Weekend Goodies

Well aren't we enjoying some glorious sunshine at the moment? The weekend was equally lovely down in the West Country, so much so that it made taking snaps of my new cushions a little tricky.

I decided it was time for a little update. During the six months it took us to purchase our cottage, I got sewing in earnest, in fact this was really what got me back into sewing full time. I made all the curtains and a lot of cushions, mainly from Cath Kidston fabrics. These have been added to with various vintage embroidered ones over the last few years. A few of the Cath K patchwork ones were looking a little shabby (when will men learn you put the cushions behind your back rather than under your rear?!) and the look was a little busy, so I have been on the look out for some proper vintage fabrics for a while.

This gorgeous rosy barkcloth came from Lizzie and didn't need any more adornment. I just love the design and the texture of the cloth. I think it had been a curtain and I used the reverse side of the fabric as it was actually much brighter in colour, the front having faded (though most attractively).

This lovely barkcloth came from Donna and I similarly decided to let the fabric take centre stage and go for a simple design. But I think cushions must have buttons (or a zip), either front or back; envelope openings may be easy but allow the fabric to pull in different directions meaning they look creased and unattractive. Most sewing machines nowadays have fantastic button hole foot attachments and will even sew the buttons on so there are no excuses! I have a few bits of these gorgeous fabrics left so I may make up a couple more cushions for the impending Vintage & Handmade Fair (9th April), if I can bear to let it go.

Saturday morning, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll around a very bustling Bridport street market. On spotting this little chap, he had to come home. He's ever so furry! He's now come back home to live in London where Charlie Boy, that large ginger tom cat, has made best friends with him and basically sleeps on top of him. Poor Ted!

I also found this. This year, I haven't found a calendar that I like for my den, so I resort to finding out the date on the computer. No need now. I spotted this dinky rotating desk calendar, so for £3.50 and with that fabulous green paint, it had to be bought. It's now on the desk in my den so if only I remember to change the date each day, all shall be fine!

A while back, we bought some gorgeous knitted Fair Isle goodies in Bridport and I managed to get in touch with the lady who made them and asked her to make a jumper for the Munchkin. On Saturday, it was finished and ready for collection. Doesn't he look marvellous, a proper 1940's lad!

Such a clever lady, don't you think?

She also makes these woolly socks, I snap them up whenever she makes them as they are the warmest, cosiest socks I've ever worn. Ahh, after all the driving and mooching earlier in the day, it was time for a rest in front of the fire.

Style must always come second to warmth and comfort in my book!

Edit: For all those of you who have asked, the Radio Times thingy is indeed a linen cover, hand embroidered way back when, bought for me by my sister. I've since seen a couple of others so they must have been quite popular at one time.