back to the lace

In early August I received a parcel in the post, gave it a shake then realised what it was.

measuring just 32cm x 23cm x16cm it is one of the smallest lace pillows that I have seen. 

I haven't really had chance to test it out yet but I will let you know when I have.

Meanwhile I have bobbins on two pillows, one with Downton lace on it which unfortunately had to be taken off once I discovered that the threads were week and several snapped without my help. A shame as I do like the pattern and was planning to make a longer strip.

I then sorted out my recent purchases, second hand bobbins and threads from a Lace pop in session.

                and set up a traditional pattern called sheeps head to use on the lace doll.

This is as far as I got with the Downton lace

more purchases, two new ebony bobbins and another antique bone bobbin.

I plan to get back to lace making in October and have a good play with the travel pillow.

Sutton on Sea

 Another part of being busy was taking a short trip to Sutton Sea on the East coast of England. The weather was changeable but when it rained it was always late afternoon when we had already returned from our day out.

on the first day we walked from the campsite to the town, passing the multitude of beach huts, many with interesting names.

                  I wonder what happened to Canute 1, I imagine that it succumbed to the sea.

Some were painted, others were shuttered, old and peeling. There is also a row of new ones showing that the beach hut tradition continues to this day.

We stopped off at an exhibition at the new sea front coffee house, these pictures are full of small details to hunt for and the scale of them was....well see what I mean in this picture, ( Ian making a rare appearance to show the scale )

The next day we caught the bus to Skegness, chance to trawl round the charity shops and see if anything had changed since our last visit (last August ) 

A quick check of my camera reveals no photos so presumably nothing changed !

Apologies for not being here

 Hi, After my last post things got a little hectic , I'm currently chilling out on a campsite in Melrose ( more about that soon ) We have been busy both at home and away in the van.

Last month I took a trip to Newark, hopped on a train ( I love travelling by train, inherited this from my Father who was a big steam enthusiast )

It was a beautiful summers day and I spent my time walking round, doing a little shopping ( cheese ! ) and taking photos of anything that caught my eye,

The old signal box, the castle and the busy market ( I love a good market)

Beautiful black and white buildings ( yes, I know that this has been a theme this year )

I even popped into a Witches Market and admired the tarot cards, the dancing and the glass window of the host building, Newark Palace Theatre built in 1920

There was just enough time for a stroll along the river then back on the train home.

 

Final Tour de Fleece 2025 figures.

I knew that I wouldn't spin as much as usual this year as we were away for nearly half of it. I've not included any half bobbins that are hanging around, just full skeins.

I had prepped around 1300gm of fibre, some is still in the bag but we have another trip or two planned so at least I have something to take with me.

All waiting to be washed, total 1.097Kg or 2.418 pounds, breeds.. Cheviot, Ryeland, Romney, Jacob, Shetland, North Country Mule.

The Cheviot and Jacob are from the Isle of Skye and will return there. The rest will probably join my knitting stash in the van.

I now need to continue washing and prepping fleece both fine and coarse for both of the e-spinners.

Leominster revisited

 Once again I find myself back in Leominster, last time I visited by myself due to Ian having a back injury however this time we both had the chance to explore.

The town was looking brighter this time, many flowers in tubs around the town. This is Drapers lane and I like the street signage.

We also spotted this lane, the sign clearly indicating the business that was sited on it.

as we walked around we also spotted Butchers Row, School Road and the river Lugg, very much a market town. Also Ryelands Road which maybe a reference to the wool trade and the importance of the local Ryeland Sheep.

We spotted this large embroidery in one of the antique shops, embroidered in chain stitch on hessian, some parts had been appliqued  to the fabric.

This is just one of a pile of pieces that seem to fit together ( See above) so If anyone is interested the original is at Drapers Lane Antiques, Leominster. or if you have any idea what it was originally intended to be.

The Guardian of the Grange has acquired a cloak since my last visit

After lunch at the Grange Court, we had another wander round checking out the small arcades and alleys.

Grange Court

then back to the campsite to pack the van before moving on to Shrewsbury.