frayed at the edge

Getting ready for the fair

On holiday, we were in a lovely new shop in Pollensa which sold all things soapy.  I spotted something which I thought I could make for the craft fair.  When I was in Berwick last week I was able to buy some lovely scented soaps, which you can see here cut up into quarters

 

I bored a hole in each piece of soap with a skewer, and tied some rafia round each piece

 

then strung the soap with shells and driftwood. to produce fragrant mobiles to hang in the bathroom

the next job was to cut up card to make price tags (the word blunt  on the rotary cutter refers to the fact that the blade is too blunt to cut fabric, but not card)

 

ready to stamp - if you didn't see the stamp when I made it several weeks ago, it says DriftAway

 

we have just about finished making things, the next job is to decide how to set up our table - I think we will have a trial run on one of the studio tables next week, so that we have a plan to follow when we set up on the Friday night.

 

I have been stitching away in the evenings, and have finished another block for "Twas the night before Christmas" - a jolly fat Santa

 

when we were in Majorca, Maureen wasn't that far away, as she was on holiday in Barcelona.  She found a shop selling beautiful Japanese fabric, and brought back this piece for me

 

I have been trying very hard not to buy quilting/craft books, but I succumbed to this one after seeing Joanne Sharpe on The Quilt Show

 

a lot of the book is about lettering in journals, but I like this little stitchery

 

we went out for lunch today, to the Jammy Coo.  Malcolm had a delicious parma ham, mozarella and olive paninni

 

while I tucked into a bacon, brie and cranberry bagel

 

when we finished, Delia, the lovely owner, tried to tempt us with a cake, but we declined!  To finish, I have two quirky photos from our holiday of modes of transport - neither of which you are likely to find me using!

 

A greedy person's paradise ......

.......... or should that be two greedy people's paradise!  Just feast your eyes on these beauties!!

 

but I wouldn't want you to thing we ate cake every day .......... sometimes we had ice cream instead!!

 

and of course, you can't visit Spain without eating tapas

 

on to other matters!  We had a potter round the charity shops in Berwick during the week, and came home with one or two little goodies.  My first purchases were actually new goods, A little tin (a girl can never have too many tins!) and a notebook (a girl can never etc!)

 

next was an unused stencil, a bargain at 49p!

 

what was this, a tin saying embroidery threads

 

oh my, just look at all these wonderful colours

 

and with the paper label removed, another smart tin for the collection (refer to previous remark about tins)

 

the last purchase was made by Malcolm ....... he hummed and hawed over this little teapot, which has markings on it which the charity shop staff thought were foreign silver markings.  It may be silver, it may only be silver plate, but it wasn't that expensive for such a decorative item

 

I'll be back on Monday with some sewing.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend - we will be busy making things for the upcoming craft fair in Berwick (on the 6th of June, from 10am to 4pm, in the Town Hall).  To finish, you know that I like silly things, and the artwork on this lorry made me laugh!

 

 

 

A little bit short!

Last Tuesday at Abbey Quilters, our Chairman Sandra (you also know her as our lovely Linus Lady) had a project for us to do, making a cushion cover.  She had prepared small packs of fabric for us to buy at a very reasonable cost, so all we had to take with us was our usual sewing kit (and of course our mugs for the cuppa).  As I was helping Sandra show the members how to construct their cushion covers, I didn't get started on mine until the weekend.  There were four choices of fabric packs, and I chose this one

 

the first job was to cut four squares from one of the background fabric strips, and five from the other

 

I popped the squares on to the design wall

 

it was a straightforward job to sew them together

 

also in the pack was a piece of fusible stuff to make petals with, and the template to trace

 

I knew from the other members cutting their petals out that there might not be quite enough fabric, so I stitched and cut mine two at a time .......

 

to make the most economical use of the fabric

 

but despite my best efforts, I was one petal short.  I could have waited to get another piece of fabric, but I decided to have five 3-petal flowers, instead of four 4-petal flowers

 

once the petals were stitched in place, the next job was to layer up the cushion front with wadding and a backing fabric, ready for quilting

 

I quilted the lighter coloured squares first

 

then this shows the first three darker squares quilted

 

the denser quilting on these squares make the flowers "pop"

 

I made up the cushion cover.......

 

....... using a lovely piece of silk curtain fabric for the back

 

I still have to add binding, then I will sew these cute buttons in the centre of the flowers

 

I am very pleased with how it turned out!

 

I mentioned that our usual routine has been disrupted this week - another change was that I had my hairdressing appointment today instead of tomorrow (I go every six weeks).  So we popped over to Pirn House for an early lunch.  When we arrived, we were the only customers, so I was able to take photos of the delightful coffee shop

 

Malcolm laughed at me when I ordered my "usual" ...... French toast with bacon and maple syrup

 

then it was my turn to laugh, when he ordered his "usual" of roast beef, tomato and horseradish sandwich

 

we managed (only just) to resist the wonderful display of cakes

 

although I may have had to be dragged away from these meringues!

 

The view from my window

Now that the nights are much lighter, we don't shut the curtains, which means that last night I saw this tiny sliver of new moon

 

then there was a dilemma - if the shrub was in focus, as in the previous photo, then the moon wasn't, and if the moon was in focus, as in the next photo, the shrub was blurred!

 

the problem was solved by zooming in, so that only the moon was in the photo!

 

I also took several photos at different times over the weekend, from the comfort of my sofa!

a blackbird at sunset

 

sunset without the blackbird

 

Mrs Blackbird enjoying a bath

 

making sure her topknot is clean

 

a last wash under the wing

 

a fluffy sparrow

 

we are out of our usual routine this week, and this morning we were in Hawick.  We decided to have a cuppa, and thought we would try the Almond Tree, which has now been open for some months

 

the menu explains the set-up of the cafe

 

I had my usual pot of tea, Malcolm had an excellent americano (with hot milk on the side) and we shared this very good cheese scone

 

back home, I had just refilled the bird bath, when some sparrows appeared to have a drink

 

then this little one tentatively got into the water

 

but didn't have quite as vigorous a bath as Mrs Blackbird

 

while this one just sat on Mr Owl and laughed at him

 

I'll be back tomorrow with some sewing.

Home alone!!

I am all alone for the weekend, as Malcolm is finally doing the stained glass workshop that I gave him a voucher for, way back in September, for his birthday (you can read about the course here).  He is staying in the flat, as that is nearer the venue for the course, but as I have lots of things to do, I decided I would rather stay at home.  On a positive note ..... I have control over the tv remote for the whole weekend!!

As promised yesterday, some more of the things we have been making.  I have done two more pictures

 

I also made several more dangly things - I'm not quite sure what to call them?

 

now for some of Malcolm's creations.  First, the biggest thing he has made with driftwood

 

next, a rather scary shark

 

and last, a very cute bird (if this doesn't sell, it will be coming to live with me in the studio!!)

 

I forgot to give you a stitchery update at the start of the week.  I have finished number eleven

 

and started number twelve

 

and just in case Meredithe is thinking of sending me a Howler, I have been working on Mrs Billings - here's a little bit I did this afternoon at patch'n'chat

 

please note the neatly matched points on the diamonds

 

and of course patch'n'chat means cake!  Today we had cupcakes ........

 

....... with a little surprise - chocolate chips!

 

I told you a fib when I said I was alone for the whole weekend, as Maureen is calling in for lunch tomorrow on her way home from a crewel embroidery workshop.  I am looking forward to seeing her stitching.  I hope you have a good weekend, love Anne

A creative day

I'm still catching ip on the week, so this is a report on yesterday.  Work is underway to produce all sorts of goodies for the upcoming craft fair, using Malcolm's stash of dritwood (this isn't all of it!)

 

and my stash of sea glass and shells (yes, this is just some of it!)

 

Malcolm has started making mirrors 

 

he also chose these three pieces for a boat.  The hull will be attached to the base by an old knitting needle, and I will make fabric sails

 

I sorted out some string and beads, which I will combine with small pieces of driftwood (once Malcolm has drilled holes in them) to make mobiles

 

I tried out some designs, just sitting them on sheets of paper.  The successful ones will be put on canvas

seaglass fish

 

shell fish

 

driftwood tree with seaglass and shells

 

driftwood tree with button decorations

 

driftwood fish

 

I unearthed this piece of Laura Ashley fabric from my stash - I have had it for years!

 

an idea for a boat

 

I used this stamp set, which was free with a magazine, to try out making price tags

 

I couldn't find an ink pad, so I improvised with a paint stick and a roller

 

and after a bit of experimenting

 

I produced this - I used the upper case A in the middle, as there was only one lower case a in the set

 

 

it was quite at patch'n'chat this afternoon, as Annette and Cathy were away with friends on a quilting retreat, but we were well looked after by Annette's husband Norrie.  Annette had managed to make time in her hectic schedule to bake a cake for us before she left - her delicious spicy fruit cake (second pieces may have been eaten by all of us!!)

 

Norrie had help looking after the shop - their very cute dog Barley.  I took several photos of him, and in every one his tail is blurred, as it wags constantly

 

we are over in Berwick already, as the forecast is much better for tomorrow than Sunday, so we will head back home on Sunday morning.  No doubt we will be on the beach tomorrow afternoon!  I hope you have a good weekend, love Anne

 

 

These are two of my favourite things ........

......... shopping and food!  First is a little hare that I bought on our recent trip to Bamburgh.  There were several to choose from, and I chose this little fellow as he was the only one with black markings on ears and feet

 

two things came back to the flat with us from our trip on Monday.  First, a rather smart perpetual calendar

 

and then a tea towel, which will be framed to go with our Australian one.  If you fancy one of these, they are available here

 

then there was more shopping yesterday with Maureen, on our fun day out in Berwick.  First is an addition to our owl collection, which Maureen bought for me as a flat-warming present.  He is now hanging in the hall ready to greet visitors

 

 

these two cards are so lovely they might end up being framed, rather than sent!

 

Maureen bought these lovely creatures - the reindeer will be off to America later in the year as Christmas presents, while the hare is for her

 

I bought a hare too, which escaped into the garden this morning for an adventure

inspecting the flower buds on the clematis

 

checking out a primrose

 

exploring the jungle

 

hoping to find a new friend in the birdhouse

 

when we were in Hawick this morning we popped into the Oxfam shop to see if we could get some old metal knitting needles for Malcolm to use for more of his dritwood creations (more of that tomorrow).  I also picked up two paperbacks

 

we had a look round a new shop, and were delighted to find this for the flat - an excellent bargain at only £3!!

 

and now for the food!  For lunch yesterday, Maureen had a tomato, cheese and chilli relish toasted ciabatta.  She asked how hot the relish was, as she doesn't like really spicy stuff, so was delighted when it came in a little cup for her to add as much as she wanted

 

I had a ham, mozzarella and pesto toasted ciabatta.  As you can see from the photos we swapped my tomato for Maureen's cucumber

 

we popped into the garden centre for a cuppa before we headed for home.   I haven't quite got Maureen trained - she had unwrapped her lemon muffin and taken a bite of it before I could take a photo - so it had to be turned round to hide the missing bit!

 

I chose a slice of gluten free chocolate cheesecake - which seemed to be a bit of a muddle of health/unhealthy eating!  It was delicious, with no hint of cheese, rather it was like a very light chocolate mousse on a thin crunchy chocolatey base

we are going to have a stall at a craft fair in Berwick in June (I'll give you all the details nearer the time).  We will be selling all sorts of driftwood/seaglass/shell creations and we thought we had better get a move on and get things made, so tomorrow I'll show you what we have been doing.

The early morning mist lingered .......

....... on Monday morning when we drove down to Seahouses, making for slightly arty photos of the dock

but the mist was quite swirly, and suddenly this coble was sitting in the sunshine

 

as we headed back up from the dock to have lunch, I paused to take a photo of this memorial

 

lunch, of course, came from the best chip shop, as recommended by The Hairy Bikers

 

haddock and chips, eaten in the fresh air by the seaside ....... it doesn't come any better than that!!  The batter was light and crispy, the fish delicious and the chips excellent - I never manage to eat a whole fish supper (as it is called no matter what time of day you eat it) but I only left a few chips!

 

then it was on to the next part of our day out - a visit to Howick Hall Gardens

 

sadly the house, home to Earl Grey, the creator of the tea of that name, is no longer lived in

 

there is a small visitor centre in the entrance to the house - but I was distracted by the knocker on the front door!

 

do you think the rabbits and hares can read this sign telling them to keep the gate shut!!

the gardens are tended by a small staff and a squad of dedicated volunteers

there is a very pretty church within the gardens

 

with a very imposing doorway

 

with intricate carvings

 

by this time we were in need of refreshment, and headed to the tearoom

 

 

where we ordered (of course) a pot of Earl Grey tea

 

and a scone with jam and clotted cream

 

on the way back to Berwick, even the little point and shoot camera shows of the magnificence of Bamburgh Castle

 

we may have acquired one or two little goodies when we were out and about, but I will show you them tomorrow, as well as telling you about the very enjoyable day out I had today with my lovely friend Maureen!!

April showers

When RonnietheFishman was here this morning with his usual selection of delicious fish (Malcolm chose trout fillets today), he told Malcolm that were lambs in the field next to BillytheFarmers house.  We went out for lunch (more of that later) and then did the food shopping on the way home.  As we came up the hill to the house,  we had another April shower, which looked as if it was going to continue for a while.  On our return I threw the shopping into the fridge, freezer and cupboards, wrapped up against the wind and rain, grabbed the camera and headed out.  Fortunately the rain had gone off, so I just had to put up with the cold wind.  Get ready to oooh and aaaah .......

ewe and lamb #11

 

strolling off down the field together

 

but the other lamb#11 has been left behind

 

despite his bleats, his Mum ignores him!

 

this ewe seems to have her own two lambs tucked up beside her, and another two behind her

 

I walked on down to the field where I saw the lambs the other day.  The only ones in range of the camera were these two, who have already learned the first lesson of sheepdom ....... when you see someone with a camera, show them your rear!

 

back up the hill,  I watched as the dopey ewe finally managed to get herself organised to look after both of her lambs (you can just see the other one behind her)

 

I had to give this blackbird a telling-off ...... we have provided him with a posh bird bath with fresh water, and he prefers a muddy puddle!!

 

now, to return to today's lunch.  When I read Amy's blog yesterday evening, she had lovely tales of maple sugaring and maple syrup.  I left her a comment saying that it made me want pancakes, bacon and maple syrup for breakfast, but that I would be having toast and jam.  Then today we went for luch to Pirn House, where the best thing on the menu is French toast, bacon and maple syrup, so that is what I had!

 

while I was out in the cold snapping the lambs, Malcolm lit the stove in the studio for me, so it was cosy when I got back.  He also had put this coal box next to the stove ....... it had been in the summer house.  I will have to clean it!

 

I did some more prep for  Mrs B, then did some stitching on the Aunts' applique block.  You will have to wait until the 15th to see the Aunts' block, but you can see the progress on Mrs B

 

 I also pressed the baby cardi and sewed a button on it.  Now I just have to get organised to send it and the booties to the excited expectant Granny

 

to finish, a little orchid problem.  I notided that the flower stem on this one, on the window sill in the "fitness room" *, had grown sideways between two leaves

 

Malcolm suggested holding the top leaf out of the way, so I fetched a clothes peg to hold the leaf up, and turned the pot round, in the hope the stem will grow up to the light

 

* the fitness room is the posh name for the smallest bedroom, which houses our cross (elliptical) trainer and rowing machine!

Something for (almost) nothing

As Malcolm was going to be out for lunch today, I had to decide what I would have.  This is one of my two fast/5:2 diet days, so it had to be something very low in calories (the diet recommends no lunch, but I need a little something at midday!)  I had a look in the fridge and produced a leek, a very small potato and two small carrots, all of which were almost at the point of heading for the compost bin.  A quick bit of peeling, slicing and dicing soon produced this

 

normally I would sweat the veggies in a little oil (or even butter), but today they just had to be simmered until they were tender.  Then a quick whizz with the stick bender

 

and I had a delicious, low calorie bowl of soup for lunch, made from nothing much at all!

 

when I headed out to the studio, I took my special tea in another special mug (I didn't realise quite how many "special" mugs we have, as opposed to the everyday ones that go in the dishwasher)

 

I started my day's sewing by finishing off the challenge block for Abbey Quilters (or it will be completely finished when I find the piece of paper that tells me what size to trim it to!)

 

next I did some more prep on the last applique block for the Aunts' Quilt

 

I have finished my tenth stitchery, so it got pressed and put up on the design wall  (only twenty two more to go!)

 

I was on a roll now, and had a quick session of machine quilting on the bed runner

 

I was looking for some more woolly bits for my Sue Spargo project, when I came across this little pattern, and decided to make it as a further practice before I embark on the big project

 

I'm doing the Needle Keeper, and needed to pink the edges of the inner woolly bits, which gave me a chance to use my rotary cutter with the pinking blade

 

this is fun!!

 

at this point, Meredithe might be planning to send me an another owl, this one bearing a Howler (if you haven't read/seen Harry Potter, you can find out here what a Howler is), which will berate me for not working on Mrs Billings!  But I was saving the best for last, and spent the rest of the afternoon working on Mrs B.  But what, I hear you ask, is that little wooden gadget?

 

it's an "iron", for pressing seams

 

by the end of the afternoon I had two corner blocks done for the next border

 

to finish, I have someone else's sewing! Fran, who is one of my lovely readers (thank you all very much for reading me!) emailed me a photo of a quilt that she made for her son.  I immediately emailed her to ask if I could include the photo in a post, as I think it is fabulous!  Fran has only been quilting for eighteen months, so this was a major project for her to tackle, and she has made an excellent job of it.  The quilt is for her son, and he helped to choose the fabrics - needless to say he is delighted with it!

ps - it is snowing as I type this!!