Thursday is Bomb Day

Bomb Day
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I haven't been too fazed by using public transport since the attacks. but just when I'm not expecting it I'll have a little frission of nerves. This morning it was the young guy with a large black bag sitting on the seat in front of him. We were the only two people on the top level and every time he reached over to his bag I had to stop myself running down the stairs. Mostly there are just bored, tired looking commuters reading their Evening Standards and not causing any alarm (or even alertness) at all.

Today its a bit hard to pretend things are normal though as every tube and train station has a contingent of police at all the entrances. All looking very alert.
I'm just hoping they don't get overly alarmed again like last week.

On a lighter note, last weekend we went to visit friends and see their new house in a small village north of London. We have a lovely evening sitting in the garden, having a barbie and eating their freshly grown veggies, straight from their allotment. Beth has been growing up a storm. It started to rain but that didn't stop us. It is England ...and it was quite warm still...and the rain wasn't all that heavy. And it is summer.

We got away on Saturday morning after we finally got Mum, Dad, K & P and 6 weeks of luggage (mostly booze) packed into the car and off on their canal boat + Ireland road trip. The family arrived at my place on Friday night + travelling David + Smithy. We were in full swing of a minor party celebrating K & P finishing up at work and I was on my own personal mission to drink as much of their stock of French wine before they could pack it, when my part time week day lodger (& colleague) walked in unexpectedly. He looked a bit surprised (I think he thinks I just sit on the sofa, knit and watch big brother), but not as much as me who had already mentally given his bedroom away to several visitors! Lucky for everyone that he didn't arrive a few hours later.

Make-up Pouch

Make-up Bag detail
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

It might not look it from recent entries but i have managed a bit of crafty stuff lately.

This post is for Mary who sent me this fabric in a swap.

I wanted a gift for Steve's mum Lynn who was heading off from the UK for the next leg of her round the world trip to Canada. Inspired by all the crafty people around the place I thought I'd make something. And I had the pefect fabric as I knew Lynn likes these jewel colours. Its a very simple design but I like the way it turned out. The purple fabric on the right is the lining and the blue fabric on the left is the back.

And the prop is the cool bamboo thingy that Bella Dia gave me as part of back-tack - its so handy!

And although there have been more "incidents" (nice euphemism from the authorities here) and the tube is closed completely WE ARE NOT AFRAID!! And I'm fine.

Rhine river and Castles

Rhine river and Castles
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

We had a fabulous weekend in Frankfurt with Mum and Dad and Steve….when we eventually got there.

I know I have moaned about late Friday night flights before but this was really verging on Monty Python status.

I came out of work to find my tube station closed and the street cordoned off with a policeman on a loudspeaker saying “Move away from the tube station. You may be in danger”. All a bit unnerving but I jumped on the first bus, then a quick hop from Green Park and made it to Victoria to meet up with the folks. We got the oven from hell (aka tube) out to Heathrow and had a refreshing beverage to perk us up.

Things were looking good until we got to the gate to see the flight had been delayed for 45 mins til 9. We passed the time with another beverage and boarded about 9. The captain apologised for the delay due to having to replace the break pads. After a bit more sitting around he updated us that they were having trouble shutting the back door and engineers were called out again. It seemed we were on our way but then the indicator light still showed the door was open but it was actually jammed shut. Engineers came out again and we were finally backing away from the gates about an hour later. Hurrah.

But before we got to the runway another pesky light was showing problems with an air filter. The engineers paid us another visit. Took out the offending air filter, chopped it half (the captain was full of the gory details at every stage) and put in a new one. This process took another hour and everyone was standing around chatting in the aisles. All that was missing was waiters circulating with champagne and canapés and it could have been quite a good party. So we ended up leaving 3 ¼ hours late – but the pilot at least had the decency to do the usual 1 ½ flight in 45 minutes!

But it was worth the trip as we had a great day on Saturday zipping around the Rhinegau wine region in a convertible VW Smithy hired for the day. It was sunny and hot – perfect Reisling drinking weather. We had lunch at one of the old wineries, Schloss Volrads and then drove along the Rhine river looking at the impressive castles on the banks.

The day was topped off with dinner at our favourite restaurant in Frankfurt – Gallo Nero. Italian of course! The type of place where the chefs shop every morning at the local market for the freshest fish and the waiters recommend interesting specials, recommend great wine to match and try to dissuade you from ordering something if they consider there’s a better less expensive alternative.

Mum and Dad in the VW

Mum and Dad in the VW
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

London: Two Minutes Silence

London Bombing Two Minutes Silence
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I took this photo yesterday at Trafalgar Square. Shortly afterwards the 2 minutes silence for the bombing victims was held and all trafic came to a standstill.

I have had moments of nervousness on the tube this week and like many others have been eyeing up my fellow travellers and their back packs a bit more than usual. The news that the suicide bombers were identified was frightening, somewhat of a relief, sad and angering.

I have been reading this incredible diary of a woman who was in one of the bombed carriages on the BBC site and have been thinking how lucky I am.

London: Borough Market

Lucious Fruit at Borough Market
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Even with the terrible bombings last week I’m still glad to be living in London. When I catch a bus across the Bridge to Waterloo and look along the river at the beautiful Westminster Buildings and London Eye and St Paul’s I sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure its real and not just a movie set.

There is always something to do here and usually too much to chose from. Last weekend on Suze’s last day here we went to check out the Borough markets at Bermondsy near London Bridge. The organic food available is amazing – I bought some huge juicy peaches for £1.50 and some chocolate brownie for balance. There are also lots of great cafes and pubs on the fringes of the market. I’ll definitely be going back.

Juicy Peaches

Juicy Peaches
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

London

Thank you to everyone who has called, sms’d, emailed and left messages here with good wishes.

I got home okay (eventually) last night via several overland trains and was lucky to be on the right side of the city, only having to walk across the bridge to Waterloo. And everyone I know here is okay too which is a relief.

I came into work a bit later this morning on my regular train and tube. My heart was racing a bit on the tube but it’s very quiet and people are calm and quite sombre. Obviously a lot of people have stayed at home but there are still many people who have come into work as usual. My thoughts and sympathy are with the victims and their families.

London Tube Explosions

I feel like I have an echo in my head - I was walking through Victoria this morning looking at the Olympic news plastered across the front of newspapers thinking “Why on earth would they want it?…what a security nightmare”.

Ten minutes later everyone was evacuated from Westminster tube where we had stopped on the Circle line. I was impressed with the calmness of the crowd as hundreds of people left the station, some even lingering behind as seasoned commuters know, things could be back on track again any moment. Unfortunately this time it is more serious than the usual signal failure/ lack of driver. I walked along the Embankment to the office with police and ambulance vehicles racing past to the east side of the city.

News is trickling through about more explosions and we have been advised to stay inside our buildings.

Luckiest Girl in the World!

Just when I thought my week was made by my secret pal parcel, I received my back tack goodies in the mail yesterday and…WOW!! Cassie from Bella Dia has sent the most gorgeous, creative sewing basket and needle case. The patterns on the fabric and details are just amazing. After staring at it for ages I still can’t work out how she’s actually done it. Thank you Cassie I absolutely love it.

She has also thoughtfully added some quilting fabric, gorgeous vintage buttons, a nifty little bamboo corner thingy and Reeses choccies YUM! And she also has special Bella Dia notepaper…very cool.

I haven’t had a chance to put up any photos but you can see them on Bella Dia here (scroll down a bit).

I’m adding my two generous and creative back-tack buddies to my links, Cassie at Bella Dia and Kath at Red Current – they do some wonderful craft and art – check them out.

And thanks to Nicole at Craftapalooza for organising back-tack….and for introducing me to a whole lot of crafty blogs I now have to compulsively check regularly.

Back-Tack Away

Back-Tack Notions Holder
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Here is my final back-tack contribution which I finally sent off on the weekend, reviving feelings of handing in late assignments! But am pretty happy with the result - lots of handsewing detail - but not half as much as the original crazy pattern from Quilts Japan.

The outside is fairly plain with a little ric-rac detail and I embroidered the recipient's web name on the back. But will keep that as a suprise until it arrives.

Inside has little pouches for scissors, pencil and needle threader and a flower-pot pin cushion.

I used most of the stash from Kath and made a little drawstring bag with leftover fabric - its lined with the red spots.

Spoilt

Secret Pal
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I came into the office this morning after being at a client's for weeks to find a parcel from my lovely Secret Pal. What a fabulous suprise - she sent me an unreal book of finishing techniques - simple enough for Miss 'What are Circular Needles?'Stewart and will be handy for translating unfathomable instuctions like K2tog, SSK and P2tog. Then there is the pretty pink wool (did I mention I love pink at the moment?!!) thoughtfully wound into a centre pull ball for me, some groovy stich markers in a cute tin and H for Helen postits (in PINK!! heh heh).

Thanks SP you have made my week.

PS Apologies for the bad photo with the attractive grey office carpet background...but I couldn't wait to post this.

visitors

Ok so its now officially “Year of the Visitors”. I feel very lucky to have had so many friends and family around but am harbouring a secret fear that now people have made the excessively long trip from Aus that they won’t be in a hurry to turn around and do it again for several years. Maybe the visits should have been rationed…

After a couple of years of general stuffing around I am now reaping the best reward of having a permanent job – paid holidays! Last week we went up to Smithy’s cottage for a relaxing holiday – with our combined families. Had brief moments of questioning our sanity but great weather and daily BBQs meant things stayed pretty chilled.

The holiday was vaguely timed to coincide with my birthday. Smithy had been winding me up for months about “the best birthday surprise in the world”. When he arrived at the cottage on Monday I obediently closed my eyes and waited patiently. I opened them to find my surprise standing in front of me looking a bit jetlagged. He had collected Suze from Manchester on the way through! After a bit of girly squealing I discovered that they had cooked the plan up months ago and I had two whole weeks of ridiculous conversations and taking the piss out of reality TV participants to look forward to.

Back in London this week we had a family outing to see the new Billy Elliot musical which lived up to the movie amazingly well. It was collectively pronounced one of the best musicals ever. Very funny, great music and the boy that played Billy was amazing for a young kid – he was practically on stage the whole time with some pretty energetic tap dancing routines.

I can’t believe that the two weeks are almost over. I’m skiving off work tomorrow to hang with Sue before she heads back on Saturday. To remedy the depression that is sure to follow I’m busy planning a trip home at Christmas.

Swaparama

Oranges!
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

How to create an instant fabric collection? Find an amazingly generous quilter with an eye for colour and a taste for english tea! Thanks Mary - I love the fabric you sent. And some of my favourites out of the whole collection (and there were a lot!) were the orange ones. So I guess my comment in the secret pal questions that I don't really like orange is a big lie.

Fab cartoon
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I'm now thinking about what to make! Some will go into a quilt of some desription but I have my eye on a couple that I think would be great featured on a bag like this cartoon print.

Although there are probably a couple of other projects I should finish first.

This weekend is going to be dedicated to making the notions holder for back-tack. I came up with some ideas last night - inspired by a really cute notions holder in the latest Quilt Japan. How timely. I wonder how many others will have the same idea. The fabric I was sent lends itself perfectly.

I'm also going to go to "a market for buttons and bows - buy vintage glass buttons, toys and more at the VV Rouleaux playground market" according to a blurb in the paper. Sounds enticing. Handily close to Kings Road...there might be a few other shops to pop into while I'm there :)

Browntastic

Brown Suit Exhibit A
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I know I mentioned it last summer but in Frankfurt on the weekend I was once again amazed by the absolute enthusiasm Germans or at least Franfurters have for Brown Suits. Men are by far the worst offenders but the girls aren't left out by any means.

Brown suits are carefully matched with Brown toned Ties and Brown Shoes. Variations on the them include Beige and Yellow.

My question is WHY?

Brown Suit Exhibit A

Brown Suit Exhibit B

Brown Suit Exhibit B
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Brown Toned Casual

Brown Toned Casual
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Everybody's doing it..

Secret Pal 5 that is!! Over 600 participants from all over the world in another swap thingie for knitters. I couln't resist - presents in the mail - who wouldn't want that?!! Hence the recent knitting revival in part.

I think I will be very easy to have as a partner - I have absolutely nothing in the way of a yarn stash and two sets of needles 3mm and 3 1/4mm !! So lots and lots of scope there. On the other hand there isn't much knitting info for my partner to pick up on from my blog so here is the questionnaire to give whoever my secret pal out there is a few more clues...

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I wouldn't say a snob but probably am - I definitely prefer natural - wool and cotton.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
No - although I did once crotchet some sqares for a blanket.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No
4. How long have you been knitting?
About a week! Okay a little exaggerated but not much. I once made a scarf many years ago and have just had the urge to take it up again. I am yet to decrease or increase. I think I started a jumper once but handed it over to Mum when it got to the shaping part. Am hoping to have more perseverance now.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Not at the moment
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Lavendar, lemongrass, bergamot, mint
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
oooh yes. anything chocolate doesn't have a chance around me especially cadbury's and reese peanut butter cups. Oh and of course Tim Tams.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
At the moment am into quilting. I used to do alot of sewing, making dolls and toys - all sorts of stuff but have only got back into it recently.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all sorts and I don't always know how to categorise the music I like so here are a few examples...Black Eyed Peas, Kylie, Nina Simone, Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, am currently loving Gwen Stafini's new album, Counting Crows, Coldplay, Cowboy Junkies, Buddah Bar,
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
Any colors you just can't stand?Blue is my old fave but currently am into pink (regressing to six years old) and red. I like soft and bright colours. Not so much into the yellows and oranges or purple either mostly.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Living with my boyfriend when we manage to find ourselves in the same country, currently in a flat in London so not good for pets but would looove a dog one day (either Border Collie or a Lab or a 'Morran'). Maybe even a cat. And a horse. And chooks. Okay now thats going a bit far.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Goodness too many to say. Just to enjoy life really.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Don't really have a fave as yet.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
synthetic I don't really like
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Just to finish my first and current project
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Yep that's it at the moment. But I'd like to work up to socks.
17. What are you knitting right now?
a baby cardigan- following a Debbie Bliss pattern
18. What do you think about ponchos?
Cute on little girls.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Only straight so far. Am a circular virgin.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I think plastic - as per above haven't branched out much.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Maybe one day - would like to give it a go.
22. How did you learn to knit?
Mum taught me and have been looking at new book to refresh
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
A jumper (sweater) - well it did get finished eventually... by Mum.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Not so into the animation but like Japanese stuff
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Adventure - safari in africa, temples in cambodia. And beaches. And mountains. Or for holiday seasons (probably what this question meant?) - Christmas for getting together with family and hot sun and seafood (in Aus obviously not London!)
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Used to be a huge collector of pretty much anything but since travelling have learnt to not get started. But still accumulate books, magazines and craft stuff despite best intentions.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None - have just subscribed to Quilts Japan
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
I read all the time and I read pretty much anything so am always looking for something good.

...Hay continued

Linen tablecloth
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Anyway back to the shopping story. I had quite an exciting find. I popped into the Oxfam store (looking for jumpers to shrink) and was amazed to find an extensive display of vintage embroidered linen. It was in all perfect condition and beautifully laundered and starched. A gorgeous hand embroidered tablecloth for the price of a sandwich!! I couln't decide between the pieces so ended up with most of them.

When I asked the lady at the counter about where they were from, she said that one of the lady's that sorts the linen puts aside some of the better pieces she comes across throughout the year. Then once a year she launders them all and puts them all out on display. And that one day was the day I was there! How lucky. She said that word had got out and when they opened that morning there was a queue at the door. i can only imagine what they had at the beginning of the day.

here are some pictures - not the best lighting i'm afraid.