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Stravaiging

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Tart Retreat in 2024

This post is solely about the retreat I am planning for May next year. It is only open to newsletter subscribers so if you are a blog subscriber only then pop over to the website home page and sign up for newsletters to be eligible.

I am repeating here the content sent as a recent newsletter, and there is a copy of the application form below (retreat-may-2024.docx) to download and complete, if you would like to participate.  It sets out the cost per attendee and the payment schedule. 

I may not be able to respond to individual enquiries between now and 20th September when applications close. I don't want it to be based on a 'first come first served' basis as not everyone has the access or inclination to be online every day. So all applications will be considered together, regardless of date received. 

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 early May and would like to join me at the farmhouse! 

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

Blooming?

Summer takes me by surprise. Every day recently I have woken to the suggestion of, or actual, sunshine. It seems such a long time since the northern UK had this long a spell of warm weather. The many light hours are enriching and full of promise with early mornings and late evenings the loveliest.

Back to Lewis

The week before last was spent in the Outer Hebrides. We drove up to Ullapool, building in dog walking stops and a late picnic lunch at the edge of a forest. The crossing takes two and half hours across the stretch of water known as the Minch. It can be challenging around each equinox with high seas running but we travelled in reasonable comfort, thankfully.

Bruce considers the view

Cake is always a good idea

Yesterday I had a wee cooking session and one of the outcomes was Mozart Cake.

I don't know what the connection to the composer is - did he like coffee, chocolate and marmalade?

It's a recipe from my mother's pile of saved ones and I only ever remember it hand written so I've no notion of its origin. No notion, either, of what sparked the idea to bake it as it is years since I have, but I inevitably felt the need to tweak the recipe.

In case you are in want of a nice easy cake, I've attached a link below to a pdf where I give you the un-fiddled-with version and then what I did with it.

And I have just remembered that the original had an icing sugar/lemon juice icing, just to add to the fun.

Cake file attachment below

Messy, unfocused, curiously stressful.

WARNING - Stream of consciousness ahead.

evening light

I know where January went. It evaporated in fog.

I had plans.

Plans to be calm and restful, to gently stitch some of the multiple new samples I've wanted to make.

Plans to take more 'me' time and read, cook, knit, sew, watch films, walk, dream, play.

bordertart

🧶☕️🥐
A fun and productive morning with fine friends. Especially lovely for being a Monday!
Coffee and baking and knitting and stitching, chat and appreciation of others’ knitting skills.
Uplifting 🤗

Now a 🐾 walk before the light goes, then I’ll consider my ‘to do’ list…
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Loving these wee beauties from @zuzanash - wool/silk blend threads, hand dyed with natural dyes.
Ready and waiting to brighten my winter days with stitches🤗
Check out Zuzana’s covetable project bags - stitched with her naturally dyed reclaimed fabrics and embroidered with flowers. I love mine!
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A wee bright gem! 
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Upbeat colours on a little pouch which is just the right size for all sorts of essentials - tape measure and stitch markers, travel first aid, a darning kit, jewellery, pills, spare hankies, chargers, ear pods, emergency rations…
🦚🧵⭐️🪡🦚
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There’s a newsletter landing in subscribers’ inboxes Thursday morning with a tasty discount code…

Not signed up? 🫣 Head to the website and scroll down to add your name, but hurry!

Link in bio🔼
⭐️ Stitch Indian-inspired ‘pantorans’ to hang on the wall or at a window. Each pack contains enough to make 2 - one in blues and one in pinks. Or be a radical and mix them up!
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Simple gentle hand stitching on pretty Indian block printed cottons - what’s not to love?
⭐️🧵🎄🧵⭐️
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Restocked and ready to stitch (or stash!)
Will you choose a moonlit or a sunlit meadow?
🪡🌼🧵🌿🪡
⭐️🪡⭐️

Stitch a little 🐦💐🌻🐦‍⬛🩷🕊️joy!
Two letterbox-friendly stitching projects for you and your friends. Easy embroidery, thread and needles and simple stitches guide and suggestions all included🤗
🪡⭐️🧵
I have only a few left of this lovely generous handwoven cotton stole in indigo with white end sections. Embellish them with colour - indigos or brights or both! 

Not just a stole, could be a table runner, or sewn to make a summer top!

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