Where did September go?

Some days I'm amazed when I look at the calender! Time seems to move in leaps and bounds! Already the end of September - and what have I to show? What can I add to my OPAM list?
Well, something had to be done .....

A while back, a friend gave me some thick upholstery fabric. Just right for a bag! The D-rings etc. were recycled from a tatty old bag and the lining is a leftover from some curtains I made for my son years ago. So all I needed was a zipper and a woven strap. Inside I made a pocket with 3 compartments .... very handy for keeping a few necessaries ready to grab: phone, glasses, car keys!
(And yes, I had to make a tuck in the lining - it must have grown while I was fiddling with the zipper :))

And this can go on my Early Bird Christmas list, too - as the challenge was something for outdoors. But I like it so much I don't really want to part with it - so either it will be a pre-Christmas pressie for me (is that allowed?) or I'll have to make another one, won't I!
That's what happens when you're a bag lady!

Mandarin classes start again today - new teacher and new group. We were only 3 from our old group that wanted to carry on. So we are taking the same class as we had in the spring - I don't mind, it will give me a chance to review before going further. Which is a good thing -I looked at the books today and realised how quickly I can forget when not working at it every day!
And then I hope enough students from this group will go on to the next level after Christmas.

I hope you have a good evening, too.

Lucky girl ..

Mail for me again ... my prize for guessing how many posts Di has blogged. The cutest make-up bag and a note pad for my shopping lists. And both were something I really needed!

Thank you so much, Di - I love them.

..

Two blocks on their way to Australia to be part (maybe) of a quilt for someone needing a big hug. Does this look out of focus to you? Maybe I should have kept my glasses on ...

Nothing else to show yet - I'm knitting like mad to get birthday presents done. The closer I get to deadlines the slower going it is! Do you notice that, too? But I have been good doing housework - washed the whole house and tidied and dusted last week. I had to - my turn to host the knitting club and I didn't want the girls to get allergy attacks! (Not everyone is a doggy person)

Hoping you have a nice day and get to do something fun - I'm off on an errand of mercy (haha) - poor Dh is sick (just a cold) and needs medicine. I wonder what else I can find on my way ....

Birthday Boy!

Fabulous Filix (and it is his official name!) is 6 today! He is a marvellous friend and a true gentleman. He didn't complain when one of his guests just had to try to lick the ice cream cake (accompanied by gleeful squeals from the grandkiddies). Well, everyone got a taster in the end although some wished they could have had more. ... (not proportional to body size :) )

Not much to show this week. I haven't done any sewing (squeak!) I have been painting - no, I'm not aspiring to be a new Picasso ... I have painted the top of the terrace fence and the bathroom window. It takes time, but looks bright and glossy now (all our windows are just lyewashed not painted) . I have quite enjoyed myself, but I do wish each coat of painting dried faster. I don't think I'm a very patient person, in fact. Now I have had a success with one window, I think I'll have a go at some more.

I have done some knitting in the evenings - several birthdays this autmn; 2 grandkiddies, son #1 and my father-in-law (80!)
The kiddies are easy - if I get the knitting finished in time, my son? no problem ... but my father-in-law? I'm really stuck. He doesn't need anything, doesn't want anything .... really helpful there. Oh well, still got some time to think - all bright ideas are gratefully received :)

Oh, Lewis on the telly - must dash. Love Oxford. See ya!