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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

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Packing a pop-up shop ready for a week-long adventure over the border…🤗
    🤗🌈A few of my treasures are listed in the shop. They have to make room for new ‘uns!

They are on the HANDMADE shelf
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Easter vibes at Tart HQ
Stitching & ‘clean’ chocolate bites - a perfect match!
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Bundles of textile treasures await you in the Tart’s Emporium!
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A bundle of bundles!
I made new one-off collections yesterday and you’ll find them in the shop. All unrepeatable, all full of stitching potential 🤗
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A gentle final view of Grantown this morning as we headed north to meet Julie @blackisleyarns .

We’ll travel down the Great Glen this afternoon, swapping east coast for west. Not so sunny but still a wonderful day for travelling through Scotland’s landscape🚌
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Good morning from glorious Speyside!
Knockando Woolmill and Cardhu Distillery are on our agenda today, with a detour for shortbread at Aberlour🤗
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Good morning, Edinburgh!
A misty start before the sun breaks through. We’re off on our first adventures after breakfast…

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