frayed at the edge

There will be knitting .....

  ..... but first, some super photos from this afternoon, when we took Malcolm's Dad for an outing to Newbiggin-by-the-sea.  As soon as you walk on to the sea front, you are greeted with this wonderful sight ....

 

..... I'll let the next photo tell you about the making of it .....

 

...... and hopefully you will be able to read the story ....

 

Then, a little bit further along the seafront, we came upon a life-sized version.  The detail is amazing and you wouldn't be surprised if they jumped down and walked off!

 

This is the view they look out on ... miles and miles of the North Sea

 

It was such a lovely warm afternoon, we sat outside for a cuppa.  Here are the two Malcolms enjoying the sunshine

 

On the way back to the car, I remembered where I had parked my boat!

 

 

AND NOW THE KNITTING!!!

Remember the Fusion cushion cover?  I have sewn it together and now have to decide what to do with all the miles of I-cord .....

 

The blue stripe towards the left is where the front is overlapped.  I started sewing the I-cord on there, and when I came to the first corner I coiled it round.

 

I continued stitching it on along the side, and got as far as coiling the second corner before bedtime!

 

You'll see that I am using sewing thread to sew the I-cord on - not only is the Fusion too thick, but it is also very soft and starts to stretch out and break when you use it for sewing.  It's knit'n'natter tomorrrow afternoon, so I hope to get it finished - including my cunning plan for the buttons!!  I've also been working on my fingerless mits, but haven't yet done enough to take a photo - unfortunately I can't knit in the car, as it makes me feel sick, or I could get a lot done when we are going back and forward to Northumberland to visit Malcolm's Dad - ah well, such is life!!

Reivers Festival

This weekend saw the seventh Hawick Reivers Festival, celebrating the somewhat lawless past of the Borders.  The reivers were cross-border raiders, whose hobby was stealing English cattle (of course they came and stole it back again - the poor beasts must have been worn out!).  The festival re-enacts life in the 16th century, with people wearing 'authentic' clothing and demonstrating skills, such as archery ...

 

.... the blacksmith .....

 

..... and a lady knitting

 

There was also a wonderful display of fighting skills from an earlier era, with the Knights of Monymusk.  This little boy tried on a pig-faced helmet, but decided he could fight better without it!

 

First, the bold knights marched into the ring and impressed us with their military skills ....

 

..... but then their fierce opponents arrived - the children's army!

 

I wonder who were the victors in this unequal contest?  Yes, of course it was the vicious little thugs lovely little children who won - I think some of the knights will have bruises today!!

 

We just had time for a bowl of stovies for lunch (delicious) before the next performance.  This was a wonderful display of equestrian and fighting skills by Les Amis D'onno.  First came two young ladies, out for a gentle afternoon ride...

 

.... when along comes a dastardly reiver .....

 

..... intent on robbing the young ladies.  But he doesn't realise that the ladies' maid is more than a match for him!!

 

The show reaches a spectacular end .....

As you can see from the photos, it was a lovely bright sunny day (if a little chilly) and we had a most enjoyable day out!

 

So, what's in store for tomorrow's post .... well, I might just have some knitting to show you!

A tale in two parts

Part one - Friday morning saw me heading up the A7, at the start of my two days away.  After the A7 came the exciting bit - yes, I got to drive on a motorway and go faster than the speed of a tractor!  It was a lovely morning for the drive, unlike the weather I left at home - wet, windy and trying to snow!  When I arrived at Greenpark quilters, they were busy getting started with a workshop, taught by Joyce Watson ...

 

I've known Joyce for a long time - she is an incredibly talented award-winning quilter - indeed it was Joyce who taught me the wonderful applique stitch that I have used ever since - and have in turn taught to many more quilters!  You can see behind Joyce what they were working on .....

.... a lovely wreath, which is made up of fussy-cut flowers and snippets of leaves, all bonded in place ....

 

Hard at work in this next picture are Frances and Betty, whom I've also known for a long time - it was lovely to see everyone again and catch up on all their news - and also to see that there were several new members - and a waiting list.  Quilting is alive and thriving in Polmont

 

They may be working hard, but as you can see, still had time for tea and biscuits!

Next on the itinerary was a visit to my son Stuart.  I have to admit that we had takeaway pizza for dinner - not because he can't cook, but because his local takeaway does the best pizza in the world (yum, yum!!).  As he is currently indulging in some decorating/renovation, and I like my comfort, I headed off to spend the night in the nearby Travelodge.  It opened recently and is very comfortable - but all you get in the bathroom is a small bar of soap - I would rather pay a little bit more for my room than have to remember to take shower soap and shampoo with me.

On Saturday morning I stopped at Tesco for a bit of shopping - I got there just after 8.30 and it was already very busy!  Then armed with sausage, bacon and rolls for breakfast it was back to Stuart's - he had to wait in for a workman coming,so we couldn't go out for breakfast!!  Later on, we went to visit his stepsister and her two gorgeous children, Jasmine aged two and Reuben aged one.  As soon as we rang the doorbell, we could here Jasmine shouting Stuart, Stuart - she loves her uncle!  Here he is, the famous Uncle Stuart ...

 

As we had eaten so much for breakfast, I decided to do without lunch, and all too soon it was time to head back home.  The weather was still lovely and I had an enjoyable drive back - getting home in time for the beautiful dinner that Malcolm had cooked.

 

Ane now for part two .... the Time for Tea swap has now taken place, and after teasing you with previous photos, I can now show you what I made for my swap partner Sam ...

 

Perhaps you recognise the shape of the teapot?  Yes it's my own lovely teapot - this photo was the starting point for the design ...

 

I traced the outline of the teapot, cup and saucer, then transferred them to the calico centre.  Malcolm drew the sonflowers for me!  I then added borders, using fabric which I had bought some years ago in Aix-en-Provence.  After embroidering the picture, I hand-quilted it, using lovely YLI silk thread - here is a detail ...

 

Of course, you also include some goodies in the swap - here is what I sent  ...

 

The curly scarf is for Sam's little girl.  The lavender is from my garden.  And I love the teacup fabric (I may have bought some for me too!)

Malcolm and I had a super day out today - but you know what I am going to say next - come back tomorrow and I'll tell you all about it!!

Bags of fun!

It had taken a while to organise today's workshop, which was Fiona's idea - and then poor Fiona couldn't manage!  (everyone missed you - get well soon!).  Once everyone arrived and the first cuppa of the day had been drunk, it was down to work.  But, I hear you cry - what were you making from those intriguing things you showed us yesterday?  Well, let us see what everyone was doing ....

 

Anne and Ali are busy with some preparation ....

 

Lizzi pinning her pattern in place ....

 

Lorraine concentrating on sewing a straight seam .....

 

Tricia doing some cutting out.

Good progress was made even with a stop for lunch and possibly more cuppas!  Anne didn't get quite as much done, as her hands get sore if she does too much sewing, but the others got this far ....

Lorraine and Ali's applique

 

and Lizzi and Tricia's (Lizzi decided she just wanted flowers, without the stems).  Which reminds me - yesterday I mentioned we would be using a gadget - you probably realised from the photo it was to make the stems with!

And what was I doing .... I had already done some of my bag, so that they could see what it should look like, then as the day went on, I worked through the various stages until I got this far ...

 

and made my lining .....

   

So how will it look when it's finished ..... this is the original one I made

 

You can see this one is slightly different, with the panels between the applique ones made with strips, but I decided to simplify it (and use less fabric) by using just one fabric for those panels.  The others have promised to bring their bags when they are finished, so you will get to see all of them - but you can already see from the photos how different they are going to be.

We had a very enjoyable day and plans are already being made for another workshop later in the year - perhaps for a Christmas wallhanging.

I haven't heard from my swap parthner yet if she has received her parcel, so I still can't show you what I sent her, but I'll give you another litle peek ....

 

Tomorrow, I'm off up to Polmont to visit Greenpark Quilters (I've been a member there twice!), then I'm going to see Stuart.  I'm staying the night, doing more visiting on Saturday morning, then back home by teatime .... so I think you might have to wait until Sunday for the next instalment!

Time for tea

 I was delighted this morning when the postman delivered my parcel from my Time for Tea swap partner Sam.  I remembered to fetch the camera before I opened the parcels ...

   

The first parcel contained these super coasters ....

 

.... in two colours - I love the ribbon trim

 and there's more - a super badge and two types of buttons ....

 

The four buttons at the front are tiny - smaller than a penny!

 

The other parcel was then opened to reveal ....

 

.... just the thing for afternoon tea ...

 

Thank you, Sam, for all the lovely goodies.  Sam should get her parcel tomorrow, then I'll be able to show you what I sent her.

 

This afternoon I was busy getting the studio ready for a workshop tomorrow ...

 

What will all this turn into?

 

And we'll be using a gadget!!

 

I'll tell you all about it tomorrow!

Wood, wood and more wood!

I mentioned before that Malcolm does the major projects in the garden, and as I am lacking in new photos to show you, until I can reveal the swap piece, I thought I would show you the very major project that he undertook in our last garden.  But first, I'll show you the shed that he built just for me!

 

He designed and built it from scratch - making up the panels in the garage and ignoring remarks from the neighbours about floods and arks!!  So, why a shed just for me?  Because I have my own gardening tools, which I look after and hang up nicely - Malcolm's shed was always untidy and you were liable to stand on the rake!!

And now for the BIG project - a two tier deck!  Again he designed it and built it entirely from scratch.

 

Although we lived in a brand new house, the builders had kept the original wall, from when this was the kitchen garden of a large house.

 

The tree in front of the deck got to be a lot bigger than it said on its label!  The summerhouse was a later addition - even in the middle of winter we could sit out and enjoy the garden.

   

The final stage was to add the boardwalk, which curved from the house round to the deck - you can just see where the two meet on the left of the photo. (it looks as if there is something wrong with this photo - but that is what the light was like when I took it - just before it snowed again!) 

So I'm doubly lucky - not only is Malcolm a good cook, but he is also excellent at all things wood.  I haven't forgotten that you haven't seen the final photos of the new kitchen - that's because we still haven't decorated it - watch this space!!

Mother's Day

Stuart wasn't able to visit today, but he sent this card ....

 

...and when he phoned he said he has a present to give me, when I see him on Friday (oh good, I love presents!!)

I was still spoiled - Malcolm brought me a cup of tea in bed, then took me to Milestone Garden Centre (just off the A68 at Newtown St Boswells) for a delicious bacon roll for breakfast ....

   

.... and even as I write this he is cooking a wonderful Sunday dinner!

Altogether, a special day!

Spring is in the air

The weather has been wonderful for the last few days (although still a little chilly in the mornings), so Malcolm has made a start to the spring tidy up in the garden - he even cut the grass in the back garden today.  I used to do the day-to-day gardening, while Malcolm did the major projects, but since he retired, he has taken over all the gardening - which of course gives me more time for sewing and knitting!

 

The grass will need some more work on it this year - despite Malcolm's hard work on it last year, there is still a lot of moss in it.

 

The hellebore is still sulking after yesterday's frost - it needs some more warmth to perk up the flowers.  It looks a bit speckled, but it is just sawdust from next door's building work!

 

Things are growing well in this sheltered corner ....

 

.... with strong green shoots on the clematis.

 

I bought these wonderful birds in Indonesia, but they look perfectly at home guarding the water feature.

 

Can you just see the yellow haze on the forsythia at the back of the border?

 

Round to the front garden now - the buds on the ornamental quince are ready to open ....

 

.... while this one on the flowering currant has just opened.

 

The leaves have just come out on our new hawthorn hedge.

 

If you look closely, you can see both a climbing rose and a honeysuckle, which climb up and along the top of the lounge window - the scent is wonderful in the summer!

I hope you have enjoyed this first report on the garden!

Are you sitting comfortably?

Then I'll continue yesterday's tale.  The next stop on our way home was  the Borders Scrap Store (although Malcolm did accidently rename it when he missed out the 's' off scrap!)

   

It's very hard to describe exactly what this place is.  It's a treasure trove of all things crafty, which have been donated by local firms.  For a modest membership fee (Kist has a group membership) you can go in and fill your arms will all sorts of wonderful things, which is just what I did yesterday (Malcolm had to carry some of it).  You then agree on a price for what you have - and for the crafter it is definitely a bargain!  This was yesterday's haul.

 

I also got a packet of polystyrene balls, but they looked boring in the photo!  The fabrics are from Lochcarron and are of fabulous quality (if you leave a comment, I might just send you a little piece!)  The two bales at the back are knitted fabric...

Ideas so far - scarf/stole, perhaps with crewel embroidery or felt flowers; hot water bottle covers; bags; children's clothes (if I had an overlocker!) - I am sure you can think of more!!  It was lovely to come home and take the photo out in the garden in the sunshine.

 

Today is the first day of spring, but we woke up to a hard frost!  It was the usual Friday morning housework, then I had lunch before leaving for chat and patch.  Some days, you just get tired of all this healthy eating stuff, and just want a bit of comfort food, so this was today's lunch!

 

It has to be Heinz Mulligatawny - none of this posh stuff in a plastic carton, or even homemade soup - this is the stuff of childhood and I love it!!

After lunch, it was off to Jedburgh for chat and patch.  First I have to mention Anne, as she was most upset not to have been mentioned yet.  I will be mentioning her in detail soon, when she has her new website up and running!.  I was working on my swap piece, which of course I can't show you, but as there is only a week to go before I post it off to my swap partner, I thought I would leave you with this little view of it.

 

I will be busy in the studio over the weekend, as I am teaching a bag workshop next week, and have still to finish the samples (oops!)

And lastly, I just want to say 'get well soon' to Fiona.

Have a good weekend, love, Anne

 

 

Lunch and a bloody battle

Today got off to a good start, when this book arrived in the post, sent to me by Gayle - I won it in her recent giveaway.  There's lots of interesting stuff in it and I'm looking forward to reading it in detail.

 

We headed out for the day, as we were to be without electricity (again!).  We headed up to Galashiels for a spot of retail therapy - Malcolm had vouchers for money off wine in Tesco and I had a voucher for a discount at one of my favourite clothes shops, so it was a successful morning!

On the way back down the road, we turned off in Selkirk, along to Philiphaugh, to have lunch in the Waterwheel Cafe.

 

I remembered to take a photo of my lunch before I ate it - a delicious coronation chicken baguette with salad (and crisps!)

 

The cafe is part of the Philiphaugh Estate - a traditional Victorian Estate, now managed with the emphasis on sustainabilty.  As it was such a lovley day, we went for a walk round part of the estate.  Our first stop was at the waterwheel.  Around the time of the First World War, the waterwheel supplied power to a threshing barn.

 

Unfortunately the wheel is in shadow, but you can see from the water at the bottom that it was turning.  Our next stop was at the cauld (weir), which was built to channel water to power the mills in Selkirk.  This is the Ettrick Water, which is a tributary of the River Tweed.  When the cauld was built, it would have prevented the Atlantic salmon swimming upstream to spawn, so a fish ladder was built in the middle.  It is a spectacular sight when the salmon are leaping up the ladder.  Because the sun was shining on the water, I could only get a photo of the edge of the cauld, but it gives you an idea of the force of the water flowing over it.

 

There is a side channel from the main river, which runs down to power the waterwheel.  The water flows under a small bridge, which has sluice gates, which in the past would have been used to control the flow of water.

 

But the gates haven't been used for a while - we spotted this little tree growing out of the machinery!

 

It was very tranquil, with the ewes and lambs lazing in the spring sun.

 

But on the 13th of September in 1645, things were very different.  There was a fierce and bloody battle between the armies of the Covenanters (Scottish Presbyterians) and the Royalists.  The Covenanters carried the day, with many of the defeated army being put to the sword and prisoners taken to nearby Newark Castle and shot.

 

We made one more stop on the way home - come back tomorrow and I'll tell you about it!