London Fun!

Today we took a family trip to London.  We spent the morning at the V&A, played with a couple of Glass activity backpacks, had a nice wander about and elevenses in the courtyard…

We then went to Hamley's, never again; even the kids recognise a con when they see one, or a whole shop-full!  A potter around Covent Garden, and ending up in the geek-ville that is Forbidden Planet, before heading home.

A little hexie stitching on the train, but now I am good for nothing, my feet ache and my head needs to hit a pillow soon.

I am trying to block out the fact that I have missed all the fun at FoQs, but I am seriously doubting that my walking and talking stamina would have been up to it!!

A Day At The Museum...

We thought we would make the most of the Inset Day, avoid the Easter Holiday crowds, and go up to town; London Town.

Top of the list was the Science Museum.  We did far from all of it, but with plenty of experimenting and button pushing, everyone was happy...

I even spotted an awesome bag, and a textiles installation which kept my needs in check...

We got the bus, saw a few sights, popped into M&M World, which even the kids thought was a complete rip off after the chocolate scent had worn off; they bought their sweets at WHSmith for half the price!

Another bus taking in a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, Downing Street and Big Ben, and home in time for tea.

It's a school day tomorrow; I have my day off, due to a meeting on Wednesday, so I will get my Sizzix action then.  For now, I am putting my feet up.

See you in April xxx

Uptown girl...

Via the magic of technology, whilst you are reading this, dear hubby and I will be gadding about that there London, as our anniversary treat!

So in honour of the big day, I made myself a For Pleat's Sake Tote.  I am not the only one to have fallen for this free pattern, and by all accounts not the only one to have fallen foul of the dreaded pleats!

A word to the wise... when you make the two marks for each pleat, do not fold and match the marks together; they indicate where the fabric folds.

So here's my bag...

Lush Uptown paired with some Random Pencil Check in linen (good brown!).  I got my handles from Bag Clasps - super fast, and added a magnetic snap for a bit of mental security.

I stitched the handles in matching dark brown thread, which may, or may not have looked better on the inside if I had gone lighter, but I prefer the thread-less look on the outside, so be it...

It's a great size; big enough for all my usual gubbins and a bit of extra rummage room; and so quick to make, after that first set of pleats!

So love you and leave you, I expect I have shopping to do!

Tired, in a really good way!

This morning we dropped the kids off at my parents' and got the train up to London.  Considering how near we all live, it is quite surprising how infrequently we head up to town.

Anyway, today was an extended birthday celebration; we went straight for lunch at the tiny Pizza Express on Upper James Street, and spent a fun hour watching Security turning tourists around who were trying to take a shortcut through Golden Square that had been closed for the UK Black Pride group.

Today was London Pride, and with perfect weather there was a really great atmosphere and tonnes of colour in town; so many roads were closed, but we were able to get about on foot and by tube with no problems, and we even ended up in Trafalgar Square with the masses at the end of the day...

I see a potential quilt in that logo!

We did spend a large proportion of time here though...

I did buy a few bits and pieces, and will get some photos tomorrow for your delight.

We then headed down to Covent Garden, via this photo opportunity...

... and then back in time to have tea and cake at Mum & Dad's and rescue them from their day with the kids.

Home now, and my feet are aching, the grime has been washed off and I am looking forward to a bit of shut-eye.

3 weeks time and I'll be back up in that there London, and it can't come round quick enough xxx