The Hen Coop

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

2011-10-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Certainly over here at the hen coop it is.
I have an order for over 40 items from a lovely lady down under. Obviously I needed to make a start on those.
But you know me, dear blog, can't resist a good pattern.
My good friend Sandy of http://www.ravelry.com/stores/phoenixknits needed someone to test her latest pattern.

A family photo. The family is growing, I need to take more pics lol

My very own design. pattern available http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frosty-the-frostee-snowman

Another Phoney pattern

A flurry of snowmen

Too many mincepies I think for this jolly fella.

Sandy's test knit..aren't they gorgeous

It gets very chilly standing out here in the cold.

Sock it to "em

We're gnomely having fun.

This is how I've spent the last couple of weeks, dear blog, I hope you approve of my little selection of goodies.
Feel free to check out www.nimbleneedles.org.uk where I have more goodies on offer. REMEMBER ALL proceeds support Rich's memorial fund. https://sunflower.tributefunds.com/fund/Richard+Meese/

Gruffalo story bag

2011-10-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

As promised, here it is.

It even has a neat pocket for storing tissues, or sweets.

The book wont be included in the price, I dont think our local library would approve.

Gruffalo whats a gruffalo?

2011-10-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Gruffalo

(Written by Julia Donaldson)

He has terrible tusks,

and terrible toes,

and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws

He has nobbly knees

and turn-out toes

and a poisonous wart at the end of this nose

His eyes are orange,

his tongue is black,

he has purple prickles all over his back

I made the large Gruffalo following a Phoeny pattern,then I decided I needed to make the other characters in the book, so I've designed them to be finger puppets.

I am currently getting the patterns tested, (ooh listen to me lol) then I shall be offering my woodland friends patterns for sale.

Of course if you can't knit and would like a completed set, then let me know. £25 inc postage.

The little Gruffalo could be used as the gruffalo child.

I also intend to make a storybag for them all to be tidied away in, this will also be included in the price.
Buy them the book for Christmas , imagine the fun you will have: sharing the story and acting it out with these delightful finger puppets.

Are you a cardmaker?? You are??? READ ON!!

2011-09-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

As you already know I make my crafts to sell and raise funds for epilepsy research via our sons memorial fund
Sunflower Fund
Do you remember the baby gift sets I showed you in a previous post?? Splendid.

Now what I am looking for, is any generous cardmakers who would like to support our charity and donate a card that I can include as part of my baby me gift sets

. This one was donated by loobycrafts
You would get in return my undying love (OK MAYBE NOT THAT LOL) but certainly my appreciation.
You would get a thank you both on my website and a small note added to the gift box ( you could send me some business cards if you liked)

I realise this is a big cheek, but know there are some very generous crafters out there.

THANKS, please email me or leave a message here.
hennie@nimbleneedles.org.uk

Going to a Wedding??

2011-09-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

After posting the picture of Emma, when she attended her future S.I.L wedding, I decided my theme for today would be weddings.
So here are a few of the items I like.
Some may have been made by me but not all.

Bride and Groom (Mine) Dolls can be customised.

handmade Tiara

wedding horseshoes

civil ceremony

Cards and Favour boxes

and to end, another one of mine lol, which again can be customised.
Wedding bears

All of these gorgeous items can be found on the Misi website

Marisol

2011-09-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

Did you know the Filpino word for sunflower is MARISOL? I thought it makes a cute name for this little bear. Do you like the little sunflower I added too??
Marisol is knitted from a Twins pattern. http://twinsknit.blogspot.com/ Check out their patterns, see if I can make something else for you.

If you would like to buy Marisol she will be £15 including postage and of course all proceeds will go to Rich's fund.Buy Now I would love to make you a diffferent coloured one, let me know.

Sunflowers

2011-09-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

One of the sunflowers, we bought to mark Rich's Angel Day. Sunflowers have become Rich's flower, they are in the name of his memorial fund, and his favourite artist was Van Gogh.

To be honest, i don't know whether he liked them or not, but they are now his flowers lol. http://sunflower.tributefunds.com/fund/Richard++Meese

What beauties.

2011-09-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is our gorgeous daughter (the one in the paler dress) taken a couple of hours ago. She is with her boyfriend's sister (he has 8) at the wedding of one of the other sisters.

Don't they look amazing!!

I feel a name change is needed

2011-08-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hello dear reader

I've been thinking lately, that maybe I need to revamp my website,www.nimbleneedles.moonfruit.com in particular it's name.(nimbleneedles )

I don't know why but i think it needs something.

I have been nimbleneedles since the beginning, probably because my after school club was called nimbleneedles, it seemed a natural progression, plus the children I was working with could remember it easily lol.

I'm now moving back down to work with 6 year olds, they're unlikely to be interested in my crafts, so do I need to stay as nimbleneedles??

I have a shop over on misi, well 2 actually: hennies nimbleneedles, and bluesunflower. Plus I dabbled with etsy as hennies handicrafts!

Bluesunflower.co.uk is taken but THE bluesunflower.co.uk is available.

Or do I go for a complete name change that somehow somes up me, my crafts, my fundraising.

This is where you come in dear reader, tell me what you think?

It's never too early .. is it?????

2011-08-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd make a start, by making some Christmas tree decorations.
These are from an Amygaines pattern,http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmyGaines"> who has also very kindly given me permission to sell items from her patterns for Rich's memorial fund

http://sunflower.tributefunds.com/fun/richard++Meese
If you would like to have a set : http://www.misi.co.uk/gifts/75577/Deck_the_Tree.html

If you have an idea for a Christmas gift, or any other thing else, please leave me a message or visit one of my websites.

Anyone know how I get the link button to work..
I only seem to get it to work once if I'm lucky!!!

THAT GREAT FIND

2011-08-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

With one ball each of pink and white, I've made this sweet little gift set.
The card was one I was lucky enough to win on another blog: http://scraphappylou.blogspot.com

I thought it added a little extra to the gift set.

Set contains: Card, photoframe, bootees, 2 washcloths with footprints on, a rattle which is textured for babies curiosity, a soap bag complete with natural soap and finally a scrubbie.
Phew...now to start on a blue set me thinks!
The whole set will come in a tissue lined gift box for £15 plus postage.
What do you think??

Like a kid in a toy shop

2011-08-24T07:13:00.001-07:00

Found this little lot in a local charity shop. 40p a ball which is about 65cents
All brand new as you can see.

I was smiling and looking in the bag all the way home, it doesn't take much to float my boat as they say!!!

Almost two years

2011-08-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

I'm trying Rich...I'm trying

Richard Meese 20-5-84 - 31.8.09

Please consider making a donation to Rich's memorial fund to try and help others with this awful illness.
http://sunflower.tributefunds.com/fund/Richard++Meese

MISI NEWS

2011-02-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
With all the changes to MIsi steaming ahead, we may ahve to lose the site for an hour or so in order for Emma to change the IP address.

PLEASE BEAR WITH HER, NORMAL SERVICE WILL BE RESUMED LOL

Day 2/365

2011-01-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

I'm a member of the group Debi Birkin Pals on Ravelry. We are trying to make a different Bunty for each month of the year.
So please meet MISS JANUARY!!
I do need to decide how to make her a January Bunny. I think she might need some winter wear, after all, it can get awfully nippy down the rabbit hole.I mean do rabbitholes have central heating???? I DONT THINK SO!!

This little bear was out of the Sandra Polley Knitted Bears book. I asked Steve to call out a number then made the bear from the pattern nearest to that page.
I added the heart to brighten him up( the bear not Steve)
Now I need to decide what to make now.. I dont go back to school until Tuesday so I have tonight and tomorrow to have a real good blast with the needles.

Get a Minion for your home

2011-01-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

I have designed these little fellas myself, you too can have an army of minions to do your bidding.Can't knit? Dont worry you can buy one here
http://www.nimbleneedles.co.uk/page1.html
and remember by buying one you also give to Richard's memorial fund

https://sunflower.tributefunds.com/fund/Richard+Derek+Meese
BUT BACK TO THE PATTERN. HERE YOU ARE>>

http://www.nimbleneedles.co.uk/6
Have a knitty new year

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Randomness

2010-08-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 24th August.
This afternoon I had another order for a Humf, these little fellas are proving very popular, which I'm more than pleased about. Pleased because I designed them myself, and it feels good to see them selling well, and more importantly VERY pleased because each one sold goes to support Rich's memorial fund.

http://sunflower.tributefunds.com/fund/Richard+Derek+Meese/

A few makes from yesterday, well the smiley monkey was a while ago, I just forgot to post pics of him lol

We went outside to see Emma and Dan off last night, this was the view from the front door, they thought I was mad, dashing in to get the camera.I think the moon looks amazing, although I don't think my camera is good enough to pic up the colours and the textures.

I'm just adding the finishing touches to my latest creation, I would add pics, but I'm really not happy with part of it, you know how you think it looks okay, then you take a photo and see it from a different view point? That's what happened lol, now I have to undo it and start that bit again.

AND FINALLY
I love this clip, so funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Y0I91rubg

And now finally I just found this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/starttheday/4727418295/

Now that's a cosy!!

Post that makes you smile

2010-08-18T10:14:00.001-07:00

Everybody likes to get smile-worthy post, I have been lucky enough to recieve this little lot recently.

I won this amazing paperbag album off Ali, for helping her choose a new name.(memories are made of this was my offering)
http://magicmakinghands.blogspot.com/

Yesterday I had this package of patterns, off the lovely Laura on the Crafts Beautiful forum, for no reason other than she thought I would be able to use them in my fundraising knitting.

Todays post brought these lovely things off Lyn, we were swap partners on Lisa's Blog
http://periwinklepark.blogspot.com/

And finally, this stunning set of earrings and keycharm off Caroline, again on the Crafts Beautiful forum. I entered my snail in her insect challenge and it was a runner up.

Bags of time

2010-08-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.creative-crafting.com/

I visit this site regularly and love to read the magazine. One contributor Diane from http://www.folksy.com/shops/crawlin gives loads of knitting tips. I liked her beach bag and decided to have a go.I've never knitted a bag before, don't know why, just haven't.
I made this my "In bed" knitting, I have to have some thing to knit when I can't sleep, this can be midnight or 3am onwards. It was so easy, such a simple yet effective pattern. I even carried on with it when I wasn't in bed. IMAGINE THAT!!
Eager to finish, I hadn't got any D shaped handles, but adapted the pattern by adding an extra bit to support the top, then I lined it with some vintage fabric, I even added a tiny pocket for my keys. (Could have been deeper this bit)
Anyhoo, thanks Diane for sharing your pattern, and here they both are.
(Diane will remove your image if you want me to)

UPdate on Kitties

2010-08-10T10:33:00.001-07:00

They are now a very cute and active 10 weeks old.
This morning, we had a visit off the gasman, so we put them in the upstairs bathroom. They were shut in there with food and litter tray for about 1hr as he needed access to check boiler, fires, heating etc.
OMG somehow the little boogers had managed to turn the tap on (you can do it with yur elbow)and had paddled through the litter tray and onto the loo seat, the cistern even the window sill. Everything was covered in a lovely pooey mess. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry so I did both lol.
I was all for giving them away there and then lol maybe to the gasman!! but then you look at their ultra cuteness and forgive them.

Oh My

2010-07-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well haven't I been lax in blogging!
My excuses are:
It was Rich's 26th birthday on May 20th, I think I went into another emotional decline in the build up to and from this day.

Belle had kittens on Steve's birthday May 28th

Then I was 50 on June 6th

I went on a Team building day with year 5 (they needed it not me lol)

and I am going to the Wyre Forest with year 5 on Monday.

SO what you really want to know about are the kittens?

as I said it was on Steves birthday and our clever cat had them all on her own, in a space outside no bigger than a sheet of paper.
We managed to track them down and get them inside, she had 3 little ones.

They are (as best as we can tell) all girls and are so cute.
So far we have only named two of them Callie the little calico one and Rusty the little one with a rust patch on her head. Emma is trying to decide what to call hers lol.

Yesterday they were 5 weeks old and look like this:

Callie in front, walking away from Miss No Name

Typical, you can't see her rust patch on this pic.

Little Miss No Name

Cat lover or no, you have to agree they are cute??

And finally one of the very clever mom Belle

BLOG GIVE AWAYS

2010-05-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

Both of these lovely ladies are offering you a chance to win something just for checking out their blogs.
Lou is offering 15 handmade cards, if you haven't bought any of Lou's cards before, then you are in for a treat http://scrapphappylou.blogspot.com/
and Renate is offering all of this:

http://hobby-paleis.blogspot.com/2010/05/verjaardagscandybirthday-candy.html

SMILE PLEASE

2010-04-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

I love making these cushions, I defy anyone to look at them and not smile lol
As I had a bulk order to make I thought I would give you a peek into the making of them

Self explanatory really.. In pieces ready for sewing

All faces have now been handstitched.

Machined and turned right side out, ready for filling.

SMILE!!!
see I told you, how can you not smile at these?

Want one? I am selling some on www.pinksunflower.misi.co.uk in aid of cancer and epilepsy research.

Ezio

2010-04-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

I think I told you about my latest challenge?
To create the character Ezio from Assassin's Creed (could be 2) Well here he is..my interpretation of it any way lol
Brandon loved it and I got 2 more orders from it.
More pennies for Richard's sunflower tribute fund.
http://sunflower.tributefunds.com/fund/Richard+Derek+Meese

Dear Lord

2010-04-15T07:53:00.001-07:00

Have a good day lol

Sunflowers by Karen

2010-04-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

Karen from Just K Jewellery http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/jkj.html has made these fantastic items, all sunflower themed. Moer importantly she has very generously offered to donate the proceeds to Rich's memorial fund.
(I have treated myself to one of the rings)
PLease stop by and have a look at not only these but all the other fabulous pieces she has created.

In the Pink

2010-04-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Clare from expressorize ure self (http://www.misi.co.uk/view_profile.php?user_id=1110)
is taking part in the "race for life" and not only would she appreciate your sponsorship, but was thinking of fundraising ideas. A "PINK" shop was suggested, this is my offering, if it goes ahead? (A little rough around the edges it was 11pm when I finished it lol)

If you have any ideas for either Clares "Pink" charity or my "Sunflower" one, we would be delighted to hear them.

Thanks Mo

2010-04-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

This morning Postman Pat (well actually I don't know his name, we're not on that sort of terms) delivered a box all the way from Wiltshire.
Addressed to me, lucky me.
This was inside it...again lucky me.

A mixture of cotton, fleeces, flannel,faux suede and leather, even some beauiful buttons and some patterns.Oh our teddies will be very well dressed now lol
Mo you are a very generous lady, and I can't wait to start creating.
LUCKY ME!

createdoh magic

2010-04-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

When the world was in its beginnings, when the creatures and people were finding their way in the world, the creator sat with a lump of createdoh, and tried to decide which creature it should become.
He rolled it, pulled it, pushed it and tweaked it until he was called to dinner.
He stood up quickly and as he did so, the ball of brown creatdoh rolled unnoticed to the completed side of the table and there it stayed. Many things made their way to this side of the table, some like the brown blob remained unseen, others the creator saw and he either removed and tweaked them or left them as they were, which explains why there are so many imperfect and different beings on this land of ours.

Blobbo(the brown createdoh lump) looked around and saw bushes of eucalyptus everywhere, she was feeling peckish so she reached for some leaves. As they were so delicious she ate another one and another one, until her little tum was filled, and she could no longer see her feet.
One day while the round Blobbo was out with her children,she heard the unmistakeable sounds of hunters, looking for food for their families, Quickly Blobbo called to her family.
"Joseph, Jodie, Joanne, Josephine, quick come to Mama."
Running quickly, the crying children ran to the safety of their mother, Bobbo gathered them to her and tucking her head down, the family sat, still as stone and waited.
"can..can they see us, aaaah...ooooh Mama." they whispered.
"shhh," came the reply.
They must have been successful, because the hunters stood very close and muttered about there being nothing but rocks and stones around, before moving on.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Blobbo removed each child from their hiding place in her many folds of fat.

The creator, watching these events was very impressed and he lifted up Blobbo. Smiling to hinmself, he began to redesign the brown createdoh lump.
He took away her many wobbly bits, the hiding places for her children, all that is except one. He left her one safe little place for her children.

He called her the Kangaroo, and now you know how and why the roo has her pouch and why all her children are called Joey.

Shh Don't tell Emma, I cut up her socks

2010-04-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

While tidying up nimbleneedles site, I realised on my sock monkey page I actually only had one sockie, so without further ado, here we have a few more lol.I think the giraffe was the most challenging.

I bought her some new socks a few days ago, and while she was looking at them, this little image popped into my head. Emma, who by now recognises my craft glint lol, said I was not to cut them up.

Oops sorry darling, I'll go get you some more tomorrow, I promise.

I dreamed of you last night

2010-04-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

I dreamed of you last night, son
you were sitting by my side
we chatted and we laughed
there was nothing left to hide.

I dreamed of you last night, son,
When you were just a boy
my heart it filled till it might burst
with such pride and joy

I dreamed of you last night son,
as down the stairs you came,
I smiled a smile of love
as I thought things could stay the same

I dreamed of you last night son,
and felt you standing near
but I awoke to find
my face wet as i shed a tear.

I dreamed of you last night son
I was searching everywhere
But I awoke to find
the aching in my heart still there.

I thought of you last night son
as I do every single day,
my heart has been ripped apart
I can not make you stay.

So dreams and memories are all that's left
to take away the pain,
The pain of waiting to see and touch you
on the day we meet again.

There's so many of us around

2010-04-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

CHICK CHICK CHICK CHICKEN
Just a few of the great offers on www.misi.co.uk

I love these bears

2010-04-03T13:15:00.001-07:00

I love making these bears, and think this happy couple turned out really well.
More importantly they added a little more to our sunflower fund.

What a week, I need a lie down now.

2010-04-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Monday morning. I volunteered to take hymn practise with 200 pupils, wh? Cos no-one that can sing was in school, as our year 4 children were going on their residential.I don't mind singing so was happy to give it a go.
Got through it with out any one laughing at my singing lol.

Monday afternoon.. Assembly practise. Technology is fantastic when it works.A bugger when it doesn't, and it didn't...Still it'll be alright on the night as they say.
Tuesday more practises...yayyyy for technology.
Wednesday two performances, one for the whole school one for parents. PHEW NO PROBLEMS
TOday. helped make 56 greek salads this morning and 56 fresh fruit salads this afternoon, two Easter assemblies and one book week display later and it's finally halfterm!!

HAPPY EASTER everyone.

Happy Tuesday

2010-03-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well I think my emotions are back on an even keel again (Though for how long is anybody's guess)
Mother's day was for me a pretty emotional one.
I got a text off Matt and Teed from theNetherlands where they are having a few days away with a group of friends. (This in itself was a big plus lol, if you have boys you may well know what I mean, they are in touch if they need anything, other than that ..well forget it lol)

I had a lovely bouquet off Emma along with £20 (for a WW Pedometer) and a Best Momo mug.
I also had the chicken run dvd off Steve.
But I couldn't get away from my own thoughts and unwanted images that would keep popping into my head. Rich, you were never far from my thoughts, my precious boy.

Anyhoo, as I said I think my emotions are back under control for a little while longer.
CRAFTING is very thereapeutic for me, especially when I making things to sell for Richard's memorial fund.

This is my version of that bear, who is on cbeebies.
Also I made this sweet little duck, and by the way I do not like knitting in this wool lol.

Finally, for my friends birthday I made her this lol.I think she will love it as she rides one every day hehehee

2010-03-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

The latest bear (this one is for Joanne) to help raise awareness and funds for epilepsy, via Rich's memorial trust fund

Charity knit to be sold for the earthquake disaster relief fund on Thursday next week, during book week at school. Will keep you updated

Amy, A little westie for you.

johnny depp

2010-03-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Sunshine Award.

2010-02-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

Daisy of http://daisy-sevenseas.blogspot.com/ has awarded my blog this award. Thank you Daisy. I would nominate you back but I don;'t think that's how it's done lol.
Now it's my turn to award some blogs...
The sunshine award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspires others in the blogging world.The rules for accepting the award are as followers -* Place the logo within your blog or post* Pass the award on to 12 bloggers* Link the nominees within the post* Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog* Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award
Here are my nominees
http://daisy-sevenseas.blogspot.com/ (don't care if's it not etiquette lol)http://helenplatten.blogspot.com/
http://sewscrumptious.blogspot.com/
http://littlescruffsminiaturebears.blogspot.com/
http://cutedesigns.blogspot.com/
http://confessionofagrievingmother.blogspot.com/
http://knittingsnippets.blogspot.com/
http://www.lej-jewellery.blogspot.com/
http://lovehector.blogspot.com/

The final nominations will be announced tomorrow ( am pooped and ready for a bath lol)

Jowee

2010-02-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

Well here it is, my version of that character.
Hopefully Matt will like him &fingers crossed.

Flattered??

2010-02-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

The kids I work with think I am an amazing nit,
Either that or they think I am can do amazing knits, i think its the latter.
Anyhoo one asked me if I could make the character Joweee from DSNintendo, Drawn to life. Next day he brings in the print out and a donation to Richard's charity.
HOW COULD I REFUSE???
Here it so far....Just struggling with the ears, can't seem to stop them looking like antlers lol.
Any suggestions??

And for my next trick??
HOw to recreate this ......... THINKING CAPS ON FOLKS

What would you knit with this wool?

2010-02-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

I have 8 balls of this

And 8 balls of this

First two bears completed

2010-02-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

These are some of the bears I am selling to raise funds in Richards memory.

http://sunflower.tributefunds.com/fund/Richard+Derek+Meese

Fancy fish and chips but can't have them

2010-01-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

Then how about a little bit of fish from one of the very talented folks over at Misi

http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/cyclura.html

http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/nicsknots.html

http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/baggyts.html

http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/JezebelCharms.html

http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/stephaflea.html

http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/wedgie.html

http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/little_teegs.html

Fish and chips

2010-01-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

Rosemary's version

4 x 150g thick cod steaks
4 slices granary bread, made into breadcrumbs
8 sweet potatoes (800g total), peeled and cut into thick strips
1 vegetable stock cube
1 egg, beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices fresh lemon to garnish
For the caper sauce:

4tbsp 3% fat Greek yogurt
Squeeze of lemon juice
1tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1tbsp chopped capers
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
MethodPreheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6.
Place the breadcrumbs on a baking tray and toast in the oven for 10 mins.
Cook the sweet potatoes in a pan of boiling water with the vegetable stock cube. Drain and place on a non-stick baking tray, then bake near the top of the oven for 20 mins until golden.
Meanwhile place the beaten egg in a shallow dish. Season the fish on both sides. Dip the fish into the egg and then the breadcrumbs and place on a baking tray. Bake in the centre of the oven for 15-20 mins.
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Serve the fish and chips with the caper sauce and some green peas, and garnish with the lemon slices.
Top tip: Toasting the breadcrumbs adds extra crunch to the topping.

www.rosemaryconley.comThis recipe is taken from Rosemary Conley's new book Slim to Win: Diet and Cookbook available from Amazon.

nutr info per portion
Calories 293(kcal) Fat 3.1g

Slimming World
serves 4
Syns per serving:
2½ Syns on Green* and Extra Easy,
10½ Syns on Original
*add 6 Syns if not using cod as a Healthy Extra ‘b’ choice

x 142g/5oz cod fillets
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
908g/2lb Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes
Fry Light
57g/2oz breadcrumbs
4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
2 eggs

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Place the cod fillets in a bowl, sprinkle over the lemon juice and season well. Leave to marinate for an hour.

2. Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut into thick chips. Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the chips for 5 minutes. Drain and dry on kitchen paper. Return to the dry pan and shake to ‘rough up’ the edges. Transfer to a non-stick baking sheet, spray with Fry Light and season well.

3. Mix together the breadcrumbs, parsley and seasoning to taste. Lightly beat the eggs and place in a bowl. Dip each cod fillet into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs mixture to coat evenly and place on a baking sheet sprayed with Fry Light.

4. Place the chips in the oven and cook for 10 minutes. Add the fish and cook for a further 15-20 minutes. Divide between four plates and serve with tomato ketchup (1 Syn per level tbsp).

Nutrition information (per 8oz/227g cooked)
Slimming World chips
Fat: 0.9g Cals: 170

Chip-shop chips
Fat: 28.1g Cals: 545

WEIGHTWATCHERS

® Value: 4.5
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 18 min
Cooking Time: 35 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Works with Simply Filling
A crunchy, polenta-herb batter puts this great British speciality back on the menu. Together with chips cooked in vinegar, salt and pepper... brilliant!
10 spray low-fat cooking spray
2 large portion potato(es), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, black, freshly ground
2 tablespoon vinegar, white or red wine
100 g polenta, instant, plus 2 tbsp
120 ml skimmed milk
1 small egg(s), beaten
1 teaspoon lemon(s), zest
1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs, Italian
600 g cod, uncooked, or haddock fillets (4 x 150g pieces)

InstrucPreheat oven to Gas Mark 6/200ºC/400ºF. Coat two large baking trays with cooking spray.

Place potatoes in a large bowl and add vinegar, salt and pepper; toss to coat. Arrange them on one prepared baking tray. Transfer to oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine 100g polenta, beaten egg, milk, zest, herbs and a little more salt and pepper; mix well to make a thick batter. Dust fish with additional 2 tbsp polenta; add fish to batter and turn to coat both sides. Place fish on second prepared baking tray and spoon over any remaining batter, patting over fish to make an even coating.

Transfer to oven to bake with potatoes for a further 18-20 minutes, until potatoes and fish are fork tender and polenta batter just starts to crack.

Feel free to enjoy yours and add any other recipes you have.

MY CHARITY DRIVE

2010-01-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

In honour of our precious son's memory, we are going to raise funds and awareness of epilepsy. Although an inquest has yet to be held, we have no doubt that it was as a result of an epileptic seizure that Rich fell into the canal on that awful day.

I am going to be making and selling these lovely little bears. They will only be £10 each plus postage with the exception of the bride and groom which will be £15 for the happy couple.
Please help us support this charity by either making a donation(http://sunflower.tributefunds.com/fund/Richard+Derek+Meese/showFund/) or by buying a bear.http://www.nimbleneedles.co.uk/5.html

As always, they can be customised to suit your needs.

Baby its co.o.o.o.o.ld outside

2010-01-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

So rest a while and browse the Misi shops

Rosytint knows even the dogs have to stay warm

Rosytint's little mouse has a coat on

From Smithcraft

Legyviel offers these

From Rainbow scarf creations

And if you're still cold have a hot bath and relax with a hot chocolate drink. But if you are also a Misi-thon dieter, try one of these instead from Karine at the pink fairy cake

My New Year crafting challenges

2010-01-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

I am a member of ravelry and the Christmas monthly make ahead forum.
Basically you have to make something off the list in the month suggested.

January - holiday decorations and ornaments - this includes tree ornaments, tree skirts, doilys, elves, santas, etc.
February - scarf or cowl
March - hats
April - make a pair month - hand coverings or socks
May - stockings (as in Christmas stockings, not fishnets, though you could make them too if you want ;-)
June - toys, doll clothing, pet accouterments, hee hee
July - UFOs from the first 6 months or crafters choice
August - kitchen, bath and household items - such as dishcloths, washcloths, swiffer covers, teapot cozies, knitted fried eggs, doilies, place mats, pillow covers, etc.
September - sweater or vest for something or someone (person, doll, teddy, pet).
October - slippers
November - bags, purses, totes
December - hats or make a pair round 2

Any way I also wanted to include sewing items too.

Will keep you posted on my progress.

Another biggie: I am going to continue to have a charity page in my shop, Everything on that one particular page will have 100% of the sale sent to the charity.
More about that later.

Misi Slimathon

2010-01-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

http://misi-slimathon-2010.blogspot.com/

Misi Crafters coming together to slim and raise money for the MacMillan Nurses.
The idea is that for every lb we lose we give £1,
Should anybody put on then they put double that in £'s. At the end of 3 months Mo will tally all the weights and we will send our donation to Macmillan nurses.

You don't have to be a member of Misi to join us, just a few pounds to lose both for yourself and for a good cause.

Fantastic Big Bag giveaway.

2010-01-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

You have to check out her blog. Very amusing and she makes the most amazing things.
Hand made by Kym in a beautiful plush purple baby cord, with what she calls a 'raggedy scrap' removable brooch ,
And a gorgeous green/purple/blue/pink stripe cotton on the reverse..... 2 bags in one!

Go on check it out.
You know if I had half a brain I would be dangerous.
Perhaps the link might help.

http://madebysugarmouse.blogspot.com/

2009-11-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

When I'm Gone
by Mrs.Lyman Hancock

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile

Forget unkind words I have spoken
Remember some good I have done
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day

Then forget to grieve for my going
I would not have you sad for a day
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay

And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best

I found this poem it really makes me think about Rich and I know he is looking down on us and telling me this.

PUDSEY

2009-11-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

We now have Blush to patner Pudsey

WI made this bigger Pudsey to be raffled at school, I am pleased to say he raised £40 and since tickets were only 20p each, we did rather well.

49 days till Christmas Eve

2009-11-05T11:29:00.001-08:00

Check out these gift ideas.

These are just some of the fantastic things on offer at MISI so get shopping. You have no excuse

Not sure why I was worried

2009-11-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

Started back to school on Monday.
Monday was an inset day, so as we all went to different schools for training, this was a good start.
I woke up on Tuesday feeling sick with nerves, I haven't been with the kids since we broke up for the summer holidays, and I have only seen a handful of them since Rich's passing.
I am only doing mornings for the time being, one day at a timie and all that.

Survived Tuesday, one little boy stopped me to tell me how sorry he was about my son! Bless him.
Saw just a few parents who hugged me and had a cry.
I got home at lunchtime though and had a massive cry.

Yesterday was pretty much the same, no children commented though.
we also had to visit the funeral directors to pay off some more off Rich's funeral bill (MY GOD it's expensive!)
The lady who works in there gave us a poem, its written as though from your loved one. Very moving and one day I will type it up.
plus we had a letter off Rich's bank.I also recieved this stunning memory bracelet off Jen http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/jen.html
So another weepy afternoon.
Today the tears were at school for the most part.
A year 5 lad, I was sitting with, asked why I had been away, someone else said cos her son died.
Then he asked me how and why!!!
To each answer, I got another question till in the end I had to leave the room and go in the stock room for a sob!

Now tomorrow is another day as they say.

Rae Gun Ramblings: GIVEAWAY: Japanese Fat Quarter Fabric Bundle

2009-10-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

Rae Gun Ramblings: GIVEAWAY: Japanese Fat Quarter Fabric Bundle
Check out her site
She has some amazing giveaways of fabrics etc.If I could work out how to show them I would lol

Pudsey Bear

2009-10-20T10:13:00.001-07:00

BBC CHILDREN IN NEED
This is an excellent cause. I have been making Pudsey and am trying to sell them to raise funds.
If you like what you see and would like to support Pudsey too. follow the link to my webshop. http://www.nimbleneedles.co.uk/5.html
Feel free to look at the other pages too lol.
Did you know Pudsey has a girlfriend called Blush?? I shall be making her too.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN NEED

2009-10-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Just a few of my creations the last couple of days
This cute little doll was once a pair of socks
And so was this
My first attempt at Humf. Not too successful, but now I love making these little creatures. Meet THE SNUGGLY

Finally success, here is HUMF

A Christmas tree decoration. My first attempt at patchwork. The back is a gold fabric

Jeans gift to us

2009-10-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

THank you Jean at LittleScruffs for your amazing gift.
Her note said to cheer us up, it certainly did that.
These last few weeks have been the worst of our lives, and its from people as kind as her that we have taken comfort.
Isn;t it beautiful

Written for Jean Little Scruffs

2009-08-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

Poor Little Ollie

In their short lives together, they had been on some adventures,
he and James together,thought Ollie as he watched the rain bouncing off the window.
The pattern of the raindrops running down the pane was a little hypnotic and Ollie began reminiscing as he followed their trickling paths.

There was the time the pair became astronauts, in a shiny red rocket they flew into space, past millions of twinkling stars.
Or, and Ollie shuddered as he remembered, that giant roller-coaster James had insisted he should go on. Ollie thought he would never need to be as brave as he was on that day.

Ollie's favourite ,though most scary, adventure was the time the friends went to sea. Ollie was the captain of an old,wooden ship. Together they sailed the high seas. For days they looked out at the calm blue ocean, the only excitement was a school of dolphins who had stopped by for a chat. The only excitement that is until the night of the storm.
The little boat shook and shuddered, tossed and turned as the howling wind blew and rain smashed down against it.
Fearing for their lives the plucky duo managed to hang on all through the cold,wet night until daylight came and they found themselves washed ashore on a beautiful sandy island.
Ah yes, Ollie muttered, we have had some adventures.

After all, he had driven fast cars, flown in hot air balloons and even held the World Cup..

Of course there had been injuries along the way, thought Ollie. He rubbed the part of his nose, where James had performed surgery to help him breathe, and the back of his head was also evidence of James' medical skills.

I hope James decides soon,that he doesn't want to be a surgeon when he grows up, Ollie sighed, pulling at the bandage on his foot.

I'd quite like to work in a library.

http://www.misi.co.uk/profile/LittleScruffs.html

2009-08-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

Alice's story

2009-08-04T12:06:00.001-07:00

1.2.3....Rea closed her eyes and began to count.
Bonnie Alice hesitated, but only for a second. She knew where to hide, after all there was only one place an elephant whose body was covered in tiny flowers could hide.
She turned and ran as fast as her four little legs could carry her. She knew she didn't have long, it was a well known fact that her friend often missed out numbers when counting.

Alice reached the clearing, in front of her stretched a field, a field of flowers with colours so bright they almost hurt her eyes. She made her way into the field and settling herself down, she lay on her side and watched the clouds. With the warm sun on her skin, Alice slowly felt her eyes shutting.

99.....100 Rea opened her eyes and looked around, smiling to herself as she spotted her brother,Takeya, trying to hide behind the thin tree, his little fat bottom poking out for all to see. She noticed a movement to her right and saw Indie's red trunk peeping round the hen house.

Before long all the friends had been found, all except Alice, who was fast asleep dreaming.

She dreamed of visits to the dentist, of Daddy teaching her to surf and hundreds and hundreds of babies!

Takeya got up from his place under the shady tree.
“Come on, lets help Rea find Alice, it won't be hard. we know where she'll be, “ he laughed.
And Alice slept on.

Morning had turned into afternoon, and with no sign of Alice, the villagers were all in the field looking for Alice.
Can you imagine it, a village of elephants searching for the flowery little elephant in a field of flowers!
And Alice slept on.

Alice.....Alice.... called a voice.
Alice opened her eyes and sat up, instantly she felt her mothers arms around her, explaining to Alice how worried they'd been.

Alice began to cry, she hadn't meant to worry everybody. Suddenly the strangest thing happened; the more she cried, the redder she got until even the inside of her ears were a lovely shade of red, not a flower to be seen.

“Well,” laughed Mom, “at least we'll be able to find you in the flowers.” but Alice was disappointed, she loved her flowers.

Luckily next morning Alice was back to her normal, sweet, flowery self.. normal that is except for the inside of her ears, which are to this day, a lovely shade of red.

Random pics

2009-07-17T13:25:00.001-07:00

Crocheted by me for a friends daughter.

One of my many gifts from the children at Belle Vue

Emily and Danielle last weekend. Danielle came up from Winchester with her mom and dad to stay with us.

A morphed picture of me, created by the very clever Meghan

2009-07-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Pied piper costume has been worn at the year 6 production, he really looked the part too.

Misi spot picks

2009-06-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Whilst playing Haybel's "SPOT" game, I found these little gems.
This gorgeous shrug from Knitwits

This beautiful horse from Neatecrafts

Ahem...Mine lol, it was a spot, honest.

Enchanted's

Glassmania has these:

From Pearls and Whirls:

Oh sod it!!

2009-06-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Managed to get all my assignments finished yesterday, started printing them and ran out of ink.
No worries I thought, I'll put them on my memory stick and print them off at work,
BAD IDEA

For whatever reason, the computer threw a hissy fit, it would only open two out of 6 assignments. My tutor (a new one) didn't really seem all that interested in what I had done already, not in the slightest bit bothered that I had only 2 assigments to show her, and said she would take my folder but not look at it until the summer holidays!

Anyway last night, I decided to start on the Pied Piper costume, it's really taking shape now, but guess what!!
I broke a needle and seem somehow to have bu**ered up the machine!! It will not pick up the bottom thread.
Have tried everything I know, but no luck! So P.Piper has a sleevelesss, unhemmed coat and no hat! and I'm getting a headache!!

Somewhere to lay your head?

2009-06-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

These were the latest cushions to be created. Have a flip-flop shoe to make next!!

GIVEAWAY!!

2009-06-02T11:45:00.001-07:00

http://crystalladyblogs.blogspot.com/

You really want to visit this blog for a chance to win the most gorgeous bracelet!!

Sackboys - numbers 19 and 20

2009-05-31T10:33:00.001-07:00

These little darlings are now complete.
Both were orders. Not sure about the red devil one, myself, but that was the order, LOL

Who's that knocking on the green door

2009-04-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Tuesday and it's a green day.
My Misi picks are

Competition over

2009-04-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who took part.
The name drawn was Karine the pink fairy.
Congrats.

I will make it for you as soon as possible.

Red letter day tomorrow. (Monday)

2009-04-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Need I say more!!

Colour thread

2009-04-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Following on from our colour of the day thread, I thought I'd post my MISI picks for that colour.

Just a few of my many favourites on Misi

A Grand day out

2009-04-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

After my near shock at the doctors, we went to Ludlow, a mediaeval town, not far from us.
We went into a lovely tearoom called DEGREYS, where the waitresses wore black uniforms and white aprons. We only had tea and toast but it was served as if it were a banquet. The tea (complete with teastrainer) was in white crockery, the sugar: little cubes with tongs. Even the bill came folded on a saucer.
A real treat I can tell you.

Thanks to you

2009-04-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

I think the people on Misi have to be some of the nicest I have "met."
I mentioned the other day about not being able to find a pattern for a crocodile, I got 2 posted to me.

Where can you buy novelty soaps if it's not Christmas? These arrived in today's post.

They are the most beautiful little fruit soaps.
Handcrafted by the very talented Karine from The pinkfairycake
Check out her store at http://www.misi.co.uk/store_info.php?user_id=883

This is how I intend to use them.

FLANNEL CAKES CUTE EH?

My new Misi Widget

2009-04-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have added the link to my widget, thanks Emma for all your hardwork.
MISI is a great site for all your handcrafted gifts.

2009-04-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like to see the guinea pigs etc.

2009-04-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is my latest project, I am rather pleased with him. I learnt to knit on dble pointed needles (set of 4 for this).It took me 100's of attempts and lots of curse words but I finally got there.
Now I wondered why I couldn't do it,, it's easy when you know how lol.
Anyway knitting wise it's back to the Sackboys, have 5 of them on the go at minute!
2 more guinea pigs and 2 rats.
Sewing_ a sock monkey, and 3 cushions to complete.

Oh yes and the little matter of MISI Swap to do.

competition

2009-04-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

As you can see I like socks.Check out http://hennies.misi.co.uk or www.nimbleneedles.co.uk to see some of them in use.
Thought we'd have a little fun.
Post your ideas for a creation,on my guestbook at www.nimbleneedles.co.uk , say with which socks it should be made.
You will be entered into a draw to win your creation.
Closing date will be 19th April and the winner will be notified for address after this.

You can of course suggest sock colours that are not shown here, who knows I may have them in another stash!!!

OOpps forgot to add this lol

2009-04-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

1.I was a winner on myfunnybunny's site.
2. I love sprouts
3. My first pet was Prince
4. I can't drive
5. My grandmother was Richard Burtons babysitter.

Tagging

http://janesteele.blogspot.com/
http://enchanted-jewellery.blogspot.com/
http://corrigancards.blogspot.com/
http://knitzandbitz.blogspot.com/

http://fairlygirly.blogspot.com/

I've been tagged

2009-04-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Ali Magic Making Hands
The rules are as follows:
Link the person who tagged you.
Post these rules in your blog.
Write 5 random things about yourself.
Tag random people at the end of your blog and link to them.
Let each person know they've been tagged.

MISI NAME SWAP

2009-03-21T11:10:00.001-07:00

Name swap.
I took part in a name swap on a craft site and enjoyed it so much, I decided to see if anyone was interested on MISI.

So far we have 20 swappers.
The idea is you make something for your swapper that begins with the same initial as their MISI name.
so Beadinglady might get a bookmark, a bag or bracelet

This should be fun, with so many swappers, seeing what fun things people come up with.

Maneki Neko

2009-02-20T06:13:00.000-08:00

I have become a little obsessed with making these little cats.
They are made from socks, the Japanese believe they represent Good luck.
This was the first one I made.

Weightwatchers journey again!!

2009-02-18T07:59:00.000-08:00

Myself and a few ladies from work, decided to do our own weightloss club. We all weighed in on the 9th Feb, I managed to lose 3lb in that first week, but stepping on the scales this am, I think it back on again!!

Can't wait for school, just to get back into a routine, at least regarding food

Will keep you upto date with things.

2009-02-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

I bought some craft eyes from Hobbycraft earlier this week, only I can't get the backs on to them. 30mins of huffing and puffing ,and yes, Swearing and I gave up,lol. I put some fabric glue around each shank and hope that works.

I have orders for more Sackboys, this will make #5, I think I know the pattern almost by heart now.

I have still got a golfball and a rugby ball cushion to make, so half term is great for me!! Plenty of crafting time.

Emma will be 18 on Sunday.Aaaaaaaaaaaargh our little precious daughter is an adult!!

Well, I did it

2009-02-17T12:54:00.001-08:00

I started a blog... Hmmm let me think...what to write about.

People who know me, will not believe I am at a loss about what to say!!

I am older than I act lol. I love to craft, and will have a go at most things, my favourite being knitting and sewing.

I love to make novelty cushions and love a challenge.