Bonfire Night

Yesterday was bonfire night, with bonfires and fireworks going off all around us which was wonderful for all the local children.  A real community affair even the local school got involved.  However not so good for my two dogs who cowered under the table shaking and barking for two solid hours, nothing we did would calm or console them. 

On a more positive note three years ago yesterday my beautiful Grandson Bertie was born.  It was unfortunate that we were unable to be with him to celebrate but from all accounts he had a wonderful day, bless him.  He had previously celebrated at Thomas Land which was idyllic for him as he is a big fan.

I spent a couple of hours sorting out my yarn stash and winding some of the gorgeous wool used for making Harris Tweed that I brought back with me from the Isle of Lewis/Harris from my trip last year.

I used three strands to make a thicker yarn to use to crochet some headbands.  The colours are a lot richer than the photo is portraying.

The yarn reminds me of the natural colours of the moors and evoke some wonderful memories.  The winder was a vintage buy from Renningers Mount Dora bringing back some more wonderful memories of a past holiday to Florida.  A couple of wonderful productive hours well spent.

 

How did you spend bonfire night?

 

See you soon.

Vintage Pattern

This week I thought I would share 2 patterns that were once ordered out of a magazine or newspaper and then posted out as ordered.  A simple concept, ahead of its time when you think of how so much is ordered on line and out of magazines etc these days.  They are still in their original envelopes, complete with pattern and instructions.  I picked them up at a snip of $1 each from a lady selling at the Vintage Garden Show At Renningers Antique Centre Mount Dora last year. 

First up is a bathing suit and sundress, perfect pattern for preparation for the summer.

 

The bathing costume wouldn't be suitable for wearing these days but I think the sundress would fit in quite nicely.  The pattern is well used which does make me wonder who made it and where they went in it...if only patterns could talk.

 

Next up is a Marian Martin pattern for a dressing gown and pyjamas, sent out from New York to Florida.

 

I may or may not have put this pattern on one side in preparation for some little gifts in December.  I love the romance and the history combined in old patterns, a thought provoking few moments of its life before entering the world of Mamas Mercantile to be stored and cherished forever.

 

The thrill is in the hunt so happy hunting.

Knifty Knitter and Weave-It Unite

Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments and a very warm welcome to the new followers, I wish you could pull up a chair, share a pot of tea and a slice of cake.  Instead I will share with you another very quick and easy make.  This time magnets to display my grandchildrens art work.

It started with buying this from a thrift shop whilst on holiday in Florida.

 

I had never come across these looms before so I must admit I was rather intrigued.  It was worth the $3 paid for the novelty.  Cut a rather long and boring story short, I used natural twine (jute) and made the flower using the round loom.

 

I added a wooden tag, so that I could stencil each child's name on and using a hot glue gun glued on a clothes peg to keep all the art work together.  All it needs now is a magnet glued to the peg and it will be perfect on the fridge.

 

In a very similar vain, I thought I would share this delightful find from Renningers, Mount Dora from a couple of holidays ago.  A steal at $5 and a real pleasure to add it to my craft room collection.

It suggests using the weave-it to make dishcloths, that really made me smile.  I remember having something similar as a child but it was made from plastic.  Any ideas on age?

 

Hope you have a wonderful day.

 

Holiday Finds

I have been looking for awhile for carders to go with my beautiful spinning wheel, so I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw some at the open pavilion behind the shops at Renningers Mount Dora.  A antique pair at a snip for $18, I was delighted with them.  I do wonder who has used them before and what wonderful yarn they have produced.  If only wood could talk.......

A little tatty I know, but I prefer to think of them as well loved.  Next up is a vintage wool winder from a couple of stalls down, another item off my wish list and a bargain at $5 still in its box.

I haven't tried it out yet, it's on my to do list.  Finally a bag of treasure from Behind Closet Doors which is a shop just before entering Renningers.  A vintage bag which will make a wonderful display in a embroidery hoop when I have completed it.

I did mange to find quite the haul of vintage patterns and buttons but I will save them for another post.  

 

Have a great week.                                                                                                               

 

 



 

 

 

 





Wonderful Break

I am back from my wonderful break in sunny Florida and feeling quite well and relaxed.  I haven't done anything different on my return from any other long haul flight but as yet I don't seem to be suffering the usual jet lag problems, fingers crossed.  I won't bore you with all my holiday snaps just a few crafty highlights and a few foodie delights.

My first morning I had breakfast at the Boma Restaurant in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. it was a feast for all your senses.

 

It had to be done, you can't go to Disney and not have that Mickey Mouse waffle!

The Boardwalk Bakery was divine.  Of course we had to sample the goodies.  Yes they did taste as good as they looked.

 

                           

Afternoon tea at a wonderful English Tea room at Mount Dora, it was delightful and even had the tea cosy which made me smile.   But enough of food, I think you get the idea I am keeping away from the scales for a few weeks.

 

 What an amazing talent!  Words can not describe the beauty of this mans work.  I wish I had a suitcase big enough to bring it all back.  A wonderful experience to stand and watch at the Flea Market at Renningers Mount Dora. I did pick up a couple of things there but I will save them for another post.

 

We visited the Osceola County History Museum, what a delight a definite feast for the eyes.

 











 The Mount Dora Spring Show was another crafters and collectables delight.  Stall after stall filled with adorable goodies.

 

The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival was spectacular but photography was not allowed.

 

I will finish with the mouse himself........



 

Does it get any better than that?  It was the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival celebrating all things Spring.  Yet another experience for all the senses.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend.