Posy

Pillowcase Love

 

Yesterday afternoon I finally did it and sorted out my poor linen cupboard. Well, half sorted it as it took so long to do 2 shelves I had to go and make dinner. It probably didn't help that I spent time setting up pleasing combinations so I could photograph them to share with you! The promised post of my fake flowers will be tomorrow as I ran out of daylight too.

So, here is a post with few words (hooray, I hear you say) just lots of photos of some of my favourite pillowcases. I'm deeply attached to my pillowcases. It's true love. I think my passion could be due to having only white hotel linen during my childhood. I remember being 17 years old and desperately wanting a frilled pillowcase. I tried to hand sew one which wasn't successful so when I started buying my own linen I turned to Laura Ashley, when she did her pretty florals, and there started my obsession. I mean how many 18 year olds choose a patchwork quilt made out of Indian cottons for their coming-of-age gift. (Incidentally, I was going through my hippy phase!)

 

         

   

 

 

Now this is clever - can you see what some clever lady has done with the ric-rac edging. Incredible.

 

 

 

Still with me? Nearly finished now..

      

 

 

Ok, this is actually a hand towel but it's pretty.

 

 

 

 

And finally my current favourite. a rosebud pillowcase (bottom one) found at a car-boot sale last summer, worn, soft and oh so pretty.

 

The End.

Which is your favourite?

Paint

Morning all. How was your weekend? Did you achieve all you wanted to? Me? You must be kidding! I never stopped, but only achieved one thing on my list but spent most of my time doing something that wasn't on it!

 

I painted the legs on our dining room table. Now this is something I have spent the last few years weighing up - should I or shouldn't I paint just the legs and leave the top pine. I wasn't planning to but we decided to do it in a 'spur-of-the-moment' sort of thing.  And perhaps that's just the best way of doing things.  Anth decided he wanted it the same dark pink we have on our bookcase in the sitting room.

  

 So I went and got the paint mixed to the shade I thought it was, but it wasn't. Similar but not quite the same; and got to work.

             

And it looks great and again I wonder why we didn't do it before? (We seem to be saying this a lot recently remembering the bush in the garden).

            

And here is the 'finished' picture. I'm just loving my fake, blooming to-good-to-be-true yellow roses, but more of my fake flowers tomorrow.

         

And this was Sunday's evening.

 Looks good doesn't it, the start of a brand new week.

Lists

 

It is Thursday. Late afternoon as I write this. I've just got in from school and I'm tired. I've spent a large part of my day removing rubber bands from small boys fiddly hands. "What is it with these rubber bands?" I ask and am shown 2 tennis balls completely covered in them. A new craze it seems. But secretly I love all their little obsessions and seeing what catches their imagination. I'm very blessed to have my job and could go on and on about how much I love it. But I won't today as I'm tired. In fact I have been tired all week. Plus I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed - oh alright, more than slightly overwhelmed, with the amount of things I have got to do. Having Tom back home for Easter, with all his belongings, and going from 2 teenagers in the house to 3 teenagers in the house, has made quite a difference. But I do love him being around even with all his dirty washing strewn over our bedroom floor. (Though you can't even see his bedroom floor for 'stuff'. Truly.)

But today is my Friday and I have a whole 4 days to try and organise our incredibly untidy house. (It's much, much worse than this and the ironing pile is worse than this.)  I have decided to do a list and because I love reading other people's lists I thought I would share mine though it is minus the usual household chores which are building up at an alarming pace.

1. Sort out jugs for my new fake flowers (I'm so loving fake ones at the moment).

 

2. Make some frilled pillowcases with my new vintage, stripey sheets (did you know I  love my candy striped bedlinen passionately!?)

 

3. Pot up my new plants bought at Hill House Nursery on Saturday.

 

4. Put my new black tin to use (have I mentioned that I'm loving black things at the moment?!)

 

5. Make another pillowcase from an old tablecloth found on Monday for 50p.

            

6. Find places to hang these new pictures.

          

7. Sort out my seriously, seriously untidy linen cupboard. (Yes, I've still not done it!)

                  

8. And finally make 2 presents for some seriously lovely girlfriends of mine. Oh yes, and post off some other gifts which are weeks late. Crikey, at this rate I won't have any seriously lovely girlfriends left!  So instead of telling you all I have to do I better get on with with it. I wish you all very short lists this weekend and if you fancy telling me your list please feel free to because someone else's list is always much more interesting don't you think?

Have a great weekend.

Birds of a different kind

            

I was given a gift yesterday. Just a small one but a very thoughtful one. Lisa gave me a 'I saw this and thought of you' gift - a new bird for my very small, but slowly growing flock.

"Oh, I love it. Did you know that I have become obsessed by birds?" I say.

"Yes, that is why I bought it," she explains. And I didn't think she knew. Bless her.

 

At least I have some birds inside because I still don't have any outside. I'm beginning to lose all hope of ever hosting that party on the feeders. But, hey, who needs feathered birds when you have a sweet friend who keeps you stocked up with the gorgeous 'indoor type.'

A Thoughtful Place

 

You know it's a funny thing with me how I see something and it appeals and it goes on appealing for the next.. ooh.. let me see..27 years. Yes, the above view first caught my eye when I was 17, sitting on the top deck of a double decker bus during my numerous bus trips to and from college; and then much later, to my grotty little bedsit many moons ago. What I loved and still love is the little tree on the very edge and the lovely curved line of the cliff underneath it. It wasn't a happy time for me back then and I would imagine myself sitting on that curve listening to my Steve Winwood album (which was part of my life's soundtrack at that awful time) and singing along to Midland Maniac with the beginning lines, 'Take me away beyond the night. Take me away beyond the day.. Happens nowhere else but here. Where can I go?'

I never did sit there. I moved away. Lived in Paris, Scotland, London, back to Scotland then over to the other side of the world to New Zealand; then to Plymouth (UK) and finally back here to Torbay. A full circle. And my little tree is still here - or perhaps it's a different one but the curve is still the same. Only this time I don't want to sing, 'take me away beyond the night..' no, my song would be a more positive one reflecting all the good in my life now, which I think would have to be Good Life by Francis Dunnery (sorry, can't find a link to the song) or maybe Madonna's Ray of Light where the lyrics say 'she's got herself a little piece of heaven' and 'I feel like I just got home'. Because I have and I do.

But my little view, glimpsed only briefly now, just for a second or two as I pass by in a car instead of a bus, serves to remind me of how the course of life changes. Constantly shifting. Which is a good thing. Isn't it?

My first car-boot sale purchase of 2009

Yes folks, it's that time of the year again - when I get a bad dose of car boot fever. Well it never actually really leaves me but I have to suppress it during the winter as I don't go to any as most of them stop over the winter months. One of the mothers at school is the organiser of my favourite Saturday morning car boot and not a week goes by without me interrupting her listening to a child read to say 'how many weeks is it now before it starts; or how I'm so, so, so  l o n g i n g  for it to start.'She politely repeats how many weeks it will be and smiles at my.. er..keenness. Goodness knows what she must really think!

Anyway, last Sunday was Mothering Sunday and the greatest gift I could have asked for was going to my first car boot of the year accompanied by Anty ( 2 out of the 3 children were staying at friends much to their relief.)  He has never been to my Sunday morning sale and was such a good sport despite not really enjoying it at all. The best thing I found was this..

   

a new bedside table. I had been looking for a metal garden table but couldn't resist this white wicker one for £3.

 

I put some vintage Laura Ashley wallpaper underneath the glass top which added a little interest. And then I stepped back and thought yeesss, it looks OK. And in case you a think that our bedroom is a haven of tidiness and beauty I turned the camera around about 45 degrees...

 

to a growing washing pile. Tom has come home bringing his lovely smile and 2 bags of dirty washing...and then there's my..

 

..just, well,.. mess. But let's not look at the messy - let's just focus on the bedside table love.

      

Oh, yes, I think that's a much better idea indeed.

The first this year

 

The sun was shining on Saturday and I managed to persuade Anth to leave his studies (he's doing the beginnings of a Social Work degree with the Open University. This is proving helpful with his job but he has to find an extra 16 hours a week to devote to it on top of his demanding full-time job.) and come with me on my first trip of the year to Hill House Nursery. Now regular readers will probably remember my usual jaunts to this wonderful place, here, here, and here. Looking at these posts over the last 3 years (yes, I've been blogging for 3 years now. 3 years!) I noticed that the photos are all rather samey, so do forgive me. My eye obviously just seeks out the best bits and the best bits are the best bits to look at, right?

 

This is my favourite house on the drive to Hill House. I have favourite houses on all our regular journeys. I love this one because of the lawn leading right up to the front door and the sweet little porch. It looks even better in the summer.

Our first visit was a little earlier this year but it was still warm enough to sit out in the garden and have lunch. It felt good to be sitting outside and reading the papers. Well, Anth was reading and I was crying silently into my tea and as I had just read the most touching article (which I will share with you this week) in the colour supplement.

 

Don't let the above picture fool you into thinking we were the only ones there. Oh no. The sunshine had brought out many and we were lucky to find a table in the garden. The wide angle makes it look much bigger and further away than it is.

      

 I bought some plants and we headed to our next appointment - tea in Totnes with Amanda. What could be nicer.

 

 On the way there we passed the beautifully old-fashioned steam railway station, Staverton; and we were in luck as we were able to catch the steam train entering the station.

 

 

There were no photos of the tea as I totally forgot to take some. But needless to say, Amanda was wonderful and it was good to have the chance to catch up and get some more bunting supplies (please email me if you would like to buy some.)

Then it was home and I did my best to take some more photos out of the car window.

 

 

 

We have very red sand and soil in this part of Devon which makes our sheep have slightly orange fleeces!

 

Poor things. I think I've told you before about my aversion to orange. So that was our Saturday afternoon. Lovely.

Thank you for all your marvelous recipes. I'm hoping to put them into action in the next week or two. I'll let you know how I go. See you tomorrow xx

Recipes

  

Oh just look at my beloved. This photo was taken by my adored brother, Matthew (the one who leaves rude comments on this blog and thinks it's funny!) on Christmas Day 2006 (I think. It was a truly wonderful Christmas I remember that much). Anth had taken over the kitchen and as you can see, was Mr Ultra Organised.

Now there is a reason for this post just as there was a reason why Anth had commandeered the kitchen. Yes, my hopeless cooking skills. I hate cooking. Big time. I do do most of the cooking though, but Anth will do some at the weekend. I even have trained Lucy to knock up a Tuna Pasta so I can get away with one less meal to do. Oh and Alice will do the odd baked potato if asked too.

I like to know when I don't have to cook that evening so I can revel in that wonderful feeling all day. I think what I hate most is the standing and stirring so I try and do as many one pot dishes (like casseroles) as possible even though they take quite a long time to prepare. It means that once they go into the oven I can forget about it.  I breathe a sigh of relief and get back to something more interesting. And yes, I sometimes do literally forget about it, and the family have to make the best of a rather over-cooked supper.  Poor things. I do feel guilty, especially about the lack of baking, but I try not to dwell on that.

So, I'm asking for your help. Please could you share your 'fool-proof' recipes. Ones that are easy or rather don't need a lot of fiddling and stirring.

 My family thanks you in advance...

Instead of flowers

 

I was lucky enough to receive one of these the other day. I had no idea what Biscuiteers were.

 

I read the leaflet. Was very intrigued.

 

 So I opened my box - loving the classy box

 

and the lovely font (have I told you that I'm obsessed with handwriting and fonts. No. Well, that's for another post!) I very carefully opened the pink paper...

       

Oh the delight! A cute little cottage. It is absolutely gorgeous. I then checked out their website - do go and take a look.  I am so impressed at the originality of their venture and I hope it is very successful. The big tins are wonderful gift.

Only there's a slight problem - I can't bring myself to eat it....

Lace Hearts

 

Oh my, I can hardly keep myself sitting still long enough to tell you about this. And why oh why oh why, did I not think of this myself? What is wrong with me? Why, don't I think of these wonderful ideas? I know exactly why. I am not experimental enough - I'm far too 'in-the-box' and not enough, 'what-the-heck-let's-play-with-paint-and-lace.'

                        

Because this, my friends, is just what this lovely heart is. Painted lace. Yes, some lace and some green paint. Simple. The paint stiffens the lace when it dries so you can cut out a shape then hang it. So simple that yesterday I excitedly told my class teacher.

"I know what we can do for Easter!"

She looks interested.  I ramble on.

"Yes, we can paint some lace and then cut out egg shapes for the children to take home for decoration. We can paint them lovely sugar almond shades! It's easy. So simple and effective!"

"But where will we get the lace (for 31 children)?" she replies.

"Ah......."

                

So the hunt for lace is on.  I can't imagine that this activity will go down very well with the boys so it probably will be something I will try at home. Just one question. Why hadn't I thought of this myself?

Flowers again, albeit crochet ones

 

Isn't the blogging world a funny old business? Yesterday I visited sweet Lucy's blog at Attic24 and lo and behold I spied the book that I was going to tell you about today. We are all so alike we crafty?? bloggers. I received my copy on Wednesday and she received hers last week too and has already made 2 things from it. Me? I'm still at the browsing stage. The reveling in a new book stage; sniffing the pages and making lists. Sometimes that is better than the crocheting -before you feel the disapointment of coming up against a pattern that just won't work. The list phase is a phase to linger on. Believe me.

 

 

Remember yesterday when I told you I had decided what I was going to make my friends this Christmas? Well, I won't tell you yet but it is from this book and no..it isn't a flower - well I don't think it is. Back to the book. I bought mine through Amazon here and all in all it came to approx £7 including P & P. It is written by Lesley Stanfield, published by Search Press - ISBN 978-1-84448-403-4.

 

It is beautifully photographed and includes basic/intermediate/advanced patterns of both knitting and crochet. And not only flowers, it includes fruit, leaves, insects and vegetables. The other thing I like about it (which makes it different and I think better than Nicky Epsteins books) is the fact it will only specify the type and weight of yarn as opposed to the actual named yarn which usually, because of living here in this part of Devon, is impossible to find.

 

So, I'm off to buy another one for my dear friend Lisa as a rather late birthday present (yes, it was in December..cringe but I have been waiting to find just the right thing) so I can bore someone else with talking about it!

About this weekend

Bought

       

           

The 3 patchwork cushions, though feel a little doubt creeping into my mind as to whether I should have bought the 2 round ones. Thing is, I have seen them in the second hand shop for quite a while and felt sorry for them and the unknown lady who has obviously spent hours making them. The shop owner practically gave them to me in the end. Obviously saw a sucker. They will probably look better with my Around-the World quilt. Yes, I'm feeling better already!

Loved

 

This card by Angie Lewin, despite being quite orange. (I have an aversion to orange, though it is lessening the older I get.)

Changed

 

The garden. Anth cut down and removed a rather over-grown prickly bush or 2. It was over by the ornamental (and not in use. Still.) bird house. I can't believe the difference it has made to the look of the garden - it has opened up the view. For the last few years I haven't been able to use the washing line directly over the bush and it has been such a nuisance. Why oh why do we accept some things and not change them? It took Anth an afternoon, just one afternoon and probably not all of it, to remove the blinking thing.  The bush has been a pain for years. Years! Aren't we silly not to do it before now. This photo was taken at approx 9am this morning. The light and the air were definitely spring-like.

Watched

 

Lark Rise To Candleford. Oh how Lucy and I have adored this series. We didn't watch the first one but have been totally hooked by the latest one. This Sunday was the last episode and I already feel bereft. What will Sunday evenings be like without it now I dread to think.

Re-newed

My flickr account. Just need sometime to update it.

Started

        

Another crochet cushion. Gosh, how red is that wool in this photo. Phew, it could blind you!

Found

 

A new picture or 2. (Bottom row 4th and 2nd from the left) cost all of 50p.

Decided.

What to make for Christmas. (Sorry, no photos as it is highly secret!) See, I told you it would be different this year!  

Saturday

 

 

Staverton, Nr Totnes, Devon

Gazebo Goodness

Few words today, just some gazing at Gazebo goodness..(Gazebo being the bestest shop in the world. It can be found up the hill in Totnes.) Here goes..brace yourself..

 

 

 

 

   

Phew..told you it was good didn't I!

Kitchen dancing

 

What do you get when you mix an empty house, some dirty dishes, and my favourite playlist on my ipod?

Yes, some dancing. Kitchen dancing and some very  loud singing.

 

What's on 'My Favourites' Playlist this week:

• Run - Snow Patrol
• Prospekts March - Coldplay
• God, If I saw her now - Anthony Phillips
• Amsterdam - Coldplay
• Rainy Day - Coldplay (I'm loving this at the moment and did some serious moving to it!)
• All the Same - Sick Puppies
• This Woman's Work - Kate Bush
• Clocks - Coldplay
• All I Need To Know - Emma Bunton
• Good Life - Francis Dunnery
• I Bloom Blaum - Coldplay
• Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
• Glass of Water - Coldplay
• My World - Sick Puppies
• Speed of Sound  - Coldplay
• Miss You Now - Stereophonics
• Wounderous Stories - Yes
• Sleeping Sun - Coldplay
• Aubrey - Bread
• Mr Blue - Catherine Feeney
• Help is Just Around the Corner - Coldplay
• Bargain - Who
• Which Way the Wind Blows - Anthony Phillips
• Monday Morning - Fleetwood Mac 

So there we have it, my 'this week list of favourites'  and I have to say that by the time the family got home only 5 mugs had been washed.

"What have you been doing all this time?" they asked me.

"Oh just doing the dishes and a spot of kitchen dancing."

They left me to it. Do tell me what's on your favourite playlist and where do you do most of your 'secret' dancing when the mood strikes?'

Pleasurable Things

Like...

    

Freshly washed, thrifted pillowcases. (Yay, the stains came out!)

 

Hanging a recently found Vernon Ward picture.

 

Receiving a new book in the post and then making a little tableau with the new purse. Sitting back and letting the gratefulness for having new things wash over me.

 

          

Inexpensive flowers from the market.

 

My first, grown-rather-too-late Hyacinth bulb sprouting.

 

Laughing with an elderly gentleman and his wife in the supermarket when I picked up this broken chocolate heart and quipped, "Look I'm heartbroken...someone's broken my heart!" Yes, I know..it was very corny..but I couldn't resist.

 

And finally something I never thought I would see...guinea pig egg cups. Have you?

Bunting Again!

   

You'll be thinking that this blog is just about flowery stuff, Union Jacks and bunting; you may be right but humour me for just awhile longer because I do have bunting only this time it's Union Jack bunting. The best of both worlds. I came across this at Amanda's stall at Totnes Market on Friday. It wasn't the only thing I came across either..I was lucky enough to bump into Nicky (Hi Nicky!) from The Vintage Magpie. We had never met before despite living about 8 miles from each other and it was lovely to catch up.

 But for now, back to the bunting. It's wonderful for a number of reasons.

 

Firstly, it has the flag on both sides (the red cross is stitched on) so that's one problem of mine sorted.

Secondly, the flags are not fixed and can be moved along the cord.

  

Which leads onto fact number three - you can easily change the cord for whatever colour takes your fancy and if you want it longer with your flags more spaced out.

I bought the last pack (they are becoming one of her best sellers) but the good news is that Amanda is getting some more, so if you would like your own little bit of patriotic love just email me at [email protected]and I'll sort it out. They cost £23 which includes P & P anywhere in the world. It has 15 flags and it is approximately 4 metres long.

 

And now I promise I won't speak of bunting for at least a...well, a long time!

Weekend fun

              

 

How much fun can you have at the seaside when it's showery and blowing a gale?

        

A lot when you are armed with a new Cath Kidston purse and a pounds worth of 2 pence pieces.

 

Anth and I had a very enjoyable half hour escaping from the blustery wind. He was laughing at me holding my breath when I watched the 2p falling onto the moving platform and then sighing when it failed to knock any off.

      

There were other machines but I can't bring myself to put in more than a 2 pence coin at a time so I only stick to them.

 

 

Anth found a old machine that reminded him of his childhood as they had one like it in the fish and chip shop he use to go to when he was a boy.

 

Then it was home to the ironing and a well earned cup of tea.

         

We actually had a very productive weekend - highlights  included; shaving Alfie (or should I say wrestling with Alfie! He has become quite matted so drastic action was needed and I had been dreading it. Oh yes, even dreaming about it..he looks rather odd now poor boy); partying and babysitting (whilst babysitting for a dear friend I came across this little pile behind the sofa which made me laugh out loud until I quickly  realised that our home has been toy-free for some years now. When did that happen?)

We could have done with these muscle bound wrestlers to help us with Alfie! And finally we also squeezed in some child-free alone time.

      

And that = a fine weekend. A very fine one indeed.

2 posts in one day

 

It was on a quick dash to Sainsburys yesterday afternoon; between leaving school and a vet appointment; that I came across this. I just hadto check out the new April editions of my favourite magazines even though I was pushed for time, and was just about to put down this copy of Homes & Antiques when something caught my eye. It was the home of Claire and Mike from Vintage Home and what a feast for the eyes.

 

 

My heart skipped a beat and I let out an audible ooh when I saw the union jack bag and the tapestry cushions. Oh that bag.

 

I just had to show you all that vintage goodness - it couldn't wait till Monday or even tomorrow. I hope it has inspired some more union jack themed crafting. I definitely think I might try a bag. Why hadn't I thought of that myself?

I have so enjoyed reading about your kitchen sink views - all so different but comfortingly similar in many ways. We may live across many oceans but there is a certain something that connects us all. And that my friends is good. Very good.

Why?

Two things.

Why don't they make pillowcases like this anymore and packaged so beautifully in a box?

 

And why do men leave pens lying around like this.

My heart is permanently in my mouth. Phew, it's OK, the nib is in.

See you Monday but I may post some photos this weekend if the mood arises. Go well.

View from my kitchen sink ~ February

 

I took this photo last week sometime when we had some sun and I think it might become a regular category over the seasons.  If I could write a book, I would love to do it about the views from people's kitchens...all over the world. Well, maybe there is a book like that already. (Probably as seeing that I'm always a year or two behind the times - or that is what I'm told by my children).  One of the best views I have ever seen is the view from the sink in the old Parish Rooms at my children's old playgroup. It looks over a field and it is framed by trees. I'll see if I can go and take a picture of it this week but explaining why I want to might be a bit embarrassing. But I'll try ...anything for a good photo opportunity!

Everything you see in this kitchen (apart from the CK teapot - a gift from Justine. Thank you again. Soap and enamel soap dish with the nail brush)is all from charity shops and car boot sales. The 3 small Kleen Ware pots were found in Ludlow's Cat Protection Charity Shop (the best in Ludlow) about 6 years ago for...30p each!! I wasn't sure what they were but recognised that I had seen them in lovely country kitchens in magazines; so I started collecting Kleen Ware. Well, it's hardly a collection, I've got the other 2 pots which are chipped so have to keep my fake flowers in them to cover the cracks. But I still love them. The latest find was the lovely Crown Devon butter dish which has the loveliest of lids which you may just be able to see. The curtain fabric was found on the ground at a car boot sale last year. My heart certainly skipped a beat at that one!

Isn't it good to see the sun? It has hardly shown it's face this week. Do tell me what your kitchen sink view is..you never know we could fill a book yet!

6 things you don't know about me

 Number 1  

  

I spent my entire childhood and teenage years living in hotels which my parents used to manage for a well known chain. Three hotels to be exact if you include The Portpatrick Hotel  (do click through the photos and see what an unique building it is) where I met Anth, though I only lived there on and off for a couple of years. But this is the one that is the most special to me and that I call home. I lived in it the longest; about 9 years over the 70's and 80's. I get terribly sentimental over it and wrestle with the fact that someone rich has bought it and is completely changing it slowly. It has needed improving because it has been neglected for a long time but they knocked down our living quarters and have made huge structural changes to the grounds and, well.. everywhere - it is almost unrecognisable. I don't like the fact that it isn't familiar anymore and choose not to go in if I can help it; but when I do (my parents love to visit it when they come down to Devon and I sometimes reluctantly go along), I marvel that I still know every bump in the floor and squeak of the stairs and get totally choked up that my husband and children are standing in the place that saw me standing there when I was 9 years old. I dream about it regularly - as it was, and the all of the people who worked or stayed there who were such a part of my childhood and teens. It was like having a huge extended family. There is one thing that I blame it for though..not being able to cook! I never had to learn.

Number 2

  

I walk with my feet turned out. Badly. When I walked down the aisle at church on Sunday I noticed people snickering and I wondered if it was because of my '10 to 2' gait. Or perhaps not. Me paranoid. Never, it was probably my wobbly tummy instead, which is much worse and a whole different story.

Number 3

When we got married I had my 'hen' do not in a bar or nightclub or spa like most girls. No mine was held in the afternoon..here in a tea room in Totnes.

 

The family think it is hilarious and so uncool. Do you remember it Jeanette?

      

Well, who would want to go anywhere else when you take a peek in the window. I haven't changed much in the last 25 years have I?

Number 4

   

   

   

I'm totally in love with these notebooks. In fact I have become notebook mad in the last couple of weeks and have them dotted around the house. Only problem is I forget what is in what book. 

Number 5

   

I have made a few little changes around here. Because of the constantly appearing suspicious stains on the sofa, I have decided to cover the seat cushions with a duvet cover. On the back is my recently found black granny blanket. I'm so loving black at the moment. I really am happy with how the sofa looks now. It is easier to wash a duvet cover and has introduced another floral pattern into the room; then with the granny blanket it makes it look a bit less 'done' and a bit more 'flea'. Yes, I really like that.

Number 6

       

My tower of side plates gets higher each week. I have a conection with each of them remembering where they were bought and how much they all were. I love them all. Seriously. Oh yes, and my tin.

P.S  Could you tell me if you see a different font - it has changed and I can't seem to change it..unless it is just my computer. Thanks. 

Who's that?

Sunday afternoon. Anth re-adjusting the washing that Alice had hung out. I noticed something.

   

In the distance. A bucket.

  

Yes the bucket and my knickers just strewn all over the place. I'll be having words with Alice. Fancy just leaving them on the stone trough like that! 

I try and forget my underwear and focus on the little, sweet, orange head popping up inside the bucket.

 

So cute. Who can resist cats in cute poses? Not me.

From mats to bunting

    

Hello my friends, I hope you all had a good weekend with a little sunshine and for those of you in Australia perhaps a little shade. We actually hung our washing outside. Thank you for your suggestions about my lack of birds - patience I think is probably called for but I think I have discovered the main problem as to why our feeders hang unused. Magpies. About 4 of them patrol the trees at the end of our garden and chase off any other bird. I'm not sure if I have mentioned to you before that the poor blackbirds who are singing in our trees at dusk at the moment; get as far as having some young (I think) and each year the magpies kill them. The distress call of the blackbird has me running out up-teen times to try and shoo the magpies away. It really, really upsets me and I'm not sure what I can do to discourage the magpies. Grr. The family are getting fed up of me shouting at them to go out quickly and help the blackbirds if I can't make it outside myself. But the distress call is so awful to hear. I know - I'm far too sentimental as Anth points out, and it's just nature. But I still hate those horrible birds. So any thoughts about the magpies would be great.

Anyway back to my sewing.  I found these mats in a Salisbury charity shop on my birthday weekend last year; and they have been waiting patiently for me to turn them into something different. They are quite unusual in that they have a straight edge which I am guessing went along the back of the dressing table or sideboard and left the scalloped edge at the front.

"What do you want those for?" enquired my mother when I showed her, "haven't you got enough already?"

Well, yes I do have an unusually large collection of embroidered tray-cloths for a woman of my era. But I had decided as I crouched on the floor in the shop that I would turn them into bunting. Yes, I do a lot of crouching or sitting on the floor in charity shops. Best place to rummage.

Anyhow, I then stored the mats away and promptly forgot about them until last week.

    

So I attached it to some old, thrifted, green braid. And then discovered a problem. Where do I hang it? I have these visions in my head of the sort of style I want the house to reflect but I can't seem to stop playing safe. Like the shell picture which really is awful, but by being so awful it turns it into cool/trendy/eclectic/unusual/unique. Bazaar style. This weekend I went to buy some Chinese paper lanterns but when I stood in the shop and looked at them I just couldn't quite see where I would put them and where they would look right. So Lucy got them for her room but I bet you she won't put them up! We'll see. I really want to make the house less pretty, pretty and more flea market/bazaar style - which is something I keep on about I know. But I'm struggling with my conservative side. Help.

    

So I have hung the bunting here but can't quite decide if that is the right place. Where do you hang yours? Do you hang it across the room or around the walls? I am conscious that with mine there is a right and wrong side of the fabric so you could see the wrong side if they weren't against something. I made many metres of it years ago from old embroidered tablecloths for the girls' baptism. I don't use it very much and that bothers me because it is really lovely and unique and dare I say it..very flea market! Perhaps I should dig it out again and not be so fussy.

 

Meanwhile, I think it will stay here for the time being while I decided. Have a good Monday. Oh yes, and a Happy Birthday to Chris (Martin) if by any chance he's reading this...well, you never know!

See you tomorrow.

Sunday Sunshine

 

New/Old pillowcases.

Here and now.