St George's Day Celebrations

Talking Textiles

Although this might seem a little late, today I'd like to tell you about our St Georges Celebrations. You might think that has nothing to do with textiles but I will come on to that in a minute so please bear with me.
There was nothing arranged in our part of the world so we headed off to a little town called Barnoldwick where I went to school a very long time ago. They were having a little event and we wanted to be part of it. As well as all the obligatory bunting, there was a little fairground for the children, several stalls and some entertainment laid on for everyone. We had a little look around the town shops, had a little bite to eat and went to listen to the brass band playing in the square. They were surprisingly good and we enjoyed a relaxing little concert.

The entertainment that followed was quite unusual. There were a group who dress up like soldiers and their wives from the civil war. They re -enact  loading and shooting their guns which was quite a performance and very loud. (So loud in fact, that a little child near us was quite traumatised)

What was much more interesting to me however, were the wives who were dressed beautifully and were engaged in some stick weaving.

I had a chat to them and found out they were making strips which would be sewn into blankets which are hard wearing for use in camping and the like. They could also be used for bag straps. I had a little personal demonstration and thought it looked quite easy but very effective.
I loved watching them weave, they looked so 'Little House on the Prairie' and I quite envied their weird but wonderful weekend lifestyle. They even drank water from a pot pitcher poured into glasses made from cow horns! I couldn't resist taking a picture of the little girl who they had with them. So cute in that costume- don't you think?

It was a great day and full of surprises. Thank you to St George! x

Duck Race

Out and About

I love Hebden Bridge. The place has such a lovely arty feel to it. So many gorgeous shops and crafty treasures. The town itself is so pretty with a lovely canal, park and a river running through the middle of it winding underneath a sweet little bridge. We've been a few times but this time we were there with a purpose. It was the annual Duck Race! We purchased our tickets early and so had plenty of time to look round the town and browse the many shops.This is a little glimpse at one of my favourites. It is situated in the Hebden Bridge Mill.

It is jam packed with clothes, furniture, vintage linens and household items.

I especially like this kitchenette and if I weren't counting my pennies, I would have been seriously tempted to buy it!

We found an amazing tea shop but I'm going to save that for another time as it's worthy of it's own little post. Also in town were street artists and a jazz band which all added to the wonderful atmosphere.

After lunch, we headed over to get a spot ready for the main event. The suspense was nearly too much to bear. The Town Crier commentated whilst 7,000 plastic ducks were launched into the river. (There doesn't look to be so many on the photos but the stream of ducks went on and on.)

Sadly we didn't win this time but there's always another year. Have a wonderful weekend whatever your weather and I'll see you on Monday x

Happy Holidays

Homely Matters

Hellooo. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter break. We certainly did. I have so much to tell you that I am being very strict with myself and just sharing a little at a time. So lets talk about the main event shall we?
Wasn't it just perfect? I enjoyed it sooo much more than I expected to. I loved it all - the stunning dress, the joyfull crowds, the couple driving away in a little Aston Martin and those balcony kisses.

After all that excitement we had a jolly old knees up with some good friends at their home. I wanted to show you what amazing food which was prepared and enjoyed.

Doesn't it all look sooo fabulous. Our hostess certainly went to town and it was a magnificent spread.

I hope you also thoroughly enjoyed yourself. Here's to the next one! On Friday I'll be sharing a little more of our holiday antics. xx