Jake's Ice Cream Adventure

A couple of weeks ago we went up to Keswick and made a trip to Allonby on the coast, home of the famous, well fairly famous, Allonby Whopper- perhaps the biggest ice cream ever. Here is my lovely husband attempting to eat it, its why I married him! Sadly I only started taking photos half way through the adventure so you can't see all the wafers, flakes, sprinkles, flags and jazz...

The H-Meister in her natural habitat

Today I took advantage of the sun and went to Arley Hall and gardens http://www.arleyhallandgardens.com/ with the H-Meister... it was as always fully lovely (despite the terrible summer we have had) I love how at home she is with a herbaceous border...

Please, its just so gorgeous...

I took loads of photos, adding yet more to my giant collection waiting to be uploaded, seriously I have so much backlog to write about- expect some posts that seem a little out of sync... Anyway, here are some highlights:

"Dahlias for late summer interest"

Crafty times!

Oh the school holidays! Well none of us actually go to school anymore but its still the same thing really, I'm surprised we're not doing papier-mache.

After a brilliant trip to Leon's (a local fabric shop) we set about some serious sewing...

Today I finished covering a mini sofa for one of my friends, her kids sit on it all the time and they look so cute! Sadly it had been loved a little too much and the cover had been ripped- luckily I stepped in to reupholster it with some strawberry fabric.

I really hope they like it! (to be honest I'm not sure I want to give it back now- the fabric is so nice!)

Now, me and Hatty sewing is not all that unusual but I am thrilled to inform you that my darling sister has been joining in making this BEAUTIFUL cushion which she lovingly hand embroidered- she also fitted her very first zip... I am so proud! 

I could not for the life of me get this to be the right way up

chain stitch which was lovingly taught by my aunty clare on my hen weekend away 

This is completely unsarcastic, Kate never normally makes thing yet she seems to be nearly as good as me- perhaps I should brush up on my knowledge of the kidneys. So much more lovely fabric still waiting! Including Kate's next project- I keep you posted!

Sweet Peas

Is there anything lovelier? I think not!

My Great-Grandmother's Lace

My family isn't much of a one for heirlooms but when I decided to get married I was informed, to my surprise, that we had a family veil! It was made by my Great-Grandmother for her wedding in the 20's and was 85 years old this year.

When I say its spectacular- I am not exaggerating. Its about 1.5m by 3m and is completely hand embroidered. Its called Carrick-ma-cross lace, which is a traditional Irish technique (she came from an Irish background) and is worked using a needle from linen. The edge is embroidered with shamrocks, thistles and roses- uniting Ireland, Scotland and England (the Scottish and English connection being my Great-Grandfathers) and took her 2 years to make!

I really wanted to document it as I had it on kind loan from my Great-Aunt and, sadly, couldn't keep it forever. I really feel that such gorgeous things should be shared as its not often that you see them. It really impresses on me the family connections and history that can be communicated through fabric- it holds so many precious memories! As well as being worn by my Great-Grandmother it was worn by Great-Aunts and cousins for their weddings and by my Great-Grandmother's sisters when they become nuns- in their weddings to Christ- crazy stuff!

Sadly I couldn't wear it- it didn't go with my dress (I was so sad about this!) but I was so honoured to see it and be part of its story. it really is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

Here are my photos:

It made some lovely shadows!