Well, indeed, my dears, for we are at a most exciting time in the works on the dear old home; yes, 'tis the colour, fabric, texture and weave section that sets many a ladies heart alight. There is still some work to be done but starting early when making ones deliberations for the soft furnishings and carpeting is such a sensible proposal. The electronic device has been oh, so helpful in the investigation of textiles, carpeting and paint samples. Why, one can order the most delectable of free samples to be delivered directly to one's door, such a miracle of modern technology and so time saving. One just unlocks the parcel box at the end of a day spent at one's professional toil and lo, as if by magic, a little packet of some delightful samples have arrived. I do so like this type of shopping, dear souls, for what is not to like.
The ground floor of our home comprises hard flooring, largely due to the simple fact of living in the country which requires robust, hardwearing flooring that can withstand all types of traffic of the two and, indeed, four legged variety. Thus, a simple brush and mop restores its glory in the blink of an eye. A number of rather lovely rugs are deployed in the main rooms for warmth and comfort but can equally take a good amount of hard usage. The second floor however, is a slightly different story bar rooms set aside for ones ablutions. One really does regard these as utility areas thus, hard flooring is once again deployed and the mop and bucket reign. For other second floor areas, one still believes in value for money and most definitely robust but a softer approach is taken.
One has made diligent use of the electrical device to review the plethora of paints and colours on offer, and oh, my, my, there are many. A most sensible option has been the introduction of the tester pot and I do believe may help the male guardian and I in our choice. There is nought so sensible as being able to coat a section of wall in a chosen colour to be able to appreciate the interplay of light throughout a day to gain perspective on the appropriateness of one's choice. I am inordinately fond of the chalky colours, so suitable for an old building such as the one in which we reside and have made a considered choice of colour to try. A tester pot was purchased and test patches painted, awaiting the male guardian's verdict on the 'morrow. Oh, the suspense, dear souls, the suspense. Added to this is the postal delivery of fabric samples that are eagerly awaited. The joy in making this final push really is palpable for 'tas been long awaited and we fully intend to enjoy it, my dears. Onwards, therefore, onwards and keep the momentum going til all is complete.
L
Sunday 29 April 2018
Tuesday 24 April 2018
Spring weather
Well, my dears, what a glorious week we had last week. The temperature rose, the sun came out, all was balmy and lo, the garden burst forth. There it was in all its fresh green finery, honesty flowers in their purple and white frothy glory, plum and cherry blossom, with a smattering of apple thrown into the mix. The euphorbia bracts are zinging in acid green against the dark red and green of the leaves on the rose, all underpinned by the yellow and cream daffodils and narcissi. The sound of spring is alive with bumble bees bimbling about, their deep drone reverberating as they go and the tweeting of the birds. All the while overlaying the sound of tractors and garden machinery frantically working to catch up any time lost due to the previous wet weather. Such a delightful time to be in one's garden., Oh how one does just love it.
All very much respite from the schedule of works from the workmen. Oh, the upheaval, dear souls, the upheaval. Quite how it appears to involve every room in the house is beyond me but there 'tis. One must keep one's eye firmly on the prize and retain one's sense of humour in situations such as 'tis.
The male guardian and I are delighted by the continued visitations from a charming gentleman who has been visiting us for some years. He is impeccably dressed in the colours of the autumn and winter seasons and really is a sweetie. Of late, the male guardian and I have noticed that he appears to be gathering a following of rather lovely ladies. First there was the one, swiftly followed by another, and now, my dears, there appears to be five in all. It has to be said, Cedric really is most charming; he ushers the ladies into the garden ahead of him and duly keeps a watchful eye as they partake of a light morsel. Throughout the visit he chatters and coos away to them in a most becoming tone, only becoming strident if he senses danger and one of his ladies is dawdling. He raises himself to his tallest and lets out a warning shout.
Cedric and his ladies are pheasants, and along with the blackbirds, thrushes, robins and more who do share our small estate with us. 'Tis the season of breeding and procreation, no doubt the reason for Cedric's rather charming entourage. The male guardian and I were also very happy to see the return of a pair of Swans to the small lake behind us. Such a delightful ethereal sight to see. We really are quite lucky with the wildlife that visit us and hope to do so for many a year to come.
All very much respite from the schedule of works from the workmen. Oh, the upheaval, dear souls, the upheaval. Quite how it appears to involve every room in the house is beyond me but there 'tis. One must keep one's eye firmly on the prize and retain one's sense of humour in situations such as 'tis.
The male guardian and I are delighted by the continued visitations from a charming gentleman who has been visiting us for some years. He is impeccably dressed in the colours of the autumn and winter seasons and really is a sweetie. Of late, the male guardian and I have noticed that he appears to be gathering a following of rather lovely ladies. First there was the one, swiftly followed by another, and now, my dears, there appears to be five in all. It has to be said, Cedric really is most charming; he ushers the ladies into the garden ahead of him and duly keeps a watchful eye as they partake of a light morsel. Throughout the visit he chatters and coos away to them in a most becoming tone, only becoming strident if he senses danger and one of his ladies is dawdling. He raises himself to his tallest and lets out a warning shout.
Cedric and his ladies are pheasants, and along with the blackbirds, thrushes, robins and more who do share our small estate with us. 'Tis the season of breeding and procreation, no doubt the reason for Cedric's rather charming entourage. The male guardian and I were also very happy to see the return of a pair of Swans to the small lake behind us. Such a delightful ethereal sight to see. We really are quite lucky with the wildlife that visit us and hope to do so for many a year to come.
Monday 16 April 2018
Something in the woodpile
Well, my dears, the peace and somnambulistic ritual of life on our little estate has been well and truly shattered over the last few days for we have once more had workmen in the house. The preparation, the undertaking and the clear up are inevitably an upheaval but are the beginnings of a programme of works scheduled across the year to maintain our old home for generations to come. The positive side of this is the aforementioned reviewing and repurposing of the contents of one's home for it has been the recipient of items from the homes of others, some intentionally given and others inherited. This is our opportunity to consider our options and select those that stay with us and those that will be offered up for the use of others. All storage spaces within the house will be stripped of its contents and consideration undertaken before any restocking ensues. Thankfully, we have spread the task over the year as the workmen come and go, for the male guardian and I do so hate major upheaval amidst the professional toil, as many of us do.
Our biggest project over the year will be the review of our "library" stock, for we are both ardent readers. Whilst we have both utilised the mechanical devices for reading, our preference remains the printed word in the form of a book. This does however create the problem of storage for we have many, many books through the classics to popular fiction and personal interest tombs. This will require nerves of steel and true negotiation skills to undertake, me thinks.
A bonus, however, of having people in the house, and a soupçon of amazingly clement weather (read that as not raining) is that we have restocked the log shed for next winter. Oh, the joy in a full log shed; the cut wood can bake away and dry out beautifully over the summer months. This ensures, dear souls, a low water content and thus means a better burn, which in turn is better for the fire and the chimney. The male guardian and I do feel that this is a job well done and were most delighted with ourselves once 'twas complete. Why, we did celebrate with a fine cup of English tea and a slice of homemade Victoria sandwich; such decadence, my dears, but one that was well deserved, I do believe.
Our biggest project over the year will be the review of our "library" stock, for we are both ardent readers. Whilst we have both utilised the mechanical devices for reading, our preference remains the printed word in the form of a book. This does however create the problem of storage for we have many, many books through the classics to popular fiction and personal interest tombs. This will require nerves of steel and true negotiation skills to undertake, me thinks.
A bonus, however, of having people in the house, and a soupçon of amazingly clement weather (read that as not raining) is that we have restocked the log shed for next winter. Oh, the joy in a full log shed; the cut wood can bake away and dry out beautifully over the summer months. This ensures, dear souls, a low water content and thus means a better burn, which in turn is better for the fire and the chimney. The male guardian and I do feel that this is a job well done and were most delighted with ourselves once 'twas complete. Why, we did celebrate with a fine cup of English tea and a slice of homemade Victoria sandwich; such decadence, my dears, but one that was well deserved, I do believe.
Sunday 8 April 2018
A little light crafty retail therapy
My dear friends and I had arranged to spend an afternoon reviewing the wares of a small local rural town, not least due to the fact that they posses a rather tempting looking fabric shop. 'Tis a small shop but it does stock some rather lovely fabrics and had drawn us in rather like a sweet shop does for little, and some not so little, children. Like many rural small towns, it has a small but select number of artisan shops that have not been replaced by large conglomerates stocking the same wares in every town. There are a number of empty stores that one hopes will attract further artisans and not be handed over to the bigger outlets, nor more coffee shops, as there are already quite a few. One's wish is that there is someone out there who recognises the need for a good quality yarn shop for there is not one to be had for many miles and one has to travel some distance to be able to see and feel quality yarn. Wool Merchants, please do take note for I do believe you would do well.
My dear friends and I spent a delightful few hours reviewing the wares, particularly in the fabric shop. The main attraction was the cotton fabric for 'tis a small shop, there is little space for much else and the owner is a keen quilter thus the range is largely limited to rather delightful cotton fabrics but oh my, there are such pretty fabrics on offer. My dear seamstress friend was in her element and chose three or four rather becoming patterns to purchase, much to her delight. We then partook of a rather lovely cup of fresh coffee in a little cafe behind a small but long established local food emporium that is well renowned locally, and further afield, for its wares, such is the choice on display. Once refreshed we wandered at will and enjoyed reviewing some rather lovely merchants wares. Much was admired, many an "ooh" or "ah" escaped but we were sensible in our purchases. It was a most pleasant afternoon of girlish enjoyment, and, dear reader, one was home in time for tea.
During our time at the fabric shop I purchased some wool felt and thread to undertake some appliqué wool felting blocks. I am slowly attempting to complete enough blocks to finish a quilt that will also encompass some appliqué blocks my dear late mother, a sister and I started some years ago now. When my mother died the blocks were split between my sister and I but have laid untouched for some years. I had recently unpacked them and felt that it would be a shame for them to lay unused therefore had been planning on how to use them. Hand sewing had, through my life, been my preference until now and in my formative years I used to make soft toys to sell as a sideline, clothed in hand sewn and knitted/crocheted items. An entire soft toy was undertaken with hand sewing and wool crafts, thus small appliqué wool blocks will utilise some of the techniques and stitchery that I had previously enjoyed. Being a country dweller, nature and home are the themes I will encompass and I have spent a number of hours trawling the electrical devise for inspiration. Dear reader, there is a smorgasbord at one's fingertips and one really did have to restrict one's viewing time.
"So much to do, so little time to do it" is the adage that comes to mind however there is much enjoyment in each of my crafting hobbies. I do find that they are a perfect release from the mental and physical stresses from the work being slowly undertaken in one's home and of one's professional toil. These, along with music, art and literature never fail, along with the joy of my small home and my family. Simple pleasures, dear souls, simple pleasures.
My dear friends and I spent a delightful few hours reviewing the wares, particularly in the fabric shop. The main attraction was the cotton fabric for 'tis a small shop, there is little space for much else and the owner is a keen quilter thus the range is largely limited to rather delightful cotton fabrics but oh my, there are such pretty fabrics on offer. My dear seamstress friend was in her element and chose three or four rather becoming patterns to purchase, much to her delight. We then partook of a rather lovely cup of fresh coffee in a little cafe behind a small but long established local food emporium that is well renowned locally, and further afield, for its wares, such is the choice on display. Once refreshed we wandered at will and enjoyed reviewing some rather lovely merchants wares. Much was admired, many an "ooh" or "ah" escaped but we were sensible in our purchases. It was a most pleasant afternoon of girlish enjoyment, and, dear reader, one was home in time for tea.
During our time at the fabric shop I purchased some wool felt and thread to undertake some appliqué wool felting blocks. I am slowly attempting to complete enough blocks to finish a quilt that will also encompass some appliqué blocks my dear late mother, a sister and I started some years ago now. When my mother died the blocks were split between my sister and I but have laid untouched for some years. I had recently unpacked them and felt that it would be a shame for them to lay unused therefore had been planning on how to use them. Hand sewing had, through my life, been my preference until now and in my formative years I used to make soft toys to sell as a sideline, clothed in hand sewn and knitted/crocheted items. An entire soft toy was undertaken with hand sewing and wool crafts, thus small appliqué wool blocks will utilise some of the techniques and stitchery that I had previously enjoyed. Being a country dweller, nature and home are the themes I will encompass and I have spent a number of hours trawling the electrical devise for inspiration. Dear reader, there is a smorgasbord at one's fingertips and one really did have to restrict one's viewing time.
"So much to do, so little time to do it" is the adage that comes to mind however there is much enjoyment in each of my crafting hobbies. I do find that they are a perfect release from the mental and physical stresses from the work being slowly undertaken in one's home and of one's professional toil. These, along with music, art and literature never fail, along with the joy of my small home and my family. Simple pleasures, dear souls, simple pleasures.
Sunday 1 April 2018
Happy Easter
Happy Easter, dear souls. Oh, how I do adore Easter. The end of winter, the beginning of spring, rejoicing in the life cycle, lambs, new growth and more. The "and more" is clearly those naughty but quite delectable little extras such as the most delicious of Hot Cross Buns, and, my personal favourite, Moores Easter Biscuits. Why even the smell of them evokes thoughts of many an Easter past. How I do so enjoy their crisp, spicy taste over Easter. I have yet to discover any other quite so delectable and will not compromise, Moores it has to be. The male guardian, however, is not a fan, being staunchly a chocolate lover (particularly those rather moreish speckled eggs); such a very sad thing, do you not agree, that we differ in our preferences for one must, of course, ensure there is no waste.
The next woollen garment pattern for my seamstress friend has been decided upon, the colour and weight of yarn pondered and a decision finally made. This morning has seen an order of yarn duly made and thus, we await delivery. Such was the choice of colour in the particular yarn that 'twas really quite difficult to choose, why, my dear friend and I spent last Sunday deliberating over the many colours. We were girlishly amused to note that she could have said garment in forty eight colour ways should she so desire and I would be knitting for many a year to come. The choice of colour really was delightful and, in all seriousness, I do feel that I will be producing a number of said garments for my friend, much to my satisfaction.
In the meantime I have nigh finished a garment for myself with just a sleeve and a half to complete which will keep the fingers nimble whilst I await delivery of the afore mentioned woolly parcel. This is being knit from wool I have had in my little stash, keen as I am not to hoard too much for either of my crafting hobbies, for one is aware that a crafters stash can be known to get out of hand. My dear seamstress friend confesses to many a tantalising bolt of fabric, a length of binding or interfacing material that waits her attention and, as a member of a knitting family, one is all too aware of the size a stash can reach. My dear late Mother's stash was legendary with all manner of yarn in rather plentiful supply; from those suitable for regular mechanical washing for children to those requiring gentle hand washing. One of my sister's and I had the pleasure of sorting this out after she had died and found many scraps from past projects to remember such as a knitted coat for an elder sister that took many hours to complete but was a thing of beauty; ends of balls of wool from the many a beautiful arran items she knitted, including an arran dress passed down through a family which included five girls, that I remember wearing at primary school. There was also those little woolly treats she had bought herself in a delectable colour and weight that most knitters will confess to; a seriously upmarket yarn that one cannot resist, stashed for just the right pattern. I, too, confess to such little treats in both my yarn and fabric stashes, but only the one in each for it could become an expensive habit, could it not. I fully intend to make the most of this short Easter break to complete my woollen garment and hope that you too have an equally enjoyable time, dear souls. Happy Easter.
The next woollen garment pattern for my seamstress friend has been decided upon, the colour and weight of yarn pondered and a decision finally made. This morning has seen an order of yarn duly made and thus, we await delivery. Such was the choice of colour in the particular yarn that 'twas really quite difficult to choose, why, my dear friend and I spent last Sunday deliberating over the many colours. We were girlishly amused to note that she could have said garment in forty eight colour ways should she so desire and I would be knitting for many a year to come. The choice of colour really was delightful and, in all seriousness, I do feel that I will be producing a number of said garments for my friend, much to my satisfaction.
In the meantime I have nigh finished a garment for myself with just a sleeve and a half to complete which will keep the fingers nimble whilst I await delivery of the afore mentioned woolly parcel. This is being knit from wool I have had in my little stash, keen as I am not to hoard too much for either of my crafting hobbies, for one is aware that a crafters stash can be known to get out of hand. My dear seamstress friend confesses to many a tantalising bolt of fabric, a length of binding or interfacing material that waits her attention and, as a member of a knitting family, one is all too aware of the size a stash can reach. My dear late Mother's stash was legendary with all manner of yarn in rather plentiful supply; from those suitable for regular mechanical washing for children to those requiring gentle hand washing. One of my sister's and I had the pleasure of sorting this out after she had died and found many scraps from past projects to remember such as a knitted coat for an elder sister that took many hours to complete but was a thing of beauty; ends of balls of wool from the many a beautiful arran items she knitted, including an arran dress passed down through a family which included five girls, that I remember wearing at primary school. There was also those little woolly treats she had bought herself in a delectable colour and weight that most knitters will confess to; a seriously upmarket yarn that one cannot resist, stashed for just the right pattern. I, too, confess to such little treats in both my yarn and fabric stashes, but only the one in each for it could become an expensive habit, could it not. I fully intend to make the most of this short Easter break to complete my woollen garment and hope that you too have an equally enjoyable time, dear souls. Happy Easter.
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