Fish and a bagful of ribbons

It's been a funny few days. I must've eaten something that disagreed with me on Sunday as I've felt under the weather for days, and been moping around with a face like a wet weekend. I've done a bit of stitching here and there, working on these two pieces of needlepoint. Both destined to end up as spectacle cases and, when I eventually finish 'em, go in my Etsy shop. Speaking of which, I've been making another embroidered fabric cuff, this one narrower than the previous effort. The idea being to make a kit to go in the shop, all you need to make a cuff including embroidery thread, beads, sequins and so on.

I've assembled the packs, but now have to write out the instructions, which for me is the tricky part. Writing clear, straightforward instructions that are easily understood is a skill in itself. I really enjoyed selecting the material to go in the kits, and it was the ideal occupation for someone who didn't want to move far off the sofa.

Though I did feel okay enough today to trundle along to the supermarket, of course calling into a charity shop on the way. Picked up another bargain book for the To-Be-Read pile. (Am currently engrossed in S.J. Parris 'Treachery. Strapline: 'In Elizabeth's England there is no greater crime.' Set in 1585, and treachery there certainly is. It's a page-turner alright.) I also unearthed another bargain, £1.49 for a bag of ribbons and trimming. Love the shocking pink and especially that Indian style trim at the base of the picture. There was also a vintage tape measure in the bag, softened by age and constant handling. I like the notion of incorporating that, or lengths of it, into some slow stitching. I don't need it for practical purposes as a tape measure. I've at least two modern ones, plus several quilt rulers, but I'd like to give it a second life somehow.

Can't think of much else to tell you, except I've been seeing on Facebook previews for a new film, Olivia Colman in 'Wicked Little Letters', about a scandal over poison pen letters in 1920s Sussex. It looks like it'll be a cracker. Anything you're looking forward to with film or TV? I can always use a decent recommendation.

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Sari scraps, PVA, a couple of books and a necklace

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HOW TO MAKE: these decorative birds

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