Trying to get back to 'normal'

Firstly I wanted to say thanks so much to you all for your comments asking if everything was all right. In actual fact things haven't been all right but it really did help to get such lovely messages.

Fresh and Funky Bee blocks for Karen

There's no easy way to explain so I guess I'll just have to launch straight in - our baby has died. I had a 16 week midwife check a fortnight ago and she couldn't find a heartbeat. Having been so lucky to already have three children I knew that there wasn't really any hope that the scan would show any difference and a couple of, horrendous, days later our wee baby was delivered and we said our goodbyes.

Quick Christmas Bee blocks for Jo

We are managing quite well considering and largely, I'm sure, because we are lucky enough to have three wonderful children. This new little life obviously wasn't meant to be. I know from my own experience, and from so many other people, that it is common to lose a baby within the first 12 weeks or so but I have to say that I never really expected this - otherwise I think I would have kept quiet about the pregnancy.

So, we are getting back to a semblance of normality. I think the children are fine now and I know that John and I will be too. It will just take time and even with that we won't forget.



In the last couple of days I have started sewing again and that has been very therapeutic (along with this morning's ambling stumble that was masquerading as a run) despite the number of mistakes I have made.....my concentration levels, never that good anyway, are leaving a lot to be desired.



First up is a commission baby blanket for a little girl. Appliqued with her initials 'PH' - the request was for something pink but bright and I think it meets both fairly well! I like the 'crisp' feel it has even tho' it isn't really as it has lovely snuggly Cloud9 organic flannel on the back.



And second is, again, a baby blanket. I blogged about this one here and am ridiculously pleased with how it has turned out. I don't think my photos do it justice unfortunately. I decided to quilt the centre with a star pattern and the border with two sets of parallel lines. It gives a nice effect to the otherwise plain back. It will be off to Colorado as soon as it has had another wash....Charlie cat decided to walk muddy wet feet over it while I had it laid out to admire.



I plan to make a boy's version of the blanket just as soon as I place, yet another, order with Saints and Pinners. I think that and a second girly one will go onto folksy in due course.



And finally I have been very brave and popped into three local shops to ask if they would stock some of the things I make. The first said no without looking at what I had. Fair enough as they have been selling hand-sewn goodies from the same person for the last 13 years. In the second the owner wasn't in. And the third, which I was most nervous about as I love their stuff, were quite interested and took down details, prices etc and may get back to me once the other partner has been consulted. Maybe this is just a polite way of fobbing me off but I left feeling cheery as she genuinely seemed interested.



I am determined to try and make a better effort at selling things and will be putting a few more items onto folksy in the next few weeks. Does anyone know anything about 'not on the high street' or 'etsy'?