tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73217330040746528692024-03-13T21:38:31.673+00:00Textile Treasure SeekerA little corner dedicated to all things lovely in the world of textiles...Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-91523987194018189702013-11-20T17:08:00.000+00:002013-11-20T17:08:26.248+00:00Something for your Christmas wish list...I love books! Not only do I have several bookcases bursting at the seams, I also have little stacks of them all over the house so I can find them on my travels and stop for a quick browse in search of inspiration. I thought you might like to see one book I've been inspired by recently. It's Scissors, Paper, Craft' by the very brilliant Christine Leech (who also brought us 'Little Sew and Sew', 'Everything Oz' and 'Everything Alice').<br />
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There are 30 projects tucked away inside this snazzy book, from folk art wall stars, Japanese bound notebooks and a birdhouse desk tidy, to a birdcage pop-up card, giant gift roses and a very fabulous feather mobile...and what do they all have in common? They're all made from paper! </div>
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I love the styling and photography in this book. It's really fresh, enticing and will have you reaching for your scissors and paper stash before you know it.</div>
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What a great way to keep all of your mail and important papery bits and bobs neat and tidy! </div>
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Every project has clear, easy-to-follow instructions and lots of step-by-step photos to help you along the way. The combination of written instructions, photos of many of the stages and close-up photos of the finished projects are really helpful (and will stop any mid-project panics when you think you might have gone wrong). </div>
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LOVE these notebooks! <br />
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Another example of the very fabulous instructions that accompany each of the projects. I can safely say that your finished projects will no doubt have a 100% success rate (although, don't hold me to that if the cat runs off with a piece or sits in the middle of the table where you're working. I'm speaking from experience here!)</div>
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How lovely to have a hand-crafted guest book for such a momentous and special occasion. This would make a fabulous gift for a friend...or you could keep it for yourself and use it as a crafty scrapbook to be filled with tales of a special holiday or magazine clippings of inspiration for future projects.</div>
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Here comes the bride...how very elegant (and long lasting). </div>
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<i>Scissors, Paper, Craft</i> is full of elegantly stylish ideas that are great for both beginners and those with a little more crafty experience under their belt.</div>
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These giant harebell fairy lights would be fabulous draped over a mirror at home all year round, or used at a special celebration to add that little finishing touch. </div>
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Go star crazy and put strings of these folk art stars all over your house in time for Christmas.</div>
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There's a lovely feel to this book. It's like sitting down with an old friend and a cup of tea for an afternoon of crafting indulgence.</div>
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This is one of my favourite projects in the book. I love the colours and shapes. It's such a simple idea, but so effective. One of the many things that appeals to me about this book is how many of the projects I look at and find myself thinking, 'I could have a go at that'. </div>
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Wow!<br />
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<i>Scissors, Paper, Craft</i></div>
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by Christine Leech </div>
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Part of the Simple Makes Series </div>
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published by Quadrille</div>
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£12.99</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-1637639424568761742013-08-29T20:49:00.002+01:002013-08-29T20:52:10.028+01:00'Thread and Thrift'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One
of the great things about going to shows like The Festival of Quilts is
discovering new textile artists whose work you can admire. I 'found' <a href="http://www.mandypattullo.co.uk/">Mandy Pattullo</a> at this year's
Festival and I'm so glad I did...her work is so inspiring. Mandy is a
textile artist and teacher who bases her work on collage techniques and
uses all sorts of vintage loveliness in the pieces she creates. </div>
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I loved every piece in Mandy's 'Thread and Thrift' exhibition at this year's Festival of Quilts. Here's a look at some of my favourites...</div>
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Mandy uses a lot of vintage quilt pieces in her work, which really appeals to me. There's such a lovely quality to a piece of well-worn and much-loved quilt.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Patch Work 2</i></span><br />
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Applique, buttons, an old Harris Tweed label...there's so much to look at.<br />
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<i>Thinking About the Flowers</i><br />
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<i>Detachin</i>g <i>Hexagons</i><br />
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I'd never thought of sewing pieced patchwork on to something so the back is on show (what a great idea). I think it gives it a real sense of how it was made and makes me wonder about the person who created it in the first place. I bet they never thought it would be used in a piece of textile art!</div>
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<i>My Deer</i><br />
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I love how Mandy has made a collaged background for her perfectly stitched deer to peep out from.<br />
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Mandy's work is so evocative of a time gone by. According to The Festival of Quilts show guide Mandy's work 'relates to the thrift and 'make-do-and-mend' culture of past times, in particular utility patchworks and quilts made by women in domestic settings'.</div>
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So much to be inspired by. I'll certainly be keeping my eyes open for more of Mandy's work (she's got a blog too so I can pop in and see what she's working on as well).</div>
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[With huge thanks to Mandy for allowing me to write about her and use the photos of her work that I took at The Festival of Quilts] </div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-49801983548468139202013-08-17T22:07:00.000+01:002013-08-17T22:07:09.776+01:00Festival Fun<br />
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I had a fabulous day at the Festival of Quilts (at the NEC in Birmingham) last weekend. It's always a great show to go and this year was no exception...hundreds of amazing quilts to admire and lots of stalls selling tempting offerings (I had to ration myself or I'd have come home with a lorry load of fabrics and trimmings!)</div>
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One of the highlights of my day was meeting the very lovely Stuart from 'The Great British Sewing Bee'. We chatted about quilting and when I asked him how he was finding things since being on TV, he said he loved being able to talk to so many people about sewing. I think it's great that the the programme has inspired so many people to get stitching.<br />
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With so many wonderful quilts and quilt art on display, it was a job picking out which ones to share with you here...so here's a small selection of the pieces I loved the most...<br />
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<i>Apple Tree Book</i><br />
Sandra Fowler<br />
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<i>Just to Make You Smile</i><br />
Gillian Travis<br />
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<i>The Mouse and the Cuckoo Clock </i><br />
Sally Snushall<br />
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<i>Quarter</i><br />
Lucie Summers and Jenny Spencer<br />
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<i>My Family</i><br />
Stephanie Kirby<br />
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<i>Gardener's Journal</i><br />
Sue Whitby<br />
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<i>Tracy's Reel Medallion</i><br />
Tracy Aplin<br />
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<i>Little Stars</i><br />
Jean Ball<br />
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<i>Book at Bedtime </i>(detail)<br />
Kate Crossley<br />
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<i>Sorry - Not the Chelsea Flower Show!</i><br />
Herti Estl<br />
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<i>Three Spoons a Day</i> (detail)<br />
Maria Thomas<br />
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<i>The Orchard</i><br />
Jill Pargeter<br />
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<i>Once Upon a Spoon</i> (detail)<br />
Sue Bibby<br />
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<i>Transported - Full Circle</i></div>
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Terry Donaldson </div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-86464187894047576702013-07-31T17:24:00.000+01:002013-08-01T15:52:59.919+01:00Three cheers for Belle and BooWell, what a lot we've been up to since I last blogged! We've been on holiday to glorious St Ives in Cornwall and also to sunny Wales; we endured a week in when Little Treasure caught chicken pox (we did a lot of crafting!); we've read books, been on day trips and shouted "hooray" when the sun came out! Now that the weather's gone a little gloomy (I'm not down-hearted...just trying to remember where I stashed my raincoat!), my thoughts are once again turning to all things crafty and creative. I've got lots of projects waiting to be finished, not least because <a href="http://www.sew-to-speak.blogspot.co.uk/">The Wednesday Group</a> is having an exhibition in September and I have much to do before then.<br />
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There's another reason for wanting to get my sewing machine, threads and fabrics out...have you seen 'The Belle and Boo Book of Craft'? It's FABULOUS!<br />
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We're huge fans of Belle and Book in our house so I'm thrilled that I'll now be able to make lots of Belle and Boo-related things for Little Treasure. There are 25 to choose from...the only problem is knowing which one to start with!</div>
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In case you've not come across Belle and Boo before, they're the creation of Mandy Sutcliffe, an artist with an eye for the nostalgic and all the things that children love to do. Her illustrations are truly wonderful. Belle is 'a little girl with a brown bob, the odd scratch on her knee and an insistent curiosity about the natural world'. Her pet rabbit is a flopsy brown bunny called Boo and together they spend their days playing in pirate tree houses, riding fairground carousels and cloud-spotting.</div>
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The book has a lovely feel to it and has lots of Mandy's adorable illustrations dotted amongst its pages...</div>
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The little girl who models as Belle in the book looks exactly like Mandy's illustrations! The projects in this book are really lovely...there are genuinely so many that I want to try. This one's for a cuddly version of Boo that I think anybody (both big and small) would love to give a home to! Here are some more of the projects I've got on my 'to do' list...</div>
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Now here's an idea for making bathtime and hand washing time even more appealing for little people.</div>
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Oh, how I LOVE this pull along elephant!<br />
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I'm really into English pieced patchwork at the moment so I was really inspired by this project.</div>
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Perfect for little ballerinas! </div>
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Little Treasure is already showing signs of being a budding photographer and she also loves nothing more than a new bag (she's such a girly girl!), so I think the first project I tackle will be this brilliant little camera bag. Say cheese!</div>
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Besides the camera bag, this is my favourite project in the whole book. It's for a 'Quiet Book', made from fabric and with all sorts of things for little people to explore...</div>
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...there are flaps to lift, buttons to count, a tiny washing line with clothes to peg on to it and even a bunny finger puppet. </div>
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The instructions for each project are laid out really well, with lots of step-by-step photos and diagrams to help you on your way. At the beginning of each project there's a handy list of everything you'll need and the instructions themselves are written in an easy -to-follow manner (which I know I'll find really useful as I sometimes get completely flummoxed by sewing instructions!)</div>
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There are even 4 pages of techniques in case there's anything you're not sure about... </div>
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...as well as all the templates you'll need for the projects.</div>
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I hope you'll love this book as much as I do! Now, where did I put my needle and thread?...</div>
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'The Belle and Boo Book of Craft'</div>
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Published by Quadrille (4th July 2013)</div>
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£14.99</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-60194518671974315982013-04-25T20:29:00.001+01:002013-04-25T20:29:21.064+01:00Happy Birthday Cath Kidston!<div style="text-align: center;">
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I had a lot to thank our postman for yesterday. Not only did he deliver a lovely new Cath Kidston catalogue, he also put this fabulous new book (hot off the press) through our letterbox. Hoorah!</div>
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I love anything and everything Cath Kidston so I was really excited by the prospect of a whole book about the brand and the lady herself. I managed to keep my excitement contained until Little Treasure had gone to bed for the night and then I read it cover to cover! (Fear not dear readers, Mr Treasure's Chief Chef in our house so we didn't have to forego dinner last night due to my stint of reading!)<br />
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Hooray for Stanley! Gone, but not forgotten.</div>
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'Coming Up Roses' is a really interesting read and is a mixture of Cath herself talking and someone else (Sue Chidler) filling in the gaps. It's very anecdotal and is full of all sorts of snippets about how Cath went from selling her Aunt's vegetable patch as a child, to being at the helm of one of the world's most recognisable brands. Did you know that Cath had a pet donkey called Beauty who used to come into the sitting room when Cath and her family were having tea?! <br />
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The Cath Kidston catalogue has certainly come a long way from the early days to the one that dropped on to our doormat yesterday!<br />
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After launching various handmade products, it was a flowery ironing board cover that got the attention of the press. It's fabulous to think that after 20 years, flowery ironing board covers are still so popular (we've got a Cath Kidston one and I wouldn't swap it for anything else!)<br />
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I like the fact that the book takes you on a journey, from Cath's early
business beginnings, right up to the present day. It's an interesting
read on lots of levels - whether you're a fan of Cath Kidston designs
and products, someone who runs or is thinking of running their own
business, somone who aspires to turn their own designs into something
tangible or a mixture of all of these. There are lots of photos and it's really interesting to read stories about Cath's successes (and failures) over the years. It's pretty inspiring stuff really.</div>
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Having seen this photo in the book, I'm now lusting after a set of brightly coloured handled cutlery! (I've just checked the Cath Kidston website and it's on sale...oh no, dilemmas, dilemmas!)</div>
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This bit in particular made me laugh out loud. I started reading it thinking, 'oh no, some poor chap who couldn't adapt got given the heave ho'...and then I read to the end of the paragraph. Poor Stanley!</div>
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With so much success and so many amazing achievements (including an MBE, over 100 Cath Kidston shops worldwide and bringing a trend to our homes that has been loved for 20 years), it was rather lovely to read that Cath, having loved Blue Peter as a child, considers being awarded a Blue Peter badge one of her most thrilling moments. It just goes to show that watching Blue Peter and having a dream can get you a very long way in life!</div>
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If you're a fan of Cath Kidston, I can't urge you strongly enough to rush out and buy a copy of this book right away!</div>
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Coming Up Roses<br />
The Story of Growing a Business<br />
By Cath Kidston with Sue Chidler <br />
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Published by Quadrille<br />
£16.00</div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-2121725670775083392013-04-17T17:51:00.001+01:002013-04-17T17:53:55.121+01:00Girls' Night InI've been lucky enough to get my hands on Hannah Read-Baldrey's latest offering (published last week) and I must say, it's really rather fabulous. It's called 'Girls' Night in' and is a brilliant guide to creating the perfect night in with your favourite friends. So, rather than keep it to myself, I thought you might like a sneaky peek at what it's all about.<a href="http://www.textiletreasureseeker.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/an-excuse-for-party.html"></a> <br />
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If you think the name Hannah Read-Baldrey rings a bell it's because she's the co-author of the inspirational books, 'Everything Oz' and 'Everything Alice' that <a href="http://www.textiletreasureseeker.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/an-excuse-for-party.html">I wrote about recently</a>. I loved this book from the moment I saw it...not only has it got a lovely feel to it (I'm a bit of a book geek and love the touch and smell of new books!), it's also perfect for flicking through for inspiration. I showed it to my girly friends, who whooped with delight at the projects, cakes and cocktails within. In particular there was much 'oooohing' and 'aaaahing' at the floral felt fascinators and delicious selection of cakes, as well as much tittering (no pun intended) at the showgirl tassels!<br />
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I do love a bit of bunting, so I was really taken with this 'Leggy bunting', Hannah's rather innovative alternative to the traditional variety.</div>
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These are the floral felt fascinators that proved particularly popular with my friends. I imagine they're all off looking for felt to make them with right now!<br />
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These 'Mini Me' dolls are my favourite project in the whole book. They'd be fabulous to make and give to your friends as presents...or spend the evening making and swapping together.</div>
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There are lots of craft projects to try your hand at. This little clutch bag would be great to make at a girly night in whilst sipping cocktails! </div>
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I think this is a BRILLIANT idea! </div>
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As well as the crafty projects, there are also instructions for beautifying yourself...nail designs, make-up ideas, recipes for face masks, a lemon and vodka foot soak...<br />
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...and even how to's for a number of hair do's!</div>
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The book is delightfully dotted throughout with Hannah's trademark (and rather brilliant) papercut illustrations.<br />
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Hands up who fancies a big slice of cake? The look of the icing alone has me reaching for a cake fork!<br />
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Mmmmmm, more cake! </div>
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There are other recipes in this book too...my particular favourites were 'Borough Market mini burgers and chips', 'chicken satay with peanut dip', 'spicy vegetable samosas' and 'Dorset fishcaskes with aioli'. I'm making myself hungry just writing this!</div>
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For the time in between crafting, cakes and cocktails, there are some ideas for fun games to play. I think this 'Guess Who Game' sounds like lots of fun.</div>
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And cocktails too. This book really will have you ringing your friends and organising a night in quick smart!<br />
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'Girls' Night in'</div>
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Crafts, cakes and cocktails for the ultimate party</div>
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By Hannah Read-Baldrey</div>
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Published by Quadrille, £16.99 </div>
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(Just in case you're wondering, the fabric I photographed the book on is 'Tatum F Tana Lawn' from the very gorgeous range of Liberty Art Fabrics. I saw it on one of our recent jaunts to London and couldn't resist bringing some home. Now all I have to do is think of a project I could use it for and be brave enought to cut it up! Perhaps I should use it for one of the 'Girls' Night in' projects?)</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-27246810201740578332013-03-08T11:15:00.002+00:002013-03-08T11:15:32.934+00:00Birthdays galoreWhat a fun time we've been having. We had two birthdays in our house last week...first it was Mr Treasure's and then the next day, it was Little Treasure's turn. Our house is awash with balloons and there's just a small piece of birthday cake waiting to be finished off!<br />
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Here is Little Treasure with one of her presents - a duvet set for her 'grown up' bed. Oh, how the time has flown...one minute we're bringing home a tiny bundle and the next thing we know, we've got a lively two year old running about! With all these birthdays, I was reminded of a poem by A.A. Milne that always makes me smile, so I thought I'd share it with you:<br />
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When I was one I had just begun,<br />When I was two I was nearly new,</div>
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When I was three I was hardly me,<br />When I was four I was not much more,</div>
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When I was five I was just alive,</div>
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But now I am six, I'm as clever as clever;</div>
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So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-83154117849468418422013-02-22T12:56:00.000+00:002013-02-22T12:56:14.549+00:00These Shoes Were Made for Walking...<div style="text-align: left;">
This is the story of a pair of shoes that made their way home after fifty or so years... </div>
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These are perhaps the most elegant pair of shoes I've ever owned. I bought them from a vintage shop a few years ago. Now, this is the bit where I confess to a bit of girliness...they weren't in my size and I would never have been able to wear them, but they were just so pretty. I had to have them, if only to look at! <br />
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They even came in their original box.<br />
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The shoes themselves are velvet on the outside, with the most wonderful sparkly buckles on their fronts. I wonder where they were worn? Cocktail parties? Gala openings of West End plays? Oooo, the elegance of them!</div>
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<a href="http://www.rayneshoes.co.uk/">Rayne</a> shoes was founded in London in 1885 and went on to supply footwear to the likes of Anna Pavlova, the Diaghilev Ballet, Jessie Mathews, Vivien Leigh and a stream of well-connected society ladies. Queen Elizabeth II even wore a pair of Rayne shoes when she married Prince Phillip in 1947.</div>
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After having the pleasure of owning these shoes, there came a point where I thought it was perhaps time that someone else had a chance to have them in their life, so (with a slightly heavy heart) I decided to sell them. So, off they went on to eBay and part of me hoped they wouldn't be bought! </div>
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Well, perhaps Fate had something to do with it, because they were indeed given a new home...by the Rayne family themselves! I could hardly believe my eyes when I read who'd bought them and I couldn't resist sending a message to their new owner to find out more. I found out it was the original founders of Rayne's great grandson, Nick Rayne, who'd bought them. Nick told me, "I am from the fourth generation who worked for the firm and left it 25 years ago when it was sold. I am now trying to relaunch Rayne as it has been out of circulation for
many years. And to do this I am collecting a few prime examples of old
Rayne shoes". All very exciting! </div>
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So, there's a happy ending to this story. The shoes have 'gone home' and who knows? perhaps we'll be able to wear elegant Rayne shoes in the future once more. This time, I'll make sure I buy some that are actually in my size!</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-15315769831841311672013-02-08T16:44:00.001+00:002013-02-08T16:44:35.221+00:00An Excuse for a PartyOh, I do love a reason to host a gathering! It's LittleTreasure's birthday soon and I was rather thrilled to finally be able to send out the Belle and Boo party invitations I bought last summer (because I saw them, loved them and couldn't resist them!) She's too small to really understand parties on a grand scale, so we're just having a family birthday tea. Needless to say, I'm still excited about planning it all for her and making our house look pretty (with balloons and the like) for the occasion. Now, if she was older I think I might have been tempted to throw myself whole-heartedly into the idea of a themed party...and these books would have been my inspiration...<br />
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I must admit, I still harbour a small fear about 'The Wizard of Oz' from childhood. It was the Judy Garland film that did it, with those flying monkeys and that very creepy-looking Wicked Witch. I can't watch the film even now! But I'm a sucker for craft and pretty things and I think this book might help cure my fear of all things Wizard of Oz.<br />
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The styling of this book is fabulous. It's a delight from cover to cover. There's a wonderful mix of great photos and illustrations. I loved the introduction too. Not only does it give you a brief history of Oz, there's also a little behind the scenes bit about how the book came into being.</div>
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There are 50 projects in this book, all with great step-by-step instructions and photos to help you on your way to crafty and baking happiness. I think you'll have a job deciding which one to start with. Among my favourites are the woollen Toto cushion, bluebird wreath, squashed witch cupcakes and this Dorothy doll. </div>
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This book gives you a great excuse to fully immerse yourself in all things Oz. There's even a whole section dedicated to the Emerald City, complete with green lemonade, pistachio popcorn and glow-in-the-dark jelly!</div>
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Absolute genius - cyclone cupcakes! </div>
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These munchkin egg cosies made me grin from ear-to-ear. The thought of one of these lovelies gracing the top of my boiled egg is a wonderful thing! The photography in this book is just fabulous...every project has been brilliantly styled with all sorts of little details.</div>
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I think the instructions for the projects are well written and not too daunting. When I found myself sometimes pondering over something, there was often a photo to guide me on my way, which I found really helpful. There's nothing nicer than having some step-by-step images to follow as well as written instructions. To make life easier, all of the templates for the projects are in the back of the book (some of which need to be enlarged).</div>
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Now, I'm not a dog person but even I thought this decorated dog house was rather brilliant! Do you think it would be suitable for cats?!</div>
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I loved this book. It's the sort that you can pick up and enjoy flicking through with a cup of tea while you think about what to make...and then spend many happy hours using to create everything that a Wizard of Oz fan might want for a fabulous soiree. </div>
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All the details:<br />
Everything Oz: The Wizard Book of Makes and Bakes<br />
by Christine Leech and Hannah Read-Baldrey<br />
Published in 2012 by Quadrille Publishing Ltd<br />
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Now, if you liked the look of 'Everything Oz', you'll love 'Everything Alice'! By the same authors, this is the first book that they created together. The papercut design on the front cover is a hint to the wonderful craftiness inside. The book is dotted throughout with these great papercut illustrations, which only adds to the magic of the Alice theme.</div>
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Another great introduction, this time with a whole page dedicated to Hannah and Christine's trip to Oxford in search of all things Alice. I really enjoyed reading it.</div>
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The book is bursting with 50 makes...everything from a dandy white rabbit toy, Wonderland mobile, giant rose lights and Tweedledum and Tweedledee shoebags, to playing card bunting, March Hare's house tea cosy, Drink Me cordials and Cheshire Cat sandwiches. I love these embroidered designs...I want to grab my sewing things and start stitching every time I see them!</div>
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There's lots of Alice-related fun and trivia throughout the book. Now, where's my crown?!<br />
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As with 'Everything Oz', 'Everything Alice' is the perfect companion to a comfy chair and cup of tea. I've spent ages just looking through this book, there's so much to see and absorb. It's an absolute delight!</div>
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So many projects to choose from, it's tricky knowing where to start...<br />
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I absolutely love macaroons...it all started with a trip to Laduree in Paris last year! These rosewater and crushed lavender ones look divine.</div>
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All the templates you'll need for the projects are in the back of the book. What with that and well-written instructions, what else could you need to get started creating your very own Alice-themed wonderland?!</div>
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<br />All the details:</div>
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Everything Alice: The Wonderland Book of Makes</div>
by Hannah Read-Baldrey and Christine Leech <br />
Published in 2011 by Quadrille Publishing Ltd</div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-55098376250416622742013-01-28T17:36:00.000+00:002013-01-28T17:36:29.448+00:00On the Home FrontIn these days of austerity and belt tightening, I thought I'd share some snippets from another time when 'make do and mend' was the order of the day. They're taken from 'Woman' (week ending 11th April 1942)...<br />
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To hoard or not to hoard...<br />
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I love the language that was used in adverts like this one, "But the way to keep looking lovely..."<br />
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Hooray for Chivers!<br />
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The idea of 'hibernating' as a housewife and mother made me chuckle. Such evocative wording though. However, don't you get to put your feet up when hibernating?! </div>
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A room for receiving visitors...now there's an idea! <br />
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I often think we could learn a thing or two from our thrifty predecessors.<br />
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Even brides had to be innovative. </div>
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And to think...we don't bat an eyelid today at women doing any job that takes their fancy.<br />
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Even with wartime restrictions, I still think fashions of the Forties were particularly elegant.<br />
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Stirring stuff!<br />
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This advice could easily have been written with our busy 21st Century lives in mind.<br />
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Repair rather than replace...now there's a good piece of advice.</div>
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Pip pip everyone and happy 'make do and mending'!</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-17125148619367756512013-01-21T16:47:00.002+00:002013-01-27T17:21:53.328+00:00A Book with a Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's funny how some things just find you...a piece of gorgeous fabric, a teapot that becomes a favourite, or even a woolly jumper that stays part of your essential wardrobe for years. In my case, it was a book. A copy of G.K. Chesterton's complete works, to be precise. </div>
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Back in 1996, my school's library was left boxes and boxes of books by a lady who had lived locally. As there wasn't room for them all, we were given the chance to rummage through them and choose any that took our fancy (in exchange for a small donation to library funds). I was studying for my A-Levels at the time (English Literature included) and so was drawn to anything that looked like it might broaden my literary horizon! When I picked up a very plain looking book of Chesterton's poetry I could never have known that it was to become one of my most treasured possessions and one that would take me on an incredible journey. <br />
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Opoosite the names written on the inside cover (see previous photo), was pasted this letter. </div>
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Dear Madam,</div>
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I regret to inform you that P./O. E.A Wagstaff is officially reported "Missing from air operations on 24/25th October" - all the information we have.</div>
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Yours faithfully,</div>
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C H Wagstaff</div>
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Now, I must confess that I have never did get round to reading Chesterton's poetry. I became more interested in finding out about letter instead...and find out I did, with help from all sorts of people from all around the world.</div>
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This is Ernest Adam Wagstaff...the man mentioned in the letter in my book. He was a talented chemist from Nottingham who studied for a Ph.D and was, when World War Two was declared, part of the Research Department of the Distillers Company in London. Despite being in a reserved occupation, he joined the Royal Air Force.<br />
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Putting a face to his name was a wonderful moment. I can still remember
looking at this photo for the first time and the letter in the book becoming more
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Ernest Adam Wagstaff was not alone when he went "missing from air operations". He was part of a crew of six flying a Handley Page Halifax on their return journey from a bombing mission to Milan. The crew were:</div>
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Sidney Arthur Claridge </div>
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Ernest Adam Wagstaff</div>
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Sidney Victor Goodhew</div>
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Ronald Ward Taylor (Australian) </div>
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Bernard Dudley Swain </div>
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Kevin William McAuliffe</div>
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James Molesworth (Canadian)</div>
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I went from having just one name to find out about, to seven! It's been an incredibly interesting journey and one that I can't see ending any time soon. I've been in touch with some of the crew members' families, managed to get service records for Molesworth and Taylor (unfortunately, only family members can access UK personnel's files) and most poignantly, been to a small communal cemetry in the French countryside where these men now lie. I hope that I'll contunie to find out about these seven men and their story...who knows, perhaps someone out there can add something new?</div>
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But what has this story got to do with textiles, I hear you cry?!</div>
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Well...at one of <a href="http://sew-to-speak.blogspot.co.uk/">The Wednesday Group</a>'s get togethers last year, we were inspired by Penguin's latest release of books - all of which had embroidered artwork on their front covers. "What a fabulous project", we thought, "let's make some book covers of our own"...</div>
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...well, it didn't take me long to decide that my Chesterton book was very much in need of a new cover and so here is what I made. </div>
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<img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uiQ9krwzyC8/UP1f5bgj1NI/AAAAAAAAEIY/dx77mCrZGfI/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" width="400" /> </div>
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I made it entirely by hand using english pieced patchwork (a technique I absolutely love). </div>
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Here's the back.</div>
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I used vintage fabrics, mixed with some photos I have of the crew, as well as
text taken from Ops Records and personal letters, that I printed on to fabric. Here's Ernest Adam
Wagstaff, the man with whom this whole project started. </div>
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I decided to fasten the book with patriotic-coloured buttons and butcher's twine.<br />
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Right at the start, my original aim was to find out what had
happened to the E.A. Wagstaff in my book...but things have a way of taking you in all
sorts of different directions and who knows if I'll ever really stop researching? I could never have imagined that
finding this book would take me on such a journey, so keep your eyes peeled, you never know what might find its way into your life one day, ready to whisk you off on an adventure of your own!</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-51121134886934555782013-01-14T19:29:00.002+00:002013-01-14T19:30:13.877+00:00New Year, New AdventuresWith the Christmas decorations now well and truly packed away and only a token mince pie still loitering in the cake tin, I find myself feeling rather excited about what this new year may bring. I can't help it, it starts to happen every New Year's Eve as soon as Big Ben starts chiming...it's like a page has been turned and I feel full of anticipation for all the new adventures that are waiting to be discovered. I also love to start thinking about the projects (of a stitchery nature) that I could turn my hand to. This year I'd like to make significant headway on the quilt I'm making for Little Treasure (it's all hand stitched, English pieced patchwork, made out of Mr Treasure's old shirts) as well as make some things to show at The Wednesday Group's next exhibition (planned for September). In the meantime there are lots of glorious books on my shelves that are bursting with inspiration that I can leaf through when I'm having one of my tea and biscuit breaks!<br />
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I thought you might like to see a couple that kept me entralled over the festive holidays...</div>
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Now, I'm not normally a jealous person but I feel green with envy every time I open this book! It's absolutely jam-packed with the most AMAZING array of other people's studios, work spaces and collections. I can't stop picking this book up for another sneaky look at all the treasures - there are shelves stuffed with ribbons and trimmings, vintage boxes piled high and full of all sorts of wonders, drawers to peep in and studios to marvel over. It's like being given a guided tour of lots of artisans' spaces, all from the comfort of your favourite chair!</div>
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The book's divided into six main sections: The System, The Room, The Cabinet, The Shelf, The Container and The Collection. My favourite has to be 'The Container' because there's just so much to see...and there's the most wonderful collection of vintage suitcases I've ever seen (and I love vintage suitcases!)</div>
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If only my fabric stash was this well organised!<br />
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Oh, how I'd love to have a set of vintage shop drawers like Michelle Jorgensen (above, bottom row, second from the right). One of the many things I like about this book is just how many artists, designers and makers' rooms and collections are featured - Kaari Meng, Tim Holtz, Heather Bailey and Holly Becker to name just a few.</div>
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Here are some of the suitcases I was telling you about... <br />
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Now, this is just brilliant (and I must admit to letting out a little whoop when I first saw this page)...Gail Rieke has a whole wall of shelves to hold her antique suitcases, boxes, baskets and trunks!</div>
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It doesn't matter how many times I read this book, I keep spotting things I haven't noticed before.<br />
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Throughout the book there are lots of interesting snippets to read, but I was particularly taken with this one about collections. In it, it says, "Don't collect items becasue they were someone else's treasured pieces, because they may be 'valuable' some day, or because you have so many of something that they have unknowingly become a collection. Collect that which is a window into who you are..."</div>
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This is a superb book and not only provides indulgent escapism, it's also full of inspiration.</div>
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All the details:<br />
Where Women Create: Book of Organization<br />
by Jo Packham and the Publishers of Somerset Studio<br />
ISBN: 978-1-4027-9151-2<br />
Published in 2012 by Sterling Publishing <br />
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I've got several of Kaari Meng's books. I'm drawn to them because she always includes fabulous photos of all sorts of treasures, from vintage ephemera and photos, to antique notions and trimmings. 'The French-Inspired Home', all about capturing the romance of the rustic French look in your own home, certainly doesn't disappoint! </div>
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The book has five main chapters, each looking at a different part of the house - The Creative Space, The Dining Room, The Bedroom, The Laundry Room and The Garden. I love how Kaari talks about all sorts of things relating to each room and often includes stories from her own life and snippets of historical facts. The book has a very personal feel to it, like an old friend is chatting away to you.</div>
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As well as pages of beautifully arranged collections, there's lots of
helpful advice...like this page all about how to choose your colour
palette.</div>
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I love wrapping presents so the pages all about gift wrapping really appealed. There's even a page dedicated to tags!</div>
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Another inspiringly lovely page.<br />
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There are lots of projects to try, including these covered journals. Other projects include a garland made from vintage postcards, a canvas wrap for storing tools or haberdashery in, etched glasses, citrus foot scrub and a fabric-covered jewellery box. There are also tips on tea staining fabrics, furnishing a bedroom, collecting ephemera and cleaning glassware. There's just so much to learn about!</div>
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One of my favourite things about this book (apart from Kaari's chatty and interesting writing) is the 'archive' at the end. There are 12 pages of vintage labels, button box labels, book plates, herbier cards, mailing labels, glass etchings, menu cards and name cards that can be copied and put to all sorts of uses. I'm already thinking about using the button box labels to organise my button jars!</div>
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If you fancy adding a bit of French elegance to your home, love looking at vintage notions or ephemera or just want to learn something new, I'd really recommend this book! <br />
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All the details: </div>
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The French-Inspired Home</div>
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by Kaari Meng</div>
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ISBN: 978-1-60059-677-3</div>
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Published in 2006 by Lark Crafts/Chapelle</div>
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Happy reading and I hope you find much to be inspired by over the coming year!<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-26022355715146848872012-12-23T11:08:00.000+00:002012-12-23T11:09:17.364+00:00Season's Greetings<br />
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Well, here we are...on the home straight towards Christmas Day. The presents have all been bought and wrapped, cards written and posted, the tree's up, the food shopping's sorted, winter germs have been fought off (well nearly) and all's that's left to do is pick up our turkey crown later on this afternoon and crack open a bottle of festive fizz to celebrate all the fun that's to follow. </div>
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Have a wonderful Christmas everyone...may it be everything you hope for!</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-75810263585067123722012-11-15T16:55:00.000+00:002012-11-15T16:55:34.219+00:00When Life Imitates ArtNow that the colder weather is setting in, we thought it was about time Little Treasure had some snuggley accessories to keep her warm. Luckily, my friend Steph (who runs her own company) had just the perfect thing...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WfQWLmQoCYw/UKUcg4XW9TI/AAAAAAAAEBk/FQSWMAB3RW8/s1600/15th+November+2012-Bear+Hands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WfQWLmQoCYw/UKUcg4XW9TI/AAAAAAAAEBk/FQSWMAB3RW8/s400/15th+November+2012-Bear+Hands.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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...Bear Hands mittens and hat! I know I'm biased, but I think Little Treasure looks very cute. As soon as she put this hat on it reminded me of a picture I'd seen...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKBIUjpJ9Ck/UKUcp5PwU_I/AAAAAAAAEBs/H4Hn76Zkcio/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKBIUjpJ9Ck/UKUcp5PwU_I/AAAAAAAAEBs/H4Hn76Zkcio/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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...in Julie Arkell's fabulous (and very inspiring) book, 'Home'! </div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-82412856920878735622012-10-22T21:16:00.001+01:002012-10-22T21:16:49.226+01:00A Very Vintage AfternoonYesterday my friend Jo and I spent a very happy afternoon at the Petticoat Fair. Held at The Daffodil (a wonderful Art Deco cinema in Cheltenham that's now an extra special restaurant), we had a fabulous time browsing vintage stalls, doing a couple of workshops and eating afternoon tea.<br />
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The Fair had a 1940s and '50s theme. There were lots of people dressed in vintage clothes - they looked wonderful. I was so busy taking it all in that I didn't think to take any photos of them...here's a rather lovely 1950s dress that was for sale to make up for it!</div>
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Louise Taylor-Bowen was there with an array of her gorgeous handmade jewellery and accessories. I usually see Louise at the Vintage and Handmade Fairs in Chipping Sodbury. I'm usually behind my own stall so it was a real treat to be able to have a proper look at all her wares (and treat myself to a little something)!</div>
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All so pretty! <br />
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There were all sorts of stalls to have a good look at. Hoorah for royal tins and cushions made from vintage scarves!</div>
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Lots to be tempted by...<br />
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One of the workshops we did was all about vintage hairstyles. Here I am with a Victory Roll...all I have to do now is keep practising!</div>
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We also did a workshop on making decorations and jewellery using vintage buttons. It was such fun...not only did we get to rummage through piles of buttons, we also made something we could take home.</div>
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After all the excitement of the Fair, we were glad to sit down for a spot of afternoon tea. </div>
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After a lovely afternoon out, all that remained for me to do was go home and show Mr Treasure and Little Treasure what I'd been up to...here are the decorations I made at the button workshop...</div>
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...and here's the handmade lovely I bought from Louise. </div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-85084073972562836652012-10-12T16:50:00.001+01:002012-10-12T16:50:29.866+01:00Treasure on my TravelsFor a while now I've been absolutely fascinated by vintage ephemera - letters, shop receipts, diaries and tickets from days gone by. I love social history and I find the notion of somehow being connected to people from the past by the ordinary things they've left behind both exciting and in some way comforting.<br />
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We had a trip to Devon last weekend with some friends and couldn't resist introducing them to the wonderful town of Totnes...brimming with gorgeous shops to explore and with a lovely feel to it. We popped into 'Inspired Buys' as there's always a fabulous collection of treasures to look at, both vintage and vintage-inspired. I came away very happy with two purchases...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJJd5A6G7oY/UHcWJPIdimI/AAAAAAAAD4U/KyW0kZBi_hg/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJJd5A6G7oY/UHcWJPIdimI/AAAAAAAAD4U/KyW0kZBi_hg/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...the first was a telegram, dated 9th July 1941. It was the gold envelope that first attracted me to it, but when I opened it up, I had a lovely surprise...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iNrInE7xVc/UHcWSCRYDwI/AAAAAAAAD4c/_gWdcJUHi3s/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iNrInE7xVc/UHcWSCRYDwI/AAAAAAAAD4c/_gWdcJUHi3s/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...this colourful, handwritten telegram waiting to be discovered!</div>
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I'm going through a phase of having bit of a soft spot for vintage boxes at the moment. Needless to say, when I saw this one I knew it had to come home with me!</div>
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The box even still had this original piece of paper in it, nestled away in the bottom.<br />
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I had no idea there were so many different styles of collar.</div>
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The name and address of the box's original owner are still on the outside of the box. I wonder who Mr Harvey of 6 Melrose Avenue was?</div>
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Printed in the bottom of the box are a list of 'Helpful Suggestions and Conditions of Service'. </div>
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Helpful suggestion number 14 made me smile - "Please don't keep our messenger wating at the door. Our van has 200 calls to make per day. If kept 5 minutes by only 12 of these, one hour is added to their day's work. Please think it over, and you will always have box ready'.</div>
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Here is another treasure I found on my travels recently, this time in a secondhand bookshop in Looe, Cornwall. It was the colourful spine that first attracted me to it on the shelf...and then when I opend it, I found all manner of interesting bits and pieces inside.</div>
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I studied Design at university and ever since then I've had a love of typefaces, particularly ones from the 1930s and '40s. Imagine my glee when I saw all of the old advertisements in this 1931 annual!</div>
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They just don't write advertising copy like this anymore - "We have searched the world for Treasures for My Lady's wardrobe, and have returned with the Newest and Smartest designs and dainty garments by the foremost designers from every corner of the globe"...and what a fabulous idea - a restaurant and hairdressing all in the same place!</div>
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There's something so evocative about vintage advertisements.<br />
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This Doidge's Annual is bursting with just about every useful piece of information that anyone in the Western Counties would have needed to know in 1931!</div>
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There are even lots of stories to keep readers entertained.<br />
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The Annual ends with a Christmas message to all its readers...I hope 1931 was a good year for everyone who read it.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-34006653598872989492012-10-01T16:01:00.001+01:002012-10-01T16:01:01.382+01:00Monday MusingsLittle Treasure started nursery last week. She's settled in really well and comes home full of beans and chattering nineteen to the dozen! And so it is that I now find myself with two afternoons a week on my own, which, to be honest, I'm finding a bit strange! For the last year and a half my sole purpose has been to look after and entertain this little being who has been growing up before my eyes...and now I can start to do things just for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about this new found 'freedom' (and I can enjoy it in the knowledge that Little Treasure is more than happy with the new arrangement)...it's just I'm still at the stage where I can't quite believe I can do exactly what I fancy! Needless to say I have lots of thoughts and plans for filling my time and my main hope is that I'll be able to focus more on all things Textile Treasure Seeker-related. Watch this space!<br />
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I thought you might like to see what we did this weekend...<br />
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Saturday saw us heading to Chipping Sodbury for the Vintage and Handmade Textile Fair. Here's my stall, complete with lots of new things for sale and a new layout. </div>
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It was a great day and, as always, it was lovely to see so many people.Thank you if you were one of those who came to say "hello"!</div>
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I had my eye on this dress all day at the fair and rather fell in love with it. Such pretty colours and great potential for skirt twirling and swishing when worn I imagine! I resisted temptation this time...if only I could have thought of an event to justify its purchase!</div>
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Yesterday (as loyal National Trust members!) we met some friends at Coughton Court (near Alcester) for a Sunday trip out. </div>
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Coughton Court is the home of the Throckmortons and has seen its fair share of history. It's fascinating to look around and I loved the family sitting room, complete with roaring log fire and someone playing the piano. It had a wonderfully cosy and lived-in feel to it. </div>
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The highlight for Little Treasure was the ducks. As soon as they got wind that our friends had brought some bread with them, the ducks flocked out of the water to greet us with great enthusiasm!</div>
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Just by the orchard we spotted these sunflowers poking their heads above a hedge. I love sunflowers, they're such cheerful flowers. </div>
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No trip to a National Trust property would be complete without tea and cake. I had a very yummy slice of treacle tart...just the thing for an autumnal afternoon! </div>
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As if all this this wasn't enough, we were also able to curl up in front of the fabulous new series of Downton Abbey last night...oh, I do love Sundays!</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-43773736059670053732012-08-03T17:52:00.002+01:002012-08-03T17:53:09.230+01:00Little Treasure Goes AbroadHello, hello one and all! I do hope you are well. Little Treasure is up to all sorts these days...saying "mummy" and "daddy", walking about on tippy toes, turning around on the spot, hiding in corners and being rather obsessed with the washing machine. A few weeks ago she had her first trip abroad and her first ride on a train when we took her to Paris on the Eurostar. I thought I'd share a few snapshots from our adventure... <br />
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We stayed in a typically Parisian apartment right in the middle of Paris. I can't help thinking that no French apartment would be complete without a grand mirror like this one.</div>
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Galeries Lafayette on the Boulevard Hasussman is, I think, a bit of a gem. From the outside you'd be forgiven for thinking it was just another department store but venture inside, stand amongst the cosmetics counters and look up...the sight is absolutely breathtaking.</div>
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Although it was built as a department store, Mr Treasure and I couldn't help thinking the interior looked rather like a theatre.</div>
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I was really taken with the lighting and decoration on the ground floor. It's so opulent.</div>
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Here's a closer look at the ceiling decoration. I must admit, I was so taken with the building I didn't really take much notice of the things being sold (and it was the amongst the handbags...and I do love handbags)! We did have lots of fun looking around the toy department though. I think Little Treasure would have happily spent our entire holiday in there!<br />
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With it being Little Treasure's first trip to Paris we had to show her all of the sights. Although she probably won't remember any of it at least we can show her all the photos we took!<br />
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Little Treasure loves nothing more than being able to push her pushchair about...she gets quite put out if we try to help her or guide the pushchair along! </div>
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I always think it's important to look up every now and again when wandering around Paris...there are so many fabulous bits of architecture and decoration waiting to be discovered.</div>
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Where else in the world would you find an underground station so elegantly announced?</div>
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Joy of joys, Paris has a whole area where the streets are filled with fabric shops. I've never been to them before so imagine my delight when Mr Treasure announced we could spend some time there on our way to Montmartre! Although this shop (on Rue Charles Nodier) has five floors, it was the first floor that I spent the most time in. There are rolls and rolls of every fabric imaginable. I came away with some stripy jersey (I thought I could just cut it into lengths and make some scarves with it) and some African fabrics (for my Dad to try using for the covers of the books he makes).<br />
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I had a great time in Tissus Reine (Place St Pierre). The ground floor is filled with a tempting array of fabrics, including two tables of Liberty fabric (which are about the same price as we'd pay in Liberty itself, but lovely to have a look through). Upstairs are row upon row of every trimming imaginable and a whole wall of buttons. A lovely lady served me, cutting off the lengths of lace, ribbon and patterned bias binding I pointed to and tried my best to ask for in French (she was very patient with me!) She even gave Little Treasure an empty button tube to play with while I was making my purchases and then let her take it home as a little souvenir!<br />
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After all the fun of the fabric district, we found a little cafe near Sacre Coeur for some lunch. It was only after we were settled at our table that we realised we were sharing it with someone else! This cat was not in the slightest bit bothered by our presence and stretched himself out further and further along the seat until Mr Treasure was practically sitting at the next table! Needless to say Little Treasure was very thrilled to be sharing her table with a moggy and enjoyed popping her head under the tablecloth every now and again to see if he was still there (to which our feline friend didn't bat an eyelid).<br />
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Just off the main square of Montmatre is this rather intriguing looking entrance to a house. Someone of note lived there, but I'm afraid I'm not sure who...I was so taken with the architecture I forgot to remember this detail!<br />
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When Little Treasure had her afternoon nap in Montmatre, Mr Treasure and I treated ourselves to a little holiday indulgence at 'La Mere de Catherine' while she slept.</div>
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Whenever we go to Paris we always love walking along the Seine. The stalls of old books and prints are always fun to browse. I bought some old copies of 'Le Petit Echo de La Mode' - full of all the fashions of the day.</div>
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One of the bridges that goes over the Seine was covered in padlocks with couples' names written or etched on to them. I've never seen this before but apparently (as I discovered when I did a Google search) they're 'love padlocks', put there to symbolise a couple's everlasting love.<br />
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A gem of an English language bookshop, opened by George Whitman in 1951. There's a whole host of new books for sale on the ground floor...<br />
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...but venture upstairs and discover a series of rooms that are crammed with all sorts of books that are there to be enjoyed while you are in Shakespeare and Company (like a sort of reference library). There are also all sorts of notes pinned to the walls too that have been left there by visitors over the years.</div>
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Shakespeare and Compnay also has an Antiquarian Bookshop, but I didn't venture in as I wanted to go and meet Little and Mr Treasure who were happily playing in a nearby park as it was rather impossible to go into the shop with a pushchair and small person! I did buy Little Treasure a copy of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' as a memento of her first trip to Paris...perhaps one day she'll even enjoy reading it! If you do find yourself buying a book in Shakespeare and Company, ask them to put the shop's special stamp onto the title page for you as a special souvenir.<br />
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Having not been to Paris with a small person before we hadn't fully appreciated just how many parks and playgrouds Paris has to offer. Little Treasure loved running about under the shadows of so many Paris landmarks and clambering in the numerous sandpits the parks have to offer. We found this bronze lady in the gardens by the Louvre. Several people I've shown this photo to said she reminded them of Princess Anne! If you look closely you can see Little and Mr Treasure having a walk together in the sunshine.<br />
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We had a fabulous time showing Little Treasure the sights of Paris and hope to take her off exploring somewhere new again soon.<br />
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Au revoir for now!<br />
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</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-21400446234835714522012-07-14T13:36:00.003+01:002012-07-14T13:36:46.347+01:00A Fanciful Flock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There were some extra visitors at <a href="http://sew-to-speak.blogspot.co.uk/">The Wednesday Group</a>'s get together last week. </div>
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It would appear that everyone was so inspired by the birds we made during our recent stint at Blue Ginger gallery, that many of the group haven't been able to stop making birds ever since!<br />
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There was many an "oooo" and "aaaah" as we admired everyone's handiwork!</div>
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<a href="http://fabricollage.blogspot.co.uk/">Lois</a> has not only been making more feathery friends, she's also gone wild with making birdy legs! She loves working and experimenting with wire and made us all some more legs we can make bodies for. Hoorah!<br />
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In fact their were many "oooo"s and "aaaah"s as exciting stitched treasures were pulled out of bags for 'show and tell'. Here's a tantilising box of delights from <a href="http://murgatroydhoots.blogspot.co.uk/">Kathleen</a>. She'd been busily stitching hearts for her next workshop (have a look at her <a href="http://murgatroydhoots.blogspot.co.uk/">blog</a> for all the exciting details).<br />
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Lois became the group's official brooch modeller for the day. Here she is with an array of stitchery wonders made by Anni, Ann and Kathleen.<br />
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There was great excitement as Ann unveiled the finished quilt that we've made for this year's Festival of Quilts. We've all worked on different bits of it and Judy and Ann had the task of putting it all toegether. This was first time we saw the finished result.</div>
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We all whooped and clapped when we saw it! We're rather pleased with it. It's called 'Jolly Good Company' and is all about what the group means to us. Keep your eyes peeled for it at the Festival of Quilts if you're playing a visit. <br />
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Lindsay, Anni and Alison look on at the quilt unveiling. Now the quilt's finished, it's time for another group challnge!</div>
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</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-50291030662904207402012-07-06T18:55:00.000+01:002012-07-06T18:55:28.983+01:00Stitching for RoyaltyWith the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year and me being rather a fan of the Queen, I couldn't resist making a card for Her Majesty and sending it to her at Buckingham Palace. <br />
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I love putting images on to fabric and then embellishing them with stitch, so I thought I'd use this idea to make my card. I used a photograph from the Queen's Coronation (such a fabulous one) and then added tiny stitches and a small pearl bead. It was quite tricky knowing when to stop embellishing, so I went for the not too over the top approach!<br />
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Here's the finished result. I added a piece of calico under the main design that said "Happy and glorious" (I typed it on a vintage...and slightly wonky!...typewriter). So off it went to London, with me thinking no more about it, but hoping that the Queen would approve of handiwork. <br />
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Imagine my sheer delight when an envelope arrived on our doormat with a rather exciting insignia on it...yes, from Buckingham Palace! A reply from the Queen herself (well, sort of). Needless to say I'm rather proud of my post from the Queen and will certainly be showing Little Treasure when she's old enough to understand!<br /><br />
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</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-39235936922762883192012-06-27T15:53:00.000+01:002012-06-27T15:53:43.860+01:00Stitchers in ResidenceLast week <a href="http://sew-to-speak.blogspot.co.uk/">The Wednesday Group</a> de-camped to the summer house at <a href="http://www.blue-ginger.com/">Blue Ginger</a> near Malvern for 5 days of laughter, stitch and, of course...cake! Here are some photos of all our jolly japes on the Thursday - our designated 'Group Challenge Day'. <br />
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Here's the summer house, complete with bunting inside and a very pretty tree by its doors.</div>
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After last year's Group exhibition we thought it would be fun to have a banner with our name on it, so over the last few months we've each been busily creating letters. This was the first time they'd all been put together and we were rather thrilled with the result!</div>
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There's a great deal of concentration during the letter hanging stage...</div>
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...before a few last minute tweaks!</div>
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Wednesday Groupers provide letter hanging support from the sidelines! (I've just had a thought...should everyone who came to see us at Blue Ginger be called 'Wednesday Groupies'?!)</div>
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All set up and ready to go... </div>
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Creations from the Applewood workshop of the fabulous Murgatroyd and Bean (aka The Wednesday Group's very own Kathleen!)<br />
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On the shelf are the results of last year's Group Challenge at Blue Ginger...the <a href="http://sew-to-speak.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/consequential-critters.html">Consequential Critters</a>. Underneath is Lindsay's rather excellent stitched creation, all about a group of her friends.<br />
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More from Murgatroyd and Bean.</div>
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Here's the hub of our Group Challenge Day...it wasn't too bad until the rain started!</div>
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This year's Group Challenge was to make birds from all sorts of fabric scraps and bits and bobs...</div>
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...but before we started, we all thought it was a good idea to skip off for slice of cake. Lindsay was particularly excited at the prospect!<br />
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Cake eaten, it was time to get down to work. Once templates were chosen, we were off!</div>
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Kathleen definitely wins the prize for the most impressive bundle of threads (which she calls 'The Beast'!)<br />
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With the wet weather came the slight hazard of 'chair sinkage'. Unfortunately, Lindsay was affected the most by this...</div>
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...and by the end of the day she was on a most haphazard angle!<br />
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Lois hard at work on her first feathery creation. </div>
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It's heads down for Ann and Judi as they work away...</div>
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...and also for Lois, Alison and Lindsay.</div>
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The seriousness couldn't last for long and it was soon giggles and tomfoolery all round!</div>
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Here's my little feathered creation, which I just managed to finish before the downpour that saw us all heading inside for a warming cuppa!<br />
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</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-7950793244728697912012-06-17T23:15:00.000+01:002012-06-17T23:15:11.075+01:00A Trip to Snowshill Manor<br />The Treasures had a lovely day out for Father's Day today. After a very yummy lunch in Broadway, we went up the hill to Snowshill Manor. It's owned by The National Trust and we love going there. There's lots to explore in the house (which was owned by Charles Paget Wade and is home to his extraordinary collections) and beautiful gardens to wander about in. As afternoon tea was high up on our agenda we didn't go into the house today, instead opting for a pootle about in the garden. Here are a few snapshots I took along the way...<br />
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I hope you all had a lovely Father's Day too, whatever you were up to...and that the rain kept away for just a little while at least!</div>
</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-32425272038644567322012-06-08T22:38:00.001+01:002012-06-08T22:41:50.963+01:00Textile Treasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is with much excitement that I can announce that the <a href="http://www.textiletreasureshop.blogspot.co.uk/">Textile Treasure Shop</a> is now open.There are all sorts of vintage lovelies to be discovered, so do pop over for a browse.</div>
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Here are some of the treasures that are looking for new homes.</div>
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Keep your eye on the Textile Treasure Shop as I'll be regularly adding new vintage treasures.</div>
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Happy shopping!</div>
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</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-86115492189376250172012-05-30T22:31:00.001+01:002012-05-30T22:31:59.646+01:00Vintage and Handmade Fun<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last Saturday saw me heading off to Chipping Sodbury for the Spring Handmade and Vintage Fair. As always, it was a great day...a little quieter than usual, but lots of fun none the less. Here's my stall.</div>
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I went for a slightly different look this time and gave my newly acquired Colman's starch box centre stage. With the Jubilee celebrations just around the corner, I also bought some new bunting for decoration.</div>
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Amongst the things I was selling on Sarturday were a collection of vintage first aid dressings and the like. Some of them date from the Second World War, when their previous owner was a volunteer fireman. I also found this suitcase recently, complete with wonderful Cunard labels. I was rather sad to see it sold, but where would I be if I kept all of my stock?!</div>
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There was definitely a patriotic theme to Saturday's fair...even the cakes joined in!</div>
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Yummmmm!</div>
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I had Mummy Treasure as my willing assistant on Saturday so I managed to escape from behind my stall at various points for a look around...and here are some of the wonderful things that caught my eye... </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Washerwoman</span></div>
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I was rather taken with Lizzie's French sacks. I love the lettering on them. Lizzie said lots of people had been buying them to make cushions for their gardens. What a great idea!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lucy Bloom</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Lucy's stall is always full of all sorts of vintage loveliness. Lucy and Jayne were next to the Textile Treasure Seeker stand so we were able to have a good natter and a catch up!</span></div>
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Gertie's stall was awash with all things red, white and blue. I love her suffolk puff cushions. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Sea Garden</span><br />
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Christine's stall was a veritable feast of vintage and handmade loveliness. It all looked perfect and really enticing. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sal's Snippets</span><br />
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A fabulous display of patriotism from Sal.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hen House</span></div>
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Lovely designs by Hen.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hen's Teeth</span><br />
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It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Viv and her work. I love everything she makes and her designs just make me smile from ear to ear. </div>
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I've always had a soft spot for vintage ephemera, so I couldn't resist these shop price signs from The Sea Garden. I think I might string up the paper ones and put them in our kitchen for all to see. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Country Cottage Chic</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jayne definitely took the prize for the most regal display!</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Nostalgia at the Stonehouse</span><br />
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Niki's dolls are just brilliant. These patriotic gals look ready for a Jubilee celebration!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Nostalgia at the Stonehouse</span></div>
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It was a great day. I was particularly pleased with my 'new' 1950s dress that I bought from Donna Flower . I've already worn it to Little Treasure's Jubilee celebrations at playgroup and plan on weraing it lots over the summer. Here's to gilry florals and oodles of bunting!</div>
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COMING VERY SOON...</div>
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...Textile Treasure Seeker will be going online very shortly. The eagle-eyed amongst you might have already spotted the link to 'My Shop' on this blog and I assure you that within the next few days the doors of my little emporium will be flung open, with a selection of vintage treasures waiting to find new homes.</div>
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</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321733004074652869.post-24281254834351797282012-05-10T19:40:00.002+01:002012-05-10T19:40:57.276+01:00Hoorah for Pretty Nostalgic<br />
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There's a new magazine in town and I for one got very excited when the first issue landed on our doormat! I positively whooped with delight when I saw it and rushed to put the kettle on so I could enjoy a flick through with a nice cup of Earl Grey (or 'Early G' as we call it in the Treasure household).</div>
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<i>Pretty Nostalgic</i>'s got a lovely feel to it, the layout's really inviting and there are oodles of interesting articles and bits and pieces to read.</div>
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I was particularly drawn to the A to Z of haberdashery. I also loved the article 'Remember Me to All at Home' about a box of wartime letters that were discovered in a cobweb-covered shed.</div>
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This is a fabulous idea and got me thinking...</div>
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...it's all about readers documenting their most treasured items and then telling the stories behind them. <i>Pretty Nostalgic</i>'s an absolute gem and well worth a read.</div>
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The ever talented team at Pretty Nostalgic has also published a sumptuous book called<i> Home, </i>which, like the maagzine is packed full of photos and bits and pieces to tempt every vintage lover. Here's a sneaky peek...</div>
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If you've been tempted and fancy having a copy all to yourself, I'll be selling <i>Home</i> on my Textile Treasure Seeker stall at the next Vintage and Handmade Fair in Chipping Sodbury, on 26th May.</div>
</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689608905785385996noreply@blogger.com6