Another Little House

My Second Little House

I've realised what fun it is to make tiny things as opposed to huge quilts   ...  easier to manage, quick to finish and hopefully each one better than the last (I am learning by mistakes - by the tenth I should be perfect!)

I'm still playing with the buttons!

My First Little House Swap

My First Little House

I am taking part in the little house swap - and as my hands are still bad (nerves damaged by chemo) I have decided to make a whole street of little houses and choose the best (or least bad) for my lovely swap partner. Todays effort was rather wonky and difficult to do as my sewing room is still not complete - I cannot yet unpack my stuff and I have no chair or place for my sewing machine - still the floor is comfy and newly carpeted! I also had no pattern and have never embroidered before!

Luckily I have plenty of time to practise as Mr Whizz Kid is away for yet another weekend saving the world.. I promise to find a pattern tonight -  (please don't worry swap partner. xx)

He He He

She Walks In Beauty

 

Today I Feel Romantic!

 

 

She Walks in Beauty

By Lord Byron (George Gordon)

 1788–1824

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that’s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o’er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Some beautiful pics.

 Via previous Vogue issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buttons Galore

The button craze

More And More Buttons

Drab buttons

Last week I bought a lovely star shaped hanger covered in pretty buttons. It was for a friend's birthday and it made me think about my own button collection. Mostly my buttons are too pretty to use on fairly trivial things but then I remembered a tin of old buttons given to me by a neighbour, which she had found in her garage. They had come from and old lady in a house clearance and were rather drab and dull. The lovely colourful buttons we buy now have only fairly recently become widely available and older buttons consisted of mostly mother of pearl in simple designs or dreary browns and blacks. Today I have been 'messing' with these buttons, old metal coat hangers, ribbons, beads and craft wire and this is some of what I made ... The only difficult part is shaping the wire and I found pliers indespensible.

This is a copy of my friends gift and it was very useful to have it to copy but sadly I had to give it away!   I frequently copy things as I am not too artistic and have no imagination  -  I do hope nobody minds!  (My copies are usually so inferior as to be unrecognisable anyway - he he!) The bracelets fasten with a bead and loop and the star hangs from a curtain ring.

Now for some button hearts for Valentines Day.

Yet Another Day Out

I do stay home sometimes, honestly.

I'm just making up for losing a whole year of my life!

Richmond Park

Richmond Riverside

The Delights of Richmond Upon Thames

India Jane

I discovered a wonderful new shop this weekend while on a day out to Richmond upon Thames with a friend. It was full of beautiful furniture, accessories and nic nacs. The Indian throws, cushions and fabrics and  home accessories were stunning and beautifully displayed in charming room settings. I sneekily took a few snaps (most London shops do not allow this) and here they are ...

We actually bought very little but really wanted it all, especially the lovely hand embroidered cushions.  But, of course Richmond is a beautiful town and has much more to offer than just wonderful shops and restaurants. The parks, gardens, and riverside walks are beautiful and the newish (1980s)  'period style' architecture designed by Quinlan Terry along the riverside walks and the shopping development is simply stunning.

Via Rudi.net

The Beautiful Theatre

The lovely Richmond Theatre was built in 1899 and was designed by the famous theatre architect Frank Matcham. It sits alongside Richmond Green and the theatregoers take their drinks outside in the interlude and sit on the green on glorious summer evenings. At present a Russian Ballet Company are visiting and it usually has an eclectic programme to suit all ages and tastes.

We had a delicious lunch in a local French Bistro called  'Cote'  ,  I think I have mentioned it before as it is a favourite of mine. We had their special lunch menu, which is very good value   ...

And finished off with the most delicious creme caramel  ... ever ...

Yummy

Craft Fair Goodies

Photos Ad Nauseum

Pretty felt crafts

This really is the end of my craft pics from Sandown Stitch And Creative Craft Fair  ... even I am fed up with them!

A cornocopia of crafts!

Beautiful filigree bowl

Soluble paper kit for bowl

Unknown crafter

Unknown crafter

Unknown crafter

Richard Box

Richard Box

For me the undoubted star of the show was the fabulous work of Richard Box. Do try and see it if you get a chance as it really is amazing and my pics do not do it justice. Sadly no website to drool over!


I really liked the Button Lady from Sutton Coldfield who sells the most interesting buttons. It is hard to resist them - only the price keeps me from extravagance.

They really are cute. They are to go on my new journal covers (as soon as I figure out just how to make them neatly!)

More lovely buttons came from  Fantastic Ribbons.com.  I think these just have to be for me!

This lovely little 'boy bag' is for a cherished little boy - it is lined in shiny blue satin  ...

And this pink 'girlie bag' is for a cherished little girl and it is lined in shiny pink satin ...

Both came from Dottie Designs who had the most colourful stall. They are fleecy, fully lined and so very cute - especially when full of sweeties!

Unknown crafter

Now enough about craft fairs.  I promise not to mention them ever again (until the next time)!

Unknown crafter

And now for something totally unrelated. I told you that I was rather too much interested in sewing machines at present!  This one looks pretty but I guess is not too special as it comes very cheaply from Argos!

Wow!