SEVEN RANDOM THINGS

I have been mentioned by the lovely motherofpurl in her blog and I thank her very much. I'm so glad my blog cheers her up, it means I can't be moaning all the time!
Although I have posted in the past that I find it hard to accept awards because I don't have the time to pass things on to sometimes 15 people, this is a little different as I only have to tell you 7 random things about me and mention 2 other bloggers.

So this time I will happily play along as I have just finished my sewing for the 2010 Apron Swap organised by Red Gingham for my partner Jan at Running thread and am settling here for a few minutes with my glass of wine.

OK
1.I love marmite
2.I hate coriander
3.I prefer baths to showers
4.I have 4 sewing machines, 1 embroidery machine and 1 embellisher and 2 antique machines (Greedy so and so aren't I) 
5.I love dance of every kind, particularly ballet and Lindy hop (too old to do either now)
6.Fascinated by the 40s era. Loved the programme 'The 40s House'
7.I play in a ladies darts team! ( and no I don't wear a shirt with my name emblazoned (is that how you spell it) on the back. Though I did once think of doing that as a job!

Well there you go nothing earth shattering, I'm afraid I haven't climbed Mount Everest or swam the Channel, although there was a rumour once that Captain Webb who did, was a relation.....still checking that one out.

The two great bloggers I would like to tag in the hopes that they will carry this on (though not compulsory) are Louise at Sew Scrumptious because every time I find a new blog I have noticed that she always seems to be one of the first to leave a lovely welcoming comment, as she was when I started
My second nomination is Em at Ems shabby shack. I know she wont be able to respond to this at the moment due to bl**dy BT messing her about but maybe when Virgin rescue her she will.  I just love her upbeat blog and also her renovated furniture and am hoping for a bit of a discount when I see something I like.....that I need!!!!!  Really, really kidding, they are worth every penny she asks.

Well my glass is empty now so needs a refill, but once that's done I will be back to read all the posts from you other great bloggers.

Have a great weekend, whatever the weather, and remember if you can't beat it.....give in!!

TTFN

Jenny xx

TULIPS FROM AMSTERDAM

Well Spalding to tell the truth!

On Sunday we went for a trip to the Springfield shopping outlet near Spalding to try to find one or two things for my trip to Kent next week on my continuing hunt for my ancestors. All I can say about that is if I wanted to look about 15 or 80 I would have had my pick. ....It was rubbish!!.....
I did manage a cotton robe and some new PJs but as for anything stylish ..... ummm!!  Like all of these oulets it is a bit hit and miss.  Next time I go I will find loads of things, ( you know when I'm not going anywhere!)

However Springfield does have one saving grace, the beautiful gardens. These have been extended over the years and more so recently and apart from the musical fountains, which don't operate in windy conditions( thats never then) and when they are not operating look awfully like a sewage farm (by that I mean the ugly machinery that sits high above the water) the rest of the gardens are well worth seeing.

There  is a fair area covered by lawn, complete with deckchairs to enjoy the view, flower beds and shrubs and several ponds with decking, many of which are hidden and you come across them quite unexpectedly..

..........as were these.........

And these were but a few of the glorious swaithes of tulips (hence the title of the post) that we stumbled across.  OK they are a bit past there best but I dont think I have ever seen so many varieties or colours in one place, except at the actual tulip festival, which was the week before!

My camera battery failed before I could take any more shots but I could have happily clicked away all afternoon. So it wasn't such a wasted journey, and if you do venture there do take a trip on the water taxi to Spalding town and back. About half an hour each way it is a lovely stretch of water and so relaxing. Better if the sun shines of course, but I can't guarantee that.

The children are also catered for with a little adventure playground and a maze as well as mini golf and an ice cream parlour.

So as I have already said well worth a visit even if you're not shopping, talking of which for those of you not so into gardening or nature here are a few pieces I picked up recently at fairs and CS. ( I dont want anyone to feel left out)

A lovely sadlers teapot, ready for my summerhouse opening tea party!

A pretty set of fruit bowls

And a sweet linen chair back which I intend to turn into a cushion cover.

Well thats all for now folks until next time

Good Night

Jenny x

DONT FORGET TO SMELL THE FLOWERS

I don't know what this means to you, or even if I have quoted correctly, but what this means to me is don't always ignore what you have in your search for something new and beautiful. That wasn't supposed to sound too deep, just an observation. ( I have only had one glass of wine!!)

One thing this blog has shown me is not only how many really friendly people there are given half the chance, but how little notice we sometimes take of the lovely things that already surround us.

 I have oooh'd and aaaah'd and I confess coveted some of the lovely finds people have shown on their blogs and even some of their homes, but once I started trying to take a few pictures for my blog I was quite surprised at how many great hand made things I have been given by my family for birthdays etc. over the years. They really have recycled and reinvented!

So I do not apologise for todays post being a celebration of my talented family.

So in no particular order here are a few things they made with love......

Kitchen table by DH constructed from old door, old planks and turned legs found at CB for £6.50

Wall hanging by DD to replace stuffed fish which was on wall when we viewed the house. I merely mentioned it was a shame they had removed it as it was perfect for the age of the house.

 (Much prefer this version really!)...and of course I wrote a poem about a pike.....

Boat shelf made to match this bought one by my DS as I liked it so much.

Made from bits of tin and plywood!

The original (much smaller sits on the mantlepiece)

Bathroom cupboard made by DDs partner

Rustic boat and bird by DD

Grandmother clock made by DH and painted by me

Flower detail

Coffee table by DH from old scrap wood

Another hanging sign by DD....

and finally a pretty birthday card painted by DD and eventually framed

Sorry about the shadows on this one it faces the window so was a bit difficult to capture.

Anyway I hope you will all forgive me my bit of family indulgence, but it's good sometimes to stand back and really appreciate what you've got and I have been spoiled with so many lovely things over the years I just wanted to share them with you.

GIVEAWAY TIME

Hello fellow bloggers

I said a little while ago that I was so thrilled at the number of new followers I had gained that as soon as I reached 100 I would do a little giveaway to say thank you.

Well first of all the lovely lady who became my 100th follower is Diane from Heart Shaped. She is entered automatically into the draw and I have a little something for her which will be in the post next week.

My thanks are not just for following me, but actually reading my posts, making some cracking comments and generally making this whole experience brilliant.  I am loving blogging. I find out new and interesting things almost every day. Learn new techniques and find recipes and marvel at, as well as covet all the great vintage and collectible stuff everyone is blogging about.

So here goes:-
All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment on this post and mention the giveaway by creating a link back to me from your blog. I will keep it open until midnight on Sunday 16 May.
Below is a tiny part of the goodies on offer but there are one or two surprises as well.

WINNIBRIGGSHOUSE 1st Giveaway

I have no idea how you clever people create a button for anyone to put on their blog when you do a giveaway, so if anyone is kind enough to tell me how to do it I will, otherwise you can just copy the piccie above and stick my name under it.  As you can see although I am learning lots of new things there are equally some I don't have a clue about. 

Good luck everyone,

TTFN

Jenny x

BAGS ARE READY, NEW GOODIES AND A CONUNDRUM!!

Evening all...Gosh I sound like Dixon of Dock Green, anyone out there brave enough to say they remember watching that on a Saturday tea time!

Any way to get back to business, again I must say hello and thank you to all my new followers. I have received loads of lovely comments and its so nice to meet new people and discover the amazing talent that is out there in blogland.  Lots of you have commented on the wiggly bags, and offered to make some, which is great, but of course I can take no credit for this. I found the information first here and was encouraged to have a go. Glad it reached a few other people.

I received a parcel this morning..

Soft cotton tape..so I can now thread mine and get them in the post. Just sorting some more scraps to make another batch.

Not been real busy today, bit of shopping this morning..collected a few bits from our CS...

This is The Countryside Companion edited by Tom Stephenson and what a great book it is.

Can't seem to find a date in it anywhere but it appears to be from the late 40s or 50s

This is the inside of the cover both back and front.. and there are the most amazing illustrations, not enhanced at all by my photographs but the light had gone when I took these..

This is part of the farmers year, fascinating to see how our countryside has changed...and rather sad too!

Then I found this

Shame about the sticker, daren't take it off.. The dust cover is a bit fragile. It seems to be mostly poems and rhymes connected with the garden. A real mixed bag!

Makes you think doesn't it..

But I bet all you lucky keepers of chucks will read this one aghast.......

I wonder what that fine bird had done to deserve that!.....

I found  quite a few more bits but can't show these at the moment as they are for surprises but I can show you these..

A  sweet simple cream midwinter bowl

And this......THE CONUNDRUM

A cream cheese dish....but wait all seems well but look at the stamps

First the plate...

Geo L Ashworth & Bros Ltd 1967..

and the cover..

1955....GRIMWADES!

Now I know that Geo L Ashworth & Bros Ltd  bought some of the Masons patterns  and that Grimwades are part of  royal winton pottery, but that is as far as my knowledge goes. 

So tell me all you lovely vintage pottery collectors, is my cheese dish made up from two different pieces?

Is there yet another connection between the two potteries?

The two pieces look as though they belong together. The fit is perfect, the colour matches, I am confused !!

Don't get me wrong I still love it and will use it I am just intrigued!

Hoping some pottery expert out there can solve my dilemma I will leave you all ....Til next time

PS. looks like I'd better sort that give away out..........soon!

Night all

Jenny x

A BIT OF FABRIC FOR A WORTHY CAUSE

Hi wonderful and so supportive bloggers

First may I say thank you for all the lovely comments I received on my previous post. You're all great, I am so glad I started this blog.

Secondly thank you and hello to my new followers, many of whom have also left great introductions and comments

Third...
I keep being asked if the 'little house' on my blog header is my home .  Well apart from the fact that it would not hold my fabric stash...or I am ashamed to say my wardrobe, I wouldn't mind living in it, but it is only 13 foot by 10 foot, plenty big enough for my summer house...that is the place to lay on the sofa bed reading magazines and drinking wine, but not quite big enough to move in permanently.  It is currently undergoing its bi-annual freshen up and when it is all done, the new flower baskets hung, the winter rubbish removed ( you know all the boxes from the new gadgets you have bought and you daren't throw them away for at least 6 months in case they have to go back!) and the new cushions finished and the chairs repainted.... I will give you an internal tour. I'll even provide cup cakes on my new cakestand and tea from my latest vintage crockery.

Well now to the real reason for this post...

Last week I read a very interesting and thought provoking post by Florence of Flossie teacakes about making Wiggly Bags for children undergoing treatment for cancer.  She included a brilliant photo tutorial written around the pattern supplied by the Liberty Rose Trust.  I had just taken delivery of some very cute fabric from Patch Fabrics and knew there would be some remnants left.  I was interested to hear that there was a real need for bags that teenagers would be happy to wear and since most of my fabrics would appeal more to this age and older I dug out some of my stash and in an evening made these...

Just have to add the cotton tape now and can send them off.  I know one of them is a bit scary, but Goths still rule you know!!

So if you're between projects and like me have masses of fabric scraps do read Florence's post, full details there about the trust and how the bags are used and printable PDF instructions and pattern and perhaps you could make one...or two.....or three....

thanks for listening

TTFN

Jenny x

A SORRY AND A THANKYOU!

Right here goes..

First I would like to say an enormous thankyou to Jo of Muddy Puddle Crafts for awarding me this

I am really thrilled  and am equally in a quandry because I don't have the time to pass it on to 15 other worthy bloggers, and I know of many more than that.  I have been so chuffed that this is the 3rd award I have received in the last couple of weeks and as I was unable to pass the others on I feel, even if I now had the time I couldn't really deal with this one in a different way.

I really do feel bad but there is no point in spoiling the bit of time I have to talk to all you lovely people by getting worked up because I can't do what is expected of me.  I have therefore decided that the only fair thing to say is that I will have to declare myself an award free zone!  Oh dear!! I hope that doesn't make me sound like one of these spoiled 'artistes' who throw back their gongs at award ceremonies for some pretentious reason or other!

I probably wouldn't get any more after this anyway, but they should be given to others who can and will love to pass them on. I do think they are lovely and have their place, everyone likes to be recognised.

So if any of you out there will still speak to me and have a (very nice) button I can put on my blog which wont offend I would be very grateful if you will allow me to use it.

Phew feel better now I've said that and hope you won't all desert me..

Will be back tomorrow with a post about a very worthy cause passed on by Florence of Flossie teacakes a few days ago.

Night all

Jenny x