Knitted Harebells

Thank you girls I have just about got the hang of it! you really have to concentrate ! I suddenly found I was on three needles also I found if I did not pay attention it got twisted but after a few rows I got into it and it was easier, this camera distorts colour this is a really pretty blue wool !

Knit one purl one and Darn it !!

I am having a haberdashery rush  again ! Thank you Candace for the " Perfect Pinker " instructions , really appreciated. I have been trolling the charity shops and searching in my sewing boxes for more gadgets. I love these little bits of household history and the artwork that goes with the packaging. 

These are just some of the many aids for darning! the green Bakelite topped one on the left actually takes a battery and has an internal light to show up your work !!!!! the other Bakelite piece about the same age I would think calls itself a darning egg and comes in half so you could put your needles inside .

The mushrooms come in many forms but the other shape looks like a maraca, people can't resist giving it a shake

Knitting bags are fun ,I have sold lots as summer bags, how many different handles must there be??

I am thrilled with this pink 1950's plastic case..love these summer colours.It is registered and made in England, how nice is that ! It has a ruler top and bottom and a gage for needle size..all in " old money "though.

These are just a selection of fun things you will find on my stall at The Bridport Rag Market April 18th , Honiton Tuesday May 5th and Poundbury Dorchester May 20th. Along with my quilts French linens and fabrics and much more

" Freidatoo "

Good news !! Freidatoo has passed her MOT ...phew she is also sporting  Freida's roof rack so all ready to roll Like all old cars she has her quirks,  like locking you out !! as I found to my cost when I did the flea market at Exeter, I leapt out of the car at Honiton to talk to Yvonne and forgot to take the keys from the ignition ,it's only when you put your hand on the handle to re open the door ,  she clams shut... thank goodness for the AA .

David thought he'd fixed that...I think I will be sporting a new piece of jewelry ..volvo key perhaps

All things French

Just booked our next trip to Brittany for the end of April.....that's my fix for the day !

 I am hoping to plan some new routes with the aid of my favourite toy Google Earth, I adore maps ,my Dad always planned my motoring trips with me . I used to take my children ( and anyone else that wanted to come! ) on Youth Hosteling trips all round the British Isles. " Clifts cultural tours ter North " one of my friends used to call them ...I still have my diary of the many trips we made.

Anyway I digress... I spent another morning in my studio cleaning and digging with the aid of my friend Janice who loves a challenge.

look what I found !! memories of early Sunday morning at La Mans market when we were there for our annual visit to do Olga's textile fair. The fair used to open later on the Sunday so were off before light to see what we could find. The French are much more laid back than us and we used to join them in the nearest cafe for croissants and strong coffee while we waited for them to decide to unload.

This little lot was my trophy this particular year and they have been hidden in the studio since I moved from Muckleford  a couple of years ago.

 I think they may be 1930's Children's kitchenalia or even a little earlier ? any ideas???

I used to do lots of Kitchenalia and still find it hard to resist.

Easter On The Farm Cowslip Workshops Cornwall

We are looking forward once again to a weekend at one of our favourite places

 Jo has invited Lizzie and me back as her house guests with " Franglais " our selection of Vintage and French Antique textiles and rustic linens for Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

Please look at her web site to see the fantastic treats that await you at this very special place.

www.cowslipworkshops.co.uk

Not only is this working Farm in a  really beautiful setting with a fantastic welcome,from Jo  and Stephen there is a shop full of wonderful needlecraft and quilting supplies . And a restaurant which is worth the visit even if you don't sew!

 The food is freshly made by Andrew the young chef and Vicky makes mouthwatering cakes, just take a seat on the veranda and enjoy the fabulous views across the raised beds full of fresh produce and herbs just a short step from the kitchen. 

Sunday lunch is hugely popular and on special weekends the Friday suppers  have a great atmosphere , full of regulars. 

Those of you that know us know how much we love good food.

Come and see us , we will have lots of special buttons,trims and  "tickings" we have sourced on our travels to help give you that individual touch to all your projects.

" Quackers! " and My latest doodles

I had a lovely day out at Tingleton with my Spinners group yesterday. This time Tessa was the hostess and lives in the most gorgeous converted barn, She and Micheal have hundreds of happy chickens out in their Christmas tree woods. We were treated to a lovely scented log burning at the same time as being able to enjoy the sunshine streaming in the open door, still frosty hereabouts at night .

Jane one of our group is a clever lady and one of her talents is framing, so I enlisted her professional eye to get the mounts right for my redwork and she has framed a couple for me . So yesterday She brought them to the meeting.... thank you I think you got it just right Jane

I now have a commission to do Tessa's flock of geese.

To carry on with the poultry theme ..I awoke the other morning to an unusual sound given I live right in the center of Dorchester!! quacking , my visitor is a mallard perched on the very high creeper covered back fence  swaying and shouting to her mate who was in the gym carpark.

I am told they regularly decamp up here each spring . How sweet, I do miss my birds at Muckleford.