Monday, June 20

planes, trains, automobiles and pom poms...

it is always a toss up between yarn and undies, this year just like every year the dilemma of what i require for a month on the road 'attire wise' and what i require for 'sanity wise' is a little tricky with one bag allowance. and just like every other year, the yarn will win out, for this time i have pom poms on my crafty mind.

ever since i saw the picture of Erica and Lauren's pom pom garlands in the first issue of Mollie Makes i have been smitten by thoughts of pom poms. however it was not until last week when the peachy Allie Jane and i were in convo it dawned on me they would be the perfect traveling craft. how easy peasy to carry around on trains, planes and automobiles. this dawning has now resulted in my crafty snug upstairs being strewn with yarn and pom poms. for myself and Our #4 had no self control and we foolishly thought, maybe we could just make one, you know, just to see how it all works and then pack it away and save it for our hols.


yes well, with the pants weather this weekend, it was rainy day recess at the shed and why waste our indoor hours on packing undies, cleaning a shed, writing lists for clan members left behind, when pom poms were calling our names. i am mighty impressed with Our #4's brilliant pom pom making skills. i confess i was doubting he was up to the task, which is really quite rotten of me. however by the second pom pom, he had over taken me in pom pom making abilities and it was full steam ahead. at the end of our pom pom fest we counted over 40 lovely bejeweled yarny balls of fluff. we have many, many more to make and i am delighted to report my pom pom making companion is up to the task. despite the mocking from his older siblings about being seen in public aged 13 with his mother, pom pom making together. he is willing to ride above it all, for he is addicted, truly addicted. as we sat at dinner last night in the Indian Restaurant, our final family dinner for a while altogether. he turned to me and said "i wish i had brought the pom pom maker with me". my crafty mother's heart quickened to hear such words.


whilst travelling this summer i will not only be pom pom making but also proof reading my book, this is tres extreme exciting for me. i mean, how often does one have a chance to do such a thing. i have a visual of sitting in the train carriage, pencil poised for action and my book pages laid out in front of me. i think i would like a packet of Walkers crisps to help me along and obviously a seat with a table in-front of it and in one of the less noisy carriages, yes that would be grand and whilst the little scenario plays out in my head, the little voice is saying "blimey Tif, it will be a surreal moment indeed"


after our travels of a small island we finish up this year's homeward bound trip in Amsterdam, i am pretty giddy about this, not only to show my boys a really wonderful city but also meeting up with my long time cyber buddies Ingrid and Jane where upon we will spend a day and a night together. to think after years of cyber friendship we will actually be sitting together in person chatting about this and that, gosh it is quite a thought indeed.


yes this summer is looking good, getting to spend time with Our #1 and even better still, she will be coming home for a few weeks in August, so she can see her sister. i am thinking a road trip to Portland will be in order, actually i am thinking we may aim bigger and further a field, i may suggest the three of us drive to San Francisco. yes, that just shows how keen i am on this summer... willing to throw away my fear of freeway and city driving.
for a few weeks i will have my girls back together again before Our #1 returns to her studies in England and Our#2 flies the nest to study on the East Coast of US.


so there we have it. tomorrow, me, my yarn and a few pairs of undies will be heading home, but before i shut up shop i must just say how kind you all have been to me. once again, just like every summer i am left marveling at how generous and kind folks are. you take time out of your days to come visit, you leave me lovely comments, always are most nice about my crafty moments, spend your well earned monies in my little store and send me wonderful emails sharing your lives with me. truly you are beyond kindness... truth be told it's been a little busy around these parts, things i cannot always share until the right moment, however i hope you all realize you brighten my days, day after day and without you doing so, i would not be sitting on a train, proof reading a book or making pom pom garlands to decorate a book launch. no sirree, i owe it all to you...


she is truly thanking you most kindly and wishing you all a spiffily and 'tufty squirrel safe' summer ~ Tif

58 comments:

sky-blu-pink said...

What peachy pompoms! Have a wonderful holiday, and lets hope the Sun puts his hat on for you - far too much precipiatation at the mo'!

Pom Pom said...

Oh how sweet and cute! Pom Pom's are a VERY good thing! Smile.
I hope you have a fantastic time in the UK and I hope you DO take a San Francisco road trip upon your return. Alas, I did NOT find Mollie Makes on my hunt yesterday, but I did find Handmade Living which is very cool! Safe travels!

Rachel at Stitched in Color said...

uh-oh, you left off the undies in your title....

Sarah said...

Bon voyage Tif!!

S x

LR said...

perfect traveling creative activity.

sounds like a wonderful time with family as well.

Teresa Kasner said...

Wow, you have such a wonderful summer of travel planned. Can't wait to see photos!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

CHRISTI JAY said...

What great inspiration! Pom-poms are so rewarding to make, especially when you know how much time goes into knitting or crocheting a ball. I never know what to do with my finished poms, i just love looking at them. Now they have a chance at having other functions as well...

sleepydarlings.blogspot.com

Carol said...

Even better would be proof reading your book on the NYMR steam train from Pickering to Whitby.
Pom poms - many a long year since I made some of those but, strangely, just a few weeks ago, at the bottom of one of my sewing bags, I found a couple of cardboard circles. Glad the 13 year old inherited the crafty gene.
Have a simply spiffing summer with your family and friends and I hope you keep Tufty Squirrel safe too (I recall a colleague who worked in the "Road Safety Section" being most disgruntled when I referred to it as the "Tufty Club")
Take care dear Tif, Carol xx

Pomona said...

I was a member of the Tufty Club but sad to say over the passing years I have lost my Tufty badge. I am afraid I am not so keen on his facelift - his features seem to have coarsened with age and with that florid complexion and rotund cheeks he has an air of liking a snifter.

I hope you have memorized your proofreading symbols and have a copy of Hart's Rules in your handbag - if I happen to see you on the train I will stop and help, for such is my stock in trade.

From one who knows these things
Pomona x

Grateful4Crochet said...

what a lovely lovely post. i hope the choosing, packing and travelling goes ridiculously smoothly, and that the train scenario occurs just as you have visualised it

Heidi said...

witzige Deko-Idee ....;)

LG heidi

Natasha said...

Have a wonderful pom-pom filled summer, be safe, be smart and be joyful. (I always tell that to my daughter before her adventures.)

Juliab said...

Have a safe journey over to our side of the pond. Make loads of pom poms on the way, get all that proof reading done and enjoy visiting friends and relatives. I'm sure you're going to have a tip top time! xx

Sarah ~ Crafts from the Cwtch said...

Gorgeous gorgeous pompoms! I am also planning some for the playroom (Mollie Makes has a lot to answer for, fruit clothing and now pom poms!)

Anyway, bon voyage and all that. Enjoy!

Toodles
x

Donna -Little Tiny Stitches said...

Have a lovely, lovely time Tif :o)

Don't forget Mr Sun, you may need him.

Love Donna x
P.s. Can I please go in the queue for a signed copy of your fabby new book when it comes out? :o)

Unni Strand said...

Oh! I truly love the colors you put together!
Have fun with your pompoms!

Michelle said...

Even thou I have known you dear friend for what seems like the longest time...you still have me all teary reading some of your posts...

I thank you sweet Tif...from the bottom of my heart for brightening my days and making the world seem so much prettier...

I was thinking when reading your tales of pom pom making with #4 that it was very much like that with "my shadow" and his hand modeling help...
I am thinking he would like to sit with me and make some pom poms to...I will be receiving my Mollie Makes soon as I won a copy on Lola's giveaway...which was so exciting...
I am sure it is a fabby read...

Wishing I could be sitting on the train too looking at your pages of peachy...But when I think of it I have flashes of "Harry Potter" and that we would make a right pair of "muggles" sitting there...lol...

Have a safe and lovely trip my dear...

dottie angel said...

hurrah for pom poms and tufty squirrel and of course your lovely 'fare thee well' wishes :)

i have a tufty squirrel cotton hankie from my youth, truly vintage
and i am thinking it perfectly suited to life on the road for a month.

have a peachy one my dears and with a bit of high hopes, i maybe posting a few 'postcards from a small island' if and when i find a connection to cyber world... if not, i'll see you end of July :)

take care and happy crafting
Tif x

alliejaneyoung said...

OMG, your pom pom garlands are way better than mine!!!! Even if I did use pom pom wrapping ribbon to finish them off, by hanging them on it. I am going to have another go. Did you get your clover pom pom maker? It is nice to have a little infulence in someone elses life!!!! You can get Wi-Fi in most places now, mc donalds, cafe nero, asdas cafe! So I wouldnt worry about not getting a connection! see good old blighty has caught up to the 21st century at long last, now maybe the weather could get a wiggle on and your stay would be perfect.

Ester said...

You will love Amsterdam I am sure of that (altho its been a long time I've been there) and even meet some cyberfriends is so exciting. I did that once with some friends in Paris and we had so much fun. Have lots of fun and great experiences!

Bonnie said...

The pom pom's are adorable and how sweet your 13 year old boy makes them with you! I could see mine doing something like that! And my heart would quicken to hear those words too! How grand! Enjoy your holiday!!! Will miss your posts!

Jennifer Seales said...

I love pompoms! Are the pompom makers a good investment? I've always just used a couple of bits of cardboard..

Eleni said...

Ah, you've raised him well :)

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Enjoy your family time and have a wonderful summer Tif! :)
vivienne x

fibrefriend said...

Oh dear, I'll miss you....

Anonymous said...

I usually like it very neat but this garland does look very lovely :)
Lini

http://ascentofrosewood.blogspot.com/

dottie angel said...

oh yes! i used the Clover pom pom makers, (as recommended by allie jane and indeed the link to the lovely lasses and their peachy garland). so much easier and quicker than cardboard, once you get the hang of it, you will be churning them out in minutes :)

allie jane, yes only slight problemo i do not own a laptop or device which 'goes on the move' with me... perhaps it is me which needs to catch up with the 21st century!

thank you for the 'pom pom' garland liking...
righty ho, this is me well and truly on my way,
cheerio
Tif x

Marlene Pettigrue said...

I am making myself some pom poms..these are darling and I am thrilled that your SON is having a fun time with it. I am hoping for the best of Summers for you. When you launch that book here in Seattle with a host of friends to support you!!

Anonymous said...

Loving your little pom poms , i've not made one since i was at primary school.

Sharon Stanley said...

oh my, how exciting to be traveling the world pom poms in hand on trains, carriages, visiting far off places...hoping you have a delightful time this summer and come back to us full of tales and crafting and fun things to tell...best besties.

Maize Hutton said...

For my summer vacation this year, I have a vision of myself traveling down Highway 1 in a 1960's mustang convertible, wearing sunglasses and a scarf and gloves. Somewhat like Audrey Hepburn. Give me the open road and new thrift shops to discover and explore......I'm a happy camper.

I'm envious fer sure! Have fun and enjoy it. They grow up so fast.

Pixie said...

I vote for yarn! You can always wash and line dry the undies. Just saying... :)

denaz said...

oooh i'm late to this leaving party! Tiff and Dottie if you have time to spare you are both most welcome to this little corner of devon - details by email.

Joshy and belle said...

Oh love your pompoms! (does that sound a bit dodgy?!) fliss xxx

Maxabella said...

Love your garland! I've been getting into pom poms lately too. You can make them with your eyes closed... and I frequently do! x

Emma Beth-Marie said...

Read about you in the first issue of Mollie Makes and fell in love with you and your work! So I thought I'd stop by and leave you a comment :D

I was given a fantastically colourful pom pom scarf from a friend of mine at Christmas, who had got it from a shop called Accessorize.. I never stopped wearing it all winter! Have a lovely time here in the UK this summer, not that you'll be needing a scarf, for once it is actually a lovely warm temperature!

Tatty Bye for now!
Emma. :)

Kristie said...

What size pom pom maker do you have? I love your garlands!

Lea said...

Have a grand one!! :D Pretty things

wood & wool stool said...

pom pom pom... i'm really looking forward to your visit and am counting the days :) x

Katie said...

I am really and truly going to quite miss your posts, Tif!
I guess I'll just envy your traveling ways.
Oh, and you know, if you wanted a bit of free help with proofreading, I have an English degree. :)
I'm mostly kidding, but I really cannot wait to see what your book will turn out like. I bet it will be pretty darn terrific.

Save travels!

Anonymous said...

Have a happy and safe trip Tif! And thank YOU for making this such a happy, shinshiney little corner of the internet to visit. I don't always comment but am often here, giggling at your words and marvelling at your craftiness.

And those pompoms are wonderful! I have been quietly obsessing over pompoms a lot lately too and this post hasn't helped! I haven't actually made a pompom since primary school but it seems the universe is telling me now is a good time for pompoming...

Katie x

laura sue. said...

I miss you.

Ahipara Girl said...

Hey Tif, I miss your posts and am looking forward to your tales and adventures and photos. Have fun. x
PS. One word, IPAD. ;)

An said...

OMG I stumbled across your page just over an hour ago and I've ooo'd and aaa'd over your marvellous creations, many of whom I may take inspiration from and pertempt myself but just wanted to write to say Hi and say I love your writings, I have laughed till I cried at many things (wedding bunting or Olive's zig zag blanket being particular faves). British humour at its best. Enjoy your pom pom making, I think they might make good wreaths too, just like your balls of wool wreath I found about 40 minutes ago, (your time about 3 years ago). Have added your page to favourites so will come and visit again. Best Wishes from England. Angie :)

Stephanie said...

These pompoms are really cute. I hope you enjoy your time in the UK, and you should really have that road trip in San Francisco, it's such a great place I got to try my hands on this one, what a lovely idea, my daughter would love to have this hanging in her bedroom.

Stephanie said...

These pompoms are really cute. I hope you enjoy your time in the UK, and you should really have that road trip in San Francisco, it's such a great place I got to try my hands on this one, what a lovely idea, my daughter would love to have this hanging in her bedroom.

catnap said...

Gosh, I miss you. Hope you're having fun. I thought of you just now when I saw a cute pompom idea from Lion: a pompom rug. The fact that a cute baby was sitting on it may have swayed me. Are you still up for making pompoms, or tired of them by now?

Kelley Hart said...

wow. I just found you. Where have you been all my life? O.k. that sounded creepy. Anyway, I was feeling unmotivated and bored, when I found your blog via Allsorts. Thank you for making me smile this evening. Can't wait to see what you're up to next.

Cate B said...

I have just spent a very happy and inspiring hour discovering your beautiful blog! I would love to join the challenge of an utmost kind....planning to commence from the 1st of August! :)

poorrobin said...

How wonderful that you have a crafting companion in your son! It's amazing to be able to see them light up when given a creative task. My eldest, at 4, is a good button sorter, despite having a peculiar phobia of having them on her clothing. I'm hoping to get a needle and thread into her hands shortly! My youngest is only 16 months and still more inclined to ingest my supplies. ;)

What a lovely blog!

knuffels a la carte said...

I absolutely love these.

Joke

silly blahgs said...

found you in mollie makes mag. your blog is my favorite to look at. it's so different and fun. adorable. you have fantastic vision and talent. thank you so much for inspiring me to be more crafty. now i just have to do it! i'm not crafty as of today, but someday i hope :)

dottie angel said...

thank you so kindly for all the lovely comments you cared to leave whilst i was 'a traveling' here and there... pom pom love is a grand thing indeed and so are you all :)

i used the pom pom maker which makes large and medium sizes and then one small one. if you go with clover make it is the blue and light green makers which will be the same size as mine.

you have warmed my heart to say you miss me and i in turn have missed your lovely selves. you always put a smile on my face.

and lastly, to those who stumbled across me recently, thank you for taking the time to say hello, and i am delighted you are inspired by what you found

dottie angel said...

hello Melissah :) just stopped by for a visit and your blog is beautiful and really pretty. so impressed you have only just started blogging and it looks like you have been doing it for years! hurrah for you :) thank you for sharing...

dottie angel said...

cate b! hurrah for you, i am so delighted you have joined, good luck my dear i know you will be just fabby at it :)

annaleehodges said...

Love your version of the pom pom garland, so charming!
xo
Annalee
http://www.ramblingsofagypsynomad.com

Tricia said...

I too am pom-pom smitten. We have discovered here at this abode that Madelinetosh makes awesome pom-poms because it's lighter in the middle and makes for a very cool effect! Continue on with your pom-pom loving!

joke said...

I'm inpired by these pompoms.
♥ Knuffels à la carte