Ally Pally Day Out

So who else has been down to Londons Alexandra Palace

 for the "Knitting and Stitching show?"

My friend and I went on a coach trip

yesterday and had a fantastic time.

Both of us were broke when we left

with all the bits and pieces we bought

but I have to say for me the best part

was the fabulous exhibitions by the textile graduates

and  artists.

Here are some of my photos.

I went to have a word with long time bloggy

friend Sue from @home who had a stall selling her 

badges and pocket mirrors. It was lovely to 

meet her after chatting on line and sharing each others lives 

for so long. It was a very quick chat as 

thankfully for her she was very busy.

Hope it carried on in the same vain honey and it was worth

all the hard work. Can't wait to read her post about the hotel

which apparently left a lot to be desired.

This was one of my favourites booths 

Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn

and came away with one of their books.

I'm totally inspired to do more embroidery and really wish

I could have afforded to buy one of their pieces.

There was artist from all over the world

Sorry about the glare on this one but I love the picture 

which was so different from the ones above.

  

Then as we left I saw this which has been knitted

 by a whole host of people based on the characters from

a new childrens book due out called"Save snarky spuddle and ramfeezled", 

unfortunately for them they were parked outside 

and not allowed a  gazebo. 

It was pouring when 

we left and I felt so sorry for them.

We hit dreadful traffic on the way home so it was

a very long day but very enjoyable.

I haven't taken a photo of the things I got so will do that this week

so see you soon and let me know what you thought of the show if you went.

Gillxx

Home again

I know I've only been gone a few days but I feel so much better . I totally relaxed, maybe a bit too much as I've overslept this morning but as I had the morning to myself who cares.
The main purpose of my trip was to help my Sister-in-law find an outfit for my nephews wedding and that mission was accomplished very successfully.

While I was away I was introduced to the newest member of the family, my great nephew Austin, who is just a few days old . Sorry I have to spoil the photo but isn't he gorgeous.

I also went to the monthly market they have in Frome.

The stalls are all small businesses mostly crafts,

I love rag rugs but I think it would take me years to complete one.

These lovely flower arrangements are in pretty vintage china .

There are a couple of great vintage shops on the Hill which I always have to visit when I go down.

I was very tempted by this boat as it would look great in my bathroom.

One of these came home with us for lunch though .

This is the first of many short breaks I have coming up in the next few weeks. Mr T and I decided not to have a big holiday this year but just to have a few days away here and there so watch this space.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Gillxx

A mixed bag

Well my dears, I've been spending money this week.

I went to Amazon and got a couple of books that I liked the look of

to add to my library of crafts books. I haven't told MrT yet and he won't notice them in the bunch.

Is that too naughty?

Then I went to Kandi Pandis shop on  Folksy and got myself one of her Mini Hexi kits (Thank you Lisa) so I can give patchwork a go----again.  

Then I sat down at my sewing machine with my new Adele CD and 

heres my Monthly Makes.

A new notebook cover from a damage table cloth,

Then a couple of washbags and lunch bags for my Folksy shop.

(Link button on the side) 

I love this pattern, 

Then last night was the main expense.

This was were I went

This was who I went to see.

Do you know who it is yet?

This is what we paid for , certainly to start.

Well this is what three of my friends and I spoilt ourselves with.

We started at about 6 o'clock with a couple of cocktails before heading off to Norwich City

football ground to have a three course meal consisting of recipes from his new book of Spanish cooking.

The first course was a crab tartlet which was fantastic.

Then we had Chicken in a super almond sauce

and finished with a flan and sherry and raisin ice-cream.

My photo aren't great (well I did have wine as well as cocktails.)

This is as close as I got I'm afraid but we did get a talk which was quite good.

But look who else was there talking to a couple of my friends,

well it is her restaurant.

It was one of those experiences that you just have to take when they come along 

if you want to live life to the full

and I had a great time.

So here is my Plant of the week (I love Holyhocks)  to wish you all a great weekend 

and hope you all manage to live life to the full.

Gillx

A Victorian Wedding

I've been Charity shop shopping(if that makes sense) and fell in love with this beautiful book.

So come with me to the Doll's house wedding

Here's my invitation

So off to the department store to do some shopping

All the boxes have something in them and open up.

A Gift of Love seems apt for the wedding.

Then it's time for a new hair do, 

Off to the church

where the wedding is under way

Marriage certificate signed

and photos taken

Back to the dolls house 

for the reception

before going off to the honeymoon

My postcard has arrived safely.

As has my Thank you letter.

Until I looked through it I don't think this book had even been opened,

And the price of this potential heirloom -----75p.

Devizes

Hi All.
Firstly thank you all for your messages of support it means so much and I am feeling better.  So much so I'm writing another post a lot quicker than I thought I would be.  The thing is I just couldn't not tell you about today.

I don't think I have told you that I'm researching my family tree have I. Well one of my Grandfathers came from a tiny village called Stert near Devizes and although I have driven through Devizes dozens  of times over the years I have never stopped until today. I hadn't realised what a lovely town it is.

This is the image that I suppose it is most famous for, the Caen Hill locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal
but I wanted to wander around the town centre to see what was there and the area my ancestors would have grown up in.

Thursday is Market day and they have a lovely old fashioned Market place full of stalls as well as an undercover market.

And some very grand looking buildings all around the edge.

But when you start to wander around you find these fantastic little lanes tucked away with some fabulous shops.

Urban Rustics which is just about to move into the shop above was definitely one of my favourites.

Three shelves plus loads of bags and other bits and bobs  all dedicated to you know who.

I was very tempted by the cardboard picnic set.

I need a new light in the kitchen, I don't think Mr T would go for this one  but I think it's Fabulous.

And you know me with coloured glass

I was desperately trying to think how I could justify buying this and couldn't come up with a reason but Sister-in-law bought the perfect throw for her bed which looks beautiful.

Just across the way is the Blue Stone Gallery with some really great stuff.

These brooches are paper mache and were just a small sample of this artist work which I loved.

One of these made it into my shopping basket

 Oh dear more ceramics, just to let you know the pictures were stunning too, I just love ceramics.

This is so quirky it amazing.

Then back into the lanes.

The grooms mother trying on hats for the forthcoming wedding in the most amazing hat shop.

Then theres the kitchen shop, a sweet shop for grown ups.

Did I mention the market has a fabric stall that sells Clark & Clark fabric so of course some of that is also coming home with me.

In the words of Arnie "I will be back" especially as the museum has an amazing archive section  that you can get access to so some future research beckons.

Stourhead tomorrow to see the rhododendrons, lets hope the rain clears up.

Gillx