Tuesday 8 April 2014

Milly~Molly~Mandy and Billy Blunt do some gardening............

Hello again and thank you once more for your kind words about my corners!  Your kindness about Mr Langford was touching -  he did give me permission to use his first name but Mr Langford was always Mr Langford.   I am running a couple of weeks behind so I am late replying to your thoughtful comments but I will do so ('She is always saying that isn't she...') and will put some Jammy Dodgers in the biscuit tin in case you pop round.

Time and tide wait for no man  and here we are with a new purse..........('She made time for that right enough...')


The other day I thought to myself:
 'I am in dire need of a new purse......' 

In truth I had overheard the ladies at the till in the Co-op chatting about purse standards dropping since 'The Wonder Years'........... .

I was not too sure about 'The Wonder Years' but set about trying to remedy that very situation as best I could.  Thank you again to Beachcomber for the idea

This then is my Milly~Molly~Mandy purse.  Sadly I had no suitable black Sylko with which to embroider and had to make do with grey - I then 'cheated' and darkened these photographs in order to pretend the blackness. Sorry about that....life is just one big facade......



Bronte then chirped up: 'Are you  going to 'colour' the embroidery in?'

NO!

This is part of the new embroidered purse range entitled: 'Embroideries from our past'.

These purses will feature a mix of :Paddington Bear, Winnie the Pooh (only EH Shepard....but then you knew that already didn't you), Magic Roundabout, the works of Tenniel and Scarfe.  If this goes well I will venture into some Holbein, Van Beyeren and end with your basic Kandinsky just to keep Bronte happy .

I have eclectic tastes!


By pure chance one of my old plant tins bears an uncanny resemblance to the one in  the drawing!



I like the earnestness of Billy Blunt



I had to do some searching for the reverse but eventually found this 50s fabric with a splash of colour which was sufficient to enhance the overall effect I think.


Inside is a bit of blue

In progress.....can you see that the fabric is cut off an old tablecloth!

Below are a few of the grandiose 'Spring makes' which I announced last time.

Some little lavender bags in a little wicker basket (I did not make the basket)






 Made a few different 'horse' purses - this one looks wonky but really it wasn't




I did not make this tablecloth



Maille made her first macaroons


.....and I ate them..........


 Accompanied by a nice cup of tea which I did make

(this blog post is getting more colourful as we progress through it)


The embroidery which I finished the other week has been used  for a pocket on a drawstring 'seaside' bag


I was going to insert eyelets in the bottom corners but got cold feet as last time I tried that it went all wrong -  this time I sewed the straps in place and covered with a button.


I was quite pleased with this until I showed it to one of my sisters (YES - YOU) who made less than favourable comments..................

I had yet more strange looks when I was taking these photographs - perhaps I looked a little odd sitting on the children's old chair supping my tea and staring wistfully across The Solent!

I decided not to paddle my feet but did eat my sarnies in a Force 8 gale ( have checked my Beaufort and this is about right.......)


Made some other bits but not really worthy of viewing to be honest - let us call them 'conceptual art' pieces and be done with it.


Thank you as always for calling in.


I am off to the Co-op to spend my sixpence...........



PS: I am trying very hard to get a batch of work completed so that I can have some time off next week - managed to distract myself by blog writing so now I am all behind again!

PPS: Given that there are some fellow Radio 4 listeners out there did you hear last Sunday evening Tim FitzHigham recreate Sir John Throckmorton's 1811 attempt to have a coat made from scratch - from a sheep's back to his own in a single day (reminded me of that old Blue Peter episode with the knitters).  I thought it was a great piece of radio programming and I was on the edge of my seat nearing the end - better than the Great British Sewing Bee final even (though that is going to be a nail biter!).   As it is only the first episode I will make a point of listening in to the rest.

PPPS: What I love about the radio is that it doesn't tie you down like a telly does - you can move about with a radio.

61 comments:

  1. Ooh just love Milly-Molly-Mandy! Little friend Susan and Billy Blunt! Lovely purse and gorgeous pioctures ... as always.

    Looking forward to The GBSB tonight xxx

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    1. Thank you dear Claire
      I enjoyed the grand finale of GBSB very much!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  2. Darling Jenny:

    We fear that all this post does is, yet again, to reinforce our own inadequacies and to feel even more humble in the light of your achievements. How splendid the purse is, with or without the stipulated black Sylko, and as for Maille's delicious looking macaroons, well, let us say a further reminder of our own failings, and this time in the kitchen!!

    Now, Jenny, have you ever considered running courses? We should certainly sign up for the incompetents guide to craft, cooking, and anything else you care to offer.

    Finally, we are most impressed with the seaside bag shot on location. Could it be Stokes Bay?

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    1. Belated thank you to your good selves. You both make me laugh very much indeed. Failings...never! I reside in Southsea with a 250 yard trot to the stony beach and litter....oh my!

      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  3. i so agree with you about the radio - mine is turned up so i can listen in the next room if necessary!!!! luckily we have not had next door neighbours since the old lady died and her son could not bear to sell the house - so i'm not being anti social!!!! your purse is beautiful - i wish i was cleverer and could do one - i think i need one!!!! AND what a dear little school chair ....... enjoy your week xx

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    1. Dear Lynne
      Thank you for your kind words - I am sure you could make a little purse. Somewhere on this blog is a vague tutorial on how to make one. I should get rid of that little chair but I painted it for the children many years ago and I have fond memories of them using it for games...hence a house full of stuff!

      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  4. Gasp! Adore the horse purse (I do like a horsey image) and the seaside bag. You're so clever! xx

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    1. I hope that the horse trots to your door soon!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  5. Rocky beach in Force 8 gale! - of course you need a chair otherwise your derriere would be a tad sore. You must visit the shores of Adelaide Australia - lovely soft sand...beaches that run for miles..clean clear water and a scorching climate to go with it.
    Your stitchery is delightful and once again you dont fail to entertain.
    So how long did the radio 4 episode run for?
    will be listing your blog under "Style Queen- Buffing the old and making it new!"or something like that ?? Brilliant..already directing my friendly folk at quilting to visit you...more passing for you to tirade..chirade,,escapade- you take your pick.
    Cheers Monique

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    1. Dear Monique
      Thank you very much for your kind words. Many years ago I did visit your part of of the world - I might dig out a photo of me on a sandy beach!

      You are very sweet to highlight my blog to your friends.
      Best wishes and sunshine
      Jenny

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  6. Thanks for the reminder about the coat programme- I had forgotten to listen on Friday.
    MMM is wonderful - I love that little purse!
    I have a little red chair like that blue one... it came from a Sunday School, many years ago.
    Now I am thinking of happy childhood days, and singing "Climb, climb up sunshine mountain" to myself

    Blessings xx

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    1. Thank you kindly Angela
      Ah yes I remember those little Sunday School chairs - just right for tipping backwards on!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  7. Great post as always Jenny. I love the MMM purse. Well done Maille with the macaroons. I've taken to making biscuits on a Monday (it being my day off) and my husband complains that they have all gone by Thursday (he works away Tues-Thurs). So I made extra yesterday so he could take some away leaving just a few in the tin for me. I nearly slapped his hand last night when he tried to take 2! Our family saying of "It's nice to share" only applies to goodies that I want obviously. Philippa xx PS Can't wait for the GBSB final tonight. I wanted Linda to win.

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    1. I fully understand the hand slapping - I LOVE cake and biscuits. I wish that the
      SBSB went on for longer...I like very few programmes so this is a boost for me!
      Thank you for calling in and kind words
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  8. I had to laugh imagining the looks you were getting from passer-byers while you were photographing your darling bag by the sea. You can only imagine what they were thinking.... What in the world is she doing? At least you got those beautiful photos to show for it. You do lovely work.

    xo Danielle

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    1. Yes indeed - I get some strange looks...I once took our old standard lamp and chair to the beach....
      Thank you kindly for your kind words
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  9. I some how missed your last post and was saddened to read about the death of Mr Langford especially as I had visited his unique and wonderful shop and met him. Oh Milly~Molly~Mandy took me straight back to my childhood! I am always amazed how you seem to find so many things that match with each other! What a shame you didn't take a picture of yourself or those who were staring you on the beach! I hope it is much warmer for your next picnic.Sarah x

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    1. Thank you Sarah - Mr Langford's shop is still open for business and I think he would like that idea very much...less cluttered than it was though......

      Thank you for calling in - sunshine ahead!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  10. Oh god I need a radio! I do I do. I love the 'beach' shot and your blue bag! Heather x

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  11. Hi Jenny I cannot think of anymore words to say how much I enjoy your posts,remembering dear Millie Molly Mandy from childhood visits to the library on a Saturday morning,also my envy at the fact that you live so close to the sea and actually have the energy to go along and take photo's in a chilly sea breeze,there's blogger dedication for you!HOORAY, for the delightfully charming Heather,winning TGBSB.Brilliant programme,Brilliant blog what more could a vintage lover want?TTFN Pam.

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    1. Dear Pam - your presence is always appreciated very much indeed. It was bloomin' cold the day I took those photographs and I did wonder why on earth I was doing it!
      Wish that GBSB was on more often....
      Best wishes and many thanks
      Jenny

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  12. Hello Jenny
    Well that was a surprise "Heather"
    What a sweet little purse so clever...takes me right back to my childhood, the days when summers lasted forever
    Beautiful beach photos too!..Love your last post your sewing room looks so inviting (I am trying to set mine up in my garage!) I can see tea and biccies are a must..
    Sorry to read about Mr Langford.. I know you have talked about him many times
    Happy sewing you busy bee!
    Thea xx

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    1. Hello Thea - I was a bit surprised too
      Please do have tea and biccies in wherever your create your sewing space

      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  13. Aaarrggghh! Spoiler alert, we here the great unwashed of the colonies have not yet gone to the wharfs to unload the latest GBSB from the black market man. Clever daughter has managed to hack into the vast mystery called the "internet" ....have you heard of it? Marvellous magik! BUT we haven't seen ALL the episodes YET! So no more congratulations to the winner :-).
    On a more pleasant note, as she smile sweetly, your purses are very sweet. Your macaroons are very enviable but we the great unwashed of the colonies do have sand on our beaches.....yes I said it! Sand hahahahahah..........and now I must return to my room, my free time is I over. It's been fun as usual. :-)

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    1. Oh my - sorry to hear of the spoiler - has that edition reached you yet? Thank you for your amusing reply and for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  14. Sadly it is hard to obtain Jammy Dodgers here in Michigan - though I saw them online at Walmart for $23.00 (say what!). I can get Peak Freans Fruit Cremes but suspect they are a poor substitute by the Doctor's standards. On my next trip to Canada (a more civilized country) I will see what I can track done.....

    Lovin all the purses and such - as always quite lovely.

    By the way did I mention I usually leave after reading one of your posts rather peckish? :)

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    1. Oh dear - that it pricey for a Jammy Dodger - can I send you some? Please let me know. I am rather partial to an old Peak Frean tin......

      I like to mix making things with eating things......
      Thank you as always for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  15. What a great pleasure it is to visit hereabouts. My early 1940s-1950s childhood in the States did not introduce me to Milly or Molly or Mandy. No chance of seeing Billy Blunt. And so I thank you for getting me caught up all these decades later.

    Your embroidered purse has such a perfect blend of homage to days past and contemporary awareness. Come to think of it, I think all your posts have that essence, and that's just what appeals to me.

    Your seaside photos are lovely. If I had seen you taking those photographs I would definitely have come over and complimented you...and probably even delayed you in what you were trying to do in that gale breeze. Are those pebbles what is called shingle? They have much more photogenic richness than plain on sand.

    I could go on for a few more paragraphs but actually now want to go work on some of my own knitting. You've inspired me. xo

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    1. Dear Frances
      Thank you kindly for spending the time with your reply and for your kind words. I do get some puzzled looks and recently (whilst taking photographs of some flies in the street...) I was accused for subterfuge!!

      Our beach is only sandy when there is a big storm - otherwise it is indeed a mix of shingle (small pebbles) and large one - tough on the feet but keeps the house free of sand!

      I will pop round later
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  16. You have a picnic basket tin! I mean, I know you know that, but wow, you have a picnic basket tin. I am now beyond envious!!

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    1. Ah yes - we all need a picnic basket tin!
      Thank you for calling in Annie
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  17. So pretty!! I always enjoy your posts!! Love those pretty sachets, so colorful! And the beach pictures are lovely too!......haha!! :) Wishing you a lovely week! xo Holly

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    1. A chilly beach at that!
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  18. Milly Molly Mandy was such a favourite of mine. Love the translation of the illustration into a purse.
    Inspirational! Jacqui x

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    1. Thank you so much Jacqui
      Very kind of you
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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    2. Thank you so much Jacqui
      Very kind of you
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  19. Its all wonderful, oh how I wish I could write like that.
    Julie xxxxxxx

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    1. The books are a delight indeed
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  20. Such a delight to read your blog, cheers me up every time!!! I'm starting to think I need a few more purses and that I should start making them in various colours for various occasions. I love listening to a Radio 4 play while crafting.

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    1. Hello Angie
      Thank you for calling in and for your kind words. Sewing and listening to the radio = a perfect mix I think!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  21. Of course, the famous Jammy Dodger "heart" ties-in nicely with the heart motif on your Arts & Crafts style furniture. Now there's a jammy coincidence !

    Speaking of the Arts & Crafts movement, the debate is still raging, amongst William Morris scholars, about whether William preferred Jammy Dodgers or his wife, Jane's, lovingly crafted oat & syrup biscuits. Everybody agrees that he enjoyed a nightly visit to the biscuit tin for a midnight feast but nobody knows for sure which ones he ate. I'm firmly in the Jammy Dodger camp because, after all, something caused Jane to jump into the arms of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and it seems to me that maybe her husband's fondness for biscuits that were not made by her is as good a reason that I can think of for their marital problems.

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    1. Ah yes - I had not considered that clear connection. I am seeing our house in a whole new light today!
      The 'goings on' of certain members of the Arts & Crafts movement are proving to be a source of entertainment even for today's society! I'm with you re: marriage issues!
      Thank you for your entertaining reply
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  22. All your makes and pictures are truly wonderful Jenny...as ever :) x

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  23. I love everything you make Jenny and your descriptions always make me chuckle. How you find the time is beyond me but I'm glad you do.

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    1. Time runs through my fingers sadly...never enough of it
      Thank you for calling in Anne
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  24. Your hand work is wonderful. Congratulations on the sumptous looking macaroons made by Maille.
    Sheryl

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    1. Thank you kindly Sheryl
      I keep thinking that once/if I get better glasses then the true result of the sewing will be revealed!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  25. Lovely purse, so pretty. Have long been a fan of Milly Molly Mandy.

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    1. Thank you kindly Kate-Em - simple to do but a pleasing end result I think
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  26. Blimey, you are so clever! I love all that you made but have a weakness so the dainty little lavender bags. I too am being tempted by blog land when I'm meant to be sorting old children's books for a new venture- Onwards and upwards! Jane xx

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    1. All the very best for you new venture Jane
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  27. You really are creative I love everything you have made, my favourite things are your purses x

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words jabbott
      I like a nice purse too!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  28. Oh Jenny I can just hear your neighbours saying... " look off she goes again... more props... she must have made something that needs a sea view background again.. bless her... let's just smile sweetly and wave"...
    I'm just glad I'm not alone!

    Loving those scolloped edges on your lavender bags... perfect and your sweet purse.. looking forward to seeing the rest of the series...Mmmm memories of reading books out loud...
    Smiles Cass x

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    1. This made me laugh Cass - you clearly know the neighbourhood well!

      I 'invested' in scissors with a scallop blade so it was not due to any careful cutting on my part.

      Sorry to hear of rose by the way - do let me know if I can send another when the time is right for cuttings
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  29. Off to listen again to that programme, as I missed it. love Millie Mollie Mandy, makes a great embroidery.
    Jacqui x

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  30. My, you have been busy! All lovely too!
    You deserved a macaroon or two after all that ...
    M x

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