Back To The Swinging Sixties!

Yesterday morning I went off for my Volunteer Visiting at the Hospital. One patient had a fairly uncommon first name, and I asked about pronunciation. Then I said "was your surname previously.....?" "Yes!" she said. "We were at school together, I used to be Angela Hall"  We spent ages reminiscing about old friends from Primary School and High School. Both of us left Norfolk for university and then returned four decades later. It was great to catch up. I came home full of memories of those school years we shared [1965-1973] She's hoping to go home from hospital soon, but we will keep in touch.

In the afternoon I tidied the back bedroom, and listened to the weirdest programme on BBC I-player. It was called The strange parallel world of Christian pop.

If you're my sort of age, and spent your teens involved with church youth groups, names like The Joystrings, Out of Darkness, Parchment and The Fisherfolk may sound familiar. If they do, you might find the programme interesting. In the evening, Bob and I watched an Australian series - Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries on Prime. Also set in the 60s

Much muttering by me of "I had a dress like that!""That hat is all wrong"

The granddaughters had an inset day today, so the family are up for the weekend. Hot chocolate with marshmallows plus arts and crafts at Cornerstones. Grandad Bob was practising his Santa voice "Have you been good little children?" I said it was too deep and scary. Rosie pointed out that if his voice was too high, nobody would believe he was Santa. She told Bob he needed a "warm voice" 

As i said to my friend in the morning, in 1965 at Primary School, we would never have imagined where we'd be at 70 - retired and back in Norfolk!

Flash! Bang! Wallop!...What A Picture!

 

Nothing like a bit of Tommy Steele and his Cockney mates to brighten a cold wet November morning. You will remember we had our own Flash! Bang! Wallop! just five weeks ago with the spectacular demise of the microwave [Video here] John Lewis promptly supplied a replacement. And on Monday, that one went bang too! This time we asked for our money back. We suspect there was a batch of defective magnetics, and research online shows other people have had similar problems. We now have a similar Hyundai. 

What a Picture? Here's one to amuse you...

Bob has been asked to give out the gifts at the Chapel next week at the Toddler Group Christmas Party. Santa #1, who has done this for years, is just out of hospital, with a broken leg. Santa #2, who helped out last year, is about to go into hospital for an op. So Bob is stepping up as Santa #3. Except the costume was bought for #1. A small, slight man, it is Size L. Bob takes size XXL! Furthermore the beard and wig are a massive of  horrible static nylon curls.

Here he is in the unaltered outfit and itchy beard. I spent Thursday making a new beard using some white fur fabric from The Stash. I sewed fur and black gaiters to the bottom of the trousers legs, and let in some elastic into the hat so it would fit better. 

I hope there will a photo later of Santa in full costume, so we can "stick it in the family album"

Top Tips for working with fur fabric

• On the back of the fabric, mark the nap [direction] of the fur with a few arrows, so the pile runs in the right direction
• Use glass headed pins so they are easy to find and retrieve, and don't disappear into the fluff.

Teatowels, Dressing Gowns, Old Pillowcases - And A Nativity Costume Tutorial

When I was a child, I'm sure that costumes for Nativity Plays were just cobbled together from existing garments. Someone cut a head hole and armholes from a white pillowcase, and once you had a circlet of tinsel, that was your Angel's robe. And the innkeeper, Joseph, and shepherds wore their dressing gowns, with a check tea-towel tied on their head with Dad's black bootlace. Traditionally Mary had a blue shawl. Kings had cardboard crowns or Grandma's scarf wound into a turban.
Nowadays, it feels like even the preschool event requires hiring an outfit from the Royal Shakespeare Company! God bless all those teaching assistants and overworked teachers, who have assembled a class set of Nativity costumes which can be fetched out each winter and assigned to the cast. I checked back to 2014. I made 7 angel costumes, 7 shepherd outfits - and "camel humps and bodies" to go with the heads which the TAs had retrieved from the cupboard.
If you are handy with a machine, it doesn't take long to knock up an outfit though.

I found an ancient, much mended duvet cover in the loft. Bought in 1995 as a cover for a futon mattress, and patched with an old check duvet cover in 2011, and again in 2020. The fabric is so thin in parts, it is not fit for a bed anymore!

Rather than use my usual 'three rectangles' pattern I just cut out a front and back T shape with sloping shoulders. 

The neckline is a simple oval with a slit. And I put one belt loop in a side seam.  The side seams end in 10cm slits for easy movement. I used the check patch to cut two rectangles for the head-cloths and two long straps as tie belts. The waistcoat is a 45x90cm rectangle. Fold it in half at the shoulders. Cut a centre slit and curved neckline, and sew side seams to the armhole.

Finally stitch a loop of elastic or stretchy fabric 55cm long, and attach to front centre of the head cloth [75x45 - like a teatowel!] Tutorial HERE. All done and dusted. Ready to go off to Manchester

TOP TIPs

1. Aim to make costumes easy to put on, and generously sized to fit over regular clothes. If it is cold, children may want to wear tshirt and jogging bottoms underneath.
2. Are you dressing the child, or will the TA have half a dozen tots to get sorted? Make it easier for the dressers - the loop means you can ensure belt doesn't get separated from the robe, and Leo doesn't get Theo's sash. 
3. Likewise, the attached strap makes the headcloth easy to pull on, and shouldn't come adrift mid production
4. Shepherds are pretty rustic characters- so don't fuss too much about hemming and use non fray jersey
5. If anybody complains that your angel does not have wings, explain politely that in the Bible they are never mentioned as having wings - it is cherubim and seraphim who have them. [Exodus 25, Isaiah 6] 

THANK YOU to everyone who has made a donation to our Cornerstones Christmas Tableau-  either cash in the pink pot hanging by the display, or online. We have raised around £200 thus far, which is truly wonderful!

Going Postal?

Up early Monday, as I had my shingles vaccination at 9am [2nd part, 1st one was 6 months ago] This was not a 3 minute walk to the little medical centre round the corner, but at the main surgery, 5miles away. It is opposite the excellent Tea Post. I had 4 items to post, so Bob kindly said he'd come with me and sort that out whilst I had my jab. And then we could have breakfast. He had scrambled eggs on toast with bacon, I had a bacon sandwich. All good.

Not so good was the cost of postage. Bob said that the book, and the parcel of 3 shed aprons  cost £3.99, as did the book. That was ok. The aprons weighed around 800g. 

The advent calendar, very thin and flat in a square envelope, and weighing 55g also cost £3.99! Apparently the envelope was too wide for it to be classed as a large letter. I'd been so pleased to find a "proper" Advent calendar for the grandchildren, with a picture of the stable, magi, baby Jesus etc. [No chocolate though] Not doing that again!

Unfortunately my arm ached all day which slowed me up a bit, and I had ironing and sewing tasks.  But at least it did not rain! I realised that I'd missed out one of the photos from the Festival. The local woolshop had a triangular frame holding lots of colourful balls of yarn!

On the subject of wool, did you hear that many knitters are objecting to the new solar power postboxes? 250 people in the village of Titchfield in Hampshire have signed a petition in support of the "Yarnbombers" who create "postbox toppers" 

And Banxy the mystery knitter of Syston has also expressed her sadness at the March of technology stifling her creativity.

Yes, I agee these guerilla knits are bright and cheerful - but they do look sad and bedraggled if left too long at the mercy of the elements. 

Today I'm doing Christmas crafts, singing and storytelling at Little Acorns [the Toddler Group at our chapel] I will enjoy that. 

Does Someone Have A Screw Loose?

I quite like the work of the Austrian artist Gustav Klimt [1862-1918] He was fascinated by Impressionism, Symbolism and Art Nouveau and created some spectacular works. He painted naturalistic figures- but often against sensuous, complex backgrounds - with rich colours, geometric designs and using deep and bright colours. On Tuesday, one of his paintings sold for a record sum.

Two of the most well known are "Portrait of Emily Floge" and "The Kiss" So I was quite excited to spot a jigsaw, reduced to £1 in the Cancer Research Charity Shop. It was in a round box, and the label informed me it was double sided, 19" in diameter, and had 500 pieces. I already have some puzzles yet to do, but this was a bargain!

It was from 'Past Times' - that retailer of retro goods which went into liquidation in 2012, and was bought out by WHSmith [I cannot call them TGJones] I have no idea how old this jigsaw is - but the plastic bag of pieces has never been opened. I suspect [like many PT products] it was given as a gift and never used. Emilie was a fashion designer, it is thought she designed - and maybe stitched - the gown. I know that Kaffe Fassett likes Klimt too, his knitwear is full of coloured patterns like this! 

Inside the box is the sealed bag, a small information leaflet about Klimt - and a small brass screw. We have no idea what it is - and suspect it has nothing to do with the puzzle. But how did it get there? and what is it for? 
Perhaps someone was clearing up the Christmas decorations and found it on the floor, so popped it in the box, and forgot about it.

Which side should I complete first? the blue Emilie, or the golden Kiss?

Angels And Snowflakes

We had a workshop at the craft group yesterday. Barb, who is a beading expert, taught us to make angels and snowflakes.

Here are our efforts, hanging on the tree. I managed one snowflake and two angels. I wasn't happy with the nylon line so have replaced that with fine cotton hanging loops. They make attractive little gifts, don't they?

I have a lot of beads in my stash, and hope to make some more little decorations.

They look very pretty as they turn and catch the light.  Thank you Barb for a fun, creative morning.

Shopping At The Showground

Last Friday [7th] Julian arrived at lunchtime, as Bob got back from the Hospice. We had a quick snack then drove off to the Royal Norfolk Showground arriving at 2pm. The tickets were reduced after 1.30, which was a pleasant surprise.

We had much fun walking around the many stalls - some outside, some inside the exhibition building, and a few in a large marquee.

What can I say about the event? It was much as you would expect, a real mixture of stuff, ranging from overpriced tat which you might find at half the price on Romford Market, to handcrafted artisanal products made with care from quality materials, also costly, but perhaps better value for money!

And in between some middle range stuff, and lots of foodie gifts, with enthusiastic stall holders plying visitors with samples.

Bob and Julian were channelling Homer Simpson...

Chutneys, oils, chocolates, almonds [almonds are the best nuts] fudge, cheeses...a veritable banquet. And tiny sips of whiskys, fruit gins, and other drinks for those who like that. We sat outside with large cups of flavoured hot chocolate.

I did not feel the need to purchase vintage cutlery stamped with twee messages "Grandad's porridge spoon" "lovely grub" etc. So many of the items had spelling mistakes! Nor did I splash the cash for a pair of waving Santa legs 

We chatted to some interesting stallholders, and some who may have been related to Del and Rodney Trotter. There was a woman selling Primark pyjamas [with just ½ the label cut out] and another 'Norfolk Crafter'with "handmade ornaments" with the 'made in China' labels still on the bottom!  Lots of food stalls, with wide choice of menus [burgers, fries, pizza, donuts, curries, cookies, etc] And at the end of the row, 3 open fronted tents set up for selfies - Enchanted Forest with sleigh, Fairyland, and Royal Palace. A kind passerby took our family picture

Altogether a fun afternoon out. A much drier Friday than yesterday. All three of us bought a present ir two. But I can't reveal what!

Poppy Sunday

As a small child, Remembrance Day meant standing with Mum in the cold, damp, misty weather, watching the solemn procession to the War Memorial - the military band, followed by men in uniform, then the dignitaries from the council with heavy overcoats and gold chains, and the local clergy [Dad being the only one not in clerical robes!] and finally the Scouts and Guides. Poppies were wire and paper, with a black bitumen centre and held on with a regular pin.
In my teens, I was marching with the Boys' and Girls' Brigade companies [in my smartest uniform, diligently keeping in step] They started putting plastic stems on poppies in 1967, and the paper leaf disappeared. In 1982 there was the Falklands War. There was a resurgence of support for the poppies. In 1987, the leaf was returned [by popular demand] and in 2000 they introduced large poppies to fix onto cars.

Then we had 9/11, and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Previously the veterans had been mostly from WW1 and WW2 - but now there were young men marching, or being pushed in wheelchairs, and young widows, proudly wearing the medals their husbands had won, posthumously. We were not just remembering distant past conflicts, but conscious of very recent sacrifice. More people turned out to walk down to the Memorial in Kirby Muxloe, Rachel played the Last Post, Bob and the Vicar led the Act of Remembrance together

2014 was definitely the Year of the Poppy - 100 years since the beginning of WW1, and the Tower of London had a display of 100s of ceramic poppies, entitled "Bloodswept Lands and Seas of Red". I went to see it with Liz. Adrian gave me a poppy for Christmas.
Back at church in Kirby Muxloe, we had a huge picture of the local castle. and people added their own messages of remembrance written on paper poppies

And that was the year I worked in the Autism Unit, and helped the girls to sew their own poppies, using four red felt hearts [love] with a black button centre[ sadness]

Now the British Legion poppies are 100% paper, and 100% recyclable. And there are far more public poppy displays than ever

But whatever these red flowers on our lapels are made from, however many knitted poppies adorn our churches, shop-windows, lamp-posts and pillarboxes, the message remains the same...throughout the years, so many have paid the price for our freedom - and we honour their memory, their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

We WILL remember them

A New Raised Bed

In 2009 - two single beds. They went against the wall, with a pair of matching cabinets between.

Later, we moved them to the opposite side of the room so we could accommodate a wardrobe. Only room for one cupboard - the other came into our bedroom. In 2023 we pushed them together as a double, and I made a 'filler strip' to go down the middle where there was a gap between the mattresses. Really wide, room for two parents and a grandchild. Or two grandchildren and Gran.

Now we have changed it for a King size Malm. With two extra cupboards for more storage [thank you FB Marketplace] It is also higher - and we think this raised bed will prove useful, as we can store stuff underneath, and it is easier for oldies like us to get in and out of! Currently there are 2 single mattresses, awaiting delivery to Manchester. 

The single quilts which I made in 2009 are really large- so one placed sideways is adequate. As I took the photo I realised our picture [Holkham Beach] needs moving. I think it needs to be central over the bed! 

If you need b&b in central Norfolk anytime, let me know!

Woolgathering

Defined in the dictionary as indulging in aimless thoughts or daydreams. I've definitely been woolgathering as I've continued with the Loft Sort!

One of my nieces is expecting a baby next year, so I thought I'd do some knitting. The day before going to Manchester, I confidently climbed the loft ladder in search of baby wool. I was sure it was in a wicker hamper. There was a hamper, but only one suitable ball of wool. I found a pair of 4mm needles on the table in the back bedroom. I began knitting a little hat.

I'm embarrassed to admit that on Tuesday as I began to move the stacks of boxes around I unearthed seven hampers of wool, a large plastic box of wool, and a smaller one with assorted needles. One box was full of Sirdar baby yarns. 

I brought the blue box downstairs and spent an hour sorting the needles into pairs, and discarding damaged or odd ones. Then I lined them up in size order from 2mm to 20mm. 

Then I was ruthless removing all my duplicates. There were more than 2 dozen pairs. They will go to the Big C Cancer Charity Craft Emporium at Wymondham. Whenever I visit, someone is sorting through looking for a particular size. I'm sure they will sell.

Here's the little baby hat in a soft lemon shade. Now I've found the hamper with all the baby yarns, I think I'll try a little cardi in another colour.  Is it really November tomorrow?  The year is racing by. Last November I did a knitting challenge for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. I'm too busy for that this year...

Cash In The Attic?

Definitely Not! But I am starting the process of tidying and ordering the loft, because it has become something of a mess up there. I get down some project [eg Shed Aprons] and all the stuff is in a large plastic box. But when I return it, I realise there is another 'loft thing' - so that goes in that box. Or in a rush to tidy up because guests are coming, I put a suitcase away, without checking it is properly emptied. And then there are the bags labelled with messages like "Old greeting cards, 2022, sort these out ASAP" I wrap up well for this task, and wear sensible footwear [going up and down the loft ladder in slippers or socks is a bad idea] Here is my equipment

• 7A rubbish bag [for rubbish!] 
• a couple of large strong bags, for stuff that needs to come down and be relocated[Charity Shop, other people, the craft cupboard etc]
• A reel of masking tape, sharpies and a pencil - for labelling
• A pair of scissors  - always useful
• My tablet [to listen to the radio**]
• My phone - in case somebody phones me, or in case I need help for some reason [eg lifting down a large item and Bob is out in the workshop] I used the phone for the picture hence its not on the table

I found an angel's tinsel halo, so put it on and felt joyful. Then there was a large freestanding mirror - redundant now we have a mirror on the wardrobe door That's going to Manchester for Steph's new house. Note the rubbish bag hanging down, gradually filling up. That empty cardboard box is for recycling, and is the THIRD one I filled in the first hour. I have decided I do not need every cardboard box which has entered the house [the new kitchen came flatpacked in over 100 boxes] 

They have just announced there will be a village Yard Sale in the Spring, to raise funds for the Parish Church - so one corner of the loft is now 'possible yard sale stuff'. But my task was interrupted by an IKEA delivery lorry. We are changing the two single beds in the back room for one double. It will free up a bit more floor space. But that means as well as sorting the loft, I also have to sort out all my bedding. The singles will go to Manchester, along with their linens, [and that mirror] when we visit at Christmas. 
I'm hoping to have the loft and back bedroom straight by Friday 7th when Julian comes. There is loads going on - especially Bobs 70th birthday on Tuesday.

All four grandchildren appear to be having a great half term, at Forest School and Holiday Club.
** I listened to the final episode of Jane Eyre, a programme about Men's Sheds, and a 'Limelight' thriller on BBCSounds.

Always in my loft I hang the paper heart which turned up in a loft sort about 30 years ago. It has hung in three different lofts, but the message holds true. My loft, and the world in general, may appear to be in a chaotic mess sometimes - but there is One who is watching over us, and his love never fails.

As The Needle Dances On The Cloth...

The other day a friend came round for coffee - she brought with her a quilt to show me. A beautiful piece of collaborative stitching. Following an accident, her husband had to spend some months in hospital in Yorkshire. Friends from their church made a quilt for his bed - lots of individual patches to remind him of those who were praying for him, thinking of him - and special embroidered motifs and stitched Bible verses symbolising memories and friendships. It was truly special, and I felt so privileged to have the opportunity to look at it and examine the details and the careful work involved in a true labour of love.
Yesterday I spent the entire day making another batch of Shed Aprons. I bought a trolley-bag for my latest machine in Lidl a couple of days ago. It's a lightweight one, just to make it easier to wheel my bag from room to room [I store it in the back bedroom, but usually work at the dining table] Bob took the day very easy, lots of resting [and I had my earplugs in as I worked, listening to vintage crime dramas on radio 4 extra]

Here's a lovely poem called October Quilts. I will make another quilt sometime. But right now in between Apron Sewing all I can manage is a couple of small squares each month for the TwoByTwo project. But as the poem says "Each square holds a story sublime"

OCTOBER QUILTS

In the midst of fall's warm colours
Lies a craft, tender and bold
A tapestry of memories, stitched together
Stories in threads, yet to be told
October quilts, with each block pieced
Breathe life into the autumn air
A symphony of textures and hues
That only the heart can truly share
With every stitch, a moment captured
A memory woven in time
From golden leaves to crisp apples
Each square holds a story sublime
The scent of pumpkin and cinnamon
Infused in the fabric's embrace
As the needle dances on the cloth
A masterpiece takes shape with grace
Squares of flannel, denim, and silk
Layers of warmth and comfort entwine
A labour of love, each quilt unique
A treasure that will forever shine
October quilts, a soothing refuge
For chilly nights and cosy days
A work of art, handcrafted with love
A symbol of autumn's peaceful ways
So let us gather 'round the fire
Wrapped in these quilts, so dear
As we revel in the joys of fall
October quilts, we hold them near.

by Dashaun Rashod Snipes

A Month Of Bargains

1. My usual charity shop limit is £4 a week. Which is £16 a month.  For ages I've been looking in CS for a single Pokal glass tumbler, as I only had 5, not 6. So I was pleased to find one for 50p in the Warrington IKEA bargain corner - they come in sets of 6 for £4, which is 67p each. Set complete. Not a CS buy, but never mind
2. I don't need pinking shears - but Bob spotted brand new Fiskars ones for £8 instead of £35, and all my other crafting scissors[and garden secateurs, and kitchen scissors] are the orange handled Scandinavian beauties. So I got them - and passed my others onto two sisters I know who are starting their sewing journey, and will make good use of them. [Break shop, Cromer]
3. Bob also spotted 4 Pantone mugs for £4. They have gone into the cupboard, and random non matching mugs have gone in a CS donations box [Hospice Shop, Norwich]
4. I said I did not want anymore Willow Tree Figures, but the Bright Star Angel was £4 not £25, and she will look so good with the others at Christmas. [RSPCA Chorlton]

Total spend £16.50. That's OK. I probably won't buy any CS stuff for the next few weeks. My bargains

There is only one problem. The Angel has lost a hand. She had two when I took her from the shelf and gave her to the lady to wrap up. 
But when I unwrapped her, her right hand is missing. I checked very carefully in the bag she'd been in, in case it was in there. But no...

I am working out how to make a new hand. Air-drying clay is currently my best thought. Bob suggested putting some sort of pin into the wrist to hold it. On closer examination, there is a mark on the wrist, and I wonder if the hand had already been repaired and was loose in the shop...

No matter, I have till December to fix her!

In Everything Give Thanks

These are the words of Paul in his letter to the Christians at Thessalonica. I was completely exhausted when we got back from Manchester on Friday night, and have developed a nasty cold. But I was thankful 

• For a safe journey
• For 5 superb days with the family
• For a lovely home to come back to
• For the neighbour who had put my wheelie bin back
• For good food to eat
• .... For so much more.

But I was feeling a bit flat - missing my two cheerful little boys, and sneezing a lot. "We may have post waiting for us" said Bob, hopefully. There was indeed a stack of flyers on the mat [no, I don't need new furniture, replacement windows,  a will or a funeral plan - and I am certainly not planning on moving house!] But at the bottom of the heap, a proper envelope, with a handwritten address. And inside, the most gorgeous card

My wonky photo doesn't do it justice. My friend had already emailed a thank you for the small package I'd sent her. This handmade thank you card really lifted my spirits - as did the message inside. 

In this busy world of texts and emails and WhatsApps, it really means a lot when somebody makes an extra effort to show their gratitude.

"Writing thank you letters " after Christmas or birthdays often felt like a chore when I was a child, but I am glad Mum drilled the habit into me, and grateful to others who say thank you sincerely.

Let us not take each other for granted. Every day, find somebody to say thank you too. And make it genuine, not just a perfunctory phrase mumbled in passing.  ❤️💚💙🧡🩷

A Visit To The Royal Armourers?

The family in Holland all went to a theme park. Rosie rode the carousel, and Jess explained to the fairy that Grandma had made her fairy dress. 

There appears to have been a medieval knights component to the experience. Steph sent a photo of tabard, shield and sword. "Knight's Tabard? How difficult?" I replied [perhaps a little too quickly] "Easy. Is Grandad required to make the shield?" George would like a shield please. With fire on it. And a sword too. So, having finished Shed Aprons and other tasks, Bob and I set to work to produce items for George and Jacob, done in time for our trip north.

He inserted old "ship" halfpennies into the pommels, polished to a shiny copper, and whipped the hilts. The shields were laser etched, painted and waxed.

I turned some scraps and a green cord skirt into two tabards. They are reversible to plain green if the boys want to play Robin Hood or something. Having learned at the castle the other week that bright colours were authentic, I went to town with these