AJ's Antics

Noodlehead  has lots of fabulous bag patterns with one of my favourite being the 241 Tote which I've made a few times. One of her newest bags is the Makers Tote . This pattern was released at the end of November 2015 and I knew it would be perfect for my cross stitch. I've been keeping my cross stitch in a 'green' shopping bag, that after being carted back and forwards a bit it was looking a little lot worse for wear. Actually is was so badly torn it couldn't carry anything any more so I was getting kinda desperate. So with the holidays approaching and know I would have some sewing time up my sleeve, I looked for some fabric to use and of course got some feedback off my lovely sewing friends. The lovely Rachel from Barefoot crafter  is sewing along with me and she has chosen some lovely fabric too! I can't wait to see hers finished! There are 2 sizes in the pattern and I made the bigger one. Here are some progress shots The outside ...

I'm really pleased with the 30 books I've read this year.  A few of them are kids novels that I have read to my 6-year-old son and a couple of YA but I'm ok with that. My pick for the year would have to be 'The Storms of War' . I always enjoy reading these personal/family reflections on the World Wars. The book most outside of my normal comfort zone would have been 'Burial Rites' . It was nothing like I would normally read and I did quite enjoy it. Not exactly a cheerful book to read over Christmas but quite thought provoking and I have found my mind wondering for the last few weeks reflecting on the circumstances and how I would have reacted being in each of the characters places. The worst book I read in 2015 was definitely 'Little Miracles' . It was a difficult book to get into and I really should have stopped about a quarter of the way in but I persevered and then the end....well lets just say it ne...