A Free Give Away for Every Day of This Week

Well, I was having a good tidy up this weekend and came across a stash of old Dutch magazines I had quite forgotten about. I had multiple copies of the same magazines and decided to prune - however, I did find that this edition had a rather nice pattern for an old, small Dutch sampler of 1770 which I thought it would be nice to offer as a give away. The original sampler measures 26cm x 24cm - about 10"square. Rather like a Scottish sampler, a row of family intials appear in a row punctuated with crowns. I had eight copies of the magazine so keeping one pattern for myself, that means there are 7 patterns to share with you - one for each day of the week, in fact!
To enter the draw just click on the flying angel below and tell me what you are stitching right now. All 7 winners of the draw will be notified next Monday. Good luck!

Congratulations Teresa on Your Beautiful Hannah Gilpin

Teresa in Califormia is making beautiful progress with her Hannah Gilpin sampler - I think these are the loveliest shades. Teresa says: It looks like I'm making good progress even though I only spend a small amount of time on Hannah each week. Really, I should remember to ROLL up my fabric when I take it out of the hoop. I usually fold it up but looks like I'm making creases in the fabric. I hope to spend much more time on my sampler this summer during a planned week's vacation. There's nothing like long stretches of stitching time to restore one's balance in life!
To see more Hannah Gilpins in progress visit the Needleprint Hannah Gilpin blogspot.

A Hard Time for Judges at the South of England Show

It was a seriously hard time for judges at the Ardingly South of England Show this year. In the WI tent people were talking about taking their hat home...

or eating their hat.

No wonder the judges seemed to be crumpling under the pressure...and this gentleman was only having to choose between Gloucester Old Spots.

What they needed was a really good cuppa and a cup cake to clear the mind and settle the soul and then all would be well again. But, oh, choices, more choices! The red rosette went to this assemblage of tea set with fairy cakes, home made preserve and embroidered serviette ring.

But there were mutterings and some who thought this display a far more superior confection. Needless to say I kept a very low profile in the flower arranging tent...

and headed for the vegetable displays - I liked this Union Jack of cauliflowers, brocolli and tomatoes and perhaps even Richard will now stop thinking that brassica is a deadly disease.

This was a truly English day out in great style.

And I even got to spend time with my favourite Wensleydale sheep - a bit sad that this lovely girl had had her wonderful knee-length fringe cut so the judges could peer into her eyes - I suppose one has to help the poor dears come to a decision somehow - and before it is time to go home.

Manchester Vintage & Textile Fair * 12 June 2011

Never mind the downpours this weekend! Take off for some textile brilliance in Manchester. Now in in its 18th year, the Armitage Centre in Manchester has hosted a Vintage Fashion & Textiles Fair every year, showcasing the finest in antique and vintage textiles: couture designer items; hats; gloves; shoes; buttons; linen; lace; Japanese kimonos and period jewellery.

Recommended by Vogue Magazine as not to be missed, the Manchester Vintage Fashion & Textile Fair is a great shopping opportunity and a wonderful trip into history. Browsing this fair brings a flashback from yesteryear and offers many enjoyable moments. Do join thousands of knowledgeable buyers - including fashion designers, stylists, film costumers, period dance enthusiasts, the fashion press and students. As always, there is something for everyone and from every era and in every price range.

The Armitage Centre is on Moseley Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6HE and the Fair is open 10am until 4pm. Pay on the door admission is just £4.