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Stravaiging

Stravaiging graphic

A visit to Farfield Mill

A few days before Christmas I was able to visit Farfield Mill to see their current textile exhibitions before they closed for the festive season.

I’ve been a few times but not for a number of years and I was delighted to find it brighter and fresher and full of inspiration (and now free to enter...)

Farfield Mill, Sedbergh

Located at Sedbergh, England’s Book Town, on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the Mill was completed in 1837. Wool spun there was used on their six looms but also went out to local cottage industries of both knitters and weavers.

What we did on our holidays

Christmas 2024 was spent in Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales (in northern England). We booked a week in a wee first floor apartment with woodburning stove on the southern edge of the green in the village of Reeth. We have visited before, together and separately, but never stayed a night.

I deliberately did not look at the weather forecast - didn’t want to know. We always travel with wet weather gear anyway, and lots of ‘dog’ towels as well as, in my case this trip, knitting and stitching supplies, a complex jigsaw and a new real book, with more on my ipad.

 

Suspension bridge over the River Swale

Chocolate Orange Bread

Because we all need a little escape, and hiding in a chocolate infused bubble works briefly.

Download the attached PDF for the recipe...

Two loaves on a cooling rack

Falling leaves, slowing down

We are all just creatures, all of this planet, and only nominally in control of our bodies at any time. And if we are also all stardust, why do we expect so much of ourselves and of others? Isn’t it a feat that we can tie our own shoelaces, let alone use mobile phones and TV remotes? Why do we push onwards, feel guilty about extra coffee breaks or not ticking adequate numbers of things off lists? Where are we trying to get to?

a tiny falling down shed in a tree-lined field

 

The Border Tart’s Retreat in March 2025

This post is solely about the retreat I am planning for March next year. It is now open to all and there is a copy of the application form below to download and complete, if you would like to participate. It sets out the cost per attendee and the payment schedule. 

If you are unable to save and complete the application form online, please print it off, fill it in and send me a photograph or scan of it. I cannot consider applications in any other style.

In the event that you need to cancel, fees will not be refundable unless I am able to find a suitable new participant to take your place.

OK, that’s the serious stuff out of the way. I hope you love the idea of a few days’ gentle stitching in lovely surroundings in March and would like to join me in encouraging the arrival of Spring at the farmhouse! 

click on the ‘Read More’ button to see the whole post.

bordertart

Making time for creativity…
It may look like my life is full of it - stitching samples, designing kits, printing, creating tours et al.
But time for me stuff is always limited, and too easily squandered.
This morning I watched Jane of Snapdragon Life as she ran an hour long session entitled About Time. She spoke such good sense!
☀️
Good morning! 
…..
Sunshine, birdsong, peace
…..
More precious than ever
A very fine extended Sunday brunch and knit/stitch session with pals, followed by a less fun weed-attacking session chez Tart. 
These irises ask for nothing and delight me every year 🤗
🌻🌸🪻🌿
I’ve missed my stitching! 
Working on a little sample for a new mini kit, listening to birdsong (and unprovoked barking🐾) on a sunny Friday afternoon. 
Simple pleasures 🪡🧵
I succumbed to some lovely wool threads naturally dyed by @woollenflower when I saw her last week.
Together with salvaged flowery tissue paper from a wee @asapoth purchase they make a pretty picture with another treat to self.  @porridgebrain Josie George’s new book was waiting for me when I got home 🤗
The inspiring studio of Jane Harlington, @bluepigstudio 
One of my favourite memories of the Outer Hebrides tour🤗
💙
Home from tour, via @tangledgalashiels where I fleetingly caught up with lots of vendor friends. 
Didn’t hesitate over this lush shade by @caithnessyarns from Graeme’s happy sheepies!
💙
Twist twist twist
Hooray, nearly done skeining up from my recent indigo session.
All that potential
Lots of 🧵🧵🧵 listed in the shop now🤗

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