Gossip and a Giveaway

Where oh where does the time go? I have been so busy that I haven't had time to blog and now I have so much to tell you. You might as well go and get yourself a cuppa and a biscuit or two and settle down, it's a long one!

Firstly, thank you all so much for your lovely comments on my last post. I am genuinely touched by your kindness. I have never thought that my home was good enough to be in a magazine. Sure it looks impressive from the outside, but really it is a big old scruffy (and often messy) family home and is a work-in-progress. There is so much to be done still and all I can see are the problems. It's hard to see the beauty of this house at times. Also, as we were supposed to be moving out of here I had spent a long time emotionally detaching myself from this house. Now we are to carry on with our renovations I am falling in love with it all over again and seeing those photos reminded me why I bought the house in the first place, I could see us here at Christmas. The living room you saw pictured is just about to undergo a huge makeover. Paul is away for 2 weeks in Australia and when he comes back it is to be gutted and redecorated. One month before Christmas I hear you say? Hmmmm, I am assured that it will be done in time. Watch this space!!!!





Apart from 25 Beautiful Homes I have also been featured in the Secret Directory which is attached to this month's Vogue, under Q for quilts. Not sure why they have put me there instead of under F for fabric but mine is not to question why and, hey, this is Vogue after all. Never did I think I would be in Vogue!


My fabrics were used for Christmas decorations and stockings in this month's BBC Homes and Antiques magazine. I love what they have done with them and it has inspired me to make some myself (if I ever get a moment!). They are my fabrics after all!






Last week I was so lucky, I won these beautiful cards from Claire in her giveaway. I NEVER win anything so I was delighted. Aren't they beautiful? I love them so much that it is going to be hard to give them away.



While we are talking about the talented and lovely Claire, here is my new ad that you may see in textile and sewing publications designed by Claire. Isn't it yummy? Seriously she is dead clever. As well as this ad, the logo she designed has been made into stickers, postcards, business cards, a rubber stamp and fridge magnets and they all look so beautiful.


On now to other publications that I want to tell you about. Firstly there is the new magazine Sew Hip, a long overdue magazine for us funky sewing chicks. Edited by Manda of TreeFall Design it features contributions from Amy Butler, Alicia Paulson, Becca Hector-Clark and Alice Bloor. It's beautiful, gorgeously photographed and I recommend it thoroughly. I am looking forward to the next edition already.



Another fabulous book and one I cannot recommend enough has been written by my friend and fellow blogger Niki. Living with Nostalgia is beautiful beyond belief, truly, every page is stuffed full of the most delicious images that you almost want to lick them! She has published this book through Blurb and, although the shipping costs from USA make it expensive, it is worth every penny. With Christmas coming up you could put it on your present list. She is such a talented lady and it is the BEST book I have ever seen about vintage living. Well done Niki, you are a star! If you want a preview go here.



I have managed to cram in some creativity at last. I am making the obligatory crocheted blanket. It's de rigueur in Blogland! I am starting with a striped one made from Rowan cottons as many of our family members are allergic to wool. I taught myself to crochet and want to progress on to the ripple blanket. I love sitting by the fire with this (now huge) blanket drapes over me as I add row after row. The best part is choosing the next colour to add. My friend Amanda came to stay and was fascinated with it and begged me to teach her. She is now obsessed with crochet and is making a dog blanket. Her husband sent me an email saying I have ended his marriage, hahaha!



As well as Paul being away for 2 weeks my Mum is off the the USA for just over 3 weeks to see my sister. She has just had her first baby, a little girl named Olivia. It will be weird having 2 of my main people so far away for so long.




So, in honour of little Livvy's arrival, I am having a giveaway. I am giving away a Cath Kidston for Tesco bag stuffed with vintage fabrics, buttons, trims and goodies. Just leave me your name and a comment to be put in the hat for the final draw and one lucky winner will have a vintage goodie bag coming their way. The draw will take place on Friday 21st November so get your comments in before then to be in the running. Good luck x






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