Happy New Year

A very Happy New Year to anyone who still remembers me in blogland! It's been so long since my last post that this almost seems like a visit to the confessional. I have however been posting on facebook and, over Christmas, was persuaded by my son to join Pinterest so hope you'll follow me there too.
Deep into January self denial....the usual cutdown on food and alcohol..and back to work restocking after a very busy pre Christmas period I'm busy looking for the compensations and comforts of the new year and to be honest there are plenty.
The house is calm and I'm lucky not to have a commute and if you're reading this whilst suffering from heavy rain and wind in your area then you have my sympathy; so many of my favourite parts of the country being horribly battered at present
I've wandered round the house this morning savouring the quiet after a hectic and extremely happy Christmas

Having tidied the clothes closet..on the resolution list..I found the velvet throw and the bed is lovely and cosy.

Like the chest now I've found a home for my Christmas presents

The guest room looks strangely bare as it awaits its next occupant

Our new fireplace was hardly needed over Christmas as bodies warmed the room but think it will come into its own now that January is here

Bought this glass clock to sell but here it is in pride of place...what a surprise!

Another stock item, like these wintery looking soda bottles in their original wooden case

Have decided to leave these small deer heads in place as they give a winter look to the wall

I always leave these tiny Christmas trees inside until the end of January

The house is looking cheerful thanks to gifts from family and friends..yellow roses a theme
Here toning with a favourite portrait

and here in my lovely French confit pot..found a lovely example to sell, just email if interested

Another to sell or not to sell..is that what she's pondering?
I'm planning to hold my spring open house in March but before then I'll be in Sussex and in Manchester so keep watching this space for stock and fairs updates and again a very happy and prosperous 2014

back to work and blogging...at last

Happy New Year; rather belatedly as I've found it very hard to return to the world of work and blogging after a lovely busy and relaxing Christmas. Seemingly an oxymoron but it was an enjoyable busyness surrounded by family and friends and in this way relaxing. So last week, having said goodbye to everyone, including my husband who returned to the office, I attempted to pick up my own work only to find a deep unwillingness to buckle down. In the past I've prided myself on my ability to self motivate, work long hours and set myself high standards; so far so smug but 2012 seemed to present a bigger challenge than usual.
First I took my sewing machine to be serviced..so no sewing possible. Then I discovered a film I simply had to see and found myself at a very full silver screening in town ..maybe retirement won't be so bad! I even tidied out my kitchen cupboards, just as well reading some of the sell by dates, and polished the cutlery.
But this week guilt got the better of me and sewing machine having returned bursting to go I finally started to replenish my almost non existent stock.
It was a lovely surprise therefore to discover little gems I had bought back in November and forgotten all about.

This lovely blue French print, not quite a toile but with fabulous details, has been made up into a set of cushions. I've teamed the print with a great quality French linen; a soft off white and beautifully creased.
Looks nice with this blue jug.

Another similar classic French print with urns and birds in a warm red teams well with the shade made from linen mangle cloth.

I love this classic Vichy check cotton especially in pink; it always makes beautiful lampshades as the pink is warm and welcoming when lit. I was lucky enough to find a big piece in good condition so have been able to make a trio of shades.

I had forgotten buying this sweet little painting which I think works well propped on a chest in a similar interior.

This is another favourite fabric, a linen mangle with bright red stripes. The shade and cushion are both great in kitchens or easy going living rooms.

I used this fabulous set of french spongeware plates over Christmas, perfect for the Christmas pud but equally nice for a bowl of warming soup. There are 10 in the set and its tempting to hang on to them but must keep my business hat on.

Am making a New Years resolution to update my blogshop regularly and add a Paypal checkout if I can understand the instructions but in the meantime if you're interested in buying any item featured just leave a comment or email me.
Back to the sewing machine