French Leave

It is 10 years since I drove down through France on my own so this was a bit of a personal challenge going solo to see Ticky and Nick for a few days break and of course some buying.
I was up at 3am and on the road to Portsmouth to catch the early fast "Cat" to Caen, we left Portsmouth in the tipping rain but the crossing was fine ,I was more impressed with the bigger Cat much more space to move about and less scruffy, also only 3 1/2 hour crossing which was nice.
When the ramp went down I was pleased to see it was fine and soon had managed to negotiate round Caen and onto the lovely road south through Swiss Normandy, I thoroughly enjoyed the drive with my road numbers taped to the dashboard and by early afternoon I was driving up their drive admiring Nicks handiwork a beautiful straight post and rail fence.
A welcome cup of tea in beautiful sunshine on the bench outside the front door watching the horses who were entertaining a big bay gelding Troy who was staying the weekend...really funny
It is such an idyllic setting and they have done lots since we were there in the snow, so lovely to be back.
I had a wonderful time enjoying their great hospitality and Tick's fine food , guess who's on a diet again ! Thanks guys you 're the tops

A good haul

Ticky and had had a lovely few days visiting our favorite haunts and one or two new ones that I had marked on the map that had been closed on our last visit.... the French two hour lunch can complicate matters when you are on a day trolley dash ! it was lovely to have the luxury of being able to have a few days to get round everywhere plus a Vide on Sunday.
This is a little taste of what we found I can see Lizzie and I will need a day framing !

What a Way to go

If you have to go , what better way to travel ! What style we have in Dorchester.

Sea blues feel a bag coming on ?

I was at the seaside today and spent some time at " The Full Gamut " the Gallery Lizzie is showing at for Art Weeks Dorset in Weymouth.
It was delightful light and bright and full of tempting things , not least the coffee and array of cakes !!
Do go and spend a little time out in this lovely space.
I came home all inspired by the seaside and have been busy sorting fabrics suitable for those bags we need for our days out.
These are a good mix of old and not so old, and a few space dyed covered buttons, I have a selection of chunky vintage buttons at a £1 each and lots of those linen covered ones that are fun to decorate with.
Lizzie Drake does lovely bags for those of you that don't sew.
We are planning to be at The Vintage Market Bridport June 27th see www.oldalbion.co.uk

Flea Market Style from USA

When I used to go to America regularly I always used to look for the magazines on Flea Market finds and Shabby Chic, my old copies are worn old favourites but still spark off ideas and the look is definitely different.
I found through the Blog world I could get one from a lady dealer and in the course of it all I found these stencils in her Etsy shop so I had a lovely parcel today along with some chalk board tags I also got from Margo.
A very retro look I am sure I can do something stylish with them

Customer Request Girls ????

We are planning to come to Poundbury for the sale on Wednesday. What we are particularly looking for are small tassels and fringeing to sew into cushions. It would be great if you could let me know if you have a selection, and if so what kind of thing and how much. We have some lovely vintage textiles, ikats, and hand block prints which we need to accessorise.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Kind regards
Lucy Comparelli.
01747 871701