Daisy's made a pocket with Ellie Evans

I've had the most marvellous of days at

Hope and Elvis making pockets

with the lovely Ellie Evans.

This is some of Ellies work.

Pockets...

Needle books and pin cushions...

Cross stitch heart brooches...

Beautiful hand stitched work in cutlery box frames ...

and stitched purses.

Her work is exquisite with

hours worth of stitching in every piece.

I had a very old piece of patchwork that I
bought years ago which I was saving for
something special.
Today was something special.
I had a go at cross stitching a heart.
It was extremely tiny.

My initials were a bit bigger

and a lot easier.

My pocket was about me and my Mum.

It was Mum who taught me to sew all those years ago.

She patiently threaded needles for me.

She shared her fabric stash so generously with me.

She encouraged me to play with fabric.

From being very little I loved them.

I remember my clothes, the fabric they were made of

and their colours.

That love has never left me.

A wider view...

A work in progress...

I want to add a lot more stitching

before I sew it all together.

There are lots of hiding places for secret words

to be added.

This is the wonderful lady who started it all.

My darling Mum.

Thank you.

A million times - thank you.

To Ellie and Louise...

Thank you for all your inspiration and knowledge

and to the mystery lady who created the fabulous patchwork

thank you for making such a gorgeous piece of work.

It will be treasured.

Love Daisy

xxx 

A year in the life of Daisy's fireplace

When I first moved into my new home nearly a year ago now

there was something missing.

The lounge lacked a focal point and the wall lights were

placed in a very strange arrangement on the wall.

It screamed fireplace to me but there was no chimney

and very little budget to play with.

Christmas was on the horizon and I really wanted a mantel to dress.

Hmmmm....

Then I found this in a charity shop.

I didn't know quite how I was going to make it work or fit

but it was a steal so I thought I would give it a try.

Steve helped me collect it and he drove it home in the snow 

with the boot open!

Bless!

It then had a makeover.

First an undercoat, as it was a tad shiny.

Then a couple of coats of Farrow & Ball and it was ready to assemble.

I looked at fireplace plinths but they were really expensive 

and at the end of the day I wasn't entirely sure this whole idea

would work or if I would like it long term.

So I went to B & Q and asked a very nice man

to cut me a piece of thick MDF to the correct size 

and also a piece to sit at the back of the fireplace frame.

I painted the plinth with a black metallic finish paint.

It worked a treat and I was thrilled with it

but there was still the issue of what to fill the hole with.

(Please also note that I had to check that the Christmas tree would

fit in the corner too!  

Priorities!)

So with my new found drill skills I hung a mirror on the wall

and attached the fireplace to the wall so it wouldn't suddenly fall over.

(I can tell you're impressed!)

Then I went for a rummage in my sewing room upstairs 

for just the right bit of fabric to cover the back board.

I found this!

It was the perfect size too.

Whoever made this so many years ago

stopped at just the right time.

Put it away and never made it into anything.

I wonder if she knew...

that I would treasure every stitch ...

even the tacking ones?

It worked!

I loved it!

It made the room feel warm even though

it didn't give off any heat.

I have played all year with it.

Dressing it as the seasons changed.

Adding bits here and there.

Yes, lots of playing and...

hello Dan I didn't see you there!

 Here we are in autumn.

'I'm going now' and 'Looking for clouds'

are living amongst the old books with Owl.

Jessies book keeps them company.

I hope you enjoyed the visit.

The Arkletts bid you farewell.

I wish you the best of days.

Love

Daisy

xxx

Daisy's flowers

Hello!

Apologies again!

I've been feeling quite poorly recently and

haven't had any energy to do much

on the computer.

I have missed reading all your news and

I am now trying to catch up!

I have uploaded my new photos tonight

so here are some flowers to

share with you.

 A rosy vintage plate

Beautiful pink enamel jug of roses

Vintage silk flowers

in pastel shades

Stunning clematis

Paper flowers made by moi

Get well flowers from a friends garden - gorgeous!

Tiny yellow flowers on this vintage wedding find

Pale pink roses with my beautiful niece 

on our family picnic

Hydrangea blooms in my garden

A touch of  darning on this precious French antique fabric

Floral fabrics being sorted

My latest dress with antique quilt flowers

stitched on the hem

My new homemade dress

I just love this faded spotty linen

Thanks for reading x

Night night 

Love Daisy xx

Daisy's bit of stitching

I've been doing a bit of hand stitching lately.

Inspired by the great Julie Arkell, Janet Bolton, Jessie Chorley and

 Betty Pepper workshops I've been lucky enough to go on recently.

I've hardly been able to put my needle down!

I've been working out of a suitcase.

It's full of bits of gorgeousness but I've

found it incredibly relaxing to just use

whatever is to hand rather than being overwhelmed

with the contents of my sewing room.

I have loved sewing little scraps of loveliness together.

I dream in colour.

Do you?

This was a piece of smocking that I bought

from the Embroiders Guild box of goodies 

at the Knitting and Stitching show in Harrogate.

I've turned it into a cuff by adding a bit of

vintage fabric and a few press studs.

I adore using old threads too.

They compliment the mellow faded fabric so well.

'She loves the sea'

This dress is a project that has been

sitting in my head for a long time.

I have a collection of antique dolls clothes

but didn't really know what to do with them.

When I bought this French linen dress earlier in the year

the idea started to come together.

It was beautifully patched and so very easy to work with.

Each piece seemed to find its own place.

I have to say I have loved wearing it. 

It will continue to be a work in progress

as I find new treasure to add to it.

The last show and tell for today is 

'A shy rabbit'

I have no idea why she turned French but turn French she did.

'Where is she?'

The inspiration for this one came from

reading lift the flap books with Steve's grandson.

The delight on his cute little face when he sees

what's hiding!

'I am here'

 says my little pink rabbit.

I'm off on a trip to York tomorrow with the lovely 

Lemonade Kitty for a girly sewing day.

Will report back soon.

Have a lovely evening.

Hugs

Daisy xxx