Maltese Lace

I have recently bought this Maltese lace 'waistcoat' and it is now for sale on my website.  It is quite small but I think it would be stunning used for a vintage wedding (or it would even look good over a camisole and with jeans!)

Ever since I was given a Maltese Lace scarf about 38 years ago I have been fascinated by its intricacy and history.

The eight pointed Maltese Cross is usually worked into the design in the lace, either a large one like this in the waistcoat or smaller ones along the edges as in my scarves.

  
(Also note how much finer the silk is in the scarf on the left).

Maltese lace can be easily identified by the creamy buttery coloured silk used to make the lace and the 'wheat ear leaves' or 'oats' incorporated into the design.

Sections of lace are rarely more than six inches wide so larger items were made by piecing separate sections together.

Goodwood Antiques Fair

This morning I drove to the Goodwood Antiques Fair and this is all I bought!

As per usual I shall probably keep most of it for myself too.  I have started collecting these Emma Bridgewater mugs so was pleased to find one at half the new price.  The scarf is French Connection but I think it looks quite vintagey.

The pretty guest towel and Bertha's First Term will go on the website (after I've read it) as will the Lloyd Loom box.  I'm not sure what it would have been used for; perhaps a workbox or for someone with little dirty laundry!  I may paint it, I'm not sure yet.

I hope you are all having a wonderful Bank Holiday though I think we have now seen the last of the summer weather.

One Year On...

Mum 1st July 1926 to 23 August 2011

....When the tide is easy and slow, And I shall sleep

In the dreaming deep 

When it is time to go.

I miss you so much Mum.

'I am not gone

I merely walk within you'

Amberley

Yesterday was our 34th wedding anniversary and we decided to venture into West Sussex and visit Parham House.

This Elizabethan mansion, built in 1557 is privately owned.  Like many historical houses photography wasn't allowed so I was unable to take any photos.

On the way there we planned to stop at a pub in Amberley for a celebratory lunch but unfortunately this pub has been sold and so was closed.  I am so pleased we stopped there though as it must be one of the prettiest villages in the UK (in my opinion!) with its own castle, 12th century church and duckpond.

I took so many photos of the houses; there wasn't one out of keeping with the rest and they were all so beautifully maintained.  Here is a selection - I could live in any of them!

I think this one is my favourite

but I also like this one

and this one

and look at these unusual windows.

This one has just been sold

In years past these would have been referred to as chocolate box houses but, of course, confectionery doesn't have these sort of illustrations anymore.

Maybe you know of a prettier village......

New Shoes

This week I have bought three pairs of shoes but my favourites are these children's 'Little Cherub' pale blue leather ones with button fastening.  They came with the original box but sadly the wrong size 3 for me!

Carpe Diem

Every time I walk down to the beach I seem to come home with bits of driftwood and when I saw a sign with a clever take on the Carpe Diem 'Seize The Day' on Pinterest I decided to make a similar one myself.  Even the rope to hang it by is an old piece found on the beach this morning.

This week I have also painted a chair to go with the dressing table in my previous post.

Last Friday I went with my daughter to the 'designer emporium' Kilver Court near Shepton Mallet.  After an hour's drive to Rosie's she then drove there which took a further one and three quarter hours.  But, the journey was worth it and we weren't disappointed as we both treated ourselves to some goodies.  I bought a scarf, perfume, slippers and a basket for myself.

I forgot my camera so these photos are courtesy of Rosie.

The Mulberry Store

and a delicious lunch.