Saturday 3 May 2008

Another doll, more digging and mad cows

I finished another doll yesterday in time for a Christening tomorrow - using the Rosalie Quinlan pattern My Dolly and the baby's own clothes for the dress. The outfit I was given was only newborn size so I just managed to squeeze enough fabric out of it and amazingly, the sleeves on the dress were taken directly from the original garment without being reduced in diameter which goes to show how small it was.

The sense of relief when it was finished was amazing - I have so many deadlines and commitments at the moment that I am feeling quite stressed, but yesterday I decided to play truant and run away to the allotment with one of my friends - it was so much fun to be there when I knew I should be doing so many other things!

It was the first day this year that I have connected up the hose for watering and I really enjoyed standing in the sunshine watching the water spray catch the light (I really did enjoy myself yesterday! Simple things please simple minds)

I'm sorry I keep showing you very boring photos of the allotment but this is the time when I am using my blog as a diary/record - these uneventful shots are a really good way for me to see what progress (if any) I am making on what can seem like a never-ending task.

Take this picture for instance.

See that long bed on the right of the photo? The one chocka-block full of weeds? Well that was yesterday......................

and this is today
(the long bed towards the top of the photo)

And for real excitement, look at my new "decking area"!!!!

How posh am I???

But I will leave you today with a charming picture of a very mad cow..............

on a place-mat illustrated by a local artist called Sue Moffit

It is a lovely picture, but I don't know if she is trying to be funny or something.........................

I mean, look at the name (bottom, left-hand side.............)

Made larger (and turned round) for the lazier more visually challenged among you



What is she trying to say??????????


Ok, don't answer that one!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

Lucy xxx

30 comments:

Jennie said...

I'm glad you made the name larger, it's not that I am lazy or visually challenged, just tired (that is my excuse and I am sticking to it!!)
I love the pictures of your allotment. I hope to own one, one day and then I shall come to you with lots of questions, so I hope you are keeping a note of all the tips and hints you are picking up along the way.
Your other doll is gorgeous too!

Leanne said...

You should feel very honoured you have become so famous they are naming cows after you.LOL. I'm with you on the watering I love it well use to due to water restrictions we can't do it any more.

quiltdude said...

The Christening dolls is lovely, that's another thing ticked off your list.
I think a day at the allotment is just what you needed and I'm pleased you feel better for having done it.
A mad cow called Locket? can't see a connection there at all.....?!?

Little House By The Sea said...

Glad you had fun at the allotment, they are hard work but worth it in the end.
I like the picture of the cow and the doll is beautiful.
Sarah x

Sal said...

I think the decking is 'top class' You now need a couple of deckchairs, in which to relax now and again ;-)
Oh and the doll is gorgeous! Sal;-)

Jodie said...

So, when you invite me over for a drink on the deck........

Simone said...

The doll is lovely. I am enjoying the allotment pictures. I used to have an allotment many moons ago and miss going up there to pick the veg for my sunday dinner. I love the expression on the cow's face! Mooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

Blossom said...

Your doll turned out just lovely...well done!!!

your decking is VERY posh!!!WOOHOOO!!!!

Jenny said...

Your allotment looks well loved and that decking!Cool! Your doll is lovely and I love the cow placemat-hope you came up for air this weekend as I know you are so busy!

trash said...

We love your allotmenteering Locket - gives those of us with Kitty's L.S.D. something to enjoy while our own gardens fall to rack and ruin.

Unknown said...

what a cheeky Moo...oh, that wasn't funny, was it?

Your new decking looks marvellous - move over Alan Titchmarsh ;)
And that doll is fab, what a great christening present.

JuicyFig said...

The doll is lovely! I love the idea of using fabric from the 'customer' so to speak. And the alotment is coming along nicely, I know the pain and sweat that goes into digging them over - but every bit is worth it when you are aeting your own veg!

kath
x

French Knots said...

What snazzy decking! Just right for sitting and watching the veggies grow!
Another wonderful doll and what a lovely idea for a christening present.

Eileen said...

I could feel that waterhose just washing away all the stress. :) Glad you had a relaxing day.
Your blog really makes me smile out loud.

Barbara/Ring-a-Rosie said...

You know what happens when you start watering the garden don't you? That right - it rains. So it's all your fault Mrs. Locket...hope you're having a great weekend .. Barbara x
P.S. Love the Christening Dolly.

Kaz said...

I am saying nothing!!!

Well done on the digging, rather you than me!

Oh and I love that doll, fab.

Gina said...

Love seeing pictures of your allotment! Doll is fabulous... and as for that cow... well, she's quite beautiful and how lovely to be named after you!

Mrs Moog said...

Oh my word...it's a cow! I thought it was a self-portrait signed by yourself :)

I was feeling rather proud of my onions until I saw your beauties (story of my life if you know what I mean!).

The 'plot' is looking fab missus - maybe I'll see it in the flesh one day and get to drink Pimms on your gorgeous deck!!!

Grand job on the Christening doll - bit of a bonus not having to adjust the sleeves, eh?! I think it's a really beautiful gift that the little girl will treasure for life.

Have just arrived back down south after a day in the freezing North (Birmingham!!). Have decided I like it down here and I have become a southern softie :)

xxxx

p.s. don't really think you look like or act like a cow....................much.........oh c'mon..laugh....I'm joking....a bit...

Unknown said...

I think the cow is lovely - not mad at all ... slightly overly inquisitive perhaps ;-)

est said...

cute doll!!! and i like to see your allotments! with price hiked everyday.. i would like to grow my own food too!lol

Anonymous said...

What a lovely idea to re-use babyclothes for the dolls!!
I myself have 100.000 things to finish too, I don't even have time to read any blogs nor write my own blog..

Charlie P said...

Heh heh, locket the cow :) You certainly seem to be whizzing through that to-do list and squeezingin quality allotment time too. Very impressive!

syko kajsa said...

LOL with the cow :) I love seeing the shots of your allotment, makes me long for a garden. Which I always do this time of year. The doll is very cute, it's amazing how small the first baby clothes are. And the babies.

julia said...

I can visualise you sitting on that decking, sipping champagne, keeping an eye of the progress of the veg. Love the allotment pictures, not at all boring, it's great to see the before and after pics. All we can manage is some carrots and broad beans in pots.
Julia x

Thimbleanna said...

I love allotment photos Lucy, so keep them coming! Gosh you've been busy during my little blog reading break. Your dolls are just adorable as usual. And your quilt wall is going to be spectacular!

Ayama-chan said...

okay delurking...

pppllleeeaaassseee do not stop the allotment photos/posts!!! i live in an apartment with no balcony in singapore (so no chance of a plot of dirt somewhere either). i am loving your amazing veggie patch and enjoy watching it grow. the pond was a fab idea as well!! :D

the doll is sweet and love the progress on your mini-quilt wall. would love to contribute to you would like....

rachelmp said...

I'm glad you had the chance to run away for awhile Lucy and got one ticked off the list. Ummm, I'm just drawing up your mini quilt...

Annie said...

I love the allotment photos - Do you get the whole paddock space to yourself or do you have to share. It is a foreign concept to me here in Oz - they do have community gardens in the city, but I have always had my own garden. Lucky you to be able to use that hose. I miss that passtime SOOOOOOooooo much. We are on VERY tight water restrictions.

Anonymous said...

Love the new doll and what a cute idea to modify some bubba clothes for her to wear - just gorgoes and I am sure it will be really well recieved! And what fun in the garden, makes me feel guilty for my lack of touching our 1/4 acre block here that is right at our front and back door!

Jane said...

Your allotment looks wonderful, and its lovely to see the seasons work. Your christening doll is beautiful. Well done. Jane x