Another busy weekend here with yet more visitors from the UK! It is so lovely to see old friends and catch up with all the gossip from home, but it is also nice to have our home back to ourselves!!
One good thing about lots visitors is that we get to go to all the lovely parts of Brittany over and over - and never get bored with doing so! There are some pictures to show (surprise!!) but I'm afraid they'll have to wait until the washing machine stops and the ironing board goes away which will mean that mound of laundry that always appears on these occasions is finished!!!
So, before I disappear to get stuck in, have a look at some of the great give-aways that are in blogland at the moment!
Elaine at Faithful Quilter is giving away a selection of Civil War fabrics and there are also the most scrumptious Reproduction fabrics on Lurline's blog. Don't know why I telling you about these two actually as I really, really want these for myself !!
Sarah at Don't Look Now has a quilt waiting for the lucky winner and last but not least Frummie is giving away 2 yards cuts of co-ordinating fabric!! Phew!!
Good Luck everyone !!
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Did you see it ?
If you clicked on this yesterday to enlarge it,
............. you would have seen this smiley 'face'
Don't ask me how it got there, it must be a trick of the light or something, but how amazing!!
Last day today to join the Friendship Bag Swap! This little one is the Charmed Gift Bag from Moda Bake Shop
............. you would have seen this smiley 'face'
Don't ask me how it got there, it must be a trick of the light or something, but how amazing!!
Last day today to join the Friendship Bag Swap! This little one is the Charmed Gift Bag from Moda Bake Shop
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
You might remember this post back in April when a couple of sheep appeared in our neighbour's garden - well, we've been having a little trouble with them eating my plants through the fencing, so, to overcome the problem we invested in some wooden paneling which could double up as wind-breakers when the wind comes howling in off the fields.
Now I am not a lover of great expanses of bare wood, and as they were put into position too late to buy any climbing shrubs, I decided dig a few sunflower seeds out of the wild bird food that we buy , pop them in the ground then wait to see what happened - Well, this is what happened :-)
Panels are 2 metres high, so these monsters must be well over 3 metres !
So no matter what the weather for the next few weeks, I've got my very own rays of sunshine!!
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.
That's what sunflowers do!
Helen Keller
1880-1968
Now I am not a lover of great expanses of bare wood, and as they were put into position too late to buy any climbing shrubs, I decided dig a few sunflower seeds out of the wild bird food that we buy , pop them in the ground then wait to see what happened - Well, this is what happened :-)
Panels are 2 metres high, so these monsters must be well over 3 metres !
So no matter what the weather for the next few weeks, I've got my very own rays of sunshine!!
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.
That's what sunflowers do!
Helen Keller
1880-1968
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Another Day Out! (Long Post)
It is such a long time since I blogged about the beautiful Brittany countryside, sad to say our experience at St Lunaire made us very cautious about new places, but now I think it is time to move on and get back to exploring our lovely surroundings!
So - let me tell you about our Saturday visit to l'Isle de St Cado, and one of the most photographed cottages in Brittany!
St Cado (or St Cadoc) was a Welsh monk who, during the 6th century , founded an oratory and later built a monastery on a small island in the River Etel. Local folklore also has it that he was responsible for the small bridge that joins the island to the mainland -and this was done by striking a deal with the Devil!
The agreement was that, in exchange for building the bridge, the Devil would claim the soul of the first living creature to cross it, St Cado agreed to this and overnight the bridge was duly built. However, St Cado (being a very clever Welshman!!) rose early next morning and sent his cat, Lacha, across the bridge , thus cheating the Devil out of his payment !! Well - that's the story anyway!
The island from the river bank, you can just see the bridge far left of the photo if you enlarge it.
Over the centuries the original buildings have disappeared and were eventually replaced in 1832 by a church and a 'Calvaire' or 'Crucifixion'
There is also a small 'fountain' or well on the beach that is only usable at low tide!
This island is a mini paradise of winding streets with street signs in Breton
and pretty cottages painted in traditional colours
Some of them complete with statues if the Saint himself !
and if proof was needed as to his origins - well, this says it all !!
Ooops!! Almost forgot! The most photographed cottage in Brittany !!
Now that's what you call a seaside home !!!!!
You cannot buy a multi-view postcard or calender in Brittany that doesn't show this little cottage, and easy to understand why !
Our day at l'Isle de St Cado was really worth the effort and one that I am sure we'll be repeating over and over with our friends and family! Unfortunately, the afternoon became very overcast and the photos are a little dark because of this, but if you can bear to look at more (including some of inside of the church) try this link
So - let me tell you about our Saturday visit to l'Isle de St Cado, and one of the most photographed cottages in Brittany!
St Cado (or St Cadoc) was a Welsh monk who, during the 6th century , founded an oratory and later built a monastery on a small island in the River Etel. Local folklore also has it that he was responsible for the small bridge that joins the island to the mainland -and this was done by striking a deal with the Devil!
The agreement was that, in exchange for building the bridge, the Devil would claim the soul of the first living creature to cross it, St Cado agreed to this and overnight the bridge was duly built. However, St Cado (being a very clever Welshman!!) rose early next morning and sent his cat, Lacha, across the bridge , thus cheating the Devil out of his payment !! Well - that's the story anyway!
The island from the river bank, you can just see the bridge far left of the photo if you enlarge it.
Over the centuries the original buildings have disappeared and were eventually replaced in 1832 by a church and a 'Calvaire' or 'Crucifixion'
There is also a small 'fountain' or well on the beach that is only usable at low tide!
This island is a mini paradise of winding streets with street signs in Breton
and pretty cottages painted in traditional colours
Some of them complete with statues if the Saint himself !
and if proof was needed as to his origins - well, this says it all !!
Ooops!! Almost forgot! The most photographed cottage in Brittany !!
Now that's what you call a seaside home !!!!!
You cannot buy a multi-view postcard or calender in Brittany that doesn't show this little cottage, and easy to understand why !
Our day at l'Isle de St Cado was really worth the effort and one that I am sure we'll be repeating over and over with our friends and family! Unfortunately, the afternoon became very overcast and the photos are a little dark because of this, but if you can bear to look at more (including some of inside of the church) try this link
Friday, 7 August 2009
Bag Lady
It's been a bit difficult to get stuck into anything big the last few weeks with all the 'comings and goings' in our lives at present, and the result is the appearance of a number of small items!
Firstly, a tote, using Moda's 'Sonnet' collection charm pack
complete with 2 LARGE inside pockets!
The original Penny Surges pattern ( gift from my friend Jeannie - no blog, but thank you Jeannie! ) has an envelope pocket on the front but the fabrics are so lovely, it's a pity to cover them up - so no outside pocket on this one!!
Then, a trial run of Rachel's tutorial for the Friendship Bag Swap, made from a few left over 'Sonnet' charms
This was just so much fun and turned out so cute I couldn't resists making another one
Made from some of the selvages I've been saving (don't ask!!) , bright and cheerful and just the right thing to fill with sweeties - a little extra gift for DGD's birthday on 28 August !!
Forgot to post this yesterday (!!) and just cannot persuade Blogger to let me change the date - Must be some secret I'm not aware of !!
Firstly, a tote, using Moda's 'Sonnet' collection charm pack
complete with 2 LARGE inside pockets!
The original Penny Surges pattern ( gift from my friend Jeannie - no blog, but thank you Jeannie! ) has an envelope pocket on the front but the fabrics are so lovely, it's a pity to cover them up - so no outside pocket on this one!!
Then, a trial run of Rachel's tutorial for the Friendship Bag Swap, made from a few left over 'Sonnet' charms
This was just so much fun and turned out so cute I couldn't resists making another one
Made from some of the selvages I've been saving (don't ask!!) , bright and cheerful and just the right thing to fill with sweeties - a little extra gift for DGD's birthday on 28 August !!Forgot to post this yesterday (!!) and just cannot persuade Blogger to let me change the date - Must be some secret I'm not aware of !!
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Special Day
Today is International Friendship Day, so a good day to say 'Hello' to everyone !
One of the greatest things about blogging is that I have got to know so many people that I would not have otherwise, and I am very happy to call you all my friends!
I'm off to join this
so why not come along too - what better way to share friendship!
A True Friend is Good to find
One of the greatest things about blogging is that I have got to know so many people that I would not have otherwise, and I am very happy to call you all my friends!
I'm off to join this
so why not come along too - what better way to share friendship!A True Friend is Good to find
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Bloomin' Roses !!
Well, the trip to the scrap bag was worthwhile, and look what I've got - 4 blocks and my first 6 'roses'!
The floor of my sewing room looks like a demented scissors has been let loose in there with all the ' snipping' that's been going on trying to get the shape reasonably like a flower (!) , and my working surface has disappeared under a growing mound of scraps, but on the whole worthwhile as they're not too bad for my first attempts!
I am going to stick to a 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 mini for the moment, reason one I don't have much green in my modest stash, not a colour I'm that fond of to be honest, and reason 2 another busy week looming!
If you'd like to see Cherri's finished quiltlet this size, it's here , the last photo on the page. Whether mine will ever look anything like that, I don't know, but I do know I'm having a lot of fun trying - 6 down only another 14 to go !!
The floor of my sewing room looks like a demented scissors has been let loose in there with all the ' snipping' that's been going on trying to get the shape reasonably like a flower (!) , and my working surface has disappeared under a growing mound of scraps, but on the whole worthwhile as they're not too bad for my first attempts!
I am going to stick to a 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 mini for the moment, reason one I don't have much green in my modest stash, not a colour I'm that fond of to be honest, and reason 2 another busy week looming!
If you'd like to see Cherri's finished quiltlet this size, it's here , the last photo on the page. Whether mine will ever look anything like that, I don't know, but I do know I'm having a lot of fun trying - 6 down only another 14 to go !!
Monday, 27 July 2009
Sunday, 26 July 2009
New Swap!
In case you've not heard about this one and want to join in , pop over to Fiona's blog and
get your name down straight away as sign-ups close on 31 July !
I know I said no more swaps this year, but what a fun way to build up to Christmas Day - and I can't believe I'm talking about Christmas in the middle of July !!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Keeping Busy!
It's been a busy few days with one thing and another, more visitors from home, catching up on chores and a little sewing too this time!
Block 6 & 7 of Verandah Views, so for once I'm up to date!
Bluebird on My Heart block from Vicki at Tozz's Corner. You must visit her blog, she has some really beautiful 'hat' blocks as well as the On My Heart BoMs all for free!
(Don't know what's happened to the colour on these as the background fabric is actually cream, not grey!!)
Last but not least a (very) bright & cheerful Disappearing Nine Patch for our 6 year old DGD's birthday - just waiting delivery of the backing fabric to get it finished !
The photos are not particularly good as our weather has been grim all month , so the light is not brilliant! We seem to get an hour or so of sun in the mornings and then up comes the wind and down comes the rain ! In fact it is more like November than mid July and whilst it has meant I've had some time to sew, it hasn't been very pleasant for our visitors, or all the other tourists that have been pouring into the Province !
I also managed to snap this dodging in and out between the rain
Haven't seen many Butterflies at all this year even though we have 2 Buddleias in the garden, perhaps they've found somewhere drier and warmer- and who can blame them !!
Block 6 & 7 of Verandah Views, so for once I'm up to date!
Bluebird on My Heart block from Vicki at Tozz's Corner. You must visit her blog, she has some really beautiful 'hat' blocks as well as the On My Heart BoMs all for free!
(Don't know what's happened to the colour on these as the background fabric is actually cream, not grey!!)Last but not least a (very) bright & cheerful Disappearing Nine Patch for our 6 year old DGD's birthday - just waiting delivery of the backing fabric to get it finished !
The photos are not particularly good as our weather has been grim all month , so the light is not brilliant! We seem to get an hour or so of sun in the mornings and then up comes the wind and down comes the rain ! In fact it is more like November than mid July and whilst it has meant I've had some time to sew, it hasn't been very pleasant for our visitors, or all the other tourists that have been pouring into the Province !
I also managed to snap this dodging in and out between the rain
Haven't seen many Butterflies at all this year even though we have 2 Buddleias in the garden, perhaps they've found somewhere drier and warmer- and who can blame them !!
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Le Quatorze Juillet.....
......or Bastille Day .........or Fete Nationale , no matter which name you use, today is a very special day in French history !
Every city, town & village will be holding their own celebrations throughout the day, from the official ceremonial parades in Paris to letting off a few fireworks in the smaller villages!
Our local celebrations consist of a parade through the town at midday, followed by friends & families gathering for a loonngg lunch, then a little siesta (!) before setting out to the village hall for the 'Bal Populaire' this evening !
After a couple of hours of energetic dancing, ranging from traditional folk dances to disco gyrations, enjoyed by everyone from 8 - 80, we'll all pour out onto the sports ground to watch the superb fireworks display put on by the local 'Pompiers' (Fire Brigade). Each year the display gets more ambitious and is thoroughly enjoyed & appreciated judging by all the 'Oooh's and Aaah's' that ripple through the audience ... and so ends a lovely day !
BONNE FETE !!
Every city, town & village will be holding their own celebrations throughout the day, from the official ceremonial parades in Paris to letting off a few fireworks in the smaller villages!
Our local celebrations consist of a parade through the town at midday, followed by friends & families gathering for a loonngg lunch, then a little siesta (!) before setting out to the village hall for the 'Bal Populaire' this evening !
After a couple of hours of energetic dancing, ranging from traditional folk dances to disco gyrations, enjoyed by everyone from 8 - 80, we'll all pour out onto the sports ground to watch the superb fireworks display put on by the local 'Pompiers' (Fire Brigade). Each year the display gets more ambitious and is thoroughly enjoyed & appreciated judging by all the 'Oooh's and Aaah's' that ripple through the audience ... and so ends a lovely day !
BONNE FETE !!
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Still Here!
I can't believe how much time has passed since I last blogged, but I am still here !!
One of the reasons for my absence is that the summer holiday season at 'Hotel Chez Nous' has already started with an unexpected visit from DD which took up last weekend and the start of this week - the rest of the week has been spent catching up on the every day chores that always get ignored when we have visitors - not that I need much of an excuse to get out of housework:-) The only problem is that there is always twice as much to wade through when they've gone back to the UK! We now have just over a week before the next wave arrives and this is the pattern for most of July & August, so goodness only knows how much sewing time there's going to be !!
I did manage to buy some goodies from my favourite US online store ,
I know I keep banging on about their delivery (not to mention the prices!) but once again I ordered on Sunday evening and Wednesday midday it was in the post box - can't fault it can you!!!
I started collecting Kona solids for a pattern I found on the web back early last year, it was supposed to have been a BOM, but in all this time only 4 blocks have been posted so I think its one to forget, and use the solids for something else. At the moment I don't know whether to try another pattern out of my Gwen Marston book or Mary's Chinese coins pattern , breaking up the dark colours I've got so far with the pastels above! I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do with the florals, and the batiks are for any future mini landscape quilts - I did enjoy those lessons!!!
So, as there's not many photos to show this time, I thought I'd let you see some of my miniature machines !
An Essex complete with carrying case, documents and original box !
Comet
Not sure what this one is but it is marked 'Foreign' and has a serial number -looking at the wear marks , it has obviously been well used !!
All three I would guess are from the 1960s, in good working order but so strange to use compared to today's machines - don't know if I'd like to try FMQ on them !!! I do have a few others, but will keep them for another day!
One of the reasons for my absence is that the summer holiday season at 'Hotel Chez Nous' has already started with an unexpected visit from DD which took up last weekend and the start of this week - the rest of the week has been spent catching up on the every day chores that always get ignored when we have visitors - not that I need much of an excuse to get out of housework:-) The only problem is that there is always twice as much to wade through when they've gone back to the UK! We now have just over a week before the next wave arrives and this is the pattern for most of July & August, so goodness only knows how much sewing time there's going to be !!
I did manage to buy some goodies from my favourite US online store ,
I know I keep banging on about their delivery (not to mention the prices!) but once again I ordered on Sunday evening and Wednesday midday it was in the post box - can't fault it can you!!!
I started collecting Kona solids for a pattern I found on the web back early last year, it was supposed to have been a BOM, but in all this time only 4 blocks have been posted so I think its one to forget, and use the solids for something else. At the moment I don't know whether to try another pattern out of my Gwen Marston book or Mary's Chinese coins pattern , breaking up the dark colours I've got so far with the pastels above! I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do with the florals, and the batiks are for any future mini landscape quilts - I did enjoy those lessons!!!
So, as there's not many photos to show this time, I thought I'd let you see some of my miniature machines !
An Essex complete with carrying case, documents and original box !
Comet
Not sure what this one is but it is marked 'Foreign' and has a serial number -looking at the wear marks , it has obviously been well used !!
All three I would guess are from the 1960s, in good working order but so strange to use compared to today's machines - don't know if I'd like to try FMQ on them !!! I do have a few others, but will keep them for another day!
Friday, 3 July 2009
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Sizzling!!
Summer has definitely arrived in our part of Brittany (at least for the moment!) with temperatures in the low 30s C (85 - 90 F), and it is certainly hot! Hot! Hot! It's a full time job trying to keep the garden watered and I am so glad I took photos last weekend, as some of the blooms are looking really sorry for themselves in this heat, but at least the cherries are doing well this year!
During the week we managed to replace our driving licences, and it really was a very painless experience! Still reeling from the amount of paperwork we've been through in the last few weeks, I was prepared for yet another tussle with the Authorities but - it wasn't to be!
Our departmental 'Prefecture' is situated in Vannes, some 45 minutes drive away, but it was certainly worth the bother of going there as we only spent 15 minutes processing the documents!
The clerk who dealt with us was extremely helpful and sympathetic, took possession of our (zombie!) photos and our temp driving permit issued by the Gendarmerie, rattled a few keys on her PC, printed the licence, trimmed the photos, encapsulated the whole thing and Voila !! Job Done!! I commented on the speed of the whole operation, after all, when we first changed to French driving licences 8 years ago, we had to wait 2 weeks for them to be issued - don't think this went down too well as I was promptly (and rightly!) put in my place with ' But Madame, we have improved in those years !!' - Ain't technology grand!!
As it was too beautiful a day to waste , and because I don't think I've shown you Vannes
before, a few photos of this very picturesque city!
That's it for now as I am off for a very cold shower - phew!!!
During the week we managed to replace our driving licences, and it really was a very painless experience! Still reeling from the amount of paperwork we've been through in the last few weeks, I was prepared for yet another tussle with the Authorities but - it wasn't to be!Our departmental 'Prefecture' is situated in Vannes, some 45 minutes drive away, but it was certainly worth the bother of going there as we only spent 15 minutes processing the documents!
The clerk who dealt with us was extremely helpful and sympathetic, took possession of our (zombie!) photos and our temp driving permit issued by the Gendarmerie, rattled a few keys on her PC, printed the licence, trimmed the photos, encapsulated the whole thing and Voila !! Job Done!! I commented on the speed of the whole operation, after all, when we first changed to French driving licences 8 years ago, we had to wait 2 weeks for them to be issued - don't think this went down too well as I was promptly (and rightly!) put in my place with ' But Madame, we have improved in those years !!' - Ain't technology grand!!
As it was too beautiful a day to waste , and because I don't think I've shown you Vannes
before, a few photos of this very picturesque city!
That's it for now as I am off for a very cold shower - phew!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)