everywhere a pom-pom

I've been finding it so hard to stop making pom-poms that I've had to invent things to do with them. Hence my latest joy - pom-pom magnets! They are super easy and look strangely cute on the fridge.

Here's how to make them:
You'll need wool, cardboard, self adhesive magnetic sheet (the plastic kind that advertising comes on), scissors, things the right size to trace around, pencil
1. make a pom-pom using two rings of cardboard about 5cm (2ins) across
2. holding close to the knot of the wool string you've tied the pom-pom with, fluff the pom-pom up and away from your hand to make a flat area
3. cut a circle from the magnetic sheet about 3 cm across and press firmly onto the flattened part of your pompom
4. stick on your fridge and admire

Reading One good turn by Kate Atkinson + Listening to Aloe Blacc + Eating strawberries straight from the garden

spring flowers and winter hats

The sweet peas are from my garden. This year I remembered to plant them early and they are just starting to flower. I love the colours and how they all look so good together. And I love the smell! And the crazy tendrils twisting around everything.

The beanies are for my young great-nephews who live in the UK. I did wonder about adding the pom-poms. I asked a work colleague's seven-year-old son if he'd wear a beanie with a pom-pom on it and he said yes. My nephews could always take the pom-poms off if they don't like them. The hats will still keep them warm.

Reading Case histories by Kate Atkinson and Gee's Bend: the architecture of the quilt edited by Paul Arnett