Oh! You Pretty Things

I've just got back from a few days in Birmingham, staying with a friend I'd lost touch with over 30 years ago, and, thanks to the magic of t'internet, managed to re-connect with last summer.

We had a great time (although with considerably less alcohol than we would have done 30 years ago).

We did lots of walking, eating, chatting, and, with total disregard of my NY resolution to reduce my fabric stash - fabric shopping!

I dragged poor Sherri (a non-stitcher) to the Fancy Silk Store, then to Barry's Fabric Superstore, round and round the Rag Market, before heading back to Barry's again.  Well, you have to check out everywhere before you make a decision.

And it really was a Fabric superstore ...

So difficult to choose - but in the end I restricted myself to four fabrics - a metre each of two neoprenes in a black and white gingham-type check, and a neon-floral on navy, plus two metres each of purple Ponte Roma, and a black embossed jersey.  

The embroidered and bead trims were from a VAST selection of trimmings and haberdashery at the Rag Market.

I have definite plans for all four pieces, and have cut out the black and white check already for another Makers Atelier shell top. Watch this space.

Whilst I'm on the subject of pretty things, and as I haven't posted a photo of gorgeous Gracie yet this year, here she is wearing one of the dresses I made her for Christmas.

It's Guess How Much I Love You fabric from the Creative Sanctuary - and I bought her the book of the same name for Christmas too.  (I think I'd like dresses to go with my books - is that a thing?)

And as a final pretty thing - how about this beautiful Love Heart cookie ...

I've included the 10p coin in the photo so you can see just how big this cookie is - if you're going to have one, have a big one. It was made by my friend Gina in her alter-ego of Apricot and Fig, her new baking business.

We met up for knitting today and she brought one each for us.  They look lovely and if anyone is thinking of sending me a Valentines card (as if!) I'd like one of these instead please.

Actually, I think it would make a brilliant alternative to internet dating. You could carry half a dozen of these about with you with your phone number on the back, and hand them out to would-be suitors.

Just saying.

Oh! You Pretty Things - David Bowie