Just a taste of our latest treasures from France

We can't wait to deck our shopping arcade at Ardingly on March 1st with our stunning block printed and Arts and crafts fabrics.
You will find us in No 58 of the Shopping Arcades with all our new stock as Lizzie and I will spend the next two weeks preparing it all, Ardingly is our next event so do come and visit us .









Lots of fine linen for dolls clothes

Franglaise in France ( a slice of heaven )

We had a lovely trip on Thursday starting with a fabulous breakfast in the Restaurant on the ferry which is sheer luxury and much better value than the self service ! We had had very little sleep and an early start so that set us up for the day as we sailed out of Portsmouth.
It was a quiet calm crossing and we were soon on the road south. As we got into the journey the sky was brightening and by the time we were through Domfront (which I have an affection for it is a magnificent fortified hill town ) it was a lovely evening.
We arrived well before dark which I was grateful for, so we had time to say hello to the chickens and horses and big hugs all round as it was November that I made my last visit and Ticky and Nick are so welcoming and lovely I feel I have just come home.
They have great plans for their lake and hope to be open for fishing in the near future, and believe me it is a heavenly spot to spend some time.so keep your eye on our Blogs for more info
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Dates for your Diary

If there's a boat going....!

Lizzie and I are off this Thursday dawn at Portsmouth , first trip of the season, I have to confess I am excited ! I have always had the gipsy wanderlust and need the thought of trip to keep me going on some of these really busy times and runs of early mornings.
We are going for four nights to our friends down near Mayenne and are actually doing a French version of our Rag markets on the Sunday, very casual and friendly, but we bought well last time and thought it would be fun to do with our English stuff. Mostly quilters and dressmakers make up the stall holders but Claude who used to do La Mans with us stalls out there so we shall see.
3€ a table is the fee!
we will take some pictures for you.
We will have Friday and Saturday to do our regular calls in a radius of about 50 miles ,who knows what we might find ! it is the thrill of the chase.It is all so familiar now which I love but always the chance of something new, I added another Brocante to my map last time and bought a pile of amazing 50's dress patterns.
Just can't wait to be back in France and so looking forward to seeing Nick and Ticky again , it was November last time I was there so seems ages.
I have been making purchases for the stables they are working on for their horses . my shopping list is always amusing, amazing the things you miss from the Old country. We always have a good old fashioned English breakfast at the weekend , more like brunch after an early market rummage.

Introducing Miss Scarlet_Velvets Gothic Emporium

Firstly I have to apologize for the quality of the pictures but not bad for a phone , the joys of modern technology!
I was out on the road Wednesday sourcing and buying for Miss scarlet with her on the end of the phone egging me on .
She now has an impressive start to her Gothic Emporium with her core stock , this is a tiny sample of the gorgeous swishing taffeta , lace and heavy damasks and some lovely jet beading.
You Goths need to contact her at scarletletter@hotmail.co.uk and keep an eye on scarletvelvetsgothicemporium.blogspot.com

Lady Shedowners

I know ! sounds like wheel tappers and shunters but we lady shed owners love our sheds.
I spent a Iovely morning today as the guest of Sue who invited me for a shed rummage.
Sue has been a tayloress and needlewoman all her life and has a shed overlooking a breathtaking view over the valley.
She has a row of Bernina sewing machines and a well organized workspace the shelves however were full of jars and tins and some happy time later this was what we accumulated.
We had great fun and I am happy with my collection.
I really like the amazing set of metal diamond shape Scottish buttons with a thistle on , these would have been on a lovely velvet jacket they wear with the kilt.
The pair of enamels with roses are sweet and some interesting mock-cut-steel-not-sure-what-they-are's?? and a nice collection of 40's