Random mix

Today, I thought I'd share a few random photos from the past few days.

Violet's practiced how to milk a cow.

We visited Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire.

With stunning gardens.

I've been doing a LOT of painting recently.  This is Violet's bedroom all finished. 

As I'm sure you've worked out, she's asked for a Frozen theme.  This is her old mirror, which I've decorated with white paint, sprayed with glitter and added a few snowflakes too.

I finally managed to take some photos of Violet wearing the Queen Elsa Snow Dress I made.

 In the end, I decided not to add the sparkles.

 Violet met a Barn Owl.

And, yesterday we spent the day at Rufford Mill in Nottinghamshire, where my cousin's daughter was  getting married.

For those of you who don't know. The road next to the Mill has a ford. The above photo is of Violet trying to encourage approaching cars to drive through it as fast as they dare, so that they'll splash everyone.  There's always loads of families waiting at the sides of the road waiting to get soaked.  Woe betide the cautious cars who want to drive through slow and steady - those drivers get boo'd.

What have you been up to?

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Moseley Old Hall

 Last Sunday we visited Moseley Old Hall in Staffordshire for the very first time.

It's not very big, but is really quaint and charming, with a pretty flower garden, knot garden, as well as a small wooded area.  

Moseley Old Hall is famous for hiding King Charles II after he fled the battle of Worcester in 1651, and Oliver Cromwell.

Isn't the knot garden pretty?

There is supposed to be a resident Peacock, but however hard we searched for him, he proved elusive.  Though we did buy a few of his beautiful tail feathers as a reminder of the lovely day we'd had.

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Cambridge

We're just back from a wonderful couple of days in Cambridge.

I booked this little trip away as a first wedding anniversary treat.

I'd read an article on visiting Cambridge a couple of months previous, in my Good Food magazine, and it recommended staying at Duke House.  The rooms looked beautiful online, so I booked The Gloucester Room.

The hotel did not disappoint.  The room (and ensuite) where immaculately clean and welcoming.  Liz, the proprietor, was lovely.  We all felt extremely well looked after.

Violet said she never wanted to get out of the bed because it felt like a big marshmallow.

King's College.      

Enjoying a punt down the river Cam.

This is the back of Kings College Chapel.

The famous Bridge of Sighs.

We ate a top-notch lunch at a fab pizza restaurant, called Aromi. And, had dinner at Carluccio's restaurant in the evening.

We even tracked down the World's yummiest Chocolate Brownies at a little place called Afternoon Tease.

I can't believe we haven't visited this beautiful place before.

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Teacher gifts 2014

Hello everyone.  

These final weeks of the school term have been so hectic.  I've been in school most days, either helping out or watching concerts, sports day etc.

Before I shoot off back to school, I want to show you the two teacher's gifts I've made.

Pattern: Bucket Bag by michellepatterns.com

Fabrics: Free as a Bird in Dark Red & Blue Moon, from Heather Moore's Up Up and Away collection for Cloud 9 Fabrics.

Dots and Spots in Dark Red & Blue Moon, from Heather Moore's Up Up and Away collection for Cloud 9 Fabrics.

I can highly recommend this pattern. The instructions were very clear, with lots of photographs to help you along the way.  Even a beginner would be comfortable using this pattern. Also, what's great about this pattern, is that the bags you make can be sold as long as you give credit to michellepatterns.  I'll definitely use this pattern again. 

I think I need to have me some fabric labels made - can anyone recommend somewhere?

I hope to be back with you again soon.  Though it might be a bit sporadic due to the Summer Holidays.

Whatever you're doing over the Summer.  I wish you fun.

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One project (very nearly) ticked off my to do list

I made a start on cutting this out yesterday, and have spent today sewing like a demon trying to get it finished.

Sorry the photos are so dark, but there's a full on rain storm going on outside today. 

I'm just waiting for the postie to deliver me the Swarovski crystals that I've ordered, which I'll then attach to the bodice and sheer capelet, then it'll be all finished.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

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Middleton Lakes

Last week totally ran away with me.  Though I did manage to slow down long enough on Wednesday to celebrate my birthday.

We also visited a beautiful RSPB nature reserve at Middleton Lakes.

We did see lots of birds, including a couple of Woodpeckers, but sadly I don't have a strong enough lens on my camera to capture them.  There were also some sort of reed warblers too, but again they were too far away to get a decent photo.  Perhaps I'll put one on my Christmas list.

Opposite the RSPB site is Middleton Hall.  We didn't visit the Hall itself, but ventured in to the courtyard to sample the coffee and cakes at the little cafe there - it would have been rude not to.

Sorry that I don't have that much to share with you at the moment.

I'd better get back to the various projects that I've got on the agenda for this week:

I have net curtains to make for 4 large windows at Violet's school.

Give Violet's new bedroom another coat of paint - she's opted for a beautiful pale blue called Lupin.  

There's a new carpet and shutters to order.

Two Teacher gifts to make ready for the end of the school year, which will be here before I know it.

Phew!!!  

Don't tell the other half, but I actually forgot that it's our First Wedding Anniversary today.  I'd better pop in to town to pick up a card. Though I suppose I could make him one seeing as the first anniversary is Paper!!!

Wishing you all a lovely sunny week, and I hope to be back with you soon.

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