Remember I splashed out and treated myself to some rather special fabrics? Well they all arrived and are even more beautiful in the flesh. I've had them strategically positioned in my studio so I catch a little glimpse as I pass by. Naturally I was tempted to dive straight in but, no, I've been good.

Until last night. We had the confirmation that the work is going to start on the house on Monday and even though they envisage it all taking about 8 weeks, I obviously needed to make sure that the cushions would be ready in time. Obviously.

I picked out one of Pippijoe's and decided they went really well with the Ink & Spindle ones I'd bought from M is for Make. Maybe it's something to do with them both being our Antipodean friends. What's more they work so beautifully with the Orla wallpaper that I had chosen.

I knew it was a bit of a gamble as things never look quite the same in the flesh as they do on the screen and they weren't cheap...worth every penny, might I just add, but alot if it wasn't right. But I am chuffed to bits with how the feel of this room is coming together. I'm just going to have to wait a while before it resembles my mood board, however.

I guess that gives me time to make a few more then.

Thank you all for your lovely comments about the quilts and also advice on batting/wadding. It seems like you are all in agreement and I shall go order some of the cotton/wool...even tho I bought 5m of the other stuff. I'm sure it will come in handy for something!

I've been busy this week doing the first of 6 embroideries I need to do for a Flickr Swap. See more about what everyone is doing here...

My first one is for Dena whose brief is woodland and woodland animals.

I think it fits the brief and hopefully she'll love it. The aim is that we decide on a theme and then send fabrics to each member of our group. I thought I'd incorporate a 'living room' theme into mine and plan to use it for cushions/quilt for our soon to be redecorated room. Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for me!

As some of you know, on my lists of things to have a go at this year is quilting. And as per usual my actions are somewhat driven by an external drive.

Some very good friends have just had twin boys. This wonderful occasion was the driving force behind the start of my quilting journey.

I decided to go for a simple design to start with. Partly because I am a complete novice and partly because we are going to visit them for the first time tomorrow and I wanted to be able to take the quilts with us.

Whilst I'm very pleased with the way the fabrics have come together, I am less pleased with the feel of them. I probably should have asked you experts out there before this what you use as batting. Both Manda and Kristy suggested a wool batting.

I however didn't use a wool batting and not only that used a too heavy weight one. The result is that the quilts are a bit stiff. They haven't got the snuggle factor that I was hoping they would. I think I might have to suggest they are used as changing mats or playmats.

So what type of batting do you use ? If you use something that makes a soft and snugglable quilt I'd love to know. Particularly if you are in the UK, but would love to hear your suggestions anyway.

I'm delighted to have started my quilting journey and I'm certainly not put off. I have loads of plans, including the rather large one I have in mind for Ruby's bed and for our new lounge. but I definitely need to purchase some superior wadding before I do.

Today has been a very busy one. I've been down in London for a couple of days down at Top Drawer, which was fab. Wonderful to meet up with lots of peeps and also very inspired to give it a go myself very soon. Because of being away for a couple of days, I now had a lot to cram into the remainder of the week.

The biggest thing is getting my tax done. That working-to-deadlines mentality that I seem to frustratingly live by, has kicked in. If I don't want to throw away £100 just because I can't get myself into gear, then it's now or never.

So I spent today processing all the figures and getting ready to input all the data. Actually it really didn't take very long. Which is why I had plenty of time to finish off an order for a stockist. The Cambridge Gallery had ordered, amongst other things, heart cushions. So with tax almost completed (I still have 10 days, for goodness sake, a little more procrastination of the finishing touches is needed), I set out to finish off these.

So now looking back on the day I am feeling good. A big admin project almost completed, an order parcelled up and ready to go...and a big glass of wine to celebrate! And it's still not quite 8pm. I've got a feeling that a bit more might yet still be achieved...

Notice anything different?

Need a closer look?

He hey, look what arrived for me?!

Now isn't that a sign of beauty?

Remember when I put out a rather pathetic plea for one of these tins that I couldn't possibly live without? Well the wonderful Ann answered my plea and in no time at all this truly delicious tin has made it's way from a Finnish supermarket into my kitchen. Doesn't it look right at home?

What's more, Ann sent me a set of postcards depicting her fab fabric designs. Go check out her website and if like me, you don't understand a word of Finnish, you'll enjoy looking at all her stunning photos.

(Thank you all for your well-wishes. I am feeling great at the moment, but warily lift my head from the pillow each morning wondering what awaits)

I don't know if it looks any different than it has done to every morning we have woken up to for the last 4 weeks. (4 weeks? really?) Or whether it's because the room wasn't spinning when I lifted my head off the pillow. (I've been suffering from labrynthitis and feeling very grotty).

But when I drew back the curtains this morning it all looked so magical.

And I feel great! It's going to be a good day...if I ever get these children to school that is...another delayed start for snow and ice!

Have a magical wonderful day whatever you are doing today x

There was a discussion going on in Twitterland today about whether we are turning into mini factories all over the country. I was busily producing my new Message Hanging Hearts and tweeted the fact that I had a bit of a factory going on and was this a good thing.

The hearts have several stages...the printing and cutting out of the message labels...the cutting out of the hearts...the pinning in place...the stage one sewing of the label followed swiftly by sewing round the heart...stuffing the aforementioned heart with wadding and dried lavender...and finally, sewing the opening.

It was generally decided that if you like the processes and find them therapeutic, then what does it matter anyway. And how rewarding is it to see the pile grow and have physical signs of hard work at the end of the day. How often does that happen? Unless of course you are going to include the piles of washing and dirty dishes!

So, as the lovely Jane of Snapdragon Garden put it...as long as it's a happy factory all is good!