WOYWW 118 (I Think...??)

A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION!!

(Or...Reasons to be Cheerful... 1, 2, 3!!)


REASON NO. 1
Good friends of ours had a little boy (yet to be named) in the early hours of Sunday, so I've been making some more bunting as a little present.  As he's their third child, I'm hesitant to add more plastic/soft toys etc to the large pile that inevitably collects around small children.  So I thought our mates might like something slightly different - hence the little flags.  I'll pop in a pair of the baby trousers I made a few weeks back too.  Hope that'll be acceptable for the new nipper :D

REASON NO. 2
Whilst rummaging through some boxes on top of the wardrobe in my sewing room, I found these packs of Christmas Bunting made last year.  Yahoo, that'll save me some time preparing for the festive craft fairs that are fast approaching.  The mini version sold well, so I'm hoping for the same this year.  That discovery was a little ray of sunshine in an otherwise dark and dreary day!!  The red and white spot/gingham combo is going to be a tablecloth for Laura (of Airing Cupboard Stamping fame!)


Also cut out, ready for sewing, is this pretty teapot and cups material - it makes me smile when I look at it.  I'm not sure about those gingham straps though, I think it's too strong a contrast.  I'll use them for another project and find a material with softer tones.  After all, I have quite a selection.....!!


REASON NO. 3
My DH and the Big O went for a Boy's Day Out to the Great Dorset Steam Fair last Thursday.  This is an amazing event where steam enthusiasts/anoraks/geeks (delete as applicable) go to admire ancient examples of engineering.  I have attended in the past and thoroughly enjoyed it - the sight of so many men happily getting covered in oil, soot and muck tickled me.  There are a few women joining in the fun as well, but it really, truly, is a male bonding experience - except they wouldn't call it that, would they?!
Our friend, Martin, has an old steamroller, which he brings along most years; the Big O was thrilled to find out that, now he's 18, he's allowed to drive it.  Oh boy, was he pleased........


Martin let Owen take control and drive around the show arena.  I tell you, all the X-boxes, i-phones and techy wizardry could not have given greater pleasure to my boy.  He ended the day oily, greasy and covered in soot.....fantastic!!!


And THAT is what he'll remember when he's old and grey......

Have a great week!!


47 comments:

Neet said...

How fabulous and what a fabulous time Owen must have had.
Look forward to seeing your teapots and what a great idea the bunting is.
Thanks for sharing - Hugs, Neet #4

Belinda Basson said...

My son who is 6 loves steam engines too. I can see him at 18 doing something like this...

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

That bunting for your friend is such a good idea the materials are adorable. I love the Christmas bunting and teapot material too - where do you get them from???? What's that about boys and their toys?? xx

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Love the bunting! My Dad is a devotee of the steam fair, or Stourpaine as it is generally know in our house. I went pretty much every year as a child, but haven't been for a while now. I remember it as a mud fest!

Annie said...

What a lovely post of gorgeous materials and happy memories :-)
A x

jude said...

Absolutely love the buntings.what a fab idea for birth gifts especially if you know the name as lettering would look fab on them.
Have creative week with your teapot material will keep popping back to see what youve created
Happy woyww
hugs judex6

donnalouiserodgers said...

indeed reasons to be cheerful

the male bonding made me smile,

after a week of exhausted silence i started a conversation with my mister last night that got as far as:

isn't it a shame about..blah blah.... at length

(that was me )

yes, Dave and I were talking about it when you and Jo were crafting weekend before last ... enter another long period of strong manly silence....

(that was him)

OH so he TALKS to Dave,

I get the odd confirmatory sentence to a gentle conversation starter that ends as soon as it begins...

men do Bond, whether their name is James or not....

give me a license sometimes I want to kill!!!

Dx

Twiglet said...

Great pics. I would love to raid your fabric stash - what fun Wipso and I would have ooing and ahing over all that pretty fabric! x jo

famfa said...

Gorgeous bunting, sure they will love it. Love the teapot material too. Where do you find this lovely stuff? Boys looked like they had fun

marjoleincreatief said...

What à great projects and love THE patterns and colors!!! Too cute. À lot of good reasons.

Greetz, marjolein

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Cheers for celebrating! :) Great stash you found and a great day for your son. :)

Julia Dunnit said...

Fab post LLJfriend..wonderful pics of the Big O - what a thrill. I think the bunting is the best of presents for a third baby...I think I iused to live infear of anyone giving Miss D another cuddly!!

Anonymous said...

I love all the bunting, especially the mini Xmas bunting. I have a weird fascination with steam rollers, I would love to drive one, it's on my bucket list so o am very jealous of your son!

Di said...

The bunting is gorgeous and what a great idea for a newborn gift! Thanks for brightening up the day with such a cheerful and colourful posting! Di xx

Kate said...

OOOH Fab bunting , love it :0) much better than more toys lol.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Kate x

Cardarian said...

Oh what a lovely post - yes so many things we can (could) find to make us happy but we many times don't! Your son is very handsome, you must be very proud of him! I have been to one of those steam engine rallys myself - yes very much a male thing!
Hugs,
Cardarian

Lisa-Jane said...

I think that bunting will be a most welcome present indeed, I love it!

The Crafty Elf said...

Congrats to your friends for their new blue bundle. How nice to find those already started goodies while rummaging - score! The bonding between DH and Big O is very special and doing something so fun is wonderful! My DH name is O (love that name) but for some reason his mother called him by his middle name (scratching head). Thanks for sharing your space today!

Jingle said...

That is LOTS of fun new happies!!!!

CRAFTY WOMBLE said...

I see you are wise in the way of the bag making I hope you don't mind if I stop by if I get into any bother?

Dragon said...

Too right about your son, honey... what a fantastic experience for him.. those bunting will be fabulous, and so different... I would have loved it!! And all that fabric... I love your work
Frankie
xx

Angie said...

Looks like the chaps/boys had fun on their day out.
I love all the materials you use to make your fun bunting ...especially that Xmas one.
Thank you for dropping by me and Emmas blog ...I have been trying to persuade her to join in WOYWW...maybe she will take notice of you xx

April said...

Love the bunting... both xmassy and baby! That teapot and cups fabric is lovely! Thanks for sharing x

SueH said...

Seeing that old steam Roller has reminded me just how old I’m getting because I can remember seeing them being used for road works when I was a child.
I bet Owen had a fab time at the controls and didn’t want the day to end.

Love the Blue bunting for the new baby, what a lovely gift.

Happy Sewing!
Sue
X

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Wonderful fun post.. Love the young ones and their fun toys!! You're right, he'll have great memories. Gosh lots of new babies being posted about. A week or so and our little grandbaby should arrive. Lots of Excitement. Great Fabric pieces and what fun you have. Enjoy WOYWW and have a wonderful day

Helen said...

Just got back fromt he V&A - it was good! I love all your bunting and the pics of the boys and their toys!!

Susanne said...

I like posts that celebrate the good and happy things of everyday life. Thanks for stopping by my blog too!

Hettie said...

Gorgeous bunting there - always makes me smile!!
Mine even has Cherries on!! LOL!!
Happy Hump Day Jan! Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
Thanks for your visit earlier. I have to wait until after work to go hopping!!
Owen looks like he had a true day to remember - you should scrapbook those pictures!

Sunshine Girl said...

Sounds like you all had a fab time - love all of the materials too.

dix said...

The blue bunting is lovely...lucky baby boy. And I, too would like to drive a steam roller...what fun for all!

Bugged Designs said...

Gorgeous tea pot fabric. A lovely idea for the bunting gift too (says she looking at what is rapidly becoming a plastic sitting room/house!)

Spyder said...

oh yes, the great Dorset steam fair, no we didn't go! Love the bunting, think you are right, the gingham is lovely but might be a bit strong a colour. Love the blue for the baby, what a great idea. Wind here was bad too, but, my beans stayed up, wobbled a bit, but stayed up!
(Lyn)
Happy WoYww!

Dandelion and Daisy said...

I live in the Oregon in the U.S. where every year, about 10 miles from our house, they hold a "Steam Up". Trust me, men worldwide love old machinery that makes a lots of noise and throws off a lot of dirt.

Mrs A. said...

That teapot material is fab. Can't wait to see what your making with it. The boys have their own blogspot this week. Hugs Mrs A. #99

MadeByKarla said...

Love all the fabrics! will you put up the finished products? That steam fair sounds fantastic, especially now that I'm into the steam punk stuff. Better late than never, right? lol

lisa said...

All that bunting is just wonderful, I'm not surprised it cheered you up on a dreary day and your friends are sure to be delighted with it for their new baby, I know I would.
The steam fair sounds a lot of fun, men just love machines of any kind don't they.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #104

J.A. Martin said...

Your projects look great - I love the teacups! Happy WOYWW! :-)

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Ah Lunch Lady Jan, I do love each of your reasons for rejoicing and the blue bunting is great - and mini Christmas ones too and yes I love the teacup one and it makes me smile as well! The steam fair looks so much fun - and a great time was had by all. Love it! Happy WOYWW, Shaz in oz.x

Elizabeth said...

Lovely post - the bunting is so pretty and the teapot fabric is too. Great pics of the boys and their toys :) Have a great week. Elizabeth x #50

Victoria said...

love the bunting but wow wow wow to your son's day love the big grin on his face at the end how exciting and a day he will treasure x

Anne said...

Hi there I love the bunting. When my granddaughters were born a friend of my DS and DIL made them one each - also had the letters of their name on- absolutely gorgeous. I am still trying to reorganise my craft space and get my sewing machine out. Thanks for visiting me. Anne x

Karen said...

Wow, love your bunting!!! I saw some whilst out the other day and for about 6 pieces it was £12-£16!!!!! Yikes...! Enjoy WOYWW!

Tertia said...

Love, love love the bunting! The teapot fabric is gorgeous and the male bonding priceless.
Looks like we are rooting for opposing teams this Sunday, I am a Springbok through and through. Even got the shirt and the hat and the flag ready for the game. Your team looks quite formidable, but I still think we will beat them. Enjoy watching.

Crafting Time said...

That bunting is so beautiful, babies really are in the air at the moment!
Helen x

JoZart Designs said...

Great post... always love your fabrics and amazingly I took a length of the teapot fabric even same colours (wipe clean version) to my DD in Germany.
You would love a visit to Abakhan if ever you came to Liverpool... Donna went MAD and spent so much because there was so much choice at bargain prices and remnant lengths by weight. Why do we spend more when things cost less!! Doh!
I lurve steam engines and the guys could bond away as I'd be off on my own around them all.
Love JoZarty x

Anouk said...

Anybody else feel like a «steampunk» scrapbook page needs to be put together??? wink-wink :) men and their toys? I can't help but wonder what they would have become if the wheel had never been invented! lol
have a great week Jan!!
Noukie xx

HeARTworks said...

Yes those are great reasons to be cheerful! No.4 WOYWW time! patsy

WOYWW 769

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