spring fabric finds...

There is still a month of winter to go (officially) but with recent days looking like this and temperatures in the early twenties, it feels like Spring is here already...

Although for the past two weeks I've had my head down, working away on a little freelance gig (hopefully I can share more on that soon) and haven't stopped to appreciate this wonderful warm weather we've been having... 

That was until yesterday, when Thom and I got to spend a lovely couple of hours down on the waterfront. All that fresh air and sunshine has got me in the mood for some serious pre spring sprucing!

First up a proper spring clean, boring but totally necessary. The one downside to all this sunshine.., the dusty steps, dirty windows and blinds etc. are plain to see..

Then on to the fun stuff..!!  Doing something fabulous with my recent haul of vintage fabrics!!

I'm in love with this painterly 60's barkcloth (found on Ebay).  Cushions or  as  husband suggested perhaps a lampshade? It's almost too lovely to cut.., maybe just stretched on a canvas. What do you think?

Several metres of soft seersucker found in an old box at the Aid for The Blind store. After seeing so much of it on Downton Abbey, I couldn't pass it up.

This beautiful embroidered piece came home with us on our first trip to Vietnam. It's been sitting in the cupboard for years, just waiting for the right opportunity...

Not quite Black & Spiro (have you seen Anna's gorgeous new online store),  but it all works together quite nicely, don't you think?! 

I can see a couple of generous floor cushions in this super colourful Ikat, that I picked up from another local op shop...

And last but not least... I thought this would make a fun pair of Bermudas for Thom. I offered to make a matching pair for the husband too. He wasn't at all keen though... Maybe a bunch of picnic napkins instead.

Anyway lots of sewing/make and do projects for me ahead.., so watch this space. In the meantime, I'll be cleaning, cleaning, cleaning...

Have a great weekend!! xx

the last cuppa..

Our toaster has been a bit dodgy for a while now and the fridge is almost certainly on its last legs, but our trusty kettle has always been dependable.., until this morning!

After almost ten years of service and many thousands of hot beverages, our first purchase as a couple (awww) has died..

No time to be sentimental though, I refuse to start the day without a strong, hot cup of tea and so this weekend, I'll be out hunting down a worthy replacement.

Not sure style wise though, should I go..

 cheerful with an 80's vibe? I kinda like this one..

minimalist?

stovetop? probably not..

 scandi vintage? slim chance of scoring one of these treasures..

or same as before? Yeah, probably..

who doesn't love a good frock drama..?

My husband for one..  Not me though!!  I'm mad for them and Downton Abbey is my latest obsession! 

Sure, it's pure soap opera and has been made for commercial telly, with a production budget to rival the biggest Hollywood blockbuster..  Don't let all this put you off though... It's sooo deliciously good! 

What a treat to look at too... every frame, from the opening credits to the very end is chock full of Edwardian gorgeousness. 

The scenes shot in the grounds of Highclere Castle (where the series is filmed) are probably my favourite. They've got me longing for Spring, white linens, lace and high teas on the lawn..  

Downton inspiration..

Season final on this Sunday night.., can't wait!!  

mmm cake...

A little birdie sent me this link to a clever friend's new blog.. I am notoriously bad at keeping in touch with people and I've been wondering what she's been up to...  Baking fabulously cakes, that's what!!
They look amazing and yum, what's in them sounds just as good..,  'lemon cake with lemon curd buttercream filling' anyone!

Check them out here at Rachel Warner Cakes . I'm particularly in love with these two kids Birthday cakes, aren't they cute??!!








If only she Rachel didn't live so far away.., it's my husbands birthday this Sunday and I fear I'll be reaching for the packet mix...
Have a great weekend!! xx