Autumn Makes

As we head properly into Autumn weather after a very mild Hallowe'en (when I walked the dog across the fields and orchards in t-shirt and sunglasses - see photos below) it is now time for lighting the woodburner each afternoon before the light starts to fade. 

This is one of the things I love about the change of seasons, and about living here in the countryside....the lighting of the fire. 

The little ritual of laying the fire - emptying the ash pan, screwing up the newspaper and setting it in the grate, laying the kindling on top, selecting the right small logs, striking the match and lighting the paper, then watching it take. Adjusting the air intake, getting it going good, then sitting back to watch the golden orange flames flickering and hearing the crackling of the logs. It is a very simple pleasure and primeval act, one which has been taking place for centuries, the lighting of a fire for warmth.

Sitting here watching the fire and drinking camomile and spiced apple tea, warm and comfortable, I'm feeling grateful. 

 daisies in November!

mistletoe and unpicked red apples in the orchard 

(I had planned on writing more about apple orchards and mistletoe but I just don't have the time at present.)

cute Shetland pony saying hello on our walk last week

In the coffee shop this morning where I met a friend for our weekly catch up, they were a season ahead and playing a Bing Crosby song normally associated with Christmas. It was kind of comforting to hear as we sat with our mochas and lattes whilst the wind and rain lashed outside, and it gave us a sense of well-being as we hashed over the news in the warmth of the cafe.

For me it's been the usual week of indoor chores, the washing, cooking, cleaning, vacuuming, and the trips out for shopping, post office, numerous station runs, dog to groomers, meeting friends, making tea for the builder doing our external rendering to make us watertight for the winter, dog walks, dog bathing after muddy walks, doing paperwork for husbands business, etc etc, and I have been squeezing in a few hours here and there where I can to build up a bit more stock for the Xmas Fair (decided just to do one this year) and for my Etsy shop.

So I now have a flock of ticking birds finished........

some mini stockings made from vintage white damask, with a vintage lace rose, lined in a vintage floral, and perfect for hanging from the tree full of those little chocolate coins........

make-up bags from vintage fabric - this one from a sweet 1960's fabric, lined with a recycled striped blouse.......

embroidered lavender hearts.......this one from a lilac felted cardi that I ruined in the wash

 and today, these lavender filled hearts made from linen with a rose applique. 

I've also spent an hour or two playing around with transferring images to fabric.

I am planning on doing more transfer printing next week, and at the moment just wish there were more hours in the day as there are so many things I would like to do but there's just not enough time!

Thankyou for your comments on my last post. I'm sorry that I have little to share but my makes, but that is how I'm spending my days at the moment!

Have a great weekend wherever you are!