Owls, tadpoles, dragonflies and Pebbles

It has become a tradition that I make Dottie a new school bag when it's her birthday so 8 months later here's a photo of part of last year's bag with its rather confused owl - inspired by Walter Pigeon (the owl heatpad/cushion I made her a year ago).  The last three bags I made for her can be seen here, here and here.

I haven't photographed all of the bag because I always find it difficult to get decent photographs - basically it is a very large messenger bag with the owl on the front flap.  It is lined in a selection of the fabrics used on the owl and has several zipped and poppered pockets.

I think I was more pleased with the folder that I made her out of a couple of Paperchase tea towels.

It's my own design and I keep finding new ways to improve it - like the in-built pencil case which isn't actually as wonky as it looks in this photo!

Dot uses it every day and it has taken some pretty hard wear and tear as it is usually stuffed with notebooks, planners, reading books, papers, pens and pencils and a million other things - so I'm relieved it's still in one piece.  I just wish there was a better way of photographing it to show you.

In knitting news I have been busy with my Tadpoles ..............

.........and I'm now on to the foot of the second sock but I have also cast on some Dragonflies in this gorgeous wool specially dyed brightest of bright oranges by Barbara at Ring-a-Rosie.

She named the colour Juicy Lucy!

But my most interesting piece of news is that yesterday the Lockets had another fabulous day out at the seaside with the Pebbles - the only thing missing was the sun!  In fact it was absolutely freezing with thick fog and we could barely see the sea! But another brilliant sandcastle complex was built and we all had a lovely time - unfortunately there are no photos because I remembered the camera..........but forgot the memory card!

Hopefully NEXT time we meet up the sun will be shining and the camera will be in action!