Bunting & banter

I am not sure if it was the wet winter months that caused a flurry of bunting making parties or whether people are still in the party mood following the Royal Wedding and the Diamond Jubilee but there is definitely a need for jolly flags around. 

With a suitcase full of red and purple I went to a lovely 10 year old who was very keen to do a sewing party for her birthday. The "Little Miss Sew & So" package can be tailored to any age (even to those who cannot handle a needle) and a popular activity is bunting making. 

The girls at this party were fortunate enough to have a sewing circle at their primary school. Not many schools have that luxury and I believe it is crucial to keep these skills alive, I have come across too many girls in their 20's and 30's who literally cannot sew on a button.

There are of course many ways to make bunting but this jolly troupe went for the traditional triangular flags.

     


Some of them had not done any sewing before but got the hang of it really quickly and decorated their flags beautifully with hearts and flowers. I did bring some felt stickers, so I suppose I made them cheat a little but we are pretended they were put on using Bondaweb and I promised not to tell anyone!

Afterwards the party girl's mum sent me a lovely letter:


"Thank you for a lovely party on Saturday. Some of the girls who had very limited experience of sewing were really inspired by the party and their parents have come up to me in the playground and said how they haven’t stopped talking about it and they have been sewing and finishing their bunting at home. So it inspired some girls and my daughter loved it, showing her friends her talents."

Thank you, this cheered up my day! 

Something old, something new...

.... something borrowed, something blue.

That is exactly what I packed in my suitcase to take to a hen party in Manchester city centre this weekend. The hens had decided on a crafty afternoon and I was asked to bring green and blue fabrics to make bunting. The bride did not know anything about me coming or what the girls were going to do, which was very exciting.

When it comes to bunting making for a wedding I always like to bring vintage fabrics along, I think it adds a romantic touch and of course it is the "something old". The new were the other fabrics, the blue well that was one of the colours and for the borrowed we had some scissors that were in the hotel apartment.

The bride was very excited and after some deliberating as to whether they were going to make individual bunting to take home or something together, the girls decided to make a long line of bunting for the wedding and made a lovely design, each decorating two flags with some plain ones at the ends.

I am looking forward to seeing the finished result in the wedding pictures and will post them when they come in. Unless of course they appear on the Busy Betsy Facebook page. Please 'Like' if you haven't already. 

And if you'd like to do some bunting making, do get in touch info@busybetsy.co.uk. 

Three down, three to go

And with that I mean the weeks of the summer holidays. I cannot believe that we are halfway there. There are always lots of mums moaning at the start of the holidays saying that six weeks is too long: they all find it a drag and kids get bored. I absolutely love it! So does girl monkey although boy monkey loves school so much that he misses it. The solution is a bit of home schooling to give him structure in the day and we are all happy.

So far it's been a "staycation" but with an international feel. The six weeks started of so nice with plenty of sunshine, the Manchester Mela, a visit to Roman Chester and lunches at Cafe Rouge. We've packed in plenty of picnics in the park and especially the dinner time ones had a calming effect on all of us. The days when the sun wasn't out we had plenty to do inside; the monkeys love making up things so we had a home cinema and French cafe to name a few. The hospital one was a good one although I was really not well and in bed but it gave the kids an excuse to do something different. We always like home cinema: curtains drawn, drinks in bottles and a big bag of home made popcorn all go down well. To fill the time the monkeys made tickets for the film, arranged the seats in the lounge and put stickers on, created a counter to sell sweets and crisps and it all made for a fun time. A lot cheaper than going to the cinema and a good way for them to practice a bit of maths and earn a few pennies as I wasn't allowed in without buying a ticket and sweets!

I have always liked the idea of home schooling as I do not always agree with the standard state school education but at the same time I wouldn't like to take the little ones away from their social life at school which I believe gives them a good grounding for secondary school. However the summer holidays are always a good opportunity to do more at home and the monkeys came up with a brilliant idea: "French Cafe". We had a cook, a waiter and a very smart guest. We prepared a french style lunch with pate, cheeses, baguette, salad, jus d'orange and salade de fruits. It was a great way to learn about home economics, table settings, geography, to practice french words and maths.

In the holidays I don't really have the time to do any crafts but I started on a quilt for girl monkey.

Both monkeys are a bit too young to get involved although they helped me choose the fabrics. The theme really is Dutch fabrics and turquoise. I've sewn the squares on and am now hand quilting with apple green, I think it is going to be very nice.

I am writing this as I am still in bed (oh the joys of summer holidays!) before going to Oulton Park race course to see Mr G. do a crash course in skidding. If any of you are looking for something different to do in the South Manchester/Cheshire area, there is a lovely place called Coffee au Clay where we went yesterday. This is a lovely light and bright cafe with good coffees and cakes and nice pottery items to paint. The monkeys had a ball choosing items and colours and it is so well organised and presented that it made for a very relaxing experience (most mums do not associate paint with relaxation) and I even thought I should have brought a book.

Apart from pottery painting they also do letter decorating with fancy papers that you are able to take on the same day so I have a feeling that that is what we will be doing next week. For now enjoy the summer holidays!

I could have been a farmer's wife

Yes I could have been a farmer's wife, should have been perhaps but never would have been as a farmer never crossed my path. Having grown up in the Dutch country side, a mile from the seaside but having been addicted to the London high life I have a strange mixture of sentimental feelings for both places. I do think the seaside wins... the smell of the North Sea and that of the flowers and animals is really quite appealing. I have no green fingers yet but would love to grow my own veg. I have a real make do and mend attitude and never waste anything and often dream of living on a farm. On top of that girl monkey would love to move to a farm near grandma in Holland; that would make all her dreams come true (well apart from that being an actress or a chef). Farm life is getting a little closer though in Didsbury with plans of getting a few chickens and growing rhubarb in the back garden.

The week started with some inspiration at a book launch at the Albert Tennis Club organised by Action for Sustainable Living. The book entitled "Didsbury Dinners" promised to give tips on sustainable living and some good recipes. It ain't a Nigella or Jamie but we should all support our local community and the effort that has been made and make this a sell-out publication.

The lovely volunteers made the event a memorable one and we got some lovely goodies. I particularly love the shopping bag: Love Food hate waste, the strap line was made for me! We got to taste some vegan snacks (the pastry was a little wasted on me) and I was nearly persuaded to join the WI. Who knows when I've got more time on my hands and an actual house fairy who could deal with cooking and monkeys I might even give this a go.

For the moment I am feeling quite green and sustainable by growing my own tomatoes. I am very proud of these so far.

Having just recovered from neck pain I decided to do some work in the garden and do my back in. I'd spent a day pulling weeds, planning the kitchen garden and making space for the chicken coop and then I decided to put this little baby together:

It promises to be a tropical Easter weekend with chocolate eggs melting everywhere so had to buy this beauty to BBQ some goodies.

Girl monkey cheered me up by planting some Phlox and to relax from all the hard work I bundled some lovely purple and white flowers (weeds I believe!) for the kitchen.....

.... and added some lovely smelling white lilacs to a bouquet in the lounge.

All I need now is a cup of tea and a foot rub. Shame I've got to do that myself......

Kung Hei Fat Choi

Today was the day that the monkeys have been looking forward to for weeks: the day of the Chinese New Year Parade in Manchester's China Town. It's been a yearly highlight since we moved here nearly seven years ago. Over the years we had a lot of screaming with fear from either of them and there was a little anticipation again from boy monkey today but there was no need to worry as we only saw the end of the parade. No dragon in sight just some fireworks.

We went to the usual supermarket to stock up on our favourite Chinese biscuits, sweets and crackers and of course some delicious Jasmine tea.

Along the way we acquired some paper dragons and a free bottle of Amoy soy sauce that were handed out. How nice is that! I passed on the scientology newspaper; I think I can deal with my own stress. Instead got a fortune cookie, which told me that I will soon discover my hidden talent. I shall let you all know when I find out. It's not going to be singing that's for sure.

We are currently waiting for a food delivery from the best Chinese take away The Laughing Buddha in Didsbury. With that we will have started the Year of the Rabbit nicely. I love traditions and I love celebrations. Life is too short and I think the more fun things we can do the better. Next on the calendar will be Valentine's day.

Never Forget

Wow, I took the monkeys to see this show today and I will certainly never forget this fabulous afternoon for many reasons. Only two more days to go in Manchester and if you're lucky enough to get front row seats like we did, you'll sure get under the spell of this smashing cast. I think Mark Willshire, Tom Bradley and Scott Garnham have reached hero status in this household! Girl monkey was thrilled to go to the dressing rooms to see her drama teacher and see some of the singers and dancers along the way. I am sure she can't wait to go onto that stage herself.

Arts about Manchester

Oh, I love it when the sun is out! It really feels like summer. I couldn't bring myself to blog about our first dinner outside yesterday as I thought everyone would think it's an April fool's joke but we did and again tonight, a rare treat for this time of year in Manchester.

I had such a fabulous day today. I had a few things on the agenda starting with a T-shirts and Suits Coffee Club session in the wonderful Cup Cafe in Thomas Street. It felt so good being amongst all these lovely creative people who all wanted to support each other. David Parrish is brilliant for setting this up. 

I then went to the Manchester Craft and Design Centre to hand in my Think Pink yarn wrap for the banister and explore the studio spaces.

My last stop was the Manchester Art Gallery before heading home to get the monkeys. 

Now everywhere I went today I bumped into friends/fellow crafters/fellow craft teachers; it was totally bizarre but very nice. It felt like one of those lucky days. 

Yarn wrapping Manchester

I just picked out the yarns for the piece  I am going to knit for the banister in the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. I've picked all pinks, I will call my piece Think Pink and hope to raise some more support for Breast Cancer Awareness.

I LOVE PURPLE!

There, I've said it, shouted it even. For those who've read about my relationship with purple this must come as a surprise but as with any relationship feelings change, sometimes good, sometimes not so. My feelings for this colour though, have drastically improved in the last six months or so. 

Anyway, I found the most fabulous purple items in the charity shops in the village here. I love this bag, used it yesterday when I took the monkeys to the Bridgwater Hall and carried it with a smile on my face. 

To complete my outfit I added these funky Julien MacDonald Shoes. 

I suppose it is official: Purple I rest my case!

Manchester Tourism

As Mr Betsy is coming to work in Manchester again, the monkeys and I thought it would be a good idea to familiarise him with some of the cultural hotspots in town. It is great to be a tourist in the place you live sometimes. And for those of you who didn't know, truly :

Our first stop was Afflecks (previously Affleck's Palace). A fabulous place for original gifts and clothing but worth a visit for the elevator alone. The lift makes funny sounds at every floor and the pictures on the walls are great. The monkeys love it. 

Next stop was the Manchester Design and Craft Centre. The Northern Quarter is full of fabulous shops but this centre houses some truly fabulous designers. I fell in love again with a beautiful coat (I am saying again as I'd seen it before at a fair). Today saw the opening of an exhibition organised by UK Craft Mafias. 

There was live music, a funky knitting corner and a craft table for little ones but above all a lovely cup of tea and a mountain of delicious cupcakes served by the nicest ladies. 

ArtYarn organised yarnbombing, a wrapping of the banister on the first floor with some knitted and crocheted pieces. I think I'll have a go as well. 

Last cultural stop was Urbis. Girl monkey doesn't really like lifts (the one if Afflecks was just about OK) but she really does like the glass one in Urbis. On the way there boy monkey spotted the guitar on the Hard Rock Cafe. He's always been drawn to guitars so when we left Urbis to go for some dinner there he couldn't stop smiling. Girl monkey was in for a treat as well. She happened to go to a toilet with text from one of her favourite bands:

Smiles all around. Looking forward to Mother's Day tomorrow!

Luck again for Busy Betsy

I am sure I have mentioned this before but a lot of thing have come my way these past few months and I do feel like a lucky girl indeed. I will come back to my lucky strike today again in a bit but first wanted to tell you all about Babies in the City. 

This fabulous new guide lists activities, restaurants, parks, day trips, etc. for families with children under five in and around Manchester. 

The guide is published by Jo Maxwell, who like me came up North about 5 years ago, and the listings have been tried and tested by mums. Now the best bit for me is that one of the mums who attends my Mini Masters arts and crafts club has done a lovely write up about me and the classes in this guide (thank you Andrea!). Please do go out and buy a copy of this guide!

If that wasn't lucky then this certainly is :

The picture may not be entirely clear but this is a double children's school desk and shoe locker, apparently from the '50's, from a school in Manchester. On my way to the Save the Children store this morning I saw these items being unloaded and immediately liked them. However I did not know how to get them to my house. A quick witted mum then kindly asked the couple who donated the items if they could drop them off around the corner (which they did) and then gave me money for the items as I didn't have any money on me, how kind is that! Thank you Maxine! See, that is why I never want to leave Manchester. I have never met people that are kinder and more helpful than here!

Back home I had a massive clear out (yep that is still ongoing), created more space in the bedroom (what for?) and crafted some brooches. 

Let's see if tomorrow is a lucky day again...

Willie Wonka at Mary Poppins'

I've taken the monkeys and a friend to Mary Poppins at the Palace Theatre here in Manchester. This was a fabulous show, a more elaborate story than the movie and so well done! I enjoyed it a lot more than the Wizard of Oz which was pretty good in itself. The dancing in Mary Poppins was fabulous and Mary Poppins' exit better than Michael Jackson's rocket trick. 

Girl Monkey's friend enjoyed her first theatre visit and told her dad all about the treats she'd had : lemonade, candy floss, crisps and godstoppers [sic]! Don't you love those little people? The gobstoppers we found last week, during our quest for Wonka bars. Girl monkey had spotted them in a shop and was thrilled to bits to find all these treats from Charlie's Chocolate Factory! 

I am up to my ears in curtain fabric again more about this soon....