Wednesday 26 March 2014

Something For Mother



With Mother's Day a few days away, we wanted to let you know of some items that have recently been added to our shelves which would make perfect Mother's Day gifts.


In our Boudoir we are delighted to have added a very old and very pretty Lily Of the Valley Boots soap box, perfect for display and treasure storing. There is also a very pretty floral hankie and brooch set. Pretty tins in our Box Room could be filled with chocolates or sweets, as could the enamel or vintage jelly moulds in the Scullery - these would also make unusual and striking plant holders. For Mothers who enjoy a bit of sewing, we have wonderful floral linen tablecloths and cushion covers in the Sewing Room. In our Library we have added one of our favourite books - The 1930s first edition of The Diary Of A Provincial Lady, the entertaining goings-on of a mother and family - as well as some pretty nature books. We are also very pleased to announce the return of our French'n'Floral lavender sachets to the Dovecote, these very popular handmade lavender sachets are based on images from vintage French seed packets and are beautifully fragrant as well as decorative.
We hope we've provided some inspiration and gift ideas and wish you all a very Happy Mother's Day!





Saturday 22 March 2014

Spring Into Action!




At last, the Spring Equinox has come along.  The birds are tweeting, the sun sometimes shines and the days are lengthening. It's time to get sewing! We have recently added lots of wonderful new sewing projects and goodies to the Sewing Room shelves to help spring those sewing fingers back into action.



We have added many vintage linen cushion covers to be embroidered with lovely floral images that truly reflect the longer Spring and Summer days that hopefully are ahead of us.  Vintage embroidery transfers too that will add a delicious floral note to household linens, lingerie and gift items. 




Part-worked embroidered tablecloths are waiting to be finished to add some vintage joyfulness to your teatime tables (just in time for Easter).  This stunning linen tablecloth is in the traditional Willow pattern and comes with two tray cloths too.  


Amongst our goodies was this interesting floral tablecloth, produced by Penelope during the War in 1940s.  As production of these items was restricted during the war, this one was produced by special licence from the Board of Trade as it was intended for use by wounded forces as Occupational Therapy.






We have also sprinkled some 1940s copies of Needlewoman & Needlecraft magazines on the shelves, very much in the Make Do & Mend spirit of the time, which should also get that inspiration flowing...



And as for us, well, this sudden burst of Spring sunshine found us hurtling down to the Potting Shed to produce some more of our very popular French'n'Floral Lavender sachets, printed from vintage French seed packets. Beautifully fragrant and full of the promise of Spring, we have added these to our Dovecote shelves.




Enjoy the sunshine - we hope we've sown some seeds of inspiration for you. 


Tuesday 4 March 2014

Mellow Yellow









We have recently added a selection of soft buttery (both salted and unsalted in colour) yellow crockery to the Scullery shelves.  Utility crockery and enamelware, Jasmine and Laburnum to be precise,  perfect for breakfast and tea, a cup of soft Spring sunshine to brighten your day.