yesterday morning. I had an idea what was waiting for me so I made a speedy dash there after dropping the boys at school (the dogs were walked later on, not sure they understood my prioritising but it made sense to me).



I got the box home, looked at it while I made some coffee, opened the top while I drank my coffee...and then delayed opening it properly until lunchtime. How sad am I?! But I do like a little delayed pleasure and it was well worth it.



I entered Kate's, from Bluebell and Rosie, give-away and was lucky enough to win. And just look at what she sent. A pretty handmade card (with trees, how perfect for me), a homemade candle in a pretty cup, a lovely stash of material (every time I look I spot another great pattern) and an 'inspiration pack' stuffed with all sorts of intriguing things. I'll save the pack for a day when I'm relaxed and have some time to play around. The material will work its way into all sorts of projects and I'll light the candle tonight once the kids are in bed. Oh and there's a lovely pincushion too which will be put to very good use.



In and around my parcel excitement I managed to make a good start on a custom order for four placemats and a pot stand - in a spring-like tulip design. I love the combination of red, blue and green in these fabrics. By the time I'd got each little shape ready I was feeling a little cross-eyed but hopefully, over the next few days, I'll get them all stitched and sewn up.





I packed up a little parcel to send off four poppy lavender bags. I hope they will be enjoyed.



I've been mulling over some linen samples. Needless to say my favourites are amongst the most expensive. I think I'll go for the 'oyster' and 'natural' - I've decided to go with what I think will work best and not try to cut corners by using material I'm less happy with. It'll be used to make up tote bags in an african lady design and also a cat design for little girls.







I like the little cat without features but worry that people will expect it to have some. So, I messed around trying out different embroidered faces but couldn't come up with anything I was happy with (I suspect my skills at hand embroidery may have quite a lot to do with this!). I visited our local bead shop yesterday and bought some amber beads for eyes and smoky grey for the nose. Will try them out and see if they work....but having just laid them out on top of the design to take the picture below (its now a very bashed up and grubby sample thanks to my efforts over the last few days) I'm not convinced....not sure what to do, may have to try embroidery again. I did think about buttons but my local sewing shop couldn't come up with anything remotely possible...I could always be patient and order some online I suppose. I'd love some thoughts on this if you have any preferences - would it work plain or does it need something, and if so what?!



Sorry, that was all very long and rambling. Hope you haven't fallen asleep. If you're still there I hope you have a great weekend.