TALES OF TED AND AGNES

A MOST FAVOURITE DRESS

2012-02-23T11:08:00.001Z

I was never really a dress wearer mainly I think due to my height everything was an unflattering length and not the most practical for clambering about and getting up to various kinds of mischief but as the grey hairs have started to arrive I have found myself wanting a plain and simple dress to wear on days when I am just floating about the house, teamed with a ropey old cardigan it feels most comfortable.

Obviously I was never going to be able to buy a suitable garment.... this being the continuing story of my life and many of the shops/designs I rather like don’t see fit to make their clothes above a small size 16. Especially if you are tall….anyway no point harping about that something's will never change so it was time to get stitching. I found the original pattern from a burda magazine and blogged about it here….I have made it many times now, adding changes & variations, using all manner of fabrics from denim to the lightest of liberty tana lawn. I made a brown tweed one which unfortunately sneaked its way into the wash & has never been the same since… Some are finished quite frayed & worn looking, others quite neatly….some have gathers others have pleats….short & long sleeves, some tied, some buttoned…..

Its such a simple pattern I usually cut & make a couple at once and so I thought I would share a few of them here. If you have ever thought about making your own clothes I say yay…start with something simple, and go from there. Buy yourself a pattern, simplicity have a great beginners range at the moment & some cheap fabric if you are really worried about messing it up. Its more than likely that your first few attempts maybe a bit of a disaster…believe me I still make disasters when I take my eye off the ball & get lazy but you will soon get the hang of things, everything will become clear & then you will feel the utmost joy as you swish down the road in your fancy new skirt that NO ONE else has.

A few of my stitchy tips……
1. I always sew with a french seam, for just a little more work the finish is so much nicer..
2. Pin & tack until you are confident about the characteristics of your particular fabric…it save a lot of unpicking.
3. PRESS PRESS PRESS at every single step this is the most important thing you can ever do when sewing you own clothes…don’t skip it otherwise whatever you make however perfect will look like a sack!
And remember if you want to make your own clothes just give it a go, don’t be overwhelmed by it because it really is a most satisfying of past times…..

THRIFTING TO FOCUS THE MIND….

2012-02-21T12:04:00.001Z

There is some really exciting stuff going on here at the moment and there is quite a lot of waiting which I really don’t have a talent for….When I have to wait for things I become unfocused, jittery & tend to wander round in a bit of a muddle getting absolutely nothing done.

So to cure the impossible situation I decided to have a trip with my favourite girl to town and the Age UK warehouse to see what we could see….

I find that scouring the shelves of stacked up bits & bobs helps to calm me & focuses my thoughts on finding something lovely to take home….today I was like enough to find a couple of pieces of Meakin ‘night club’ including this rather fine coffee pot which had obviously been used for tea as it had the stains to tell…

A quick soak & scrub and it was back to all its floral finery and looking rather smart on my china cabinet….I also found a perfectly picture frame which has taken pride of place on my cup shelves.

An excellent result I should say but know I’m back to fidgeting & I have a frock to make as being featured in the Sunday Times can only mean a dress in the finest of Liberty prints!

A PAIR OF TEAPOTS

2012-02-20T10:52:00.001Z

I decided to take a break from my large crochet blanket project this weekend for a quick tea cosy fix. Although I have a fine mix of cosies for my teapots I wanted one that shouted granny from the rooftops & as I have been fiddling with stitches to crochet a granny straight line rather than a square I thought I would have a go at a tea cosy using this method.

Pretty simple really just crocheted a chain until it reached round the base of my pot & then got trebling…breaking the thread 1/2 way to leave a gap for the spout, decreased a few at the top, a bit of fancy picot edging & done & dusted.
The teal one I used a alternate rows of trebles & cluster stitches until I reached the top of the pot then continued with plain trebles to make the decreasing easier….
I am rather chuffed with my new additions and my teapots are too

FRIDAY FLORALS

2012-02-17T08:52:00.001Z

The mornings are getting lighter, buds are starting to emerge, hens are back in lay & soon the bees will be flying….so a few floral treats to give a nod to this most welcome time of year…..

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend & treat yourself to a bunch of daffodils for a bit of springtime joy….x

PAINTING THE FLOOR

2012-02-16T08:52:00.001Z

One thing I have learnt living in an old farmhouse that is prone to a bit of damp & mould here & there is that carpets, lino or anything else on the floor just doesn’t work….so after I had given the painted floors in the hallway & dining room a lick of paint decided that it was high time to rip up the lino in the kitchen & hall.

The various holes that Stanley had chewed in it were indeed playing on my mind and there was a musty smell in the kitchen.

On further investigation the underside of the lino had started to mottle with the green mouldy damp pattern so I knew my decision had been the right one

Now don't get me wrong bare floors are cold & maybe not the most comfortable on a cold winter morning but some fluffy slippers do the trick & the house is indeed much happier when it is able to breathe.

SO just in case you are interested I use Leyland acrylic eggshell which can be mixed in all manor of colours. It dries very quickly & is pretty hardwearing. Plus they mix up Farrow & Ball equivalents which means I can use the colours to compliment the walls. The big plus about this paint is that I didn’t need to empty the room of furniture, just moved it all to one half, when that side had had a couple of coats move it over & paint the other side. It is not unchip or unscrapeable but I usually fill a couple of small jars with paint before I start so that I have some touch up for chips…& don’t forget to store your jars upside down.

FLOOR – Manor House Grey

WALLS – Cornforth White

PAINTWORK – Strong White

KITCHEN FRESH FOR SPRING

2012-02-15T09:05:00.001Z

For those of you that follow my twitter or instagram feeds will know about my rather insane mission that seemed such a good idea on a perfectly relaxed Sunday evening to remove the formica that had been added to my old pine kitchen table. Not by me I may add but sometime in the distant past around the 1960’s

In the end a butter knife was my saviour strong and flexible it was able to slide under the edge of the formica & snap it off one chip at a time…

Unfortunately there was a residue left by the 40 year old evostick residue….my goodness what on earth did they put in the glue back then it was as solid as rock..so a few sheets of coarse sandpaper later progress was indeed being made…

A quick wash down and once it was dry a coating of olive oil (I always use olive oil to nourish my kitchen wood so I don’t have to worry about food prep)

So there we have it the story of the kitchen table but do not fear other tables of the formica persuasion I shall not be chipping away at your fine tops as you were indeed designed that way…this table was indeed a charlatan and is far happier restored to its former glory…

I also have the tale of the painted floors to tell but as of late there has been no light suitable for pictures and I have in fact been in the most grumpiest of moods which often renders me unable to do anything slightly creative!

LIBERTY ROUND & ROUND

2012-01-31T20:13:00.000Z

I do like a nice round cushion and these are some of my favourite creations this week…..they will be my first items in my new shop ready & waiting for the grand opening tomorrow…

So if you would like on of these lovely ladies to reside at your abode then pop on over to

www.tedandagnes.co.uk

ONE WET FRIDAY….

2012-01-21T13:58:00.001Z

I took myself off on a blustery rainy day to a little haven…..GB antiques in Lancaster to wander, ponder & hope that I could find that little treasure that indeed would make my heart skip…

If you get the chance drop on by you will be glad you did….

HOMEMADE PITTA BREAD

2012-01-19T15:28:00.001Z

I like to bake fresh bread most days, but sometimes even though quick & part of my routine I simply don’t have time. On these occasions I have 2 recipes that I like to fall back on…. the first a homemade pitta bread & second a quick soda loaf…

So today is one of those days, somehow the morning has slipped away from me & I need to make something to go with the butternut & carrot soup that I’ve cooked up for lunch…

Makes 6-10

INGREDIENTS

350g/3 cups strong bread flour

210mls/1 cup of warm water

15ml/1tbsp olive oil

7.5ml/1.5 tsp. sea salt

5ml/1tsp sugar or honey

7g/1.5 tsp. dried yeast

STEPS

1. Add all dry ingredients to mixing bowl (i always make my bread in an electric mixer with a dough hook)

2. Add the oil & water into the bowl & mix for 6 mins or so until the ingredients are well mixed and the dough looks silky & smooth

3. Turn into a lightly oiled bowl, cover & leave for about 40mins

4. Divide dough into 6 –10 pieces & shape each one into a ball, cover & leave for 10 mins

5. Preheat the oven to 230/450/Gas 8 & place baking sheets or baking stone into the oven to heat^

6. Flatten each ball with the ball of your hand & roll out into an oval or round until they are about 5mm/1/4”thick

7. Place the pittas onto the heated baking sheets/stone & bake for 5-6 mins until they are puffed up & brown. It is also able to cook these under a hot grill.

8. Cool slightly & serve….

There will be no going back to the vacuumed sealed bits of cardboard once you have savoured these delights…you can also whip a few in the freezer for later just defrost & warm them gently.

MIDWINTER SKY

2012-01-19T08:26:00.000Z

The perfect coloured sky

Looking out across the hills

How could this not banish the January doldrums….

A lone bird sings his merry song

As the evening draws in…

Spring is on it’s way oh yes…..welcome my friend

A NOD TO J & G MEAKIN….

2012-01-18T19:32:00.001Z

As you well know I have a fondness for china..this has got out of hand in recent years & I have had to have a good sort out….. boxing and storing the best part of my collections in the barn until such a time as I can decide what to do with them.…So this year I have indeed set myself a challenge I will only be buying certain types of china…

1. vintage J & G Meakin teacup & saucer, 2. Alfred meakin, rose chartreuse, 3. J&G Meakin 'Summertime' collection, close up!, 4. J&G Meakin blue 'Summertime' flowers

J&G Meakin and Arthur Meakin have a special place in my heart so this year I am only going to buy pieces from the following collections

These are my favourites from the collections known as the crofters pattern in the grace & lyric shapes…very stylised 50’s designs with a lovely grey cross hatched back ground.

Rock Fern

Carmen

Maid of Honour

Devon Rose

Harvest Field

I have fairly good selection of Rock Fern, Summertime & Flamenco but I am very keen to get my mitts on some pieces of Harvest Field, which is a rather pleasant minty green colour.

Also if I were to stumble across some pieces of Wishing Well which has a charming ballerina design & reminds me of a misspent childhood dreaming of tutu’s…(*ahem* we won’t revisit those memories ever), I would be most happy but due to my thrifty meter hanging just above empty this will be a rather big wish…but i always live in hope & am off to one of my favourite haunts this Friday to jolly my search along…..

FADED FLORALS

2012-01-12T20:26:00.000Z

As you can see I am rather partial to the odd faded vintage floral or two especially that of the fabric or china variety but just lately since my little new venture with my dear friend I have been on the lookout for these wonderful vintage postcards.....

I do like the way they look all lined up straight & proper and they are considerably narrower than today's postcards but of much stronger stuff which is why they are still hanging about looking fancy on my shelf....I also recently acquired some playing cards with rather nice florals on the back but the devil knows where I have put them so I shall say them for another day....

SUNDAY SNAPSHOTS

2012-01-08T09:50:00.000Z

comfy fireside chair

tweed, barkcloth & vintage tray

smocked cushion & liberty tana lawn goodness

glass cake stands & lampshade collection

As I sip my sunday morning cuppa....my world feels calm....

THE AGA DAYS ARE OVER

2012-01-06T19:16:00.000Z

In a guest house in Herne Bay a child stood full of awe gawping at her grandmothers Aga, this wonderful piece of engineering that churned out perfectly brown cheese toasties, the best steak & kidney pudding, roasties, deliciously crispy bacon and all manner of wholesome goodness....at 5 years old I made a solemn promise that one day I would in fact have an Aga in my abode..

But now my heart has been swayed....this little stove has turned my head, the esse iron heart, quite a title and it seems a much more achievable goal for next year....better measure the fireplace

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TED & AGNES

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000Z

Welcome to the 2012 the year of exciting adventures & lots of fabulous stitching, crafting, thrifting & all manner of whatnot to keep you and me amused ....see you soon

TED & AGNES XX

CHRISTMAS IS A COMING - HANDMADE BAG GIVEAWAY

2011-12-11T17:51:00.001Z

With just 2 weeks to go til Christmas I decided a little giveaway was in order to say thankyou for reading & commenting on my ramblings.

Olive, one of my handmade bags will shortly be on its way to one of my lovely readers

So I decided to randomly pick a comment from a post over the past year.

So.....here is the winner

Emma - http://vintageprettyandsimple.blogspot.com/ for her comment on my Honey & Vanilla Vodka post...so get in touch Emma & I can get your bag into the post hopefully in time for christmas

SHOP UPDATE - NEW BAGS @ LASSO THE MOON

2011-12-07T07:40:00.003Z

Pop on over to LASSO THE MOON to have a quick peak at our lovely new bags that are now in stock... just a sneaky little taster of the 2012 collection just in time for a bit of late christmas shopping..

PEARL - hardworking day bag...

DORIS - get everything in tote & a little bit more.....

I am currently working on an all singing & all dancing website which I hope to launch soon but I will let you know when I have a live date......I shall also be doing a christmas giveaway later in the week, one of my lovely handmade bags no less to say a big thankyou to all of you who take the time to read my rambles & leave me such lovely comments....x

MINCEPIE MUFFINS......

2011-11-17T12:26:00.000Z

Ahhhh the time of year has arrived when I can crack out the mincemeat & sniff all its christmassy goodness...this year I decided to have a bit of a fiddle with my standard, make in 10 mins no fuss & bother muffin recipe...

INGREDIENTS

375g self raising flour

175g golden caster sugar

1 tsp baking powder

zest & juice of 2 clementines

2 eggs, lightly whisked

150mls semi skimmed milk

175mls sunflower oil

mincemeat

12 hole silicone muffin pan

METHOD

Place all the dry ingredients into a bowl & give it a good stir to mix it up

Add the clementine zest to the mix & stir in.

Mix all the wet ingredients together & pour into the bowl

Stir max or 4/5 times so everything in just mixed in

divide into muffin pan & then add a dollop of mincemeat into each muffin

sprinkle with brown sugar

Bake 180 (170 fan assisted) for 25-30mins

Cool slightly & then turn out onto rack

Scoff with a large mug of tea

a little bit of christmas heaven....

AMOST LOVELY TIPPLE...VANILLA HONEY VODKA

2011-11-16T16:13:00.000Z

A bottle of delicious flavoured spirit is always a welcome gift & this year I am making some Vanilla Honey Vodka

What is needed.....

A bottle of half decent Vodka...buy cheap, tastes cheap even with delicious flavourings

Good quality honey, from a local beekeeper if you can because then at least you know its not blended with some dubious imported sugar syrup from far off climes. I am using some of our own honey which has a lovely deep caramel taste.....

Vanilla pod, you can use 2 for an extra vanilla kick

A nice bottle....remember this is a gift so make it special

Pop the vanilla pod into the jar

Using a funnel add a good glug of honey ( a tbsp or 2) warm it a little first

Add Vodka, seal & give the jar a good shake

Set aside in a cool dark place.

Most infusions take from 7-10 days but it depends how strong you want the flavour.

The only way to know if the infusion is ready is to have a sip every now & again.

Add a fancy label & a lick of ribbon & there you have it a wonderful Homemade gift

LOVELY NEW SPACE

2011-11-15T15:19:00.001Z

The eternal shifting of stuff has yet again reared its head in the Ted & Agnes household...I finally got motivated to shift the sewing room/studio upstairs into the attic room above the kitchen.

I do believe it is rather inspiring & at last its nice to have a high enough table to work at...

I have a few bits to finish

Extending the cutting table top so I can get a width of fabric on it

Sort through the ridiculous stash of wool & actually get some of it used rather than just buying new for projects I will half finish....

get tough on the hoarding of junk (obviously that's never going to happen)

I'm rather pleased with the space its got a air of a childhood junk shop that I used to visit..what do you think??

FREECYCLE FURY....

2011-11-14T07:12:00.001Z

As you know I love Freecycle, I first came across it about 5 years ago & since then due to peoples great generosity & luck of the draw, many treasured pieces of furniture have come into my possesion. In fact with acception of a few most of the furniture in my house has been saved from landfill & give a new lease of life & a chance to continue there journey.....

I have been hoping for a free standing mirror for ages as there isn't enough wall space in the bedroom to accomodate such an item on the wall....I rather fancied one with a draw underneath but anything would of been fine.....Sunday night post on Freecycle.....

[skiptoncravenfreecycle] OFFER: Pine ChevalMirror

Excellent I thought & I quickly emailed the lady & recieved an email back saying it was mine...could I collect tomorrow....

Of course I replied actually I would be passing by on the way back from dropping K at the airport so even better that I didn't need to make an extra journey....extremely happy I started planning where I could put my mirror.

About 1/2 hr later I recieved this email from said lady

'I'm sorry, but your website suggests that you're areseller and I only Freecycle to personal users.'

PARDON ME....how does my website infer that I resell items from freecycle???

Disappointed & then really angry I replied to the lady an explained that I indeed had no intention of reselling everything!

I was quite put out as I completely support the ethics of Freecycle & I would like to state here in black & white for all to see & know

I would NEVER resell any items I recieved from freecycle, I always pass things on but mostly I give items a lick of paint, new fabricy jacket or just love them for themselves...

So if you are a fellow freecycler would has clicked through from my email please be assured I have no intentions of selling anything & all the pictures are of lovely pieces of furniture that I have been lucky enough to recieve from generous people on Freecycle!

BIRTHDAY POPPET...

2011-11-07T18:13:00.000Z

Today my sweet girl was 3....

There was milkshake....

Farmyards.......

Seagulls & standing on benches......

and not forgetting the masses of chocolate buttons....xox

A BIT OF A RIPPLE

2011-11-03T19:12:00.000Z

After a fast & furious flurry of hooking finally I can step back & take a comforting glance at my lovely new addition to the household blanket collection....

My first dabble with this lovely yarn was wandering round a Jo-Ann's store in Harrisburg. I was smitten by the colours & price, my heart was stolen.

Back in New York I found out that my husbands apartment was just a block or so away from the Lion Brand's flagship store. As you can imagine in the 3 weeks I was there I made a point of visiting the store on quite a few occasions & can absolutely recommend popping by if you get the chance..

I was determined to bring home as much as possible but planning the logistics was interesting, Me, 2 boys, Violet, her car seat hand luggage & larges suitcases.

So no designer clothes or handbags for me, clothes were cast out & suitcases were stuffed with wool .....not what most visitors to the city would have on the top of their list I should imagine.....

Back home I hooked away until it was all but gone & the blanket full of fond memories & a harrowing journey home now keeps #1 son snugly & warm...

But they do not sell this yarn in the UK, much to my dismay so all I can do is admire & remember my crochet heaven..

So when I received a lovely parcel full of Tiff's bits & bobs I was over joyed, skipping & hopping in a way that would make my dear dottie angel proud & thought the time for the ripple was here.....& Lion Brand's Vanna's Choice was perfect. I used Jane Brocket's ripple blanket from The Gentle Art of Knitting. A great pattern for those new to ripply ways.....

Next on the list was to finish this blanket until I was tempted by the mustardy goodness over at Toast so was straight out buying more yarn & am crocheting up my own version...not in mustard tho.

SOFA REFOUND...

2011-10-30T13:18:00.000Z

I have been yearning for a new sofa for my dining room for a while now & I had got a particular type of chesterfield into my head but alas after much searching one had still not been found... Now not being known for my patient manner & the levels of tetchiness that rise when there is an unsolved corner nagging me every time I walk past, or it silently whispers as I munch my porridge...quite honestly a solution had to be found before the rest of the household considered moving out...

Ha now on stealing shelves for my kitchen shift about I had forgotten about my lovely turquoise sofa & chairs that had been languishing in the attic, cast out as it possibly is the most uncomfortable thing I have EVER sat on.

Now being turquoise I really couldn't have it outshining my lovely table & there needed to be some direct action regarding comfort....so a new outfit was indeed on the cards...

I tried out several different looks & decided on a netural linen & I was off to see the lovely Kristy so I popped into IKEA to see what fabricy goodness they had to offer.

Well after spotting this great print plain was out the window & it goes so well with the lovely ditsy liberty print do you think??

Just right for a spot of hooking with my lovely care package of wool that has made it's way across the pond from a certain Mossy Shed along with a very lovely string of happy

I did take lots of 'along the way' photo's & was toying with writing a tutorial what do you folks think...would my scatty ways of doing things be of help to anyone??

@91 MAGAZINE....ANOTHER TRIUMPH

2011-10-26T10:47:00.002+01:00

If you remember I recently wrote about the wonders of ISSUU & some of the great reads that were being published...well here is another great one...

@91 Magazine is a brand new interiors/style/vintage/craft online magazine which has just launched its 1st issue & its published by Patchwork Harmony.

http://www.91magazine.co.uk

It's an elcetic mix of fantastic inspiration with lots of exciting new interiors, tutorials & interesting articles rather than the same old faithfuls which seem to be making the rounds of lots of the popular magazines at the moment.

Good to see some of Tiff's fabby photo's too, always a pleasure and an interesting new spin...all in all I am very much looking forward to the new edition

SEWING DROP IN....@ BIRDCAGE VINTAGE

2011-10-23T08:29:00.002+01:00

Birdcage Vintage has its' soft opening on Monday.....machines are raring to go & my

first Sewing Drop In is this Friday....so if you fancy it pop along & say hello

Don't forget 5th November is the official opening do come along if you can...

A QUICK PEAK OF HOOKY PROGRESS

2011-10-17T08:15:00.000+01:00

A while back I purchased some wool from the lovely Yvonne @ Yvestown and instead of it sitting in my yarn pile whislt I pondered what to make I got to work straight away and am still beavering...Due the scale of the project it could in fact take me some time so I thought I would post a little update.

I have been itching to have a go at some projects from Jane Brockets The Gentle Art of Knittingand I finally decided upon the Crochet Starburst Flower Square...then the Ripple Blanket....then back to the Flower Square!

So I have been hooking away at every opportunity mostly in the car driving to the airport but its coming along only another 126 squares to go......

Meanwhile there's a little stash of my number 1 favourite yarn Lion Brand's Vanna's Choice getting ready to wing its way across the pond.....this makes me very happy & I am planning a rather lovely Ripple Blanket....

NIGHT ATTIRE FIT FOR A PRINCESS

2011-10-15T15:42:00.000+01:00

There has been a stack of liberty tana lawn residing in my stash for sometime now...earmarked for pretty night attire for a certain young lady.

So as the time of giving creeps ever closer I thought I had better get a shift on & whizz up said items.

Gone are my days of draughting all my patterns, I just don't have the time anymore especially when it comes to wee ones...I'd be making a new block for Violet every week as she seems to be growing overnight at the moment.

I much prefer to use ready made patterns & alter them if I need to,
a far quicker process.

When Violet was born I picked up a couple of lovely books which I would highly recommend if you fancy making some clothes for your small ones

Making Children's Clothesby Emma Hardy

Vintage Style for Kidsby Fiona Bell

I am using the simple night dress pattern from Emma Hardy's book, there are full size patterns included so a quick whizz round with the tracing wheel & all set for cutting & stitchery....

For comfort & neat finish I am using french seams, they take a little more time
but are well worth the effort.

Stitched, hemmed, pressed & a sneaky fitting....all ready to go
I am planning on making several more including a lovely brushed cotton number for the chilly nights that are winging towards us...

RISE...

2011-10-14T22:14:00.003+01:00

Hands up who like P.I.L

From the days of teenage dyed pillar box red hair....

Then you will understand why I have to have this print!

Its on my Christmas list....Check out Amy Rice on Etsy

LETS HERE IT FOR THE GIRLS...

2011-10-14T17:48:00.000+01:00

You may remember I wrote about the exciting new adventure - Birdcage Vintage a litttle while ago well today I am off to see a man about some pfaff's & deliver so stock for the opening shortly.

As well as selling some of my wares in the shop I will be running a friday morning 'SEWING DROP IN' which is a really exciting initiative to get people sewing & have access to some great equipment that most of us could only ever dream of having including Pfaff's top of the range Expression machine which I have here at my abode to use all week.....

Stay tuned folks its going to a a stitchy week

MAKING CHRISTMAS....

2011-10-13T08:57:00.000+01:00

Its getting close to that time again when things turn a

bit hectic with 3 birthday's to fit in between now &

Christmas present buying gets a bit stressful

so I do try to make presents each year....

what boys do I hear groaning....well at least

Violet & various other folks appreciate my thoughtful ways!

So this year I thought I would blog my makes

& a few how to's including a few of the following

Pretty Liberty night attire

Vanilla Vodka

Dollies every girl would love

Tree decorations

A rather Smart crochet Garland

Mincepie muffins

Fleecy Warm dressing Gown...

PONDERING THE SHELF....

2011-10-12T14:07:00.000+01:00

There has been much pondering about kitchen shelves for a while now....

I am not the (cheap) fitted kitchens biggest fan especially not in a house with damp wonky walls but there is nothing I can do about it as I am a mere tennant so I will just have to get on with it!

I do however like to see my various collections out on display, just hanging around, chatting about the weather & looking rather nifty....therefore I needed more shelves

I have considered various options, a value pine cube unit from B&Q painted in a shade of my favoiurite Farrow & Ball...what I really wanted were some old crates but most I could find were £40 +, what for a manky old crate....no chance

So somewhere else in the house had to suffer,

surely I must have something that would do nicely

Ahh yes but now there is a room with piles of homeless stuff just hanging around.....

Good job I'm collecting a wardrobe & tallboy on Friday but heavens knows how I am going to get both of them in the car....maybe I'll just send Keith ;)

ALL GOING ON AT ISSUU

2011-10-07T09:47:00.000+01:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More collecting

Just lately I have been wandering into the world of issuu a wonderful virtual magazine collection where some amazing little gems can be foundGatherings Magazine is one of my favourites at the moment & has a lovely piece on Emma Lamb as well as a whole host of inspirational goodies....

why don't you pop over to issuu & take a look for yourselves here are a few more wonderful inspiring reads to feast you eyes on......

FRYD
HEART HOME MAGAZINE
COVERT GARDEN

SOFA NEEDED

2011-10-06T13:57:00.000+01:00

Source: paisleycurtain.blogspot.com via Brenda on Pinterest

If there should be such a thing as a sofa god I should like to send a plea....for there is a space in my dining room with its newly painted grey floor & the most lovely of turquoise table for a rather dashing chesterfield sofa.....

I don't mind what condition, in fact I should like one that could do with a new lease of life, i have a few yards of velvet just right for the job....so dear sofa god if you could see to it that one comes my way I would be extremely happy....

DESIGNERS GUILD - MY BEST FRIEND

2011-09-29T13:20:00.000+01:00

My Best Friend by Designers Guild.

Oh the things you can do with a wee bit of thought & a fabulous fabric

Also made a cushion which was the orginal plan.....

TODAY'S LITTLE GEM

2011-09-25T22:05:00.000+01:00

Have just returned from a little jaunt to collect this little gem...

and there is a perfect spot for it right up close next to the woodburner

All set for a little winter knitting when the nights draw in....and there is a serious need to keep warm.

There is just a little bit of damage on the back...looks like cats have been flexing their claws.

I was thinking the a few patches would do the trick rather than a whole recover as I am rather fond of the mustardy coloured velvet.....

I was also lucky enough to collect this dinky little children's wardrobe earlier in the week & I think with a little scrub & maybe a patch or two of wallpaper inside it will find a rather fitting home in Violet's room....

I have also been pondering painting things with more 'downpipe' grey (F&B) but more of that to come.....

FABULOUS FABRIC

2011-09-19T19:52:00.000+01:00

My plans today went a little skew-whiff in regards to purchasing fabric. I did indeed set off with thought of boiled wool for a rather smart new winter coat only to be told that my destination was too far from the airport & we wouldn't be able to visit the lovely Fabworks...

*big sigh*

Plan B

We were however going to drive right past Skipton & the lovely Fent Shop so I insisted that we stop.

So no boiled wool but a lovely brown plaid which any granny would be proud of, a couple of greyish weaves that will be fashioned into my all purpose tunic style dress specifically for wearing with woolly tights & red wellingtons, a dashing laura ashley print with a rather nice blue rose that caught my eye & some fabric destined to be something or other but may spend a while wallowing in the stash.

So what other delights does the Fent Shop have to offer.....Floral prints for interior bits & bobs....a few quilting fabrics mainly old school designs & a range of dressmaking fabric for stitching up the odd outfit or two...

It is tucked away down an alleyway between a newsagent & Subway, so if you find yourself in Skipton it's definitely worth a gander...

WEEKEND SECRET TEAROOM

2011-09-18T19:41:00.000+01:00

With another tearoom event under my belt makes me realise how much I love baking for other people...dreaming up menus, faffing with the tables, buying waaaay to much china.

the chink of teacups, the chit chat of strangers

Next month will be our last event for the year & it's an extra special one as it includes an introduction to tea & all its delights....then The Secret Teacup will close its doors until next year.

SPEEDY HANGER HOW TO....

2011-09-17T12:25:00.000+01:00

MUST HAVES

wooden hanger

fine cotton lawn or voile fabric in ditsy bity prints

cmc paste (wallpaper paste without the fungicide)

HOW TO

1. make your paste up & put to one side

2. chop up you fabric into small pieces

3. dip fabric pieces into paste & let them soak up the gluey goodness

4. put some paste onto the hanger & then take a piece of fabric from the glue & run it between 2 fingers removing excess sticky stuff

5. Start to wrap tightly around the hanger, smoothing as you go

6. When you have completely covered the hanger run you hands over the fabric smoothing any lumps, bumps or loose ends

7. Hang somewhere where you can admire as it dries

You may wish to protect your hanger with a coat of shiny varnish but it will be perfectly happy as it is & reversible just in case you should want a change!

If you get really carried away grab a jar or tin & get pasting....

THE LIBERTY BOOK OF HOME SEWING

2011-09-16T10:40:00.000+01:00

Since the announcement that Liberty were releasing a sewing book I have been itching to get my hands on a copy...October seemed like an age & there were tempting snippiets on the Liberty blog which made my heart beat just a little faster...

So when the lovlies at Quadrille sent me a copy to review I was just more than a bit pleased....I was also not disappointed as I flicked through the pages.

Even before you open the book the perfectly matt fabric cover is a triumph & I could even remove the barcode sticker on the back (a little piece of label ugliness) leaving the covers unblemished.

Opening the cover there is page after page of lovely prints before you even make it to the projects...& oh the projects from everything from cushion covers, wash bags, book covers & kimono's.

Immediately on my list of to do's is the Rose cushion & the Brick Quiilt. I shall also be making some of the rose corsages for the school christmas fair as I think they would make a great little pressie that every mum should like to recieve in her stocking.

Then my absolutely favourite bit of the book waits for you at the back few pages....pictures & description of many of the prints. There are a few I didn't know the names of & now I am most happy that i do but i wish for a book that would infact list all the liberty prints EVER....now that would be a book to behold.

I also hear whispering along the grapevine that Liberty will be launching a limited collection of hand-sewn projects from the book & sewing classes featuring the book as part of the Liberty Sewing School on Sept 25th.....these are the times that I wish I lived nearer the big smoke!

A MOST EXCITING DAY

2011-09-14T18:03:00.000+01:00

After weeks of prep, illness, bad backs, 40th birthday & other such whatnot the day I had been so excited about finally arrived....my house was going to be photographed by Debi Treloar. I have admired Debi's work for the longest time & was really not disappointed.

I cannot spill the beans to why or what the shoot was about but I spent a really lovely day with Debi & Yasia.

My snapshots on the other hand pale into insignificance as usual but i wanted to record the spic & spanliness of my house as I very much doubt it will be quite this lovely for quite sometime.

KEEP CALM & CAST ON

2011-09-11T18:00:00.000+01:00

Good Advice for Knitters by Erika Knight

What a wonderful little book, jam packed with delightful quotes & various knitty sayings.

With Christmas rapidly approaching I think this sweet little book is an ideal present for both novice or experienced knitter, this book combines good solid advice & tips to get anyone out of a knitty tangle. Whether it be a dropped stitch or the daunting task of a lacey pattern & even gives some excellent advice about blocking which is still a step I tend to skip & really shouldn't but i am keen to try the dunk & pin method.

There is also a selection of previously unpublished quotes from a whole host of knitters well known in the world of wool & clackity clacking needles....

There are interesting facts about the theraputic effects of knitting giving your the perfect come back line for when you have been knitting all day & neglecting everything else on your to do list because you had to finish this row, side or complete blanket & haven't washed, dressed, fed the cats or cooked the dinner....oh & forgot to pick the kids up from school!

And come on who could resist the peachy perfect purply matt cover......

The book will be available from Nov 2011 for the excellent price £4.99.....

GOODBYE BURT.....

2011-09-09T08:55:00.000+01:00

Miss your marching about

Miss your cockadoodle noodle ways

Miss your over protective ways as you hussle the 'girls' into their beds at night

Miss you calf pecking ways

Miss your stand off's with Stanley on the lawn

Miss your cheeky inviting yourself to tea inside & out

Cheerio Burt we miss you already x

THE BIG 4-0

2011-09-08T20:23:00.003+01:00

Today I am 40

Waffles for breakfast

Bagged a fabulous cupboard from the charity shop

Had lovely cake & chats with a wonderful friend

Ate my favourite dinner Steak & Chips

Playing family games whilst sipping bubbles & scoffing crisps

Birthday's are good

Here's to another 40

YVESTOWN YARNING

2011-09-07T07:53:00.000+01:00

Now this is a tale of a most wonderful blog & inspirational lady who now has opened a lovely shop selling the nicest of yarns.....

Now I like acrylic yarn, it means I can have nicely coloured stashes....

put my makings in the washing machine when a certain dog has been sneaking a quick nap & it doesn't cost the earth.

The stylecraft colours are mostly ok but not always the tone or shade I would so desire....

But if my computer googles haven't decieved me there are some lovely shades here that are perfect for filling that gap...So if you follow the lovely Yvestown you will know her shop is OPEN for businness & she is offering a 5% discount for this week only..

Use SHOP5OFF upon checkout..

Obviously I made an order straight away as with the wintry chills approaching rapidly my hook & needles will be clicking away......

BIRDCAGE VINTAGE

2011-09-04T08:12:00.001+01:00

There is a really exciting new project going on in Skipton....

BIRDCAGE VINTAGE

Goodbye to fast fashion & Welcome to Quality & Craftsmanship

Birdcage seeks to revive the lost art of the granny, those skills passed on down from grandmother, to mother, to daughter, embrace the make do & mend culture and create a community where people can learn new skills and share the ones they already have

THE PROJECT VISION

Fashion for Individuals

Engage Local

Community

Sustainability

Revival of Craftmanship

There are two aspects of the space

SELLING & DOING

Birdcage will be SELLING

Pre loved fashion, Accessories & Jewellery

Upcycled & Customised Pieces

Haberdashery

Locally Made Goods

Birdcage will be DOING

Skills workshops - sewing, making, crafting

Artisan Crafts

Making new treasure from old trash

Alterations, Repairs & Dress making

Life laundry

Personal Shopping

If you are interested in this excting new project whip over the FACEBOOK & join their group.

Details of the The Grand Opening are HERE hope to see you there.

BIT OF A JONES FOR URBAN OUTFITTERS

2011-09-03T15:17:00.001+01:00

Now usually I like a nice plain hardwearing jute rug, but just lately I have been having a bit of a browse around trying to find a little inspiration for my floors...and who would of thought I would have stumbled across such a lovely selection all in one place.

Garden Sketch Rug - Urban Outfitters

I don't like to buy new things, goes against the grain but I haven't yet in all my time of searching come across any kind of rug in a charity or secondhand store that I would like to adorn my walkways or one that didn't look like it had spent the last months of its life furnishing a dog kennel.

Rose Floral Rug - Urban Outfitters

So I was most excited when Urban Outfitters rug collection caught my eye. I have no idea why on earth I was on the website as its not somewhere I frequent but I was & I clicked on 'RUGS' & now it in my bookmarked pages!

All I have decide now is which one should I buy......?

http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

RETIRED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

2011-09-01T21:53:00.001+01:00

After over 20 years of trusty service my trusty old machine is enjoying a well earned rest...waiting for a certain young lady to get the itch to stitch

SHARING INSPIRATION

2011-09-01T06:37:00.000+01:00

One of my favourite things about flickr is when you get a alerted to a snippet of something you've been included in & you adore all the other images that accompany it....

I was recently included in this July fav's collection by i n i m i n i which was lovely but the greatest thing was I really love all the other pics & I probably wouldn't of come across them myself

1. The Outlaw Maraschino Jones, 2. My brand new iPhone in my case!, 3. Skipper Comma Butterfly, 4. hester & hetty, 5. Untitled, 6. La forza della natura, 7. hugs with a bear, 8. it's you, 9. Untitled, 10. beary cute pancakes., 11. More Friends, 12. He would do anything..., 13. new cozy spot., 14. Gossamer, 15. Kandy, 16. Copenhague, 17. Max & Ruby, 18. Crochet and felt forest fungi, 19. Entomology-69, 20. indian girls in sari paper dolls, 21. Johannisbeeren mit Steinen, 22. 幸福的色彩, 23. like strands of pearls, fresh white currant berries, 24. 高雄的山, 25. Honey

So don't ever be shy about sharing pics about things you have made, done, bought, tripped over because someone out there will find it an inspiration & may even get cogs turning & give them a shove in the right direction.....

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SAY WHOOP

2011-08-28T07:02:00.000+01:00

For those of you not yet caught in the sticky web of Pinterest I suggest that you skip straight over there & get yourself an account....Its a fab resource that for me is like a giant scrap book of all the things I swoon over whilst flicking through the www on those quiet moments before the rabble get up.

With just one click you can pin any image you like & it will save it for you on one of your 'boards' crediting where it has been found & a link to that site....

But for now here are a few fav's from my trusty old Flickr account which will always be No 1 in my heart

1. Untitled, 2. Marie Nichols Inspiration, 3. Selina Lake - Vintage fabric and hankies, 4. Vintage crochet lace bunting

CHARLESTON GREY COAT

2011-08-26T10:06:00.004+01:00

You know me itchy feet & all that a room doesn't stay the same in this house for very long at all & just lately there is much secrecy & skulduggery afoot so I have been getting on with a few jobs that needed finishing....mainly the lounge which I have avoided due to the hideously ugly gargantuan TV that is residing there starring at me hatefully in all its black ugliness....

Anyway moving swiftly on, I have painted the floor removing the orangey tones of the varnished wood & it now has a rather lovely Charleston Grey jacket, a colour I am told was favoured by the Bloomsbury set...

The table that just keeps hanging around despite my bestest efforts to get rid had a lovely new Liberty number which makes it slightly more appealing & I am currently pondering the window adornments...

To be honest the room is feeling a little empty & needs an extra something...don't you think. I am wondering whether a large collection of trays displayed across the wall may do the trick but I am lacking in creative thinking today so I shall ponder a little more....

All suggestions will be gratefully recived & consider with the upmost care

thank you for all my lovely comments I have come up with a solution that I am happy with for now...I do really need a rug but its finding one that I actually like! pics soon rxx

AFTER THE QUIET SPELL ALL COMES GOOD

2011-08-09T14:26:00.000+01:00

After a few weeks of finding virtually nothing at all on my charity shop jollies yesterday I decided to pop by one of my favoured places to bargain hunt & I wasn't disappointed.

Contrary to popular belief charity shops in affluent towns do NOT have the best stuff, not if you are interested in finding real gems, vintage or otherwise. I guess if you want laminated floors & per una cast offs then the above statement would be true but these items are not for me.

Part of yesterday's haul included

a bag of hand crocheted linen's & pillowcases

5 lampshades of various sizes

a couple of stools

a lovely tin filled with vintage buttons

3 rolls of wallpaper

2 pairs of sugar tongs..

So tell me where are your favourite charity shops and are you are box rummager too?

TODAY I STOPPED THE CAR

2011-08-08T16:30:00.000+01:00

Whipped out my photo & snapped away....perfect verges

Wouldn't it be lovely if all verges were as pretty as these

REMEMBER THOSE NAPKINS....

2011-08-04T15:39:00.001+01:00

Well they made it all the way to Camp Bestival & I wonder who wiped their chops on them......

For the entire story from start to finish visit

The English Can Cook

Msmarmite's glorious account of her underground restaurant at Camp Bestival

OUR FIRST HONEY

2011-08-01T20:32:00.001+01:00

For those of you that have read this blog before know about our escapades with bees. Last year I attended a beekeeping course, got a nuc of bees, dealt with all the things that aren't supposed to happen & unfortunately lost them in the spring, which was just plain awful.

So this year we started again with 2 Nucs....already we have been splitting, reuniting, preventing swarming & hoping for honey....

We weren't disappointed. Our first batch was spun at the weekend. Oh the excitment & the anticipation as we slurrped our first taste....Hope they make some more.

FOR THE LOVE OF LIBERTY

2011-07-30T21:14:00.003+01:00

I love liberty print...yes all of them to some degree although there are a few that well i think are a little sketchy but needless to say I like them all.

I am always dreaming up ways of using my collection of tana lawn especially the smaller pieces (I keep every little bit...) and recent projects have included lampshades, table legs, picture frames, book covers & a rather smart dog neckerchief that was cast rudely aside in the pursuit of Burt the Cockerel......

So I guess that you won't be surprised to hear that I had dreamed up the notion of covering my fridge.....yes my little old freegle fridge that came to us in our hour of need & has been chugging along ever since.

Said fridge had been looking very scruffy sitting under the worktop & my original thoughts lead to fablon....hmmmm no fake wood grain for me or industrial stainless steel design or those nasty flowers that really don't make it into the granny hall of fame

So on hatching the plan my first thought was how do I protect such a project as for obvious reasons it will need to be wiped down several if not dozens of times a day especially with school holiday sticky fingers on the loose...so i researched transparent vinyl & found this excellent seller on ebay of all places.

So print chosen...Betsy E - cut to size with extra to reposition

Vinyl purchased

Fridge door scrubbed & cleaned

Paste made

Sharp scalpel blade in safe place

Set to work......

1. cover the fridge in lots of paste

2. position fabric onto door & brush on more paste really working it in smoothing out as you go ( a bit like hanging wallpaper)

3.With Very sharp, clean not rusty blade trim the edges

4.Leave to dry overnight

5. Once dry peel & inch or two of backing from the top of the vinyl & carefully line it up onto your fridge, pull backing downwards carefully smoothing with a dry cloth as you go

6. trim excess vinyl & rub rub rub to make sure is has completely stuck down...

Hey Hey Liberty print fridge Whoop

I do believe my next project could be the front of the shed or the caravan...just need to buy one first ;)

Sadly the photos are crappity crap & don't show my lovely fridge in all its glory & the room is rather dark & the iphone camera not too hot I may take some with the 'proper' camera & pop them on Flickr for all to see....

THE CONFUSION THAT IS A BURDA PATTERN

2011-07-27T19:20:00.001+01:00

I've been a fan of the burda magazine since I started to sew over 30 years ago, my aunt, a wonderful seamstress used to have a stash of them & I used to love flicking through them, eyes on stalks, amazed that it you could fathom out the pattern then you could in fact make your own clothes...(I came from a household where sewing on a button that stayed on was about the level of expertise in the stitchery department).

So I do buy them from time to time if there is something I fancy making.... My latest edition I spied this lovely simple shift dress and in my size so no grading up the pattern pheww...

So armed with crazy paving pattern, tracing paper & nerves of steel, I fashioned my pattern, remembering to add my seam allowances (believe me the times I've forgotten) cut the fabric & I'm currently stitching away.....hopefully to be finished in the next couple of days.

Next on the agenda, this little lot is going to transform my fridge door so pop back soon for I have promised some folk on twitter a tutorial....

A LITTLE CROCHET IN THE SUN

2011-07-26T19:38:00.000+01:00

Heavenly hooking sneaked in for a minute or two whilst Violet had a nap...

What more can I say

CATCHING UP

2011-07-21T21:38:00.000+01:00

Its been quite a time & this little blog has been feeling quite left out since I have been spending all my time over at www.secretteacup.co.uk

Yesterday I treated myself to some fabric to make myself a couple of comfy dresses for the slightly warmer than winter weather we are so lucky to be having at the moment.

I'm also really looking forward to breaking into my liberty stash which I have been mooning over for several weeks... as well as lisette pattern that I bought when they were first on sale but i still haven't got round to making. So many things.....not enough hours!

stitchery & goings on at ted and agnes HQ....

2011-06-05T09:55:00.001+01:00

It's all about napkins.....

If you are off to Camp Bestival this year you may get the chance to sample some of the fantastic food cooked by the wonderful Kerstin Rogers of The Underground Restaurant, author of the great 'Supper Club' book, rock photographer, mum, wearer of the most fabulous red hair & floral facinators...& a general juggler of many things...(do you think I've milked it enough Kerstin)

So back to the napkins, I have rampaged through the fabric stash & I am making 250 lovely fabric napkins for diners to wipe there chops on after scoffing a fabulous dinner...

Its tough sewing squares as the concentration starts to wander but I have definitely decided to make some for the shop when it re opens soon....

Goodbye my old friend...

2011-05-13T19:00:00.000+01:00

Today we had to say goodbye to the most wonderful dog...Merlin

I miss you so much already my old friend, thankyou for 12 years of love & hugs, mischief & endless stick throwing.

Go run with the rabbits & rest in peace. xx

potager, bee garden & other such stuff

2011-04-20T07:00:00.000+01:00

It's not often that we get a run of such lovely weather in Yorkshire so I'm outside at every possible moment....this means very little computer time.

A catch up is needed me thinks. So over a well earned & extremely welcome cuppa tea I grabbed my camera & snapped a few shots....

I have been working on a Potager in the little space outside the kitchen, as well as a bee border at the end of the garden.

After laying out my bits of string I set to work digging the beds...not an easy task with all the wretched stones just under the surface....

The chicken have also had to be locked away due to their nuisance ways...totally getting in the way & hogging all the worms & standing on the piece of ground that I needed to dig!

The small herb bed at the centre was planted up & included various plants including Rosemary, Hyssop, Curry plant, Lavender, Caraway, Sorrel Mint & Parsley that I hope will survive & be useful in the kitchen as well & provide a little something for the bees.

Talking of bees I am eagerly awaiting delivery of my 2 new nucs & a lovely hive that I purchased from Peak Hives down in Derbyshire...I am already browsing my earthborn bee friendly paint samples & am thinking woodsmoke but may go for simple & ever popular white!

and just for good measure before I pop off here's one of the lovely blossom....spring is truly here..

changes afoot.....

2011-03-17T10:40:00.000Z

A few days ago I woke up & decided to make a change...

I neatly tided all my sewing threads, fabrics and general stuff into a corner of the studio & unpacked my printing inks, rollers, easel & canvases.

This has been a long time coming & I feared my block would never shift. After the flood when I lost a substantial amount of my work & began my creative melt down I wondered whether I would ever really want to paint again....then along came Violet so other things played on my mind & there was no space for thought or pondering.

I fell back onto my sewing which has always been there for me propping up that creative need along with various shenanigans about the house & garden but its just not enough, just a stop gap or transition, there was also the beginnings of boredom sneaking in & that would never do...

So what I need to say to all my lovely customers is that I will only be doing custom orders in the future & I am also planning to pop a few bits in mt etsy store but definitely on a one off basis

mad for macaroons

2011-03-09T06:58:00.000Z

I love almonds...

anything which encompasses these lovely little nuts in whatever disguise in a winner in my book...

bakewell tart....nutty chocolate or those yummy almondy croissants

then there are macrons....

i never in my wildest dreams thought i could master baking these little circles of colourful delight

I have dabbled with various recipes, had some sucesses & lots of failures
but then i got hold of a copy of this little gem

Suddenly the clouds drifted apart & the sun shone through....sucess everytime....

Jill generously shares all her secrets which make all the difference

My personal favourite...lemon merguinue macarons...filled with home made curd.

There is also a recipe for a nut free version which I am tackling next as I have a lovely friend who cannot indulge in almondy goodness

and even a section on what to do with those left over egg yolks...what more could you want.

I still have a few issues to iron out like my blasted oven which is turning the preety pink ones brown but for lovers of these sweet treats its an absolute must...

ps.... it also helps that the hens are on top laying form and the constant supply of various citrusy curds are rather delicious too.....

that bath

2011-03-01T10:28:00.000Z

at first there was this...uninspiring, mouldy & rank

then.....the reveal of those lovely legs

now.....my perfect room although can't have long lovely bubble baths because the water runs out when its about 1/4 full.....enough for a paddle!

the bare bones

2011-02-25T19:03:00.000Z

It feels like an age ago that i did anything but sand & paint....paint & sand

but finally it feels like our new house is becoming a home.

One of my favourite parts of the house at the moment is the stairs & hallway....

originally I painted it white but with 3 children & various animals rushin to & fro

i could see that grubby marks would be a constant

& it just didn't suit.....

so i took a leap of faith with a slosh of 'downpipe' a wonderful farrow & ball lead like grey

i think you would agree it is rather dashing

I also love my sanderson 'eglantine' curtain & have a plan for a doily chandelier....

& a bit of this 'n' that for the walls

but that's another story for another rainy day

obsessions

2011-02-24T19:03:00.004Z

macarons, originally uploaded by ted and agnes.

1. J'adore Macarons, 2. pinkish macarons..., 3. lemon macaron, 4. Macarons

i have been obsessing about these little beauties lately....mine are not so perfect

everything is peachy except i can seem to cook them without browning the lovely colours...

its a tragedy but practice makes perfect & my backside is growing by the day!

yesterday's attempt...

inspired by....

2011-02-22T20:33:00.000Z

with the definate lack of inspirational ponderings (or utter rubbish) from myself lately sharing what sparks me into action seemed like a good plan

1. Mood Board for Tearoom, 2. tea for two, 3. Cake stand, 4. Tea

Now funny enough i love china...never...gasp....really never would of guessed seemed like such a sensible sort!

I have no idea where this comes from, I suspect that it is something to do with the dodgy picture plates my dad used to rescue from all manner of junk shops & hang on the wall much to my mothers disgust!

1. Selina Lake - More Peonies, 2. roses, 3. forsythia, 4. Wild Flower Bouquet

I am also inspired by a few floral treats & am definately looing forward to getting stuck in to my new garden this year

I keep promising my progress shots with the house & even have a new camera but being a bit of a chaotic slacker have made all manner of excuses to myself to why I've not shared them yet...I will at some point get my arse in gear & get snapping!

wouldn't you just believe it...

2011-02-09T17:56:00.004Z

sewing nook, originally uploaded by ted and agnes.

just typical isn't it that I get into the swing of writing my blog again & the camera breaks....thank goodness for next day delivery as a new one wings its way here...

spring in my step

2011-02-08T10:10:00.001Z

chair done good, originally uploaded by ted and agnes.

Best made plans & all that malarky but I guess packing your camera away somewhere 'safe' & then unable to recall that place is not always the most productive for recording your journey in the new abode...

Anyway its been found & hopefully I shall commence with my blogging after all no one want to read pages of ramblings they want photo's...or is that just me.

pastures new

2010-11-17T06:49:00.000Z

We finally got the keys to our new abode on Monday...this gives us 2 weeks to get as much decorating done as possible before we move in for good....A huge task I hear you gasp.

I am starting on Violets room as she will be most affected by the move & needs her sleep (plus I need her to sleep otherwise no work can be done!)

Unfortunately instead of letting these old walls breathe everything is covered in wallpaper (peeling off) & some strange glossy paint in a variety of quite yucky colours. So my first job is to strip all the walls, stablize the flaky bits (pva & water solution works a treat) & get my cornforth white brush out.

I had planned to be very strict with myself & finish one room before starting another....hmmmmm well i did quaver for a moment & branishing my hammer & screwdriver uncovered this little gem (it is the nest room on the list)

right off to get more paint in my hair & aching limbs

see you all soon

new times....new vigor

2010-11-12T08:12:00.000Z

Welcome to the Tales of Ted & Agnes.....
We will soon be moving to a shabby old farmhouse in desperate need of love & care so follow the adventures here....see you soon