Old Scraps

Trifles and Trivia

As Bath Assembly Rooms Vintage Fashion and Textile Fair approaches I seem to get more and more in a muddle! I am busy putting "notions" and "fripperies " in little celophane envelopes, I think trifles and trivia about sums it up ! however I love the graphics on the old haberdashery cards and am sure one of you clever textile artists will come up with something super-clever to incorporate them into. So my small livingroom seems to be littered with bits. In the drawers in my studion on my haberdashery rummage I found sheets of old scraps and handmade papers, the trouble is one gets sidetracked.....will the car ever be loaded ????
I think they are lovely these are just a few of them
























I have also purchased the most delicious selection of French gold threads starting at £5.00 a reel























None of this is going to make my fortune so I had better keep digging!
See you there February Sunday 22nd 9am - 4 pm. And thank you Ashley Hall Fairs for allowing us to set up the afternoon before xx we can arrive and enjoy a coffee and croissant stress free.

I have become quite into my redwork and even boned up on the history a bit more. While I was nursing my streaming cold and sore throat I sat in front of the fire and embroidered...very very restful I have got quite lost in it , still a bit naive but then all good fun



















I have now gone back to my beloved mad chickens, will have to branch out a bit more on my subjects but as these are my own drawings it has to be something I can draw.

Following on from Parham last year I am doing this event at Petworth House, so some serious shopping is called for!
Any lovely quilts out there??

Ahead of the storm

Saturday Lizzy and myself drove up to London in my old Freida to stay the night with our lovely friend Sandra.
We were up at 4.45 am and after a quick cup of tea and a chat with Monty the cat we slipped out into the cold and drove up to Battersea Arts Center on Lavender Hill where we do Anita's Vintage Fashion Fair. We try to be early enough to get right outside the door where we can park all day even though it entails a nearly 2 hour wait sometimes before we get in the building.
Its fascinating how bit by bit the whole place comes to life in the early light as dealers arrive greet each other and unload dress rails and boxes out of a variety of transport.
It struck me how hardy we all are !!!It was like Siberia! I am a good northern lass and it took my breath away. Lizzy was wearing two coats...we are not short of warm stock!!
The door was 50% down but those that came were enthusiastic and serious, all in all considering we felt it was worthwhile.
As we packed up the snow was starting to fall and we left to make our best shot at getting out of town ahead of the storm, am I glad we did!!! Sandra sent the picture of her garden in New Malden above , both my children are unable to get to work and tonight I understand the M25 is closed! last night was about the fastest I have ever been able to go on the M25 so little traffic ,usually we are in slow moving traffic or at a stand still on that stretch from a3 to m3.
Good old Freida my huge18 year old Volvo estate sailed home in fine style...I love that car
It was a pretty sight this morning in Old Dorchester and sunny with flurries.
As dark falls it is getting heavier and bigger flakes.

Silly me !!! Rag Market SAT 18th April

Rag Market Bridport April 18th on sat not 19th

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.