Crisp Autumn Day and a little Creativity

My system had a bit of a shock this morning when I had to get up early, for me, and accompany my DH to a local village where he was selling (he hoped) his photocards at a Craft Fair.  We woke to a frosty but sunny start and I soon found consolation in the early start by exploring the village while DH set up.

The village is Barkston (also known as Barkston-le-Willows), on the A607 just a few miles north east of Grantham and is mentioned in the Domesday Book when it was known as Barchestune.  The village sign makes reference to its history of having four mills (it sits on the River Witham) and to the close proximity of Barkston Heath which is an RAF station involved in pilot training.  There are many deer in the area as it is close to the Belton Estate where deer roam free.  Barkston has a further claim to fame through its connection with Stan Laurel whose father is buried in the local churchyard.  I believe the village pub was once run by Stan Laurel's aunt.

The paths were littered with piles of frosty leaves in varying shapes and sizes.

Walking round to the church the light was beautiful,

I would have liked to have explored the churchyard but sadly couldn't manoevre the gate open.

Walking a little further and greeting one or two dog walkers who were taking an early stroll I came to a newly ploughed field and found some interesting stitching potential.

 These are not the strongest of marks as the furrows are fairly shallow but they have design potential.

This is the view looking back to the church along the field edge.

 I wouldn't wish to be this tall but it's a good indicator of the angle of the sun.

Wandering back to the main road I came across this young lady (I think) who was very interested in me,

and venturing down a lane I found a beautiful distressed door.

You probably need to click on it to see the lovely paint swirls.

By the time I got back to the village hall DH had finished setting up and the fair was about to open.  We had a very pleasant day with a few sales and met quite a few people we hadn't seen for some time and to top it all off we won a hamper of Christmas foodie goodies in the raffle. Yum!

There has been some creativity going on here this week.  

This angel is about 9" tall and is made very simple of three separate parts.  You can make it from old quilt blocks and they are sometimes made from 'cutter quilts' (old damaged quilts).  I'm making another one in a smaller size too. The idea is very versatile as you could make them as fancy or as plain as you wish and add beads, buttons, lace, whatever to trim.  Think also of using vintage linens to make these little angels.  I have been busy on another small project too but as it concerns an article written by a friend, that will be appearing in an issue of Stitch magazine next year, I think I will have to wait to show you what I've made.  Sorry!

At The Going Down of The Sun

and in the morning, we will remember them.

Wedding Card

I havn't been showing much of my creative work here recently as I have been busy with a project that could not be shared until after my stepdaughter's wedding.  I wanted to use my skills to make her a special card instead of just buying one and fortuitously we explored a technique at a recent meeting of our quiting group.  

Blogger has loaded the images in reverse order with the front side at the bottom. (I have switched Lightbox back on so it should be easier for you to view the images.  You no longer need to click on each individual image).

I made each signature individually on a felt backing and then stuck it to the vilene bases which had been edged in a neutral cotton.  (Affixing the  panels caused me some deep thought as I found I couldn't stitch them to the vilene.  In the end I went for strong carpet tape.  Hopefully they will stay stuck!)

These are details of some of the pages:

I used some of my printed fabrics, bridal lace and fabrics, beach glass, printed text and embellishments and  had a lovely time sewing special wishes into it.    Once the card was made I realised I needed something to put it in so set to and made a box with some of the butterfly fabric.

The box is lined with dupion silk and I  thought my stepdaughter could use it for her bits and pieces if she wished.  The knob on the lid is made with a small stack of buttons including a lovely copper button from The Thread Studio.

Just as we were leaving the house to travel to Chichester where the wedding took place I grabbed a few sewing supplies because I had it in mind to make something on the lines of a lucky horseshoe, although I don't think people give those so much these days.

Anyway, this is what I came up with,

I cheated a little and used a ready made heart but I had a lovely time decorating it with vintage fabrics and trims and embellishing it.  I think L liked it but hopefully she'll tell me more on her return from honeymoon, the day of the wedding was very hectic as you would expect so there was very little time for conversation.

I have a few fabric hearts in my stash so I may make a few more, maybe on a Christmas theme (sorry for using that word!).  

On Wednesday I went to the first Sit & Stitch day at Stitchcraft Studio and had a lovely day with a few ladies stitching and nattering.   This is going to be a weekly occurance on a Wednesday and hopefully the word will get around and more people will come along.  It will be lovely to have a regular place to go and spend time with like-minded people and to dedicate that particular time to the project in hand.  I'll show you what I was making when I get it finished, which could quite easily be next Wednesday!

Love is..........

my very beautiful stepdaughter and her very new husband on Saturday.   My DH and I were invited to share this very special day with my stepdaughter, her about-to be husband and their family and friends in Chichester in the south of England.

All of the photographs in this post are courtesy of my DH as my camera wasn't up to the light conditions and besides, I didn't want to miss a moment by being behind the lens!

The groom awaits the arrival of his bride and keeps his nerves calm by chatting to his soon to be brother-in-law.

The bride's mother and stepdad, otherwise known as WSD ;-) , precede the bride.  I think Laura's mum was as happy and emotional as I was!

The moment we had all been waiting for, the first glimpse of a delightfully happy and radiant bride, escorted by her brother.

The ceremony was really lovely with a few laughs and some heartfelt words exchanged.  The bride and groom are pictured with both mums.  I have to admit to a tear or two escaping, well, you'd expect it wouldn't you?  

Formalities over it was time to leave.

Laura's dress was so beautiful.  I barely recognised this stunning, sophisticated, elegant young woman.

Time to relax at the wedding breakfast.

Beautiful butterflies denoted our places and brought very special memories of Laura's late Dad to share the day.  He was very much with us in thought and he would have been so proud of his beautiful daughter and her new husband.

Could any bride look happier?

The venue for the wedding meal was the beautiful Vicars' Hall, part of Chichester Cathedral and its high vaulted ceiling added to the sense of occasion.

Our nephew, Johnathan Clover, was the official photographer but that didn't stop DH from sneaking up on him while he was working and grabbing a few shots!  I'm looking forward to seeing the official versions.

No wedding would be complete without the cutting of the cake,

and special people to share the day with.

Sweeties were an extra treat, 

and chips were a welcome supper.

There was plenty of dancing going on, although sadly DH failed to capture me but Iwas dancing, honest! (I think this was a bit of  'Summer Lovin' ' going on).

The bride enjoyed herself too and managed to control her beautiful dress.

Eventually and all too soon it was time to leave the newlyweds and go back to our B&B after a wonderful day that I will always remember.  Our hearts are full of happiness for Laura and Nik and of faith in their future together and who knows where the future may lead them?

Nik looks very much at home with his niece in his arms. :-)

PS

John, another family member who was running the disco, was definitely in the moment!