Some fabric possibilties

 black cat

black cat 2

black cat 3

Tabby Cat Fabrics, appropriate name have many mottled effect fabrics in, blues, blacks and greys which would work well.

This subtle paw could work, but its in the US

So I am no nearer finding a solution so I will end with these I founds that are cool

Found on an old blog post www.blisstree.com.  I now have visions of a big yellow duck quilt!

Like these maybe;

big duck

umbrella duck

Quack, quack!

Fabric Dilemma

I think I need some help here.  I am trying to decide the fabric to go in between my blocks on the quilt.  I thought I had what I wanted, but now I am not sure it works!

Had quilt laid out on floor and taken lots of pictures and still not sure what I like or if any options actually work!!!

My original plan was to go with the blue at the top, red, or cream, they are the ones I have enough fabric for, out of those I think the red works best, but not sure it is right.

The only other that I have enough of, but that was going to be the back is this

Don't think that works either and probably won't for the back.

Next I dug out all the scraps I have and tried to see what might work, but its difficult with only having small pieces and many of them I have no idea where they are from.

I think this darker bright blue works well, it is a piece given to me by a relative so would have to find a similar piece.

This black and white cat is a very tiny scrap I had, I like it, but can't tell if it would work all over, I think it would, but no idea how to find the fabric.

Not sure about this one, it could work.

Again not sure, its nice and bright though.

Plain black works well.

As does this mottled dark grey.

I did not want to spend more on fabric, but the ones that work best I do not have enough of.  The shop I get most of my fabric from is an hours drive away and next time I am in that area I won't have time to fabric shop as well as seeing all the relatives with it being Mother's Day weekend.

Would be interested in comments about what works best or any other suggestions.

Mixed sort of a week and internet finds.

Well the weather has been a very mixed bag with temperatures of 16c on Sunday and people in the park eating ice creams, then on Tuesday it hardly got above freezing! Today its beautiful and sunny and 7c.

I think I have been much like the weather changeable, but sadly not many sunny intervals.  The best day weather wise was my worst and I missed most of it having to stay in bed and look through the window, did get up for half an hour in the park, but it was a huge effort.  Feeling a bit brighter today, but then need to catch up on things I have not been able to do so have worn myself out again, not quite at the totally exhausted point yet, but heading that way.

My craft efforts have been none existent, I started cards last week, but not a single stitch on them since and they are taunting me.  I am trying to think of ideas for Mother's day, but they are both difficult to buy and or make for and my ideas are few.  I need to send Rob to Ikea to get some frames for the button pictures as I have another one to make.  I also need to think of egg decorating ideas for school.

When able I have been looking online as I always do at things I like and would love to be able to make, but most of them will always be just things I like.  I tend to sit looking at things when unable to do much else.

I have seen lots of great gluten free recipes and have been pining like mad on Pinterest they all look so yummy, but there is little time or energy for baking.  We did make Carrot and Banana muffins on Tuesday which are delicious.

My favourite thing this week is a bracelet idea from Beads Direct in several different colours

Orange

Purple

Black

I have most of the elements to make them except for the feature beads and they are £9 plus each, so its an expensive make.  would be ok for a present, but really a make for myself as it would rarely get worn.

A few other likes include

Marbleised eggs

Bunny Handpuppets

Sheep Quilt

Cat Quilt

Pine cone owls

Fork flowers

Cute pegs

Well here was me thinking I have done nothing, I seem to have collected a lot of ideas if nothing else.

World Book Day

Its World Book Day and many schools are asking children to dress as book characters.  Emily saw an Alice in Wonderland costume and wanted to go as Alice.  I would have liked to do something more creative, but she was determined so she has gone off dressed as Alice and armed with some eat me biscuits, a drink me drink and a big key!

Emily's friend has gone dressed as Dandelion which is a new one on me, but its a great costume and well created by her and her mum.  It was good to see many of the teachers dressed up too, Emily's teacher is Christopher Robin, I also saw a Cat in the Hat, Tiger who came to tea and Where's Wally along with some I did not instantly recognise. Its all good fun and a different way of getting the children's interest.  Not sure what I would dress as.  I love Pooh Bear and a bit of face paint and some yellow trousers and  red top would do the trick, I like making props too, a big jar of honey maybe!  

Two years ago when Emily was in reception class she went as the Queen of Hearts, again from Alice.  We made jam tarts then!!

The strange thing is Emily has never actually red Alice in Wonderland or seen any of the films.  I have just bought her a kids version of the book, but it has not arrived yet.  I also very tempted by this collection that I saw on facebook after I bought the other book.  We have so many books though and many of them are unread.

World Book Day have just sent a link to 50 books that will change your life.  I have read a fair few of them.

I have seen a lovely quilt idea today on Bustle and Sew blog 

Craft idea of the day has to be http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2014/03/05/3957423.htm

That's it from me today fatigue and pain is getting the better of me.

Beautiful

Saw these beautiful quilt kits

Blossom

Easter bunny

Butterfly

Heart

They are all so bright and cheerful :)

Just found some of them on Amazon uk and have pinned some more to my Pinterest.

Blogs to share

I am feeling very down and unwell today, so will just take time to post the new blogs I have seen.

Firstly a crafty one Hop Stitch Jump from Catherine who runs a company called Hop Stitch Jump embroiders children's drawings for keepsakes.  I have one of her creations, its great.

Next a couple of ME related blogs from Bendy Beth and Lia Joy.

More crafty ones from a quilting mum and Hazel at craft and clothy, another crafting mum.  Where do they find the time?!

Sleepless in Leeds

It's been a tough day so as is the norm I can't sleep and don't know what to do with myself.

I have been reading, but now think I have read book before!

Was looking at craft magazine earlier, everything is so time consuming and always requires new products. Many of the projects are very fussy and beyond my capabilities, it left me feeling really fed up as I feel so useless

I found some patterns for next lot of cards I need, but did not have energy or time to start them. I have finished three pieces for my waistcoat, but now got sewing up and picking up to do, which I am not good at and I know I'll put it off.  I feel to exhausted to tackle much, but then feel bad for not doing things. I just wish things would stop for a while so I can catch up! I feel like everyone else manages so much and usually do projects alongside working and looking after children, again it makes me feel so useless. At the moment getting out of bed is a huge effort, but life goes on and doesn't wait for us to catch up, or let us take things easier for a while.

I spotted a couple of new blog sites over the weekend, but as I am writing this on m my phone I don't have the links. I'll try to find them again soon.

Is it just me or once Christmas is over is it a rush to book holidays? It feels like if you don't book by February there is something wrong with you. For us holidays are a logistical nightmare and I don't even want to think about it. Yes I want to get away, but it never feels like a holiday. I used to go for a few days respite each year, but even that's not possible now. Only time away from home are manic weekends when we visit family.

Well what to do now. It's a shame I am too tired to do anything, I could get so much done with these sleepless nights. Can't decide if I should carry on with the book or find another one. I am not short of things to read, it's just finding the right sort of thing, again something that does not require too much effort.

I have the joys of a social service review of my care needs in the morning. I always find it hard and worry that they won't appreciate my needs and take things away from me. Especially in the current climate of cutbacks and I know there are people with much greater needs than me.

As often happens this post has very little to do with crafting. As ever I have many ideas and intentions, but little time or energy to give to them.  I have to put other things first.