Hyde Hall

Today has been the most beautiful Autumn Day. Nicola and I took a trip to the RHS Gardens at Hyde Hall. There are still lots of flowers to see and the colours are really striking.


With the warm sun and these pretty flowers you could almost believe it was still summer.

I love the silhouettes of these seed pods against the bright blue sky. I got so carried away taking photos of the plants that I forgot to take any of the Autumn leaves. I will just have to go back for another visit soon!

The New Forest

Libby on the left with her sister and aunt!






This little sweetie is six months old.

We have recently returned from a trip to the New Forest. This is one of our favourite parts of the country to visit, with lots of lovely walks in the forest and close enough to the sea if the weather is good. It also gives us the opportunity to visit our friend Sandra who lives in the area. Sandra is the one who introduced us to golden retrievers. She currently has four- three adults and a puppy. One of her dogs is from the same litter as Libby- our dog. They all had a great time together playing in the river.

Rust Dyeing

Yesterday Myfanwy Hart came to the Chelmsford Embroiderers Guild to do a workshop on rust dyeing. Although I have done lots of dyeing in the past using rust to dye with was a first for me. We had to make a collection of rusty objects to take along so I raided my husband's shed for rusty tools, nails, etc to take.

We placed our rusty objects onto damp dyed and natural fabrics, placed our rusty items on the fabric and added salt or vinegar. We also added strong tea or teabags to some of the fabric. It had to be left overnight to cure (some of my pieces are still not ready!). This morning I took the fabric out, washed and dried it and this is what it looks like. There aresome really lovely effects and I can't wait to use it as all sorts of ideas are going through my head. I will definitely be trying this again. Thanks Myfanwy!

Another Day, Another Workshop!

Yesterday at School House we were lucky enough to have Pauline Verrinder came to do a workshop called "Boogies with Books" It was a very busy day but by the end of it most of us had two books completed with another one started to finish off at home. Pictured above are some of the finished books.
I have spent today making another one, which is drying at the moment. I will post a picture when it's dry!

Jennie Rayment

Last night Jennie Rayment entertained our quilting group with a very amusing talk about her travels. She had us all laughing a great deal. This was followed by a delicious strawberry tea.
Today Jennie did a workshop for the group. It was a very full and busy day. Pictured above is Jennie signing her books alongside some of her beautiful work. I am intending to turn my folded blocks into a bag when they are finished. A photo will follow later!
Tomorrow is another busy day. Pauline Verrinder is coming to School House to do a workshop called "Boogie with Books".

Fairy Shoes

I love making and dressing art dolls- particularly fairies. Sometime ago the Embroiderers Guild magazine "Stitch" had an article on making fairy shoes by Annette Emms and I have been looking forward to making a pair. They are made with layers of fabric and felt and they are finished with hand and machine embroidery and beading. They took quite a long time to make but they were great fun. The photos don't do them justice. I have lots of ideas for making more pairs- probably using silk paper next time.

Workshop Follow-Up

We had great fun making felt beads at our workshop on Saturday. I decided that I must do something with them so I have been busy adding embroidery and beads and making them in to necklaces. These are now for sale on my Etsy shop.