My Olympics

It was such a long time coming - and sadly over in a flash.

The Olympic fortnight (not forgetting the Paralympics yet to happen) was a like a holiday romance. Two weeks when London felt extraordinary, people smiled more, talked more. There was somehow less traffic, less bustle and more chilling about in parks and gardens.
Watching athletes win filled me with awe and we all rushed to share the unabashed joy we felt.

But holiday romances never last and it has been painful to say goodbye to lazy days of TV viewing, late night TV viewing and strolls through deserted high streets usually choked with shoppers.

I'd like to think I could pick up the romance again in 4 years time, but it'll be a different place and I'll be a different person and I know it just won't be the same.

London is left with a 'Park' and 'Shopping Mall' neither of which I would rush to visit again. I hope the government sort out a lasting legacy regarding the venues for us mortals to use in the future.

I am left with mixed feelings about the Orbit which I photographed often - I think it could have been an elegant beacon for the games this off kilter knot of giant red liquorice, but someone welded a bloody observation deck to the top, rammed a circular staircase up its middle and it lost its grace.

So bye bye and thanks Olympics 2012 - it's been great!

#LDN Bunting

There's a bit of a sporting shin-dig happening up the road from me in a few days. I live in the borough of Newham and we are hosting the Olympics.

I did manage to get a ticket ... for Water Polo ... all that was on offer third time lucky in my price range, but I will be in the Olympic Park for the event so Whoo Hoo!
I visited the Stadium to watch a pre-Olympic running event a few months back, granted the venue was unfinished but I was rather underwhelmed.
It was v-e-r-y windy and cold - I fear they have created a vast circular wind bowl.

Anyhow - back to bunting.

The Olympic Torch is running past the end of our street this weekend finishing at our local park where the flame will be welcomed at the annual Newham Show. This year the show is taking a leaf out of Ms Allsopp's book and has decided to celebrate local crafts with a Village Fete tent where there will be prizes for biggest marrow, funniest vegetable, tastiest cake etc.

I have entered the bunting category, creating 1m of hand stitched bunting. There is no theme as such but - what the heck I decided to go with the whole *London* thing and started with a humble tea towel.

I topped and tailed each flag with red and blue fabric, sandwiching an image from the souvenir tea towel in the middle adding a couple of cross stitches for good measure.

Each flag is double-sided alternating the floral red and gingham blue.

But it needed something else.

YoYos!!!!

And bells, natch.              (Look I'm in this to win)

Judging is on Sunday at 4pm. Watch this space. 

*Update*

I was placed! 

(Granted there were only 3 entries. Ahem)

I am linking this post to the Handmade Monday linky party - see what everyone else is making this week.