I woke up this morning with my heart full to bursting with gratitude. Despite having not slept very well because of a hacking cough I've picked up this last week, I sat on the side of the bed in my normal semi conscious state, full on bedhead (picture it, or perhaps not hehe), and thought 'd'ya know what, I may be feeling really rubbish but I've a lot to be thankful for'.... I don't want to be overly sentimental otherwise you'll all want to be passed the sick bucket, but I really felt the need to pop in here today to say THANK YOU to one specific person ..read more

Hello friends, I've got some surplus sets of decorative mug mats that I've made up recently and they are looking for a good home. If you'd be interested in purchasing any of them, just email me padraigin.handmade@gmail.com for details. There's a number in the top left corner of each set, so if you quote that I'll know which you're interested in. There are 4 in a set, measuring approx 11.5cm square. They come gift boxed so could be a lovely handmade gift for someone too ..read more

Hey there my lovelies, today there's been a hint of Spring in the air and as a consequence I'm feeling a little less lethargic. Had a lovely couple of hours at the Albero Lounge on the Riverside in Bedford this morning. There's a knit & natter on a Wednesday between 10am and midday. It's a lovely way to spend a couple of chilled out hours with like minded ladies.  I confess we spend a fair amount of that two hours chatting, giggling, and supping on refreshments,  interspersed with a few rows of knitting and rounds of crochet. We're a friendl ..read more

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Is there ever enough hours in the day? Seems not. I don't know whether it's because I'm juggling quite a few balls in the air, but time just evaporates at the moment. I've been here there and everywhere, and not necessarily in the physical sense. My mind has been full to bursting with STUFF, mostly creative ideas and I'm finding it quite draining. The adrenaline is definitely pumping and I'm finding it hard to switch off. I'm not complaining though as I've been super busy and distracted and that's only a good thing where I'm concerned. 'Miss Ants In Your Pants 1974' hehehehehe... My little ..read more

Happy New Year to all, I do hope the start of 2018 has been kind to you! I am settling in quite nicely I have to say, and feeling very optimistic for the year ahead. I've managed to swerve the germs that seem to be sweeping the nation at the minute. A nasty strain of cold and flu is currently doing the rounds, and I'm happy to report I've dodged it so far.  Not to tempt fate, I will be dosing myself up with plenty of fresh fruit & fluids, keeping warm and avoiding anyone remotely sniffling, sneezing or coughing.  How realistic that is is another thing...... Interspersed between ..read more

Hello friends, as you may have noticed things have been a little bit quiet here at Annie's Place of late. Not because I've intentionally distanced myself from the blog; more that I've not really felt I had much to say. I'm facing my first Christmas without Mum and it's all a bit overwhelming if I'm honest.  I've had lots of time to think, and mull over my future, and one thing my Mum taught me over the course of her illness is that you have to seize the day and take risks sometimes. I have her melodic Irish brogue ringing loud in my ears 'stop talking about it Sharron, and do it!' The u ..read more

Hello hello, anybody out there.....? It's the middle of November! How did that happen? The last 3 months have been a bit of a blur if I'm honest. I've been keeping out of trouble, staying busy & taking any opportunity I can to distract myself from the emptiness I feel since losing Mum. I'm doing well (I think) and have plenty to be thankful for. It also happens to be my favourite time of year. I welcome Autumn with open arms. Shall we say I've made a conscious effort to have an abundance of Hygge filling my world. Take that Strala pendant lamp from IKEA for example. I bought that on a w ..read more

Is there anything more satisfying than a pile of crochet squares waiting to be made into something special?? Hmmm, takes some beating as I'm sure most of you agree? This pile is a B.I.P. or Bag In Progress to you and me. A happy pile of teal granny squares sat atop some lovely coordinating fabric sourced locally for the lining. Another bag similar to others I've made here and here. They are a joy to make and I enjoy the whole process from start to finish. I'm more and more drawn to this colour lately for some re ..read more

Hello my lovely readers. I'm here today to ask for some help. I know how generous so many of you are therefore I thought I'd take the opportunity to pull at your heartstrings a little if I may.  Sophie is the 13 year old daughter of a very good friend of mine, and she has decided to donate her hair to a UK charity that makes real hair wigs for children who have lost theirs due to cancer treatment or other illnesses. Anything, however small would be gratefully received to maximise Sophie's fundraising efforts. Let's see if we can make a difference. To donate a few pennies  click HE ..read more