Dorchester breakfast French style

It is that sort of morning my garden comes into it's own!  It is a real sun trap I love being  able to have the studio door open and can potter in an out and work in the sun. My fig tree that was two dead sticks last Spring is covered in figs and is doing it's bit to create a Mediterranean feel I strive for.

Ticky stayed last night just off the boat from France and came with goodies for Lizzie and me so we got together for sat. morning breakfast , very civilized it was too. All went too quickly so we hope she manages another night on the way back from her hols

Marion Donaldson Glasgow 1960's

I bought this 1960's shirtwaister today, it is in mint condition, the skirt is fuller than it looks.

Marion Donaldson was Glasgow's answer to swinging London, she had a connection with Liberty. The finish on this dress is amazing , so well made with piping , lovely belt ,lined skirt and perfect button loops.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum

www.wealddown.co.uk

 The Weald & Down Open Air Museum Singleton W. Sussex were with us at Parham last year in a yurt, it was great to see them at Petworth demonstrating their skills and re enacting  times past.

Do use the link it is fascinating to visit.

Horse Guards Inn Tillington

We had three nights here and the young landlords that took it over 18 months ago have got it just perfect!!

We had a fabulous room large and light , lovely decor , thought I was back in France!! , everything you could wish for to make you comfortable , a lovely large en suite bathroom looking over the countryside, everything spotless and so tasteful.

The bar restaurant area was full of character with some lovely whimsical touches and some really imaginative ideas. Every night it was full of interesting people to sit and watch over a lovely well earned glass of wine , and the food....well fantastic, delicious , perfection. ...In short

make the trip!

note the "cats crossing " sign .. the cat is purrrfect too

Petworth cont.

There were some very talented artists and makers at Petworth,  John Gillow brought a really exotic mix as always. John travels lectures and gathers beautiful textiles and has written some wonderful books which are  collectors bibles. He is always so helpful and informative and generous hearted. I bought a stunning quilt from him.

Elizabeth Baer ( Buff to her friends ) is the founder of our group Talent for Textiles, she had an astounding array of French fabrics and is so knowledgeable as those of you that follow her blog will realise.Polly was also with us with her fantastic dyed linens and quilts ,we had a lovely time together and a most successful fair.

Every day we had a different band which was lovely ,people took a break and sat under the trees before doing the rounds again so as not to miss a thing.

Our Lizzie had been the speaker at a Quilters Open day but arrived in time for a lovely dinner at The Horse Guards Inn Tillington Saturday night and did the last two days with us.

Petworth House Textile Event

We were so lucky with the weather and what a gorgeous venue. Tented pavilions round an ancient huge tree. I arrived Friday afternoon after taking the pretty route on the 272 through the best of English countryside. Lots of familiar faces and a great atmosphere. The boys helped us into our stalls and the rest of the afternoon spent in quiet concentration with occasional breaks to see who was setting up and what goodies they had brought.

Antique textiles are only a part of this event so lots of interesting textile art and craft to interest us, another way of looking at things