Winter drawers on ......

Well what a difference a week makes!

Went off on a little road trip to Hitchin flea market this morning and then onto Hexton and boy was I glad I'd popped back indoors to get my scarf ...... it was a bit taters out there.  Not much on the flea market this morning but they have started to put the Chrissy lights up and there was a new Pound Shop to investigate.

I arrived at Hexton Country Matters just in time for the first fire lighting of the season in the tea room and decided to plop myself in the rocking chair right next to it with a caffeine fix ..... I could have cheerfully nodded off and it was only eleven o'clock.  I'd taken another box of goodies to sell down there and will be taking my Christmas stock next week.

I love that when tea or coffee is ordered you just don't get one measly cup you get a whole caffetiere or pot full served with lovely china.

I have been making some Christmas stockings this week in a vintage style using some lovely tactile fabrics in autumn colours.

Think I am going to curl up with some Christmas pattern books this evening and get some more inspiration.

I will be in Olney tomorrow for the 2nd Vintage & Handmade Fair arranged by Ann & Trevor .... a fantastic friendly event with lots of lovely sellers, bloggers and of course vintage goodies to drool over.

Have a great weekend whatever you are doing x

Slack Alice ;-)

I've certainly been one of these on the blogging front lately .... those of you of a certain magnificent age will remember dear old Larry Grayson ..... Slack Alice was one his characters along with Apricot Lil, Pop It in Pete (the postie) and of course his immortal catchphrase 'shut that door'.

My menobrain is in a tizz at the moment .... first craft fair this weekend and then the following Saturday it is the Northampton Vintage Fair.  I don't know why I am anxious because I have been organising myself with stock for both events but I find when I get into bed my brain is still planning how to set out the table!!  Is it just me or does everyone feel the same ????

I have finished the star quilt and it has sold already which is brilliant and it will be on its way to the lovely new owner this week.  Which means of course it's time to start planning the next project.  Inspired by some Kaffe Fassett books from the library I have decided that the next one is for me.  Regular readers will know my penchant for blue & white vintage china, so I have been stashing blue and white fabrics and the work on something like this will begin in next couple of weeks. 

I've also been busy on letter cushion orders

and I finally plucked up the courage to take some of my vintage and handmade goodies down to Country Matters in Hexton ..... fingers crossed that there will be some sales down there too.

I couldn't finish without slipping a photo of this little lady in .... she is 8 weeks old this week .... how did that happen!

Wednesday, Mitttwoch, Mercredi, Mercoledì, Miércoles

I like Wednesdays - it is the middle of the week so I feel happy that the weekend is not too far away. After my dismal blog on Friday we had a pretty good weekend - our youngest turned 21 and we are so proud of her - she has had a long journey through her late teens as she was only sixteen when she gave birth to Ellie but still managed to continue her education and with her partner the family have moved into their own home and have another baby due in July. They both work very hard to pay their way and have never claimed a State handout unlike many others out there. It hasn't always been easy as they lived with us for four years but we have been blessed with a very sensible daughter and beautiful lively grandchild who never fails to make us smile.

On Sunday we went to our regular car boot and I was extremely lucky to find a stack of craft magazines - I was picking out a couple when the guy said I could have the lot for £2!! Boy o boy my filthy lucre was in his hand before you could say crochet. I was delighted to find a whole load of USA imported crochet patterns, the bulk of which I have kept, the rest I have listed on Ebay where my ID is lalabi-baby - please take a look they are in pristine condition and most have UK price tags of £4-5 each.

I am trying to concentrate my efforts on the Delapre Craft Fair at the end of April now as the weeks are ticking away. Ebay also seems to be picking up a bit now that people have got over the expense of Christmas. The Country Living fair starts in London today and I would loved to have gone but Brownie starts the injections in his knee on Friday so until we know how that turns out we won't be going too far. I gave up on the Ideal Home show years ago but had a lovely day at The Spirit of Christmas Fair last November.