tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33195096418055556352024-03-17T05:05:58.046-07:00Homespun Stitchworks..... For the love of vintageWelcome to a slow stitcher and vintage lovers blog where all things are possible and whimsical. Creating is in my soul and so is treasure hunting for gorgeous old fabrics, buttons, linens & threads. There is something about truffling at vintage fairs for beautiful haberdashery and fabric.
I adore the seasons, the hygge & cosy of Winter, the awakening of Spring, the changes of colours and crunching of leaves in Autumn and the bees, butterflies and ocean sounds of Summer. Enjoy XXSarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.comBlogger1197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-91302778374598332642024-03-16T06:50:00.000-07:002024-03-16T06:52:33.420-07:00Mindful stitching and mindful moments ...<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><b>Breathe and take a mindful moment.</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Q4Ih8SmViJ279FaqH3voC1id_piya_nsgPakpmbowpUR7K7tyO6Mv8mLJfj39E2pzFtoigXbkz_Rjaym9Ge5zb07twAlaFdcLKJwXIxigiddePrjuo1qjMki5edbKAnZ4MeiTj6E_URe8mZd_1pX4lr5i4SS40VhTe_7vSJUhLt9N8mczBTe_G31EA/s2016/BLOGsewing3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Q4Ih8SmViJ279FaqH3voC1id_piya_nsgPakpmbowpUR7K7tyO6Mv8mLJfj39E2pzFtoigXbkz_Rjaym9Ge5zb07twAlaFdcLKJwXIxigiddePrjuo1qjMki5edbKAnZ4MeiTj6E_URe8mZd_1pX4lr5i4SS40VhTe_7vSJUhLt9N8mczBTe_G31EA/w302-h403/BLOGsewing3.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Life can be hectic for all of us for different reasons. Mine has been but wonderfully so, sorry I have not posted in two weeks. I have been away in Cheshire and I did post from there but upon my return I had a friend come and stay, she needed a rest has had just packed up her home and is preparing to move to live with here children in Australia. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7GlxAg66XuuZvnI2Q1EReptsaQIK1K_4W82EdegpfaXizhs3HYwLIKZI_7a_mGkqd-F1Ddow5qLhhbpiOz0-GzfrK284OPtpWTWbZ-EnAsEcYJGAZiX7hFbRXUb13YdN5idaIOd1Iwi96cLAstN91RfZRx0Hi85RYzKqSEWny32-4zrLNogc_AaX34M/s2016/BLOGsewing.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7GlxAg66XuuZvnI2Q1EReptsaQIK1K_4W82EdegpfaXizhs3HYwLIKZI_7a_mGkqd-F1Ddow5qLhhbpiOz0-GzfrK284OPtpWTWbZ-EnAsEcYJGAZiX7hFbRXUb13YdN5idaIOd1Iwi96cLAstN91RfZRx0Hi85RYzKqSEWny32-4zrLNogc_AaX34M/s320/BLOGsewing.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />She is now there for a few weeks then back here for a few weeks then off for good to live. I want to see as much of her as possible as you can imagine.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">My stitching has been really varied and rather prolific and I am doing several projects at the moment. Obviously the quilt project is coming along but I do leave it for a few days and return to look and decide on things. I want to add to its history and by doing so not actually take anything away from it as you can imagine. I feel it is not one to be rushed and then to have to unpick anything and further damage this gorgeous Canadian red cross quilt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I have little baskets of projects spread across my Threads of Time studio and my lounge. The quilt is in the studio taking up the whole table with majestic beauty with little applique pins in it with things to sew on and word lists to stitch on to it. I go in and move bits around and when I am sure I stitch things in place. In my lounge at this moment in time are baskets with wonky log cabins being made up and little pouches of torn fabrics in different colour ways so pinks, reds and blues which are all antique fabrics .. some tiniest of scraps saved for something else I have in mind as well. The birds are getting threaded scraps for their nest linings but they are happily gathering bits of old eiderdown and paisley fabrics ...<br /> Gorgeous nests here in Dorset!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8nzBMG1QlChoyFF5PQmgjxkfia_hfrHMB-z4S_CxcaSsAZrErVycLz2Chm0_AayE3qMKXFD6FGL3iE8-7GVXsYABVbY8SRIPwGZ1v_VTqtFr-L-8J6PIwyoUj28hUfHTGMQV85iWzUrKN6efvWFGLBXR1AAVbt4NYqrOeWgYsziMaCVT4w_ghZBpR4E/s2016/BLOG19.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8nzBMG1QlChoyFF5PQmgjxkfia_hfrHMB-z4S_CxcaSsAZrErVycLz2Chm0_AayE3qMKXFD6FGL3iE8-7GVXsYABVbY8SRIPwGZ1v_VTqtFr-L-8J6PIwyoUj28hUfHTGMQV85iWzUrKN6efvWFGLBXR1AAVbt4NYqrOeWgYsziMaCVT4w_ghZBpR4E/w183-h244/BLOG19.jpg" width="183" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Then I have a white linen dress which I am hand stitching on for the Summer and going to vintage fairs , I am looking forward to warmer days and meeting up with friends new and old and choosing one of my dresses to wear.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I have stitched a Oscar Wilde quote around the neck line which reads "A flower blossoms for its own joy" and I am still hand stitching bit onto this dress. I am not a dress maker so I either purchase a old dress or indeed I get a dress made for me to be able to add covered buttons and hand stitchery to.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Then dear reader I have a basket of English paper piecing as well, I have cut out about 40 fabric hexagons at this moment and I have the card board inners in a little basket with needle and thread and I am covering and stitching them. When I get through those I will be cutting out more from gorgeous antique fabrics, yes paisley and eiderdown fabrics are in there! It is such a relaxing thing to </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DTa_c5pyF1tQSg3MDHwxB3MSN-01gJZ8RmqzPKKZe2QpiffTzPowSjNXg3VqtORxe6lfSC_yN7ny2SCtYPvl20n5Rv5EGHSG16vDMZIDFcEVv0zrO0i4Jktu9p_8JvA-ssbIjysc_SdvG_0O2Cke1aEQOQwzfBh5aO8GTyD-vL9VHWj2JMmkdz90tr4/s2016/BLOG21.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DTa_c5pyF1tQSg3MDHwxB3MSN-01gJZ8RmqzPKKZe2QpiffTzPowSjNXg3VqtORxe6lfSC_yN7ny2SCtYPvl20n5Rv5EGHSG16vDMZIDFcEVv0zrO0i4Jktu9p_8JvA-ssbIjysc_SdvG_0O2Cke1aEQOQwzfBh5aO8GTyD-vL9VHWj2JMmkdz90tr4/w167-h222/BLOG21.jpg" width="167" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />stitch of an evening and is easy to do with my candles and twinkling fairy lights on and my log burner too, the nights are still chilly here in Dorset. It is not detailed stitching just basting and so it is great whilst watching a film or listening to a podcast.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Then finally I am stitching a meditation roll and that is wonderful too on a long piece of old linen and stitching things on to it (bits of fabrics with raw edges, I have stitched a little cottage on there from fabrics with detail embroidery. You stitch it all on by basting it and then you choose a thread or threads and you go across all of your fabric with running stitch. It gives it texture and somehow makes it all come alive. You then wind it up onto a wooden bobbin and fasten it by a button with button hole or if you do not wish to do a button hole then you can stitch some ribbon on there and wind it around said button.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Some people stitch on fabrics that mean something to them like their children's old</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIyYVS3ppZW3vsdfNTYzFuCIsd-FvsqdK-75eYfllZRXbKIBEdhUfClFIgX5YUi9q7cAW2i9S3zS9ib2D-kqiZGIL-4q73usR3jeMSMCVGK7Bd-nReYoDxog3imgO5XqjkX1i0bIKW6tz-IoeMy3C7f-3BYoCp3mHIwfZlejmvTvku_plLCqQ1qTrqbA/s640/BLOGsewing10.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIyYVS3ppZW3vsdfNTYzFuCIsd-FvsqdK-75eYfllZRXbKIBEdhUfClFIgX5YUi9q7cAW2i9S3zS9ib2D-kqiZGIL-4q73usR3jeMSMCVGK7Bd-nReYoDxog3imgO5XqjkX1i0bIKW6tz-IoeMy3C7f-3BYoCp3mHIwfZlejmvTvku_plLCqQ1qTrqbA/s320/BLOGsewing10.JPG" width="231" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> baby clothes or a parent who has passed they cut up shirts or clothes and it is a keepsake. looking back I wish I had done that with my Dads shirts but he passed away in 1999 so .....</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I am doing it with lots of beautiful bits of fabrics that are really just scraps but all stitched together they look so wonderful I think.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So you can see I have been busy here at Thimble and loving the hand sewing and the mindful moments that goes along with it. The sound of the needle and thread going through the fabrics is calming and it certainly helps me, I am still struggling a little from loosing my Mum and I find it best not to have moments where I find myself not doing something right now. Its early days and its all the firsts. Her Birthday and Mothers Day with out her here have been particularly difficult but I relieve in my mind such happy memories that make me smile.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WlnX1xBOlDrLuC-_j46IOp3C4KYt1WCgwHc8NB7Pfe6jp0Izj2eKSTBTecREgo2Ytg97zL9QHerx8A91yecZfw1yKrOOScyhbUvX8RcO98b4g-26raGATWmT4b6klIPxWVz-xMtnSpXtDOVbHAXOHZ6wzk_re2jebpBmnngiU6oHfT9e6JBpGQHMflQ/s2016/BLOGsewing9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WlnX1xBOlDrLuC-_j46IOp3C4KYt1WCgwHc8NB7Pfe6jp0Izj2eKSTBTecREgo2Ytg97zL9QHerx8A91yecZfw1yKrOOScyhbUvX8RcO98b4g-26raGATWmT4b6klIPxWVz-xMtnSpXtDOVbHAXOHZ6wzk_re2jebpBmnngiU6oHfT9e6JBpGQHMflQ/s320/BLOGsewing9.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Also I have been purchasing new threads and I have fallen in love with Shashiko threads that are variegated especially to do running stitch through my wonky log cabin squares and my meditation rolls... </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />I bought a few of them and some needles ( the needles are longer for running stitch as you get more stitches on them) For those of you who have not heard of it then leave a comment and I will do a little extra blog on it. It is facinating in its history. This picture shows two of them but I have around eight different ones now ...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">My little garden is jumping into life and to my delight foxgloves, daisies and bleeding heart flowers are starting to surface from their Winters nap. I can see tulips budding and I have just sewn around my wild flower seeds as well after a really good weeding of my flower beds and by the little fence. I am certainly looking forward now to warmer days ahead.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqipKDTOXs0aqEnlPdEZzZdXo8eKIQoQ2YHnJoeAslH3tj5kfjpoxd-4XZHml6UUPjvH-vym-w4uYRpZs4yQKINzl-yjJJ-h5y3Z_doBh2bwf46QOFJlSdEr3FuWWYvIjeZUHv9co9YgofQ1KzJQLwsCwYNTHZbRUhiJEKxV_tfjUzl9haQ8hL-ScyIo/s640/Muffins.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqipKDTOXs0aqEnlPdEZzZdXo8eKIQoQ2YHnJoeAslH3tj5kfjpoxd-4XZHml6UUPjvH-vym-w4uYRpZs4yQKINzl-yjJJ-h5y3Z_doBh2bwf46QOFJlSdEr3FuWWYvIjeZUHv9co9YgofQ1KzJQLwsCwYNTHZbRUhiJEKxV_tfjUzl9haQ8hL-ScyIo/s320/Muffins.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The hedgehogs have woken up and need their food every night in the garden along with their water bowls as well, Soon enough there will be babies with them and I delight in the fact that they come every day to feed and wander around.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Also I have been doing a lot of baking and cooking and really enjoying that as well, I made some huge banana, cinnamon and oat muffins which were addictive. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Well I really hope that you have enjoyed my ramble today and as you can see I have been busy and productive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I hope you all have a lovely weekend and as always take care and Happy Stitching.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yhm_SK4X_jvNdSCdR_LzJly1jhSXVippFykYF4lee8fX5hcvM7rubbaFciwazTwe309JXmwl6BDfM7xg_TM4gHuckItY3q5TE7njTn8V0DnI6Pze2reSZlXLcOsMvdxA-Hc-lSA-lfy0tMltfoCy9PThdvUVyTZdG6I83EimPg_dLKvu2I6-qZJr__Q/s2016/BLOGsewing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yhm_SK4X_jvNdSCdR_LzJly1jhSXVippFykYF4lee8fX5hcvM7rubbaFciwazTwe309JXmwl6BDfM7xg_TM4gHuckItY3q5TE7njTn8V0DnI6Pze2reSZlXLcOsMvdxA-Hc-lSA-lfy0tMltfoCy9PThdvUVyTZdG6I83EimPg_dLKvu2I6-qZJr__Q/w451-h602/BLOGsewing2.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-16516756414365328582024-02-23T06:39:00.000-08:002024-02-23T06:39:48.126-08:00Stitching time and Quarry Bank<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">A little more laughter</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">A little less worry</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">A little more kindness</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">A little less hurry.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmMPBl8zufpUN3zo53L20_ejW33SiUYRsbd_1pMpJ1yM5XG4iZf3YwRwDpYMxXegzpg9tlj5WTClfRFCpEt55xN6C2uR49BzpSD9_rymxnC_IrQlS-YgL2yXpFjdadc9HmLbjvpf8X9BEOMz19djY989qbL0nVJF843JAz-iC3gQV4tS1eQxyuU12pFg/s640/blog.ribbonwordhare59.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmMPBl8zufpUN3zo53L20_ejW33SiUYRsbd_1pMpJ1yM5XG4iZf3YwRwDpYMxXegzpg9tlj5WTClfRFCpEt55xN6C2uR49BzpSD9_rymxnC_IrQlS-YgL2yXpFjdadc9HmLbjvpf8X9BEOMz19djY989qbL0nVJF843JAz-iC3gQV4tS1eQxyuU12pFg/s320/blog.ribbonwordhare59.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Stitching time is a time to immerse yourself, it is self care time where you can breathe and be as one with the sound of a needle and thread going through the fabric and the whole process of the slow stitch is so calming and healing, my happiest of places to be to just concentrate on the cloth and thread and no other thoughts come into my head. I know this all too well because when my mum was so very poorly I just could not pick up a needle for months, it did not work at all. In addition to all of the above you get something beautiful that you have made, hours of love and always a little bit of your heart as well. I think of that when I am lucky enough to receive a hand stitched gift, someone has taken their precious time to make something from their heart to yours.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Little projects on the go in wee baskets is always a pleasure for me there is something about it that makes me happy and they are so portable as well. If I go somewhere for a few days I can just grab one to go. The beautiful antique quilt that I am currently working on and adding to is just too big to take, to work on, so the the little bits that I am stitching to possibly be stitched on to it are in a basket to be stitched and the things that will be stitched directly onto this very old quilt will have to wait until I return home again. This way though it still feels that I am still working on my Red Cross Canadian quilt. I am thoroughly enjoying adding to its story and wondering what the outcome will be. A already wonderful history contained in this beauty with added history for future generations one day ...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulaaB6hFuVEsKkokelWivu6sL5Sw3cCMb2EikcPXGijscAYdifnNVyknI9N5IhP3frlVJ8m9n1QA8bnW2jAF2fyZhaMWIsGHhnWl7OIkfKREXVkws3RL-wS_fLyvSCIEotQkiKrQvfBB6txlS37YDkYhgBeoBDIuTwxZrIF-Hj3aAoRnvhmRd2naZxuU/s3605/Quarry%20mill%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="3605" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulaaB6hFuVEsKkokelWivu6sL5Sw3cCMb2EikcPXGijscAYdifnNVyknI9N5IhP3frlVJ8m9n1QA8bnW2jAF2fyZhaMWIsGHhnWl7OIkfKREXVkws3RL-wS_fLyvSCIEotQkiKrQvfBB6txlS37YDkYhgBeoBDIuTwxZrIF-Hj3aAoRnvhmRd2naZxuU/w219-h219/Quarry%20mill%201.JPG" width="219" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">As I am writing this blog today I am looking out into my little garden and it seems that Spring is starting to surface, it is still a little cold out there but for sure the birds are collecting for nests and bulbs are bursting through the soil. I collect really tiny little scraps from soft fabrics and bits of wool threads and poke them around my miniature apple trees and little birds are collecting it to line nests with. I used to do this at my old home and it is heart warming to see. I like to think that their nests are soft and cosy with scraps of vintage paisleys ... </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />My log burner is still very much used still of an evening it is so cosy and it warms the whole cottage the candles are lit and it is still a delight but I am happy to say the evenings are getting lighter, I love my seasons and try to embrace each one. As you know if you are a regular reader that Autumn is my favourite and there will be a little nod to that on the quilt project.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Also since I last posted I have been in Cheshire and whilst there, being a member of National Trust I visited Quarry Bank ... Oh my what a most wonderful place it is.</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The mill that Samuel Greg built in 1784 was around half the size of the mill we see today. It was designed as a long, low block with tall windows that flooded the mill with light – however the lower panes were obscured to prevent the workers from gazing out and becoming distracted.</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTBJf9IbYbFoI4O9PSO8N4DPvds3O8qEXfgQSu_dm-ew2A7JXbvV_auyDf64-Zmds7BV50NPgFXQvyKOWPpX1sWrS6HmA4X3vU8an5czREx-udl1JnuP9qcfg4cuTm4i5GDvcNdbW16NNFfdN_JTWEejcuhnJHvbibvxHKiDUKMxQRcn2TgA7s2utIU4/s3605/Quarry%20mill%205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="3605" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTBJf9IbYbFoI4O9PSO8N4DPvds3O8qEXfgQSu_dm-ew2A7JXbvV_auyDf64-Zmds7BV50NPgFXQvyKOWPpX1sWrS6HmA4X3vU8an5czREx-udl1JnuP9qcfg4cuTm4i5GDvcNdbW16NNFfdN_JTWEejcuhnJHvbibvxHKiDUKMxQRcn2TgA7s2utIU4/w208-h208/Quarry%20mill%205.JPG" width="208" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">In 1796, the mill doubled in size with a second water wheel added, and a new weir built to feed it.</span><p></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Around 1820, a new mill block was added, which created space for more spinning and carding machines, with 300 workers operating 10,00 spindles.<br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">After Samuel Greg died, his son Robert added two weaving sheds (and 305 looms) and a cloth warehouse. Various other improvements took place during the 19th century including a new fireproof scutching room, steam engines and a boiler house. By 1855 the major building works at Quarry Bank were complete. (copied and pasted from the website)</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKukwh8i8t_3fYdszRq3tztRkvxSUO9i2sAYk2iqHxRjIdmi2unyMQskLO-KptQYjxvFWRr1CwLrswdZ9yIdMCdqrGfj8q7-CFk2-HkLhyH5AT7xhQNo_Vppqg3iqhsu4FcVyO6K5HhK8rIoZu3AKuzle5dw3Hp8e5A3naIMEFDVcF1cn2YFKABQracs/s3605/Quarry%20mill%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="3605" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKukwh8i8t_3fYdszRq3tztRkvxSUO9i2sAYk2iqHxRjIdmi2unyMQskLO-KptQYjxvFWRr1CwLrswdZ9yIdMCdqrGfj8q7-CFk2-HkLhyH5AT7xhQNo_Vppqg3iqhsu4FcVyO6K5HhK8rIoZu3AKuzle5dw3Hp8e5A3naIMEFDVcF1cn2YFKABQracs/w246-h246/Quarry%20mill%202.JPG" width="246" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Samuel Greg also built a house there for the family and cottages for workers. Today all but one of those cottages are rented out and one remains for people to visit and look at the cottage as it was then. There is a little school which remains a working school to this day.</span><p></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />I was in awe and on those very same looms they still produce fabrics and they spin the wool and make their thread .. I was in heaven watching these centuries old machines working their magic today. Although I very rarely if at all purchase new fabrics I made an exception with this gorgeous linen fabrics because it was made on this antique weaving machines. I bought some to line my rice bags that I am busy making.</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Then I thought ah how about a competition so I have purchased two fat quarters and a</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo6-2R4Nz6VO3WC0ybhfzQ6Dly9Xh7LZa7F-PHlw4tIuFaeTIOcbmYJ1deUKE7d12xk5sE2jVfLmgjPcCyhvyO5LO_g3tcARBpnpCp1bSnZFs0AkhIjPqdL9bQnzpm14lvcivj9iJxcki0brrngZAwGGq-FIIEbIGZRy1oikvvwvNcmJjrNIFXsPkodY/s3605/Quarry%20mill%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="3605" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo6-2R4Nz6VO3WC0ybhfzQ6Dly9Xh7LZa7F-PHlw4tIuFaeTIOcbmYJ1deUKE7d12xk5sE2jVfLmgjPcCyhvyO5LO_g3tcARBpnpCp1bSnZFs0AkhIjPqdL9bQnzpm14lvcivj9iJxcki0brrngZAwGGq-FIIEbIGZRy1oikvvwvNcmJjrNIFXsPkodY/s320/Quarry%20mill%203.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> linen draw string bag from Quarry mill and that is the prize.</span><p></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So to enter you will have to go over to my instagram page which is one.tiny.stitch and follow me on there and write a comment on there so that I have your name to pop into my antique bowler hat and then pick out a name to win this most wonderful prize.</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">On the instagram you will see photos of the prize and you can not miss it. The competition is open for two weeks from today. So pop on over to be able to see the photos of this lovely prize. Think of the possibilities of what you can create with this oh so very beautiful fabrics.</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Well that is enough rambling for today and I hope you have enjoyed your read.</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">It is back to my hand stitching now and I wish you all a wonderful weekend and please take care.</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">As always Happy Stitching!</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6M-WD3h7Fe0VzxLKYC8JNNOzNla27BCWsrKIO0wWtZrsLDSDO-Eq_eynzoXpdgTx5HHGFQYfpOVzxBgKNA2UGocLQWj3KwmhwuaYJf4vXcWJX_SwybtUx-qWWaMB-uXbHo3cgTSRExS6xZrhNdpCjzdPOkSmGwUKthhZ-c2jVs4gBjluZqn-ddeezws/s3605/Quarry%20mill%204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="3605" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6M-WD3h7Fe0VzxLKYC8JNNOzNla27BCWsrKIO0wWtZrsLDSDO-Eq_eynzoXpdgTx5HHGFQYfpOVzxBgKNA2UGocLQWj3KwmhwuaYJf4vXcWJX_SwybtUx-qWWaMB-uXbHo3cgTSRExS6xZrhNdpCjzdPOkSmGwUKthhZ-c2jVs4gBjluZqn-ddeezws/w433-h433/Quarry%20mill%204.JPG" width="433" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #faf8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; line-height: 1.47368; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-24846698532467243092024-02-13T04:05:00.000-08:002024-02-13T04:33:23.188-08:00A Winters tale in stitches <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwlNkFTozZVbYjfwGjxZoGkiayCe1PEYN1RpqpZBxLuRmXFbgwSPsPohbaPN8fHBSvSIbpTWqv8F-WA_LHatFUzT9qL_DAMAiIyCvOgA971FUo2353KINxsbygQpzMz8kxnsRWVpSI3JdUJyWReUsRrgnz5I9NZMJjitGD74SFQ1twOknMpxO5FRvJyM/s4032/BLOGwinterstale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwlNkFTozZVbYjfwGjxZoGkiayCe1PEYN1RpqpZBxLuRmXFbgwSPsPohbaPN8fHBSvSIbpTWqv8F-WA_LHatFUzT9qL_DAMAiIyCvOgA971FUo2353KINxsbygQpzMz8kxnsRWVpSI3JdUJyWReUsRrgnz5I9NZMJjitGD74SFQ1twOknMpxO5FRvJyM/w372-h496/BLOGwinterstale.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><b>Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home and slow stitching ..........</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium;">The hygge that surrounds me is so cosy, happy and full of contentment and warmth. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium;"> Right now I do not mind at all about the weather. Switch on the fairy lights, light a fire and candles in all the darker corners, with a faint smell of cinnamon and design and stitch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I have been listening to podcasts as well , which have been interesting but equally the sound only of the crackling fire and the needle and thread through the layers of fabrics are very enjoyable too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Not having to go out to my Mum daily has been both strange (and I do miss her so ) and freeing - my mind is now fully only on one thing and that is to be creative and stitching.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Having several projects on the go is really delicious for me. Firstly I have been tearing strips of fabrics in different widths to do some wonky log cabin work, yes wonky not at </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlZrE0nsUX6AasayJP1cCm7xzyj0CV0VMrwUJ6MrUtifUbDF0_mB7x207bka-jRU5dnoP_KhKgs5d414iEGK_f7Zb6NRYHOo6Vm5Lh-QhxygwB5wqgJai7NmUDWFbZqGVyLiij-1X1YWT8bJNvpjHd0-AwKDru5d_Iwsfyk9TJ17xYRzjRRsU5mEfcs4/s3605/logcabin2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="2531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlZrE0nsUX6AasayJP1cCm7xzyj0CV0VMrwUJ6MrUtifUbDF0_mB7x207bka-jRU5dnoP_KhKgs5d414iEGK_f7Zb6NRYHOo6Vm5Lh-QhxygwB5wqgJai7NmUDWFbZqGVyLiij-1X1YWT8bJNvpjHd0-AwKDru5d_Iwsfyk9TJ17xYRzjRRsU5mEfcs4/s320/logcabin2.JPG" width="225" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />all perfect and it is so much more beautiful to me than precise strips and using hand dyed ribbon pieces too. Some raw seams on show it has been a epiphany of sorts. In my world the more naive it is the more I adore it, tattered and torn and worn with a few battle scars and darning to wonder at.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So the reason I am quietly stitching some wonky log cabin squares is because I would like to also do some hand embroidery on them and then make a Japanese rice bag or two .... Gorgeous to look at and of course you can put things in them so beautiful and useful .</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So I have found making a little snip in fabric and then tearing strips very satisfying and mind freeing. Making a box of light and darker strips. It is something I can do when it is darker in the early evening and then as the stitching is by hand and running stitch it gives me a break from the beautiful quilt that I am adding to which is more precise in every way. although the fabrics that I am adding here and there on that are antique beautifully worn and wonderful too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"> Some of the fabrics I have chosen are holey and scrappy which adds such charm and wonders in my opinion and because it is not as precise as normal log cabin I can do it</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHVFWF4tOVTzw55iw3qfjShANgQkEe7JYiF9kIt977Xbia7KktPEeNMk6qW4FpyRpAgd2qyzTfwIK6so8D3NasHtYSCb5D-m7GCk6bDr7V95EDu2H3Nxqtq6IPZd1mvJuQ7XgzMqGbzROHiv-aKCfmvjqdq4qPCL2vzKO_zi4_4fYQOkU-D_-JiPkX6o/s2048/logcabin1.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHVFWF4tOVTzw55iw3qfjShANgQkEe7JYiF9kIt977Xbia7KktPEeNMk6qW4FpyRpAgd2qyzTfwIK6so8D3NasHtYSCb5D-m7GCk6bDr7V95EDu2H3Nxqtq6IPZd1mvJuQ7XgzMqGbzROHiv-aKCfmvjqdq4qPCL2vzKO_zi4_4fYQOkU-D_-JiPkX6o/s320/logcabin1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> on my lap and not be at my work table it is perfect for later in the day.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I came across a tutorial on how to hand sew rice bags and I was enchanted and the same lady also showed you how utterly beguiling wonky log cabin can look. It is so tactile as well I am just loving the results.. It has become fairly addictive I have to add, and I can see that I may have to cover a journal in some of these fabulous wonky log cabin squares. You can use frayed edges which you do not turn under and it brings texture and interest and with finger pressing which is encouraged there is no iron in sight ..</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">And the other project is book covers, well hand made paper journal covers actually and you know me and my love of journals if you are a regular reader .. by the good daylight it is the Red Cross Quilt and by the time the sun is setting I am tearing strips of fabric with a grin on my face and maybe listening to a pod cast by the fire or indeed watching a film or maybe listening to Lucy Worsley on a podcast or one of her historical programmes which I simply love.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"> *** </span><span style="font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: large;">Paul Theroux ***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Also this year I have told myself I need to sketch and water colour more and my </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ppEAWca4J6AtVu2QG52FvPx1wWPXCG2Q-LUnCklTDwJ04Atj93m2EPbfTkGk7C9PY3aTCnd5zi5is_DnEEh-pfGsliIa1JN5L-fIZAX_3ScHkqpBpcQrrjLeDGFmQuACNyp8vT3-4ZoozPRPLh4VuzZ-gMnZdoefsqX1-BDLxXuONAaDEew5ENsUQZ8/s3605/logcabin4.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="3312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ppEAWca4J6AtVu2QG52FvPx1wWPXCG2Q-LUnCklTDwJ04Atj93m2EPbfTkGk7C9PY3aTCnd5zi5is_DnEEh-pfGsliIa1JN5L-fIZAX_3ScHkqpBpcQrrjLeDGFmQuACNyp8vT3-4ZoozPRPLh4VuzZ-gMnZdoefsqX1-BDLxXuONAaDEew5ENsUQZ8/s320/logcabin4.JPG" width="294" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />thoughts are that when the weather gets better and the beauty of nature wakes up a little that I can combine a lovely walks and some sketching ... this is my plan this year as well as go on a holiday somewhere later in the year. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Having the River Stour on my doorstep as well as the gorgeous Jurassic coast line no more than an hours drive away I have the best of both worlds. Going along a beach walk with rock pools and seaweeds to sketch and of course to dry and press it makes for a long and happy walk, granted not a fast walk but so enjoyable never the less.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">A beach is not only a sweep of sand, but shells of sea creatures, the sea glass, the seaweed, the incongruous objects washed up by the ocean.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><b>Henry Grunwald</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium;">I have bought myself a seaweed book to identify the types and there are some beauties along that coast line. In the warmer months and during the week before the School holidays will be a perfect time to indulge my new found interest in seaweed to sketch and stitch .. Who knows if I am very lucky the sea may give up some of her treasures to me such as sea glass and old pottery fragments and some amazing shells</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93LalO501r7LP4ehfZLN93KmlWbzFwFGyNzhQUkMQSJQJCK0ngS8mXDQ7erdc2dsy8b5i22tFtGVdJomG4hD4mK0u5S0BCFrc_EWkYaCEOT8E5eaEeSufpsR1SLkxjMBdyqOIELzStUmBnqC_cCg-CQlVtiGXT4Ixwh03LTnQDQ93q7qC-KpnfnOmogw/s640/seaweed.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93LalO501r7LP4ehfZLN93KmlWbzFwFGyNzhQUkMQSJQJCK0ngS8mXDQ7erdc2dsy8b5i22tFtGVdJomG4hD4mK0u5S0BCFrc_EWkYaCEOT8E5eaEeSufpsR1SLkxjMBdyqOIELzStUmBnqC_cCg-CQlVtiGXT4Ixwh03LTnQDQ93q7qC-KpnfnOmogw/s320/seaweed.JPG" width="230" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium;"><br /> to photograph and draw.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium;">As you can see I have some clear ambitions this year and I intend to honour them too along with as many vintage fairs I can get to. My first one for me is on Saturday 2 March and it would have been my Mums 80th Birthday. So I am going to the wonderful Re-Claimed fair held in Chipping Norton. I am in need of some more delicate antique fabrics for my latest passion of log cabins and English paper piecing!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Well that is enough of my ramblings for today and I hope you have enjoyed your read.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">As always take care and Happy Stitching!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKGViOM37eqeiu2oXp8DFobVAottlEcHlS1AcCt_2xmC404o4QsBjepVqFA_hyphenhyphen8BGjWpKmwxEEda5zLtBMc0i1zBUP7z-OWA3KkiCQ7Gf7au3YY6jzfSojeIAMJLCYyybuvdQQ9BGvLzr-FctSQB7S53aFO_Gh6VWlqIGXJq4xuGxRsBMA9bu7FgRpNI/s3605/logcabin3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="2403" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKGViOM37eqeiu2oXp8DFobVAottlEcHlS1AcCt_2xmC404o4QsBjepVqFA_hyphenhyphen8BGjWpKmwxEEda5zLtBMc0i1zBUP7z-OWA3KkiCQ7Gf7au3YY6jzfSojeIAMJLCYyybuvdQQ9BGvLzr-FctSQB7S53aFO_Gh6VWlqIGXJq4xuGxRsBMA9bu7FgRpNI/w338-h507/logcabin3.JPG" width="338" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-60911543223549348692024-02-06T03:36:00.000-08:002024-02-07T02:21:05.480-08:00A quilts journey ...<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Welcome February ....the month of love</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCkaJbPD1ZmwqZjrLXqNG9TOK_E_OfU5hNWSJWqcPXSs3eVCCgzDaghyBf_FbEutojwk6d4NXoAnNR3RD6lUwwMpK7FtdftfYhMo4ChSWceAw-ozp5DkBSalLsP6pOKAmiLfdHueRLhA5HEcYLAFgPUzwoPtbSEa4TDt9sw33q2wwmGrn3PqYkFk-eTA/s4032/BLOGfebruary.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCkaJbPD1ZmwqZjrLXqNG9TOK_E_OfU5hNWSJWqcPXSs3eVCCgzDaghyBf_FbEutojwk6d4NXoAnNR3RD6lUwwMpK7FtdftfYhMo4ChSWceAw-ozp5DkBSalLsP6pOKAmiLfdHueRLhA5HEcYLAFgPUzwoPtbSEa4TDt9sw33q2wwmGrn3PqYkFk-eTA/w317-h423/BLOGfebruary.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I have truffled and gathered each little scrap of beautiful vintage fabrics which are worn with time and stories of their own. pieced, snipped, looked at and held with care and with each tiny stitch is a speckle of my heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">This project has brought peace, tranquility and a smile to my face. I keep thinking about stories that are contained within the layers of this really gorgeous quilt and the snippets of fabrics, words and threads I am adding, which is a wonderful process and is adding to the tales of the cloth therein.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The feeling that I am adding to this quilt and the thought patterns that I have about seasons as well as all sorts of wonderful little things to explore. Quotes and sayings with flowers embroidered and applique too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">As I have mentioned this quilt is Canadian and I purchased it from Emma of Little Wren Vintage. She purchased a bundle of them to sell and all but this particular quilt had labels on that they were Red Cross quilts and she is convinced this one is too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Having done a little research of my own and practically scanning the quilt with a magnifiying glass I believe it to be as well. So one of the things is I am going to add is a little cross in a bottom corner to honour that piece of kind history.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">It was during the second World War that the Red Cross worked on many relief projects to help ease the suffering of so many that were directly impacted by the war.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">One of these projects was to send quilts to soldiers or those who lost their homes due to the relentless bombing raids and as a consequence lost their homes and in lots of cases lost family and friends. These quilts have become very collectable and are known at ' The Red Cross Quilts'</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Thousands of these beautiful Canadian quilts were sent to England. Each quilt were either gifted or indeed made especially and they had a little label attached which read 'Gift of the Canadian Red Cross Society'</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The shame ( in my opinion) is the ladies who made them remain anonymous and it was actually forbidden for them to put their names on the quilts they made. It seems there is no journal or paperwork on actually how many were made or who worked on</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYa0AVzHZz0BUdVamMaCluZeoxPQY2owS8q5mDvtxK7nulUBs0l0bJ972P163CbpmAuthTUosa9amM0b72ar2dTFnlDgHa2S9xPavadrGYzJ9KM8Cc-UsT0trq4yeIxPkOZoAVR6Gx5aPA6ln-wn4945h8PLJF3_0tyX-7j7Oj4aC08qrQJsSsHbZ-Xo/s4032/BLOGstory.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYa0AVzHZz0BUdVamMaCluZeoxPQY2owS8q5mDvtxK7nulUBs0l0bJ972P163CbpmAuthTUosa9amM0b72ar2dTFnlDgHa2S9xPavadrGYzJ9KM8Cc-UsT0trq4yeIxPkOZoAVR6Gx5aPA6ln-wn4945h8PLJF3_0tyX-7j7Oj4aC08qrQJsSsHbZ-Xo/w263-h351/BLOGstory.jpg" width="263" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> them. A hidden history lays within each and every surviving Canadian quilt. The history of many families would be enriched by this knowledge I am sure.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">We so need these quilts and indeed the women who made these quilts of comfort not to be forgotten, the kindness and the comfort in those dark times needs to live on as those who made them have all but left us and very few if any at all are still alive to tell us their stories which are now hanging by a thread.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I believe this an important part of Canadas and Britain's history as it is thought that over four hundred thousand quilts were made and sent!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium;">For me now it is very important to only add and not take away the tales of this beautiful quilt that I am now a custodian of. The idea I have had is to make a fabric envelope that I stitch on and to pop in a handwritten little letter inside for future generations. On it I am going to embroider the words</span><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"> ' Every quilt has a story'.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I would like to applique and embroider a little cottage on there to represent me and a cosy new home that this quilt now lives in and I have spent the last 10 days sketching ideas and words and quotes for ideas to look at.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">My decision has been made to stitch bits onto little squares of antique French linen and lay the quilt out on my dinning room table and pin things on it to make sure they look part of this patching of history and plotting where the words may go as they will be stitched directly onto the quilt. I do not want to have to unpick anything at all and feel this way is best This quilt is delicate with some fraying and a few holes that I am not going to mend or cover over... Its battle scares are so important that they should be seen and pondered over as to who it comforted and made to feel safe in such a uncertain time in history. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">This quilt played a part in WW2 and a kind part that should be remembered with pride.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zFszQFaeuludtN6eCk6u-4PgyPHLZFu0QkIL_zck9naniaOvxliWEEOahiwKUaFomih-hWSTYJ6qc8huHPaEslCUQyfof8jzE4uNpG6umWlDSbtUf9IAOeWATSdwTcM2qY_QHTV1mPDc93EYw08nSp4Owlukpk6obhpcwngkc-vZuQLceEwgUK-ebuM/s1775/BLOGredcrosslabel.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zFszQFaeuludtN6eCk6u-4PgyPHLZFu0QkIL_zck9naniaOvxliWEEOahiwKUaFomih-hWSTYJ6qc8huHPaEslCUQyfof8jzE4uNpG6umWlDSbtUf9IAOeWATSdwTcM2qY_QHTV1mPDc93EYw08nSp4Owlukpk6obhpcwngkc-vZuQLceEwgUK-ebuM/s320/BLOGredcrosslabel.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The enjoyment of the sound of the thread pulling through the fabric of the quilt is a sound that is really very hypnotic to me and its part of the mindful process that is slow little stitches. I will not be rushing this beautiful project and a awful lot of thought on my part has gone into this, not wanting to take away from its beauty and the stunning work of a lady or indeed a few ladies, but to add to its history with care and love of my own.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><b>A quilt will warm your body and comfort your soul.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I really hope you are enjoying going on this quilts journey with me and enjoying my ramblings too. I have so many thought and ideas and I wonder do you have any ideas? If so please pop them in the comments below I would be very interested on reading your thoughts on it,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Also I have another two smaller projects starting as well that I will show you along the way. I think it important to leave the quilt for a day sometimes to look at something else and come back and double check that it still looks right in my eyes and then continue on. I want to add to here and there but not cover another's work with mine as I have said many a time .... to add to NOT take away from.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">As always take care and Happy Stitching! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-55831823818472850722024-01-22T07:50:00.000-08:002024-01-22T08:46:09.753-08:00A Quilt's Story in Stitches.<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Nt-_OrQKtssYB99i_GlpiyH5OElg8CC68_8Ma3OPcSePpSPCXwleLeQcdNT62uTFk78jiUPLdzbgjAXXpLiAlw5JmfPLDPqHJ6sJe0VN7EYe8cJrIM3bdrDQTX4y6610WOrKl2iTGA2P8qh2lSIT4kFCEYiAqMBlwacG5KUDSOO_HpbxTugRstYDDQ8/s2016/Pile%20of%20quilts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Nt-_OrQKtssYB99i_GlpiyH5OElg8CC68_8Ma3OPcSePpSPCXwleLeQcdNT62uTFk78jiUPLdzbgjAXXpLiAlw5JmfPLDPqHJ6sJe0VN7EYe8cJrIM3bdrDQTX4y6610WOrKl2iTGA2P8qh2lSIT4kFCEYiAqMBlwacG5KUDSOO_HpbxTugRstYDDQ8/w276-h369/Pile%20of%20quilts.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Every quilt has a story </i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">These quilts above are ones that I found from s</span><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">evera</span>l <span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">sources last year and if you are a regular reader I was on the hunt and truffling around for a quilt to do a project with and I reported on actually finding one, or in my case four of them were candidates for what I had in mind. Life got in the way as you know and it had been shelved.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Now I have chosen the one for this project that I feel most suitable with subtle colours and this beautiful quilt is very worn in places, weathered and full of history. You can see it has been used, and loved for generations. Now to mend and add to its story I think.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So what to do? I have been pondering this enigma for days now....</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwJwsFPRWY8MV95cjfOEv5gehB0Dewu8pQDU0O-VvuVNovKcW96BbdTWBbIBcohNdclg72i5dB37VoKU2HRYDE5Ij1cVVvZebeTF76S4ccPsDxt2NIDAG8drv5Qxya8vQmy8SFppfaQ2JQm9xWUa0qUW6kkza5d5WUZov4Zw_mgLXzKMYIR9eIfKvbwc/s4032/quilt%20project%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwJwsFPRWY8MV95cjfOEv5gehB0Dewu8pQDU0O-VvuVNovKcW96BbdTWBbIBcohNdclg72i5dB37VoKU2HRYDE5Ij1cVVvZebeTF76S4ccPsDxt2NIDAG8drv5Qxya8vQmy8SFppfaQ2JQm9xWUa0qUW6kkza5d5WUZov4Zw_mgLXzKMYIR9eIfKvbwc/s320/quilt%20project%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />Tiny little stitches with antique threads, plus some patching with old linen carefully sutured in place; more little anecdotes for the quilt to tell its future custodians.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I can just imagine if it could talk, the life story of this beautiful Canadian double quilt would be a wonderful tale spanning maybe 150 years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">To think of what it has seen in that time; wars, revolutions, poverty, peace and untold riches that we can only dream of. And love, a lot of love when the quilt was first made, and through the years of keeping people cosy. I would love to cosy up with a warm drink and listen to the stories it could impart on me and I would sit so quietly and listen to every word!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">The chance to add another chapter to this history is an opportunity too great to pass. Adding a little footprint from the here and now, flowing from one century to another.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">Hopefully, this is only the next piece of its journey, and not the epilogue for its life story, so that future generations can continue enjoying its beauty, and purpose, and revel in the same wonder as I have in its rich history.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">I don't think it is appropriate to try and 'improve' the quilt, because that cannot happen</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mFs1WW75BGOKch1b14fS4AwEHtFJawRu5IHJKnj647yxiKkwXXYlIosYN1z_BnpRD1W_az9ytyzjNrjZVMnC4EO4b8B44xljHzFjKVw-CCnqC3gHY2PfrcLSiPfaPhQB3pQhWgGf4U9WpO99rhxFFl5ayJWJXk1MBlLyYMQeTumfmKqzkd6OgG6Lsvg/s4032/Quilt%20project%203.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mFs1WW75BGOKch1b14fS4AwEHtFJawRu5IHJKnj647yxiKkwXXYlIosYN1z_BnpRD1W_az9ytyzjNrjZVMnC4EO4b8B44xljHzFjKVw-CCnqC3gHY2PfrcLSiPfaPhQB3pQhWgGf4U9WpO99rhxFFl5ayJWJXk1MBlLyYMQeTumfmKqzkd6OgG6Lsvg/s320/Quilt%20project%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> in my humble opinion, but more like continue its history, perhaps a new chapter from my heart to the heart of this magnificent quilt.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">Who knows in a hundred years from now someone else may come across this fabulous thing, lay it out on a dining room table and marvel over it as I have done for so many hours with such joy and wonder.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">The project, I have decided to do, will be a labour of love and I intend to enjoy every morsel of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">The quest to find it, to laying it out, to mapping every little mark, loose thread, hole and frayed piece, to planning and implementing of every new stitch sewn and every little patch with words and embroidery ... will bring me such joy and I hope it will do the same for you. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">Welcome dear readers to the journey of ' A Quilt's Story in Stitches.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">Believe, and you can accomplish is my motto to live by. Making fabric art or indeed adding to something with some hand sewing is artisic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">I had an email from a lady the other day who wants to start to slow stitch but does not want to make a mess of it, her words, not mine. Well there is no mess, nothing is wrong or right in this most peaceful of pastimes You could stitch an outline of a moon or a flower ... or indeed just stitch running stitches here and there. Add some French </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uUH4qAhM6MF_hmqQiR8hiDqAKx_Nd5PApl57l2uk7gzXxooM6-JWQSoeuFxysn8EZ09ddeP0pU1aSdZGXnGR5GRAT1n3PoHLiqr1BfanxcukWTgqTs0UtFiIee8C_MKgZR35EFSI4CjwrYanmrXDGNDHG6ck68OH0fLY3g4oWZbxWDZyy3GSVLjwBZM/s4032/Quilt%20project%205.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uUH4qAhM6MF_hmqQiR8hiDqAKx_Nd5PApl57l2uk7gzXxooM6-JWQSoeuFxysn8EZ09ddeP0pU1aSdZGXnGR5GRAT1n3PoHLiqr1BfanxcukWTgqTs0UtFiIee8C_MKgZR35EFSI4CjwrYanmrXDGNDHG6ck68OH0fLY3g4oWZbxWDZyy3GSVLjwBZM/s320/Quilt%20project%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />knots or don't it really does not matter<p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I urge anyone who has never hand stitched like this before to give it a try. Simple little stitches and you have something of beauty</span>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Don't just dream it, sew it!</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Your creative work will tell your story ...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So today in preparation I have gently washed the quilt and it is happily drying nicely so that it is fresh and clean.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I am designing some patches to to stitch. I have some really beautiful French linen and am cutting out some pieces upon which I will stitch some things and then I will be attaching these to the quilt. This is my starting point . </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Only adding some bits here and there and not taking away the natural beauty or its story just adding to it as I said above.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you have enjoyed my ramble today and that you will return in a just over a week to see some progress of the story of this exquisite Canadian quilt.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAmTyybIFQfVDOyEzitH5CUeFJuRLRjwFOp7r1ooRO98H2EqYtzBTmQDS9ULTbp0f4oTIVYE_mej8XQokOkoArkR_B4TgtO3hAB9SuSjd57hmjmm0d0AHGXkzObT4QsHTTc2_ZkuAlnXgLRc012InTt7Z5hVq17eYxmHVWUzZ1sYTQKQOD2Y7NCfGV2k/s4032/Ribbon%20words%2030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAmTyybIFQfVDOyEzitH5CUeFJuRLRjwFOp7r1ooRO98H2EqYtzBTmQDS9ULTbp0f4oTIVYE_mej8XQokOkoArkR_B4TgtO3hAB9SuSjd57hmjmm0d0AHGXkzObT4QsHTTc2_ZkuAlnXgLRc012InTt7Z5hVq17eYxmHVWUzZ1sYTQKQOD2Y7NCfGV2k/w351-h468/Ribbon%20words%2030.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-14745714580978323522024-01-09T04:16:00.000-08:002024-01-09T04:29:22.090-08:00They say sewing mends the soul<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnD-WyPitEVoGe0UASMdv9dsha4Pfh8fYy4d2nPVxhN9aVU2HmWuH9mVEnOEtFSaqjIUrLJ8VEhEbNYeeL2MtWRDIRxfwMgh5iu8D3C4RClKjPeduQ9jepUFS7y9yD52Z7CLoZyrdeZwRIIeTUQ0Oz8fSp7Bw01uAzz-UeXDcn4fFg_8SXGrFy0uHHnk/s4032/January%20Stitches.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnD-WyPitEVoGe0UASMdv9dsha4Pfh8fYy4d2nPVxhN9aVU2HmWuH9mVEnOEtFSaqjIUrLJ8VEhEbNYeeL2MtWRDIRxfwMgh5iu8D3C4RClKjPeduQ9jepUFS7y9yD52Z7CLoZyrdeZwRIIeTUQ0Oz8fSp7Bw01uAzz-UeXDcn4fFg_8SXGrFy0uHHnk/w272-h363/January%20Stitches.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Johannes Brahms.</i></b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Its been too long I know, it has been a very emotional 6 months and the passing of my dear Mum. My sister and I moved into her care home with her for the last 9 days of her life to be with her 24/7.</p><p>I have not picked up a needle and thread for so long and it is time that I did. Christmas then followed very quickly after her funeral and all the chaos that brings ... not feeling it as well was a difficult time and I really should be inline for an oscar.</p><p>It is now time to get back to me and I can imagine what my Mum would be saying to me to get back to the land of the living and indeed my passion.</p><p>So this week it starts firstly I have gone through my neglected studio and cleaned the cobwebs away ( literally) and sorted through my design journals. I have two new ones, which I received for Christmas .. thinking family think its time too!! and I have sorted through fabrics.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-TJ7Sa-l8KREnbKXEWHSfnRho7Yd5H47DgVvRfxAfJt_sXJRmldxu-ymMeYrZ32Lf9vHAVXlNaNe6lCSCvBNq8_t7dVwWmR8lLe8yywQuExt2Uh851M7brbSCgQB7fYp7-7v-QpEe7sXZo_2ltZRtTxZc5HSZ3TeAQOqzTcCTc6FfGbjp0bZNc0wVx0/s4032/happiness.blog.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-TJ7Sa-l8KREnbKXEWHSfnRho7Yd5H47DgVvRfxAfJt_sXJRmldxu-ymMeYrZ32Lf9vHAVXlNaNe6lCSCvBNq8_t7dVwWmR8lLe8yywQuExt2Uh851M7brbSCgQB7fYp7-7v-QpEe7sXZo_2ltZRtTxZc5HSZ3TeAQOqzTcCTc6FfGbjp0bZNc0wVx0/s320/happiness.blog.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Designing things to stitch is a joy and I have decided on something fairly small to get me going again and with Valentines on its way it had to be a heart I felt.<p></p><p>Looking forward to getting back on here, sorting through treasures, going to Vintage Fairs of which I have at least 10 in my 2024 dairy and the relief I will feel about not feeling guilty of being there for the day when I should be with Mum. To be able to look around and laugh and meet up with friends will be a joy and my Mum would want that for me so very much.</p><p>The weather here in Dorset is very cold and frosty indeed and yesterday we had some snow as well to be able to light the fire and fireside stitch is a real joy of mine as you know and to be able to talk sewing and antique finds and fabrics with you all once more has really lifted my spirits today.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>One tiny stitch at a time ....</i></b></span></p><p>My mission to myself is to design and ponder over new ideas. Stitch my heart and start writing on here again weekly .. especially now that I have threaded some needles this morning with determination and with a huge smile on my face.</p><p>I was lucky enough to receive some beautiful gifts at Christmas and I had some gorgeous threads and some vintage fabrics from a friend ... thinking she thought lets get her going again shall we! Well it has worked and I am very grateful indeed.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The sun is shinning here even though it is bitterly cold and I have the rest of my day planned and it involves cutting out my fabrics for my project. I have drawn my pattern and design this morning already. Also I think I will do some more designing and ideas. I am a wordsmith as you know and love adding words to my work as well as a button which is my thing.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dvrFXpM-WWJOW3bQdH0-I5o4CYz9piT-l56hJIh6e7WQaojeZUDBBw4XSHH_kJ5gbEOS6b17P44TrbZ3Cal-mjjMMMrd-W-vs38bliU7qCineUoNIwg-V2m5xmEPRxExRO3P7La3YKj42Sc9m1L34bCLEibIzcH0lQMk-PbJwP03vFvGtHSrkpraqs4/s4032/Hexagon1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dvrFXpM-WWJOW3bQdH0-I5o4CYz9piT-l56hJIh6e7WQaojeZUDBBw4XSHH_kJ5gbEOS6b17P44TrbZ3Cal-mjjMMMrd-W-vs38bliU7qCineUoNIwg-V2m5xmEPRxExRO3P7La3YKj42Sc9m1L34bCLEibIzcH0lQMk-PbJwP03vFvGtHSrkpraqs4/s320/Hexagon1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Before Christmas I did manage to go to a small vintage fair in the Cotswolds for the day as a Birthday<br /> treat for myself. I met up with some wonderful friends there and it was a real tonic. Such a beautiful fair in a wonderful little hall and so pretty. I was able to wander around happily and I did manage to purchase some wonderful little bits of fabric for my sewing.<p></p><p>My favourite colours are always red and white and being that time of year stall holders had gone all out on those colours with antique quilt pieces and fabrics I was so happy with the fabrics that I bought. It is only today that I have started to unwrap them and put them away to be perfectly honest with you but will be using some in my heart sewing.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMeNt3kreECfKRfqVwp5l_sxI2Ubp3PhxrmtvF0R9xD-mDQMsDJaA_zSC_dUK4SSrbIEJrMQ0wPeg8Q6nIeEcuXjLtkmXMWwUmqJ9mf-4jXXJ2b2FFp_lu9MSAK4rDSf8tLwoa1YWkxYpyx5Kj7vkW7MMvANM0XI4B-BHCUGzjm-SyMktK3sORby70Ik/s4032/hexagon2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMeNt3kreECfKRfqVwp5l_sxI2Ubp3PhxrmtvF0R9xD-mDQMsDJaA_zSC_dUK4SSrbIEJrMQ0wPeg8Q6nIeEcuXjLtkmXMWwUmqJ9mf-4jXXJ2b2FFp_lu9MSAK4rDSf8tLwoa1YWkxYpyx5Kj7vkW7MMvANM0XI4B-BHCUGzjm-SyMktK3sORby70Ik/s320/hexagon2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I also managed last year to go to the Vintage Bazaar in Frome as well to meet with some of my great vintage friends and I bought three most gorgeous quilt pieces from a quilt never made it seems. They are hexagon pieces with the old papers still inside and for me they will be framed and the papers will be on show because to me this is the beauty of them with the fabric just showing. If you look carefully at the photos you will see dates on the papers on one. Look out for Old Bond Street and the date underneath it, this is the large photo at the end. ...I was thrilled to find them and bought them from Donna Flower ... <p></p><p>Beyond pleased with these beauties I can tell you. The history of them and the story they could tell. Who started them, how many were actually made, why were they not finished into a quilt ( although I have to say I am most excited about them just as they are!) All these things have my fire inside me for embroidery and slow stitching again.</p><p>I will be hoping to actually blog weekly with my ramblings of stitching tales and tales of Thimble Cottage along side some wonderful Vintage Fairs this year and the truffled treasures found.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you to those of you that have sent me messages of condolence and I appreciate everyone of them. Your words have comforted and encourgaged me again.</p><p><br /></p><p>Until the next time Happy Stitching.</p><p>Sarah XX</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrOYDkTRJWIsCzZ8RMj4H6k0kSFQAaJhDIuove1I_ASS2Hse6xiCzm1U_EqDHKqSAWK_4hbpVkfjJGtEGtcRBoVRbXveJYHQwkxde0gkYnyI67MtmGqJsn06I0WwEMraKZE6CIcg2Yw61YvL3IkTwjwKqU6hJo83ypXt_tJ-rmyVyzy0TiWuz97xrpu4/s4032/hexagon3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="687" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrOYDkTRJWIsCzZ8RMj4H6k0kSFQAaJhDIuove1I_ASS2Hse6xiCzm1U_EqDHKqSAWK_4hbpVkfjJGtEGtcRBoVRbXveJYHQwkxde0gkYnyI67MtmGqJsn06I0WwEMraKZE6CIcg2Yw61YvL3IkTwjwKqU6hJo83ypXt_tJ-rmyVyzy0TiWuz97xrpu4/w516-h687/hexagon3.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-15191536086365733762023-03-27T05:10:00.001-07:002023-03-27T05:13:56.473-07:00One tiny stitch at a time and momigami. <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0wuX-KvD49t4saePZqDHphqEgpB_fYJkJJh-vqnE6TzMUg4S8XIUrH4YcQlRzboP-rh2TR4lGVqtQC-n6nn6gGa6zBzmGCKW0fAPfFpqDqeJ1zYGp_kl_0CQ83MLF1L1sfzrRi_dQ3TxjSrEpAn3vsS66xeCryC18xBkZa1xLfqtfdgP9lwh-lKE/s1280/blog.picture3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0wuX-KvD49t4saePZqDHphqEgpB_fYJkJJh-vqnE6TzMUg4S8XIUrH4YcQlRzboP-rh2TR4lGVqtQC-n6nn6gGa6zBzmGCKW0fAPfFpqDqeJ1zYGp_kl_0CQ83MLF1L1sfzrRi_dQ3TxjSrEpAn3vsS66xeCryC18xBkZa1xLfqtfdgP9lwh-lKE/w518-h388/blog.picture3.JPG" width="518" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">See a pin and pick it up, and all the day you'll have good luck. See a pin and let it lie, bad luck you'll have the day.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Unknown.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">It has been a hectic week here at Thimble. Trying to get some form of order and projects finished. Lots of photography has been done as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Eventually when I got to sit and hand sew it was bliss. I have been designing little projects which I love to do and now a bit of a pile of stitching lays before me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHw-vZgfypiqWVlDgwf-PR-Ww84E41xccQ-dzsE8S6nu40kEe7Zix5i-Gr0pZ32EoffWkn9rngHNuA6oieH6-LtAs1UwxZJEbt0nN1q9t1K_0DjflWUwoaJf5pgX--yfOfgHhNFUTlAf2V2dLxPFUrYBrotzJ3m5YqDDDB48-_WWONGJHWlRqcXU_/s2016/BLOG.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHw-vZgfypiqWVlDgwf-PR-Ww84E41xccQ-dzsE8S6nu40kEe7Zix5i-Gr0pZ32EoffWkn9rngHNuA6oieH6-LtAs1UwxZJEbt0nN1q9t1K_0DjflWUwoaJf5pgX--yfOfgHhNFUTlAf2V2dLxPFUrYBrotzJ3m5YqDDDB48-_WWONGJHWlRqcXU_/s320/BLOG.12.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The rhythmic process of one stitch after another is a real therapy. It does not feel like work at all to me, I just try not to think about anything but what I am sewing. lists are my friend as once I have written down things they are off of my mind which means I can forget that for a while and then just cross things off one thing at a time which enables me to loose my self in the sewing moment. It stops me panicking and my heart rate slows which is not only calming but fills my soul with happiness.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Procrastination is the thief of time !</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">When my needles are threaded and my work table has everything set out before me it is such a lovely feeling. I am able to look at everything and with my sketch that I have scribbled down its a new stitching journey and it fills me with joy.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Collecting all the fabrics or quilt pieces, threads, buttons together along with words, quotes or sayings. I keep a journal on quotes etc or just words in general to use and this journal is always with me on the my work table for reference.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0NdI2Uo5YB6_QQxfuoFxCIz3i7bBcwlxKHc21lVElM-V3ppRCDWKRCRRHPOQQKeum53gprwII69Ja_DzAYY1TV2ggWsvoEr6uX3UOWXuSUV0Du6ySlOBJBpkJssXP98fmUpnQe65v00aMYPiB27eqKaFrUe9tJAphvGXWW5jlkft9yYGRz7M2CN3/s640/BLOG.22.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0NdI2Uo5YB6_QQxfuoFxCIz3i7bBcwlxKHc21lVElM-V3ppRCDWKRCRRHPOQQKeum53gprwII69Ja_DzAYY1TV2ggWsvoEr6uX3UOWXuSUV0Du6ySlOBJBpkJssXP98fmUpnQe65v00aMYPiB27eqKaFrUe9tJAphvGXWW5jlkft9yYGRz7M2CN3/s320/BLOG.22.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sometimes I have the radio on in the background or sometimes nothing at all . If it is<br /> raining ( which has done a lot of this week in Dorset) I love to listen to it tapping on the windows, or if we have a little sun and the birds are busy in the garden then I like to listen to the blackbirds singing or my crows calling. <br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">As I sit writing this the rain is softly falling and the tip tap on the windows is almost hypnotic , I love the sound however I would love a couple of days, at least, of sunny weather and dry to tackle my over grown garden beds. The grass needs its first cut of the year but is longer and of course wet .... Things are popping their heads out of the earth and are competing with weeds right now.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I do not have a big garden and it will take me maybe 3 hours to do and when done will make me feel so much better to look out on a tidy little garden but the weather is not playing ball. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Also this week I have been collecting bits of antique paper and book plates to have a go at 'momigami' which is a japanese art of hand kneading paper. When you have gone through the process the paper becomes fabric like and is easier to stitch onto. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">It is possible then to add pieces to your stitched art work and it makes for a wonderful mixed media piece, yet looks more like old fabric. With gorgeous antique papers it <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBIB0yXagok0uE_bFBvvWAOOU-HNHZeTR2l_zpoBJ63wONWTAra8VwU201Rff1z9Gljs2kDkaJ0aqlRVlNyqpZQ7_3yLhnrkYVJOVxrtlTU0XfyARQeQ5UrAsSz2gzO7e8pG9EnmL1hf4EFK6W5xlTW86DBEBAeNhkBmEqLJ1_I8EZ9qHqECH6TfU/s1802/blog272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1802" data-original-width="1802" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBIB0yXagok0uE_bFBvvWAOOU-HNHZeTR2l_zpoBJ63wONWTAra8VwU201Rff1z9Gljs2kDkaJ0aqlRVlNyqpZQ7_3yLhnrkYVJOVxrtlTU0XfyARQeQ5UrAsSz2gzO7e8pG9EnmL1hf4EFK6W5xlTW86DBEBAeNhkBmEqLJ1_I8EZ9qHqECH6TfU/s320/blog272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />will look really beautiful I think after reading up on it a bit and looking at some photos on the internet. It has a slightly crumpled look to it but becomes really quite strong.</span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">You keep folding it in and kneading and then smooth it out and repeating in different directions. Have any of you ever tried it? If so please comment on here and let me know what you think or how yours has turned out. I would love to hear about it and have a little chat with you on the subject.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Momigami is pronounced mo-me-go me and dates back to the 10th Century. It can bring such texture to hand stitched pieces and also be used to cover journal as well. I am very excited to give it a go. The process takes a while but it also is mind relaxing they say so watch this space. I will probably have a go at the weekend.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The photo above is some fabrics I have sourced and I love the way they go together, playing around with bits for projects can actually keep me busy for hours, truly. I am getting together bits with texture and old labels on and thought this might be just the things to go with some kneaded papers. Making it a slow stitching piece that is just beautiful to me really. Then I can hand stitch and embroider on it and either make a little wall hanging or indeed frame it. What do you think. I am very excited to see how this develops over the weeks to come as this is a piece purely for me!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">My darling Mum is more stable this week which means I am able to do more here at<br /> Thimble and then go in a sit with here for a few hours. I do take in little bits of hand sewing or a design journal and doodle when she is comfortable and sleeping. I know the difference when she appears to be sleeping but does not want to open her eyes, to sound asleep. If she is sleep listening as I fondly call it. Then I talk or read to her other than that I sit there and sketch or stitch. I like to be there by lunchtime so I can try and coax a little food into her and fluids.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I am looking forward to some dry and warmer days and I can open her patio doors in her room to look out on the garden of her care home. I get my love of nature from her and then I can talk to her about the flowers and birds. The home had chickens at one point and a cockerel and I can tell you she was not really keen. They were very noisy and they re homed them. Peace restored to the gardens with blackbirds, robins and butterflies after that.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Anyway I must away for now. I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings today and that you cosied up with a warm drink for your read.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Please remember if you know of or have done some momigami then I would really like to know.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">For now take care of you and Happy Stitching!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGqWtK_PNJ5MGhn41GWFmBYSEpqINO3zbl4lsPjbc-Z9wFZ1UwRrtA89SjN74pkoMuV9Oo8BfwMoeUYuCcORUjpY5Sk3y57bhriAmory9XKpUcdjqqExROcs6tADD6uvWDHfh_3Tpozffl1ELvIDlNFYQfZiE8esUPdfcDZhBxWz5U1C5D9b2O7j8/s1280/blog.fortheloveofvintagefrontpage4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGqWtK_PNJ5MGhn41GWFmBYSEpqINO3zbl4lsPjbc-Z9wFZ1UwRrtA89SjN74pkoMuV9Oo8BfwMoeUYuCcORUjpY5Sk3y57bhriAmory9XKpUcdjqqExROcs6tADD6uvWDHfh_3Tpozffl1ELvIDlNFYQfZiE8esUPdfcDZhBxWz5U1C5D9b2O7j8/w395-h296/blog.fortheloveofvintagefrontpage4.JPG" width="395" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-30105690232345670132023-03-21T04:16:00.001-07:002023-03-21T04:18:34.070-07:00Life and my needle and thread.<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C-V74t7mcNzM8ylMsHSXV4CX8xAUiwrLMjwLyCDb0m7FXcTQeHIFQwAoVq4y5d_ww1GcWlXQXOW4ur1bAYaf7ecaw-3UG4tqt24iAQKLjsHIcvLdok2GWuBKc99KFzwlrHLZtupc_auOFXKBblkyGIlOJjHeCvfQwabPUaSaKVG_E1K3wYnepSgx/s640/blogfair2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C-V74t7mcNzM8ylMsHSXV4CX8xAUiwrLMjwLyCDb0m7FXcTQeHIFQwAoVq4y5d_ww1GcWlXQXOW4ur1bAYaf7ecaw-3UG4tqt24iAQKLjsHIcvLdok2GWuBKc99KFzwlrHLZtupc_auOFXKBblkyGIlOJjHeCvfQwabPUaSaKVG_E1K3wYnepSgx/w320-h445/blogfair2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Let all your words be seasoned with Grace. And remember a kind word is never wasted.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">It has been a few weeks since I posted so sorry but well life sometimes gets in the way. Mum has not been well, very up and down and suddenly two weeks have passed by. I have sat with her and chatted but have been reading Little Women to her, she seems to enjoy hearing my voice and is very calm and dozes in and out of sleep.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGTmdFJs81KJ5RmELlgJDnFNDHTLolob-wdpdR6N5dgWvKwMgMWVNrNe_hmEl_1bMa-vOU9kyePaCTh8fInIpJF860aQlqYUq50ESQ_eHy-XEFlzL9qlwCIaIGAVYf0TGbfD5XgO3BTiE7MKVSJ46UIy4f33_diyNMfTLs7AZiRrz4z0OLLzUwkju/s640/blogfair1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGTmdFJs81KJ5RmELlgJDnFNDHTLolob-wdpdR6N5dgWvKwMgMWVNrNe_hmEl_1bMa-vOU9kyePaCTh8fInIpJF860aQlqYUq50ESQ_eHy-XEFlzL9qlwCIaIGAVYf0TGbfD5XgO3BTiE7MKVSJ46UIy4f33_diyNMfTLs7AZiRrz4z0OLLzUwkju/s320/blogfair1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />The last time I rambled away on here I was off to the Re-Claimed Fair in Chipping Norton and I am thrilled to say I did make it to that. I had the most wonderful day and very care free.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I arrived before the doors opened and looked at the little queue forming. There was chatter and laughter with anticipation as to what may lay inside. Let the truffling begin. Everyone seems to look for different things and it was so wonderful wandering around. Meeting up with friends old and new it was perfect.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Lots of people travel a fair way to get to this smaller vintage fair, In fact Mo was there ( you may be reading this!) and she comes from Scotland. It was so lovely to see you and then keep seeing you with arms full of goodies.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Wondering around and taking it all in, stopping to hug friends, which after covid is never taken forgranted anymore. I stopped and had a coffee and a piece of chocolate cake and was able to catch up with a dear friend who was helping out with cakes and</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58VEYFfphXy-g8T4f9DDgvNogcDooND1UmU_QnLHjML8SypFTCX5cCb0p5xO0s3qhIwdZ7ak3gkigWWajwshGXhjmEL3H8cFN_q50UH_nThAv29FIbVIVKi9FuLnhv8YXyogi17sqxtst91duOmP3vWamEl3shwRglvMv5rRQCo9iWN7Pti_R6FJY/s640/blogfair3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58VEYFfphXy-g8T4f9DDgvNogcDooND1UmU_QnLHjML8SypFTCX5cCb0p5xO0s3qhIwdZ7ak3gkigWWajwshGXhjmEL3H8cFN_q50UH_nThAv29FIbVIVKi9FuLnhv8YXyogi17sqxtst91duOmP3vWamEl3shwRglvMv5rRQCo9iWN7Pti_R6FJY/s320/blogfair3.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> coffee. Chocolate cake for breakfast was a real treat I can tell you!</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">All of the stalls looked very beautiful and inviting and there was lots of gorgeous fabrics to rummage through, which you all know is my joy. Emma of Little Wren Vintage was there too and it was really good to see her as well.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">In between all of this Winter returned to Dorset, we had some snow and it was bitterly cold as well. I was making sure I had something going on in the slow cooker for my supper and that the fire was ready to light when I got in. I kept telling myself that ..</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: large;">' No Winter lasts forever, No Spring skips its turn!'</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The weather has got a little warmer now and I do feel that Spring is in the air. The birds seem busy with twigs in their mouth so nests are being built. And joy of joys I have my birdbath back together. Let me explain, when I got the keys to Thimble </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89DlYszYxwF7RToqpsb-2sDVOyBvznNGvxlX6QhD0RNUDh2038WvT8h6Kb4_iHXBcGZi-K0en7LrQEYm-_5Y0O2_Ce3UbHd_H6z2WqCz5qVA-IsGwE7DXO2-5oN9iiLAFEfMKdlKog1-SZvP5pkdXdADFcRe5H8Y1gGaDuugVfQNwaq6uayq3qhC3/s640/blogfair4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89DlYszYxwF7RToqpsb-2sDVOyBvznNGvxlX6QhD0RNUDh2038WvT8h6Kb4_iHXBcGZi-K0en7LrQEYm-_5Y0O2_Ce3UbHd_H6z2WqCz5qVA-IsGwE7DXO2-5oN9iiLAFEfMKdlKog1-SZvP5pkdXdADFcRe5H8Y1gGaDuugVfQNwaq6uayq3qhC3/s320/blogfair4.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />Cottage and my movers brought my things only half of my large stone birdbath came in. This was 3 years ago now. The pillar part stood their in a corner of the garden. I had asked them to look several times but to no avail. I kept looking at it and thinking I must go and tip that. However in the last two weeks the company got hold of me and told me the top part had been found!!! I could not believe it to be honest, three years and I was going to the tip at the weekend..... It has been put in place and filled with water. Nothing was going in it until today when I watched with delight a blackbird having a fabulous time bathing in it ... Little things that make us smile!</span><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">I have been planning my quilt project along with some other bits. I can now get back to some stitching, sewing gives me a peaceful heart and I really do need to knuckle down for a few days.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">Mothers Day was lovely, my daughter and I went to see my Mum and then we went back to her house and lunch was being made for us. My son in laws Mum was there too and there were 10 of us. It was a happy day spent in each others company for</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY2JBbAL2caXvn_kY4ZrBmx7DmtiWmJ8FkYYFA_5Ch4hw3m4AJO75WphbEOq-rB5xIiKKGJiHL2UaADLGrorgR9Us_WqoE8F356AsmwxiKQd7R2PPLMTKzhqyMnb49ACzMilpv4ds04o1qfZTCQqqLhjQrnhMfULLVWH8SU1SSs30id8TC4nw48Zr/s640/blogfair6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY2JBbAL2caXvn_kY4ZrBmx7DmtiWmJ8FkYYFA_5Ch4hw3m4AJO75WphbEOq-rB5xIiKKGJiHL2UaADLGrorgR9Us_WqoE8F356AsmwxiKQd7R2PPLMTKzhqyMnb49ACzMilpv4ds04o1qfZTCQqqLhjQrnhMfULLVWH8SU1SSs30id8TC4nw48Zr/s320/blogfair6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> sure.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">Yesterday I was a little drained and so really did not do much at all but today, refreshed and with mum stable again I have a few days ahead of me where I can work happily.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">I am looking forward to more vintage fairs coming up over the next few weeks and of course there is Easter too so really must put my head down and sort out my projects to get started. I had three on the go that were not finished and I have finished two of them. I will take the third with me to my Mums later in the week but for now I am plotting and planning and yes catching up with you all on here. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">I hope you like the few photos I managed to take of the Re Claimed fair, There were some beautiful antique bits for sure. They can not, however, capture the wonderful atmosphere and laughter but believe me it was there by the bucket full. The happiness of friends getting together with like minded people and of course Cake!!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRxFUyO590Gz46uo_GcBiLRoiudFUyHLIMfAKdKiLrRTe66EYbd1HWF8Uaazdr61vQbsYqRHCgZzqOA9Vpl52sX2f3FWwiFVeiv6iOKPvWzEIGYkvUm7kK_TT-o12hzdnD66qvLNgGIkWAhleKB_E5rHK4CEl5aeGOONA3_izUW8exUZDI7X43aNp/s640/blogfair5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRxFUyO590Gz46uo_GcBiLRoiudFUyHLIMfAKdKiLrRTe66EYbd1HWF8Uaazdr61vQbsYqRHCgZzqOA9Vpl52sX2f3FWwiFVeiv6iOKPvWzEIGYkvUm7kK_TT-o12hzdnD66qvLNgGIkWAhleKB_E5rHK4CEl5aeGOONA3_izUW8exUZDI7X43aNp/s320/blogfair5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So the rest of this week it is head down ... fingers crossed and I am able to continue with the plans I have been making for so long now. The weather is improving and today the sun is out which makes everything seem better.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I have some serious work to be getting on with and I will then be able to chat to you all about that.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I hope you all have a great week and I will be back here within the week hopefully with lots of things to tell you.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Happy Stitching!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-82191005901958888382023-03-03T03:40:00.001-08:002023-03-03T03:40:05.328-08:00The quest for THE QUILT is over!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Quilts are scrapbooks of our hearts.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BQ65z_VNLfv5kk3EBdhIvzFTJMXohy6Xy07OKTxC7ZZ8t2Xf2kh2hzoIB4FwxkVpdUoysKVp7t5E0C1ob-aGYkny9AxbTcQD3YjmynwyTZp8orf8rdJfUVMJ6gMdYE4G_tbUK_JjVQXoiGMfy6H5oHXT_Pw8rCx_wElLySaKIgdBxauq3e81Lbdx/s3605/A20DE7F1-4205-4207-A09D-0047CA14854E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="3605" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BQ65z_VNLfv5kk3EBdhIvzFTJMXohy6Xy07OKTxC7ZZ8t2Xf2kh2hzoIB4FwxkVpdUoysKVp7t5E0C1ob-aGYkny9AxbTcQD3YjmynwyTZp8orf8rdJfUVMJ6gMdYE4G_tbUK_JjVQXoiGMfy6H5oHXT_Pw8rCx_wElLySaKIgdBxauq3e81Lbdx/s320/A20DE7F1-4205-4207-A09D-0047CA14854E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Simplicity can be so beautiful, naivety of a piece of slow stitching on a old panel of quilt is something to behold. For me simple things bring me so much joy. Taking a sandwich by the river watching otters playing or a Kingfisher diving for fish, sometimes nearly as big as they are. A coffee with a friend and of course some hand sewing on the go.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I was talking to you all in my last blog post about finding a quilt that was worn and a little tattered, with all its life contained in the patches of fabrics pieced together. Often the fabrics are on their second life because they are cut from old clothes or cloth worn out and good bits salvaged for making quilts and patching of other clothes that will still do if patched .... Make do and mend.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Anyway I decided to tackle a big project and for this I needed a beautiful old quilt that was in need of some TLC. I put my feelers out to a few vintage dealer friends and most said they didn't right now. They are getting more and more rare. Private collectors are just that, we collect and of course we keep.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">However I got hold of lovely Emma from Little Wren Vintage and joy of joys she had</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUCxGXs0vY165F9ASDY3I5jKF4Sq5AJzbs-pLhFOQlMqsK8IjCN8ukHOShlle3SPzAXWWpkl3BruUmgygw9YligQEjBPXDRau_QoWnbS7N5n9D7C95wMfnK0gAP_wNPtdDEcio1asukdpvS4HqJGH_-DP_lONIee0DKkVqCgTFnEwM0J2Ia_rW8LR/s640/blog.quiltproject4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUCxGXs0vY165F9ASDY3I5jKF4Sq5AJzbs-pLhFOQlMqsK8IjCN8ukHOShlle3SPzAXWWpkl3BruUmgygw9YligQEjBPXDRau_QoWnbS7N5n9D7C95wMfnK0gAP_wNPtdDEcio1asukdpvS4HqJGH_-DP_lONIee0DKkVqCgTFnEwM0J2Ia_rW8LR/w306-h408/blog.quiltproject4.jpg" width="306" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> just what I was looking for so we met up and I am pleased to say said quilt came home with me all freshly washed carefully .. I do confess to other things as well came home with me including another quilt (grin) The quilt hasn’t been photographed yet so no picture yet!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So now for the planning of my project and I will be filming too for prosperity and for viewing for those who would like to watch and to take part in some way. You will see what I am talking about when I have filmed the first part.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I am excited and a little scared but very much looking forward to this project and hope you are too. Please let me know on here if you would like to be part of this - It does not involve you doing any stitching because it can not be posted around so where ever you are in the world it will not matter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">New friendships will be made and lots of chatter with like minded people - If you love antique/vintage fabrics, quilts, slow stitching and threads I think you will enjoy this. My sketchbook is out to pop ideas down and my camera is at the ready. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Now one thing I purchased from Emma is a dear tiny bowl. It has Mrs Tiggy - winkle on it. Beatrix Potter and there is a little rhyme on there too.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Mrs Tiggy - Winkle's nose went sniffle, sniffle sniffle</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"> and her eyes went twinkle, twinkle twinkle.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLC8qYFPQbjymWn2WGhRWsraaOOBTAgvkWZ6X0LkQSz3IKnMi5Z_WOD7j9UoK4wYLdJ_f8Wc-EJdBzxLiexODjndaZbjMjUYRHjkKjRQgGLphnxwc4VWXy77MsWmGmvU1CJtSl01N5khAvDCJGD3LMYb05uT9ePjGjbk1VZL08k3EtVWKA5xJLUKK/s640/blog.quiltproject2.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLC8qYFPQbjymWn2WGhRWsraaOOBTAgvkWZ6X0LkQSz3IKnMi5Z_WOD7j9UoK4wYLdJ_f8Wc-EJdBzxLiexODjndaZbjMjUYRHjkKjRQgGLphnxwc4VWXy77MsWmGmvU1CJtSl01N5khAvDCJGD3LMYb05uT9ePjGjbk1VZL08k3EtVWKA5xJLUKK/s320/blog.quiltproject2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Please let me explain : My sister and I have always called our Mum Mrs Tiggy! before </span></p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> she got Alzheimer's she would love to iron. She thought is was relaxing and the best part of housework. I can hear some of you shout REALLY! and others of you will be in total agreement with her. Put on the radio and iron my darling Mum loved it. I know that some of my best friends love ironing, but we are still friends! I love ironing if it is vintage fabrics especially paisley .. you can keep your bedding and shirts thank you very much ..</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So anyway I had to buy it, to me it is a constant reminder of better times when I would sit chatting to her whilst she ironed and us both having a coffee in her kitchen, laughing and chatting. I would ask her about family history and all sorts of things and I am so very pleased I did. Our Mum is still with us bless her, fading but not gone but no longer can talk and we miss that so much.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I thought pin cushion? I will make a pin cushion with that and have found a very old piece of quilt that will work beautifully. It did not take me long to select it but it took longer because I can not help myself in going through all my quilt pieces and thinking about where I purchased them and who from. It really is a joy of mine that I afford myself whenever I can. It never gets boring to me - a guilty pleasure that I love to do.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Also in my buying time with Emma I bought some exquisite pieces of a very old quilt that had seen better days that she had cut up. The quilt was not patchwork but hand stitched panels red on white. All the thread has gone but left little flecks that you can see the original patterns. Adding to these squares will be such fun and pleasurable. I </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7YF3RJl6l_UQOhqjMKR7OeVjEbjjA6g-1piwpcKRr-DTSSQgfE4VGl0Q7-R0l5Jwg1zz3oav2dxQklKlwfpCeYiR5YTf-uLdd1iAFz4agk2pctvB9vPxHm30iROrhqbHcor7jIfYC9T9OEifTx6aMq4y1co7Q2rxd1khrz5-dN4fneYwj8K2d322/s640/blog.quiltproject.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7YF3RJl6l_UQOhqjMKR7OeVjEbjjA6g-1piwpcKRr-DTSSQgfE4VGl0Q7-R0l5Jwg1zz3oav2dxQklKlwfpCeYiR5YTf-uLdd1iAFz4agk2pctvB9vPxHm30iROrhqbHcor7jIfYC9T9OEifTx6aMq4y1co7Q2rxd1khrz5-dN4fneYwj8K2d322/s320/blog.quiltproject.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />may go around the outline with a single thread in red to keep the originality of the design, then add little bits of embroidery. It will be a little mending and a little add to their history and keeping its original design can only be good in my opinion.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">i am going to be very busy for months with what I have in my project book and the finishing of my website to go live. Its been a marathon getting the builders to understand what I do and how I would like it to look.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Hoping you have enjoyed my vintage ramble today and also hoping to hear from you on here, I would appreciate your thoughts all in one place.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">As always take great care and Happy Stitching!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">P.S .... <b>Some great vintage fairs coming up that I have to squeeze in as well, I can not miss them. First one is The Re- Claimed fair in Chipping Norton on Saturday 4th March it starts I believe at 10am. Who knows I might well see some of you there!</b></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-48644793384472764822023-02-24T00:58:00.000-08:002023-02-24T00:58:47.605-08:00Textile travels ...<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">The act of sewing is a process of emotional repair</span>.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Louise Bourgeois.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldf_G-9NgkjsAdsuLKFtFW6_e65O3cX4mECKCzc42a48jRMOALrVhAOaCT04FcTV1yn6iNu19Igf8rh7XathhWmQ_H4RnfI-Fv1wjpKRGEVcmEKkXpWDJKDVQeODiINnWziKe_NaYbx5fBJXYaZImgfCCvAxZvsycRWaptboloiaRGlsb-iBWfhrh/s2016/blog%20suitcase%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldf_G-9NgkjsAdsuLKFtFW6_e65O3cX4mECKCzc42a48jRMOALrVhAOaCT04FcTV1yn6iNu19Igf8rh7XathhWmQ_H4RnfI-Fv1wjpKRGEVcmEKkXpWDJKDVQeODiINnWziKe_NaYbx5fBJXYaZImgfCCvAxZvsycRWaptboloiaRGlsb-iBWfhrh/w292-h389/blog%20suitcase%201.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The wonder of textile travel sometimes amazes me. I have bought before now pieces of very beautiful old linen pieces or sheets from France or other European countries from a vintage fair all over our English counties, salvaged, sorted and saved by others.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Pieces of antique quilts that have been stitched here in England and ended up in Canada or America possibly brought over to those countries on large ships when pilgrims landed on other shores, only to come back again to their country of origin and</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjJdFPIPbpsJlhWINXpJTPC09xId3rAPtc9heU8V6Tn5h2yWYW_mWlyKRb8BFFH58hjBX85t4knnW_10qktPHMkLWzpPnU9twkuU_L2UopiI7_CaSPl2W7-SuyMT7XvRZ1cJPdUHyHDo3qn9-YB6nyvseXyB3Rslw_0t0Olt6tBhyVDVqz3XYzxXh/s2016/blog%20suitcase%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjJdFPIPbpsJlhWINXpJTPC09xId3rAPtc9heU8V6Tn5h2yWYW_mWlyKRb8BFFH58hjBX85t4knnW_10qktPHMkLWzpPnU9twkuU_L2UopiI7_CaSPl2W7-SuyMT7XvRZ1cJPdUHyHDo3qn9-YB6nyvseXyB3Rslw_0t0Olt6tBhyVDVqz3XYzxXh/s320/blog%20suitcase%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> being sold here a hundred or more years later!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">In my imagination they have gathered memories and stories along their journey. If they are in good condition for their age I could never take a pair of scissors to them however if they are weathered and worn, they can be salvaged by cutting them into pieces to create something beautiful and unique to be framed with added little stitches and words in another century or decade to be seen, loved and cherished by others and that can only be good.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I marvel at their beauty and resilience, the fact they are repurposed and seen through different eyes and stuffed into a box in a loft somewhere is a real blessing to those of us who collect and slow stitch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">my days are filled with designing and imagination of how to preserve them and make them beautiful and pleasing to the eye of the beholder and indeed enjoyed in a different form once more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Antique threads are another addiction to me when I can find them but they have to still be strong and fit for purpose as some can become weak. My go to then is the hand </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx9cy0OogQFtDNu0H59RLTBpu5J_OAEumVQQ_i0Q0LyJewRCHMrbhBb5Pez-2Y4gc6L3_5WdS-xHiENRseONkoMi1H7eLf3bB5H4GVp495gFMJbtA6b1TS3AopIIk2T54p38eqf8CDKL43_Ew3fAUPrs4nOBG-wuJ9ZNifsPtSGAtRZBhiPIVKgIV/s2016/blog%20suitcase%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx9cy0OogQFtDNu0H59RLTBpu5J_OAEumVQQ_i0Q0LyJewRCHMrbhBb5Pez-2Y4gc6L3_5WdS-xHiENRseONkoMi1H7eLf3bB5H4GVp495gFMJbtA6b1TS3AopIIk2T54p38eqf8CDKL43_Ew3fAUPrs4nOBG-wuJ9ZNifsPtSGAtRZBhiPIVKgIV/s320/blog%20suitcase%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />dyed shaker threads that I purchase in New England or New Hampshire in the States. I do feel another visit sometime soon to harvest some more of these exquisite threads with such yummy names eg Red brick road. The added benefit is that they are light and easy to get back in your suitcase.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The other love as you all probably now by now (unless this is your first visit to my pages) is hand carved antique mother of pearl buttons. I have some beauties in my collection over the years and if I am lucky enough to purchase more than one of the same button I use one in a piece of my hand stitched fabric art. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">To me it's the icing on the cake the '</span><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">piece de resistance' </span><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">of any of my projects - I keep moving the button about as my project starts to take shape. Only when the last little stitch has been sewn do I stitch it in it's final resting place. It does not always end up where you thought it would blend in but stand out with your piece of work.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">When a piece of old quilt with it's worn fabrics and wounds of years of love and functionality comes back with me, it is washed carefully and given a new lease of life</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGnfCNNN4_pcO1zNAl7I9vAOynVVT9oXNSB9Rm-NjECHVSkOntgTXm1DNeoKY9CuQIkKYMl_yxFw0UBNoCK1KmQXHSb4GcfrDNIGKrE8o7b3lHX2Nmd4liXAZJKMHBxMoFUyHEIuy0BmWFeWAgS9JZJfT7pwRqdvj71b_eWAXF_UvrA7VdTC2U4Hx/s1280/blog%20suitcase%206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGnfCNNN4_pcO1zNAl7I9vAOynVVT9oXNSB9Rm-NjECHVSkOntgTXm1DNeoKY9CuQIkKYMl_yxFw0UBNoCK1KmQXHSb4GcfrDNIGKrE8o7b3lHX2Nmd4liXAZJKMHBxMoFUyHEIuy0BmWFeWAgS9JZJfT7pwRqdvj71b_eWAXF_UvrA7VdTC2U4Hx/s320/blog%20suitcase%206.JPG" width="214" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> which will hopefully be admired, looked at and loved once more and maybe framed for others to gaze at ... well that pleases me and my job is done. All the care and love that I have bestowed upon it adds, I believe, to it's story.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Now you might think what I am about to say here is a bit looney tunes but pushing aside that possibility I will write it anyway Old fabric quilt pieces almost speak to me, yes I know but they do! I look at each piece and instinctively I can see in my minds eye a word, quote or embroidery that would add to its soft fabrics without taking any of it's history or beauty away. I like to think I embroider a little bit of my heart into the fabric and of course love and like to think that I make each piece simple, naive and primitive but significant.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The days are getting longer and the weather is improving ( not that I mind stitching in a cosy chair by the log burner) Birds are building their nests and flowers are coming up from their Winters nap. This means sewing in my studio with the radio on low and the top of my of the stable door open. Smelling the scent of hollyhocks and foxgloves in the air and watching the bees busy collecting sweet pollen on their little feet and the little hum they make. All soul food to me!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Every great design begins with an even better story</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig38HvgIG7Wtu_eCHQdhO72yv-2jf9G8WhxjhCQmXLoE84lniUcCOTuev49XzhXbOAI1hEOZNib1LXkkobJKzW7ufOJpUfjcYBKA-HTBkdPhAhkIIVOmmWm1XX3dzlOOLakJCEyG35uhB073BC8t0BietL6i5MBgXGWVKerfGZpscmF3lKWQYRNIOd/s1280/blog%20suitcase%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig38HvgIG7Wtu_eCHQdhO72yv-2jf9G8WhxjhCQmXLoE84lniUcCOTuev49XzhXbOAI1hEOZNib1LXkkobJKzW7ufOJpUfjcYBKA-HTBkdPhAhkIIVOmmWm1XX3dzlOOLakJCEyG35uhB073BC8t0BietL6i5MBgXGWVKerfGZpscmF3lKWQYRNIOd/s320/blog%20suitcase%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />I am really drawn to washed out reds, blues and whites when looking for antique quilt pieces. I seem to gravitate towards these more that any other colour. I try to mix it up of course but those colours I can not seem to walk past. My collection of these colours and hues seems to grow more that others.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">At the moment I am sorting out a quilt for a future project and to honest antique quilts are getting harder and harder to find.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Lots are in private collections and no one really wants to sell and pass them on, I know that is true because I am one of them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I am looking for a particular quilt, well colours and pattern and I think I may have found one so going to see it later this week, fingers crossed.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So dear readers wish me luck in my quest. I will let you know if i am successful and will keep you updated.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I hope you are all well and you have enjoyed my vintage ramblings. Take great care and as always Happy Stitching !</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZfGGvpRG1N31EI_-LEhCTKdvalpnJHK-mLihUkvE6GeNw5mufbg7jNYf7Uj6YPUUvS3xrhRYY4FvW2j1AaENseyOTnAuvpZTL-sq5nlgR0_4zWaBJimGb2OVn1buvycZQlN7JVFELjGs71YyqIkQpYglkKTZsvZf7TZhVopUNWks_3qZtTp6P5t8/s1280/blog%20suitcase%207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZfGGvpRG1N31EI_-LEhCTKdvalpnJHK-mLihUkvE6GeNw5mufbg7jNYf7Uj6YPUUvS3xrhRYY4FvW2j1AaENseyOTnAuvpZTL-sq5nlgR0_4zWaBJimGb2OVn1buvycZQlN7JVFELjGs71YyqIkQpYglkKTZsvZf7TZhVopUNWks_3qZtTp6P5t8/w470-h470/blog%20suitcase%207.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-24484961136962904672023-02-19T04:08:00.001-08:002023-02-19T04:17:24.515-08:00Weathered & Worn, loved and cherished a Victorian quilts final story ..<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51_g18Uvd3uC7UxPIfzFNp416ZPwlX1VzJyKwRyNHEgKDsg52nBfEkTxcgME1zao7BC0ZQia6mZRhrbh3pFS3ZJLc9AAoGtBmWdAgzmpDYAc2aa8m4D7SCBdmpqITzwySGF_QoUSU-iXjKHghj9OmNtvBVbLtDS9qtoZd-2x1nstMyadRo2eANju_/s2016/Quilt%20piece1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51_g18Uvd3uC7UxPIfzFNp416ZPwlX1VzJyKwRyNHEgKDsg52nBfEkTxcgME1zao7BC0ZQia6mZRhrbh3pFS3ZJLc9AAoGtBmWdAgzmpDYAc2aa8m4D7SCBdmpqITzwySGF_QoUSU-iXjKHghj9OmNtvBVbLtDS9qtoZd-2x1nstMyadRo2eANju_/w376-h502/Quilt%20piece1.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Quilt - meaning </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A warm bed covering made of padding enclosed between layers of fabrics and kept in place by lines of stitching, typically applied in a decorative design ... Oh but it is so much more than that!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuHCoaOKtXuePRjs7B44GMbbSWznjqUpMvmnn3_P6GZc852kpkEQzi8LvdmjWo--uKMuJBh-XvEPob1nD21t8oeB9rAcegNNQI67gz6CkeYfJAKTUqw9bwjjJMpkBYvYzyTt93O5N6QwVenESs7j18XC4xejGeREuHh4TOg6T65o_fMC1YFRt9btN/s2016/Quilt%20piece%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuHCoaOKtXuePRjs7B44GMbbSWznjqUpMvmnn3_P6GZc852kpkEQzi8LvdmjWo--uKMuJBh-XvEPob1nD21t8oeB9rAcegNNQI67gz6CkeYfJAKTUqw9bwjjJMpkBYvYzyTt93O5N6QwVenESs7j18XC4xejGeREuHh4TOg6T65o_fMC1YFRt9btN/s320/Quilt%20piece%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: large;">Some might look at this piece of Victorian log cabin quilt in horror, or god forbid think it should be in a rag bag or worse a bin! Me well I think it is utterly beautiful in every way. Thread bare? well maybe - OK yes but oh the textures and colours and so full of history if only it could speak and tell us stories. Those of us who are fascinated by history and antique fabrics would flock any time of the year with a warm drink in our hands and sit and listen to what something like this amazing quilt piece had to say. From where all the little pieces of fabrics came from to whom stitched it all together, was it one person or a sewing bee all around the table with the laughter and chatter of that period in time.... </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">I have a few pieces from this quilt that I purchased, sadly too worn to adorn a bed any more but having cut (by hand not rotary cutter) it up and washed all the squares they are now ready to embellished by tiny hand stitches and to have a little bit of history added to them from me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">When I look at them they make me smile and idea's fill my head and warm my soul with such love of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Each one is so tactile with their thread bare pieces of antient fabrics and have been patched a little over some decades ago. Loose threads hang from them all with so much history soaked into the weft and weave .. stunning!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkCxLo5JlTn8LSnvyWoS9paJVaJr8PZRQIpgAhRBTT6hqqxd0KO4S0iuFRRXvvS3rjsS9B0x8032NdSoVHoBIsSKUz9tJv_FOTtNPWep1Bw-yE2TZTUf0mG45wMqHA12kOCVQ__gylW5zPgz155P0Gu5pb9W2AckVmLg9-2VB50EXG2y2E5GRqlB7/s2016/Quilt%20piece%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkCxLo5JlTn8LSnvyWoS9paJVaJr8PZRQIpgAhRBTT6hqqxd0KO4S0iuFRRXvvS3rjsS9B0x8032NdSoVHoBIsSKUz9tJv_FOTtNPWep1Bw-yE2TZTUf0mG45wMqHA12kOCVQ__gylW5zPgz155P0Gu5pb9W2AckVmLg9-2VB50EXG2y2E5GRqlB7/s320/Quilt%20piece%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><br />I have photographed each one of them for prosperity and am now having oodles of fun sketching designs and picking out words and quotes that might<br /> be stitched upon them. I am a wordsmith by nature and find that even one word can evoke thoughts, memories or emotions to a piece of slow stitching.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">I often think of my late Dad - I miss excitingly phoning him or running through their kitchen door to tell him something or another. He tried to see things through my eyes and rejoiced in my happiness over silly things really, however I think he might struggle with my happiness and delight over what some may see as '"seen better days" fabrics but I know though if he were still here I could talk him round with my enthusiasm and joy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Picking them up and laying them out on my large work table in different ways. Stroking the delicate and timeworn fabrics and all the time | know I have a huge smile on my face.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">So many possibilities lay before me and it is an exciting journey of design and fabric art that lays ahead for them and for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Telling a story through fabric and threads is a beautiful and gentle art or indeed no real story at all just a piece that is stitched with little stitches and made into delicate patterns which everyone who looks at it sees something different in it with it gorgeous hues of colour and textures.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Preserved and adding to their beauty they will, I hope, be still loved and</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUswxTKuhhPjUsEvBbcDjZvBJ4vGxpumLkcGWbFWvxzgCAJLNm5av4Oj_vGiFKLPjtV--cCNv7dspkMHVjO-SHLylO6SZe5uvzBTZ36GVT42_FLvRvmCI7zjAsEWuygvwzXWuqlYYP71BiVD3AD6eim741c8DrKeDDMTappzRbE9MnMBQxrQf1uF1V/s2016/Quilt%20piece%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUswxTKuhhPjUsEvBbcDjZvBJ4vGxpumLkcGWbFWvxzgCAJLNm5av4Oj_vGiFKLPjtV--cCNv7dspkMHVjO-SHLylO6SZe5uvzBTZ36GVT42_FLvRvmCI7zjAsEWuygvwzXWuqlYYP71BiVD3AD6eim741c8DrKeDDMTappzRbE9MnMBQxrQf1uF1V/s320/Quilt%20piece%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><br /> cherished long after me.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">One thing is for sure I am loving every moment of this creative process with these gorgeous squares of history from first finding the quilt to cutting it up and washing each piece carefully and then the design and finally the stitching of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">The shear joy of slow stitching is good for your soul and creating something unique, beguiling and primitive, to me, is perfection.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">With freedom, quilts, books, flowers and the moon who could not be happy!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Oscar Wilde<span> </span>and me!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The Spring is on its way I can feel it in the sunny days that we are now having and my little garden needs some attention after the Winter and all the hard frost that we have experienced. The last time we had a very hard frost I was in the garden and putting out some seed and worms for the little birds. I saw that I had left a trowel in the soil and went to pull it out to pop it in my shed and as hard as I tried and pulling with all of my might I could not get it out of the raised border! Then sat perched on the angel that I have in that border was a robin who looked on with mirth and merriment at me .. cheeky little thing.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Save to say I have managed that now and I know that I must get out there this week to sort it out ready for all the little plants that are just peeping out of the soil and would like the weeds, that have prevailed over the Winter to be removed.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Vintage fairs are starting there season now too and I am ever so pleased. I miss the social aspect of them, meeting up with friends old and new and of course wandering around and seeing all the wonders on each and every stall that is there.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So watch this space for an update on those that I can attend and they are starting in the next couple of weeks and I can not contain my excitement.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I hope you have enjoyed my little vintage rambling today and hope you all have a great week.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Take care and as always dear friends .. Happy Stitching!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_AdVqGWvqvYiO5e2fT69CH4GeLvgxB9szyrtjgmA41YW_Pv5GFJt-KWNS8qufcSWZVe_fvNMNqNBXjPQvjOW99qXu179ObVSmsikMSYG5PUlNKcUjLaDqfmuUnNeRSUoZkpJYhDezSetvldQgEanAY_CL_FuP0nq1-gk1Y3uapLBwIv9-iKvZAii/s2016/Christmas%20rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_AdVqGWvqvYiO5e2fT69CH4GeLvgxB9szyrtjgmA41YW_Pv5GFJt-KWNS8qufcSWZVe_fvNMNqNBXjPQvjOW99qXu179ObVSmsikMSYG5PUlNKcUjLaDqfmuUnNeRSUoZkpJYhDezSetvldQgEanAY_CL_FuP0nq1-gk1Y3uapLBwIv9-iKvZAii/w369-h492/Christmas%20rose.jpg" width="369" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-33098411911144065232023-01-31T23:49:00.001-08:002023-02-01T05:54:36.309-08:00Cosy creative February days<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VMgX94jzU7-Wu_FE7wqVfuEbHE-ym6v40y_0SeeARwMMR8thlcO52UQmvIH4Fb_pqSskWnZ87vpXcA1Vb1p7H_1SkOT-AOfFx8AuYYpOlGJlgoMURIHIX_pxmI-y0KfRJbP6PkBfZhw7ecvW420_qXxNsMfEqz2cfMXLlmR0az2_CRuNyNgVxU7o/s640/Febblog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VMgX94jzU7-Wu_FE7wqVfuEbHE-ym6v40y_0SeeARwMMR8thlcO52UQmvIH4Fb_pqSskWnZ87vpXcA1Vb1p7H_1SkOT-AOfFx8AuYYpOlGJlgoMURIHIX_pxmI-y0KfRJbP6PkBfZhw7ecvW420_qXxNsMfEqz2cfMXLlmR0az2_CRuNyNgVxU7o/w267-h355/Febblog.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><i>Let us welcome February and take every chance to show love to all we meet.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>Hello all, it seems like only yesterday that Christmas was upon us and yet it is now February. I hope that you all had a peaceful one and spent the season happily with those around you. I had a dear friend to stay for three weeks and we had a lovely time here and incorporated it with my family. Her family live now in Australia and she will be joining them this year so we decided to make the most of our time together and we really really did.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRUrVFvr8Ee4137AN5rMCmzuhNSSuoYmqOtyzNs8caf216oWDDTKHgohER73twlCu-UF-9Wg-kOFKm-WK0ZHVW5I9Ef2z8br0WwwCB2Q_ZpVduV4VgJ5bWbUpvf8x3Sy8uNzqmtISju4874t-0kS23SiLF1KoXixtuyVRBqQqjLeDLE7rZ75p7gJH/s640/Febblog3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRUrVFvr8Ee4137AN5rMCmzuhNSSuoYmqOtyzNs8caf216oWDDTKHgohER73twlCu-UF-9Wg-kOFKm-WK0ZHVW5I9Ef2z8br0WwwCB2Q_ZpVduV4VgJ5bWbUpvf8x3Sy8uNzqmtISju4874t-0kS23SiLF1KoXixtuyVRBqQqjLeDLE7rZ75p7gJH/s320/Febblog3.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><br />There has been so much going on through January and also trying to get my website up and running which actually had to hold for a few weeks as my Mum has been very poorly, yet bounced back a bit I am happy to say.</i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i> So today is the start of my new year, a little late but there it is. Yesterday I was going through my basket of ongoing creations and I was happy that I left everything pretty much in order so that I actually can hit the ground running as it were.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>This week I want to get everything ready to film some online courses and then get a few uploaded onto the website. The website has been a challenge to me as although it is being built by someone else, I am very involved. The thing is it is getting technical people to understand what I actually do. They used the word Us in something... I will explain, there is no us, it is me! I am not a huge business so getting them to understand me and what I do has been a trial. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>As you all know by now I do all my own photography and they were popping in photos that they have in their archives, noooo I said this week, I sent you what I have taken.. The colours of things and all sorts really ... we are now getting there and so fingers crossed this will all smooth out this month.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><i>Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>It has been extremely cold here and the log burner has been blazing. Some days I have woken up and thought that it had snowed in the night but actually the harsh</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrur2c41PWc7xZ4GaUbb-EmkyHatZfj5PWSgJa7iltQNdztzyODSSrrhGBw0VV1wNQqJh9kEZFVrt7tX0MRxB8b_88Q7dmhViuWnfMWuCHxS3s_3RO7fSsxY8_-k6i8UTo6we0KCffmsHRa6GC08_J75ix624LIfgw9-_-oQubXRRX5GvsG3-znvQ/s640/Febblog2.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrur2c41PWc7xZ4GaUbb-EmkyHatZfj5PWSgJa7iltQNdztzyODSSrrhGBw0VV1wNQqJh9kEZFVrt7tX0MRxB8b_88Q7dmhViuWnfMWuCHxS3s_3RO7fSsxY8_-k6i8UTo6we0KCffmsHRa6GC08_J75ix624LIfgw9-_-oQubXRRX5GvsG3-znvQ/s320/Febblog2.JPG" width="240" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><br /> frost has made it look that way, Jack Frost has been very busy with his brush making everything white and sparkly - it has been really very beautiful but oh so cold. One day I had a hot water bottle up my jumper I could not get warm at all. Even so I have walked down by the river to see the beauty that this Winter weather brings. Feeding the birds with seeds, worms and chopped apple and watched them with delight.</i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>Although we have had cold sunny days most have been dull and the fairy lights and candles have been keeping everything happy and cosy along with my slow cooker so that of an evening I have had a warm meal waiting for me after I finished my day. Its the cosy hygge feeling I love in the Winter. In the evenings I have caught up on my reading and have been doing a lot of writing, old school style! Ideas and little sketches and the odd great film to immerse myself in. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>Watching my little garden I can see the promise of Spring and I have been planning my garden for the lovely promise of Summer days and evenings, loving all seasons myself I try and make the most of everyone.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCz3QOxElw_nMe-ys7sk9HIf5L1gCcAaPt-7q4N4mgdA0AAeurp139pvzy-8rDriGCjyWZ2fMAvAh2Zy-RVTfi2o5BRTUd3iJnfebjOjkiUs3wl5n0GED1vZ1drEf2uaA1qktvqWrmWRyxldlHzZNwNlRZZlbEJQ-KO9oMk0Lr4cGjaChBp6KcxCu/s640/Febblog4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCz3QOxElw_nMe-ys7sk9HIf5L1gCcAaPt-7q4N4mgdA0AAeurp139pvzy-8rDriGCjyWZ2fMAvAh2Zy-RVTfi2o5BRTUd3iJnfebjOjkiUs3wl5n0GED1vZ1drEf2uaA1qktvqWrmWRyxldlHzZNwNlRZZlbEJQ-KO9oMk0Lr4cGjaChBp6KcxCu/s320/Febblog4.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><br />I had some beautiful antique threads for Christmas from my Mum actually, although now my Sister and I have to choose what we might like from her we make the most of it and always take it in to show her what we have chosen. This year even though I am told by others that threads and fabrics are basically work tools, its what I chose. I am making some bits for myself to hang in the cottage and every time I look at them in years to come they will always remind me of my Mum.</i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-HB0hzgu_wvm9_7h8LSPkFc86Gllx478z-VjGD_1QlN-jOnILzE84A052yme0G0lbHH1IO9sR5KdhjmcqALYZfcs9fjIHScOWQztQ4vtxwigvsmCluyv1aq0zqffhPZZaElx91O3rdBvuT4flvWX6GEDe5IZvqPpec4Ao2n5Hx7ZnQHD_VBsM2SM/s640/Febblog5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-HB0hzgu_wvm9_7h8LSPkFc86Gllx478z-VjGD_1QlN-jOnILzE84A052yme0G0lbHH1IO9sR5KdhjmcqALYZfcs9fjIHScOWQztQ4vtxwigvsmCluyv1aq0zqffhPZZaElx91O3rdBvuT4flvWX6GEDe5IZvqPpec4Ao2n5Hx7ZnQHD_VBsM2SM/s320/Febblog5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>In my Threads of Time studio I have had a little radiator heater on low to keep it warm and of course with all the antique fabrics that are in there, its important that it does not get damp and ruin them. My friend did laugh over her few weeks here that I went down there most days just to check on it all. She also remarked on the beautiful feeling it has in there with lots of candles and lights too. I have a project out on the large old table, which has a beautiful old quilt on as a table cloth. Pin cushions with lots of needles threaded in different colour ways and a pretty tray in the middle with hand covered buttons in it. I am in the middle of designing a dress for me made from old materials. The bottom of the dress though is new ish fabric and is from Cabbages and Roses and is in memory of Christina Strutt, the founder of this gorgeous Company, who sadly passed away in January this year. It will be worn with pride to Vintage Fairs this year, </i></span><i style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">Christina Strutt has always been a inspiration to so many people with her designs of the most gorgeous fabrics, homewares and clothes as well. I am getting all the pieces ready and the hand embroidery done ... Then over to a lovely lady who has a sewing shop ( not supplies but alterations and the like) and she is going to sew it all together with fittings in between .... I am not a dress maker so it seemed the perfect way to do it.</i><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>Anyway these are my thoughts and ramblings today and I have missed chatting with you all. Today is a busy day but this evening I will be curling up with a book by the fire <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblCGB2a__wPKp3avdeZFzotUH8GjXBFalhLFu0ZTFfOVZClOpEn0UFqBvZaKyCQ8EL-icRC29IGXm41F5v854g7dLh7kpNGirZeZeUAmm_4WDKTDH3qQ0nATVqQMbDIK6w-jHeI8SsPL5xnHeYy4ph9uM5-xa-wp22HYtz-QvZoYX3Pp5TQXhQWk3/s640/Febblog6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblCGB2a__wPKp3avdeZFzotUH8GjXBFalhLFu0ZTFfOVZClOpEn0UFqBvZaKyCQ8EL-icRC29IGXm41F5v854g7dLh7kpNGirZeZeUAmm_4WDKTDH3qQ0nATVqQMbDIK6w-jHeI8SsPL5xnHeYy4ph9uM5-xa-wp22HYtz-QvZoYX3Pp5TQXhQWk3/s320/Febblog6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />as ' between the pages of a book is a lovely place to be' and the cosy crackle of the wood burner will keep me cosy. I am reading one of Kate Morton's books and I simple love the way she writes, loosing myself in her descriptions and story line. She has a new book coming out soon and I told myself I can not purchase it until I have read this one ... This one came out in 2018 around the August time If I remember rightly and has sat there because of life and what it brings. So I have decided more reading of an evening and a cut off point for my stitching.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>Take care and as always Happy Stitching!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i>Sarah XX<br /></i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;"><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p></div>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-54434138569302873232022-12-07T06:20:00.003-08:002022-12-07T06:20:52.535-08:00Busy stitching, filming and making for my new website.<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Winter is the time for comfort, for warming food and for talking and sewing by the fireside and a time for being at home in a cosy chair.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlkgz8-8K1RBH7_EFsRCT9PZsj_7wGW6lnytp_25in602YvTrif7pOKOLrlZUcy55shkI_Ho97BgMiaHq5MBTlnVhBgXzvUoJHJ4MWTbExhAL_NtYdWybtWyfJZP7PLAhSEsoKrtb5hn0J-SdSirJ5X8cD5rpDbk64Tawpa0iH0cNG0i-DEg8nvsB/s2016/blog.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlkgz8-8K1RBH7_EFsRCT9PZsj_7wGW6lnytp_25in602YvTrif7pOKOLrlZUcy55shkI_Ho97BgMiaHq5MBTlnVhBgXzvUoJHJ4MWTbExhAL_NtYdWybtWyfJZP7PLAhSEsoKrtb5hn0J-SdSirJ5X8cD5rpDbk64Tawpa0iH0cNG0i-DEg8nvsB/s320/blog.2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Sometimes the thought of winter can bring dread to some and I do understand it, however for me I try and embrace each season in turn, even though our weather sometimes forgets which season it is in.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">For me Winter is a time for all of the above and I cherish that time and feel lucky to work from home, although you have to be organised and some what disciplined with yourself.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ_IxCQFcWCrSnLh_wGSoDbY2CeNeUq9wv5-AZebmptMCUrl7FK_TawqbFu-F7ktuTMFBEAe4sXgedkImJHw6hy810cSMJjdiZHlPX1e8Q7mCiWpWwTWwtv6uX5WhUVWv0-q-auIw8U1icMzSB8lVuJPHTeoYqeT8SPo2U4amSHIb0QS2qVvkC0oi/s640/blog.bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ_IxCQFcWCrSnLh_wGSoDbY2CeNeUq9wv5-AZebmptMCUrl7FK_TawqbFu-F7ktuTMFBEAe4sXgedkImJHw6hy810cSMJjdiZHlPX1e8Q7mCiWpWwTWwtv6uX5WhUVWv0-q-auIw8U1icMzSB8lVuJPHTeoYqeT8SPo2U4amSHIb0QS2qVvkC0oi/s320/blog.bed.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />It has been a very busy week or so with my website being built and me running around sewing and writing things and filming for it. Getting a draft through from my website builder and getting them to understand firstly its a vintage website and slow stitching! Making it simple to use not technical particularly ... obviously it has to work but I do not want it to portray modern anything really. I adore vintage and slow stitching and if you are reading this blog on a regular basis, you do too so it must seem like you know the website and what kind of things will be available. Firstly there will be online workshops to buy and download and also some workshops actually at The Threads of Time studio. There will be a vintage shop to purchase fabric kits and inspiration packs along with antique finds for sale and so much more.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The gentle art of hand sewing is such a calming and charming pass time in which you can make some really beautiful and unique things for yourself, home or gifts. I would love to convert people into doing it and not being afraid. Slow stitching has no rules it is not like some precise embroidery - anything goes and is enjoyable and can be very simplistic in style. For me its slows my heart beat and relaxation is felt through my soul. To be honest with a Mum who is very poorly indeed and all the things that life throws at us, it is a haven to me in a chaotic world.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I hate to throw this in but its true, Christmas is just around the corner and of course we all have so much to do and purchase this time of year. My lists are getting longer</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSOMCwf9jDMvVUl226qeas_moL8sBlv00YkqgugQuU8U6IsGKqhzH5kemUsn3vsNvUmzld-OZK5BzfxEX7DIcAr30j1W6SEejz2RekSjLhdA4HrC4_sHli4cFE9ttWS_crL41CVXOdgWhYQuyh_zz7HBLIEGUsalMNBHmrbuj6m7082At8HvwFlZh/s640/Blog.Christmas5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSOMCwf9jDMvVUl226qeas_moL8sBlv00YkqgugQuU8U6IsGKqhzH5kemUsn3vsNvUmzld-OZK5BzfxEX7DIcAr30j1W6SEejz2RekSjLhdA4HrC4_sHli4cFE9ttWS_crL41CVXOdgWhYQuyh_zz7HBLIEGUsalMNBHmrbuj6m7082At8HvwFlZh/s320/Blog.Christmas5.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> and the time is getting shorter. I am hosting Christmas here at Thimble for a few people this year so there are lots of things to do. One of my closest friends will be here staying over the whole of Christmas and New Year, we are so looking forward to it. She loves to sew and knit and crochet so the bit in between Christmas and New year will be spent doing some of that for the sheer joy of it, by the fire with a mulled wine. Warming our toes by the log burner and keeping warm. She may well be moving to OZ next year to be with her family so this is going to be a very special time for us. I miss her already but understand the pull of family. Her husband died 4 years ago and well friends are one thing and family is another.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So with everything going on this will be me last blog until after Christmas and by which time my website will be going live. 2023 is an exciting prospect for me business wise with lots of things happening. I am happy to sit and stitch with my Mum and there will be lots of that going on I think.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I really hope that you all have a cosy and peaceful Christmas, this too can be a sad and lonely time for some but I hope everyone reading this will have a healthy and peaceful one at least. I will be back on here with lots of news after the 3rd of Jan.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: large;">Thank you all for all the support and messages this year and I hope you will return in the New Year for lots of updates and news.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Hoping Santa will leave you a little something under the tree that you have been hoping for, I would like a few books and some vintage threads so fingers crossed i have been a really good girl.. Until the next time ...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Happy Stitching and Happy New Year to you all.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tbA7zPTHGqbVWBgKBesnNvzBA96OozdXI3ePDiRbA1zwSn5o2EBxuU1OOpM-LMCXr50t-eon_ztGkRfrOEeePcl29Ibj7pGTccNZA4Ap2SJP3YxJlxs8YAYDp6WcTvtOUZbWctXYQuxKFCEfgVnbrRE068I35Zio99_16SdgyT86DysEnJY_CP_F/s640/blog.ribbonwords16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="446" height="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tbA7zPTHGqbVWBgKBesnNvzBA96OozdXI3ePDiRbA1zwSn5o2EBxuU1OOpM-LMCXr50t-eon_ztGkRfrOEeePcl29Ibj7pGTccNZA4Ap2SJP3YxJlxs8YAYDp6WcTvtOUZbWctXYQuxKFCEfgVnbrRE068I35Zio99_16SdgyT86DysEnJY_CP_F/w391-h559/blog.ribbonwords16.JPG" width="391" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-11904920633905473302022-11-22T04:07:00.000-08:002022-11-22T04:07:35.081-08:00The exquisite Potting Shed vintage fair ... Wow!<p> </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"> They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In my eyes this fair was utter perfection and the wonderful setting with amazing decoration was, to this beholder, exquisite.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0P1oFqThvqva_5lx7x2LkWp5w-IrgWiE44QH8Dp1gypQDnXx8v5VzH82K5ZUB0FN_WbnfVVjzYeawOr5HBdzgM6B-0MTateZxKxsxhFiStaZb0l7wpM1tqoPqWO5UrAE-l8rXToH_Us8QuYxKcMymT9w1e7ss6TZZlrApxIoXEO2nWbyDbZy1dh_I/s640/Pottingshed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0P1oFqThvqva_5lx7x2LkWp5w-IrgWiE44QH8Dp1gypQDnXx8v5VzH82K5ZUB0FN_WbnfVVjzYeawOr5HBdzgM6B-0MTateZxKxsxhFiStaZb0l7wpM1tqoPqWO5UrAE-l8rXToH_Us8QuYxKcMymT9w1e7ss6TZZlrApxIoXEO2nWbyDbZy1dh_I/w307-h410/Pottingshed1.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqGy4Wj0wVGFQ2IBL0HZsb8FyLdWi5Hvx5Wsy5i2MpdhL8MWVMwr8zCgiG8IlDrdB3aHzrre8Wp1Evtg7DxN_np3jryrkNZWv84u-HkOW-Nnw7GRNyf8TnJkVop2Apmme9hJ4OH3FCXYCjoKpQqIgE__NadhPK3Mzn4H9Vzg76sXBApKisPhy4T9a/s640/Pottingshed2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqGy4Wj0wVGFQ2IBL0HZsb8FyLdWi5Hvx5Wsy5i2MpdhL8MWVMwr8zCgiG8IlDrdB3aHzrre8Wp1Evtg7DxN_np3jryrkNZWv84u-HkOW-Nnw7GRNyf8TnJkVop2Apmme9hJ4OH3FCXYCjoKpQqIgE__NadhPK3Mzn4H9Vzg76sXBApKisPhy4T9a/s320/Pottingshed2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />So when I set off on Friday to attend this lovely fair I was, in truth, very excited. I had seen photos of the last one of these fairs, which is organised by the lovely Tara Franklin and Adi of Hoof Brocante who goes to France on a regular basis to purchase her stock. She is a great lover of textiles and a expert to boot, so I knew there would be too much choice but too much is just enough.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I went the day before because of the long journey and I wanted to stay over and get to the fair when it opened without leaving at stupid O'clock ... The sun was out and the journey was a really pretty one. The weather had calmed a little and the sun was shinning and had its hat on.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tgNGRunLg8CvvZxu4Mt-Kei3tmy7yLRdntTi3ucpoV_tA7_j9iv3heLajSTcXhNNv2v4--ljgnHj7Wur_zwyoWkk3L3w0P5SyGYyzlYQkj95_5pEHtqigEMOML2HbGzUdU27_5Ed5pJ8nEi0i4Tv3LlYQhRsNf9LNJjbUXVKwGareotfQ34EQzc0/s640/Pottingshed3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tgNGRunLg8CvvZxu4Mt-Kei3tmy7yLRdntTi3ucpoV_tA7_j9iv3heLajSTcXhNNv2v4--ljgnHj7Wur_zwyoWkk3L3w0P5SyGYyzlYQkj95_5pEHtqigEMOML2HbGzUdU27_5Ed5pJ8nEi0i4Tv3LlYQhRsNf9LNJjbUXVKwGareotfQ34EQzc0/s320/Pottingshed3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I arrived at the most beautiful of bed and breakfasts and was greeted by Lynn and Ray and their adorable dog Cyril! The log burner was lit and I was offered a glass of wine and we had a lovely evening indeed. Lynn is a lover of all things vintage and their<br /> beautiful home really portrayed that to the full.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The dinning room in the morning for breakfast was so beautiful and the breakfast well I can not even begin to tell you how lovely it was. I could not eat all the breakfast but it was lovely. To start yoghurt, stewed apples and damsons. Fresh baked bread and several jams, followed by a full English breakfast and washed down with a pot of good coffee and pressed fresh apples. I actually did not want to leave at all. We had so much in common. The bedroom was beautiful and comfortable and it was a short but enjoyable stay indeed.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBDyPVr-lkPTntafW_3ZTvFzyz4ptLIzlTeC41hUi647QpNhsfXkVHoRg1o0IU-gpbkZ31MW7nli0YZamytiQ5RhJNWumYBbMzrXaGZ5oJOpl1E_aWY4GZQWcTur3FGYwJHTTZjfDWmVxLQ99OpPan3IC4ihp_bZW9H43kRdW1PTGQBmqyxg1SeUb/s640/Pottingshed4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBDyPVr-lkPTntafW_3ZTvFzyz4ptLIzlTeC41hUi647QpNhsfXkVHoRg1o0IU-gpbkZ31MW7nli0YZamytiQ5RhJNWumYBbMzrXaGZ5oJOpl1E_aWY4GZQWcTur3FGYwJHTTZjfDWmVxLQ99OpPan3IC4ihp_bZW9H43kRdW1PTGQBmqyxg1SeUb/s320/Pottingshed4.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />The journey to the Potting Shed vintage fair was so easy and only 10 minutes up the road so I arrived a little later than planned as Lynn and I kept on talking over coffee!</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Adi of Hoof Brocante fame and indeed The bidding room was on the door to greet people to pay to get in and it was only £2.50, the work that had gone into this event was incredible and it was just like a Winter wonderland. They had a cafe there and also a coffee van that also sold snacks, The coffee was outstanding as well. The sun was shinning and the stalls were all breath taking, two marques of vintage only items. People who had made things from antique and vintage quilts and other beautiful handmade products along with piles of antique linens and quilts, fabrics and lace. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wOHtJDlbZt91weuymm1kKWItcAvACfYQs5ObHSvn-4EFFPctTEHWG1MGR4yo7PSyuVH4KsHHdHrr5IJwtIsQt-RoRpfjwMRql_spHyrXp7Uo2yNAKT1ZifQap0IQcmwWYBTcRX1uRxHcq3YUqEuBbzdHcDIC716sZqN-3N1ELuVdZI0Fr2rzoxfx/s640/Pottingshed5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wOHtJDlbZt91weuymm1kKWItcAvACfYQs5ObHSvn-4EFFPctTEHWG1MGR4yo7PSyuVH4KsHHdHrr5IJwtIsQt-RoRpfjwMRql_spHyrXp7Uo2yNAKT1ZifQap0IQcmwWYBTcRX1uRxHcq3YUqEuBbzdHcDIC716sZqN-3N1ELuVdZI0Fr2rzoxfx/w311-h311/Pottingshed5.JPG" width="311" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The atmosphere was electric filled with laughter and chatter. I met up with friends<br /> that I had not seen in some months as well as friends that I have seen recently. Everyone was commenting on how beautifully put together this fair was.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I met up with Liz and Jack (The washerwoman), Emma (Little Wren Vintage), Simone who was visiting but not trading that day and so many more.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I wandered around very happily not only browsing and purchasing but standing and chatting with old and new friends.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">There was so much to see and take in and I must of gone around and around so many </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpe1oFXn82Nm42LHUe1TUdCuj1gTq3JXB-PBCDA0XcZffLh-kQ2Q93jtbq1W0kc3RuKoVuJ4hJ0ndn8wLcQcNxHeN_0rVzQLF2kEyi4wBAvwl_S4j0f9hWK6itTC9ufm3khwANdLZbR8bOmLvNw3MqPzczBMjHdoXDwhIOwCSunMkkeG5lU1EWu7k5/s640/Pottingshed6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpe1oFXn82Nm42LHUe1TUdCuj1gTq3JXB-PBCDA0XcZffLh-kQ2Q93jtbq1W0kc3RuKoVuJ4hJ0ndn8wLcQcNxHeN_0rVzQLF2kEyi4wBAvwl_S4j0f9hWK6itTC9ufm3khwANdLZbR8bOmLvNw3MqPzczBMjHdoXDwhIOwCSunMkkeG5lU1EWu7k5/s320/Pottingshed6.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />times. I went out to get a coffee and Adi asked if I would watch the door and take the entrance money whilst he visited the boys room, which I did. I had a coffee and was chatting to everyone who went in and out. I was there for about 15 minutes or more and then Adi came back and said ' sorry I forgot I was chatting to people' until Tara caught sight of him and asked 'What are you doing here? who is on the door?' and he said Oh gosh Sarah I have to run!! made me laugh! but I was happy enough sat sipping my coffee and taking entrance money! from very happy smiling people.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The work that went into decorating the venue was unreal with lots of twinkling lights</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi_ewNLEji3sp8Dl-LGKBlkQgsfxACH_TCWM-GmDd1RmHy3z0zwwHingb0aP3ZGSSXo898GdeoePvkyVaTkQArSj2jYL5-uyijLYXRkGyV1bAvI86c_v5UQqccQSEcb2JV9nv8m5ELYtmAfVJ-1qcq7D7aCM1BIlYIWHhX5a3rwR7law2g9iRv-Qg/s640/Pottingshed7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi_ewNLEji3sp8Dl-LGKBlkQgsfxACH_TCWM-GmDd1RmHy3z0zwwHingb0aP3ZGSSXo898GdeoePvkyVaTkQArSj2jYL5-uyijLYXRkGyV1bAvI86c_v5UQqccQSEcb2JV9nv8m5ELYtmAfVJ-1qcq7D7aCM1BIlYIWHhX5a3rwR7law2g9iRv-Qg/s320/Pottingshed7.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> and winter foliage, it smelt like Christmas. All the stalls looked amazing, the work that goes into an event like this is unbelievable. All I can say to that is the hard work paid off because people were in awe and wonder. Then of course when we all go it all has to be taken down again so Thank you Tara for your tireless work and vision. It was so lovely to see you too.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I purchased some beautiful things including some old child's ice skates with red ribbon and bells on to hang in my cottage for Christmas. Childs ice skates are rare and really appealing to hang as a Christmas decoration being small. I bought some fabrics, ribbon, a large old spool of cotton and a old beautiful patty pan to put tealights in from Liz and Jack as well.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aGDSINWvkNhBicCDenorLKZ0SeIC1LrdxyxJItV2K5TWHuHEogsvc3YrAnO-PpOLAR6d1bhmeRMHO762M4e59nrYYGTkPvhaKXjRzq7_zJwHbLfC-IgsEFm3-TYdaavK21rnOaqSSwTQN0qFNSSLPRm8Cy44UJ_496YdNyimN4508vXF0ZEootw8/s640/Pottingshed8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aGDSINWvkNhBicCDenorLKZ0SeIC1LrdxyxJItV2K5TWHuHEogsvc3YrAnO-PpOLAR6d1bhmeRMHO762M4e59nrYYGTkPvhaKXjRzq7_zJwHbLfC-IgsEFm3-TYdaavK21rnOaqSSwTQN0qFNSSLPRm8Cy44UJ_496YdNyimN4508vXF0ZEootw8/s320/Pottingshed8.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />Two beautiful Christmas stockings made from red and white antique quilt from Emma and have since, started to stitch things on them to hang from my fireplace at my cottage. Six gorgeous rare mother of pearl buttons that have been carved. It now looks like the stockings could be laced up like old boots!</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I bought some hanging hearts and old linens along with some really stunning old French linen tea towels for a project I have in mind for my studio here at Thimble.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I purchased some Christmas presents and lots of antique stitchery bits as well - three bags full of gorgeous vintage and antique goodies.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">It was gone lunchtime and it was time for me to leave because just down the road at</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkUdIx-HBxq6puJvGNBM74B_qDgZnRPuLL6KdOWU4rAHQhZLsXtGgJblyMUXgvCa5AZL5d73PW8S1v5EtcNtnY4WdEmn3Sv50jkOuJU9z43FWxmUk9xBlv_ZHhxvpDIhEbuWLLbBc5c2VVBpQa3OLSJOcF09W7fursbq2K2zF_THJ0iXg6BJSpjSn/s640/The%20old%20haberdashery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkUdIx-HBxq6puJvGNBM74B_qDgZnRPuLL6KdOWU4rAHQhZLsXtGgJblyMUXgvCa5AZL5d73PW8S1v5EtcNtnY4WdEmn3Sv50jkOuJU9z43FWxmUk9xBlv_ZHhxvpDIhEbuWLLbBc5c2VVBpQa3OLSJOcF09W7fursbq2K2zF_THJ0iXg6BJSpjSn/s320/The%20old%20haberdashery.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> Ticehurst was The Old Haberdashery shop who is owned and run by the lovely Sonia and I wanted to pop in there. I have seen her at many a vintage fair but never visited her shop so it was time to say my fair wells and go.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I arrived at the shop which was open but unfortunately Sonia was not in there but a lovely lady in the shop on her own and oh boy it was very busy indeed.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I was able to purchase some old cottons and some new embroidery needles I needed plus a few other bits that were not on any list but unresistible never the less.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Ticehurst is a very picturesque little town with lots of independent shops and cafes serving good coffee and food. Wandering round there was a real delight and a lovely way to end my adventure.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Well I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings about my wonderful weekend and that you all keep well and of course as always ...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Happy Stitching!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XXX</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37J2-GNYck-iHbQvpAHZKGbKOYqtlUPxG3RD768_8cvb0O7dweE-zYDUoO8CgdQHItXIY4NoJHIf5EPThieqsrnfhUzXMVfCZop-zNVE-S65ZBEUC2EqO_jbx8DNn1bBMQVgyA55d2XABcAfiNOdPtBmDeczeBfScqdaJLy08m1K8DppsH4WpL1fN/s640/Pottingshed12.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="295" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37J2-GNYck-iHbQvpAHZKGbKOYqtlUPxG3RD768_8cvb0O7dweE-zYDUoO8CgdQHItXIY4NoJHIf5EPThieqsrnfhUzXMVfCZop-zNVE-S65ZBEUC2EqO_jbx8DNn1bBMQVgyA55d2XABcAfiNOdPtBmDeczeBfScqdaJLy08m1K8DppsH4WpL1fN/w182-h394/Pottingshed12.PNG" width="182" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnOGUKcwjuP1xDisA2-_lzjK8U006sSxKBSQXBiEZCMUt6q0AOGezLCqmkBD76DgVsjacIf0uvqMw7qrpp-A5FQqZGPmObgHKdLPVnA2VRWB39PaRf3q7Lo7Uj858CAR_dYHC4CNBvK9fjgG8sYSW4p2GdkNIZXL54kjpHFUG1TZvCn0DEnC4sXVN/s640/Pottingshed17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnOGUKcwjuP1xDisA2-_lzjK8U006sSxKBSQXBiEZCMUt6q0AOGezLCqmkBD76DgVsjacIf0uvqMw7qrpp-A5FQqZGPmObgHKdLPVnA2VRWB39PaRf3q7Lo7Uj858CAR_dYHC4CNBvK9fjgG8sYSW4p2GdkNIZXL54kjpHFUG1TZvCn0DEnC4sXVN/w370-h495/Pottingshed17.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKk8JLT98Ou_LKzGcL7JfoCqgDDrWsbf2dLf1e8jGSkjnch9lfjU0SXbq-SchS5cNy2yPB5-luJE3ziF328ZNBj7lHFqdcXEOlW-GTc7k4JsKBTPkh0Z2xAFVOs_9sGd_8kWduHq-vOA27B-GvnWly0XCpwDjg1DPIPXEALoZRk3SLa_Dk8q-46g8/s2016/Pottingshed18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKk8JLT98Ou_LKzGcL7JfoCqgDDrWsbf2dLf1e8jGSkjnch9lfjU0SXbq-SchS5cNy2yPB5-luJE3ziF328ZNBj7lHFqdcXEOlW-GTc7k4JsKBTPkh0Z2xAFVOs_9sGd_8kWduHq-vOA27B-GvnWly0XCpwDjg1DPIPXEALoZRk3SLa_Dk8q-46g8/s320/Pottingshed18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXta12-prw8N_4PAh45KKiv5W4RGMTfWM5TSeLZn4ZvRIOkH2D1UhRyFmmuSflUXHv49NCeDagLaZKG1pqA714xp76bx63sG3OwS0hxgI1di8Zci7umU6vgNBnx7MvKUbju325tsBLnyMtka29hddrn96ORj_dV-S6Bh9l9-fU4kwxEimSKVynqq-/s640/Pottingshed10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXta12-prw8N_4PAh45KKiv5W4RGMTfWM5TSeLZn4ZvRIOkH2D1UhRyFmmuSflUXHv49NCeDagLaZKG1pqA714xp76bx63sG3OwS0hxgI1di8Zci7umU6vgNBnx7MvKUbju325tsBLnyMtka29hddrn96ORj_dV-S6Bh9l9-fU4kwxEimSKVynqq-/w446-h446/Pottingshed10.JPG" width="446" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-25503875127246751472022-11-14T01:30:00.001-08:002022-11-14T01:30:00.211-08:00Inspirational little slow stitches.<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;">“Memories are stitched with love.”</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: Dancing Script; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;">- Unknown -</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: Dancing Script; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: Dancing Script; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpVRR4Rzu96WPDw4K3ZweJUF6-E6isUAj4u7TJQN2Q3Rj3u1ic2TGqfD8pCYwUHmBkkCq_OxzkEYSPSCm1lxyi450GSJrZZI1tiunPh9d7INGpiLpka7saLml_6KwhRsknkbA5J7dOppOBcDnW5gnXDZzPPNsp9lrXTZDJ04jQ_Ix9zN3LqG2-olj/s640/spool%20and%20china%20doll.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpVRR4Rzu96WPDw4K3ZweJUF6-E6isUAj4u7TJQN2Q3Rj3u1ic2TGqfD8pCYwUHmBkkCq_OxzkEYSPSCm1lxyi450GSJrZZI1tiunPh9d7INGpiLpka7saLml_6KwhRsknkbA5J7dOppOBcDnW5gnXDZzPPNsp9lrXTZDJ04jQ_Ix9zN3LqG2-olj/w292-h389/spool%20and%20china%20doll.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;">W</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;">ith needles threaded and my design book at the ready and stunning antique pieces of fabric and quilt pieces I am never happier to be on the road of a new creation of fabric art that is slow stitching. It’s an art form that gradually comes together, a stitched picture that comes from your heart and ideas that feed your very soul. You can go to vintage fairs and purchase some wonderful pieces of antique quilts or bits of 1930's paisley or ticking. There are very old French linens along with buttons, ribbons and vintage sari ribbons as well.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Online as well on Etsy, Instagram or Ebay you can find some wonderful things to add to your creative arsenal, however for me the pleasure of seeing and feeling fabrics is the best way. During the COVID two years this was not possible and I missed it so much, never again will I take the freedom we have again for granted. I go to everyone that I possibly can. There are so very many around England and I do travel sometimes 3 or more hours on occasions. If I could, I could probably attend at least one a week or more... Its just not possible.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySwJuJbyglRZhrqALAzqyNHfy2B6Tmxq-_KLpPhIWlWfXd9Znzmua7ssYaJ5f8ZlAKArhMKXl9bcoLxDogHVTekBxbtIvzCkBIpjAb8sYWQrWwTNUVM-t7uwEhZvNxJKTupcMwOjgE3LR7MmfxRLAePi0l6_d5ZaI3loFbgvxWMVuD3Xc5y2h9zo2/s640/With%20my%20needle%20and%20thread.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySwJuJbyglRZhrqALAzqyNHfy2B6Tmxq-_KLpPhIWlWfXd9Znzmua7ssYaJ5f8ZlAKArhMKXl9bcoLxDogHVTekBxbtIvzCkBIpjAb8sYWQrWwTNUVM-t7uwEhZvNxJKTupcMwOjgE3LR7MmfxRLAePi0l6_d5ZaI3loFbgvxWMVuD3Xc5y2h9zo2/s320/With%20my%20needle%20and%20thread.JPG" width="227" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Of course if you have some older clothes or embroidered cloths that were your grandmothers or baby clothes that mean something to you, you can cut up and make into a beautiful and meaningful to you, a quilt or picture maybe. I have one of my Dads shirts. When he died in 1999 I grabbed his favourite short sleeve shirt from his wardrobe. I can not cut it up because I put it on over whatever I am wearing if I miss him, which is lots and its like he his cuddling me. If I had been thinking straight at the time, I would have had them all and made a quilt for my bed. I did not think at all for three months by which time my Mum, egged on by other family had taken all his clothes to a charity shop! I could not believe it ... so it is this one shirt is precious to me in the form that it is in. So vintage and antique Brocantes and fairs it is for me...</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH2aZ-ND-x6NFSp4pXiW8ZRSj-LUaJbdQNnP6IU4IHhq1plhNIqApV5xIUGIIfAj43_MRbsQ6rsWYwU-U1WOp-2bfwThyWeuhnq3lTNo9-tp4mC5Dh8LQpjsR7aX2lg0F1jZU4D09aVyKDAuQPWg3DjVgKt-qdsXG7F9Wdr6maWpelHlIhDXJ-eqC/s640/Dorset%20Brocante1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH2aZ-ND-x6NFSp4pXiW8ZRSj-LUaJbdQNnP6IU4IHhq1plhNIqApV5xIUGIIfAj43_MRbsQ6rsWYwU-U1WOp-2bfwThyWeuhnq3lTNo9-tp4mC5Dh8LQpjsR7aX2lg0F1jZU4D09aVyKDAuQPWg3DjVgKt-qdsXG7F9Wdr6maWpelHlIhDXJ-eqC/w211-h211/Dorset%20Brocante1.JPG" width="211" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;">However last Friday there was The Dorset Christmas Brocante on and it was held<br /> only around 10 miles from me, what a pleasure! I purchased my ticket online and got the early bird ticket to go in on the first day early so that not so many people were there for a couple of hours, what a delight that was, a real treat. So getting up at at a reasonable time having had coffee and breakfast I arrived at 9.30 am on the dot.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xsWRuUrB5Pn0QUlIqM_8YSydxgI7-xigSWZ-JtXXyvJKrbl4MhLwQkRcWbITbeBW7biCGwE1__s8nP1J-Bz1uK6-ZHdg4ZJhbfaE7aN98kM6e4gh2-x-dl_G9JISDgKtUvxkaobjC8yC96T2OroqrgV_EPdj37_8KzqZ_ghwX3mWDf1uab8zEjM_/s640/Dorset%20Brocante2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xsWRuUrB5Pn0QUlIqM_8YSydxgI7-xigSWZ-JtXXyvJKrbl4MhLwQkRcWbITbeBW7biCGwE1__s8nP1J-Bz1uK6-ZHdg4ZJhbfaE7aN98kM6e4gh2-x-dl_G9JISDgKtUvxkaobjC8yC96T2OroqrgV_EPdj37_8KzqZ_ghwX3mWDf1uab8zEjM_/s320/Dorset%20Brocante2.PNG" width="148" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;">It was held at the Larmer tree which as I said is not far from me, The drive there is a beautiful one and with the ever changing of the leaves on the trees and the sun coming out for this event it was a lovely.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><br />It was a pretty fair but for me a little disappointing to be honest because there were so many stalls that were selling new. I go purely for antique vintage and there was not a lot there. Never the less it was very beautiful. Sheep in the fields with a tree lined drive up. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;">There are peacocks roaming around freely and two good coffee vans there for a lovely sit in the garden on a seat and watching the world go by. The peacocks made me laugh a few times, obviously used to people and liked to put on a little show for us all. They seem fairly tame and very photogenic at all times.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;">Typically me I was on the hunt for antique fabrics and stitchery things and there</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pcXX5LUGakg17wFQBQV-OQLgnoDA_uxPwiDT3o4ZVOU1GViyEUY_kHZVNmHWPkMq9-TDPV4RzfKelXCN4Hsrwrda5SoyXfXtCT2CAx507mMMuHgdNq8-s4L1_AvvP4VUJQcoV5kArmxjbhdlN6q1MNyWEOWg3a_K7R8PW0DOiiAsRo6dSOZLM9IC/s640/Dorset%20Brocante7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pcXX5LUGakg17wFQBQV-OQLgnoDA_uxPwiDT3o4ZVOU1GViyEUY_kHZVNmHWPkMq9-TDPV4RzfKelXCN4Hsrwrda5SoyXfXtCT2CAx507mMMuHgdNq8-s4L1_AvvP4VUJQcoV5kArmxjbhdlN6q1MNyWEOWg3a_K7R8PW0DOiiAsRo6dSOZLM9IC/s320/Dorset%20Brocante7.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><br /> really was not much there at all that I could see, normally I spot it straight away as I am tuned in to it so unless my brain has a cold and I missed it I really could not find things. So I went Christmas shopping for friends and family who like new and not old. I met some lovely new friends and for the first time ever I really did not know many stall holders at all.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;">I was after some candles and per chance there was a lady there selling candles of all kinds and some candle holders etc. So I was able to purchase what I needed there.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Vr2MiivssgDq7MJR-kJtHWOU1oBD6kaNsqd_ziTJggiLC6Zz-knzerm-X3L5O_KE21Cix22j6mBMMN-Zdh5ScxFItHcEjferhXPDh0sgK6oxY8uaFGXnurPYdLjfoEL64jpqAbEs65WK-kc8bhJq5RsIpACdMKWi9XAYEd6T9E8J0DhDrkRsMBTI/s640/Dorset%20Brocante5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Vr2MiivssgDq7MJR-kJtHWOU1oBD6kaNsqd_ziTJggiLC6Zz-knzerm-X3L5O_KE21Cix22j6mBMMN-Zdh5ScxFItHcEjferhXPDh0sgK6oxY8uaFGXnurPYdLjfoEL64jpqAbEs65WK-kc8bhJq5RsIpACdMKWi9XAYEd6T9E8J0DhDrkRsMBTI/s320/Dorset%20Brocante5.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><br />I only spent a couple of hours there in all but had a lovely time meeting new people, us vintage crowd are very chatty indeed. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #010101; font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Driving back home again I was deciding what to do and it was well, I must clean the log burner out for this evening and supper was sorted because I had put on the slow cooker ... So it was down to my studio and to slow stitch and faff a little. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #010101; font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Getting it already to film some online courses next week, exciting and a little daunting too. So many of you have said you would like online courses so that wherever you live be it England, America or Canada it seems, you can do a workshop. So lots of faffing in the studio and getting to grips with my camera and lighting with tripod ... </span></span></p><p style="text-align: start;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUyR1JF2VBab46ImArnCd8xts7UUnDWzbxDpEsBIqhJkKw-v2s3LC-MqmaUW2QyzBzU0HRbq4CbJxGtZr0kEuy2ckPCOs_N3qg7--Qs-HwUBQOy5VKfSGKWjxQN9vifNKC7I0jDdMLmMCW-Hh8YZRpd5UX4b4bLZj11VQNfSKb6tqtQ1cXpz7nxHM/s640/Dorset%20Brocante6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUyR1JF2VBab46ImArnCd8xts7UUnDWzbxDpEsBIqhJkKw-v2s3LC-MqmaUW2QyzBzU0HRbq4CbJxGtZr0kEuy2ckPCOs_N3qg7--Qs-HwUBQOy5VKfSGKWjxQN9vifNKC7I0jDdMLmMCW-Hh8YZRpd5UX4b4bLZj11VQNfSKb6tqtQ1cXpz7nxHM/s320/Dorset%20Brocante6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #010101; font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">So that was my afternoon set out for me. I love being in The Threads of Time Studio with my radio on, humming along and with piles of antique threads, fabrics and buttons around me. the tidying up takes the longest it seems.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #010101; font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Later on this week I am off to a fair that I have not been to before at The Potting Shed and is run by Tara Franklin and Hoof Brocante. Its at the King Johns Nursery TN197AZ. Its a Winter Brocante and I know for a fact that Tara is fresh back from France and will have some exquisite textiles. There will be The Washerwoman and her textiles too and so many more. I am staying over for the night as it is fair way to go. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #010101; font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">So watch out for my next blog on that event.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #010101; font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Anyway I must away and go and tackle some filming. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #010101; font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Take care and as always Happy Stitching.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #010101; font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Sarah XX</span></span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #010101; font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOfGRQWZpSj7R7b_Ys0PIxg4qPcgg5f70EO_HtIpJyQC45HTEL2N7gX4f0RzWI1tT7bPiL1TALUcKNxZZU1C9U1qBUaDy0pJU9dsAZ9QHwPvbauwBFxj_CQ4lIMnqyf01IaFeATqUanHDUCoLQXz3fxvftEr9dHaB2CI5LGeFBrvFfPxiWWCnIuSQ/s640/Dorset%20Brocante7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="295" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOfGRQWZpSj7R7b_Ys0PIxg4qPcgg5f70EO_HtIpJyQC45HTEL2N7gX4f0RzWI1tT7bPiL1TALUcKNxZZU1C9U1qBUaDy0pJU9dsAZ9QHwPvbauwBFxj_CQ4lIMnqyf01IaFeATqUanHDUCoLQXz3fxvftEr9dHaB2CI5LGeFBrvFfPxiWWCnIuSQ/w275-h596/Dorset%20Brocante7.PNG" width="275" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XVjrghkhEskEJT1QEu7t32KYnatpJR-o2Ejeb5FzWVYh-7Gq5VCeHtR_FqfDw0Bg-HOCXSUXTyWay-u2nGb3dttSM0ZodJ1MMP3WT4TWHvZQjAYQcuUhZLJ5Q6eUSVfdFo7naQpIi8kz1vX0IMzp9itxdS-XuTbyKt-vZPUECfwAIloKQcr0-Hef/s640/Dorset%20Brocante4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XVjrghkhEskEJT1QEu7t32KYnatpJR-o2Ejeb5FzWVYh-7Gq5VCeHtR_FqfDw0Bg-HOCXSUXTyWay-u2nGb3dttSM0ZodJ1MMP3WT4TWHvZQjAYQcuUhZLJ5Q6eUSVfdFo7naQpIi8kz1vX0IMzp9itxdS-XuTbyKt-vZPUECfwAIloKQcr0-Hef/s320/Dorset%20Brocante4.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 1, 1); color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-87402168552745147442022-11-04T06:24:00.004-07:002022-11-04T06:43:49.790-07:00Ultramod - The best Mercerie in Paris<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">In timeless Paris I turned a page, and there is was Ultramod the best Mercerie in Paris</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC0lrd2Hmar5T5YAdVZ88pVNu7GCSG5pDtEDJ6B9j7eAkHqn98Pgb-ZXgKU8Td6gly08IY31HhIbT476AT8sz8Fox6Web5JW0j8WaeEDtRXumvOoQqrSH6OJhdQ6wwT7ZkiB322RopG2HN4GuEtWbKEIi-lWTdlswrLKnp7XgYXcP3gfeuFVBA_bh/s640/Timeless%20paris.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC0lrd2Hmar5T5YAdVZ88pVNu7GCSG5pDtEDJ6B9j7eAkHqn98Pgb-ZXgKU8Td6gly08IY31HhIbT476AT8sz8Fox6Web5JW0j8WaeEDtRXumvOoQqrSH6OJhdQ6wwT7ZkiB322RopG2HN4GuEtWbKEIi-lWTdlswrLKnp7XgYXcP3gfeuFVBA_bh/s320/Timeless%20paris.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: medium;">How to begin to explain this most wonderful of adventures. Well as you know from my last post I went to Paris and had the best of times. One thing that happened practically on the last day of my visit was that I went into a great department store in Paris and I saw a book ( it was in French but I was drawn to the cover on this exquisite</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiUuOm-PiQ6-1UMWxNz3qy9Sp6tPqw8D7-Q2NmP3H7JL0zssJ8TIgPQeeWLbB_n02SND6j-9GhxCNrtGaXGFHneb4e7XoXZ0j5hewMFxF4OhWhNALIEd8n8APH2B_8KIPRP_GWQn5CMP2DrKeY4KfkElSDG9cgCABgv9QsMPH84GosnvtukkrRKRY/s2016/Ultramod%20Cat.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiUuOm-PiQ6-1UMWxNz3qy9Sp6tPqw8D7-Q2NmP3H7JL0zssJ8TIgPQeeWLbB_n02SND6j-9GhxCNrtGaXGFHneb4e7XoXZ0j5hewMFxF4OhWhNALIEd8n8APH2B_8KIPRP_GWQn5CMP2DrKeY4KfkElSDG9cgCABgv9QsMPH84GosnvtukkrRKRY/s320/Ultramod%20Cat.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"> hard back large book), I was looking through and a wonderful lady who worked there came up and realising I was in fact English starting talking to me about the book. She then said we have a copy in English if you are interested, and of course I was very interested indeed and into my basket it went. The book is called Timeless Paris as you will see from the above photo.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Well after my shopping it was time for a little lunch and a drink so I went and found a quiet spot and looked through and to my utter joy found Ultramod. Looking it up on google I found that it opened the next day on the Saturday after lunch and I was there when the shutters went up. I was first through the door and the wonderful lady who owned it spoke wonderful English and here is where this little adventure began that day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OpthVEYaG2q-1IGj7RePQ9CA1s3VWF1AiqSpOBUIBFxrve6KvhwREBv9Sid4hhbdvm6nEna7TY2ReqPqOHSTt3eImXrhm56WrFb-lffuC4a-wnfeleN3QhsCVey7KFAtBXpzC3_FjVDMrUkicxXbBjEaYwT9xbrbCuSt0daM93aPvbvkVo2P1Hxh/s640/ultramod%20lady.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OpthVEYaG2q-1IGj7RePQ9CA1s3VWF1AiqSpOBUIBFxrve6KvhwREBv9Sid4hhbdvm6nEna7TY2ReqPqOHSTt3eImXrhm56WrFb-lffuC4a-wnfeleN3QhsCVey7KFAtBXpzC3_FjVDMrUkicxXbBjEaYwT9xbrbCuSt0daM93aPvbvkVo2P1Hxh/w242-h242/ultramod%20lady.JPG" width="242" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />Ultramod is strategically located near the Palais-Royal, and has long been famed as the hatmakers and milliners district. The most amazing business has a history that spans nearly 200 years and the records show that the same name at this address on Rue de Choiseul is traced back to 1832.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Some years later it sold products referred to as' menue mercerie' which translates to all the essential accessories for sewing and embroidery.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWIlh4lnNIntEHQiQwOnFyqXWtZr6nAafiVaEqUxWQMf8YHclKooZn05tt4Iu2zmLOy1stJ7T_MI_3n1jPOf3Bxk_hw5mmjSd58ByWiYbxx_L2xNJ74JgD0j3EtLkfpuCx8T_hEQERPK1izle_2j4dkPvcbdaURz-YPXlfrVvu37NYsd0wNaatwCw/s640/ultramod1.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWIlh4lnNIntEHQiQwOnFyqXWtZr6nAafiVaEqUxWQMf8YHclKooZn05tt4Iu2zmLOy1stJ7T_MI_3n1jPOf3Bxk_hw5mmjSd58ByWiYbxx_L2xNJ74JgD0j3EtLkfpuCx8T_hEQERPK1izle_2j4dkPvcbdaURz-YPXlfrVvu37NYsd0wNaatwCw/w260-h260/ultramod1.JPG" width="260" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Francios Morin, a former finance executive, purchased the notions store, followed by the milliner's boutique, in the late 1900s. It was said he was literally captivated by the history of these places and acquired their historic inventory.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Today the two shops face one another and each with their own particular activities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The Mercier side has shelves and buttons, ribbons and threads and every conceivable thing you may need to create some beautiful project. They have old and new stock but<br /> the old stock is what actually took my breath away.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The lady who owns the shops spoke perfect English and we started chatting. She realised that I was English and we talked about the shops. She was so pleased I had made the journey to see her and was happy for me to snap away with my camera. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAEUVerPQd4pZzMC4dm-QuhTsLDY1vd3dlsTfIzD-MrlCtHcd7jXxjsYNYTihaM7J94vuD7Aqtk4XsiNlMck1GjXE95oTK66Yu_9r8CphQuxQAYFaU-j1hQfleQ62eOBNxacKvi3lNRKaZQuHz1wMdVdvLOZ1xdkLyhp5R4rY-lwj0m9_3o7qQ-nA/s640/Ultramod2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAEUVerPQd4pZzMC4dm-QuhTsLDY1vd3dlsTfIzD-MrlCtHcd7jXxjsYNYTihaM7J94vuD7Aqtk4XsiNlMck1GjXE95oTK66Yu_9r8CphQuxQAYFaU-j1hQfleQ62eOBNxacKvi3lNRKaZQuHz1wMdVdvLOZ1xdkLyhp5R4rY-lwj0m9_3o7qQ-nA/w215-h215/Ultramod2.JPG" width="215" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Boxes of buttons were pulled out and I was able to just look, rummage and snap away.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I asked her about the milliners across the road and she said was not open all the time and today was one of those days, it is used as a sewing sanctuary and seeing probably my disappointment got one of her staff to open up for me to wander around with me and I was able to take photo's there as well. What an absolute treat for me. So lovely are these ladies I can not tell you.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLgiptfNjnKpRDrf9PVSKvpb4A-_tv61DmALMB0yb8hK5s1Fo8k450JHLZWE64elt1NPl4Zu3NtT0up7DgwWwtmAr9OknIzlqmaLVx323oM4fmbVwmqAVTndAsMrVUjcmXqzakUV41Pyp0kmiBby9hzoWrpGse5e5wswkZ-sV4vRMao5zDFpTYFOF/s640/Ultramod3.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLgiptfNjnKpRDrf9PVSKvpb4A-_tv61DmALMB0yb8hK5s1Fo8k450JHLZWE64elt1NPl4Zu3NtT0up7DgwWwtmAr9OknIzlqmaLVx323oM4fmbVwmqAVTndAsMrVUjcmXqzakUV41Pyp0kmiBby9hzoWrpGse5e5wswkZ-sV4vRMao5zDFpTYFOF/w227-h227/Ultramod3.JPG" width="227" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />There are hats on stands partly made as they were decades ago. Boxes of sample cards of ribbons and lace to choose for your hat and are over a hundred years old. The shelves in the milliners shop are filled with endless felt forms ready to be moulded into bespoke measurements for hats in their own boxes. There is an amazing array of feathers and silk flowers to make any beautiful hat your own. I closed my eyes for a moment and could imagine what it must of been like to go there as a lady ordering a new hat or two. </span><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The customers service and the choices. You could almost hear the excited chatter and <br />fun.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The smell that is in the shops is heady and beautiful the way antique things should be.</span></p><p></p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GuI5Kowy6zn41atGb63FwwH6E_gmlyZfb1e0U_sXK3BwS3ht03jidHrNrqq3zQuZJIY6op4-fG2hYSOygfzmYUSdfXRVkouOWWMcP3ovJBBZMRaO3A9IZoVP5WOPedt6vyvGZ5sSdTJsFkl1nulIiyG0PxQbuGQBVo0tb3PLhnp5aFTw5JQYKcF-/s640/Ultramod5.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GuI5Kowy6zn41atGb63FwwH6E_gmlyZfb1e0U_sXK3BwS3ht03jidHrNrqq3zQuZJIY6op4-fG2hYSOygfzmYUSdfXRVkouOWWMcP3ovJBBZMRaO3A9IZoVP5WOPedt6vyvGZ5sSdTJsFkl1nulIiyG0PxQbuGQBVo0tb3PLhnp5aFTw5JQYKcF-/w221-h221/Ultramod5.JPG" width="221" /></a></div>The old counters in both shops run the length of them and the old tills still remain. <br /> There are numerous large chests of drawers all with the original patinaed. Some of these still bear the name 'Cartier-Bresson' and this is a brand of thread that is now obsolete, but made the fortune of the famous photographers family. All these things make the atmosphere which makes these shops so appealing, it is indeed a timeless stitchery haven with such a warm and inviting atmosphere. To wander, chat, see and be there for a few hours was magical.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdSWlF_92jt-j6jrSfqIlpgrP8QoLI4gQ7Dn3AOYfYiSTCJZpbScP2UiIsx-VkpDmIzT_xzvnndPUOd3jUvLRPauhaF1xwwfI1avgUGB4w2y0NjuP6LsXfCeJsL_7Kprggdqu6gr8rY_AcckbHZPZ12WPblBfO9tBB21QecIEj6dGXNtEFi2Y03OD/s640/Ultramod6.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdSWlF_92jt-j6jrSfqIlpgrP8QoLI4gQ7Dn3AOYfYiSTCJZpbScP2UiIsx-VkpDmIzT_xzvnndPUOd3jUvLRPauhaF1xwwfI1avgUGB4w2y0NjuP6LsXfCeJsL_7Kprggdqu6gr8rY_AcckbHZPZ12WPblBfO9tBB21QecIEj6dGXNtEFi2Y03OD/w258-h258/Ultramod6.JPG" width="258" /></a><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />There are thousands of buttons, ribbons, felt fashioned from rabbit hair, veiling of the highest quality. Ribbons of both silk and velvet. Ribbons with hand embroidery on them and all arranged by colour.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">An array of embroidery threads of every imaginable hue and colour, its wonderland for those of us who love to embroider or stitch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO2MFTa6NAJ7cbH9AHaZrTdqAx5_CEQubXW-3QpCX-ae3qWCDD6p9MnrfAZZy3JD-qIevROOK7YcHy6ZaNPPmMFX56SE2bG01r6H58b-TAzzUp11NlngvGMnqOAlVNk748_G93R6P7CWCi55Lib9foXrdvG2twtg1H3UqIutKRCOdN5xELy4HPAkf/s640/Ultramod7.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO2MFTa6NAJ7cbH9AHaZrTdqAx5_CEQubXW-3QpCX-ae3qWCDD6p9MnrfAZZy3JD-qIevROOK7YcHy6ZaNPPmMFX56SE2bG01r6H58b-TAzzUp11NlngvGMnqOAlVNk748_G93R6P7CWCi55Lib9foXrdvG2twtg1H3UqIutKRCOdN5xELy4HPAkf/w265-h265/Ultramod7.JPG" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">We need to treasure these antique places that still exist and never loose them. If I lived in Paris I would, for sure, make a weekly visit. That this kind of Mercier is still in business today is testimony to the fact they are still very much loved and needed. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">For those of us who slow stitch now with antique and vintage fabrics, ribbons, lace and buttons. That we choose to use antique threads when we can get hold of them, these amazing shops are our nirvana ....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd46QCtPMehlbiavdbFmOdRBk9DYQ_tYF87R8fmyK2vkkhvLAjHRLkWVeCAXh6PPAjszOZ3hQ9bzkgM--PBmc3lvn159_A5G50CgoILzdVspGKnrz4oPfBvQ1ktN9gzXHG-5XFb8Fe2cdXEEzV1xIdqq5qdddFyn066PPqgFZG4V5TPekVeuYDxsxm/s640/Ultramod10.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd46QCtPMehlbiavdbFmOdRBk9DYQ_tYF87R8fmyK2vkkhvLAjHRLkWVeCAXh6PPAjszOZ3hQ9bzkgM--PBmc3lvn159_A5G50CgoILzdVspGKnrz4oPfBvQ1ktN9gzXHG-5XFb8Fe2cdXEEzV1xIdqq5qdddFyn066PPqgFZG4V5TPekVeuYDxsxm/w269-h269/Ultramod10.JPG" width="269" /></a><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I am going to make a trip back hopefully sometime next year for a few days and there are now, I have found out, tours that will take you from one beautifully old shop to the next and I very much want to be on one of those!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />Now lots of you have messaged me on here and my Facebook page asking me about the old buttons that I purchased. They were not cheap but hey they were coming home with me. They are gorgeous glass and silver buttons and they are stock from 1900 and it was still written on the box they were in. I picked out 6 of each size and they were popped into a little glassine packet. The star of the show...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkXI11ZqdMpoz1rINSaA0KHYRlmRo_Ev-RMfXX0chcjTS3pwXGrn6yY_hpOQfT_Tgx-4PDLk8lD_3TiEVZXLTzS2akHJ3Cot9pSVLcUrloUC_n2p-WfAsxKW7oEJH7JZ2LWaENKf-lUlfmK_b6ooIA6LF6CrsI3wI52jZeDJu4LI3FevWNZra7tVU/s640/ultramod4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkXI11ZqdMpoz1rINSaA0KHYRlmRo_Ev-RMfXX0chcjTS3pwXGrn6yY_hpOQfT_Tgx-4PDLk8lD_3TiEVZXLTzS2akHJ3Cot9pSVLcUrloUC_n2p-WfAsxKW7oEJH7JZ2LWaENKf-lUlfmK_b6ooIA6LF6CrsI3wI52jZeDJu4LI3FevWNZra7tVU/s320/ultramod4.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />I would like to thank all the staff at these most beautiful of shops in Paris for their patience and their customer service. Nothing was too much trouble and they were all so helpful and kind. They could see I was enthralled and they made my last day in Paris the best.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Well I hope you have enjoyed this little window into an amazing 200 year old Mercier in Paris.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Take care as always and Happy Stitching!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGrbxTYPlIv3TU-JuqAH9FOV4bnGM4wXEm21RH_ChBJVqR6w5jokqjn9SRXPdqXBe1jk7x3Jm5eDgvYbvwif2XFvYB-wYwD62PhFuYXTgviq-e4g9CKSuS9VL6bXoZ6jI0F6T0Uo3vqEEFUPsOyGpWsoDvKGGtcGq8_r5Up-fMQdIKR0a2cpWFWLx/s640/Ultramod11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGrbxTYPlIv3TU-JuqAH9FOV4bnGM4wXEm21RH_ChBJVqR6w5jokqjn9SRXPdqXBe1jk7x3Jm5eDgvYbvwif2XFvYB-wYwD62PhFuYXTgviq-e4g9CKSuS9VL6bXoZ6jI0F6T0Uo3vqEEFUPsOyGpWsoDvKGGtcGq8_r5Up-fMQdIKR0a2cpWFWLx/w386-h386/Ultramod11.JPG" width="386" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh018VRiTc8BfLs07DEpTy539ejhP-KUIlXHDdwxbWXTE56Z-_nNXs58QyUUE6giJRywtF3K6_2vLXSisiYgFoCFxbD_g0S9phYU5c6Usc01N0KgSsH9NBdT-c5-Z4hSF239DI8_s1JLx7axTlapGALF6JWqgwzrRv1U8NhPoj0Ga8qE7UiFFUiplL/s640/Ultramod12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh018VRiTc8BfLs07DEpTy539ejhP-KUIlXHDdwxbWXTE56Z-_nNXs58QyUUE6giJRywtF3K6_2vLXSisiYgFoCFxbD_g0S9phYU5c6Usc01N0KgSsH9NBdT-c5-Z4hSF239DI8_s1JLx7axTlapGALF6JWqgwzrRv1U8NhPoj0Ga8qE7UiFFUiplL/w367-h367/Ultramod12.JPG" width="367" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAVxuI6_cvWcoxpCJBEAZwCcBgQ0Y-uHAd5zSPp9uOXV8_6ImXjIDBaSJlyETm5M2-zfx6Ju-smTZKREq0TTx9jnlZv3YbQj-wOc0rWIqQl1EbsCVw3J9lZHTvH7HTv5wgqfkJAu6FRmSchjidoq9pYmyhEDPMT6HzhrYXOFLRpQGVOdzwoj7n0G0/s1280/Ultramod14.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAVxuI6_cvWcoxpCJBEAZwCcBgQ0Y-uHAd5zSPp9uOXV8_6ImXjIDBaSJlyETm5M2-zfx6Ju-smTZKREq0TTx9jnlZv3YbQj-wOc0rWIqQl1EbsCVw3J9lZHTvH7HTv5wgqfkJAu6FRmSchjidoq9pYmyhEDPMT6HzhrYXOFLRpQGVOdzwoj7n0G0/w437-h437/Ultramod14.JPG" width="437" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></div>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-63623053235676750052022-11-03T08:56:00.000-07:002022-11-03T08:56:08.991-07:00Paris, /Street Brocante and so much more.<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Paris is always a good idea</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Audrey Hepburn</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JzAjhce4_mYljgizAwlQGolciKZT4TYINOYo3Wp53JNbMi7UfcDkR5OFiBSe_T-Uksk9U3Rvp3bfRFoLW3nuxKE_ZAIsNUeOWt1-ZNXyDl3sv5W3B5U8f8g3vi8-ZT5QgvWyVYFfEiInF2NHJr2M6d3OQexoHD4yamQay1H2WaKBiFUzVSisramG/s640/Samplebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JzAjhce4_mYljgizAwlQGolciKZT4TYINOYo3Wp53JNbMi7UfcDkR5OFiBSe_T-Uksk9U3Rvp3bfRFoLW3nuxKE_ZAIsNUeOWt1-ZNXyDl3sv5W3B5U8f8g3vi8-ZT5QgvWyVYFfEiInF2NHJr2M6d3OQexoHD4yamQay1H2WaKBiFUzVSisramG/w240-h320/Samplebook.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Well as you may have guessed from the title and the above I have been to Paris for a week. I had the most wonderful time and thought I might share it with you all. From 400 stalls of an antique street brocante to the resting place of Oscar Wilde, Versaille and Monet's Garden and house ...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Its been a hectic Summer and I have so much to catch up on with you so be prepared to get a lovely cup of something warm and cosy up for a vintage read.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Well firstly I had my little cottage garden done, fence painted and a beautiful raised border made from antique train sleepers to put all my miniture fruit trees in, they were in very large pots and to honest they needed to be planted out. They have lights on them that are charged from the sun and on these cold winters evenings that are drawing in fast, they cheer me when I look out. There are plug in fairy lights around the fence and they were at my old home and still going strong. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Suddenly Summer turned to Autumn/Fall and you could feel it in the air, This was in mid September. From scorching Summer days and warm still nights the change of pace in the weather was a welcome and beautiful thing.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX3ovGll4vbKXFuwR-ePh6TGUZNHaVXsZ_buqWgQkxWbh_tVN80EI7Z_7EnYVNn4xMmPIoRZlbxbNmifGHANZMHUf9sDYUQ9DbmrfOrOpNmLHmwxnBWCxQ9VAoyeFMQgBaKzLa-_OTIDR4mgVJzPKcvHJe5lOPXVgQdcfNCPE60XKeKkfGpZFFE4-/s640/Monet1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX3ovGll4vbKXFuwR-ePh6TGUZNHaVXsZ_buqWgQkxWbh_tVN80EI7Z_7EnYVNn4xMmPIoRZlbxbNmifGHANZMHUf9sDYUQ9DbmrfOrOpNmLHmwxnBWCxQ9VAoyeFMQgBaKzLa-_OTIDR4mgVJzPKcvHJe5lOPXVgQdcfNCPE60XKeKkfGpZFFE4-/s320/Monet1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So back to Paris, a wonderful 10 days of treasure hunting and sight seeing. I have<br /> been before, however my long time wish was to visit Monet's house and gardens and Oh WOW! The day I had pre booked my ticket for was a glorious hot day and with the sun and a little light breeze the day was perfection. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Walking around the gardens and the lily pond was breath taking. I could not believe I was there, it was like being in one of his paintings. The painting where he has the little bridge in with the lily pond behind it with full bloom lily's twinkling in the sunlight on the water... I stood where he painted that it seemed surreal somehow. I know I was smiling all day.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">There are two parts to his gardens. There is the garden in front of his house called Clos Normond and then the Japanese inspired water garden and the two contrast and compliment each other.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Monet and his family settled in Giverny in 1883 and he designed the gardens. He kept chickens as well and they still do today and they are so handsome. The central bit of the garden has arches all the way down which hang with scented roses and the floor is covered in nasturtiums it really is a sight to see. There are different flowers and heights in all the borders and it was still blooming in the hot sun when I visited.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Monet's house is just as wonderful with shutters on all the windows. He loved entertaining and it has a large dinning room and a large gorgeous kitchen. Wandering around I wanted to soak it all up and I did. It felt like I was actually in one of his most </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBfI4FNilTHYU1INfQtTsbePO_Xoe2MQezayf1_VO_Sn9aTS5I09YvpOV0wRElFnEFlwj8ynvefMGsM7e-JSEu-VtnQlLrz2craYtjnrBC_7Zb8JZ5-w2QH3L7YnBT0-v2swPAKbWPVKpcDayWI0bN3qE4pjOtKF4YVEhk-pYn6f8apkkehOQD6yb/s640/Brocanteparis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBfI4FNilTHYU1INfQtTsbePO_Xoe2MQezayf1_VO_Sn9aTS5I09YvpOV0wRElFnEFlwj8ynvefMGsM7e-JSEu-VtnQlLrz2craYtjnrBC_7Zb8JZ5-w2QH3L7YnBT0-v2swPAKbWPVKpcDayWI0bN3qE4pjOtKF4YVEhk-pYn6f8apkkehOQD6yb/s320/Brocanteparis.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />famous paintings, A bit like Mary Poppins jumping in to a street chalk drawing.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">It made me want to get my water colours out and do some paintings of my ideas.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">On the Saturday at 7am sharp I went to the huge street Brocante in Paris and oh my I was in truffling heaven. I bought some gorgeous fabrics and sewing bits I did not leave it until after 1pm ... so much to look at and to take in. Again the weather was so warm and the pleasure of being there surrounded by such treasures was like a dream come true. I did not take any slow stitching with me to actually have time off and re-think and look through fresh eyes. I did however take my ideas journal and wrote in it everywhere I went.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I did so much and had such fun. Lunchtime cruise on the river Seine with three course lunch and wine and champagne, The catacombs, art galleries and the Champs Elysees where I had lunch as well as visiting my favourite shop ... Chanel . There are two and one of them is where CoCo Chanel first started her business and still stands today. My bucket list was getting a few ticks.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The Paris street Brocante was to be honest over whelming and I enjoyed every part of it. I picked up some fabrics, laundry labels that had H O on them... now those are to be cut in a line of three... have you guessed yet? That will read HO HO HO for Christmas samplers of the future! Buttons were bought from somewhere really special, this will need its own blog and believe me if you love antique and vintage</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoL7rpJqj3DTPcWwJxw8R_4koPgxs5C2E0X02KGy2j76VZ0d78T2GAlX8h-Ivfo1t-x_DASIDYwfzrQuwkNeatv-zF7rVK7-mzlaZSGq2lwbBcWuoraM0DI7sLvVegXDWP6FlLOK3D-mMvsV0fEl9UVepqHQK3b4vL9iIiSs-6nXQD25bBsT7dB56G/s640/Versailles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoL7rpJqj3DTPcWwJxw8R_4koPgxs5C2E0X02KGy2j76VZ0d78T2GAlX8h-Ivfo1t-x_DASIDYwfzrQuwkNeatv-zF7rVK7-mzlaZSGq2lwbBcWuoraM0DI7sLvVegXDWP6FlLOK3D-mMvsV0fEl9UVepqHQK3b4vL9iIiSs-6nXQD25bBsT7dB56G/s320/Versailles.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> sewing you will want a look at that one. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I purchased an amazing pure linen sheet with a monogram and it is stunning, this is for my own bed in the hot Summer months next year to keep cool at night. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The weather was hot and the evening warm enough to sit outside of Paris Bistro's and have a glass of wine and evening meal.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Versailles was totally outstanding and the hall of mirrors was so very beautiful. The gardens and the fountains were really really incredible. I loved just getting lost in there and finding unusual statues and walk ways. My camera did not stop.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">This was all at the end of September and it was just what I needed, a beautiful break with sewing, culture and cuisine!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The trip was a fabulous treat all in all and I came back full of ideas, thoughts and all fired up working towards online courses etc. This is now in full progress and should be up and running before Christmas if all goes to plan. The history and the love of antique and vintage along with the love of sewing was just what I needed.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Jpur25XIraVcKoObGawR7tLFF7iPg0TbNWcp_RnefMpyjLtBBa_BEzdypEBWI981IRhzG6S1XvxKNUGIkhZGnkz_FM_Q1zEUlq8jc9FYLbPr2ZujIXbdSWrq4TxuETtZH_suefDwRCmYS9QSI5-BuIreMrR4bBlmerQ3Zu0UYoHCN36PZjU-zfVG/s640/Paris2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Jpur25XIraVcKoObGawR7tLFF7iPg0TbNWcp_RnefMpyjLtBBa_BEzdypEBWI981IRhzG6S1XvxKNUGIkhZGnkz_FM_Q1zEUlq8jc9FYLbPr2ZujIXbdSWrq4TxuETtZH_suefDwRCmYS9QSI5-BuIreMrR4bBlmerQ3Zu0UYoHCN36PZjU-zfVG/s320/Paris2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />Getting lost in this world for 10 days was absolutely amazing and with the treasure I brought back along with photos and memories. Meeting like minded people in one of the most beautiful cities in the world was for me such a treat.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Little sketches and ideas for beautiful slow stitching projects and meeting and collecting contacts as well has been one of the greatest experiences to me.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Be sure to come back again soon and see the place I found in Paris with so much history and beauty of stitching and some amazing extremely old and beautiful buttons I purchased. The book that I found there and in English to show me forgotten Paris places that directed me in the right direction. It really does need a blog of it's own.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I can not even begin to describe the beautiful food produce that is there with the most exquisite pastries, cakes, tomatoes and breads. Chocolate shops that looked like fine art in their own right. Bistro's and the feeling of feeling safe wherever you went.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Amazing food, company and a complete emersion of artist and stitching pursuits was food for the soul. I had the very best time. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">When it was time to leave I was sad but had so much to look forward to upon my return as some dear dear friends from New York were coming over to visit and that was so wonderful. We had wine and cosy dinners here and the chat and the laughter never stopped. Going to Bridport, Bruton and vintage shops. October flew by as well and here we are in November and I am totally focused on making my online courses and planning, drawing, designing slow stitching projects</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Watch this space!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I promise it will not be long before another blog is on here...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Take care dear blogger friends and as always Happy Stitching!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh7U_zD4uQ3twC5FxeoRkHSF2eoPUoTz_69kub3QqT0_YtFrNbBXqUk501d8Q3teWNdNizRHpjPvsdW1pwvr7bLmqyCZ2FkyvpisaQYdqzN095lF9MqNXMVjVf5P8iYFtHfIHlcJRWVJA17JXMpCGGsQWRmLl0vcCAuIvbBjj-DERnAb8Vuk2Ol02/s640/Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="493" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh7U_zD4uQ3twC5FxeoRkHSF2eoPUoTz_69kub3QqT0_YtFrNbBXqUk501d8Q3teWNdNizRHpjPvsdW1pwvr7bLmqyCZ2FkyvpisaQYdqzN095lF9MqNXMVjVf5P8iYFtHfIHlcJRWVJA17JXMpCGGsQWRmLl0vcCAuIvbBjj-DERnAb8Vuk2Ol02/w370-h493/Paris.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-82451696823823642872022-08-17T05:46:00.002-07:002022-08-17T05:46:52.335-07:00Whispers of time.<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwAKK6ZlfU0WryUgbSxqSdMavTWEMv9TZ_vu5_yFuiMXkASDFWeHMvbDr8Co_dmdDAa1cWm7_-QJMPoVa5sTbG87jWBnpOPmHmX_6W2ozU6hC-2n1FUeah7W3Id4jBDXdmHBOB1y6jf2fhL4xgEuxIEEwmdoWDKvxsfIxy5-1b4ddKqtmFAz0TW2k/s640/BLOG.0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="640" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwAKK6ZlfU0WryUgbSxqSdMavTWEMv9TZ_vu5_yFuiMXkASDFWeHMvbDr8Co_dmdDAa1cWm7_-QJMPoVa5sTbG87jWBnpOPmHmX_6W2ozU6hC-2n1FUeah7W3Id4jBDXdmHBOB1y6jf2fhL4xgEuxIEEwmdoWDKvxsfIxy5-1b4ddKqtmFAz0TW2k/w373-h265/BLOG.0.JPG" width="373" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">It is not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do that is the secret of happiness!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Peter Pan.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>There are so many types of threads and fibers to create with and it is a case of finding what you personally like and what suits the ideas you have or project you are working on. You can use embroidery stitches to add a decorative element to fabrics, linens or quilt pieces or indeed very simple running stitches to add depth and meaning to your piece of hand stitching. I personally love antique threads and fabrics because for me it adds extra depth and meaning to a piece of stitchery, put simply it adds a whisper of time gone by.</p><p>For me personally that is the secret ingredient to any piece of hand stitchery and what makes it special, all these years on I can look at something I have stitched and still imagine stories that this or that piece of fabric could tell if only it could speak. We almost smile at one another as I make yet another story up in my head about its life before I found it and repurposed part of it to be enjoyed once more.</p><p>The last month or so has been extremely hot here on The Jurassic Coast it has hit 34 degrees here inland and that is very unusual for England. Not much stitching has taken place but I have been designing and going for swims at the beach as well as sitting with my Mum, who against all odds is still with us. We did manage to get her in a wheel chair a few weeks ago and walk her to the cliff top to see the sea. Her one to one pushed her and we put sunglasses on her. I watched her face at the delight of seeing the water. It was an unusual day that she was not very sleepy and both my sister and I felt some good sea air would do her the world of good and it did and it did us good to be there with her to see her joy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvLivGTNEYgXXdfG0NffgC1QbMl7t-6j0cqez4_t91-gGTaEh6MpQsS_uQqb6JSefaoxmSxq89sRUG4vMn6kfdKiRc0w2XsqH4zaaVBfmvUdUDNmovB9vtS1MRyKcVBPGUAtf9aXEeXmO6MyILCajcEATfiuiOMuWd3VMOQ3qWUZ5zbwVhtQ1t46F/s640/BLOG.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvLivGTNEYgXXdfG0NffgC1QbMl7t-6j0cqez4_t91-gGTaEh6MpQsS_uQqb6JSefaoxmSxq89sRUG4vMn6kfdKiRc0w2XsqH4zaaVBfmvUdUDNmovB9vtS1MRyKcVBPGUAtf9aXEeXmO6MyILCajcEATfiuiOMuWd3VMOQ3qWUZ5zbwVhtQ1t46F/s320/BLOG.01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There have been beautiful starry skies as well and a 'super moon' to boot. To sit in the garden and feel a little breeze at the end of a really hot day and gaze into the inky starry sky has been a real treat and to be honest a welcome relief from the heat of the day.</p><p>We have been promised some rain and to my happiness and pleasure the skies opened up and we had a really big downpour. The garden drank with a huge thirst and a little green has come back to what is now straw for grass. There is thunder forecast as well and I really hope that it appears and brings a little freshness to the air, then some hand stitchery can resume once more. My needle kept slipping through my fingers and a few times I pricked myself and blood appeared, which is not great on antique fabrics as you can imagine. I miss it too. I have tried to keep busy with stitchery things like clearing drawers and folding fabrics but nothing beats sitting and stitching.</p><p>I am in the middle of a sampler to be framed and it seems its been going on forever. I have had to protect it from the glaring sun on a number of occasions but with the promised weather change I should be able to get on with it this week. The temperatures have gone down to a manageable early twenties and this will help sewing again. My studio is cooler than anywhere I have to say but without some breeze everywhere has been airless, except by the sea and I tend to go later in the day when others are leaving. There is something about walking through the water on the shoreline and having that cooler sea breeze in your face.</p><p>There are a few vintage fairs on the horizon too and I am hoping to attend a few of them, apart from the excitement of a good truffle it is about meeting up with friends and catching up with them. Having a drink and laughing... best medicine in the world.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3c3SVEm8oV2v379CES9UbOm-K-5D7z92oIsO8CH1NxESNMvF6gRJiRsPG0XVEfYGqLOsuUzmN5vZ9UkAq8utkTOPgV6U7KtQvCXHwK-OtTR3meJLEbHS9l9fKdh8nqJL8fYCY06UITyoY-m9UQbSeuy1PfwCZBxIw_ESNy7OY9XDos4qTZtCiSC8/s640/BLOG.02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3c3SVEm8oV2v379CES9UbOm-K-5D7z92oIsO8CH1NxESNMvF6gRJiRsPG0XVEfYGqLOsuUzmN5vZ9UkAq8utkTOPgV6U7KtQvCXHwK-OtTR3meJLEbHS9l9fKdh8nqJL8fYCY06UITyoY-m9UQbSeuy1PfwCZBxIw_ESNy7OY9XDos4qTZtCiSC8/s320/BLOG.02.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>The lack of stitching has given way to sorting out some workshops as well. Both online and at the Threads of time studio here in Dorset. I think a little cooler weather will be just the ticket and to stitch with like minded people and chat as we go will be so wonderful, I am thoroughly looking forward to it.<p></p><p>My garden at Thimble has suffered a little in this hot weather but my wild garden has thrived! The honey and bumble bees have had a field day going from flower to flower and collecting pollen. It has been a real treat to watch. I have kept them going by watering every morning early and a little at the end of the day when the severe sun goes down but the garden has suffered this year in this very dry and<br /> hot heat in general. I went for a drive through the English countryside the other day, with the air con on ( method in my madness) and it was so sad to see our normal lush green country side looking baron and dry. Large trees with dead leaves on them and such a beige out look. It was like Autumn but without the colour!</p><p>I have bought some vintage sari silk ribbon and am planning to do some hand dyeing with it and then some embroidery on there too. This will be added to a design I am working on. I have put out a little bucket to catch some rain water for that very purpose to heat up and use. I am going to go and pick some wild blackberries this week and some mint from my garden to dye some with. I am hoping for a really lovely light lavender colour with a hint of mint! I will be keeping a record of what I use and how much so that if it is what I have imagined it to be like I can replicate it again. Wish me luck and I will be taking some photos of my endeavours to show you next time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd297YVF18XX_w1N2aejpgaYcsTuQzjJD7kigFUJmkXgRJf25Nq9JHCJ57I9eNnAVqrKO_7BP40NWqlmGJppXIHbHc152UKJeJy0VripFEwrecQvJ3uPYPX3qU7p9_fXd0K2OHL6u1LH0FXPCtt4IK384wusVH_I2hYeCbuVAK8YH39tMMLUIzRTUr/s640/BLOG.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd297YVF18XX_w1N2aejpgaYcsTuQzjJD7kigFUJmkXgRJf25Nq9JHCJ57I9eNnAVqrKO_7BP40NWqlmGJppXIHbHc152UKJeJy0VripFEwrecQvJ3uPYPX3qU7p9_fXd0K2OHL6u1LH0FXPCtt4IK384wusVH_I2hYeCbuVAK8YH39tMMLUIzRTUr/s320/BLOG.03.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Whilst writing this today I have been waiting for the thunder and rain but as yet it is a no show here, which is disappointing to say the least, a good storm really does clear the air and no rain water for my <br />dyeing either ... feel a pout coming on here!!<p></p><p>In other news I must show you a find that I have. It was a few weeks ago now but two beautiful boxes of brand new but very old ink nibs for my dip pen. There are different sizes and widths in each box, which is original. I am over the moon with this precious find and will not need and nibs for years I should suspect. What do you think?</p><p>I have had really lots of fun in sorting through the boxes and popping different nibs on and seeing what they produce when dipped in sepia ink and the most gorgeous lilac ink as well.</p><p><br /></p><p>The sun has come out again and the sticky heat has returned once more, so I am off to make a further batch of fresh watermelon lemonade which is so refreshing especially over ice. A little rain dance may issue later in the day, so that I get my rain water and my garden can have a further drink! not to be captured on camera I am afraid!! I hope you all stay safe and find a lovely cool place to sit and stitch.</p><p>Take great care and as always Happy Stitching! </p><p><br /></p><p>Sarah XX</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-68144734095707059072022-06-29T05:55:00.002-07:002022-06-29T05:55:55.445-07:00A stitchers journey of slow stitching and journals ... and a beautiful Brocante!<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Every Stitch Adds To The History.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud7sOA3UtEq5eeYzTnEn90-dqkk8i7i8TGhsESzGJhipY5Y3ilpNXaWHjU4XJAVNHv0KCduuLOlfopaUDKtN6JO2pQ_05-dibqi0GIoHXOpJDRKV-0lEZOk3Op5nBKM8MQlCtpX_0Eu83t7cA_aOdfMAWZtPRpw39x8075VIio1YChHbG0JgiMGdi/s2016/BLOG24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud7sOA3UtEq5eeYzTnEn90-dqkk8i7i8TGhsESzGJhipY5Y3ilpNXaWHjU4XJAVNHv0KCduuLOlfopaUDKtN6JO2pQ_05-dibqi0GIoHXOpJDRKV-0lEZOk3Op5nBKM8MQlCtpX_0Eu83t7cA_aOdfMAWZtPRpw39x8075VIio1YChHbG0JgiMGdi/w303-h404/BLOG24.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">When I begin to come to the end of a project it is both sad and happy in equal measures somehow. The fabric and embroidery art is beginning to come alive, with each piece of vintage fabric with its own little story to tell and each tiny stitch you are effectively adding to its history with whispers of its past. From the age of the French antique linen that the design is being stitched onto, to the ages of the fabrics and every tiny thread and stitch you are bringing together a story </span><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";">of decades and history. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";">For me, at least, I get a little sad that this particular piece of art is finishing. It is like saying goodbye to a good friend at the end of a wonderful day. The happy part is sorting a fresh project with its own memories contained in its weave of antique fabric and linens and adding again to its story yet to come.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";">Getting all the components together laid out on my studio table, fabrics, threads, buttons and linens or quilt pieces along with my notes and little sketches, the anticipation of the new creative journey makes me happy indeed. At the end of everyday I always tidy a little and thread a few needles up ready to start afresh the next morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";">On dark days ( that happen even in the Summer) I have candles and twinkling lights and on hot sultry days I have the stable door half open and will be there with a cool breeze and the sounds of birds singing away. Sometimes I have my radio on and it is a really happy, cosy place to be. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";">Slow stitching really is a form of therapy for me and I feel so lucky and blessed to do what I love on a daily basis.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";">My journals and notebooks are very important to me and keeping forms of records of sayings and quotes or sketches and ideas. I am a wordsmith at heart and even a single word on a piece of stitchery can change it, it can evoke all sorts of thoughts about a piece. From Oscar Wilde, Lord Byron or Louisa May Alcott and so many more greats I borrow their words to merge with some of my stitchery.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";">I like to sketch little ideas for future project, just little rough sketches and ideas that I van embellish on as I go, but the essence of what I would like to achieve is there on that page with some words or quotes that again could add to its future history</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">I never travel without my diary, one should always have something sensational to read in the train!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Oscar Wilde.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3pctankNwqTx4I9Y53j_X3WDNHWGxt5FOYxd-nCNM8wV_85VHvjtNV3_Isrt1pmRxD-6y4pL9x790h6EBaFaPx_WN8-3pezPNSxF4pZ3mlkQ1rNBPqlm7FdTaGvqAhqKRLMD8KXmjNcPn9RHZwHiP8kPl16RD_fr2qvxiwzecPr5S1ypWJKXOFTe/s640/FAIR1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3pctankNwqTx4I9Y53j_X3WDNHWGxt5FOYxd-nCNM8wV_85VHvjtNV3_Isrt1pmRxD-6y4pL9x790h6EBaFaPx_WN8-3pezPNSxF4pZ3mlkQ1rNBPqlm7FdTaGvqAhqKRLMD8KXmjNcPn9RHZwHiP8kPl16RD_fr2qvxiwzecPr5S1ypWJKXOFTe/s320/FAIR1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">So last weekend I travelled to West Sussex to The Country Brocante Summer event and oh was it worth it. It was stunning. The event was held near Wisborough Green and you drove into a large field to park. Then you followed the bunting and laughter on a pathway through a little wooded area, which was dotted by stalls and craft people. One lady was weaving baskets. There were flowers and displays everywhere through the woods. Then it opened out into a large field and there in the twinkling sunlight were so many white marquees and gazebo's decorated beautifully. It was truffling heaven indeed. I know that I must have gasped, every little detail had been thought of, which included the ice cream tent being blue and white stripped so that you could see it out of all the white stalls. Several gorgeous coffee vans and a great cafe selling the most wonderful salads, which on such a warm day was just what was needed.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNiw1Fw-IXtG7XCxnfXBjwZeunwygdvTiceLxcwu_h6oLzy9Gw29ja6pVaSJFl2-dzmrleSxG5udKRi9nNABdknT22l50uIYLH6HXCyvuHbhBnCfVtAH5n6ve-hi5HGq7SqUR-jkZE2pJNJWJDaC_va8DTOdAvGSTXH6Y8DBMd38VfEcvzzumYZm-/s640/BLOG.redandwhitequiltpieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNiw1Fw-IXtG7XCxnfXBjwZeunwygdvTiceLxcwu_h6oLzy9Gw29ja6pVaSJFl2-dzmrleSxG5udKRi9nNABdknT22l50uIYLH6HXCyvuHbhBnCfVtAH5n6ve-hi5HGq7SqUR-jkZE2pJNJWJDaC_va8DTOdAvGSTXH6Y8DBMd38VfEcvzzumYZm-/s320/BLOG.redandwhitequiltpieces.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">So with my trusty basket I began to explore, it was like vintage heaven. I met up with some of my lovely friends Simone of Ayres and Graces, Sue of Suitably Vintage and Suzi of Hearts and Kisses. It was so good to see them. Simone and I worked out we had not seen each other in person for 4 years!!! catching up and the laughter was a true tonic. Now it was time to go and find treasure and in no particular order this is what I found.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I bought four double pieces of very old American quilt pieces, so when I cut them into each<br /> square I will have eight gorgeous quilt pieces for one of my workshops later in the year, A Christmas themed one of course! The colours our beautiful and there is a right amount of wear on them to make them even more beautiful in my opinion. What do you think?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFDvEUCIf98bSKpjUjtPVFTJwDHDij2g5s7IZbEPOVumvH6YMpvo0we9r9RvbQcF8V6bbPiaCF7nW1UhyWDH7gZ_DBUwjLjLgzy6VXR-VUitSDjAPN-2fpyLT1wIipz68DY7p8HlV9F9sZwHJNErkxkJm_nWo7rU6Yhyd6fHqyxxAGqXSiOXK7EEY/s640/BLOG.blueandwhitequiltpiece.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFDvEUCIf98bSKpjUjtPVFTJwDHDij2g5s7IZbEPOVumvH6YMpvo0we9r9RvbQcF8V6bbPiaCF7nW1UhyWDH7gZ_DBUwjLjLgzy6VXR-VUitSDjAPN-2fpyLT1wIipz68DY7p8HlV9F9sZwHJNErkxkJm_nWo7rU6Yhyd6fHqyxxAGqXSiOXK7EEY/s320/BLOG.blueandwhitequiltpiece.JPG" width="256" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br />From the same person I also bought a large piece of blue and white antique American quilt with stars. It has four square in total and I feel a beautiful wall hanging coming on with this piece of history. I really want to keep it all together and there will be words only stitched on this. My thought is that it will read "A bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars" What do you think about that. I really think it would suit this beautiful piece of old quilt.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I am imagining some really old and carved mother of pearl buttons on there too as I have some that are stars that I bought a few years ago for the right project to come along. They are very rare and feel this is the right project to stitch them onto.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzMQfIvvRL_B1W5AGeiyoTLDor5SHjzO7xSND_nyXmQUiIYTmOquzFsNE_YKWF60w-2BN4CCX1olQ_6wJxcwIct7bAm4yrNRe-CBtodLjElT76zX3KAuwGVG07JyXsDUcTGQaME5O7c8iAxJ7cdQPmXTsF3IvdC8uLolW_crQAHDcXrjNLxZysXp1/s640/BLOG.cottonreels.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzMQfIvvRL_B1W5AGeiyoTLDor5SHjzO7xSND_nyXmQUiIYTmOquzFsNE_YKWF60w-2BN4CCX1olQ_6wJxcwIct7bAm4yrNRe-CBtodLjElT76zX3KAuwGVG07JyXsDUcTGQaME5O7c8iAxJ7cdQPmXTsF3IvdC8uLolW_crQAHDcXrjNLxZysXp1/s320/BLOG.cottonreels.2.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I also added to my every growing collection of cotton reels, I love both Coates and Sylko threads. The Coates ones remind me of my beautiful old neighbour who worked for them and I am always<br /> thinking of what he said about some. I like to think when I am looking at them at a fair such as this, he is walking beside me and there nodding at my choices. The Sylko threads always have such wonderful names such as these Light Apple Green, Eau-de-nil, Parma Violet and Scarlett.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">A while ago now I found a old rolling pin in a charity shop </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsozp06iM3xLfRdRZBzymuakdNA03qiouN4Y85kKw9HifnUt6W8Hm0NJX0uktaoVgQWcmXM4EU9erzKHEJdX8pmYfzv9VU9xkn0i837syx1EXqyj30UgvJAKDKDcZLEuS_Hyx16lSZ22DZRlbm-t3r0ZKBMrKFH_2dKMncXdA8LDU_zo9iC8PDxCc8/s640/BLOG.nutbrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsozp06iM3xLfRdRZBzymuakdNA03qiouN4Y85kKw9HifnUt6W8Hm0NJX0uktaoVgQWcmXM4EU9erzKHEJdX8pmYfzv9VU9xkn0i837syx1EXqyj30UgvJAKDKDcZLEuS_Hyx16lSZ22DZRlbm-t3r0ZKBMrKFH_2dKMncXdA8LDU_zo9iC8PDxCc8/s320/BLOG.nutbrown.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br />in the little town I live in and it was a Nut Brown one. Beautiful china rolling pin with worn green wooden handles. So when I was truffling about imagine my delight that I spied a vintage tin mould made by Nut Brown as well with a star on the top. I could not believe my luck that in a field in West Sussex it was waiting patiently for me to find.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn9o8nhHngR9IoXAq5W8-lihlhuLnjg9Og0MgYgKA-_6T5RAZglzJwfpOKll_owNtYI4ghpO0uopbaE564Ggkic-8IiJxnxfyDfP2ICQ_-CrD_XWa_L5sAm0yvcuLLh0-Cm5VYGEWl31wNJ1iWv1MUW4BC2nZVKtNJ7nnM_g6BamcCjlXZRp5ojWj/s640/BLOG.littlethimble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn9o8nhHngR9IoXAq5W8-lihlhuLnjg9Og0MgYgKA-_6T5RAZglzJwfpOKll_owNtYI4ghpO0uopbaE564Ggkic-8IiJxnxfyDfP2ICQ_-CrD_XWa_L5sAm0yvcuLLh0-Cm5VYGEWl31wNJ1iWv1MUW4BC2nZVKtNJ7nnM_g6BamcCjlXZRp5ojWj/s320/BLOG.littlethimble.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">When I found Suzi Hearts'n'kisses I saw to my delight a little wall hanging stitched by her and it had Little Thimble stitched on it! Well now that had to come home with me. I have not put it up yet but it will get done this week. Thimble Cottage will be all the better for this piece of<br /> stitching in my porch somewhere I can tell you.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD93H0PiukLS96OfGGDM6yV6ewiPJ3v-y1GK5SHr22lifFpIPx9DKic-GqyzZYVqpsNtyiO_KqOZlATYvHFvuxFa6flWsgT_BfxFbb2W48OlSnz1XL8CTvCeJ8hvwUeyKTEOji1Fr0Xb74V5disWvMWV6tBlfVmkWVX3YT-qZ-PZlfa7lkXFWlT68W/s640/BLOG.spools1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD93H0PiukLS96OfGGDM6yV6ewiPJ3v-y1GK5SHr22lifFpIPx9DKic-GqyzZYVqpsNtyiO_KqOZlATYvHFvuxFa6flWsgT_BfxFbb2W48OlSnz1XL8CTvCeJ8hvwUeyKTEOji1Fr0Xb74V5disWvMWV6tBlfVmkWVX3YT-qZ-PZlfa7lkXFWlT68W/w203-h152/BLOG.spools1.jpg" width="203" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Further along in a smallish marquee there were some lovely vintage pieces and I never leave any stone or box <br />unturned for you do not know what may be waiting to be found. There were some antique wooden bobbins I thought but they turned out to be little spindles from chairs that were not used. I looked at them and took one out to see if it would stand on its own and to my joy it did. They were very dirty but I got some and and as you will see from the photos they were black. I got<br /> them home and put them in a large bowl of hot soapy water and gave them a good old fashioned scrub a dub dub. They dried over night on my drainer in the kitchen and then I gave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEfZvv8VNLBujt1Y3CTawORHXN9pmBtb7ecgrKl2pZTizWp8ZeAqby_JlzpRZ6pcmBFBvUcIJP-44McvxrRgINhoky6bjKTx54RQdsQvXV3av9YtoDzr6-KoEAb3x6Kx7QPvTv0iPMv-I2LtxYoj4sA4PZiDWAGR70kuC_1VC6PY-A1bnO9JOjNC_/s640/BLOG.spools2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEfZvv8VNLBujt1Y3CTawORHXN9pmBtb7ecgrKl2pZTizWp8ZeAqby_JlzpRZ6pcmBFBvUcIJP-44McvxrRgINhoky6bjKTx54RQdsQvXV3av9YtoDzr6-KoEAb3x6Kx7QPvTv0iPMv-I2LtxYoj4sA4PZiDWAGR70kuC_1VC6PY-A1bnO9JOjNC_/w185-h247/BLOG.spools2.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><br /> them a bees wax and polish and as you will see they are perfect for an idea I have for an Autumn workshop. I had designed something a while ago and was on the look out for something that was a little different but would work and I believe I have found them.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Now I know some of you will be wondering if I actually bought any small quilt pieces and gorgeous vintage eiderdown fabrics, well of course I would not disappoint you all .. grin. I bought from lots of different places there but it turned into quiet a beautiful haul of really outstanding little pieces for my stash and for projects yet to </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrS128Qqz8eAgcAme7r_y-7panqizfcYitH5Gl5FkwC4XVomrzRbRSXg5NVCtuopZenAHLJ5Zqthge3R_70-09d_3cZ1IgXyraOCXNBgGhQfZGY9qp_RKZ1QT76v_rPID8ewrspfLzt8-OyVYG7lG2kTXrE5RVg-zAIA9OI8FvFJoX71I8TMbaON7/s640/BLOG.fabrics.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrS128Qqz8eAgcAme7r_y-7panqizfcYitH5Gl5FkwC4XVomrzRbRSXg5NVCtuopZenAHLJ5Zqthge3R_70-09d_3cZ1IgXyraOCXNBgGhQfZGY9qp_RKZ1QT76v_rPID8ewrspfLzt8-OyVYG7lG2kTXrE5RVg-zAIA9OI8FvFJoX71I8TMbaON7/s320/BLOG.fabrics.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br />be. It is so wonderful when there are little bits of fabrics all in a basket to sort through, for me it is all part of the thrill of the truffle. When you spy little bits that are just you and what you are about in terms of creating it really makes you smile.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Hunting around I found a few more things, some old wax paper deeds which will be for a project and work shop at some point. Then I found two little hand thrown and painted jugs for my ever growing jug collection, they were so</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyu4OVvAu0XzUFr9YCBY2u_menpnrtFG-1adOUcUMCC_6S5M1qzxY3DAU96ruo9WVhwkseo4NJH9GTaBG8ewiaq6dIcKkBHlepkWgpAP_7kHQG3bMHM3dRqsIK6jd0gNMEqaDGojEioxAvCI6-d40qnpY2ceGsZZrULUC_v5fGJNuRZc65KwLNJ94/s640/BLOG.jugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyu4OVvAu0XzUFr9YCBY2u_menpnrtFG-1adOUcUMCC_6S5M1qzxY3DAU96ruo9WVhwkseo4NJH9GTaBG8ewiaq6dIcKkBHlepkWgpAP_7kHQG3bMHM3dRqsIK6jd0gNMEqaDGojEioxAvCI6-d40qnpY2ceGsZZrULUC_v5fGJNuRZc65KwLNJ94/s320/BLOG.jugs.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /> very pretty and do not take that much room up on my groaning dresser in the kitchen. They are very Summer related so they are on my dresser now and very happy indeed. One has a daisy with a little bee and the other a rose. Dear little things and great to put milk in serving someone a tea or coffee. Every jug in my cottage is used for something... They all have their moments in time.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">My last little purchase of the day was this dear little </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JNH6-Ah18Hx1R-McTxifAGdkVPDscYYtpAiZnakQqvzyqXP1HvMTDtu0DKijf5VL_ROnnbvshiQ2lg9TvPst714JBAS-KGh0v9ZI9Pqw8Z6IcPEHZIN9HepxfkfpqbLjhAs1QmL2-hpS_HwT7uJU3qF4MAMJCBM4EKWNXPyoregQc1hOS4-v4_rP/s640/BLOG.card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JNH6-Ah18Hx1R-McTxifAGdkVPDscYYtpAiZnakQqvzyqXP1HvMTDtu0DKijf5VL_ROnnbvshiQ2lg9TvPst714JBAS-KGh0v9ZI9Pqw8Z6IcPEHZIN9HepxfkfpqbLjhAs1QmL2-hpS_HwT7uJU3qF4MAMJCBM4EKWNXPyoregQc1hOS4-v4_rP/s320/BLOG.card.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br />antique card and at the back of it there is the senders hand written message, I just could not resist at all and I think you will all see why as well.. It is delightful and I really do not know what to do with it except put it into a glass frame back and front and hanging it in my studio, where it can be removed from the frame from time to time to look at it all.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">On the Saturday the show ended at 4 and it was time to bid a farewell to a really beautiful fair and wonderful friends and exhibitors. The day was not quiet over as we went to a local old pub for a drink and a light bite before heading off back to Dorset once more.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings today and it has not been too long for you. Hoping you have enjoyed a peek into my sewing, journaling world along with a little peek of a wonderful weekend filled with treasures and laughter. I could have filled up this page with so many wonderful photos but I picked but a few.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Well that is it for today and hope you all have a wonderful weekend coming and enjoy this beautiful weather that we are still having here so far.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Take care and as always</span><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"> Happy Stitching!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fNjsmxrqsrNcXmlnBr82wCW3fQUhhq5MDc0HdzJPX23KTqjP2evS-T6nzcLRpBUnkHFjIbLEYgnkho8JZZNVVKP5vt04s3z0oWxtbcgNHK3GizyZEJuu_O9y6Rg7N1eJ9tpL9NkrJbhplHzpHCpfdYWUVkZRMI8liFzTGjG3WVPmGD8rp2oJ-Bwc/s640/BLOG.antiquepapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fNjsmxrqsrNcXmlnBr82wCW3fQUhhq5MDc0HdzJPX23KTqjP2evS-T6nzcLRpBUnkHFjIbLEYgnkho8JZZNVVKP5vt04s3z0oWxtbcgNHK3GizyZEJuu_O9y6Rg7N1eJ9tpL9NkrJbhplHzpHCpfdYWUVkZRMI8liFzTGjG3WVPmGD8rp2oJ-Bwc/w299-h399/BLOG.antiquepapers.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "PT Sans";"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-5696074996574637432022-06-24T06:45:00.003-07:002022-06-24T06:45:48.506-07:00Antique Quilts, beautiful, functional, tactile and Collectible.<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>We stitch together quilts of meaning to keep us warm and safe, with whatever patches of beauty and utility we have on hand.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Anne Lamott.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZr9nR0Jl_uzQCTCp1vwdIAbeq3mpehKtj6Pt8gUiOS_OFLZsk0Rg3m9_dM6KGW154F2F1rjRt4zUQEkevbx9nYGaXUJ2cnVGTu1IN6NhpSr7s4jps_JaV7ZZ3p6jStyxnqVaxJxt9_5QYum1oeKPO3gbu3XiP5LgDevU0h0hwgTbBW8mf0NP4WCEj/s2016/BLOG26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZr9nR0Jl_uzQCTCp1vwdIAbeq3mpehKtj6Pt8gUiOS_OFLZsk0Rg3m9_dM6KGW154F2F1rjRt4zUQEkevbx9nYGaXUJ2cnVGTu1IN6NhpSr7s4jps_JaV7ZZ3p6jStyxnqVaxJxt9_5QYum1oeKPO3gbu3XiP5LgDevU0h0hwgTbBW8mf0NP4WCEj/w314-h369/BLOG26.jpg" width="314" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">The other morning the postman knocked on my door and handed me a fairly large box. I could not think what was nestled inside. Pondering over the package I sipped at my morning coffee. Well I thought just open it up then.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">I carefully opened the box and inside was a beautifully wrapped something in brown paper tied with a beautiful ribbon around it. There was a beautifully hand written "Thank you" on the brown paper. I began to carefully open it up and a gorgeous antique, red and white quilt was folded neatly and smelt beautifully fresh and hand washed. I could not believe it, the I remembered seeing the patterned fabric and remembered purchasing, what I thought was a large piece of antique quilt, however this was very much a whole complete antique quilt. This tells you I had purchased a bargain.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Eagerly I opened it out to reveal a hand quilted large quilt. The tiny neatly hand stitched had nine to an inch.. it was old. Looking closer and doing a happy jiggle dance at the same time I saw it was not pieced but printed fabrics, each side different and all in glorious red and white. I looked carefully and could see that the red was indeed in Turkey red, Oh the joy!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KnSPpWCJME6ztJieWU-t3TDBGxxpoyKJVfAldRQNvDU4lYvPGb62DxisVX-tu0RKcoyQXa5ebHbXZTBDUt4hb6HimOJFMbKQBPk4gv-p-8ZzAGI6KMjxBazbHgiQKevI-vdLRSZnu2rMSPTIlzlYxkTGrh7mWwE-xSpPvJWPgqE3ZWYeSVB26Ndx/s1802/BLOG27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1802" data-original-width="1802" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KnSPpWCJME6ztJieWU-t3TDBGxxpoyKJVfAldRQNvDU4lYvPGb62DxisVX-tu0RKcoyQXa5ebHbXZTBDUt4hb6HimOJFMbKQBPk4gv-p-8ZzAGI6KMjxBazbHgiQKevI-vdLRSZnu2rMSPTIlzlYxkTGrh7mWwE-xSpPvJWPgqE3ZWYeSVB26Ndx/s320/BLOG27.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">For those of you who do not know about Turkey Red cotton, it is a complex dyeing<br /> process which involved many steps and some caustic chemicals. It has a distinctive wearing pattern as the yarn was dyed and then woven into fabric. The colour stays bright but the process causes the threads to wear which when it ages you can see little white striations there in. It was widely used to dye cotton in the 18th and 19th Century. It is made using the root of the Rubia plant and is a long and laborious process and originated in Turkey and said to have been brought to Europe in around the 1740's.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">In France Turkey Red is known as rouge d'Andrinople . Anyway I wondered if I could find out more about this process and upon searching I found from the notes of a Manchester dyer in 1786.</span></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style-image: url("/w/skins/Vector/resources/common/images/bullet-icon.svg?d4515"); margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">1. Boil cotton in lye of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barilla" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Barilla">Barilla</a> or wood ash</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">2. Wash and dry</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">3. Steep in a liquor of Barilla ash or soda plus sheep's dung and olive oil</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">4. Rinse, let stand 12 hours, dry</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 three times.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">6. Steep in a fresh liquor of Barilla ash or soda, sheep's dung, olive oil and white argol (potassium tartrate).</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">7. Rinse and dry</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 three times.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">9. Treat with gall nut solution</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">10. Wash and dry</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 once.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">12. Treat with a solution of alum, or alum mixed with ashes and Saccharum Saturni (lead acetate).</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">13. Dry, wash, dry.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">14. Madder once or twice with Turkey <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madder" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Madder">madder</a> to which a little sheep's blood is added.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">15. Wash</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">16. Boil in a lye made of soda ash or the dung liquor</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">17. Wash and dry.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey_red#cite_note-2" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a></sup></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">So as you can see from the above it was a long process and not terribly appealing!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Originally when I thought I had purchased a large piece of antique quilt it was for cutting up and making things but this quilt will not see a pair of scissors it would be sacrilege in my humble opinion. Having to re-think about making something with the quilt to "it's a keeper" is a pure pleasure and a wonderful unexpected surprise. I will go truffling to find some red and white quilt again and smile at my good fortune. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Here in Dorset we have had the most glorious weather of late, really very warm but it has been wonderful sat outside under a huge umbrella for shade at the table. Hand stitching out there and watching the birds busy hunting around for worms to feed </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF6Dae6D_nsGg9_Vh9FMsSVjMhCs9IQ_6K5bmOHZnhcPKPYLLN4di0v_NsCVThb2xNtWXnNddwWnmGucw0Vce9LdU7tlDKMbHU-1ihtpxGOgZIGvaTLTUaypzDZQEUvtNqWs6VBPEhKbSEpgqw3BCeI_kXeyLr7S5RQVjGhQlWWE6L4XDzZFkNoLH/s2016/BLOG25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF6Dae6D_nsGg9_Vh9FMsSVjMhCs9IQ_6K5bmOHZnhcPKPYLLN4di0v_NsCVThb2xNtWXnNddwWnmGucw0Vce9LdU7tlDKMbHU-1ihtpxGOgZIGvaTLTUaypzDZQEUvtNqWs6VBPEhKbSEpgqw3BCeI_kXeyLr7S5RQVjGhQlWWE6L4XDzZFkNoLH/s320/BLOG25.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br />their young and the bees so diligently at going from flower to flower collecting pollen, it is the Summer sounds of a little garden I love with the warmth bringing the sweet smells of lavender and roses carried in the warm air.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Bee's do have a smell you know, and if they do not they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b> Ray Bradbury.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Tonight I think a walk down by the river to check on the family of swans. Originally they had eight signats but it seems only four have survived. I took this photo early one morning by the River Stour and hope that they still have their four young.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">This year I have not spotted our otters yet, probably I am not early enough to be honest with you, it is one of my Summer joys seeing their beautiful and inquisitive faces staring at you from the water, makes me smile so.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Here at Thimble my studio remains lovely and cool to retreat to and remains a good heat to work in. It is not good when hands get to warm and the needle slips through your fingers.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">This weekend I am off to a Vintage Brocante and I am so looking forward to it, I am</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn4sVgryAmZHqaBknQV6IpVhBIp04D4RbasiZ_28VSuD7XdfwP1iDagIKjirV2dC0n4HrhAKx6JKS2LkvO7IHi8u6OkdQG_eqsG-fjyT3-3QnBae82ACzbR9Ucmrzxniyi6abLniVnawERfPcoVlmdDWiRk0TH-d0SlWT13PcZkE8XKygGEgj6RMb/s2016/BLOG28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn4sVgryAmZHqaBknQV6IpVhBIp04D4RbasiZ_28VSuD7XdfwP1iDagIKjirV2dC0n4HrhAKx6JKS2LkvO7IHi8u6OkdQG_eqsG-fjyT3-3QnBae82ACzbR9Ucmrzxniyi6abLniVnawERfPcoVlmdDWiRk0TH-d0SlWT13PcZkE8XKygGEgj6RMb/s320/BLOG28.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /> not sure what the weather will be like but as it is mostly in large marquees it really does not matter to me.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Wandering around truffling for treasures and meeting up and catching up with friends is such a delight. After 2 years of no fairs at all and not seeing friends in person, I no longer take it for granted at all, because of Covid I am sure we all appreciate our freedom so much more, I know I do.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Well I hope you all have enjoyed today's musings and mutterings from here in beautiful Dorset and hope you all have a really wonderful weekend.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">As always be careful and take care and of course </span><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Stitching!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-9552901018464237172022-06-06T10:51:00.003-07:002022-06-06T10:51:32.299-07:00Threads of time studio <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xrazQ1cZuAY" width="320" youtube-src-id="xrazQ1cZuAY"></iframe></div><br /> A peek inside and out of my studio, where I will be taking workshops.<p></p><p>If you are interested please email me for further details.</p><p> Come to my table and share with me warm gingerbread cookies and cinnamon tea ❤️</p><p>All the slow stitched projects will be created from gorgeous antique French linens and antique fabrics. Tuition all day and a homemade lunch are included.</p><p><br /></p><p>I hope you enjoy the little video .</p><p>Sarah xx</p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-50548149169028491372022-05-26T06:13:00.003-07:002022-05-26T09:00:39.254-07:00Inspiration, fabric art and the wonderful Decorative Living vintage fair.<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaES5tggTpFaU-UrwGYBJiEUdC8Y8MAmgsm4H8R0dx33nthmAjQPDdIFfyJQG_ZpN20GC8pgiMlW61-fy-cSVNQ1zrpsHtFpGPBH4MGK57jBPsccPFsdFeKiflf93lXX_vbbACupfepq3wTe97oIc9-rrlCLX90U9onp5NveDHipSriv61Hj9WGgzJ/s1483/BLOG%20HOMEPAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1483" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaES5tggTpFaU-UrwGYBJiEUdC8Y8MAmgsm4H8R0dx33nthmAjQPDdIFfyJQG_ZpN20GC8pgiMlW61-fy-cSVNQ1zrpsHtFpGPBH4MGK57jBPsccPFsdFeKiflf93lXX_vbbACupfepq3wTe97oIc9-rrlCLX90U9onp5NveDHipSriv61Hj9WGgzJ/w410-h247/BLOG%20HOMEPAGE.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Without craftmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Johannes Brahms.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">W</span><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">hen I get to the end of my sewing day, I really like to tidy my work space, thread a few needles in preparation for the next morning it brings some order to the start of my working day somehow. It stays where it is but a bit of getting rid of snippets of cut off threads, hearts are cut from little pieces of fabrics and popped into my jar of hearts and then snippets for mice go in that jar. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I am not hugely tidy when I stitch and sort through gorgeous fabrics and threads to create but its better for my creative side to start off this way at least!!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2tU4xHo714xyHMEAedfFu-aw_cHMdbTHpQGhtA3GM1GSbCgtu-S9LNJUNYsNZjT8gAgOlGDcIFs4f9WbDn0RFXGJzX4aPZxuKyuo4MfCluhsKCNjZ6Cii4CzKJSyT6vjxiY5KyCGV6ibTrFjWH5OArtlFlPxKnO83e8GmntR_lzlaROmi-eKbPFD/s2016/BLOG1.1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2tU4xHo714xyHMEAedfFu-aw_cHMdbTHpQGhtA3GM1GSbCgtu-S9LNJUNYsNZjT8gAgOlGDcIFs4f9WbDn0RFXGJzX4aPZxuKyuo4MfCluhsKCNjZ6Cii4CzKJSyT6vjxiY5KyCGV6ibTrFjWH5OArtlFlPxKnO83e8GmntR_lzlaROmi-eKbPFD/s320/BLOG1.1.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">The last few days have been about designing and also taking photos. The other weekend I went off to the wonderful Decorative Living fair and it did not disappoint. The weather was perfect to sit outside and take in the delicious views and sip a lovely cup of coffee and also to eat lunch. I managed to truffle around and find some wonderful bits and pieces and catch up with dear friends, It was a beautiful and relaxing weekend indeed. I found this little hand painted textile design from Lyon in France for a silk manufacturer .. it is dated 1902 and it is simply stunning. It is now with my framer and will grace my bedroom wall I think. It is so simplistic and stunning. The colours and hues look like it was only just painted. There is no fading at all.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">On the same stall which specialised in old papers and cards I also found this delightful card which is really a Birthday wishes card I found these mice who were just too cute to over look. I love mice, not in my kitchen you understand ( unless they have</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNapSKSrUWQxnbzFMapVQGypV6DhIx17U_8G0gl-lH-EdqfXpREG_WQD6KD1-rI6xA6k2WUUCqmQHn5oW_sT-9pbLmnWtYDHqeS7_BVr8rNanjwObDFWip2s5oSpo5drhOc6pE8ewDFEh7FbVjV5NLHMQQmkOTY04A8ZrLKwFEwiwmFkKUfBMCYad/s2016/BLOG1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNapSKSrUWQxnbzFMapVQGypV6DhIx17U_8G0gl-lH-EdqfXpREG_WQD6KD1-rI6xA6k2WUUCqmQHn5oW_sT-9pbLmnWtYDHqeS7_BVr8rNanjwObDFWip2s5oSpo5drhOc6pE8ewDFEh7FbVjV5NLHMQQmkOTY04A8ZrLKwFEwiwmFkKUfBMCYad/s320/BLOG1.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /> little waistcoats on as Beatrix Potter favoured) however when there is such a wonderful depiction of them in a watercolour how could you resist at all. I photographed them on a piece of old quilt and with two of my antique carved mother of pearl buttons .... They appear to have made a cosy home in an old envelope and look very happy and cosy, would you not agree? </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMOR-xcq6ZlDnppU2Ikars7b56fiel2Zxx8AHbqUu08CfVijQ7C61znK8ua3lSuc0gnS8eGXlSsMG8oOdK7jk99LNusJB0Jm6gcMEv1p5Jj8UxliUZb7a5G59jUJTQmHsxdZH-GOBBV1Z8cecATQyedMn_-o0g8RhPdnmKXSCiERGIHHNDfMGXDvY/s640/BLOG1.1.2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMOR-xcq6ZlDnppU2Ikars7b56fiel2Zxx8AHbqUu08CfVijQ7C61znK8ua3lSuc0gnS8eGXlSsMG8oOdK7jk99LNusJB0Jm6gcMEv1p5Jj8UxliUZb7a5G59jUJTQmHsxdZH-GOBBV1Z8cecATQyedMn_-o0g8RhPdnmKXSCiERGIHHNDfMGXDvY/s320/BLOG1.1.2.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I have been searching for a boite d'allumettes for a while now, an antique large match box that was hung either in kitchens or by a fire and I finally found one that I fell in love with instantly. It is made from wood and hand painted. This would not have been from a grand house but therefore it is perfect for Thimble cottage. It is so simply and faded and to me stunning rather than a china one. It has come home with me and I want to now repaint the Chimney breast and refresh it in my lounge, as can you believe I moved to Thimble 2 years ago and it has flown by. Then it will be fixed to one side near the log burner. This is a job for this <br />coming weekend I hope.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsV8URqvjGbsV9hS8PAO99gwNKkrNnPwIhk0mLENNoLQaGYX7XiSxplooDqhQcbH5ciBm259QWgeSIHHL0EN50lzKSCfijcPv0PMIUH3ixC8UbuqpVsUGqg2T5tr0S8clNhid5rSjzGqDePBqiiIvxFGdTf48qKSk1vdHRlW4GjylxfEQ3U34MUUX/s640/BLOG1.1.3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsV8URqvjGbsV9hS8PAO99gwNKkrNnPwIhk0mLENNoLQaGYX7XiSxplooDqhQcbH5ciBm259QWgeSIHHL0EN50lzKSCfijcPv0PMIUH3ixC8UbuqpVsUGqg2T5tr0S8clNhid5rSjzGqDePBqiiIvxFGdTf48qKSk1vdHRlW4GjylxfEQ3U34MUUX/s320/BLOG1.1.3.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">In addition on the same stall I managed to find the most scrummy of cake plates in red and white. I have been keeping and eye out for some time now and there it was actually next to the match box. I could not believe my luck. I like to sometimes pile different round cheeses up and decorate with edible flowers when I have friends around for cheese and wine... I think it looks beautiful and thought it<br /> would look good on this colour antique plate. So happy with my carefully wrapped purchases I kept on wandering around this most beautiful of fairs..</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIInoNl7BOgVYSY758uUaSQqGHOqsrGcbERwWY5pPSK_6yu9YCeS2EYXYTBdh_yOfeyAl1tGWJM25Q67X0qotPmwo6kvSy1hD7nA1gn5KJSuW7Pp6sQDImlAo8dkSBT3zegaVjFYeaYifQVh-ts_aUfUjIXNSYZygpmTdR2XtbK4ZXrrsD1aMZiOYG/s640/BLOG1.1.4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIInoNl7BOgVYSY758uUaSQqGHOqsrGcbERwWY5pPSK_6yu9YCeS2EYXYTBdh_yOfeyAl1tGWJM25Q67X0qotPmwo6kvSy1hD7nA1gn5KJSuW7Pp6sQDImlAo8dkSBT3zegaVjFYeaYifQVh-ts_aUfUjIXNSYZygpmTdR2XtbK4ZXrrsD1aMZiOYG/s320/BLOG1.1.4.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br />I also bought some really beautiful old round boxes one was a medium size and two tiny ones. I thought they were really beautiful. One for staging in photos and two you could make some tiny little things like brooches or something like that and use them as gift boxes for the recipient ... They were also wrapped carefully not to squish them and got home safely as you can see.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEind_fDW6ZtjPqrrFdKucDyqOTX_rEVZUc96R0jqyFyGnCOP28Q9u-PX2GJR5A6pXElrsvBzW3FtLe2dQyUXa4RR3UCkLW4-UUomb-PfVwq1sJYp1GabTnMsQcEJkNj_Ce7qejllrwAwniN7_OzvpeIFnbws7jMdHcBNCqcq4s5EFhpdXvRjkqt7Zz_/s640/BLOG1.1.5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEind_fDW6ZtjPqrrFdKucDyqOTX_rEVZUc96R0jqyFyGnCOP28Q9u-PX2GJR5A6pXElrsvBzW3FtLe2dQyUXa4RR3UCkLW4-UUomb-PfVwq1sJYp1GabTnMsQcEJkNj_Ce7qejllrwAwniN7_OzvpeIFnbws7jMdHcBNCqcq4s5EFhpdXvRjkqt7Zz_/s320/BLOG1.1.5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">It was at this point it was coffee time and I found<br /> somewhere to sit outside and take in the breath taking views .. the coffee was welcome and it was one of the best I had tasted in a long time. I like my coffee black with no sugar and if it is burnt or old coffee you can taste it because no sugar or cream/milk means there is no masking of taste at all. The sun was shinning and you could hear lots of laughter and chatter. Two ladies sat at a table in front of me and proceeded to pop a cloth on the table and get out all kinds of goodies from a antique picnic basket, it was such a delightful sight as you can see and done with such style I thought.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzO8o-0BX1goXqg_dkC_HW0Jdp5S4yuBsmMEm-ihL2LKPR-RNPwVq1zzGPMI06ZtT35TaudLkf-kTLVTht2ZdWDmnjECqHf1ey8zW2bFevB5uG3v73DNqud11iMFlE8U7gHtYn2JvqWcSQpN4SQ9BEHWu__1bdn11PAOkGF3yFRjH6-DrX5j1JTrz/s640/BLOG1.1.6.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzO8o-0BX1goXqg_dkC_HW0Jdp5S4yuBsmMEm-ihL2LKPR-RNPwVq1zzGPMI06ZtT35TaudLkf-kTLVTht2ZdWDmnjECqHf1ey8zW2bFevB5uG3v73DNqud11iMFlE8U7gHtYn2JvqWcSQpN4SQ9BEHWu__1bdn11PAOkGF3yFRjH6-DrX5j1JTrz/s320/BLOG1.1.6.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I was off again and found a friend of mine Sue and she and her lovely husband had a stall there and I was able to find a selection of some wonderful pieces of antique quilts. I actually had a little list of colours etc I was looking for so I was able to tick those off my list.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Then to my joy I found a most rare find of a long strip of hexagon antique quilt, it is about 2 mtrs long and 12 or so inches wide. It was coming home with me. you can see some of it on the very top photo with the large reel of mile long cotton on top. The J P Coates large cotton reel was a truffling find but not at this fair. I have emailed J P Coates to see if they can date it for me. It was most certainly a prop for a shop, I believe but I would love it dated. My old neighbour who used to work for Coates for over fifty years and would have loved to see it and imparted his knowledge of it to me over a coffee, however if you are a regular reader you will know he died some years ago now. I miss him so much for so many reasons but that we would chat threads for hours, well that is what I miss I guess the most along with his humour.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDp7omMjo_CDMiHuddelA7p_i8qZI-4GruSkYbG_nZgO-9SGrDw1KWZY8oJK_wbBcwop7lRl2k1klnaxoNoXl3W4HkHE3xQu1QaWr7dgqgtvjQQDZKS5hFwCao_siowl4uKuVwMyWNpj9aDr5czBodnLVQgwlW_8FUoLnrj83uFndobpxxsAhkrZF/s640/BLOG1.1.7.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDp7omMjo_CDMiHuddelA7p_i8qZI-4GruSkYbG_nZgO-9SGrDw1KWZY8oJK_wbBcwop7lRl2k1klnaxoNoXl3W4HkHE3xQu1QaWr7dgqgtvjQQDZKS5hFwCao_siowl4uKuVwMyWNpj9aDr5czBodnLVQgwlW_8FUoLnrj83uFndobpxxsAhkrZF/s320/BLOG1.1.7.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I spied a gorgeous quilt panel too and I am really not sure what to do with it except maybe try<br /> date it and stitch the date onto it and frame it. Sometime there is no need to add anything to a piece this large and beautiful. It will hang somewhere at Thimble and will indeed be treasured. I thought about stitching a quote on it but I am at the moment unconvinced.<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was so happy with my treasures and went back to the car to take them out of my basket and go back. Having gone back in I could smell this most wonderful aroma and saw a lady had a candle burning on her stall of handmade candles. It was wild rose and I bought one for me to light and keep in the hallway. When you have that alight for a few hours the smell goes through the cottage and makes it smell of Summer!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I bought a few packs of scrap fabrics but have already started on them so they did not get a photo, sorry about that. It was a great weekend catch up with friends and in truffling heaven.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So I have been sorting through the fabric and quilt pieces. Writing down what I paid and folding and putting away. I have had some great ideas for projects and generally having a wonderful time in my Threads of Time Studio. Sorting through things and tidying up for workshops.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My Mum has been somewhat poorly and other issues so that has taken up a few weeks of May to be honest. She is still with us, much thinner and she does not really talk BUT she holds our hands and smiles at us and that is worth its wait in treasure. I do take her in bits to show her and I chat about my stitching. She listens and smiles even though she was never a sewer herself and indeed my Sister takes after her. My love of it comes from my Fathers side and would be my Great great great Grandma. She was a quilter and sailed over on a ship to Canada. She lived in Old Alresford originally and settled in Ontario I believe if my memory serves me. I have a photo of her and her life story from a distant cousin who has a journal of hers. I must look for my information and tell you about her some day soon. She was very talented apparently and loved to cook and sew. I love those two things as well.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Life here at Thimble is busy and I love this dear little cottage so much. My foxgloves I planted when I got here have multiplied and the show this year is so wonderful. The rose is growing around my rose arch slowly but surely and my herb and edible flower bed I planted is growing up every year. I am in my third year here and very happy indeed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Well I think you are all up to date ish... I did go on a truffle this last weekend somewhere else so I will show you that next time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have a wonderful weekend and as always take good care of you....</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Happy Stitching!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sarah XX</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaQSGfTZSHSma4ycwgkKbhk97J210OpJ4M-FVq9LXQHTPGHyaENuYTc8VrEvAkqIqxWPefyQYVW1Llg2PZqg7KgbY9epesSoW6t6LOokWNyQ14Yxi1bYSCZBvJmvL9ggM50mEK7TksVVteW3c62hzljOFf2UA2g1vxzAPk4DlwhIVlw-0gF_qgSG-/s1280/BLOG1.1.8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaQSGfTZSHSma4ycwgkKbhk97J210OpJ4M-FVq9LXQHTPGHyaENuYTc8VrEvAkqIqxWPefyQYVW1Llg2PZqg7KgbY9epesSoW6t6LOokWNyQ14Yxi1bYSCZBvJmvL9ggM50mEK7TksVVteW3c62hzljOFf2UA2g1vxzAPk4DlwhIVlw-0gF_qgSG-/w446-h446/BLOG1.1.8.JPG" width="446" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">My foxgloves and in there somewhere are 3 rusty tin chickens, you can just see some of one of them, I think I need to go rescue them and bring them forward... don't you?</p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-68810197962793209932022-05-11T05:16:00.004-07:002022-05-11T05:41:31.685-07:00The gentle art ... of little tiny stitches.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Love the life you have imagined.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thoreau </span><span style="font-size: medium;">1817 - 1862</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Dancing Script"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Dancing Script"; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJz6Qo-0wigs6RoxI97eazyXUnDRxS6z-TIgYRDLgH4QadyeBHycC64w2EMqS4qxnkQBnI4oeCR43slJK6rjzyUr_26lrN7tZD845g8-DWl9YRKvjn2-NPBPXhygJ8oKNc5LNto5sqISeYjTs-Tx0ulTVdqvHfDovxaadcyCKm9vl1mp7DFdOCUoP/s2016/BLOG%20cozy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJz6Qo-0wigs6RoxI97eazyXUnDRxS6z-TIgYRDLgH4QadyeBHycC64w2EMqS4qxnkQBnI4oeCR43slJK6rjzyUr_26lrN7tZD845g8-DWl9YRKvjn2-NPBPXhygJ8oKNc5LNto5sqISeYjTs-Tx0ulTVdqvHfDovxaadcyCKm9vl1mp7DFdOCUoP/s320/BLOG%20cozy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VdctAd7TR8maUKoZ1vsNu9JSCzhTw6CwjuFkV5XUJw7QkBC8etVDV50kHHc6jpDeXuADFu4GrLwg9uFejIngmUAnF5vUKGDh22YBo1SQuG2CyFHwUUiLitHJ5JD1PSuXNX10qnRk2_7nDtqwSUvoZ4bDlmWV8JtclTR7s6n3xIhalEckFc47NTl5/s640/BLOG%20Thimble%20porch1.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VdctAd7TR8maUKoZ1vsNu9JSCzhTw6CwjuFkV5XUJw7QkBC8etVDV50kHHc6jpDeXuADFu4GrLwg9uFejIngmUAnF5vUKGDh22YBo1SQuG2CyFHwUUiLitHJ5JD1PSuXNX10qnRk2_7nDtqwSUvoZ4bDlmWV8JtclTR7s6n3xIhalEckFc47NTl5/w143-h143/BLOG%20Thimble%20porch1.JPG" width="143" /></a></div>It is May already and I am not sure where this year is going, the world needs to slow down a little in my opinion. Although the days of the beginning of May are a little warmer the evenings are still chilly here in Dorset.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Thimble has under gone the yearly transition from Winter to Summer in the colours of the throws and different cushions. There are always plenty of throws around and candles to light. Cosy is the word along with my mind set of Hygge as well. "There's no place like home" - Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. The early Summer months can still bring a chill of an evening as I said, not cold <br />enough for an open fire but you need something. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">The porch at Thimble is rather large and so I am lucky enough to have a wardrobe out there to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1Q48GCEwFKv8K--49qIUfvMhl9lFiwH0zBxWPBDg0rONlEEG1My5BR5V3_SX6uDT9vcjWHUv1MTW5vKTBaxSfQWzYRsW6051ovvh-vWbUcQD_rWPeU-t2UnLJCZHN6x1PtK3pDrjznSOBnP4dXBzSpETlCNG7dlxirRlCpERcRmGMuQkqN5EwD5S/s640/BLOG%20Thimble%20Porch2.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1Q48GCEwFKv8K--49qIUfvMhl9lFiwH0zBxWPBDg0rONlEEG1My5BR5V3_SX6uDT9vcjWHUv1MTW5vKTBaxSfQWzYRsW6051ovvh-vWbUcQD_rWPeU-t2UnLJCZHN6x1PtK3pDrjznSOBnP4dXBzSpETlCNG7dlxirRlCpERcRmGMuQkqN5EwD5S/w176-h176/BLOG%20Thimble%20Porch2.JPG" width="176" /></a></div><br /> hang all my coats along with a beautiful Lloyd loom chair with a blanket across it and a patchwork cushion made of antique quilt. There is a small piece of quilt hanging on the wall over a hanger and some framed in a battered but beautiful frame. There is a lamp out there and candles too. It welcomes all who step inside. The quilt has changed to different piece with a lighter feel to it but to me it feels happy and cosy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">The little wall hanging that says Thimble Cottage that my beautiful <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuoIv1dkZwrvcIaq3iyZiYwLzSRDTyOOndCh6HCpmn4ER5kOKAzmK9Gd41IJLI0bQ33nqC5x-2J031YVeGPT0V5kTPIoybm3KMzxUGGGKnZEW5XsYBE1L1F8LnNWZo4QLFWtcKj6scNVuK-3Ad3chJZXgWt8ntLphLFnKWzS8Gp9iOWvtgQSxcY1m/s640/BLOG%20Thimble%20Porch3.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuoIv1dkZwrvcIaq3iyZiYwLzSRDTyOOndCh6HCpmn4ER5kOKAzmK9Gd41IJLI0bQ33nqC5x-2J031YVeGPT0V5kTPIoybm3KMzxUGGGKnZEW5XsYBE1L1F8LnNWZo4QLFWtcKj6scNVuK-3Ad3chJZXgWt8ntLphLFnKWzS8Gp9iOWvtgQSxcY1m/w117-h117/BLOG%20Thimble%20Porch3.JPG" width="117" /></a></div><br />friend Vintage Dahling had made for me by the equally beautiful Suzy Hearts who stitched it for me. It has pride of place and was the first thing that was put up when I moved in. When I got the keys to Thimble there was the post and there it was. It is beautiful and very precious to me indeed. There are always fresh flowers in a jug, sometimes picked or sometimes bought depending what's available at the time, I always have a smile when I open my door because I feel its such a welcoming sight.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Voltaire.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I had a beautiful long weekend and went truffling in Honiton and also to the Dorset Brocante, which was a stunning venue in Wimborne. The treasures that were found and came home with me! The weather was kind on the Bank Holiday, which made it all the better.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">It was in Wimborne at the magnificent Deans Court and there were rows upon rows of marquees outside to loose yourself in. I might of bought a quilt and a new cupboard, painted, chipped and gorgeous which has been put into my porch with the lamp on and the other one has been put into my bedroom. and that has now got books on it and candles.. When I got it all home a bit of a Spring clean went on to move things about. You will see the photos above.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Of course there were some fabrics, well linens actually and I bought some beauties. All at some point will be cut up and stitched upon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">One of my most beautiful pleasures is having my first cup of coffee in bed. The curtains are pulled the window wide open and my pillows all plumped up. I sit and listen to the bird song and stare out of the window sipping at my coffee. I have a pen and notepad and if my mind wanders to things I must do or remember or indeed an idea for a project jumps into my thoughts, I write it down as I go. That half hour is so precious to me and a real treat in my eyes. The new/old little table with a drawer and a bottom plinth, now in my bedroom has books on it that I am in the middle of reading and that frees up my bedside table a bit too. There is a little coloured glass vase with flowers in and I light the candle and it brings a beautiful warmth to a corner of the chimney breast that is in there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Benjamin Franklin.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">The cottage now is has had a bit of a re-arrange and spring clean and my sewing that had spread to my dinning room has been tidied up and is back in my studio and so today there is some sorting to do out there and then the gentle art will begin once more.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I want to get my watercolour paints out as well and do a little design work for a picture for myself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0S-FpzW0QZkTFfesCdqr4p5JGp4-2EZocwixNl-JH3rEsiyJOKaHWpAEbWICeE5vyPczGG6cSRqz2jdpv1tu5CIVbcPdoWs9hw24FAtcv58m1y2tESYAMXVS60eTAQdIP8In9Tw6Xt04bZWSwri7fSN5GhNI0dMMSr6SClZKMsQWWhQ5Nf4hzhyz/s640/blog.%20mixedmedia2.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0S-FpzW0QZkTFfesCdqr4p5JGp4-2EZocwixNl-JH3rEsiyJOKaHWpAEbWICeE5vyPczGG6cSRqz2jdpv1tu5CIVbcPdoWs9hw24FAtcv58m1y2tESYAMXVS60eTAQdIP8In9Tw6Xt04bZWSwri7fSN5GhNI0dMMSr6SClZKMsQWWhQ5Nf4hzhyz/s320/blog.%20mixedmedia2.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><br /> so I need to get a shake on and tidy up a little. I have often said it but to be an octopus with lots of hands would be great some days.. I found that with carrying around a little note book I can write things down and then do them later, without running off to sort something whilst being in the middle of something else!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">It will not be long now and I will be able to sit and stitch at the garden table as well and take in all the beautiful scents of the summer that fill the air with my roses starting to bud and my hanging sweet pea basket starting to sprout, its something else to look forward to.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Yesterday I was sorting through my little stash of hand dyed ribbons and writing down shades that I thought I might need. I have to tell you I bought a beautiful old green enamel bowl, which now hangs in the utility. It is just the right size to dye small batches of linen and I love it .. anyway next week I think a little natural dyeing might take place as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">This coming weekend I am off to Eridge Park to the Decorative Living Vintage Fair on Saturday, its a fairly long way a way from me so going on Friday evening and staying over night. It is always such a beautiful fair to be sure. It is on Friday and Saturday and I will be on the Saturday, hoping that there still will be some beautiful treasures to be found.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">The weather has been so very warm and then has turned colder and wet today. However on <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-SKjZPQM0sLf1VS309VeYow_VemfnZRLgurV7BZRAipBvKqPrC1Qnl6cFCYhRZXn8Io7KdxunCVBummMpf9y5PbSbbXeOn5n-A37KSUUcbuRMrH9uNUkqdKTAZnj3CBV5aHGnoFfogf19FkHxOr5OlSN5AKO3pNnH9eo6KRSvdsvGLRoHHem_zde/s640/BLOG%20Peanut%20toe%20beans.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-SKjZPQM0sLf1VS309VeYow_VemfnZRLgurV7BZRAipBvKqPrC1Qnl6cFCYhRZXn8Io7KdxunCVBummMpf9y5PbSbbXeOn5n-A37KSUUcbuRMrH9uNUkqdKTAZnj3CBV5aHGnoFfogf19FkHxOr5OlSN5AKO3pNnH9eo6KRSvdsvGLRoHHem_zde/s320/BLOG%20Peanut%20toe%20beans.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Monday my Sister came to stay for a couple of days and it was warm and beautiful. She brought with her Peanut her beautiful boy dog and we went for amazing walks through woods and by rivers. We were able to have lunch and dinner in the garden and I had picked a large bunch of cow parsley and popped it in a jug on the table outside. We had some wine and a Italian platter and sat there in the warmth. Caught up on all things girly and tried not to talk Mum as we adore her but sometimes its just nice to be care free - for a while anyway. Peanut was so happy and always cuddled up. I took a photo of his paws in the air. My gorgeous niece calls his pads "beans" so his feet are called toe beans!! Just take a look at how adorable they are! It was a real tonic to have some time together just us and oh yes Peanut too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">As I said today is a very wet day, such a contrast. Its cold and the rain is going sideways! So the fairy lights, lamps and candles are aglow. I have decided today I am going to do small pieces of slow stitching and sat in the lounge in a cosy chair with a quilt over me. A cinnamon tea is in order and that is where you will find me. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">So for today these are my ramblings and you have been brought up to date with Thimbles comings and goings. The slow stitching basket is out and the kettle is on. Its time to do some serious work.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead and the weather changes for the better. Take great care of yourselves and as always Happy Stitching All!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Sarah XX</span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIv8-m5ZyfECNKj75jljPlRZBA3w19c-4Y6SWtqsCCE2wbNqVoahRTGJA269K79L_NPw31ZEDAiAwfjGcozduUVRK9t6YLB6VIkJh3II97CEuhyoMOBXJ5qHnB6LW29fYF0egXq35f22cRQxri7EiPQaouWe1C3_ULpRB4GqGipWVRc4SbUT4sTEB/s640/blog.candleandfabric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIv8-m5ZyfECNKj75jljPlRZBA3w19c-4Y6SWtqsCCE2wbNqVoahRTGJA269K79L_NPw31ZEDAiAwfjGcozduUVRK9t6YLB6VIkJh3II97CEuhyoMOBXJ5qHnB6LW29fYF0egXq35f22cRQxri7EiPQaouWe1C3_ULpRB4GqGipWVRc4SbUT4sTEB/s320/blog.candleandfabric.JPG" width="230" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-8587331655428381272022-04-29T02:55:00.001-07:002022-04-29T03:19:46.959-07:00Adding to a story stitch by stitch.<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">To be creative is to let little pieces of your heart go and place them into each project you make.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Pat Bravo.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-FcCNA6hTaS4Er4UATM1b_YDP904nApPLo61G5wOdSSjQl4KfQCB3qiovKLZPq8OgZqeYNeKSoKDMTnUsNY-9s4bqPwaNBFdEse1fIv9S1LrGwN-b2Ns8VFb2bZNjwqNeG5jRNWxfbjI7Cnc-oUuezXYdOwERgKp25jnPvaqHZ_-h7Ly7A4cp5aH/s640/BLOG%20bird%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-FcCNA6hTaS4Er4UATM1b_YDP904nApPLo61G5wOdSSjQl4KfQCB3qiovKLZPq8OgZqeYNeKSoKDMTnUsNY-9s4bqPwaNBFdEse1fIv9S1LrGwN-b2Ns8VFb2bZNjwqNeG5jRNWxfbjI7Cnc-oUuezXYdOwERgKp25jnPvaqHZ_-h7Ly7A4cp5aH/s320/BLOG%20bird%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4CsvAzZkQ2toR4V9fwQnwtCER1d08S3h8nMu-DQ1wvTI8M61GosMQ00IOhzHdvkDkd7Z3VVYuz2NIiXNi5WHA2qNnc7lQdAkZcNGMQYql-nuJzs9YWLSEhgYvvl7-qiqEkdS3afGBTkONV2gRbbrbKVibkrXGci-OgNYuubAEvtf-_8R26RaeuPz/s640/BLOG%20pincushion%20bear.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4CsvAzZkQ2toR4V9fwQnwtCER1d08S3h8nMu-DQ1wvTI8M61GosMQ00IOhzHdvkDkd7Z3VVYuz2NIiXNi5WHA2qNnc7lQdAkZcNGMQYql-nuJzs9YWLSEhgYvvl7-qiqEkdS3afGBTkONV2gRbbrbKVibkrXGci-OgNYuubAEvtf-_8R26RaeuPz/w162-h216/BLOG%20pincushion%20bear.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>I am reminded every day I have the chance to pick up a needle and some thread and add to the story. To stitch together something beautiful and unique, to patch a small scrap of fabric to a piece, that I am truly blessed and happy. It is true what they say that sewing mends the soul and the mind. Happy am I to create and let my imagination go wild, a whimsical world in a way but the happiness and tranquillity that is felt is so wonderful. I do count myself very lucky, it is a very happy place.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">It has been very busy of late with stitching for workshops and putting together packs for those on each particular course. I have spread myself everywhere from the studio into the dinning room table so that<br /> everything can be checked and wrapped beautifully and its been supper on my lap in front of the log burner for a week.... not that I can complain but not so good for the posture! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Recently I have been to some vintage fairs and I went to two at the Malvern show ground. The first one was antiques inside so smaller items and I found some gorgeous silver antique pin cushions for my collection. The first is this most gorgeous and fairly rare bear. He makes me smile. The seller cleans all of his stock and there are two camps on this, to clean and polish or to not. I am not sure what I feel and probably sit on the fence on this one. Sometimes it makes them look newer than they really are. I love this little chap and so happy that he has come home to live with me.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI5oScYa8MK_zutg_inAVNAIFEp8lQzam5ecf-heEFBbBIh1ukIjwPqYmQEzf_XZ-E586cEavywKLReURWDW7lpYgNz6e-wlQ5adTrbusAcsUIV5sZFyW6-cgAVMgQ9DodvrupIhhiCMEx62Krg1CbnUEXRxezxySPHnFol6UGKmxKauGArGRZ6So/s640/BLOG%20pincushion%20frog.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI5oScYa8MK_zutg_inAVNAIFEp8lQzam5ecf-heEFBbBIh1ukIjwPqYmQEzf_XZ-E586cEavywKLReURWDW7lpYgNz6e-wlQ5adTrbusAcsUIV5sZFyW6-cgAVMgQ9DodvrupIhhiCMEx62Krg1CbnUEXRxezxySPHnFol6UGKmxKauGArGRZ6So/w187-h249/BLOG%20pincushion%20frog.jpg" width="187" /></a></div><br />The second find was this beautiful silver frog and I photographed him on my antique hexagon pincushion as I thought it looked like a beautiful vintage and whimsical lily pad!<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">He makes me smile too, what is so lovely is that they all sit in one of my antique printer boxes that are hung on the wall in my office. Each has its own little cubby hole and my collection is growing. I am lucky enough to own some beauties and I have 7 of them. I was looking for the silver chick with the yellow fabric in the body. I was so shocked at the price they reach, between £200 and £495 .... The ones that have red or green fabric are cheaper by a long way but to me, do not look like chicks at all.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Then a few weeks later, Easter Monday in fact I went to Malvern again and this time it was inside and out, the sun was shinning and warm and I met so many friends there too. At one point I had a bundle of goodies in my arms and a basket full, Apparently they could just see my feet scurrying along with vintage fabrics and a welsh blanket and three old fire buckets running about! It must of looked like Paddington bear on the loose!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Last weekend I made my way to the Vintage Bazaar in Frome and again met up with some dear dear friends, one of which I had not seen in person since 2018! I think when we saw one another we squealed! The VB is one of my absolute favourites, Not huge, never over priced both to get in or to purchase and boy do you find some great things. Some fairs now are around £35 - £65 just to walk through the door, which is somewhat eating in to your spendies.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Then joy of joys this Bank Holiday Monday there is a fair just down the road from me in Wimborne in Dorset and I am very much looking forward to attending this one. Beautiful big house, marquees and stands outside too. After not attending any for years due to Covid they are all opening their doors once more. It is so wonderful to see things in the flesh and not online, there is something about sorting through antique fabrics. Looking at the patterns up close and of course the feel or worn fabric so soft and gentle. Always I wonder if it could speak and the history of its life, who owned it and what it used to be. Soak in the atmosphere and of course bump into great friends, make new ones and have a coffee and a chat with some as I did in </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU62UtIOVAPkZVy8QYVxQV4uP3qDiQOaFriQYEUewIUi8CpkgcnEcc5kQNGKUklc1lXaoh_UGdu7OXDYVe3O6chhQ8s31A3GwRFLn_JPPD94oYNnXxJMmjCxZ9rjmTiWZFg1ZWLRiFddvbWCEqFWfS0OAUIBJU3lcSmS5-zCsk-VPZ001lENOmseg/s640/BLOG%20sculptures%201.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU62UtIOVAPkZVy8QYVxQV4uP3qDiQOaFriQYEUewIUi8CpkgcnEcc5kQNGKUklc1lXaoh_UGdu7OXDYVe3O6chhQ8s31A3GwRFLn_JPPD94oYNnXxJMmjCxZ9rjmTiWZFg1ZWLRiFddvbWCEqFWfS0OAUIBJU3lcSmS5-zCsk-VPZ001lENOmseg/s320/BLOG%20sculptures%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Frome... there is nothing quite like it ...<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The last time I wrote a blog the first week of this month I said I was off out somewhere special and promised to tell you about it. It is in Dorchester which again is just down the road from me and called Sculptures by the Lakes. It is outstanding. Set in 26 acres of land there are lakes and they have 50 sculptures dotted around it is breath taking. It is owned by Simon Gudgeon and his wife Monique. Simon is the main sculpture there. The photo were you can see my feet at the edge of a bridge over a lake has a sculpture in the water which are words and they say .. " Love builds bridges where there are none" This place is magical. Walking around all the amazing sculptures you realise that the plants are outstanding the colours and the hundreds of different plants .. Then when you are looking at the map they give you and the information that Monique is a Holticulturist and that makes total sense.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There is also the Art Gallery there and it represents works by a number artists both local and international including over 30 by Simon.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There is the Cafe by the lakes which has a relaxed and cosy feel to it and all food is freshly prepared by</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSlCSNXGWf4Kpu2M7GsLsH4CKWBfB2bwEqkc5NS4XwtOtNA8RaI7A92dUuvfpk9l0t6j23_CeWItiKu-kTHcru8nouR9dqdW9AHdGZ07WZq3KF4uBgbyfh9iemoUlDdnQJit4PgpgxOBG3BnAib9yab8MtmBsfRi5OerCLldgZWHtS1F9dUOtPXaz/s640/BLOG%20sculptures%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSlCSNXGWf4Kpu2M7GsLsH4CKWBfB2bwEqkc5NS4XwtOtNA8RaI7A92dUuvfpk9l0t6j23_CeWItiKu-kTHcru8nouR9dqdW9AHdGZ07WZq3KF4uBgbyfh9iemoUlDdnQJit4PgpgxOBG3BnAib9yab8MtmBsfRi5OerCLldgZWHtS1F9dUOtPXaz/s320/BLOG%20sculptures%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> a team of chefs. It is very much a seasonal menu and most of the produce is grown in their kitchen garden, which you can wander around in as well. Homemade cakes and great coffee. It is licenced so you can have a glass of wine or gin and tonic whilst waiting.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Then they have there the Artisan's Pantry which stocks fantastic food and drink. It also offers a service of build your own Picnic in the park with a tempting selection prepared by the team at the Cafe. There are little places to rent for the day by the lakes including a shepherds hut, The Island and Pavillon. You can of course bring your own picnics and drinks and pop it all in one of the above if you have hired it for the day. Then wander back for your lunch.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Finally there is the Artisan's Bazaar which is a gift shop and predominantly local artisans and producers. Candles, throws, gardening tools and antique garden tools with wire worked birds on them for ornaments in the garden .. stunning. I bought two beautiful throws and some candles which smell divine and a antique spade with a wire blackbird on top. It now sits in one of my pots. It caused a stir for a few days as Mr and Mrs Blackbird would not go near it. I have already decided at Christmas ( I know its not Summer yet however ..) I will put a red ribbon bow around its neck.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It was a beautiful day with gorgeous weather a great coffee and a outstanding lunch. The walk around the lakes and seeing nature with sculptures that complimented the country side was a real treat and I highly recommend this as full day out. No dogs are allowed and no children under 14 because of obvious reasons. They do not want to be responsible for young children and deep waters. It was </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX5y6wl2lO_5Sh572YTtBygO2DG3N9Zwsgv27AHW-gQfp0rdy03PktDiwVIF3s9iBzEBhVxyVu6ty1NBGF0iLffLnzHHGftyFDwegncBpLjYQZij8kgJgh0AkfKIRY0QoVouazdtDnGmlTBDbbtFsspL2QHMsCY-hKJeeTLOlqwKX1yTma6uOMHjn/s640/BLOG%20sculptures%203.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX5y6wl2lO_5Sh572YTtBygO2DG3N9Zwsgv27AHW-gQfp0rdy03PktDiwVIF3s9iBzEBhVxyVu6ty1NBGF0iLffLnzHHGftyFDwegncBpLjYQZij8kgJgh0AkfKIRY0QoVouazdtDnGmlTBDbbtFsspL2QHMsCY-hKJeeTLOlqwKX1yTma6uOMHjn/s320/BLOG%20sculptures%203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />peaceful and cultural rolled into one. Wonderful walk and wherever you looked there was beauty and nature entwining effortlessly ...<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">In the second lot of photos on the top left is a face and it was mirrored into the water moving gently with the ripples of the clear lakes. In addition all plants are labelled so you can take a photo of them and their name if you would like to put them in your garden at home, you can remember their name to go to your garden centre and purchase but some of them are for sale at Sculptures by the lake as well.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">So this long weekend here I have some fairs to go to and I will also be making packs for workshops. Wrapping each one individually for each person to unwrap and begin the workshop and the fun and laughter of the day. There will be a meet and greet with a drink and biscuits and then off to Threads of time studio. We will be stopping for lunch in the dinning room and in the afternoon there will be a tea break with homemade cake served. Every person will also get a bottle of water to sip throughout the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwwbKRMclqCThbFrKX-khiLXaAlFDECd6kmnYYmO-aLBP3TZ6DFzxmNJH00ZJWKOhaH5Tf09573TVtTXggjOdbtuuQAX_6NuAUGPp6_202F9uvY9VPMyvCEncSh1kq7YVuYIR0ux4UGLcqdDF3dVPl2LZ5LKXEHvBuCdyBASR-drpP7Uc1E0-qU9S/s1280/blog.basket21.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwwbKRMclqCThbFrKX-khiLXaAlFDECd6kmnYYmO-aLBP3TZ6DFzxmNJH00ZJWKOhaH5Tf09573TVtTXggjOdbtuuQAX_6NuAUGPp6_202F9uvY9VPMyvCEncSh1kq7YVuYIR0ux4UGLcqdDF3dVPl2LZ5LKXEHvBuCdyBASR-drpP7Uc1E0-qU9S/w213-h213/blog.basket21.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I am having fun designing and stitching a sample for each course, hunting down the fabrics, ribbons,<br /> buttons etc, this does take time as you can imagine. The fun doing it though does not seem like work to me at all. Finding enough of something is tricky on occasions. Enough for me to make a sample and for 6 others to stitch as well.</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you are coming from afar I have found a most beautiful farmhouse bed and breakfast, which has a sewing theme going on and you can try and book in there. There is parking and it is literally a five minute walk from Thimble Cottage. The Town of Blandford is a beautiful market down with coffee shops and little independent shops and of course you have the River Avon that you can wander along and watch otters playing and plenty of Kingfishers, along with other wild life.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This Sunday is the Frome Independent which see the Town full of stalls from Artisan makers to antique and vintage stalls. That is where I will be wandering around and it looks like the weather is going to be beautiful this Bank Holiday weekend, no matter what the weather it is beautiful there but is is so much more enjoyable when the sun is out and you can sit outside a cafe and have a coffee and watch the world go by, I always think.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Today is a little tidy up, because as I mentioned above I have rather spread around and then some slow stitches for me. It rather looks like a bomb has gone off, an antique bomb of threads, fabrics and journals ..grin!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Anyway that is you all up to date with my ramblings. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend whatever you are doing and as always stay safe and HAPPY STITCHING!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Sarah XX</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm2M69pxSGyJZ7GBuHXsB04Vui-xmfmuporkrm6JJiTh08KV0wn1c0OGg6dUfDYnjWJyBtHPefMDFFtHqKJbszwcyk8WI9n3CwpbAANW1oAUeqyNZfX7wVVnbrDiIq0HKmhUv9jRfxbv2B6B40ZsSKL7PIbQ9XRBFMCtGLfZpyN_Q7tRO8yAZgPKR/s640/BLOG%20buttons%20and%20reel.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm2M69pxSGyJZ7GBuHXsB04Vui-xmfmuporkrm6JJiTh08KV0wn1c0OGg6dUfDYnjWJyBtHPefMDFFtHqKJbszwcyk8WI9n3CwpbAANW1oAUeqyNZfX7wVVnbrDiIq0HKmhUv9jRfxbv2B6B40ZsSKL7PIbQ9XRBFMCtGLfZpyN_Q7tRO8yAZgPKR/s320/BLOG%20buttons%20and%20reel.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319509641805555635.post-35830901263499130972022-04-08T06:00:00.001-07:002022-04-08T06:00:23.961-07:00Threads of life...<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">A gentle heart is tied with an easy thread.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUze-WRD_F6IApgoenkvRj4RzW7NKChppxxQYFhGE5ofSUDwZ2bPkdztwHUxz7fgNtFuOiGFXqKW-Kf_SoPTZ_4LXcC_2Gvwc0d9Ujm8Pywhk16FK_xp4MSGZ4aZvhkI1HmqRNLv6i9vDeJ9jNfbg2Y0BT2J6mQhltns8VY4shWtoPoLXdW5IeY68/s2016/BLOG.8.4.22%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUze-WRD_F6IApgoenkvRj4RzW7NKChppxxQYFhGE5ofSUDwZ2bPkdztwHUxz7fgNtFuOiGFXqKW-Kf_SoPTZ_4LXcC_2Gvwc0d9Ujm8Pywhk16FK_xp4MSGZ4aZvhkI1HmqRNLv6i9vDeJ9jNfbg2Y0BT2J6mQhltns8VY4shWtoPoLXdW5IeY68/s320/BLOG.8.4.22%20.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">It is already April and the weather here in beautiful rural Dorset has been very changeable to say the least. One day it was cold and snowing with snow clouds looming over the entire sky as far as the eye could see. It was cold and dark and then the clouds blew away towards the sea and bright warm sunshine dominated in the afternoon.. I had lit candles and cosied up to stitch and then as if by some divine intervention the brightness and the warmth of the sun shone down and the candles were blown out and the natural light filled my work room.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I have mostly been working on covering journals and a beautiful little book of pressed flowers as well. Some of these will be workshops here at Thimble this summer. The pressed flower journal is coming along beautifully and covered with gorgeous beautiful antique and vintage goodies. Each beautiful hand made paper pages will one day be filled with pressed flowers and there name both everyday and Latin names and some will have a quote or poem hand written in sepia ink. I do believe that the course will be a really beautiful day ... I have pressed some beautiful flowers to put in my book and it will be on show at the course. If you are interested in course dates and information please message me on here or leave a comment at the bottom of this blog.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">As you will see at the top of this page a stunning array of antique threads in the most wonderful colours and hues, these too will be used by all on such days. I bought them from the lovely Sue Meager who now sells when she has a destash in her work room.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK8XltsQTPY2bgKr2QAjzRVjyJaD4O9ZC_XvrjFoM5roho49OV-68NfJqp7wlMUkflnIOLYYM3ta6o0t1AshjtVAAdNP_5qc_jmJuvisQefGCcuoeBga70kebYOCEpCX63krLVGxdOtf1D961666VTatUanu5M4bYC1fHvSZlzVNtOL787u0upeT8/s640/BLOG.8.4.223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK8XltsQTPY2bgKr2QAjzRVjyJaD4O9ZC_XvrjFoM5roho49OV-68NfJqp7wlMUkflnIOLYYM3ta6o0t1AshjtVAAdNP_5qc_jmJuvisQefGCcuoeBga70kebYOCEpCX63krLVGxdOtf1D961666VTatUanu5M4bYC1fHvSZlzVNtOL787u0upeT8/s320/BLOG.8.4.223.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I have also been busy in the kitchen as well and making more of the little leaf cinnamon cookies and as you can see on the photo they look good enough to eat! they are really rather moreish I must warn you... So here is the recipe.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;">INGREDIENTS</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">1 1\4 Cups (250g) sugar</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">3\4 Cup(170g) of room temp butter</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">1 large egg</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">1 teaspoon of vanilla extract</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">21\4 Cups (335g) of all purpose flour</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">1 teaspoon of cinnamon</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">1\2 teaspoon of baking powder</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">1\4 teaspoon of sea salt or use salted butter.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;">METHOD</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">1. Add the butter and the sugar to a mixing bowl and whisk until it is fluffy and paler in colour.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">2. Add the egg and the vanilla and whisk again until well combined.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">3. Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt if using. Mix again this time with your hands and make sure it is well incorporated, it will be slightly crumbly but hold when pinched between fingers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">4.Turn out dough on to a well floured board, bringing it all together. Then wrap in clingfilm and put in the fridge for half hour. It is now time to pre heat the oven to 350 F, 180 C.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">5. Put grease proof paper on a baking tray ready and choose your cookie cutter, my choice is a small leaf shape. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">6. Get the dough out of the fridge and now the choice come roll it all out or cut in half and wrap half in cling and pop in the freezer ( it is happy there for 3 months)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">7. Roll the dough out at around 6mm thick.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">8. Cut out cookies and place on the baking tray. The importance of resting dough in the fridge is so the cookies do not loose their shape in the baking.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">9.Place cookies in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are just slightly golden.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">10. When cooked place on a cooling rack. Place on a plate and dust with icing sugar.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Make a warm drink and enjoy!!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I can not tell you how lovely they are. A friend came to stay here a week ago and I made a fresh batch for afternoon tea.... they went down really well indeed. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">It has been busy here at Thimble not only with visitors but my sewing. My fabric shelves are all of </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBej9Fyg5AkDWENPuq_LT5-mmf33UJ07smoLHLCT6FJmCnyK2zXIaB2SxU2bdK7KA8bIjTP-zMJD2pkl55_Jba7MERMGKOjG5DSB0U-Dr31UerTXAYx7pmpLYrwLlbCtepn5WX6-gdZpb6gCaD3jRLXn-E_oEFBVs39s5naqlrKJMMGfaUYByG4rr6/s640/BLOG.8.4.22.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBej9Fyg5AkDWENPuq_LT5-mmf33UJ07smoLHLCT6FJmCnyK2zXIaB2SxU2bdK7KA8bIjTP-zMJD2pkl55_Jba7MERMGKOjG5DSB0U-Dr31UerTXAYx7pmpLYrwLlbCtepn5WX6-gdZpb6gCaD3jRLXn-E_oEFBVs39s5naqlrKJMMGfaUYByG4rr6/s320/BLOG.8.4.22.2.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br />a dither with messy piles where I have been looking for just the right antique fabrics and button etc.. So next Monday there is to be a fair few hours first thing tidying up. I now could not find a thing to my shame. The trouble is I get an idea, grab my sketch journal to design something then I am off finding fabrics and threads straight away so that it can go in my pile to make. Then with my excitement I go back to what I am stitching at that moment and so it goes on. If I had a tail it would permanently be wagging! ...</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">" Slow down; there is more to life than simply increasing it's speed"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">~ Mahatma Gandhi</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">In other news here the hedgehogs have woken from their Winters nap and the feeding has begun here in earnest, also there is a pair of Blackbirds who come in the garden and weed my pots looking for juicy worms and other bits I put out for them and of course my three very tame crows who come down and call me. Yesterday there was a big noise in the garden and I ran out to see the crows fending off the most beautiful and very large eagle... yes an eagle, stunning beauty but a little scary too! he had decided the fresh minced beef I had put out was easier than hunting at 11 am in the morning!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">I am out at the weekend and I will take some photos, Its not a vintage fair either but I know you might like to see this amazing walk through grounds with lakes and ... well wait and see.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">The Vintage Bazaar is on later this month in Frome at the cheese and grain so I will be going to that and I am very excited to go and not only catch up with dear friends but also go with my little list to purchase vintage goodies. I went to a beautiful small fair last weekend at Broadhembury near Honiton and it was a talent for textiles event. I bought some beautiful little bits and also caught up with Jack and Liz Van Hasselt of the Washer Woman fame. It was such a beautiful sunny Saturday and a stunning venue.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Next week is the start of Easter weekend and I am off to Malvern to an enormous antiques fair, staying over in a country pub over night as well. The journey there is a good three to 4 hours away so going on Easter Sunday and back on Easter Monday. Its starts at 7.30 am so it seemed the most civilised way of being there... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Whilst on my walk this weekend I will hopefully pick up a few wild flowers to press for the pressed flower journal... I already have pressed some Helleborous from my garden and some bleeding hearts in various sizes ... they have come out beautifully retaining shape and colours.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Well that is it for today, I hope you have enjoyed my vintage ramblings today and hope you all have a beautiful weekend what ever you are up to.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Until the next time, stay safe and Happy Stitching!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;">Sarah XX</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXdpC42UzaTSZlWUvTds06ac1z7-Fbd5Zm2DHqwvBYTAjKy-e4OQrmk559WXnM7e61EKvQh9W4J264yMnvbacVc3hHtz2vWFurQtV8_d3ZRBV-K_xSa6nHuDZhYT6IPt_PTDmuq2Yluh15MZilZevSyj4QqnviBTIwEBb5S9S15E6agavOqhvVlHE/s1280/blog%20seed%20packets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXdpC42UzaTSZlWUvTds06ac1z7-Fbd5Zm2DHqwvBYTAjKy-e4OQrmk559WXnM7e61EKvQh9W4J264yMnvbacVc3hHtz2vWFurQtV8_d3ZRBV-K_xSa6nHuDZhYT6IPt_PTDmuq2Yluh15MZilZevSyj4QqnviBTIwEBb5S9S15E6agavOqhvVlHE/s320/blog%20seed%20packets.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: PT Sans;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sarah Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03765778689390297760noreply@blogger.com7