Monday, May 19, 2008

Greetings from England

It is so marvelous to be here in England with Siobhan. We have just talked and talked and talked like we haven't been apart at all (which as it turns out has only been three years, not the four I was thinking). I was not going to buy anything while here, but of course that didn't happen and now I'm regretting just bringing the tiny suitcase.

One of the things that really caught my attention the first day here was all the poop scoop signs (so completely different from Paris).

Siobhan took me to a picturesque Cotswalds village called Stanton. It was overcast and drizzly which was not so great for pictures but wonderful at keeping the walkers away - Sio says the sidewalks are usually packed but we had the place to ourselves.






Isn't this incredible? You can see why people flock to the area.

I know Sio already posted about it, but the first thing we did after entering the quilt show was buy fabric. This was the booth by Kim Porter of Worn and Washed Fabrics.

I bought two rolls, one with lights and the other with a lot of pink plaid flannel. I just wish I'd bought the red, white, and blue roll and the blue and white roll. Sio wishes she had the red and green. sigh. Kim has a wonderful color sense and makes fun combinations of fabric. Anyone who wants to play along with Bonnie and her recycled shirts would have fun with these rolls.


I didn't take any photos of the quilts, but there were some fun Gwen Marston inspired houses there.

Yesterday I went to a boot sale and yes, spent money again. Sigh. One thing I bought was a large carrier bag so I can get everything home. This is the sign from the Dinky Donuts stand:

After we got back from the boot sale we dismembered some of Sio and her husband's old shirts as well as a couple of kids' shirts we bought. It's a great thing to do with a stained or torn shirt. I now know what to do with my favorite turquoise plaid shirt that I wore the elbows out of -- too bad I left it in Florida.

Sio made the most incredible scones yesterday -- I completely pigged out eating them with clotted cream and locally made Lemon and Lime Marmelade -- and delicious Asparagus and Mushroom Soup. Ooh, and I forgot to mention the raspberries - oh my oh my. Definitely good eating with all the local produce.

Siobhan and MacBeth:

I'm just sad I have to leave tomorrow. This has been such a marvelous quilty holiday. I'm taking home a huge amount of Sio's stash with me so it will be almost like having her there. It will be good to get back to my sweetie and cats though - I hear they miss me.

24 comments:

Clare said...

You're making me home sick! I love English car boot sales - much better than the French Vide Greniers which are full of baby/kids stuff!

Did I tell you that in Perigueux they have guys going round on scooters especially to clear up the "poop". A scraper on the back of the bike picks it up and then the area is sprayed to disinfect it. I'm serious!

Tazzie said...

Oh my goodness Tonya, that village looks like it's right out of a storybook! Just gorgeous. How I wish I could visit along with you :-) Love the fabrics too. You have had the very best time, I can understand how you will be sad to leave.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Journeying said...

You lucky girl! Souns like a marvelous visit. I just love the thatched-roofed cottages and other buildings. It was great that things weren't crowded for you.
I just loved all the signs about poop responsibilities when we were in England - such a hoot. We would see folks who were walking their dogs carrying special little bags and scoopers.

jovaliquilts said...

So pretty! That house with the lilacs (or whatever they are) all over is really something.

Glad you're having such a wonderful trip with a good friend. :)

Joyce said...

What a fairy tale looking place. I'd love to go to a boot sale. Here we have garage sales but they are often mostly junk.

Donna said...

What an abosolutely wonderful idea for a fabric shop! I'm fascinated by the dea. THanks for the link to them!

Amanda said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay here in the UK. Too bad the weather wasn't a little more friendly, but at least it kept the crowds down. I really liked to Washed and Worn website - expensive though. We're hoping to move near Bath very soon, in easy reach of the Cotswolds. Lovely.

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

great fun! Hugely enjoyed the pictures,-nearly as much as I love cutting up shirts!...lol Tracey

*karendianne. said...

Thank you for sharing all these lovely photos. Took me away, lost daydreaming for a while.

So happy y'all have had this time together!

The Foundation of Friendship is Love, *karendianne.

Elaine Adair said...

Once again, lovely, lovely, peaceful photos - you take excellent photos! And what a lovely peaceful setting -- all those interesting houses. I can hear your happiness between your words. It's good to take a holiday!

sewkalico said...

I had read Siobhan's post about your trip and it sounded wonderful. Love the Cotswold pictures.
I'm only just finding out about Gwen Marston (and you) and I just love the idea of all this free piecing. You have a great blog.

Unknown said...

What a lovely place. And thanks for including the signs--very fun.

Lynda said...

Glad you had a good time at Malvern. The Cotswolds are full of picturesque little villages like Stanton, although they can get very crowded at times. Used fabric is so gorgeous, and gives you a good feeling about being thrifty too!

Tanya said...

It sounds so wonderful! I love the cottages and the scenery! Go ahead, spend money! We all know you'll use your fabric purchases somewhere!

Chocolate Cat said...

What great photos and what fun you have had!

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

That brought back memories of my trip to England when my daughter lived there. We left the kids with an aupair and went to the Cotwolds for 2 days. Glad you had such a good time, but it's always good to get back home.

dutchcomfort said...

I’ve never been to England, shame on me...! It looks so lovely and I always enjoy English TV series with a lot of landscape scenery!
Have fun with the washed and worn rolls! I’ve bought two in Rijswijk two months ago at Kim’s booth and I’m working on two quilt tops.

Alison said...

That thatch cottage with the wisteria is absolutely stunning. As I child I lived in the south of England and it brings back memories.

Looks like the quilt show was a lot of fun.

Saying Hi for the first time I believe.

Gypsy Quilter said...

Thank you for sharing so many lovely photos. That village is where I want to live when I grow up.

Purple Pam said...

What a wonderful photo trip. Thank you for sharing. I am glad you and Sio had such a great time. I cannot wait to see what you both do with your fabric purchases.

Sharon said...

I tried to leave a comment earlier, but I think Blogger ate it!
Thank you for all the beautiful English spring photos. They make me want to jump on a plane and go there!
I'm sure your kitties were deliriously happy when you came back home. (even if you WERE with another cat!) Mine hate it when I leave.
Can't wait to see what you're going to do with your new fabrics!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Pics ... is MacBeth A Scottie or a Cairn? I have 3 Cairns here in Nova Scotia. Nice to see Britsh Isles Dogs where they originated from. Continue to have fun!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh wonderful! I think I would like Cotswauld a lot!

black bear cabin said...

wow...those photos were wonderful...what a beautiful place! Looks like you two had a great time too! Thank you for sharing your fun!