Crafty in the Med

I am here to enjoy meeting other bloggers and to share my love of craft ,mostly crochet, my thoughts and my daily happenings here in Alicante,Spain, my adopted country. I belong to a local choir because singing and music makes me happy. Flea markets and book shops are two of my favourite places to be. I read lots......sci´fi/fantasy,buried treasure, and off world adventures. I have a passion for history! I walk and walk and walk for about 10 months per year during the hot months I swim.

Sunday 17 February 2013

Magic and Fantasy





I read fantasy novels....the wierder they are the better I like them. This is what I call reading for pleasure,reading to lose myself in another world or worlds,where magic and enchantment exists,dragons are wise,animals talk,bugs are intelligent and to sing is to create or destroy. I am a Tolkien,C.S.Lewis, Raymond E. Feist,Lewis Carroll,Edgar Rice Burroughs,Rider Haggard and many other fantasy and sci-fi authors' fan.
There have been times when I've sat back to give it some thought. I mean why do I like and thoroughly enjoy a good fantasy story. I still haven't totally answered my own question but the following are the conclusions I have come to :
  •  I have been blessed or cursed with a vivid imagination. 
  • I can visualize it just the way I like it, because in fantasy there is no real right or wrong. 
  • Its a place to escape to when I want to push the mundane things in my life momentarily to one side. 
  • I can let my imagination run wild.
Every-time I read a good fantasy novel it reignites a spark of wonder and I'm transported to another world.

Albert Einstein said, "If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales."


Why has this come about this musing on magic and enchantment ?
I can finally announce that quite soon now, I shall have a very special someone coming to brighten my days,my very own little bit of magic , a wisp of pure nature, bringing a touch of mother earth with her. My Heart of the Woods.
Soon! Very soon!

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 You may remember in my previous post here that I mentioned to you I had finally taken the plunge and purchased a sewing machine. As I am a total beginner (lessons given on using a sewing machine at school 45 years ago approx don't count!) I am very but very slowly learning how to use it and also thanks to some rather good tutorials on the web.
I have finally completed one of my first efforts at sewing combined with a little bit of crochet. Would you call this patchwork?  Perhaps of a sort! Anyhow here you have the make over of a very shabby cushion which you can see the BEFORE view here too and this is the NOW pic

I had intended to add some crochet flowers but as I was making them they looked more like rosettes to me so as I had some matching buttons I added them and turned them into rosettes.  I have had a makeover in mind for my grand-daughter's bedroom for quite some time but now with the making of this cushion I have a guideline for the colour scheme for the room. I just have to sell the bed ( this is waste not want not year) and because she needs more space in her room I want to buy a folding armchair bed. This is not going to be a quick project but there's no rush .... bit by bit....as I say :-)


Welcome,welcome to my two new followers. I don't know who you are but my google friends connect list have clocked up two more.  Please don't be shy I would love to hear from you, however all in your own time. :-)

Have Sunday fun

Amanda :-)







23 comments:

  1. ~Hi Amanda....Ooh I love magic and mystery too! I've had a wild and vivid imagination for as long as I can remember..And have always enjoyed any book....where I could imerse my self in the story line.... Well done with YOUR beautiful cushion.It is so rewarding to make some thing creative and individual and I am sure you will be using that sewing machine once again! Thanks for popping in on me and leaving kind words as always....~ Take time to dream~ With kind thoughts....Maria x

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  2. Dearest Amanda,

    I smiled as I read this post as I am in the very fortunate position of reading AGAIN the complete works of Narnia this time to my nine-year-old son, Tristan. It's simply wonderful to interweave my memories of that potent magic with Tristan's intense pleasure. Those books influenced me more than I can say, Amanda.

    I will be dropping you a line .... :-)

    Stephanie

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  3. Well done - your sewing looks pretty fab to me! Having a vivid imagination is good - I love how books can take us to so many lovely places.
    Have a happy Sunday,
    xx

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  4. I love to escape with a good book, a favourite pastime. Your cushion is lovely, love the colours, looks like you're well on your way with your sewing machine :) xx

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  5. Did you ever read fantasy books by Walter Moers (he is from Germany)??? I think you will love them, for sure!!!
    A big applause for your cushion!!!!
    xxxx Ale

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  6. Love your cushion Amanda well done on your mastering of the sewing machine.:)

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  7. I love your cushion! You will love your sewing machine! x

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  8. I love the pillow, you are doing a great job. I just signed up to take a class online on sewing on Craftsy. They have a great sale going on.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  9. Your cushion cover is very nice:) I have a sewing machine but I am lazy to take it out.

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  10. Hi Amanda, You are getting along quite well with your sewing. I have a sewing machine since the past 12 years and I am still scared of it. I don't think I have made even 12 items so far!! Anyway sewing is on my list to do in 2013 so fingers crossed. The different prints on your cushion are looking good together. Love

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  11. Hi Amanda, if that is your first attempt at making something with your new sewing machine you have done really well. I have got a new machine but although I have loads of ideas cant find time at the moment to put them into action! Enjoy your week.

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  12. It looks great! I love those little crocheted flowers. I'm still learning to use my machine too :) I made my first curtains for the living room this weekend:)

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  13. Good job on your cushion Amanda! I bet we are going to see a lot more projects coming from that cute red sewing machine!
    Recently I downloaded the first book of the Robert Jordan "Wheel of Time" fantasy series, so I could listen to it on a road trip. There are fourteen books in all. Whew!!
    I am not familiar with Rider Haggard. Going to have to look him up.
    Have a great week!

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    1. Love, love, love the Robert Jordan books. I've read them all except for the very last one. Last time I checked, it still hadn't been published. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

      Sharon

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  14. I really, really like your cushion. I love the colors. If this is your first attempt at sewing, I can't wait to see what you come up with when you've had time to play around.

    Hugs,
    Sharon

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  15. Good morning Amanda!I love the pillow, you are doing a great job!I like reading fantasy books too!!Hope you have a lovely week!
    Dimi..

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  16. What a pretty cushion! Great colours!!!
    I enjoy fantasy books (and films) too!
    Carly
    x

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  17. I love fantasy films but just can't seem to get into the books. I really like the cover of your present read. Wow you and your sewing machine seem to have become good friends. The cushion is lovely and the flowers look really pretty.
    I've also popped in to say I've nominated you for the supersweet blogger award, the priority is you like sweet things. I just posted about it if your interested.
    Have a lovely week.
    Ali x

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  18. Hi Amanda....you did a good job on your new cushion....it is pretty! I have also nominated you to receive a award over at my blog, so If you have a moment...come see!
    Hope you are doing well....I feel as if we are losing touch so I hope we get back on track....Miss you lovely comments!
    Hugs, Shari

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  19. Hi Amanda,
    I have an award for you my friend. Go check it out when you have some time.

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  20. I think that's a lovely cushion, well done!

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  21. Amanda,

    ALL the materials have arrived now so it's full stream ahead!

    Love,

    Stephanie

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Thank you for your comments. I do read them and try to reply to all as well.Please keep them coming. Amanda :-)