Moving....

All change!

Made by Cara is currently having a bit of a re-brand, with a new logo and some new colours, and so it seemed an appropriate time to evaluate both my website and my blog.  My blog is re-locating to http://caraandco.wordpress.com and my website is currently 'down' whilst I make the necessary changes to it.

I'm also taking this opportunity to introduce Flat Rate Shipping - regardless of items ordered.  UK deliveries will now cost £2.50, whilst worldwide deliveries will now be £3.50

Cara x

Advance Notice...

We are about to have some work start on our house.  We're not 'big' into decisions here, its taken us the best part of 11 years to work out exactly what we want to do... and the work starts TODAY.  The children break up from school on Wednesday, and the builders reckon they'll be with us for about 5 weeks - by my estimation that'll be all through the school summer holidays ending just as the children return to school...   They are hoping that we won't be left without bathroom facilities but can't guarantee it (argh! - naturally Mum has put her facilities on standby for us!).

I've gone around the house taking photos of the rooms as they are now (mess and all) and can't wait to add the 'new' improved versions later this year.

What this does mean is that 'free' time to browse all the wonders of the interweb are going to be sorely limited, it is the school holidays after all, plus my friend finally had her twins - born at 34 weeks after she was suffering terribly from pre-eclampsia, and at 12 days old the twins have been defined as being well enough to go home!  I rang Ali last night, and could sense instantly that all wasn't quite so calm in the house.  They'd gone to the hospital to visit their two babies and ended up bringing them home.  Ali, was in hospital from week 30, and although they have 'all they need' - she hadn't had time to 'nest' the house properly, and although she was discharged last Monday from hospital - she was re-admitted on Wednesday.  They really haven't had an easy ride of it.  I couldn't help but smile as she confessed that all they (her and her husband) had managed to do was feed and change both babies...  I've offered to go over and look after them so that Ali can find some time to herself.

However, I do HOPE to continue posting as often as I can, but please bear with me if things don't go to plan.... :D

Home

Friday was a wonderful day in London, and by and large we stuck to our 'plan' for the day.  

We caught the train in to Euston and took a leisurely amble to the British Museum, where we spent a fair while looking at Elgin's Marbles, and the Egyptian exhibits, before heading off for some lunch at Hummus Bros.  I'm not a great fan of hummus - but even I have to concede it was very nice, I opted for a side salad with a pitta, whilst husband went for the hummus with chicken topping with a warm spiced apple juice.  My ginger and mint lemonade was really nice, and I need to make some myself now!! 

Lunch then spurred us on for a walk down to Covent Garden and Neals Yard/Seven Dials - where I was indulged in a spot of shoe buying!   We had planned to wander over to Chinatown for some noodles, but were so full from lunch - and the cookie I ate in Covent Garden that we instead plumped for some Mint Tea at Souk Medina (hidden away in Neals Yard), before we wandered down through Trafalgar Square to the river, before heading up to Somerset House for the Duffy Concert.

Somerset House was a wonderful venue, the support were great, even the slight rain didn't dampen things, and Duffy was amazing.  Hearing her voice live was just incredible, she has such a talent.  

Finally we hailed a cab back to the station and managed to get a seat on the train home - which for us has NEVER happened before!!

Yesterday was spent relaxing, and today has been frantic boxing up of belongings... we have workmen starting tomorrow!  Apologies for the link heavy post - I still can't seem to upload any images.

Tired

I feel really tired today - much like I felt yesterday actually!  I can feel we are approaching the end of the school year - the children are on wind down, and I can feel myself joining them.  It doesn't help that last night we (myself and my neighbours) planned to go and see 'Mamma Mia' at the local cinema - only to get there and see about 100 + women milling around outside.  The film was showing in two screens - one showing each, and yes it was sold out.  From eavesdropping into other conversations we knew that all the other local cinemas were the same.  There were a lot of disappointed ladies out last night!  One of our group was heavily pregnant and so really wasn't up to much else, so it was a sombre drive home - you could say we were all sulking!!

Tonight we're out at Drumfest - our son is currently learning to play the drums - I'm expecting a LOUD evening, and the worlds largest drum kit is supposed to be there too.  I'm not sure this is a true family evening out - but hey, maybe I'll become a 'cool' mum for the night!

Tomorrow gets better - Chris and I are off to London, we've tickets to see Duffy play at Somerset House, and I can't wait.  Evidently light showers is forecast for tomorrow, but theres nothing like walking in the rain with the man you love - so it'll be fun (won't it?).   The children are overnighting at a friends house (thank you Kate!), and so we're going to make a day of it visiting the British Museum, then some time in Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Chinatown for tea before the concert.  I only wish I had a smaller camera for days like this.  We have a great digital camera - but its fairly bulky, and I always end up carrying it, so it's staying at home tomorrow.  Not that that would matter at the moment as I seemingly can't add photos to my blog currently - not great!

Letterbox

The letterbox contact from our children's birth mum arrived last week.  We receive a letter from her (via Social Services who screen the letters) each year around about this time and we reciprocate with a letter in September.  I was cross from the moment I opened it - its full of talk about her baby son and celebrating birthdays - and I have to read this to my children?

Anyhows, tonight was chosen, and sure enough we've had an evening of tears.  Hearing from birth mum has made both children feel unsafe, nervous, anxious - but despite this, I am so so very proud of them both.  They handled hearing the letter so so well, and above all else were mostly concerned for the new baby in their mum's life.  They mainly wanted to know whether he was safe or not.  We told them we didn't much know as birth mum is no longer living in our county (or country), however we did tell them that I'd asked our local Social Services if they knew anything and whilst they couldn't tell me (either because they do not know or because of confidentiality) anything, they could say that the local Child Welfare department would know of the history of child neglect.

My children constantly amaze me with their ability to process information, and to show a maturity so beyond their years.  I love them both so so much.

Tomorrow is our tenth wedding anniversary. I remember the night before our wedding, possibly more clearly than the day itself. The night before, I was calling the whole thing off. I did change my mind however and we did indeed get married.

We married in the Dominican Republic and a few days prior to flying out my husband to be was telling me his wedding band would be too loose. I believed him but no - he had to demonstrate, so he slipped the ring on and shook his hand furiously... the ring flew off, it then took about 30 minutes of sheepish hunting for him to locate the ring. I then confiscated the ring and said we'd have it re-sized once we were home.

Anyway, Chris occassionally suffers from eczema on his hands and sure enough they flared up a few days before we were due to marry. The night before Chris thought he'd 'try' the ring to see if it would go on - I said not to and that it wouldn't matter, I could always pretend to put the ring on. He didn't listen and pushed the ring on. 

It fitted.

Tightly

AND WOULDN'T COME OFF.

Was I happy - no I was not. I think I threw what can only be described as a diva style strop. I refused to marry him. Chris headed off to the kitchens to try oil, butter, ice - nothing worked. The ring was stuck fast. Eventually I calmed down and agreed to marry him, with the ring already on.

However that almost didn't happen as the Judge was not happy about marrying us with Chris already wearing a wedding band. It took a lot of explaining to the Judge - in Spainish as to why Chris was wearing a wedding ring, and that no this wasn't a bigamous marriage, but that the ring was stuck, until the Judge gave him a big grin and agreed to marry us.

All quiet on the Western front!

I'm currently working with a designer on a 'brand' for Made by Cara, and all should be revealed in the fullness of time.  

In terms of stock, well a few more children's aprons should reach the store next week, as will some Summer inspired bunting - thats if the rain ceases long enough to take some good shots!  The passport covers I started a while back, will no doubt be finished by the end of summer - just as everyone is finishing holidays rather than starting them, and the lavender sachets will probably appear at the same time!

In other news I've had a big old tidy up of my crafting area - and it looks so much better, I think my husband was a little disturbed by the quantity of fabric I have - I'm guessing now is not the time to tell him more is on order?

My step brother is now out of hospital, and annoying the nurses at the cottage hospital where he has his physio, which is good for us, but not for them!  Just as Matthew was out of hospital, my best friend went in suffering with pre-eclampsia, and my mum had a fall at work.  I'm not sure about you, but I think I'll be pleased when next year is here!!

However, Monday is my 10th wedding anniversary - and we're off for a day out, we were planning a picnic, but the weather is atrocious, so we're going to a local pub for lunch, its one we haven't been to before, so we don't know what to expect, and it'll either be great and we'll love it or it'll become a moment to laugh and reminisce over in years to come.

So in honour of my wedding anniversary, any purchases made between now and 24th July qualify for 10% reduction - woo hoo !!!   You can either pay in full, and I'll refund the 10% off the item price, or purchase and wait for a revised invoice.

Cara x

A UK Etsy?

I stumbled across a fab new site tonight:: FOLKSY - its still in beta, so be forgiving.

Its a UK site offering fabulous items by UK designers, artists and crafters.  There's quite a few familiar faces on there from Etsy - but the best bit is that its all priced in pounds!

I've gone and grabbed my spot there tonight - the shops looking a little thin, but hey, you have to start somewhere and I'd certainly recommend a look at it.

Enjoy, 

Cara x

** Just gone back to the site to have another browse.... and guess who is on the front page!  Woo hoo **

Diary Page

I'm participating in the 2009 Diary project over at:: http://www.fantazya.ca/diary2009.html

Here is my entry - took me a while to do, I really struggled with 'how' to do it...  I think they need a guide for dummies!!!

Gifford's Circus

Last Saturday I took the family to the Circus - sort of a big thank you for all the times they've left me be to get ready for We Make.  

Words can't describe how magical the whole experience was.  The circus was set up in a small Oxfordshire village - not quite on the Green, but almost!  The Big Top looked splendid and the children looked completely mesmeriszed.  I deliberately had NOT told them about the treat, and it was a wonderful surprise.  All the performers were dressed in wonderful costumes, the inside of the tent was decorated beautifully and there was live music throughout the entire show.  We ate sticky strawberry candyfloss - though the Hungarian Goulash smelt divine too (we'd already picnic'd sadly), and tried very hard to refrain from buying a stick from Tweedy for 50p.  He had a surprising number of customers though!!

I'll leave you with this photo - but more can be found over on Flickr as usual!

We'll certainly be going next year - and if you get the chance to visit Gifford's Circus - do!  They are amazing.

Still on about We Make!

Okay - so there were far too many wonderful sellers to mention, but StoreyShop deserve one!

They were sort of opposite me and they had the most wonderful cut out cards on their table - absolutely beautiful, so I've ordered one today to be made for my wedding anniversary in a few weeks time (look out for a Special Offer nearer the time!).  

I can't wait for it to arrive.

We Make

*phew*

I'm glad I'm home!  Yesterday was a VERY long day... thankfully made shorter by the lovely Sally from Stitchy Woo Woo.

I left home shortly after 6am so I could catch the bus up to London from Milton Keynes.  I'm a great supporter of public transport - but I'm not sure I'd use National Express again!  The website was terribly confusing as to which stops I could use with luggage in the hold - and even a call to their call centre did nothing to help, so in the end I settled for travelling into Victoria Coach station.   Now I had trouble navigating the coach station so heaven help anyone from another country visiting and ending up there!  Anyway by 9:30am I was at the venue - having bumped into Angharad on route (with her lovely daughter and father).

It was lovely to meet fellow Etsian's both stall holders and customers.  I met some blog readers too - which was lovely, as you're never quite sure if you have any!!  The day was quieter than I might have liked, however I made several sales, and a couple of custom orders and it was wonderful to meet up with fellow crafters.

The delightful Abi came up from Devon bringing my custom tops that she'd made - beautiful and I must remember to show you a photo!

The topping of the day came when Sally heard that I was travelling by coach and offered me a lift in her car all the way to Milton Keynes - thanks to Lovealittle's mum Renee for organising that!

Lots of photos of the day can be found over at Flickr::  http://www.flickr.com/groups/750040@N25/

Now if you don't mind - but I'm going for a cup of tea and a laze on the sofa!!

WE MAKE

... London

The 'Made by Cara' stall is off to London, Covent Garden today for the We Make fair.

Do pop along if you are in the area (I've heard the first 10 customers through the door get a free cotton tote bag!).  It starts at 11am and full details are here::  http://wemakelondon.blogspot.com

Me, I'm off to catch the bus in a few moments.  No trains were running before 9am this morning, not quite what I planned.  Last night we were at the Circus and it was fab, and I'll spill all about that too later.  Enjoy your sunday!

C x

Salvation...

How was I to know that salvation would come in the form of a lovely girl?  

In the greater scheme of things finding someone who could replicate a top that I fell in love with, and that is now sadly past its best is probably one that doesn't spring to mind.  However... this is me we are talking about here.  Being one of the larger sized ladies means that I really do not enjoy clothes shopping.  Now I've found a very enjoyable way.  Let me explain...

1.  Take an item you love

2.  Send it to Abi

3.  Choose colour/fabric

4.  Smile repeatedly as she uploads the Work In Progress pictures on Flickr 

5. A week later be overjoyed with the results.

Thats it - simple, one week, which includes me sending Abi the top, her drawing up a pattern to fit me/the top perfectly, her ordering the fabric and Abi finishing TWO new tops.

I'm super lucky too as Abi is coming to We Make tomorrow and bringing the two new tops and my old scruffy original.

Who says couture isn't for the masses!  What you waiting for!

We Make

After all the trauma at the start of June, I really wasn't sure if I'd be going to We Make this Sunday.  However, I am going to! 

So if you are in London this Sunday, do pop along to Covent Garden where you'll find the Made by Cara stall and plenty of others at the We Make London fair.  Full details are on the We Make blog.

In the mean time, I'll leave you with a shot of another of my new lines...

Children's Apron £9.50

and Children's Apron & Baking Set £12

Matthew

Matthew had a set back over the weekend.  He was doing really well and so they transferred him from ITU where he has been since June 1st to the Trauma ward, however he wasn't doing so well and so he is now back in ITU.

Fun

Wow - I had some fun tonight.  Friday nights is the UK Etsy chat night, and Bunny introduced us to Ustream.  Well a few of us had a go and it was a complete giggle... until I realised mine had sound and everyone could hear me chuckling, at which point I went a rather fetching shade of pink....   I'm not sure I'm cut out for TV !!  But it was perfect for a Friday night giggle

And the winner is...

Thank you for your wonderful comment - now all I need to know is which one you'd like!

Peg Bags

Originally uploaded by MadeByCara

Giveaway

Wow - when I first made the post, I was hoping I'd get at least 2 comments, so I could at least have to 'pick' one out of a bowl (or egg cup!).  I ended up getting 20 very nice comments that have really lifted my heart over the last few days.

Matthew had a set back last night - blood was found in his lung, so its still a long weary road, and one that I'm sure to post about many many times.

On the picking of the name front I used the names in a bowl trick - the egg cup was just too small!!! 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and particularly to those who took the time to make a comment.

100th post giveaway

Little did I know on 1st October 2007 whether I would continue posting past a week - let alone 100 posts, but here I am.  Whether you are fresh to me or a 'long time' lurker - you've given me something to blog for.  A reason to keep going when things haven't always been that easy.  You've seen me through my first craft fair, my first sale,  Christmas, Birthday's and Valentines, Attachment Disorder and the accident my step brother was involved in - and on that front, I'm pleased to say that Matthew shows serious signs of improvement.  

Which is why I finally feel that I can do this post and say THANK YOU for joining me on my blogging journey, and to invite you to participate in my 100th post giveaway.

All you'll need to do is comment on this post - nothing more, nothing less, and the prize?  Its a new line I'm adding to my store:  Washing Line Peg Bags

Good luck and I'll draw the name out of the hat on Friday 13th June (least it'll be lucky for someone!) at 8pm GMT

Cara x