Sewing Bee?

Do three people make a sewing bee? Hm, a literate conundrum but ne'er mind for one is required to rise early to prepare for a day of patterns, fabric, lessons, laughter, lunch and fun. Two ironing boards and irons, three machines, sometimes an over locker, three pairs of glasses (for we are all ladies, ahem, over the age of consent, shall we say), scissors, pins and all the ecoutraiment required for such a day, as well as the all important yards, or should that be metres, of fabric, washed and ironed in preparation. A little something for a light lunch is always on the agenda, therefore, some rather lovely cheeses from the local delicatessen are placed in the larder upon the cheese board, lush baby plum tomatoes of quite the sweetest taste sat in a bowl beside the cheese, and further light morsels make up  the lunch preparations. Good tea and coffee are a must, as well as a slice or so of homemade cake to go with our afternoon refreshments. Joining all of these things is the prescence of two good friends. There are few rules for the day bar the banning of talk about our professional toil for this is a day to forget we are professionals and have fun and laughter. So good for the soul, and a bonus for one's wardrobe and skill set. What, dear souls, is not to like.

As the day wend on, it was clear 'twas a good day for some, t'others struggled, but our seamstress friend kept us moving forwards with laughter, merriment, and patience in abundance. The quick unpick was yielded on more than one occasion, needles threaded and re-threaded, highs and lows came and went. At the unexpected early arrival of the male guardian a state of mass undress was a near miss as we tried on our garments in various stages of completion. Dear man, patience is his middle name and he idled in the front hallway awhile whilst our en masse deshabille was corrected. There is little left to complete bar the use of the overlocker, hems and cuffs to complete for which a date has been set. Despite the anxst this particular fabric caused, we are nearly there. We have learnt some new skills, understand the complexity of fabric a little better and certainly are aware of the experience of our dear seamstress friend who patiently guided us through this particular garment, for which we are extremely grateful. After a restorative cup of fresh coffee and a little morsel of tasteful moreishness, they were on their way to their respective homes. Such a delightful way to spend one's downtime, in the company of likeminded friends, ending the day in the company of the male guardian who is so delightfully charming to one's friends. One is most fortunate indeed in the choice of one's soulmate, do you not agree.

Technology and tasks

Whilst one is not perhaps the most technical of people, I do so enjoy some of the advantages my electronic devise does afford me. Whilst my darling twin sister and her partner live, literally, half the world away, I was able to enjoy their company for several hours this very morning whilst the male guardian is at his professional toil once more. Oh, how we did laugh, gossip, plan and reminisce. How the time did fly for there was so much to discuss. Sat comfortably with a large cup of English breakfast tea within reach and the ever present garment on the needles; tempus fugit indeed. My dears, it really is just the ticket. The picture was as clear as if they were sat in the same room and the joy of shared hilarity so much nicer when one can see the mirrored enjoyment in their faces. Oh, how I did enjoy it, why, it fair set me up for the day.

Alas, one's chores awaited but, much boosted, they were soon complete as the mind wandered  joyfully over our conversations as I worked. A trip to the small local town for some necessities did not take long and preparations for a day with my elite sewing bee are well underway for we meet on the morrow. During my visit for necessities, I took the opportunity to pop in to the small, but perfectly stocked, fabric shop. Oh, dear, dear, for they have had new stocks and the choice of summer fabrics is quite amazing. The will power was sorely tested but thankfully one did not buckle under the strain, merely memorised information filed for later use, as one does. Such a riotous palette of colours and patterns, I have no doubt, dear souls, that the next visit may not go so well.

One was required to visit the dry cleaners where one's niece runs a very tight ship indeed and provides a very admirable service to her local customers, with a prompt and reliable service. Then on to the most important hardware store for necessities and a tempting bunch of sweet Williams. My dear late Father used to grow them when I was a child and my late Mother always appreciated a bunch or two when in season. A resplendent bunch now sits in one's home emitting the most evocative spicy, sweet scent of years gone by. Alas, dear souls,  one must not sit idling for there are cakes to bake and supper for the male guardian to prepare therefore on, on is the motto of the moment. 

Progress

Dear reader, no sooner had one finished a garment than thoughts of others were soon to be seen drifting through one's head. Thus found me, the very next day, cutting out not one, but two dresses in preparation for a little light crafting.  My dears, those skills which one had so diligently learnt were put to the test, but one has been taught well and no calamities ensued. This evening, after cleaning away one's decorating ensemble, the trusty sewing machine was bought forth. Dear souls, just three hours later all that was left to do was the hem of a summer dress, designed to keep one cool. I am uncertain who is more delighted, my dear seamstress friend who taught me or myself. Oh dear me, this is such a delightful pastime, the possibilities are endless. 

The painting continues, and will continue a while yet before 'tis complete, but one can already see the effect. T'will mean some furniture chess to ensure all rooms are undertaken, especially to have new floor coverings laid, but ''tis a small price to pay to have the upper floor of our home as has been long envisaged. Alas, one's home is rather like the fourth bridge, no sooner than you have completed, than you are required to start again. Thankfully, as the male guardian and I tend towards the classic items, new furniture is not required and one has long been able to produce curtains and blinds.

Our dear neighbour, who adjoins our land, has returned the front boundary to its original status and taken down a rather large, unruly and somewhat unsightly hedge planted by a predecessor. It's removal has opened up the view as ''twas originally built and oh, the difference 'tas made. 
The garden is blooming with blooms abound; the roses are glorious, acquilegia are everywhere with the hydrangeas preparing for the supporting act. Oh, how I do love a English country garden, especially one that we can now appreciate from every room. 

The joy of Completion

I have, dear souls, completed the summer dress I started last weekend. My dear seamstress friend did spend the morning with me overseeing the completion, and finishing, of said garment. As, always, I find her tweaking of a garment invaluable for a tuck here, a correction there and one has the perfect fit. I feel myself most fortunate to spend time in her company, for not only does she have a quick mind and sharp wit, she is a most diligent teacher. If she asks to see something, one really does feel that twist of anxiety, but knows that a job well done will be praised and, those a little less than perfect, will elicit the most practical and helpful of advice and guidance to make it right. As she was taught by her Mother, I am being taught by her, that good finishing of a garment is de rigeur. Once complete, one is required to press the garment one final time, then don it and stand, twist, turn and sit under the gaze of the perfectionist. It is however this attention to detail and perfectionist stance that ensures one is left with a garment that one is proud to wear and, importantly, will last for many years, if cared for correctly. One's wardrobe has grown exponentially since we commenced our sewing soiress and most enjoyable they are too. Oft times, it is peaceful and quiet with all bar the combined thrum of two or three machines bent on the production of a garment apiece, other times there is a tuition talk and, at others, the delightful chatter and laughter of people enjoying the company of like minded people. A simple, but practical pastime, spent in the presence of like minded people, how very civilised, my dears.  

Busy, busy.....

Well, dear souls, once more one has been busy and productive, aside from one's professional toil. Painting, sewing, gardening as well as the ubiquitous garment growing upon the needles. Windows have been thrown wide to take the very best possible advantage of the glorious weather we have been experiencing and, oh, such a glorious time 'tas been. One really does enjoy being busy, for one has a proclivity for getting things done. The garden has well and truly burst into life and the fledgling yew hedge has put on such a spurt of growth that there is a palpable difference in height. The delightful and architectural thistle, recently planted, has also put on growth and already 'tis attracting bees in good numbers, much to one's joy. We are unfurling from our particularly long winter to enjoy every moment possible of a British summer. As long, my dears, as the temperature does not suddenly increase exponentially, for that would just not do.

My dear seamstress friend and I spent a delightful day cutting out garments and sewing over the weekend, whilst the male guardian was at his professional toil. Three garments cut out to practice one's cutting skills and a new summer dress commenced in a most becoming fabric. My dear friend completed a garment in half the time it took oneself to complete the top of the new summer dress. One can only dream of such expertise and speed. 

Another day was spent painting, painting, painting and we are nearing completion, whence the production of the soft furnishings commence. Regular watering of garden planters now feature as a regular requirement with the promise of great rewards in due course. 

No doubt the Australian contingent of the family are lamenting the decrease in the temperature, marching as they are t'ward winter as we do Summer, with June in barely a week's time. It is, however, notable that temperatures largely appear on par in both countries. One does so like the temperature we are currently experiencing, so comfortable in which to work, do you not agree.

Productivity

The male guardian and I have had a most productive time over the few days of the weekend, going hither and thither, cross county's and back. 'Tas been busy, it has to be said but, as the saying goes, "if you want something done, ask a busy person". The upper floor of our dear home is beginning to take shape and these last few days have seen a fresh coat of paint upon ceiling and walls of a most becoming and restful shade. Fabric for one set of windows has been chosen from a rather delightful outlet specialising in fabrics and awaits one's ministrations, along with delivery of some blackout fabric, for 'tis most important when someone undertakes night duty to reproduce that darkened environment in which to partake of restful sleep. Since I last undertook a soft furnishing project of this type, new devices have been produced to ensure a smooth rise and fall of a roman blind, so much nicer than fiddling with hooks, string and the like. My dears, the joy of an hour, ahem, or two, spent considering fabric is such a delightful pastime. Oh, I did enjoy myself but the choice, dear souls, the choice really was so difficult. Bolts of beautiful fabric did so dazzle the eyes, one felt like a child in the proverbial sweet shop, however, one finally made one's choice, purchasing enough to create two roman blinds. An added bonus was the dress fabric section; I do believe a return visit will shortly be on the cards.

The garden has also received our ministrations; the lawns neat and tidy, some new containers purchased and filled with an assortment of potential, a few new plants selected and each spot for them carefully considered before planting. Oh, the delights of a garden, however, residing in the country as we do, we are oft visited by the local wildlife. Once again, we have been visited by a member of the Brock family and well, where do we start. As a species they are most strong indeed but also have an inherent foraging tendency that has seen the estate lawns come to resemble a forest floor after the wild boar have been through. No, dear reader, 'tis not a good look for the lawn, for it has been left pockmarked and cratered in their wake. Typically, they have ignored the actual orchard, where one would not mind, and gone straight for the lawns. Ah, well, dear souls; the joys of living in the country are many and varied I do believe. Infinitely smaller than the Kangaroos that visit my dear twin sister's garden and for that I am most grateful. Imagine the size of the holes if a badger were the size of a kangaroo. Oh, my, my, we are thankful for small mercies, my dears. 

Glorious Bank Holiday

Dear souls, what a glorious Bank Holiday we have had the good fortune to experience. Vast blue skies, not a cloud to be seen  and warmth such as we have not seen for many a month. The annual May Fair, for which the local village is renowned, will have had a most advantageous benefit from such glory for 'twas most busy when the male guardian and I did show our support. The crowds were plentiful, the artisans many and there were some most happy faces indeed returning to their carriages, purchases a plenty.

May is a beautiful month here in this county. The hedges and banks are full of frothy cowparsley in abundance, the wild garlic in all its pungent glory abounds, fields are green with tractors busily to ing and froing across them. There are new leaves emerging in all their acid green splendour and apple blossom in the orchard. The wildlife is at large full of the joys of spring.  Oh, such a vast glorious landscape of sheer natural beauty. 

Work continues intermittently on our small estate; the male guardian and I are pacing ourselves through the ongoing phases. The delight in completing each section is immense and the knowledge of a job well done, most rewarding. In between the various works, we are enjoying the estate gardens and endeavouring to keep them in order. The draw of ones garden on a sunny day really is immense and one I do confess has gotten the better of us at times. Meals al fresco, or wiling away the hours, what is not to like. Simple pleasures, my dears, but ones that give such happiness.