Friday 7 November 2014

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!

18 comments:

  1. Just love all your little makes. And the shetland pony is so cute.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love those xmas stockings with the vintage roses, all your makes are great :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Don't be sorry about sharing your makes Gill, I love to see them! The little birds are gorgeous and I love that fabric you have made the bags from!
    I do love a fire as well!
    V x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wonderful photos, especially those beautiful red apples and that sweet pony, you've captured him so well. You have been busy, you've made some lovely things. No doubt they will be very popular at the Christmas fair. Wishing you a good weekend. CJ xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Goodness Gill, don't be sorry, your makes are simply lovely. My favourites are the pretty lavender hearts and the stockings - what a gorgeous idea.

    And those apples! They're like something from a storybook illustration. They won't go to waste will they?

    Have a cosy weekend my friend.

    Heather xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. A lovely post. I feel inspired by all the makes - keep posting them. Love that naughty looking Shetland pony they are such characters. My mum was given one once and I have recently found out that he had been known to bite ! Love the lilac felted heart. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. There is nothing nicer than a crafting session in front of the stove, I love the process of lighting the fire too. I love your makes for the fair and wish you well the mini stockings are exquisite.

    ReplyDelete
  8. All of your things are so pretty, I am always happy to see them!! xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Gill, Your first photograph is great! It looks like a fairy tale toadstool!! :) Autumn has been beautiful here this year. We, too, love the ritual of a fire in our fireplace. Many people here in the U.S. have converted their fireplaces to gas-burning logs, but we have held off on doing that. My husband loves to build wood fires, and they really are cheerful when the flames pop and crackle. They're hard to beat for warmth, too.

    I do love your pretty sewn and embroidered creations, Gill. I always like to see what's new in your Etsy shop. I'm hoping to eventually purchase something, but it seems that every time I get a little extra money, there's always something else I need to buy. In the meantime, I'll enjoy looking at your latest offerings. :)

    Thanks for sharing, Gill, and I hope you have a lovely weekend!

    Hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love all your makes, but the stockings and the cusion with the transfer are my absolute favourites! And don't be sorry, I like to see your makes! Have a nice sunday, xx Margriet

    ReplyDelete
  11. Why sorry ?? Your makes are so great !! Rather thanks for sharing them ! I love crafting front of the stove too with a cup of tea .... Have a lovely sunday !

    ReplyDelete
  12. Don't be sorry for sharing your makes, they are beautiful and inspirational. Absolutely smitten with those little stockings. Hope to see you soon.
    Jane xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. hello gillys harvest is such a lovely periode love the toadstool photo so pretty and youre handmade christmas gifts are very pretty and wonderful love the birds and the stockings have a lovely busy time at the christmas fair have a lovely evening greetings leon10

    ReplyDelete
  14. A lovely autumn post, Gill. The toadstool is a treasure to find! I always love to see the pretty things you make......your stall at the Christmas fair will look beautiful!
    Keep cosy this week.
    Helen xox

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love the cosy feeling of Autumn and Winter and these two seasons have a beauty all of their own, even winter with the stark trees silhouetted against the skyline.....lovely. I love all of your makes and those birds are gorgeous! Suzy x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such gorgeous views from your afternoon walk. Are you able to pick the apples? If so, wow, what a treat!!! Love all of your handmade items.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello Gilly,You have been very busy and I love your items for the Christmas fair. The transfer work sounds fascinating too. Life and daily chores are of importance and can enjoyable.
    I am not ready for Christmas and in my mind it is too soon to play carols

    Helen xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Gill,

    You made some beautiful things for the Christmas fair! Hope you will sell lots! I enjoyed reading about your love for autumn. It's not my favourite time of year, but I learn to appreciate it more and more :-)

    Have a lovely evening! Good luck on your projects.

    Madelief x

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting and for taking the time to leave a comment - I love to read them!
Gill x