When is a weed not a weed?

Here in the beautiful Clwydian hills the hedgerows are full of colour. There are so many plants in bloom, going to seed and looking pretty. These weeds are a delight and blooming marvellous!

Weeds are just plants in the wrong place according to one definition. These weeds sorry plants are definitely in the right place.

Storm Hannah and Prosecco

Storm Hannah hit the coast here in Cardigan bay rocking the caravan and sending us to sleep ( eventually). We enjoyed a lazy day with an amble along Llanbedrog beach, hunting sea glass, drift wood and the usual detritus following a storm. We settled in with a chick flick and Prosecco.

Tonight we are out to dinner in a lovely coastal restaurant. Nothing better than a girls weekend despite Storm Hannah and Prosecco!

Are you a hoarder?

Slow Sewing in Snowdonia

As I said I recently spent a beautiful weekend in Plas Tan Y Bwlch with the North Wales Embroiderers Guild.

At first I was overwhelmed by the talent of the other Guild members, but then I decided that I can only learn from them. I learned a LOT.

There were three tutors on the weekend and we each chose to attend one “craft” There was screen printing, machine embroidery and Appliqué. I chose to stay in my comfort zone of appliqué.

Our tutor was particularly good as she showed slides of her journey through Uzbekistan and the textiles which are a specialty of that area. The Suzanis were very similar to the textiles that I saw in India.

A Stitching Fest

Recently I was fortunate to be able to go on a stitching fest. Imagine that! A whole weekend of stitching heaven! I went with the North Wales Embroiderers Guild to a beautiful Mansion called Plas Tan Y Bwlch. This C18 country mansion is now The Snowdonia National Park Centre and offers Accommodation and courses throughout the year. Each year The North Wales Embroiderers Guild hire the whole building, engage 3 specialist tutors and off we go!

http://www.plastanybwlch.com

http://www.embroiderersguild.com

I was so taken with the location that I took Hubs back for lunch in the tea room with the most spectacular views. Many other courses are on offer throughout the year including photography, walking in Snowdonia, art, Welsh history and much more.

I will tell you more about my slow stitching weekend ( and I am slow!)in the next blog. See you then!!

A Ditty?

A ditty is a short rhyming song. For example:

A Ditty box was issued to sailors to store their personal belongings or tools

Ordinary Seaman Peter S. Kennedy was my grandfather. He survived WW1 and went on to drive ambulances during WW2. He later became a fireman and was awarded a medal for bravery.

This Ditty box now contains some of my treasures and memories.

Nanna Amy’s Cushion Covers

These cushion covers were embroidered by my Nanna ( Grandmother) in circa 1950 They were embroidered using a variety of stitches and stranded silk threads.

The cushion covers were worked onto white linen and have to be stitched onto the cushion pad as there is no zip or fastening. They have been freshly laundered and had some running repairs today. They now have pride of place in my lounge and I adore them!

They are NOT for sale in my Etsy shop!

Noddfacrafts.etsy.com

The difference a day makes

What a difference a day makes! Today was sunny, bright and cheerful. There was a “start of the season” party on the sea front today. There was live music, RNLI (which we all hope we will never need!) children’s games and a display of plastic waste! The plastic was shocking and brought home how much plastic waste that there must be in the sea. Nothing better than visual aides!

I have also put another vintage cloth into my Etsy shop Visit noddfacrafts.etsy.com

This is a beautiful vintage linen tray cloth.

A Promenade

An esplanade or promenade is a long, open, level area, usually next to a river or large body of water, where people may walk. … Esplanade and promenade are sometimes used interchangeably.

Thank you Wikipedia

The large body of water here is Cardigan Bay. One of the best places in Britain to see dolphins and porpoises without getting into a boat. We didn’t spot any today on this blustery, cloudy day. We did walk along the promenade and did a little beach combing. We picked up pebbles to paint later, and drift wood to dry out and await inspiration.

Criccieth castle was built by Edward 1st. The promenade offers the chance to amble from Criccieth castle at one end to Dylan’s Restaurant for coffee,at the other end.

Vintage Sorting

I have a HUGE collection of vintage textiles which I adore but it is out of control! The grand plan is to put some ( a lot ) in my Etsy shop and send it to a new home. Basically I am lucky to live in a small cottage and need to make the space. If I carry on collecting I think the walls of the cottage may bow Or Hubs might start to object)

The grand sort may take some time! In the meantime I’m enjoying playing with the fabrics and seeking out locations to use for photo shoots.

Take a look at my shop ( not much stock as yet but watch this space!)

Noddfacrafts.etsy.com