TARRAGON & THYME

I nipped to my local charity shop for a bit of a nose around - I had to go to the chemist for some medication in any event and the Charity shop is before the Chemists.  One of the helpers in there R**** has been closely associated with high class furniture shops and the like and being a store Manager.  Has a keen eye for the auctions and for private clearances and he does what he can to raise funds for the Charity.  He is a lovely chap of pure heart and I always have a laugh and a joke with him when he is in the shop. Whilst he was in today he was preparing stuff for outting out and he called me over to show me his latest find which I fell in love with.  It was something that I have been looking for for a while an antique 100+ year old jewellery box.  It is quite a decent size is inlaid with brass fretwork shield panel at the centre of which is inlaid mother of pearl.  I have been advised to give it a good clean up with some beeswax.  It is also...

One of the plans that I have is to sort out all my charts and instructions for all my crafty stuff and that is why I have purchased all the storage stuff from Dunhelm including the magazine holders.  I thought it would be a start but I do have masses of craft magazines going back years. I managed to lose some of them recently due to a burst pipe but that was beyond my control. However what remains needs sorting and at least it is a start and at least it will keep all my Leisure Craft charts clean and safe.  I have cross stitch needlepoint embroidery crochet heneral craft magazines etc. etc. which I am loath to let go as many of the things I would still like to try and make. Oh for enough hours in the day.  Wherever possible I always try to plan things where I can i.e. if I know I am going to be starting something like the patchwork I try and get in place all those items and consumables and fabric that I will need before starting.  I have been collecting for some ti...

I knew I said I wouldnt start this project until the hot water bottle covers were done but this piece just spoke to me.  So I Just did a teeny weeny piece.  It didnt stop there though. Quite a bit more worked. I am not happy with the palest shade of blue provided it is more like a grey.  Not what I expected at all. But its working up reasonably quickly and I enjoy the rythm of the hand work. Its even relatively neat on the back for me. Its silly but this kit reminds me of the summer meadows that we used to play in as children going newting and tiddling with a butterfly net and chasing the butterflies with our nets and bumble bees popping them into jars to study ghem and then setting them free.  All of that is not politically correct these days but this is what children did.  I do feel so that subsequent generations have missed out on so much freedom.  If you double click on the pictures you will be able to see which areas I have worked thus fa...

I am being drawn back into the kitchen but am having to take my time what with the recovery of my foot.  However I am planning to having a little drinks session in the kitchen.  By that I mean making wine.  I have in mind to make some sweet house orange wine which is a beginners wine to start with. I also use the same basic recipe for lemon grapefruit wines as well.  I also have four wine kits two of elderflower one Black Cherry and a Strawberry.  Hopefully that will take place this coming Saturday.  The wine cellar has been bare here for a while and I aim to put that right for this year. So I thought I would have a session concentrating on this to get them underway.  It will also be nice to have a glass of country wine again in due course with my Sunday dinner.  Not that I drink a lot as I do not but its nice to have an occasional glass of something to drink with the Sunday lunch. So that's Orange wine from scratch Black Cherry a kit Stra...

For once it is quite peaceful here and it has been a steady day one for wandering into your own personal space but still companionable as well. Its at times like these that I start plotting and planning things for the future. I have quite a bit of ironing to do which needs sorting out over the next few days or so. We have had a simple tea as well roast chicken bread and butter  served with pickles and chutney has gone down very nicely. Will be watching a film shortly so will be putting my feet up and doing a little crochet as well. Still working on the hot water bottle covers when I get a few minutes  Taking longer because I am making two. Right off to get myself comfy.  Catch u soon Pattypan x

Oh cooked me a full English breakfast after letting me lay in for a while.  That is indeed luxury from my perspective.  Not that I am one for a full cooked breakfast but at least he made the effort.  The sun is out here it is glorious to see it especially after so many long damp and cold grey days.  I have a hot date with the washing machine yo look forward to. Ah well upwards and onwards I had better get a wriggle on.  Catch you later. Pattypan xx

I picked up this beautiful what appears to be a hand painted picture of a doe and fawn before Christmas on a junk stall on the market. Total outlay £2.  The overmount has watermark damage.  The picture is painted on the same fabric.  I am not sure whether it is silk or not.  I absolutely love this picture and wondered whether any of you have any ideas about how I should go about this.  Its too good a quality to be destined for the bin.  Any ideas/suggedtions would be gratefully received. Look forward to hearing from you. Pattypan xx