There's not a lot of sewing going on ...

because Ruby is taking up a lot of my time at the moment, and any time I do have is spent on houseworky things. Boring but necessary things. But I have been managing to grab the odd few minutes here and there over the last few days and find that she's beginning to occupy herself for longer now and not grizzle at me through the stair gate every time I go into my sewing room.

So nothing in the fabric line to show today, but here's a few pictures of Ruby to be going on with - so much prettier than anything I can make anyway!

Aah, the joys of a tummy rub.

Where's the shoe laces?

Butter wouldn't melt!

Well, If I can't see you I'm pretty sure you won't be able to see me

A few small finishes

I have managed to finish a few small projects this month so far, but nothing very much is going on here at the moment, apart from puppy sitting.  These have all been made with some of my orange scraps for this month's Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

Our LQS is having a challenge to make a 12" x 12" quilt with the theme of fruit, so this is my attempt.

Just because!

And finally,

one very happy and rather grubby puppy. She's grown a lot and has really found her feet now and can be quite a monkey out in the garden as she investigates everything. Thankfully she's already responding to 'Come Ruby', which is an essential command as our garden isn't totally puppy proofed. We're getting into a routine now, after the shock of the first few days, and the weather has been really helpful as we've been able to take her outside every hour or so to prevent too many accidents in the house. I think she's beginning to get the idea. I shall be really pleased once she's properly housetrained and we can take our eyes off her sometimes.

Ruby, week 1

Well, we've now had the monster for a week, and what a week it's been. We knew it would be hard work, but knowing something is quite different from experiencing it and it was quite a shock to begin with. You can read all the books, but they're all written by experts who have completely forgotten what it's like to be first time puppy owners.

Day 1, just after we'd arrived home with Ruby, seen here with Number Two Son who was visiting at the time.

Day 1 - Ruby soon discovered her new bed and retreated away from all of the excitement. Her bed doesn't look as clean and new as that now!

Day 3 - off to the vet for her first vaccination

Christopher soon worked out that running up and down the grass was a good way to tire her out!

Hmm, Ruby soon discovered Christopher's carefully trimmed small euonymous and has since managed to flatten it. It's a favourite place to stash sticks and toys.

We're getting into a bit of a routine now, and it's leaving me the odd half hour here and there for the housework and washing (the kitchen floor has never been washed so much!) and hopefully I'll be able to get back to some sewing soon.

Apologies

I'm sorry that I haven't replied to people who have so kindly left comments on my blog over the last little while. Life got in the way big time for a few weeks, then Ruby turned up and then, just as I was beginning to feel that I could left my head above the water again, my email setup has gone wrong. I can receive emails, thank goodness, but I can't reply to them, or write emails at all.

So, this week, I'll have to try and get that sorted out.

PIF

I received this lovely gift, but due to new time waster in the family (more about that in the next post) I've only just been able to grab some time to write about it and thank Jane, of Sew Create It, so much for her kindness.

There was a pack of assorted teas and some scrummy chocolate which sadly I had to give to Christopher as it had gluten in it, but he's bought me some gluten free chocolate in exchange. Jane made an oh so useful tissue cover, which is something I've been meaning to make but never got around to and a lovely mug rug, which has room for a spoon and a teabag and is beautifully made. So, many thanks Jane. 

And now I need to start thinking of what I'm going to make, though I think those of you who signed up with me for the PIF may have to wait until next year now.

Whoops, there goes your titfer!

I've entered my little autumn quilt that I designed and made last year into this week's Quilting Gallery competition and I'd be so pleased if you were to pop over there and vote for me.

Ruby

We've finally decided to call our new puppy Ruby. She's seven weeks now and we collect her on Sunday; so exciting and a bit nerve wracking too.

Isn't she gorgeous? She's starting to look like a proper puppy now, someone we can envisage bringing home with us. Looking at all the photographs I've taken reminds me that I must give Christopher the camera some time so that he can take some of me holding Ruby!