A bit of an iffy day ...

Such a cold day today, and another flurry of snow although it didn't settle at all.  I can't remember a year when we've had snow on and off for such a prolonged period of time.  Very often we don't get any snow at all this far south, but for the last 2 or 3 winters we've had several days of it.  

I had another session with the quilt, but I'm having real problems getting the tension right.  It's making me quite frustrated, to say the least.  It's also a little awkward working on the dining room table.  I did a couple more motifs, but then had to unpick one of them because the stitching was far from acceptable.  In the end I just left it and I'll have another go tomorrow when I've calmed down a little.  I am so keen to master this quilting technique, and I will keep persevering.

This is N's first attempt at veneering - it's very impressive!

The box is lined inside with felt

Here's the lovely wooden box N has recently finished.  The photo doesn't really do it justice; it is beautiful.  It is intended as a birthday gift for my son, who requested a wooden box to keep their newly-acquired cutlery set in.  I intend to purchase some dusters, and sew dividing lines for individual cutlery items.

One of 'our' children, having been laid off from their work over Christmas and New year, is having difficulties meeting their rent payment this month.  It brings home the importance of budgeting, so when funds are available you learn to set aside some money to cover the shortfall for the lean months.  I know it's tough when money is tight but that's all the more reason to be frugal and wise with the finances.  I can at least speak from experience - many years of going without, only being able to afford 'needs' rather than 'wants', and then often having to prioritise those too.  N and I hope that this time the lesson will be learned.