Farfield Mill, Sedburgh

While we were in the Lake District we met up with Chris, (pearshapedcrafter) and her DH who so kindly took us to Farfield Mill in Sedburgh. 
They drove us through all the little country lanes, through beautiful Cumbrian countryside we had never before travelled. We saw a huge rainbow, so intense in colours, and we could clearly see both ends in fields at opposite sides of the road. We were disappointed we couldn't manage to stop to photograph such an amazing sight or venture to find that legendary crock of gold.

Many thanks to Chris and Tony as this was a fabulous day out. 
The old water mill has four floors of quality crafts and materials, to see and to buy, with exhibitions and demonstrations too. We had a really good crafty natter whilst exploring and the DHs sat in the bookshop on a big comfy sofa and did a bit of man nattering before we went into the cafe for an excellent lunch. A place well worth visiting if ever you are in the area. 
Check out the link above.

The Technicolour Dreamcoat 

One of the wonderful projects on display, overflowing with the dreams of hundreds of children.

You can appreciate the scale of the coat as we stand next to it.

There were lots of crafts to try and I loved this giant sized French Knitting frame.

The results......

Chris, clutching some of her crafty purchases, and watching a weaver set up a loom.

Super hand made items for sale, beautifully displayed

I wondered if this sheep, Baabra, was knitting up wool from one of her family?

whilst her DH is on the pc!

Thanks again to Chris and Tony for such a great day out.

Elf Clogs & Angel Decorations

Just back from a most enjoyable few days in the Lake District, where we stayed in a super log cabin. 

We had perfect weather and, after days out visiting many of the lovely places, I managed quite a bit of crafting.

I'm sure you know the story of the Elf and the Shoemaker ......well I'm sorry to disappoint you, these little elf clogs did not appear in the morning by magic. 

I made them!!!

I found the pattern on pinterest but I reduced the size to make them cuter. They are so easy to make from felt and can be blanket stitched or simply just over stitched.

The little tag says, "Somewhere a tiny elf has lost a shoe" but it would have to be "Somewhere a tiny elf has lost his shoes" if you display a pair.

Bells or bobbles, added as trims, make them extra special.

Some are going to be posted off to my family in Brighton and Germany and will have little chocolate treats popped inside before they go on their Christmas trees.

You can judge the size by this collection which is in an A4 box.

I also found these little angels on pinterest. 

Also easy to make, from lined circles of fabric cleverly folded to make the angel's robes with a felt heart shape for the wings. Different colours, fabrics, ribbons and trims give them character.
To find the patterns on pinterest search "patchwork angels" and "elf clogs" and you will see lots of pins come up.

All the spare ones will go to my grandchildren's schools as fundraisers or little gifts for their teachers.

I also had the idea to make a Shepherd and a King from the same pattern.

Here's the view from our lakeside cabin window which was an idyllic spot to see the birds on the lake and the amazing skies at sunset and sunrise with all the reflections on the water. 

I kept forgetting to take photos so I missed capturing the best scenes and 

these inferior pics were taken from indoors. 

The two large dots on the windows were to stop the birds flying into the panes.

The birds swirled in patterns around the lake each evening at sunset.

Lueneburger Jahr der Giebel & Hexagons

 These four cushion panels are almost finished and I'm just stitching them to their backings.

 I stitched all these hexies together during my travels and in the evenings whilst I was away visiting my family. 

They were made from scrap pieces leftover from my hexagon quilt. 

Although I mainly use a sewing machine for patchwork and quilting, I really do enjoy hand stitching. I find relaxation and great satisfaction in a completely hand stitched project.

On my recent visit to Germany it was great to wander around the familiar cobbled streets with a different purpose and it made me take a fresh look at all the wonderful old buildings as I toured the town's latest public art event. 

Over the years there have been boars and fishes artistically, and often amusingly, decorated around the place. This time it was the giebel, (gables) the stepped top shape of the old buildings. 

Shops, companies and associations of the town sponsored and produced works of art in many styles and themes by decorating a model of this feature of the beautiful buildings.

Lueneburger Jahr der Giebel 

This must be the prettiest building (below) to house a well known food stop.........guess which one?.......

I'll tell you at the bottom of this post!

Giebels are in many shop windows... these were some of my favourites

Outside the Karstadt department store this advertises the forthcoming traditional Weihnachts Markt

(The Christmas Market) which takes place each year in the square in front of this shop.

Here through Sand Passage is a lovely big supermarket where we shop...

Inside a bank......

 An estate agents window ...

A lingerie store created this...

Children's art....

Now, here's the answer if you've reached this far!

Yes! They're everywhere..... McDonalds!