The childs pig hat is now ready for sewing up and assessment.  Aunty Biscuits crafting has been slightly curtailed at the moment as she has a small cut in an awkward place on her index finger.  I think this is just a feeble excuse.  Mum meanwhile has been repairing a candle using her encaustic art stuff.  Encaustic art seems to be making patterns on a special paper with hot wax.  The tools seem to vary from something resembling a travel iron to what I thought was a a soldering iron with attachments but apparently is a special one with a special temperature or voltage.  So, given that both of them have pyrography irons, one has an encaustic art iron and the other has a hot foil iron, not to mention the gemsetter that was a present from Aunty Viv, all of which look like a soldering iron, isn't it about time that someone could invent a variable voltage and temperature all in one thing?  

The sugar has now dissolved in the sloe gin so it looks marginally less sinister and has disappeared into the garage.  Mum has been blanket washing, marginally disappointing as they had just reached the correct aroma level.  The humans are having a piece of chocolate sponge each for tea.  We’re not allowed any but have had a dog treat each.  We’re now settling down for an evening snoozing in preparation for a busy weekend

Autumn is on its way.  The leaves are starting to change and will soon be a glorious blaze of colour.  Aunty Biscuit loves this time of year as its all colours and doing things with produce.  I’ve been reviewing my selection of dog coats. Mum says I don’t need any new ones this year but I’m not convinced.  I have however permitted her to take some of my older blankets to the local dog rescue centre.

Granny Biscuit told Aunty Biscuit about threading a particular breakfast cereal onto pipe cleaners for bird food.  It sounds like her and Mum are possibly going to give it a try.  Left to me the birds would be lucky to be given anything as they cheat even more than frogs by flying away if chased. I think they should provide them something more challenging.  I’m pondering on the possibly elastic as then the birds could bungee jump whilst feeding.  Given that Mum now has a piece of wood for drilling purposes maybe she could drill holes in cornflakes instead of using the ones with the holes ready made.  Then again perhaps not, as it would take a lot of time and patience that would be better spent on us.

Last night was spent enjoying the company of my friends Lesley and Jo.  The evening was fairly typical for when we get together and was spent discussing animals and hobbies etc.  This evening was slightly different as Jo has just bought a new house so much of the discussions we around what needed to be done to new house.  These conversations lead onto crafts that can make something nice for the house while occupying your mind for long periods of time.  Personally I have alway sound knitting to be perfect for this as I can do it without thinking, while talking to friends or watching the TV and it keeps my hands busy so I am not tempted to bite my nails.  Unfortunately in this case knitting was not suitable as the project may need to be left at short notice.

Don't you just love spring time.  That first burst of colour to the garden.  The blossom on the trees.  The number of variations of the colour green you can see in the hedgerow.  The world just comes to life again in a sudden flash pushing away the dormancy of winter.  Even for us spring brings new energy and vigour.  Makes you pleased to be alive.  That first glow that comes as you feel the sun on your back pushing away the winter chill.  Suddenly everything changes, the need to prepare for the summer...  to bring out those summer clothes although deep down you know it is still too cold sir a sun dress and sandals...   to spring clean the home and dust off the BBQ...   eating your lunch outside in hat, coat and gloves.

Have you ever noticed the odd things that inspire you. Ideas for colours and textures can come from the most unexpected places, a cup of coffee, cream on the top of a hot chocolate, a fallen leaf, a tree covered in snow.

I have to admit it, my stash of wool is currently a little on the large`side.  From 3 ply to mega chunky, through the colour spectrum of red to violet with white and black,to brushed soft  fluffy, craft cotton and textures in between, most areas are represented.  I don’t however feel that I have too much wool.  Is there such a thing as too much wool?  You never know when you mayneed an emergency ball of turquoise double knitting or need to knock up an ecru dishcloth, at least I know that  should either of these scenarios or many others occur I’m well prepared   

Whilst at a horse trials recently it struck me as to how artistic and creative course designers and builders can be.  Of the sponsored feature fences four in particular stood out.

We went to visit a local small town arts and craft fair recently. It was about the size I love with perhaps about a dozen stalls including a plant stall doing a brisk trade and someone else selling some pictures and household bric a brac. Prices of goods ranged from 50p to over £100