Tapestry in progress

Some photos of how the tapestry is coming along....

William Hope's, spirit photographs

From today's Guardian -

Halloween hauntings: William Hope's spirit photographs

In the spirit of Halloween, brave a look at the spooky photographs of paranormal investigator William Hope (1863–1933), who used multiple exposure techniques to render the appearance of ghostly apparitions. Although his deception was publicly exposed in 1922, he continued to dabble in the dark arts

Buttons

This is just a very short post, but I had to make Ray-Stitch known to the world. I'm in love with Ray-Stitch, just look at the lovely buttons you can buy from them below - the middle ones are amazing! They also stock all kinds of beautiful fabrics too and ribbons and trims and all the lovely, lovely things one can think of that are associated with sewing and knitting. Ahh. Love.

Crocheted Bottles and Other Homeware

I love these so much that I think I'm going to have to learn how to use that crochet hook I've got under the bed in a box somewhere....!

Or you can buy them HERE at FreshlyFound.

Tapestry

At long last, I've treated myself to a tapestry kit! I was inspired months ago by Simon's aunty (she has beautiful tapestries all over her home; in frames, as cushions and dining room chair seats and she makes them to give as presents!) and now I'm finally all framed up and ready to go!

I found my kit in John Lewis, but it's made by a company called Cleopatra's Needle, you can by them online HERE. The company specialise in Needlepoint and Cross Stitch kits many which are contemporary designs. I've chosen this one,

a herb pillow with brightly coloured Anemones. I've half completed one of the flowers already, and I'll say it is time consuming and there's a lot of counting involved but it's so addictive and actually really therapeutic!! Just can't wait to get home to carry on with it!!

For more traditional tapestry kits, try Ehrman Tapestry. There's some really cool ones on here and I've already created my wishlist!

Photos to come...

The Gardener's Arms

Whilst we were in Lewes, we also visited our favourite pub in town, The Gardener's Arms.


This absolute wonder of a pub always has the most interesting and unusual of ales and ciders on tap from both local and nationwide breweries.

Simon's choice was GYD's, Firey Fox, a deliciously dry but fruity Welsh cider, and mine a very warming(!), Chilli stout (brewery name to come!) followed by Beachy Head's Original Ale - a scrumptious bitter. Perfect.

Pepper's Ghost Magic Lantern Show

This weekend we visited the town of Lewes in East Sussex for the Lewes Folk Festival. The festival took part all over town with many pubs putting on bands and open music sessions, the local halls and schools opened up to hold dance and music workshops and the streets were filled with Morris Dancers. Whilst we were there we were lucky enough to catch the absolutely brilliant, Pepper's Ghost Magic Lantern Show.

The Magic Lantern itself is an original Victorian wooden projector through which a wide range of slides of old photos from the local area are projected, including some that are hand coloured. To accompany and explain the images, prose is read and old local Sussex folk songs are played and sung.

Taxidermy

This weekend I discovered Walter Potter, a Victorian taxidermist from Sussex.

Here is The Kitten Tea Party!

Pumpkins

This beautiful fabric by Swedish designer, Jobs Handtryck is perfect for this season. I can't afford to buy it just yet, so for the time being I'm enjoying looking at it on my desktop background at work! Wonderful.

20 Things To Do This Autumn

I saw this article in a local newspaper and thought it were great !!

20 things to do this Autumn -

1. Go apple picking
2. Make a leaf pile and jump into it
3. Buy or knit new jumpers and wear them
4. Start evening classes or teach yourself a new skill
5. Use cinnamon in your cooking
6. Go out into the woods for a walk and enjoy the colours of Autumn
7. Celebrate Halloween
8. Stay at home for Sunday roast
9. Fly kites
10. Wear big scarves and mittens
11. Wear thick, textured tights
12. Make hot chocolate
13. Carve a pumpkin
14. Then roast the seeds
15. Drink more tea to stay warm
16. Eat homemade soup for supper every night
17. Make hot mulled cider !! (my favourite)
18. Crack open the windows at night so you can bundle up under the duvets
19. Roast marshmallows on a bonfire
20. Wear wellies