And my main aim was to get my selvedge tote bag finished - my Chookshed Challenge from February. And I did! I got the sewing machine out for a couple of hours in the afternoon and then spent the evening hand sewing down the bindings. Tah Dah
It's 24" x 18 with a 5" gusset so nice and roomy. The aim is to use it for transporting quilts when I go to my patchwork group but I am sure it will find plenty of other uses.
I saved a couple of nice selvedges for the handles.
Good to have another challenge finished and out of the way.
I have been working on my Stitch Journal again this week.
Doesn't look like much progress but there are three days additions in the last section. That picture is looking a bit bleached - sorry.
We had a couple of days away at the beginning of the week and met up with friends at Stourhead on Monday, a halfway meeting point as they live on the outskirts of London. It was a cold day! Very chilly wind but we braved the gardens. Our men have hip and knee problems so we made use of the National Trust guide and his buggy for a trip around the lake. He was very knowledgeable and agreeable to stopping when I wanted to take a photograph too.
The garden was originally designed by the owner Henry Hoare in the mid 18th century with various buildings - temple, grotto, cottage etc - set around the lake, some of which still exist. At the moment there are masses of daffodils flowering everywhere.
This is a scale copy of The Pantheon in Rome
By the time we had finished our ride we were more than ready to head back to the cafe for some warming hot chocolate!
Fortunately Tuesday was a lovely sunny day and we headed to Lullington for our friend to search the graveyard for ancestors - no luck sadly. But the church was well worth a visit with it's Norman arches
Already more photographs than I had anticipated but must just show you the last place we visited - Heavens Gate with it's fabulous view of Longleat House.
Thank you for sticking with me this far - normal service will be resumed next week! Have a great week.
Congratulations on getting your lovely selvedge bag finished. Thank you for sharing the photos of your getaway with friends.
ReplyDeleteWell done with your selvedge bag. It really looks good. There is nothing more lovely than spring in the English countryside. Thanks for sharing your photos.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see your stitches and your walk.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, dear Lin, I'm delighted to see your bag. It turned out great.
ReplyDeleteYou'll love it.
And your beautiful embroidery also delights me.
Your lovely trip reminds me of our vacation last year, and I can hardly wait to go on another trip this year. Thank you so much for the beautiful photos of the gardens, mansions, and church... isn't Longleat House incredibly impressive?
Best wishes to you from Viola.
I'm in love with your bag. I have a big bag of selvage ready to give away. Now, I'm having seconds thoughts about departing with it. Lol. You are inspiring me. Love your stitches. Is the piece of fabric on the right sewn to the project or just "sitting" on top and will fuses as you stitch? As the picture came up the screen, I thought they were bees. They are lovely tiny little stitches. Thanks for taking us along on your outings. So interesting. I had to read and check the font over and over. I enjoyed it. Have a great week. ;^)
ReplyDeleteWell done on your tote bag, Lin. I have a bunch of these selvedges too. It's so funny, I recently watched a YouTube video of Bella Hoare giving a tour of her property...I love these videos of the old properties to see the flowers and odd things about the old structures. I follow a couple of folks who are doing the restorations on manors, etc.
ReplyDeleteLove your tote bag Lin. Wonderful to see the acres of daffodils coming into flower. Beautiful photos of your adventures Lin, Longleat House is stunning.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your bag!! And wow, that field of daffodils...we don't get them in tropics, so I was thrilled to see the ones in your travels.
ReplyDelete