Caroline Bushell and I are organising a Rag Market in Bridport Sat. April 19th.
These events have become popular with all creative people and students in textiles as it is a chance to buy those special antique and vintage bits that put a totally individual mark on your work.
We clean out our boxes and cupboards and you get the bargains.
Most of us bring a selection of our core stock too so it gives an idea on what we are about.
They are relaxed, casual , fun events enjoyed by all who have both stalled out or been to buy.
For more information contact me

canvaswork and embroidery collage on frame

This is the second of the pair of cushion fronts that I was given at Bisley Rag Market having picked them off the floor, at least I spotted the first one and the stall holder presented me with it,s friend!
they are completely different this one seems to be a collage of mostly one lot of needlework ,part of an old garment I think and that attractive piece of embroidery up the side.
David made a heavy wood frame which we painted black so they stand about 2 inches off the wall which is rather effective. I think this piece looks like an aerial view of some ancient earthworks or hill fort the colours are a little deeper than this picture.
I have promised this to my god daughter Vicky who has just re decorated her whole townhouse
secretly I hope she might say it won't go , but having seen her reaction when I sent her a picture I think it has found a home and I can visit it.
It has made me think and re appraise what can be done with distressed pieces, they do make good wall pictures.

Regency woven wool shawl

This is my latest treasure , an early 19th cent. fine wool shawl with wonderful coloured motifs woven into a cream striped background with a hand knotted silk fringe.
A brilliant piece of costume and highly decorative item.
Not suprisingly for it's age there is damage as can be seen clearly where it is across a double bed.
It is right across the middle where it has worn through however it would still be fine if folded one way and for display the damage could be hidden.

Dorset Spinners

I am now the proud owner of this lovely Apron bearing the magnificiant head of one of the members Rams. I have always admired Ann's ( seen left spinning)
Our Hostess today Mildred who has been weaving for years scurried off to her studio and returned with this one for me, the Guild have their own design now so this is rather special.

Several of our members have their own sheep so spin the most amazing natural coloured fleece although we do have dyeing days ...can't wait for that!
We sorted my rug fringe out which was having a bad hair day,so I have learnt yet another skill today. I am all ready to start another.
I do have another rug project on the go with wonderful rustic wools I have gathered, it is a continuous knitted tube which I found in a pattern for a bag, this was the straps.
It is like French knitting only done on double ended needles and much bigger.I am hoping to make a rug by coiling it in the same way you make a braided rug.....watch this space.
Another spinner has used the idea to bind the edge of a knitted patchwork,very effective

Cornish Birthday break 4 girls and 4 dogs in a boathouse

Lerryn Cornwall is a spot my friend Yvonne fell in love with years ago and visits when she can as she and her friends can take their dogs. The Ship Inn owns a boathouse overlooking the Fowey Estuary. The food at the pub is excellent and it is just five mins.walk Just the place for a girls break to celebrate her birthday.We had great fun.... two of them sing so Mama Mia was a must !
Lots of dog walking up the Estuary ..we were sooo lucky with the weather good food good company ,hoots of laughter no phone signal what more can you ask for a break . Thanks for asking me girls

Rug finished!!

My first attempt at weaving is now off the loom and an object in it's own right.
I like the idea of making a piece of fabric out of left-overs. This would be ideal in a place where you wanted to get your feet off a cold floor as it is really chunky and cosy. I thought it was quite good on a cold bathroom floor ,I am sure a bit of damp would felt it nicely.
I am now attempting my first solo attempt at re stringing my loom ( I am sure there must be a professional term for that) I await the verdict of my friend and tutor Eileen who is an expert.We have a wonderful barter arrangement , fabric and buttons in exchange for tuition, works really well for both of us. Eileen went off with a collection of Japanese fabric and I can't wait to see what she does with those! she was very excited about the designs.
It is great how we all exchange ideas and everything goes a step further and another cycle of inspiration is sparked off.
I have been allowed to join the Upwey Spinners and weavers group after being invited as a guest on occasions, by friends Sara and Eileen.They are a great group and I have learned so much useful information from them.It is a whole day set aside to being creative in a sociable group. My knitting skills are improving no end and they are all wonderful cooks , keen gardeners

and avid readers. So I have something to look forward to tomorrow, this time we are on a farm.

Itchy feet !

The local newspaper has started featuring Brittany Ferries special offers ! it seems ages since we got on a ferry across to France , definitely got itchy feet. So we will get the calender out and do some planning to go and top up on goodies in time for Talent for Textiles at Ilminster on April 1st and Cowslip Workshops Launceston Cornwall Easter weekend..... our first shows of the season for textiles.
Feb. 1st will see us on the road to London to do Anita's vintage fashion fair at Battersea Arts Center Lavender Hill. Luckily we have a good friend to stay with Sat night as if you are not outside the venue early, parking becomes a lottery.
Do watch my diary on my web site www.antiquequiltsandtextiles.co.uk that will always give details of coming events.
If you have particular items you are looking for let me know and I will e mail you if I come across them