All things Brighton beautiful....

See what I did there!?

I popped over to Brighton this morning to go to the Creative Stitches and Hobbycraft show, and then took a quick sprint round Churchill Square.

I'm glad I went, and I managed to buy a few bits and pieces, but it was way too busy for me.  Unfortunately about 75% of the exhibitors were selling paper-craft type things which I did not stop to look at, and the average age of the visitors was about 80, which seemed to determine the walking pace and my patience just doesn't stretch that far!

So here are my lovelies, a scrap bag from The Eternal Maker, a nice big rule, and a fantastic pattern for a union jack quilt from Mandy Shaw of Dandelion Designs.

There was also the most amazing/weird knitted/crocheted seascape!  I didn't venture through the undersea tunnel as I didn't want to be trapped under all that wool with a bunch of octogenarians, but it was quite fun, if you like knitted fish.  There was also a small display by members of the Quilter's Guild.   Unfortunately I forgot my camera, so I could only get a couple of snaps on my phone, so they aren't very clear.

After a quick look in Habitat, I bumped into a Dalek or two, then came home for a cup of tea...

The big 50!!

50th blog post today - well I could have posted something a couple of days ago, so apologies for the radio-silence, but I wanted to make my 50th a good one and I needed some interesting stuff to show and tell - hope I have succeeded!

So what has been happening? Dear Son went back at school and is loving it, the sun has kept shining and I have been pretty busy with lots of lovely things.

The monkeys have come along a treat, I have just got their eyes to stitch now, then the whole family will be complete.


My Prints to Polka Dots package came, and I am loving the colours even more in 'real-life'. The Amy Butler 'August Fields Poppies' is lovely, and I am looking forward to using it as a backing as it is just too special to cut up! The smaller pieces will be used for a baby quilt (hopefully). The yard of Freebird is destined for the eponymous quilt.


Today saw a superb family trip to Hever Castle. I must admit I had an ulterior motive, The Quilters' Guild show. Having wandered the beautiful gardens, eaten a picnic surrounded by ducks and swans, and packed the children off with Daddy and Grandpa to the adventure playground, Mum and I enjoyed a look at all the amazing quilts and stalls.


Now I have to admit that most of the quilts on show were not to my taste at all, but I could appreciate the absolute skill and passion that the makers have. The intricate detailing and perfect hand-stitching were amazing, really awe-inspiring. I took a few photos, but not having sought permission from the ladies in person, I feel posting them would be a bit rude, so if you are free tomorrow (and not in the southern hemisphere!) you should pop along and see for yourselves! Click here...

I bought a trusty charm pack, and a small piece of Heather Bailey's Pop Daisy, and I NEVER come away from anywhere without a 'bag'!


Hever Castle is just so picturesque and the gardens are immaculate. After the Maize Maze fun we had in Cornwall, we gave both the yew and water mazes a miss! But I want a garden with herbs like this:


Whilst photographing my increasing stash, I think I am developing an unhealthy attraction to selvedges! Is it me, or are they just fascinating and crying out to be made into something special themselves? I remember seeing some pin-cushions once upon a time, so I will add this to my 'One day...' list!


So many wonderful projects and so little time (plus back to work on Monday, boo-hiss).