Time Away

This is Steve. A very happy Steve. He's about to spend the weekend on the canal with Amelia, Rosie, Jim oh and me!

This is the beautiful Amelia.

This, of course, is Rosie and Jim.

Instant relaxation set in as we chugged along slowly up the canal.

Relaxation that is until we found our first of three locks.

This is Steve. A rather worried looking Steve!

But luckily for us there were lovely helpful people around that helped us through our first one.

Then it all seemed rather easy and by the third one we were actually smiling.

Wow! The ever changing view. The peace. The quiet. Bliss.

The next morning we were greeted with two swans with their six nearly fully grown babies.

They seemed extremely hungry and obviously knew how to play the tourists.

On Sunday the weather was beautiful.

The sky was blue and I even got a go at steering the boat.

(but not for long!)

Halcyon days.

Our last evening was spent here. We stood and watched the sun go down with our neighbours, a meadow full of cows and their curly haired calves.

It has been the most relaxing weekend I have ever had and I just wanted to share a glimpse of it with you.

Have a great weekend. x

I have the best job!

A couple of weeks ago this fabric arrived in the shop.

I NEEDED SOME!

Today, when I arrived at work, I could resist no longer.

I had to make something.

I cut two 5 inch strips from 9 different fabrics.

Then I cut them into different lengths and mixed them up.

I machined them into lengths choosing the fabric at random.

and this was the result.

I'm so lucky to be able to work in a place filled with inspiration.

Where our boss, Heath ( a truly wonderful man)

lets his staff create when we feel the inspiration to do so.

I have the best of jobs.

Thanks Boss x

Heaths Country Store can be found on facebook and there is also a monthly newsletter which you can request via email at deespatchworkbarn@btinternet.com

If you're in the area next Thursday, Friday or Saturday (14th,15th,16th) there is a sale in store with 15% off everything ( apart from the staff!)

A lovely weekend

Every year the ladies of two quilt groups put on a quilt show in Pentrich Village Hall. Derbyshire.

So a group of us met up for a day out.

Delicious cakes are served and there are a couple of stalls selling much needed fabric! ( You know us quilters).

The standard is amazing. Beautiful works of art.

Kindly shared with us.

Then it was a walk down the road to The Dog Inn for a superb lunch and lots of chat.

Then Sunday was a family day. I actually made these yorkshire puddings!

Mine normally resemble very small saucers so I was thrilled when I opened the oven door.

Harley paid us a visit.

I managed to get a two hour cuddle after lunch.

I couldn't take my eyes off him.

He's soooo cute.

But eventually I had to share him with his Grandad.

What a perfect weekend. x

September - Busy but great ...

While Ringo has been contemplating life on a chair by the Aga...

Jack and I have been busy in the garden (with lots of help from friends too!)

We found a great game of loading the wheel barrow full of weeds and taking it to next doors chickens to scratch through. Then Jack got a lift back in said wheel barrow. Everyone was happy! (including the chickens)

Then there was the arrival of Harley Ethan on 20th September

Do you think he has a proud Grandad?

I had to wait 4 whole days to get my mitts on him but it was worth it. I did have trouble giving him back though :(

Well done to Vicky and Daniel. He is gorgeous.

Then it was off to Tuxford Windmill for a craft and food fair with my friend Jenny.

Despite the threat of the marque taking off in the wind we managed to set up the stall.

There were angels all around ...

accompanied by mice, chickens and oddbod creatures made by Jenny.

We even had fat free cup cakes (knitted by my lovely Mum)

In fact there were all sorts of yummys to tempt and delight including ...

camper van cushions, bags, vintage aprons ...

and handmade Christmas cards (yes there is no hiding from it. It's well and truly on the way).

I hope you've enjoyed your stay.

Have a great day whatever you're doing.

Love Daisy xxx

Beautiful Brittany

I managed to get away for a few days in August to stay with my lovely friends.

The weather wasn't always kind but despite our 'caravan hair' we still managed to have a great time wandering through cobbled streets and drinking hot chocolate.

Eating lots of fabulous food including, dare I say, a curry pizza! (Which did taste delicious.)

This is their delightful house that they have been restoring. It is set in a little hamlet which feels like it has been lost in time. Beautiful, quiet and very laid back.

I fell in love with the architecture.

I managed to find a little shop that sold fabric, ribbons, buttons, yarn and underwear!

Every street had beauty in it.

The faded paint just adding to the joy of discovery.

And then I got a thing for doors ...

There were so many interesting ones...

And more paint colours that almost made me melt.

This building was my favourite. What a beautiful door.

Don't you think?

Scrummy locks.

Ok this is the last one ... promise!

Then onto the beach. These breakers had a worn beauty of their own.

There to protect the wall.

Wonderful Brittany. Hope to visit again soon.

Enjoy your week. x